ENCOURAGING TRUTHS FOR THE DOWNHEARTED!

ENCOURAGING TRUTHS FOR THE DOWNHEARTED!

2 Cor 7:5-6

5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

We all get down from time to time. Even the Apostle Paul, though a spiritual giant, admitted to being “troubled on every side.” Externally there were fightings and internally there were fears. He was cast down and then comforted.

What can we do when we are cast down? Let me suggest that we check the balance in our spiritual account. We need a reality check to see just who we are in Christ. Consider the following truths.

1. GOD HAS ALWAYS LOVED YOU!

Jer 31:3

3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Ps 103:17

17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

2 Thess 2:13

13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

2. GOD LOVED YOU ENOUGH TO ALLOW JESUS TO DIE!

1 Peter 1:18-19

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Heb 9:12-14

12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

3. GOD HAS INVITED YOU TO BE PART OF HIS FAMILY!

Rom 8:16-17

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

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Gal 4:7

7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

4. HE IS COMING FOR YOU SOON!

Luke 21:27-28

27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Ps 126:2-3

2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

Dear Lord, whenever my heart is downcast help me to count the many blessings of my salvation. AMEN

WITHOUT MURMURING AND DISPUTING!

WITHOUT MURMURING AND DISPUTING!

Phil 2:14-15

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

          I know of at least three young preachers who are having significant and painful trouble with their church leadership. Two are Baptists but one is from a large mainline denomination, so the problem is not endemic to any one church polity. You are probably aware that there are deacons and other church officers who feel that their trade is to rule instead of to serve. Some have decided, without biblical basis, that they are the judicial branch of the church. As we look around at these conflicts we are tempted to think that they are without biblical precedent but we would be wrong. People have always been people and people who do not listen to God have always caused trouble.

          The Old Testament relates the story of an attempted coup d’état when Moses’ sister, Merriam and Aaron, his brother tried to force him out and take control of the wandering Jews. You will find the story in Numbers chapter twelve. God personally stepped in and put an end to this uprising, giving Miriam leprosy and Aaron a healthy dose of fearful respect. Typically, Moses, the victim in this coup attempt, interceded for his sister in prayer. God listened and took away the leprosy but the whole operation ground to a halt for seven days. This seems to be the Devil’s real goal. He doesn’t care who wins the argument as long as progress is stopped – even for a little while.

          Paul was not immune to church trouble either and it was the dysfunctional Corinthian church that provided his pain. The church was divided in their loyalties between Paul, Apollos and Cephas or Peter. Paul addressed this controversy in the first three chapters of his first letter to the Corinthians. He concluded that the root cause was carnality.

1 Cor 1:11-13

11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

1 Cor 3:3-5

3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

          In our original text two words are used to describe these church problems. The word murmurings is the Greek word goggusmos (pronounced gong-goos-mos’) and it means grudging; holding a grudge and grumbling about it either openly or secretly. The other word is disputing and the Greek word is dialogismos. The Greek gives us a clue because we are familiar with the word “dialogue” or conversation but here it means angry arguments and debates.

          The purpose for church peace is not simply that the worship experience might be more pleasant. Paul says, in Philippians 2:15, that it is because we “shine as lights in the world.” If we extinguish our lights through wrangling, the darkened world will continue to stumble – and the Devil wins again.

Rom 12:18

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Dear Master, let me see my job clearly and perform my duties faithfully without glancing longingly at the position of others. Let me never be the cause of church conflict. Send peace to your churches today. AMEN

THIRD WAVE FAMILIES!

THIRD WAVE FAMILIES!

Isa 1:2

2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

Alvin Toffler has written an insightful book titled The Third Wave. Toffler suggests there are three eras, three periods of history, and three waves in American culture. Then he reflects on the implications of these three waves for the individual, the family, the church, and for society at large.

The first wave was agricultural wave: Little House on the Prairie, squatters' rights, the simple pioneer lifestyle; men planting crops and building a home; grandmas and grandpas, uncles and aunts living nearby, often in the same home. This is the period where the family might be called a “clan.”

The second wave was the industrial wave, when families moved from the country into the city. They moved from developing farms and croplands with their own hands to becoming part of a larger corporation, working with machinery and developing technology. The extended family was not always nearby. Often they were scattered in different and far away cities. Now we spoke of the nuclear family. The family became smaller; a husband and wife with two or three children was a family in the second wave.

The third wave could be called the information wave--the wave of computers, fax machines, and mass media. In this wave we see growing affluence on the one hand, a growing poverty on the other, and a shrinking middle class. The fast-paced, driven third wave has tremendous implications for the family.

Gone, for the most part, is the idyllic mornings begun by the crowing of the rooster and the smell of bacon, coffee and wood smoke. It has been replaced by the cold chrome sound of an electronic panic that awakens you to Pop Tarts, instant coffee and the dusty smell of the furnace.

Communication is via electronic texts and voicemail. The human voice with all its ancillary communication and warmth is mostly lost. The result is a language without color and texture and emotion. The sound of actual laughter has been replaced by a quick “LOL” or a more robust “ROFL.”

Perhaps it is time to cancel all appointments, turn off all the machines, take your loved one by the hand, look intently into their eyes and … talk. Listen to their fears, their hopes and their loves.

Ps 68:5-6

5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.

6 God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

Father, as one of your children, let me draw close enough to feel your warmth. Let me hear your voice and even smell your scent. Let me know your heart and enjoy the comfort of your closeness. AMEN

HOW TO HAVE A BRIGHT OUTLOOK!

HOW TO HAVE A BRIGHT OUTLOOK!

Phil 2:13-15

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Positive people produce a positive impact on the world around them. They are pleasant to be around and others are attracted to them. Today is a fresh page for us and we have a choice. Here are a few suggestions from the Bible on how to have a bright outlook.

1. BEGIN WITH FAITH IN GOD!

Ps 37:3-5

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

People of faith live as if they know a secret. Indeed they do for they have an unseen helper in every trouble and an unseen guide in every confusing circumstance.

2. ADD GENUINE LOVE!

Love causes us to desire the very best for others.

1 Thess 2:7-8

7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

3. LOOK FOR GOD IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE!

Joseph was sold as a slave by his brothers and falsely imprisoned by his master but he kept looking for God’s purpose in it all.

Gen 50:20

20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

4. VIEW YOUR WORK AS A GIFT TO GOD!

2 Chron 31:21

21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.

Col 3:23

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

5. LEARN TO FORGIVE!

Matt 18:21-22

21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Learning to forgive makes it unnecessary to carry around a heavy load of anger and hate. The mind is free to focus on productive things instead of always thinking of ways to get even.

6. CONTROL YOUR THINKING!

Phil 4:6-8

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Dear Lord, by your strength, let me turn my obstacles into steppingstones. Thank you that my future is bright because of your promises! AMEN

ENDURANCE!

ENDURANCE!

Mark 4:16-17

16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

Endurance presupposes unpleasant or disagreeable circumstances. Endurance is forced submission to necessity! The verses above indicate that the cause of a failure in endurance is that they “have no root in themselves.” The ground (heart) was stony. The problem was an “unbroken” heart which prevented the seed (the word) from taking deep root. They endured only as long as things were going well. When affliction and persecution arose they were immediately (so suddenly) offended.

The word “offended” is an interesting word. It is the word skandalizo from which we get the word “scandalize.”  Whenever difficulties arise in the shallow stony heart of those who submitted to “easy believe-ism” something scandalous is the result. They abandon their faith and return to their sin which has been set aside…yet nearby.

Endurance means we do not fold under pressure, we run the race till it is finished.

Ps 27:14

14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Dear Lord, the difficulties of life offer many opportunities to quit. Help me to endure. AMEN

I CAN’T DO THIS!

I CAN’T DO THIS!

          It is yet another Sunday and I have prayed, asking God to give me a golden voice to speak His truth. Immediately, in my heart, came the reply that it is not my voice but His voice that is important! Instantly several scriptures came to mind reminding me that most of God’s spokesmen felt inadequate to speak on His behalf.

Ex 4:10-12

10 And Moses said unto the Lord , O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

11 And the Lord  said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord ?

12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

          Moses argues with the voice of the burning bush and explains that he has a slow tongue. The word “slow” here is kabed and can be translated “stupid.” Oh! How often have I given this self-evaluation to my speech? God responded with a reminder and a promise. He created the mouth, the tongue and the vocal chords. He determined whether you sing bass or tenor! He will be present when the mouth speaks and will initiate a “live streaming audio.”

1 Kings 3:9-10

9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

          We think of Solomon as a mental giant and yet the thought of leadership made him shrink away and plead to God for help. After over forty years in pastoral ministry I still am often driven to my knees asking “who is able?” It is the cry of the hammer as it surveys the building plans! Then the master carpenter takes the hammer in his tanned and strong hand and the hammer responds forcefully and accurately. Thus the building is not built by the hammer but by the hand.

          There have been days, however, when I was certain that I had reached the level of “expert” in oratory. Ah! The words flowed like honey and the illustrations pressed home the point. Yet it seemed as if there was no power or product to my words. It was then I realized that no speech is effective without willing ears. Listen to what God says to the prophet Ezekiel.

Ezek 33:31-32

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.

          As a kid I have often heard my old preacher pray this prayer just before he spoke: “Lord, hide me behind the cross that I may not be seen but Christ within.” It was the spirit of John the Baptist who said: “He must increase but I must decrease.” It is then that I cry out with those men of old, “I can’t do this!” It is then that the answer comes saying, “I know son, but I can!”

Dear Lord, take command of my mind, my heart and my voice. Hide me behind your cross that I may not be seen but Christ within. AMEN

THANKSGIVING BEGINS IN THE HEART!

THANKSGIVING BEGINS IN THE HEART!

Ps 116:12-14

12 What shall I render unto the Lord  for all his benefits toward me?

13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord .

14 I will pay my vows unto the Lord  now in the presence of all his people.

Luke 17:12-17

12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

          The word “render” as it is used in Psalm chapter 116 and verse 12 is the Hebrew word shuwb and literally means “to turn back” with the idea of “returning to the starting point.” This is perfectly illustrated in Luke 17:15 where we find only one of ten lepers returning to give thanks for his healing. Ninety percent displayed no thanks.

          The plain fact is that no one can force you to be thankful! You either are thankful or you are not. Our parents taught us to say a simple table grace. This introduced to our young minds the concept of thanksgiving. If someone were nice to us or gave us candy, mother would always ask: “Now what do we say?” The answer, of course, was “Thank you.” But even mother could not make us truly thankful. She could only teach us the actions of thanksgiving.

          When we receive benefits for which we did not have to work it should make us grateful. However it is also possible to begin to think of these benefits as entitlements. We think someone else owes us all these things and we become pouting and spoiled children who throw their toys and pick at their food. Good things are greedily gobbled up without thanks.

          Thanksgiving always causes us to turn back and sometimes to return to the starting point. We begin to consider our true self-worth and how little we actually deserve. When we make lists they are not wish lists but lists of blessings already received. We look around and observe a bounty that is not only sufficient but enough to share. Thankful people are always giving people.

          I was born on Thanksgiving Day 1946. It’s true! I have been told that the timing of my arrival interrupted the doctor’s dinner but this did not make me a thankful person. No, I am thankful because of an event that happened many years before on a lonely hill in Jerusalem. On that hill the Son of God hung on a cross and paid my sin-debt. I didn’t deserve it, and certainly was not entitled to it, but God adopted me into His family because of the sacrifice of His Son. Since that day, because Daddy is a great king, I have lived like a prince!

Dear Father, you have lavished upon me great gifts and privileges. Lord give me one more thing. Give me a thankful heart. AMEN

ABOUT YOUR APPOINTMENT!

ABOUT YOUR APPOINTMENT!

Heb 9:27

27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 

Job 23:11-15

11 My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

13 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.

14 For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.

15 Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.

          Although Job carefully stepped in the footprints of God and did not “decline” or to bend away from the path, yet he feared his appointment with God. The thought startled him, which is the meaning of the word “afraid” in verse 15. The reason is that God does what he wants to do and none can dissuade Him.

          After forty-one years in ministry, I am amazed at how casually some Christians live their lives. They plan, scheme and manipulate to get their own way or to add one more feather to their already plush nest. This they do with little regard to those they may hurt along the way. Certainly they are not thinking about their appointment with God.

          Ours is such a cocksure culture that few things cause them much alarm but the thought of a face-to-face with the God of the universe should give everyone a reason for pause. This is the God who not only knows what you did but why you did it! He not only judges actions but motives as well. There is no hiding place so secret that He does not invade and observe. It may be worse than an apprentice facing an evaluation from Donald Trump!

Isa 45:23

23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

2 Cor 5:10

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Dear Lord, thank you for the judgment of the cross where my sins were punished upon your shoulders. I may now face my appointment with confidence and not fear because you have already taken every stripe meant for me. Thank you for Calvary! AMEN

I’VE ANCHORED MY SOUL!

I’VE ANCHORED MY SOUL!

Heb 6:18-19

18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

Ps 107:29-30

29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

Henry Gilmour, came to the United States from Ireland as a teenager and perhaps this is why his hymn seems best sung by a male tenor. He practiced dentistry for a number of years and then spent the last 25 years of his life as a gospel musician. He was a gifted soloist and was greatly respected as a choir director.“The Haven of Rest” first appeared in Sunlight Songs, published in 1890.

For some reason this old song invaded my sleep and my soul sang it throughout the night as I woke from time to time. It is a great comfort to know that “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.”

 

My soul in sad exile was out on life's sea,

So burdened with sin, and distressed,

Till I heard a sweet voice saying, "Make me your choice!"

And I entered the Haven of Rest.

Chorus:

I've anchored my soul in the Haven of Rest,

I'll sail the wide seas no more;

The tempest may sweep o'er the wild, stormy deep,

In Jesus I'm safe ever more.

          Is your frail craft being beaten by the waves of circumstance? Whether you have foolishly set sail in winter against the advice of the seasoned sailor or whether some summer squall has caught you by surprise, know that the Master of the Sea is ready to take the wheel and speak to the wind! Set sail for His fair haven and anchor your weary soul.

Dear Lord, even salted and seasoned sailors may be overtaken by a sudden storm. Let us flee to your haven and anchor our souls. AMEN

FIRST IN ALL THINGS!

FIRST IN ALL THINGS!

Col 1:18

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

          It is not that the modern Christian has stopped loving God, on the contrary, they “like” Him a lot. The problem is that Christ is not first in their thinking nor in their lives and that is His rightful place. I think this one fact is the frustration felt by most ministers and it is what hinders most ministries. If Christ occupied the first place then most preaching could be muted.

          Is He first in your thoughts? Does Christ occupy a preeminent, or even a prominent, place in your plans and goals? When you at a family gathering, is He part of the conversation? When at social functions is He safely tucked away in some forgotten church pew waiting for you to return? I know some who can tell you the names of players on their favorite sports team but they can’t remember the topic of last week’s Sunday School lesson.

          Is He first in your church considerations? If there is a conflict between attending worship or attending an entertaining event, which wins your heart? Are you faithful to your place of service in the church? Do you miss important functions leaving a gaping hole in the ministry? Do you think your absence is unimportant?

          Is He first in your family? Is Jesus a major part of the family? Does the family pray together regarding major decisions? Mothers, and some fathers, dote on their children until it is clear that those children guide major decisions of the family. The children receive the worship which should be reserved for God alone.

          Is He first in your day? Is the early morning hours reserved for a quiet time with God? Do you spend a few moments reviewing the problems of yesterday and the plans for today? Do you ask Him to guide your choices in the day ahead? Do you tell Him again how much you love Him for His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection? Do you thank Him for his loving kindness and His bountiful provision. This should begin each day.

Dear Lord, in so many things I have replaced you with myself. I have ripped you from the throne and have climbed upon it myself. Though a knave, I govern myself, often resulting in my own harm. Oh, God! Let me kneel before you and give you the first place in my life today. AMEN

WARNING! WARNING!

WARNING! WARNING!

I know this will make me seem ancient to some but I’m remembering a mechanical character on an old, very old, black and white TV program. When I was a kid there was a popular program called “Lost in Space!” It featured the Robinson family, a syrup sweet family with a precocious little lad called Will and a stowaway scientist whose name now escapes me. It also featured a robot; I think his name was “Roby,” who was more intelligent than them all. Roby’s main function seemed to be flailing his arms about shouting “warning, warning!” He seemed to be the babysitter for young Will and so more often than not he would be shouting: “Warning, warning Will Robinson!” Oh how I wish we had Roby the robot with us today to flail his arms about, twirl his antennae, and shout “warning!” Roby, our nation and our world need you!

Thankfully we still have preachers and prophets to sound the alarm. Jeremiah was called “the weeping prophet” and I think it was because his task seemed to him so futile. His listeners were incorrigible sinners and Jeremiah took his job very seriously. This was a sure formula for frustration. Listen as he complains!

Jer 6:10

10 To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.

The Amplified Bible helps our understanding somewhat by putting it this way: “their ears are uncircumcised [never brought into covenant with God or consecrated to His service].” Ezekiel had a similar problem as we read: “And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.” Ezek 2:7 In  spite of crisp and clear differences between right and wrong, I still observe many people who will not heed warnings because “they have no delight in it.”

The Winter 1991 issue of the University of Pacific Review offers a chilling description of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster:

   There were two electrical engineers in the control room that night, and the best thing that could be said for what they were doing is they were "playing around" with the machine. They were performing what the Soviets later described as an unauthorized experiment. They were trying to see how long a turbine would "free wheel" when they took the power off it.

   Now, taking the power off that kind of a nuclear reactor is a difficult, dangerous thing to do, because these reactors are very unstable in their lower ranges. In order to get the reactor down to that kind of power, where they could perform the test they were interested in performing, they had to override manually six separate computer-driven alarm systems.

   One by one the computers would come up and say, "Stop! Dangerous! Go no further!" And one by one, rather than shutting off the experiment, they shut off the alarms and kept going. You know the results: nuclear fallout that was recorded all around the world, from the largest industrial accident ever to occur in the world.

   The instructions and warnings in Scripture are just as clear. We ignore them at our own peril, and tragically, at the peril of innocent others.

n  Attributed to Tom Tripp in Fresh Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching (Baker), from the editors of Leadership.

Col 1:28

28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Dear Lord, make me faithful to give warnings and wise to heed them. AMEN

IS CHURCH IMPORTANT?

IS CHURCH IMPORTANT?

Heb 10:24-25

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Ok! I know that preachers are always harping on this and the suspicion is that it has more to do with our reputation and our bankroll. But there it is – right there in the Bible! Why would God be helping preachers to enhance their reputation and their salaries? Maybe there are other reasons for attending church – reasons that benefit YOU.

In an internet article I found the following:

It is difficult to be the kind of Christian that God desires you to be apart from involvement in a local church. The church must be assembled in order to carry out many of its functions. These include:

The exercise of Spiritual gifts.

Everyone has been given at least one spiritual gift. These are not so that we might have more “fun” than we might enjoy otherwise. No, we are to edify (build up and make stronger) the church.

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.

Mutual ministry in the family of God!

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.

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.

Accountability!

Heb 13:17

17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

The New Testament repeatedly emphasizes the importance of being in a local congregation and under the spiritual authority of church leadership. Congregational worship is not a suggestion, or a matter of personal preference. It is a command of Scripture and vital for the life of the church and for the life of each individual believer.

Dear Lord, today I will renew my commitment to be in your house. I will seek to encourage and to be encouraged. I will not hide my light under a bushel but will let it shine. I will use the gifts you have given me to strengthen my local church. AMEN

PRECIOUS TRIALS!

PRECIOUS TRIALS!

1 Peter 1:5-7

5 [We] are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

          The sentence structure of verse seven indicates that it is the trial and not faith that is described by Peter as “more precious than gold.” We may scratch our heads and disagree but I think Peter certainly has a right to his opinion.

          Remember that it was Peter who did not understand when Jesus said that he must die on the cross (see Matthew 16:21-23). His response to Jesus was “be it far from thee Lord: this shall not be unto thee!” Peter’s understanding failed and so his faith failed. Jesus told him that he was thinking and acting like Satan.

          Remember also that it was Peter who, when he saw Jesus change into his glorified form, wanted to build three tabernacles (see Matthew 17:4). He saw Jesus talking with the long dead Moses and Elijah and was so befuddled that he did not know just what to say. Peter suggested that they build three shrines and remain on the mountain. He would have been better served to have said nothing.

          And how could we forget that Peter warmed his hands at the fire outside while Jesus was being questioned by the High Priest (see Mark 14:54). Peter was recognized but he vehemently denied the Lord three times before the rooster crowed. Remembering that Jesus had predicted this failure, Peter went out and wept bitterly.

So Peter certainly knew about trials! He said they were more precious than refined gold. Charles Spurgeon said: “Faith untried may be true faith, but it is sure to be little faith, and it is likely to remain dwarfish so long as it is without trials. Faith never prospers so well as when all things are against her.”

Job 23:10

10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Dear Lord, we do not ask for trials but when they come help us to see them for what they are. They are more precious than gold. AMEN

IF WE ONLY KNEW!

IF WE ONLY KNEW!

1 Cor 2:14-16

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

          If we only knew what God knows about our life and path we would be less anxious about the future. We are sheep and all we have been given is a profile of the Shepherd. He is both good and kind. He has our best interest at heart. In fact we know that the Good Shepherd “gives his life for the sheep.” Yet we want to know what He knows and we want to see what He sees.

          Paul’s question is asked again to the Roman church (Romans 8:27 and 11:34). Here we learn that the Holy Spirit prays for us according to the will of God because we do not know what to pray for as we ought. God understands that we do not understand!

          If we only knew what God knows we would not resist the plans He has for us. When Peter learned that Jesus was to be crucified he loudly said: “not so Lord!” Peter could not imagine how the crucifixion might be beneficial. He was sure it was a tragic mistake! Because he did not know – he resisted the very thing that would purchase his redemption.

          If we only knew what God knows we would welcome the lion’s den and the fiery furnace because we would see the Lord shut the lions’ mouth and join us in the flames. But we do NOT know and that is what trust is all about. Trust does not need to know all the details of how God will resolve a difficult situation. Trust only needs to know the good nature of God. So we walk resolutely forward not because we see the way clearly but because we can still see the hem of his garment as He leads.

Dear Lord, we still desire to know what you know. We are hardwired as stubborn people! But let it be enough to maintain sight of you as you lead us. AMEN

RECONCILIATION!

RECONCILIATION!

Rom 5:8-10

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

2 Cor 5:18-21

18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

          To reconcile means to cause warring parties to be friendly and harmonious again. Man’s disobedience and rebellion in the garden opened a deep rift between man and God and passed on the tendency toward rebellion to every son thereafter. William Barclay said: “Never once is God said to be reconciled to man; it is always man who is reconciled to God.” But how is this reconciliation accomplished?

          Religion is man’s feeble attempt to be reconciled to God. All such efforts fail because the trappings of religion fall short of the offense. God stepped in to effect the reconciliation Himself. He named the cost and paid the price.

          The word “not imputing” in verse 19 is borrowed from banking. It means not depositing to one’s account. If we read the verse again it says that our sins are not deposited to our account but to Jesus’ account. God provided for cross-posting so that Jesus’ rich account and my bankrupt account were switched.

2 Cor 8:9

9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

          In order to clear our bankrupt account, Jesus had to empty his account of righteousness. He became poor so that we might be made rich. We have been brought back into a friendly and harmonious relationship with God. Not only that but God has named us in his will and adopted us into his family.

Dear Lord, my account was not only bankrupt but overdrawn! Thank you for making your deposit into my account. Thank you for making me part of the family. AMEN