Good Morning!
The setting is a Russian village in 1905. The main character is a milkman named Tevye’. He and his wife, Golde, have five daughters – three of whom are approaching the age where they will marry. The opening song is “Tradition” – a theme that carries through the entire play as Tevye’ struggles with the religious requirements and his young daughters’ wishes.
Tonight, Norma and I, Jim, Angie and the girls, Heather and her friend Stasha will join Grandma Leta in Hayesville to see the Licklog Players production of “Fiddler on the Roof”. Heather had the opportunity to assist in the direction of the play several years ago with her friend who she refers to as “Purple Michael”. For some strange reason, they asked me to play the role of Lazar Wolf – the butcher. In doing so, I learned a lot about the play – and some things about life.
Teyve’ lives life by tradition. In his mind, traditions cement the small society he lives in – and changes to tradition are a threat. Unfortunately, his daughters don’t see life in such strict ways. His oldest daughter, Tzeitel, is matched to the butcher, Lazar Wolf – who is much older than she is. But Tzeitel wants to marry Model, an aspiring tailor. Tradition says the father chooses the daughter’s mate – and Tevye’ has already agreed to the marriage of Lazar and Tzeitel. The dilemma is not just does he go back on his word – but does he also break with tradition and allow Tzeitel to choose her spouse.
His second daughter falls in love with a rebel. Again, Tevye’ faces the problem of allowing his daughter to choose who she wishes to marry – and move away from the tight knit family unit. Again, Tevye’ breaks tradition.
The third test of his reliance on tradition comes when Chava, his third daughter, falls in love with a non-Jew. Tevye’ cannot allow this breach of tradition and, when Chava runs off and marries, he treats her as being dead … until … all the families in the town are required to move because the Russian government elects to expel all Jews … those who don’t meet THEIR tradition. At the very end – as Tevye’ is packing the cart to move, Chava comes to wish her family farewell. At first Tevye’ ignores her presence – but at the very end, he wishes her well – breaking the final tradition.
So what did I learn? Jesus fought the traditions of the Pharisees all of His earthly existence. Many of the traditions were just interpretations of the Law that had been adopted as being “right” – even though God never placed such a restriction on life. People were trapped by these traditions – little things like how many steps one could take on a Sabbath and it not be counted as work. The traditions – not God – became the focal point of “worship”. No wonder God – speaking through Isaiah – said He was tired of the meaningless acts called worship. He desires nothing more than a pure heart and a sincere commitment to Him. That’s all.
As a believer in Jesus Christ, I must guard against making my worship of God become “doing church”. We would never think of our relationship with our spouse as a chore – “doing wife” so to speak. While our lives might have routines, we wouldn’t want our relationship be limited to a couple of hours a week – as required – with time off for vacation in summer. Our love of Christ is not a tradition! It is a part of the fabric of who we are – and it is fresh each day. Like today.
Well, Mr. Jim is headed up to “no computer” land tomorrow – so there won’t be a post until Monday. Have a safe weekend. Know that I love you.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Shared Praises:
Ellen Brewer has a new blogspot for instruments for the world. Check it out at http://instrumentsfortheworld.blogspot.com/
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Kenya
Good Morning!
A promise is a promise….
Jim and I had a few minutes last Saturday to talk about the mission to Kenya. This year’s trip had a couple of challenges for Jim. First, there was a culture problem that had entangled some of the Kenyan pastors. Breaking away from traditions isn’t easy – and even more so in a culture where a practice is prevalent. Jim told me that this problem actually worked itself out pretty easily – I am going to state that the prayers of people everywhere on this had an impact. Just can’t beat that prayer … can you?
The other issue that Jim faces in Kenya is the five orphanages that are supported. The desire is to make these orphanages self supporting – being able to grow enough food to feed themselves and to provide funds for their needs. Last year Jim sent me a document that outlined the needs of each orphanage – and the need is significant. We just cannot imagine the conditions these precious children endure every day. And helping these orphanages become self supporting is the right way to go. But sometimes the message gets lost in the translation. Jim shared that one of the directors got in his mind that he wanted to build another dormitory with the funding – Jim had to communicate that the funds were for buying land to grow food to feed the kids. I can understand the director’s point of view – there are so many children who have been orphaned because of the AIDs epidemic. But Jim is right – and I am not saying that because he is my son. The old adage “give the man a fish and he will eat for a day – teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime” fits this situation. God has given the orphans a place to stay – and now they need food to eat, clothes to wear, and mats to sleep on.
By the way, if you care to help, you can contact First Baptist – Helen Georgia about how to give a donation – or perhaps even participate in a mission adventure.
Mark 10:13-15 (Contemporary English Version)
Jesus Blesses Little Children
(Matthew 19.13-15; Luke 18.15-17)
13Some people brought their children to Jesus so that he could bless them by placing his hands on them. But his disciples told the people to stop bothering him.
14When Jesus saw this, he became angry and said, "Let the children come to me! Don't try to stop them. People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God. [a] 15I promise you that you cannot get into God's kingdom, unless you accept it the way a child does."
Footnotes:
a. Mark 10:14 People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God: Or "The kingdom of God belongs to people who are like these little children."
Jesus loves children. He loves their innocence – the way they just take for granted that what He says is true – no further answers needed. Sometimes when I find myself doubting, I realize that I am relying on my intellect (very dangerous) rather than just believing God. And that is when I remember the admonition: “I promise you that you cannot get into God’s kingdom, unless you accept it the way a child does.” Salvation isn’t tough – it is simple: just trust God. And that makes for a good day…
Agape’
Mr. Jim
A promise is a promise….
Jim and I had a few minutes last Saturday to talk about the mission to Kenya. This year’s trip had a couple of challenges for Jim. First, there was a culture problem that had entangled some of the Kenyan pastors. Breaking away from traditions isn’t easy – and even more so in a culture where a practice is prevalent. Jim told me that this problem actually worked itself out pretty easily – I am going to state that the prayers of people everywhere on this had an impact. Just can’t beat that prayer … can you?
The other issue that Jim faces in Kenya is the five orphanages that are supported. The desire is to make these orphanages self supporting – being able to grow enough food to feed themselves and to provide funds for their needs. Last year Jim sent me a document that outlined the needs of each orphanage – and the need is significant. We just cannot imagine the conditions these precious children endure every day. And helping these orphanages become self supporting is the right way to go. But sometimes the message gets lost in the translation. Jim shared that one of the directors got in his mind that he wanted to build another dormitory with the funding – Jim had to communicate that the funds were for buying land to grow food to feed the kids. I can understand the director’s point of view – there are so many children who have been orphaned because of the AIDs epidemic. But Jim is right – and I am not saying that because he is my son. The old adage “give the man a fish and he will eat for a day – teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime” fits this situation. God has given the orphans a place to stay – and now they need food to eat, clothes to wear, and mats to sleep on.
By the way, if you care to help, you can contact First Baptist – Helen Georgia about how to give a donation – or perhaps even participate in a mission adventure.
Mark 10:13-15 (Contemporary English Version)
Jesus Blesses Little Children
(Matthew 19.13-15; Luke 18.15-17)
13Some people brought their children to Jesus so that he could bless them by placing his hands on them. But his disciples told the people to stop bothering him.
14When Jesus saw this, he became angry and said, "Let the children come to me! Don't try to stop them. People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God. [a] 15I promise you that you cannot get into God's kingdom, unless you accept it the way a child does."
Footnotes:
a. Mark 10:14 People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God: Or "The kingdom of God belongs to people who are like these little children."
Jesus loves children. He loves their innocence – the way they just take for granted that what He says is true – no further answers needed. Sometimes when I find myself doubting, I realize that I am relying on my intellect (very dangerous) rather than just believing God. And that is when I remember the admonition: “I promise you that you cannot get into God’s kingdom, unless you accept it the way a child does.” Salvation isn’t tough – it is simple: just trust God. And that makes for a good day…
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
A Bad Year
Good Morning!
2 Corinthians 12:1-10 (English Standard Version)
Paul’s Visions and His Thorn
1I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. 6Though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,[a] a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Footnotes:
a. 2 Corinthians 12:7 Or hears from me, even because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited
“Drinking of the wine – the wine – the wine; drinking of the wine; O my Lord. I could have been there ten thousand days, drinking of the wine, the wine, the wine.”
A little inside passage for my son Jim and daughter Heather. When they were teens, the South Metro Baptist Association would have an annual gathering in March called “M” night. One year we had a dear preacher who spoke to us using the Scripture passage above and the recitation to grab our interest. As he spoke, his emphasis on the recitation grew increasingly emphatic until at the end, each phrase was almost shouted. He was talking about Paul and the trials Paul went through as a believer. A great sermon that I remember even thirty years later.
As I mentioned yesterday, I heard another great sermon. Now the preacher didn’t hit on this Scripture but as I was driving along Monday, my mind went to the thorn in Paul’s flesh. What drove me there was what the preacher shared about himself Sunday. He talked about his 2009. His first memory of 2009 was when he and his wife discovered that the baby they were expecting had died in vitro. A good friend of mine’s daughter had the same misfortune just a few weeks ago and I wept for them. But to make matters worse for this preacher – he and his wife were getting ready to move from Virginia to Georgia – and had gone by to tell her parents good bye. Her step father called the grandkids over to get a hug – and dropped dead of a heart attack. Then later in the year, the preacher was guest preaching at a church in Charlotte North Carolina. While waiting for the service to begin, his wife miscarried. You might say he had a bad year. Or, one might wonder where God was in all of this man’s life.
We don’t understand why tragedy strikes good people – but it does. I have a friend who served God faithfully as a missionary and has been unemployed for over two years. Another friend – also a former missionary – is looking for work even today. My friend whose daughter lost a child also lost a child many years ago. We sat in his office, listening to the Selah song about their loss, both of us with tears in our eyes, hurting for people we don’t even know but understanding the pain of loss. And we wonder….
Paul says “Three times I PLEADED with the Lord about this – that it should leave me.” I know about that, Paul, because I too have asked God the same. And Paul says that God told him – “My grace is sufficient for you – my power is made perfect in weakness.”
No – it doesn’t stop the hurt. The tears still flow. The sleepless hours still come. We are human – and living through adversity: weaknesses, hardships, persecutions, and calamites – is still tough. But when we place our faith and trust in Christ Jesus, our Lord – and lean on His powerful shoulders, we can know true strength. And get through another day – another week – another month – another year. God bless you and keep you all today. In Jesus’ name.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
2 Corinthians 12:1-10 (English Standard Version)
Paul’s Visions and His Thorn
1I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. 6Though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,[a] a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Footnotes:
a. 2 Corinthians 12:7 Or hears from me, even because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited
“Drinking of the wine – the wine – the wine; drinking of the wine; O my Lord. I could have been there ten thousand days, drinking of the wine, the wine, the wine.”
A little inside passage for my son Jim and daughter Heather. When they were teens, the South Metro Baptist Association would have an annual gathering in March called “M” night. One year we had a dear preacher who spoke to us using the Scripture passage above and the recitation to grab our interest. As he spoke, his emphasis on the recitation grew increasingly emphatic until at the end, each phrase was almost shouted. He was talking about Paul and the trials Paul went through as a believer. A great sermon that I remember even thirty years later.
As I mentioned yesterday, I heard another great sermon. Now the preacher didn’t hit on this Scripture but as I was driving along Monday, my mind went to the thorn in Paul’s flesh. What drove me there was what the preacher shared about himself Sunday. He talked about his 2009. His first memory of 2009 was when he and his wife discovered that the baby they were expecting had died in vitro. A good friend of mine’s daughter had the same misfortune just a few weeks ago and I wept for them. But to make matters worse for this preacher – he and his wife were getting ready to move from Virginia to Georgia – and had gone by to tell her parents good bye. Her step father called the grandkids over to get a hug – and dropped dead of a heart attack. Then later in the year, the preacher was guest preaching at a church in Charlotte North Carolina. While waiting for the service to begin, his wife miscarried. You might say he had a bad year. Or, one might wonder where God was in all of this man’s life.
We don’t understand why tragedy strikes good people – but it does. I have a friend who served God faithfully as a missionary and has been unemployed for over two years. Another friend – also a former missionary – is looking for work even today. My friend whose daughter lost a child also lost a child many years ago. We sat in his office, listening to the Selah song about their loss, both of us with tears in our eyes, hurting for people we don’t even know but understanding the pain of loss. And we wonder….
Paul says “Three times I PLEADED with the Lord about this – that it should leave me.” I know about that, Paul, because I too have asked God the same. And Paul says that God told him – “My grace is sufficient for you – my power is made perfect in weakness.”
No – it doesn’t stop the hurt. The tears still flow. The sleepless hours still come. We are human – and living through adversity: weaknesses, hardships, persecutions, and calamites – is still tough. But when we place our faith and trust in Christ Jesus, our Lord – and lean on His powerful shoulders, we can know true strength. And get through another day – another week – another month – another year. God bless you and keep you all today. In Jesus’ name.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Monday, July 26, 2010
Special....
Good Morning!
Hebrews 12:1-2 (English Standard Version)
Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Miss N and I went to First Baptist – Helen GA yesterday. My oldest son, Jim, is an Associate Pastor there and has just returned from Kenya via Myrtle Beach… (he gets home from Kenya on Monday, July 12th, and heads to Myrtle Beach with the Youth on July 17th for a week). So Sunday was the first time Miss N and I had gotten to see him since he got back.
They had a guest preacher there – a fellow who is the Director of Admissions at Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland GA. He preached on the scripture above – and it was a great sermon. One quick point from the sermon: what or who was the joy that Jesus endured the cross for? The answer, my friends, is you and me. Jesus didn’t endure the cross for the glory – He already had all glory and laid it aside for us. Think about that for a moment. Jesus put aside His glory for you and for me. Jesus endured the shame of the cross for you and for me. Jesus endured Hell for an eternity (don’t ask me how – remember, He is an infinite God and I have only a finite mind) for you and for me. And He considers us His joy.
I remember when each of my children was born. I can tell you the day of the week and the hour of the day. The reason is that I consider each of my children to be a joy for me and for Miss N. And, no, they aren’t perfect – but neither is their Dad. They are, though, a precious gift given by God. And they bring me much joy.
You are Christ’s joy. What a great thought for this Monday morning – and for each morning.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Hebrews 12:1-2 (English Standard Version)
Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Miss N and I went to First Baptist – Helen GA yesterday. My oldest son, Jim, is an Associate Pastor there and has just returned from Kenya via Myrtle Beach… (he gets home from Kenya on Monday, July 12th, and heads to Myrtle Beach with the Youth on July 17th for a week). So Sunday was the first time Miss N and I had gotten to see him since he got back.
They had a guest preacher there – a fellow who is the Director of Admissions at Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland GA. He preached on the scripture above – and it was a great sermon. One quick point from the sermon: what or who was the joy that Jesus endured the cross for? The answer, my friends, is you and me. Jesus didn’t endure the cross for the glory – He already had all glory and laid it aside for us. Think about that for a moment. Jesus put aside His glory for you and for me. Jesus endured the shame of the cross for you and for me. Jesus endured Hell for an eternity (don’t ask me how – remember, He is an infinite God and I have only a finite mind) for you and for me. And He considers us His joy.
I remember when each of my children was born. I can tell you the day of the week and the hour of the day. The reason is that I consider each of my children to be a joy for me and for Miss N. And, no, they aren’t perfect – but neither is their Dad. They are, though, a precious gift given by God. And they bring me much joy.
You are Christ’s joy. What a great thought for this Monday morning – and for each morning.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Friday, July 23, 2010
Weekend
07/23/2010
Good Morning!
A boy was watching his father, a pastor, write a sermon.
"How do you know what to say?" he asked.
"Why, God tells me."
"Oh, then why do you keep crossing things out?"
I have a couple of readers of the Good Morning who are preachers and will appreciate the above. But isn’t there a little seed of truth in the joke? God tells us (over and over again – it seems) what His will is for our lives – but we seem to have a breakdown in communication. As the wise man once said: “God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason – we should spend twice our time listening and half our time talking.”
Well, we come to the weekend. It has been a good week for me and Miss N – at least I think it has been. Wednesday morning we both went out to the Wee Links and walked around the course. I was hitting a little white ball – she was taking pictures. But it was a joy to be out with my sweetheart – sweating on the course.
Proverbs 5:18-19 (Contemporary English Version)
18Be happy with the wife
you married
when you were young.
19She is beautiful and graceful,
just like a deer;
you should be attracted to her
and stay deeply in love.
I am truly a blessed by God with the wife He gave to me forty-four years ago. We have had and continue to have a very loving, caring relationship. What a joy to be able to write these words. I hope for each of you that you will find a similar relationship.
The weekend is upon us. Miss N and I hope to make a side trip to Helen this Sunday and see some red-headed grandchildren. It seems like months have passed since we saw them. I also hope to catch up with Travelin’ Jim and find out about the Kenya mission so I can share that with you next week.
Have a great weekend in the Lord.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Good Morning!
A boy was watching his father, a pastor, write a sermon.
"How do you know what to say?" he asked.
"Why, God tells me."
"Oh, then why do you keep crossing things out?"
I have a couple of readers of the Good Morning who are preachers and will appreciate the above. But isn’t there a little seed of truth in the joke? God tells us (over and over again – it seems) what His will is for our lives – but we seem to have a breakdown in communication. As the wise man once said: “God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason – we should spend twice our time listening and half our time talking.”
Well, we come to the weekend. It has been a good week for me and Miss N – at least I think it has been. Wednesday morning we both went out to the Wee Links and walked around the course. I was hitting a little white ball – she was taking pictures. But it was a joy to be out with my sweetheart – sweating on the course.
Proverbs 5:18-19 (Contemporary English Version)
18Be happy with the wife
you married
when you were young.
19She is beautiful and graceful,
just like a deer;
you should be attracted to her
and stay deeply in love.
I am truly a blessed by God with the wife He gave to me forty-four years ago. We have had and continue to have a very loving, caring relationship. What a joy to be able to write these words. I hope for each of you that you will find a similar relationship.
The weekend is upon us. Miss N and I hope to make a side trip to Helen this Sunday and see some red-headed grandchildren. It seems like months have passed since we saw them. I also hope to catch up with Travelin’ Jim and find out about the Kenya mission so I can share that with you next week.
Have a great weekend in the Lord.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Lord Is My Shepherd
Good Morning!
Psalm 23 (English Standard Version)
The LORD Is My Shepherd
A Psalm of David.
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.[a]
3He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness[b]
for his name’s sake.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,[c]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6Surely[d] goodness and mercy[e] shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell[f] in the house of the LORD
forever.[g]
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 23:2 Hebrew beside waters of rest
b. Psalm 23:3 Or in right paths
c. Psalm 23:4 Or the valley of deep darkness
d. Psalm 23:6 Or Only
e. Psalm 23:6 Or steadfast love
f. Psalm 23:6 Or shall return to dwell
g. Psalm 23:6 Hebrew for length of days
Dr. Louie D. Newton lived next door to Grandma Ward. Who was Dr. Louie D. Newton, you might ask? Louie Newton was a Baptist preacher in Atlanta from 1929 through 1968 at Druid Hills Baptist Church. And he was what we would refer to today as a “mover and shaker” in that he had the ear of the leadership of Atlanta. For most of those years, the main leader was William B. Hartsfield, who was mayor of Atlanta from 1937 through 1960. He was followed by Ivan Allen Jr.
As I said, Dr. Newton lived next door to Grandma Ward. And he used a portion of Grandma’s pasture to feed the sheep he kept. Originally he had a cow and the sheep – but the cow died and soon there was only sheep – and chickens and guinea hens. And, yes, this was just outside the city limits of Atlanta – in what was once considered the wealthy part of town. Actually, when Granddaddy Ward was living, they had a cow and a horse in their backyard. The neighbor on the other side of Grandma – the Roans – hated the sight of the barn so they planted bamboo – that ultimately grew into Grandma’s yard. We used it for building materials.
Dr. Newton was truly a shepherd of the people of Druid Hills Baptist church. The average stay at a Baptist church for a preacher is currently about eighteen months – Dr. Newton lasted forty years and then remained as Pastor Emeritus until he died in the late 1980s. He was a kindly man who loved to garden and to write. He actually wrote a devotional entitled “Good Morning”.
The Lord is my shepherd - a shepherd is responsible for the safety and well being of the flock. David points out that our protector and provider is the Lord. And because our shepherd is the Lord, we will not be in want.
How does our Lord protect us and provide for us?
(1) He makes us lie down in green pastures – we have sufficient and more for our needs
(2) He leads us beside still waters – sheep are skittish around brooks that babble – they much prefer the still waters to drink from
(3) He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness. We could split these two – but they are similar in that His leadership in righteousness is what restores us.
(4) He accompanies us through the valley of the shadow of death – through our toughest times, He is there to protect us and to comfort us.
(5) He prepares a table for us and anoints us. He treats us as honored guests in His presence when we should be honoring Him.
And because of all this, we can join with David in saying – surely, goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Psalm 23 (English Standard Version)
The LORD Is My Shepherd
A Psalm of David.
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.[a]
3He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness[b]
for his name’s sake.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,[c]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6Surely[d] goodness and mercy[e] shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell[f] in the house of the LORD
forever.[g]
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 23:2 Hebrew beside waters of rest
b. Psalm 23:3 Or in right paths
c. Psalm 23:4 Or the valley of deep darkness
d. Psalm 23:6 Or Only
e. Psalm 23:6 Or steadfast love
f. Psalm 23:6 Or shall return to dwell
g. Psalm 23:6 Hebrew for length of days
Dr. Louie D. Newton lived next door to Grandma Ward. Who was Dr. Louie D. Newton, you might ask? Louie Newton was a Baptist preacher in Atlanta from 1929 through 1968 at Druid Hills Baptist Church. And he was what we would refer to today as a “mover and shaker” in that he had the ear of the leadership of Atlanta. For most of those years, the main leader was William B. Hartsfield, who was mayor of Atlanta from 1937 through 1960. He was followed by Ivan Allen Jr.
As I said, Dr. Newton lived next door to Grandma Ward. And he used a portion of Grandma’s pasture to feed the sheep he kept. Originally he had a cow and the sheep – but the cow died and soon there was only sheep – and chickens and guinea hens. And, yes, this was just outside the city limits of Atlanta – in what was once considered the wealthy part of town. Actually, when Granddaddy Ward was living, they had a cow and a horse in their backyard. The neighbor on the other side of Grandma – the Roans – hated the sight of the barn so they planted bamboo – that ultimately grew into Grandma’s yard. We used it for building materials.
Dr. Newton was truly a shepherd of the people of Druid Hills Baptist church. The average stay at a Baptist church for a preacher is currently about eighteen months – Dr. Newton lasted forty years and then remained as Pastor Emeritus until he died in the late 1980s. He was a kindly man who loved to garden and to write. He actually wrote a devotional entitled “Good Morning”.
The Lord is my shepherd - a shepherd is responsible for the safety and well being of the flock. David points out that our protector and provider is the Lord. And because our shepherd is the Lord, we will not be in want.
How does our Lord protect us and provide for us?
(1) He makes us lie down in green pastures – we have sufficient and more for our needs
(2) He leads us beside still waters – sheep are skittish around brooks that babble – they much prefer the still waters to drink from
(3) He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness. We could split these two – but they are similar in that His leadership in righteousness is what restores us.
(4) He accompanies us through the valley of the shadow of death – through our toughest times, He is there to protect us and to comfort us.
(5) He prepares a table for us and anoints us. He treats us as honored guests in His presence when we should be honoring Him.
And because of all this, we can join with David in saying – surely, goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Sharing the Joy
Good Morning!
1 John 1 (New Century Version)
Love One Another
1 We write you now about what has always existed, which we have heard, we have seen with our own eyes, we have looked at, and we have touched with our hands. We write to you about the Word[a] that gives life. 2 He who gives life was shown to us. We saw him and can give proof about it. And now we announce to you that he has life that continues forever. He was with God the Father and was shown to us.3 We announce to you what we have seen and heard, because we want you also to have fellowship with us. Our fellowship is with God the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to you so we may be full of joy.[b]
God Forgives Our Sins
5 Here is the message we have heard from Christ and now announce to you: God is light,[c] and in him there is no darkness at all. 6 So if we say we have fellowship with God, but we continue living in darkness, we are liars and do not follow the truth.7 But if we live in the light, as God is in the light, we can share fellowship with each other. Then the blood of Jesus, God's Son, cleanses us from every sin.
8 If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9 But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done.10 If we say we have not sinned, we make God a liar, and we do not accept God's teaching.
Footnotes:
a.1 John 1:1 Word The Greek word is "logos," meaning any kind of communication. Here, it means Christ, who was the way God told people about himself.
b.1 John 1:4 so . . . joy Some Greek copies read "so you may be full of joy."
c.1 John 1:5 light Here, it is used as a symbol of God's goodness or truth.
John, the beloved disciple, opens his letter with a simple testimony of his experience with the Lord, Jesus. John was a simple fisherman – not a learned (as in learn ED) scholar. He was just a simple man going about his daily task of fishing. John was also a follower of another John – that would be John the Baptizer. John was there when Jesus asked John the Baptist to immerse Him in the water. John, the disciple, was there when the Spirit descended upon Jesus. John heard – and followed – the simple command – “Come, follow Me”. So when John the disciple speaks (or writes, in this instance), it is worth our while to pay attention.
John speaks of his motive for writing in verse 3: “we want you to also have fellowship.” And in verse 4 he says why: “so we may be full of joy”. We want to include you – so we can have joy. I read a blog the other day that talked about feeling estranged in a church full of people. I can see how that can happen. We get caught up with all the busy work and sometimes forget to turn to see someone who is being left out. John wanted people to be included because it would lead to joy.
So what is the message? God is light. He illuminates our life. Now with illumination comes declaration. We can see all the nooks and crannies – the cracks and crevices that hold on to the last vestiges of sin. The closer we get to the light, the more we see of ourselves – and the more disgusted we feel. But look at the promise – God is faithful to forgive and to cleanse us.
I like reading 1st John. It is an easy read but chock full of Truth for me to hang onto on this good day in the Lord.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
1 John 1 (New Century Version)
Love One Another
1 We write you now about what has always existed, which we have heard, we have seen with our own eyes, we have looked at, and we have touched with our hands. We write to you about the Word[a] that gives life. 2 He who gives life was shown to us. We saw him and can give proof about it. And now we announce to you that he has life that continues forever. He was with God the Father and was shown to us.3 We announce to you what we have seen and heard, because we want you also to have fellowship with us. Our fellowship is with God the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to you so we may be full of joy.[b]
God Forgives Our Sins
5 Here is the message we have heard from Christ and now announce to you: God is light,[c] and in him there is no darkness at all. 6 So if we say we have fellowship with God, but we continue living in darkness, we are liars and do not follow the truth.7 But if we live in the light, as God is in the light, we can share fellowship with each other. Then the blood of Jesus, God's Son, cleanses us from every sin.
8 If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9 But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done.10 If we say we have not sinned, we make God a liar, and we do not accept God's teaching.
Footnotes:
a.1 John 1:1 Word The Greek word is "logos," meaning any kind of communication. Here, it means Christ, who was the way God told people about himself.
b.1 John 1:4 so . . . joy Some Greek copies read "so you may be full of joy."
c.1 John 1:5 light Here, it is used as a symbol of God's goodness or truth.
John, the beloved disciple, opens his letter with a simple testimony of his experience with the Lord, Jesus. John was a simple fisherman – not a learned (as in learn ED) scholar. He was just a simple man going about his daily task of fishing. John was also a follower of another John – that would be John the Baptizer. John was there when Jesus asked John the Baptist to immerse Him in the water. John, the disciple, was there when the Spirit descended upon Jesus. John heard – and followed – the simple command – “Come, follow Me”. So when John the disciple speaks (or writes, in this instance), it is worth our while to pay attention.
John speaks of his motive for writing in verse 3: “we want you to also have fellowship.” And in verse 4 he says why: “so we may be full of joy”. We want to include you – so we can have joy. I read a blog the other day that talked about feeling estranged in a church full of people. I can see how that can happen. We get caught up with all the busy work and sometimes forget to turn to see someone who is being left out. John wanted people to be included because it would lead to joy.
So what is the message? God is light. He illuminates our life. Now with illumination comes declaration. We can see all the nooks and crannies – the cracks and crevices that hold on to the last vestiges of sin. The closer we get to the light, the more we see of ourselves – and the more disgusted we feel. But look at the promise – God is faithful to forgive and to cleanse us.
I like reading 1st John. It is an easy read but chock full of Truth for me to hang onto on this good day in the Lord.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
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