Good Morning!
The setting is a Russian village in 1905. The main character is a milkman named Tevye’. He and his wife, Golde, have five daughters – three of whom are approaching the age where they will marry. The opening song is “Tradition” – a theme that carries through the entire play as Tevye’ struggles with the religious requirements and his young daughters’ wishes.
Tonight, Norma and I, Jim, Angie and the girls, Heather and her friend Stasha will join Grandma Leta in Hayesville to see the Licklog Players production of “Fiddler on the Roof”. Heather had the opportunity to assist in the direction of the play several years ago with her friend who she refers to as “Purple Michael”. For some strange reason, they asked me to play the role of Lazar Wolf – the butcher. In doing so, I learned a lot about the play – and some things about life.
Teyve’ lives life by tradition. In his mind, traditions cement the small society he lives in – and changes to tradition are a threat. Unfortunately, his daughters don’t see life in such strict ways. His oldest daughter, Tzeitel, is matched to the butcher, Lazar Wolf – who is much older than she is. But Tzeitel wants to marry Model, an aspiring tailor. Tradition says the father chooses the daughter’s mate – and Tevye’ has already agreed to the marriage of Lazar and Tzeitel. The dilemma is not just does he go back on his word – but does he also break with tradition and allow Tzeitel to choose her spouse.
His second daughter falls in love with a rebel. Again, Tevye’ faces the problem of allowing his daughter to choose who she wishes to marry – and move away from the tight knit family unit. Again, Tevye’ breaks tradition.
The third test of his reliance on tradition comes when Chava, his third daughter, falls in love with a non-Jew. Tevye’ cannot allow this breach of tradition and, when Chava runs off and marries, he treats her as being dead … until … all the families in the town are required to move because the Russian government elects to expel all Jews … those who don’t meet THEIR tradition. At the very end – as Tevye’ is packing the cart to move, Chava comes to wish her family farewell. At first Tevye’ ignores her presence – but at the very end, he wishes her well – breaking the final tradition.
So what did I learn? Jesus fought the traditions of the Pharisees all of His earthly existence. Many of the traditions were just interpretations of the Law that had been adopted as being “right” – even though God never placed such a restriction on life. People were trapped by these traditions – little things like how many steps one could take on a Sabbath and it not be counted as work. The traditions – not God – became the focal point of “worship”. No wonder God – speaking through Isaiah – said He was tired of the meaningless acts called worship. He desires nothing more than a pure heart and a sincere commitment to Him. That’s all.
As a believer in Jesus Christ, I must guard against making my worship of God become “doing church”. We would never think of our relationship with our spouse as a chore – “doing wife” so to speak. While our lives might have routines, we wouldn’t want our relationship be limited to a couple of hours a week – as required – with time off for vacation in summer. Our love of Christ is not a tradition! It is a part of the fabric of who we are – and it is fresh each day. Like today.
Well, Mr. Jim is headed up to “no computer” land tomorrow – so there won’t be a post until Monday. Have a safe weekend. Know that I love you.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Shared Praises:
Ellen Brewer has a new blogspot for instruments for the world. Check it out at http://instrumentsfortheworld.blogspot.com/
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Kenya
Good Morning!
A promise is a promise….
Jim and I had a few minutes last Saturday to talk about the mission to Kenya. This year’s trip had a couple of challenges for Jim. First, there was a culture problem that had entangled some of the Kenyan pastors. Breaking away from traditions isn’t easy – and even more so in a culture where a practice is prevalent. Jim told me that this problem actually worked itself out pretty easily – I am going to state that the prayers of people everywhere on this had an impact. Just can’t beat that prayer … can you?
The other issue that Jim faces in Kenya is the five orphanages that are supported. The desire is to make these orphanages self supporting – being able to grow enough food to feed themselves and to provide funds for their needs. Last year Jim sent me a document that outlined the needs of each orphanage – and the need is significant. We just cannot imagine the conditions these precious children endure every day. And helping these orphanages become self supporting is the right way to go. But sometimes the message gets lost in the translation. Jim shared that one of the directors got in his mind that he wanted to build another dormitory with the funding – Jim had to communicate that the funds were for buying land to grow food to feed the kids. I can understand the director’s point of view – there are so many children who have been orphaned because of the AIDs epidemic. But Jim is right – and I am not saying that because he is my son. The old adage “give the man a fish and he will eat for a day – teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime” fits this situation. God has given the orphans a place to stay – and now they need food to eat, clothes to wear, and mats to sleep on.
By the way, if you care to help, you can contact First Baptist – Helen Georgia about how to give a donation – or perhaps even participate in a mission adventure.
Mark 10:13-15 (Contemporary English Version)
Jesus Blesses Little Children
(Matthew 19.13-15; Luke 18.15-17)
13Some people brought their children to Jesus so that he could bless them by placing his hands on them. But his disciples told the people to stop bothering him.
14When Jesus saw this, he became angry and said, "Let the children come to me! Don't try to stop them. People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God. [a] 15I promise you that you cannot get into God's kingdom, unless you accept it the way a child does."
Footnotes:
a. Mark 10:14 People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God: Or "The kingdom of God belongs to people who are like these little children."
Jesus loves children. He loves their innocence – the way they just take for granted that what He says is true – no further answers needed. Sometimes when I find myself doubting, I realize that I am relying on my intellect (very dangerous) rather than just believing God. And that is when I remember the admonition: “I promise you that you cannot get into God’s kingdom, unless you accept it the way a child does.” Salvation isn’t tough – it is simple: just trust God. And that makes for a good day…
Agape’
Mr. Jim
A promise is a promise….
Jim and I had a few minutes last Saturday to talk about the mission to Kenya. This year’s trip had a couple of challenges for Jim. First, there was a culture problem that had entangled some of the Kenyan pastors. Breaking away from traditions isn’t easy – and even more so in a culture where a practice is prevalent. Jim told me that this problem actually worked itself out pretty easily – I am going to state that the prayers of people everywhere on this had an impact. Just can’t beat that prayer … can you?
The other issue that Jim faces in Kenya is the five orphanages that are supported. The desire is to make these orphanages self supporting – being able to grow enough food to feed themselves and to provide funds for their needs. Last year Jim sent me a document that outlined the needs of each orphanage – and the need is significant. We just cannot imagine the conditions these precious children endure every day. And helping these orphanages become self supporting is the right way to go. But sometimes the message gets lost in the translation. Jim shared that one of the directors got in his mind that he wanted to build another dormitory with the funding – Jim had to communicate that the funds were for buying land to grow food to feed the kids. I can understand the director’s point of view – there are so many children who have been orphaned because of the AIDs epidemic. But Jim is right – and I am not saying that because he is my son. The old adage “give the man a fish and he will eat for a day – teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime” fits this situation. God has given the orphans a place to stay – and now they need food to eat, clothes to wear, and mats to sleep on.
By the way, if you care to help, you can contact First Baptist – Helen Georgia about how to give a donation – or perhaps even participate in a mission adventure.
Mark 10:13-15 (Contemporary English Version)
Jesus Blesses Little Children
(Matthew 19.13-15; Luke 18.15-17)
13Some people brought their children to Jesus so that he could bless them by placing his hands on them. But his disciples told the people to stop bothering him.
14When Jesus saw this, he became angry and said, "Let the children come to me! Don't try to stop them. People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God. [a] 15I promise you that you cannot get into God's kingdom, unless you accept it the way a child does."
Footnotes:
a. Mark 10:14 People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God: Or "The kingdom of God belongs to people who are like these little children."
Jesus loves children. He loves their innocence – the way they just take for granted that what He says is true – no further answers needed. Sometimes when I find myself doubting, I realize that I am relying on my intellect (very dangerous) rather than just believing God. And that is when I remember the admonition: “I promise you that you cannot get into God’s kingdom, unless you accept it the way a child does.” Salvation isn’t tough – it is simple: just trust God. And that makes for a good day…
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
A Bad Year
Good Morning!
2 Corinthians 12:1-10 (English Standard Version)
Paul’s Visions and His Thorn
1I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. 6Though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,[a] a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Footnotes:
a. 2 Corinthians 12:7 Or hears from me, even because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited
“Drinking of the wine – the wine – the wine; drinking of the wine; O my Lord. I could have been there ten thousand days, drinking of the wine, the wine, the wine.”
A little inside passage for my son Jim and daughter Heather. When they were teens, the South Metro Baptist Association would have an annual gathering in March called “M” night. One year we had a dear preacher who spoke to us using the Scripture passage above and the recitation to grab our interest. As he spoke, his emphasis on the recitation grew increasingly emphatic until at the end, each phrase was almost shouted. He was talking about Paul and the trials Paul went through as a believer. A great sermon that I remember even thirty years later.
As I mentioned yesterday, I heard another great sermon. Now the preacher didn’t hit on this Scripture but as I was driving along Monday, my mind went to the thorn in Paul’s flesh. What drove me there was what the preacher shared about himself Sunday. He talked about his 2009. His first memory of 2009 was when he and his wife discovered that the baby they were expecting had died in vitro. A good friend of mine’s daughter had the same misfortune just a few weeks ago and I wept for them. But to make matters worse for this preacher – he and his wife were getting ready to move from Virginia to Georgia – and had gone by to tell her parents good bye. Her step father called the grandkids over to get a hug – and dropped dead of a heart attack. Then later in the year, the preacher was guest preaching at a church in Charlotte North Carolina. While waiting for the service to begin, his wife miscarried. You might say he had a bad year. Or, one might wonder where God was in all of this man’s life.
We don’t understand why tragedy strikes good people – but it does. I have a friend who served God faithfully as a missionary and has been unemployed for over two years. Another friend – also a former missionary – is looking for work even today. My friend whose daughter lost a child also lost a child many years ago. We sat in his office, listening to the Selah song about their loss, both of us with tears in our eyes, hurting for people we don’t even know but understanding the pain of loss. And we wonder….
Paul says “Three times I PLEADED with the Lord about this – that it should leave me.” I know about that, Paul, because I too have asked God the same. And Paul says that God told him – “My grace is sufficient for you – my power is made perfect in weakness.”
No – it doesn’t stop the hurt. The tears still flow. The sleepless hours still come. We are human – and living through adversity: weaknesses, hardships, persecutions, and calamites – is still tough. But when we place our faith and trust in Christ Jesus, our Lord – and lean on His powerful shoulders, we can know true strength. And get through another day – another week – another month – another year. God bless you and keep you all today. In Jesus’ name.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
2 Corinthians 12:1-10 (English Standard Version)
Paul’s Visions and His Thorn
1I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. 6Though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,[a] a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Footnotes:
a. 2 Corinthians 12:7 Or hears from me, even because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited
“Drinking of the wine – the wine – the wine; drinking of the wine; O my Lord. I could have been there ten thousand days, drinking of the wine, the wine, the wine.”
A little inside passage for my son Jim and daughter Heather. When they were teens, the South Metro Baptist Association would have an annual gathering in March called “M” night. One year we had a dear preacher who spoke to us using the Scripture passage above and the recitation to grab our interest. As he spoke, his emphasis on the recitation grew increasingly emphatic until at the end, each phrase was almost shouted. He was talking about Paul and the trials Paul went through as a believer. A great sermon that I remember even thirty years later.
As I mentioned yesterday, I heard another great sermon. Now the preacher didn’t hit on this Scripture but as I was driving along Monday, my mind went to the thorn in Paul’s flesh. What drove me there was what the preacher shared about himself Sunday. He talked about his 2009. His first memory of 2009 was when he and his wife discovered that the baby they were expecting had died in vitro. A good friend of mine’s daughter had the same misfortune just a few weeks ago and I wept for them. But to make matters worse for this preacher – he and his wife were getting ready to move from Virginia to Georgia – and had gone by to tell her parents good bye. Her step father called the grandkids over to get a hug – and dropped dead of a heart attack. Then later in the year, the preacher was guest preaching at a church in Charlotte North Carolina. While waiting for the service to begin, his wife miscarried. You might say he had a bad year. Or, one might wonder where God was in all of this man’s life.
We don’t understand why tragedy strikes good people – but it does. I have a friend who served God faithfully as a missionary and has been unemployed for over two years. Another friend – also a former missionary – is looking for work even today. My friend whose daughter lost a child also lost a child many years ago. We sat in his office, listening to the Selah song about their loss, both of us with tears in our eyes, hurting for people we don’t even know but understanding the pain of loss. And we wonder….
Paul says “Three times I PLEADED with the Lord about this – that it should leave me.” I know about that, Paul, because I too have asked God the same. And Paul says that God told him – “My grace is sufficient for you – my power is made perfect in weakness.”
No – it doesn’t stop the hurt. The tears still flow. The sleepless hours still come. We are human – and living through adversity: weaknesses, hardships, persecutions, and calamites – is still tough. But when we place our faith and trust in Christ Jesus, our Lord – and lean on His powerful shoulders, we can know true strength. And get through another day – another week – another month – another year. God bless you and keep you all today. In Jesus’ name.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Monday, July 26, 2010
Special....
Good Morning!
Hebrews 12:1-2 (English Standard Version)
Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Miss N and I went to First Baptist – Helen GA yesterday. My oldest son, Jim, is an Associate Pastor there and has just returned from Kenya via Myrtle Beach… (he gets home from Kenya on Monday, July 12th, and heads to Myrtle Beach with the Youth on July 17th for a week). So Sunday was the first time Miss N and I had gotten to see him since he got back.
They had a guest preacher there – a fellow who is the Director of Admissions at Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland GA. He preached on the scripture above – and it was a great sermon. One quick point from the sermon: what or who was the joy that Jesus endured the cross for? The answer, my friends, is you and me. Jesus didn’t endure the cross for the glory – He already had all glory and laid it aside for us. Think about that for a moment. Jesus put aside His glory for you and for me. Jesus endured the shame of the cross for you and for me. Jesus endured Hell for an eternity (don’t ask me how – remember, He is an infinite God and I have only a finite mind) for you and for me. And He considers us His joy.
I remember when each of my children was born. I can tell you the day of the week and the hour of the day. The reason is that I consider each of my children to be a joy for me and for Miss N. And, no, they aren’t perfect – but neither is their Dad. They are, though, a precious gift given by God. And they bring me much joy.
You are Christ’s joy. What a great thought for this Monday morning – and for each morning.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Hebrews 12:1-2 (English Standard Version)
Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Miss N and I went to First Baptist – Helen GA yesterday. My oldest son, Jim, is an Associate Pastor there and has just returned from Kenya via Myrtle Beach… (he gets home from Kenya on Monday, July 12th, and heads to Myrtle Beach with the Youth on July 17th for a week). So Sunday was the first time Miss N and I had gotten to see him since he got back.
They had a guest preacher there – a fellow who is the Director of Admissions at Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland GA. He preached on the scripture above – and it was a great sermon. One quick point from the sermon: what or who was the joy that Jesus endured the cross for? The answer, my friends, is you and me. Jesus didn’t endure the cross for the glory – He already had all glory and laid it aside for us. Think about that for a moment. Jesus put aside His glory for you and for me. Jesus endured the shame of the cross for you and for me. Jesus endured Hell for an eternity (don’t ask me how – remember, He is an infinite God and I have only a finite mind) for you and for me. And He considers us His joy.
I remember when each of my children was born. I can tell you the day of the week and the hour of the day. The reason is that I consider each of my children to be a joy for me and for Miss N. And, no, they aren’t perfect – but neither is their Dad. They are, though, a precious gift given by God. And they bring me much joy.
You are Christ’s joy. What a great thought for this Monday morning – and for each morning.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Friday, July 23, 2010
Weekend
07/23/2010
Good Morning!
A boy was watching his father, a pastor, write a sermon.
"How do you know what to say?" he asked.
"Why, God tells me."
"Oh, then why do you keep crossing things out?"
I have a couple of readers of the Good Morning who are preachers and will appreciate the above. But isn’t there a little seed of truth in the joke? God tells us (over and over again – it seems) what His will is for our lives – but we seem to have a breakdown in communication. As the wise man once said: “God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason – we should spend twice our time listening and half our time talking.”
Well, we come to the weekend. It has been a good week for me and Miss N – at least I think it has been. Wednesday morning we both went out to the Wee Links and walked around the course. I was hitting a little white ball – she was taking pictures. But it was a joy to be out with my sweetheart – sweating on the course.
Proverbs 5:18-19 (Contemporary English Version)
18Be happy with the wife
you married
when you were young.
19She is beautiful and graceful,
just like a deer;
you should be attracted to her
and stay deeply in love.
I am truly a blessed by God with the wife He gave to me forty-four years ago. We have had and continue to have a very loving, caring relationship. What a joy to be able to write these words. I hope for each of you that you will find a similar relationship.
The weekend is upon us. Miss N and I hope to make a side trip to Helen this Sunday and see some red-headed grandchildren. It seems like months have passed since we saw them. I also hope to catch up with Travelin’ Jim and find out about the Kenya mission so I can share that with you next week.
Have a great weekend in the Lord.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Good Morning!
A boy was watching his father, a pastor, write a sermon.
"How do you know what to say?" he asked.
"Why, God tells me."
"Oh, then why do you keep crossing things out?"
I have a couple of readers of the Good Morning who are preachers and will appreciate the above. But isn’t there a little seed of truth in the joke? God tells us (over and over again – it seems) what His will is for our lives – but we seem to have a breakdown in communication. As the wise man once said: “God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason – we should spend twice our time listening and half our time talking.”
Well, we come to the weekend. It has been a good week for me and Miss N – at least I think it has been. Wednesday morning we both went out to the Wee Links and walked around the course. I was hitting a little white ball – she was taking pictures. But it was a joy to be out with my sweetheart – sweating on the course.
Proverbs 5:18-19 (Contemporary English Version)
18Be happy with the wife
you married
when you were young.
19She is beautiful and graceful,
just like a deer;
you should be attracted to her
and stay deeply in love.
I am truly a blessed by God with the wife He gave to me forty-four years ago. We have had and continue to have a very loving, caring relationship. What a joy to be able to write these words. I hope for each of you that you will find a similar relationship.
The weekend is upon us. Miss N and I hope to make a side trip to Helen this Sunday and see some red-headed grandchildren. It seems like months have passed since we saw them. I also hope to catch up with Travelin’ Jim and find out about the Kenya mission so I can share that with you next week.
Have a great weekend in the Lord.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Lord Is My Shepherd
Good Morning!
Psalm 23 (English Standard Version)
The LORD Is My Shepherd
A Psalm of David.
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.[a]
3He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness[b]
for his name’s sake.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,[c]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6Surely[d] goodness and mercy[e] shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell[f] in the house of the LORD
forever.[g]
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 23:2 Hebrew beside waters of rest
b. Psalm 23:3 Or in right paths
c. Psalm 23:4 Or the valley of deep darkness
d. Psalm 23:6 Or Only
e. Psalm 23:6 Or steadfast love
f. Psalm 23:6 Or shall return to dwell
g. Psalm 23:6 Hebrew for length of days
Dr. Louie D. Newton lived next door to Grandma Ward. Who was Dr. Louie D. Newton, you might ask? Louie Newton was a Baptist preacher in Atlanta from 1929 through 1968 at Druid Hills Baptist Church. And he was what we would refer to today as a “mover and shaker” in that he had the ear of the leadership of Atlanta. For most of those years, the main leader was William B. Hartsfield, who was mayor of Atlanta from 1937 through 1960. He was followed by Ivan Allen Jr.
As I said, Dr. Newton lived next door to Grandma Ward. And he used a portion of Grandma’s pasture to feed the sheep he kept. Originally he had a cow and the sheep – but the cow died and soon there was only sheep – and chickens and guinea hens. And, yes, this was just outside the city limits of Atlanta – in what was once considered the wealthy part of town. Actually, when Granddaddy Ward was living, they had a cow and a horse in their backyard. The neighbor on the other side of Grandma – the Roans – hated the sight of the barn so they planted bamboo – that ultimately grew into Grandma’s yard. We used it for building materials.
Dr. Newton was truly a shepherd of the people of Druid Hills Baptist church. The average stay at a Baptist church for a preacher is currently about eighteen months – Dr. Newton lasted forty years and then remained as Pastor Emeritus until he died in the late 1980s. He was a kindly man who loved to garden and to write. He actually wrote a devotional entitled “Good Morning”.
The Lord is my shepherd - a shepherd is responsible for the safety and well being of the flock. David points out that our protector and provider is the Lord. And because our shepherd is the Lord, we will not be in want.
How does our Lord protect us and provide for us?
(1) He makes us lie down in green pastures – we have sufficient and more for our needs
(2) He leads us beside still waters – sheep are skittish around brooks that babble – they much prefer the still waters to drink from
(3) He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness. We could split these two – but they are similar in that His leadership in righteousness is what restores us.
(4) He accompanies us through the valley of the shadow of death – through our toughest times, He is there to protect us and to comfort us.
(5) He prepares a table for us and anoints us. He treats us as honored guests in His presence when we should be honoring Him.
And because of all this, we can join with David in saying – surely, goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Psalm 23 (English Standard Version)
The LORD Is My Shepherd
A Psalm of David.
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.[a]
3He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness[b]
for his name’s sake.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,[c]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6Surely[d] goodness and mercy[e] shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell[f] in the house of the LORD
forever.[g]
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 23:2 Hebrew beside waters of rest
b. Psalm 23:3 Or in right paths
c. Psalm 23:4 Or the valley of deep darkness
d. Psalm 23:6 Or Only
e. Psalm 23:6 Or steadfast love
f. Psalm 23:6 Or shall return to dwell
g. Psalm 23:6 Hebrew for length of days
Dr. Louie D. Newton lived next door to Grandma Ward. Who was Dr. Louie D. Newton, you might ask? Louie Newton was a Baptist preacher in Atlanta from 1929 through 1968 at Druid Hills Baptist Church. And he was what we would refer to today as a “mover and shaker” in that he had the ear of the leadership of Atlanta. For most of those years, the main leader was William B. Hartsfield, who was mayor of Atlanta from 1937 through 1960. He was followed by Ivan Allen Jr.
As I said, Dr. Newton lived next door to Grandma Ward. And he used a portion of Grandma’s pasture to feed the sheep he kept. Originally he had a cow and the sheep – but the cow died and soon there was only sheep – and chickens and guinea hens. And, yes, this was just outside the city limits of Atlanta – in what was once considered the wealthy part of town. Actually, when Granddaddy Ward was living, they had a cow and a horse in their backyard. The neighbor on the other side of Grandma – the Roans – hated the sight of the barn so they planted bamboo – that ultimately grew into Grandma’s yard. We used it for building materials.
Dr. Newton was truly a shepherd of the people of Druid Hills Baptist church. The average stay at a Baptist church for a preacher is currently about eighteen months – Dr. Newton lasted forty years and then remained as Pastor Emeritus until he died in the late 1980s. He was a kindly man who loved to garden and to write. He actually wrote a devotional entitled “Good Morning”.
The Lord is my shepherd - a shepherd is responsible for the safety and well being of the flock. David points out that our protector and provider is the Lord. And because our shepherd is the Lord, we will not be in want.
How does our Lord protect us and provide for us?
(1) He makes us lie down in green pastures – we have sufficient and more for our needs
(2) He leads us beside still waters – sheep are skittish around brooks that babble – they much prefer the still waters to drink from
(3) He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness. We could split these two – but they are similar in that His leadership in righteousness is what restores us.
(4) He accompanies us through the valley of the shadow of death – through our toughest times, He is there to protect us and to comfort us.
(5) He prepares a table for us and anoints us. He treats us as honored guests in His presence when we should be honoring Him.
And because of all this, we can join with David in saying – surely, goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Sharing the Joy
Good Morning!
1 John 1 (New Century Version)
Love One Another
1 We write you now about what has always existed, which we have heard, we have seen with our own eyes, we have looked at, and we have touched with our hands. We write to you about the Word[a] that gives life. 2 He who gives life was shown to us. We saw him and can give proof about it. And now we announce to you that he has life that continues forever. He was with God the Father and was shown to us.3 We announce to you what we have seen and heard, because we want you also to have fellowship with us. Our fellowship is with God the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to you so we may be full of joy.[b]
God Forgives Our Sins
5 Here is the message we have heard from Christ and now announce to you: God is light,[c] and in him there is no darkness at all. 6 So if we say we have fellowship with God, but we continue living in darkness, we are liars and do not follow the truth.7 But if we live in the light, as God is in the light, we can share fellowship with each other. Then the blood of Jesus, God's Son, cleanses us from every sin.
8 If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9 But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done.10 If we say we have not sinned, we make God a liar, and we do not accept God's teaching.
Footnotes:
a.1 John 1:1 Word The Greek word is "logos," meaning any kind of communication. Here, it means Christ, who was the way God told people about himself.
b.1 John 1:4 so . . . joy Some Greek copies read "so you may be full of joy."
c.1 John 1:5 light Here, it is used as a symbol of God's goodness or truth.
John, the beloved disciple, opens his letter with a simple testimony of his experience with the Lord, Jesus. John was a simple fisherman – not a learned (as in learn ED) scholar. He was just a simple man going about his daily task of fishing. John was also a follower of another John – that would be John the Baptizer. John was there when Jesus asked John the Baptist to immerse Him in the water. John, the disciple, was there when the Spirit descended upon Jesus. John heard – and followed – the simple command – “Come, follow Me”. So when John the disciple speaks (or writes, in this instance), it is worth our while to pay attention.
John speaks of his motive for writing in verse 3: “we want you to also have fellowship.” And in verse 4 he says why: “so we may be full of joy”. We want to include you – so we can have joy. I read a blog the other day that talked about feeling estranged in a church full of people. I can see how that can happen. We get caught up with all the busy work and sometimes forget to turn to see someone who is being left out. John wanted people to be included because it would lead to joy.
So what is the message? God is light. He illuminates our life. Now with illumination comes declaration. We can see all the nooks and crannies – the cracks and crevices that hold on to the last vestiges of sin. The closer we get to the light, the more we see of ourselves – and the more disgusted we feel. But look at the promise – God is faithful to forgive and to cleanse us.
I like reading 1st John. It is an easy read but chock full of Truth for me to hang onto on this good day in the Lord.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
1 John 1 (New Century Version)
Love One Another
1 We write you now about what has always existed, which we have heard, we have seen with our own eyes, we have looked at, and we have touched with our hands. We write to you about the Word[a] that gives life. 2 He who gives life was shown to us. We saw him and can give proof about it. And now we announce to you that he has life that continues forever. He was with God the Father and was shown to us.3 We announce to you what we have seen and heard, because we want you also to have fellowship with us. Our fellowship is with God the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to you so we may be full of joy.[b]
God Forgives Our Sins
5 Here is the message we have heard from Christ and now announce to you: God is light,[c] and in him there is no darkness at all. 6 So if we say we have fellowship with God, but we continue living in darkness, we are liars and do not follow the truth.7 But if we live in the light, as God is in the light, we can share fellowship with each other. Then the blood of Jesus, God's Son, cleanses us from every sin.
8 If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9 But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done.10 If we say we have not sinned, we make God a liar, and we do not accept God's teaching.
Footnotes:
a.1 John 1:1 Word The Greek word is "logos," meaning any kind of communication. Here, it means Christ, who was the way God told people about himself.
b.1 John 1:4 so . . . joy Some Greek copies read "so you may be full of joy."
c.1 John 1:5 light Here, it is used as a symbol of God's goodness or truth.
John, the beloved disciple, opens his letter with a simple testimony of his experience with the Lord, Jesus. John was a simple fisherman – not a learned (as in learn ED) scholar. He was just a simple man going about his daily task of fishing. John was also a follower of another John – that would be John the Baptizer. John was there when Jesus asked John the Baptist to immerse Him in the water. John, the disciple, was there when the Spirit descended upon Jesus. John heard – and followed – the simple command – “Come, follow Me”. So when John the disciple speaks (or writes, in this instance), it is worth our while to pay attention.
John speaks of his motive for writing in verse 3: “we want you to also have fellowship.” And in verse 4 he says why: “so we may be full of joy”. We want to include you – so we can have joy. I read a blog the other day that talked about feeling estranged in a church full of people. I can see how that can happen. We get caught up with all the busy work and sometimes forget to turn to see someone who is being left out. John wanted people to be included because it would lead to joy.
So what is the message? God is light. He illuminates our life. Now with illumination comes declaration. We can see all the nooks and crannies – the cracks and crevices that hold on to the last vestiges of sin. The closer we get to the light, the more we see of ourselves – and the more disgusted we feel. But look at the promise – God is faithful to forgive and to cleanse us.
I like reading 1st John. It is an easy read but chock full of Truth for me to hang onto on this good day in the Lord.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
God's Bountiful Provision
Good Morning!
Another long Psalm to start your day (sigh…)
Psalm 37 (English Standard Version)
He Will Not Forsake His Saints
[a] Of David.
1 Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!
2For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.
Do you ever find yourself being envious of those people you know are doing wrong but seem to get all the “good stuff”? Come on now – it’s hard not to see folks “thrive” while we struggle to survive. It is only human nature to do so. But God cautions us to not worry about them or to be envious for their reward is so temporary.
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.[b]
4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.
Why should we trust in the Lord when we have so little (by comparison)? Perhaps we are comparing the wrong things. Earthly junk (and that what it ultimately becomes) doesn’t last. Heavenly treasures are for eternity. Our Father in Heaven has promised us that He will take care of us – don’t we believe Him? If we will just enjoy His presence in our lives, we will receive the best things.
7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices!
8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
9 For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.
10In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.
11But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.
Waiting on God is tough – especially when those who do evil seem to enjoy the spotlight and convince others that being evil is the “right thing to do”. But don’t be discouraged – God has His timetable and will take care of the situation. Remember that “trust” thing…
12The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him,
13but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.
14The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose way is upright;
15their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
16 Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked.
17For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.
Grab ahold (an old Southern term) of that verse 16. What we have may seem to be so small but it is better than the abundance that the wicked have – for theirs is an abundance of woe.
18The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever;
19they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance.
20But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish—like smoke they vanish away.
21The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives;
22for those blessed by the LORD[c] shall inherit the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off.
These verses remind me of our current economic “miseries”. To be certain, many of you have been negatively impacted by the failing economy – but take courage – God will provide. I know this because I have been through the fire before and KNOW that he is faithful.
23The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way;
24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.
25I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.
26He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.
27 Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever.
28For the LORD loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.
29The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever.
More promises from God for this Good Morning!!! I have known a bunch of believers in my lifespan and I know that the faithful always seem to have what they need to survive. I know some of you who have been through tough times can testify that provision seems to always come at the right time in the right way.
30The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.
31 The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.
32The wicked watches for the righteous and seeks to put him to death.
33The LORD will not abandon him to his power or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial.
34 Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off.
35 I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree.[d]
36But he passed away,[e] and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found.
37Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.
38But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
39 The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
40The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 37:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each stanza beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet
b. Psalm 37:3 Or and feed on faithfulness, or and find safe pasture
c. Psalm 37:22 Hebrew by him
d. Psalm 37:35 The identity of this tree is uncertain
e. Psalm 37:36 Or But one passed by
And so it is on this good day! God bless each of you.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Another long Psalm to start your day (sigh…)
Psalm 37 (English Standard Version)
He Will Not Forsake His Saints
[a] Of David.
1 Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!
2For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.
Do you ever find yourself being envious of those people you know are doing wrong but seem to get all the “good stuff”? Come on now – it’s hard not to see folks “thrive” while we struggle to survive. It is only human nature to do so. But God cautions us to not worry about them or to be envious for their reward is so temporary.
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.[b]
4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.
Why should we trust in the Lord when we have so little (by comparison)? Perhaps we are comparing the wrong things. Earthly junk (and that what it ultimately becomes) doesn’t last. Heavenly treasures are for eternity. Our Father in Heaven has promised us that He will take care of us – don’t we believe Him? If we will just enjoy His presence in our lives, we will receive the best things.
7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices!
8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
9 For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.
10In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.
11But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.
Waiting on God is tough – especially when those who do evil seem to enjoy the spotlight and convince others that being evil is the “right thing to do”. But don’t be discouraged – God has His timetable and will take care of the situation. Remember that “trust” thing…
12The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him,
13but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.
14The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose way is upright;
15their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
16 Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked.
17For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.
Grab ahold (an old Southern term) of that verse 16. What we have may seem to be so small but it is better than the abundance that the wicked have – for theirs is an abundance of woe.
18The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever;
19they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance.
20But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish—like smoke they vanish away.
21The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives;
22for those blessed by the LORD[c] shall inherit the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off.
These verses remind me of our current economic “miseries”. To be certain, many of you have been negatively impacted by the failing economy – but take courage – God will provide. I know this because I have been through the fire before and KNOW that he is faithful.
23The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way;
24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.
25I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.
26He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.
27 Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever.
28For the LORD loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.
29The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever.
More promises from God for this Good Morning!!! I have known a bunch of believers in my lifespan and I know that the faithful always seem to have what they need to survive. I know some of you who have been through tough times can testify that provision seems to always come at the right time in the right way.
30The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.
31 The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.
32The wicked watches for the righteous and seeks to put him to death.
33The LORD will not abandon him to his power or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial.
34 Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off.
35 I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree.[d]
36But he passed away,[e] and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found.
37Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.
38But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
39 The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
40The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 37:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each stanza beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet
b. Psalm 37:3 Or and feed on faithfulness, or and find safe pasture
c. Psalm 37:22 Hebrew by him
d. Psalm 37:35 The identity of this tree is uncertain
e. Psalm 37:36 Or But one passed by
And so it is on this good day! God bless each of you.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Monday, July 19, 2010
Simple Obedience
Good Morning!
As a follow-up to Friday’s Good Morning…
Genesis 4:1-16 (English Standard Version)
Cain and Abel
1Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, "I have gotten[a] a man with the help of the LORD." 2And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. 3In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, 5but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted?[b] And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for[c] you, but you must rule over it."
8Cain spoke to Abel his brother.[d] And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. 9Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?" 10And the LORD said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground. 11And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth." 13Cain said to the LORD, "My punishment is greater than I can bear.[e] 14Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me." 15Then the LORD said to him, "Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold." And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him. 16Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod,[f] east of Eden.
Footnotes:
a. Genesis 4:1 Cain sounds like the Hebrew for gotten
b. Genesis 4:7 Hebrew will there not be a lifting up [of your face]?
c. Genesis 4:7 Or against
d. Genesis 4:8 Hebrew; Samaritan, Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate add Let us go out to the field
e. Genesis 4:13 Or My guilt is too great to bear
f. Genesis 4:16 Nod means wandering
I was thinking about the second question I posed the other day … “if I am right, what then does the person who rejects God have…”?
The crux of Christianity is the finished work of Jesus Christ at Calvary. When Jesus uttered the words “it is finished”, He was not saying that He was dying – but rather was saying that the payment was complete. The Greek term He used was a commercial term meaning “paid in full”. What was paid in full? In offering His life, Jesus made the sacrificial offering of blood for the sin debt of mankind. Contrary to popular belief, God’s requirement for the salvation of a person is that he or she place their trust in Jesus having paid his or her sin debt – not that he or she is a “good person”. Choosing not to do so is being disobedient to God – which leads us to the Scripture passage above.
Both Cain and Abel brought an offering to God. Cain brought an offering of the commodities he was working with – fruits and vegetables. Abel brought an offering of what he was engaged in doing. So why did God “regard” (accept) Abel’s offering and not Cain’s? The book of Hebrews gives us some insight in that it points out that Abel’s offering was a blood offering whereas Cain’s was not. From the very first, God had demonstrated that sin was costly – costing the life of the animals He killed to make the covering for Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. God’s actions point directly to what He knew would be required for mankind’s redemption – the blood sacrifice of Jesus the Messiah.
When Cain’s offering was rejected, Cain became very angry – and God explained to Cain what was required. Unfortunately, Cain chose to listen to himself rather than to God – and he murdered his brother. Now, there are other applications that attach to these verses but here I want you to see where we are today. God has pointed out to us the one and only way – through Jesus Christ (John 146Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.). Peter stated it thusly: Acts 412And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." But we struggle with this thought – try to add our two cents – “being good”; “giving abundantly”; and so forth. And then wonder why our offerings are not acceptable.
People who have chosen not to believe in God usually consider themselves to be “good” – but usually on terms defined by themselves. Salvation is not about being good – it is about be obedient to God in trusting in the finished work of Jesus Christ. I realize it is difficult for a person to release control of his or her destiny to God – but that is where the future ultimately lays – at the very throne of God.
Cain looked for an alternative and it led him away from God. Our role is to point folks to the one true way – Jesus Christ … and to continue to love them even if they blow us off.
Well, today is Monday – the beginning of another week God has granted for us in His service. God bless you and keep you this week.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
As a follow-up to Friday’s Good Morning…
Genesis 4:1-16 (English Standard Version)
Cain and Abel
1Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, "I have gotten[a] a man with the help of the LORD." 2And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. 3In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, 5but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted?[b] And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for[c] you, but you must rule over it."
8Cain spoke to Abel his brother.[d] And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. 9Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?" 10And the LORD said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground. 11And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth." 13Cain said to the LORD, "My punishment is greater than I can bear.[e] 14Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me." 15Then the LORD said to him, "Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold." And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him. 16Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod,[f] east of Eden.
Footnotes:
a. Genesis 4:1 Cain sounds like the Hebrew for gotten
b. Genesis 4:7 Hebrew will there not be a lifting up [of your face]?
c. Genesis 4:7 Or against
d. Genesis 4:8 Hebrew; Samaritan, Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate add Let us go out to the field
e. Genesis 4:13 Or My guilt is too great to bear
f. Genesis 4:16 Nod means wandering
I was thinking about the second question I posed the other day … “if I am right, what then does the person who rejects God have…”?
The crux of Christianity is the finished work of Jesus Christ at Calvary. When Jesus uttered the words “it is finished”, He was not saying that He was dying – but rather was saying that the payment was complete. The Greek term He used was a commercial term meaning “paid in full”. What was paid in full? In offering His life, Jesus made the sacrificial offering of blood for the sin debt of mankind. Contrary to popular belief, God’s requirement for the salvation of a person is that he or she place their trust in Jesus having paid his or her sin debt – not that he or she is a “good person”. Choosing not to do so is being disobedient to God – which leads us to the Scripture passage above.
Both Cain and Abel brought an offering to God. Cain brought an offering of the commodities he was working with – fruits and vegetables. Abel brought an offering of what he was engaged in doing. So why did God “regard” (accept) Abel’s offering and not Cain’s? The book of Hebrews gives us some insight in that it points out that Abel’s offering was a blood offering whereas Cain’s was not. From the very first, God had demonstrated that sin was costly – costing the life of the animals He killed to make the covering for Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. God’s actions point directly to what He knew would be required for mankind’s redemption – the blood sacrifice of Jesus the Messiah.
When Cain’s offering was rejected, Cain became very angry – and God explained to Cain what was required. Unfortunately, Cain chose to listen to himself rather than to God – and he murdered his brother. Now, there are other applications that attach to these verses but here I want you to see where we are today. God has pointed out to us the one and only way – through Jesus Christ (John 146Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.). Peter stated it thusly: Acts 412And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." But we struggle with this thought – try to add our two cents – “being good”; “giving abundantly”; and so forth. And then wonder why our offerings are not acceptable.
People who have chosen not to believe in God usually consider themselves to be “good” – but usually on terms defined by themselves. Salvation is not about being good – it is about be obedient to God in trusting in the finished work of Jesus Christ. I realize it is difficult for a person to release control of his or her destiny to God – but that is where the future ultimately lays – at the very throne of God.
Cain looked for an alternative and it led him away from God. Our role is to point folks to the one true way – Jesus Christ … and to continue to love them even if they blow us off.
Well, today is Monday – the beginning of another week God has granted for us in His service. God bless you and keep you this week.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Friday, July 16, 2010
Critical Questions
Good Morning:
Hebrews 1:1-4 (Contemporary English Version)
1Long ago in many ways and at many times God's prophets spoke his message to our ancestors. 2But now at last, God sent his Son to bring his message to us. God created the universe by his Son, and everything will someday belong to the Son. 3God's Son has all the brightness of God's own glory and is like him in every way. By his own mighty word, he holds the universe together.
After the Son had washed away our sins, he sat down at the right side [a] of the glorious God in heaven. 4He had become much greater than the angels, and the name he was given is far greater than any of theirs.
Footnotes:
a. Hebrews 1:3 right side: The place of honor and power
CNN ran a story Wednesday about virtual churches – where technology allows the preacher to be in more than one place at a time. The article was interesting but I wasn’t really prepared to read all the commentary that followed. Some of the comments were positive but the majority were negative to extremely negative. I loosely group the negative comments into several categories: (1) those that see the virtual church as ineffective; (2) those that see church – and clergy – as being only out for money or other things; (3) those that see Christians (and anyone else who believes in God) as being unintelligent; and (4) others.
From a personal standpoint, I agree with many who say that a virtual church lacks the personal touch that I feel is extremely important for most of the congregation. I think most of us would agree that being able to interact with the leader of a congregation is very important. I think we become “numbers” rather than a person when a congregation gets so large. I am sure there are those who have differing opinion and that’s okay.
I also can understand how many people feel that the church / clergy is out for something other than the welfare of the congregation. Many of the comments revolved around money. Some mentioned the sexual abuse that has taken place in some congregations. And we must admit that these are legitimate concerns. I don’t believe the answer is to stay away – but rather to become an active part of a congregation – and move the focus of the church to the task God has lain before us – the spreading of the Gospel message.
In thinking about the group of folks who believe that believers are unintelligent, I ask myself two critical questions:
(1) If I am wrong in believing there is a God and He has an active part in my life, when I come to the end of this earthly existence, what will I have gained and what will I have lost?
(2) If I am right and God does exist, when the scoffers come to the end of their existence on this earth, what will they have gained and what will they have lost?
The answer to question 1 is that I may have lost some income – but I will have had the joy of the friendship and love of hundreds – perhaps even thousands – of people. My life will have been fulfilled by being able to reach outside of my inner circle to folks I would never have known. And I will have been blessed all my days.
The response to the second question is quite unsettling to consider – for, while God is loving, He is also just – which means that He will apply the judgment He outlined in the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
I admit that I am not an Einstein. I tend to look at life simplistically. I certainly cannot (and will not) argue with those who reject God and His grace toward us. I believe what the writer of Hebrews penned above. Jesus washed away my sins and is sitting by the right hand (the place of honor and power) of God. And I believe that when my earthly existence is ended, I shall be with Him for eternity. And while I continue this earthly journey, I am blessed to know good people – like you – who bless my life every day.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Hebrews 1:1-4 (Contemporary English Version)
1Long ago in many ways and at many times God's prophets spoke his message to our ancestors. 2But now at last, God sent his Son to bring his message to us. God created the universe by his Son, and everything will someday belong to the Son. 3God's Son has all the brightness of God's own glory and is like him in every way. By his own mighty word, he holds the universe together.
After the Son had washed away our sins, he sat down at the right side [a] of the glorious God in heaven. 4He had become much greater than the angels, and the name he was given is far greater than any of theirs.
Footnotes:
a. Hebrews 1:3 right side: The place of honor and power
CNN ran a story Wednesday about virtual churches – where technology allows the preacher to be in more than one place at a time. The article was interesting but I wasn’t really prepared to read all the commentary that followed. Some of the comments were positive but the majority were negative to extremely negative. I loosely group the negative comments into several categories: (1) those that see the virtual church as ineffective; (2) those that see church – and clergy – as being only out for money or other things; (3) those that see Christians (and anyone else who believes in God) as being unintelligent; and (4) others.
From a personal standpoint, I agree with many who say that a virtual church lacks the personal touch that I feel is extremely important for most of the congregation. I think most of us would agree that being able to interact with the leader of a congregation is very important. I think we become “numbers” rather than a person when a congregation gets so large. I am sure there are those who have differing opinion and that’s okay.
I also can understand how many people feel that the church / clergy is out for something other than the welfare of the congregation. Many of the comments revolved around money. Some mentioned the sexual abuse that has taken place in some congregations. And we must admit that these are legitimate concerns. I don’t believe the answer is to stay away – but rather to become an active part of a congregation – and move the focus of the church to the task God has lain before us – the spreading of the Gospel message.
In thinking about the group of folks who believe that believers are unintelligent, I ask myself two critical questions:
(1) If I am wrong in believing there is a God and He has an active part in my life, when I come to the end of this earthly existence, what will I have gained and what will I have lost?
(2) If I am right and God does exist, when the scoffers come to the end of their existence on this earth, what will they have gained and what will they have lost?
The answer to question 1 is that I may have lost some income – but I will have had the joy of the friendship and love of hundreds – perhaps even thousands – of people. My life will have been fulfilled by being able to reach outside of my inner circle to folks I would never have known. And I will have been blessed all my days.
The response to the second question is quite unsettling to consider – for, while God is loving, He is also just – which means that He will apply the judgment He outlined in the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
I admit that I am not an Einstein. I tend to look at life simplistically. I certainly cannot (and will not) argue with those who reject God and His grace toward us. I believe what the writer of Hebrews penned above. Jesus washed away my sins and is sitting by the right hand (the place of honor and power) of God. And I believe that when my earthly existence is ended, I shall be with Him for eternity. And while I continue this earthly journey, I am blessed to know good people – like you – who bless my life every day.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Brothers
Good Morning!!!
Today is my brother Bruce’s 63rd birthday. In the past I have told you about how proud I am of my brother – a Vietnam veteran with 2 purple hearts; a successful insurance agent who just retired at the end of 2009. You may have read in Tuesday’s Good Morning that Bruce is now involved in raising money to build a library and a playground next to the kindergarten their unit of Marines raised in Vietnam. It makes me almost want to bust my buttons….
Speaking of brothers, Miss N and I had the joy of going to dinner with three of her four brothers and her two sisters. The occasion was her youngest brother, John, coming through Atlanta on his way back to Texas. Norma had a great time both Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon visiting with John. John and his wife, Gerri, serve the Lord in “From the Heart Ministry”. From what I can gather, they do some construction work as well as are house parents to some older folks. I remarked to Gerri that I could see a lot of Mr. Pennington in his boys. Mr. P was adept at doing so many things – and he taught his boys well. What a legacy he left behind when he went to be with the Lord!
I ran into Jeanie Gunnin at the Links yesterday. She is fully recovered from her ordeal and thanked us all for praying for her during this trying time. I am so proud of the Prayer Warriors in this group – you are so faithful which is why our list seems to continue to grow day by day.
Well, here’s a Scripture that has been on my mind for a few days:
1 Corinthians 13 (English Standard Version)
The Way of Love
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned,[a] but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;[b] 6it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
13So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Footnotes:
a. 1 Corinthians 13:3 Some manuscripts deliver up my body [to death] that I may boast
b. 1 Corinthians 13:5 Greek irritable and does not count up wrongdoing
I know you have heard this Scripture before – usually at a wedding. Love really is the focal point of the Christian lifestyle. God gave us the responsibility of loving people – not condemning them. The truth is that condemnation doesn’t come from without but from within. We condemn ourselves when we refuse the precious gift of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Those of us who have accepted Jesus as Lord should spend our energy on showing God’s love to those around us. Sometimes that does mean pointing out sin – but most of the time it just means caring about the little things that people need – a quick hug; an “I love you”; a compliment; and so on.
So our task today is to show God’s love to those around us. I betcha it makes your day!
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Today is my brother Bruce’s 63rd birthday. In the past I have told you about how proud I am of my brother – a Vietnam veteran with 2 purple hearts; a successful insurance agent who just retired at the end of 2009. You may have read in Tuesday’s Good Morning that Bruce is now involved in raising money to build a library and a playground next to the kindergarten their unit of Marines raised in Vietnam. It makes me almost want to bust my buttons….
Speaking of brothers, Miss N and I had the joy of going to dinner with three of her four brothers and her two sisters. The occasion was her youngest brother, John, coming through Atlanta on his way back to Texas. Norma had a great time both Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon visiting with John. John and his wife, Gerri, serve the Lord in “From the Heart Ministry”. From what I can gather, they do some construction work as well as are house parents to some older folks. I remarked to Gerri that I could see a lot of Mr. Pennington in his boys. Mr. P was adept at doing so many things – and he taught his boys well. What a legacy he left behind when he went to be with the Lord!
I ran into Jeanie Gunnin at the Links yesterday. She is fully recovered from her ordeal and thanked us all for praying for her during this trying time. I am so proud of the Prayer Warriors in this group – you are so faithful which is why our list seems to continue to grow day by day.
Well, here’s a Scripture that has been on my mind for a few days:
1 Corinthians 13 (English Standard Version)
The Way of Love
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned,[a] but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;[b] 6it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
13So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Footnotes:
a. 1 Corinthians 13:3 Some manuscripts deliver up my body [to death] that I may boast
b. 1 Corinthians 13:5 Greek irritable and does not count up wrongdoing
I know you have heard this Scripture before – usually at a wedding. Love really is the focal point of the Christian lifestyle. God gave us the responsibility of loving people – not condemning them. The truth is that condemnation doesn’t come from without but from within. We condemn ourselves when we refuse the precious gift of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Those of us who have accepted Jesus as Lord should spend our energy on showing God’s love to those around us. Sometimes that does mean pointing out sin – but most of the time it just means caring about the little things that people need – a quick hug; an “I love you”; a compliment; and so on.
So our task today is to show God’s love to those around us. I betcha it makes your day!
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
If MY People
Good Morning!!!
2 Chronicles 7:11-22 (English Standard Version)
If My People Pray
11 Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD and the king’s house. All that Solomon had planned to do in the house of the LORD and in his own house he successfully accomplished. 12Then the LORD appeared to Solomon in the night and said to him: "I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. 13 When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, 14if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. 16 For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. 17And as for you, if you will walk before me as David your father walked, doing according to all that I have commanded you and keeping my statutes and my rules, 18then I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father, saying, 'You shall not lack a man to rule Israel.'
19 "But if you[a] turn aside and forsake my statutes and my commandments that I have set before you, and go and serve other gods and worship them, 20 then I will pluck you[b] up from my land that I have given you, and this house that I have consecrated for my name, I will cast out of my sight, and I will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples. 21And at this house, which was exalted, everyone passing by will be astonished and say, 'Why has the LORD done thus to this land and to this house?' 22Then they will say, 'Because they abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers who brought them out of the land of Egypt and laid hold on other gods and worshiped them and served them. Therefore he has brought all this disaster on them.'"
Footnotes:
a. 2 Chronicles 7:19 The Hebrew for you is plural here
b. 2 Chronicles 7:20 Hebrew them; twice in this verse
I am not a pessimist – really, I am not. I try to take a positive view on every challenge that comes along. But sometimes …
Our Scripture today is about a joyous occasion in Israel. Solomon had at long last completed the Temple in Jerusalem – and God had inhabited it (see the first part of the chapter). So what is this Scripture all about?
God wanted Solomon to understand His rules clearly – so He comes to Solomon in the night. God knew there would come a time that Israel would begin to take His presence for granted – and would look for other gods to tweak their interest. God knew there would come a time when He would have to discipline His people – so He came to warn Solomon and to tell him what needed to happen when that time came.
Our nation is at this crossroads. Our great nation was founded by people who believed in the One True God; the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; the God of Israel. For two hundred plus years, we flourished as a nation – secure in our beliefs – open to all people. But somewhere along the line, we began to look for other gods to tweak our interest – and we have turned away from God.
Read again what God says to Solomon in verse 13. Here He point out that He alone has the authority to bring plenty or to bring want. Rain is a precious commodity in the Middle East (here, too). Insects can destroy in a day a whole year’s crop – and bring famine. God can bring the rain – or withhold it. God can bring the locust – or keep them at bay. He is God.
It would be easy just to say “woe is me” and to batten down the hatches for the coming storm. But God says to us: “…if my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways…
God says to me: (1) humble yourself. Well I think I am pretty humble. Really? Am I?
God says to me: (2) PRAY. Well I do all the time – or do I really?
God says to me: (3) seek my face. Isn’t that what I do every day – or am I just seeking something for me?
God says to me: (4) turn from your wicked ways. Wait a minute – I couldn’t be THAT wicked – could I?
I have a task set before me. I need to look carefully at me – and take appropriate action.
You see, the journey to the healing of the land begins with the people who are called by His name – not with those wicked people we like to point out as being the ones at fault. So let’s make today a day of self-examination – and look to the bright future ahead – because He said He would heal our land.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
2 Chronicles 7:11-22 (English Standard Version)
If My People Pray
11 Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD and the king’s house. All that Solomon had planned to do in the house of the LORD and in his own house he successfully accomplished. 12Then the LORD appeared to Solomon in the night and said to him: "I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. 13 When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, 14if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. 16 For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. 17And as for you, if you will walk before me as David your father walked, doing according to all that I have commanded you and keeping my statutes and my rules, 18then I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father, saying, 'You shall not lack a man to rule Israel.'
19 "But if you[a] turn aside and forsake my statutes and my commandments that I have set before you, and go and serve other gods and worship them, 20 then I will pluck you[b] up from my land that I have given you, and this house that I have consecrated for my name, I will cast out of my sight, and I will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples. 21And at this house, which was exalted, everyone passing by will be astonished and say, 'Why has the LORD done thus to this land and to this house?' 22Then they will say, 'Because they abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers who brought them out of the land of Egypt and laid hold on other gods and worshiped them and served them. Therefore he has brought all this disaster on them.'"
Footnotes:
a. 2 Chronicles 7:19 The Hebrew for you is plural here
b. 2 Chronicles 7:20 Hebrew them; twice in this verse
I am not a pessimist – really, I am not. I try to take a positive view on every challenge that comes along. But sometimes …
Our Scripture today is about a joyous occasion in Israel. Solomon had at long last completed the Temple in Jerusalem – and God had inhabited it (see the first part of the chapter). So what is this Scripture all about?
God wanted Solomon to understand His rules clearly – so He comes to Solomon in the night. God knew there would come a time that Israel would begin to take His presence for granted – and would look for other gods to tweak their interest. God knew there would come a time when He would have to discipline His people – so He came to warn Solomon and to tell him what needed to happen when that time came.
Our nation is at this crossroads. Our great nation was founded by people who believed in the One True God; the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; the God of Israel. For two hundred plus years, we flourished as a nation – secure in our beliefs – open to all people. But somewhere along the line, we began to look for other gods to tweak our interest – and we have turned away from God.
Read again what God says to Solomon in verse 13. Here He point out that He alone has the authority to bring plenty or to bring want. Rain is a precious commodity in the Middle East (here, too). Insects can destroy in a day a whole year’s crop – and bring famine. God can bring the rain – or withhold it. God can bring the locust – or keep them at bay. He is God.
It would be easy just to say “woe is me” and to batten down the hatches for the coming storm. But God says to us: “…if my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways…
God says to me: (1) humble yourself. Well I think I am pretty humble. Really? Am I?
God says to me: (2) PRAY. Well I do all the time – or do I really?
God says to me: (3) seek my face. Isn’t that what I do every day – or am I just seeking something for me?
God says to me: (4) turn from your wicked ways. Wait a minute – I couldn’t be THAT wicked – could I?
I have a task set before me. I need to look carefully at me – and take appropriate action.
You see, the journey to the healing of the land begins with the people who are called by His name – not with those wicked people we like to point out as being the ones at fault. So let’s make today a day of self-examination – and look to the bright future ahead – because He said He would heal our land.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
The Importance of Integrity
Good Morning!!!
Proverbs 19:1 (English Standard Version)
1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity
than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.
Getting ahead isn’t easy – and sometimes we are tempted to fudge a little to get an advantage – but for us poor folks (poor in finances – not in Spirit), the only real value we have is our good name. When we set aside our good name to “get ahead”, we lose and fall further behind. And there is even greater fallout if we are known as Christian believers – because our name is not the only name we bear. We bear the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord. I don’t want to sully my name – and I really don’t want to tarnish the Name of the One who gives me life. So I need to be real careful how I go about living this life. Oh, I know that I will make mistakes – integrity doesn’t mean one never makes a mistake – it means the person has the strength of character to admit to the mistake and grow from the experience.
Each day presents its new challenges that we must face. Isn’t it grand to realize that we don’t face the journey alone?
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Proverbs 19:1 (English Standard Version)
1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity
than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.
Getting ahead isn’t easy – and sometimes we are tempted to fudge a little to get an advantage – but for us poor folks (poor in finances – not in Spirit), the only real value we have is our good name. When we set aside our good name to “get ahead”, we lose and fall further behind. And there is even greater fallout if we are known as Christian believers – because our name is not the only name we bear. We bear the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord. I don’t want to sully my name – and I really don’t want to tarnish the Name of the One who gives me life. So I need to be real careful how I go about living this life. Oh, I know that I will make mistakes – integrity doesn’t mean one never makes a mistake – it means the person has the strength of character to admit to the mistake and grow from the experience.
Each day presents its new challenges that we must face. Isn’t it grand to realize that we don’t face the journey alone?
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Monday, July 12, 2010
Psalm 1
Good Morning!!!
Psalm 1 (English Standard Version)
BOOK ONE
The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked
1Blessed is the man[a]
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2but his delight is in the law[b] of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers. 4The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6for the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 1:1 The singular Hebrew word for man (ish) is used here to portray a representative example of a godly person;
b. Psalm 1:2 Or instruction
Once upon a time we could pray in school. Once upon a time we could read the Bible or have the Bible read to us in school. Once upon a time we could memorize Scripture in school. Once upon a time…
I was in the fourth grade at Fernbank Elementary School when I first learned this Psalm. My teacher was Mrs. Lyle. Her husband was a ministerial student at Candler School of Theology (I think – or perhaps it was Emory University back when it was attached to the Methodist church). The school year was 1958-59 – and God was still welcomed in our presence at school. How things have changed over the years. Sadly…they have changed.
Friday, Fox News reported that a professor at the University of Illinois was dismissed for hate speech. What kind of hate speech, you may ask? The professor taught Catholicism. A part of his curricula deals with the Catholic stand on homosexuality. Being a good Catholic, he stated to his students that he agreed with the church stand on the subject. One of the students took offense and made a complaint to the President of the University – and the teacher was dismissed. I just wonder where the American Civil Liberties Union is? Silent, I believe.
Our Psalmist points out a couple of real truths for us the grasp. The folks we hang around with influence us. You hang around with wicked people, sinners, and scoffers, you are going to end up being unblessed. If you avoid hanging with these folks, blessings are coming your way. Why? You will be blessed because your focus is on what God wants you to do – not on what man wants. Verse 2: “his delight is in the law of the Lord and on His law he meditates (thinks about it, chews on it, runs it over and over in his mind) day and night.
What happens when you focus on God’s law? You sink down deep roots – God’s ways become your ways as you draw from the freshness of His word. What a blessing. And what a promise from God!
I learned a lot in the fourth grade – but the lesson I still carry today is Psalm 1. Thank you, Mrs. Lyle. Thank you for teaching us God’s Word.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Psalm 1 (English Standard Version)
BOOK ONE
The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked
1Blessed is the man[a]
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2but his delight is in the law[b] of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers. 4The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6for the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 1:1 The singular Hebrew word for man (ish) is used here to portray a representative example of a godly person;
b. Psalm 1:2 Or instruction
Once upon a time we could pray in school. Once upon a time we could read the Bible or have the Bible read to us in school. Once upon a time we could memorize Scripture in school. Once upon a time…
I was in the fourth grade at Fernbank Elementary School when I first learned this Psalm. My teacher was Mrs. Lyle. Her husband was a ministerial student at Candler School of Theology (I think – or perhaps it was Emory University back when it was attached to the Methodist church). The school year was 1958-59 – and God was still welcomed in our presence at school. How things have changed over the years. Sadly…they have changed.
Friday, Fox News reported that a professor at the University of Illinois was dismissed for hate speech. What kind of hate speech, you may ask? The professor taught Catholicism. A part of his curricula deals with the Catholic stand on homosexuality. Being a good Catholic, he stated to his students that he agreed with the church stand on the subject. One of the students took offense and made a complaint to the President of the University – and the teacher was dismissed. I just wonder where the American Civil Liberties Union is? Silent, I believe.
Our Psalmist points out a couple of real truths for us the grasp. The folks we hang around with influence us. You hang around with wicked people, sinners, and scoffers, you are going to end up being unblessed. If you avoid hanging with these folks, blessings are coming your way. Why? You will be blessed because your focus is on what God wants you to do – not on what man wants. Verse 2: “his delight is in the law of the Lord and on His law he meditates (thinks about it, chews on it, runs it over and over in his mind) day and night.
What happens when you focus on God’s law? You sink down deep roots – God’s ways become your ways as you draw from the freshness of His word. What a blessing. And what a promise from God!
I learned a lot in the fourth grade – but the lesson I still carry today is Psalm 1. Thank you, Mrs. Lyle. Thank you for teaching us God’s Word.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Friday, July 9, 2010
This Command....
Good Morning!!!
John 13:34 (English Standard Version)
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
Every once in a while I like to remind folks what the last word in each Good Morning means. The Greek word “agape” means love.
You know, the English language just has trouble in defining the word love. But the Greek uses different words that mean love so that we can understand what is being said. For example, sometimes we say we love something that is an object – like “I love my Beemer” – an automobile. The Greek would use the word “storge” to describe the love of an object.
We could say we love someone as a friend – the Greek would use the word “phileo” to describe the love of a friend. (Think “Philadelphia”).
We could say we love our spouse meaning we have sex with them – the Greek is “eros” – think erotic.
Or, we can say we just love someone without any expectation of love in return – agape’ is the Greek word. And that is the kind of love Jesus expects us to have for each other. That is the Greek word used in this verse – love each other without having the expectation of love in return – but just because Jesus expects us to love. And guess what, love comes in return.
I admit that I struggle with loving people without expecting love in return. But God is faithful (as always) and helps me. We serve a great God who loves us unconditionally – and asks that we do the same for each other. So…
Agape’
Mr. Jim
John 13:34 (English Standard Version)
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
Every once in a while I like to remind folks what the last word in each Good Morning means. The Greek word “agape” means love.
You know, the English language just has trouble in defining the word love. But the Greek uses different words that mean love so that we can understand what is being said. For example, sometimes we say we love something that is an object – like “I love my Beemer” – an automobile. The Greek would use the word “storge” to describe the love of an object.
We could say we love someone as a friend – the Greek would use the word “phileo” to describe the love of a friend. (Think “Philadelphia”).
We could say we love our spouse meaning we have sex with them – the Greek is “eros” – think erotic.
Or, we can say we just love someone without any expectation of love in return – agape’ is the Greek word. And that is the kind of love Jesus expects us to have for each other. That is the Greek word used in this verse – love each other without having the expectation of love in return – but just because Jesus expects us to love. And guess what, love comes in return.
I admit that I struggle with loving people without expecting love in return. But God is faithful (as always) and helps me. We serve a great God who loves us unconditionally – and asks that we do the same for each other. So…
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Cool Water
Good Morning!!!
Matthew 10:40-42 (English Standard Version)
Rewards
40 "Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. 41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."
The heat has returned to Georgia again - and along with the heat came the humidity, so I knew as I prepared to go out to play yesterday that I was going to need some water. I took three bottles with me – one I had been nursing at work that was about 1/3 full, and a 16.9 oz. and a 20 oz. Staying hydrated is essential on a hot day.
I like the course I play on – but one drawback is it seems that filling the 5 gallon water buckets isn’t a priority for the field staff. I asked the check in lady at the clubhouse if she knew if and when the water was refilled. She didn’t know – thought it was in the morning. So I had an inkling that there might not be much water on the course. And sure enough, I got the last dregs of the water on hole 3 – bringing my 1/3 water bottle to about ½ full. I trudged on.
A couple of the grounds crew met up with me on the 5th green – they were there to water down the green – not the people. I inquired if they knew if there was any drinking water on the 7th tee (the next and last place on the front nine to get water). A golfer teeing off on number 8 related that the jug on 7 was bone dry. I putted out and, as I made my way to the 6th tee, I asked if either of the golfers needed water. At first they said no, but then one said he would take me up on it. My mind immediately went to verse 42 and I said to the golfer as I handed him a bottle of water “this is in Jesus’ name”. He immediately responded by asking if we could have prayer – which we did on the 6th tee. I felt refreshed.
I wish I could say that God rewarded me with a fabulous round thereafter – but my tee shot ended up behind a tree. And I thought to myself that I had already had a reward – a stranger praying over me and for me because of a “cup” of cold water.
Jesus told us to look to see the fields white unto harvest – and they are – if we are willing to gather a little grain, share a little water, and bask in the warmth (or should I say heat) of His love.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Matthew 10:40-42 (English Standard Version)
Rewards
40 "Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. 41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."
The heat has returned to Georgia again - and along with the heat came the humidity, so I knew as I prepared to go out to play yesterday that I was going to need some water. I took three bottles with me – one I had been nursing at work that was about 1/3 full, and a 16.9 oz. and a 20 oz. Staying hydrated is essential on a hot day.
I like the course I play on – but one drawback is it seems that filling the 5 gallon water buckets isn’t a priority for the field staff. I asked the check in lady at the clubhouse if she knew if and when the water was refilled. She didn’t know – thought it was in the morning. So I had an inkling that there might not be much water on the course. And sure enough, I got the last dregs of the water on hole 3 – bringing my 1/3 water bottle to about ½ full. I trudged on.
A couple of the grounds crew met up with me on the 5th green – they were there to water down the green – not the people. I inquired if they knew if there was any drinking water on the 7th tee (the next and last place on the front nine to get water). A golfer teeing off on number 8 related that the jug on 7 was bone dry. I putted out and, as I made my way to the 6th tee, I asked if either of the golfers needed water. At first they said no, but then one said he would take me up on it. My mind immediately went to verse 42 and I said to the golfer as I handed him a bottle of water “this is in Jesus’ name”. He immediately responded by asking if we could have prayer – which we did on the 6th tee. I felt refreshed.
I wish I could say that God rewarded me with a fabulous round thereafter – but my tee shot ended up behind a tree. And I thought to myself that I had already had a reward – a stranger praying over me and for me because of a “cup” of cold water.
Jesus told us to look to see the fields white unto harvest – and they are – if we are willing to gather a little grain, share a little water, and bask in the warmth (or should I say heat) of His love.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Highways and Hedges
Good Morning!!!
Luke 14:1-24 (English Standard Version)
Healing of a Man on the Sabbath
1One Sabbath, when he went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully. 2And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy. 3And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?" 4But they remained silent. Then he took him and healed him and sent him away. 5And he said to them, "Which of you, having a son[a] or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?" 6 And they could not reply to these things.
The Parable of the Wedding Feast
7Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, 8"When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, 9and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give your place to this person,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
The Parable of the Great Banquet
12He said also to the man who had invited him, "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers[b] or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. 13But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."
15When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!" 16But he said to him, "A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant[c] to say to those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' 18But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.' 19And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.' 20And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' 21So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.' 22And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.' 23And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. 24For I tell you,[d] none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.'"
Footnotes:
a. Luke 14:5 Some manuscripts a donkey
b. Luke 14:12 Or your brothers and sisters. The plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) refers to siblings in a family. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, adelphoi may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters
c. Luke 14:17 Greek bondservant; also verses 21, 22, 23
d. Luke 14:24 The Greek word for you here is plural
When I think of this passage, my memories go back to Red Oak First Baptist Church and the bus ministry that was instrumental in my returning to God. You see, I had come from a good Christian home but I was going through that rebellious stage where I didn’t think I needed God or God’s people. But a red and white bus came through the Oxford House apartment complex and my wife and five year-old and three year-old got on that bus and went to church in spite of me. Several weeks later, Miss N used her wily charms (a cast iron skillet to the cranium – just kidding) to get this old guy on that bus. Several months later, I was driving the bus – and then captaining the bus – and so on.
Richard “Scrap” Wheeler always used this passage when talking about the validity of the bus ministry. He focused on verse 23 – “Go out into the highways and hedges and compel people to come in…”. The setting is at the dinner in the house of a ruler of the Pharisees. Jesus is being scrutinized. Every word is being weighed. Every movement is being analyzed. He heals a man – on the Sabbath – in front of the Pharisees. And then asks if they would not do same. His first teaching is about pride – to the prideful. His second teaching is about reaching out to people who are obvious sinners – otherwise they wouldn’t be blind or crippled, lame or poor. But they missed the point. And so He talked about the great banquet – and the people who, though invited, refused to come for some reason or another. Each of the invited assumed they were entitled to be at the banquet – so they blew off the invitation. The man then told his servant to reach out to everybody – and to compel them to come in.
Scrap would say that the man sent buses to collect the folks – some held 48 passengers; some 60 and some even 66 passengers. Scrap would pick up over 100 in the poorest sections of East Point and College Park. He went into the housing project in College Park – where no one else would dare trod – to compel people to come. On occasion I would go with Scrap on a Saturday.
Several years ago, I knocked on the door of a person who had visited the local church I was affiliated with. I was invited in to visit with a couple named Ivory and Reginald. Reginald kept looking at me as if he remembered me from somewhere. It turned out that Reginald lived in the College Park housing project – and though he never once rode the bus, he remembered me coming through the complex, inviting people to come. I was taken aback – because I never knew that I was being observed or that it would make a difference.
There is a banquet awaiting for all who believe in Christ Jesus. It is a wedding feast – prepared for the Bride of Christ – His church. It’s going to be great. Come join in the feast.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Luke 14:1-24 (English Standard Version)
Healing of a Man on the Sabbath
1One Sabbath, when he went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully. 2And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy. 3And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?" 4But they remained silent. Then he took him and healed him and sent him away. 5And he said to them, "Which of you, having a son[a] or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?" 6 And they could not reply to these things.
The Parable of the Wedding Feast
7Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, 8"When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, 9and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give your place to this person,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
The Parable of the Great Banquet
12He said also to the man who had invited him, "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers[b] or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. 13But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."
15When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!" 16But he said to him, "A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant[c] to say to those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' 18But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.' 19And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.' 20And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' 21So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.' 22And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.' 23And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. 24For I tell you,[d] none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.'"
Footnotes:
a. Luke 14:5 Some manuscripts a donkey
b. Luke 14:12 Or your brothers and sisters. The plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) refers to siblings in a family. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, adelphoi may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters
c. Luke 14:17 Greek bondservant; also verses 21, 22, 23
d. Luke 14:24 The Greek word for you here is plural
When I think of this passage, my memories go back to Red Oak First Baptist Church and the bus ministry that was instrumental in my returning to God. You see, I had come from a good Christian home but I was going through that rebellious stage where I didn’t think I needed God or God’s people. But a red and white bus came through the Oxford House apartment complex and my wife and five year-old and three year-old got on that bus and went to church in spite of me. Several weeks later, Miss N used her wily charms (a cast iron skillet to the cranium – just kidding) to get this old guy on that bus. Several months later, I was driving the bus – and then captaining the bus – and so on.
Richard “Scrap” Wheeler always used this passage when talking about the validity of the bus ministry. He focused on verse 23 – “Go out into the highways and hedges and compel people to come in…”. The setting is at the dinner in the house of a ruler of the Pharisees. Jesus is being scrutinized. Every word is being weighed. Every movement is being analyzed. He heals a man – on the Sabbath – in front of the Pharisees. And then asks if they would not do same. His first teaching is about pride – to the prideful. His second teaching is about reaching out to people who are obvious sinners – otherwise they wouldn’t be blind or crippled, lame or poor. But they missed the point. And so He talked about the great banquet – and the people who, though invited, refused to come for some reason or another. Each of the invited assumed they were entitled to be at the banquet – so they blew off the invitation. The man then told his servant to reach out to everybody – and to compel them to come in.
Scrap would say that the man sent buses to collect the folks – some held 48 passengers; some 60 and some even 66 passengers. Scrap would pick up over 100 in the poorest sections of East Point and College Park. He went into the housing project in College Park – where no one else would dare trod – to compel people to come. On occasion I would go with Scrap on a Saturday.
Several years ago, I knocked on the door of a person who had visited the local church I was affiliated with. I was invited in to visit with a couple named Ivory and Reginald. Reginald kept looking at me as if he remembered me from somewhere. It turned out that Reginald lived in the College Park housing project – and though he never once rode the bus, he remembered me coming through the complex, inviting people to come. I was taken aback – because I never knew that I was being observed or that it would make a difference.
There is a banquet awaiting for all who believe in Christ Jesus. It is a wedding feast – prepared for the Bride of Christ – His church. It’s going to be great. Come join in the feast.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Vent
Good Morning!!!
I often wondered why God chose to include the following passage in the Scriptures we have today.
Matthew 23:1-36 (English Standard Version)
Seven Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees
1Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, 3so practice and observe whatever they tell you— but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice.
4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear,[a] and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.
5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi[b] by others. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.[c] 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
13"But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in.[d]
15Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell[e] as yourselves.
16"Woe to you, blind guides, who say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' 17You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred? 18And you say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.' 19You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it. 22And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.
23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. 24You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!
25 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.
27 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. 28So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
29 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, 30saying, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' 31Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. 33You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell? 34 Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town, 35so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of innocent Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah,[f] whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. 36Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.
Footnotes:
a. Matthew 23:4 Some manuscripts omit hard to bear
b. Matthew 23:7 Rabbi means my teacher, or my master; also verse 8
c. Matthew 23:8 Or brothers and sisters
d. Matthew 23:13 Some manuscripts add here (or after verse 12) verse 14: Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive the greater condemnation
e. Matthew 23:15 Greek Gehenna; also verse 33
f. Matthew 23:35 Some manuscripts omit the son of Barachiah
Norma and I headed down to Fred and Daisy Hottensen’s to fish yesterday morning. Norma shared with me a story from one of her Facebook friends. And it made my blood boil!!! So, please indulge me this morning while I vent - - and thank you for being a sounding board for me.
Norma’s friend visited a church Sunday. During the service, the preacher got up and asked a deacon to remove an individual because he was inappropriately dressed. According to Norma’s friend, the problem was that he had long hair and was wearing biker attire (jeans, T-shirt, leather vest, boots). How dare he enter the house of the “Lord” dressed that way!
Norma’s friend left immediately – and happened to catch up with the poorly dressed individual. It seems he had been drinking and suddenly realized he needed to get his life right. So he came to church – dressed just as he was. And he was shown the door – escorted out for not being appropriately dressed!
In my opinion, that man tried to visit the house of the Lord but ended up in a graveyard disguised as a church. You see the passage above is include in our Scriptures because God wants us to understand how easy it is to get caught up in a legalistic religion as opposed to a godly life. The Pharisees were “godly people” – at least they thought so – and they made sure that every one knew it. They took the Torah, added a bunch of traditions and practices and proclaimed themselves holy. They also rejected anyone who didn’t go along with them. They “escorted them out”, so to speak.
Now I am not saying you should show up at church in shorts and a golf shirt – but what I am saying is that I believe God is much more interested in your heart condition than in your attire. The biker had / has a need – he is caught up in a lifestyle that he wants to escape. And he came to a place where he thought he could find help – only to be turned away because he wasn’t dressed appropriately.
I believe with all my heart that the church (I am talking about all called out Christians) is charged with the responsibility to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And the Gospel isn’t about length of hair, style of clothing or what you come to church on or in. The simple Gospel is this: God loves you so much that He took on the form of man (Jesus); lived a perfect life so that He could offer Himself as a blood sacrifice for the Sin of humanity. Having completed that task, He offers to you and to me eternal life if we trust in this completed work. That is it – simple, straight-forward. No strings attached. No hoops to jump through.
God makes this offer to you and to me just as we are. There is nothing we can do to deserve this precious gift. All we must do is believe God and trust in the finished work of the cross. And that’s the message we should be giving to the world. What message did that biker receive Sunday?
Well, thank you for listening. I know it might not be the best devotion you read this morning – and I apologize. God is still on His throne and He can make a way for that biker to hear the truth and get help. He can also change that church. I am praying in that direction. Won’t you join me?
Agape’
Mr. Jim
I often wondered why God chose to include the following passage in the Scriptures we have today.
Matthew 23:1-36 (English Standard Version)
Seven Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees
1Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, 3so practice and observe whatever they tell you— but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice.
4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear,[a] and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.
5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi[b] by others. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.[c] 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
13"But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in.[d]
15Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell[e] as yourselves.
16"Woe to you, blind guides, who say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' 17You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred? 18And you say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.' 19You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it. 22And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.
23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. 24You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!
25 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.
27 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. 28So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
29 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, 30saying, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' 31Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. 33You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell? 34 Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town, 35so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of innocent Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah,[f] whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. 36Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.
Footnotes:
a. Matthew 23:4 Some manuscripts omit hard to bear
b. Matthew 23:7 Rabbi means my teacher, or my master; also verse 8
c. Matthew 23:8 Or brothers and sisters
d. Matthew 23:13 Some manuscripts add here (or after verse 12) verse 14: Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive the greater condemnation
e. Matthew 23:15 Greek Gehenna; also verse 33
f. Matthew 23:35 Some manuscripts omit the son of Barachiah
Norma and I headed down to Fred and Daisy Hottensen’s to fish yesterday morning. Norma shared with me a story from one of her Facebook friends. And it made my blood boil!!! So, please indulge me this morning while I vent - - and thank you for being a sounding board for me.
Norma’s friend visited a church Sunday. During the service, the preacher got up and asked a deacon to remove an individual because he was inappropriately dressed. According to Norma’s friend, the problem was that he had long hair and was wearing biker attire (jeans, T-shirt, leather vest, boots). How dare he enter the house of the “Lord” dressed that way!
Norma’s friend left immediately – and happened to catch up with the poorly dressed individual. It seems he had been drinking and suddenly realized he needed to get his life right. So he came to church – dressed just as he was. And he was shown the door – escorted out for not being appropriately dressed!
In my opinion, that man tried to visit the house of the Lord but ended up in a graveyard disguised as a church. You see the passage above is include in our Scriptures because God wants us to understand how easy it is to get caught up in a legalistic religion as opposed to a godly life. The Pharisees were “godly people” – at least they thought so – and they made sure that every one knew it. They took the Torah, added a bunch of traditions and practices and proclaimed themselves holy. They also rejected anyone who didn’t go along with them. They “escorted them out”, so to speak.
Now I am not saying you should show up at church in shorts and a golf shirt – but what I am saying is that I believe God is much more interested in your heart condition than in your attire. The biker had / has a need – he is caught up in a lifestyle that he wants to escape. And he came to a place where he thought he could find help – only to be turned away because he wasn’t dressed appropriately.
I believe with all my heart that the church (I am talking about all called out Christians) is charged with the responsibility to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And the Gospel isn’t about length of hair, style of clothing or what you come to church on or in. The simple Gospel is this: God loves you so much that He took on the form of man (Jesus); lived a perfect life so that He could offer Himself as a blood sacrifice for the Sin of humanity. Having completed that task, He offers to you and to me eternal life if we trust in this completed work. That is it – simple, straight-forward. No strings attached. No hoops to jump through.
God makes this offer to you and to me just as we are. There is nothing we can do to deserve this precious gift. All we must do is believe God and trust in the finished work of the cross. And that’s the message we should be giving to the world. What message did that biker receive Sunday?
Well, thank you for listening. I know it might not be the best devotion you read this morning – and I apologize. God is still on His throne and He can make a way for that biker to hear the truth and get help. He can also change that church. I am praying in that direction. Won’t you join me?
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Monday, July 5, 2010
Rest
Good Morning!!!
Matthew 11:27-30 (English Standard Version)
27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
As usual, I don’t know why the words “and I will give you rest” have been playing in my mind – but they have and so I thought I would share these thought with you.
As I read the passage above, the first idea that pops into my head is who is in control. Jesus tells you and me that He has been given “all things” by His Father. Run that around in your mind for a moment – all … things. You know that problem you have been wrestling with at work or at school or at home – it falls under the category of “ALL THINGS”. And that problem has been handed over to Jesus by His Father – God. Have you asked Jesus to help you out? Have you listened to His answer? Have you picked it back up after handing it over?
The second thought that comes to me is that Jesus has chosen to reveal Himself to us. Think about the phrase: “no one knows the Son except the Father and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone who the Son chooses to reveal Him.” Remember, Jesus also told us that He and the Father are One! So He has revealed Himself to us that we might know Him. Again, we can find comfort in that knowledge – for unless we know whom we serve, we cannot know how to serve Him.
The third thought that runs through this vast cavity called my brain is Jesus is calling us to come to Him. We are invited. And who does He call? He calls those who labor and are heavy laden – hey, I fit that bill. Sometimes it seems the world is on my shoulders – and what does He promise – REST. Think about that word – rest. When we feel so tired – He gives us rest.
Last thought – He calls upon us to join in the task with Him. The picture I get with the word “yoke” is that which is used to tie two animals (usually oxen) to plow the ground. And we are in the plowing and planting business as Christians – and Jesus holds the reins. But His promise is that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. And I have no reason to doubt that.
Rest – what a great concept for a good morning.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Matthew 11:27-30 (English Standard Version)
27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
As usual, I don’t know why the words “and I will give you rest” have been playing in my mind – but they have and so I thought I would share these thought with you.
As I read the passage above, the first idea that pops into my head is who is in control. Jesus tells you and me that He has been given “all things” by His Father. Run that around in your mind for a moment – all … things. You know that problem you have been wrestling with at work or at school or at home – it falls under the category of “ALL THINGS”. And that problem has been handed over to Jesus by His Father – God. Have you asked Jesus to help you out? Have you listened to His answer? Have you picked it back up after handing it over?
The second thought that comes to me is that Jesus has chosen to reveal Himself to us. Think about the phrase: “no one knows the Son except the Father and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone who the Son chooses to reveal Him.” Remember, Jesus also told us that He and the Father are One! So He has revealed Himself to us that we might know Him. Again, we can find comfort in that knowledge – for unless we know whom we serve, we cannot know how to serve Him.
The third thought that runs through this vast cavity called my brain is Jesus is calling us to come to Him. We are invited. And who does He call? He calls those who labor and are heavy laden – hey, I fit that bill. Sometimes it seems the world is on my shoulders – and what does He promise – REST. Think about that word – rest. When we feel so tired – He gives us rest.
Last thought – He calls upon us to join in the task with Him. The picture I get with the word “yoke” is that which is used to tie two animals (usually oxen) to plow the ground. And we are in the plowing and planting business as Christians – and Jesus holds the reins. But His promise is that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. And I have no reason to doubt that.
Rest – what a great concept for a good morning.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Friday, July 2, 2010
Do The Right Thing
Good Morning!!!
Several years ago, my Mother (Grandma Leta) gave a picture album to me. In it are pictures of my relatives from years ago – for example, pictures of my Grandfather Ward and his brothers as boys, taken around 1884 in Lincolnton Georgia. There is a copy of one of my Mother and Father at their wedding. And there is a picture of Grandma Leta, Aunt Jane and Aunt Bette as youngsters (in the 1930s). Grandma Ward and Granddaddy Ward are in that particular picture – and it isn’t one of my favorites because Grandma Ward looks stern, if not mad. I much prefer the later pictures when the cares of the world had softened and she was more at peace.
You know, I still recall Grandma Ward’s voice – even though she has been gone for more than thirty years. I can still hear her telling me – almost pleading with me to “do the right thing”. Doing the right thing was very important to Grandma Ward. Actually, doing the right thing is important to me, too. You see, Grandma could read me like a well worn novel. She knew that I would try to wiggle my way out of a mess rather than face up to the consequences of my actions. So she reminded me that doing the right thing was the right way to go. And it mostly stuck.
One of my favorite passages of Scripture comes from when God is frustrated with His people. He recognizes they are just going through the motions of honoring Him – and it angers Him. But He loves His people. Here is the Scripture for your consideration:
Isaiah 1:1-20 (English Standard Version)
Isaiah 1
1The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
The Wickedness of Judah
2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the LORD has spoken:
"Children[a] have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me.
3The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s crib, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand."
4Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the LORD, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged.
5Why will you still be struck down? Why will you continue to rebel?
The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. 6 From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but bruises and sores and raw wounds; they are not pressed out or bound up or softened with oil.
7 Your country lies desolate; your cities are burned with fire; in your very presence foreigners devour your land; it is desolate, as overthrown by foreigners.8And the daughter of Zion is left like a booth in a vineyard, like a lodge in a cucumber field, like a besieged city.
9 If the LORD of hosts had not left us a few survivors, we should have been like Sodom, and become like Gomorrah.
10Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom!
Give ear to the teaching[b] of our God, you people of Gomorrah!
11 "What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the LORD; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats.
12"When you come to appear before me, who has required of you this trampling of my courts?
13Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations—
I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly.14Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.15When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.
16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 17learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.
18"Come now, let us reason[c] together, says the LORD:though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 20but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
Footnotes:
a. Isaiah 1:2 Or Sons; also verse 4
b. Isaiah 1:10 Or law
c. Isaiah 1:18 Or dispute
In other words … do the right thing.
Sunday we celebrate the signing of the document that declared our independence from British rule. Our nation was founded by men who believed in God and in striving to do the right thing. In the two hundred thirty-four years that have passed, we have made many mistakes – but we continue to try to do the right thing as a nation. Let us pray that our nation will once again begin to rely upon our Lord for its direction. To do otherwise will lead to our demise.
Have a good and safe holiday weekend. God bless and protect you. And God bless our United States of America.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Several years ago, my Mother (Grandma Leta) gave a picture album to me. In it are pictures of my relatives from years ago – for example, pictures of my Grandfather Ward and his brothers as boys, taken around 1884 in Lincolnton Georgia. There is a copy of one of my Mother and Father at their wedding. And there is a picture of Grandma Leta, Aunt Jane and Aunt Bette as youngsters (in the 1930s). Grandma Ward and Granddaddy Ward are in that particular picture – and it isn’t one of my favorites because Grandma Ward looks stern, if not mad. I much prefer the later pictures when the cares of the world had softened and she was more at peace.
You know, I still recall Grandma Ward’s voice – even though she has been gone for more than thirty years. I can still hear her telling me – almost pleading with me to “do the right thing”. Doing the right thing was very important to Grandma Ward. Actually, doing the right thing is important to me, too. You see, Grandma could read me like a well worn novel. She knew that I would try to wiggle my way out of a mess rather than face up to the consequences of my actions. So she reminded me that doing the right thing was the right way to go. And it mostly stuck.
One of my favorite passages of Scripture comes from when God is frustrated with His people. He recognizes they are just going through the motions of honoring Him – and it angers Him. But He loves His people. Here is the Scripture for your consideration:
Isaiah 1:1-20 (English Standard Version)
Isaiah 1
1The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
The Wickedness of Judah
2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the LORD has spoken:
"Children[a] have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me.
3The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s crib, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand."
4Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the LORD, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged.
5Why will you still be struck down? Why will you continue to rebel?
The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. 6 From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but bruises and sores and raw wounds; they are not pressed out or bound up or softened with oil.
7 Your country lies desolate; your cities are burned with fire; in your very presence foreigners devour your land; it is desolate, as overthrown by foreigners.8And the daughter of Zion is left like a booth in a vineyard, like a lodge in a cucumber field, like a besieged city.
9 If the LORD of hosts had not left us a few survivors, we should have been like Sodom, and become like Gomorrah.
10Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom!
Give ear to the teaching[b] of our God, you people of Gomorrah!
11 "What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the LORD; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats.
12"When you come to appear before me, who has required of you this trampling of my courts?
13Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations—
I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly.14Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.15When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.
16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 17learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.
18"Come now, let us reason[c] together, says the LORD:though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 20but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
Footnotes:
a. Isaiah 1:2 Or Sons; also verse 4
b. Isaiah 1:10 Or law
c. Isaiah 1:18 Or dispute
In other words … do the right thing.
Sunday we celebrate the signing of the document that declared our independence from British rule. Our nation was founded by men who believed in God and in striving to do the right thing. In the two hundred thirty-four years that have passed, we have made many mistakes – but we continue to try to do the right thing as a nation. Let us pray that our nation will once again begin to rely upon our Lord for its direction. To do otherwise will lead to our demise.
Have a good and safe holiday weekend. God bless and protect you. And God bless our United States of America.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Thursday, July 1, 2010
How About A Praise!
Good Morning!!!
Psalm 150 (English Standard Version)
Let Everything Praise the LORD
1 Praise the LORD!Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens![a]
2Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!
3Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
4Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
5Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 150:1 Hebrew expanse (compare Genesis 1:6-8)
I made a faux pas yesterday morning. Right after I hit send, I realized that I had made a statement that was, in a short word, dumb. The comment was that God was a “God of God”. My mind intended “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” but my fingers typed “God of God”. Since I believe that God is the one and ONLY God, the statement was dumb. And I apologize for not catching it. You can check out my blog posting and see that I corrected myself.
I guess if one types enough (and either too late in the evening or too early in the morning), mistakes will be made. It is like I shared with Marquee’s dad, Joel, on the wedding day – “everything is going to be fine … and if not, those are called ‘memories’.” And that’s true. If everything goes off without a hitch, the comments are limited to “it was beautiful”. But throw in a gaffe or two and the event becomes really memorable.
Our Psalm today just tells us to praise God. And why not! Think about all the great things He has done for you. Better yet, think of all the simple, everyday things He continually does for you. Like – how do you enjoy the air you breathe? God created the air with just the right mix of oxygen and carbon dioxide so that you and I can inhale and exhale – and feel good. Or what about the water we have to drink. Oh, yeah, I know man has messed it up – but God created it. I can attest that nothing tastes better on a hot day than a cool drink of water. Simple things that we tend to take for granted – God created and we benefit. Even if all God gave to us were those two things, we would have to praise Him for those because we cannot live without them.
So today, Praise the Lord! And keep on doing it!!!
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Psalm 150 (English Standard Version)
Let Everything Praise the LORD
1 Praise the LORD!Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens![a]
2Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!
3Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
4Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
5Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 150:1 Hebrew expanse (compare Genesis 1:6-8)
I made a faux pas yesterday morning. Right after I hit send, I realized that I had made a statement that was, in a short word, dumb. The comment was that God was a “God of God”. My mind intended “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” but my fingers typed “God of God”. Since I believe that God is the one and ONLY God, the statement was dumb. And I apologize for not catching it. You can check out my blog posting and see that I corrected myself.
I guess if one types enough (and either too late in the evening or too early in the morning), mistakes will be made. It is like I shared with Marquee’s dad, Joel, on the wedding day – “everything is going to be fine … and if not, those are called ‘memories’.” And that’s true. If everything goes off without a hitch, the comments are limited to “it was beautiful”. But throw in a gaffe or two and the event becomes really memorable.
Our Psalm today just tells us to praise God. And why not! Think about all the great things He has done for you. Better yet, think of all the simple, everyday things He continually does for you. Like – how do you enjoy the air you breathe? God created the air with just the right mix of oxygen and carbon dioxide so that you and I can inhale and exhale – and feel good. Or what about the water we have to drink. Oh, yeah, I know man has messed it up – but God created it. I can attest that nothing tastes better on a hot day than a cool drink of water. Simple things that we tend to take for granted – God created and we benefit. Even if all God gave to us were those two things, we would have to praise Him for those because we cannot live without them.
So today, Praise the Lord! And keep on doing it!!!
Agape’
Mr. Jim
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