SOUL FOOD!

SOUL FOOD!

John 4:28-34

28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,

29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.

31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.

32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.

33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?

34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

           There is a tension in spiritual labor that strains the sinews and tries the strength. Jesus, led by the Spirit, knew He must go through Samaria to minister to a wounded woman at Jacob’s well. In His divine mind he knew her sin and despair. In his divine heart he loved her and had already forgiven her. The herculean task now would be to align her with spiritual realities. Jesus, of course, deftly brought her to faith.

           The light of understanding had dawned upon her and she overflowed with living water. She left her water pot and ran into the city to tell other thirsty souls that she had found the Christ. Oh! This! This is the meat of the spiritual soldier!

           Though the labor be hard and the hours be long, it is meat to the soul to see spiritual results. None can tell the joy of seeing a lost man found; of seeing a sinner transformed! This is the rest of the weary. This, the fulfillment of an assigned task, is the soul’s bountiful banquet of rejoicing.

           Some would say, “I do not want the responsibility of another man’s soul.” I fully understand your reluctance to enter the conflict but would you deny yourself this feast of the soul? There is joy in serving Jesus.

Dear Father, thank you for the many times my soul has enjoyed this spiritual food. AMEN

HE WILL PILOT THEE!

HE WILL PILOT THEE!

Mark 4:37-39

37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

           Great ships sit at anchor within sight of the shore. Why do they wait? They have called for and are waiting for the harbor pilot. He knows these waters. He has sounded the depths and is familiar with the narrows. He is aware of every hidden wreck and rock. He and he alone can be trusted to guide the ship safely to the dock.

           Edward Hopper ministered at the Church of the Sea and Land in New York City. There he met sailors from around the world. He wrote the words to a hymn called Jesus Savior, Pilot me. The poem first appeared in The Sailor’s Magazine in 1871. We may feel confident to sail our vessel on the deeps but we need the Pilot to guide us safely home.

Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Over life’s tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rock and treacherous shoal.
Chart and compass come from Thee;
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

While th’Apostles’ fragile bark
Struggled with the billows dark,
On the stormy Galilee,
Thou didst walk upon the sea;
And when they beheld Thy form,
Safe they glided through the storm.

Though the sea be smooth and bright,
Sparkling with the stars of night,
And my ship’s path be ablaze
With the light of halcyon days,
Still I know my need of Thee;
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

When the darkling heavens frown,
And the wrathful winds come down,
And the fierce waves, tossed on high,
Lash themselves against the sky,
Jesus, Savior, pilot me,
Over life’s tempestuous sea.

As a mother stills her child,
Thou canst hush the ocean wild;
Boisterous waves obey Thy will,
When Thou sayest to them, “Be still!”
Wondrous Sovereign of the sea,
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

When at last I near the shore,
And the fearful breakers roar
’Twixt me and the peaceful rest,
Then, while leaning on Thy breast,
May I hear Thee say to me,
“Fear not, I will pilot thee.”

Heavenly Father, be my Pilot today. AMEN

CARING AND CONFRONTING!

CARING AND CONFRONTING!

Mark 8:31-33

31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.

33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

Luke 22:31-32

31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Mark 16:7

7 [The angel said unto Mary Magdalene] But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

           Simon Peter was a special case! Looking at his failures one would wonder why Jesus pursued him so persistently. He was brash, violent and intemperate. He was boastful but undisciplined and unfaithful. He was like many of us yet Jesus not only called him but carefully and consistently challenged his every flaw.

           I do not like confrontation! Merriam-Webster says “confrontation” is “to deal unflinchingly with the issue.” Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is to confront a brother or sister in Christ regarding their sin or error. As a shepherd, it is the most difficult thing I do. Sometimes the most loving thing I do is to confront and challenge a friend.

James 5:19-20

19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Father, thank you for the loving way you confront my sin. Thank you for keeping me accountable. AMEN

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE!

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE!

Ps 98:1-6

O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.

2 The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.

3 He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

5 Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.

6 With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.

           The phrase “make a joyful noise” is used seven times in our King James Version of the Bible. Each time it is used in the Book of Psalms and twice it is used in Psalm 98. The phrase is translated by a single Hebrew word. The word ruwa’ means “to split the ear; to give forth the sound of breaking; to shout for alarm or joy.”

           The reason for this ear splitting is that the Lord has done marvelous things for us. His right hand and his holy arm has gotten the victory. It is His victory but we are the beneficiaries! God has revealed His salvation clearly in His Holy Word. The hungry soul now has abundance and the wounded soul now has healing. Truth has been made plain and judgment has come to the guilty.

           Sing unto the Lord is used twice in this portion but it is from the Hebrew which means “to strike with the fingers!” Verse 5 gives the clear meaning when it says to sing (to strike with the fingers) with the harp. The voice gives forth a psalm.

           Let’s sing! It is Sunday morning and soon we will be assembled with God’s people in God’s house. He has done great things for us. Come before His presence with singing!

Dear Lord, although I may only give forth an ear splitting sound, I will make a joyful noise in your house today. AMEN

EMOTIONAL MARTYRDOM!

EMOTIONAL MARTYRDOM!

Luke 6:26-29

26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other;

John 15:18-19

18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

1 Peter 4:15-16

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

           Shouldn’t your efforts at doing and being right be rewarded with good things and good friends? Shouldn’t you be surrounded by congratulations at your success or, at least, at your efforts? For the Christian that is not always the case. Paul complained to his grumbling congregation that “the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. 2 Cor 12:15

           There is a tension in religious outreach between the efforts of attracting the lost and retaining the devout. Once pure religion is thoroughly explained it loses its appeal with some and they walk away. It happened to Jesus in John 6: 66. “The men of noble aims find their lot a sad and lonely one still. They are smiled at as enthusiasts, sneered at as hypocrites.” (The Biblical Illustrator) Those who tenaciously cling to moral or Christian principle will suffer at the hands of those who do not.

1 Peter 4:19

19 Wherefore [because of this] let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Dear Father, when others withdraw from me, let me draw near to you. AMEN

HOW TO HUG JESUS!

HOW TO HUG JESUS!

Mark 10:13-16

13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

I have already made coffee and finished my first cup. I am, by nature, contemplative. I like to think. I like the peace and quiet that dwells in the morning hours. David talked about “preventing the dawn” which did not, of course, mean that he would or could keep it from happening but that he was up before dawn.

In these morning hours I like to challenge my patterns and practices, evaluate my priorities and re-think those things that have become commonplace. You see, our usual and comfortable way of doing things can, if we are not careful, make us Pharisaical. We judge others because they do not do things or think things in the same way as we.

           The children didn’t know the rituals and of religion. They worshipped without protocol. They simply crawled up into the lap of Jesus. That’s what I like to do! The older I get the more child-like I prefer my worship to be. It’s much more personal. Like the children, I want Him to take me up in His arms.

           Some today are absolutely convinced that true worship can’t be done without special garments and sanctified tools. Their worship is structured and formal. It is the same every time. On the other end of the spectrum are those who seem to have no structure at all. One seems to have removed all emotion while the other seems to have removed all order.

Dare we to let our spirits soar without some structure and order? Dare we maintain strict order and structure without heart? There seems to be no right or wrong way to hug Jesus.

Dear Lord, I love you. I do not love you enough and I fear that I am clumsy about it but I love you. Receive my worship today and let it be acceptable in thy sight. AMEN

OUR FADING MORALITY!

OUR FADING MORALITY!

2 Chron 7:13-14

13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;

14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

           Our part of the globe is currently challenging a record for the most consecutive days of temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. To say that it is hot is an enormous understatement and we have not had rain in so long we are rationing water! The 13^th verse of our well known revival portion specifically mentions the lack of rain and offers a remedy in verse 14. Part of that “formula” is that Christian people “turn from their wicked ways.”

           USA TODAY published one of its colorful front pages last week detailing how America has not only grown dramatically in population over the last two decades, but has radically changed ethnically, geographically, and culturally. The most costly of the many changes is the fact that having children has become increasingly detached from marriage. Illegitimate births for all Americans have risen from 26 percent in 1990 to 41 percent today “and could be headed higher.” Among Hispanics, illegitimacy is 53 percent, among blacks it’s 73 percent, and among whites it has risen to a shocking 29 percent. (Quoted from Heritage Alliance Web site)

           Jesus honored marriage by performing His first miracle at a wedding at Cana in Galilee. It might even be said that God performed the first wedding by bringing the newly formed Eve to the amazed Adam and then told them to be fruitful, to multiply and to fill the earth. It is clear by even a casual perusal of the Bible that children should be born into families. The shocking way that we are ignoring God must eventually be met with stern consequences. Yet, His promise is that when we sincerely turn to Him and pray that He would “hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Dear Lord, listen to your children praying. Grant to us a cleansing for our heart and a healing for our land. AMEN

ONE ANOTHER!

ONE ANOTHER!

1 Cor 12:18

18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

1 Cor 12:26

26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

The Bible commands us to comfort one another, build up one another, confess our sins to one another, pray for one another, love one another, accept one another, admonish one another, serve one another, forgive one another.

           The story is often told about a pastor who visited an absentee member to encourage him to return to the fellowship of the church. It was a cold wintry night and the man had a comforting fire in the fireplace. After the exchange of pleasantries the pastor sat wordless and an uncomfortable silence filled the room. All that could be heard was the hiss of the fire. Soon the pastor rose from his chair, took the tongs and removed a glowing ember and laid it on the hearth by itself. It soon cooled from red to black. He then took the tongs and replaced the ember and it once again returned to its glowing. The pastor simply sat back down and folded his hands in silence. The erring member squirmed uncomfortably for a while and then turned to speak and said: “I will be back at church this Sunday. Your unspoken sermon was clear.”

1 Cor 12:25

25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

Father, help me to be an encouragement to someone today and let me enjoy the “one another” blessings of my church family. AMEN

TO SERVE OR BE SERVED?

TO SERVE OR BE SERVED?

Rom 1:1

1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

James 1:1

1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

2 Peter 1:1

1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ,

Seventy three times in the Old and New Testaments God refers to His own as “my servant.” We read my servant Moses, my servant David and my servant Jacob. Each had different tasks assigned and some are more highly regarded by their brethren but God views them all the same. They were His servants.

"If two angels were to receive at the same moment a commission from God, one to go down and rule earth's grandest empire, the other to go and sweep the streets of its meanest village, it would be a matter of entire indifference to each which service fell to his lot, the post of ruler or the post of scavenger; for the joy of the angels lies only in obedience to God's will, and with equal joy they would lift a Lazarus in his rags to Abraham's bosom, or be a chariot of fire to carry an Elijah home." — John Newton

We seek our honor in the tasks we are assigned, as if God has wisely chosen greater or lesser servants. We think that God looks out over the sea of available servants and chooses a great leader and then he spies a street sweeper. We honor one and think little of the other – but God honors BOTH who faithfully serve.

Thank you Lord that today I may be one of your servants. Keep me from both pride and disappointment in my assignment for I am privileged to be a servant of a Great Master and not necessarily a servant with a great task. AMEN

VAIN WATCHING!

VAIN WATCHING!

Ps 127:1-2

Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

Ps 33:16-20

16 There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

17 An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.

18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

20 Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.

1 Sam 14:6

…there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

           Panic has gripped our economy and our politics. Our paper money is founded on promises and our lawmakers are infamous for their calumny one toward another. We hoard our resources, strengthen our ramparts and beat our plowshares into swords but we feel no confidence.

           Peace is in the hands of the Prince of Peace. It is vain to put our trust in chariots and horses while the Lord sits enthroned. I, for one, will resort to the strong arm of my Master. He may bid me to prepare for trouble but the disposition of my cause is in His hands and the battle is not to the strong.

Dear Lord, our world is now as you said it would be. I will trust in thee and be at peace. AMEN

UNCTION AND GUMPTION!

UNCTION AND GUMPTION!

1 John 2:18-21

18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time…20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it…

           Old timey preachers used to talk about “unction” and, while it is only used once in our English Bible, it is something we all need. The Greek word is chrisma and literally means “an unguent or smearing.” Our text suggests that because it is the last days we need the Holy Spirit to be slathered on us to give us special wisdom and discernment to function in these last days.

           My old timey parents used to talk about “gumption” and Merriam-Webster acknowledges that it is a real word though seldom used these days. It means “shrewd common sense; enterprise; initiative.” Mom and Dad lived through the Great Depression and were constantly berating us for our lethargy and lack of motivation. I suppose we still need a heavy dose of gumption.

           The old timey Word of God persistently warns us that “in the last days perilous times shall come” (2 Tim. 3:1) and the character of those days closely mirror our own. We have been warned and now those days are upon us. There is a palpable sense of foreboding even among the irreligious in the world. Some have yielded to paranoia seeing antichrists behind every rock. Maybe they are right. Perhaps we should be wary.

           What we need is a heavy application of “unction and gumption.” We must be up and moving for the Master and we most certainly need the Holy Spirit for strength and discernment.

Ps 45:7

7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Dear Lord, smear upon me Thy Holy Spirit and give me the gumption to live righteously in a world gone mad. AMEN

THE MINISTRY OF GOD’S SPIRIT!

THE MINISTRY OF GOD’S SPIRIT!

Rom 8:16

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

John 14:16-17

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

           The word Comforter indicates one assigned to be along side us. It is capitalized and refers to God’s own Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that, when He went back to the Father, He would send – in His stead – “another” Comforter. Another indicates one just like me!

           It seems clear that Jesus thought the Other Comforter would be more readily at hand than He. Jesus was in the body but the Spirit could be at all places at all times. He would not only dwell with us but actually in us. We carry Him wherever we go. He is instantly available.

           Of the various ministries of the Holy Spirit is that internal assurance that we are children of God. We have been adopted into the Family of God by grace through faith. When our hearts and minds doubt then the Spirit consoles and comforts us by communicating to our mind that we really do belong to Him.

Be Thou My Helper In The Strife

Words: author unknown

Music: William B. Bradbury

Be Thou my Helper in the strife,

O Lord, my strong Defender be;

Thy mighty shield protect my life,

Thy spear confront the enemy.

Amid the conflict, O my Lord,

Thy precious promise let me hear,

The faithful reassuring word:

I am Thy Savior, do not fear.

Dear Lord, let your children hear your faithful reassuring word today: “I am Thy Savior, do not fear.” AMEN

FACE TO FACE!

FACE TO FACE!

Ex 33:9-11

9 And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses.

10 And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door.

11 And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.

           The Tabernacle in the wilderness was not a pup tent. It was a large structure when assembled and the furniture and fixtures had to be carried by a company of Levites. Once it was erected God appeared in visible form. During the daylight hours it was a cloudy pillar. I envision a cloud similar to a tornado. At night the pillar was not a cloud but a flaming fire. None could miss the presence of God.

           The tents of the tribes and families were arranged in such a way that their tent flaps opened toward the Tabernacle. It would have been the first thing anyone would see. Church, so to speak, was the center of the community and it stood as a constant reminder of the relationship between God and His people.

           The Lord talked with Moses! This is the most amazing aspect of all. God comes down and speaks face to face with man. When we read our Bible God speaks to us and when we pray we speak to God. This communion is available to anyone who wants it. He will speak with us as a man speaks to his friend.

Dear Lord, let me turn my attention and focus toward you today. Let your Spirit speak with mine. AMEN

WHERE IS WISDOM FOUND?

WHERE IS WISDOM FOUND?

Scripture reading: Job 28:12-28

Job 28:12

12 But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?

Job 28:15

15 It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.

Job 28:28

28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

           I asked the Lord for wisdom again this morning. I have been called wise by some but I catch myself asking, almost begging, God for wisdom more and more. The section of scripture before us today is from the lips of Job as he answers one of his questioning friends. There is much wisdom here.

           Two vocabulary words need to be clarified if we are to distinguish between experience and wisdom. Merriam-Webster says that experience is: “the observation of or participation in or tending toward knowledge; the skill derived from participation.” Wisdom is insight, judgment or good sense. One would think that a long life of experiences might produce both knowledge and a bit of wisdom and so we honor those who are gray headed. (Read Leviticus 19:32)

           Wisdom is a choice! We choose to fear (honor and respect) the Lord and wisdom is a by-product of that relationship. The closer we walk the wiser we become. Conversely, when we stray from Him and His ways we lose insight, judgment and good sense. “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” Ps 14:1

Lord! For the twisting path I will walk today and for the stones of stumbling that Satan will cast in my way, give me wisdom. AMEN

CEREMONY OR SIMPLICITY?

CEREMONY OR SIMPLICITY?

Mic 6:6-8

6 Wherewith [or how] shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?

7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

           There is a danger of mistaking religious formalities for true faith. This was the message of my devotional just two days ago. It has always been Satan’s strategy to either pollute or pervert the ceremonies and symbols of true faith. We must always guard against mistaking the forms for true faith or exchanging them for the reality of a relationship with “the high God.”

           We see the question in verse 7 which is the measure of true religion. With what will the Lord be pleased? Will it be the sacrifices of our cattle till the streets run red? Will it be so much pure olive oil that we could float an armada? Would he, like the god Molech, be content with the death of my firstborn in the fire of sacrifice? At the very least we understand that “the sin of my soul” is a very serious thing.

           Three simple things are required for a daily walk with “the high God.” The first is to do justly; to do the right thing. The second is to love mercy; to have a heart that is in tune with God. Finally we are simply to walk humbly with our God. In these three we see no Temple, no priest and no ceremonies. We see a follower walking hand in hand with his God. His practices, his paths and his passions are all in tune with God. This is the simplicity of true worship.

Dear Lord, walk with me today and let me walk with you. AMEN

DON’T BE SILLY!

DON’T BE SILLY!

Job 5:2

2 For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.

Hos 7:11

11 Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.

2 Tim 3:5-6

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

           Only three times in our English Bible do we find the word “silly.” Both times in the Old Testament the word is pathah (paw-thaw) and it indicates “to be OPEN mentally or morally.” This is the worst kind of open mindedness because it indicates a letting down of one’s guard. The one time the word silly is used in the New Testament it is the word gunaikarion and literally means “a little (or foolish) woman.” The idea is that of weakness or ignorance.

           Satan began his work of temptation with Eve. We do not know where Adam was at the time of the temptation but it is clear from the biblical account that she was OPEN mentally and morally to the arguments of the serpent. Her guard was down and she proved herself to be weak and ignorant of the facts of God’s warning. Relying only on her mental and emotional reasoning, she was easily led astray.

Prov 4:23

23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

           Keep your spiritual guard up! Always filter philosophy through the net of Scripture. Constantly align yourself with a biblically defined lifestyle. Ask questions. Seek God’s guidance. Don’t be silly!

Dear Lord let me always question the questionable. AMEN

RELIGION ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH!

RELIGION ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH!

Matt 25:1-10

25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

           A Parable is a simple story told to illustrate a moral truth. An analogy is a likeness in one or more ways between things otherwise unlike. (Merriam-Webster) Parables and analogies are problematic because they hint at the problem without thoroughly explaining it. In the parable of the ten virgins, five were wise and five were foolish. All ten are presented as being the same except for one important detail. Five had brought oil for their lamps and five did not.

           The lamps represent religion and though they be ornate and beautiful in their form they are useless as guides without the oil of the Holy Spirit. Religion may be carefully attended to which is illustrated by the fact that all ten “trimmed their lamps,” but there was no power in half of them. When “tried by fire” half of the lamps failed without oil.

           There is a danger of mistaking religious formalities for true faith. There is a danger of mistaking human emotion for true faith. I’m afraid that some of our modern worship methodology promotes the possibility of a counterfeit religion. Like the Pharisees of old, we wear the robes and carefully follow the minutia of rules and regulations but have no heart. We stand singing with hands raised to heaven swaying to the music but there is no oil in our lamps. When all is said and done the oil is essential.

           The lamp alone does not point out the stumbling places along the way. It does not reveal the blemishes that need attention. Only when the lamp of religion is lit with the oil can we see clearly. To put it plainly, religion alone does nothing to transform the life and guide the way. Many are stumbling in the darkness while carrying beautiful lamps unlit.

Ezek 33:30-32

30 Also, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the LORD.

31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.

32 And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.

Dear Lord, may the oil of thy Holy Spirit be strong within us and upon us today that we might have light. AMEN

IT IS REQUIRED!

IT IS REQUIRED!

1 Cor 4:2

2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

           Only once is the phrase “it is required” found in our English Bible. Paul drives home the point of faithfulness which is translated from the Greek word pistos which means “trustworthy.” The word faithful also means “allegiance to duty or person; loyalty.”

           The word required is the Greek zeteo and Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance invites us to go to another Greek word punthanomai which means “a demand for something due; a search for something hidden; to demand, inquire or to understand.” The idea here confirms one of my administrative maxims: “You don’t get what you EXPECT. You get what you INSPECT.” I am amazed to learn that nobody seems it is their responsibility to turn out the lights and lock the door!

           The Lord requires faithfulness from those He puts in trust. He searches our hearts and inspects our work. One day there will be a general accounting. Are you faithful? Are you where you are supposed to be doing what you are supposed to be doing? It matters not whether you think the job is important. The Master has given you an assignment and will, from time to time, inspect both you and your work.

Dear Lord, help me to be faithful today! AMEN

CHRISTIAN HOSPITALITY!

CHRISTIAN HOSPITALITY!

Rom 12:10-13

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

1 Tim 3:2

2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

           The Greek word for hospitality is philoxenia and literally means “love of strangers.” The writer of Hebrews urges us to “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” Heb 13:2. This, for the believer, seems to be a prime motivator since angels walk about cleverly disguised.

           There was a Shunammite woman who prepared a resting place for the prophet Elisha. Later that act of hospitality would pay huge dividends.

2 Kings 4:8-11

8 And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.

9 And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.

10 Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.

11 And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there.

           The parable of the Good Samaritan urges us to care for others when it is within our power to do so. In it we are reminded that hospitality is inconvenient and costly but praiseworthy. It is just what Jesus would have done!

Lord, although it may be inconvenient and costly, let me be a blessing to someone today. AMEN