Admonition
God's Book of Rememberance 8.16.09
"Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who meditate on His name." Malachi 3: 16
This is one of a few passages that speak of God writing a book. This passage speaks of it as “a book of remembrance”. We also have books of remembrance that we make for ourselves to help us recall events in this life. These books can take on the form of a photo album, a scrapbook, a diary, etc. Perhaps our most precious memories and recordings of our life are on our computer hard drive. In some cases the memories you have collected over the years may take on a different meaning to you as time goes by, and there can be various reasons for this happening. A particular photo, letter in a scrapbook, passage in a diary, a memento or saved email on your hard drive may provoke unpleasant thoughts in your mind. You may become sad in remembering someone close to you who has died. You may feel the pain of an emotional scar because someone has betrayed you. You may feel anger because someone wronged you, and never made it right. You may feel guilt because of a sin you committed, and never truly repented of doing. You may feel ashamed because of someone you betrayed. You might even be prompted to delete an email that you thought you wanted to save or remove a picture from a photo album that you no longer want to look at. Imagine if you went through all of the things that you have that are attached to any unpleasant memory, and removed them from your presence. All of the emails, etc. on your computer were deleted, the photos from your photo album were removed, items from the scrapbook torn out, the passages in your diary stricken, and the various memento’s were added to the trash. What would be left?
God is writing a book of Remembrance. What does God want to remember when He looks in His book? Will He see names that give Him unpleasant memories?
"Add iniquity to their iniquity, And let them not come into Your righteousness. Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, And not be written with the righteous. But I am poor and sorrowful; Let Your salvation, O God, set me up on high." Psalm 69: 27-29
If you read this Psalm of David you will see that he is contrasting the actions of those who had taken advantage of him and withheld comfort from him when he sinned with his own attitude of being poor (poor in spirit as in Matthew 5: 3), and sorrowful for his sins (those who mourn Matthew 5: 4, godly sorrow 2 Corinthians 7: 9). David is seeking God’s salvation, and he knows that only God can set him on high. David knows that God’s punishment against those who sinned against him will be to blot them “out of the book of the living”, and for their names to “not be written with the righteous”. Can these repent also? Yes, but if they do not they are blotted out. God will not look in His book and be prompted to remember their sins and unpleasantness before Him, because their names will not be written upon the page.
"You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Revelation 3: 4-6
This passage also clearly shows that there will be names added to the book of life that will be blotted out, because they DID NOT OVERCOME.
"Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire." Revelation 20: 11-15
When our time comes to leave this world we want to be remembered by God. We want to be written in His book of remembrance, written with the righteous, written in the book of life, so that when He sees our name He will smile upon us knowing that we will be with Him to share eternal memories.
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16: 33
These words that Jesus spoke to His apostles will also give us comfort if we are overcoming the world through Him. ~ LRW
Heather and I are very happy to finally be here to work with you all, and we are thankful beyond words for the efforts made by all of you to get us down here. We are confident that this is where God wants us to be for our mutual edification and efforts to glorify God in the work that we do.
LIGHTS 11.1.09
I do not know the author of the below story, but the principals it teaches are illuminating.
THE MISSING LAMPS
In a certain mountain village in Europe several centuries ago, a nobleman wondered what legacy he should leave to his townspeople. At last he decided to build them a church. No one saw the complete plans for the church until it was finished. When the people gathered, they marveled at its beauty and completeness. Then someone asked, “But where are the lamps? How will it be lighted?” The nobleman pointed to some brackets in the walls. Then he gave to each family a lamp which they were to bring with them each time they came to worship. “Each time you are here the area where you are seated will be lighted,” the nobleman said. “Each time you are not here, that area will be dark. This is to remind you that whenever you fail to come to church, some part of God’s house will be dark.”
Do you ever wonder if your presence at worship has an impact upon those around you?
“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” Philippians 2: 14-16
We are lights in a dark world. In the spiritual realm we should be illuminating Jesus wherever we go. If we choose to not attend services then the illumination of that gathering is not as great as it could be, and our opportunity to influence and encourage our brethren and visitors on that day is gone. Also, our opportunity to share in the light of our brethren reflecting Jesus is also gone, and our own lives are dimmer as a result.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” Psalm 119: 105
We illuminate God’s word unto one another to give clarity and direction to the lives we lead. We encourage one another to shine brightly before others in the hopes of leading some out of this dark world to be in the eternal light of our heavenly Father.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1: 17
The Father of lights always shines with glory and power, and has bestowed upon us every good gift. These gifts include life eternal and life abundantly in one another’s presence. We must also remember that we are a people under assault. Our illumination of Jesus to one another and the world is how we combat the evil that surrounds us.
“So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outpost of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just as they had posted the watch; and they blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers that were in their hands. Then the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers—they held the torches in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands for blowing—and they cried, “The sword of the LORD and of Gideon!” And every man stood in his place all around the camp; and the whole army ran and cried out and fled. When the three hundred blew the trumpets, the LORD set every man’s sword against his companion throughout the whole camp; and the army fled to Beth Acacia, toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abel Meholah, by Tabbath.” Judges 7: 19-22
Imagine the scene when the trumpets were heard all around the camp, and the torches were seen surrounding the camp. The shout went out and the Midianites panicked being unprepared for a night attack, and the resulting chaos led to a great victory for Israel by the hand of God. Now imagine the scene if all of the men on the south and east sides of the camp lost faith, and fled with their torches and trumpets instead of obeying God’s command. There would have been darkness where God had commanded them to provide light. There would have been silence where God had commanded them to blow trumpets. There would have been the faithless testimony signaled by the fading footsteps of fleeing soldiers where God had commanded them to shout in faith “The sword of the LORD and of Gideon”. ~ LRW
JESUS WEPT by Heather Wells 12.27.09
When I was a child in one of my bible classes we were allowed to choose our memory verse for the week. It seemed that it was always a contest to see who could claim John 11:35 first – the shortest verse in the bible, “Jesus wept”. We thought we were very clever but perhaps the teacher was more farsighted than I realized at the time. Now, many years later, I still remember this little verse and it leads me to a big question; why did Jesus weep?
As God incarnate, who could see beyond this world and time, Jesus knew Lazarus was resting in Abraham’s bosom. No cause to weep for Lazarus. I have often wondered if Lazarus appreciated his resurrection only to die again! Of course this life is a tremendous blessing from God and not to be taken for granted. However, once you’ve tasted the sweet rest we read of in Hebrews 4:9-10 why would you want to return to earth where there is suffering, aches and pains, and SIN?!
Did Jesus weep because the enemy Death was not yet conquered and He knew the battle that loomed in front of Him? Earlier in John 11 Jesus declares Himself to be the Resurrection and the Life. He tells Martha starting in vs. 25, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Martha believed Jesus but just a few miles away in Jerusalem there were many who did not believe and were waiting to kill Him. Jesus could not fully become the Resurrection and the Life until He Himself had died and was raised up to Life again. Satan’s claim on man could only be paid by Christ’s blood. If He did not weep because of that now, we see His tears later in the Garden.
Did Jesus weep for Mary and Martha and the others who loved Lazarus? Did the Son of Man sympathize with their grief? Did the Creator remember that we are but dust and take pity on short-sighted man? I think it is from these bowels of compassion that His tears flowed.
I see that our Perfect High Priest felt the grief of loss. A friend had died. Other friends grieved. It was only right for the Man of Sorrows to weep. I believe that the Word of God demonstrated that there is a time to weep and a time to mourn (Ecclesiastes 3:4).
I think of all that Jesus could have done and said on that day long ago in Bethany. He could have told them that this was a time to focus on the other part of Ecclesiastes 3:4. Laugh and dance and rejoice for Lazarus who is now free from this life of pain! He could have given a lengthy dissertation on how this life is but a breath and in view of eternity they won’t feel their loss long. He could have reminded them of King David’s words at the death of his first son with Bathsheba: “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who can tell whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” 2 Samuel 12:22-23.
All of these points are true and even have their place in viewing this life from God’s vantage point. We need to know about the joy that awaits us. It’s encouraging to know that this life is short and joy is eternal. It is the greatest of comforts to know that we will see our faithful loved ones again. And yet, at the tomb, the One that we follow simply wept. What lesson is there for me in this littlest of verses?
In Proverbs 25:20 we read, “Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, And like vinegar on soda, Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.” I especially like the word picture in the first part of this verse. It rises to the level of offense when you’re nice and toasty warm and someone snatches your blanket from you. Making light of sorrow leaves the heavy-hearted feeling alone, with no protection from the stark coldness of their loss. Perhaps that is why we are instructed in Romans 12:15 to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”
Lawrence and I did not know Cindy Lingerfelt. But we know you. You have our tears and our prayers. May the Father of Mercies and the God of all Comfort be a balm to your hearts. ~ HLW
HAPPY TODAY 1.2.10
Happy New Year! Happy Sunday! Happy whatever day it is for you! Are you happy TODAY? I am not asking if everything in your day is going exactly like you want it to, but if it is, I am happy for you. I am asking if you are happy today in your relationship with God. Are you secure in your salvation? Have you entered the kingdom of God by being obedient to the New Covenant of Jesus? Have you repented of all of your sins before God and man, and asked forgiveness? Have you forgiven everyone who has sinned against you and repented of their sins? Do not harden your heart against these things, because repentance for sin does not have a statute of limitations.
Hebrews 3: 7-19
“Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says:
“ Today, if you will hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,
In the day of trial in the wilderness,
Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me,
And saw My works forty years.
Therefore I was angry with that generation,
And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart,
And they have not known My ways.’
So I swore in My wrath,
‘ They shall not enter My rest.’”
Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said:
“ Today, if you will hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”
For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses? Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.”
Do not make the mistake the Israelites did in the wilderness. The consequence was to die in the wilderness and never see the promise land. One day, on a day others will simply call today, all that will be left of us on this earth will be a corpse. The only thing that will prevent our death will be if Jesus returns first. We do not know when these things will be.
Today, whatever day it is, can be your day of salvation. Today can be your day of reconciliation and peace. Today can be a day of spiritual growth in your walk with Christ. Perhaps today is a confirmation of the joy you have being happy in the security of your salvation through Jesus.
I truly wish you a Happy New Year in the Lord, and that can begin today. ~LRW
EL ROI! by Heather Wells 1.24.10
It’s a little overwhelming to spend time thinking about God. He is all knowing. He is all present. He is all powerful. He is. (no typo. God simply is.) I often wonder if that is why scriptures reveal so many different names for Him. God. God Almighty. The Fear of Isaac. Judge. The Holy One of Israel. Each name gives us a little more information about this awesome Being.
As of late one of God’s names has particularly been on my mind – El Roi. It means “the God Who Sees”. It comes from Genesis 16. In this chapter we find Sarai and Abram “helping” God with His plan for making a great nation from Abram’s seed. Sarai gives Abram her Egyptian handmaiden, Hagar. Hagar conceives and according to verse 4 “when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress became despised in her eyes.” Now Abram has women trouble. Sarai is upset and as a result Abram tells Sarai to do as she pleases with Hagar. The barren Sarai begins to deal harshly with the expecting Hagar. Hagar flees into the wilderness where the Angel of the LORD finds her by a spring of water.
What follows in the next verses is a conversation between the Angel of the LORD and Hagar. The Angel of the LORD sends Hagar back to Sarai with instructions to submit but He also tells Hagar what will become of the child that she carries. After the prophecy is given Hagar “called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, ‘Have I also here seen Him who sees me?’ Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; observe, it is between Kadesh and Bered.” (Genesis 16:13-14). You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees, El Roi.
It strikes me that Hagar is just this Egyptian handmaiden having trouble with her boss, having trouble in her family, feeling lonely, feeling mistreated, desperate, depressed but, seen by God. The God Who Sees saw her!
And He Sees me! Me. Just this yankee transplant trying to be a good wife and wise mother. And you. Just this teacher trying to make a difference in the life of your students. Just this retired couple trying to shine God’s light in their neighborhood. Just this kid feeling like the only one who is trying to please God at school. Just this mom worn out with a sick kid. Just this college student away from home feeling lonely. Just this wife trying to let her chaste conduct convert her husband. Just this mother pleading before God’s throne on behalf of her lost child. Just this father looking for opportunities to impart his wisdom. Just this man trying to make tough business decisions. Just this widow trying to look forward and not back. Just this man learning to lead his family. Just this woman battling Satan’s attacks. Just this man mending his shield of faith. El Roi sees us and He cares.
And isn’t it a comfort that He comes to us not just when we feel at our spiritual strongest but when we’re weeping in the wilderness. He sees us there. He knows our struggles. But more than that, He gives us direction for how to get back to where we need to be.
For Hagar, Sarai’s maid, she is told simply to return and submit to her mistress. How wonderful for us when we sin that the master to whom we return never treats us harshly. When we turn back to God it is to the arms of a loving Father who has waited for us with a great longing.
Whatever has driven you to the Wilderness, El Roi sees you there. He cares for you. One day, if we’re found faithful, like Hagar we’ll be able to say, “I have seen Him who sees me”. ~ HLW
SITTING AT THE FEET OF JESUS 1.31.10
I was out of town one Sunday in December and Steve preached, and also conducted the class in my absence. He recorded the sermon for me, but I lost the recorder before transferring the sermon to my computer. He was kind enough to send me his PowerPoint, and after seeing the slides, I truly regret not getting to hear his presentation of the lesson. The theme and content are biblical and compelling.
Today, our brother Trey has prepared a sermon for us that he will begin this morning and finish this evening. Lord willing, I and all of you who read this bulletin will have the blessing of hearing these lessons. It is important for me to be able to sit at the feet of brothers who are speaking the truth of God’s word. Steve and David have brought to light many compelling principals from God’s word in conducting the Wednesday night bible study for the edification of all of us. I have been spiritually nourished from the assemblies where the men stand before all of us to lead us in preaching, teaching, presiding at the Lord’s table, singing and speaking to us about the importance of giving financially to the work. I have also received nourishment from both the men and women in the class settings where all can offer their understandings or ask questions to provoke our thoughts to see a deeper message and application for our lives. Also, outside of the assemblies when I have had the great privilege to be with any of you I have grown from both the teachings and examples of my brothers and sisters in this place.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3: 16-17
Your words and conduct have served to fulfill these verses for me, and I pray will continue to do so.
All of these thoughts have brought to my mind a couple of questions. What do we want to hear when we are being taught by a brother or sister? What do we want others to hear from us when we have an opportunity to teach them?
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4: 10-12
We are to speak to whomever we can, certainly to one another, the complete revelation of God that has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. We are to let our examples of ministering to each other and those around us reflect the glory of God through Jesus Christ, and show others the manifold grace of God.
And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Matthew 7: 28-29.
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Lamb of God, spoke with authority. He did not refer to the traditions of the rabbis or the opinions of the day. He did not need to test His doctrine against others to see if it was true. He did not have to be timid in telling others with love that their hope was in Him.
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2: 8-10
Does a priest have authority? Does a priest have a duty? Are we only to proclaim the praises of Him in our assemblies?
We are priests of God through our High Priest Jesus Christ who has given us a duty, and the authority to carry it out. Our authority exists as long as the praises we proclaim are true. We come together in our assemblies to worship God according to His word. A very important aspect of that worship is for us to learn and be encouraged to be better equipped to proclaim the praises of our Lord. Who is sitting at your feet listening to your words? Are they hearing all about you? Are they hearing your opinions or feelings about your beliefs? Are they hearing the words of Christ delivered with authority so that they may be convicted in their hearts? To God be the glory! ~ LRW
JESUS DID THIS FOR YOU 2.14.10
I remember Heather telling me a few years ago about a way to study a Bible passage that had never occurred to me. She told me about how she would substitute her name into passages to make it more personal, especially in place of a sinful trait that she might be struggling with. I have since done that on several occasions. It has been very convicting to me, and it is not always easy to do.
This morning the lesson is from Isaiah 52: 13 through 53: 6 and Willard is going to read 53: 7-12 from the Lord’s table. Isaiah 53: 3-6 is very powerful, and applies to each one of us. This morning I am going to read it and substitute the names of people who are present. Below, I have typed it with the names of those whom I knew would not be present this morning along with others that I did not mention during the sermon.
3 He is despised and rejected by Steve,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And Joshua hid, as it were, his face from Him;
He was despised, and Richard did not esteem Him.
4 Surely He has borne Ola’s griefs
And carried Deidre’s sorrows;
Yet Joe esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for Dot’s transgressions,
He was bruised for Shirley’s iniquities;
The chastisement for Joyce’s peace is upon Him,
And by His stripes Hoko is healed.
There was a time in all of our lives when we were despising and rejecting Jesus and not esteeming Him as Lord of our lives. Some or all of us did it knowingly by delaying to act on the teachings of Jesus or if not knowingly, then ignorantly by living our lives without having received the teaching. However, His teachings are available to all who will pick it up and read it, and His salvation is available to all who will act in faith to receive it.
Before we were saved we were as men who hid their faces from God, and did not want to stand in the light that exposed us as lost sinners full of darkness. Even since we have been saved there may have been times in our lives when we wanted to hide from God, because of the sin we allowed to come back into our lives.
There is much grief and sorrow in this life, but the weight and consequences of sin are the greatest. Because of what He has done we can cast our cares upon Him, and stand before God with joy.
He paid the price of God’s justice because of our transgressions and iniquities. It was the will of God the Father that Jesus endure torture and chastisement physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually while on this earth. The punishment of death, eternal separation from God, was upon us all, because we like all who live are without excuse for not recognizing the one true God.
His actions of love have brought us the peace that passes all understanding. We have the peace that comes from knowing our sins are forgiven in Him. We have the peace of knowing that we can read and obey the New Law of Jesus Christ. We have the peace of knowing that we have been born again in the waters of baptism to arise a child of God for the first time in our lives. We have the peace of knowing that God abides with us, and helps us through this life with His Providential care and corrective chastisement.
We are healed! Hallelujah! What a Savior. We were dying, separated from God by sin, and He healed us. Now we live, truly live, and not just forever, but forever in the presence of God.
Brethren, our God is continually blessing us, and cleansing from sin His children who repentantly go to Him in prayer. That is the prayer He answers for us, but not for the world. We have been born again into the death of Jesus, and we live in Him. We are priests before our God, and Jesus continually ministers as our High Priest who intercedes on our behalf.
If you are in sin and hiding from God I beg you to turn to God who can heal you. You cannot hide from God, but you can delude yourself into thinking that you are not sinning. This manifest itself in many ways, and one way it manifest itself is to forsake the assembly of worship unto God. Another is being more cavalier with what you perceive to be your liberties that may actually be leading you into more sin. One more example is to be a hypocrite by pretending to be Godly in your judgments, but not conforming your own life to Christ. If in your heart you know that you are turning away from God it will eventually lead to you turning away from your brother. That can be done within your heart even if you chose to continue to attend at every opportunity.
Read Isaiah 53: 3-6 again, and insert your name in each place. Jesus did this for you. Was it in vain? ~ LRW
For Me To Live Is… 2.28.10
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1: 21
Philippians is one of Paul’s prison epistles. Even though he writes it while imprisoned in Rome, the short little letter is filled with concern for others and admonitions for the saints at Philippi to rejoice. Paul’s perspective is one to be admired and immulated. He focuses on what his imprisonment has gained him- a chance to spread the gospel (vs. 1: 12-14) and to be an encouragement to others. Amazing! Paul’s priorities of Christ 1st, others 2nd and self last not only make a great acronym & recipe for joy (Jesus first, others second, you last), but they also help us better understand how Paul can say “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1: 21.
Paul gives us a great picture of what “to live is Christ” looks like just in the first 20 verses of chapter 1.
Having a servants heart (1: 1a) “Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ”.
Being thankful (1:3) “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,”
Having a rich prayer life (1: 4-11) “always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
Seeking the kingdom’s benefits over self’s benefits (1: 12) “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,”
Sharing the good news with others (1: 13) “so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;”
Being mindful of our example, especially during trials (1: 14) “and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”
Focusing on the big picture instead of getting weighed down by other’s insecurity & hypocrisy (1: 15-16) “Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains;”
Leaning on the prayers of the saints and on the Spirit of Jesus Christ (1: 19) “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,”
Determining that I will magnify Christ no matter what (1: 20) “according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.”
Sometimes I think it’s easy to think that I love Christ, because I would die for Him. Indeed, Jesus Himself said “That to lay down one’s life for his friends is the greatest love.” John 15: 13 It is also a one time act. To “live in Christ” is a daily test of my love to Him. For me, is to live Christ? And because of that love for Christ do I consider death a gain? I can only consider, as Paul does, being with Christ after death far better if I’ve already established a friendship with Him here.
So here is my test- what do I consider to be life and death? How do I fill in those blanks? All that we learn of Paul from Philippians 1: 1-20 tells us before we even read verse 21 that Paul was living for Christ in this life and as a result would consider death a means of being closer to Christ. Paul’s life showed what his priorities were. So does mine. So does yours. To live is Christ. What a great goal! If we pursue it we’ll one day have the added benefit of welcoming the transition into the next life which is far better than this one. “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Amen, indeed! ~HLW
Lost…and Found? 3.7.10
In the bulletin article on 1.31.10 titled “Sitting at the Feet of Jesus” I wrote about losing the voice recorder with Steve’s lesson on it. Well, I found it, but I did not find Steve’s lesson on the recorder. I may have erased it inadvertently, but nevertheless, it was lost.
Sometimes we lose things and we are able to find them again. Sometimes we lose things and never find them. Sometimes we lose things and never bother to look for them.
“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God. I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold nor hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot. I will vomit you out of My mouth, because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ –and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked- I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich, and white garments, that you may be clothed that the shame of you nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” Revelation 3: 14-19
Why were these saints in this state? They had lost an honest assessment of themselves, and were living lives of deception. Believing they were saved they were actually in a state of being spiritually “wretched, poor, blind and naked”, and this is not a description of living life abundantly as Jesus said we would be able to do. How did this happen to them? They were not continuing to study the word of God that reveals to us our true relationship with God.
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will b e blessed in what he does. James 1: 21-25.
We must receive the word to have salvation from all of the sins in our lives. If we do not live the truth that we learn from God’s word we are losing blessings, and possibly our salvation. Some of these blessings include the joy of ministering to fellow saints, teaching others about Jesus, being an example of righteousness to others, and overcoming temptation which lessens the devil’s power in our lives. These will remain lost until we choose to start living by faith more of what we know; if we choose to start.
“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’” Luke 15: 8-9
Some who were saved by the implanted word of God have lost their association with their fellow saints, and no longer worship as part of a local church. They are on their own and some of them believe that is okay. I pray often for saints in that state who honestly do not realize what they are losing. I hope they will come back so their joy can be even greater than the joy of the woman who found her lost coin.
Those of us who are in Christ need to consider how we have and are living our lives and consider what we may have lost along the way. If we find something that is missing in our spiritual lives, because of the choices we have made than we must decide what we are going to do. We are not going to find it if we do not start looking. We may think it is something small, but maybe it has kept us from truly living the abundant life that Jesus intended for us to have. ~LRW
Jesus’ Words: All or Nothing by Rhonda Harper 3.21.10
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
Jesus said, “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:33-37)
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.” (Matthew 5:38-42)
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48)
Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)
Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:1-5)
Jesus said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
Jesus said, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17:20-26)
John tells us, “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:30-31) There are also many more of Jesus’ words recorded in the Scriptures than this minute selection.
“While he (Peter) was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice (voice of God) came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5)
Who are you to pick & choose the words of Jesus you will hear & obey & which you will ignore? ~RJH
Why Are You a Member of a Church? 3.28.10
The word church comes from the Greek word for an assembly. Any assembly can be a church, but why are you a member of a religious assembly? There are several reasons people become members of a church. Many choose to be members of a church, because it engages in entertaining activities. Perhaps movies are shown, musical concerts and theatrical plays are performed, Andy Griffin shows are watched as the basis for teaching a moral lesson (this actually happened at a liberal Church of Christ), etc. Others make their choice for the social benefits provided to the members. Perhaps the members go out regularly for movies, bowling, dinners, etc. The sole reason may be for their children to have more peers to associate with, and the opportunity to be involved in more activities with the members. There are many churches that assemble for the purpose of making each other feel good about who they are without prompting them with a Biblical message to improve their lives. No judgment, no consequences, no need to stop sinning. Some people attend a particular church because that is where their friends attend. Some attend a particular church because that is where their family attends. When some people are asked why they attend a certain church they will say their “pastor”, “priest”, “preacher”, etc. tells them the truth. Some people believe very firmly in the creed of a church. Are these good reasons?
Those who were saved on the day of Pentecost “…continued-steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and prayers.” (Acts 2: 42) The apostles’ received their teaching from God.
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you* into all the truth: for* he will not speak from himself; but whatever things he hears, these he will speak and he will declare to you* the things that are to come.” (John 16: 13)
Acts 2: 46a reveals that their “… continuing-steadfastly with one accord in the temple…” was a means of assembling to worship in fellowship and continue learning the apostles doctrine. The fellowship that we are to have is the Lord’s Supper.
“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a fellowship of the body of Christ?” 1 Corinthians 10: 16
To willingly forsake this assembly of fellowship is a sin, and a symptom of other sins in one’s life.
“Let us hold onto the confession of our hope unbending; for he is faithful who promised. And let us consider one another for inciting to love and to good works; not forsaking our own gathering together, as the custom is with some, but encouraging one another, and so much more, as long as you see the day drawing near.
For if we sin willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, a sacrifice is left no more for us concerning sins, but a certain fearful expectancy of judgment and a zeal of fire which is about to devour the opposite side. Anyone, rejecting the law of Moses, dies without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think he will be deemed worthy of, who has trampled under foot the Son of God and has counted the blood of the covenant in which he was sanctified a common thing and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, ‘Vengeance belongs to me, I will repay.’ {Deut. 32:35-36} And again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’{Ps. 135:14} It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10: 23-31
The breaking of bread refers to the hospitality we are to show one another by sharing meals together, and opening our homes to one another.
“…and breaking bread in their homes daily, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart…” (Acts 2: 46b)
The first question that needs to be asked is this. Are you a member of THE church Jesus established? If you truly became a Christian by believing in Jesus, repenting and being baptized according to biblical teachings then you were saved. God made you a part of the spiritual body of Christ (Acts 2: 47b). If you did not obey these commands in faith, then you did not become a Christian. You may be attending as a member of a religious assembly, but you are not a member of the spiritual body of Christ. Your consideration of a church should begin with a church that teaches one’s need to believe, confess, repent and be baptized for the right reasons.
So…why are you a member of a church? ~LRW
Bed Confessions 4.4.10
“Death bed confessions” are often made with real sincerity when a person realizes they are going to face God, especially when someone is coming to that realization for the first time in their lives. However, it is a scary scenario for many reasons, because a person has lived beyond their physical ability to be obedient in baptism. We worship a loving and merciful God whose justice will be satisfied. One must leave this world without being able to do all that the Bible teaches about salvation. True repentance would mean this person, if they recover from their near death state, would live out the rest of their lives in obedience to Christ. Also, anyone who willfully lives their lives with this scenario in mind might be in for a rude awakening. Our mind, spirit, and convictions are shaped by the influences we allow in our lives. We may live in such a way that we reach the end of our lives, and we know longer are able to have a sincere faith in God. Some say no one is an atheist at death, but that is not true. The mind can become so deluded some leave this life brazenly convinced in their seared consciences that there is not a God. Many leave believing in a God who will not judge humanity, but the Bible teaches us differently. Also, look at all of the wasted years.
“Clay bed confessions” are made after we die. We are buried in our clay beds, and God is going to raise us from those clay beds.
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2: 9-11
We will all confess Christ including those who are resurrected and placed in Hell by God. This confession will acknowledge the truth about Jesus, but it will not change how we as individuals stand before God. We must make that confession in this life or that confession will only be an affirmation of our failure to serve God.
“Hospital bed confessions” are often made because people have become fearful of death or the trial of disease or injury has caused them to reconsider how they are living their lives.
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” James 4: 13-15
This confession is highly emotional and will not last if the conviction of heart is not rooted in the truth of the New Testament. This person needs to continue showing “fruits of repentance” after recovering, and seek to obey Christ in everything. We are not guaranteed this type of lesson in life. Our first experience with a very dangerous situation may be our last, and we do not have an opportunity to apply this lesson.
“Funeral bed confessions” take place when one considers the death of another, and realizes more fully the inescapability of one’s own physical life coming to an end.
A good name is better than precious ointment,
And the day of death than the day of one’s birth;
Better to go to the house of mourning
Than to go to the house of feasting,
For that is the end of all men;
And the living will take it to heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter,
For by a sad countenance the heart is made better.
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
But the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
Ecclesiastes 7: 1-5
Funerals teach us wisdom about the meaning of life and death. The book of Ecclesiastes is written from the standpoint of things that go on “under the sun”. One’s death is better than one’s birth since the trials of this life are over, but this will not be true for the one who is not a child of God.
Rejoice, O young man, in your youth,
And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth;
Walk in the ways of your heart,
And in the sight of your eyes;
But know that for all these
God will bring you into judgment.
Ecclesiastes 11: 9
“Your bed confessions” are the confessions you choose to make every day you are blessed to arise alive from your bed. We confess to other people by our lives, and we talk about what is important to us.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2: 20
What is your life saying to those around you? ~ LRW
The Faith of Rahab 4.11.10
Now Joshua the son of Nun sent out two men from Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” So they went, and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there. And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, “Behold, men have come here tonight from the children of Israel to search out the country.”
So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered your house, for they have come to search out all the country.”
Then the woman took the two men and hid them. So she said, “Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. And it happened as the gate was being shut, when it was dark, that the men went out. Where the men went I do not know; pursue them quickly, for you may overtake them.” Joshua 2: 1-6
Rahab knowingly received the Israelite spies into her house. In order to protect them she hid the spies, and lied to the men from the King of Jericho. She became a traitor to her own people. Why?
Now before they lay down, she came up to them on the roof, and said to the men: “I know that the LORD has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. Joshua 2: 8-11
Rahab heard about Jehovah God helping the children of Israel in supernatural ways so they could conquer their enemies. She came to recognize the LORD ruled in heaven and on earth, and lost her faith in the idol gods of Jericho. Her trust was in Jehovah to show mercy to her for preserving two of His chosen people.
"Now therefore, I beg you, swear to me by the LORD, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my father’s house, and give me a true token, and spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.” Joshua 2: 12-13
Rahab makes this request of the spies by affirming her faith in the LORD. Her family acted on her faith, and perhaps their own as well, and preserved their lives.
By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. Hebrews 11: 31
All of the inhabitants of the land heard about Jehovah, but they did not believe. They shuddered in their fear, and continued their old ways.
Rahab the harlot turned from her old ways, and begin following a completely new way of life. She no longer believed in idols, she did not try to retain the culture she was familiar with, she did not rely upon her own wisdom to guide her steps and she did not continue the sins of her past. She left the world that was passing away, and entered a relationship with Jehovah God who could take her to heaven.
For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2: 16-17 ~LRW
The Most Dangerous Creature 4.17.10
On Heather’s birthday, we decided to end our day at San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park. The fort is closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays so we proceeded to walk along the river. The setting is absolutely beautiful, and our 4 year old son, Deacon very quickly gravitated toward the water. He took off his shoes and socks and was soon in the water chasing tadpoles. After awhile we had migrated further down the shore, and noticed an alligator about 4 to 5 feet in length swimming in the water about 20 feet from Deacon going away from him. Heather and I both quickly told Deacon to get out of the water, and pointed out the alligator for him to see. Was it necessary for Deacon to be out of the water in order for him to be safe from the alligator? Probably not, but I did not want to take any chances. He could have made a sound, a splash or even his own curiosity could have caused him to move towards the alligator creating a dangerous situation. After all, he was much closer to a much bigger alligator at the St. Marks refuge a couple of months ago, and was not as afraid as his mother. That happened somewhat unexpectedly, and fortunately, Heather was there to keep him from getting any closer.
Maybe we are over reactive parents, and maybe we should let him go pet the next alligator he sees. What would happen? After all, alligators are a wild animal, which means they are unpredictable. The story about the famous trained whale Shamu a few months ago was a very tragic reminder of that fact. How close is to close? How about a lion? Would you be concerned for your safety if you saw a lion roaming free down the street or through the woods? Would you allow your children to get closer to the lion or would you urge them to get further away from the lion?
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5: 8.
The devil is a most unusual lion who offers us gifts to deceive us in to getting closer to him. Every time we take one of his gifts we become more and more under his control, and are in a more vulnerable position to be devoured by him.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6: 10-11
Vines Expository Dictionary
Wiles: denotes "craft, deceit" (meta, "after," hodos, "a way"). "a cunning device, a wile," and is translated "wiles (of error)" in Eph 4:14, RV [AV paraphrases it, "they lie in wait (to deceive)"], lit., "(with a view to) the craft (singular) of deceit;" in Eph 6:11, "the wiles (plural) (of the Devil.)"
The closer we get to him the more we become under his control. We truly become his disciple and are obedient to him more and more. His desire is to truly devour us by keeping us his disciple until we die.
And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2: 24-26
Satan does not always appear as a roaring lion. Some people and places in our society are obviously under the control of Satan, but other people and places are engaged in good works and being good neighbors in the world. In particular, there are many who teach about Jesus, and some even take titles for themselves in order to give their false doctrines more credibility.
But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. 2 Corinthians 11: 12-15
We are called, as Paul was, to truly do good works and be good neighbors by teaching people about Jesus.
I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ Acts 26: 17-18
Let us fight against Satan in our own lives and strive to teach others to leave his power for the saving power of Jesus. ~ LRW
Walk Hungry With Your God by Heather Wells 5.2.10
We have been working on memorizing scriptures with Deacon after our mealtimes. He has a variety of hand gestures and voice inflections that help him remember the verses and entertain Lawrence and I all at the same time. For instance, when reciting James 4:10 he bows his little head for the first part of the verse, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the LORD”, then he cups his little hands together and raises them for the finale, “and He can lift you up!”. (It’s actually “will” lift you up, but then he’s just learning so we allow room for improvement.) In the middle of Proverbs 30:5 (“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”) Deacon raises an imaginary shield and commands “Shields up!”.
My current favorite is Deacon’s interpretation of Micah 6:8. The verse reads, “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Deacon’s version includes finger-pointing, shrugged shoulders and counting fingers. But the best part is how he renders the end of the verse, “and to walk hungry with your God.” I wonder what it looks like in his little head to walk hungry with God.
I hope it looks a lot like Matthew 5:6- “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” I just love how the Master Teacher uses such great physical examples to help us understand such wonderful spiritual lessons. Who hasn’t been hungry or thirsty? We’ve all felt those pangs to one degree or another whether dieting or fasting or in poverty. It seems as though getting food and drink are all-consuming thoughts when you’re hungry and thirsty. Other items become of lesser importance, much lesser. You begin to understand the difference between a want and a need. I want to watch TV vs. I NEED to eat. I want to see my friends vs I NEED water. Why is breakfast the most important meal of the day? Because we don’t function well on empty stomachs. Schools even provide meals based on the logic that it’s tough to teach hungry kids.
We know what it’s like to be hungry and thirsty for food and water. And even on this level God offers us comfort. In the same discourse Jesus assures His listeners by saying, “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:31-32). Our physical needs will be met. The energy we could expend on worrying about those needs can now be directed to hungering and thirsting after righteousness. He calls us to a grander banquet hall!
If we will NEED righteousness like we need food and water Jesus promises us that we will be filled. Filled with what?
“with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
“with all the fullness of God” Ephesians 3:18
“with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,” Ephesians 5:18
“with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:11
“with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;” Colossians 1:9b-10
And how do we fill ourselves with all of the above? We partake of the greatest meal ever offered:
“And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” John 6:35
We come to Him. We sit at His table. We sit with His people. We feast on His Word. I hope you’re enjoying a steady diet of the Bread of Heaven and the Living Water!
Eventually, Deacon will figure out that Micah 6:8 instructs us to walk humbly with our God. But for now, what more could a parent want than to raise up children who walk hungry with their God?
Divine Character in True Motherhood 5.9.10
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’” Matthew 23: 37-39
The preceding verses of Matthew chapter 23 are among the strongest rebukes of sin, and pronouncements of judgment recorded in the Bible. Jesus is God on earth in the flesh pronouncing the scribes, Pharisees and those who follow them as sons of hell (vs. 15). The scribes and Pharisees had an intellectual knowledge of the Old Testament text that exceeded virtually anyone else in that society. They should have known Jesus to be the Messiah, and taught others to follow Him. Jesus also makes known that many would continue to oppose His messengers (prophets, wise men, scribes) who proclaimed entrance into His kingdom, and He pronounces those of that generation who reject Him as guilty of “all the righteous blood shed on the earth” (vs. 35).
In the passage above, Jesus speaks in the past tense of His efforts to lead them back to Him as a mother hen would gather her chicks unto safety. Unfortunately, most did not and would not respond to His message of love. He declares to them “Your house is left to you desolate”, and in 70 A.D. Jerusalem was leveled to the ground. The destruction to the Jewish state was total, and the number of Jews that died in the war with Rome was in the hundreds of thousands.
As we grew up we did things that caused our mothers to warn us, plead with us, and when younger forcibly bring us back into a safe condition. The Christian mothers should be most concerned about their children being safe with God. The fold of safety a mother offers is wonderful in this life, but it pales in comparison to the eternal fold of safety offered by God. Our God is one of love, tender mercies, longsuffering, kindness- but He warns us, rebukes us, and punishes us when we turn from His ways- like a good mother.
For thus says the LORD:
“Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river,
And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream.
Then you shall feed;
On her sides shall you be carried,
And be dandled on her knees.
As one whom his mother comforts,
So I will comfort you;
And you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” Isaiah 66: 12-14
Isaiah is prophesying about the kingdom of Jesus, the church. God through the church, the bride of Jesus, provides comfort akin to a mother with a child. If being a part of the assembling of the saints for study and worship of God is anything but a comfort to you, then please examine your daily personal relationship with your heavenly Father. Also, truly examine the study and worship engaged in by the assembly to make sure it is what God’s word teaches it should be. If the Church of Christ at Wakulla is not what it should be in its assembly then please tell us.
“Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.” 1 Thessalonians 2: 6-8
Paul wrote these words about himself and those who labored with him in teaching the word of God. Do we not all labor in various ways to teach the word of God, and are we not doing so toward one another? How precious is that spiritual relationship we have as the family of God, and how great should be our regard for one another in seeking each others best interests before God. Let us indeed be a comfort to one another as a mother tenderly caring for her children, and encouraging each other in every way to continue in the WAY. ~LRW
“So the LORD saved Israel that day.” by Heather Wells
It started with just two men. A leader and his right-hand man. The plan was simple. Slip out of camp and attack the enemy. All they had to do was cross through a pass with columns of sharp rocks to either side thus leaving them completely exposed to the enemy. Once seen there were only two options – if the enemy comes down the pass to them, they stay put and fight, but if the enemy tells them to come through the pass to fight then they go up and slaughter them. The dare was given by the enemy, “Come on up, and we’ll teach you a lesson!” So the two men climbed up the pass, hands and feet working hard. When they reached the top the first man cut the enemy down and the second came up behind him finishing them off. In an area of a half-acre two men struck down 20 of their enemies!
Terror begins to spread through the camp. The earth shakes! The enemy troops begin to scatter. The confusion is so great that they start fighting one another!
Our heroes are soon joined by the rest of their troops. Even men from the countryside who had hidden from the enemy rose up arms and join in the battle! What started out with two men is now a full fledge battle of 600 soldiers plus countrymen against an enemy army of 3000 chariots, 6000 horsemen and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore! Impossible odds sprung from an impossible plan! But it all really happened. Long ago near Michmash in Israel. You can read the full account in 1 Samuel 13-14. The two men were Jonathan and his armor-bearer. The enemy was the Philistine nation. I’ve only told one part incorrectly, there weren’t two heroes. There was just One: “So the LORD saved Israel that day.” (I Samuel 14:23).
It was Jonathan and his armor-bearer who climbed the pass with the sharp rocks; but it was the LORD that saved Israel that day. It was Jonathan and his armor-bearer who struck down 20 Philistine soldiers; but it was the LORD that saved Israel that day. It was Saul and the Israelite army that marched into battle; but it was the LORD that saved Israel that day. It was the Israelites that came out of hiding and fought without the use of iron weapons; but it was the LORD that saved Israel that day. What is the lesson to be learned? I think Jonathan said it best in 1 Samuel 14:6, “Perhaps the LORD will help us. Nothing can keep the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” Jonathan showed up and the LORD handed the Philistines to him.
This leads me to wonder…what will the LORD do with me if I show up with the same kind of faith that Jonathan had? What enemies could be conquered? Perhaps the personal enemies that I battle, doubt, fear, lack of grace and mercy? What would it take to leave the comfort of camp? More faith in God. More hope for the future than despair of the present. Would I have enough strength to climb hand and foot up the sharp rocks? I would have to learn to let the joy of the LORD be my strength. Could I face the enemy’s taunts head-on? With the armor of God on I could confidently go into battle.
What would the LORD do with us if we show up as a congregation with the same kind of faith as Jonathan and his armor-bearer? After all, it just took two Israelites climbing up sharp rocks towards the enemies to start a war that brought down a whole army! What if two of us sparked a flame of faith that brought others out of hiding and into the battle? What enemies have set up camp against our congregation? Do we trust the LORD to help us? Are we willing to leave the comfort of camp? Are we ready to care more about lost souls than the status quo? Do we have the strength to climb over the sharp rocks of “we’ve tried that before and it didn’t work”, “no one really cares” and “we’re just so small”? NOTHING CAN KEEP THE LORD FROM SAVING, WHETHER BY MANY OR BY FEW. There are those who are hiding in a world of sin who need to see our zeal. The battle belongs to the LORD but we have to show up to march. How wonderful if it could be said of us, “So the LORD saved the church of Christ at Wakulla that day.”
I love to read the battle scenes in the Old Testament. God used so many different ways to route His enemies – blindness, falling walls, disease, singing, etc. It’s almost as though He went into each battle with a different battle plan just to show that the war was won by His might and not by man’s ingenuity. To underscore that point He used the few to bring down the many. What could that declare other than if God is on our side who can be against us? ~HLW
Losing Your Place
Have you ever lost your place in line? How did it happen? You are standing at the back of the line, and suddenly realize you did not get something you wanted or needed. You hurry to the correct aisle to get the item only to return to the line to find 1, 2, or 3 more people have taken your place in the line.
“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
“Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” Matthew 25: 1-13
The unwise virgins were not prepared. Perhaps they thought there would be more time, or that the bridegroom would come early enough so that they wouldn’t need extra oil. Maybe they banked on someone else doing their work for them. Whatever the case, they were not prepared and it cost them their place at the wedding.
You are standing in line and view a shorter line. This seems to be the easy way out until you get down there to see the one person in line has two carts full of items. You decide to go back to your previous place, but it has been taken by others.
But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.” So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him.
And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him.
But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.
Felix was afraid of the preaching of Paul, but chose the line of convenience and greed. The truth was not convenient for Felix, because he was not willing to make the necessary changes in his life to be a disciple of Jesus. After two years, he lost the opportunity to be taught and influenced by the apostle Paul, and history does not indicate Felix ever found the “convenient time” to act on his convictions.
Have you ever waited so long in a line that you lost your opportunity to check out of that line? You are approaching the cashier only to have the store close before you can check out. You are now unable to make your purchase.
And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?”
And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’ then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’ There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out. They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God. And indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.” Luke 13: 22-30
Many Jews of that day did not strive to enter the narrow gate by becoming true disciples of Jesus. The fact that they knew Him as a person and spent time with Him on this earth would not grant them an entrance into the kingdom of God. The Gentiles would come from all directions to enter the kingdom and metaphorically take the place of these Jews who chose to walk down the line of unbelief. They would reach the end of their life only to beg for entrance in the judgment, but it would not be given to them. Their life would be over and their opportunity to become a disciple of Jesus would be forever past.
Be diligent to come to me quickly; for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica 2 Timothy 4: 9-10a.
Demas is mentioned in Colossians 4: 14 sending greetings along with Paul and others to the church at Colosse and in Philemon 1: 24 as a fellow laborer with Paul. These passages were written some years prior to the passage above in 2 Timothy 4: 9-10a. Demas left the line leading to heaven and joined the line leading to the pleasures of this world. The scriptures do not record Demas again.
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7: 13-14
If you have chosen the line of, foolishness, dependence upon men, convenience, greed, disbelief or loving this present world more than Jesus you have joined the line that leads to destruction. If you’re reading this article then a new line has opened just for you! Jesus will meet you at the end and pay for all the items you bring with you. No need to bring money, good deeds, good intentions, just your honest, contrite heart. He’ll do the rest. He already has done it! Hallelujah!! Praise to the LORD!! ~LRW