Strength To Hear!

This past Wednesday evening while leading our Bible discussion, one of the questions I asked was responded to with, “That’s hitting CLOSE TO HOME.” There seemed to be general agreement that we all found ourselves in the struggle at times. I also acknowledged that often when I extend my arm to point a finger I must remember I have three fingers pointing right back at myself. (Take a look at your hand while pointing and you will see that it is so.) Though we have knowledge that confirms and encourages our faith we still need reminders and the encouragement of others as we struggle to remain steadfast in our walk with God.

As Jesus spoke to some who opposed Him, we read…
“(42) Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. (43) Why do you not understand what I say? IT IS BECAUSE YOU CANNOT BEAR TO HEAR MY WORD.’” (John 8:42-43 ESV)

Sometimes people don’t want to bear with what they hear because it hits too CLOSE TO HOME. When some just “cannot bear” what they are hearing they may go into denial regarding the truth, only view how it pertains to others, or respond in anger. There were times when the Jewish leaders were angered because they perceived Jesus’ words were directed at them. (i.e. Luke 20:19)

The Greek word in the text above translated “bear” (ESV) or “able” (NKJV) is “dunamai” which refers to “ability” or “power.” [The Greek word “dunamis” was used by Paul with regard to the power of Jesus’ resurrection. (Philippians 3:10 “dunamin”; Romans 1:4 “dunamai”)] Though these with whom Jesus was speaking viewed themselves as spiritually strong, they lacked the power (or ability) to accept the truth Jesus spoke. In their own misguided understanding they could not bear to accept what Jesus was saying. To accept meant coming to grips with the reality of their struggle and weakness and the fact changes needed to come to their life and understanding.

When the truth hits CLOSE TO HOME, to accept is for our benefit. Still some prefer to remain where they are and decide it is too weighty for them to accept. To refuse to hear is a sign of weakness. To accept and change is a sign of strength. Are we strong enough to bear with what we need to hear and accept the opportunity to move the life in a proper direction? Such acceptance is what will aid in leading us CLOSER TO our HEAVENLY HOME!

Have a great day ACCEPTING THE CHANGES THE TRUTH CAN BRING!
Carl

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On The Same Page!

When singing hymns together we need to be “on the same page.” When reading a book together there is the need to be open to “the same page.” The same is true when it comes to living life in harmony and unity with God and with one another.

As Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, he exhorted them toward UNITY OF MIND and love. (Philippians 2:2) Those who are drawn together in love and “on the same page” of mind and spirit can find great encouragement and power to fulfill amazing works to the glory of God. However, such can also become a power for doing that which is contrary to the commands of God. (i.e. Genesis 11:6) Our focus should be on the power generated through minds drawn together in accordance with His Will.

Paul went on to point out the foundation from which to build such a UNITY OF MIND!

“(4) Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (5) HAVE THIS MIND AMONG YOURSELVES, WHICH IS YOURS IN CHRIST JESUS, (6) who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, (7) but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, (8) he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:4-8 ESV)

Verse eight in the New King James Version reads: “LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU WHICH WAS ALSO IN CHRIST JESUS,”. The MIND OF CHRIST was other-centered and completely obedient to the plan laid out to bring about our salvation. When each of us are striving to center our focus on sharing the MIND OF CHRIST in such a way, we can then also be brought into UNITY OF MIND with one another.

Jesus Himself provided a glimpse into His mind where we read…
“(28) So Jesus said to them, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. (29) And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I ALWAYS DO THE THINGS THAT ARE PLEASING TO HIM.’” (John 8:29 ESV)

The MIND OF CHRIST! Are we seeking to live life “on the same page” with Him? We are if our continual effort is toward fulfilling that which is pleasing to God. As we continue to read through the pages of Scripture, let us always remain open to maintaining life “on the same page” with what God has declared to be righteous and true. Through such an aim we have the foundation laid for experiencing that unity with one another as well.

Have a great day LIVING LIFE BY GOD’S BOOK!
Carl

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New Truth?

Noting again the passage we read yesterday…
“(7) Beloved, I am writing you NO NEW commandment, but AN OLD commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. (8) AT THE SAME TIME, IT IS A NEW COMMANDMENT that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.” (1 John 2:7-8 ESV)

OLD command or NEW command?

“NEW” and “OLD” are sometimes relative terms. When we bought our Plymouth reliant several years ago (a car we have since replaced) we said we had a new car. However, it was a used car. But it was new to us and definitely newer than the one we had been driving.

On the other hand, TRUTH remains TRUTH! There are times people have thought they have found new truth in their study of the Scriptures, when really all that is new is the understanding, acceptance or impact that it brings to the believer. That truth was always there and God rejoices when we finally catch on. We say “Eureka” and God says, “It’s about time you saw it.” John went on to exhort toward the kind of love we ought to have for one another; a godly love that has the power to bring refreshment and renewal to relationships.

May we always approach God’s word with OPEN EYES AND OPEN HEART. His message is there. It continues to stand the test of time. It is still relevant for life today.

Have a great day CATCHING GOD’S MESSAGE!
Carl
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[This focus was originally sent 10/01/1998 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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Living Billboards!

Messages, messages, everywhere. Advertisements and announcements on big billboards and neon signs. Messages displayed on the tops of taxi-cabs and the sides of city buses. Messages scrawled across T-shirts and other articles of clothing. Messages somebody wants to be seen! Is there any escape from it all?

John wrote:
“(7) Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. (8) At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, WHICH IS TRUE IN HIM AND IN YOU, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.” (1 John 2:7-8 ESV)

Truth is something we can see through various means. Truth is found by reading and studying, by experimenting, by listening to others, etc. But a powerful means of CONVEYING TRUTH is by LIVING IT and John noted that the truth of the message was alive and evident in the lives of those to whom he was writing.

Jesus came as the Word in the flesh (John 1:1-2,14). He even referred to Himself as “Truth” (John 14:6) and displayed complete consistency between His teaching and His life. It has been stated: “I would rather see a sermon than hear one any day!” Truth, MODELED IN OUR LIFE, is a powerful teacher and method of CONVEYING GOD’S MESSAGE.

Our aim ought to be that just as God’s truth was seen in Jesus, it will also be seen in our life. Have you ever considered your life being a sort of “Living Billboard” for God’s message? In a very real sense it ought to be.

Have a great day DISPLAYING GOD’S TRUTH!
Carl

[Tomorrow: another thought from this passage.]
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[This focus was originally sent 09/30/1998 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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A Mouthful!

Someone has noted, “It may be bad to talk when our mouth is full, but it isn’t too good either when our head is empty.” [source: “1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E. C. McKenzie] It seems like there are always some who will not let an empty head keep them from speaking a mouthful.

Yesterday as I was reading through the fifth chapter of John, I was struck by an emptiness Jesus noted in the lives of some who appear to have felt they were filled with the wisdom of God. As Jesus spoke, he drew attention to two things these were empty of: the word of God (John 5:38) and the love of God. (John 3:42) Running on empty, these fiercely opposed Jesus and spoke against Him. On another occasion when Jesus was faced with Pharisees who -- in their understanding (or rather misunderstanding) of the law and the prophets -- refused to accept the possibility He was doing His works by the power of God (Matthew 12:23-24), Jesus drew attention to the problem being in relation to what was within them.

Jesus declared…
“(33) Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. (34) You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For OUT OF THE ABUNDANCE OF THE HEART THE MOUTH SPEAKS. (35) The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. (36) I tell you, on the day of judgment people will GIVE ACCOUNT FOR EVERY CARELESS WORD they speak, (37) for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:33-37 ESV)

Out of the ABUNDANCE OF THE HEART the mouth speaks. However, for some that may be from an abundance of evil or sheer ignorance. The ABUNDANCE held within is what our speech is going to be based upon and if we are careless about that, we will be called to account for it.

May we continually seek to fill ourselves with both God’s Word and His love. These two in ABUNDANCE will provide a proper basis from which our words can be spoken and justified. With a heart filled with God’s love and a head filled with His Word we will be blessed with a mouthful of worthy words to share with others.

Have a great day FILLED TO THE BRIM FOR HIM!
Carl

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Weighed And Wanting?

It is very possible for us to think well of our actions and for others to consider them very generous and wonderful as well. However, what is it that is truly behind our actions? What is the true MOTIVE that compels us to act and do for others and to do so even in the Name of Jesus? What characterizes the SPIRIT in which our deeds are done? Solomon noted that this is what the Lord takes into account.

Solomon cautioned…
“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, BUT THE LORD WEIGHS THE SPIRIT.” (Proverbs 16:2 ESV)

Our works of service can appear good and right and even bring great benefit to others, but what is the “why” behind them? God, Who weighs the spirit in which they are done, may view them as completely unacceptable. Jesus made such very clear during His sermon on the mount. (Matthew 6:1-2) Paul also addressed the notion of service lacking the spirit of love as being unacceptable, calling it “nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:3) Have we been guilty of actions that were weighed and found wanting; lacking the godly giving spirit in which God desires them to be done?

King Belshazzar (of Babylon) -- though his father (Nebuchadnezzar) had given glory to God -- focused on his own greatness and the literal handwriting on the wall drew attention to the fact he had been weighed in the balance and found wanting. (Daniel 5:27) It is God’s scales rather than our own that provides an accurate measure on which to base the actions of our life. May we always be wanting to weigh-in right with Him. In this way we know that we will have our reward from Him. (Matthew 6:4)

Have a great day WEIGHING THE WHY FOR WHAT WE DO!
Carl

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Dependable Relationship!

In Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth, he encouraged these Christians with regard to the assurance they had in Christ. The absolute reality of the fulfillment of God’s promises is found in Christ. God is not wishy-washy. God is not a tease with His promises, but rather a great encourager of steadfast hope. In Christ, His great promises are a resounding “YES” (2 Corinthians 1:20) and God’s Spirit has sealed the guarantee! (2 Corinthians 1:22) God has a marvelous track record of keeping His promises. Joshua used that track record to encourage the nation of Israel after they had entered into the promised land. (Joshua 21:45; 23:14) God’s track record of being true to and fully able to FOLLOW THROUGH with every one of His promises ought to greatly encourage us. However, let us consider the context in which Paul provided such encouragement.

We read…
“(15) Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a second experience of grace. (16) I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to come back to you from Macedonia and have you send me on my way to Judea. (17) WAS I VACILLATING WHEN I WANTED TO DO THIS? Do I make my plans according to the flesh, ready to say ‘Yes, yes’ and ‘No, no’ at the same time? (18) AS SURELY AS GOD IS FAITHFUL, OUR WORD TO YOU HAS NOT BEEN YES AND NO. (19) For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, BUT IN HIM IT IS ALWAYS YES. (20) For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” (2 Corinthians 1:15-20 ESV)

There was nothing wishy-washy about Paul’s relationship to the brethren at Corinth nor with regard to his desire to encourage their spiritual growth. Though unforeseen things had caused him to change his plans (1 Corinthians 16:5-8) -- plans he had made in the context of “if the Lord permits” (1 Corinthians 16:7) -- Paul had a genuine interest in their spiritual welfare. What Paul wrote, said, and did were all in agreement and as much as God was (is and will be) faithful to His promises, Paul was determined to FOLLOW THROUGH on behalf of his brethren at Corinth. They could depend on Paul’s UNWAVERING commitment to ministry on their behalf. His own life was given as a resounding “YES!” for their benefit and good. He was personally willing to “gladly spend and be spent” for their souls. (2 Corinthians 12:15)

As God said “YES!” to Paul through Christ, Paul’s life was “YES!” in service to those who belonged to Christ. Are we also that way toward one another? Or do we instead put each other off as we focus on our own things? Having a sincere appreciation for the dependability of God we ought to show it through our own willingness to FOLLOW THROUGH with a genuine interest in what benefits others to the glory of God. As the “Amen” is spoken regarding the promises of God, may the “Amen” also be spoken with regard to our FOLLOW THROUGH on behalf of each other.

Have a great day LIVING A RESOUNDING “YES” TO THE GLORY OF GOD!
Carl

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A Hardy Plant!

Spring has sprung. Blossoms have been opening on trees and bushes. The crocuses have already pushed up through the ground and finished blooming. It always amazes me -- even when the ground is hard -- how the bulb plants are able to push up through. God created them with a hardiness to break through the ground and display their beauty to the world. Even tiny seeds sown in the garden or field have been given strength so that though they are covered up with dirt they can still push up toward the light and produce the fruit they were intended to provide.

Someone has stated, “There is not enough dirt to bury the truth -- and keep it buried!” [source: via e-mail] How true! People lie and try to cover up what they have done, but ultimately THE TRUTH finds them out. Even the tribes of Gad and Reuben (who would also be accompanied by the half tribe of Manasseh -- Numbers 32:33) were warned that if they did not follow through with their commitment, their sin would find them out. (Numbers 32:23) Regardless of how hard some people try to hide it, THE TRUTH has a way of breaking through to the surface. No matter how many attempts our society and the world might make at burying THE TRUTH OF GOD, it is a “hardy plant” that cannot be eradicated.

Through Isaiah God stated…
“(10) For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, (11) SO SHALL MY WORD BE that goes out from my mouth; IT SHALL NOT RETURN TO ME EMPTY, but IT SHALL ACCOMPLISH that which I purpose, AND SHALL SUCCEED in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11 ESV)

Throughout history attempts have been made to stop the spread of the TRUTH OF GOD. However, in the process of trying to put the fire of faith out, that faith has only been helped to spread. (note Acts 8:1 & 4) As the TRUTH OF GOD continued to spread during the first century, its beauty blossomed in the lives of all who accepted it. Even many who opposed Christianity marveled at the peace and steadfastness of those who were willing to die for their faith. The TRUTH OF GOD was a hardy plant that had taken root deep within their lives.

Paul stated…
“For we cannot do anything against the truth, but ONLY FOR THE TRUTH.” (2 Corinthians 13:8 ESV)

THE TRUTH OF GOD will not change. It will not be eliminated. It can and will stand on its own. As we allow the roots of faith to grow deep within us, the beauty of GOD’S TRUTH and the transformation He brings to our lives will become more and more evident. The TRUTH OF GOD will also provide a sustaining power to uphold us through the challenges of this realm.

Have a great day HELPING THE BEAUTY OF GOD’S TRUTH TO BLOOM!
Carl

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Suspicion!

Someone has said, “If you want to avoid suspicion, do not stoop to tie your shoe in a melon patch.” [source: calendar quote] Who would know whether we were tying or taking?

It is wise to give consideration to where we go and what we do and how it may appear. The impressions we leave not only have the potential to reflect on our own INTEGRITY, but also on Christ and what Christianity is all about.

Paul was falsely charged with many things by those who wanted to bring his ministry to an end. They even plotted more than once to take his life. (Acts 9:23; 23:12; 25:3) We may not be able to avoid false accusations, but we can still strive to live in a manner in which we can avoid suspicion through maintaining INTEGRITY in our approach to daily activity. Recognizing the need to always honor God and leave a proper example, Paul was diligent in striving to live above suspicion. As he stood before Governor Felix Paul stated his defense knowing that the charges levied against him could be easily checked out and seen as false. (Acts 24:11-13)

In Paul’s comments he also noted the manner in which he had focused on living.
“So I ALWAYS TAKE PAINS to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.” (Acts 24:16 ESV)

Though God’s view of Paul’s life was what he knew mattered most (note 1 Corinthians 4:3-4), he was still keenly aware of the example of Christ he needed to be among men. He took “pains” for his life to be perceived in this way. The Greek translated “I take pains” is from “askeo” which “signifies to form by art, to adorn, to work up raw material with skill; hence, in general, to take pains, endeavor, exercise by training or discipline, with a view to a conscience void of offence.” [source: W. E. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words] It was no little matter to Paul. The shaping of the activity of Paul’s life was with a determination to glorify God and direct others to Him and the truth of His Will.

By being earnest and vigilant with regard to living above suspicion -- striving to live with INTEGRITY in all we do -- we will save ourselves from having to exert a lot of energy either explaining or defending ourselves. A righteous life before God and man will be our best defense as a testimony to a genuine relationship with our Lord. May we always recognize the value of placing the effort there.

Have a great day EXHIBITING THE ART OF GODLINESS IN DAILY LIFE!
Carl

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Pleasing Others!

We have probably all experienced the truth of the statement that we can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but we can’t please all of the people all of the time. Trying to please others can be extremely challenging. Sometimes our best efforts just don’t pan out because we either don’t know what might truly please another or they are of a disposition that is just never agreeable regardless of what others do. Also we need to bear in mind that what is pleasing to some is not always pleasing to God. God is the One Whom we must always seek first to please. (note Acts 5:29; Galatians 1:10; Ephesians 6:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:4) Still, when it comes to pleasing others, for what purpose should we do so?

Paul exhorted…
“(1) We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (2) LET EACH OF US PLEASE HIS NEIGHBOR FOR HIS GOOD, to build him up.” (Romans 15:1-2 ESV)

Paul had just finished writing with regard to being loving and accepting when it came to matters of opinion with a consideration of the possible impact personal choices can have on the faith of others. (Romans 16) The thoughts of the beginning of the 15th chapter are continued with that context in mind. The thing for us to note is that Paul urged his readers to strive to please their neighbor “FOR HIS GOOD”, not simply to please their every whim! Now, in the process we may need to set aside what pleases ourselves (vs.1) and we should be willing to do so, but we are never to set aside the Will of God. Paul went on to point to Jesus as the supreme example of having set Himself aside in seeking to not merely please Himself (Romans 15:3), but accepted the reproach He did not deserve. Jesus would have been justified had He immediately struck down those who disagreed with Him. However, our Lord kept the GOOD OF OTHERS in mind by fulfilling the means of the hope of eternal salvation.

When others are struggling to grow in their faith, the loving thing is not for us to simply endure them, but to encourage and try to build them up. Instead of snubbing them or pushing them away, we ought to embrace them in the loving acceptance of Jesus. (Romans 15:7) When self is in the way that is not always easy to do. Considering what will truly be GOOD FOR THEM is what will be pleasing to God and be helpful in drawing us together in the unity of the faith. May we continually bear in mind THE GOOD that others need in accordance with the truth of God.

Have a great day SHARING A GENUINE INTEREST IN THE WELFARE OF OTHERS!
Carl

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Day At Hand!

Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and glance at the alarm clock. When I do so it is not necessarily to see what the actual time is, but rather to figure how much time there is left to sleep before the alarm goes on. Then when the alarm does sound, I like to push the snooze button a couple times before finally getting out of bed. Though I might wish to remain in the comfort of the bed it is time to WAKE FROM SLEEP and step into the day God has already begun. It is time to cast off the covers and the night clothes and PUT ON CLOTHING SUITABLE FOR THE DAY God is providing.

Through the death of Christ on the cross, God opened the door for our salvation. Though we have the encouragement in our relationship with Christ that we are presently saved (Ephesians 2:5 & 8) and can know that we have eternal life (1 John 5:13), there is still a sense in which the full realization of our salvation is yet to come and that will be when we have left this realm and have entered our heavenly rest. Therefore, it is important for us to presently remain awake to the manner in which we live and prepare ourselves for that which is yet to come.

In Paul’s letter to the church at Rome we read…
“(11) Besides this you know the time, that the HOUR HAS COME FOR YOU TO WAKE FROM SLEEP. For SALVATION IS NEARER TO US NOW THAN WHEN WE FIRST BELIEVED. (12) The night is far gone; THE DAY IS AT HAND. So then let us CAST OFF THE WORKS OF DARKNESS AND PUT ON THE ARMOR OF LIGHT.” (Romans 13:11-12 ESV)

There is a great day coming, but for now we are to wear the “armor of light” as we live in a realm where we are surrounded by darkness and works associated with it. We need to remain alert and awake to fend off the things that challenge our faith. We have not been give a specific date regarding either the day of our death or our Lord’s second coming (note Matthew 24:36-37), but each day we walk on in faith we can be encouraged that the full realization of our salvation is yet one day closer than it was before. What a bright and glorious day it will be when we come face to face with our Lord. However, for now let us not be caught dozing off, but rather continue to press on in faith, CLOTHED FOR THE WORKS God desires us to be involved in today.

Have a great day AWAKE AND DRESSED FOR DEEDS OF LIGHT!
Carl

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Wake Up! (part 2 of 2)

Yesterday we considered Ephesians 5:11-14 and how the world is in need of waking up to the fact there is absolute truth to be acknowledged. Even though we believe in God and acknowledge the authority of His Word, is there still perhaps the need for us to wipe some worldly sleep out of our eyes in order to focus and see all things as we should? Jesus referred to the eye as “the lamp of the body” which when healthy will fill the body with light. (Matthew 6:22) What the eye is taking in is going to impact what will be reflected in the life.

In the previous verses Paul exhorted…
“(6) Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. (7) Therefore do not associate with them; (8) for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. WALK AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT (9) (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), (10) and try to DISCERN WHAT IS PLEASING TO THE LORD. (11) Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but INSTEAD EXPOSE them.” (Ephesians 5:6-11 ESV)

If we don’t see as we ought we cannot shine as we ought! Having been called to walk as CHILDREN OF LIGHT, the FRUIT OF LIGHT -- that which is “good and right and true” -- is to be evident in our life. Does our CONDUCT shed light on how life is to be lived to please God? The Light of Christ in our life has the power to expose. That’s what light does: shines and exposes. It is the natural effect of light. May we retain His light within so that those around us can be impacted by the FRUIT OF LIGHT shining brightly through the world’s darkness. Such living will help others to see as they ought.

Have a great day LIVING TO LIGHT THE WAY OF LIFE!
Carl

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Wake Up! (Part 1 of 2)

When the alarm went off this morning, were you eager to get up? If someone turned on the light, did you pull the covers up over your head or scream for the light to be turned off because your eyes were not ready to see it? There is light some in this world do not like because they want to remain in the darkness. (note John 3:19-20) Paul reminded those at Ephesus they themselves had once lived in darkness. (Ephesians 5:8) Having now come into the LIGHT OF CHRIST, Paul urged them to continue to “walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8)

As Paul continued, we read…
“(11) Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. (12) For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. (13) But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, (14) for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘AWAKE, O SLEEPER, AND ARISE FROM THE DEAD, AND CHRIST WILL SHINE ON YOU.’” (Ephesians 5:11-14 ESV)

There is a very real sense in which this world needs to wake up and no longer be content with walking in darkness. Some need to wake up to the fact there are absolutes regarding that which is “good and right and true” (Ephesians 5:9), who in the name of “enlightenment” appear to be accepting, tolerating and even condoning that which should actually be seen as deeds of darkness. Rather than going along with what is pleasing to the world there is the need to acknowledge the LIGHT OF THE LORD so as to be able to discern what is pleasing to Him. (Ephesians 5:10)

Just like pulling the covers over one’s eyes does not change the fact the light has been turned on or the sun has risen, so closing the eyes to the truths of God does not change the fact the LIGHT OF THE SON has risen and His Lordship is to be acknowledged. Though it should be done in a gentle and loving manner (i.e. Ephesians 4:15; 1 Peter 3:15-16) , let us strive to wake up those around us to the true blessing living in the LIGHT OF CHRIST is for the present and the eternity to come.

Have a great day HELPING EXTEND GOD’S WAKE UP CALL!
Carl

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What We "B"!

It is important for us to consider what we “B” because of the impact and impression our life will leave with others. Someone has expressed, “A Christian may be a blot or a blessing; a blank he cannot be.”

The only way to be a “B”lank is for us to not exist, but because we do exist, is our life a “B”lot or a “B”lessing? Perhaps some would ask if there were not some area in between where their life is found, but Jesus indicated no middle ground when He stated the following.

We read…
“Whoever is not WITH ME is AGAINST ME, and whoever does not GATHER with me SCATTERS.” (Matthew 12:30 ESV)

The context of Jesus’ statement was with reference to His works being either by the power of God or by the power of Beelzebul. (Matthew 12:25-28) Jesus’ words implied there were only two choices; no middle ground. In our own focus on Him is it also not true there are only two choices? Either we are following His Will or the will of the world which is under the power of “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.” (Ephesians 2:2 ESV) What do our actions and words declare us to “B”? With or against Him? Gathering or scattering? Which decision does our life reveal?

As God views our life will it be seen as a “B”lot or a “B”lessing? If we “B” seen as a “B”lessing, then our life will “B” a “B”lessing to others and to ourselves as well in our steadfast allegiance to Jesus and His Will. May it truly continue to “B” so!

Have a great day LIVING FOR JESUS TO DRAW OTHERS TO HIM!
Carl

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What Was I Thinking?

“What was I thinking?” How often have we asked ourselves that question? How many times have we said or done the wrong thing and wondered why we had not given it further thought? What our thinking is based on needs to be given serious consideration because our thoughts (or lack of thought) can quickly get us into deep trouble.

Addressing the idea of maturing in knowledge, Paul stated…
“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I THOUGHT like a child, I REASONED like a child. WHEN I BECAME A MAN, I GAVE UP CHILDISH WAYS.” (1 Corinthians 13:11 ESV)

Ever tried to reason with a two year old? The truly sad thing is when such marks the life of someone later in life. Perhaps that could be a description of some of the leaders who opposed Jesus regardless of the proof presented in relationship to His Messiahship. Though we expect childish things from children, we do expect them to eventually grow up. As children move toward adulthood, childish ways are to be given up. Paul was trying to encouraging the same growth in a spiritual sense among those at Corinth. (1 Corinthians 3:1-3) Growing up in the faith means our speaking, thinking, and reasoning should be MATURING.

Paul would later urge…
“Brothers, DO NOT BE CHILDREN IN YOUR THINKING. Be infants in evil, but IN YOUR THINKING BE MATURE.” (1 Corinthians 14:20 ESV)

Bear in mind when Paul addressed the idea of evil, he did not say to be childish, but rather be “infants” or childlike, which would seem to point to the innocence of a child. With regard to the thinking, however, they were to be MATURE.

As we consider what it is we are thinking, may we see it as becoming more and more that which is in line with “the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16) Growing up we become accountable for the choices we make. Therefore, let us strive to think as ones who are MATURING in Christ.

Have a great day GROWING UP IN THE LORD!
Carl

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Governing Regulations!

It is amazing sometimes how more can be less and less can be more. I have heard people make short CONCISE statements that have been quite PROFOUND while at other times heard people go on and on only to be left wondering what their point was. Note the following that has circulated via e-mail. I think it is worthy of consideration.

-- God so loved the world. (Only 5 words)
-- The Pythagorean theorem. (24 words)
-- The Lord’s model prayer. (66 words)
-- Archimedes’ Principle. (67 words)
-- The Ten Commandments. (179 words)
-- Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. (286 words)
-- The Declaration of Independence. (1,300 words)
-- The U.S. Government regulations on the sale of cabbage. (26,911 words)

Those first five words are a wonderful and encouraging declaration. The Pythagorean theorem is important to the mathematics of geometry. The Lord’s model prayer, though relatively short, is both reverent and practical in focus. Archimedes’ Principle relates to the law of flotation and is important to boatbuilding. God’s commands given on Mt. Sinai were specific and practical. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address has been often cited for its focus. The Declaration of Independence marks the freedom of a nation. And then there’s cabbage.

The “experts” of regulations make it appear that selling cabbage must be pretty complicated. Since I like cabbage, I suppose I should appreciate those regulations. However, I can’t help but wonder at such a great contrast between the need for that number of words compared to the 179 words of the Ten Commandments. Those commands given to the nation of Israel were destined to make a world of difference in their relationship with God (the first four commandments) and their relationships with one others (the last six commandments). Though very briefly stated, consider the difference it would make in the world today if everyone were to allow their lives to be governed by the CONCISE principles of the fifth through tenth commandments.

When Jesus was asked by an “expert” in the Law regarding the great commandment of the Law, Jesus responded as follows:

“(37) And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. (38) This is the great and first commandment. (39) And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (40) ON THESE TWO COMMANDMENTS DEPEND ALL THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS.’” (Matthew 22:37-40 ESV)

That was the basis for everything else. Having a proper love for God and for one another will have a dynamic impact on the choices we make in life still today.

One other contrast to note was given by the Lord prior to His providing the model prayer. On that occasion Jesus mentioned how the Gentiles thought they were “heard for their many words” (Matt. 6:7 ESV) and exhorted His listeners not to be like them. (Matt. 6:8) We should see that the CONCISENESS can go both ways.

Because so many look for the loop holes in regulations rather than ACCEPTING THE INTENT, lawmakers and regulators try to cover every base of which they can think. However, if mankind would stop playing games and ACCEPT THE SIMPLE TRUTHS OF GOD’S WORD, what a different world this would be. May the truths of God’s Word be lived out in our life on a daily basis with the hope others will begin to see God’s Word is still the best standard by which to govern life.

Have a great day LIVING TO REVEAL THE PROFOUNDNESS OF GOD’S PRINCIPLES FOR LIFE!
Carl

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HBO!

When you hear the letters HBO, what comes to mind? Perhaps you immediately think of television. HBO is an American premium cable television network owned by Time Warner. The letters HBO stand for Home Box Office. In a sense it is movie theater in your living room (or whatever room your television is set up in). Though in our house we do have a cable connection for our computer use, the only means of television reception we have is the antenna on our roof. There are many programs we enjoy, but we don’t watch enough television to feel it is worth paying the extra money for all the other programming available. With all the channels out there I don’t know how anyone could possibly watch it all. However there are many who are fed through the television programming for a considerable number of hours every week.

What most are we allowing to feed us? Where is our focus most fixed? Is there an HBO that should mean something more significant to us? In a short article I came across by a Bill Dillon of Hickory Ridge, Arkansas, he suggested HBO to mean HEAR (Romans 10:17), BELIEVE (Hebrews 11:6), and OBEY (1 Samuel 15:22; John 14:15) as what we see people called to do in the New Testament and the exhortation still goes for today.

In Paul’s letter to the church at Rome we read…
“(14) But how are they to call on him in whom they have not BELIEVED? And how are they to BELIEVE in him of whom they have never HEARD? And how are they to HEAR without someone preaching? (15) And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’ (16) But they have not all OBEYED the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has BELIEVED what he has HEARD from us?’ (17) So FAITH COMES FROM HEARING, and HEARING through THE WORD OF CHRIST.” (Romans 10:14-17 ESV)

From Paul’s statement we should easily see how important the HEARING is. By HEARING, our faith develops, but we must remember it is not simply through HEARING a preacher or teacher has to say, but through HEARING “the word of Christ.”

The essentiality of BELIEVING was made clear by the Hebrew writer when he stated…

“And WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM, for whoever would draw near to God MUST BELIEVE that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 ESV)

We’ve got to BELIEVE and have faith in order to please God and that faith comes by HEARING “the word of Christ”, but what does our willingness to OBEY then reveal?

John exhorted…
“(2) By this we know that we love the children of God, when we LOVE GOD AND OBEY HIS COMMANDMENTS. (3) For THIS IS THE LOVE OF GOD, that we KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. And his commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:2-3 ESV)

Certainly everything on HBO (Home Box Office) is not worth hearing, nor believing, or obeying. However, when it comes to God’s Word any of it that we HEAR we would do well to readily BELIEVE and OBEY. May we keep God’s Word ever before us!

Have a great day MAINTAINING CLEAR RECEPTION FOR GOD’S WORD!
Carl

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Torn To Mend!

What are ways you commonly think of that indicate sorrowful repentance for sin? A sad, downcast look? Tears flowing down the face? Loud, intense weeping? Wearing sack-cloth with ashes sprinkled on the head? Rending (tearing) the garments? Praying? Fasting? Besides these, some religions have come up with certain things to recite or various deeds to be done, but what’s the thing for which God truly looks? Each one of the things listed above could be done without any real desire to change. These things could indicate sorrow to the world, yet hypocritically mean nothing to the individual and therefore be vain to God.

God, speaking through the prophet Joel, described what He is still most looking for:
“(12) ‘Yet even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘return to me WITH ALL YOUR HEART, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; (13) and REND YOUR HEARTS AND NOT YOUR GARMENTS.’ Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.” (Joel 2:12-13 ESV)

It is our HEART that must be affected. It is our HEART that must be touched. The sorrow must be more than a surface thing. It must be viewed as a deep thing in relation to God in order to bring about the life changes He desires. Be encouraged though that as we are cut in HEART He will not leave us bleeding. His desire is to heal the sin-sick soul.

Let us not harden our HEART, leaving it unable to be cut or torn. When our HEART is torn by guilt, let us thank God we have seen as we should. Then let us look to God for help in moving the direction He desires as He mends our HEART, lifts the burden of guilt from us, and renews our spirit by the power of His grace and mercy.

Have a great day WITH A TOUCHABLE HEART BEFORE GOD!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 08/21/1998 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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Being Overtaken!

In history we read of cities and countries being “overtaken” by rebels or conquering nations and such is still occurring in parts of the world today. Someone fleeing an enemy might be “overtaken” by them on the way. There are thieves who disguise and hide themselves in order to keep from being “overtaken” by the law. Perhaps there are some who live their life on the run, keeping only one step ahead of being “overtaken” by something. When God gave warnings to the nation of Israel through Moses with regard to His commands, it does not surprise us that if they did not obey they could expect to be “overtaken” by the curses God said would come. (Deuteronomy 28:15 ESV) But is there that by which we should want to be “overtaken”?

Earlier in this same chapter we read…
“(1) And if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. (2) And ALL THESE BLESSINGS SHALL COME UPON YOU AND OVERTAKE YOU, if you obey the voice of the LORD your God.” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2 ESV)

BLESSING after BLESSING was listed that would accompany life in the promised land, if only God and His commands would be followed. As the nation of Israel moved into the land to which God had been bringing them and walked on through the activities of daily life, GOD’S BLESSINGS would continue to “overtake” them. Moses even went on to state that God would “COMMAND THE BLESSING” (Deuteronomy 28:8 ESV) on them in their barns and in all the things they would undertake. God would order it to be so!

We are not in a position to command God to bless us. However, by living in accordance with His commands we can trust Him to provide the BLESSINGS He has promised because it is within His power to do so whether those BLESSINGS be of a physical or spiritual nature. The Creator of this world and universe has the power to command His creation to bring forth BLESSING and as a perfect spiritual Being He can command the spiritual and eternal BLESSINGS as well.

Why should we refuse to follow the commands of God? Why would we by so doing choose to be “overtaken” by His wrath? In Christ we have been delivered from the wrath of God (Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:10) and through abiding in a proper relationship with Christ we live in the realm of God’s BLESSINGS.

Paul encouraged…
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, WHO HAS BLESSED US IN CHRIST WITH EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES,” (Ephesians 1:3 ESV)

May we continue to follow God and His commands as we journey onward and upward toward the heavenly promised land.

Have a great day RICHLY BLESSED IN CHRIST!
Carl

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Precious!

Many can get precious stones and gold and silver. These can then be either stored away or used to adorn themselves. Earrings, necklaces, gold watches, pendants, rings, etc. can be sported by both the good and the bad. Such may impress some who will welcome the possessor into their circle of acquaintances. These things can become symbols of status in society. And the RARER the item and its makeup, the more precious it is considered.

Solomon noted…
“There is gold and abundance of costly stones, but THE LIPS OF KNOWLEDGE ARE A PRECIOUS JEWEL.” (Proverbs 20:15 ESV)

Wealth is possessed by many who have no grace in their hearts or on their lips. The RARE JEWEL in many conversations today is the graciousness that marks godly speech brought forth by godly wisdom. This RARE JEWEL is of greater value in the eyes of God than all the riches of the world and should be held as such by us in our own estimation of things. It comes naturally from a life that is rich toward God (Luke 12:21); a life that will also be marked by a wealth of good works (1 Timothy 6:18) to His glory and praise. May this possession be one that we continue to highly prize and allow to adorn our daily life.

Have a great day BEJEWLED BY GODLY WISDOM!
Carl

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Don't Be Outwitted!

In the first letter Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, there was sin in their midst with which they needed to deal. However, in the second letter, Paul brought to their attention that it was time to restore, forgive, and reaffirm their love (2 Corinthians 2:8) for the one who had apparently by then recognized the degree to which he had fallen away from God’s standard.

Paul went on to write:
“(10) Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, (11) so THAT WE WOULD NOT BE OUTWITTED BY SATAN; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” (2 Corinthians 2:10-11 ESV)

Satan loves an unforgiving spirit. Unwillingness to forgive keeps us apart. An unforgiving spirit separates and divides. It causes us to focus on the conflict and not on the work we ought to be doing together. Let us never allow Satan to use this tactic to outwit us. Focus on how God has extended forgiveness to us and be willing to forgive others in the same way. We all, at times are in need of forgiveness. Let’s not be stubborn. Let’s not be hard hearted. Don’t give Satan room to carry out his schemes.

There is great power in forgiveness. Forgiveness draws us close together. It also helps us keep our focus on what God’s great plan is all about as we focus on reaching out together with God's message of grace and mercy. I need it. You need it. Everybody needs it. And Satan doesn’t want us to get it. Let us together outwit Satan with the power of God’s forgiveness transcending our lives.

Have a great day EMPOWERED BY GOD TO OUTWIT SATAN!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 09/26/1998 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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The Question!

There are certain passages that every time I read them, I am struck by what is expressed. One of those passages relates to an encounter between Jesus and a man with leprosy.

We read…
“(12) While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, ‘Lord, IF YOU WILL, YOU CAN make me clean.’ (13) And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I WILL; be clean.’ And immediately the leprosy left him.” (Luke 5:12-13 ESV)

As this man approached Jesus with his earnest plea, his statement did not reflect any questioning with regard to Jesus’ ability. His words were not, “if you are able“, but rather “YOU CAN make me clean.” He believed in Jesus’ ability to do it. He acknowledged it was within the Lord’s power to do so. The question was with regard to Jesus’ willingness. Would it be HIS WILL to do so? What an encouragement for this man to hear Jesus say, “I WILL” and then for it to immediately happen.

The blessings we receive at the hands of God -- how many of them do we deserve? It is because of God’s gracious and loving spirit that He has been WILLING to grant them with the hope we would respond appropriately to Him. We may not always know what GOD’S WILL is for all the situations of life, but do we allow that to cause us to question His ability?

God has the ability to do more than all that we might ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20) Therefore we should ask, trusting Him to provide or withhold as He sees best. Perhaps it is better for us to have something that helps keep us humble, as was the case with Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7-9), than for something to be removed. Also, HIS WILL may not always be for immediate action and we are therefore called upon to trust in His timing. (note 1 Peter 5:6 and Galatians 6:9) When it is GOD’S WILL to grant our requests, let us not forget to praise and thank Him. Regardless, may we be encouraged that He is always mindful of our needs (note Matthew 6:8) and what is going on in our life.

Have a great day WILLING FOR GOD’S WILL TO BE DONE!
Carl

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Dealing With Stress!

Stress is one of the things of life that seems difficult to avoid. With hectic schedules associated with school, work, and family, so much to do, things that don’t go as planned, conflicts and losses of various kinds, etc., the weight of pressure rises. The key is in learning how to manage in spite of it all. I don’t believe there is any one of us that does not have some sort of stress to deal with from time to time. We each deal with varying stresses in different ways and looking around us we see some who seem to deal with it all pretty well while others do not. However, it is not always so much the object of the stress as much as it is the length of time it is being endured that creates the greatest weight upon us.

The following illustration is from a portion of an e-mail I received a couple months ago titled “Stress Management”.

“A lecturer when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, ‘How heavy is this glass of water?’ Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g. The lecturer replied, ‘The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you’ll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it’s the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.’ He continued, ‘And that’s the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won’t be able to carry on. As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we’re refreshed, we can carry on with the burden. So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don’t carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you’re carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can.’”

Many things can be easily endured for the moment. The real challenge is when those burdens continue to be with us. Through continuing to carry our burdens and cares, the weight can eventually become unbearable. Are we continuing to hold them? Sometimes we need to SET THEM DOWN OR ASIDE for a moment while we carry on other tasks of life and then pick them up again. Enjoying a little physical exercise and recreation or a hobby are good stress relievers as well as ways of getting the mind off the challenges for a moment. Also time we withdraw from life’s activities for worship and study together is a way of setting life’s burdens ASIDE AND REFUEL AND BE REFRESHED. The way to approach this at night is to go to God in prayer, UNLOADING OUR CARES before Him with a trust that He will help us deal with them, and then close our eyes and get the rest we need.

The Psalmist David urged…
“CAST YOUR BURDEN ON THE LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22 ESV)

David faced many stressful situations in his life. However, he looked to God and trusted in Him to sustain him.

Peter also encouraged…
“(6) Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, (7) CASTING ALL YOUR ANXIETIES ON HIM, BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV)

There is also a way in which we are to be mindful of helping each other. Lifting our hands up is an easy task until we have held them up a long time. Remember when Moses held up the staff of God in his hands while Israel was winning a battle against Amalek. However, as the battle went on, Moses was only able to keep his hands up with the help of Aaron and Hur. (Exodus 17:12)

Paul exhorted…
“BEAR ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2 ESV)

The burdens Paul mentioned here are what could be described as an “overload.” Therefore there are times when we need to learn to put the burdens down for a while and then other times when we need to rely on the help of our brothers and sisters in Christ to keep us from collapsing under the weight. We need to be willing to do this for others as well.

May we trust God as we LAY LIFE’S CARES BEFORE HIM and remain in relationships where we are also blessed by the support of others. In this way we will find strength to endure.

Have a great day LEARNING TO LET LOOSE OF LIFE’S LOADS!
Carl

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Investment Portfolio!

The stock market goes up and down. Interest rates fluctuate. Though track records are considered and strategy is used when deciding how and where to invest, there is still some guesswork regarding projections and an element of risk involved. The investments of life are not always a SURE THING! Even what is stashed away is subject to loss of value or theft. Some investors lose some here and gain some there and it balances out alright. Others have lost their life savings though they felt secure in where they had invested. Looking at stock options and diversifying is recommended to help balance out the gains and losses, as well as investing for the long term. However, GUARANTEES are hard to come by.

Jesus exhorted…
“(32) Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (33) Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with MONEYBAGS THAT DO NOT GROW OLD, WITH A TREASURE IN THE HEAVENS THAT DOES NOT FAIL, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. (34) For WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE WILL YOUR HEART BE ALSO.” (Luke 12:32-34 ESV)

Does this reflect our stock in life? Do we recognize the life investment that WILL NOT FAIL? With Heaven in mind we are to invest for the long term (eternity), recognizing the dividends on such stock are truly out of this world! What is associated with God ONLY RISES! It CANNOT FAIL! It does NOT LOSE VALUE! However, is it creating enough “interest” in us personally that we are eager to invest our lives in the Will of God?

If God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33) are left out of our portfolio, we are the poorest of the poor. For life to be lived this way we stand to lose everything! (consider Luke 12:20-21; Luke 19:26) Only with God can we be GUARANTEED a secure future and blessed retirement! May our “interest” in the things of God continually rate high.

Have a great day SAFELY PUTTING ALL STOCK IN GOD!
Carl

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Covered!

One thing I don’t understand about clothing is how that which appears to have been made with less cloth can cost more than that which covers more of the body. I have seen shirts which appeared so short I have been tempted to ask the individual if perhaps they could not afford the whole shirt. Modesty in clothing is something which should be given serious consideration. However, there is also a principle here we ought to bear in mind relating to the religion we profess. The statement has been made, “Some people will make a cloak out of a very small piece of religion.” [source: list of sentence sermons]

Some have embraced religion which has to be pulled at and shifted from time to time in order to cover whatever aspects of life need covering at the time. Others wear a religion that is so tight they can hardly move. Then there are those whose religion is merely a cloak used to cover themselves when around certain people, but is left in the closet when around others. How clothed are we?

Paul exhorted…
“But PUT ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Romans 13:14 ESV)

The Greek here signifies “to enter into, get into, as into clothes, to put on.” [Vine’s Expository Dictionary of N.T. Words] Strong’s Lexicon refers to the word in the sense of sinking into a garment. If we think of sinking into comfortable clothing (as we do for various tasks) we should recognize the comfort of always living FULLY CLOTHED IN CHRIST.

We were CLOTHED WITH CHRIST when we put Him on in baptism. (Galatians 3:27) And we will be suitably covered for all the tasks of life as long as we remain fully CLOTHED IN HIM. Without Him we are underdressed for any of life’s activities. May Christ and His essence remain our daily attire.

Have a great day CLOTHED FROM GOD’S WARDROBE!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 01/27/2005]

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Passing It Along!

I have come across people who loved to get free stuff, not because they needed it or wanted to use it, but because they could turn around and sell it to someone else, thus making a one hundred percent profit on what had been FREELY ACQUIRED. Perhaps some might consider such individuals as brilliant entrepreneurs. Others might view them as not displaying a very generous or giving spirit by collecting and not FREELY passing on to those who might have need or use of the items.

When Jesus sent the twelve disciples out on what has been referred to as the limited commission (in contrast to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20), they were empowered to do some mighty works that would accompany their message of the coming kingdom. As they had FREELY RECEIVED, they were to FREELY GIVE. (Matthew 10:8) Do we view what we have received from God in the same way?

Life is filled with challenges of both a physical and spiritual nature. As we experience these we look to God for His comfort, deliverance, guidance, and strengthening. We recognize these as blessings and if we are honest about it we will admit they are not blessings we necessarily deserve. God has graciously given us many things. Living to please Him is one way we reveal a genuine appreciation for His FREE GIFTS. However, another way is to willingly extend them to others.

In Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth we read…
“(3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and GOD OF ALL COMFORT, (4) WHO COMFORTS US in all our affliction, so THAT WE MAY BE ABLE TO COMFORT those who are in any affliction, WITH THE COMFORT WITH WHICH WE OURSELVES ARE COMFORTED BY GOD.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV)

God blesses us because He loves us, but He also desires for us to in turn bring blessing to the lives of others. Having received comfort we are enabled to extend it to others as well. Because we have received mercy we are expected to be merciful. (Matthew 18:33) Because we have received forgiveness we are to be forgiving. (Matthew 6:14-15) Especially here, Jesus pointed to the personal profit received in the giving of forgiveness.

Willingness to FREELY GIVE what we have received is an acknowledgement that we have received it and how much we appreciate what God has so FREELY GIVEN to us. May that spirit be well and alive within us as we go about our daily activities.

Have a great day FINDING THE PROFIT OF A GIVING SPIRIT!
Carl

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What We Make Of It!

We hear talk of ways to “sssstrrrreeeech” [stretch] dollars because of limited incomes. However, have we ever seen someone try to stretch a dollar bill? Such an attempt might merely result in ripping off a corner or tearing the dollar bill in half. To pull at a US dollar bill could possibly get a few wrinkles out of Washington’s face, but the paper is not going to stretch and neither will its value. A dollar is a dollar and will only buy what a dollar will buy. Therefore the thing that must be done is to USE IT WISELY.

The same is true with time. An hour is an hour and a minute is a minute. Time cannot be stashed away and saved somewhere nor stretched to provide more. We simply must USE IT WISELY as each moment presents itself.

Paul exhorted those at Ephesus to…
“(15) Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but AS WISE, (16) MAKING THE BEST USE OF THE TIME, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV)

And in his letter to the church at Colossae he urged…
“(5) Conduct yourselves WISELY toward outsiders, MAKING THE BEST USE OF THE TIME. (6) Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:5-6 ESV)

Time comes and it is up to us whether or not we put it to use and how. It is in our hands to be put to WISE USE and make something of it. Perhaps we might even equate time to a diamond in the rough that we can take and use in a way that truly shines to the glory of God. Considering our need to continually walk wisely and to be wise in how we are with others provides the opportunity for the light of Jesus to shine in and through us. May we recognize that as the Divine purpose for the time God gives us each day. That is time being put to the best and WISEST USE!

Have a great day MAKING TIMELY USE OF THE MOMENTS GOD BRINGS!
Carl

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Prayer Walk!

In Paul’s letter to the Christians at Thessalonica, he urged…
“(17) PRAY WITHOUT CEASING,” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV)

In the Greek, this short verse is only two words: “adialeiptos proseuchesthe”, “unceasingly pray”. Paul was exhorting toward a prayerful spirit as we go through life. Prayer is to be CONSTANTLY RECURRING as we go about our day to day activities. Prayer is to be a vital part of life’s daily walk! Though there are times when we ought to completely stop our activities, get on our knees, bow our heads, and close our eyes to pray that is not always necessarily the posture of prayer. Though Nehemiah had spent some time in fasting and prayer (Nehemiah 1:4), when he was in the presence of King Artaxerxes who asked Nehemiah what he was requesting with regard to his homeland, we read that Nehemiah “prayed to the God of heaven” and then he answered the king. (Nehemiah 2:4-5) We don’t have a picture of Nehemiah falling down in prayer, kneeling, or even turning toward Jerusalem. It appears that the prayer was simply spoken within himself as he sought courage in responding to King Artaxerxes. We should find it comforting to know that we can pray even while walking or driving (yes, please don’t close your eyes) and the prayer will be acknowledged by God even when others might not be aware we are praying. (note Matthew 6:5-6)

Yesterday as I took a seventeen mile walk in and around our town, I spent much of that time in prayer. I prayed as I often do that God would give me another focus to prepare for “teEn-MAIL”. I prayed with regard to my lessons and sermon to be shared with the congregation today. I prayed that I would share what needed to be shared and that there would be openness to the messages from God’s Word. I prayed for members of the congregation and the fellowship of ministry in which we share. I prayed for our community that those who had accepted false teaching would recognize the truth the Scriptures declare. I prayed for folks I might encounter along my walk and for words that might encourage them and also cause them to think about God and spiritual matters. I prayed for the family who just lost a teenage son to heart failure and how I might be of help through this difficult time. I prayed about my own need for growth. I prayed for those who have been absent from our fellowship and for wisdom in trying to reach out to them and help others do the same. And on and on went my prayer as I continued to walk around our community. As my walking was UNCEASING, so was my prayer.

There have been several years I have arrived at the Senior Teen Session of our Bible camp early enough to do a prayer walk around the camp. Not only have I found it helpful in preparing my own focus for the week, but it has been my special personal way of lifting before God the staff and the teens who would share the week together. My prayer walk would consist of seven circuits around the camp. On the first lap I would stop at specific points and pray toward the places where certain camp activities would take place during the week. As I would begin the other circuits around the camp facility my prayers continued for our camp director and all the responsibilities he would have through the week. I would also pray for the other staff since we would share various duties together and with regard to the lessons we had prepared to teach -- that those messages would be God’s and not our own. I would pray for the cooks giving of their time and sweat in a hot kitchen, getting up early and working through a long day so that along with the spiritual nourishment being received, our bodies would be nourished as well. On the seventh circuit of the camp (thinking of the final walk around Jericho under the leadership of Joshua) I would begin specifically praying for any barriers or walls that needed to come down -- recognizing that luggage was not the only baggage some teens might be coming with -- so that God would be able to do His work through the week in open and receptive hearts and minds of both teens and staff. I would also pray that the victories God would bring to lives during the week would continue to be ongoing even when it would be time for everyone to go back home.

“UNCEASINGLY PRAY!” May that action be associated with our daily walk in life. Such an awareness of God and reliance upon Him will do much to keep the focus of our mind and the activities of our life in sync with Him and His Will.

Have a great day KEEPING THE WALK AND PRAYER IN CHRIST CONSTANT!
Carl

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Beyond The Moment!

Prior to Moses’ death -- as he was preparing the people of Israel for entrance into the promised land -- he reminded them of the commands God had given on the mountain and the favorable response of the people at that time.

The people had told Moses…
“Go near and hear all that the LORD our God will say and speak to us all that the LORD our God will speak to you, and WE WILL HEAR AND DO IT.” (Deuteronomy 5:27 ESV)

How admirable! How proper! How right! That is the kind of resolve the Lord seeks from His people. Moses noted the Lord heard those words and that they were right to have spoken in this way. (Deuteronomy 5:28) However, consider the next statement of God.

We read…
“OH THAT THEY HAD SUCH A MIND AS THIS ALWAYS, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever!” (Deuteronomy 5:29 ESV)

There is the great need. This is the desire of God and the resolve that needs to CONTINUALLY mark our life even today. How many times have we heard the teaching of the moment, felt good about it and committed to it, but the commitment did not last? How often can moments of our life be categorized like the seed that fell among the rocks which sprang up quickly, but soon withered because it had no root? (Matthew 13:5-6, 20-21) It is good when we hear the teaching of truth that inspires us toward recommitment to obedience and actions of faith, but we also need to allow the compelling power of God’s Word to take root deep within us or such inspiration will only be short lived. To CONTINUE in obedience reflects how deep the commands have been allowed to take root and impact our life.

Many times we read of the nation of Israel walking away and forgetting God’s commands. James also described such action as he urged his readers to be not hearers of the word only, but doers of it as well. (James 1:22-24) Let us not be hearers who forget (James 1:25), but those who CONTINUE to remember and put into action the commands God has given. This is the mind God desires us to possess always so that things might go well with us! May this mind be CONTINUALLY reflected in the actions of our life!

Have a great day TRANSLATING GOD’S PRINCIPLES INTO PERSISTENT PRACTICE!
Carl

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"Someday, When?"

Someday, when I have more money. When I am older. When I have developed more skill. When I have gotten more other stuff behind me. When I…. Have we made such statements or at least thought them? The problem with this focus is that it is very possible such a time will never come. It is the TODAY we need to acknowledge; considering what are we doing with it and what is PRESENTLY OURS to be used. The thing that will most likely determine what we will do when those “somedays” come is what we are doing where we are and with what we have RIGHT NOW!

Jesus stated…
“(10) One who is faithful IN A VERY LITTLE is ALSO faithful IN MUCH, and one who is dishonest IN A VERY LITTLE is ALSO dishonest IN MUCH. (11) If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” (Luke 16:10-11 ESV)

Why should we expect to be entrusted with more abilities and opportunities if we are not using what we have PRESENTLY? By focusing faithfully on what we can do RIGHT NOW we can turn TODAY into quite “some day” by simply utilizing our present abilities and time in service to the glory of God. We may wonder about the significance of some of what we are PRESENTLY doing, but when we learn to believe that there is NOTHING TOO SMALL (i.e. Matthew 10:42) for us TO DO WELL we will be preparing ourselves for doing even bigger things in the grand scheme of life and eternity. May we recognize how everyday’s actions help prepare us for things to come.

Have a great day RECOGNIZING THE BIG DEAL WITH LITTLE THINGS!
Carl

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Life On The Loom!

My wife just completed crocheting a baby blanket. It is a beautiful blend of pastel colors patiently worked together over a several week period. To me its making has appeared to be a fancy process of making loops and tying knots, but the end result is beautiful. This blanket will be given to a family of our congregation who recently had a baby.

Working with yarn has been around for a long time. Beautiful blankets, rugs and tapestries have been woven on the loom, row by row and color by color. In the early stages, perhaps someone might wonder about the combination of some of the colors and patterns being formed. However, when the finished work is cut from the loom it is admired for its colorful variety that forms the whole.

In Isaiah we read the following words of Hezekiah following his recovery from an illness.
“My dwelling is plucked up and removed from me like a shepherd’s tent; LIKE A WEAVER I HAVE ROLLED UP MY LIFE; HE CUTS ME OFF FROM THE LOOM; from day to night you bring me to an end;” (Isaiah 38:12 ESV)

Our life in the hands of God can be likened to a MASTERPIECE being woven on the loom. Each of our individual lives may not display the same colors and patterns, but moment by moment, bit by bit, color by color, event by event, our LIFE’S TAPESTRY is gradually woven together. Woven into this TAPESTRY OF LIFE are various textures and colors that contrast the good times and tough times. Some patterns may be wider than others representing varying lengths of life’s experiences. Then when the day comes that the last row has been completed, our life will be cut from the loom. It can then be viewed together as a BEAUTIFUL MASTERPIECE to be taken to be cherished in God’s eternal home. May we trust ourselves in His hands as we look toward that day.

Have a great day OPEN TO HIS WORK STILL BEING DONE!
Carl

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