IT IS HARD TO DRIVE A NAIL ONCE BENT!

 

Monday, October 31, 2022

 

IT IS HARD TO DRIVE A NAIL ONCE BENT!

 

Eccl 1:15

15 That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.

 

Eccl 7:13-14

13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

 

          This proverb urges man to be in submission to the providence of God. We often decide that God has made things crooked, and we then engage in the task of making the circumstances straight. We want the circumstances to fit our notion of what should be right. We preachers do this all the time thinking that to be our calling. It is a Messiah complex that often frustrates us when crooked people can’t be made straight by our efforts. Some things and some people can’t be made straight simply by wanting them to be.

 

          We are left with two courses of action regarding the workings of God. These are listed in verse fourteen. First, in the day of prosperity when everything seems straight to us, be joyful and thank God that there are no uncomfortable twists and turns in the circumstances of your life. In the day of adversity consider that there is nothing certain in this life. The word “consider” means to study thoroughly or to meditate to fully and properly understand, but we can’t fully understand why God does what He does. He has His own plans and purposes. In the absence of understanding He bids us to trust in His nature, wisdom, and goodness.

 

          It is hard to drive a nail once bent. There will always be a weakness that keeps it from piercing true. Some things once done can’t be undone and crooked people can be made straight by God alone.

 

Luke 13:11-13

11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

 

Jesus, Master Carpenter, make straight the crookedness in my loved ones and make straight the crookedness in me. AMEN

CONVICTION!

 

Sunday, October 30, 2022

 

CONVICTION!

 

John 16:7-11

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

 

Acts 2:37

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

 

          Conviction is the feeling that I have done wrong! It is a major theme in the Bible although the word is seldom found. The agent of conviction is the Holy Spirit sent by Jesus to “reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.”

 

          The Greek word for “reprove” in John 16:8 is elegcho and basically means “to tell a fault.” So, for the believer, the indwelling Holy Spirit is like a super conscience. He reminds us of our faults so that we may quickly repent and receive forgiveness and the peace that follows. Though it is uncomfortable, conviction is a good and useful thing. It aids our efforts at doing and being good because we do not like the uncomfortable feeling which accompanies doing bad.

 

          Conviction has a secondary meaning. It is also a list of firmly held beliefs which guide our behavior and involvement in the world. Romans 12:2 urges us to: “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” The Holy Spirit aids us in renovating our thinking about certain things. This renovation is first broad and general and then minute and specific. The result is a personal philosophy of life that is based upon the Word of God and is in agreement with the mind of Christ.

 

          That list of things which I will or will not do is sometimes called personal “standards.” For instance, one might gradually and then firmly believe that he or she should not drink alcohol – not even recreationally or socially. Ultimately each thread of firm belief is woven into a fabric as distinct as a Scottish tartan.

 

          Being under conviction is the result of the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Formulating a set of convictions requires spiritual, moral, and intellectual honesty. It requires us to faithfully adhere to our own set of firmly held beliefs.

 

          Are you “under “conviction? Is the Lord telling you your faults? If so, then quickly repent and pray for forgiveness so that you may receive God’s peace.

 

          Are you building a set of firmly held beliefs? If so, then resolve to be intellectually honest. Be patient with others as they bring themselves in line with the Word of God and the mind of Christ.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for your sweet Holy Spirit which keeps me from going astray. Help me to become transformed by bringing my mind in line with your own mind. AMEN

STRIVING AGAINST SIN!

 

Saturday, October 29, 2022

 

STRIVING AGAINST SIN!

 

Heb 12:1-4

12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

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.

3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

 

          The Greek word for “striving” in verse 4 will look familiar. It is the word antagonizomai and is the basis for the English word “antagonize” which means “to provoke.”  Here the word indicates a struggle. If you are planning to fight against sin in today’s casual moral climate you can expect a push back.   

 

         The last verse in our section reminds us that “we have not resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” Not many of us can say that we have bled from our wounds while fighting the Devil. Yet we complain about our minor inconvenience and humiliation. My goal is not to add to your perceived burden but to point out how light it is when compared to the suffering of Jesus.

 

          The writer asks us to change our focus by using two seemingly common words. The first is look in verse two. This is the Greek word aphorao which means “to consider attentively.” Instead of looking at the Master we more often look at the mess.

 

          If we miss the first admonition to look, the writer offers yet another, stronger word. That word is “consider” which is the Greek word analogisomai which means “to contemplate.” This is a lingering look. I see in the original word our English word “to analyze.” To analyze is to separate a thing into component parts so that a better understanding might be had of the whole.

 

Ministers could have much larger congregations if it weren’t that they are always and forever confronting sin! Most have engaging personalities and are clever enough as coordinators of social events to draw significant crowds, but they soon lose their influence when they point out sin. A minister who sees himself as more than an “event coordinator,” will surely pay for his idealism.

 

“A man is first startled by sin; then it becomes pleasing, then easy, then delightful, then frequent, then habitual, then confirmed. The man is impenitent, then obstinate, and then he is damned.”  Jeremy Taylor (1613-1667)

 

Dear Lord, let my focus and attention be fixed on you. Strengthen those ministers who are willing to pay the price required to confront sin. AMEN

TWO KINDS OF TROUBLE

 

Friday, October 28, 2022

 

TWO KINDS OF TROUBLE

 

Gal 1:6-8

¶ 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

 

Gal 6:17

17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

 

          I hesitate to label a devotional with the word trouble both because it most often causes the reader to immediately misunderstand the mood and abandon the journey. I also like smooth things. The early morning rain whispers comfortable phrases and the still-warm coffee at my side comforts me. I avoid trouble, if at all possible, but please join me in a short walk with the apostle Paul.

 

          The Galatians had ventured away from the pure Gospel. The result was a Samaritan-like blend of Judaism and Christianity. They tried to mix the oil of the Spirit with the vinegar of the flesh. This is impossible without a vigorous shaking.

 

          Paul was grieved at the suddenness and the willingness of the Galatians to return to bondage. He used the word thaumazo, “to wonder at an improbable thing.” The concept of such a departure from truth was shocking.

 

          Some had troubled this church. In this first use of the word “trouble” Paul selects the Greek word tarasso which means “to agitate.” The idea is to incite a riot and to instill an emotion in someone who would not have felt such a passion on his own. The idea is that one or a few troublemakers had produced in them something they did not freely own.

 

          At the end of this letter, Paul selects a different word for trouble. It is the Greek word kopos and literally means “to drain one’s strength.” Finally, Paul said, “leave me alone and stop draining my strength”. He had identified their problem and had offered a solution. He could advise them but could not act for them. This they must do themselves. It was exhausting and he was frankly weary of it.

 

          One can almost feel Paul’s disgust and disappointment in the church in which he had so carefully labored. Nevertheless, his last prayer for them was for GRACE or charis which is the divine influence upon the heart with a reflection in the life. “May God work in you and produce the necessary changes which you lack.”

 

Gal 6:9

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

 

Dear Lord, spiritual battle is exhausting. Please fill us with your grace. Work in us that there might be a resulting change. AMEN

HE’S ALL I NEED!

 

Thursday, October 27, 2022

 

HE’S ALL I NEED!

 

Isa 41:10-16

10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee [those who contend with you] shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.

12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.

13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [or so you see yourself] and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

15 Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: [so that you will stop hacking away at your goals] thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.

16 Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice [to spin around as in a dance] in the LORD, [and not fret] and shalt glory [celebrate] in the Holy One of Israel.

 

In these verses God promises…

 

1. His PRESENCE for the lonely!

 

One translation says: “Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.” (v.10) Anxiety is the companion of the lonely and uninformed. When we are abandoned, we long for a companion either to challenge our opinions or to confirm them. Jesus promised to be that constantly abiding friend we need.

 

2. His POWER for the helpless!

 

I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (v.10) He is our strength when we are weak – help when we are out of resources – and support when we fail and fall.

 

3. His PROTECTION for the vulnerable!

 

Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable in this world. Those who would abuse them should pay close attention to what the Bible has to say about God’s love of widows and orphans!

 

Ps 68:5

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

 

4. His PURPOSE for those who feel useless!

 

I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff. (v.15)

 

Dear Lord, thank you for being all that I need today. I bring to you my long list of deficiencies and you give to me your long list of supplies. AMEN

TEARS AND SHOUTS

 

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

 

TEARS AND SHOUTS

 

Ezra 3:11-13

11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

12 But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:

13 So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.

 

          Time is an interesting thing when viewed from the middle. If I said the name Mitsubishi, some might grow quiet or even angry while others might simply think of a nice new car. Why is this? Perhaps because Mitsubishi zeros bombed pearl harbor so long ago that only ancient men remember it and now, Japan is our friend building automobiles.

 

          The ancient men saw that the glory had departed from Israel. They thought that it was impossible to build a temple to rival their first. The best that “these new kids” could construct would still be inferior. They had seen the ark, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the heavenly fire.

 

          The young men had much to shout about. Their battle was over, they had been restored to their land, and could freely worship their God within the walls of their very own city.

 

          Consider that today is only a snapshot. Whatever is happening whether a shout or tears, will pass. Dr. Warren Wiersbe commented that: “It's unfortunate when the unity of God's people is shattered because generations look in opposite directions.”

 

Dear Lord, help me to see things as You see them. AMEN

WHAT’S IN MY FUTURE?

 

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

 

WHAT’S IN MY FUTURE?

 

Matt 6:30-34

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

 

         I preached my first sermon on New Year’s Eve 1968. The following day I loaded my ’67 Mustang with a green footlocker, an old, mostly cardboard, suitcase, a guitar, and an apple pie. A little old church lady baked me an apple pie to sustain me along my way! It was a kind gesture that I still remember after so many years.

 

          How could I know that, as lonely as I felt at that time, I would be married just seven months later? It was unthinkable that I would be a father less than two years later.

 

          This familiar portion of Scripture offers us wisdom in several areas. First, we see that anxiety about tomorrow’s gain cheapens today’s riches! If we are not careful, we will become sullen and dissatisfied with the things God has already given us. Look around and see if you do not have more than enough to make you happy.

 

          Planning for a soft and comfortable future will also distract us from our primary focus which is God’s kingdom and righteousness. Thoughts of tomorrow’s supply ruins today’s purpose and productivity. Jesus promised that, if we focused on His business, He would care for our needs both today and tomorrow. We either believe that or we don’t.

 

            Warren Wiersbe tells us that: “The Greek word translated take no thought literally means "to be drawn in different directions." Worry pulls us apart. Until man interferes, everything in nature works together, because all of nature trusts God. Man, however, is pulled apart because he tries to live his own life by depending on material wealth.” I could add that true faith means that I need not employ any manipulation.

 

          If we could see the future, we would also see tomorrow’s cache of evil.  William Somerset Maugham (1874-1965) declared: “It is bad enough to know the past; it would be intolerable to know the future.”

 

Dear Lord, I confess to being uneasy about the future. Thank you for securely holding my future in your capable hands. AMEN

WHEN GIANTS FALL

 

Monday, October 24, 2022

 

WHEN GIANTS FALL

 

1 Sam 17:4

4 And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.

 

          A cubit is approximately seventeen to twenty-two inches or the length of a man’s forearm from the tip of the middle finger to the elbow. A span was measured from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger with the hand spread wide. The average would be about nine inches.

 

          If giants are to fall, one must choose the right weapon. David was offered the king’s armor and weapons, but these simply didn’t fit. When David met Goliath, he said: “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts.” 1 Sam 17:45 The term “Lord of hosts” is a military reference. God is the God of battles and knows how to “deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.” 2 Peter 2:9

 

          Giants fall after a lengthy fusillade of mouthy bragging and sword rattling. God is not impressed by the intimidation tactics of the enemy. His lightening can strike a single tree in the forest and not singe one leaf on any of the others. He knows who the enemy is and where the enemy is.

 

          When giants fall, things do not remain the same! After killing Goliath David’s position elevated quickly and he did not return home again. Understand that when you place yourself in the hands of God you are yielding control. Understand that to cheer for David is to cheer for change.

 

Dear Lord, like David, I cannot do battle with man-made weapons. A God-made stone and a Holy Spirit guidance system is what I need today. AMEN