Nothing More

It’s called the “Land of More,” a family vacation hub located 8 miles north of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park – Pigeon Forge.  The city was settled in the 1780s then later named for an iron forge built along the Little Pigeon River.  Today, within its city limits, are numerous restaurants, hotels, businesses, and attractions including go-carts, arcades, mini-golf, museums, theatres, and more.  Yes, “more” than one or one’s pocketbook can endure … oops, I mean experience.

 

Americans understand, even relish, more – greater amount, extra, additional: more clothes, more shoes, more time off, more money, more liberty, more personal rights, more-more-more.  One might truly ponder: when is enough … enough?   Here’s a better question: what is the worst thing God can do to man?  My pastor answered this question recently by saying, “The worst thing God can do to you is to allow you to do as you please.”  Sounds much like what we’re doing as a nation!  There is a better way: “And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.” (Isaiah 32:17).  Here we have a consumer report [of sorts] – the unfailing product and performance of righteousness: peace and quietness.  Matthew Henry describes it as “a holy serenity and security of mind, by which the soul enjoys itself and enjoys its God, and it is not in the power of this world to disturb it in those enjoyments.”  Sure, the work of righteousness is difficult and costly, exposing us to the world’s contempt, but the true pleasure of the peace the toil brings is well worth it!  Unlike other products, this Peace lasts forever – presently and till the end of the Age.  Therein is the end of the “Land of More” – no more longing for more-more-more!  I challenge you to seek and embrace a lifestyle of righteousness.  As promised by He Who is Righteous and Faithful … you will desire nothing more!

Keep Calm

There is a [seemingly] endless number of “Keep Calm” phrases.  There are a few I find humorous: Keep Calm – And Act Like You Know What You’re Doing, Keep Calm – Lie Down and Try Not to Cry,  Keep Calm – And Eat a Cupcake.  An original and unique one for me could me: Keep Calm – And Call Mr. Bill.

 

Man’s nature isn’t always to … keep calm.  There’s certainly been enough new to upset the calm!  Psalm 37, a psalm of David, gives great wisdom when it seems godlessness prospers.  It’s nothing but tough when evil hoots ‘n hollers and it’s all in-your-face.  God describes evil doers through David, “The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows … to slay those whose way is upright.” (Psalm 37: 14).  In recent days, we’ve seen that bended bow, even felt the pierce of its arrow!  Yes, we’re hurt, angry, frustrated, even furious, and we so-so-so want to react in anger and harshness.  As grieved as my soul is, I want to know the righteous (Godly) response; in what state of mind-and-spirit should I be when goodness is obviously trampled?  “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.” (Psalm 37:7-8).  That Hebrew word “fret,” means to be hot or burn with anger, to become furious.  The presence of sinfulness isn’t anything new, and all kinds of sin demand a response.  Let us “keep calm” – unwavering – in Godly Truth, Which is settled in Heaven and it still governs regardless of unrighteous mandates of men or governments.  We are truly Free when we love and live in the Hope (the Confident Expectation) of Jesus Christ.  Here’s a good one to live by: Keep Calm – And Fret Not Yourself!

Eyes on Him

Karoly Takacs was a champion shooter in his native Hungary when his right hand, his pistol hand, was shattered by a hand grenade. Ten years later, at the 1948 Games, Takacs won his first Olympic Gold Medal -- using his left hand.

 

Did you know that God can take sour, bitter things in our lives and blend them into something that smells and tastes as sweet as honey?  Well, He can indeed!  All He needs in the midst of our struggles is our trust and faithfulness.  We may not know where we are being led, but we must trust the One who is leading us.  And, by the way, He doesn't care for the whining and grumbling along the way; He has something to say about that in Philippians 2:14 "Do all things without complaining ..."   He wants our trust in and faithfulness to Him to shine before others.  You've probably heard "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade."  That's what Karoly Takacs did – he refused to look back, only forward.  That's the secret -- to follow we must keep our eyes on The Leader.  The sour and the bitter will soon become faint shadows of where we are going and what we are becoming.  Maybe you are dealing with lemons right now in your life and the struggle seems hopeless. Turn your eyes away from what sours and makes bitter.  Turn toward what is firm and sweet – Jesus Christ.

 

Turn your eyes upon Jesus – Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim – In the Light of His Glory and Grace.

No Laughing Matter

Absurdities are often laughable.  Examples of semantic absurdities are “I can’t see without my shoes” or “Last night I looked at the sun” or “I was so hot, I had to wear a jacket.”  Raising twin boys came with some absurdities including securing diapers with duct tape!

 

How many of us would actually bend our knees to honor a carved image or statue?  What an absurd thought, you say, but is it really?  The Prophet Isaiah noticed a troubling trend in his day of fewer and fewer righteous people; a pagan lean.  Of course, we are far from Old Testament times yet are we?  The United States of America – this In-God-We-Trust nation – does not see present troubles a result of an illicit turn from The Creator.  Our country’s true spiritual health is seen in the acceptance [even delightful in] of ungodliness.  Almighty God asks, “Whom are you mocking? Against whom do you open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue?” (Isaiah 57:4).  We can conclude God doesn’t play “na-na-na-na-boo-boo” but with divine sarcasm responds, “I will declare your righteousness and your deeds, but they will not profit you. When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you! The wind will carry them off, a breath will take them away.” (Isaiah 57:12-13a).  Oh, the idols we revere: materialism, power, vanity, popularity, entertainment … the list is endless.  Christians are not exempt from idolatry – our service to God’s Church often replaces intimacy with Christ, books about the Bible entice us rather than time in The Word … yeah, that list is endless too.  God makes clear the absurdity of anyone except Himself on the throne of our lives, “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.” (Isaiah 57:15).  See the promise and beauty of spiritual prosperity; Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5).  Humble people invoke the favor and blessing of The Almighty.  The condition of this land is no laughing matter!  Oh, America – our beautiful – awake to know to turn to forsake your absurdities for the God of our fathers. Let us pray for America!

Beat the Heat!

Summer heat makes us long for cooler places.  My thought is there’s really only two places to be -- at the pool or in the house!

 

Have you ever noticed how much we want to live "out of the heat," and I'm not just talking about the temperature.  Believers fall into this terrible trap of Satan.  We’re tricked into believing "we've beat the heat," because life is good -- pleasantries, restful times, joyful moments, peaceful and tranquility.  Then comes the heat ... kablam!  The unpleasant, the pain, and the stress blindsides us and that deceitful facade tumbles us!  How foolish when we believe we manufacture this life, designing it as we like it and want it, thinking … we've beat the heat!  Here's what Oswald Chambers says, " Never forge ahead with your religious common sense and say, 'Oh, yes, with just a little more Bible reading, devotional time, and prayer, I see how it can be done.'"  We don't know all the details of his struggles, but God revealed this through Paul’s life-circumstances, "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not."  (Romans 7:18).  How better to show me I haven't "beat the heat," than by bringing the heat to my life.  Then it's nothing that I do, but simple trust -- simple faith in One Who can quench the heat and bring sensibility and joy to life in spite of the heat.  As Oswald Chambers says, "God's Spirit continually reveals to His children what human nature is like apart from His grace."  In truth the heat is hottest, strongest, most unbearable apart from God's grace.  I must be wise and remain in Him and He in me, then with confidence and success ... beat the heat!

Be Careful

“Be careful” is a typical ending-statement.  Whether it’s a reminder to take care on a long trip or going up and down stairs, we say it almost without thought but with genuine sincerity!

 

Just before crossing the Jordan into the Promised Land, God charged Israel’s new leader, Joshua, to be careful to follow God’s Laws “that Moses thy servant commanded you. Do not turn from It to the right hand or to the left.”  (1:7).   When I say “be careful” to Mr. Bill as he takes off on his four-wheeler or to the Grands as they run in the graveled driveway, I wonder if they really hear me or know how serious I am.  Joshua really heard God’s words; read how Joshua latter instructed (charged) Israel’s leaders as the tribes had received their inheritance – land where their families would settled permanently in their new homeland: “… you have seen all that the LORD our God has done to all these nations for your sake … Therefore, be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from It neither to the right hand nor to the left … Be very careful, therefore, to love the LORD your God.” (Joshua 23:3, 6, 11).  It had been a long hard campaign to conquer the land and Joshua never failed once to remind the people it was the LORD Who fought for and subdued Israel’s enemies.  I am convinced Christians today are not careful enough in our pursuit to live holy.  We carelessly allow the enemy to deceive and lure us with cunning lies and brilliant distractions, drawing us further and further away from God and His Way.  God’s Word is key to keeping us close – helping us stay on-course, revealing Satan’s deceit.  This is how we are careful: be in The Word of God, day in and day out, and the Holy Spirit renders God’s words mighty and powerful against Satan’s lies and lures.  Joshua listened and was obedient to God’s warning to “be careful.”  Let us consider just how careful we are!

Toes and All

Of course, I know it's only my “humble” opinion but there are just no bad days at the beach!  Rain or shine, the beach is beautiful.  I mean, right now – this very moment – I am anticipating a week of sand-and-surf, and its beauty is calling me!

 

What does God consider beautiful?  Well, really now, He created it all and even said Himself it was all good!  But what is really beautiful to Him?  His Word says, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!" (Romans 10:15)  A fun picture to take in the sand is of beach feet – yes, beach feet (with painted toes) are beautiful to The Father when they are attached to His chosen who are obedient to the Gospel of Christ. Those who genuinely embrace The Truth will be the same ones who DO what The Truth says, put feet to The Word.  My beach plan is to recall God’s description of this beauty as I wiggle my toes in the sand, but more importantly, I will seek an obedient heart … right down to my toes!

Hand-Picked

a Do you hand-pick your friends?  It's tedious and not without risk!  I remember a few people with whom I deliberately and aggressively pursued a friendship, only to later wonder, "What I was thinking!"  Friendships that evolve over a period of time, however, are usually the most valuable. Perhaps it's because they are strengthened by circumstances & situations, shared joy & sorrow.  These friendships weather storms and ride high the celebrations of life.  These are also relationships that instead ... pick and choose us!

 

Are you a friend of Jesus? If you are a born-again Believer, yes you are! How wonderful to know such a friend, such a relationship.  Isn't it amazing we are hand-picked, chosen by Almighty God to be His friend.  "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you ... You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you." (John 15:14,16)  We are chosen by The Father for a relationship with Him.  Won't you do about anything for a good friend!  Well, so it is when we honor our friendship with Christ -- we desire to serve and obey.   Our service and our obedience become evidence of a genuine relationship with Jesus.  Aren't you glad He sees something so valuable in us that God chose us ... hand-picked us to be His friends!

 

IT Is - IT Will Be

Several years ago, I heard these words for the very first time – “it is what it is.”  I’m not sure who coined that phrase, but I heard it from Mr. Bill.  For those who know Mr. Bill, they probably can think of several Mr. Billisms.  He really would have been a good model for the comics!

 

The “word on the street” is not the same as The Word because the word of the world cares little for The Word.  Satan has put forth so many good-sounding lies, even Christians struggle to recognize The Word today.  For the long-time MWB readers, you know much of my writings focus on Truth of God’s Word.  I was blessed to be raised in a home and a local church where Scripture was taught.  Each summer I spent a week at Bible camp, and completed correspondence Bible lessons to memorize words of Truth.  How grateful I am for those early opportunities, those scriptural roots run deep.  It was only in the last twenty years, however, I fully realized the enormous impact of God’s Truth in everyday life.  Have you ever experienced darkness and light?  Of course not –there is no mingling, they cannot co-exist!  This is the fundamental truth John writes of as he describes the effectiveness of Light (God’s Truth revealed through Jesus) in a dark world: “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” (John 3:19-21).  I can ignore gravity all day long, but gravity does not ignore me!  It is the same with Truth of God’s Word; ignore it as we will, but its Truth remains.  “Forever, O LORD, Your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.” (Psalm 119:89).  In other words, “IT is what IT is!”  Furthermore, IT will be what IT will be.  Christians must not walk in darkness but walk instead as “Children of Light” (Ephesians 5:8).  Know the Light [of God’s Word] – Apply the Light [of God’s Word] – Walk in the Light!

COMMANDER

IFF, Identification Friend or Foe, is a system developed during World War II used by military (and now civilian) air traffic controllers to rightly identify friendly or hostile aircraft.  Now, the infamous under-the-sea Krusty Krab diner could have used such a system to sort out the truth of the tales told by Mr. Krab and Planton.  And so goes life according to SpongeBob ...

 

Having led the Hebrews across the Jordan and in their first Passover celebration of the Promised Land,  Joshua, Moses’ protégé and Israel’s new leader, soon had a divine encounter: "When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man was standing before him with His drawn sword in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, 'Are you for us, or for our adversaries?' And He said, 'No; but I am the Commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.' And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to Him, 'What does my lord say to His servant?' And the Commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, 'Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.' And Joshua did so." (Joshua 5:13-15).  There's much to glean from this passage, but note God's response to Joshua's "friend or foe" question -- basically, God answered …  neither!  It was important Joshua - the commander of Israel, knew God -- The Commander! God was neither committed to destroy all the Canaanites nor  to deliver all the Israelites – He was and would be Sovereign.  There are many things in the world and in and in our personal lives we don't understand and cannot explain.  Here's a news flash - God reigns!  Our appropriate and honorable address to The Sovereign King and Commander is always, "What does my lord say to His servant?" We should readily seek to know how God will use us and grow us in every circumstance of life.  Admittedly, I tend to struggle against my circumstances which only hinders growing in wisdom and grace.  James wrote, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3).  Yes, indeed, God is Friend to those who love Him but that does not mean He makes our spiritual journey's path smooth and effortless.  Because of Christ Jesus, we have capacity to honor Him as we grow through life’s twists, turns and bumps. Joshua's posture is noteworthy -- bowed, barefoot, submitted.  What a way to start each day!

Faithful One

These guys are grown with homes (and food) of their own, but Danny and Dennis usually go to the kitchen when they come visit:  Danny looks on counter and in cabinets for chocolate or cookies, and Dennis goes straight to the refrigerator for recent take-out.  This puzzles their wives, but their mother finds it very amusing!

Joshua 5:12 says, “And the manna ceased the day after they ate of the produce of the land. And there was no longer manna for the people of Israel, but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.”  How wise The Father is toward us, knowing  what we need and faithfully supplying those needs.  You may remember, the Hebrews complained about the manna – that food sent by God daily, lying dry among the morning dew.  Hey, usually one complaint and this cook didn’t cook it again!  Even as the people complained, God kept sending the manna.  Once in the land of Promise, God’s Provision was the “fruit of the land” – food the Hebrews had neither planted or harvested yet enjoyed.  Do you recognize how God has prospered you?  Though we may live without thoughts or prayers of gratitude, God remains faithful.  Jesus said, “… take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? … for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” (Matthew 6:31-32).  It is good to be grateful, to acknowledge and thank God for His provisions.  More importantly, God desires us to trust Him in all things and we do this by seeking “first the kingdom of God, and His Righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33).  Danny and Dennis don’t always find what they’re looking for, but God’s children always know His provision and portion because … He is the Faithful One!

Choose Ye

Stuff – we all have a collection!  Some of my stuff has monetary value but most does not.  There are, of course, some in my collection money could not replace because it carries with it immeasurable value!

 

How would you like to be called “worthless” in the Bible?  “And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, ‘We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.’” (2 Samuel 20:1).  The Hebrew word “Belial” translates as worthless, good for nothing, unprofitable. Since God is the Author of Scripture, I’ll pass on being named worthless!  What’s happening here is a man named Sheba (Mr. Worthless) felt the northern kingdom was not being treated fairly, so he led a rebellion against the king – King David, that is, God’s chosen one – the man described as “after God’s own heart.”  We are correct when we conclude things will not end well for Sheba.  Rebellion is a serious matter!  It is never an accident, rather, a deliberate move contrary to obedience. Scripture has much to say about those who rebel against (choose to disobey) God – it doesn’t end well either!  In contrast, those who fear the LORD and honor Him by walking in His ways, “They shall be Mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up My treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.” (Malachi 3:17-18).  God places great value (treasures) those who choose to obey Him – they are named His “treasured possession.”  Joshua put it to the Hebrews like this: “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve … But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15).  Hmmm … worthless or treasured possession?  That choice is ours!

Sweet Indeed

a It's the general nature of things to deteriorate with time, however, there are exceptions: cheese, cast iron, antiques, friends, among others.  Length [of time] typically improves these things.

 

John writes, "That Which was from the beginning, Which we have heard, Which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life — the Life was made manifest, and we have seen It, and testify to It and proclaim to you the Eternal Life, Which was with the Father and was made manifest to us — that Which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ." (1 John 1:1-3).  Yeah, that's one l-o-n-g, run-on sentence -- ninety-eight (98) words -- but it gets better-and-better the longer it goes!  "From the beginning" - the beginning, always a good (in this case, significant) place to start: In the beginning God" (Gen 1:1) and "In the beginning was the Word" (John 1:1). Mortal men (like you and I) "heard ... seen .. looked upon ... touched" vivid and personal descriptions with no speculation to Christ's humanity.  "The Word of Life" - John's oft repeated message of Jesus as God-in-the-flesh. "Our fellowship" - not merely human in nature, but divinely sweet because of Christ.  English teachers may cringe at the number of thoughts crammed into one sentence but by sentence end, the message is enough to produce a shout'n holler from the quietest of worshipers!  John’s sentence delivers a sweet message of hope and truth … yes, sweet indeed!

 

Rich and Sweet

Cake pops – who would've imagined such a thing!  Popsicles have been around for ages, but only recently were we introduced to cake-on-a-stick!  My introduction to a cake pop came complete with identification and user guide!

 

The Apostle John writes of His Beloved Friend and Savior, "That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ." (1 John 1:3).  Indeed, John referred to evangelizing (salvation of) unbelievers through Christ, but this verse delivers a much deeper message.  I was totally unprepared for that first bite of a cake pop -- BAM! Delicious, of course, but the sweetness was intense!  The power of the Gospel message saves souls; furthermore, it binds together those who receive it to some intensely rich fellowship.  We're not just talking about the joy of human fellowship that soothes and nourishes! For Christians, that fellowship is first with The Father and His Son. That Greek word, "koinōnia" translates as an association or joint participation in the intimacy of Christ and it is shared between Believers.  Because God never changes -- is steadfast, secure -- the fellowship we know as Believers is in Christ, thus, secure.  Maintaining a close and intimate relationship with God is indeed a struggle but when there, we're tethered to other Christians!  Now, let me say -- that is intensely sweet and rich!

The Guide

Certainly not a  bug fan, but how I love the summer's first flash – lightning bug flash, that is!  Set against darkness, the bug's brilliant flash is unmistakable. My mind returns to childhood evenings at my grandparents and lightning bug a’huntin’ that lasted well into darkness. The "flashy" spoils of those adventures often followed me into bedtime as I watched the flashin’ from a jar.

Life, too, is an adventure. Adventures, however, can be disastrous without a guide. The guide generally brings experience, wisdom, safety, "been there, done that" to the otherwise treacherous nature of any adventure. Most life stenches I find myself in can usually be traced to not following The Guide.  And why, I ask, because Proverbs 3:5-6 is so clear even a lightning bug could understand: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."  God's guidance isn't just for the otherwise weak of mind, but also for the misled of heart ... yes, all God's children.  None too quickly, often in the "flash" of a moment, we are reminded just how frail and unequipped we are -- that we need The Guide. With fathoms of grace and tenderness, the All-Knowing Guide, quickly resumes His Role as we willfully submit in obedience to His lead. It's the only way to survive life's adventures!