Sunday, March 31, 2019
Shock rippled through the country: one man arrested with overwhelming evidence of a crime when suddenly and unexpectedly all charges dropped - his record cleared and sealed - a freed man. Nothing about it made any sense! Ripped from recent headline news, it's astoundingly familiar: here stands sinful - guilty with overwhelming and indisputable evidence of crimes against God - man's fate destined to pay the penalty. Suddenly and unexpectedly, One takes the place of the guilty one - the Just for the unjust. All charges laid on the innocent One and the guilty one set free - all charges dropped - he is freed - a new stain-free life with no trace of past crimes. Agreed, it makes no sense but that's God's Gospel - the salvation of man! "For our sake He made Him to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21). If this is not your story, today could be the Day of Salvation for you: condemned or free.
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Live Timelessly
Have you ever considered the impact of time in your life? There's really not enough time to think about that too long! Bill Bennett (President Regan's Secretary of Education) wrote a best-selling book in 1996, The Book of Virtues, which was filled with stories intended to teach basic moral principles lacking among young people. In a recent interview Bill Bennett said he was contacted by the publisher about writing a 25th anniversary edition. The publisher's lucrative "offer" included Bennett agreeing to updating the principles to be more "politically correct." Good for him, Mr. Bennett declined. As I repeated this story to a friend recently, he commented, "Isn't it amazing how timeless the Bible is." What a profoundly true statement! The Prophet Isaiah wrote, "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God will stand forever." (40:8). If you are living by any truths other than those in God's Word, be sure you'll be ever re-establishing a baseline of principles for living. God is Timeless and so is His Word. Live timelessly.
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Ever-Near, Ever-Ready
If you've ever hosted a party, planned an event, chaired a committee – success was sweet but getting there wasn't quite so sweet: planning and preparation are killers! Before all is said and done, you're asking yourself, "what was I thinking!" Then there's Moses – quietly, peacefully, tending sheep – and the burning bush! Exodus 3 tells the story of Moses' encounter with I AM - the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - and Moses' answer to God's call. Have you ever been caught off-guard when God called? In the middle of being stunned and fairly certain there's a misunderstanding somewhere, the LORD assures you there's no "misunderstanding." Not everything God calls us to do will be sensational; actually, some things may be simple but none are trivial! Oswald Chambers writes, "A ready person never needs to get ready." Like a charged-and-ready battery, a soul one-with-Christ, is "ever-ready" to do whatever task - large or small - from deep love for and devotion to Him. The ever-ready-soul knows a Oneness with The Father, and is ever-listening for His call. Moses responded "Here I am," and that's the same answer God wants from each of us. Stay ever-near The Father and you'll be ever-ready when He calls!
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Grand Glory
Hanging on my refrigerator are a few Grand works of art – genuine masterpieces. As grand as they are, they do not compare to what the Lord longs to show His children. Moses made one final climb to Nebo's highest peak, Mount Pisgah. The view must have been exhilarating: God showing His faithful servant endless miles of the Land of Promise. I suspect we cannot comprehend the Grace we miss when we do not get alone with God. Ours to behold is the blissful glory of God Himself in His Presence. It's notable that Moses made the climb alone, probably leaving behind Joshua and Eleazer; it was an intimate time – Moses and God. What a model for every Believer to diligently seek The Father, finding time alone with Him. Will you dare pray as Moses prayed in Exodus 33:18: "Please show me Your glory." Oh, the Grand Glory to be revealed!
Monday, March 25, 2019
Carry On!
To continue is to carry on. Of all that should go on, James wrote, "Let brotherly love continue." (James 13:1). Together, those four words are blunt and to the point. It's God's love for us that caused Him to send Jesus to redeem us, and it's that same love that is to flow-through us to others. One thing is sure – to continue, it must begin; in this case, be an existing action. In the rest of the chapter, James writes of Christian sacrifices which are pleasing to God; all rooted in God's Source and eternal Flow of love, which equips us "with everything good" to "do His will … that which is pleasing in His sight." (13:21). Be careful - don't restrict His Flow – carry on!
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Right Look
It's not drastically different, but somewhat of a different look - this new haircut. I'm drawn to the mirror a bit more than usual, trying to get used to it. This pretty well describes our fundamental attraction to ourselves! Even the sweet little engine said, "I think I can - I know I can." With all due respect to our little engine, being positive and determined is commendable, however, there IS a Greater Power than personal gumption. "Turn my eyes away from vanity [all those worldly, meaningless things that distract - let Your priorities be mine], and restore me [with renewed energy] in Your ways." (Psalm 119:37, AMP). The best very we can do is to drop the [proverbial] bootstraps [that get-up-get-going mentality] and with bare hands and feet (humility) turn to Christ: "I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13). I am self-sufficient only in Christ's Sufficiency. Instead of looking into the mirror, let us faithfully look into the Perfect Truth of God's Word with willfully obedient eyes fixed on Christ. It's the Right Look!
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Ta-Da, Hallelujah, Amen
A few days ago I got a splinter in my finger, and it has been most unforgiving. For such a small thing, I'm evermore reminded of its presence! O. S. Hawkins suggests most people are "searching for guilt-free living." Once-and-for-all we'd like to shake-off past regrets and failures never to pick them up again. However, like that splinter, we are reminded of the past too often, which sometimes ends in despair and paralysis. Ephesians 1:7 says, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." When we confess our sin, Christ forgives us and our sin is removed "as far as the east is from the west." (Psalm 103:12). Don't ya know - the east and west know no ends! I'm waiting on Mr Bill to remove the splinter - his eyes are better than mine. How wonderful my sins are forgiven and forever removed because of Christ. Ta Da - Hallelujah - Amen!
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Share
Don't you just love a BOGO? That 2nd product seems to be the sweetest! Ephesians 1:7 says, "In Him we have redemption through His blood." No cost - free, AND without condition. Much like they search the sale paper for BOGOs, many people are searching for life-answers. It could be someone you work with, sit beside at a ballgame, in the next waiting room chair, in the grocery line or at the drive-thru window. There they are searching. and there you are with the answer! Jesus Christ - He is the answer to the deepest need of their hearts. If He's personal to you, share Him with someone today.
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Know-How
There's little excuse any more for lack of know-how; the Internet is a literal know-how haven! Scripture is the only place [I know] where we're encouraged even inspired to become a person of poverty. Such an aspiration is certainly contrary to this materialistically driven culture. Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3). How nonsensical to become poor so you can become rich! The word "poor" Jesus used is the picture of a common beggar in the streets of Jerusalem but Jesus wasn't referring to his lack of material things; rather, the concept of "soul-poverty." If I look in my wallet and find no cash, my first thought is go to the bank or ... Mr. Bill's wallet. It's really a very simple concept: knowing what I lack drives me to seek what I need. The problem most Christians have, however, is we think we possess all we need: with enough gumption and fortitude, we can be-it-all, have-it-all, do-it-all. We have swallowed that lie [of Satan's] hook-line-and-sinker! Jesus said, "If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." (Matthew 16:24-25). I love how Jim Elliot, martyred missionary to Indians, said it: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." The know-how to owning it all -- the everlasting and eternally spiritual kingdom of God -- is actually in possessing nothing! God loves the poor in spirit – they are His choice vessels! And, that's the know-how to possessing it all!
Monday, March 18, 2019
Right Now
Instant-on is good! I'm not sure if it was because he saw me fumbling to find the keyhole or if he was tired of waiting [for me to find the keyhole], but Mr. Bill put a small insta-light at the door: light - instant-on! Have you noticed how we like things immediately - right now, instantly? Ephesians 1:7 says, "In Him we have redemption." Ah, redemption - that beautiful and comforting promise of eternity in Heaven with The One Who died for us! O. S. Hawkins clarifies the verb tense in Paul's statement: "The tense is present active indicative, meaning the event is occurring in actual time right now." Well, "right now" should get our attention! Our redemption (salvation) isn't just the promise of heaven, it is for today. The personal relationship ("In Him") is all-power for every daily life here. "It is no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). Instant-on light at the keyhole is great - thanks, Mr Bill. The almighty and ever-present Presence and Power of Christ in the Believer's life is now. Yes, RIGHT NOW!
Sunday, March 17, 2019
In Him
Soon Mr Bill will begin to mow and fertilize - no, not a garden but a food plot for deer. He'll tend it and watch over it expecting a fall harvest of venison for the freezer. One of the great quests for us in life is meaningful relationships. How blessed we are when we find them; how disappointing when they don't meet expectations. Two of the most fulfilling words in Scripture surely are "in Him" - In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. (Ephesians 1:7). How wonderful redemption and forgiveness but both begin with a personal relationship with Jesus: in Him. We cannot expect any earthly relationship to be just what we're looking for until we realize the most important relationship is with Christ. "What Christ has to offer is not about religion or ritual. It is about a relationship, a vibrant, personal relationship with Him." (O. S. Hawkins). Mr Bill's food plot doesn't spring up overnight; no, it requires some time and tending. Are you tending your relationship with Christ - reading His Word, praying, worshiping, in fellowship with other Believers? I encourage you to give your in Him relationship the attention it needs. It's your greatest and most fulfilling relationship!
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Chaos to Order
Phone ringing, Mr Bill on the lawn mower, dinner in progress, little boys scuffling instead of dressing for a baseball game and piles of clean laundry on the couch - now, that's chaos! Did you know chaos can exist without visible signs of its presence? We can be otherwise altogether on the outside but an emotional-mental-social-spiritual mess on the inside! Just like God brough order to formlessness and void in Genesis 1:2, The Creator desires to bring order to our lives. "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace." (1 Corinthians 14:33). In his book The Joshua Code, O. S. Hawkins writes about God's answer to the chaos of this world: "The something people think they need is really Someone. And His sweet name is the Lord Jesus. He holds the answer to every need of every heart. Those answers are in Him and in Him alone." We cannot imagine what the world would be like if every heart was in order according to Him Who created us on purpose and with purpose. Jehovah God is the God of Order, and He longs to bring our chaos to order ... if we'll let Him.
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Most Excellent One
Writers have an interesting relationship with words: sometimes when writing, a word just comes to me then sometimes the word doesn't come, so I make one up! David 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). We use "excellent" to describe a meal or a performance but considering the context in which David uses the word, excellent doesn't seem to fit those things. Perhaps we should hesitate to use excellent to describe anything except God! David continues, "You have set Your glory above the heavens." (Psalm 8:1b). My pastor often asks us, "Have you ever just sat before God?" Just sat - no talking or singing or reading – just sat attentively in quiet stillness before the Creator of the universe? Doing so is central to intimacy with The Father, imperatively needful to a right 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). The One God – all three Persons – is ever and eternally mindful of you and me. I'm completely wordless to describe that! Nonetheless, let us excel in excellence as we grow in relationship with He Who is Most Excellent!
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Tread Boldly
Several years ago, I dared to ride along with Mr Bill through his hunting area. He strategically guided the four-wheeler through some scary places. Right then, I determined two things: there is no thicket he fears, and I'll dare not ride along again! Have you really contemplated what it means to follow in the footsteps of Christ? Jesus said, "If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." (Matthew 16:24). Personally, I am easily detoured by life-thickets that seem impassable or its undeveloped trails. This must not be so! Charles H. Spurgeon wrote, "He who dares the most, shall win the most; and if rough be thy path of love, tread it boldly ... through thick and thin ... to please thy Master." Mr. Bill is a genuine trail-blazer; Believers should be too! We should not fear any thicket or trail God has set before us when we follow Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. May we follow and ... tread boldly!
Monday, March 11, 2019
Clear Path
There are certain foods that are just a dead-end with Mr Bill: cabbage, oysters, okra and coffee - to name a few. Just not gonna pass his lips! Although the way may seem quite right, there are many dead end paths in life. The Wisdom of Proverbs: "Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress? For a man's ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths." (Proverbs 5:20-21, ESV). All of us have taken a seemingly good path only to find it unpleasant and unproductive, leading finally to a dead end. Jesus said "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except by Me." (John 14:6). Jesus' promise is also a warning, which marks all other paths with a DEAD END sign! Let us be wise as we ponder our paths, and may His words be the gauge by which we consider all our ways.
Sunday, March 10, 2019
Love's Standard
We joke and laugh about our quirks but they can be quite annoying when they're someone else's. I could write an essay on Mr Bill's idiosyncrasies but his rebuttal would certainly be an expose of mine! Paul concludes one of the greatest love chapters in Scripture, "So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13). Divine faith and hope are assuredly treasures but love - well, it out-ranks them. While love is patient, kind, humble, polite, unselfish, truthful, long suffering, forbearing, enduring, eternal - genuine love umbrellas all these. Love sees the otherwise bothersome quirks and smiles, even finds them endearing. Why, much like our heavenly Father Who loved us while we were yet sinners, gave His only Son for us: "For God so loved ..." (John 3:16). God's Love is the clear Standard by which we measure how we love one another. How [then] are we doing?
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Learning to Stand
It's not uncommon for Mr Bill to have a "buddy" when he is fishing in the surf. The heron's legs are steady and his gaze intent, hoping [against all odds] he'll get a catch tossed his way. Learning to stay on our feet in life is a challenge and a grave danger is from where or from whom we are learning to stand. "Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold of hell, so that she does not think about the path of life; her ways are aimless and unstable; you cannot know where her path leads." (Proverbs 5:5-6, AMP). The world is the stomping ground for Satan, and he will gladly stomp all over us as he leads us away from God and to false gods of this world. So then, how do we stand successfully amid the struggles of life? Paul wrote, "Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil." (Ephesians 5:11, AMP). There! The precepts - truths, principles - of God teach us and equip us to stand! In your struggle to stand, are you listening to and following other advice or counsel? Learn to stand from Christ Who willingly stood in our place at Calvary. In Him only - CHRIST ALONE - we do firmly and successfully stand!
Monday, March 4, 2019
Sin All Dressed Up
"Dress-up" has long been favorite play for little ones. Even the older-me remembers putting on one of Mom's dresses, a pair of high heels, gloves and a hat. Satan loves to "dress-up" sin so it doesn't appear quite so evil or nasty. "For the lips of a strange woman drop as a honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: but her end is bitter wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword." (Proverbs 5:3-4). Truth is, sometimes sin doesn't look like sin. And, sometimes sin can simply be too much of a good thing. We're often tempted to hold tightly the abundance of our blessings, refusing to share with others and minister to their needs. This is only one example of how sin can lead us down the destructive road about which God warns us: "The wages of sin is death." (Romans 6:23). Let us be wise in Christ Jesus to see [and avoid] the deadly dress-up of sin!
Sunday, March 3, 2019
No-Fail GPS
Per Mr Bill's instructions, on my way home from the beach I listened carefully for GPS verbal instructions about right-and-left turns. For the most part, Ms GPS did fine but not always. God instructs, "Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil." (Proverbs 4:27). The problem all Christians face is who should they listen to. Instructions from the wrong sources result in a destructive destination or [like me] having to do a u-ey (make a u-turn). God's Word is the only no-fail GPS - God's Positioning Source - for life. Don't take my word for it - put God's Truth to the test. He will not lead you wrong!