ONLY A VAPOR!

ONLY A VAPOR!

James 4:14

14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

It seems like only yesterday I was a shirtless barefoot boy, playing with an old alarm clock in the black dirt in front of a rented house in Cincinnati. One could smell the meat packing house not too far away and the noise of the city was a curious mixture of honking horns, and the rumble of machinery. I would play all day and then turn the bathwater into muck. Momma would dry my kid-blond hair with a towel and then off to bed.

A moment later I was a teen in a football uniform and then a cap and gown. Suddenly I’m a young man working in the parts cage at the Coca-Cola company with an uneasy restlessness that later defined itself as a call from God upon my life.

Like a blur I’m kneeling in the tabernacle at the Ohio youth camp after hearing Dr. David Cavin. Now I’m standing in line registering for classes at Baptist Bible College. Standing near the back of the Bible Baptist Church I spy a lovely young lady playing the piano. She is the love of my life.

More than forty years of ministry swirls about in a cyclone of places and faces. What remains are ambition, disappointment and satisfaction in a strange blend. Now it is sunset and the colors are magnificent.

I’d like to quote another old preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, who said:

We crossed and recrossed a river several times by the ferry-boat with no purpose in the world but mere amusement and curiosity, to watch the simple machinery by which the same current is made to drift the boat in opposite directions from side to side. To other passengers it was a business, to us a sport.

   Our hearers use our ministry in much the same manner when they come to it out of the idlest curiosity and listen to us as a means of spending a pleasant hour. That which should ferry them across to a better state of soul, they use as a mere pleasure-boat to sail up and down in, making no progress after years of hearing. It may be sport to them, but it is death to us, because we know it will before long be death to them.

n  Charles Haddon Spurgeon, The Quotable Spurgeon, (Wheaton: Harold Shaw Publishers, Inc, 1990)

Dear Lord, teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. AMEN

GRACE HATH APPEARED BRINGING SALVATION!

GRACE HATH APPEARED BRINGING SALVATION!

Titus 2:11-14

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

This is another of my favorite portions of scripture. It makes you think. It stretches your mind. It begins with grace and ends with works! Maybe that’s the way it should be! In the English New Testament grace is always a translation of (charis), a word that occurs in the Greek text over 170 times and in both Biblical and secular Greek it is used with far more meanings than can be represented by any one term in English. But the word has abundant use in secular Greek in the sense of unmerited favor, and Paul seized on this meaning of the word to express a fundamental characteristic of Christianity. (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.) 

For the Apostle Paul, GRACE was defined by experience.

Acts 9:1-5

9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. It is dangerous and it will turn out badly for you to keep kicking against the goad [to offer vain and perilous resistance].  AMPLIFIED

Paul’s spiritual and emotional condition remained vile and violent. He travelled with evil authority, letters from the high priest. He was obsessed with a wicked intent, to bring believers into captivity. SUDDENLY, and without any initiation of goodness on his part, the resurrected and glorified Jesus met Paul and CHANGED him forever. That is grace!

But our original portion ends with the words… “a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” What about that? How do we reconcile the seemingly opposite aspects of grace and works? Well, one is the prod and the other is the product!

Jesus purchased us away from a cruel and abusive master, cleaned us up, healed our wounds of abuse and gave us honorable assignments. What servant would not joyfully engage in labor for such a kind Master as Jesus? So, beginning with GRACE, we engage in WORKS.

Dear Lord, thank you for purchasing me away from a cruel task master and giving me duties that are a joy to perform! AMEN

LEFTOVER BLESSINGS!

LEFTOVER BLESSINGS!

John 6:12-13

12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

1 Tim 6:17-19

17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

          Yesterday’s Thanksgiving feast has both filled us and provided enough for today and, perhaps, tomorrow. The little boy’s fish and barley cakes proved to be enough only when given to the master. The message of overabundance is that there may yet be a need to share and a want to relieve! Jesus, who has taken our little and made it much, urges us to carefully avoid waste.

          When we have plenty, we must guard our thinking. Arrogance is easily visible and universally detested. Arrogance, according to Merriam-Webster is “offensively exaggerating one’s own importance.” It grows in the soil of assumed privilege.

          Timothy was urged to remind the rich that everything they had came from a generous God who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Go ahead and enjoy what you have been given – but remember that it is within the power of your hand to relieve suffering and to share.

William Cowper wrote this very old hymn (1779). The first verse says …

God gives His mercies to be spent;
Your hoard will do your soul no good.
Gold is a blessing only lent,
Repaid by giving others food.

Dear Lord, let us be mindful of others in need. AMEN

WHEN IT’S HARD TO GIVE THANKS!

WHEN IT’S HARD TO GIVE THANKS!

Hab 3:17-18

17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:

18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord , I will joy in the God of my salvation.

          There is a scene in Gone With The Wind in which Scarlet O’Hara stands with fist in air saying: “As God is my witness, I’ll never be hungry again!” It was not a statement of faith but of defiance. Circumstances of life often challenge our giving of thanks.

          Babylon was about to invade the land of Judah. “By the time Babylon was through with the land of Judah, there wouldn't be much of value left (2:17). Buildings would be destroyed, treasures would be plundered, and farms and orchards would be devastated. The economy would fall apart and there would be little to sing about. But God would still be on His throne, working out His divine purposes for His people (Rom 8:28). Habakkuk couldn't rejoice in his circumstances, but he could rejoice in his God!” -- Warren W. Wiersbe.  

          I think of my flock this morning and wish for them all good things. Nevertheless, I know some who are battling cancer. One is hospitalized and another is facing surgery. A neighbor mourns the loss of a son and others are still lonely after the loss of a partner. Still others have a house full of laughter with children and grandchildren all gathered around. It is a patch work of circumstances and through it all there will be Thanksgiving. We do not give thanks because of our circumstances but in spite of them. We rejoice in the stability of God’s character.

Edward Mote wrote one of our best loved hymns. The second verse speaks to our theme today.

His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

Refrain:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

Dear Lord, bless all your children today with a thankful heart. AMEN

LIES FOR JUSTICE!

LIES FOR JUSTICE!

Isa 59:4

4 None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.

          Isaiah 59 begins to describe why God won’t hear the prayer of His sinning people. Verse 4 speaks specifically to our condition today. On a day when there should be preparation for feasting and celebrating the good blessings of God, our nation is reeling from the violent and senseless reaction to a tragic event in Missouri.

          While Justice is the cry, truth is never called for and when it is brought forth it is scorned and rejected. Truth has no skin tone! Truth plays no favorites. Truth recognizes no supposed entitlements. Truth honors no privilege.

          Those who reject truth respond with vanity! I find it more than interesting that the word “vanity” in verse 4 is tohuw which literally means “to lie waste; confusion.” This is always the consequence of abandoning truth. They conceive mischief which literally means “a grievance or a wearisome wickedness.” They bring forth iniquity – the exact opposite of justice.

          Dr. Barnes explains it this way: “There is a love of litigation; a desire to take all the advantage which the law can give; a desire to appeal to the law, not for the sake of having strict justice done, but for the sake of doing injury to others, and to take some undue advantage.”

Ps 66:7

7 He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.

Dear Lord, please heal our land. AMEN

COME, LET US WORSHIP!

COME, LET US WORSHIP!

Ps 95:1-7

95:1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.

5 The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.

6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

The principal Old Testament word for worship is shachah, "depress," "bow down," "prostrate" while the principal New Testament word (59 times) is proskuneo, "kiss (the hand or the ground) toward," hence, often in the oriental fashion bowing prostrate upon the ground.

(from International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia,)

We need to gain the Bible’s perspective on just what worship is. Psalm 95 begins by suggesting that we sing and make a joyful noise and then it recommends thanksgiving coupled again with joyful noise and psalms.

This psalm is written by David who passed the long and lonely time in the sheep fields by singing and perhaps a bit of star gazing. David’s younger life was occupied by worshipping and watching. In this way he drew close to God and God kept company with him. Oh, how can we worship without singing? And, if you say you can’t sing then there is a place for you in making joyful noise.

Thanksgiving is encouraged next and it comes to life quite easily as we refocus our thinking away from ourselves and toward God and His attributes. The psalm suggests two very broad categories for our consideration.

1. He is the greatest Being.

(1)     Great in Himself (ver. 3).

(2)     Great in His possessions (ver. 4).

2. He is the kindest Being.

(1)     He made us. Possessing reason, imagination, conscience, freedom, etc.

(2)     He supports us -- provides for our necessities, watches over us, guides us through intricacies, and guards us from perils.

(3)     He delivers us. "The rock of our salvation." The strong ground of our confidence, the foundation on which our safety rests.

Dear Lord, You alone are God. There are no words sufficient to describe you. Today I offer to you the sacrifice of singing, thanksgiving and joyful noise. AMEN

THE SOFTER SIDE OF SIN?

THE SOFTER SIDE OF SIN?

In Jesus’ High Priestly prayer He prayed:

John 17:15-17

15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Most of us feel that we have successfully resisted the lure of today’s culture. We would never embrace such obviously sinful values as abortion, pornography, violence and illicit drugs. In spite of this the culture softly allures us with cultural values that violate Biblical Christianity. Are you familiar with the following list?

1. Unrestrained DEBT

Rom 13:8

8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

2. Failure to apply the Word to our lives

James 1:23-25

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

3. Our relentless drive for material possessions

1 Tim 6:9-10

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

4. Our tolerance of sensuality in media and entertainment

2 Tim 2:22

22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Jesus knew the deadly seduction of the softer side of sin. We manage to resist direct attacks but fall to the softer side. The answer is in John 17:17 where Jesus prayed: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

Dear Lord, help me to be vigilant against the softer attacks of the world. Keep me from evil. 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

AN UNRESPONSIVE GOD!

AN UNRESPONSIVE GOD!

James 4:3

3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

Ps 37:7-8

7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

          Two reasons are presented for the silence of God during our distress. The first is the reason we fear and the second is the reason for which we hope! The first condemns us and the second consoles us. The first is silence deserved and the second is an answer delayed.

          James straightforwardly tells us that there are times when God does not answer because we have asked amiss. The word amiss is the Greek word kakos and means “diseased, evil, or sick.”  The reason for our asking is likened to a physical illness that needs to be cured. God is not going to answer a request that will harm us. His silence is a mild rebuke.

          But the experience of many believers is that God is often slow to answer what we think are urgent cries. In those cases we can do nothing but to rest in the Lord, and wait. The verb “rest” means “to be silent or still” and indicates calm surrender. Literally, we need to stop struggling. The word “fret” means to glow or to burn. The least amount of tender causes us to flare up. The familiar admonition is to “cool it!”

          James calls for a cure while the Psalmist calls for calm. If God has been silent, perhaps it would be good to evaluate your heart and your behavior. God is not likely to reward a sinful child. If, on the other hand, you feel your causes are just, we are called upon to simply wait for God to unfold his plans and purposes. Nobody likes to wait but we are often asked to do so.

          If God is silent, think back to the last time He spoke and you knew He was speaking to you. Has sin crept in and stopped His voice? Then you need to repent and be reconciled to God. If sin is not the problem perhaps you simply need to obey His last command. In combat often the last command a soldier receives is “hold until relieved.”

Lord, we have occasionally experienced your silence. Sometimes it is a well deserved rebuff of our errors. Sometimes we are left waiting while you are being mysterious. Teach us to wait patiently. AMEN

GR – ATTITUDE!

GR – ATTITUDE!

Luke 17:11-17

11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

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?

John Henry Jowett, a British preacher of an earlier generation, said this about gratitude: "Gratitude is a vaccine, an antitoxin, and an antiseptic." What did he mean? He meant that gratitude, like a vaccine, can prevent the invasion of a disgruntled, discouraged spirit. Like an antitoxin, gratitude can prevent the affects of the poisons of cynicism, criticalness, and grumbling. Like an antiseptic, a spirit of gratitude can soothe and heal the most troubled spirit. -- John Yates, "An Attitude of Gratitude."

The healed leper turned back and loudly glorified God. It was not incidental that he was a Samaritan because Jesus was trying to gain the attention of the thankless nine. Jesus was trying to point out that being born to privilege might hinder the giving of thanks because we become accustomed to abundance. Like a spoiled child, we break and scatter our toys and grumble because we can’t have the latest gizmo.

Heb 13:5

5 Let your conversation [your lifestyle] be without covetousness [greed]; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Dear Lord, help my stubborn heart to rightly inventory your gifts and blessings and make me thankful. AMEN

EARLY WORSHIP!

EARLY WORSHIP!

John 4:23-24

23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

I am almost always up early. As I sit here this morning the little clock on the computer says 5:01am. 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 woman at the well pointed out this problem when she contrasted worship in the Jerusalem Temple and worship “on this mountain.” Probably pointing to Mount Gerizim, at the foot of which Sychar was situated and the well upon which Jesus sat. The patriarchs had worshipped here-Jacob built an altar on this mountain, and worshipped the true God: see Gen 22:2; 33:20. Thus she could say, Our fathers worshipped in this mountain. On this mountain Sanballat had built them a temple, about 332 years before our Lord's incarnation.

·        Adam Clarke's Commentary

John 4:20

20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.

She pointed out the difference and the ongoing controversy hoping to dismiss both. It is almost amazing how knowledgeable this woman was about her faith yet I do not think she was a worshipper!

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 me be acceptable in thy sight. AMEN

HOLY SPIT!

HOLY SPIT!

Mark 7:32-35

32 And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.

33 And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.

35 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.

Mark 8:22-25

22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.

23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.

25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

          Wow! Twice in Matthew chapters 7 and 8 Jesus uses spit to bring about healing. I don’t want to be irreverent, but putting a wet finger in one’s ear is often called a “wet Willy.” Touching someone’s tongue with a spittle moistened finger is inviting infection. But this situation is clearly different. This was Jesus and He knew what He was doing.

          Next, in chapter 8, we see Jesus spitting into the eyes of a blind man. At first the healing was incomplete so He placed His hands upon the man’s eyes again and then saw clearly. So, just what was Jesus doing with this Holy Spit?

          I believe Jesus was performing a re-creative act. In Genesis 2:7 God formed man from the dust of the ground and then breathed life into man’s nostrils.. Everything else had been spoken into existence but this was a very “hands-on” work of creation.

          For those who are in need today, may God spit in your eye!

Dear Lord, perform your creative work on those who are sick today and take a “hands-on” approach to those who are troubled. AMEN

THANKSGIVING AROUND THE WORLD!

THANKSGIVING AROUND THE WORLD!

Rom 1:21

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Thanksgiving Day is a uniquely American holiday and has been celebrated here since the landing of the first European settlers. It was first celebrated by those we call “pilgrims.” Expelled by religious persecution they hacked out a living in the estuaries of our continent’s east coast. But other countries also observe times of thanksgiving.

Canada – They observe Thanksgiving the second Monday of October.  At this time they commemorate the end of the harvest season and celebrate in a similar fashion as in the United States.

Korea – Known as Chu Suk, this celebration takes place during the harvest season for three days and is also celebrated as a mark of respect to elders.  For this reason, many families will visit their ancestral properties in hometowns and will hold memorial services at the gravesites of their elderly.

Ghana and Nigeria – These countries celebrate a Yam Festival in August, marking the end of the rainy season.  Yams are one of the most common foods and are the first crop to be harvested.  Celebrations of this festival include dancing, singing, and giving of offerings to ancestors.   The yams are later distributed among the villagers.

Southern India – A festival called Pongal is celebrated in January.  During this festival, community feasts are held during which neighbors get together to share their crops and thank everyone who contributed to a successful harvest.

Many of the harvest-related festivals around the world include thankfulness for successful crops, but the one, true God is not always the recipient of that gratitude.  As we prepare and celebrate this Thanksgiving holiday, let us not forget to express our thankfulness to Almighty God for His provision, love, and salvation through Jesus Christ. (Source: weeklycp@bbfimissions.com)

Dear Lord, we have so much for which to be thankful! Give us thankful hearts today. AMEN

THE CROSS – OUR MEMORIAL WALL!

THE CROSS – OUR MEMORIAL WALL!

John 19:25

25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

Heb 12:2

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in 1982. In the first 15 years, 54,000 items were left at the Wall. It still takes almost an hour every night, to collect all the mementos such as a teddy bear, a photo of a soldier's grandchild, or a letter from a daughter who never knew her dad.

Every item is labeled and taken to a warehouse. No one knows quite how to deal with it all. "No one ever expected this to happen," a park ranger says. "It's so personal. It caught everyone by surprise."

Who would have thought, on that day so long ago, that the rugged Cross of Calvary would be the memorial wall for so many through the ages? If you search the Scriptures for the phrase “take your burdens to the cross” you will not find it written there. Yet we use this so often we are emotionally certain it should be. What we DO find is this following verse.

Col 2:14

14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.

Think of the “warehouse” needed to hold all the “handwritings” which have been nailed to His cross! Now think of all those that are nailed there day after day. It is very personal and would surely take you by surprise!

Approach the cross with reverence and respect! Remember the One who died to give you true freedom. Place before the cross all those personal things that so strongly connect you with it. Pause a while and say thank you. Let the tears flow for a few minutes and remember!

In John Bunyan’s book, Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian finally reaches the place of the cross. “Then was Christian glad and lightsome, and said with a merry heart, He hath given me rest by his sorrow, and life by his death. Then he stood still awhile to look and wonder; for it was very surprising to him, that the sight of the Cross should thus ease him of his Burden.” Then his heart burst with praise and he said:

Blest Cross! blest Sepulchre! blest rather be
The Man that there was put to shame for me.

Oh my Lord! Thank you for your sacrifice on the Cross. AMEN

SPREAD HIS FAME!

SPREAD HIS FAME!

Matt 9:27-31

27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.

28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.

31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

          One portion of the well-known hymn, Amazing Grace, says: “was blind but now I see.” Try to imagine what it would be like to be totally blind. Not only is nature’s beauty hidden to you but many of the simple obstacles of life are hidden as well. You keep tripping over what is obvious to others!

          We who have been enlightened by the Gospel sometimes marvel at the foolishness of the lost. They persistently make foolish decisions that hurt themselves and others. We think to ourselves “Can’t they see what they are doing?” No, they can’t see because they are spiritually blind. When Jesus comes and opens our eyes we are able to avoid the many things that used to trip us up.

          Jesus’ demand to “see that no man know it” must have been made tongue-in-cheek. It is human nature to tell good news – especially to our friends. We tell when we have found a bargain at some store. We tell when we have found an effective treatment for the sniffles. We tell where the good things can be found. How can we keep secret that we have been made to see?

          The word “fame” is the Greek word diaphemizo which means “to report thoroughly” or “to blaze abroad.” It seems there is only one letter’s difference between flame and fame. Well, I just can’t keep it to myself! I once was lost but now I’m found – was blind but now I see. Jesus is passing by and He will not turn anyone away. Cry out to him in your blindness and see!

Dear Lord, thank you for opening my eyes. I can’t keep this news to myself because there are so many stumbling in their own darkness. AMEN

THE STORM!

THE STORM!

Matt 8:23-27

23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.

24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Jesus had just finished what we call “The Sermon on the Mount.” Now he had come down from the mountain toward the shore where he healed many. In verse 18 He gives commandment to get into a boat and depart for the other side. In the midst of obedience a storm arose that threatened their very lives. Below are some thoughts that you might find interesting and helpful as you weather your own storms.

1. Storms come in spite of – and sometimes because of – our obedience!

The disciples had gotten into the boat BEFORE the storm in obedience to Christ’s command. There was no storm at the beginning of the trip.

2. Jesus led the way!

Verse 23 tells us that Jesus entered into the ship followed by His disciples. God does not always lead by smooth ways!

3. Jesus slept through the storm!

He is not concerned or anxious and is able to rest. This speaks rebuke to our anxiety.

4. Storms challenge our most expert abilities!

I am reminded that many of the disciples were seasoned fishermen and familiar with the sudden storms that occurred on that lake. This storm caused them to waken the master and say: “Lord, save us: we perish.”

5. Jesus addressed the MEN before He addressed the STORM!

Ø Jesus spoke regarding their FEAR. Jesus continually works with us to remove fear – not storms!

Ø Jesus addressed their lack of FAITH. We could spend considerable time simply asking questions like “Would God allow His Son to drown in the storm along with all the disciples?” No, this would contradict His purpose for his Son and for all of the disciples.

Ø Faith in the purpose of God and the power of God would have eliminated their fear.

6. When Jesus speaks to a storm the result is a great calm!

If I ever find myself in a storm I want Jesus asleep on a pillow! When He awakes to my cries I will not care what rebuke He has for me. I will not care if his condemnation blisters me. I will care only that He speaks to the storm.

7. When storms are stilled Jesus’ true nature is revealed!

Matt 8:27

27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Dear Jesus, storms may rise today in spite of or even as a result of my obedience to you! Help me to keep my eyes on you. Calm our storms today. AMEN