Our first inclination when we sense danger is to run and hide. We want to flee the threat of danger! Our pulse begins to race! Our adrenalin begins to pump! Fear grips our heart! The first thought we have is to make a retreat and save ourselves.
Fear is a controlling, amazing thing. The cause of fear doesn’t even have to be real, it can be something we have imagined or someone has told us. Experiences can cause fear in our lives that are either real or imagined. Fear will control you. Let me give you an example.
I was driving home from Church one Sunday with my mother. We exited the Interstate and came to a stop sign at an intersection. Across from where we sat, about a hundred feet away and to our right, we could see the shore of a lake. My mother looked at the lake and said, “That makes my stomach hurt!”
Not sure what she was referring to, I asked, “What are you talking about?” To this she replied, “That water! Looking at it makes my stomach hurt!”
Now I was very curious how the lake’s water could make her stomach hurt, so I asked her. To this she replied, “Well, when I was two years old I almost drowned. So when I look at water, it makes my stomach hurt.”
I was surprised and said, “Mom, you can’t even remember when you were two years old. How can that experience make you afraid of water to the point it makes your stomach hurt to look at it? You are just going on what someone told you.”
Mom replied, “I don’t care! It makes my stomach hurt to look at water.” I then began to recall how afraid she had been all of my life whenever water was involved. She had never, in my lifetime, gone swimming. In fact, I don’t ever remember her going wading or standing in the waves at the ocean. When we were kids, we would beg to go swimming at the river. When mom would finally give in and would take us we could only get in the water up to our knees. I was eighteen years old when I learned to swim. A fear that someone had told her about, had controlled her life for seventy-five years.
The same thing happens to us spiritually. We often deal with fears that things that we have experienced in our past have caused. Sometimes the enemy of our soul will whisper lies in our ears that will breed fears into our lives. Our imaginations begin to expand on the lies, making them larger and more real in our minds to the point fear controls us.
Paul tells us, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim 1:7 KJV)
John also writes and tells us, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18 KJV)
Fear is the root of so much of our spiritual troubles. It is the cause of much of the conflict we have with our brothers and sisters in the Lord. We can find ourselves going through life responding to the fears of what others think about us. We are afraid of what someone else will do or say if we dress a certain way or fail to respond in a certain way. Too often we find ourselves bound by things we are sure others are saying about us. Fear and condemnation can blind us until we become helpless.
When fear sets in it brings torment! Torment will result in the victim becoming self centered. Not because they are egotistical! This happens because they become consumed by the fear that has overtaken their lives. Everything becomes centered on this fear and how it affects them.
The “Good News” is that God hasn’t given us the spirit of fear. He has given us the “Spirit of Power.” Power is the opposite of fear. Fear leaves you feeling weak. Fear causes you to feel vulnerable and helpless. However, power is strength, ability and authority. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you,” (Acts 1:8a KJV).
The “Good News” is that God hasn’t given us the spirit of fear. He has given us the “Spirit of Love.” Love is the opposite of fear. Fear causes you to feel alone. It will make you feel that no one cares and no one is listening to your cries for help. Fear will make you feel that no one will be there to take care of you. Love, on the other hand, is the assurance that someone is there and they do care. It is the knowledge that there is someone you can call to and they will respond and wrap their arms around you in a loving embrace. Peter admonishes us, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1Peter 5:7 KJV)
The “Good News” is that God hasn’t given us the spirit of fear. He has given us the “Spirit of a Sound Mind.” Several translations use the word discipline here. A mind that is undisciplined will cause fear. They allow the imagination to be in control. However, when we control or discipline our mind, fear is no longer able to rule over us. Paul admonishes us, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”; (2 Cor. 10:5 KJV).
When I recognize that I have protection from fear I am free to walk in peace. I will enjoy peace that is beyond understanding in my life. I will know peace with my fellow man. It is then that I will be free to spread the “Gospel of Peace” in a world that is searching for peace. As Jesus said in His last words to His disciples, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts 1:8 KJV).
Paul encourages us in to, “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7 NLT)
(An excerpt from the second chapter of the book I am presently writing.)
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Is Your Nose Pressed Against The Window?
It was so funny, one night at Church, you know that some of the funniest things happen at Church! I had to start laughing and shame on me. We were having an awesome move of God in service. I was standing up front playing the guitar and looked over to the side. My brother, Tim, was in the fellowship hall doing children’s ministry. He had come to the door and was peaking in to see what was happening. All I could see was one eye and his nose. I couldn’t help but laugh because it looked so funny.
I remembered an incident back many years ago. You can only remember many years ago when you get old. I was preaching a revival in a little town in Oregon. The revival was only for the weekend, so I had invited one of the young men from the church to accompany me so I wouldn’t have to travel alone. On Monday morning the pastor left early for work and we left, when he did, to head home. We stopped at a little restaurant in town to have breakfast. We were seated right at the window, which looked out over the street. The restaurant was right on a corner which also served as a school bus stop and there were several children standing waiting for the school bus. As we were setting at the table eating, I looked over toward the street and much to my surprise there were three little boys standing at the window with their noses pressed against the glass watching us eat.
You can imagine how funny that looked! We started laughing and they start laughing as well. I couldn’t help but think of those three little boys when I saw the big boy looking through the door. It was as if his nose was pressed against the glass and he was wishing he could have some too. If you know Tim, you know that is exactly what he was wishing!
The Psalmist tells us, “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.” (Ps. 34:8)
How many times have we stood back and watched others get blessed while we wonder how good it tastes?! How often have we looked in, with our noses pressed against the window, wishing we could have some of that?! All along each of us has the opportunity to “taste and see” for ourselves. We don’t have to be a spectator; we can be a participator in everything God offers to the believer.
I have observed as different ones plunge their dipper into the “well of living water” and take a taste. I have watched as the “well of living water” began to bubble up within them and the blessings began to purge away the pressure of the week. I have watched as some were healed, just as a result of worship. I have watched others as the weariness of life was washed from their faces. Some weep with relief. Others have responded with jubilation. They “tasted” and found for themselves the Lord is good. There is a special blessing when we realize we can place our trust in the Lord!
Each and every life is created with a hunger in it that can only be filled by God. Jesus stopped one day at a well and talked with a woman who had come to draw water to meet her natural, physical needs. Jesus offered her water that would meet the longing that was in her soul. In fact, Jesus told her, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14 KJV)
How many times have I wanted to buy a type of food that I was hungry for only to realize it was too expensive? At the price of beef today you need to mortgage your home to buy a steak! There have been times in my life, when we have lived on very simple, basic staples because of a lack of finances. I remember one time when I was young and times were hard, as Dad and Mom were pastoring a home mission Church, we lived on pancakes for several weeks. In the morning we had pancakes with homemade syrup. In the evening we had pancakes with jelly. That was all we could afford and were thankful for it.
However we have this invitation, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” (Isa 55:1 KJV)
I don’t have to stand outside the window and press my nose against the glass. I have a standing invitation to come inside and eat and drink until I am full. What a blessing to be invited to come in and sit down to eat at the king’s table. What a great opportunity is available, to have the assurance that satisfaction is available to each and every one of us.
Let me encourage you to step back from the window and come on in! Pull up a seat and place your trust in God, you will find out He is GOOD!
It’s just a thought! God Bless
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Words of Delight
As the bus pulled away from the stop, this morning, a passage of scripture came to my mind. I was very upset! Actually, to be honest, I was very angry! I was angry enough, now I am just telling you how I felt, that I wanted to take someone out behind the woodshed and give them a beating. Whoa! Now I have some folk’s attention.
No, I wasn’t angry at any of the passengers on my bus, they have all been well behaved and quiet this week. No, I wasn’t angry at any of the children’s parents. We all get along very well. No, I wasn’t angry with any of the co-workers on my bus, there was only one on there at the time and he was upset also. No, I wasn’t angry at a thoughtless driver. The road was empty. However, I was very angry and it was because of the thoughtlessness of a parent.
As we were loading a child on the bus I had asked their parent if they were ready for Thanksgiving in a couple of days. The parent looked at me and said, “If it were just my child and I having it together I would be ready. But we will be going to my Dad’s and I would just as soon not go there.”
I was a bit taken back by their honesty and wasn’t sure how I wanted to respond. My co-worker said something to the effect they should be happy to be with their parent and enjoy the time together. To this statement the parent replied, “I would and understand what you are saying, however, I am not looking forward to being called stupid and many other names. That is how my dad is and I will deal with it but I would rather not.”
I looked into the eyes of this forty-year-old parent and could see the raw pain in their eyes and recognized they were speaking from their heart. In just that moment I was given a glimpse of years of pain caused by thoughtless words that hurt beyond belief, leaving wounds that are open and bleeding. I saw years of compounded damage and pain.
After a few more comments about Thanksgiving day, the parent turned and left. I shut the bus door and looked in the mirrors before pulling out into the empty street and said, “That makes me so angry! How can a parent be so cruel to their children as to call them stupid?”
As I seethed at the thoughtless deeds of the unknown parent a passage of scripture came to my mind, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” Psalms 19:14. As it ran through my mind I focused on this part, “Let the words of my mouth . . . be acceptable in your sight, O Lord!”
It is amazing how powerful words are! They can be destructive, tearing down and destroying a person. Words can also be constructive, building and strengthening someone. It is our choice in how we use them. Words can hurt and words can heal. Again, it is our choice how we use them.
The words that comes from my mouth need to be words that would be acceptable as far as God is concerned. The word “acceptable” comes from the Hebrew word “ratson” and means delight. So if my prayer is, “Lord let my words be acceptable to you,” I am actually praying, “Lord, let what I say bring you delight!”
I realize that there is nothing I can do about the thoughtless father who spoke words that have hurt and scarred his child. That is beyond my control. My anger was only for a few moments and quickly turned to tears as I felt the pain of that child. Still, there is little I can do to erase the damage that has been done. However, one thing that can happen, and I am praying it will, and that is I can be much more careful how I speak to others in the future.
God, let the words of my mouth be acceptable in your sight. Let what I say bring delight to you. May the words that comes from my tongue be words that lift up and encourage. Help me to speak words of blessing and promise, words of life. Let my words be words of delight!
Well, it’s just a thought! God Bless . . .
No, I wasn’t angry at any of the passengers on my bus, they have all been well behaved and quiet this week. No, I wasn’t angry at any of the children’s parents. We all get along very well. No, I wasn’t angry with any of the co-workers on my bus, there was only one on there at the time and he was upset also. No, I wasn’t angry at a thoughtless driver. The road was empty. However, I was very angry and it was because of the thoughtlessness of a parent.
As we were loading a child on the bus I had asked their parent if they were ready for Thanksgiving in a couple of days. The parent looked at me and said, “If it were just my child and I having it together I would be ready. But we will be going to my Dad’s and I would just as soon not go there.”
I was a bit taken back by their honesty and wasn’t sure how I wanted to respond. My co-worker said something to the effect they should be happy to be with their parent and enjoy the time together. To this statement the parent replied, “I would and understand what you are saying, however, I am not looking forward to being called stupid and many other names. That is how my dad is and I will deal with it but I would rather not.”
I looked into the eyes of this forty-year-old parent and could see the raw pain in their eyes and recognized they were speaking from their heart. In just that moment I was given a glimpse of years of pain caused by thoughtless words that hurt beyond belief, leaving wounds that are open and bleeding. I saw years of compounded damage and pain.
After a few more comments about Thanksgiving day, the parent turned and left. I shut the bus door and looked in the mirrors before pulling out into the empty street and said, “That makes me so angry! How can a parent be so cruel to their children as to call them stupid?”
As I seethed at the thoughtless deeds of the unknown parent a passage of scripture came to my mind, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” Psalms 19:14. As it ran through my mind I focused on this part, “Let the words of my mouth . . . be acceptable in your sight, O Lord!”
It is amazing how powerful words are! They can be destructive, tearing down and destroying a person. Words can also be constructive, building and strengthening someone. It is our choice in how we use them. Words can hurt and words can heal. Again, it is our choice how we use them.
The words that comes from my mouth need to be words that would be acceptable as far as God is concerned. The word “acceptable” comes from the Hebrew word “ratson” and means delight. So if my prayer is, “Lord let my words be acceptable to you,” I am actually praying, “Lord, let what I say bring you delight!”
I realize that there is nothing I can do about the thoughtless father who spoke words that have hurt and scarred his child. That is beyond my control. My anger was only for a few moments and quickly turned to tears as I felt the pain of that child. Still, there is little I can do to erase the damage that has been done. However, one thing that can happen, and I am praying it will, and that is I can be much more careful how I speak to others in the future.
God, let the words of my mouth be acceptable in your sight. Let what I say bring delight to you. May the words that comes from my tongue be words that lift up and encourage. Help me to speak words of blessing and promise, words of life. Let my words be words of delight!
Well, it’s just a thought! God Bless . . .
Thursday, October 6, 2011
The Belt of Truth
The Apostle Paul in, Ephesians 6:13-14, tells us that when we have done all that we can to stand, we need to stand, “having your loins girt about with truth.” There are times when we have done everything we can possibly do to stand and it is at this time we have to put on the armour of God and stand. The first piece of equipment mentioned is the girdle or belt of truth. This wide belt is wrapped around the loins of the soldier. The loin, externally, is the hip area of the body. Internally, the loin is the procreative power. The girdle or belt was made of leather and studded with nails. It was used to protect the loins and it was also used for supporting the sword.
One of the ways that the enemy attacks us, is by speaking lies into our lives. These lies don’t have to make sense and many times they don’t. They are just things the enemy of our souls will speak to weaken and destroy us. In doing so he is able to cripple us and is often able to put a stop to our fruitfulness. As Jesus said he is a thief and has come to steal, kill and destroy!
It is from the belt that the weapon of the soldier is secured. Suspended from the belt, the sword is close to the hand of the soldier. It is always ready and available for him to use it. It is ready to swing into action! You will also notice that the sword is tied to the belt. When we discuss the sword, we will find it to represent the Word of God. Truth and the Word of God are tied to each other. To try and separate them is impossible.
Truth is so vital to our survival! Truth is what will keep us pure. Jesus, while praying for His disciples to be kept pure said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)
Truth is what will keep us from stumbling along the path of life. “Great peace have they which love thy law and nothing shall offend (cause to stumble) them” (Psalms 119:165) (words in brackets added by author).
Jesus told his disciples, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth”: Truth is given to us for a guide or a teacher. When we are filled with the baptism of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of truth becomes a part of us. As we wrap truth around us, we are allowing the Spirit of truth to teach us. As the enemy attacks us with his lies from hell, the Spirit of truth recognizes the lies and reveals them as such to us. It protects us from the lies of the enemy.
When we have wrapped ourselves in truth, we allow our lives to become fruitful. Paul tells us we are light in the Lord so we should walk as children of light. Why? “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.” If we are wrapped in truth, we will produce truth in our lives! (Ephesians 5:9) Our lives will be a reflection of Jesus Christ and will cause others to want Him. If we fail to protect ourselves with truth then our lives will be destroyed as well as our testimony.
Many people look at truth as only knowledge. I have seen people shout when something is preached that they have a revelation of. I actually had an individual come to me one night after church and say, “I got so excited when you got to preaching truth! I had to dance me a little jig!” I asked him, “When wasn’t I preaching truth? What I preached came right out of the Bible!” He had knowledge and understanding of one part of the message and became excited when what was preached agreed with what he knew. Yet he failed to open his heart and mind up to more truth as it was being revealed to him. He should have been shouting because God found him worthy of more truth.
Jesus said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” (John 8:32). However, He is speaking of more than knowledge. He is speaking of action as well. The verse above says, “If ye continue in (obey) my word, then are ye my disciples indeed”; In John 3:21 Jesus also said, “But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” Again, Jesus is speaking of action when He is talking about truth. It is more than just the knowledge of the scriptures and how to apply them. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”: (John 14:6) (Words bracketed were added by the author.)
When we wrap truth around us, girting up our loins with truth, we are doing more than just learning the scriptures. We are living truth or we are living the scriptures in our daily walk. When the enemy tries to attack us, we are protected because truth is what we do, rather than it being just what we know.
This is a portion of chapter two of the book I am currently writing.
One of the ways that the enemy attacks us, is by speaking lies into our lives. These lies don’t have to make sense and many times they don’t. They are just things the enemy of our souls will speak to weaken and destroy us. In doing so he is able to cripple us and is often able to put a stop to our fruitfulness. As Jesus said he is a thief and has come to steal, kill and destroy!
It is from the belt that the weapon of the soldier is secured. Suspended from the belt, the sword is close to the hand of the soldier. It is always ready and available for him to use it. It is ready to swing into action! You will also notice that the sword is tied to the belt. When we discuss the sword, we will find it to represent the Word of God. Truth and the Word of God are tied to each other. To try and separate them is impossible.
Truth is so vital to our survival! Truth is what will keep us pure. Jesus, while praying for His disciples to be kept pure said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)
Truth is what will keep us from stumbling along the path of life. “Great peace have they which love thy law and nothing shall offend (cause to stumble) them” (Psalms 119:165) (words in brackets added by author).
Jesus told his disciples, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth”: Truth is given to us for a guide or a teacher. When we are filled with the baptism of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of truth becomes a part of us. As we wrap truth around us, we are allowing the Spirit of truth to teach us. As the enemy attacks us with his lies from hell, the Spirit of truth recognizes the lies and reveals them as such to us. It protects us from the lies of the enemy.
When we have wrapped ourselves in truth, we allow our lives to become fruitful. Paul tells us we are light in the Lord so we should walk as children of light. Why? “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.” If we are wrapped in truth, we will produce truth in our lives! (Ephesians 5:9) Our lives will be a reflection of Jesus Christ and will cause others to want Him. If we fail to protect ourselves with truth then our lives will be destroyed as well as our testimony.
Many people look at truth as only knowledge. I have seen people shout when something is preached that they have a revelation of. I actually had an individual come to me one night after church and say, “I got so excited when you got to preaching truth! I had to dance me a little jig!” I asked him, “When wasn’t I preaching truth? What I preached came right out of the Bible!” He had knowledge and understanding of one part of the message and became excited when what was preached agreed with what he knew. Yet he failed to open his heart and mind up to more truth as it was being revealed to him. He should have been shouting because God found him worthy of more truth.
Jesus said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” (John 8:32). However, He is speaking of more than knowledge. He is speaking of action as well. The verse above says, “If ye continue in (obey) my word, then are ye my disciples indeed”; In John 3:21 Jesus also said, “But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” Again, Jesus is speaking of action when He is talking about truth. It is more than just the knowledge of the scriptures and how to apply them. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”: (John 14:6) (Words bracketed were added by the author.)
When we wrap truth around us, girting up our loins with truth, we are doing more than just learning the scriptures. We are living truth or we are living the scriptures in our daily walk. When the enemy tries to attack us, we are protected because truth is what we do, rather than it being just what we know.
This is a portion of chapter two of the book I am currently writing.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Why the Rainbow?
Do you have a family altar? I think every family should have one. Wait a second, let me restate that again, this time correctly. I think every family must have a family altar! Not only is it Biblical but it is also a very good idea.
Altars get God’s attention. He stops and listens to what is said at an altar. He remembers those things that are laid on an altar before Him. It is not something He just passes over. He doesn’t just casually say, “Oh my, they are at the altar again, hummm.” No, when God sees a person at an altar His attention and memory become focused on that person and what they are saying.
Suddenly, right before his eyes, stands a man! This isn’t just any man. His appearance is totally different and within moments of being surprised by his appearance, Cornelius recognizes that he is seeing an angel of God. What the angel has to say probably surprises’ him as much as his sudden appearance.
“Cornelius, your prayers and your giving have gotten the attention of God!” He then instructed Cornelius to send for Simon Peter to tell him what more he needed to do.
The thing that stands out about Cornelius is he was a man with a family altar. The Bible describes him this way. He was devout, deeply religious, earnest and sincere. He feared God with everyone in his house. He taught his family to hold God in high respect. He gave alms. He showed his commitment to God by giving. He prayed to God always, leading his family in prayer as well as having his own private devotions.
Jesus stated in Matthew 18:19-20, “That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them . . . For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” That is what a family altar is all about! Two praying together in agreement! Two or three people who are gathering in the name of Jesus, worshiping the Almighty God.
More than one time in the Book of Revelations we are told that the prayers of the saints come up before God as an incense in heaven. Prayers get the attention of God! Families that pray together get the attention of God! Momma, your prayers are being heard and God is remembering them. Daddy, God hasn’t forgotten those tears you have shed for your son or daughter, you have His attention!
The writer of Hebrews reminds us that we have an altar. In the Old Testament the altar was a large box-shaped object that was in the Tabernacle. Many altars were built on sites as were needed. Abraham built an altar, on more than one occasion, to offer sacrifices to God. Isaac and Jacob followed in the patriarchs footsteps and built altars themselves. There are many other times that we find individuals building altars before God. However the writer reminds us, also, that our altar is different. It isn’t one that the animal sacrifice is to be made upon. This isn’t necessarily an altar built of stone so that it won’t burn when the sacrifice is offered. This isn’t an altar made of brass that is to be carried from place to place. This isn’t an altar made of gold and incense is to be burnt upon it. It is a place, whether a bench, or a chair, or a bowed head, it is a place where we can meet God and God will meet us.
If there is one thing that is missing in America it is the family altar! The place and time where the family gathers together to pray and touch God. If there is anything missing in the families of the Apostolic Church, it is the family altar! That place and time where the family unites together and touches God. Our hectic lifestyles have kept us from this a powerful spiritual communication with our God. We have allowed ourselves to become so busy with life that we have lost sight of the importance of praying together as a family and meeting with God.
The first place in the Bible that an altar is mentioned is in the Book of Genesis 18:18-20. Sacrifices had been made since Adam and Eve and they are mentioned as a sacrifice was made, however no mention of an altar was made until chapter eight. God has seen the sin of mankind and repented that He made man. He decides He will destroy mankind and start all over again. He finds Noah, a man who walked with God, and has him to build an ark or a large boat. When the ark is finished, Noah takes his family into the ark. Rain comes from heaven and the waters of the deep arise and the earth is completely cover by water. Every thing that breathed was destroyed, except those that were on the ark.
After many months the waters receded and Noah and his family walk off the ark with all of the animals that were on the ark. The very first thing that Noah did was to build an altar. This is the first mention of an altar in the Bible and it is built by a man whose righteousness had led to the saving of his family. With his family gathered together they come before God at a family altar and offer thanks to God for His salvation. What a way to start a new life! They built a family altar.
What I found to be so impacting about this story is what happened next. They offer their sacrifice on their family altar and the Bible says that God smelled a sweet smell and said, “I am going to change the way I deal with man in the future.” God makes a covenant or binding agreement with mankind. He promises never to destroy the earth by water again. As a sign of His covenant He placed a bow in the sky, a rainbow. Whenever you see a rainbow, it reminds us that God has made a covenant with us that He will never destroy the earth by water again. All because a family was thankful and built an altar.
Let me encourage you to build a family altar. Many of the friends and families have built and dedicated altar benches for their family altar. However an altar can be anywhere and anything. It isn’t really about the object. It is really about the time of agreeing together and praying together.
So the next time you see a rainbow in the sky, remember it is a sign of God’s covenant with man. The next time you see a rainbow in the sky, remember it is there because a family built an altar.
Hey, it’s just a thought!
Altars get God’s attention. He stops and listens to what is said at an altar. He remembers those things that are laid on an altar before Him. It is not something He just passes over. He doesn’t just casually say, “Oh my, they are at the altar again, hummm.” No, when God sees a person at an altar His attention and memory become focused on that person and what they are saying.
Suddenly, right before his eyes, stands a man! This isn’t just any man. His appearance is totally different and within moments of being surprised by his appearance, Cornelius recognizes that he is seeing an angel of God. What the angel has to say probably surprises’ him as much as his sudden appearance.
“Cornelius, your prayers and your giving have gotten the attention of God!” He then instructed Cornelius to send for Simon Peter to tell him what more he needed to do.
The thing that stands out about Cornelius is he was a man with a family altar. The Bible describes him this way. He was devout, deeply religious, earnest and sincere. He feared God with everyone in his house. He taught his family to hold God in high respect. He gave alms. He showed his commitment to God by giving. He prayed to God always, leading his family in prayer as well as having his own private devotions.
Jesus stated in Matthew 18:19-20, “That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them . . . For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” That is what a family altar is all about! Two praying together in agreement! Two or three people who are gathering in the name of Jesus, worshiping the Almighty God.
More than one time in the Book of Revelations we are told that the prayers of the saints come up before God as an incense in heaven. Prayers get the attention of God! Families that pray together get the attention of God! Momma, your prayers are being heard and God is remembering them. Daddy, God hasn’t forgotten those tears you have shed for your son or daughter, you have His attention!
The writer of Hebrews reminds us that we have an altar. In the Old Testament the altar was a large box-shaped object that was in the Tabernacle. Many altars were built on sites as were needed. Abraham built an altar, on more than one occasion, to offer sacrifices to God. Isaac and Jacob followed in the patriarchs footsteps and built altars themselves. There are many other times that we find individuals building altars before God. However the writer reminds us, also, that our altar is different. It isn’t one that the animal sacrifice is to be made upon. This isn’t necessarily an altar built of stone so that it won’t burn when the sacrifice is offered. This isn’t an altar made of brass that is to be carried from place to place. This isn’t an altar made of gold and incense is to be burnt upon it. It is a place, whether a bench, or a chair, or a bowed head, it is a place where we can meet God and God will meet us.
If there is one thing that is missing in America it is the family altar! The place and time where the family gathers together to pray and touch God. If there is anything missing in the families of the Apostolic Church, it is the family altar! That place and time where the family unites together and touches God. Our hectic lifestyles have kept us from this a powerful spiritual communication with our God. We have allowed ourselves to become so busy with life that we have lost sight of the importance of praying together as a family and meeting with God.
The first place in the Bible that an altar is mentioned is in the Book of Genesis 18:18-20. Sacrifices had been made since Adam and Eve and they are mentioned as a sacrifice was made, however no mention of an altar was made until chapter eight. God has seen the sin of mankind and repented that He made man. He decides He will destroy mankind and start all over again. He finds Noah, a man who walked with God, and has him to build an ark or a large boat. When the ark is finished, Noah takes his family into the ark. Rain comes from heaven and the waters of the deep arise and the earth is completely cover by water. Every thing that breathed was destroyed, except those that were on the ark.
After many months the waters receded and Noah and his family walk off the ark with all of the animals that were on the ark. The very first thing that Noah did was to build an altar. This is the first mention of an altar in the Bible and it is built by a man whose righteousness had led to the saving of his family. With his family gathered together they come before God at a family altar and offer thanks to God for His salvation. What a way to start a new life! They built a family altar.
What I found to be so impacting about this story is what happened next. They offer their sacrifice on their family altar and the Bible says that God smelled a sweet smell and said, “I am going to change the way I deal with man in the future.” God makes a covenant or binding agreement with mankind. He promises never to destroy the earth by water again. As a sign of His covenant He placed a bow in the sky, a rainbow. Whenever you see a rainbow, it reminds us that God has made a covenant with us that He will never destroy the earth by water again. All because a family was thankful and built an altar.
Let me encourage you to build a family altar. Many of the friends and families have built and dedicated altar benches for their family altar. However an altar can be anywhere and anything. It isn’t really about the object. It is really about the time of agreeing together and praying together.
So the next time you see a rainbow in the sky, remember it is a sign of God’s covenant with man. The next time you see a rainbow in the sky, remember it is there because a family built an altar.
Hey, it’s just a thought!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
You are Talking Like a Kid!
Aren’t children amazing? They are so much smarter than we give them credit for. I have witnessed them doing amazing things. Today I listened to a two-year-old sing the “ABC’s” song. Well he sang most of it anyway. He is just now starting to talk but he can belt out “ABC . . . !”
A while back I told a four year old boy, who asked me if I was taking him home, that I was going to take him to the dump. He laughed at me and said, “No, this is a bus. It is not a dump truck! Take me home.”
Recently I heard a child tell another child something that was a complete fabrication of the truth. The second child reacted to the lie and began to whine. One of the adults that was there reassured the second child that what was said was not true and everything was going to be all right. The child continued to whimper for a while but then calmed down. The first child then said the same thing over again to the second child, calling them by name. The reaction of the second child was the same, and they began to whine. Again the adult reassured the child that this was not true and everything would be all right.
Just before we arrived at the home of the second child, the child began to sing out that they were going to see their daddy. The first child then called the second child by name and said, “No! That’s my daddy! No! That’s my daddy!” The second child responded by collapsing in hysteria! They began to cry out that it was their daddy and could not be consoled at all. Even when we arrived at the home and the father of the child came to take them off the bus they continued to cry. All the time the first child laughed and thought it was funny.
As we left the home and began to drive down the road I thought to myself, “How foolish to become so upset by such a complete and obvious fabrication of the truth.” The child knew whose daddy it was. They were reassured by those in authority that the other child was not telling the truth. Yet they chose to believe the lie to the glee of the one that is making it up.
I was then struck by the realization of how often we allow this to happen in our lives. The enemy of our soul loves to taunt and terrorize us with lies. In fact Jesus described him this way, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44
He loves to tell us something that is obviously a lie and then sit back and watch us react to it in fear and frustration. He will call your name and taunt you! He will challenge your spirituality and authority. He doesn’t care that he is lying, he only wants to cause you trouble. He only wants to plant seeds of fear in your heart and mind. The whole time he sits back and laughs!
He will bring up every mistake you ever made and heap condemnation upon you. Then laugh while you beg God to have mercy on you and chuckle as you live in fear of the judgement of God. He will call your name and tell you that you don’t have faith and that is why you are going through the situations that you face. Then laugh when you hang your head and cry because you feel like a failure. He will tell you that you are losing your mind because of past mistakes. Then rolls on the floor in glee as you tremble with fear!
All the time this is happening, the authority in your life is telling you that these are just lies. What is being said is obviously not true! We do have power, faith and sound mind and it comes directly from God! (2 Timothy 1:7) We are children of the King and have spiritual authority as our heritage. We are God’s kids! (Romans 8:15-17)
We don’t have to worry about our past mistakes. We have the assurance that if we have confessed them to God, then God has forgiven us of them and cleansed us from all wrong doing. (1 John 1:9) We are also reassured that the only one who can condemn us is Jesus Christ and He isn’t condemning us because He is on our side! (Romans 8:31-34)
So the next time you hear that taunting voice. You know that voice that preaches to us about our failures. The next time you hear that voice, just stop for a moment and listen to the voice of authority, the Word of God! The holler back to the taunter, “You are just talking like a kid!”
Well, it’s just a thought!
A while back I told a four year old boy, who asked me if I was taking him home, that I was going to take him to the dump. He laughed at me and said, “No, this is a bus. It is not a dump truck! Take me home.”
Recently I heard a child tell another child something that was a complete fabrication of the truth. The second child reacted to the lie and began to whine. One of the adults that was there reassured the second child that what was said was not true and everything was going to be all right. The child continued to whimper for a while but then calmed down. The first child then said the same thing over again to the second child, calling them by name. The reaction of the second child was the same, and they began to whine. Again the adult reassured the child that this was not true and everything would be all right.
Just before we arrived at the home of the second child, the child began to sing out that they were going to see their daddy. The first child then called the second child by name and said, “No! That’s my daddy! No! That’s my daddy!” The second child responded by collapsing in hysteria! They began to cry out that it was their daddy and could not be consoled at all. Even when we arrived at the home and the father of the child came to take them off the bus they continued to cry. All the time the first child laughed and thought it was funny.
As we left the home and began to drive down the road I thought to myself, “How foolish to become so upset by such a complete and obvious fabrication of the truth.” The child knew whose daddy it was. They were reassured by those in authority that the other child was not telling the truth. Yet they chose to believe the lie to the glee of the one that is making it up.
I was then struck by the realization of how often we allow this to happen in our lives. The enemy of our soul loves to taunt and terrorize us with lies. In fact Jesus described him this way, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44
He loves to tell us something that is obviously a lie and then sit back and watch us react to it in fear and frustration. He will call your name and taunt you! He will challenge your spirituality and authority. He doesn’t care that he is lying, he only wants to cause you trouble. He only wants to plant seeds of fear in your heart and mind. The whole time he sits back and laughs!
He will bring up every mistake you ever made and heap condemnation upon you. Then laugh while you beg God to have mercy on you and chuckle as you live in fear of the judgement of God. He will call your name and tell you that you don’t have faith and that is why you are going through the situations that you face. Then laugh when you hang your head and cry because you feel like a failure. He will tell you that you are losing your mind because of past mistakes. Then rolls on the floor in glee as you tremble with fear!
All the time this is happening, the authority in your life is telling you that these are just lies. What is being said is obviously not true! We do have power, faith and sound mind and it comes directly from God! (2 Timothy 1:7) We are children of the King and have spiritual authority as our heritage. We are God’s kids! (Romans 8:15-17)
We don’t have to worry about our past mistakes. We have the assurance that if we have confessed them to God, then God has forgiven us of them and cleansed us from all wrong doing. (1 John 1:9) We are also reassured that the only one who can condemn us is Jesus Christ and He isn’t condemning us because He is on our side! (Romans 8:31-34)
So the next time you hear that taunting voice. You know that voice that preaches to us about our failures. The next time you hear that voice, just stop for a moment and listen to the voice of authority, the Word of God! The holler back to the taunter, “You are just talking like a kid!”
Well, it’s just a thought!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Be Converted and Become as a Little Child
Do you like to watch children playing? I love to just sit and watch and listen to kids as they play. I love to hear the laughter as they run and play their games. I really enjoy hearing the laughter of children, as it echos through the day bouncing off the buildings and filling the air.
This morning, as I was driving my bus route, I watched a young girl walk to the edge of her porch. It was a beautiful morning with just a touch of fall in the air. The little girl might have been about eight years old. She was wearing a backpack and was obviously waiting for the school bus to come by and pick her up. Instead of stepping down each step, she hopped down each one! It was just a small hop, not a jump, and it was done in a casual, carefree manner. Before she had reached the bottom step we had passed her house and she was out of sight.
I couldn’t help to note the difference in the manner in which she went down those stairs and the way I would have gone down them. Her descent was light, carefree and full of anticipation for the day. Mine would have been slower, burdened and wishing I was staying home.
Oh to be a kid again! They don’t walk down steps. They hop! They don’t walk down the street. They skip! Kids don’t walk to the bus. They run! They aren’t worried about what could happen. They aren’t concerned with the weather. They aren’t fretting about the economy. They couldn’t care less if it rains today or tomorrow. Their main focus is on right now and enjoying this moment of life.
On the other hand I dread going down the steps. The question runs through my mind, “Is this going to make my knee hurt?” I really don’t want to walk down the road, the question on my mind is, “How is this going to benefit me?” I drag to the bus because I would rather be going somewhere that is more fun and less demanding. I worry about tomorrow. I am fretting about the economy, especially mine. My focus tends to be on what might happen or on the complexities of the probabilities of the maybes.
A portion of scripture came to my mind. I remembered Jesus saying, “. . . become as little children.” Now my interest is tweaked! I knew God was trying to speak to me and now He had my attention. I have heard, and probably made, many references to becoming as a little child, full of innocence and faith. Was this what I was hearing from God?
I have found that it is always good for me to look up the passage and read it afresh. Being old and feeble minded I have a tendency to forget the whole passage and only remember a portion. Often I don’t even get that right. I have also learned that by finding and reading the passage again, it gives God the opportunity to bring something brand new to my attention from the passage. This is just what happened when I located and read Matthew 18:3, “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus is giving His disciples a lesson in humility. He was asked who would be greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Instead of listing all of the great deeds and accomplishments that must be accomplished, Jesus turns and calls a little child. Rather than cataloging the need of a great family tree, money in the bank and extreme intelligence, Jesus takes a child onto His lap. He tells the crowd they need to be converted and become as a little child.
Why? Why would he use a little child as an example of humility? Why not use someone or something else? Why use a child?
Who understands the simplicity of trust? A little child does. They trust their parents for everything. A child doesn’t worry about food, clothes, housing or transportation because they trust. They don’t feel like they have to handle it themselves because they trust. They don’t worry or fret about tomorrow because they trust mom and dad to take care of tomorrow. All of the worry and fretting is something they learn later, but as a little child they just trust.
The Apostle Peter encourages us to cast ALL of our cares upon Jesus because He cares for us. (1Peter 5:7) Trusting Him with our concerns is a sign of humility. Giving them to Him to take care of is a sign of humbleness. Recognizing that His grace is more than enough is truly trusting. (2 Corinthians 12:9) Becoming dependent upon Him rather than self-sufficient speaks of submission. Taking the way of the child is a requirement.
I need a conversion in my life. There needs to be a transformation to take place in my mind and in my heart. My mind needs to be renewed and I need to stop thinking as an adult thinks. The world with all of its pressures and agendas has influenced my thinking and I need to be converted once again. I need to become as a little child.
While I was writing this thought, Melinda, my beautiful and wonderful wife, came into my study. In her hand she held a mixing bowl and a spatula. Without saying a word she walked up and handed both of them to me. Immediately I knew what I was suppose to do. I became as the little boy I once was, who loved to clean the bowl after mom had mixed a cake. Everything came to a halt as I laughed and went right to work, enjoying the taste of the cake batter and the opportunity to be a kid again.
How often does Jesus try to interrupt our busy lives to give us the opportunity to just enjoy being a kid again? It’s conversion time!
It’s just a thought!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
A Summer Rain!
Don’t you just love summer rain? A good old summer storm with the dry ground and pavement soaking up the moisture almost as soon as it hits until it really begins to rain. The smell of the hot dry ground as it is wet by the rain is so fragrant and refreshing. There is anticipation as you wait for the rain to come. You are wondering how long it will last and if there will be enough to meet the needs of nature.
Eight weeks ago our area of the country was hit by a series of severe storms. It rained several inches of rain, flooding roads, fields and ditches. Creeks, streams, rivers and even lakes quickly filled their boarders and overflowed their banks. There was so much water and it rained for so long the ground was saturated by it.
Prior to these rains we had been a little dry in our area. In fact people were concerned that we were headed for a drought because it had been so long since it had rained. Now we had rain in abundance, in fact, we had so much people were now complaining about too much rain.
When the rain stopped it, stopped! We have now been six or seven weeks with only a few drops, and that is almost literally. Now the ground is dry! Lawns are starting to turn brown and dry up. Trees are looking a little bit peaked and withered and some are already losing leaves. People are now saying they hope it rains. We really need some water.
Then today it rained! It started with just a few sprinkles and then it dampened the ground. The smell of the wet ground was strong and many expressed how good it smelled. Several people just went out and stood in the first light shower, enjoying the refreshment it brought to them as well as to nature. Pretty soon the light shower turned into a good rain storm and a renewed look began to appear all around.
This is so typical of us as Christians. We go through very dry periods in our lives until we become parched and withered. We wilt and we become peaked. Our spiritual lives droop and it is only with great effort that we remain alive.
Then the rain comes! That Holy Ghost rain! It quenches the dry thirstiness of our souls. It brings a refreshing and renewal to our lives. We can feel it seep through us invigorating us as it flows through our innermost being.
I am reminded of the words of Jesus as He said if we believe on Him as the scripture has said out of our innermost part will flow rivers of living water. He was talking about the Holy Ghost that would be given. He was speaking of the refreshing and renewing of His Spirit that will flood our souls.
The prophet Isaiah told us that if we were thirsty and hungry we could come to the waters and find satisfaction. It is free! We don’t have to have a great big checking account! We just have to have two things to qualify. We have to be hungry and we have to be thirsty. That is all!
No matter how hard I try to avoid them. Those times of dryness will come. I have learned that when I am enjoying the rains, of the Spirit, to fill my reservoirs. Yet there are times when the reservoirs begin to run low. I am so thankful that the rain will come. The time of blessings will return to my life. Strength will return and the reservoirs will once again be full and overflowing.
Well, remember . . . it’s just a thought! God bless!
Eight weeks ago our area of the country was hit by a series of severe storms. It rained several inches of rain, flooding roads, fields and ditches. Creeks, streams, rivers and even lakes quickly filled their boarders and overflowed their banks. There was so much water and it rained for so long the ground was saturated by it.
Prior to these rains we had been a little dry in our area. In fact people were concerned that we were headed for a drought because it had been so long since it had rained. Now we had rain in abundance, in fact, we had so much people were now complaining about too much rain.
When the rain stopped it, stopped! We have now been six or seven weeks with only a few drops, and that is almost literally. Now the ground is dry! Lawns are starting to turn brown and dry up. Trees are looking a little bit peaked and withered and some are already losing leaves. People are now saying they hope it rains. We really need some water.
Then today it rained! It started with just a few sprinkles and then it dampened the ground. The smell of the wet ground was strong and many expressed how good it smelled. Several people just went out and stood in the first light shower, enjoying the refreshment it brought to them as well as to nature. Pretty soon the light shower turned into a good rain storm and a renewed look began to appear all around.
This is so typical of us as Christians. We go through very dry periods in our lives until we become parched and withered. We wilt and we become peaked. Our spiritual lives droop and it is only with great effort that we remain alive.
Then the rain comes! That Holy Ghost rain! It quenches the dry thirstiness of our souls. It brings a refreshing and renewal to our lives. We can feel it seep through us invigorating us as it flows through our innermost being.
I am reminded of the words of Jesus as He said if we believe on Him as the scripture has said out of our innermost part will flow rivers of living water. He was talking about the Holy Ghost that would be given. He was speaking of the refreshing and renewing of His Spirit that will flood our souls.
The prophet Isaiah told us that if we were thirsty and hungry we could come to the waters and find satisfaction. It is free! We don’t have to have a great big checking account! We just have to have two things to qualify. We have to be hungry and we have to be thirsty. That is all!
No matter how hard I try to avoid them. Those times of dryness will come. I have learned that when I am enjoying the rains, of the Spirit, to fill my reservoirs. Yet there are times when the reservoirs begin to run low. I am so thankful that the rain will come. The time of blessings will return to my life. Strength will return and the reservoirs will once again be full and overflowing.
Well, remember . . . it’s just a thought! God bless!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Today is the Day of Good News!
Have you ever been sorry that you received good news? I can’t think of one time that I have regretted receiving good news. I do not remember one morning when I have awakened and thought, “I hope that I get some bad news today!” I do know that most mornings I am hoping for some good news. In fact, to be honest, I look forward to hearing good news, even when it isn’t for me.
The four men looked at each other and one of them said, “This situation looks really hopeless!” Another continued the thought, “That’s right! If we continue to sit here, we are going to die. If we go to the city we are going to die and if we go to the camp of the Syrians, our enemies, we will die.” Another one said, “You are right about dying if we sit here or if we go to the city, however, there is a chance the Syrians might feel sorry for us if we go to their camp and they might feed us.” The last man said, “What is there to lose? Let’s go take our chances with the Syrian camp.”
The Syrian army had besieged Samaria causing a great famine. It was so bad and people were so desperate for food that a donkey’s head sold for twenty pieces of silver. In fact the famine had gotten so bad that people were killing their babies and eating them. There was not hope in the city! This situation compounded the hopelessness of having the dreaded disease of leprosy for which there was no cure.
The four men got up from where they were sitting and began the walk to the Syrian camp. The Bible tells us in Second Kings seven that as they walked, the Syrians heard the sound of many chariots and many horses and a mighty host approaching. They thought Israel had found some allies to join them in the war so the Syrians fled before their imagined foe.
When the four lepers came into the camp, they found it deserted! The Syrian army had fled and left everything behind them just “as it was” and fled for their lives. The four lepers had come upon a bonanza! They entered into a tent and ate and drank and then carried off the treasure they found to hide it. They returned and went to another tent and carried off the treasure and hid it as well. They were going to live! Not only were they going to live, they were going to live well!
As they were returning to get more treasure one of them said to the others, “Fellas, this isn’t right. Today is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. People are starving in the city and if someone comes upon us we are going to lose everything we have. Let’s share the good news with the King.”
The angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds in the field and said to them, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy! A savior has been born today who is Christ the Lord!” Today is a day of good news. We have a Savior!
Many of us is as the lepers were. Our lot in life is hopeless and we don’t know which way to turn. If we stay where we are we will die! If we go to the left, we will die! If we go to the right, we will die! There is not hope! However, today is a day of good news! We have a Savior!
It was His custom to go to the synagogue and so He went. As the service progressed, the minister handed Him the Book of Isaiah and Jesus turned to the sixty-first chapter and began to read; “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty they that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. “ He handed the Book back to the minister and told the people, “Today is this scripture fulfilled.” (Luke 4:18)
The word gospel simply means good news. In fact if you read this passage in the Old Testament it actually says to preach good tidings or good news. The good news is that each of us can have hope. Life deals us blows! As life happens, it often breaks our hearts. Yet let me assure you, today is the day of good news! Jesus came to heal the broken heart. The circumstances of life can leave us bound, chained by fear and defeat. However, today is a day of good news! Jesus came to deliver the captive. The fears and failures caused by the events of life often leave us blinded, unable to see what God can do and what He wants to do in our lives. But today is the day of good news! Jesus came to restore sight to the blind. The emotional and spiritual blows of life leave us laying bruised and battered, unable to continue on! I assure you that today is the day of good news! The blood of Jesus Christ will liberate the bruised and bring spiritual and emotional healing to your life.
Life happens and it happens to us all. We will be broken, captive, blinded and bruised. We will be poor in spirit, at the point of hopelessness with no where to turn. Yet in the midst of a time of despair in your life, be assured, today is a day of good news! We have a Savior!
It’s just a thought!
The four men looked at each other and one of them said, “This situation looks really hopeless!” Another continued the thought, “That’s right! If we continue to sit here, we are going to die. If we go to the city we are going to die and if we go to the camp of the Syrians, our enemies, we will die.” Another one said, “You are right about dying if we sit here or if we go to the city, however, there is a chance the Syrians might feel sorry for us if we go to their camp and they might feed us.” The last man said, “What is there to lose? Let’s go take our chances with the Syrian camp.”
The Syrian army had besieged Samaria causing a great famine. It was so bad and people were so desperate for food that a donkey’s head sold for twenty pieces of silver. In fact the famine had gotten so bad that people were killing their babies and eating them. There was not hope in the city! This situation compounded the hopelessness of having the dreaded disease of leprosy for which there was no cure.
The four men got up from where they were sitting and began the walk to the Syrian camp. The Bible tells us in Second Kings seven that as they walked, the Syrians heard the sound of many chariots and many horses and a mighty host approaching. They thought Israel had found some allies to join them in the war so the Syrians fled before their imagined foe.
When the four lepers came into the camp, they found it deserted! The Syrian army had fled and left everything behind them just “as it was” and fled for their lives. The four lepers had come upon a bonanza! They entered into a tent and ate and drank and then carried off the treasure they found to hide it. They returned and went to another tent and carried off the treasure and hid it as well. They were going to live! Not only were they going to live, they were going to live well!
As they were returning to get more treasure one of them said to the others, “Fellas, this isn’t right. Today is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. People are starving in the city and if someone comes upon us we are going to lose everything we have. Let’s share the good news with the King.”
The angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds in the field and said to them, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy! A savior has been born today who is Christ the Lord!” Today is a day of good news. We have a Savior!
Many of us is as the lepers were. Our lot in life is hopeless and we don’t know which way to turn. If we stay where we are we will die! If we go to the left, we will die! If we go to the right, we will die! There is not hope! However, today is a day of good news! We have a Savior!
It was His custom to go to the synagogue and so He went. As the service progressed, the minister handed Him the Book of Isaiah and Jesus turned to the sixty-first chapter and began to read; “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty they that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. “ He handed the Book back to the minister and told the people, “Today is this scripture fulfilled.” (Luke 4:18)
The word gospel simply means good news. In fact if you read this passage in the Old Testament it actually says to preach good tidings or good news. The good news is that each of us can have hope. Life deals us blows! As life happens, it often breaks our hearts. Yet let me assure you, today is the day of good news! Jesus came to heal the broken heart. The circumstances of life can leave us bound, chained by fear and defeat. However, today is a day of good news! Jesus came to deliver the captive. The fears and failures caused by the events of life often leave us blinded, unable to see what God can do and what He wants to do in our lives. But today is the day of good news! Jesus came to restore sight to the blind. The emotional and spiritual blows of life leave us laying bruised and battered, unable to continue on! I assure you that today is the day of good news! The blood of Jesus Christ will liberate the bruised and bring spiritual and emotional healing to your life.
Life happens and it happens to us all. We will be broken, captive, blinded and bruised. We will be poor in spirit, at the point of hopelessness with no where to turn. Yet in the midst of a time of despair in your life, be assured, today is a day of good news! We have a Savior!
It’s just a thought!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
It is a BIG Deal!
Have you ever heard the expression, “familiarity breeds contempt?” It was often used as a warning when I was growing up and I have found it to be true. The more familiar I become with things the less I hold them in awe. The more casual I feel and act around these things. I have seen this in many areas of life. In fact, this was forcibly brought to my attention this past weekend, here, let me share.
My alarm goes off at 4:20AM every weekday morning. After hitting the snooze button a couple of times, while trying to talk myself into getting out of bed, I get up and take a shower, get dressed and head for the kitchen. While Melinda is getting ready, I fix her breakfast. Now don’t get excited because I just put some cream cheese on a bagel and get a bit of yogurt out. I then fix my breakfast, eat, and quickly rinse off my dishes and place them in the dishwasher. We then head off to work.
Friday morning the routine was moving right along just fine. I wasn’t having to think and it was a good thing because my mind isn’t awake at that time of the morning. However, the routine came to an abrupt halt when I started to rinse off the dishes to put them in the dishwasher. Much to my chagrin there was water standing in both sides of the sink and it wasn’t there when I had gone to bed. Thus began two days of dealing with a plumbing situation that was the result of a full septic tank.
Saturday morning a tank truck pulled up to pump the septic tank. Out of the truck came two men who, without hesitation, began a process that I could tell they were very familiar with. The older man, who obviously was the boss, walked over to where the tank was located and sat down on a five-gallon bucket. The other man began to pull hoses off the truck and hooked them together. The boss then took one end and stuck it into the hole in the tank and the pumping began. After a little bit of time had passed the boss said something to the helper who then went over to where I had a shovel laying. He picked up the shovel, my shovel, and walked back to the tank and stuck the handle down into the septic tank moving it around. He then pulled it out and turned it over and stuck the blade down into the septic tank and moved it around.
I just want you to know that about the time the handle of that shovel disappeared into the septic tank there came over me a “spirit of generosity” because I decided right at that moment those two fellas had just gotten themselves a new shovel. I was never touching that shovel again! I didn’t and they did!
The difference between them and me was simply they were so accustom to working in that environment that they didn’t think twice about what they were doing I was standing thirty-feet away and I was worried I might get some on me. Familiarity breeds contempt! To them it was not big deal.
I have watched the waste disposal men reach into some strangers garbage can and pull out bags of garbage with their bare hands and think nothing of it. Then I have seen them climb in the truck and drive to the next place while eating or drinking. I have a hard time reaching into my own can and lifting out the bags. The difference between them and me is they do it every day and do it all day long. They have become familiar with it. Familiarity breeds contempt! To them it is no big deal.
Several days back I was reading a novel for some recreational reading. Melinda and I had been reading several books by a Christian author and had really enjoyed her light, humorous style of writing. I have not read a secular novel in over a year because I get tired of trying to find books that are not filled with curse words, sex and violence. As I was reading this particular book I came upon a “mild” curse word (I put mild in quotes because that is how it would be classified by most people) and I flinched. I read a bit further and came across another “mild” curse word. This time I looked to see if this was the author we had been reading and it was. I then looked at the copyright date and found it and realized that this book had been written before she had started writing as a Christian and although most would not consider it offensive, because I had not read those words in such a long time they were to me. Familiarity breeds contempt! It is a big deal!
Recently someone was telling me they had stopped watching television and movies. Their reason was they were trying to get closer to God and felt this was a hindrance in seeking that close relationship they desired. They said that after several months they were visiting another family and the television was turned on. The show that was being watched was a home and garden show. This person said that when the advertisements came on they were so offensive! They went on to explain they had never noticed this before but because they had been away from television for several weeks they noticed and were offended. Familiarity breeds contempt! It is a big deal!
I remember in times past doing something that I knew was wrong. Oh how it bothered me! I knew that God was going to come and I was going to be lost. I would get up in the middle of the night and repent because I was afraid God would come while I was asleep. Nevertheless I wouldn’t change and pretty soon I didn’t feel so bad about what I was doing. Now it wasn’t a big deal!
The American Indians had an explanation for the conscience. They said it was a circle inside of each man that had a triangle inside of it. When we do something wrong the triangle turns and its points hurt as the rub the wall of the circle. However, if we ignore the pain, long enough, the sharp points of the triangle will wear away and we will no longer hurt. What they were saying is, “Familiarity breeds contempt!” Or it is a big deal!
The wise man wrote, “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” (Ecc. 8:11) What he is saying is because we do something wrong and God doesn’t “ZAP” us we continue and think it is all right. Why? Familiarity breeds contempt! We think it is no big deal!
I remember as a young teen hearing a Brother Charles Garner preach about Freddy the Frog. It seems some boys caught Freddy and wanted to cook him. They got them a pot of water and put it on to boil. When it came to a boil, they dropped ole Freddy right in the pot. Immediately ole Freddy jumped right back out of the boiling water. They put him back in and ole Freddy jumped out again. After several unsuccessful attempts to cook Freddy one of the boys got an idea. They poured the boiling water out of the pot and filled it with some nice cool tap water. They put Freddy in the cool water and he began to swim around. They put the pot back on the stove and Freddy continued to swim around. They watched as the pot of water began to warm up, anxiously watching to see if ole Freddy would try to jump out. Ole Freddy the Frog was doing the back stroke! He was swimming like a frogman! For a while that is until the water became nice and warm then he became sleepy and pretty soon ole Freddy the Frog was a cooked frog.
Brother Garner explained to us that is the way it is with sin. We watch for the “BIG” ones. We won’t rob a bank or murder someone with a gun. But the enemy of our soul knows that if he can slip in with something small pretty soon we won’t notice until it is too late. We become familiar and familiarity breeds contempt! It’s no big deal. We can handle it!
When was the last time we sincerely prayed asking God to “shine the spotlight” of His Word on our lives and show us what needs to be changed or removed? When was the last time we decided that no matter what everyone else was doing we were going to make some changes just because we wanted to draw closer to God?
I know that what I am writing isn’t usually found in a blog and will not be popular. I am sorry, I am not trying to be offensive but I truly believe that we have allowed ourselves to become familiar with the things in our lives that should not be there. It is time that we fall on our faces and seek heaven and turn from our sins. Familiarity does breed contempt! It is a big deal!
God Bless . . . it’s just a thought!
My alarm goes off at 4:20AM every weekday morning. After hitting the snooze button a couple of times, while trying to talk myself into getting out of bed, I get up and take a shower, get dressed and head for the kitchen. While Melinda is getting ready, I fix her breakfast. Now don’t get excited because I just put some cream cheese on a bagel and get a bit of yogurt out. I then fix my breakfast, eat, and quickly rinse off my dishes and place them in the dishwasher. We then head off to work.
Friday morning the routine was moving right along just fine. I wasn’t having to think and it was a good thing because my mind isn’t awake at that time of the morning. However, the routine came to an abrupt halt when I started to rinse off the dishes to put them in the dishwasher. Much to my chagrin there was water standing in both sides of the sink and it wasn’t there when I had gone to bed. Thus began two days of dealing with a plumbing situation that was the result of a full septic tank.
Saturday morning a tank truck pulled up to pump the septic tank. Out of the truck came two men who, without hesitation, began a process that I could tell they were very familiar with. The older man, who obviously was the boss, walked over to where the tank was located and sat down on a five-gallon bucket. The other man began to pull hoses off the truck and hooked them together. The boss then took one end and stuck it into the hole in the tank and the pumping began. After a little bit of time had passed the boss said something to the helper who then went over to where I had a shovel laying. He picked up the shovel, my shovel, and walked back to the tank and stuck the handle down into the septic tank moving it around. He then pulled it out and turned it over and stuck the blade down into the septic tank and moved it around.
I just want you to know that about the time the handle of that shovel disappeared into the septic tank there came over me a “spirit of generosity” because I decided right at that moment those two fellas had just gotten themselves a new shovel. I was never touching that shovel again! I didn’t and they did!
The difference between them and me was simply they were so accustom to working in that environment that they didn’t think twice about what they were doing I was standing thirty-feet away and I was worried I might get some on me. Familiarity breeds contempt! To them it was not big deal.
I have watched the waste disposal men reach into some strangers garbage can and pull out bags of garbage with their bare hands and think nothing of it. Then I have seen them climb in the truck and drive to the next place while eating or drinking. I have a hard time reaching into my own can and lifting out the bags. The difference between them and me is they do it every day and do it all day long. They have become familiar with it. Familiarity breeds contempt! To them it is no big deal.
Several days back I was reading a novel for some recreational reading. Melinda and I had been reading several books by a Christian author and had really enjoyed her light, humorous style of writing. I have not read a secular novel in over a year because I get tired of trying to find books that are not filled with curse words, sex and violence. As I was reading this particular book I came upon a “mild” curse word (I put mild in quotes because that is how it would be classified by most people) and I flinched. I read a bit further and came across another “mild” curse word. This time I looked to see if this was the author we had been reading and it was. I then looked at the copyright date and found it and realized that this book had been written before she had started writing as a Christian and although most would not consider it offensive, because I had not read those words in such a long time they were to me. Familiarity breeds contempt! It is a big deal!
Recently someone was telling me they had stopped watching television and movies. Their reason was they were trying to get closer to God and felt this was a hindrance in seeking that close relationship they desired. They said that after several months they were visiting another family and the television was turned on. The show that was being watched was a home and garden show. This person said that when the advertisements came on they were so offensive! They went on to explain they had never noticed this before but because they had been away from television for several weeks they noticed and were offended. Familiarity breeds contempt! It is a big deal!
I remember in times past doing something that I knew was wrong. Oh how it bothered me! I knew that God was going to come and I was going to be lost. I would get up in the middle of the night and repent because I was afraid God would come while I was asleep. Nevertheless I wouldn’t change and pretty soon I didn’t feel so bad about what I was doing. Now it wasn’t a big deal!
The American Indians had an explanation for the conscience. They said it was a circle inside of each man that had a triangle inside of it. When we do something wrong the triangle turns and its points hurt as the rub the wall of the circle. However, if we ignore the pain, long enough, the sharp points of the triangle will wear away and we will no longer hurt. What they were saying is, “Familiarity breeds contempt!” Or it is a big deal!
The wise man wrote, “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” (Ecc. 8:11) What he is saying is because we do something wrong and God doesn’t “ZAP” us we continue and think it is all right. Why? Familiarity breeds contempt! We think it is no big deal!
I remember as a young teen hearing a Brother Charles Garner preach about Freddy the Frog. It seems some boys caught Freddy and wanted to cook him. They got them a pot of water and put it on to boil. When it came to a boil, they dropped ole Freddy right in the pot. Immediately ole Freddy jumped right back out of the boiling water. They put him back in and ole Freddy jumped out again. After several unsuccessful attempts to cook Freddy one of the boys got an idea. They poured the boiling water out of the pot and filled it with some nice cool tap water. They put Freddy in the cool water and he began to swim around. They put the pot back on the stove and Freddy continued to swim around. They watched as the pot of water began to warm up, anxiously watching to see if ole Freddy would try to jump out. Ole Freddy the Frog was doing the back stroke! He was swimming like a frogman! For a while that is until the water became nice and warm then he became sleepy and pretty soon ole Freddy the Frog was a cooked frog.
Brother Garner explained to us that is the way it is with sin. We watch for the “BIG” ones. We won’t rob a bank or murder someone with a gun. But the enemy of our soul knows that if he can slip in with something small pretty soon we won’t notice until it is too late. We become familiar and familiarity breeds contempt! It’s no big deal. We can handle it!
When was the last time we sincerely prayed asking God to “shine the spotlight” of His Word on our lives and show us what needs to be changed or removed? When was the last time we decided that no matter what everyone else was doing we were going to make some changes just because we wanted to draw closer to God?
I know that what I am writing isn’t usually found in a blog and will not be popular. I am sorry, I am not trying to be offensive but I truly believe that we have allowed ourselves to become familiar with the things in our lives that should not be there. It is time that we fall on our faces and seek heaven and turn from our sins. Familiarity does breed contempt! It is a big deal!
God Bless . . . it’s just a thought!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Let Me Hear Him Preach One More Time!
David Leo Doran was said to be one of the greatest preachers to ever walk in shoe leather. I have said it myself and have heard many others say the same thing. He was an old time fiery preacher. He would quote more scripture in one sermon than most preachers use in a year’s worth of sermons. He could tell a story like you have never heard it told anywhere else. Most important of all, when he came to the pulpit, you knew that he had been in touch with God.
David did not have very much formal education. He had to leave school in the tenth grade to work and help support his family. Yet he always had a hunger to learn and continued to study and educate himself. He would talk to well-educated men that he admired and ask them what books they recommended. He would then buy the book and read it from cover to cover. He was much disciplined about this. I remember someone recommended Clyde Narrimore’s book, “The Encyclopedia of Psychological Problems.” They said it was a good book to have to help when you had to counsel with people. David bought the book and read it from cover to cover, word for word.
He was a preacher who studied. He would eat lunch on Sunday afternoon and then go to his study and prepare for the message that night. When he was finished, he started on his Bible lesson for Tuesday night. Tuesday nights, when he got off work, he would eat, bathe and change clothes, and then he would head for the church to finish up for Bible Study that night. He never walked to the pulpit without spending hours in study and prayer.
He took his responsibility so seriously that I recall a time or two when he would actually tell us that he didn’t have a message, although he had spent time in study and prayer, he didn’t have a message. He refused just to go through the motions or just be redundant in what he had to say. He was honest and up front and said he had nothing.
I saw him, at a Fellowship Meeting, it is a service with several churches, preach. He was preaching on Jehu telling different men to come see his zeal for the Lord. David got to preaching about being zealous for the Lord. He got to preaching about being like Jehu, who they said drove his chariot ferociously. David grabbed the hand of a young man sitting in the front of the church and he began to run around the building. The whole time he was pulling this young man behind him and preaching with all his might about having zeal for God.
Mind you, at this time David was about 47 or 48 years of age at this time. The young man had just returned from Marine boot camp. David ran him around that building until his tongue hung out, while David never missed a word or slowed down. The man could preach!
A Bible Study, which David taught, might last an hour or more. A sermon that he preached would be thirty minutes or so. That was his average. A Pastor once called him to preach for them for several nights and the night of the main event the Pastor requested David preach on a certain subject and asked that he preach for three hours. David did just that, he preached for three hours and although I was not able to be there, those that I spoke too later told me it seemed just like minutes.
When David was 59 years old, he found out that he had Parkinson’s disease. If you are not familiar with Parkinson’s disease let me briefly explain, its effect on a body. Parkinson’s disease is the result of a chemical deficiency between the brain and the nerve center that sends signals to the muscles. As a result of this, many of the things we do reflexively have to be thought out, step by step, in order for the person to be able to do them. For example swallowing is something done as a reflex, we don’t think about it at all. Yet with Parkinson’s you have to think through the whole swallowing process. Many people with Parkinson’s have problems swallowing food or even saliva.
Parkinson’s affects walking, talking, and standing. I won’t go into detail, but because of the lack of the signal from the brain to the nerve center it was soon evident that David’s time as a pastor had come to an end. It was also obvious that he would no longer be able to preach the way that he once had preached.
David was a champion; he squared his shoulders and faced the problems before him. I must say that the most difficult thing for him to face as a result of this disease, which so disabled him, was not being able to preach the way he loved to preach. At the time of his being diagnosed with Parkinson’s I was David’s associate pastor. When he could no longer carry on the work as pastor, in the church where he had pastored for twenty-five years, He and the church asked me to step in and carry on his work. Being his son and his student, I knew how he wanted to stay involved so I encouraged him to seek other ways to minister. One of those ways was discipling young Christians.
When I became Pastor, the people in the church began to call David “The Elder” as a way of honoring him for his life time of service to that church. When we started working together with David teaching young Christians, I called it, “Sitting at the feet of the Elder.”
David dealt with Parkinson’s and all the effects it had on his life and his body for ten years. In 1999 the doctors told him and the family that Parkinson’s had taken its toll and David didn’t have much longer to live.
I spent many nights, along with my brothers and oldest son, sitting in David’s living room, sometimes holding his hand. Most of those nights were spent sitting together, talking quietly and listening to him talk to us. I don’t remember a lot of the details of those conversations, I think it was more of his spirit strengthening ours than it was of words and dialog. I just remember being there with him. As the days went by, David became weaker. He became so weak that they brought a hospital bed in and set it up in his living room.
I remember on a Saturday afternoon I was sitting with him. Faye, his wife and my mother, had laid down to rest. David was a sleep and I was sitting on the couch in the living room thinking. It was very quiet and still. I watched David as he slept and seemed to labor a bit in breathing. In the still time my mind went back over the years and I began to remember the different times that I had heard my Dad preach. I began to relive those moments and those sermons which we called “Messages,” my how he could preach.
I walked through the years. I remembered the times and the places. There were one-room school houses. There were school gymnasiums. There were Camp Meeting Tabernacles and Brush Arbors. There were nice Church buildings and other buildings that had been converted from a former life into a church building. There were big crowds, medium size crowds and there were small crowds. David had preached in them all and to them all.
I remembered sermon titles like, “Are You Asking for Trouble?” “You Know Too Much!” “Check Points on the Road to Heaven.” “Five Things I Would Like on My Tombstone.” “A Three and Two Count!”
It was a very overwhelming experience. In my heart I knew that David didn’t have many days left to live. Along with that knowledge and the memories I felt just a little overwhelmed. Then I remember a thought that came to me. Maybe it was more of a wish or even a prayer than a thought, actually. Whatever it was, I said to myself, “I wish I could hear Dad preach one more ‘Message’. I wish I could just hear him do it one more time.”
My eyes had actually been closed and when I opened them Dad was looking at me. I asked him if he had gotten some rest and he answered back appropriately. Then we both sat there somewhat lost in our thoughts.
A few moments later, Faye came into the room to check on David. They spoke to each other in low tones and then Faye left the room. I didn’t think any more about what had been going through my mind because within just a few moments’ people started coming into the house to visit. There was Slim and Rose Daniel. Jean Daniel and the Petranoff family showed up. Marc and Valerie Anderson came walking in and the house was soon filled with family and friends from the church. One of the last people to come in that evening was Joe Silva. Joe and his wife Sheryl were new Christians that David and Faye had been teaching and Joe looked to David as a son does to a father.
After Joe came in, David began to talk. Suddenly he was once again the Pastor. He looked at my wife, Melinda, and asked her if she would get out the old accordion. He looked at me and asked me to get out my guitar. Then he looked at us all and said that he had asked Faye to call everyone in so that we could have a time of worship and fellowship. It was about this time that I realized the people he had Faye call in were those people that he had pastored for so many years. These were “his people or his saints.” He had loved them, led them to Christ, discipled them and pastored them for twenty-five years. They were those who were dearest to his heart and him to theirs.
He would tell us the song that he wanted us to sing and we all gathered in and sang our hearts out. He would call the name of an individual and ask them to sing a “special” song that they had sang in church, and they would sing their hearts out. What a time we had. You could feel the Spirit of God as it began to minister to each of us.
After everyone had sung and after we had pretty much exhausted the old song book. David spoke to Justin, his oldest grandson and my oldest son, and told Justin to go into his office and bring him some things. When Justin returned he had with him some sermon notes and a chart which he set up for his Grandpa.
David turned to Joe and said, “With all that has happened I haven’t been able to teach you this lesson that I really want you to hear. I have called you all in because I have something that you really need to hear.”
My prayer was answered. My desire came to past. There on his hospital bed “The Elder” preached one last “Message” to his people. I got to hear him preach one last time.
He preached from Hebrews 10:34-38 which reads:
Heb 10:34-38
34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” KJV
The words of the “Old Preacher’s” last message that stuck in my mind was this. Don’t cast away your confidence in God. Trust Him that He always does the right thing. I don’t know why things in my life haven’t worked out the way that I planned them, but I have confidence in God that I will receive my reward and that He knows what is best.
Yes, just as I had remembered it, the Preacher had a Message and that Message was for me. I am thankful I got to hear him preach one more time.
Just a thought! God Bless!
40th Anniversary of Triumphanlt Life Center Rio Dell, California
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Almost Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand-Grenades!
How often have you used the phrase, “I almost” attached to an action that almost happened? How many times have you looked back with a bit of regret and used the phrase indicating that you had almost made the right decision? If you are like me, it has happened more times than you want to count. Almost doing it shows good intentions but it doesn’t really count. In fact, when I was growing up there was an expression that was often used in our neighborhood, “Almost only counts in horseshoes and hand-grenades!”
I am not a great horseshoe player but I do enjoy a good game when the opportunity comes my way. Horseshoes, like a lot of games, can be very enjoyable but can also be very exasperating as well. In case you have never played, let me explain it in a brief and simple manner. You have two stakes set up several feet apart and you have four horseshoes to throw at the stake. Each player stands by a stake and throws their shoe at the stake several feet away. You want to ring the stake with your shoe to score points. However, if you get a shoe within the width of a horseshoe you also get a point. This is where the “almost” comes into the picture. You can almost get a ringer and still be a winner.
I think hand-grenades are very obvious. They are some shrapnel bombs of sorts. When they explode, they send shrapnel in every direction. Again, you don’t have to hit the target right on, just get close or just almost hit it.
Standing in the court room, he gave his best defense to those sitting in judgement. Well, I wouldn’t really call it a defense, it was more of a story of the change that had taken place in his life prior to this day. He explained to all that listened how he was raised and his early goals in life. He explained that he was so focused on doing what he thought was right that his whole life centered on accomplishing it, not realizing how wrong he was. He the told them of how God brought light into his life and changed it and how he could change their lives also if they would allow it to happen.
As he finished speaking one of the men sitting in judgement was visibly moved by what he had heard and said, “Paul, you have almost persuaded me to be a Christian.” However, as you and I both know, almost only counts in horseshoes and hand-grenades. You cannot be an “almost” Christian.
Just outside the city of Hebron, his attention is caught by the beckoning voice saying, “Come here! I have something important to tell you!” Foolishly he turns aside and walks over to talk to a man who he knew to be his enemy. A man he knew had sworn that he would kill him the next time he saw him. As he stood in front of the alleged messenger, he felt a stabbing sensation in his side. In horror he looked down to see his life’s blood flowing from his side. He was almost inside the city of refuge where his enemy, Joab, could not have touched him. In fact, David, the King, gave a eulogy at his funeral that said, “Abner died as a fool died. His hands were not bound and his feet weren’t in chains. He was almost safe and turned aside!” Of course, you and I know that almost only counts in horseshoes and hand-grenades.
I wonder how many of us will stand before God, some day, and use that ill-fated word as our excuse, “Almost!” I almost read my Bible. I almost prayed. I almost went to Church. I almost talked to them about salvation. I almost made a commitment in my life. I almost . . . but of course you and I know that almost only counts in horseshoes and hand-grenades.
My dad once told me, “The road to hell will be paved with good intentions!” I am sure this is so true. We all have those good intentions that we will someday do what we know we should. Let me encourage you to make up your mind to do so today. As you are reading this there are thoughts going through your mind of things, you know you need to do. You are thinking of changes you need to make in your life. There are choices you have been weighing for a while, knowing the way you need to go. Make the choice today! Do what you should do today! Make the change in your life you need to make today! Almost will never change anything because, as you and I both know, almost only counts in horseshoes and hand-grenades.
Well, it’s just a thought! God Bless . . .
Monday, April 4, 2011
If That Isn't Love...In Memory of Shirley Petranoff
I woke up this morning with a song running through my mind. It wasn’t just the words of the song I was hearing but I was hearing it sang by a certain voice. Here are the words to the song:
He left the splendor of heaven,
Knowing His destiny,
Was the lonely hill of Golgatha,
There to lay down His life for me.
1. Chorus
If that isn't love;
The ocean is dry,
There's no stars in the sky,
And the sparrow can't fly.
If that isn't love;
Then heaven's a myth,
There's no feeling like this,
If that isn't love!
Even in death He remembered,
The thief hanging by His side;
There He spoke with love and compassion,
Then He took him to paradise.
Chorus
If that isn't love;
The ocean is dry,
There's no stars in the sky,
And the sparrow can't fly.
If that isn't love;
Then heaven's a myth,
There's no feeling like this,
If that isn't love!
The song has been recorded by many artists over the years. Probably two of the most famous would be Elvis Presley and Dottie Rambo, the writer of the song. However, it wasn’t either of these voices I heard singing the song. Rather it was a voice that most would not recognize and which would never win any awards. Yet my soul was moved once again as, in my mind, I heard the love that the song was sang with. I could even hear the voice break with emotion, as it had so often in times past.
I walked from the bedroom into the dark kitchen to prepare breakfast and my mother was there. It was then she told me that Shirley Jean Horn Petranoff had received her promotion last night. My eyes immediately filled with tears and I thought, “Shirley, you can now tell Him personally how much you appreciated that love.”
I first met Shirley and her husband Ed in the fall of 1972. They had come to Rio Dell to visit Ed’s family and had decided to move “back home.” We were excited to have a new young couple in the Church. They had two small children at the time, Leann and Steve.
Shirley and Ed fit right in with the Church family. It wasn’t long until Shirley was asked if she would teach the Nursery Class. She was more than happy to help in any way possible and taught the Nursery Class for a number of years. She felt that was her calling. Shirley had a few notable students that came through her classroom doors such as Tim Doran (Pastor in Osceola, AR) Abby Doran Harrell (Music Minister in Harrison, AR) Justin Doran and many others including some of her own children.
I remember the love that Shirley had for her family. When her grandchildren came along, she was so faithful to bring them to Church at every opportunity. Even when they were tiny infants she made sure they were in Church. A Nursery teacher knows the importance of getting the Word of God into a baby’s heart.
I always thought of Shirley being a “fighter.” Not that she had a pugnacious nature, but she was tough. Shirley was born with a bone disease and it seemed like she had to fight for most things she did in life. She was a hard worker and a giving person.
In the fall of 1990 I became the pastor of the United Pentecostal Church in Rio Dell, CA. My father had been the pastor for the 17 years that Shirley had been a part of that Church. Shirley had worked under his leadership and felt a strong bond with my parents. Now they were stepping down and a new man was taking the leadership, one that she could remember “when!” I knew that it was going to be hard for some folks to see me in this new role, to make that change. I always felt that in her heart the Elder and Sister Doran would always be her “pastor” and that was all right because they will always be mine. However I can truly say that Shirley was always loyal and faithful.
I will always remember, as I did this morning, hearing Shirley playing her accordion and singing those words, “If that isn’t love . . .” She sang not with the most beautiful voice, but she sang it with a voice that had truly known that love.
It’s just a thought!
He left the splendor of heaven,
Knowing His destiny,
Was the lonely hill of Golgatha,
There to lay down His life for me.
1. Chorus
If that isn't love;
The ocean is dry,
There's no stars in the sky,
And the sparrow can't fly.
If that isn't love;
Then heaven's a myth,
There's no feeling like this,
If that isn't love!
Even in death He remembered,
The thief hanging by His side;
There He spoke with love and compassion,
Then He took him to paradise.
Chorus
If that isn't love;
The ocean is dry,
There's no stars in the sky,
And the sparrow can't fly.
If that isn't love;
Then heaven's a myth,
There's no feeling like this,
If that isn't love!
The song has been recorded by many artists over the years. Probably two of the most famous would be Elvis Presley and Dottie Rambo, the writer of the song. However, it wasn’t either of these voices I heard singing the song. Rather it was a voice that most would not recognize and which would never win any awards. Yet my soul was moved once again as, in my mind, I heard the love that the song was sang with. I could even hear the voice break with emotion, as it had so often in times past.
I walked from the bedroom into the dark kitchen to prepare breakfast and my mother was there. It was then she told me that Shirley Jean Horn Petranoff had received her promotion last night. My eyes immediately filled with tears and I thought, “Shirley, you can now tell Him personally how much you appreciated that love.”
I first met Shirley and her husband Ed in the fall of 1972. They had come to Rio Dell to visit Ed’s family and had decided to move “back home.” We were excited to have a new young couple in the Church. They had two small children at the time, Leann and Steve.
Shirley and Ed fit right in with the Church family. It wasn’t long until Shirley was asked if she would teach the Nursery Class. She was more than happy to help in any way possible and taught the Nursery Class for a number of years. She felt that was her calling. Shirley had a few notable students that came through her classroom doors such as Tim Doran (Pastor in Osceola, AR) Abby Doran Harrell (Music Minister in Harrison, AR) Justin Doran and many others including some of her own children.
I remember the love that Shirley had for her family. When her grandchildren came along, she was so faithful to bring them to Church at every opportunity. Even when they were tiny infants she made sure they were in Church. A Nursery teacher knows the importance of getting the Word of God into a baby’s heart.
I always thought of Shirley being a “fighter.” Not that she had a pugnacious nature, but she was tough. Shirley was born with a bone disease and it seemed like she had to fight for most things she did in life. She was a hard worker and a giving person.
In the fall of 1990 I became the pastor of the United Pentecostal Church in Rio Dell, CA. My father had been the pastor for the 17 years that Shirley had been a part of that Church. Shirley had worked under his leadership and felt a strong bond with my parents. Now they were stepping down and a new man was taking the leadership, one that she could remember “when!” I knew that it was going to be hard for some folks to see me in this new role, to make that change. I always felt that in her heart the Elder and Sister Doran would always be her “pastor” and that was all right because they will always be mine. However I can truly say that Shirley was always loyal and faithful.
I will always remember, as I did this morning, hearing Shirley playing her accordion and singing those words, “If that isn’t love . . .” She sang not with the most beautiful voice, but she sang it with a voice that had truly known that love.
It’s just a thought!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
The Miry Clay, The Rock and The Potter
Have you ever noticed that we often get a mind picture of something and that is the only way we see it? I find my self doing that way too often. I will sing a song and get a picture in my mind from that song. Even when I read the scripture passage from which the song is taken I will reflect upon the mind picture I have from the song. I am keeping it all in a neat little box! I have realized that when I get another picture there is great excitement, it is as if I have been released to see new horizons! That is just what happened to me this week. Here, let me share.
In my daily devotions I was reading a story that got me out of my little box and let me see something from a brand-new perspective. The story teller had gone to Pakistan on a missionary visit. While he was there, he and another missionary were visiting a small village and encountered a potter. As they visited with the potter, they learned that he had studied his vocation in China being taught by an old Master Craftsman who made china. This Master had taught him everything he knew about making pottery and along with many, many years of practicing the art himself had made him a Master Craftsman as well.
The story teller had asked the potter if he would show him how to make a master piece from start to finish? The potter was very excited at their interest and agreed to show them how it was accomplished. He took them to a shed behind his house-shop. It was an old tin building that looked about to fall down. When he opened the door of the shed, a horrible stench emanated from inside. The story teller said it was all they could do to follow him inside because of the horrible smell.
Inside there was a large pit full of muck and mire. The potter explained that this is where it all started for the master piece. He went on to explain that he added certain types of grass to the mud and as they decomposed they made added to the clay staying together, this gluing effect is called colloidal. He went on to explain that this mix was mixed together by him walking in the pit and mixing it with his feet. He then reached down into the mire and searched until he found a lump of clay that suited his purpose.
The clay was taken back to an area behind his house where there was a large round rock. Very carefully he placed the clay in the center of the rock. He was very careful to find the center of the rock before proceeding any further. He then sat on a stool and with a foot treadle began to turn the rock. He would dip his hands in water and as the rock and clay were spinning he began to shape a vessel.
The story teller shared a passage of scripture that came to his mind during this visit. Of course my mind had immediately gone to the encounter of the prophet Jeremiah with the potter and I had almost checked out of the story right then. I have witnessed many potters working with the wheel and felt I already knew what was going to happen and what would be shared. However, the passage the story teller referred to came as a result of the pit and was from Psalms 40:
"He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.” Ps 40:2 KJV
The picture I have always had in my mind went along with an old song we sang when I was growing up, the chorus went like this:
“He brought me out of the miry clay, He set my feet on the rock to stay, He put a song in my soul today, a song of praise Hallelujah!” (By Rev H. J. Zelley and H. L. Gilmour)
The picture I have always had was one of salvation. Being mired in the muck of sin, sinking lower and being unable to escape when God in His mercy reached down and lifted me out of that trap. He then placed me on the Rock Christ Jesus giving me hope and the promise of eternal life with Him.
The new picture was different in that now I saw God reaching down into the pit and picking me out by choice. Saying to Himself, as the Master Craftsman, this is just what I need to make a vessel of honor, good for the Master’s use. He then placed me in the center of the Rock, Christ Jesus, to shape me into that perfect master piece.
Now there is nothing wrong with the first picture. It is still applicable to our lives. However, the second picture takes us a bit further in our relationship with God. Jeremiah, the prophet, relates to us that God desires to work with us as the potter works with the clay. He desires to mold us into a vessel of honor. This process starts at the pit of mire. He lifts us from a life of hopelessness because of his desire to make something beautiful of our lives. He places us on the solid rock and as long we stay centered in Christ Jesus, the Rock, we can be made into the master piece He has pictured us becoming.
The picture of the clay being taken from the miry pit and formed into a master piece, a beautiful vessel is one that speaks to us of complete submission to the will of the Master. It speaks of being chosen and pliable in the hands of the one who has our best interest at heart. Becoming a vessel of honor, Meet for the Master’s House!
So once again, I am blessed be the old song that says:
“He brought me out of the miry clay, He set my feet on the rock to stay, He put a song in my soul today, a song of praise Hallelujah!”
Well, it is just a thought!
In my daily devotions I was reading a story that got me out of my little box and let me see something from a brand-new perspective. The story teller had gone to Pakistan on a missionary visit. While he was there, he and another missionary were visiting a small village and encountered a potter. As they visited with the potter, they learned that he had studied his vocation in China being taught by an old Master Craftsman who made china. This Master had taught him everything he knew about making pottery and along with many, many years of practicing the art himself had made him a Master Craftsman as well.
The story teller had asked the potter if he would show him how to make a master piece from start to finish? The potter was very excited at their interest and agreed to show them how it was accomplished. He took them to a shed behind his house-shop. It was an old tin building that looked about to fall down. When he opened the door of the shed, a horrible stench emanated from inside. The story teller said it was all they could do to follow him inside because of the horrible smell.
Inside there was a large pit full of muck and mire. The potter explained that this is where it all started for the master piece. He went on to explain that he added certain types of grass to the mud and as they decomposed they made added to the clay staying together, this gluing effect is called colloidal. He went on to explain that this mix was mixed together by him walking in the pit and mixing it with his feet. He then reached down into the mire and searched until he found a lump of clay that suited his purpose.
The clay was taken back to an area behind his house where there was a large round rock. Very carefully he placed the clay in the center of the rock. He was very careful to find the center of the rock before proceeding any further. He then sat on a stool and with a foot treadle began to turn the rock. He would dip his hands in water and as the rock and clay were spinning he began to shape a vessel.
The story teller shared a passage of scripture that came to his mind during this visit. Of course my mind had immediately gone to the encounter of the prophet Jeremiah with the potter and I had almost checked out of the story right then. I have witnessed many potters working with the wheel and felt I already knew what was going to happen and what would be shared. However, the passage the story teller referred to came as a result of the pit and was from Psalms 40:
"He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.” Ps 40:2 KJV
The picture I have always had in my mind went along with an old song we sang when I was growing up, the chorus went like this:
“He brought me out of the miry clay, He set my feet on the rock to stay, He put a song in my soul today, a song of praise Hallelujah!” (By Rev H. J. Zelley and H. L. Gilmour)
The picture I have always had was one of salvation. Being mired in the muck of sin, sinking lower and being unable to escape when God in His mercy reached down and lifted me out of that trap. He then placed me on the Rock Christ Jesus giving me hope and the promise of eternal life with Him.
The new picture was different in that now I saw God reaching down into the pit and picking me out by choice. Saying to Himself, as the Master Craftsman, this is just what I need to make a vessel of honor, good for the Master’s use. He then placed me in the center of the Rock, Christ Jesus, to shape me into that perfect master piece.
Now there is nothing wrong with the first picture. It is still applicable to our lives. However, the second picture takes us a bit further in our relationship with God. Jeremiah, the prophet, relates to us that God desires to work with us as the potter works with the clay. He desires to mold us into a vessel of honor. This process starts at the pit of mire. He lifts us from a life of hopelessness because of his desire to make something beautiful of our lives. He places us on the solid rock and as long we stay centered in Christ Jesus, the Rock, we can be made into the master piece He has pictured us becoming.
The picture of the clay being taken from the miry pit and formed into a master piece, a beautiful vessel is one that speaks to us of complete submission to the will of the Master. It speaks of being chosen and pliable in the hands of the one who has our best interest at heart. Becoming a vessel of honor, Meet for the Master’s House!
So once again, I am blessed be the old song that says:
“He brought me out of the miry clay, He set my feet on the rock to stay, He put a song in my soul today, a song of praise Hallelujah!”
Well, it is just a thought!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Thoughts for Young Preachers and Leaders
Let me share with you a couple of thoughts that I believe will help you as a young (in length of time) minister:
1- Stay close to the spiritual authority in your life. We all need someone who is watching for our soul and is not afraid to talk “straight” to us.
2- Set up mentors in your life. Timothy had Paul. These are men who you can seek advice and direction of in spiritual matters.
3- Stay in the Word. If you feel you are called to preach, then preach the Word! I recently heard a man preach two sermons. Although he started with a scripture his message was not from the Word of God. He had something he wanted to say and tried to use the scripture to get across what he wanted to say. He should have said something to get across the scripture.... Stay in the Word!
4- Develop a relationship between you and God and always seek that first. You must first be a Christian, then a preacher, not the other way around.
5- Never put the ministry or the church before your family. It is always, God, family, Church/ministry.
6- Keep your spiritual man fed and grow. Read... listen to preaching/teaching... your ministry will never out grow you.
7- Remember, it is important that what you say sounds good, but if it doesn't minister then that is all it is, something that sounds good. Always ask God to help you minister to the needs of the people.
8. Always ask God to “manifest” (show) Himself during your message. He has exalted His Word above His name…ask Him to confirm His Word.
9. You will go through times of testing. Do not become angry or discouraged it is these times that will make you into the man of God that you need to be to carry out His work on earth. Be thankful He counts you worthy. The late Elder Clyde Haney once said, “Blessed is the man that can be disappointed and not become discouraged.”
10. Time spent in preparation is never wasted. Joseph was 15 years in preparing to lead Egypt through the famine. David was about 15 years preparing to be king of Israel. Elisha was 10 years preparing to be the prophet. Paul was about 10 years preparing to be the Apostle to the Gentiles. Be ready when God is ready, until then be preparing.
1 Peter 4:10-13, As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. KJV
1- Stay close to the spiritual authority in your life. We all need someone who is watching for our soul and is not afraid to talk “straight” to us.
2- Set up mentors in your life. Timothy had Paul. These are men who you can seek advice and direction of in spiritual matters.
3- Stay in the Word. If you feel you are called to preach, then preach the Word! I recently heard a man preach two sermons. Although he started with a scripture his message was not from the Word of God. He had something he wanted to say and tried to use the scripture to get across what he wanted to say. He should have said something to get across the scripture.... Stay in the Word!
4- Develop a relationship between you and God and always seek that first. You must first be a Christian, then a preacher, not the other way around.
5- Never put the ministry or the church before your family. It is always, God, family, Church/ministry.
6- Keep your spiritual man fed and grow. Read... listen to preaching/teaching... your ministry will never out grow you.
7- Remember, it is important that what you say sounds good, but if it doesn't minister then that is all it is, something that sounds good. Always ask God to help you minister to the needs of the people.
8. Always ask God to “manifest” (show) Himself during your message. He has exalted His Word above His name…ask Him to confirm His Word.
9. You will go through times of testing. Do not become angry or discouraged it is these times that will make you into the man of God that you need to be to carry out His work on earth. Be thankful He counts you worthy. The late Elder Clyde Haney once said, “Blessed is the man that can be disappointed and not become discouraged.”
10. Time spent in preparation is never wasted. Joseph was 15 years in preparing to lead Egypt through the famine. David was about 15 years preparing to be king of Israel. Elisha was 10 years preparing to be the prophet. Paul was about 10 years preparing to be the Apostle to the Gentiles. Be ready when God is ready, until then be preparing.
1 Peter 4:10-13, As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. KJV
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The Hardest Part of Discipleship
The Hardest Part of Being a Disciple
I have often thought of how great it must have been to be a disciple of Jesus. I could see him everyday. I would love to have the opportunity to visit with him. To sit in the same room, or area, and just listen to him talk and share his wisdom and understanding. That would have been incredible.
I have often thought if I could have been one of the disciples of Jesus, I wouldn’t have all the problems that I have now. All I would have to do is take each problem to him and he would solve it. Life would have been glorious.
Then I realize I am a disciple of Jesus. As a disciple I can enjoy those privileges. I can take my problems to him. I have the opportunity to fellowship with him. To listen to him talk and share his wisdom. I can take my all problems and my cares to Jesus. Bringing them all to him with the knowledge, he cares.
Yet, the role of discipleship is not without its difficulties. There are no drawbacks, but there are areas that require adjustment in our lives. Our priorities will change. Sometimes even our vocations might change. Like the vocations of some of the disciples of Jesus changed. Furthermore there is a position of discipleship that can be difficult for even the most ardent of disciples.
To be a disciple simply means to be a learner. It means to follow the teachings of the teacher. When a person becomes a disciple they begin to adhere or hold fast to the teachings of the teacher. A disciple is more than just a student. The disciple actually conforms to the teaching. He in reality becomes an imitator of the teacher. In this case we are talking about being an imitator of Jesus.
In the writings of Luke we find requirements, listed by Jesus, for a disciple. Jesus speaks of a disciple hating his mother, father, sister, brother and his own life. He talks of counting the cost before you start otherwise you might not be able to finish the task. Jesus also said in order to be his disciple we had to forsake all that we have.
In the Book of John, chapter one, we are introduced to a man that was one of the first disciples of Jesus. In studying this man we find a picture of true discipleship. John the Baptist stood with two of his disciples and saw Jesus walk by. He said, “Behold the lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him speak and they followed Jesus. One of the two disciples was Andrew who was identified as Simon Peter’’s brother.
In the life of Andrew we find a picture of the most difficult part of being a disciple of Jesus. Most of us know very little about Andrew. There are only four references of him personally to show us anything of his character. Yet in those few words he shows us how to be a true disciple.
Andrew was first a disciple of John the Baptist. He was among the first to follow Jesus. Tradition says that he was the first. That might be because John doesn’t name the other disciple of John the Baptist who was with Andrew. So when we look at the twelve who became Apostles, Andrew is the one with the most seniority.
Andrew does not have a real reputation of his own. Even the first time he is introduced to us, by John, he is introduced as the brother of Simon Peter. The ironic thing is we haven’t met Simon Peter yet.
He was part of the first men’s quartet, Peter, James, John and Andrew. They were all friends. They all grew up in the same town and worked in the same vocation as fishermen. However, we find that even the children’s Sunday school song fails to mention anything about Andrew. The song just speaks of “Peter, James and John…” being in the sailboat out on the deep blue sea.
Even with his seniority Andrew is not a part of the “inner circle” with Jesus. It was Peter, James and John who were with Jesus on the Mountain. The three of them were the ones who went with Jesus into the room of Jarius’s daughter. They were the trio that went a little further with Jesus in the Garden.
When the disciples were ordained and called Apostles, the writer Mark said that Jesus changed their names giving them a new identity. Simon became known as Peter that means rock. James and John were identified as the Son’s of Thunder. Yet Andrew’s name remains the same. He kept the same identity as before.
Andrew, however, from his first introduction to us shows us what is important. Even with as limited knowledge of Andrew as we have we are witnesses of what he considered to be of great magnitude. It is obvious from the start; there is a hunger in the heart of Andrew to know the Messiah. There is an intense desire to know Jesus.
He was a disciple of John and John’s whole ministry was pointing to Jesus. As soon as John said to him, “Behold the Lamb of God,” Andrew followed Jesus. However he did more than walk behind him. He had questions that would allow him to know Jesus. He asked questions like, “Where do you dwell?””
He was saying, “I want to know you. I want to know where you are living. I want to know where you are coming from. I want more than just a passing knowledge; I really want to know you.” He spent time with Jesus and came to recognize the Jesus was the answer to all he had been seeking.
We find that Andrew is the first soul winner. After he first met Jesus he went to his brother Simon Peter and John tells us that Andrew said to him, “We have found the Messias, the Christ.” We have come to know the one we have been looking for.
When Greeks, who had come to Jerusalem to worship, heard about Jesus they encountered Philip in their search. They asked him for help saying, “Sir, we would see Jesus.” What did Philip do? Philip went and found Andrew and informed him about the men. Then Philip and Andrew went and found Jesus and told him.
In John chapter 6 Jesus looked at the multitude that followed him and realized they were hungry. He turned to Philip and asked him where they could buy bread so the people could eat? Philip’s reply shows the bewilderment I would have felt in his place, “There is no way we can come up with enough money today to feed this many!”
At this moment Andrew, the disciple who was learning Jesus, steps forward to introduce an opportunity for a miracle. We might not have the money, but here is a young boy who is willing to share his lunch of five loaves and two fishes. It isn’t much among so many nevertheless here you are.
Andrew was willing to fit the part that Jesus had for him in the kingdom of God. He wasn’’t colorful or articulate as Peter was. He wasn’t as fervent or intense in his personality as James or John. He didn’t become part of the inner circle that was seemingly so close to the Master. He never was identified as ““the one Jesus loved.”
Yet when we look at Andrew we see that Andrew recognized Jesus as his Rabbi or his teacher. He called Jesus his Messiah or Savior. Andrew, without being angry or jealous, was faithful. He was the steady one. Andrew was the soul winner. Andrew wanted to know Jesus and to point others to him as well.
The hardest part of being a disciple is coming to know Jesus. Realizing that it is not the recognition that is received or the credit that is given that is important. What is important is recognizing who your Master or Savior is. The hardest part of being a disciple is coming to the knowledge that each disciple has a part in the kingdom of God and then striving to become that part to your fullest capability.
The hardest part of being a disciple is to become and imitator of Jesus Christ and in doing so, pointing others to him. Thank you, Andrew, for being a true disciple.
I have often thought of how great it must have been to be a disciple of Jesus. I could see him everyday. I would love to have the opportunity to visit with him. To sit in the same room, or area, and just listen to him talk and share his wisdom and understanding. That would have been incredible.
I have often thought if I could have been one of the disciples of Jesus, I wouldn’t have all the problems that I have now. All I would have to do is take each problem to him and he would solve it. Life would have been glorious.
Then I realize I am a disciple of Jesus. As a disciple I can enjoy those privileges. I can take my problems to him. I have the opportunity to fellowship with him. To listen to him talk and share his wisdom. I can take my all problems and my cares to Jesus. Bringing them all to him with the knowledge, he cares.
Yet, the role of discipleship is not without its difficulties. There are no drawbacks, but there are areas that require adjustment in our lives. Our priorities will change. Sometimes even our vocations might change. Like the vocations of some of the disciples of Jesus changed. Furthermore there is a position of discipleship that can be difficult for even the most ardent of disciples.
To be a disciple simply means to be a learner. It means to follow the teachings of the teacher. When a person becomes a disciple they begin to adhere or hold fast to the teachings of the teacher. A disciple is more than just a student. The disciple actually conforms to the teaching. He in reality becomes an imitator of the teacher. In this case we are talking about being an imitator of Jesus.
In the writings of Luke we find requirements, listed by Jesus, for a disciple. Jesus speaks of a disciple hating his mother, father, sister, brother and his own life. He talks of counting the cost before you start otherwise you might not be able to finish the task. Jesus also said in order to be his disciple we had to forsake all that we have.
In the Book of John, chapter one, we are introduced to a man that was one of the first disciples of Jesus. In studying this man we find a picture of true discipleship. John the Baptist stood with two of his disciples and saw Jesus walk by. He said, “Behold the lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him speak and they followed Jesus. One of the two disciples was Andrew who was identified as Simon Peter’’s brother.
In the life of Andrew we find a picture of the most difficult part of being a disciple of Jesus. Most of us know very little about Andrew. There are only four references of him personally to show us anything of his character. Yet in those few words he shows us how to be a true disciple.
Andrew was first a disciple of John the Baptist. He was among the first to follow Jesus. Tradition says that he was the first. That might be because John doesn’t name the other disciple of John the Baptist who was with Andrew. So when we look at the twelve who became Apostles, Andrew is the one with the most seniority.
Andrew does not have a real reputation of his own. Even the first time he is introduced to us, by John, he is introduced as the brother of Simon Peter. The ironic thing is we haven’t met Simon Peter yet.
He was part of the first men’s quartet, Peter, James, John and Andrew. They were all friends. They all grew up in the same town and worked in the same vocation as fishermen. However, we find that even the children’s Sunday school song fails to mention anything about Andrew. The song just speaks of “Peter, James and John…” being in the sailboat out on the deep blue sea.
Even with his seniority Andrew is not a part of the “inner circle” with Jesus. It was Peter, James and John who were with Jesus on the Mountain. The three of them were the ones who went with Jesus into the room of Jarius’s daughter. They were the trio that went a little further with Jesus in the Garden.
When the disciples were ordained and called Apostles, the writer Mark said that Jesus changed their names giving them a new identity. Simon became known as Peter that means rock. James and John were identified as the Son’s of Thunder. Yet Andrew’s name remains the same. He kept the same identity as before.
Andrew, however, from his first introduction to us shows us what is important. Even with as limited knowledge of Andrew as we have we are witnesses of what he considered to be of great magnitude. It is obvious from the start; there is a hunger in the heart of Andrew to know the Messiah. There is an intense desire to know Jesus.
He was a disciple of John and John’s whole ministry was pointing to Jesus. As soon as John said to him, “Behold the Lamb of God,” Andrew followed Jesus. However he did more than walk behind him. He had questions that would allow him to know Jesus. He asked questions like, “Where do you dwell?””
He was saying, “I want to know you. I want to know where you are living. I want to know where you are coming from. I want more than just a passing knowledge; I really want to know you.” He spent time with Jesus and came to recognize the Jesus was the answer to all he had been seeking.
We find that Andrew is the first soul winner. After he first met Jesus he went to his brother Simon Peter and John tells us that Andrew said to him, “We have found the Messias, the Christ.” We have come to know the one we have been looking for.
When Greeks, who had come to Jerusalem to worship, heard about Jesus they encountered Philip in their search. They asked him for help saying, “Sir, we would see Jesus.” What did Philip do? Philip went and found Andrew and informed him about the men. Then Philip and Andrew went and found Jesus and told him.
In John chapter 6 Jesus looked at the multitude that followed him and realized they were hungry. He turned to Philip and asked him where they could buy bread so the people could eat? Philip’s reply shows the bewilderment I would have felt in his place, “There is no way we can come up with enough money today to feed this many!”
At this moment Andrew, the disciple who was learning Jesus, steps forward to introduce an opportunity for a miracle. We might not have the money, but here is a young boy who is willing to share his lunch of five loaves and two fishes. It isn’t much among so many nevertheless here you are.
Andrew was willing to fit the part that Jesus had for him in the kingdom of God. He wasn’’t colorful or articulate as Peter was. He wasn’t as fervent or intense in his personality as James or John. He didn’t become part of the inner circle that was seemingly so close to the Master. He never was identified as ““the one Jesus loved.”
Yet when we look at Andrew we see that Andrew recognized Jesus as his Rabbi or his teacher. He called Jesus his Messiah or Savior. Andrew, without being angry or jealous, was faithful. He was the steady one. Andrew was the soul winner. Andrew wanted to know Jesus and to point others to him as well.
The hardest part of being a disciple is coming to know Jesus. Realizing that it is not the recognition that is received or the credit that is given that is important. What is important is recognizing who your Master or Savior is. The hardest part of being a disciple is coming to the knowledge that each disciple has a part in the kingdom of God and then striving to become that part to your fullest capability.
The hardest part of being a disciple is to become and imitator of Jesus Christ and in doing so, pointing others to him. Thank you, Andrew, for being a true disciple.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
And I Am Gone!
Do you struggle with keeping things in focus? I am not talking about being able to see well, I am talking about being able to concentrate on something until it is complete. I have often called the lack of focus “being distracted by shiny objects.”
Many times we start a project and before very long we have forgotten all about it. We walk away and become involved in something else that has caught our attention. I have had this happen to me often. I will start to do some research and come across something of interest that catches my attention and I am gone! I have started to do some cleaning or straightening and come across something that catches my attention and I am gone!
I have also found this to be true in my walk with God. I will be in the midst of a spiritual battle when things ease up and something else catches my attention and I am gone. I have purposed I will put forth extra effort to accomplish some spiritual objectives, I make some head way and then something else catches my attention and I am gone.
God knows human nature! When Israel was getting ready to go into, Canaan Moses was giving them directives from God about how to conquer the land and to live there. One of the things he was adamant about was the conquering of their enemies. In Deuteronomy twenty God instructs them to conquer the nations they would be living close too. When they conquered other nations, they were to kill the men and make servants of the women and children. However, when they conquered those nations that God had given them for an inheritance they were to completely destroy everything that had breath! The reason for this was so the enemy could no be an influence on them for evil.
Many times in our battles we get a small victory and walk away thinking it is all over. Later we find ourselves fighting this same battle again and again. Why? Because we fail to completely destroy the enemy that lives among us. God has given us the victory, He has delivered the enemy into our hands but we fail to completely destroy it. We give it opportunity to once again influence our lives toward sin.
Let me encourage you to be a victor! Let us completely destroy those things that we are battling against so that we don’t have to fight them again another day.
It’s just a thought! God Bless . . .
Many times we start a project and before very long we have forgotten all about it. We walk away and become involved in something else that has caught our attention. I have had this happen to me often. I will start to do some research and come across something of interest that catches my attention and I am gone! I have started to do some cleaning or straightening and come across something that catches my attention and I am gone!
I have also found this to be true in my walk with God. I will be in the midst of a spiritual battle when things ease up and something else catches my attention and I am gone. I have purposed I will put forth extra effort to accomplish some spiritual objectives, I make some head way and then something else catches my attention and I am gone.
God knows human nature! When Israel was getting ready to go into, Canaan Moses was giving them directives from God about how to conquer the land and to live there. One of the things he was adamant about was the conquering of their enemies. In Deuteronomy twenty God instructs them to conquer the nations they would be living close too. When they conquered other nations, they were to kill the men and make servants of the women and children. However, when they conquered those nations that God had given them for an inheritance they were to completely destroy everything that had breath! The reason for this was so the enemy could no be an influence on them for evil.
Many times in our battles we get a small victory and walk away thinking it is all over. Later we find ourselves fighting this same battle again and again. Why? Because we fail to completely destroy the enemy that lives among us. God has given us the victory, He has delivered the enemy into our hands but we fail to completely destroy it. We give it opportunity to once again influence our lives toward sin.
Let me encourage you to be a victor! Let us completely destroy those things that we are battling against so that we don’t have to fight them again another day.
It’s just a thought! God Bless . . .
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
I Didn't Like What She Said!
Have you ever been told something that you didn’t want to hear? Have you ever been told something that just irritated the “life” out of you? Maybe you have even been told something that just plain made you mad! It doesn’t matter if it is true or not, it makes you mad! It doesn’t matter if you need to hear it or not, it still has got you upset! It doesn’t even make a difference if it is going to improve your life, you just don’t want to hear it. Have you ever been there? I have! I’ve been there, done that and bought the tee-shirt.
I was called into my supervisors office, several months back, and handed a handful of papers. They were the paper work for a Department of Transportation physical examination that was being required of all of the drivers where I work. So, with a heart full of dread, I went to see the company’s doctor for the physical examination.
I have to be really honest, I don’t like doctors and make it a practice to stay as far away from them as I possibly can. I have only seen a doctor on two different occasions in my life because I was sick and those two occasions were 39 years apart. The only other times has been work related or because of an injury. I have been very blessed to have never spent the night in a hospital as a patient. I was not taking any medication and only took some allergy medicine when I absolutely had to. So even though I hadn’t been feeling really good, for a while, I did not want to see the doctor.
They poked me, then they prodded me and all of the other things that make you feel uncomfortable. After doing all of that the nurse left me sitting in a room for the longest time, all by myself! Finally the door opens and into the room walks a person, whom I assumed was the doctor, with a frown on her face. My first thought was, “Oh no! I am really about to hear it!”
For the next five minutes or more this doctors proceeded to tell me, in no uncertain terms, how bad my health was. She wasn’t nice! She wasn’t gentle! She didn’t seem to care if I liked what she had to say or not! She didn’t even seem to care if I liked her, she just laid it out for me to hear. She then sent me on my way with a warning I had better take care of some things if I wanted to live a while longer and to be honest I was wondering if I would live long enough to get to the car.
Now I don’t know if this has ever happened to you or not, but it did happen to me. My reaction to what she said and how she said it was simple, I got mad! I looked at the paper work I had been given to take back to my supervisor and she wasn’t nice in what she had written. Didn’t she know someone might read this? I did not like what she said about me at all. I became even more angry! My feelings were hurt! I was embarrassed! Actually I even felt humiliated! How dare she talk to me like that and to write those awful things about me?!
After a while I began to think of what she said and all of the things that she had warned me about. Realizing I hadn’t felt good for a while it started to sink in that she was right and I should pay attention. I brushed my feelings off my sleeve and pumped up my resolve! I went to work as instructed and three months later walked into her office for a second examination. This time when I walked to the door she put her hand on my shoulder and said I had done a good job getting everything in line and headed in the right direction. A funny thing is, when I walked out I was thinking to myself what a nice doctor she was. I appreciated the fact that she had gotten my attention a few weeks earlier.
The difference between the first time and the second time was simply, I was doing right. Many times I have felt the same way spiritually. I have heard the preacher preach a message and felt anger, resentment, embarrassment and humiliation over what has been said. I have thought they could have been a little nicer. They could have used a bit more tact! I am sure you get the picture.
Israel was in a serious situation. They had turned away from God and began to worship idol gods. Because of their sin God, allowed the Midianites to overwhelm them. They would come from the desert in swarms and take all of Israel’s crops, herds and animals and leave them with nothing. This had gone on for seven years. It was so bad for Israel the Bible tells us they were living in caves and hidden places to hide from their oppressors! Finally in desperation they began to cry out to God for deliverance. They needed a miracle in their lives.
God didn’t send them a miracle. God didn’t send them deliverance. God sent them a prophet with a word from God telling them what they needed to change in their lives. He wasn’t nice! He wasn’t politically correct! He didn’t worry about their hurt feelings or insecurities! He just told them the truth, what they needed to hear! In our time of oppression and desperation God doesn’t always send a miracle or deliverance. Sometimes God sends us a “Word” to tell us what we need to change in our lives.
We have become a generation that lives on the defensive. If I want to do it, what does it matter to you? Be careful how you speak to me about my wrongs, failures, weaknesses or sins because I might get hurt. Don’t judge me! Don’t be critical of what I am doing or my lifestyle. Please don’t make a suggestion that I need to change! The cry of this generation is tolerance! That is as long as it is applied to me and what I chose to do. However, don’t expect me to be tolerant of you or what you have chosen that is different from me.
This is a generation that needs a “Prophet Nathaniel” who will stand in the face of the “status quo” in your life and say, “You are the one who has sin in your life and need to repent!” This is a generation that needs a “Prophet Elijah” who will stand up to the “powers that be” in your life and declare, “Your sin is the reason for your problem!” We each need a “John the Baptist” who will declare “repentance” is our only hope for a relationship with God!
Instead of reacting in anger and offence, what would happen if we reacted with the “spirit of David?” Maybe there is something to what, is being said and God is trying to get my attention? Maybe God has tried other avenues of approach and they have failed to awaken me so now He is being more abrupt? What if I stepped back and said, “Ow, that hurt! But I need to think about what was said and pray about it. I need to allow God to have some time to speak to my spirit.”
Many years ago I prayed a prayer that I have repeated several times. I told God I wanted to go to heaven, and I wanted to be saved, no matter what the cost. I asked God to help me to accomplish this. Now, how can I be offended when He is doing His best to answer my prayer?
No, I don’t always like what I hear and sometimes have a hard time dealing with it Yes I do wish others were as tactful and kind as I am, and I say that laughingly. However, I do believe with Paul that God’s grace is sufficient for me and that Grace will help me to overcome those discomforts and apply to my life those things that will help my relationship with God. I do believe that all things work together for my good if I am loving God and allowing God to fulfill His purpose in my life. So I guess I need to once again ask Him to help me see what it is that I am needing in my life . . . even when I don’t like what I hear.
It’s just a thought!
I was called into my supervisors office, several months back, and handed a handful of papers. They were the paper work for a Department of Transportation physical examination that was being required of all of the drivers where I work. So, with a heart full of dread, I went to see the company’s doctor for the physical examination.
I have to be really honest, I don’t like doctors and make it a practice to stay as far away from them as I possibly can. I have only seen a doctor on two different occasions in my life because I was sick and those two occasions were 39 years apart. The only other times has been work related or because of an injury. I have been very blessed to have never spent the night in a hospital as a patient. I was not taking any medication and only took some allergy medicine when I absolutely had to. So even though I hadn’t been feeling really good, for a while, I did not want to see the doctor.
They poked me, then they prodded me and all of the other things that make you feel uncomfortable. After doing all of that the nurse left me sitting in a room for the longest time, all by myself! Finally the door opens and into the room walks a person, whom I assumed was the doctor, with a frown on her face. My first thought was, “Oh no! I am really about to hear it!”
For the next five minutes or more this doctors proceeded to tell me, in no uncertain terms, how bad my health was. She wasn’t nice! She wasn’t gentle! She didn’t seem to care if I liked what she had to say or not! She didn’t even seem to care if I liked her, she just laid it out for me to hear. She then sent me on my way with a warning I had better take care of some things if I wanted to live a while longer and to be honest I was wondering if I would live long enough to get to the car.
Now I don’t know if this has ever happened to you or not, but it did happen to me. My reaction to what she said and how she said it was simple, I got mad! I looked at the paper work I had been given to take back to my supervisor and she wasn’t nice in what she had written. Didn’t she know someone might read this? I did not like what she said about me at all. I became even more angry! My feelings were hurt! I was embarrassed! Actually I even felt humiliated! How dare she talk to me like that and to write those awful things about me?!
After a while I began to think of what she said and all of the things that she had warned me about. Realizing I hadn’t felt good for a while it started to sink in that she was right and I should pay attention. I brushed my feelings off my sleeve and pumped up my resolve! I went to work as instructed and three months later walked into her office for a second examination. This time when I walked to the door she put her hand on my shoulder and said I had done a good job getting everything in line and headed in the right direction. A funny thing is, when I walked out I was thinking to myself what a nice doctor she was. I appreciated the fact that she had gotten my attention a few weeks earlier.
The difference between the first time and the second time was simply, I was doing right. Many times I have felt the same way spiritually. I have heard the preacher preach a message and felt anger, resentment, embarrassment and humiliation over what has been said. I have thought they could have been a little nicer. They could have used a bit more tact! I am sure you get the picture.
Israel was in a serious situation. They had turned away from God and began to worship idol gods. Because of their sin God, allowed the Midianites to overwhelm them. They would come from the desert in swarms and take all of Israel’s crops, herds and animals and leave them with nothing. This had gone on for seven years. It was so bad for Israel the Bible tells us they were living in caves and hidden places to hide from their oppressors! Finally in desperation they began to cry out to God for deliverance. They needed a miracle in their lives.
God didn’t send them a miracle. God didn’t send them deliverance. God sent them a prophet with a word from God telling them what they needed to change in their lives. He wasn’t nice! He wasn’t politically correct! He didn’t worry about their hurt feelings or insecurities! He just told them the truth, what they needed to hear! In our time of oppression and desperation God doesn’t always send a miracle or deliverance. Sometimes God sends us a “Word” to tell us what we need to change in our lives.
We have become a generation that lives on the defensive. If I want to do it, what does it matter to you? Be careful how you speak to me about my wrongs, failures, weaknesses or sins because I might get hurt. Don’t judge me! Don’t be critical of what I am doing or my lifestyle. Please don’t make a suggestion that I need to change! The cry of this generation is tolerance! That is as long as it is applied to me and what I chose to do. However, don’t expect me to be tolerant of you or what you have chosen that is different from me.
This is a generation that needs a “Prophet Nathaniel” who will stand in the face of the “status quo” in your life and say, “You are the one who has sin in your life and need to repent!” This is a generation that needs a “Prophet Elijah” who will stand up to the “powers that be” in your life and declare, “Your sin is the reason for your problem!” We each need a “John the Baptist” who will declare “repentance” is our only hope for a relationship with God!
Instead of reacting in anger and offence, what would happen if we reacted with the “spirit of David?” Maybe there is something to what, is being said and God is trying to get my attention? Maybe God has tried other avenues of approach and they have failed to awaken me so now He is being more abrupt? What if I stepped back and said, “Ow, that hurt! But I need to think about what was said and pray about it. I need to allow God to have some time to speak to my spirit.”
Many years ago I prayed a prayer that I have repeated several times. I told God I wanted to go to heaven, and I wanted to be saved, no matter what the cost. I asked God to help me to accomplish this. Now, how can I be offended when He is doing His best to answer my prayer?
No, I don’t always like what I hear and sometimes have a hard time dealing with it Yes I do wish others were as tactful and kind as I am, and I say that laughingly. However, I do believe with Paul that God’s grace is sufficient for me and that Grace will help me to overcome those discomforts and apply to my life those things that will help my relationship with God. I do believe that all things work together for my good if I am loving God and allowing God to fulfill His purpose in my life. So I guess I need to once again ask Him to help me see what it is that I am needing in my life . . . even when I don’t like what I hear.
It’s just a thought!
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