Happy Holiday or Merry Christmas?

Which of the above greetings is correct? To be quite honest, I really don't care what your choice is, but then again, I don't care much about being politically correct either. I realize that as a Christian I can call it whatever I want. Is December 25^th the actual birthday of Christ Jesus? Most likely not! Does it matter? No!

There are many that want to celebrate December 25^th as the birth of Christ, yet some who just enjoy the "holiday season" with all of the sights and sounds of Christmas, feasts with the family and exchanging presents, with no thought of Christ. That's OK by me; I really don't care what you do with the day.

Now before you get on your religious high horse, let me again say; that first, December 25^th is most likely not the time of Christ's birth. Second, no where in the scripture are we given instruction to or example of celebrating Jesus' birthday. Third, like most of the world, I really don't care what you do; I have the freedom to choose to celebrate the birth of Christ or just to have a "happy holiday".

You might think, "How can you as a mister say such a thing?" It's really rather simple. Again, there is no command or example in the bible to do so, but there is a scripture that deals with our freedom to choose to do so if we wish. In Romans 14:5-6 Paul writes, “One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each should be fully convinced in his own mind.” Should Christmas then be an official church holiday? In my way of thinking, no. It is not in the Bible and all of us don’t even have the same opinion about it. Do we have the right to celebrate it if we want to? Yes!

Yet Paul cautions us in Romans 14:22, “Blessed is the man that does not condemn himself by what he approves (or says is good)”.  You see Romans the 14th chapter deals with problems between brethren who are having faith problems. The brother with the weak faith had not yet grown to the point where he understood that everything we do is to the glory of God, therefore doing certain things, such as "keeping holy days", would cause him to stumble in his faith.

So, even though I don't care what you do or say about this holiday, because it will not affect my faith, yet for some it may. So, be careful of what you "approve," so you "do not condemn yourself". Do I have a problem with our world, our schools, our town counsels, and our federal government telling us that we cannot remember Christ in any way or even mention his name in certain places? You bet I do!

I've made my choice, but you are responsible for your own choices. For me, I'll just close this by saying that I wish each of you a Merry Christmas!

The Fall

Well, I had a “rude awakening” this past week, literally! I fell out of bed… There I was sound asleep, dreaming I was climbing a ladder and my feet slipped and … well, I fell out of bed and landed on my chest, cracking a rib. It has been rather painful this week. There is nothing they can do for it a doctor friend told me, just take it easy. However in my present job, that is easier said than done. This too shall pass however and life will continue.

I was reminded of a story I heard years ago about a little boy who fell out of bed. His parents rushed in to quiet the crying boy and said, “What happened to you?” to which the boy replied, “I guess I just was sleeping too close to where I got in.” Of course my mind jumps to the spiritual application for you and me.

In my years of ministry I have seen so many people start a new relationship with God and not long after they “fall” away or forget all of the promises they made to God. The problem is that they never moved from the edge of the relationship to a better and deeper understanding and relationship to our God. They might start their relationship with great enthusiasm and then they begin to feel that it just isn’t working for them or they really don’t feel any different. They think, when you become a Christian, aren’t you suppose to feel more holy, more spiritual, isn’t this suppose to help you overcome the problems in your life?

The problem as I have seen it is that far too often these folks have stayed right on the edge of the relationship and never delved deeper and grown in the spirit themselves.

These are much like the folks spoken of in the book of Hebrews, “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil”.  (Hebrews 5:11-14) NLT

Humm… training yourself by a constant use of the word of God… What an idea! You see that’s what it means to go deeper, to no longer stay on the edge so that you might “fall” out of the relationship.

Be careful about staying too close to the edge… you might end up with more than a cracked rib; you might loose your soul.

THE CHURCH AND KARAOKE

We were visiting with some good friends this past week after a long separation. We sat up for hours catching up on every imaginable topic. Of course we discussed our churches and some of the many happenings there.

They shared a recent incident that had happened when a non-Christian friend visited their congregation. Later in the day he was trying to tell someone about his "Church Experience". He described how friendly everyone was with him and how much he loved that. Then he told them about the preaching and how he enjoyed the message and the presentation by the preacher who was not stuffy at all. He then tried to describe the singing, during which the words to the songs were projected on a screen above the pulpit. In describing this he said excitedly, "And they sing Karaoke"!

I found the description humorous to say the least, but it made me wonder about what folks think when they visit our church. Years ago I heard a man discuss the "secret language" used in churches. We use words like, "deacon" and "elder" or even "minister" and just assume folks understand what we are talking about. We write abbreviations such as "Mt", "Mk", "Lk" and "Jn" and assume that people will know that stands for the bible books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. We may even sing acapella and assume that folks know that means we don't use musical instruments in our worship.

So, stop and think about what you are doing in your worship sometime. Maybe even make sure our church visitors have a little understanding about what is happening. Not everyone was "raised going to church," and just don't have the same background as you might. They may be like the little girl who innocently said of Communion, "I love going to church, they serve juice and crackers every week, just like my preschool".

We may not actually "sing Karaoke," the way the world perceives it, but hopefully we are those described by Jesus in John 4:23 where he says, "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks." Spirit and Truth is a must, Karaoke… not so much!

THE THANKSGIVING TAILGATE PARTY

We have seen many changes take place in our nation over the years, but the growth in popularity of the "Tailgate Party," has amazed me. Whenever there is a sporting event someone will throw a Tailgate Party. For those who might not know, it is a gathering of  like minded friends who gather and share a meal, talk about the coming event and then watch the event together cheering on their favorite team (usually with much enthusiasm).

In the past couple of weeks I have listened as my co-workers have discussed their planned Thanksgiving celebration. It occurred to me for many it was less about Thanksgiving and more of a tailgate party. They were more interested in watching the "Big Game" (sporting event) than being with family. Some were actively planning the big day of shopping beginning late that night and the next day and Thanksgiving was just something to get through before that happened. For some Thanksgiving is just a tailgate party, for some it is an obligation, something to be endured until they can get to the game or shopping.

I'm not saying that these folks will not enjoy being with family, but not once did I hear the idea express of anyone actually being thankful for anything. Again, for many, yet I understand not all, being thankful has become of secondary importance. We as a nation seem to have forgotten why the holiday came into existence. We forget to Thank God for all he has provided and to be thankful for family and the opportunity to spend time with loved ones.

Again, I realize this is not how everyone feels, but I have been surprised to listen to those I work with discuss Thanksgiving.

My prayer is that you will remember what it is about and enjoy friends and family, but do it with a spirit of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving for them, Thanksgiving to our God and Thanksgiving for our free country. As the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 1:2-3, "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you."

May the Spirit of Thanksgiving live in each of our hearts this year and always. 

HOW TO SURVIVE IN OUR WORLD TODAY?

(Paris Mourns)

The events of last week in Paris are still fresh in all of our minds. The questions I have heard several times are, "Can it happen here," or "what would you do in that situation"? Interestingly I just happen to listen to a commentary by Mike Adams whose title was: "How to survive a mass shooting." Now understand that the risk of a mass shooting event in your life is very rare. You may have a better chance of getting hit by lighting. You may not want to hear it or think about it, but there is a chance… Notice a few of the points from the commentary.

Mike suggested that you can:

1. Call 911, realizing that the police will be 10 to 20 minutes away.
2. Flee, run for you life.
3. Hide, try to get somewhere they can't see you.
4. Play Dead, not effective, in at least one of the mass shootings the shooters shot those who were playing dead anyway.
5. Attack physically, get inside the range of the rifle and it can not be used against you. Scratch, bite, kick, hit, and poke eyes, whatever you can. Of course to do this you must be willing to sacrifice yourself to save the lives of others, maybe your family. But in doing so, you may inspire others to help you overcome the attackers.
6. And lastly you can shoot back. In other words, be prepared before hand for when bad things might happen. Arm yourself properly

Now you may wonder, "Why in the world is Russ talking about this?" Well, first I guess, because I am concerned about all of you. I wouldn't want any of you to loose your lives in such a way. But second, because it parallels our fight against the army of Satan.

1 Peter 5:8 tells us that Satan is as a Roaring lion, looking for opportunities to devour each of us.

We get that, we understand that concept I think.

Yet, if you think you can stand up to a roaring, charging lion, you are a better person than I.

Most of us might think, "Well I was Chuck Norris might be able to do it," but we're not; are we? Well, what about being a 12 or 13 year old boy, could you do it then? Most of us would think that idea is pretty stupid, yet that is exactly what David said he did (1 Samuel 17:34-36).

What does this have to do with surviving a mass shooting?

Simply, Satan is trying to kill us physically and Spiritually. We can understand the idea of Spiritual Warfare, but now it has progressed to both Physical Warfare also. The recent shooting at the collage out west, the shooter asked people if they were Christians before killing the ones that said yes.

Whose idea do you think that was? Satan has been working hard at it even before the beginning of the church, 2000 years, starting with Jesus the Messiah. And when the leaders of ISIS and other extremist saying they are coming to kill us, they are not going to target other Muslims, they are going to target Christians.

The best thing we can do is to organize and put on the Spiritual Armour of God and attack Satan. You may have some hesitation on agreeing with this, but notice what Jesus had to say in Matthew 16:13-18.

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

That passage indicates that we need to be the aggressors, not in a physical war against Muslims as such, but against Satan and his armies. Against everything that is trying to destroy our Christian lives and Nation.

Our fight today is against ungodliness, the addictions, the moral decay, and the breakdown of godly family units, the distinction between the sexes, transgender, pornography and homosexuality. All of the things which our nation has been tricked by Satan into accepting as being OK, while God says it is not.

How does this follow Mike Adam's list of survival techniques?

1. Do we call someone else to deal with the problem?

2. Do we run away from it?

3. Do we hide our belief so it can't be seen by others?

4. Do we play dead and pretend we are not Christians?

5. Or do we join the fight and attach Satan and his army?

We might say, "But it's going to cost us something in our lives! Isn't that what Christ, Peter, Paul and all of the other apostles were willing to pay!

Satan is attacking our nation, our society, our churches and our families daily. Just turn on your television and you will see and hear him trying to take over people's lives… and succeeding.

What other decision can we make than to join the Lord's Army?

If we don’t, what is our excuse? Will you die spiritually or allow your friends and family to die, because you are not willing to sacrifice something of yourself?

James writes in James 4:17, "Therefore to him who knows to do good, and does not do it, to him it is sin."

Do you know how to do good and fight Satan?

Are you doing it?

SARAH AND THE HAIRBRUSH

Young miss Sarah, our great niece, has lovely hair that flows down over her shoulders. Her grand mother, my sister had a new hair brush, one of the round ones with fine teeth on it, about which she specifically told her grand daughters "do no use my hair brush". Of course as you can probably already guess, Sarah used her grandmother's hair brush. How do we know? Because while we were finishing a family supper, Sarah came down from upstairs with the hairbrush terribly tangled in her lovely long hair. Not just tangled, but knotted into a large mass on the side of her head.

Being a man I guess I could not imagine how you could ever get the hairbrush out of her hair without cutting her hair. But, three of our family's women worked on her hair for about an hour and got it out. Of course they had to get wire cutters and cut the bristles off of the brush one by one to do so.

When she saw her grand daughter's hair; what do you think was the first thing my sister said? How about, "Didn't I tell you not to touch my hairbrush?" Isn't it amazing that since the creation that type of question is probably the most repeated in history? In the very beginning God asked almost the same question of his very first children. In Genesis 3:3 after Satan whispered in her ear that she could get away with disobeying, the first woman, Eve, admitted: "God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it…" But of course you know how that that went… she touched it anyway. Later God asked, "What is this you have done?" And the woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." Her life had become a tangled mess because she didn't obey a simple rule which was given by her father, God.

How many times are we like Sarah, or Eve? It's a simple thing, no one will know, it will just take a minute, one puff, one joint, one drink, one word; one time in a compromising situation, and after all, no one will know… How many lives have become tangled messes because of "just one time"?

My sister's response to her grand daughters predicament was and destroying her new hairbrush was: "Hairbrushes can be replaced, kids can't". The world if full of people who are suffering the consequences of "just one time". Thankfully we have a loving God who always accepts us back when our lives become tangled messes.

My favorite verses in the bible come from 1 John 1:7-10 that talks about our struggle in life and our far too often failures. John writes: "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Now there is a little more to getting into contact with the Blood of Christ to begin with (Romans 6), but in understanding that there is always forgiveness when we get tangled up we find hope to overcome and go on with life.

May you life be without tangles, but if it's not, God can fix it.

A NEW HEART

We recently became reacquainted with a high school class mate of my wife. As we shared the happenings of our life, she shared that she had received a heart transplant. We were surprised as she told us about this happening. Her heart became diseased through no fault of her own and was slowing dying and the doctors were able to give her a "new lease on life," as they say.

I can remember hearing about the first human heart transplant taking place many years ago and the feeling of amazement that such a thing could be done. It's still an amazing thing to me. I can understand some of the basics regarding the procedure, but no way do I understand the intricacies involved in all that is done, yet I know it is done on an almost daily basis. They tell us there are about 2,000 heart transplants per year now.

There are lots of changes that take place for a person with a heart transplant. They must make lifestyle changes, change their eating habits, perhaps exercise differently and they are told, "You'll need to take immunosuppressant medications daily for life to keep your body from rejecting your donor heart".

As I thought about someone receiving a new heart I realized it is no different than becoming a child of God. The scripture that came to mind first was Psalm 51:7-10 where David writes: "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

"Create in me a new pure heart," what an amazing idea for us, yet it happens to thousands of people every day, perhaps hundreds of thousands every year in the spiritual realm. It is possible and no less amazing than a physical heart transplant.

It's just like what God promised the Israelite nation in Ezekiel 36:26-27, "And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put My Spirit in you so that you will follow My decrees and be careful to obey My regulations." (NLT)

That is what God is about, it's what he does, and He takes out our stony, stubborn heart and gives us a tender, responsive heart. But just like a physical heart transplant it needs constant care. Perhaps changes need to be made in our life style and other physical habits and there will definitely be "sin suppressant" treatments daily for life to keep us from rejecting our new heart".

Of course this all comes from having a new relationship with our God and His Word. This in part comes from having a new relationship with His church. I have met so many people in my lifetime who say, "I don't need to go to a church to feel spiritual," but that's like someone saying, "I don't need to go to the doctor anymore after I receive my heart transplant". They both are missing a key ingredient to keeping your heart alive.

How is your stony, stubborn heart doing? Perhaps it's time to listen to God and make it tender and responsive once again.

Passwords & Pins

Passwords and PIN numbers are part of our everyday life now aren’t they? Everything we do seems to have some level of protection to it, especially if you use the internet. It might be dealing with Credit cards, accounts or even buying groceries… almost everything.

I was reminded of this the other day, by my wife, Melody. I was getting ready to leave the house and she kissed me lovingly and said, 'Be careful and come home to me". I said, 'I will!" She looked me deep in the eyes and said, 'I mean it, you stay safe and come back to me," and paused.  I was touched at her concern, then she finished her thought by saying, "After all, you're the only one who knows all of the passwords." I sometimes forget what a good sense of humor she has… at least I think she was kidding.

Passwords are important. They help keep us safe and get us into places we want to go; they are part of the "rules of our modern world," so to speak. You have to go through the proper procedure. Identification (ID), user names and passwords are required for us to operate within the system.

Understanding that, it surprises me at how many people object to God placing restrictions and requirements on their lives. They want to have a relationship with God, they want to enter his presence, his kingdom, yet they don't want to follow his rules.

God, in His Word, says, "Do this," or "Don't do this." He says, "This is acceptable behavior," and "This is unacceptable." He says, "If you want to be part of my kingdom and go to Heaven, here are the rules." Yet people insist on saying, 'God really didn't mean it, you have to change to rules to meet the times."

Isn't it funny that God ends his wonderful book with these words in Revelation 22:14-19 "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let the one who hears say, "Come!" Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll."

Funny isn't it that folks want God who offers them eternal life, but they won't listen to his requirements? Yet, they follow the rules of their bank and internet businesses strictly and don't think anything of it. How about you?

THE PAPER CLIP

Paper clips are amazing. They can be put to use in hundreds of ways other than holding paper. BDT (Before Duct Tape) I even  used them in an emergecy to hold together a ripped pant leg. Today we used them to hang banners. Here is a short list of some of the things for which you can use paper clips.

1.      hem holder

2.      cigar filter unstopper

3.      spray bottle unclogger

4.      eye glass repair

5.      hair barrette

6.      zipper tab

7.      clean fingernails

8.      Xmas ornament holder

9.      unclog Elmer's glue bottle

10.  calendar holder

11.  belt holder

12.  emergency cotter pin

13.  emergency diaper pin (boy! do I date myself there!)

14.  strawberry huller

15.  cherry pit remover

16.  hymn marker (for organists)

You get the idea I'm sure. They are useful and versitile.

Jesus is much like a paper clip for our lives. He helps hold things together in our lives, he sticks together the rips and tears that the world leaves in our lives. He gives us purpose and life.

Paul writes to the Colossian church in Colossians 1:12-18  “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:   In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

Christ may be our paper clip, but he is so much more! He holds our lives together when the world wants to tear them apart.

 I have been a fan of Science Fiction most of my life. I like the ability it gives me to dream of places I will never see and imagine things that are greater than our world. It allows me to travel in space in my mind and participate in heroic adventures.

One of the concepts that has been used more in the past few years is the concept of an element called "Unobtanium". You can actually find the word in the dictionary and it is defined in this way: "Since the late 1950s, aerospace engineers have used the term "unobtainium" when referring to unusual or costly materials, or when theoretically considering a material perfect for their needs in all respects, except that it does not exist." Laughingly "Unobtainium is described as being stronger than helium and lighter than airium". The term came more to the forefront of thought by its use to describe the element they were mining in the movie "Avatar".

To many people God is like Unobtanium. The idea of someone loving them for who they are with no reservations is like Unobtanium. The idea of having all of the bad things they have done in their lives erased and starting with a clean slate is much like Unobtanium, something which just does not exist.

We are not alone when we struggle with that problem. Even the Apostle Paul struggled with this issue in his life. Notice what he says in Romans 7:24: "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?"

Isn't that the same things we want to know? Who will rescue us from this body that is subject to death?"

Paul continues in verse 25a with the answer to the problem. He tells us how to find the Unobtaniam. He writes: "Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord."

We sing a song in our churches that says: "He is able to deliver me!" But far too often we really don't believe it. God's word says that if we serve him, when we die, we are going to heaven! Do you really believe that, or are you one of those who say, "I hope I am." Heaven is not unobtainable, it is a free gift, a promise to those who love God and obey his word.

Let me share one last verse that is so very hard for some to really, really believe. John says in 1 John 5:13: "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life!" Like the old fellow said, "God said it, I believe it and that settles it!"

How would you like to get your share of Unobtainium? It's there waiting for you to Obey God and serve him.

The Theologian Said...

I was reading an article yesterday about some of the current social turmoil in our country regarding same sex marriage, in which the headline said (in part) "The Theologian said". Now according to my dictionary, a "theologian" is a person who is an expert in religious faith and practices, or an expert in understanding God.

Well, I guess I am not a Theologian according to the world's standards. The reason being is that this "Theologian" who was quoted in this national publication, said that God nowhere condemns certain lifestyle choices. She even quoted out of context a few Old Testament passages, while completely ignoring clear statements to the contrary throughout God's Word in both the Old and New Testaments.

Our world likes titles! It loves people who have letters behind their names, supposedly proving they have achieved some higher level of understanding. That is the problem we see when we begin to heap respect and recognition on men and women because they have a title of some kind. The words they utter, the stances they take are accepted by many, just because they claim to be an "expert" is some area (perhaps a theologian). Many say, "Everyone has a right to their own beliefs," and that's true, as long as you are willing to accept the consequences of your decisions.

Jesus had some very clear words for people like this in Luke 11:52: "What sorrow awaits you experts in religious law! For you remove the key to knowledge from the people. You don't enter the Kingdom yourselves, and you prevent others from entering."

Now I don't claim to be an expert, but I have read my bible through from front to back every year for over 25 years. I do put a fair amount of study into trying to understand God's will for us today. What that makes me is a disciple of Christ, an ongoing learner, one who walks by faith and accepts God Word as true even if it different from what is "Socially accepted," or "politically correct. It makes me a Christian who says that God is in charge telling our world what is right or what is wrong. It makes me one who believes that "God judges the living and the dead," (1 Peter 4:5), and that we are all accountable to Him for our choices here on this earth.

Yes, people in our world want to believe what they want is right and nothing else matters. That's not a new desire, the thought was planted in the mind of Eve in the Garden of Eden by Satan in the very beginning and he continues to spread the same lie. Jesus however did not agree, in fact he condemned the idea in Matthew 7:21. Notice his words (another clear proclamation of Jesus which the many "theologians" reject). "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

You may not agree with my thoughts and that's your privilege to disagree. After all I'm no Theologian, I'm just an old country preacher who keeps on reading his bible and listening to God and trying his best to do "the will of my Father who is in heaven".  

Out of the frying pan

Have you ever heard the saying: "Out of the frying pan and into the fire"?

The Italian author Laurentius Abstemius wrote a collection of 100 fables. Abstemius' fable 20, concerns some fish thrown live into a frying pan of boiling fat. One of them urges its fellows to save their lives by jumping out, but when they do so they fall into the burning coals and curse its bad advice.

The fabulist concludes: 'This fable warns us that when we are avoiding present dangers, we should not fall into even worse peril.' Is there a spiritual application to this? I believe there is!

To start with Solomon tells us in Proverbs 27:12 "A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences."

What is a phrase we might uses to explain this thought to someone: "Look before you leap" or "You wouldn’t jump off a cliff, just because your friends do, would you?"

The question we might ask is "What are spiritual cliffs that folks jump off of today?"

Sometimes they involve sin, sometimes they involve relationships, sometimes they just involve making bad decisions and sometimes our cliffs involve facing challenges…Sometimes your life challenge feels like you have gone from the frying pan into the fire……

So what has been your cliff, your challenge? Is it physically or spiritually, and how do you handle it?

Let me make a suggestion for handling difficult things in your life. One of my favorite passages is Romans 8:28: Paul writes there: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”

Let me give you the “Russ Revised Version” of is verse: "Do your best to serve God, love him and no matter how badly you mess things up,  God will be able to make something good come from it." Even if you don’t see it or understand it, God has the power to work it to the good!

So it may seem that you have gone from the frying pan into the fire, but don’t forget to trust in Him, Our God and King.

That's why Psalm 23:1-6 is so dear to so many of us. It reminds us of who is in control of our world and our life. David wrote: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in   the house of the LORD for ever."

So face life's challenges trusting in God!

GOD IS STILL ON HIS THRONE

 

A friend, Larry, and I were talking the other day and he shared a thought about our human condition and God. The bottom line is that no matter what happens in our world and our life, God is still on his throne. Another friend and I have often commented to one another that God still rules in this world. It really doesn't matter if the world denies that fact, it is still true.

All through the scripture it gives us insight into that concept. When Abraham left his home and faced challenges, God was still on his throne and caused good to happen. When Joseph was sold in to slavery, God was still on his throne and caused good to happen. When the Children of Israel were fleeing from the Egyptians and backed up to the sea, God was still on his throne and caused good to happen. When the Children of Israel were carried off into Babylonian Captivity, God was still on his throne. When three young men were thrown into a "Fiery Furnace," God was still on his throne. The list could go on and on, but you get the idea.

We forget far too often that God IS the most powerful being in all creation. We forget far too often that he doesn't have to consult us before he makes his plans. We forget that God doesn't have to let us know how he plans to use us in this life. We forget that God's ways (thoughts) are far beyond our understanding. And mostly we forget far too often that God is on his throne. He always has been; he always will be!

One of the most important things we forget is that when Jesus was hanging on a cross, God was still on his throne and good things happened. We would not have understood that if we had been there and many still don't, but nevertheless, it is true.

In Revelation 15:3-4 we see people in heaven who had won their fight against Satan singing the following song. (The words are important, they speak of our God.)

"Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty. Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations. Who will not fear You, Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous deeds have been revealed."

In Revelation 19:4 we read: "Then the twenty four elders and the four living beings fell down and worshiped God, who was sitting on the throne. They cried out, 'Amen! Praise the LORD!'"

No matter what happens in our world or in your life, God is sitting on his throne! Amen! Praise the Lord!

Jiving in your car

I was driving to work about 7 in the morning the other day and stopped at a traffic light. In front of me was a young woman who was obviously enjoying her morning more that I was. By observation I would say she was listening to her radio and "jiving" to the music. She was twisting and turning, bobbing her head and moving back and forth.

I thought about that and wondered why she should be having a better morning than I was.  Was it just that I was having an off day? Perhaps it was, but I know I don't rejoice as much as I should. It's not that I dislike mornings, in fact I love to see the sunrise. The Psalmist said of God in Psalm 65:8 "Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy."

Of course you're familiar with Paul's encouragement to "rejoice in the Lord always," (Philippians 4:4), so the idea is not new. However, we, being human, we need to be reminded and reminded often. You see I do rejoice, but not enough and possibly not exuberantly enough. In fact it seems that lately I have been too busy dealing with the everyday concerns of life to remember to rejoice.

Satan does a really good job of distracting me. He works his way into my world and my life, not necessarily to drag me into some terrible or sinful behavior, but to distract me from what is really important. It's who he is, the father of lies. Revelation 12:9 describes him this way: "that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world."

How can we overcome Satan's power? First, if you haven't already done so, become a Christian or if you have left your first love, return to God. Second, spend time in God's Word; it reminds you of what is really important. Third, spend time talking to God about those things that trouble you; it helps to unload your problems on someone who truly cares. Fourth, spend time with God's people in worship and if fellowship. You can't be part of the army fighting to protect one another and fight Satan if you don't show up at boot camp or for training. You can't fight and protect yourself and others if you aren’t watching out for others and participating in the battles.

I may not "jive in my car," but I can still rejoice in my Lord and all he does for me and gives to me. I don't know that I will try a little "seat dancing" this morning on my way to work, but what I do know is that "I can do all things through him that gives me strength," (Romans 8:28). I know I need to count my blessings and rejoice more. Maybe you should try it!

How are you doing?

The other morning at my workplace someone asked one of the men, "How are you doing?" He responded: "I'm alive, awake and God loves me, you can't do better than that!" I loved how he responded! I just wish I could claim to have said it first. What a positive attitude that man had. Does that mean he doesn't have any problem? No, of course not, but he is keeping them in perspective.

Right this minute how would you respond to a question like that? Be honest, can you be as positive and upbeat as that all of the time; honestly, not many of us can be. Don't you wish you could be like the apostle Paul and say, "I've learned to be content what ever situation I get into." Again, honestly, I have had limited success in doing that. Limited how? Limited in my mind because I always expect more of myself, I am my own worst critic. Limited sometimes, because I just flat mess up even when I'm trying to do my best.

Do you know what that makes me? Human! You may not appreciate that fact and others may not appreciate that fact, but the best we can be is flawed human beings. We mess up! We sin! And if you don't think so, then you don't understand who we are.

I met a man one time that told me, "I never sin." "Since I became a Christian it's not possible for me to sin." I asked him to turn in his bible to 1 John1:8-10 and read it with me. It reads, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

I asked him what those verses meant, he responded: "I don't know, but they don't mean what they say." He didn't have much to say about Romans 3:23 either, which read, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."

So, knowing that we all sin and struggle with problem of this world, how can we possibly remain upbeat and positive? We do it because we know, as the man said, "I'm alive, awake and God loves me." Paul also said in " Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

So how are you doing? Could it be time to put a little more trust, a little more faith in what our God can do for you, in you and through you? Think about it, you will never find perfection in yourself, but only through your relationship to God.

Shaving the Cat

A friend, Daryl, shared this story with me and it got me to thinking about other applications.

Daryl has a real problem with allergies, especially to hair cat. When he was a youngster he often visited his best friend who had a cat. Daryl was hesitant to visit, because of the cat. One day his friend told him he had solved the problem and Daryl should come on over for a visit. He didn't know what to expect, but when he got there he was confronted by a extremly bald and unhappy cat. His friend had shaved the cat for Daryl. Of course the young man then had to deal with the consequences with his parents, but can you imagine what he had to go through to shave a cat? Would you have been committed enough to a friend to do that?

In our world we are constantly challenged to step up and come to the aid of others. Every day we are bombarded with advertisments about donating to organizations that help others. Those are great and needful, but the majority of the time it requires only the gift of money, not a presonal commitment. We don't put ourselves at risk, we are not required to become personally involved.

The question we need to ask ourselves is who we would be willing to shave the cat for? Do you have friends and family that are struggling in some way? Maybe someone that you have just heard of that could use some help that you could supply. Could it be that your church needs something that only you can supply.

So the question is, what cat are you going to have to shave for the benefit of someone else? I would imagine that shaving a cat has its draw back, cats have claws and teeth. There is pain involved and it takes more than just a casual commitment to get the job done. You can't just throw money at the cat and hope it goes bald. You have to grab hold of it and perhaps suffer someone else's benefit.

The thing I want you to remember is that the young man in the story was willing to suffer for the benefit of his friend. Could it be that you have a friend that needs the peace and security that only comes from having a relationship with Christ? Are you willing to shave the cat (so to speak), to give them what they really need. To face the pain and possible rejection just because you care for them?

The scripture tells us that: “God so loved the world that he gave his only son”, (John 3:16). He is not asking us to do that, but it is our example of what real love is like. What are you willing to do?

Silence is Golden

If you are a "Baby boomer," or just like music from the 60's (like me), you might remember Frankie Valli belting out in mournful tones the words to the song by the name, "Silence is Golden". In the song he proclaimed the sorrow in the heart of a young man who saw the girl he loved mistreated by another.

My wife was commenting last night on the changes we go though in our lives. When we are young, there is rarely a time when we think that silence (quiet time) is something to be desired, much less valued as much as gold. As we get older though, we learn to appreciate more and more the times of quiet in our lives. We have discovered the most important button on the Television remote control is the "mute" button, followed closely by the "off" button. Why those buttons? We like those buttons, because we have learned to appreciate silence more at this time in our lives.

It's was interesting to me to learn that the first recorded use of the phrase was in 1848. Actually the entire phrase was, "Speech is silver, Silence is golden". We might say, "just stop speaking and listen".

I would suggest that in this day and age that we need to think about those words. Our world is filled with chaos, the daily news reports seem to carry nothing but reports of unrest, danger and tragedy. When do you find time to escape the turmoil and pressure of this world?

The writer of Psalm 46 had this to say about our world and the need for silence.

"The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God's voice thunders, and the earth melts!

The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude

Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: See how He brings destruction upon the world.

He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; He burns the shields with fire.

"Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world."

The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress." (Psalms 46:6-11)

Yes, sometimes silence truly is golden (of great value), be cause unless we can shut out the world we can never hear the voice of God. The storms of life rage, the mountains shift and crumble, fires burn, houses fall, accidents come, death takes loved ones, but God's voice is a constant source of strength and promise for us.

Can you stand a little silence in your life? Maybe it's time to spend time listening to God!

Reunions

I just noticed on my calendar that we have a family reunion coming up very soon. It will be the first one we will be able to attend in about 10 years, so I'm looking forward to being reunited with many of my (extended) family. Yes, we exchange the occasional email and share pictures and family events on Facebook, but there is nothing that is better than being face to face with folks.

That's not something new! We still have around us something which has picked up the name "Snail Mail" or actually writing a letter with pen and paper and mailing it to someone. But again that's not the way that touches us in our hearts the most. The apostle John wrote about doing this. In 2 John_1:12 he wrote: "I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

I believe that contained within those sentences is the key to what reunions give us. John wrote: "I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete". Our joy is made complete, we share our love of one another and our spirits are renewed and refreshed, in the presence of those we love, our joy is made complete.

We have many family members in our lives who are not blood relatives, but who are made brothers and sisters through the blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Many of those we have not seen for many years and may never see in this life, but they are no less missed and loved.

Of course there is the great reunion yet to come for Christ and His children. Several hymns come to mind with phrases such as: "Face to face with Christ my Savior," or "What a happy day it will be when my Savior's face I see." I'm sure you could list many, many more, but these express the basis of our faith don’t they? It's all about reunions. Reunions with loved ones, reunions with other Saints we have never met, and the great reunion with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and His Father.

I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to that reunion. 1 Thessalonians 4:13f gives us some insight into the reunion with those who have gone on before us. But we will only attend the reunion if we first accept the invitation to come. Jesus said in Revelation 22:17, "The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let the one who hears say, "Come!" Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life." And in verse 14 Jesus said, "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city."

Do you want to attend the reunion? It's all about being a blood relative in Christ. Another old hymn reminds us, "There is power in the blood," and asks, have you been cleansed by the life giving blood, washed and made part of a new eternal family? I'm planning on going to my family reunion, the one at the local pizza parlor and the one in heaven that provides for all of my needs for eternity. What about you?

IF THE CREEK DON'T RISE

I had a conversation with my oldest son this past week about the meaning of the phrase, "The good Lord willing and if the creek don't rise." I've heard that phrase all of my life and never really thought about it. For us it always meant that if the water in the creek (crick or stream) got high it would prevent you from traveling.

I did quite a bit of searching and found there is no agreement as to the source of the phrase, nor what is the true meaning of the phrase. One of the more colorful claims is that Colonel Benjamin Hawkins (1754-1816) first penned these words. It is said that he wrote in response to a request from President Washington to travel to the capital. It is supposed to have been written in reference to The Creek Indian Nation; so if The Creek rose up, he would be unable to leave his post. I like this explanation, but there doesn't seem to be enough evidence to prove it conclusively.

To tell you the truth I think I still prefer the local concept of the saying referring to the local streams (creeks) raising and preventing travel, especially in the times of storms. Living in the Mid-West we have seen many of those this year and many, many creeks overflowing their banks.  

Of course it is the first part of the saying which is really important isn't it. It follows the concept found in James 4:13-15 of God being in control of our world. Notice what James writes:

"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'"

There is no questioning of the fact that storms often come into our lives. The thing about storms is that you can never completely plan for them in advance. Their intensity varies greatly with each occurrence; they are simply never the same. The truth of the matter is that the only way you can survive is truly trusting in The Lord. We live in an uncertain world and as James says, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'"

I don't know about you, but I still have a problem in putting that into practice. So often I plan my plans in infinite detail and then pray that The Lord will allow things to work out as I have planned. We (and I) need to learn to involve God in our plans from the very start, before we put the first line on our to do list or our itinerary.

I pray that things go as you plan in your life, "The Good Lord willing and if the creek don't rise!"

YOU ONLY LIVE....

I was talking with a man today about some of his life goals. I told him many of those sounded good and someday, perhaps I would get to do some of the things he mentioned. He replied with the well know American cliché "Do it now, after all you only live once!"

Later in the day I reviewed that conversation and thought, "that's really not a true statement." The truth is that you only get one life here on this earth, but if you live a life obedient to God you get a much better second life!

Maybe that is what we have so many miserable and depressed people in our world today. They honestly believe that if they don't get to experience everything they want before they die, their life will be a failure. They believe that they have missed the experience of "living fully." The advertisers of this world make that claim everyday don't they? If you don't drive their car, drink their beer, travel on their mode of transportation or have not ended up at their destination, then you have not fully lived. They make their living trying to make you believe that you are missing out on something essential to your happiness.

It seems to me that most people in this world are miserable and depressed because they have lost hope of things ever getting better in their lives. They know they are not in the position to do or have all of the things the advertisers say they need to make them happy; therefore they are convinced that they are unhappy. They have forgotten the most important thing about hope! Hope that is true hope is about something entirely different. The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 62:5, "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him."

If you are hoping against hope for something better, perhaps you need some direction as to what to hope for that really matters. The apostle Paul wrote to some folks who were having a "hope" problem. Listen to his word of encouragement: "Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep", (1 Thessalonians 4:13-15).

Jesus said that he is the resurrection and life and for those who believe in him, for those who obey his word, you can have a second life. You can have a life that goes on forever with the son of God.

So what are you hoping for? What are you planning for? What is on your list of things to do before you die? If it's not serving God, then you will "only live once." Why? Because the second life is one you live with God. Oh, and just in case you are wondering, there is a "second death," take a moment and ready Revelation 21:8 to find out more.

Russ Lawson

The Fourth

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite of all of the American holidays! It always has been! Even when I was a young boy I understood, at least somewhat, the sacrifices it took to make our country what it is. I have always loved to read and in my younger days I came into contact with lots of patriotic writings. I actually dreamed of the day when I could fly a flag outside of my own home and let everyone know how proud I was of our country.

My father was a WWII Navy veteran and I followed his example and joined the Navy also. I never had to go to distant shores as he did or walk patrols on deserted beaches of South Pacific islands as he did, but I wanted to keep our country great if my participation would help, I chose to do that.

With the Fourth of July celebrations we keep alive the memory of all that it took to make our country both free and great. We remember those who were willing to give whatever it took to make sure that their descendants were able to live free. To have freedom of religion, freedom from persecution, freedom from unreasonable government control, freedom to live where they wanted and pursue career and raise their families without intervention by the government.

In the 1942 movie, "Holiday Inn" there is a "Song of Freedom" that has some tremendously powerful words. Notice just a few:

"I'm singing a song of freedom; For all people who cry out to be free;

Free to sail the seven seas, Free to worship as we please;

If the birds up in the trees can be free, Why can't we?
Free to speak and free to hear; Free from want and free from fear
Sons of freedom far and near who agree, Sing with me, That all God's children shall be free."
(If you have never watched the movie I highly recommend it).

Notice what the apostle Paul had to say about true freedom: Romans 8:16-21, "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs, heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God."

Enjoy your Fourth of July celebration, but don't forget that our freedom, both physical and spiritual was bought by the sacrifice of another. Of course our true freedom is only through our love of and obedience to Jesus Christ.

Who is my neighbor?

"Who is my neighbor," is an age old question and probably has many answers, but basically it is anyone you come into contact with. 

We have been living in our Motorhome full time for the past few weeks and for the most part enjoying it. The spot we have been in has been surrounded by two families with a combination of 6 or 7 smaller children. Melody and our little dog, Chewy, have made a great impression on them (I guess it's the grandmother coming out). Yesterday we moved from that spot to another location in the RV park. As we were packing up and getting ready to move one of the little boys came up to me and ask, "Hey Neighbor, what are  you doing?" After we finished up packing all of them gathered around and hugged Melody, petted the dog and posed for pictures and two of the little boys picked flowers (budding weeds) and gave them to Melody. Definitely the grandmother coming out!

As I thought about that incident I thought about the few words from that little boy, "Hey Neighbor…" We both had talked with them and their parents, (nice folks struggling with different problems). What did we do to earn the title, "Neighbor"? Is it as simple as being nice, listening to small boys tell you about the birds they saw? Could it be as simple as spending time talking with a mother with several small children and giving her some "adult" time? Is it as simple as letting the father tell you a little about his day and his work? Perhaps it is….

Jesus was asked in Luke 10 "who is my neighbor" and he told a story about a Samaritan, ever heard it. It is a story of a man who went to extremes to assure the needs of another were met; it was all about giving what was needed at the time. I would say that it is not always about money or things. Sometimes people just need other people to care enough to stop and listen for a few minutes and show that you care.

Who is your neighbor?

Russ Lawson