Good Morning!
Can you believe it? One quarter of 2011 is in the books! It seems like just a few days ago we were celebrating Christmas and the New Year. How time flies.
We are continuing our study in 1st Corinthians tonight … hopefully finishing Chapter 3 and getting through all of Chapter 4. These four chapters have been devoted to Paul’s first “complaint” regarding the church at Corinth. It was a divided church – arguing over whose gospel was most correct. The result was a church that was hindered by its own divisiveness. I wonder how many churches today would fit into the Corinthian category.
Paul’s instruction to the church was to focus on the message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. There is no greater message ever given to mankind than that of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the ONLY way for man to be justified with God. What does that mean? Well, you and I can do a whole lot of good things … but we can never do enough to justify the rebellious nature that lives within us. Cain tried to do it … offering the “best” that he had … but they were not acceptable to God. Cain’s fruit and vegetable offering wasn’t acceptable because it was not a blood sacrifice. Abel’s sacrifice was a blood sacrifice so it was acceptable. Likewise, our good works are “bloodless” … only the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ is acceptable to God.
Are there legitimate disagreements that need to be addressed within a church body? Of course there are … but the primary focus of any gathering of believers is to fulfill God’s Commission. Sometimes that gets lost in the fray. An even greater commandment is that we love each other. You know, this life is tough … and even more tough if we don’t have loved ones. You and I are brothers and sisters in Christ … and we should love each other even if we don’t always agree.
You know, there are many things happening in this world today that could point to the coming of our Lord. If Jesus comes tomorrow, I hope He catches me sharing the gospel to someone who needs Him. Or, if not, I hope He finds a loving spirit being exhibited by me towards my fellow man.
Okay … so let’s get this last day of the first quarter of 2011 in the books.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Testimony
Good Morning!
I finally got around to checking my Facebook messages yesterday and found out that one of the Stewart clan is attempting to get a reunion started. As I read through the comments from several of what were youngsters at the time, good memories flooded my soul.
Testimony time:
I grew up a Presbyterian. I was very much less than devout. I was more OUT and devout. Norma and I had moved from the north side of Atlanta to College Park in 1971. One Saturday a red and white church bus drove through the apartment complex we were living in. They gave Jim and Heather each a piece of bubble gum and invited them and Miss N to ride the bus the next day to church. I didn’t go … I needed my sleep.
Several weeks later, Miss N prodded me into getting on that bus and going to Sunday school and Church at a Baptist church!!! I sat silently through that first Sunday school session and through the subsequent Church service. The next night, the Sunday school teacher showed up at my house. I was polite … but not interested. But I rode the bus the next week … and the week after … and so on. The next thing I knew, I was driving the bus. And I was enjoying the Sunday school and worship. The Bible that I had just given a cursory look before seemed to contain more of what I needed.
Somewhere along the line, the Holy Spirit was gently knocking on the door of my heart … preparing me to accept Jesus as Lord as well as Savior. And on December 3, 1971 … soon to be forty years … I made that commitment. I haven’t been able to shut up since … as many of you already know.
There is just something special about Jesus Christ that changes lives. It changed mine. And I know it will change yours.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
I finally got around to checking my Facebook messages yesterday and found out that one of the Stewart clan is attempting to get a reunion started. As I read through the comments from several of what were youngsters at the time, good memories flooded my soul.
Testimony time:
I grew up a Presbyterian. I was very much less than devout. I was more OUT and devout. Norma and I had moved from the north side of Atlanta to College Park in 1971. One Saturday a red and white church bus drove through the apartment complex we were living in. They gave Jim and Heather each a piece of bubble gum and invited them and Miss N to ride the bus the next day to church. I didn’t go … I needed my sleep.
Several weeks later, Miss N prodded me into getting on that bus and going to Sunday school and Church at a Baptist church!!! I sat silently through that first Sunday school session and through the subsequent Church service. The next night, the Sunday school teacher showed up at my house. I was polite … but not interested. But I rode the bus the next week … and the week after … and so on. The next thing I knew, I was driving the bus. And I was enjoying the Sunday school and worship. The Bible that I had just given a cursory look before seemed to contain more of what I needed.
Somewhere along the line, the Holy Spirit was gently knocking on the door of my heart … preparing me to accept Jesus as Lord as well as Savior. And on December 3, 1971 … soon to be forty years … I made that commitment. I haven’t been able to shut up since … as many of you already know.
There is just something special about Jesus Christ that changes lives. It changed mine. And I know it will change yours.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Suffering
Good Morning!
We have been running through Romans in our Sunday night Bible study. I say we are running because we are covering three and four chapters in a big gulp … and some of the verses need a little more time. But regardless of speed I find all the study to be exciting. Here is just one passage we studied Sunday night:
Romans 5 (New International Version, ©2011)
Peace and Hope
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
One must remember that Paul was a Jew … and remained a Jew all of his life. He was also a Pharisee … and remained a Pharisee all of his life. We have a tendency to see Pharisees as being wicked … and Jesus did warn us against the mindset of the Pharisee. However, not all Pharisees were bad. Nicodemus was a Pharisee. So was Joseph of Arimethia who provided the tomb for Jesus. Pharisees were devout people … which may explain why they were so upset with the teachings of Jesus. You see, they had placed all their hope of being justified with God in their ability to keep the Law. But Paul came to realize keeping the Law wasn’t what justified mankind – it was faith in Jesus Christ.
Two “churchy” words are here: justification and reconciliation. Now here are definitions of these two words:
In a nutshell, because God has pardoned us through our belief in Christ, we are now at peace with Him. And this all came because Christ died for us … even as we were still in the throes of sin.
The key verses I want to focus on today, though, are verses 3 – 5:
3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Paul recognizes that the Christian life is not going to be one of ease … no – being a Christian probably is going to result in suffering. But the suffering we go through will build us up because it ultimately leads to hope. And sometimes hope is all we can cling to in times of suffering.
So, knowing this, that we are justified in Christ and reconciled with God, we can have hope in Him for our future.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
We have been running through Romans in our Sunday night Bible study. I say we are running because we are covering three and four chapters in a big gulp … and some of the verses need a little more time. But regardless of speed I find all the study to be exciting. Here is just one passage we studied Sunday night:
Romans 5 (New International Version, ©2011)
Peace and Hope
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
One must remember that Paul was a Jew … and remained a Jew all of his life. He was also a Pharisee … and remained a Pharisee all of his life. We have a tendency to see Pharisees as being wicked … and Jesus did warn us against the mindset of the Pharisee. However, not all Pharisees were bad. Nicodemus was a Pharisee. So was Joseph of Arimethia who provided the tomb for Jesus. Pharisees were devout people … which may explain why they were so upset with the teachings of Jesus. You see, they had placed all their hope of being justified with God in their ability to keep the Law. But Paul came to realize keeping the Law wasn’t what justified mankind – it was faith in Jesus Christ.
Two “churchy” words are here: justification and reconciliation. Now here are definitions of these two words:
Bible Dictionary
Justification definition
a forensic term, opposed to condemnation. As regards its nature, it is the judicial act of God, by which he pardons all the sins of those who believe in Christ, and accounts, accepts, and treats them as righteous in the eye of the law, i.e., as conformed to all its demands. In addition to the pardon (q.v.) of sin, justification declares that all the claims of the law are satisfied in respect of the justified. It is the act of a judge and not of a sovereign. The law is not relaxed or set aside, but is declared to be fulfilled in the strictest sense; and so the person justified is declared to be entitled to all the advantages and rewards arising from perfect obedience to the law (Rom. 5:1-10). It proceeds on the imputing or crediting to the believer by God himself of the perfect righteousness, active and passive, of his Representative and Surety, Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:3-9). Justification is not the forgiveness of a man without righteousness, but a declaration that he possesses a righteousness which perfectly and for ever satisfies the law, namely, Christ's righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 4:6-8). The sole condition on which this righteousness is imputed or credited to the believer is faith in or on the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith is called a "condition," not because it possesses any merit, but only because it is the instrument, the only instrument by which the soul appropriates or apprehends Christ and his righteousness (Rom. 1:17; 3:25, 26; 4:20, 22; Phil. 3:8-11; Gal. 2:16). The act of faith which thus secures our justification secures also at the same time our sanctification (q.v.); and thus the doctrine of justification by faith does not lead to licentiousness (Rom. 6:2-7). Good works, while not the ground, are the certain consequence of justification (6:14; 7:6). (See GALATIANS, EPISTLE TO.)
Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary
Cite This Source
World English Dictionary
reconcile (ˈrɛkənˌsaɪl)
— vb (usually foll by to )
1. to make (oneself or another) no longer opposed; cause to acquiesce in something unpleasant: she reconciled herself to poverty
2. to become friendly with (someone) after estrangement or to re-establish friendly relations between (two or more people)
3. to settle (a quarrel or difference)
4. to make (two apparently conflicting things) compatible or consistent with each other
5. to reconsecrate (a desecrated church, etc)
[C14: from Latin reconciliāre to bring together again, from re- + conciliāre to make friendly, conciliate ]
In a nutshell, because God has pardoned us through our belief in Christ, we are now at peace with Him. And this all came because Christ died for us … even as we were still in the throes of sin.
The key verses I want to focus on today, though, are verses 3 – 5:
3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Paul recognizes that the Christian life is not going to be one of ease … no – being a Christian probably is going to result in suffering. But the suffering we go through will build us up because it ultimately leads to hope. And sometimes hope is all we can cling to in times of suffering.
So, knowing this, that we are justified in Christ and reconciled with God, we can have hope in Him for our future.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Monday, March 28, 2011
Got An Attitude of Gratitude
Good Morning!
Attitude makes a difference. We had the following verse of Scripture in our Sunday morning Bible study this week:
1 Peter 4:1 (New International Version, ©2011)
Living for God
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.
Now when I see the word “therefore”, I usually go back to the preceding statement to try to figure out why the author is using the word “therefore”. It doesn’t really fit on this occasion. So I have to question what the “therefore” applies to in this instance. And I think this “therefore” is the beginning of the end of the general letter Peter is writing to the church. Peter has just finished talking about relationships … how the Christian is supposed to behave himself / herself in relating to Christ; himself or herself; the people who are in authority; spouses; and people who are opposed to Christ. So what is the “same attitude” Peter is talking about? I believe Peter is talking about Christ’s attitude.
So what does Peter mean: “since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude …”? Is Peter talking about the crucifixion? Or is Peter talking about Christ’s suffering as a human? You see, Jesus was 100% God from the foundation of existence. He remained 100% God while in human form … but He was also 100% human. Please don’t ask me to explain the math … I cannot. But then I cannot explain a lot of things that only God knows.
As a human, Jesus got hot. He also got cold. He was hungry and thirsty. He got tired after a full day. He laughed. He cried. I am sure there were days His feet hurt. And I am sure there were days He was discouraged. As a human, Jesus suffered the same way you and I suffer. The difference was His servant attitude. Jesus knew He had a purpose that God had ordained for Him. And when human suffering enveloped Him, Jesus looked to His father to remind Himself of the glory that lay ahead.
So what then is the “same attitude” Peter encourages us to adopt? I believe our attitude should be one that rejoices because we are done with the sin that separates us from God. Now, please don’t misunderstand – I am not saying we no longer commit sins. I am speaking of the curse of the Sin nature. Jesus died to cover that Sin so that we might have Life in Him.
Our earthly existence is going to be filled with bumps and bruises. In short, we are going to suffer in this life. But let us adopt the attitude that Christ has – focusing
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Attitude makes a difference. We had the following verse of Scripture in our Sunday morning Bible study this week:
1 Peter 4:1 (New International Version, ©2011)
Living for God
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.
Now when I see the word “therefore”, I usually go back to the preceding statement to try to figure out why the author is using the word “therefore”. It doesn’t really fit on this occasion. So I have to question what the “therefore” applies to in this instance. And I think this “therefore” is the beginning of the end of the general letter Peter is writing to the church. Peter has just finished talking about relationships … how the Christian is supposed to behave himself / herself in relating to Christ; himself or herself; the people who are in authority; spouses; and people who are opposed to Christ. So what is the “same attitude” Peter is talking about? I believe Peter is talking about Christ’s attitude.
So what does Peter mean: “since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude …”? Is Peter talking about the crucifixion? Or is Peter talking about Christ’s suffering as a human? You see, Jesus was 100% God from the foundation of existence. He remained 100% God while in human form … but He was also 100% human. Please don’t ask me to explain the math … I cannot. But then I cannot explain a lot of things that only God knows.
As a human, Jesus got hot. He also got cold. He was hungry and thirsty. He got tired after a full day. He laughed. He cried. I am sure there were days His feet hurt. And I am sure there were days He was discouraged. As a human, Jesus suffered the same way you and I suffer. The difference was His servant attitude. Jesus knew He had a purpose that God had ordained for Him. And when human suffering enveloped Him, Jesus looked to His father to remind Himself of the glory that lay ahead.
So what then is the “same attitude” Peter encourages us to adopt? I believe our attitude should be one that rejoices because we are done with the sin that separates us from God. Now, please don’t misunderstand – I am not saying we no longer commit sins. I am speaking of the curse of the Sin nature. Jesus died to cover that Sin so that we might have Life in Him.
Our earthly existence is going to be filled with bumps and bruises. In short, we are going to suffer in this life. But let us adopt the attitude that Christ has – focusing
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Friday, March 25, 2011
Preacher Loses Job
Good Morning!
Fox News carried an article yesterday about a Methodist preacher who was dismissed because he posted on Facebook about his lack of belief in a literal hell. He was commenting on a book by another preacher who heads a 10,000 member congregation – and also questions the existence of hell. As of this writing there have been almost 2,900 comments on this article.
What do Christians believe about heaven and hell? Well, apparently there are a number of beliefs … if you read the postings on the article. This Christian believes that God has provided a means for you and me to have eternal life with Him or eternal death without Him.
Jesus believed in hell. Matthew makes seven references where Jesus told people about their actions resulting in them ending in hell. Peter (through Mark) relates three instances. And in his second general letter, Peter talks about false prophets / teachers thusly:
2 Peter 2:1-10 (New International Version, ©2011)
False Teachers and Their Destruction
1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell,[a] putting them in chains of darkness[b] to be held for judgment; 5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 6 if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless 8 (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— 9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. 10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh[c] and despise authority.
Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings;
Footnotes:
a. 2 Peter 2:4 Greek Tartarus
b. 2 Peter 2:4 Some manuscripts in gloomy dungeons
c. 2 Peter 2:10 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit; also in verse 18.
So I believe there is a literal hell to which a person can end up … on his own accord. A number of the respondents to the article talk about God sending people to Hell – which shows that they are still playing the blame game – shifting the blame for their dilemma to “someone else”. God doesn’t send anyone to hell – the person chooses to ignore God’s offer of eternal life in Christ Jesus. The result of that choice is eternal separation from the fellowship with the Father.
The above mentioned preachers who have questioned the existence do so from the perspective that preaching a literal hell scares people away. And I can understand that to a point … but as one who proclaims God’s Word, I believe we have to be truthful in presenting both sides.
Now I know you know that I don’t major on the punishment that comes from rejecting God. I much prefer to share the benefits of knowing God. But that doesn’t mean that punishment doesn’t await those who reject God’s free gift of eternal life. There is a judgment that will come – even if we don’t want to talk about it.
Oh, well, we come to the end of another week. God has been good to us all week long and I cannot wait to see what He has in store for us this weekend. God bless you throughout this weekend.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Fox News carried an article yesterday about a Methodist preacher who was dismissed because he posted on Facebook about his lack of belief in a literal hell. He was commenting on a book by another preacher who heads a 10,000 member congregation – and also questions the existence of hell. As of this writing there have been almost 2,900 comments on this article.
What do Christians believe about heaven and hell? Well, apparently there are a number of beliefs … if you read the postings on the article. This Christian believes that God has provided a means for you and me to have eternal life with Him or eternal death without Him.
Jesus believed in hell. Matthew makes seven references where Jesus told people about their actions resulting in them ending in hell. Peter (through Mark) relates three instances. And in his second general letter, Peter talks about false prophets / teachers thusly:
2 Peter 2:1-10 (New International Version, ©2011)
False Teachers and Their Destruction
1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell,[a] putting them in chains of darkness[b] to be held for judgment; 5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 6 if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless 8 (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— 9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. 10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh[c] and despise authority.
Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings;
Footnotes:
a. 2 Peter 2:4 Greek Tartarus
b. 2 Peter 2:4 Some manuscripts in gloomy dungeons
c. 2 Peter 2:10 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit; also in verse 18.
So I believe there is a literal hell to which a person can end up … on his own accord. A number of the respondents to the article talk about God sending people to Hell – which shows that they are still playing the blame game – shifting the blame for their dilemma to “someone else”. God doesn’t send anyone to hell – the person chooses to ignore God’s offer of eternal life in Christ Jesus. The result of that choice is eternal separation from the fellowship with the Father.
The above mentioned preachers who have questioned the existence do so from the perspective that preaching a literal hell scares people away. And I can understand that to a point … but as one who proclaims God’s Word, I believe we have to be truthful in presenting both sides.
Now I know you know that I don’t major on the punishment that comes from rejecting God. I much prefer to share the benefits of knowing God. But that doesn’t mean that punishment doesn’t await those who reject God’s free gift of eternal life. There is a judgment that will come – even if we don’t want to talk about it.
Oh, well, we come to the end of another week. God has been good to us all week long and I cannot wait to see what He has in store for us this weekend. God bless you throughout this weekend.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Thursday, March 24, 2011
God Makes A Way
Good Morning!
A few weeks ago I wrote to you about a disappointment. After visiting her eye doctor, Miss Norma learned that her vision would not ever be what it once was. Here is what I said then:
“But here is what I believe: when life issues us a challenge, it presents our great God with opportunity. I know my God can help us adjust to this new world … and in doing so, bring glory to His name. I also know my God is in the healing business. You see, the hole is healed but the electrical impulses that bring clarity to the sight are not there. My God who put the forces of nature together that produces the mighty bolts of lightning CAN restart electric impulses in a person’s eye … and He will if it brings glory to His name. Norma and I are praying in that direction. But until He does, we are going to hold fast to the faith that has carried us this far – for our God is faithful in all phases of life.”
Last Friday afternoon, my co-worker Ginger came up to my desk. “Why don’t you buy Miss Norma a Kindle?” Well, I had never really thought about a Kindle … didn’t really know what it was. But it sounded like a good idea for Norma to have while she waits between shifts at her post. So I bought one. I then called Norma to tell her what I had done. (It’s easier to get forgiveness than permission sometimes.) She then told me that she had seen a Kindle AND that she could read with a Kindle!!! Just another coincidence in the stream of life, I guess.
She got her Kindle yesterday afternoon. We are still in the discovery phase … I added a game and a copy of the NIV 2010. While I cooked supper, she played with her Kindle. I watched her. And I feel good. I am reminded of the lyrics from a Don Moen song:
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength
For each new day
He will make a way
We do not serve a God who does not care about those things that cause us heartache. And we do not serve a God that is powerless to make a way for us. Just imagine that a few years ago, God put into the mind of some scientist to make a device on which we could load books … and could adjust the font to where we could see what we could not see. And then He used a friend to nudge me … and I listened (for once) … and the result was joy.
Psalm 30:4-5 (New International Version, ©2011)
4 Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people;
praise his holy name.
5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
A few weeks ago I wrote to you about a disappointment. After visiting her eye doctor, Miss Norma learned that her vision would not ever be what it once was. Here is what I said then:
“But here is what I believe: when life issues us a challenge, it presents our great God with opportunity. I know my God can help us adjust to this new world … and in doing so, bring glory to His name. I also know my God is in the healing business. You see, the hole is healed but the electrical impulses that bring clarity to the sight are not there. My God who put the forces of nature together that produces the mighty bolts of lightning CAN restart electric impulses in a person’s eye … and He will if it brings glory to His name. Norma and I are praying in that direction. But until He does, we are going to hold fast to the faith that has carried us this far – for our God is faithful in all phases of life.”
Last Friday afternoon, my co-worker Ginger came up to my desk. “Why don’t you buy Miss Norma a Kindle?” Well, I had never really thought about a Kindle … didn’t really know what it was. But it sounded like a good idea for Norma to have while she waits between shifts at her post. So I bought one. I then called Norma to tell her what I had done. (It’s easier to get forgiveness than permission sometimes.) She then told me that she had seen a Kindle AND that she could read with a Kindle!!! Just another coincidence in the stream of life, I guess.
She got her Kindle yesterday afternoon. We are still in the discovery phase … I added a game and a copy of the NIV 2010. While I cooked supper, she played with her Kindle. I watched her. And I feel good. I am reminded of the lyrics from a Don Moen song:
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength
For each new day
He will make a way
We do not serve a God who does not care about those things that cause us heartache. And we do not serve a God that is powerless to make a way for us. Just imagine that a few years ago, God put into the mind of some scientist to make a device on which we could load books … and could adjust the font to where we could see what we could not see. And then He used a friend to nudge me … and I listened (for once) … and the result was joy.
Psalm 30:4-5 (New International Version, ©2011)
4 Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people;
praise his holy name.
5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Good Morning!
Oops! I did it again. Sometimes my mind gets ahead of my actions. Sorry about leaving the DBS off for the last two days. It’s here today.
Discouragement. What a word. But an affliction that all of us will face at some time or another in our lives. Right now I have some loved ones (includes friends) who are facing discouragement. Life hasn’t been kind. They are facing chronic illness or pain. They have been out of work so long that they wonder what it is like to have a job. They are facing poor results from medical tests. Everything they try to do to alleviate the problems just doesn’t seem to work. And so they are discouraged.
Moses felt discouragement too. The passage below talks about a time in the wilderness wanderings where Moses really got down. Moses has led the people out of Egypt … out of slavery. Every need they have had has been met by God. And still they manage to find something to complain about. God punishes them … they repent … only to begin to complain again. Well, let’s read it:
Numbers 11:1-15 (New International Version, ©2011)
Fire From the LORD
1 Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. 2 When the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the LORD and the fire died down. 3 So that place was called Taberah,[a] because fire from the LORD had burned among them.
Quail From the LORD
4 The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 6 But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!”
7 The manna was like coriander seed and looked like resin. 8 The people went around gathering it, and then ground it in a hand mill or crushed it in a mortar. They cooked it in a pot or made it into loaves. And it tasted like something made with olive oil. 9 When the dew settled on the camp at night, the manna also came down.
10 Moses heard the people of every family wailing at the entrance to their tents. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. 11 He asked the LORD, “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? 12 Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their ancestors? 13 Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ 14 I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. 15 If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.”
Footnotes:
a. Numbers 11:3 Taberah means burning.
Focus on verse 4. God has provided for their needs … but the people began to complain about what He provided. And I can understand that … same thing each day … how many ways can one prepare manna? The people began to reminisce about all the “great food in Egypt”. You know, those “good old days” … when the Egyptians gave them fish at “no cost”. Had they forgotten the true cost of that fish? Had the sting of the whip faded from their memory? Did they not remember Pharaoh deciding to kill all their men-children? Yes, it was “great” in Egypt … wasn’t it?
But we aren’t talking about the people … we are focusing on Moses and his discouragement. Look at verse 11. Moses asks God: “why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you would lay all these burdens upon me? If this is all there is … if this is how You are going to treat me, just kill me and make it simple.” Moses was discouraged.
How often have we felt like Moses felt? How often have the burdens of illness, sorrow, pain, joblessness and the like weighed us into discouragement? Probably more times than we would like to admit. It is natural to get down at times. But here’s the key … where did Moses go with his discouragement? He went to God. And he continued to go to God each time he faced discouragement.
You will notice the banner says “Quail From the LORD”. Well, that is the rest of the story. Let’s take a look:
Numbers 11:16-34 (New International Version, ©2011)
16 The LORD said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you. 17 I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.
18 “Tell the people: ‘Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow, when you will eat meat. The LORD heard you when you wailed, “If only we had meat to eat! We were better off in Egypt!” Now the LORD will give you meat, and you will eat it. 19 You will not eat it for just one day, or two days, or five, ten or twenty days, 20 but for a whole month—until it comes out of your nostrils and you loathe it—because you have rejected the LORD, who is among you, and have wailed before him, saying, “Why did we ever leave Egypt?”’”
21 But Moses said, “Here I am among six hundred thousand men on foot, and you say, ‘I will give them meat to eat for a whole month!’ 22 Would they have enough if flocks and herds were slaughtered for them? Would they have enough if all the fish in the sea were caught for them?”
23 The LORD answered Moses, “Is the LORD’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.”
24 So Moses went out and told the people what the LORD had said. He brought together seventy of their elders and had them stand around the tent. 25 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took some of the power of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but did not do so again.
26 However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp. 27 A young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.”
28 Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ aide since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”
29 But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” 30 Then Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp.
31 Now a wind went out from the LORD and drove quail in from the sea. It scattered them up to two cubits[a] deep all around the camp, as far as a day’s walk in any direction. 32 All that day and night and all the next day the people went out and gathered quail. No one gathered less than ten homers.[b] Then they spread them out all around the camp. 33 But while the meat was still between their teeth and before it could be consumed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and he struck them with a severe plague. 34 Therefore the place was named Kibroth Hattaavah,[c] because there they buried the people who had craved other food.
Footnotes:
a. Numbers 11:31 That is, about 3 feet or about 90 centimeters
b. Numbers 11:32 That is, possibly about 1 3/4 tons or about 1.6 metric tons
c. Numbers 11:34 Kibroth Hattaavah means graves of craving
A quick synopsis: Moses went to the complainers and told them they were going to get meat to eat. And they did … but they choked on it. God met the need of Moses because Moses was faithful.
Please do not misunderstand me. I do not make light of the burden my loved ones are facing. I know the never ending pain of a degenerating disk can be and is unbearable. I know the news of an increasing number in the PSA after having radioactive seeds implanted is frightening. I recognize the news of a sale of a home that doesn’t cover the outstanding expense can be devastating. Whatever the burden, there comes a time when discouragement sets in … and all we can do is pray. But remember, the God that led us out of “Egypt” continues to care for us even in the hour of our discouragement. We love you and are praying continuously that God will bring you relief.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Oops! I did it again. Sometimes my mind gets ahead of my actions. Sorry about leaving the DBS off for the last two days. It’s here today.
Discouragement. What a word. But an affliction that all of us will face at some time or another in our lives. Right now I have some loved ones (includes friends) who are facing discouragement. Life hasn’t been kind. They are facing chronic illness or pain. They have been out of work so long that they wonder what it is like to have a job. They are facing poor results from medical tests. Everything they try to do to alleviate the problems just doesn’t seem to work. And so they are discouraged.
Moses felt discouragement too. The passage below talks about a time in the wilderness wanderings where Moses really got down. Moses has led the people out of Egypt … out of slavery. Every need they have had has been met by God. And still they manage to find something to complain about. God punishes them … they repent … only to begin to complain again. Well, let’s read it:
Numbers 11:1-15 (New International Version, ©2011)
Fire From the LORD
1 Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. 2 When the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the LORD and the fire died down. 3 So that place was called Taberah,[a] because fire from the LORD had burned among them.
Quail From the LORD
4 The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 6 But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!”
7 The manna was like coriander seed and looked like resin. 8 The people went around gathering it, and then ground it in a hand mill or crushed it in a mortar. They cooked it in a pot or made it into loaves. And it tasted like something made with olive oil. 9 When the dew settled on the camp at night, the manna also came down.
10 Moses heard the people of every family wailing at the entrance to their tents. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. 11 He asked the LORD, “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? 12 Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their ancestors? 13 Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ 14 I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. 15 If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.”
Footnotes:
a. Numbers 11:3 Taberah means burning.
Focus on verse 4. God has provided for their needs … but the people began to complain about what He provided. And I can understand that … same thing each day … how many ways can one prepare manna? The people began to reminisce about all the “great food in Egypt”. You know, those “good old days” … when the Egyptians gave them fish at “no cost”. Had they forgotten the true cost of that fish? Had the sting of the whip faded from their memory? Did they not remember Pharaoh deciding to kill all their men-children? Yes, it was “great” in Egypt … wasn’t it?
But we aren’t talking about the people … we are focusing on Moses and his discouragement. Look at verse 11. Moses asks God: “why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you would lay all these burdens upon me? If this is all there is … if this is how You are going to treat me, just kill me and make it simple.” Moses was discouraged.
How often have we felt like Moses felt? How often have the burdens of illness, sorrow, pain, joblessness and the like weighed us into discouragement? Probably more times than we would like to admit. It is natural to get down at times. But here’s the key … where did Moses go with his discouragement? He went to God. And he continued to go to God each time he faced discouragement.
You will notice the banner says “Quail From the LORD”. Well, that is the rest of the story. Let’s take a look:
Numbers 11:16-34 (New International Version, ©2011)
16 The LORD said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you. 17 I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.
18 “Tell the people: ‘Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow, when you will eat meat. The LORD heard you when you wailed, “If only we had meat to eat! We were better off in Egypt!” Now the LORD will give you meat, and you will eat it. 19 You will not eat it for just one day, or two days, or five, ten or twenty days, 20 but for a whole month—until it comes out of your nostrils and you loathe it—because you have rejected the LORD, who is among you, and have wailed before him, saying, “Why did we ever leave Egypt?”’”
21 But Moses said, “Here I am among six hundred thousand men on foot, and you say, ‘I will give them meat to eat for a whole month!’ 22 Would they have enough if flocks and herds were slaughtered for them? Would they have enough if all the fish in the sea were caught for them?”
23 The LORD answered Moses, “Is the LORD’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.”
24 So Moses went out and told the people what the LORD had said. He brought together seventy of their elders and had them stand around the tent. 25 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took some of the power of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but did not do so again.
26 However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp. 27 A young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.”
28 Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ aide since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”
29 But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” 30 Then Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp.
31 Now a wind went out from the LORD and drove quail in from the sea. It scattered them up to two cubits[a] deep all around the camp, as far as a day’s walk in any direction. 32 All that day and night and all the next day the people went out and gathered quail. No one gathered less than ten homers.[b] Then they spread them out all around the camp. 33 But while the meat was still between their teeth and before it could be consumed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and he struck them with a severe plague. 34 Therefore the place was named Kibroth Hattaavah,[c] because there they buried the people who had craved other food.
Footnotes:
a. Numbers 11:31 That is, about 3 feet or about 90 centimeters
b. Numbers 11:32 That is, possibly about 1 3/4 tons or about 1.6 metric tons
c. Numbers 11:34 Kibroth Hattaavah means graves of craving
A quick synopsis: Moses went to the complainers and told them they were going to get meat to eat. And they did … but they choked on it. God met the need of Moses because Moses was faithful.
Please do not misunderstand me. I do not make light of the burden my loved ones are facing. I know the never ending pain of a degenerating disk can be and is unbearable. I know the news of an increasing number in the PSA after having radioactive seeds implanted is frightening. I recognize the news of a sale of a home that doesn’t cover the outstanding expense can be devastating. Whatever the burden, there comes a time when discouragement sets in … and all we can do is pray. But remember, the God that led us out of “Egypt” continues to care for us even in the hour of our discouragement. We love you and are praying continuously that God will bring you relief.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Not Ashamed
Good Morning!
My post for yesterday actually was started with a quick review of the lesson we studied in the Sunday morning Bible study … but I got off on another subject. I don’t know if that’s a character trait … or the Lord wanting to say something else at the time. I noticed after publication that I forgot to put in the Daily Bible Study passages. So I have included both today.
We began a study in the book of Romans Sunday night. A couple of verses that deserve consideration by all are:
Romans 1:16-17 (New International Version, ©2011)
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,[a] just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”[b]
Footnotes:
a. Romans 1:17 Or is from faith to faith
b. Romans 1:17 Hab. 2:4
One has to ask why anyone would be ashamed of the gospel. Well, consider the makeup of the church(es) in Rome in the first century. There would be a combination of people … Jews, “Greeks”, and barbarians. How am I classifying these folks … or better yet “why”? Well, I think you would understand the “Jews” classification … these are folks who are Jewish and have a vague understanding of righteousness from the perspective of the teachings of the Torah and the prophets. The “Greeks” really are the “educated” … people who have been exposed to some level of training. And the barbarians are those who do not have any education but just trust in God.
Paul understood his audience even though he had never been to Rome. He knew the Jews might be ashamed of the gospel because it pointed to their guilt in crucifying the Messiah. Just imagine being a Christian and having participated in the character assassination of Jesus Christ – and then having your guilt exposed. Paul knew the Greeks might be ashamed because of the impact it might have on their position in a society that had beliefs that were quite disgusting. And the barbarians might be ashamed because they had not recognized God at all until Christ.
Let’s fast forward to the 21st century. Can we say there are those who are ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ? I think we can and for many of the same reasons we find in the body at Rome. And, folks, when it comes to describing the society of the 1st century to the 21st century, there really isn’t a whole lot of difference. The fact is that mankind still exhibits the base sin problem it had from the time of the Garden of Eden until today. And it will remain until God wipes it off the face of humanity at His great judgment. But God has made provision for you and for me in Christ Jesus.
The gospel of Jesus Christ tells us of how God became man to atone for the sin of mankind by choosing to forfeit His life. And by that, I mean His LIFE … not just His earthly life but also all that encompasses life for the Godhead. And He willingly gave this up for you and for me. This thought is so hard to understand. The gospel is about trusting in the finished work of that life that was offered for you and for me. The gospel is about believing that God raised from the dead … the stumbling block for the Greeks. And, as Paul states, ultimately the gospel is about faith. We either trust that God used this to establish in us His righteousness … or we don’t. We either live our lives in this faith … or we don’t. Understand that the righteousness of God can only come from God through Jesus Christ our Lord. We cannot produce it in our lives … no matter how “good” we are; no matter how “giving” we are; no matter how much we deny ourselves. The righteousness of God can only come from Him.
I am looking forward to a powerful day today because I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
My post for yesterday actually was started with a quick review of the lesson we studied in the Sunday morning Bible study … but I got off on another subject. I don’t know if that’s a character trait … or the Lord wanting to say something else at the time. I noticed after publication that I forgot to put in the Daily Bible Study passages. So I have included both today.
We began a study in the book of Romans Sunday night. A couple of verses that deserve consideration by all are:
Romans 1:16-17 (New International Version, ©2011)
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,[a] just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”[b]
Footnotes:
a. Romans 1:17 Or is from faith to faith
b. Romans 1:17 Hab. 2:4
One has to ask why anyone would be ashamed of the gospel. Well, consider the makeup of the church(es) in Rome in the first century. There would be a combination of people … Jews, “Greeks”, and barbarians. How am I classifying these folks … or better yet “why”? Well, I think you would understand the “Jews” classification … these are folks who are Jewish and have a vague understanding of righteousness from the perspective of the teachings of the Torah and the prophets. The “Greeks” really are the “educated” … people who have been exposed to some level of training. And the barbarians are those who do not have any education but just trust in God.
Paul understood his audience even though he had never been to Rome. He knew the Jews might be ashamed of the gospel because it pointed to their guilt in crucifying the Messiah. Just imagine being a Christian and having participated in the character assassination of Jesus Christ – and then having your guilt exposed. Paul knew the Greeks might be ashamed because of the impact it might have on their position in a society that had beliefs that were quite disgusting. And the barbarians might be ashamed because they had not recognized God at all until Christ.
Let’s fast forward to the 21st century. Can we say there are those who are ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ? I think we can and for many of the same reasons we find in the body at Rome. And, folks, when it comes to describing the society of the 1st century to the 21st century, there really isn’t a whole lot of difference. The fact is that mankind still exhibits the base sin problem it had from the time of the Garden of Eden until today. And it will remain until God wipes it off the face of humanity at His great judgment. But God has made provision for you and for me in Christ Jesus.
The gospel of Jesus Christ tells us of how God became man to atone for the sin of mankind by choosing to forfeit His life. And by that, I mean His LIFE … not just His earthly life but also all that encompasses life for the Godhead. And He willingly gave this up for you and for me. This thought is so hard to understand. The gospel is about trusting in the finished work of that life that was offered for you and for me. The gospel is about believing that God raised from the dead … the stumbling block for the Greeks. And, as Paul states, ultimately the gospel is about faith. We either trust that God used this to establish in us His righteousness … or we don’t. We either live our lives in this faith … or we don’t. Understand that the righteousness of God can only come from God through Jesus Christ our Lord. We cannot produce it in our lives … no matter how “good” we are; no matter how “giving” we are; no matter how much we deny ourselves. The righteousness of God can only come from Him.
I am looking forward to a powerful day today because I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sunrise
Good Morning!
I am having fabulous study times – enjoying getting into the Word of God and seeing things that I have seen before but now are becoming clearer as God enhances the Light. I believe that is what happens as we get deeper in Bible study. It is like sitting by a lake at the break of day, observing the objects on the horizon. At first they aren’t visible at all. Then they are just black objects that you can see … shapes that may be familiar, like trees and hills. As the light grows, you can make out their base colors … but still not see them clearly. But when the dawn is fully come, you can see their full color and wonder at the beauty that God has created in them.
I get excited just thinking about the visual … and want to be by the lakeside even now. The same is true with the study of God’s Word. Reading God’s Word at first was difficult … it didn’t make too much sense. Even as a new believer, the messages were somewhat abstract to me … dark images, shapes that could be seen but not clearly. But as Jesus became more a part of my life … as His Lordship became more evident … the dark images are now quite visible because there is more Light upon them.
Peter, in his first general letter to the churches (hey, that’s us), wrote:
1 Peter 2:2-3 (New International Version, ©2011)
2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
I remember when my children were just BC babies … (before cereal). Their whole nourishment came from milk … mother’s milk for the last three children. The nutrients kept them alive … and kept them growing. They couldn’t walk. They couldn’t talk. But they could let us know when they wanted more milk. And they got what they asked for when they asked. The result was they grew … later to become fine citizens of this world.
We should desire the nourishment that comes from knowing Christ more fully. God has given us access in several ways. First, He indwells us as the Holy Spirit. Second, He has given us the written Word we call the Bible. Third, He has gifted us with fellow believers with whom we can interact. All of these work together to help us see God more clearly … and to see His handiwork.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
I am having fabulous study times – enjoying getting into the Word of God and seeing things that I have seen before but now are becoming clearer as God enhances the Light. I believe that is what happens as we get deeper in Bible study. It is like sitting by a lake at the break of day, observing the objects on the horizon. At first they aren’t visible at all. Then they are just black objects that you can see … shapes that may be familiar, like trees and hills. As the light grows, you can make out their base colors … but still not see them clearly. But when the dawn is fully come, you can see their full color and wonder at the beauty that God has created in them.
I get excited just thinking about the visual … and want to be by the lakeside even now. The same is true with the study of God’s Word. Reading God’s Word at first was difficult … it didn’t make too much sense. Even as a new believer, the messages were somewhat abstract to me … dark images, shapes that could be seen but not clearly. But as Jesus became more a part of my life … as His Lordship became more evident … the dark images are now quite visible because there is more Light upon them.
Peter, in his first general letter to the churches (hey, that’s us), wrote:
1 Peter 2:2-3 (New International Version, ©2011)
2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
I remember when my children were just BC babies … (before cereal). Their whole nourishment came from milk … mother’s milk for the last three children. The nutrients kept them alive … and kept them growing. They couldn’t walk. They couldn’t talk. But they could let us know when they wanted more milk. And they got what they asked for when they asked. The result was they grew … later to become fine citizens of this world.
We should desire the nourishment that comes from knowing Christ more fully. God has given us access in several ways. First, He indwells us as the Holy Spirit. Second, He has given us the written Word we call the Bible. Third, He has gifted us with fellow believers with whom we can interact. All of these work together to help us see God more clearly … and to see His handiwork.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Friday, March 18, 2011
Give A Listen
Good Morning!
I wasn’t a particularly good student when I was in school. I managed to pass … but I was quite lazy. Mom always said I could do better than I did … and she was right. I blew off homework … missed assignments … played instead of working. But, because I am blessed with auditory memory skills, I was able to make passing grades. And I was happy doing that … now to my chagrin. I dishonored God by choosing not to make best use of the talents and skills He graciously provided me. Thankfully God is a loving Father who forgives and continues to bless.
Our Sunday Bible study has puts a large focus on submission and on living with one’s fellow man. Peter tells us
1 Peter 3:8-9 (New International Version, ©2011)
Suffering for Doing Good
8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Then he adds this passage from the following Psalm (Peter begins in verse 12 and ends in verse 15):
Psalm 34:11-16 (New International Version, ©2011)
11 Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
13 keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from telling lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
and his ears are attentive to their cry;
16 but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to blot out their name from the earth.
This is a Psalm written by David. The heading of this Psalm in the NIV reads: ‘Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelek, who drove him away, and he left.” Well, it takes a little research but what this is referring to is the incident described in the following passage:
1 Samuel 21:10-14 (New International Version, ©2011)
David at Gath
10 That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath. 11 But the servants of Achish said to him, “Isn’t this David, the king of the land? Isn’t he the one they sing about in their dances:
“‘Saul has slain his thousands,
and David his tens of thousands’?”
12 David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath. 13 So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard.
14 Achish said to his servants, “Look at the man! He is insane! Why bring him to me?
David was on the run from Saul … and he ended up in the court of Achish. But because his reputation preceded him, David was in jeopardy … and he knew it. So he pretended to be insane … and Achish threw him out of his court. David was recalling this when he wrote the Psalm we now refer to as number 34.
Verse 11 strikes a chord in me. David is calling his people to listen to his advice. His advice comes from having experienced the incident with Achish and others. Verses 12-15 are the advice he gives from his experience. Peter picked up on this when writing his general letter. So what is Peter and David saying to us 21st century Christians?
There are going to be times in our Christian experience where people are going to treat us badly. Some will come from nonbelievers … and some will come from fellow believers. We have a choice in our response to being treated badly. We can either strike back … or we can repay the treatment with blessing. David points out that our responsibility is to live a life that honors God … and leave the vengeance to Him. God can mete out appropriate and effective justice on our behalf. We just need to honor Him. So give a listen… and have a great weekend.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
I wasn’t a particularly good student when I was in school. I managed to pass … but I was quite lazy. Mom always said I could do better than I did … and she was right. I blew off homework … missed assignments … played instead of working. But, because I am blessed with auditory memory skills, I was able to make passing grades. And I was happy doing that … now to my chagrin. I dishonored God by choosing not to make best use of the talents and skills He graciously provided me. Thankfully God is a loving Father who forgives and continues to bless.
Our Sunday Bible study has puts a large focus on submission and on living with one’s fellow man. Peter tells us
1 Peter 3:8-9 (New International Version, ©2011)
Suffering for Doing Good
8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Then he adds this passage from the following Psalm (Peter begins in verse 12 and ends in verse 15):
Psalm 34:11-16 (New International Version, ©2011)
11 Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
13 keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from telling lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
and his ears are attentive to their cry;
16 but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to blot out their name from the earth.
This is a Psalm written by David. The heading of this Psalm in the NIV reads: ‘Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelek, who drove him away, and he left.” Well, it takes a little research but what this is referring to is the incident described in the following passage:
1 Samuel 21:10-14 (New International Version, ©2011)
David at Gath
10 That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath. 11 But the servants of Achish said to him, “Isn’t this David, the king of the land? Isn’t he the one they sing about in their dances:
“‘Saul has slain his thousands,
and David his tens of thousands’?”
12 David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath. 13 So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard.
14 Achish said to his servants, “Look at the man! He is insane! Why bring him to me?
David was on the run from Saul … and he ended up in the court of Achish. But because his reputation preceded him, David was in jeopardy … and he knew it. So he pretended to be insane … and Achish threw him out of his court. David was recalling this when he wrote the Psalm we now refer to as number 34.
Verse 11 strikes a chord in me. David is calling his people to listen to his advice. His advice comes from having experienced the incident with Achish and others. Verses 12-15 are the advice he gives from his experience. Peter picked up on this when writing his general letter. So what is Peter and David saying to us 21st century Christians?
There are going to be times in our Christian experience where people are going to treat us badly. Some will come from nonbelievers … and some will come from fellow believers. We have a choice in our response to being treated badly. We can either strike back … or we can repay the treatment with blessing. David points out that our responsibility is to live a life that honors God … and leave the vengeance to Him. God can mete out appropriate and effective justice on our behalf. We just need to honor Him. So give a listen… and have a great weekend.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Maintaining The Temple
Good Morning!
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (New International Version, ©2011)
16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.
I looked in the mirror this morning. I never imagined the temple of God would look this way! It is a good thing that God doesn’t look on the outside but looks at the inside. Oh, there’s plenty wrong on the inside as well … but the old bod has taken some hits over the years. I am proud of some of my friends who have continued to work on the outside of their body … and the inside as well.
So, if you could craft the temple of God what would you put in it?
Would you adorn your temple with the gold of God’s redemptive love?
Would the silver of patience add highlights?
How about the jewels of joy, peace, goodness, and faithfulness? Where would these fit?
Would your floor have gentleness and self control?
Just how would you build that temple?
My Uncle Lewis was a tinkerer. He was always working on projects at home. When you walked into his living room, you would see one of those old 1950 style TV’s disassembled. Uncle Lewis was going to get the tubes at Sears … but somehow he got waylaid. The backyard was cluttered with old automobiles that Uncle Lewis was going to fix … when he had time and money. The only time I remember him not being busy working was on Christmas Day when the families would gather at Grandma Ward’s. Then he and Uncle David would spend an hour or so trading jokes and yarns. Uncle Lewis is a good man … a man who cares for those around him. He is 95 and still going – though I don’t think he tinkers much anymore. One might say that Uncle Lewis was busy building his temple.
You and I are similar to Uncle Lewis in this regard. Each day we tinker with the temple of God. We polish some of the gold and silver. We take a few minutes with our jewels. And we sweep our floors so they will be clean. We want our temple to shine so that the Spirit feels welcome. It is a sacred place – one set aside for God.
You are special. God said so. I believe Him.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (New International Version, ©2011)
16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.
I looked in the mirror this morning. I never imagined the temple of God would look this way! It is a good thing that God doesn’t look on the outside but looks at the inside. Oh, there’s plenty wrong on the inside as well … but the old bod has taken some hits over the years. I am proud of some of my friends who have continued to work on the outside of their body … and the inside as well.
So, if you could craft the temple of God what would you put in it?
Would you adorn your temple with the gold of God’s redemptive love?
Would the silver of patience add highlights?
How about the jewels of joy, peace, goodness, and faithfulness? Where would these fit?
Would your floor have gentleness and self control?
Just how would you build that temple?
My Uncle Lewis was a tinkerer. He was always working on projects at home. When you walked into his living room, you would see one of those old 1950 style TV’s disassembled. Uncle Lewis was going to get the tubes at Sears … but somehow he got waylaid. The backyard was cluttered with old automobiles that Uncle Lewis was going to fix … when he had time and money. The only time I remember him not being busy working was on Christmas Day when the families would gather at Grandma Ward’s. Then he and Uncle David would spend an hour or so trading jokes and yarns. Uncle Lewis is a good man … a man who cares for those around him. He is 95 and still going – though I don’t think he tinkers much anymore. One might say that Uncle Lewis was busy building his temple.
You and I are similar to Uncle Lewis in this regard. Each day we tinker with the temple of God. We polish some of the gold and silver. We take a few minutes with our jewels. And we sweep our floors so they will be clean. We want our temple to shine so that the Spirit feels welcome. It is a sacred place – one set aside for God.
You are special. God said so. I believe Him.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
45 Years ... and still counting
Good Morning!
Has it really been forty five years? It doesn’t seem like that many years have passed … but they have, one day at a time. At 6:30 P.M. on Wednesday March 16, 1966 in the chapel at Druid Hills Presbyterian church in Atlanta Georgia, Norma Pennington and I were married. There is no hiding it … we were kids … scared kids faced with adult responsibilities for really the first time in our lives. But God was and is gracious to us … surrounding us with His protective grace, keeping us for the days ahead.
God has blessed us each and every day of our married life. That is not to say that we have not had rocky patches along the way … who hasn’t? But throughout this journey, God has been centered in our lives; meeting our needs; giving us a few wants now and then; but always – always present in times of trouble and stress.
God has blessed us with five children … each one a winner … each one a testimony to God. God has given our children spouses and children of their own. We have twelve grandchildren … one great grandchild. And there’s not a throwback in the bunch. To be sure, our children have their own minds – and don’t always do what we might want them to do … but we taught them to think for themselves … and they do. And that is success.
God has surrounded us with family and friends. We have never lacked for anything. Money may have gotten tight at times … but the love of those around us has sustained us even in those times. We have had our share of illnesses – and good friends who came to sit with us while our spouse was under the knife. We witnessed God’s pure love in the lives of those He has surrounded us with … and given us joy.
I am grateful to God for all he has done. And I am grateful to Miss N. She should get an endurance medal for having to put up with this old fellow. One of the joys I have is to walk hand in hand with my Miss N. When we were dating, we would each walk from our home to meet at the bridge on Houston Mill Road. When we met, we would take each others hand and walk back to Miss N’s house. I still like holding her hand.
Thank you for reading this rambling message … we love you.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Has it really been forty five years? It doesn’t seem like that many years have passed … but they have, one day at a time. At 6:30 P.M. on Wednesday March 16, 1966 in the chapel at Druid Hills Presbyterian church in Atlanta Georgia, Norma Pennington and I were married. There is no hiding it … we were kids … scared kids faced with adult responsibilities for really the first time in our lives. But God was and is gracious to us … surrounding us with His protective grace, keeping us for the days ahead.
God has blessed us each and every day of our married life. That is not to say that we have not had rocky patches along the way … who hasn’t? But throughout this journey, God has been centered in our lives; meeting our needs; giving us a few wants now and then; but always – always present in times of trouble and stress.
God has blessed us with five children … each one a winner … each one a testimony to God. God has given our children spouses and children of their own. We have twelve grandchildren … one great grandchild. And there’s not a throwback in the bunch. To be sure, our children have their own minds – and don’t always do what we might want them to do … but we taught them to think for themselves … and they do. And that is success.
God has surrounded us with family and friends. We have never lacked for anything. Money may have gotten tight at times … but the love of those around us has sustained us even in those times. We have had our share of illnesses – and good friends who came to sit with us while our spouse was under the knife. We witnessed God’s pure love in the lives of those He has surrounded us with … and given us joy.
I am grateful to God for all he has done. And I am grateful to Miss N. She should get an endurance medal for having to put up with this old fellow. One of the joys I have is to walk hand in hand with my Miss N. When we were dating, we would each walk from our home to meet at the bridge on Houston Mill Road. When we met, we would take each others hand and walk back to Miss N’s house. I still like holding her hand.
Thank you for reading this rambling message … we love you.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Same Calling - Different Venue
Good Morning!
Acts 16:6-10 (English Standard Version)
The Macedonian Call
6And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." 10And when Paul[a] had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Footnotes:
a. Acts 16:10 Greek he
The other Sunday night, Pastor Jeff asked how Paul knew that he and his entourage wasn’t supposed to go to Asia or Bithynia. Just for reference, these Roman provinces are both located in the region of the world we now know as Turkey. But Jeff’s question was “how did they know?” And his is a legitimate question … one that I can only answer with “you know when you know”. Discerning God’s plan for one’s life isn’t always as clear cut as one might think. There are so many ministries that need people to work … and sometimes we get caught up doing stuff God never intended for us to do just because there is no one else to do it.
Many years ago I came to understand that the Spiritual gifts God had made prominent in my life were that of teaching and administrations. And these have been affirmed by many various people over the years as I have had the privilege and responsibility to teach and serve at various venues. I trust you understand that when I say that I have these gifts, they truly are supernatural because my base personality would not allow me to do either. And that is what is neat about a calling … God uses people in different ways to accomplish His purpose.
Paul had been successful in his first missionary journey in spreading the Gospel to many of the cities in Asia Minor. It is little wonder that he wanted to continue heading southwest to the province called Asia in Roman times. But somehow Paul understood that God didn’t want him going in that direction. He just knew … it’s that simple. So Paul began thinking about heading northeast into Bithynia … but again, the Spirit stopped him. He just knew – that’s all. Paul’s relationship with God was such that he had developed the ability to sense when the time was right to do what God wanted him to do. And that’s okay.
Sometimes today we get real comfortable where we are … and in process become ineffective. Breaking new ground isn’t easy. Developing new relationships can be scary. But when God moves us to a new venue, He does so in order that He may be glorified and that we might see His glory.
Recently our Sunday morning Bible group decided to move our study to a Thursday night only study. It was and remains a difficult transition for me and for most of the members of the group. We have grown to love each other deeply over the span of the last seven or so years. But our mission seemed to have come to somewhat of a standstill … and we felt the draw of the Spirit leading us into new areas of service.
While there is a sense of melancholy, as bond servants, we recognize our first loyalty is to Jesus Christ. A bond servant doesn’t tell his Master what he is going to do and when he is going to do it. No … he listens for his Master’s voice and responds accordingly. Our Master is a good Master, though, in that He does not sever the relationships we have. No … He allows us to build on those relationships. The loved ones I have now include new loved ones … and the loved ones from the past.
In the last several years, I have visited the funeral home several times to honor people I have known in my venues of service from the past. Oft times it seems as if these occasions are more of a family homecoming rather than a funeral. We see our loved ones from the past … and embrace with a joy that cannot really be described.
Yes, we have callings … and sometimes our callings lead to different venues. And in all things we give thanks to our God for His love and mercy.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Acts 16:6-10 (English Standard Version)
The Macedonian Call
6And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." 10And when Paul[a] had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Footnotes:
a. Acts 16:10 Greek he
The other Sunday night, Pastor Jeff asked how Paul knew that he and his entourage wasn’t supposed to go to Asia or Bithynia. Just for reference, these Roman provinces are both located in the region of the world we now know as Turkey. But Jeff’s question was “how did they know?” And his is a legitimate question … one that I can only answer with “you know when you know”. Discerning God’s plan for one’s life isn’t always as clear cut as one might think. There are so many ministries that need people to work … and sometimes we get caught up doing stuff God never intended for us to do just because there is no one else to do it.
Many years ago I came to understand that the Spiritual gifts God had made prominent in my life were that of teaching and administrations. And these have been affirmed by many various people over the years as I have had the privilege and responsibility to teach and serve at various venues. I trust you understand that when I say that I have these gifts, they truly are supernatural because my base personality would not allow me to do either. And that is what is neat about a calling … God uses people in different ways to accomplish His purpose.
Paul had been successful in his first missionary journey in spreading the Gospel to many of the cities in Asia Minor. It is little wonder that he wanted to continue heading southwest to the province called Asia in Roman times. But somehow Paul understood that God didn’t want him going in that direction. He just knew … it’s that simple. So Paul began thinking about heading northeast into Bithynia … but again, the Spirit stopped him. He just knew – that’s all. Paul’s relationship with God was such that he had developed the ability to sense when the time was right to do what God wanted him to do. And that’s okay.
Sometimes today we get real comfortable where we are … and in process become ineffective. Breaking new ground isn’t easy. Developing new relationships can be scary. But when God moves us to a new venue, He does so in order that He may be glorified and that we might see His glory.
Recently our Sunday morning Bible group decided to move our study to a Thursday night only study. It was and remains a difficult transition for me and for most of the members of the group. We have grown to love each other deeply over the span of the last seven or so years. But our mission seemed to have come to somewhat of a standstill … and we felt the draw of the Spirit leading us into new areas of service.
While there is a sense of melancholy, as bond servants, we recognize our first loyalty is to Jesus Christ. A bond servant doesn’t tell his Master what he is going to do and when he is going to do it. No … he listens for his Master’s voice and responds accordingly. Our Master is a good Master, though, in that He does not sever the relationships we have. No … He allows us to build on those relationships. The loved ones I have now include new loved ones … and the loved ones from the past.
In the last several years, I have visited the funeral home several times to honor people I have known in my venues of service from the past. Oft times it seems as if these occasions are more of a family homecoming rather than a funeral. We see our loved ones from the past … and embrace with a joy that cannot really be described.
Yes, we have callings … and sometimes our callings lead to different venues. And in all things we give thanks to our God for His love and mercy.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Monday, March 14, 2011
God's Special Possession!!!
Good Morning!
Some random thoughts for this Good Morning …
The tragedy in Japan reminds us of how infinitely small our power is to control Earth. I know that each of you has prayed and is praying for the people of Japan and other places impacted by the earthquake and resulting tsunami.
Our weekend weather in Georgia was tremendously beautiful. I was able to play nine Saturday with my favorite threesome – me, myself, and I. But in the course of my journey I was blessed … and I mean blessed … to encounter by buddy Mike; Joe Anzalone; and to meet a new friend who is suffering from lung cancer. I even got invited to play with some of these guys on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Our Bible study Sunday was fantastic. Our lesson covered 1 Peter 1:13-2:1. I went a little farther in the study and found this great passage:
1 Peter 2:4-10 (New International Version, ©2011)
The Living Stone and a Chosen People
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house[a] to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.”[b]
7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
“The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”[c]
8 and,
“A stone that causes people to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall.”[d]
They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Footnotes:
a. 1 Peter 2:5 Or into a temple of the Spirit
b. 1 Peter 2:6 Isaiah 28:16
c. 1 Peter 2:7 Psalm 118:22
d. 1 Peter 2:8 Isaiah 8:14
Our foundation in life is Jesus Christ. Upon Him, we build the spiritual life that sets us apart for God’s service. We are a special people … both in the sense of being a special possession of His and also in declaring the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light. If you ever felt like you were worth nothing, read this beautiful verse … memorize it … carry it with you in your life journey. You are God’s special possession!!! What a great thought to begin a new week.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Some random thoughts for this Good Morning …
The tragedy in Japan reminds us of how infinitely small our power is to control Earth. I know that each of you has prayed and is praying for the people of Japan and other places impacted by the earthquake and resulting tsunami.
Our weekend weather in Georgia was tremendously beautiful. I was able to play nine Saturday with my favorite threesome – me, myself, and I. But in the course of my journey I was blessed … and I mean blessed … to encounter by buddy Mike; Joe Anzalone; and to meet a new friend who is suffering from lung cancer. I even got invited to play with some of these guys on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Our Bible study Sunday was fantastic. Our lesson covered 1 Peter 1:13-2:1. I went a little farther in the study and found this great passage:
1 Peter 2:4-10 (New International Version, ©2011)
The Living Stone and a Chosen People
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house[a] to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.”[b]
7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
“The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”[c]
8 and,
“A stone that causes people to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall.”[d]
They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Footnotes:
a. 1 Peter 2:5 Or into a temple of the Spirit
b. 1 Peter 2:6 Isaiah 28:16
c. 1 Peter 2:7 Psalm 118:22
d. 1 Peter 2:8 Isaiah 8:14
Our foundation in life is Jesus Christ. Upon Him, we build the spiritual life that sets us apart for God’s service. We are a special people … both in the sense of being a special possession of His and also in declaring the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light. If you ever felt like you were worth nothing, read this beautiful verse … memorize it … carry it with you in your life journey. You are God’s special possession!!! What a great thought to begin a new week.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Friday, March 11, 2011
Looking Forward
Good Morning!
Thinking about changing from Eastern Standard to Eastern Daylight Savings time got my feeble mind thinking about looking forward.
I look forward to the time change. Daylight Savings time allow me an opportunity to get in 9 holes of golf in the afternoon without the Weekend Golfer hold up. It also allows me to hook up with some good friends I have made in the last few years as we chased the ball around the yard and through the woods.
I look forward to the celebration of Miss N and my 45th wedding anniversary this coming week. Miss N should get an endurance record award – can you imagine having to put up with me for forty-five long years? On my side it has been pretty nice.
I look forward to the coming of Spring. We have already had jonquils and yellow bells and hyacinths bloom in our front yard. The trees are starting to bud out a little. The birds are getting more active. The moss in the front yard is greening up and the weeds in the back yard (aka “grass”) have started to grow. Miss N has already made one pass at cutting the yard with the push mower. We will be cranking up the John Deere soon. Ahhh – Spring!!!
I look forward to a gathering of Miss N’s family in late March. We hope to have all seven of the Pennington kids together once again. Miss N and I are hoping to see all of our children there … with perhaps the exception of Bryan who lives in New York. Not that we don’t want to see him but we know that making the trip would be costly for him. It would be nice to see all of them together once again.
I look forward to today. Each new day is a blessing for me. Several years ago I heard the dreaded “C” word. Hearing that word changed me. I once took each day for granted … but now I savor each day as a special blessing from God. I cannot begin to list all the blessings I get each day from God … time and space will not allow it. Just take my word for it. Last Fall I heard the “C” word again … applied to someone dear to me. And though things appear to be okay, it renews my desire to make each day count for both of us.
I look forward to the Lord’s return. Here is what Peter wrote about the Lord’s return:
2 Peter 3 (New International Version, ©2011)
The Day of the Lord
1 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
3 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.[a]
11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.[b] That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
17 Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
Footnotes:
a. 2 Peter 3:10 Some manuscripts be burned up
b. 2 Peter 3:12 Or as you wait eagerly for the day of God to come
Peter encourages us, as we look forward to the coming of the day of the Lord, to make the effort to live holy and godly lives. Remember, it is an encouragement … not a requirement – the “or else” statement. Peter knows that a life lived walking close to God will result in our current happiness as we look forward. One day Jesus will come again to call us home. What a joy to know that we are going home.
Yes, time changes this weekend … move your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night so you can scare your preacher and be in Bible study on time Sunday morning.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Thinking about changing from Eastern Standard to Eastern Daylight Savings time got my feeble mind thinking about looking forward.
I look forward to the time change. Daylight Savings time allow me an opportunity to get in 9 holes of golf in the afternoon without the Weekend Golfer hold up. It also allows me to hook up with some good friends I have made in the last few years as we chased the ball around the yard and through the woods.
I look forward to the celebration of Miss N and my 45th wedding anniversary this coming week. Miss N should get an endurance record award – can you imagine having to put up with me for forty-five long years? On my side it has been pretty nice.
I look forward to the coming of Spring. We have already had jonquils and yellow bells and hyacinths bloom in our front yard. The trees are starting to bud out a little. The birds are getting more active. The moss in the front yard is greening up and the weeds in the back yard (aka “grass”) have started to grow. Miss N has already made one pass at cutting the yard with the push mower. We will be cranking up the John Deere soon. Ahhh – Spring!!!
I look forward to a gathering of Miss N’s family in late March. We hope to have all seven of the Pennington kids together once again. Miss N and I are hoping to see all of our children there … with perhaps the exception of Bryan who lives in New York. Not that we don’t want to see him but we know that making the trip would be costly for him. It would be nice to see all of them together once again.
I look forward to today. Each new day is a blessing for me. Several years ago I heard the dreaded “C” word. Hearing that word changed me. I once took each day for granted … but now I savor each day as a special blessing from God. I cannot begin to list all the blessings I get each day from God … time and space will not allow it. Just take my word for it. Last Fall I heard the “C” word again … applied to someone dear to me. And though things appear to be okay, it renews my desire to make each day count for both of us.
I look forward to the Lord’s return. Here is what Peter wrote about the Lord’s return:
2 Peter 3 (New International Version, ©2011)
The Day of the Lord
1 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
3 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.[a]
11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.[b] That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
17 Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
Footnotes:
a. 2 Peter 3:10 Some manuscripts be burned up
b. 2 Peter 3:12 Or as you wait eagerly for the day of God to come
Peter encourages us, as we look forward to the coming of the day of the Lord, to make the effort to live holy and godly lives. Remember, it is an encouragement … not a requirement – the “or else” statement. Peter knows that a life lived walking close to God will result in our current happiness as we look forward. One day Jesus will come again to call us home. What a joy to know that we are going home.
Yes, time changes this weekend … move your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night so you can scare your preacher and be in Bible study on time Sunday morning.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Good Morning!
I spent the early morning hours of Wednesday watching a Charlie Chaplin film called “City Lights”. As usual Charlie Chaplin was the tramp. And, as usual, there was a girl that he wanted to win. In this movie, the girl is a blind flower girl. He befriends her … and she is under the impression that he is a millionaire. Eventually he gets enough money to send her to get her sight restored … knowing that when she can see, he won’t be that attractive to her. What made the movie was the last few minutes where she discovers who he is. His line is “You can see now.” And she responds lovingly, “Yes, I can see.” That is the last scene … fading to black. The implication is that she truly does see the tramp for the loving soul he is.
The old lady entered the sanctuary at a church I attended many years ago. Her clothes were threadbare. Her appearance was unkempt. And, well, she smelled … almost reeked. The first inclination was to turn away. And that’s what most did. Including me. I had not yet learned the valuable lesson that all people matter to God … even the ones who aren’t pleasant to look at or to be around. That lady had come to the house that God had prepared for her … and God’s people had turned away. I often think about that lady … a memory that reminds me to look beyond the surface and see the soul. You and I have been given so much that sometimes we forget that we are no different from the beggar in the street or the drug addict or the person who is trapped in some sin that we consider despicable. We are all sinners … separated only by the grace that God gave us in Jesus Christ, our Lord. We need to be able to SEE people with the spiritual eyes that God grants us.
Jesus had just finished feeding four thousand men and crossed the Sea. There he encountered some Pharisees seeking a sign from Him. He got back in the boat and headed to the other side. While he was going, he warned his disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees. Well, here’s how the story goes:
Mark 8:14-21 (English Standard Version)
The Leaven of the Pharisees and Herod
14Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15And he cautioned them, saying, "Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod."[a] 16And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. 17And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" They said to him, "Twelve." 20"And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" And they said to him, "Seven." 21And he said to them, "Do you not yet understand?"
Footnotes:
a. Mark 8:15 Some manuscripts the Herodians
Jesus was warning his disciples about becoming like the Pharisees. What is the leaven of the Pharisees? Well, I think the "leaven" was the fact that they had become so self-focused that they could not see their true mission. The Pharisees put themselves on exhibit … they were the example on how one walked and talked and worshipped. They were proud, considering themselves as being right with God. And in the process they lost sight of what God was teaching them. The Pharisees today would picket funerals; hold up signs touting "God Hate Fags"; would celebrate the death of soldiers as being God's punishment; would threaten to burn the Koran. They would be so busy telling people what God hates that they would forget to say who God loves. This they could not see because they were spiritually blind.
Jesus wants His disciples to see with Spiritual eyes. And His disciples were seeing with their earthly eyes … worried about bread. They were focused on the things of this earth and not on the glories of heaven. And so He exclaims “Don’t you get it?!!!”
Yes, we are to point out sin … but our primary task is to present the One who saves us from our sin. Jesus wants us to see beyond those things that make a person unlovely to the preciousness of their soul. I believe that is what God sees even in the worst of us … sinners all. Sometimes we are so busy seeing the things of earth that we are blind to the things of heaven – like that lady who was old, unkempt, and smelly. God loves that woman. And He loves us. And He wants us to love each other. He wants us to say even to the tramp “Yes, I can see.”
Agape’
Mr. Jim
I spent the early morning hours of Wednesday watching a Charlie Chaplin film called “City Lights”. As usual Charlie Chaplin was the tramp. And, as usual, there was a girl that he wanted to win. In this movie, the girl is a blind flower girl. He befriends her … and she is under the impression that he is a millionaire. Eventually he gets enough money to send her to get her sight restored … knowing that when she can see, he won’t be that attractive to her. What made the movie was the last few minutes where she discovers who he is. His line is “You can see now.” And she responds lovingly, “Yes, I can see.” That is the last scene … fading to black. The implication is that she truly does see the tramp for the loving soul he is.
The old lady entered the sanctuary at a church I attended many years ago. Her clothes were threadbare. Her appearance was unkempt. And, well, she smelled … almost reeked. The first inclination was to turn away. And that’s what most did. Including me. I had not yet learned the valuable lesson that all people matter to God … even the ones who aren’t pleasant to look at or to be around. That lady had come to the house that God had prepared for her … and God’s people had turned away. I often think about that lady … a memory that reminds me to look beyond the surface and see the soul. You and I have been given so much that sometimes we forget that we are no different from the beggar in the street or the drug addict or the person who is trapped in some sin that we consider despicable. We are all sinners … separated only by the grace that God gave us in Jesus Christ, our Lord. We need to be able to SEE people with the spiritual eyes that God grants us.
Jesus had just finished feeding four thousand men and crossed the Sea. There he encountered some Pharisees seeking a sign from Him. He got back in the boat and headed to the other side. While he was going, he warned his disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees. Well, here’s how the story goes:
Mark 8:14-21 (English Standard Version)
The Leaven of the Pharisees and Herod
14Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15And he cautioned them, saying, "Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod."[a] 16And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. 17And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" They said to him, "Twelve." 20"And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" And they said to him, "Seven." 21And he said to them, "Do you not yet understand?"
Footnotes:
a. Mark 8:15 Some manuscripts the Herodians
Jesus was warning his disciples about becoming like the Pharisees. What is the leaven of the Pharisees? Well, I think the "leaven" was the fact that they had become so self-focused that they could not see their true mission. The Pharisees put themselves on exhibit … they were the example on how one walked and talked and worshipped. They were proud, considering themselves as being right with God. And in the process they lost sight of what God was teaching them. The Pharisees today would picket funerals; hold up signs touting "God Hate Fags"; would celebrate the death of soldiers as being God's punishment; would threaten to burn the Koran. They would be so busy telling people what God hates that they would forget to say who God loves. This they could not see because they were spiritually blind.
Jesus wants His disciples to see with Spiritual eyes. And His disciples were seeing with their earthly eyes … worried about bread. They were focused on the things of this earth and not on the glories of heaven. And so He exclaims “Don’t you get it?!!!”
Yes, we are to point out sin … but our primary task is to present the One who saves us from our sin. Jesus wants us to see beyond those things that make a person unlovely to the preciousness of their soul. I believe that is what God sees even in the worst of us … sinners all. Sometimes we are so busy seeing the things of earth that we are blind to the things of heaven – like that lady who was old, unkempt, and smelly. God loves that woman. And He loves us. And He wants us to love each other. He wants us to say even to the tramp “Yes, I can see.”
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Just Jesus
Good Morning!
It has been almost forty years but I remember it as if it were just a few days ago. Funny, as we grow older and begin to look back at our past, how often does it seem as if things from the long past seem so current. Anyway, I digress.
My initial work in the ministry was driving a red and white Red Oak church bus. Later I would “captain” the bus – be the leader of the ministry team on the bus. One Saturday as I was making the rounds, inviting children to ride the bus, I encountered an adult. I pulled out my “Four Spiritual Laws” witnessing track and proceeded to try to reason with this man about his need for Jesus Christ.
I was ill prepared. And I was not successful. And the reason was I tried to use human reasoning. Notice anything about the last few sentences? Count the number of times the word “I” is used. Yes – I was trying in my own human strength … and missing the mark.
Paul had a similar episode in Athens. You can read about it in Acts 17. He attempted reasoning with the Athenians who followed him until he started talking about being raised from the dead. Then they laughed him out of town. I believe it led Paul to make the following statement:
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (English Standard Version)
Proclaiming Christ Crucified
1And I, when I came to you, brothers,[a] did not come proclaiming to you the testimony[b] of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Footnotes:
a. 1 Corinthians 2:1 Or brothers and sisters
b. 1 Corinthians 2:1 Some manuscripts mystery (or secret)
What Paul learned … and I did, too, … was that “we” cannot do it. Our reasoning – our speech – is inadequate. We must have the Holy Spirit guiding us when sharing the Gospel message. And the Gospel message must be simple: Jesus Christ and Him crucified. In short, the message we share is the message we have learned from Him.
Over the years I have learned to rely on the moving of the Spirit when it comes time to share the Gospel. I used to worry about needing to “win someone” for Christ – as though it was proof of my own salvation. I don’t worry about that anymore. I know my testimony and when God presents the opportunity, I share it. And should a person respond, God has equipped me with what to say and how to say it. It makes life so much better.
God is good … giving us opportunity to share His goodness with others … even today!
Agape’
Mr. Jim
It has been almost forty years but I remember it as if it were just a few days ago. Funny, as we grow older and begin to look back at our past, how often does it seem as if things from the long past seem so current. Anyway, I digress.
My initial work in the ministry was driving a red and white Red Oak church bus. Later I would “captain” the bus – be the leader of the ministry team on the bus. One Saturday as I was making the rounds, inviting children to ride the bus, I encountered an adult. I pulled out my “Four Spiritual Laws” witnessing track and proceeded to try to reason with this man about his need for Jesus Christ.
I was ill prepared. And I was not successful. And the reason was I tried to use human reasoning. Notice anything about the last few sentences? Count the number of times the word “I” is used. Yes – I was trying in my own human strength … and missing the mark.
Paul had a similar episode in Athens. You can read about it in Acts 17. He attempted reasoning with the Athenians who followed him until he started talking about being raised from the dead. Then they laughed him out of town. I believe it led Paul to make the following statement:
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (English Standard Version)
Proclaiming Christ Crucified
1And I, when I came to you, brothers,[a] did not come proclaiming to you the testimony[b] of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Footnotes:
a. 1 Corinthians 2:1 Or brothers and sisters
b. 1 Corinthians 2:1 Some manuscripts mystery (or secret)
What Paul learned … and I did, too, … was that “we” cannot do it. Our reasoning – our speech – is inadequate. We must have the Holy Spirit guiding us when sharing the Gospel message. And the Gospel message must be simple: Jesus Christ and Him crucified. In short, the message we share is the message we have learned from Him.
Over the years I have learned to rely on the moving of the Spirit when it comes time to share the Gospel. I used to worry about needing to “win someone” for Christ – as though it was proof of my own salvation. I don’t worry about that anymore. I know my testimony and when God presents the opportunity, I share it. And should a person respond, God has equipped me with what to say and how to say it. It makes life so much better.
God is good … giving us opportunity to share His goodness with others … even today!
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Getting One's Mind Right
Good Morning!
1 Peter 1:13 (English Standard Version)
Called to Be Holy
13Therefore, preparing your minds for action,[a] and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Footnotes:
a. 1 Peter 1:13 Greek girding up the loins of your mind
The opening verse in our Bible study lesson for this coming Sunday reminds me of Struther Martin’s line in the movie “Cool Hand Luke” where he says to Luke: “Have you got your mind right, Luke?” Having the right frame of mind goes a long way towards being successful in any endeavor. So what is the right frame of mind for the Christian? Well, let’s start with the “therefore”. You know I always say that when you see “therefore” you need to know what the therefore is there for. Earlier Peter had shared with believers about God’s redemptive work in them and about the testing of the genuineness of their faith. Preparing our minds for action to me means taking a positive approach to living the Christian life.
Have you ever encountered the Cold Water Committee? You may not have … but then again you just might have had an instance where you have heard “it won’t work” or “we tried that already and it failed” or “we would just be wasting money on that”. CWC members like to evaluate the efforts of those other folks who are attempting to do things for the Lord. All too often, they stand on the sidelines while the effort is going on, looking for the first sign of failure so they can utter life’s famous four words – “I told you so”.
While it is true that some efforts don’t reach the success that we intended, it is also true that if one doesn’t make an effort, we are surely set to fail. You see, I believe that the Cold Water Committee is right … the things I try in my own human effort are more than likely to not be fully successful. That is why when we attempt big things for God, we have to rely on God for the results … and we have to praise Him for the results we receive. I like the way Paul puts it in 1st Corinthians:
1 Corinthians 3:7 (English Standard Version)
7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
Notice in the second half of 1st Peter 1:13 that the grace is brought to us … not earned by us. Our task is to have our mind ready for action and to be sober minded. By the way, that is not SOMBER minded … there is more joy to being a believer than the world could ever achieve. But sober minded means to be discreet … to spend the time asking God’s direction, preparing, and evaluating the effort.
Remember that every obstacle is really a God opportunity. We might not be able to overcome … but God certainly can. So, get your mind right … and watch to see what God will do!!!
Agape’
Mr. Jim
1 Peter 1:13 (English Standard Version)
Called to Be Holy
13Therefore, preparing your minds for action,[a] and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Footnotes:
a. 1 Peter 1:13 Greek girding up the loins of your mind
The opening verse in our Bible study lesson for this coming Sunday reminds me of Struther Martin’s line in the movie “Cool Hand Luke” where he says to Luke: “Have you got your mind right, Luke?” Having the right frame of mind goes a long way towards being successful in any endeavor. So what is the right frame of mind for the Christian? Well, let’s start with the “therefore”. You know I always say that when you see “therefore” you need to know what the therefore is there for. Earlier Peter had shared with believers about God’s redemptive work in them and about the testing of the genuineness of their faith. Preparing our minds for action to me means taking a positive approach to living the Christian life.
Have you ever encountered the Cold Water Committee? You may not have … but then again you just might have had an instance where you have heard “it won’t work” or “we tried that already and it failed” or “we would just be wasting money on that”. CWC members like to evaluate the efforts of those other folks who are attempting to do things for the Lord. All too often, they stand on the sidelines while the effort is going on, looking for the first sign of failure so they can utter life’s famous four words – “I told you so”.
While it is true that some efforts don’t reach the success that we intended, it is also true that if one doesn’t make an effort, we are surely set to fail. You see, I believe that the Cold Water Committee is right … the things I try in my own human effort are more than likely to not be fully successful. That is why when we attempt big things for God, we have to rely on God for the results … and we have to praise Him for the results we receive. I like the way Paul puts it in 1st Corinthians:
1 Corinthians 3:7 (English Standard Version)
7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
Notice in the second half of 1st Peter 1:13 that the grace is brought to us … not earned by us. Our task is to have our mind ready for action and to be sober minded. By the way, that is not SOMBER minded … there is more joy to being a believer than the world could ever achieve. But sober minded means to be discreet … to spend the time asking God’s direction, preparing, and evaluating the effort.
Remember that every obstacle is really a God opportunity. We might not be able to overcome … but God certainly can. So, get your mind right … and watch to see what God will do!!!
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Monday, March 7, 2011
When Bad Things Happen...
03/07/2011
Good Morning!
I was studying Sunday’s lesson Saturday morning, putting together some thoughts on what I think Peter is telling us in the opening of his letter. I wrote last week about seeing the phrase “testing the genuineness of faith”. I had pulled out the book “The Case for Faith” written by Lee Strobel to share with the class … and thought how to relate the story of Charles Templeton.
Briefly, one of the founders of Youth for Christ International was Charles Templeton. One of the first evangelists on staff was a fellow by the name of Billy Graham. Many people thought that Charles Templeton was the more gifted of the two in speaking for Christ. Yet in 1957 Charles Templeton announced that he was agnostic. Eventually he would renounce Christianity and become an atheist. What led to that change? The answer was a photograph in Life magazine. The picture was of an African woman holding her dead child. And this caused Templeton to question why God would let this happen.
Bad things happen to good people all the time. Why? Why doesn’t God intervene? Why do we have to go through these crises in our lives? Why can’t it just be an easy life?
Well this thought crossed my mind.
Romans 5:12-14 (English Standard Version)
Death in Adam, Life in Christ
12Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— 13for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.
We live in a world where someone (else) has to be at fault. And one “person” we often blame when good things go bad is God. But who is really at fault? Well, I am going to blame Adam – because he was the one who sinned at brought death into this world. Actually, “bad” things have their root in sin. Here is how I explained it in my thinking Saturday:
As our faith grows stronger, we can expect to encounter even more difficulties. Why? Well, I do believe in Satan and I do believe he is active trying to defeat us – to make us turn from God – not necessarily to him but to turn away. So the watchword is to stay strong in the faith, endure the test and learn that God will provide strength to endure.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Good Morning!
I was studying Sunday’s lesson Saturday morning, putting together some thoughts on what I think Peter is telling us in the opening of his letter. I wrote last week about seeing the phrase “testing the genuineness of faith”. I had pulled out the book “The Case for Faith” written by Lee Strobel to share with the class … and thought how to relate the story of Charles Templeton.
Briefly, one of the founders of Youth for Christ International was Charles Templeton. One of the first evangelists on staff was a fellow by the name of Billy Graham. Many people thought that Charles Templeton was the more gifted of the two in speaking for Christ. Yet in 1957 Charles Templeton announced that he was agnostic. Eventually he would renounce Christianity and become an atheist. What led to that change? The answer was a photograph in Life magazine. The picture was of an African woman holding her dead child. And this caused Templeton to question why God would let this happen.
Bad things happen to good people all the time. Why? Why doesn’t God intervene? Why do we have to go through these crises in our lives? Why can’t it just be an easy life?
Well this thought crossed my mind.
Romans 5:12-14 (English Standard Version)
Death in Adam, Life in Christ
12Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— 13for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.
We live in a world where someone (else) has to be at fault. And one “person” we often blame when good things go bad is God. But who is really at fault? Well, I am going to blame Adam – because he was the one who sinned at brought death into this world. Actually, “bad” things have their root in sin. Here is how I explained it in my thinking Saturday:
Point 3: The trials we go through prove the genuineness of our faith. A frequent question is why God will allow bad things to happen to good people. Well, first, let us understand that bad things happen because of sin … not necessarily our personal sin but of the original sin of Adam. The best way to explain is to understand weeds. The Garden of Eden had no weeds. It had no thorns. Those came as a result of Adam’s disobedience. In short, we can blame Adam when we have to weed the garden. Sin brought death into the world – Adam’s body was created to last for eternity – and all the underlying causes of death. So when “bad things” happen, is it God’s doing? No – but God can use the bad things to test and to prove our faith. But doesn’t God already know the depth of our faith? Of course He does. Who needs to know the depth of our faith? We do! So our suffering serves to refine the faith that is in us so we can know the strength of our faith.
As our faith grows stronger, we can expect to encounter even more difficulties. Why? Well, I do believe in Satan and I do believe he is active trying to defeat us – to make us turn from God – not necessarily to him but to turn away. So the watchword is to stay strong in the faith, endure the test and learn that God will provide strength to endure.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Friday, March 4, 2011
Some Hard News
Good Morning!
A quick quiz for a Friday morning …
What do Ray Charles, Ronnie Milsap, and Gordon Mote have in common?
If any of you say they are sight impaired, you would be correct. You could also say that each are musicians and singers. And that would be correct as well.
Now I know you have heard of Ray Charles … though he is now deceased. And you should be hearing of Ronnie Milsap any day now. But not a lot of folks know about Gordon Mote. Gordon Mote may be one of the most sought after accompanist in the Nashville area. I know him through his recordings with the Gaither Vocal Band.
On January 31 of last year, Norma and I went to a Gordon Mote concert at Rock Springs Church in Milner Georgia. It was a great concert. One of the songs he sang was “If They Could See You Through My Eyes” – a song he wrote and performed for his wife. Keep in mind that Gordon cannot see at all. Here’s the lyric:
The next morning, Norma underwent surgery to repair the macular hole that had developed in her eye in the hopes that her sight would be fully restored. Yesterday, after thirteen months, the doctors told her that she will not recover full sight in that eye. I did my best to hide my emotions when she told me … but in my heart, I wept for her. I know how disappointed she is … and I cannot help but share in that disappointment.
But here is what I believe: when life issues us a challenge, it presents our great God with opportunity. I know my God can help us adjust to this new world … and in doing so, bring glory to His name. I also know my God is in the healing business. You see, the hole is healed but the electrical impulses that bring clarity to the sight are not there. My God who put the forces of nature together that produces the mighty bolts of lightning CAN restart electric impulses in a person’s eye … and He will if it brings glory to His name. Norma and I are praying in that direction. But until He does, we are going to hold fast to the faith that has carried us this far – for our God is faithful in all phases of life.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
A quick quiz for a Friday morning …
What do Ray Charles, Ronnie Milsap, and Gordon Mote have in common?
If any of you say they are sight impaired, you would be correct. You could also say that each are musicians and singers. And that would be correct as well.
Now I know you have heard of Ray Charles … though he is now deceased. And you should be hearing of Ronnie Milsap any day now. But not a lot of folks know about Gordon Mote. Gordon Mote may be one of the most sought after accompanist in the Nashville area. I know him through his recordings with the Gaither Vocal Band.
On January 31 of last year, Norma and I went to a Gordon Mote concert at Rock Springs Church in Milner Georgia. It was a great concert. One of the songs he sang was “If They Could See You Through My Eyes” – a song he wrote and performed for his wife. Keep in mind that Gordon cannot see at all. Here’s the lyric:
Everyone tells me how beautiful you are
And what a lucky man I am
Although they all can see the way you look at me
They couldn’t see it like I can
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/g/gordon_mote/if_they_could_see_you_through_my_eyes.html ]
Chorus:
If they could see you through my eyes
They’d know where the real beauty lies
Deep inside your heart
Who you really are
If they could see you through my eyes
Only I have to do is gently touch your face
Baby I can tell so much
Although I’ll never see the way you look at me
I know I’m the lucky one
In the quiet of night
When I hold you close
I can feel how bright you shine
The next morning, Norma underwent surgery to repair the macular hole that had developed in her eye in the hopes that her sight would be fully restored. Yesterday, after thirteen months, the doctors told her that she will not recover full sight in that eye. I did my best to hide my emotions when she told me … but in my heart, I wept for her. I know how disappointed she is … and I cannot help but share in that disappointment.
But here is what I believe: when life issues us a challenge, it presents our great God with opportunity. I know my God can help us adjust to this new world … and in doing so, bring glory to His name. I also know my God is in the healing business. You see, the hole is healed but the electrical impulses that bring clarity to the sight are not there. My God who put the forces of nature together that produces the mighty bolts of lightning CAN restart electric impulses in a person’s eye … and He will if it brings glory to His name. Norma and I are praying in that direction. But until He does, we are going to hold fast to the faith that has carried us this far – for our God is faithful in all phases of life.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Thursday, March 3, 2011
A Call To A Friend
Good Morning!
I received an email yesterday afternoon informing me of the death of my ex-boss’s wife. Roy will be 90 years old this coming August and had been married to Judith for over sixty years. I gave Roy a call last night and spent forty enjoyable minutes talking with him.
Roy was my mentor at Life of Georgia for over ten years. He has been retired for almost 22 years as of this writing. Roy has always been active in his church and his Sunday school class … the “Alert” class at 1st Baptist Decatur Georgia. Roy told me he had been a member of the class since 1954 … and has been involved in the publishing of the bi-monthly newsletter called the “Alerter” for most of those years. The publication goes to over 200 members each mailing. Roy mentioned that the class size has dwindled from well over one hundred to just thirty … with only about fifteen able to attend. Roy gives each class member that cannot come a call each week … and he stated that some have commented how much that weekly call means to them. And it does.
Christian ministry isn’t just about sharing Bible verses. Christian ministry involves caring about one another – in good times and especially in the difficult times of life. One of my co-workers was sharing that his uncle was being “taken off the machines” night before last. His dad who is disabled by a stroke cannot make the seven hour trip from Atlanta to Seattle for his brother’s funeral … and my co-worker was dreading the trip. But I reminded him that he is the oldest son … and thereby really the best one to represent his dad at this important time. And he agreed.
We are in this life together. You and I are brothers or sisters in Christ. We have each other to help us through the ups and downs of life. God has blessed us with people to get us through a lot of good times and through numerous tough times. Thank you for your support in both.
Before we closed our conversation, I thanked Roy for all that he did for me when he was my boss. He was a good boss and I needed to tell him that … something most bosses never hear. I hope Roy has many more years … but at least he knows how I feel about him.
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
Agape’
Mr. Jim
I received an email yesterday afternoon informing me of the death of my ex-boss’s wife. Roy will be 90 years old this coming August and had been married to Judith for over sixty years. I gave Roy a call last night and spent forty enjoyable minutes talking with him.
Roy was my mentor at Life of Georgia for over ten years. He has been retired for almost 22 years as of this writing. Roy has always been active in his church and his Sunday school class … the “Alert” class at 1st Baptist Decatur Georgia. Roy told me he had been a member of the class since 1954 … and has been involved in the publishing of the bi-monthly newsletter called the “Alerter” for most of those years. The publication goes to over 200 members each mailing. Roy mentioned that the class size has dwindled from well over one hundred to just thirty … with only about fifteen able to attend. Roy gives each class member that cannot come a call each week … and he stated that some have commented how much that weekly call means to them. And it does.
Christian ministry isn’t just about sharing Bible verses. Christian ministry involves caring about one another – in good times and especially in the difficult times of life. One of my co-workers was sharing that his uncle was being “taken off the machines” night before last. His dad who is disabled by a stroke cannot make the seven hour trip from Atlanta to Seattle for his brother’s funeral … and my co-worker was dreading the trip. But I reminded him that he is the oldest son … and thereby really the best one to represent his dad at this important time. And he agreed.
We are in this life together. You and I are brothers or sisters in Christ. We have each other to help us through the ups and downs of life. God has blessed us with people to get us through a lot of good times and through numerous tough times. Thank you for your support in both.
Before we closed our conversation, I thanked Roy for all that he did for me when he was my boss. He was a good boss and I needed to tell him that … something most bosses never hear. I hope Roy has many more years … but at least he knows how I feel about him.
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
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Genuineness
Good Morning!
Our Sunday morning Bible study for March is from Peter’s first letter to the “elect”. And even though Peter specifies the elect in what was then Asia Minor (now Turkey), I like to think that Peter is writing to you and to me. Otherwise there wouldn’t be any need to put the letter in the Scripture. At least that’s how I see it.
Here is a portion of the text for this coming Sunday:
1 Peter 1:3-12 (English Standard Version)
Born Again to a Living Hope
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
10Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
Somehow I believe Mrs. Grace Carr, my 8th grade English teacher would have scolded Peter for the run on sentence that comprises verses 3 through 5. I can almost hear her voice today telling us to break it up into shorter ideas. But anyway … there is a word that intrigues me in this passage. The word is “genuineness”. I don’t know that I have ever seen this word before. I note that this word is also used in the NIV version. Here it is used with the adjective “tested” – at least I think it is an adjective. Well that got the brain cells pumping … oh, no!
What does Peter mean by the genuineness of faith? Well, let’s take a look at the word “genuine”. Here is the definition:
Well that’s the definition but somehow I think we have lost the definition in our vernacular. I mean we have “genuine imitation leather” and “genuine simulated _______” fill in the blank. And in the process we have lost the ability to distinguish between truly genuine and not genuine at all. And that is dangerous because it is important that our faith be genuine … not only for our own sake but for the testimony that we present to the world.
I believe people are seeking genuineness today. The world gives them so much that seems genuine but in the end is not. You and I are God’s appointed representatives … and our lives should reflect the true love and true faith that leads a person to desire to know Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior. As Peter says, “that the tested genuineness of our faith … may result in praise and honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ”. Tested by whom? Tested by God through trials? Well, yes … but also tested by those to whom we have been sent to share the simple Gospel message of faith in Jesus Christ. Passing that “test” is not a one-night miracle – no, passing the test of genuineness is a day by day by day journey for each of us.
I pray that my faith may be genuine and be reflected as such to all that I meet on this good day. Father, help me in my quest to be genuine not only in my faith but also in my love for others.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Our Sunday morning Bible study for March is from Peter’s first letter to the “elect”. And even though Peter specifies the elect in what was then Asia Minor (now Turkey), I like to think that Peter is writing to you and to me. Otherwise there wouldn’t be any need to put the letter in the Scripture. At least that’s how I see it.
Here is a portion of the text for this coming Sunday:
1 Peter 1:3-12 (English Standard Version)
Born Again to a Living Hope
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
10Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
Somehow I believe Mrs. Grace Carr, my 8th grade English teacher would have scolded Peter for the run on sentence that comprises verses 3 through 5. I can almost hear her voice today telling us to break it up into shorter ideas. But anyway … there is a word that intrigues me in this passage. The word is “genuineness”. I don’t know that I have ever seen this word before. I note that this word is also used in the NIV version. Here it is used with the adjective “tested” – at least I think it is an adjective. Well that got the brain cells pumping … oh, no!
What does Peter mean by the genuineness of faith? Well, let’s take a look at the word “genuine”. Here is the definition:
gen•u•ine
/ˈdʒɛn yu ɪn/ Spelled[jen-yoo-in]
–adjective
1. possessing the claimed or attributed character, quality, or origin; not counterfeit; authentic; real: genuine sympathy; a genuine antique.
2. properly so called: a genuine case of smallpox.
3. free from pretense, affectation, or hypocrisy; sincere: a genuine person.
4. descended from the original stock; pure in breed: a genuine Celtic people.
Well that’s the definition but somehow I think we have lost the definition in our vernacular. I mean we have “genuine imitation leather” and “genuine simulated _______” fill in the blank. And in the process we have lost the ability to distinguish between truly genuine and not genuine at all. And that is dangerous because it is important that our faith be genuine … not only for our own sake but for the testimony that we present to the world.
I believe people are seeking genuineness today. The world gives them so much that seems genuine but in the end is not. You and I are God’s appointed representatives … and our lives should reflect the true love and true faith that leads a person to desire to know Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior. As Peter says, “that the tested genuineness of our faith … may result in praise and honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ”. Tested by whom? Tested by God through trials? Well, yes … but also tested by those to whom we have been sent to share the simple Gospel message of faith in Jesus Christ. Passing that “test” is not a one-night miracle – no, passing the test of genuineness is a day by day by day journey for each of us.
I pray that my faith may be genuine and be reflected as such to all that I meet on this good day. Father, help me in my quest to be genuine not only in my faith but also in my love for others.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Right Perspective
Good Morning!
How important are things to you? Now I know we all like nice things – a nice home to live in; a nice car to drive – perhaps two; nice furniture; nice clothes; comfortable surroundings. But what if you lost them all? What if perchance the economy tanked and you were hit by the tank? How important would they be?
I believe our Heavenly Father wants us to have every good gift from above … but I also believe He wants us to keep the gifts in perspective. When the things we have become more important than the God we serve, that is idolatry … and our Heavenly Father doesn’t want that. Here’s what Jesus said about things:
Matthew 6:19-24 (English Standard Version)
Lay Up Treasures in Heaven
19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[a] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.[b]
Footnotes:
a. Matthew 6:19 Or worm; also verse 20
b. Matthew 6:24 Greek mammon, a Semitic word for money or possessions
For Jesus, the most important thing we can do is to be obedient to God. God wants us to lay up heavenly treasures … which I believe to be people to whom we have shared Christ. Doing God’s will for our lives should be the focal point … and we should trust God for the rest. And guess what … God will give you what you need … and even more.
Now I am not saying for you to not buy that new Mercedes … if God leads you to do so … but I am saying to not make the Mercedes (or any other thing) more important that God.
Have a blessed day!!!
Agape’
Mr. Jim
How important are things to you? Now I know we all like nice things – a nice home to live in; a nice car to drive – perhaps two; nice furniture; nice clothes; comfortable surroundings. But what if you lost them all? What if perchance the economy tanked and you were hit by the tank? How important would they be?
I believe our Heavenly Father wants us to have every good gift from above … but I also believe He wants us to keep the gifts in perspective. When the things we have become more important than the God we serve, that is idolatry … and our Heavenly Father doesn’t want that. Here’s what Jesus said about things:
Matthew 6:19-24 (English Standard Version)
Lay Up Treasures in Heaven
19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[a] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.[b]
Footnotes:
a. Matthew 6:19 Or worm; also verse 20
b. Matthew 6:24 Greek mammon, a Semitic word for money or possessions
For Jesus, the most important thing we can do is to be obedient to God. God wants us to lay up heavenly treasures … which I believe to be people to whom we have shared Christ. Doing God’s will for our lives should be the focal point … and we should trust God for the rest. And guess what … God will give you what you need … and even more.
Now I am not saying for you to not buy that new Mercedes … if God leads you to do so … but I am saying to not make the Mercedes (or any other thing) more important that God.
Have a blessed day!!!
Agape’
Mr. Jim
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