DE SUN DO MOVE

 

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

 

DE SUN DO MOVE

 

2 Cor 3:18

18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

 

Heb 1:10-12

10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:

11 They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment.

12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

          I had a college professor that often used a curious saying. It was, “The Sun Do Move.” When he would say that he always had a crooked grin and a twinkle in his eye. Dr. Noel Smith was a highly intelligent and intuitive man. I think he was born old. He was a horse-back circuit rider in Tennessee. Quite a character.

 

          Change is universal and inevitable. I think that is the purpose of Dr. Smith’s quote. A bit of research revealed the following.

 

Reverend John Jasper became respected by both Whites and African Americans alike with his epic sermon in defense of the theory that the sun actually revolves around the earth using the Bible as his primary source. This 1878 sermon was called “De Sun Do Move and De Earth Am Flat.” I think we should have more colorful sermons such as this.

 

Change is both a disappointment and an encouragement. If your circumstance is idyllic, change would be a bad thing, but change is the partner of hope. The linear progression of trouble is hope and confidence.

 

Rom 5:3-5

…tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

 

Mal 3:6

6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

 

Brethren, the Sun Do Move, but the Son Do Not!

 

JUST SPEAK UP!

 

Monday, October 30, 2023

 

JUST SPEAK UP!

 

Ezek 3:18

18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

 

Acts 4:18-20

18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

 

          At a restaurant one night, I felt strongly that I should share my faith with our young, single, and perky waitress. Despite her friendliness and aura of happiness, I sensed a deep longing in this young lady. All I had with me was a business card with a few Bible verses written on the back. I offered it to her, and she asked if she could keep it.

 

          Because she seemed interested, I pressed ahead and simply asked her if she were saved, if she were a believer. She shook her head no, and there was a look of sadness in her young face. She explained that she had been raised in a mainline denomination but had not been to church in years. I wondered what pain might have been discovered if we had the time to talk. My wife had a larger and more exhaustive piece of gospel literature and so I offered that to her. She put it in her apron pocket and promised to read it.

 

          Why do we find it so hard to simply share our faith? Are we afraid to be thought of as a “Bible thumper” or worse? Are we really so afraid to be rebuffed? I expect many people would not reject a simple offer of gospel literature even if they plan to toss it away later. It’s all in the manner in which it is offered.

 

              At age twelve, Robert Louis Stevenson was looking out into the dark from his upstairs window watching a man light the streetlamps. Stevenson's governess came into the room and asked what he was doing. He replied, "I am watching a man cut holes in the darkness." I see this as a marvelous picture of what our task should be as sharers of God's light--people who are busy cutting holes in the spiritual darkness of our world.

   --James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc, 1988) pp. 178-179.

 

Dear Lord, give us the courage to share our faith simply and in a friendly manner. Give power to our words and our invitations. AMEN

 

PURSUE HOLINESS!

 

Sunday, October 29, 2023

 

PURSUE HOLINESS!

 

Heb 12:14-17

14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

 

          The word holiness is from two Greek words, ho hagiosmos. The first little word is a definite article and is equivalent to our word “the.” The other word is literally “purifier.” Once we learn the meaning of the words, we can read it this way: follow the purifier. Now I see that I am not being commanded to produce holiness but to follow the one who is able to make me holy.

 

          A holy life is no accident. We do not carelessly or casually stumble upon holiness. We pursue it as a goal! Following peace with all men, and holiness, is intentional. This means that we make the pursuit of holiness a conscious aspiration. It requires diligence to run the race successfully lest we "fail of the grace of God" (Heb 12:15). God's grace does not fail, but we can fail to take advantage of His grace.

 

Esau certainly failed to act on God's grace. The account is given in Gen 25:27-34; 27:30-45. Esau was "a profane person," which means "a common person, one who lives for the world and not God." (Our English word literally means "outside the temple," or not belonging to God.) Esau despised his birthright and sold it to Jacob, and he missed the blessing because it was given to Jacob. Afterward, Esau tried to get Isaac to change his mind, but it was too late. Even Esau's tears availed nothing. (Warren Wiersbe)

 

The lives of individual Christians; even the worship of modern churches; have become more common than holy. Common pursuits give rise to common themes and produce only common results. Because personal holiness is a product of gradual development, the Bible is always encouraging us to be holy.

 

Eph 4:22-24

22 … put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

 

 

I Lay My Sins On Jesus

 

I lay my sins on Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God;
He bears them all, and frees us from the accursed load;
I bring my guilt to Jesus, to wash my crimson stains
White in His blood most precious, till not a stain remains.

 

Holy God, I am not holy! Please make me so by Thy grace. AMEN

 

YOUR SIN MATTERS!

 

Saturday, October 28, 2023

 

YOUR SIN MATTERS!

 

Isa 59:1-2

59 Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

 

          Pastors are unusual folk. Your sin sticks out like a sore thumb, and we see it more readily than others do. Your friends are often blind to your sin, but we see it as clearly as the Emperor’s New Clothes! Why should it matter to us? Are we just busy bodies? Why does it matter?

 

          Your sin matters to God! It is a huge clog in the plumbing of blessing. God hears well enough, but he can’t hear you when you call. He is strong enough, but He is hindered from helping you because of your sin. The light of His presence is dimmed so that you can’t see Him. Your sin has made you blind to God and has made God blind to your troubles.

 

          Your sin matters to your family! I have seen the smiling faces of mothers whose eyes reveal a deep-seated pain because of the sins of their sons and daughters. They have lost sleep, wept tears, and prayed prayers because of your sin.

 

          Your sin matters to your church! The Bible often tells of the halted progress of the Children of Israel because of the sin of one or just a few. Your sin is a hinderance to your community of faith.

 

          Your sin matters to YOU! The voice of Jesus said to Saul on the road to Damascus “It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks!” [Acts 9:5] Your rebellion against God only harms yourself and others. It is self damaging and self destructive. Your persistence in it is irrational.

 

Isa 55:7

7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

 

Dear Lord, I know the first step on the road to recovery is to acknowledge and abandon my sin. Thank you for your abundant pardon. AMEN

A LONG-REMEMBERED GIFT!

 

Friday, October 27, 2023

 

A LONG-REMEMBERED GIFT!

Mark 14:8

8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

 

          Fifty plus years ago, just before leaving home to begin Bible college studies, an elderly lady baked me a pie. I don’t even remember what kind of pie it was. Perhaps it was double crust apple, but that detail has escaped me. What has not flown away is the memory of that simple kindness. The lady was probably living on retirement income so she couldn’t give me money. She didn’t offer sage advice although she most likely could have. She simply did what she could. She baked me a pie.

 

          The fact that I remember the kindness and not this woman’s name is testimony to the power of small investments made in others. It may seem insignificant to us, but it may literally linger a lifetime in the grateful mind of the recipient.

 

          Thanksgiving is just days away and we will gather with family and try to remember why we are thankful. It shouldn’t be as hard as it usually is. Perhaps it would be easier if we recalled the small kindnesses given simply. These enrich our lives and bore deeply into our thinking. They make a home there and change us for the better. For this we should be thankful.

 

          Stop thinking of what you can’t afford to do. Stop mourning your lack of time and energy. Just do what you can do and ask God to bless it. Your gift may last a lifetime.

 

Dear Lord, today someone will need a small act of kindness. Let me do what I can to be a blessing to others. AMEN

GOD IS FAITHFUL!

 

Thursday, October 26, 2023

 

GOD IS FAITHFUL!

 

1 Cor 1:9

9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

1 Cor 10:13

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

 

The phrase “God is faithful” is found only twice in the King James Version of the Bible and both times it is found in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church. Each time the word faithful means “trustworthy!” I’m glad I have a God who is trustworthy.

 

          In the First instance – the effectual calling of the Holy Spirit has “romanced” us to God and betrothed us to the Son in a trustworthy relationship. Through the courtship of the Spirit, we became aware of our sins and the horrible nature of them. We ultimately agreed with God regarding our sins and resolved to rid ourselves of them but discovered that we were unable. God offered His own remedy in the sacrifice of His Son, and we readily received it.

 

This wonderful relationship is founded upon the faithfulness of Christ, His divine trustworthiness. He will never leave us for one more lovely. He will never abuse us. He will never neglect us due to some selfish pursuit. He will never fail to provide for us for he is faithful!

 

The trustworthiness of God can only be comprehended as it is set against unfaithfulness. The marvel of His constancy is set against the infidelity of man where it shines like a diamond against a black cloth.

 

In the Second instance – He is trustworthy in keeping us through temptation by providing an escape. He will always make a way to flee youthful lusts and to avoid the snare that is set for us. In trouble, He will provide the strength to carry the load because He knows the limits of our endurance. God is faithful both in the calling and in the completion.

 

1 Thess 5:24

24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

 

Be Still, My Soul

Words: Katharina A. von Schlegel; translated to English by Jane L. Borthwick

Music: "Unde et Memores" by Willian H. Monk

 

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change, He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend

Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for your faithfulness. AMEN

 

A DOUBLE PORTION!

 

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

 

A DOUBLE PORTION!

 

2 Kings 2:9

9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.

 

          The Law required that the father bestow a double portion of all that he had been given to the firstborn [Deuteronomy 21:17]. Elisha considered himself to be the firstborn, spiritually speaking, of Elijah. He wanted a double portion of his spiritual power and influence.

 

          Fifty “students” followed Elijah. [verses 3 & 5] Warren Wiersbe said: “The fifty men were spectators that saw only part of what happened, but Elisha was a participant in the miracle and the heir to Elijah's ministry.”

 

          Who are you watching SO closely that you would want a double portion of their spirit? Whose Christian walk are you wanting to copy? It is important to choose wisely.

 

          Who is watching YOU? Who is asking for a double portion of YOUR spirit? It is important to be genuine. Paul was careful to advise his followers to only copy his best traits.

 

1 Cor 11:1

11 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

 

Dear Lord, let me leave a godly legacy to those watching and copying my life. AMEN

 

FOR CRYING OUT LOUD

 

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

 

FOR CRYING OUT LOUD

 

Ps 77:1-4

77 I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.

2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.

3 I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.

4 Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak. KJV

 

Rom 8:26

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. KJV

 

          I was up early this morning. I used to do this all the time but, in retirement, I have learned to sleep a bit later, like normal people. Today was different. I rose early and went to my chair to think and to pray. Think I certainly did. So many thoughts and such emotional debris that I could not form a complete sentence in my mind much less form a prayer. Perhaps you have experienced this too.

 

          Psalm 77 seems to suggest we pray aloud, “with our voice.” I couldn’t do that because the rest of the house was sleeping. Albert Barnes suggests that the phrase “my sore ran in the night” indicates upraised and outstretched hands. Clearly the writer was in sleepless distress. So much so that he could not pray.

 

          Fortunately, we have the Holy Spirit who knows us so well that He can finish our sentences or form them for us. I am so glad for this because often I have prayed dumb things instead of simply remaining dumb.

 

Ps 19:14

14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

 

AMEN

 

SELF-CARE VS. SACRIFICE

 

Monday, October 23, 2023

 

SELF-CARE VS. SACRIFICE

 

Context: I Kings 19:1-16

 

1 Tim 5:22

23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. KJV

 

          Anyone entering ministry should be aware that they will be combatants in spiritual warfare. The ministry requires preparation, conditioning, and resolve.

 

          Please read today’s context which describes the weary prophet, Elijah. He had won a great victory against the prophets of Baal when God demonstrated His mighty power, but Jezebel’s threats found him with no energy. He ran away and sat down under a Juniper tree. There he had a pity-party. But let’s not judge Elijah before we know the full story.

 

          Spiritual warfare is seldom kinetic but emotional and psychological. For Elijah, it was also physical. He had engaged the enemy while fasting and when the battle was over, he was exhausted and depleted. This left him with a false view of himself. He felt alone and worthless. He needed sleep and nourishment, so God sent an angel to feed him – twice!

 

1 Thess 5:12-13

12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know [to observe with understanding] them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. KJV

 

Father, protect and restore the strength of your shepherds today. AMEN

 

THE ELEVENTH HOUR

 

Sunday, October 22, 2023

 

THE ELEVENTH HOUR

 

Matt 9:36-38

36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

 

Matt 20:6-7

6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?

7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

 

          The eleventh hour was the Jewish five o’clock in the evening. Labor and commerce closed at six. There was but one hour left to do business! This is symbolic of the limit of our opportunity to reach the unsaved. It is a daunting task and a sobering reality.

 

          Everyone seems to agree that our time on this blue ball is running out though the reasons range from the sublime to the ridiculous. Some claim that nature is degrading and that humans are destroying the very life-sustaining aspects of it. Christians believe that there is an end coming but that the reason is God’s clock. So both sides shout and argue at one another while the world waits for redemption.

 

MY HOUSE IS FULL (BUT MY FIELD IS EMPTY)

 

There is peace and contentment in my Father's house today

Lots of food on the table and no one is turned away

There is singing and laughter as the hours pass by

But a hush calms the singing as the Father sadly cries

 

My house is full, but my field is empty

Who will go and work for Me today

It seems my children all want to stay around my table

But no one wants to work my field

No one wants to work my field

 

Push away from the table

Look out through the windowpane

Just beyond this house of plenty

Lies a field of golden grain

And it's ripened unto harvest

But the reapers, where are they?

In the house

Oh, count the children

Hear the Father sadly say

 

My house is full, but my field is empty

Who will go and work for Me today

It seems my children all want to stay around my table

But no one wants to work my field

No one wants to work my field

 

Dear Lord of Harvest, send forth laborers. AMEN