Thursday, March 30, 2017

Free and Clear

Actually, I watch very little television, but [on occasion] I confess to watching re-runs of Law and Order.  Mr. Bill rolls his eyes at this, but I contend it’s no worse than him watching shows where two old guys stand in a boat, spittin’ in the water, catchin’ the same poor fish over and over.

 

Of Christ, we are reminded, “… He poured out His soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors …” (from Isaiah 53:12).  We must wonder why Jesus – the sinless Son of God – positioned Himself to be counted among sinners.  In the courtroom, when the accused stands, his counselor (attorney, advocate) stands with him.  Furthermore, the accused doesn't speak; his advocate speaks on his behalf.  Do you see the parallel? Now, for the rest of Verse 12: “…yet He bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.”  Spurgeon sums it like this: “He stands to answer the accusation.”  Truth is, not all courtroom verdicts end well for the accused.  In the court of the Righteous Judge, for the sinner the verdict is beyond incomprehensible.  Once and for all time, Jesus stood with us (the condemned), and delivered Himself to be counted and named among the accused.  Ultimately, He accepted the full judgment for the sin of you and me, and something amazing took place; there on the cross: “There was a complete transfer made between Jesus and His people.” (Spurgeon).  The accused – you and me – received complete absolution – pardon, exoneration, release, freedom.  Just like an accused cannot be tried a second time, neither is the justification of man revisited.  The price was completely and forever paid in full.  All who have confessed Jesus as Savior stand free and clear of all condemnation. This is what it means to the true-born ... Redeemed.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Suffer Well

What things do you do well?  Yes, we learned from our parents not to brag, and that’s good advice, but each of us need to know the tasks in which we excel.  The hard part [for me] is distinguishing between the things I do well and the things I do well without.

 

How well do you suffer?  Now, this is something we don't care to think about, but a true-born child of God must consider it.  Why?  Because the reality of life is that suffering is part of living.  Some of our suffering comes from poor choices or bad decisions, but not all.  Regardless of why or what, we suffer!  We are reminded in Hebrews 5:8, “Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered.” Our attitude toward discomfort, inconvenience, and difficulty is way off. Charles Spurgeon asks, "Must Christ pass through seas of His own blood to win the crown, and are we to walk to heaven dryshod in silver slippers?" How we choose to respond to suffering is huge!  We can wring our hands, whine and cry, or fall off into the abyss, which is expected of those who have no hope.  Because of Christ, in and out of suffering, we are to be different: "Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world." (Ephesians 2:12).  Furthermore, "... we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." (Romans 5:3-5).  If this doesn't shame us when suffering triggers grumbling or pouting when things don't go our way, I don't know what will. Among the things we conclude we do well, let suffering well be included in the list.  Maybe we should begin with a foot-stompin' refusal to allow defeat to rule when it’s our time to suffer.  Yes, let us suffer well.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Trust the Author

Maybe it's just me, but sometimes I can't understand why things are as they are, why people are the way they are, and do the things they do.  We may use the word weird, but weird is relative.  In his own language and dialect, Gomer Pyle said it best: "thangs just don't make no since."

 

Staff writer, Jon Bloom, of desiringGod.org wrote this: "We humans have an irrepressible need to make sense of the world and our experience in it." And, I agree!  Two steps outside your front door and life begins to unfold around us in a non-sensical way.  For me, this often leads to cynicism - not good.  The Bible reveals great meaning to that which is often meaningless. "For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him." (Colossians 1:16).  Meaning comes from God, and we receive meaning through His Word. In God's reality, we've been chosen to play a role - however small it may be - in the great epic: the story of the glory of God. "For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to Whom be glory for ever. Amen." (Romans 11:36).  Everything in the material world as we know it -- from galaxies to a human sigh -- is telling His story.  Is it any wonder why things we see or experience "don't make no since!"  Truth is, our sinful pride often draws us to selfish conclusions of the tiny fragments we see in God's amazingly glorious picture.  What then do we do when "thangs don't make no since?"  We must not give in to cynicism, nor should we turn an apathetic thought to what we fail to understand. Someday – yes, someday - we'll see the picture, hear the complete story, and in Jon Bloom's words, we’ll "be blown away."  Until then, we must … trust the Author.

Monday, March 27, 2017

Walk Soundly

You may never fully appreciate light until there is none.  Although [personally] I struggle with eye disease, low light is not my friend.  The illumination engineer at my house does a pretty good job of making sure light is always available.

 

Proverbs 6:23 says, “For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light …”  Godlly instruction is an essential part of the Christian's life.  It is as important to walking wisely as lamp light is to the reader!  Interestingly, many Christians choose instead to battle the darkness, stumbling and even falling.  How foolish we are at times!  God’s commandments and laws are given to guide us in this life.  Several months ago Mr. Bill strategically positioned a motion activated light so I can more easily see to unlock the door. The psalmist affirms and assures us of the importance of God’s words,  “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105).  Besides illumination, like the warm welcome of a porch light, is Godly instruction.  I encourage you to open God's Word and read His wise commands, and walk soundly in their Light!

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Give What You Have

When it came to scouting, Mr. Bill was always a real trooper. Although the boys were certain he was too old for it, Bill made those ten and twenty-mile hikes with the rest of the Troop. He tells of a few times when he carried the backpacks of scouts who were certain they would not survive those last few miles. I guess one just never gets too old to be a scout!

 

Galatians 6:2 says we are to be "troopers" for Christ, and there's no mention of outgrowing it either.  "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." There are times when I feel I cannot bear my own burdens yet those are the times when it benefits Christ that I lighten the load of another. George S. Merriam said this, "There may be times when you cannot find help, but there is no time when you cannot give help." In short, what I cannot find, I can always give. Without further delay, we should stop looking for what we need and give what we have. It's the fulfillment of Christ in us.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

I Will

When you say “I will,” are you resolute?  Resolute – unyielding, firm, determined, staunch.  There’s no doubt of my intent when I use those words, but [shamefully] my actions do not always bear them out.  Let me tell you one thing: if you say “I will” to a child, you better be prepared to follow through!

 

David writes, “I will love Thee, O LORD, my strength.” (Psalm 18:1).  Those words are followed by some powerful statements about Jehovah – “The LORD is my rock … my fortress … my deliverer … my strength.”  Verse 1 alone sounds the adamancy of David's heart.  When he wrote these words, he was running from King Saul and his enemies were everywhere.  Nonetheless, David says "I will."  Christian discipline isn't spoken of much these days yet in the life of a follower of Christ, it is an urgent matter.  No one's coming to arrest you or take you away, but the forfeiture of spiritual blessings is massive.  One of our church musicians, Anna, just took 2nd Place at the NFAA Indoor Nationals.  After days, weeks, months, years of archery lessons and endless practice, she is experiencing positive results of discipline. Paul describes the fruits of God's Spirit in the Believer's life, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no Law." (Galatians 5:22).  These fruits do not just appear nor do they surface by default.  Rather, they are a result of spiritual disciplines of prayer, study, meditation, and focused obedience to Christ.  A personal resolution of "I will" isn’t enough; "I will" becomes resolute only when we acknowledge "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13).  David knew his rock, fortress, deliverer and strength personally and knew for certain He would not, could not fail.  Hence, his song forever would be "I will love Thee, O Lord!"  Amen, amen and amen ... so be it Lord.

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Watchful

Memories of the days before each of my boys was born seem to become more and more vague.  I do remember the days before Danny’s arrival when I had a few weeks at home – just Scootz, my Pekingese and me – and I remember the restful leisure of those days, which soon ended.  Then Dennis and Dustin’s births -- the twins -- were scheduled but also were preceded with a short time of bed rest ordered by the doctor. Gee, that was 37 and 29 years ago – whew!  I guess it’s good I only have to remember two dates instead of three!

 

To the Church in Sardis, God said, “Be watchful …” (Revelation 3:2).  The Greek word watchful [ageiro], at its very root, means to arouse, arise, to stir up, give strict attention to.  In an ancient Greek city the agora was a designated place of public assembly for trials, public debates, buying, selling and such.  It was a place where people were watchful.  My family is officially on baby-watch, as we joyfully anticipate the arrival of Lucy Harper.  All phone volumes are set high and no phone is left unattended, eagerly listening for the call or text that she’s on her way! I wonder if, as Christians, we live in watchfulness.  Peter wrote, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8). Are we alert (watchful) for the lion and its roar as we go through the day?  Continuing God’s warning to the Christians at Sardis, “Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” Christian, beware of living by a name and not a principle of life! Matthew Henry says, "When we are off our watch, we lose ground." This brings to mind what my basketball coach yelled often, "don't loaf on defense". No wonder the Lord said "be watchful" - don't be caught sleeping when you should be watching. Watchfulness is a valid and good warning for Believers today!  Do not neglect those disciplines that help keep us in a state of readiness: prayer, study, meditation, fellowship.  My iPad is charged, my hospital baby-watch bag is packed, and I'm listening.  This is a serious call for all Christians – be watchful.

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Persevere and Endure

Think about all we work so hard for, the goals we set before us.  Then think about how diligent we must remain focused on them to actually enjoy them.  For Mr. Bill [right now], it’s college basketball. “March Madness,” they call it.  Admittedly, I'm not part of the madness, nonetheless, my role is equally important: to make sure there’s plenty of Coke and cashews!

 

These are some wise words: your reputation is better kept than recovered.  By God’s Grace, years of faithfully walking uprightly, applying Godly principles can be destroyed in a moment.  The ungodly, however, don't walk this tight rope.  This was an oft repeated thought of the psalmist, how evil men prosper. “The wicked through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. … he sitteth in the lurking places of the villages, in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor.” (Psalm 10:2, 8).  Don’t you dearly love how God’s Word calls evil what it is -- evil, wicked what it is -- wicked.  Evil doers seem to find some sort of misguided consolation in: “… God hath forgotten: He hideth His face; He will never see it.”  When there seems to be no respite for the Saints of God (those who fear the LORD and walk in His precepts), read on: “For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; His countenance doth behold the upright.” (Psalm 11:7).  God neither forgets the wickedness of men nor does He forget His righteous ones.  There's the call – the command – to persevere in Godly truth!  What an honorable goal to endure, to persist in doing right.  There’s more than personal reputation at stake; there’s the present and eternal reward to those who endure to the end. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12).  We  may not know what that crown looks like, but we sure can know what it feels like!  Besides a clear conscience and the respect of others, there’s Godly Peace and Rest. Let us encourage one another.  Persevere and endure in Hope!

Monday, March 20, 2017

Delightful

Devotion is a relative term.  Clearly, our devotions are ever-changing.  I’ve been sick for about eight days now, and my most earnest devotion is getting well.  Come to think of it, for the sake of a good night’s rest, Mr. Bill and I both are devoted to getting me well.

 

In the life of Abraham, we see a beautiful devotion: friendship with God.  I can call the names of many friends, but only a handful who  know me [and I them] intimately.  I’m talking about those friends who at-a-glance know when I’m troubled or don’t feel well.  “The LORD said, ‘Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do …’” (Genesis 18:21).  As you recall, God had made an amazing promise to Abraham; he believed God and was now walking in devotion to God - Scripture tells us these things.  Don’t we share our deepest thoughts and feelings with those who we feel closest to?  God isn’t in the habit of keeping things from us.  When we are in right relationship with Him – walking in devotion to Him – we enjoy easily talking with Him, almost like talking with a friend over coffee.  I've found my closest friends can often finish my sentences, and they also hear me with their heart, not just with their ears.  During similar times with The Father we grow to an attentiveness of heart.  I believe Abraham shared that kind of friendship with God.  This is the delight of being friends with God.  We are so connected with -- in tune with – Him that He is in our common sense decisions, our casual conversations, and our daily doings.  There's so much God wants to reveal, to share, to disclose to those who draw near to Him. Do not neglect Him.  Give Him the top spot in your life.  Make Him the Priority of all priorities.  You’ll find Him delightful!

Sunday, March 19, 2017

The Echo

Have you ever played with your echo.  As kids we found empty places to yell then hear our own yellin’ return to us.  Today, it’s toys that record your voice then play it back to you.  Yeah, best be careful with those toys!

 

The greatest pushback may come from these words, “trust me.”  Sure, there are slight-to-large measures of trust: trust me to do a thing by a certain day or time versus trust me to protect you from physical harm.  Nonetheless, that relinquishing – that giving up – of trusting myself exclusively is tough.  God said to Abraham, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” (Genesis 13:1). Do you hear it -- that command to separate yourself from what is familiar, what is secure, what is loved, from … yourself?  Similarly, Jesus did the same thing when He said to His disciples, “Come, follow Me ..” (Matthew 4:19).  He explained further, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24).  When we put ourselves before those words, is there pushback?  Do I trust Him with the work or the church project I’m doing?  With April’s budget?  With my child’s bad choices?  With the relationships that overwhelm me?  Oswald Chambers writes, “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One Who is leading.” One of the first things you learn when studying the characteristics (attributes) of God is how limited our knowledge and shallow the depth of Who He really is!  Chambers adds, “The life of faith is not a life of mounting up with wings, but a life of walking and not fainting.” As tough as it may be to trust, as stiff-armed as the pushback may be, “Abraham believed God.” (Romans 4:3).  So, do you hear an echo – I hope it’s your own voice!

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Sweet Victory

Gone. Bye-bye. Done deal. That's that. Good descriptions of moments lost and gone forever [unless captured on camera or video] -- a baby's first step, the first homerun, a piano recital, high school graduation.  Pictures and videos are great, but there's nothing like being there!

 

Gone, bye-bye, done-deal, and that's-that are also good descriptions of words ... slips of the wretched tongue.  Oh, the trouble this body part brings to the soul.  How sad we cannot retrieve, retract, rewind, call back those mindless, heartless, reckless words.  And, oh, the high price in endless troubles we pay!  Solomon asked for wisdom above all else, and wise are his words: "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from troubles." (Proverbs 21:23).  Maybe this king knew all too well how it was to lie down at night and recall hurtful, tactless, and careless words spoken to another -- perhaps a loved one or one in despair who desperately needed a word of cheer but instead got ... frivolous chatter.  Unfortunately, the tongue cannot be tied up, restrained, bridled ... at least not for very long.  The only permanent solution to its defeat is ... its surrender.  Over and over, again and again -- surrender to The Creator, who gave it to us and can control and use it for His Glory. Surrender always sounds like such a defeatist or negative word, but where the tongue [and our words] are concerned, its promise is really … sweet victory.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Big Shine

Venus is often referred to as "the morning star." After the sun and the moon, Venus is usually the brightest light in the sky. Unfortunately for some who are not earlier-risers, we just have to hear about it!

 

Christ refers to Himself as the "Bright and Morning Star" in Revelation 22:16 and the "Light of the World" in  John 8:12.  Is there any question, therefore, that light is important to God. Have you noticed that  darkness NEVER overtakes light?  Light ALWAYS wins, illuminating and chasing away the dark. Is it any wonder Christ calls us to be little-lights of Himself --  causing a Big Shine! “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father Who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16).  It's as profound and as simple as this: This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine!  This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine - let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

Monday, March 13, 2017

Great Counsel

Grand #3 – Isabelle Grace – is a few months short of 2 years old, and is learning new words.  One of her favorite words is “no” but right now it is the answer to everything.  Are you hungry – no; Do you want more – no; Do you need help … no.  I haven’t heard her say “yes,” but there’s no mistaking yes!

 

Proverbs 5:22-23, “The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray.”  We’ve all witnessed those who are eventually caught in their own wicked plotting, and proved this verse to be true.  Did you know, however, even the righteous can become entangled by their own doings?  When we go along, even doing good and righteous things, without God’s permission and guidance – yes, we become entangled.  One of the most common ways Christians do this is by saying “yes” too often.  The only “yes” we should ever utter is first to God!  “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” (Proverbs 12:15).  It is good and obedient to serve the Lord, to be a willing vessel, but only by the Great Counsel of God.  I’ve heard my Dad say we can be as much out of the will of God by saying “yes” to everything as by saying “no” to everything.  “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” (Psalm 37:23). There’s never delight when we present our to-do list to God in the morning and demand He bless it.  What we’ve committed to must always originate from a time of prayer, and at the direction of The Father.  Now, I know Isabelle will eventually learn to say “yes” – at least, we hope so – and as Christians we must always let our yes’s and our no’s be spoken only after we’ve put our requests before God.  This is how we avoid the trappings of busy-ness, and how we honor God in service.   

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Obey The One

When we had a dog, the last thing that happened before lights-out was the feeding of DC.  He knew what time it was and if you weren’t careful when you opened the door, you could be victim to a one-dog stampede.

 

Believers should never forget The One Who saved them!  Our lives will reflect just how well we remember by the way we live.  Simply put, there will be evidence.  The Prophet Isaiah was faithful in God's message to the wayward people of Israel.  His message never wavered from trying to turn the people to obedience to The One [Jehovah] Who had faithfully cared and provided for them.  Isaiah 1:3 says, "The ox knows his owner, and the donkey its master's feeding trough, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand."  It doesn't get much plainer that this: even the beasts know the hand that feeds them!  Isaiah's words seem to fit well today: over and over God cares for us, provides for us, sustains us, comforts us, protects us, and delivers us yet we rebel: ignore His commands, compromise His Truth, and reject His Ways. God forgives those who seek His forgiveness, and He provides a way back: "Wash yourselves. Clean yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil.  ...  though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow ... " (1:16, 18)  God cleanses from the inside out; washes away rebellious spirits, and replaces them with attitudes of righteousness. So, will we be outdone by the animal kingdom? I should hope not!  Let us obey The One!

Thursday, March 9, 2017

A Beautiful Life

A young salesman had a terrible time locating client homes in his newly assigned sales area.  Soon the company began receiving complaints the salesman was arriving late or not at all.  A more experienced representative was sent to visit the young man, and was surprised to learn the young man had not invested in a map of the area.  The seasoned salesman purchased maps, and together both men charted the client locations.

 

Unlike infinite God, Who is not limited by time or space, finite man is.  If you doubt this, consider how many clocks and maps you own, or whether you’d dare begin a road trip without a GPS.  In reality, many people live with little, even no thought of where they are going in life.  Living one day at a time, they deal with whatever happens as it happens rather than planning.  The Bible isn’t silent on this: “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.” (Proverbs 4:26).  Contemplating the path before us and establishing our ways, is ... well, just smart: "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." (Psalm 90:12).  Each person is given the gift of time by the Creator, and He instructs us to use it wisely: "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:15-16).  Having a good grasp of God's purpose for us is critical to walking wisely and making each day count.  As we do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31), it seems appropriate to ask ourselves each morning, "Father, how do you want me to walk wisely before You today?"  His answer may surprise us but, for sure, it will direct us in living a beautiful life.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Excellent One

Writers have an interesting relationship with words - imagine that!  Sometimes when I'm writing, a word and its meaning comes to me, a word I haven't thought of or used in ages.  Then sometimes I can't think of the word I need so I just make one up! LOL

 

David, the psalmist, wrote, “O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is Thy Name in all the earth! Who hath set Thy glory above all the heavens.” (Psalm 8:1a).  Yes, excellent – magnificent, glorious.  We may use excellent to describe health or performance or even a meal but considering the context in which David writes, excellent doesn't seem to fit.  Furthermore, I even hesitate to apply the word to anything except God!  David continues, “You have set Your glory above the heavens.” (Psalm 8:1b).  Pastor Tim asked us last week, “Have you ever just sat before God?”  Sat in the absence of talking or singing or reading – just sat attentively in quiet stillness before God?  Doing so is central to intimacy with The Father, imperative needful to a relationship with The Son, and vital to experiencing the The Holy Spirit.  All three persons – Father, Son, Holy Spirit – are excellent! magnificent! glorious!  “When I look at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You care for him?” (Psalm 8:3).  He – all three Persons – are mindful of you and me; they always have been and always will be.  Our mindfulness of God should be a must-do (priority) for Believers and sitting before Him is a good way to do that.  Now that we have a good relationship with the word excellent, let us consider how to grow in relationship with He Who is Excellent!

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Unclogged

We often tease Baby Susta Joy about how she entertained the family with her clogging as a little girl. It's no joke, however, that Mr. Bill entertains at our house with his Un-clogging.  Countless times I've watched him haul the boy's commode into the front yard, turned it upside down to shake loose what clogged -- silverware, Lego blocks, action

figures, etc. You see, clogging or unclogging -- both entertain!

 

Believers get clogged up: full of sin and self, nothing holy or good flowing through.  In 2 Kings 7, we read about lepers who refused to sit by the side of the road: they ask themselves, " ... Why sit we here until we die?" They left their places at the city gate and tried to get themselves captured by the Syrians.  They figured when captured at best

they would be fed and cared for. I guess you could say they were "overcome by common sense."  Sitting and waiting just wasn't an option! They became "go-getters" instead of "sitters."  Sadly, some Believers refuse to seek God's truth.  They choose to sit, soak and sour [as Pastor Tony says], becoming clogged up, and totally ineffective in their witness and service for Christ.  In Israel the Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea, but the Dead Sea has no outlet.  The result is a beautiful body of water, rich in minerals but unable to sustain life -- nothing grows in or around it!  This describes the Believer who sits: no desire to know Christ intimately or to serve Him.  Not only does God desire us to be clean vessels but useful to Him – clean and useful.  David's prayer must also be ours, "Create in me a clean heart ... " (Psalm 51:10)  It's the only sure way to live ... unclogged.

Live in the Light

“Come on, Bev, shake it off! Pitch to the glove!”  I can hear Dad shouting those words from the other side of the fence.  Like most pitchers will attest, there will occasionally be that umpire who sees balls and strikes crossing only a round plate – as if there is no inside, no outside, no corners.  It’s split-the-middle or else, and it makes pitchers growl … or kick dirt. 

 

Do you ever find yourself unable to “shake” a particular darkness?  Perhaps it’s a reoccurring emotional state, a gripping bad habit, or a destructive attitude.  You’ve pulled on those [proverbial] bootstraps so many times, they’re beginning to wear thin.  The fear that gloom might finally consume in one final gulp weighs heavily.  I’ve often wondered about the thoughts of those closest to Jesus during the days before His death.  Surely they sensed the growing political and religious unrest, sensed something terrible was about to happen.  Jesus knew there was much yet to be revealed in His death and resurrection, so He spoke to their most immediate and particular darkness: “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46).  To those circumstances that tend to crowd-out and cloud-over, hear this: Shake it off!  Daylight is come – The Day Star shines and night reigns no more – Morning has come!  Dad’s advice with regard to my pitching was this: Yeah, Bev, that was a lousy call but get that last pitch out of your head … concentrate on the next one, and the next one, and the next one.  Believer, take heart!  Christ is Hope and Light.  Shake off the looming darkness – Live in Light!

 

Sunday, March 5, 2017

Praise Him

Repetition is a good teacher.  Ask any pre-school or kindergarten teacher you know, and they’ll confirm it.  As a parent, I know repeatedly writing Ephesians 6:1 (Children obey your parents … ) taught one little fella something very important.  I won’t call his name, but his initials are D.C. 

 

Psalm 148 calls on all  praise God and praise God and praise God and … praise God.  Thirteen times the word “praise” appears in this hymn.  One translation of the Hebrew word praise is to boast on one’s behalf.  From what locale is praise to come?  “From the heavens ... In the heights … From the earth.”  Who is to praise Him?  “All His angels .. all His hosts … Sun and moon … Shining stars … Highest heavens … Waters above the heavens … Great sea creatures … All deeps … Fire and hail … Snow and mist … Stormy wind … Mountains and all hills … Fruit trees and all cedars … Beasts and all livestock … Creeping things … Flying Birds … Kings of the earth … All peoples … Princes … All rulers of the earth … Young men and maidens … Old men and children.”  And, why is God due such praise?  “He established them … He gave a decree … His majesty is above earth and heaven.”  What an all-encompassing, comprehensive list of from where, from whom, and for what all are to boast of God.  If we truly grasp the greatness of our God – Who loves us so deeply – we would understand the ultimate need for repetition: the declarative outpouring of the soul to magnify its Creator and King.  It’s amazing what praising will do!  Boast of Him … Praise Him!

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Treasured Treasure

Do you remember the show “To Tell the Truth”?  It was one of the first television game shows.  Three people were introduced with the same name – two were imposters, one the real person.  A panel of judges would ask probing questions then guess which was in truth the real person named.

 

Oh, my, at the imposters today!  To tell the truth, it's not easy to know the truthTruth is, few folks see truth as a treasure.  Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, “Where your treasure is there will your heart be also.”  The truth buffet is loaded with imposters, and we're easily distracted by what sounds good, looks good, and feels right.  Treasures need safe-keeping, to be guarded and preserved.  King Solomon wrote, “Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23).  The heart - preserved by the Truth of Godly Wisdom - is a real treasure!  Godly Wisdom is treasured truth: "Forsake Her not, and She shall preserve thee: love Her, and She shall keep thee." (Proverbs 4:6).  At the end of "To Tell the Truth," the host would always say, "Will the real [Name] please stand up."  And the truth became clear.  Sometimes we were surprised, and sometimes not.  There is no surprise at the treasured truth of Godly Wisdom - It never fails.  Godly Wisdom is truly treasured treasure!