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NEWSPAPER DEVOTIONAL
ARTICLES
JANUARY - JUNE, 1998
These weekly articles were
written by Rev Mike Jones for South Carolina Area Newspaper on a busy Pastor's
schedule. Space was limited to around 300 words per article so in depth
exposition is not possible.
To receive Devotional articles like this each week via E-mail
simply request them by clicking on the envelope at the right.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, January 6, 1998
WHAT KIND OF CHRISTIAN?
There are three basis kinds of "Christians" in the world today. If you are a
Christian, which group would you be classified under?
I. CRISIS CHRISTIANS. This is the person who doesn't have time for God or His
work until some Crisis comes along. As long as the bank account is big, their
health is fine, and their family is doing well they don't need to serve God. But
as soon as a crisis comes along to mess up their play house they come running to
Church expecting God to put everything back together again. They will make great
promises and put on a good show but as soon as the crisis dies down they put God
back in their emergency compartment until the next crisis comes along.
II. CHURCH CHRISTIANS. These are also called "Sunday Christians". They dress in
their finery each Sunday and faithfully attend Church. They smile at everyone
and wear a smug mantle of self righteousness on Sunday but as soon as Monday
comes along they are back to doing their own thing. They have a form of
godliness but it never seems to reach their work ethics or their family life.
Church to them is just one other item on an already busy agenda. They go to
church to be respectable but they certainly would never take it too seriously.
III. COMMITTED CHRISTIANS. This is the minority group that believes the Bible is
the word of God, that Jesus Christ is not just their Savior but also their Lord,
and that God's will in their life is the most important obligation they have.
Christianity is not a game they play; it is a life they live. They don't blow a
lot of trumpets but by their lives they draw a tremendous amount of people to
believe that God is real and Christ is their answer.
Three kinds of Christians. Which group would your family and friends say you
belong in?
Miracle Message, Wednesday January 7, 1998
ATTEND CHURCH IN 98
Now that you've spent all your money giving your children
presents for a moment; don't you think it's important to give them principles
for a lifetime. They will get these life principles from somewhere. I think you
should make sure they get them from the Word of God. The only way to do that is
to determine that in 1998 you are going to take your family to a good Bible
Teaching Church each and every week.
Here are 4 reasons you should attend Church each week.
1. GOD COMMANDS IT- "And these words, which I command thee this
day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy
children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou
walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up" (Deut
6:6-7).
2. IT CAN LEAD YOUR CHILD TO SALVATION - "That from a child
thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto
salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (II Tim 3:15).
3. IT FORMS A SPIRITUAL HERITAGE IN THE CHILD- "When I call to
remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy
grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also"
(II Tim 1:5).
4. JESUS WANTS YOU AND YOUR CHILD IN CHURCH- "Jesus said,
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the
Kingdom of heaven" (Matt 19:14).
Don't just give your Children food, clothes, and toys. Give them Principles that
will last for a life time- "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when
he is old, he will not depart from it" (Prov 22:6).
Lessons for Living Tuesday, January 13, 1998
GOD IS STILL THERE
A lady in my church recently related a story that really
spoke to my heart. The local church in the community in which she was raised was
the first Free Will Baptist church established in South Carolina and tradition
dictated that it be called the Mother Church.
For a number of years this lady's mother played the piano at
that church and its services were a part of her weekly life. Then the relocation
of marriage moved her into another area, and another church. Her mother died,
her family moved away, and she lost most of her ties with her early home place.
As is the case in many of our rural communities, not only did
this lady move away, but most of the other young people in the community
relocated also. Dwindling attendance and some divisive problems finally brought
the Mother Church to a stand still; and eventually closed its doors.
Ever so often this lady would return to her home community
and ride by this church on her way to visit her mother's grave. Each time she
would pass the old Mother Church she would remember the good times she had
encountered there in her childhood. One day it just struck her that she would
like to go back inside that old church and pray one more time.
The door was about to fall off its hinges. The windows were
broken. The pews were scarred and the pulpit chair were full of rat nest. Slowly
she walked down the aisle and knelt on a dusty altar. And there, in her words,
"The glory of God fell on me and I felt a renewal in my soul".
The Church has been battered and scarred in recent years.
Promiscuous preachers, Money driven ministries, and preoccupation with survival
in a rapidly changing world have caused many to look at the Church as if it were
an old worn out building about to fall down. Let me emphatically tell you,
however, that if you will make your way past all the dust and decay to an old
fashion altar you will find that God is still there; and He still is able to
meet the needs of your soul.
Miracle Message Wednesday, January 14, 1998
DEDICATION
Every Christian should desire to be the Dedicated Child of
God that God wants them to be. Yet, many times this is not the case. What does
it take to be "sold out" for God??
First, there must be DETERMINED DESIRE. If you are going to
be committed to God's work and will in your life than you must really want God
to be first in everything you do. Sadly, many only want God to Bless them with
ease and comfort on the earth and one day take them to Heaven. They have no
burning desire to be all they can be for God.
Secondly, becoming a dedicated Child of God requires an ACT
OF THE WILL. You must will to will to want to put God first in your life. It is
not just a mental thought you think about; it is a deliberate choice on your
part. Flesh, friends, and even family will oppose you but you must make a
definite choice to commit your all to God.
Thirdly, commitment requires a STEP OF FAITH. You don't wait
until you understand everything or until you can see far enough into the future
to believe that everything will be alright. "The Just shall live by his faith"
is one of the most important statements in the Bible and one you will learn the
meaning of as you walk closely with God.
Finally, There must be CONTINUED PERSEVERANCE. This is not a
moments decision but a lifetime commitment. It means burning your bridges and
casting yourself completely on the Lord. And knowing a joy beyond description!!
Lessons for Living Tuesday, January 20, 1998
DOCTORS
While waiting in the waiting room of the doctor's office
for my mother to complete some test recently I heard some interesting
observations. One lady in particular wanted the receptionist to know that she
did not want to see a certain doctor because he had not given her the medicine
she wanted the last time she saw him. Listening to her comments, and the
comments of others in the waiting room, I began to see why many ministers now
call themselves doctors.
Doctors, like ministers, are regularly accused of being in
the business for the money. While most minister's salaries are not even in the
same world with most doctors, I can tell you from my acquaintance with numerous
doctors that there is no amount of money in the world that would drive them to
give the physical and emotional efforts they give. Most doctors, like most
ministers, serve because of a compelling urge in their heart. There are some
money hungry doctors, like there are some money hungry ministers, but the salary
to most of them has little to do with their calling in life.
Doctors, like ministers, are expected to be one hundred
percent successful one hundred per cent of the time. Sadly, Doctors, like
ministers (see the parable of the seed in Mark 4), have great successes, heart
wrenching failures, and a lot of helped but didn't completely heal. Most of the
time the failures are not the Doctors fault. The patient will not cooperate or
"time and chance will happen to all men" but the Doctor, like the minister, is
expected to always come out victorious.
Let me encourage you to pray more for your Doctor and your
minister than you talk about them. If you do, you might find that they will be a
lot more like what you expect of them than you ever thought possible. Then they
may be just the help you need when your emergency comes along.
Miracle Message Wednesday, January 21, 1998
FATHER'S VIEW
I was waiting for the barber to complete the long line of
men ahead of me so I could get a hair cut. As I usually do, I had carried a
notebook and Bible with me in order to keep waiting time from becoming wasted
time.
Just before the barber got to me a young man and his small
child came in. His little boy looked to be 2 or 3 years old and was cute as a
button. He was sitting in his chair patiently waiting like the rest of us when
we all heard a rumble outside. Everyone looked out the window and saw a long
line of big trucks loaded with equipment driving past the barber shop.
As the father was looking at the trucks he glanced down and
saw that his son was looking also but all he could see was the top of the
buildings across the street because he was so small. He reached down, picked up
his child, and held him in his arms so they both could marvel as the big trucks
driving by the window.
Sometimes the problems of this world seem so big and scary
until I am almost overwhelmed. That is when my Heavenly Father reaches down,
picks me up, and allows me to see what is really going on.
Safe in the arms of God I can see that all the rumbling that
I feared is actually a time of excitement and joy to be shared with God. Limited
to my view it sounds like I will be overwhelmed but safe in God's arms I know it
is just part of the march of history toward God's final fulfillment.
Lessons for Living Tuesday, January 27, 1998
WHAT GOD EXPECTS
Here are several "cute" things that God expects from each
Christian. I hope you will look past the cuteness and allow these expectations
to bring you to commitment.
God expects us to GROW- (2 Pet 3:18) But grow in grace, and
in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now
and for ever. Amen.
God expects us to GO- (Mat 28:19) Go ye therefore, and teach
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost:
God expects us to GLOW- (Mat 5:14) Ye are the light of the
world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
God expects us to SOW- (Mark 4:14) The sower soweth the word.
God expects us to SHOW- (1 Pet 2:9) But ye are a chosen
generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye
should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into
his marvelous light:
God expects us to KNOW: First, we should know that we are
Saved- (2 Tim 1:12) For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless
I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is
able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Secondly, we are to seek to know Christ in the greatest
personal way no matter what the cost- (Phil 3:8-10) Yea doubtless, and I count
all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:
for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung,
that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness,
which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the
righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of
his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable
unto his death;
Are you meeting God's expectations??
Miracle Message January 28, 1998
OIL CHANGE CHRISTIANITY
Christianity is not just about what you believe; it is
about how you behave. Every doctrine in the Bible comes with a duty to be
performed. If your worship place does not effect your work place then you are
not learning what you should at your church.
I went to get the oil changed in my car recently. The place
was busy so I went inside to drink a cup of coffee and wait. While I was waiting
a lady came up and asked to talk to the manager. As I listened, she explained
that she had left her lights on while she was shopping in the stores beside the
oil change location and now her car wouldn't crank.
In spite of the fact that it was obvious that the manager was
almost overwhelmed with all the paying customers he had in his establishment, he
told his men to continue working while he took his personal truck and went to
start this lady's car. To further complicate matters, the manager found when he
got in his truck that he did not have any jumper cables. He offered to go back
to his home and get his personal set but I had a set in my car that I loaned
him.
The manager could have claimed his busy schedule or the
absence of jumper cables would not allow him to help this lady. Instead he
treated this lady the way he thought a Christian should treat her-and I am
thankful, for this man is a trustee at my Church.
Lessons for Living Tuesday, February 3, 1998
STRANGE SCRIPTURES
From time to time as you read through the
Bible you come across a scripture that makes you scratch your head. Here are
some verses that have made me ponder long and hard.
--(Ezek 20:24-25) Because they had not executed my judgments, but had
despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after
their fathers' idols. {25} Wherefore I gave them also statutes that were not
good, and judgments whereby they should not live;
--(Jer 7:16) Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up
cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear
thee.
--(Isa 45:7) I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace,
and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
--(Mat 16:20) Then charged he his disciples that they should
tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
I don't understand what God is speaking about sometimes but I'm
glad I'm not supposed to! --(Isa 55:8-9) "For my thoughts are not your
thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. {9} For as the heavens
are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts
than your thoughts." I simply need to trust God's goodness and love even
when some things don't make "sense" to me.
Men want God to prove Himself to them either by a
supernatural miracle or by a special understanding of the mind- (1 Cor 1:22)
For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:. God keeps
reminding us throughout the Bible that He will never "jump through our hoops" in
order to keep our scheme of Him within the wall of our humanly designed box. God
is God; our duty is to trust Him to do right even when we don't understand
everything. And that is what makes faith such an adventure, and life so
exciting, for the child of God.
Miracle Message Wednesday, February 4, 1998
LOVE IN ACTION
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in
deed and in truth. (I John 3:18).
The amplified Bible translates this verse like this- Little children, let us not
love merely in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in
sincerity).
In real life it translates this way: Christians, don't
just think about or talk about your love for other people; instead, turn your
talk into actions that demonstrate what love is all about.
This week marks my 28th anniversary. For 28 wonderful years I
have been married to a fine Christian lady. During that time together she has
shown me the truth of this verse over and over. Our life together has not been
just a few emotional moments of romantic talk. Instead, my wife has over and
over proved her love to me by her consistent actions and attitude. Truly, she is
a virtuous woman of great price, far above rubies. (Prov 31:10).
I deal with broken marriages and broken homes almost every
week. The circumstances will change but the reasons remain fairly constant-
People will talk about how much they love each other but they are unwilling to
put those pronouncements into practice. They talk a good love but they remain
unwilling to do the practical things that make love work. And love that is
merely words will never build a home or capture a persons heart.
Lessons for Living article February 10, 1998
ABOUT ADULTERY
It suddenly seems as if everyone is dismissing the sin of
adultery as being so innocent and common until it is not worthy of being
considered wrong any more. I get the impression from some people that adultery
is simply a spicy little game that people play and is of little or no
consequence in real life situations. Let me tell you why I still stand adamantly
opposed to adultery.
First, and most important, Adultery is consistently branded
as being wrong by God- (Exo 20:14) "Thou shalt not commit adultery." (Lev 20:10)
"And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that
committeth adultery with his neighbor's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress
shall surely be put to death."
Jesus stood against adultery. When the adulterous woman was
brought before Jesus he condemned the self righteous attitude of the men who had
brought her to him. But he did not tell the woman that Adultery was all right;
he told her to go and avoid this sin from this time forward.
Peter described men who advocated loose living as men who
"Have eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable
souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
{15} Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray," (2 Pet 2:14-15)
Paul was even more plain about the seriousness of a life
controlled by sexual sins- "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit
the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor
adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves,
nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the
kingdom of God." (1 Cor 6:9-10)
Adultery destroys a person's home, their health, and their
reputation. It is the sin that God consistently used to describe people's sin of
abandoning Him. It is wrong for anyone, including you.
"Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but
whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." (Heb 13:4)
Miracle Messages Article- February 11,1998
LOVE DEMONSTRATED
An ancient city was besieged, and at length obliged to
surrender. In the city were two brothers, who approached the conquering general,
and begged permission to leave the city before it was set on fire. They were
told that only they could leave and they could take with them
only as much of their property as each could carry. The
two youths appeared at the gates of the city the next morning, one of them
carrying their father, and the other their mother.
Paul told the church at Corinth, "Though I speak with the
tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding
brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and
understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so
that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I
bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,
and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."(1 Cor 13:1-3)
Life is filled with opportunities to express our love for people.
Sadly, many people, when they have to make a decision about what is the most
important thing in their life, chose to load themselves down with possessions
instead of people. Their love, as Paul said, is just a loud sound or an annoying
tinkle.
Someone close to you is waiting for you to demonstrate your love for them. Will
you choose to choose them or will you think only of yourself??
Lessons for Living Tuesday, February 17, 1998
I DON'T GAMBLE
From time to time people ask me what I think about video
poker or state lotteries. They talk about the money they generate and about how
nice it would be to suddenly win $10 million dollars. I reply that some things
are more important than money.
I don't gamble because of the example of the men who
crucified my Savior- (John 19:23-24) Then the soldiers, when they had crucified
Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also
his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. {24}
They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it,
whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They
parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These
things therefore the soldiers did.
I don't gamble because of who it makes me trust- I believe
"my God shall supply all my needs according to his riches in glory by Christ
Jesus." (Phil 4:19). I don't want to waste my time trusting in "Luck", Chance,
or the Publishers Clearing House to meet my needs. I learned a long time ago
that in order for people to pay off gambling prizes then they have to take in
more than they are giving out- and I don't plan to be one of a crowd they are
picking clean in order to give something to a single person.
I don't gamble because of the families and careers I have
seen gambling destroy during my years as a pastor. Over and over I have seen
people who thought they could control their gambling habit sit forlorn in my
office and say they would have been better off putting their money in a pile and
setting it on fire. At least then they would be at zero instead of owing debts
that it is impossible to pay. Even professional sports have learned about the
dangers of gambling and have forbid their players to get involved- ask Pete Rose
if gambling hurts.
I don't gamble with money; and I certainly don't gamble with
my soul. I know I am a child of God and God will provide for me. Do you??
Miracle Message Wednesday, February 18, 1998
CHILDREN'S CHURCH
Rev John Driggers gave a seminar in our church about the
Children's Church ministry and his key points were well worth passing on. More
and more churches have, or are beginning, a ministry for children during the
main preaching service. These guidelines will help this ministry be successful.
First, and foremost, make each MESSAGE ABOUT CHRIST.
The Goal of Children's church must be to evangelize and edify the young people;
not just to entertain them for an hour while their parents are in church.
Second, MAKE EACH WEEK COLORFUL AND EXCITING.
Don't let them believe God is dull !
Third, Use many MOTION SONGS in each
service. Children like songs that involve them; and they remember the message of
the song much better when they tie it to something they do.
Fourth, Make sure each child is taught to regularly
MEMORIZE SCRIPTURE. It is the word of God hidden in their hearts that
will develop faith and keep them from sin. They need to know that the principles
they learn are founded on the Word of God.
Finally, MOLD THE CHILD FOR CHURCH. Use
rules and examples that will help the child learn how to get the most out of the
worship service when they graduate. Talk and Teach in such a way until the child
can hardly wait until it is time for him to graduate to big church.
Lessons for Living Tuesday, February 24, 1998
WHEN GOD IS WITH US
While praying for people recently, I noticed that I was
continually asking the Lord to be with them- during sickness, death, family
problems, work situations, etc. Later I began to think about that and wondered
when the Bible says the Lord is with us. Three cases immediately came to mind.
When we WORK and WITNESS for Him- (Mat 28:19-20) "Go ye
therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: {20} Teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto
the end of the world. Amen." What a joy to know that I do not have to do the
work of God alone. I'm afraid when I go by myself but I can have great
confidence when God goes with me. One of the great truths I have learned in life
is that I can do all things with Christ to strengthen me. Aren't you glad He is
with you when you work and witness?
When we WORSHIP Him- (Mat 18:20) "For where two or three are
gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them". It is
wonderful to know that we do not come to Church just to meet with various
people; we come to spend time with the Lord God of Hosts. Church is not just a
group of people meeting together to discuss matters of common interest; it is a
Holy place where we meet a Holy God and learn of His will for our life. Church
is not a place to show off our clothes or enhance our reputation, it is a place
to fellowship with God and His family.
Finally, and this is such a comfort, God is with us when we
WALK through the Valley of the shadow of death- (Psa 23:4) "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."
Is God with you today??
Miracle Message Wednesday, February 25, 1998
THE RIGHT TIME
I had a friend once who, when I
would ask for the time, would say, "It's just about that time." I still don't
know exactly what that meant but it did help me to realize that some people look
at time differently than other people.
With that in mind, let me share three things that it is time
for. You can't use them to set your watch but I hope you will use them to check
your priorities.
It is time to WAKE UP- (Rom 13:11) "And that, knowing the
time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation
nearer than when we believed." Too many in the church are asleep on duty
(Remember the disciples who were supposed to pray with Jesus). As a result, the
devil is destroying families, churches, and individuals. A wake up call is
needed or there will not be anything to wake up to.
It is time to SHAPE UP- (1 Pet 4:17) "For the time is come
that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what
shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" Under normal
circumstances you will often let things go and not be so particular. But when
special company is coming you need to put everything in order. Well, the judge
is coming, and he will make a careful inspection so you better start getting
things straight in your life.
Finally, it is time to LOOK UP- (Luke 21:28) "And when these
things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your
redemption draweth nigh."
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 3, 1998
CHRISTIAN LOVE
I love Christ. He is a wonderful savior who gives
forgiveness to the sinful, rest to the weary, comfort to the sad, and hope to
the dying. But I know that Love that is simply talk is no more than hollow
sounds and useless words (I Cor 13:1). My love for Christ must show itself in
the marketplace, as well as in the church, if it is to be effective. If I want
other people to love this Christ that I love then I must constantly realize that
the convincing power of a Christian life is of far greater effect than all the
learned discourses of scholars or all the sermons preached by preachers.
That is why I must examine all I do for the Lord in the light
of Love.
Love is the basis of faith in Christ- (1 John 4:19) We love
him, because he first loved us.
Love is the proof of new life in Christ- (1 John 3:14) We
know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He
that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
Love is the mark of being genuine- (1 Cor 13:2) And though I
have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and
though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I
am nothing.
Love is the motiving power in service- (2 Cor 5:14) For the
love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all,
then were all dead:
Love is the cause of obedience- (John 14:15) If ye love me,
keep my commandments.
Love is a fruit of the Spirit at work in my life- (Gal 5:22)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith,
Love is the queen of the graces and must occupy the prominent
place in my life- (1 Cor 13:13) And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three;
but the greatest of these is love.
The Bible describes God's Love as - Great, world
encompassing, Free, Inconceivable, Unselfish, Unchanging, Inseparable,
Everlasting, Unquenchable, Stronger than death, and Perfect. That is the kind of
love I want to Know, and to Show, in my life.
Miracle Message for Wednesday, March 4, 1998
THE COMPUTER CHRIST
A Friend shared this illustration with me. For those of
you who know anything about the importance of saving your files as you work on
your computer it will be very relevant. For the rest of you I hope you will get
the point anyway.
Between moments of dispensing wisdom, it seems that
historical religious leaders had also learned software programming. One day, a
great contest was held to test their skills. After days and days of fierce
competition, only two leaders remained for the last day's event: Jesus and
Mohammed. The judge described the software application required for the final
test, and gave the signal to start writing code.
The two contestants feverishly typed away on their keyboards.
Routines, classes, applets and applications flew by on their screens at
incredible speeds. Windows, dialogs, and other intricate graphics began forming
on their monitors. The clock showed that the contest would soon be finished.
Suddenly, a bolt of lightening flashed and the power went out. After a moment it
came back on -- just in time for the clock to announce that at last the
competition was over.
The judge asked the two contestants to reveal their finished
software. Mohammed angrily said that he'd lost all he had in the power outage.
The judge turned to the other competitor.
Jesus smiled, clicked a mouse, and a dazzling application
appeared on his screen. The judge was clearly impressed at what he saw and
declared Jesus the victor.
When asked why the decision was made, the judge pointed out
the unique characteristic that set Jesus apart from all the other leaders:
Jesus saves.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 10, 1998
ENCOURAGEMENT
Rev Carroll Bazen preached a sermon at our Church recently
about "Encouragement" that seemed to minister to many people. I want to share
the verses and the instructions with you; and let you know that he made up a
book mark with the verses on one side and the instructions on the other side
that we would be glad to send to anyone requesting it (Free).
Here are some things you can do when you are going through
tough circumstances:
1) You can pray about the situation and let God handle it.
2) You can read the Word of God and apply it to your life
3) You can try to see where God is working in your life through your situation
4) You can worry about it and let it drain you spiritually
5) You can call on us to pray for you in your time of need- We care
These are the encouragement verses he used:
(Isa 41:10) Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy
God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with
the right hand of my righteousness.
(Psa 55:22) Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall
never suffer the righteous to be moved.
(Psa 23:6) 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.
(Phil 4:13) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
(2 Cor 4:8) We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed,
but not in despair;
He finished by keying on the 3 "I wills" of Isaiah 41:10- (1) I will Strengthen
you. (2) I will Help you. (3) I will Uphold you with my right hand. God said He
would give us strength, stability, and security. That should encourage anyone.
Miracle Message for Wednesday, March 11, 1998
HE DIDN'T DO IT
It is always good to be able to say, "I didn't do it" when
someone accuses you of doing something wrong. It is also very interesting to see
some of the times in the Bible that it is stated that a person did not do
something that almost everyone would assume that they would do. It just goes to
show that assumptions are not always correct- which is a statement that it would
do us all good to consider carefully on a regular basis.
John the Baptist did not perform miracles- (John 10:41)
And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that
John spake of this man were true. John was a tremendous preacher. He was
able to attract huge crowds from all backgrounds. But his ministry was limited
to wilderness preaching and water baptism. He was not a wonder worker; but if
you preach like John you don't need miracles with your message!
Jesus did not Baptize- (John 4:1-2) When therefore the
Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more
disciples than John, {2} (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,).
This is surprising. John baptized everyone and Jesus baptized no one. Sometimes
something you just know is so, isn't. Remember that.
Paul did not preach for money- (Acts 20:33) I have
coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Paul was after men's good,
not their gold. He could have demanded pay befitting his exalted status;
instead, he made earthly tents that he might lead men to Heavenly mansions.
Sometimes your greatest influence can come from what you give up instead of what
you gain.
One final thought- Jesus did not sin- (1 Pet 2:22) Who
did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:. He lived as a man, was
tempted as a man, and died as a man. But he did no sin that he might die for our
sins. I sure am glad He didn't do it so I could gain forgiveness for the fact
that I did do it.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 17, 1998
MISSING MEMBERS
One of the ladies in my church shared this antidote with
me that illustrates an important principle (Thanks, Miss LeAnne). It seems
several pastors had bats in the belfry of their churches and were discussing how
to get rid of them.
The first pastor said he captured the bats and carried them
into the woods where he released them, but they beat him back to the church. The
second pastor said he put his cat up in the belfry to frighten the bats but he
had never heard from his cat again. The final pastor said he captured all the
bats, baptized them, dedicated them to the service of the Church-and he hasn't
seen a one of them since!
It is interesting to note that if every American attended
church, there would be an average of nearly 1000 members per church. The present
average is less than 75 members per church. Even among those who claim to be
fundamental Christians, only 68% attend Church regularly. Like the bats in the
belfry, many seem to think that their commitment to religion frees them from the
responsibility that such a commitment entails. They want to be counted in the
membership but they don't want to be counted on when it comes to regular
attendance or faithful service.
The Bible declares that we are to "Not forsake the assembling
of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhort one another: and so
much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Heb 10:25). In this wicked world
that we live in today we need the fellowship and moral guidance of the Church
more than ever. We can't afford to be missing in action when there is so much
work to be done and so little time in which to get that work accomplished.
Don't be "batty" about church attendance. Be in your place
this week and every week. You will find you will get a blessing as well as be a
blessing; and you will be amazed at the difference in you mental and emotional
attitude when you start the week in God's house with God's people.
Miracle Message Wednesday, March 18, 1998
THE ROCK
The story is told about a young man who had a dream one
night. In his dream the Lord came to him and told him that his purpose in life
was to go out each day and push on a huge rock in front of his home.
When the young man awoke he went out to that huge rock,
looked at it with a great deal of scepticism, and decided it would indeed take a
miracle to move that rock. But God had told him to push and that was what he was
going to do.
Day after day, week after week, this young man went out and
pushed on that rock. Many days he got discouraged and wanted to quit but then he
would remember God's command and go back out and push on that rock.
One day he was very tired and very discouraged. He looked at
that rock and realized that for all of his pushing he had not moved it an inch.
He cried out to God in despair, "Why, God, have I worked all this time and you
have not helped me move this rock?"
Then he heard the voice of God gently say, "Son, I didn't
tell you to move the rock. I told you to faithfully push on it each day. I could
move that rock without your help any time I wanted. The purpose of that rock was
not to be moved but to develop faithfulness in you."
Most people have a rock somewhere in their life. It can be
used to defeat and discourage; or it can be used to develop them into a faithful
servant of God. What is your rock doing?
Miracle Message for Wednesday, March 25, 1998
PRACTICING YOUR PROFESSION
It is not what we eat but what we digest that makes us strong.
It is not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich.
It is not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned.
And it is not what we profess but what we practice that makes us
Christian-------- Author unknown.
"Unknown Author" brings up a very important point about
practical Christianity. It is not your talk; but your walk, that will have the
greatest effect influencing people for Christ and salvation.
If that is the case, and you know it is, what are some ways
you can practice your profession for Christ so that others will want to know the
Savior that you serve?
(Eph 4:32) Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
(Eph 5:2-4) Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us,...{3}
But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named
among you, as becometh saints; {4} Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor
jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
In my years as a Christian I have learned that people judge
Christians by their love and by their Character. Make sure both of these areas
are under the control of Christ in your life.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 24, 1998
STEALING SONS
I recently took my wife to a nice restaurant in order to
celebrate her birthday. Right after we were seated I noticed the people in the
table sitting beside us. From time to time their conversation was very lively
and very loud. It was impossible not to hear that the son had been going into
his mother's "cookie jar" and had been taking money the mother had put up for an
insurance payment.
They had nearly finished their meal when my wife and I
arrived so they left when we were about half finished with our meal. As they
were leaving I noticed that the mother put several dollars on the table as a
tip. I also noticed that the son waited until the mother had turned her back and
then he slipped the tip into his pocket. I was extremely tempted to stick my
nose into this family's business and tell the mother what the son had done!
I at one time counseled a mother and son about some problems
they were going through. Several issues were involved but the one that still
sticks out in my mind is the fact that the son never returned change to the
mother even when she asked for it. It also came to light during our talks that
the son would often go into his mother's pocket book and take what he wanted;
without any consideration for the feelings, or the upcoming bills, of the
mother.
I don't know about you but sons who steal from their parents
like this make me want to take them across my knee and apply the board of
education to the seat of learning!
I think about that on Sunday Mornings when the offering plate
is passed and sons rob from their father week after week- (Mal 3:8) Will a man
rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In
tithes and offerings.
"Saturday Sermon" for Saturday, March 21, 1998
THE POWER OF PRAYER
USA TODAY had a very interesting article in it's March 12th
edition. It stated in this article that "apparently there is some power in
prayer. AIDS patients who were prayed for - even those who did not know it -
were healthier a few months later than equally ill patients who received no
prayer". I am glad this national newspaper is finally realizing what Christians
have known for centuries.
One of the ladies in my church recently shared with me an
incident about the power of prayer in the life of her son that I found very
encouraging. Her son was a dedicated Christian when he went into service. Before
he left for boot camp he prayed with his mother for the Lord to guide and
protect him and to give him a witness among the other people in boot camp. But
when he arrived at boot camp and began to read his bible each night he was
persecuted intensely. In his letters to his mother he asked that she keep up her
prayers for him.
Shortly after receiving the letter telling of her son's
persecution, and after a time of earnest prayer, this mother went to a state
conference meeting for her denomination with a group from her church. During the
meeting the pastor of her church saw a former class mate at seminary. By
"Chance" this class mate was the chaplain at the boot camp where this young man
was stationed. He told the pastor he had been looking for young Christians at
boot camp that he could encourage and he would look up this young man.
From that time on the chaplain would pick up this young man
each week for a time of fellowship and church service. This greatly increased
the testimony of the young man and gave him the encouragement he needed to
continue his stand for God.
Prayer does indeed change things. Instead of complaining
about your problems all the time why don't you bring them to the Lord in prayer.
You will be amazed at the power of prayer.
Miracle Message for Wednesday, April 1, 1998
LIGHTING THE WAY
When I visit in the homes
of people I like to ask them about their favorite portion of scripture and their
favorite hymn. I also ask sometimes if they have a poem or short story that has
meant a lot to them that they would be willing to share with me. This gives
people an opportunity to share what God is doing in their life and allows me to
get some small measure of their spiritual growth.
Recently, a lady I was visiting shared with me a well worn
poem that had meant a lot to her. It also spoke to my heart and I asked her if
it would be alright if I shared it with our Newspaper family. It did not have a
title or author but I really liked it's message.
Jesus, Light of the world.
When I am afraid and unsure, comfort me with
the light of Your Presence.
When loneliness chills me, warm me with
the light of Your love.
When I don't understand and my thoughts are unclear, fill me with the light of
Your wisdom.
When I seem spent like a candle consumed, replenish me with the light of Your
life.
Then, so filled with Your light, use me,
So that I, with You, may be light for the world!
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, March 31,1998
PURPOSE OF PROPHECY
Many times it seems that some
Christians want to be on the Planning Committee for the Lord's Return instead of
the Welcoming Committee! They are so busy trying to determine when and where the
Lord will return until they are not making the needful preparations to be ready
for His return, no matter when it may be. Peter wrote about the Purpose of
Prophecy in his second epistle and I think we need to keep these purposes firmly
in mind as we go about our Christian duties here on earth.
In Second Peter 3:11-14 Peter tells us that the Purpose of
Prophecy is not to entertain us but, instead, it is to enlighten us in order
that the Coming of the Lord will:
A) Prompt us toward Holiness- "seeing then that all these
things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy
conversation and godliness"- vs 11 (See I John 3:2-3). If Prophecy simply
stimulates your mind without changing your morals then it has failed.
B) Push us to Witness- The way to "Hasten" the coming of the
Lord is to win His Bride [Matt 24:14] Witnessing saves the Lost and hurries the
Lord- Can't ask for two greater incentives than that!
C) Prepares us to meet God vs 13 "Nevertheless we, according
to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, seeing that ye look for
such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and
blameless." When He returns we want to be found of Him:
---1. IN PEACE- Peace With God and the Peace of God reigns in our heart
---2. WITHOUT SPOT- As a Bride adorned for her husband (Washed in the Blood)
---3. BLAMELESS- Resting in the righteousness of Christ, we are not working to
be saved but working so that whenever the Lord returns we will be busy doing His
will so He can say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joys
of your Lord."
I don't know when the Lord will return but I sure want to be
ready to welcome Him when he does come back.
Miracle Message for Wednesday, April 8, 1998
EASTER ABILITY
In Matthew 9:28 two blind men came to Jesus and asked to be
healed. Jesus said to them, "Believe ye that I am able to do this?" Their
healing was based on their faith in His ability.
The Scriptures say a lot about the Abilities of the Lord:
1) He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by
Him. Heb 7:25
2) Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling. Jude 24
3) He is able to succour (Assist) them that are tempted. Heb 2:18
4) And being fully persuaded that, what he has promised, He was also able
to perform. Rom 4:21
5) God is able to make all grace abound toward you. 2 Cor 9:8
6) I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep
that which I have committed unto Him against that day. II Tim 1:12
7) Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we
ask or think according to the power that worketh in us. Eph 3:20
The two blind men responded to Jesus, "Yes, we believe that
you are ABLE." They were then healed by the power of Jesus' touch. If we believe
that God is who He says He is and that He has the power to do what He says He
will do when we trust Him then we will be a most blessed people.
God's ability extended even unto raising Christ from the
dead. This is not a theory we believe; It is a Power we claim.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, April 7, 1998
CAKE CONCERNS
I once received a small layer of a
wedding cake as a gift at the conclusion of the reception. It was beautifully
decorated and I looked with great anticipation on having a piece with my coffee
the next morning. My anticipation turned to anguish, however, when I sat down to
my first slice. The frosting was very thick and very sweet; a person would need
many cups of coffee if he ate much of that icing.
The real disappointment, however, was the actual cake. It was
very dry, hardly done, and appeared to be so old until it tasted spoiled. I
tried to gag down several mouth fulls hoping that the sweet icing would offset
the taste or I would get to a better part. Finally, I had to admit defeat and
throw it away.
Easter is a time of new dresses, fancy decorations, and
pretty pastels. But when we get past those sweet sweet decorations and look at
the real world of problems we face today it makes me think of that spoiled cake.
All the decorations in the world can't change the fact that we live in a world
where drug controlled youth, sex seeing adults, or morally impaired citizens
have corrupted the cake.
Easter is meant to move us from the graveyard of despair into
the upper room of victorious change. In order to do that we must move past the
decorations into the truths of the Resurrection (Paul said in I Corinthians
15:12-21 that if Christ is not raised from the dead , then Gospel preaching is
vain (vs 14), Christian Faith is vain (vs 14), Our sins have not been forgiven (vs
17), and we do not have eternal life (vs 18-21). All of these depend on the
resurrection of Jesus from the Grave).
Because "He is not here, for he is risen" (Matt 28:6), then we have reason for
rejoicing, thanksgiving, and celebration. And that celebration includes the
icing and the cake!
"Saturday Sermon" for Saturday, April 4, 1998
INCOMPLETE THOUGHTS
I was told once in a conference that
the longer people live together the less likely they are to finish sentences.
Personal observation of long time marriages have proven this to be a fairly
accurate statement. In fact many couples have a tendency to let each partner say
alternating parts of sentences so it seems that they are one person talking with
two voices!
As a Pastor, I do a great deal of counseling. One of the
first rules I had to learn was that I couldn't think ahead of the person with
the problem. Your mind operates much faster than your mouth (I know someone will
have something to say about that!). A Counselor must not allow his mind to jump
to conclusions about what he thinks the person is going to say and become so
engrossed in how he is going to answer until he misses what the person really
says. When that happens the Counselors begins to counsel his own perceptions
instead of the real problem.
Many times I hear people quote Romans 8:28 when a bad
situation comes their way. No matter how tragic a situation they will tritely
say, "Just remember that all things work together for the good". That is a good
thought but it is an incomplete quoting of scriptures. The verse really reads
like this, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love
God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." The any situation
being good is only promised to those who love God, and to those who are walking
in His plan for their life.
Easter is a wonderful time of year. I hope it will also be a
time when we come to realize that often Churches and Preachers unintentionally
give out incomplete information. Week after week they tell people that Jesus
died for their sins and urge them to come to Christ for forgiveness. What they
fail to realize is that the early Church grew from a local phenomenon into a
world changing power when it began preaching the Resurrection as well as the
Cross.
Jesus did not come just to die for your past sins. He was
also raised from the dead so that you could have new and abundant life. The
Resurrection takes an incomplete thought and turns it into a completed sentence
full of hope and the promise of help. Is it any wonder Easter is such a time of
rejoicing!
Miracle Message for Wednesday, April 15, 1998
PARENT PRINCIPLES
1) Children are a gift to Parents from the Lord- (Psa
127:3) Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb
is his reward. A Gift brings both Joy and Responsibility.
2) The Chief Responsibility of parents is the teaching and training of their
children- (Deu 6:6-7) And these words, which I command thee this day,
shall be in thine heart: {7} And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy
children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou
walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
(Eph 6:4) And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring
them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
3) Parents are expected to administer corrective discipline to their Children-
(Prov 19:18) Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare
for his crying. (Prov 23:13-14) Withhold not
correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not
die. {14} Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from
hell.
4) Parents are to plan for the future of their children- (Prov 22:6)
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart
from it. (2 Cor 12:14) ...the children ought not to lay up for the
parents, but the parents for the children.
"Saturday Sermon" for Saturday, April 11, 1998
JESUS IS THE CHRIST
How would you like it if someone who
did not care for you personally or professionally was given the task of
approaching your boss in order to secure a raise for you? PBS recently aired a
special about the Christian religion. The special brought together as
commentators people who apparently did not believe the Bible or the claims of
Christ. Some how, in their unbelief, they were supposed to explain the faith of
Christians.
I wonder if PBS would like to be forced to use
representatives of ABC, CBS, and NBC to appear before Congress to solicit their
operating budget for the upcoming year? These representatives would be related
to PBS in the fact that they all used the medium of television but you can be
sure their priorities and methods of securing income would be different.
Let me tell you about the Jesus I know. I believe Jesus
Christ is the Son of God. I believe He was crucified to satisfy God's righteous
demand for the payment of my sin debt. I believe he was resurrected from the
dead on the third day by the power of God. I believe He ascended to Heaven and
will one day return to claim His place as King of King and Lord of Lords as He
sets up a righteous kingdom on this earth.
I was not brought up to believe this. I was not brain washed
into believing this. I did not buy into believing because of my profession. One
day the Holy Spirit brought conviction of my sinful state to my soul and I knew
I was a sinner separated from God. God produced faith in my heart that allowed
me to accept as fact that which I could not feel or explain. As a result of that
faith my sins were forgiven and I became a child of God who now has a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.
Ask me, PBS, and I will tell you that Jesus is not a person
to be explained away; He is a Savior to be accepted and worshiped. And that
makes Easter more than bunny rabbits and new dresses. That makes Easter the
celebration of the greatest event in the history of the world.
Miracle Message for Wednesday, April 22, 1998
FACING FEAR
Life is filled with many fears. Among
the most common is the Fear of Other People- Prov 29:25 The fear of man
bringeth a snare. (If that is your problem then you need to memorize Psalm
27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? ).
People also fear the Unknown; what might happen. These people
need to remember (Prov 18:13) He that answereth a matter before he heareth
it, it is folly and shame unto him.
Other people are captive to fear of Death. They are consumed
with the fear of sickness or sudden disaster. These people need to remember that
Jesus came to (Heb 2:15) deliver them who through fear of death were all
their lifetime subject to bondage.
When Death comes to call in your life think on the wonderful
words of Psalm 23:4- Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death I will fear no evil for thou are with me!!
There is one fear we all need to have, however. It is the fear of
missing the joys of Heaven- (Heb 4:1) Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise
being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of
it. The Children of Israel were at the very door of the promised land and
decided to turn back because of fear of the enemy. And because they followed
fear instead of faith they died in the desert. Don't follow fear.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, April 21, 1998
LAUGH LESSONS
I don't know of any great spiritual
truth contained in the following little laugh lines. I simply know that (Prov
17:22) "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the
bones." Sometimes we need to stop being so serious for just a few moments and
enjoy life. Then when we get back to the serious grind of living we can do so
with more vim and vigor.
Next week I will talk to you again about life, death, and
serious situations. Right now it is time to remember the words of the wisest
mortal man to ever live- (Eccl 8:15) "Then I commended mirth, because a man hath
no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for
that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth
him under the sun."
There are lots of self help tapes out there. Someone told
about buying one called "How to Handle Disappointment" When he got home and
opened the box it was empty! -Jonathan Droll
Did you hear about the man who turned his life around. He
used to be depressed and miserable. Now he is miserable and depressed. -David
Frost
A Child is growing up when he stops asking where he came from
and begins refusing to tell you where he is going.
They say kids bring warmth into a home, and I tend to believe
it. I get hot every time I see the phone bill!
Charlie Brown- Sometimes I lie away at night, and I ask,
"Where have I gone wrong?" Then a voice says to me, "This is going to take more
than one night."
A Milwaukee minister, who declared that there are 947 sins,
was besieged for copies of the list!
One final thought that is more serious than silly- If you
want your ship to come in, you must build a dock.
Miracle Message for Wednesday, April 29, 1998
BECAUSE I CAN, SHOULD I?
A teacher recently asked me to help her
with some discussion on the question, "Because I can do something, should I?" I
translated the question this way in my mind, "Because I have the power to do
something, does that give me the right to do it?" Or, as the young people will
probably want to translate it, "Are there any limits to my freedom?"
I believe that Freedom (Because I can) must be governed by at
least 3 guidelines or the Freedom will turn from a friend into a foe.
What are the Consequences of my Freedom? I have the freedom
to jump off a bridge if I so desire but the sudden stop is a killer!! Every
action has an equal and opposite reaction. Freedom without awareness of
consequences is dangerous.
What are my Responsibilities with my Freedom? I have the
freedom to swing my arm any way I want; but my right to do so ends at your nose!
Freedom without responsibility becomes anarchy and chaos. The purpose of Laws
and Government is to ensure that men take responsibility for their Freedom.
What must my Considerations be with my Freedom? I have the
Freedom to go a week without bathing but it would be very inconsiderate of those
around me. When "every man does that which is right in his own sight" then no
one really gets to enjoy the true blessings of Freedom. That is why the golden
rule is still, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".
It is also important that we remember that the strings on a
fiddle only find the music within when they give up their Freedom in order to be
confined to the purpose of their life. Jesus taught that if we came to Him we
would be "free indeed". It sounds like bondage but, in reality, it is the
freedom your heart has been searching for all along.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, April 28, 1998
CHRIST TO CHRISTIANS
Christians celebrate Christ. We go to
Church. We try to live clean. But our greatest asset is the fact that we talk
about and celebrate our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ is the
center of our worship services, our sermons, and our activities. Christianity is
not just about trying to be better people as we attempt to make a better world;
it is about faith in the son of God who came to earth as a man in order to die
for our sins.
Why would we give up our sleep on Sunday mornings to go to
Church in order to sing about and talk about a man who lived and died nearly
2000 years ago? Why would we study a book written thousands of years ago and
attempt to apply its teachings to our lives today? Our answer is based on the
fact that we believe the Bible was written by God about Jesus for us.
Here are just a few of the reasons we love Christ so much.
---Christ became all that we were so we could be all that He is.
---He, who had all of Heaven became poor so that we who were so poor could have
all of Heaven.
---He, who was immortal, became mortal; that we who are mortal, might become
immortal.
---He, who was always in the presence of His father, was forsaken by His Father
so that we, who had forsaken God, might always be in the presence of God.
---He, who was sinless, became sin; that we, who are sinners, might become
sinless.
---He, who was hope, gave up hope; that we, who have no hope, might have all
hope.
Christianity is not just ten rules to make you a happy
person. It is not just the hope of heaven someday. Christianity is the joy of
living each day with Christ in a relationship that grows sweeter and sweeter as
we move toward that glad day when we will dwell together around the throne of
God in the Home Christ has prepared for us. What a day to look forward to!
"Saturday Sermon" for Saturday, May 2, 1998
FINAL ORDERS
"One last thing". That is the way she would say it. Having
told us about everything she could think of, mother would stop at the door on
her way out and say to us, "And one last thing..." We knew that these were her
final orders; and we knew that these were the ones we had better pay attention
to or suffer dire consequences when she returned.
Jesus did something like that. Just before He ascended to
Heaven He looked over at His disciples and basically said, "And one last
things..." These final orders of our Lord are tremendously important because
they form the marching orders for the work of God during Jesus' stay in Heaven.
The orders are easy to understand when you examine them the way any good
Reporter would investigate a situation.
What- "You shall receive Power" Power here means "ability,
efficiency, and might" and insinuates that everything needed to do the job God
wants done will be provided.
When- "When the Holy Ghost is come upon you". The ability and
the instructions to carry on their task will be given by the Holy Spirit that
will come to live in the body of the believer.
Why- "You shall be witnesses of me". Their job would be
fairly straightforward. They were to tell everyone they could, every time they
could, that Jesus was the Son of God who had come to offer them eternal abundant
life.
Where- "Both in Jerusalem and in Judea and unto the uttermost
part of the world". Their mission was to be local in origin but global in
vision.
How- First, Get in Tune with God- "Wait for the Promise of
the Spirit". Take time to line your life up with God so you will not misuse or
abuse the power He gives you. Secondly, Get in Fellowship with one another. You
know the old joke. What kind of car did the Disciples drive? A Honda- They were
all in one Accord! God will use many different personalities, with many
different emphasis but the common bond of one message about one Savior coming
from one Spirit empowered body would have a tremendous impact on the world.
The final orders of Jesus were among His most important. Are
you busy obeying?
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, May 5, 1998
WAVE WARNING
The FAA inspector put it all into perspective when he made
this statement, "I have seen many incidents like this one but I have always had
to interview the widows of the pilot because no one has ever survived before!"
Sort of makes your knees shake, doesn't it?
My brother and a friend were flying a small plane when they
saw a friend in the field below digging a well. They looked over the field and
didn't see any light poles so they assumed the field was clear for them to buzz
their well digging friend. As they began their descent the friend digging the
well looked up and recognized them. Suddenly, he began to wave his arms
frantically. My brother assumed he was waving at them and continued his descent.
What my brother didn't know was that the farmer who owned the
field knew someone at the power company and they had agreed to stretch the lines
across his field without putting a pole in the field to hinder his cultivation.
By the time my brother and his friend saw the light lines across the field they
were too late to avoid hitting them. The small plane struggled and struggled and
finally snapped the light lines.
Slowly and painfully the plane made its way back to a landing
strip. The cowling over the engine was battered shut so the engine was trying to
overheat. The light line that had broken was jammed into the wing and was
dragging on the trees they were barely clearing. Both men knew that if the line
wrapped around a tree it would bring the plane crashing down.
Inch by inch they made their way back to the strip until they
finally managed to land the plane. Safely on the ground they looked over their
crippled plane and realized how close they had come to death because they
ignored the warning of their friend's wave.
Week after week I see people flying too low and I try to warn
them of the danger headed their way. I wave and wave but they continue their
downward descent...but that is another story.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, May 12, 1998
FEEDING HUNGER
One of the ladies in our Church is about to begin teaching
a weight loss study program at our Church entitled the "Weigh Down Diet". I am
not much for fad diets and quick weight loss schemes. Most of them don't work
and seem to do more harm than good. Thousands of dollars that could have been
spent on getting the Gospel of Christ to a lost and needy world has been tied up
by Christians in exercise machines that double as clothes racks. Or it has been
spent on high priced fat free food that tastes like cardboard and generally last
about a week before the person eating them goes screaming into a restaurant
demanding a big mac and fries!!
The "Weigh Down Diet" deals with the real problem with weight
gain. A person has two empty "holes" in them- their stomach that nourishes their
physical body and their heart that nourishes their spiritual and emotional
needs. The problem most people have is that they have tried to feed spiritual
needs by putting something in their stomach. They are feeding the wrong empty
space; which is why they never get enough and continually gain weight.
Many people eat when they are depressed, or lonely, or under
stress. Then they feel guilty about their lack of control and eat more to try to
fill that empty hole; never realizing that no matter how much you put in your
stomach it will never fill the empty place in your heart! That empty space
requires a proper relationship with the Lord instead of another helping of ice
cream.
Don't feed the wrong hunger in your life. It causes health
and weight problems. Learn which hunger needs to be filled and put the proper
food in that empty space. You will find your pants fit better, your prayers get
answered, and your life is a lot more enjoyable.
Miracle Message for Wednesday, May 13, 1998
DOGS AND KIDS
A Pastor said he almost cracked up one time when he heard
one of his members pray the following prayer, "Lord, Please make me the kind of
person my dog thinks I am!". Later, as he reflected for awhile, he began to
think it was a pretty good prayer after all. It is hard to fool your dog with
your excuses and busy time schedule. All the dog knows is that you show love to
them or you don't take time for them.
Our children certainly are not dogs but they can sense the
same things in your life that your dog can feel. They know if you never have
time to go outside and play with them. They know that when you forget to feed
them properly or take the time to give them a bath that it is not just the food
you are forgetting; they are the ones being forgotten.
Children know that a Christian home must provide a balance of
both correction and praise in order to help a child develop strong moral
character. They know that dad must do more than come by every now and then and
run his hand through their hair if they are to learn not to "chase cars" and
chew up the morning paper.
Children learn quickly that one of the most hurtful
experiences a person of any age can endure is to be ignored. "I'll have time for
you some day, boy. Right now, don't rub against me or lay down by my chair
because I want to watch this TV program or read the paper."
Dogs, and children, see the real you. Treat them kindly.
"Saturday Sermon" for Saturday, May 16, 1998
COMING UP SHORT
One of the local restaurants has an extremely nice lady as
cashier. She and I are always talking about reading or traveling or church
activities while I pay my bill. Recently, we were talking while I wrote out my
check and really got involved in the conversation. Later that week I needed to
write another check and noticed that the check I had written her was still in my
checkbook!
I went back by later and asked her if she had come up short
in her deposits recently. She seemed surprised that I would know that she was
short. I asked her if she was short a certain amount and she said that was the
exact figure. Then I laughed as I handed her the check and told her we had been
talking so much until we had failed to realize that I had not given her the
check I had written out.
I was telling this to another lady in a restaurant recently
and she said she had also come up short not long ago. It hadn't been a very busy
night but when she added up she found herself $40 dollars short. She just
couldn't imagine how she had made that big of a mistake until she was looking
for something in her purse the next day. She had taken $40 from the cash
register to get change and the coins and dollar bills were lying in the bottom
of her purse!
Coming up short is not a strange thing; in fact it is common
to everyone- "All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God" (Rom 3:23).
The good news about this bad news is that it can have a happy ending also. Jesus
knew this was a debt we would always come up short on so He paid the debt for
us! Isn't it marvelous that God would love us that much?
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, May 19, 1998
MOTHER'S PRINCIPLES
I not only had the best mother in the world (which is what
every child should be able to say) but she was also very tough (she had to be to
live in a house with my dad and 4 boys) and very smart. She encouraged her
children to learn as much as they could about as many things as possible by
urging us to love reading and to enjoy exploring new ideas (Which is probably
the reason all of her children did well in school).
Mother did not just haphazardly go through life and hope that
her children would "luck" out and be good. She had a set of principles that she
expected us to learn and live by as we grew into adults. These principles have
been by guide for many years in my personal life and in my ministry as a pastor.
If you don't have any guiding principles for your family then let me suggest you
adopt these.
1) Salvation is the most vital decision in your life and it
only comes through repenting of sins and accepting Jesus Christ as your personal
Savior.
2) Morals, Standards, and Pure Living are extremely important
in daily living.
3) Hard work is necessary but life is made to enjoy- don't be
so serious until you never have any fun.
4) Order is better than disorder. For a long time I wondered
if the only reason for this one was to get me to clean up my bed room and wash
dishes but later I learned it is tremendously important in every area of life.
5) Use things and love people; don't love things and use
people. Mom was "death" on prejudice and hoarding. She believed that accepting
people and sharing your resources was much more important than accumulating
possessions or attaining a position in life.
Thanks Mom, for instilling eternal principles in my life; and for making teacake
cookies every now and then!
Miracle Message for Wednesday, May 20, 1998
LOST KEN DOLL
My brother was home from Elgin so we decided to take
Mother out to supper. Of course, my brother had to bring his granddaughter with
him (I don't believe in re-incarnation but if I could come back I would come
back as a grandchild-Those children have got it knocked!!).
After supper we were all going our separate ways. As I
started to leave I noticed that my brother hadn't left yet and so I went over to
see if anything was wrong. Hannah, the grandchild, had been playing with a Ken
doll the entire time we were in the restaurant and now she couldn't find it. She
was not a happy camper and she was letting everyone know that life could not go
on until that Ken doll was found.
We searched the Restaurant, including looking in the dirty
dishes that were taken up from the table, and could find no trace of "Ken". Now
granddaughter is VERY upset.
We were scratching our heads at how a Ken doll could just
"walk away" when the grandmother remembered that we had stood outside the
restaurant for awhile saying good-bye and Hannah had sit in a rocking chair
while we talked. Sure enough Ken was sitting in the rocking chair right where
Hannah had put him. Now Hannah is happy; and if Hannah is happy then everyone is
happy!
Many people have family members that are unsaved and bound
for hell apart from God. If I could just get them as concerned as Hannah then I
believe there would be a lot more rejoicing in church each Sunday.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, May 26, 1998
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE BIBLE??
In 1950 the following test was given to 83 college students. Most of them failed it. Rather than waste my time condemning these young men of nearly 50 years ago I gave this test to the Adults and Teens at the Church I pastor. Many of them failed it!! Which really goes to show what a good job I have done in teaching them the Bible! How well will YOU do? (Don't cheat!)
1. Name the Four Gospels:
2. Which book of the Bible contains the Lord's Prayer?
3. Name the 2 greatest commandments:
4. How many books are there in the Bible?
5. What does the word "Bible" mean?
6. What does the word "Testament" mean?
7. What does the word "Prophet" mean?
8. What was the original language of the Old Testament?
9. What is the first book of the Bible?
10. Where are the Beatitudes located?
11. What is the last book in the Bible?
12. Name 3 kings of Israel-
13. Name 2 Old Testament Prophets-
14. Who was the "forerunner" of Jesus Christ?
15. Have you ever read the Bible through? Have you ever read the New
Testament?
16. How many Bible Chapters would you guess you have read in the past month?
Answers here ranged from several "0" to 5 or 10 to 300 (That is 10 a day!). Just
so you will know I have read 5 chapters a day for my devotion for years (Not
including Bible Study and Sermon Preparation)
Hope to see you in Church this Sunday as we study the Bible
together.
Miracle Message for Wednesday, May 27, 1998
GOD'S NEAT, LET'S EAT
My nephew was visiting with me recently. I always try to
encourage people who stay in our home to take part in our worship of the Lord so
I asked him if he would like to ask the blessing on our lunch. He said he would
be glad to and then prayed the following prayer, "God's neat, let's eat"!
I told him that his prayer expressed a good sentiment but I
felt the Lord would be pleased with a little more expression of our worship and
thanks. He then proceeded to pray a good prayer that brought joy to our heart
and honor to God.
One night a preacher friend visited with us after church. My
wife and I normally wait until after Church to eat so we prepared some
sandwiches and asked him to join us. He said he had already eaten but he would
sit with us while we ate.
Wanting to be polite, I asked him to ask the blessing on the
food. He proceeded to pray a ten minute prayer that not only blessed our food
but also all our missionaries around the world!! I told him the bread was
getting stale by the time he finished!
I think God expects us to be much more reverent than "God's
Neat, Let's Eat" when we pray to Him. I don't think, however, He expects us to
be unaware of the circumstances surrounding our petitions. I learned a long time
ago that the best prayers are not sermons about people's needs but rather
supplications to an almighty God who delights in hearing the prayers of His
people. Remember that at lunch today.
"Saturday Sermon" for Saturday, May 30, 1998
CHRISTIAN CONDUCT
In order to viably demonstrate Christianity to a lost and
dying world there are three qualities that every Christian must have.
First is PASSION. Christianity is not a mind game a person
attempts to play. It is not simply the acknowledging of certain facts coupled
with the belief that these facts are logical and true. Christianity involves a
New Birth in order to become a New Creature that dies to self and takes up their
Cross that they might live the Christ Life. That cannot be accomplished without
an intense feeling taking place in a person.
Please don't get confused about this. There must be Facts in
order for you to build Faith which will bring about the Feelings I have talked
about; but many people seem to be nothing but dreary robots full of facts that
never effect their life. I contend that a person cannot live a successful
Christian life without developing a Passion for the Lord and for Life.
Secondly, Christianity must be PRACTICED if it is to be the
kind of religion intended by God. Christianity is not a suit you put on each
Sunday, it is a life you live each day. It must be practiced in the bed room as
well as the board room; in the play room as well as the prayer room.
Christianity is not a title you claim; it is a God like character you exemplify.
Finally, Christianity is built on POWER. The Power of the
Blood sets us free from sin's debt. The Power of the Cross sets us free from
sin's captivity. The Power of the resurrection sets us free from the fear of
death. The Power of the word delivers us from Temptation. The Power of the name
of Jesus rebukes and controls Satan. The Christian life is not a pitiful, puny,
performance based on feeble human abilities. Christians are the temple of the
Holy Spirit- the most powerful force in the world. If their life does not
demonstrate that power then they will be ineffective in winning others to their
belief.
Christianity involves Passion, Practice, and Power. Is that
what you have?
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 2, 1998
BELONGING TO YOUR BELIEFS
You are what you are because you do
what you do. You do what you do because you believe what you believe. You
believe what you believe because you heard what you heard ("Faith comes by
hearing"- Rom 10:17). You heard what you heard because you listened to what you
wanted to listen to-- (Jer 7:13) "The LORD spake unto you, rising up early and
speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not;"
Whether we want to admit it or not we are products of our
beliefs. Some cultures believe that cats make great pets while others believe
that cats make great stew! Some people believe that someone some where owes them
a living so they spend all their time and energy seeking to get someone else to
provide for them. Other people believe that "If a man will not work neither
should he eat" (2 Thess 3:10) and so they spend their days working so they can
have the resources they need to enjoy life.
The doctrines you believe will determine the duties you
perform. That means it is extremely important that you establish your beliefs on
the rock of a relationship with Christ instead of on the shifting sand of man
made opinions. And the only way that will happen is if you determine that Church
attendance and Bible Study should be a consistent part of your week.
What you listen to will determine what you hear. What you
hear will determine what you believe. What you believe will determine what you
do and what you do will determine what you are. Do you want to be fashioned by
some unseen writer of a TV series or talk show or do you want to develop eternal
life values that will stand the storms of this life and carry you into a
wonderful eternity with God? Every week you make that choice; and every week you
belong more and more to the beliefs you are forming by the choice you make.
Miracle Message for Wednesday, June 3, 1998
TROPHIMUS TROUBLE
(Acts 21:27-31) "And when the seven
days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the
temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, {28} Crying out, Men
of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the
people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the
temple, and hath polluted this holy place. {29} (For they had seen before with
him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had
brought into the temple.) {30} And all the city was moved, and the people
ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith
the doors were shut. {31} And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto
the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar."
A Rumor caused a riot!! Someone saw Paul walking with
Trophimus in the City and ASSUMED that Paul had brought this Gentile into the
Temple. Once the rumor started it swept like wildfire through the city until
"all of Jerusalem was in an uproar". Paul was arrested and eventually ended up
staying in prison for several years in Jerusalem, Caesarea, and, finally, Rome
and it all began because someone THOUGHT they saw something that became a city
wide rumor riot.
Guard your tongue. Some times what you think is so, isn't. Be
careful how you pick up rumors and then spread them. A little match can start a
big fire that burns many people.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 9, 1998
THE DIVINE DESIRE
A Preacher once said- "Religion is a
lot like sex. If you get it a little bit wrong it is really dangerous". I
learned many years ago that you can sell cars, tooth paste, or soft drinks by
using sexy models but you must never use the word "sex" within a mile of God.
Aware of that fact, I still want to make some comparisons between the
relationship God has with His people and the sexual relationship between a
Husband and Wife.
The Relationship between God and His people is a PERSONAL
relationship. It is a relationship that takes place in the heart of a person
that affects the way that person looks at God, themselves, and others. (I
personally have serious reservations about the mental capacity of individuals
who feel the need to go on nationwide TV talk show programs in order to discuss
the intimate details of their sex life).
The Relationship between God and His People is PLEASURABLE
(Both parties receive joy from their union). It should be PRODUCTIVE (God
expects new believers to be born as a result of this union). It should also be
PERMANENT- Divorce is Deadly in your relationship with God (See Heb 10:26).
But the key to this relationship, as in all relationships, is
that it must be a PARTNERSHIP. Just as we need God for forgiveness, guidance and
life, so God needs us as a way to express His love and mercy. Can you imagine
the eons of eternity in which the Love, Mercy, and Grace of God could not be
demonstrated? Without the redemption of sinners there would be no way for God to
clearly show the main attributes of His character.
The Church is the Bride of Christ. That is a wonderful place
of honor and joy as both parties share their most secret and sacred parts with
one another. But it is just the beginning of the joyous fellowship we will share
together with God through the endless ages.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 16, 1998
JINGLE BELL GOOF
The funeral director had come to the
place in the order of service where he asked the widow if there was any special
music she wanted at her husband's funeral. Her answer was immediate, "Oh, I know
that one. He told me over and over that he wanted us to sing 'Jingle Bells' at
his funeral." The funeral director looked at her for a few moments and asked if
she was sure that was what she wanted and she was adamant that that was what her
husband wanted.
More than a few looks were exchanged during the funeral
service when "Jingle Bells" was sung by the solist between devotional messages
by the pastor. At the grave site a close friend of the widow simply had to ask
why she had chosen that song. The widow explained to her that her husband had
requested that song over and over. The friend replied, "But he always said he
wanted us to sing 'When they ring those Golden Bells' at his funeral." "That's
it!" proclaimed the widow. "That is the one he wanted. I knew it was something
to do with bells!"
I was at a funeral once where the Elvis recording of "Are you
lonesome tonight?" was the special music. Another time, albums of the 'Grateful
Dead' were piled on the body of the deceased before the coffin was closed. And
numerous times people have chosen to be buried in the nude in order to follow
the admonition of Job 1:21 "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked
shall I return thither:"
I try to strongly encourage people to remember that it is
"appointed unto man once to die" and preparations need to be made. These
preparations include listing your favorite music and favorite scripture in a
place that relatives can easily find. It also includes making preparations to be
able to meet God without fear of punishment or rejection. This kind of
preparation will help prevent goofs at the funeral and groaning at the judgement
bar.
Miracle Message for Wednesday, June 17, 1998
FIVE REALITIES OF SIN
Don't blame it on God. Blame it on Sin.
God does not destroy your family; sin does. God does not hold you captive to
drugs or drink; sin does. God does not rob you of your money and reputation and
health; sin does.
It is Sin that destroys your peace, depresses your mind, and
decimates your body. It is God who sets the captive free, who heals the broken
hearted, and who pays the deadly penalty of sin imposed on us by listening to
Satan.
Why then do people today exalt Sin and sinful behavior while
at the same time acting as if God, prayer, and Bible reading are the main
sources of their troubles? Why do so many love Sin and hate God? Don't they
realize that playing with Sin is like stepping into a den of serpents? And don't
they realize that the only cure for the bites of those serpents of sin is to
look at the cross on which the Son of God, Jesus Christ, hung and died?
Let me share with you five realities of sin that I hope will
help you to see how horrible sin is; and how wonderful it is that our God gives
us victory over Sin's punishment and power.
Sin Defies God. Sin Defiles Us. Sin Dishonors all. Sin
Defeats Christians. Sin Destroys Sinners.
In the garden of Eden mankind had everything he needed for a
life of joy, fulfilment, and happiness. Wonder of wonders, he chose to choose
sin and thousands of years of misery have followed. Men today still must chose-
God or Sin. Don't chose wrong.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 23, 1998
MOTIVE DOES MATTER
The day is beginning to fade into the
dusk of night as you walk down the street. Suddenly, a man jumps out from behind
a building banishing a knife and demands all your money. Afraid and confused,
you hesitate and the thief becomes more and more excited. Suddenly, he lunges at
you and you feel the sharp pain of the knife as it plunges into your body.
Slowly, the dusky light fades into darkness as you slip into unconsciousness.
Finally, a sound penetrates the pain and darkness as you
struggle to understand where you are and what is happening to you. An unfamiliar
face leans over and declares that he is a doctor and that he must preform
surgery on you in order to prevent you from bleeding to death.
Two men, both are strangers and both plunge a knife into you.
One to take your life; the other to save your life. The difference is the motive
that drives the person yielding the knife.
The Bible declares that "the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for
man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." (1
Sam 16:7). As mere humans, we develop a perception of people based on their
outward appearance. Then we attribute certain characteristics and motives to
that person based on our perception and prejudices. Only God, however, is able
to look beyond the exterior and see the true motivating force of that person's
heart.
That same faulty judgement is often seen in our perception of
God. Many people tend to perceive of God as being legalistic and narrow minded
because of the necessary guidelines and organizational details He has given
mankind. The truth about God's motives, however, is revealed in His word- "For I
know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace,
and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jer 29:11)
Don't fear and fret. The only reason God plunges His "Knife"
into you is to save you from the vicious attack by Sin or Satan. Rest in God's
love; He is a great surgeon.
Miracle Message for Wednesday, June 24, 1998
DOGWOOD DIFFICULTIES
My brother was moving his trailer into
a wooded lot several years ago. When he began cleaning up the lot he came upon
several small dogwood trees. He didn't want to destroy them so he dug them up
and set them aside. Several days later he came by my house and brought them to
me. I was busy at the time so he just leaned them up against the house. For a
week those dogwood trees sat beside my house with little dirt on their roots as
the hot sun beat down upon them.
Finally, I decided I had to either plant those trees or throw
them away. Because of the excavation work during the construction of the
parsonage there are only a few inches of top soil on the ground before you get
to a very hard clay soil. I dug down a few inches, got tired, and decided the
trees would have to sink or swim in the holes as they were. Then the water hose
wouldn't reach all the way to the trees so I just shot some water at them and
hoped it landed around the roots.
As I went to get the paper today I realized I needed to cut
those dogwood trees back. They were so big until they were obstructing the mail
box.
Some of you have had some very difficult circumstances in
your life. Sometimes you have wondered if anyone really cared for you as life
has dealt you one bad situation after another. Isn't it wonderful to know that
God cares for us and can make us grow even if the people who are supposed to
provide for us fail in their responsibilities. I think of that each year as the
blooms from my dogwood trees brighten up the entire neighborhood.
Lessons for Living for Tuesday, June 30, 1998
DOLLAR DISCIPLES
I recently gave everyone who came to
our church a dollar. No, it was not a prize for winning a contest. Nor was it a
promotion to increase attendance (No one knew they would receive the dollar
until I announced it during the sermon). It was simply a means of turning
spectator Saints into active Christians.
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus told the story about "A certain
nobleman {who} went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to
return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said
unto them, Occupy till I come." (Luke 19:12-13). I told our Church that I wanted
them to pretend that I was the Lord and that the dollar they received was the
"pound" they were to invest until the Lord returned. And to make it really
interesting, I told them that the "Lord" would return the next Sunday morning
and ask them what they had done with the "pound" that had been entrusted to
them.
One lady bought a box of brownie mix with her dollar, made
brownies, and carried them to a sick and lonely lady. One person used their
dollar to copy a paper on the need of moral values for children that was then
distributed to as many people as possible. One person left their dollar in a
gospel tract as an extra tip. Numerous people used their dollar to buy postcards
or stamps so they could send notes of encouragement or comfort to others.
Several combined their dollars and filled a Missions quarter folder- thus
learning how to work together to reach the world for Christ. And on and on it
went.
It was amazing how big the ripple became as a result of
throwing those dollars into the pool of life. Just like it will amaze you to see
how God can use what you have if you are willing to look for something good you
can do in order to turn from a spectator into a participator. And what a
difference that will make when YOU give account for your "pound".