The Other Side

I really don't like to hear the word "test" but we have had them all our lives. There were test in school, at the place where we work and then those test at the hospital or doctors office; I really want to pass those! How does Mr. Webster explain the word test? This is what he has to say… To compare with a standard; to try; to prove the truth or genuineness of anything by experiment or by some fixed principle or standard;
So with a test there is also some type of grading, standard or fixed principle. When I took a math test there was an answer sheet and as long as my answers were the same as the answer sheet then they were correct according to the standard. In medical test as long as my blood pressure is in line with the normal set of numbers then according to the standard all is well, I passed the test. But in order for there to be a standard there must be first a teaching for if we are not taught how can we know the standard? In Mark chapter 4 we read these words Mark 4:1
And he (Jesus) began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

Mark 4:2
And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine, You can be sure that when we are taught something there will come a test sooner or later. I hated to hear the teacher say "we're going to have a pop quiz today." But this is the case as we read on into Mark chapter 4 we read that on the same day that Jesus was teaching he also gave his disciples a test. We find the test in Mark 4:35
And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, (His Disciples) Let us pass over unto the other side.
What was the question dealing with? "Trust" have these men learned anything? Were they ready to put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ? Let's see! They passed the first part of the test without a problem; they got into the ship and left for the other side. All was well until Mark 4:37
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. Sailing was not good now, the ship was filling up with water and they were fighting to keep it afloat. Here is where they missed the answer. They began to look at what was happening at this very moment and forgot about what was said by the Lord before they shoved off. Two things #1 didn't the Lord Himself say they were going to the other side? He didn't say there wouldn't be storms along the way. #2- The Lord Himself was on board and was not worried at all, why He was so sure that the ship was going to the other side that He Himself was fast asleep. So they ran and woke Him up; read what they said "they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? " He stills the storm and then He says Mark 4:40
And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Well, what happened? Mark 5:1
And they came over unto the other side of the sea Now before we look down on those disciples there are those in the day we live in that don't believe what the Lord says. So what will be your test today? Will you pass or will you almost pass! The disciples almost passed but instead they let the fear of the storm scare them into thinking they were all going to die. So what's your storm? As we journey toward heaven there will be many storms we will feel like at times we are about to perish. But stop and see what the master is trying to teach you in the storm for it will help you become stronger in the next storm. You are either today in a storm, come out of a storm or you are headed for a storm just put your trust in the Captain of the storm the Lord Jesus Christ. It's either Faith or Fear and fear is only false evidence appearing real!

Commitment

Our purpose in life usually has a wrong starting point –ourselves. We ask self-centered questions like "What do I want to be?" "What should I do with my life?" "What are my goals?" "What is my ambition, my dreams for my future?" If all we do is focus on ourselves we will never know life's purpose. I found this very interesting Noah's great work was not that he masterfully built an ark from God's blueprint.

Noah believed God! But more important than what he did was what he was. Abraham was called to find a city. He also had to believe God but it was what God made out of him because of the journey.

Rom 4:3
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

Nehemiah was called to build a wall, but the story is not just in the building of the wall, it was what he became during the process. Paul was called to evangelize the known world. His story in Scripture is not just what he endured while doing things for God, but what he became for God while he did it. Are you getting the picture? It is not so much what you are doing for God but what God is doing in you while you are doing it.

So what are you?

A friend wrote and asked this question "What is real and what is Hypocritical" I wrote her back and said real is what you really are and Hypocritical is what you want everyone else to think you are."

What are you learning in your journey?

What are you becoming during the process?

When will you be ready to quit or what will it take?

How committed are you? Men and women get married and make a commitment or do they? They say for better or worse richer or poorer but do they really mean it? One gets sick or instead of getting richer they become poorer then they separate. Oh my friend that is far from being committed. Henanod Cortez 1485-1547 was a Spanish adventurer. He sailed from the West Indies in 1504 and crushed a revolt of the natives of Santo Domingo. As a reward for his courage and skill in battle, the Spanish governor appointed him commander of a fleet. This fleet consisted of 11 small ships and 700 men. In 1519 they landed on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Cortez then burned all except one of the vessels; he did that so that none of his men would desert him. Then sent the one ship with messengers to tell the king what had had done, and ask permission to continue the work. Cortez was committed to the work. Webster say the word Commit means to give in trust; to put into the hands or power of another; to entrust; with to. Psa 37:5
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Are we committed? Or are we just killing time? View yourself to day and ask yourself this question was I really committed today or was I just getting by? I hope you can say "I went out this morning like a kid on the play ground with an adventurous attitude and excitement to what and where the Lord would use me in the lives of others." Then and only then will you be able to know what you are learning on your journey and what you are becoming during the process. The Christian life is a wonderful life as well as exciting; every day is like a page in an exciting book you just can't hardly wait to see what's on the next page. Stop and think right now how the Lord has used you in some body's life? Give the Lord praise and thank Him for choosing you to help in the life of another.

It’s up to You

Have you ever seen an elephant tied with a rope which is tied to a stake drove in the ground? Now that huge elephant could pull that stake out of the ground and walk off and the reason he doesn't is he does not know that he can. You see he was trained that way when he was young and just doesn't know any different. In like manner it is possible that a "shackle" of some kind of habitual sin can be tied around our leg? It could look huge at the time. Our mind may tell us that we will never break free but in all reality that which holds you might only be a small stick in the ground. Like the elephant it is possible that we might become comfortable with our captivity. Too many times I am afraid we take the route of least resistance; but the Apostle Paul says something entirely different; read what he has to say.

Romans 6:1
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? (But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound)

Romans 6:2
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Romans 6:6
Knowing this, (Now that we know)that our old man is crucified with him, (Jesus) that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Might be what? Destroyed! What does Mr. Webster have to say about that word? Demolished; pulled down; ruined; annihilated; devoured; swept away;

Romans 6:11
Likewise reckon (consider) ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

2Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (A new way of living has come into existence) So what are you and I to say? Shall we continue sinning that God's grace may abound? No that's not what God wants. He wants you and I to know that we are dead to sin and that we are not to continue in the life we were living and the reason is that we are new creatures in Christ and the things we once enjoyed doing we no longer enjoy. Once we understand this concept we will through the power of the Holy Spirit be able to die to those sinful habits. As long as you and I stay shackled we will never break free. It's not us doing the work it is "Christ in you" Colossians 1:27 Quit trying to help do something you know nothing about. We got into this fix, because we didn't know any better, as we let others guide us. One day Christ knocked at our door and we let Him come in and on that day our life changed for eternity, never to be the same. We belong to Him 1Corinthains 6:20
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. Let the God of heaven the maker of all things help you. Here is where we go wrong James 1:14
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

James 1:15
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

James 1:16
Do not err, my beloved brethren. Don't be fooled, everyone if they allow their own desires to lure them away it will without doubt trap them! So be alert and do as we are taught 2Corinthains 10:5
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; Know where you are weak ask God to help you in those areas that you will not let your lust and desires cause you to fall. You can be like the elephant with all his power but shackled and held by a small rope and stick or you can trust in the power of God who will deliver from the power of sin. It is up to you!

My Two Friends

To many times we think that God only uses regular people. But what do we mean when we say "regular?" Oh, you say those like I me! I'm what you would call regular. Webster says that regular means
Conformed to a rule; agreeable to an established rule, law or principle, to a prescribed mode or to established customary forms; as a regular epic poem; a regular verse in poetry; a regular piece of music; regular practice of law or medicine; a regular plan; a regular building.
Regular people then would be those that conformed to a rule, law or principle. So in order to get a certain job I would have to meet their criteria. Let's say there was a job for an electrical engineer and their requirements were that I have a degree as an electrical engineer from a college. It matters not that you know the job and are able to do the work you are not able to conform to the rule. That may be alright for an electrical engineer, pilot and many other job fields but that is not the case with Jesus. I love to read Mark chapter 5 because it so encourages me. In this chapter we meet up with a man who appears to be living a life of horror. Here he is living in the cemetery and we read that he is abusing himself by cutting himself and everyone is kind of ignoring him. The reason is that they are afraid of him. Is that how we act? I mean when we see somebody that's not normal or a regular kind of person? As we read on further we find the reason for this man's actions is that there was some demonic activity going on in his life to cause him to act like that. As I work with people who, for whatever reason have given themselves over to drugs, alcohol many are afraid of them and have basically shut them out. So as we read about this man in Mark chapter 5 we see the same thing happening. That's what people do when they don't know what to do or how to handle the people or persons that have allowed these things to befall them. Jesus didn't see this man the way everyone else did. He saw far beyond his upfront problem to a man that would tell others about the Lord. When Jesus solved what was the main cause of this man's actions he put him to work.

Mark 5:19
Jesus saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

Mark 5:20
And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

I am friends with two such men who for many years gave themselves over to all kinds of drugs and alcohol and who knows what. They for the most part ruined their lives and destroyed their friendships and separated themselves from those who love them most. People didn't trust them and for the most part were afraid of them. Then one day Jesus found them, changed them and put them to work! There job requirements are "go tell what great things the Lord has done for you, how He had compassion on you." Do you know what they are doing today? They are doing just that. Their compassion for those who are on drugs and alcohol is real and they care for them because they know where they were and what great things the Lord has done for them. I am very thankful for our friendship and when we are together we enjoy each other's company and it's all because of what Christ has done and is doing in our lives. So it is not just regular or so called normal people God is interested in, it's those like myself and my two friends and oh yes; YOU!

Go Ahead Who Will Know

"To get what you've never had, you must do what you've never done." I say that often at our Reformers meetings and to the students. If you and I are to have what we never had, we must do what we've never done. That my friend takes something called "self-discipline" Thomas Huxley said it well when he said "Do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not." Some days you don't feel like going to work; but you go anyways. Some days you may feel like staying in bed, but you get up. When you and I don't feel like doing something we are only putting it off. Let me give you an example; your car needs to have the oil changed; you wrote it down so you wouldn't forget but when that day comes you put it off. Before you know it your calendar now tells you it is time once again to have your oil changed; you put if off. It's been over a year now since you have had the oil changed, what you didn't realize was that you have been low on oil for some time and one day while driving down the road your engine locks up. What would have only cost a small amount of money has now turned into a larger amount for repair. You do things even if you don't feel like it! I remember Joseph, when he was a captive in the house of Potiphar a captain of the guard who had bought him. Genesis 39:1
And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmaelite, which had brought him down thither. It was not long before Potiphar had put all that he had into Joseph's hand. It was not long after that Potiphar's wife set her liking on this young man and went after him. Joseph used two things to keep himself pure; #1- He knew it was sin and would not be pleasing to God. #2- He used self-discipline. We both have known those who know that a certain act is sin but they go ahead and do it anyways. I've done it, sad to say! We justify our actions by the situation we find ourselves in. Here is Joseph, a slave in another land because of an injustice that his brothers did unto him. Joseph could have said "might as well go ahead, I mean she wants me anyways and who will ever know? I'm just a slave and she's my master's wife and she's commanding me to do this, I know it's wrong but I just can't see any way from not doing this." That's not at all how Joseph handled it. Read what he said... Genesis 39:9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? Joseph did right, he used self-discipline and we all say good for you Joseph but what was the cost of doing what was right? Potiphar's wife lied about what really happened and she said that Joseph tried to force himself on her.
Genesis 39:20 And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. Prison! Oh yes it may cost to do what's right. Many will applaud you for doing wrong and tell you it's the standard of our times and God will understand! Will He?

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. What was wrong in days gone by is still wrong in our present day. I remember lying about a situation I found myself in, it all seemed right at the time even with that small voice inside me saying tell the truth. Well I didn't and I was placed into a mental prison. Every time I would go by this ladies place of business my heart would say "there is where you told that lie to that lady." So one day I pulled into to her place of business and asked her to forgive me for I had told her a lie and told her what I had lied about. She then told me that she knew I was lying all the time. Oh no! Knowing to do better and then not doing it is sin.

James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. God used that in my life to teach me to obey Him and to use self discipline. Self-discipline is a wonderful thing but in order for it to be wonderful it first must be used. So when the opportunity comes about what will you do? That which is right or that which is accessible? Do what is right and you'll stay out of prison.

 

The Young Lady that got between my Wife and I

Has anything ever come between what you really love? It wasn't long ago when a young Lady came between my wife and myself. You see I love Judy with all my heart but this day this young lady came between her and I. Did you think I was talking about something else? That is how rumors get started, by not knowing all the facts. I just set you each up to have your mind think something that wasn't true. It was true that a lady did get between our cars as we traveled but that's a lot of difference than what you may have been thinking. That is just what our enemy does; he did it with Adam and Eve and he has done it to me countless times. How about you? John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I really don't want to be part of his plan, but how many times has he used us? Webster says the word "Gossip" means One who runs from house to house, tattling and telling news; an idle tattler to chat; to talk much Have you confided in someone you thought you could trust only to find out later that they talked too much? I remember in 1978 I was taught this lesson. There was a problem in the Church the Lord had allowed me to Pastor that I didn't know how to handle. In college there wasn't a class on "Church troubles & problems 101" if there was such a class I didn't see it or thought why would I ever need such a class as that? Any ways I didn't know what to do! There was this older man who had pastored in the past and was not attending our Church. So I thought I'll talk with him about it and he will know what to do. I didn't see the first red flag; did you? "I thought" not that I prayed but I thought. I have learned now about those pronouns like "I" Isa 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

Isa 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

Isa 14:14
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Anyways I told him my heart in hope of an answer. Before I got home that night the phone was ringing and the one that I had shared my heart about in confidence was on the other end. Unknowing to me I had just shared my heart with one who runs from house to house, tattling and telling news. I leaned something that helped me that night; pray because my thinking will lead me in the wrong direction as well as wrong decisions. So before you run to share that bit of news you just received ask yourself will this hurt or will it help? Will it heal or will it leave an UN healable wound when you're gone. We are to build up not tear down! Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. We will have opportunity in both today it will be our choice which we will do built up or destroy! Pray before you speak about others and you may hold your words! Words do hurt and destroy.

Time Machine

Do you remember the movie "Back to the Future?" Marty McFly is a 17-year-old living in Hill Valley, California. On the morning of Friday, October 25, 1985, his eccentric friend, scientist Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown calls him, asking to meet at 1:15am the following morning at Twin Pines Mall. That night, Marty meets Doc as planned in the parking lot of Twin Pines Mall. Doc presents a DeLorean DMC-12 which he has modified into a time machine. We all wish we had a time machine so that we could fix some of the problems we caused or mistakes we made in the past?" I have to admit having a time machine would be a good thing to have, because I would love to have some "do-over's," if given the chance. I wish I could go back to the night my Dad died. I talked to him for the last time just 2-hours before he died. Wonder what I would have said if I had known those were the last words I would ever speak to him? I wish I could go back to those times that I felt I was too important and too much "in demand" to spend significant time with my kids when they were small. Maybe then I wouldn't feel like I missed so much of their growing up years. I'm sure we could all use a time machine! Unfortunately there is no time machine and our life has no reverse in it; or does it? Jesus says that once we come before Him and confess our sins, He wipes the slate clean. He actually moves our sin and brokenness far from His heart, and looks on us as though we had never sinned. Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Psalms 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. A time machine depends on our fixing things that might help us feel better about ourselves. On the other hand, forgiveness leads to transformation of our hearts and lives by giving us a sense of freedom that goes beyond comparison. While "do-over's" would do us good, we need forgiveness more!  We need freedom, not regret! Does anyone have a time machine? No! But I have Jesus and that's much better. That's much different than the time machine idea, isn't it?

Foolishness Bound in the Heart

My Dad is the only the only father I ever had other than my heavenly Father and not one time did my dad ever hit me with his hand! He never spanked me with his hand, he never balled up his fist and struck me with it; never! If my brothers and I were being raised during today's times I am afraid my dad would have spent time in jail. You see he believed strongly in these Bible verses Ecclesiastes 8:11
Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. He believed in speedy execution! He didn't want evil to take root in our hearts!

Proverbs 22:15
Foolishness
is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. He also believed in the rod of correction, belt of correction, switch of correction and yes my Dad did believe in time out. When the rod, belt or switch would at times be defected and break because of the pressure that was being applied he would say "don't go anywhere I'll be right back." He always returned with another product that was not defective.

Proverbs 23:13
Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. He did not believe it would kill us and he beat me and my brothers with his rod of correction.

Proverbs 23:14
Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. He believed in delivering our souls from hell.

Proverbs29:15
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. He believed in giving us wisdom for he didn't want us to bring shame to our mother. He did a great job at correcting his sons and I love him the more for it now. I must say back then I wished he believed in standing with my noise in the corner but now I am glad he didn't. My Dad loved me and my brothers and wanted us to respect others; still today I say yes sir and no maam even to those that are much younger than I; it just shows respect. For the way my Dad corrected me now helps me to understand that God loves me too! Proverbs 3:12
For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. You see my Dad didn't hate me, instead he delighted in me. I understand when God is dealing with me and I understand that He will correct His children. You see my Dad didn't correct the kids up the street or next door but he did correct his. God does the same thing, He corrects His children. So if God is correcting you for wrong thinking, actions, the words that fly out of our mouths at times, then just know that your heavenly Father is doing so because He loves you and is doing so because of His love for you. I think my Dad did a wonderful job in raising his sons. My middle brother is an excellent business man, my baby brother followed in the steps of our Dad and works for the railroad. There is the child our mother miscarried of which I like to think is my sister; I won't really know until I get to glory. Then there is me of which I have little to say, except that I know God loves me because he corrects me daily and that I am looking forward to seeing and meeting my sister!

 

Red Light

There's a red light that I see many times as I drive on certain roads. These red lights are scattered all around our city and when they are lit there are a lot of cars turning off the highway into their parking lot. By now you know I am talking about the Krispy Kreme doughnuts store. I can drive by most stores but it's hard for me not to stop by the Krispy Kreme when the red light is on. The reason is that those doughnuts are coming off the line fresh baked and warm. They'll just melt in your mouth! You want one now, don't you? So would I! This is not something that was baked yesterday; this is not yesterday's goodies, these doughnuts are fresh and ready to eat now. Sometimes my wife will stop and pick up a dozen or so eat a few herself, then bring the rest home. Well I am thankful for that but she was the one who enjoyed the freshness of those doughnuts. The ones I got were almost fresh but not hot out of the oven fresh. There is another red light that goes off; for me anyways! Every morning when I get up I see it, it's on my desk; it's my Bible! Lamentations 3:21
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

Lamentations 3:22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

Lamentations 3:23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:24
The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

Lamentations 3:25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. Like verse 3 said, "it's new {fresh} every morning" and I pull in for His great faithfulness and He never fails. Fresh, warm, right off the pages, not day old but fresh spiritual food for the day and all I had to do was pull in or open the pages. That's the way He fed His children in the book of Exodus chapter sixteen Exodus 16:4

Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.

Exodus 16:21
And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted. The red light was on this morning as it is every morning. Did you stop in and get a big bag of God's warm blessings? I did! And like my wife bringing home almost fresh doughnuts that's all I can give you; almost fresh blessings. If you missed out on a fresh blessing for yourself then they are waiting just for you, the red light is still on. Why don't you pull in!

 

Glasses

Well, I'm back off vacation! We had a wonderful time eating ice cream and other junk foods and just taking it easy. I read, prayed and wrote a few blogs; who knows when the Lord will lead me to publish them. Any ways, I want to write about something the Lord has taught me. Many times I like to think I am doing a good job at living the Christian life, sometimes I can almost hear the Lord whispering in my ear "well done, you are doing a wonderful job, wish everyone were like you." Well that's, what I wish and long for but I don't know if I ever hear those kind of words. Friday night when Judy and I returned from Reformers Unanimous God was about to teach me something important. I noticed before we left the Church that I was not seeing that well; it was if my glasses were not setting right on my ears. I took them off a few times to look at them intelligently like I knew what I was doing but never could see anything wrong. When we arrived home I took them off in hopes that they were dirty and I was going to clean them. That is when I noticed something wrong, they were coming apart and the ear piece was going way down below the glasses. Well here we were getting ready to go out of town for a week and my glasses were broken. But wait I thought, I have another pair! Life couldn't be better all was back to normal I thought; the only difference was that my replacement glasses had a shade to them. But what difference would that make, why it might even help with the sun. Off we go and all was well until I began to notice things didn't look quite right but I told myself I'm in a different place and I really didn't know what things were suppose to look like anyways. Can you believe that I told myself that all week? It was not until I got back home and went into the kitchen that I realized what was wrong. As I walked into the kitchen I noticed that something wasn't quite right. I looked first to see if a light bulb was not working! All looked fine and then for some reason; only known to God, I reached up and removed my glasses and that is when I saw that it wasn't everything around me but it was what I was looking through; my lightly shaded colored glasses. Isn't that the way we look at things? It's not me, it's you, and I know I did it right because I know what I'm doing. I know where I left it… somebody has moved it. I guess somebody has taken it; I know I didn't lose it or misplace it. We all like to think we are right. Nobody gets up and says, "let me see how I can do wrong things and blame others for my actions." No we want to do what's right and think we are when we are doing it. Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth (weighs) the hearts. If you and I do that which is right in our own eyes then we will be like the person God warns us about in the book of Judges Judges 17:6
In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
You know what you and I need? We need a King and that King must be the Lord Jesus for He has promised Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Proverbs 3:6
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:7
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. So I went a whole week thinking everything didn't look right never thinking it was the way I was seeing things. Why, it could never be me; could it? Sure it could and was!

 

 

P.S Thanks for all the encouraging words of how you missed the blog last week! Galatians 6:10
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Thanks for taking advantage of the opportunity!

 

 

Gone

I'll be back July 20 gone on Vacation. May the Lord Bless you until we meet again.

The Book

The other day I opened a back-sprayer, it was very simple to put together and I had it together in no time, ready to use. But I noticed that in with the packing was a book, in this book was written everything about this piece of equipment you would ever want to know. Pictures of parts and number in case you ever needed to replace anything; how it was to be put together and how you were to operate it. Then I got to thinking about other things we buy, a sound system for your home or car you get a book, you get a microwave oven you get a book, a toaster and you get a book, a car and you get a book. Now here is the trouble that I have with that, I pay little or no attention to the "BOOK." Guess what? Because I do that I have had to go back and redo somethings just because I didn't read the book. Have you ever stopped to think; wouldn't it be nice if we had a manual on being a male or female? Wouldn't it have nice when we were in our teens if we had a book to go to when things happened? Well we did, but many of us didn't know it or refused to follow it; I mean, what could this book called the Bible, possibly know about my life! Here's the problem, too many are doing like I did with a new product, we just don't take the time to read the manual {Bible}. So we make many a mistake because of that and many times we can't go back and redo it like we can with a swing set or a lawn mower.

The book of Proverbs was written by the wisest man that ever lived; think we could get any advice that would help us in our ever day life from him? I heard a motivational speaker say that on his desk he had a copy of a book about Ronald Regan's life. Then he made this statement "I think I can find at least one thing that will help me in my life if I take the time to read it." I have many things that have helped me out of the book of Proverbs here are just a few of the things that have helped me tremendously.

Proverbs 1:5

A wise man
will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: {Don't be so busy talking that you can't hear}

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. {Put trust in the Lord not yourself}

Proverbs 3:6
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:12
For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. {Is the Lord correcting you like your parents?}

Proverbs 3:27

Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. {The power we have with words we can encourage each other}

Proverbs4:18
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. {Is what I'm doing really making a different in the lives of others?}

Proverbs 4:19
The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

Proverbs 4:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. {Watch what you let in your heart because it will come out of your mouth}

Proverbs4:24

Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

Those are a few things out of the book that have helped me, hope they may help you too. Read the Book and you want have to go back and redo some things. There are 100's of other things in the Book that will help you get through each day. If man can write a book so detailed about a back-sprayer don't you think God can write a detailed book about mankind?

 

Want to Stop

Some while back my wife, her parents and myself were going to see some of our friends in another state. As we came off the highway there was this large hardware type store. My father-n-law saw it and I could tell he wanted to stop and go in. He loves stuff like that! So I asked him "want to stop and see what's in there?" Then he said this "we will stop next time we are up this way." Do what? It's not like we are up this way together all the time so I stopped. I watched him as he went through the store looking at all the items and asking me if I knew what this and that was. When we got back in the car he said "you can't see all that's in that store in one day, you would have to cut the store in about three sections and take about three days to see it all." He was like a kid at Disney Land, so excited. That reminds me of the story in Acts chapter 3. Here we find a man lame sitting and begging that is all he knew. Every day he was placed by the gate called Beautiful at the temple. Every day was the same, but things were about to change and he didn't know it. This day was different from the days before and his life would never be the same. Read with me to find out what happened Acts 3:1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

Acts 3:2
And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

Acts 3:3
Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

Acts 3:4
And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, look on us.

Acts 3:5
And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

Acts 3:6
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

Acts 3:7
And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

Acts 3:8
And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. He is now walking and leaping and praising God! He is so excited; it reminds me of when someone asks Christ into their life. Things change and they change for the better. Can you still remember when you got a fresh start in life? All your sins gone and gone forever; did you jump, run, leap and praise God? Too many times people are like my father-n-law they say I'll stop the next time we are up this way. Got to be careful thinking like that for in the book of Proverbs we read
Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. My father-n-law did get to go back to that store a few years later and he was just as excited as he was the time before. Be careful about putting things off for you may not be as fortunate as my father-n-law.

 

El Capitan

It was some time back now, I was in my 30's, my oldest son was about 10 years old and my brother-n-law was in his late 20's. We had decided to backpack on a trail that went all the way to the state of Maine. Our goal was to a place called Springer Mountain a few miles away. We parked our car and put our back packs on which were weighted down with a lot of things we would never need. We had food snacks, drinks and I don't remember what all, but I remember it was way more than we would need. So off we went; Springer Mountain was our goal and my brother-n-law was El Capitan. All was going well when we ran across this man all by himself resting for a moment. He told us that it took a day or so before he got his walking legs and he also told us that we had too much stuff. Ah, what does he know he sounded like a kook anyways; off we went toward Springer Mountain. The trail began to get more difficult we began to drink more water so much so it was soon gone. We had to get off the trail to get more water; that took time, but we had it, the man that we had talked to earlier said our goal was a few hours away. Well to make a long story short we stopped and made camp in a valley, got more water, ate very little supper put some plastic between two trees and went to sleep before it was dark. We were wore out; then out of nowhere came this storm, thunder and lightning with rain drops as big as quarters. In a valley somewhere in the North Georgia Mountains, so dark you couldn't see your hand in front of your face lightning, lighting up the sky as the thunder rolled through the valley. We were so tired we only woke up for a moment and back to sleep we went. The Sun woke us up early; we had survived the night and the storm and were fairly dry. Now it was time to head back; we never arrived at Springer Mountain. Whatever it was that kept us from arriving at our goal we will never know; maybe we took a wrong turn and got on to another trail, we'll never know. But we did make it back to our car with broken hearts, rubber legs and aches and pain, but we were safe and sound. Many times God changes our plans and goals; He did in the life of Peter and Andrew. Matthew 4:18
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

Matthew 4:19
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Matthew 4:20
And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

Peter and Andrew were busy make a living maybe a family business. They may have had big plans to grow it into something big; maybe even franchise it…. A&P Fish filets or Fish by the Sea. Whatever their plans they heard better plans "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."" I will teach you how to catch people instead of fish." So they looked at each other and said let's follow Him! Good move. Many times we hike, even have goals even a vision but something happens we get off the path on to another path the day comes to a close and our tired bodies yell quit! Our goals begin to disappear and the spring in our steps become pains in our legs. That's when we need to hear what the Lord has to say Isaiah30:21
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. What have we been listening for? Have we been listening to a word from the Lord or a word from whomever? If we fail to read our Bibles then we are going to hear words from whomever; if we read our Bibles then I assure you the Lord will speak to you and He will teach you how to catch something worthwhile!

Wakeup Call

A wake up call! Ever had one? No I am not talking about your alarm clock or the front desk at the motel calling to make sure you're up. Let me explain! I was young and riding on the fender of my Daddy's tractor when he hit a bump in the path and I fell off. He stopped just before the wheel ran over by head. I didn't realize what had happened or how close I had come to being crushed. But for some reason I have never forgotten that experience. Then when I was 18 years old I went and joined the Military and off I went. At first it was an exciting day everyone I came in contact with was so nice. I remember arriving on the base early in the morning. They took us to the chow hall and fed us. Then on to the barracks we went it was somewhere around 3:00 A.M. I thought we would sleep until about ten o'clock or so. Wrong, wrong! at five o'clock this man who I learned later to be our drill sergeant turned on these bright lights and began to yell , kick beds and call us names. Then it hit me; too late but it hit me, what in the world have I done. There has been other wake up calls that really affected my life. Like the time my wife packed up and left me; yes she took our baby said she had had it and was gone. I knew where she was but I wasn't going to chase after her, I told myself she will be back. Wrong again! After about three days I missed her and our son greatly. So I went to her Mom's and Dad's and tried to win her back and get her back home. She said no! What? No! What's this all about! She said the only way she was coming back would be if I got a place to live. I did that day and we moved into our first apartment. All was great for awhile. But it wasn't long before I was back up to my old tricks. The next wakeup call came when I was in a Church service and the Lord spoke to me and I accepted the Lord as my savior and life has been different ever since that day. All went well for a time then my wife began to have problems with me wanting to go to church. She said "I wanted Wayne to change sure, I wanted him to go to church and treat our family better but he's reading his Bible, praying and going to church three times a week and sometimes more than that." Then in February of 1974 a young lady who was brought up in Church in a godly family walked to the front of the Church and asked Jesus to forgive her of her sins and she became a Christian that day. We have been married 39½ years and without those walkup calls I don't know what or where we would both be as of today. What about your wakeup calls? We all have them! Be careful that you don't hit the snooze. Hebrews 3:15
While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. Webster says the word "provocation" means anything that excites anger; the cause of resentment.
Be careful that you don't let your past affect your future. Don't be stubborn!

Silly Question

I want to look at the word endure as we began our week for who knows what you and I will be called on to endure this week. Webster says the word endure means Endure- To last; to continue in the same state without perishing; to remain; to abide. Five times in Psalms 118 between the shortage Psalms 117 and the longest Psalm 119 we read these words "his mercy endureth for ever" Verse 1 and verse 29 both read almost the same all except for one word.

Psa 118:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.

Psa 118:29
O
give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

God's mercy will endure; our God is longsuffering which means that he endures a temperament that expresses itself in patience with the shortcomings of others. God doesn't respond with a short fuse to us, neither does He want us to respond in such a way to others. He has what it takes to endure. Do you and I have what it takes to endure and if we don't do we want what it takes to endure? We can have an attitude of "well they are getting what they deserve." What if God had the same attitude toward us? Where would we be today? What if we got what we really deserved what do you think you would get? Our attitude is everything. When we read in our Bibles about Jesus' actions and attitudes what do we read? Jesus was always looking for those who had problems. Some didn't realize there was anything that could be done about their problem. A man born blind just thought this is the way life is and I must make the best of it. Then one day here comes Jesus passing by and saw him and the next thing we read is John 9:11
He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. What looked impossible was made possible by Jesus Christ. What's your story? Every child of God has a story to tell! How he or she was blind, lame or deaf and here comes Jesus and ask you the same question as he asked the man at the pool of Bethesda where a man had been laying for 38 years hoping to be healed. We really don't know what was wrong the Bible says John 5:3

In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. I believe he was lame according to verse 8 but he may not have been. But we know that he was impotent laying there with all the other impotent folks. We may not have been at a pool waiting, but we were with other impotent folks; blind from seeing God's love for us, lame from walking in God's will or following after Him at all; Withering away day by day as we journey in life. But one day this impotent man was asked a somewhat silly question by Jesus. John 5:6

When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The man says John 5:7
The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

I don't have anybody to help me; Jesus said I am here to help you and then Jesus tells him to do something he can't John 5:8
Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. Look what happened next John 5:9
And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the Sabbath. No moving of the water, no one helping him down into the water but immediately the impotent man was made whole. That's the way it happens Jesus doesn't need help He is longsuffering not willing that any should perish. His mercy endureth forever so therefore we should thank Him, praise Him and glorify Him daily.

 

July 4, 2009

This Saturday we will celebrate our nation's 233rd Birthday. It's Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July. It's the day we as a Nation declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. There will be fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies and all will be events celebrating the history of the United States. One of the most enduring myths about Independence Day is that Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.The myth had become so firmly established that, decades after the event and nearing the end of their lives, even the elderly Thomas Jefferson and John Adams had come to believe that they and the other delegates had signed the Declaration on the fourth. Most delegates actually signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776. In a remarkable series of coincidences, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two founding fathers of the United States and the only two men who signed the Declaration of Independence to become president, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the United States' 50th anniversary. We live in a great country that God has blessed! As I began to think about our Great Nation my mind went back to a time before July 4, 1776 when God the Father saw a host of people who needed more than a day to shoot off fireworks have parades and have a picnic. He saw men and women as sheep without a shepherd Mat 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. The shepherd was the leader of the sheep; he was the one who made sure the sheep has water and plenty to eat. When one of the sheep was hurt it was the shepherd that took care of them. When one of the sheep needed to be disciplined, it was the shepherd who administered the discipline. I believe that is what David was referring to in Psalms 23 when he said The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (I am never in need) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. (Peaceful waters)
He restoreth (renews) my soul: he leadeth (guides) me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Here we find a shepherd that loves his sheep. How much did He love His sheep? John 10:11 I am (Jesus) the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. I am glad to be an American for sure. I was willing to put my life on the line for her 1968-1972. If you don't think you live in one if not the greatest nations that God has blessed then get on a plane and go see for yourself. But take my word for it; as awful as things seem in America it is still a great nation. But you can be born in a great nation and live a life of luxury and still be without real hope. I have the best of both worlds a great nation and a great Savior. He is my Shepherd and He does lead me in the paths of righteousness and I can say with David Psalms 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Death one day will come that is for sure, but as David said it will only be like a shadow and shadows will not hurt you. I like him will not fear death for I will have comfort; just as the Lord has taken me to green pastures and the still waters He will not leave me in the hour of death. Then I will be with the Great High Shepherd for ever more; that's exciting! John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 2Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
I am Confident about two things I am a citizen of the United States of America and I am a citizen of Heaven. One will pass away the other will last forever!

 

Fast Starter

I was reading about the cheetah and found out that the cheetah can run as fast as 70 miles per hour over short distances. They are the fastest mammal, a fast starter, the cheetah lack stamina and tires quickly for they can only maintain top speed for a few hundred yards. A fast starter, lack of stamina, tires quickly. Sounds like some that have started to follow Christ! Starts fast but quickly are found broken down along the journey. If the Cheetah is the fastest mammal then how is it that sometime their prey gets away? Simple the cheetah loses it speed over the distance; in other words the cheetah gets too tired. If following Christ is like a highway then why is the highway littered with people who have started out well, but quickly break down?
Galatians 5:7
Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
The problem I have seen is that they start off quick; they don't miss a Church service or active. Saturday night they are laying out their clothes for Sunday morning. Get in bed early so they will be alert and ready for the Lord's Day. Arrive at Church early so they don't miss a thing then they are one of the last to leave. But after a while their stamina tires, they are now watching the late show on Saturday night getting up late on Sunday morning and racing around getting ready. They miss Sunday school most of the time, arrive late for Church and are now one of the first to leave. What happened? A number of things happened, lack of Bible reading, lack of prayer, lack of good friendships. They lose their gas to keep going; how do we keep the gas tank full? This Christian life is a long journey and perseverance comes through daily commitment, obedience and communion with Christ. Christ is the source of our strength but remember, the cheetah as fast as it is, is not our problem. I have never been chased by a cheetah. But I am well aware of an enemy who is quick and has the stamina to slow us down.
John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:
He's quick to put a though in our mind about others. He wants us to say things like "did you hear what …..said about you." "That preacher, Sunday school teach, leader who died and made them boss." Destroy your friendships! Stealing your heart away from what you love, have you looking at someone else making you think life with them would be so much better. When all is gone and he has killed all the life in you he will abandon you with no friends, no church, no happiness and you are all by yourself. I've seen it happen, testimony destroyed, smiles all gone, they try to kill the pain with drugs or alcohol. But wait that's not God's plan for our life, because the rest of
John 10:10
says I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. The journey of the Christ-follower has been compared to a marathon rather than a sprint. Like I said the journey is long so we need to pack a lunch for we need to eat more than just on Sunday's. For if that is all we have we will grow weary and get faint in our walk with Christ and get very weak. Have we spent time with HIM today? If we have not why haven't we? Are we on the journey or are riding the pine?

 

Less Than a Minute

Have you ever received an email that said something like this "Could one minute really change your life?" Then it may go on to say something like this "Right now, millions of smart, educated, skilled, highly motivated people aren't getting what they want in life, all because one thing is standing in their way. Are you one of them?" So I want to think on that for just a moment. One minute, 60 seconds and it changes your life completely? Then they say that millions of smart and educated, skilled and highly motivated people aren't. Let's ask the question what they are wanting; good job, better pay, less work what is it that we are all supposedly missing? They will be glad to tell you for a small fee. At first thought my mind says no, one minute can't really change your life? But then after giving it a little more thought I can remember when my life did change in a minute or less. It was a Sunday morning back in April of 1973 when I promised a man named Ken that I would attend a Church service. Ken knew what was possible of happening but I didn't. Ken prayed for me that Sunday for I knew nothing about praying. On that Sunday morning a little after 12 noon my life changed forever; let me make it very clear ever means now in this life and after, in other words eternally. Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. But when? John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. I like that word "NOW" less than a minute and I also like the immediately Matthew 8:3
And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately
his leprosy was cleansed.

Matthew 20:34
So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and
immediately
their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

Mark 1:31
And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and
immediately
the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

Mark 1:42
And as soon as he had spoken,
immediately
the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

Mark 2:12
And immediately
he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

Luke 8:44
Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and
immediately
her issue of blood stanched. I think God does things in less than a minute! When you ask He forgives, when you ask He saves. But the question is who will separate me from the love of God? Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:38
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Romans 8:39
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
And the fee for this information; not a cent and it changed my life and if you knew me before you would say without a doubt YES!