Blessed New Year!

As we close out this year it is good to look back and see just what the Lord has brought us through. We all have had some bad things happen and some really good things. Our attitude toward the bad and good things should be identical according to God's word. I Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Are we able to give thanks in the midst of all things? Are we looking forward to the new that God will be bringing into our lives in 2011? Perhaps we have not completely worked through 2010. It is important that we forgive and move on with the Lord while forgetting those things that are behind and pressing forward to what God has ahead. As we do God's will we will have a blessed New Year!

Hard Work Pays Off!

Marvin Gregory tells the story of a junk dealer who became a millionaire even though he only had an 8th grade education. Somebody asked him how he was able to make a million dollars in spite of his lack of formal training. He said, "Well, it ain't hard. I just bought junk for $1 and sold it for $2 and you'd be surprised how quickly that 1% profit adds up." It is obvious that he wasn't a great mathematician but he also wasn't afraid of hard work. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." Proverbs 10:4 confirms the thought of hard work when it says, "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich." Let's do all that we do as unto to the Lord and leave the results to Him. His wisdom, love, and justice will always prevail.

New Year Resolutions!

Some typical attempts with new year resolutions:

For those wanting to read more.
2005: I will read at least 10 books a year.
2006: I will read at least 5 books a year.
2007: I will read at least 1 book a year.
2008: I will read some newspaper articles this year
2009: I will read at least one newspaper article this year.
2010: I will try and finish the comics section this year.

For those worrying about their weight.
2006: I will follow my new diet religiously until I get below 200 lbs.
2007: I will try to develop a realistic attitude about my weight.
2008: I will work out 5 days a week.
2009: I will work out 3 days a week.
2010: I will try to drive past a gym at least once a week.

For those with money issues.
2005: I will pay off my bank loan promptly.
2006: I will pay off my bank loans promptly.
2007: I will begin making a strong effort to be out of debt by 2008.
2008: I will be totally out of debt by 2009.
2009: I will try to pay off my debt interest by 2010.
2010: I will check with my accountant about filing for bankruptcy.

If we think we need to make resolutions, why not these two:
1. I will love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
2. I will love my neighbor as myself.

Holy Thinking!

In Philippians 4:8 the Bible tells us to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Some folks aren't alert to just what they are thinking and neither are they alert as to the source of the thoughts. We are living in an hour where our senses are inundated with garbage. This garbage is intended to direct our thoughts to those things we shouldn't be thinking about. I can only speak for myself, but I for one want purity and clarity of thought. We serve a Holy God and are instructed to be a Holy people. There is a direct correlation between what we think about and what we are. Let's be Holy thinkers!

Almost Here!

Christmas is almost here and the children are getting excited and perhaps many of the adults are as well. Not only is Christmas almost here but the end of this year is also almost here. Are there things that need to be finished in our lives before years end? It is important to live our lives where our consciences are void of offenses toward God and all men. We should be living daily with hearts void of offenses towards all. Can we honestly say that we are living this way? I hope that all can and will live this way for anything else is dishonest. Christmas is almost here, year's end is almost here, and perhaps His second coming is almost here.

Let Your Light Shine!

Have you seen many Christmas lights yet? It is always fun to see the different lights that people put up at Christmas. Do you ever wonder how many folks know that Jesus said that he was the light of the world and that those who follow him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. Jesus told those who heard his sermon on the mount that they were the light of the world.(Matthew 5:14) In verse 16 of the same chapter he said, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." I wonder just how much light we put out to the world around us. Maybe as much as a 5 watt bulb or a 25 watt or 50 watt or 75 watt or just perhaps some as much as 100 watts. In the dark of night a 5 watt bulb helps a great deal and a 100 watt bulb seems like a spotlight. May the Lord help each of us to put out as much light as possible for folks to be drawn to the light.

Discerning the signs of the times!

Even though it was forecast to snow yesterday, it didn't. This forecasting in the Rocky Mountain region is tricky and often the forecasters get it wrong. Jesus said to some Pharisees and some Sadducees in Matthew 16:2-3, "When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather today: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?" How are we at discerning the face of the sky? How are we at discerning the signs of the time? Look at 2 Timothy 3:1-5 for some helps at discerning the signs of the times. Also look at Matthew chapter 24 for more insight. Blessings to you in your studies.

I'm Dreaming of a _______Christmas!

It is forecast to snow tonight. Won't that be wonderful. Maybe it is a prelude to a white Christmas and everyone knows that a white Christmas is the best kind. Why we even have a song where the song writer said he was dreaming of a white Christmas. It is likely that most folks would agree with the song writer. Stop the wagons partner, I know folks that live in Arizona that would beg to differ with you. They sing a song that goes like this, "I'm dreaming of a dry Christmas and a warm one at that". We can sure romanticize just about anything. I don't know about you but I'm looking forward to Christmas to celebrate the birth of my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. I hope you know Christ in the same way, if so, it won't matter if Christmas is white or dry. We will join the multitudes praising God for sending Jesus in the form of man as a baby in a manager, and praising Jesus for coming to save us. What kind of Christmas are you dreaming about?

Today is the day of Salvation!

C.S. Lewis once said, "The grounds for belief and disbelief are the same today as they were two thousand or ten thousand years ago. If Joesph had lacked faith to trust God or humility to perceive the holiness of his spouse, he could have disbelieved in the miraculous origin of her Son as easily as any modern man; and any modern man who believes in God can accept the miracle as easily as Joesph did." Have you as a modern man believed in Jesus as your Savior and Lord? If so then you as well as I know the true meaning of Christmas. If you haven't believed in Jesus as your Savior and Lord, what are you waiting for! Today is the day of Salvation.

He That Will Love Life!

As a loving reminder to us all, I Peter 3:10-13 says, "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?"

Can We Feed Ourselves?

Are we Christians prepared to feed ourselves? Were we to be placed in a place where we could not be part of a Christian Church or Fellowship, would we be able to sustain our spiritual life? Each of us needs to answer these questions. In Colossians 2:10 it says, "And ye are complete in him...". The Bible says we are complete in Christ and since this is true, we should be able to sustain our spiritual life through our relationship with Christ. Being in the word daily and prayer and worship will help us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord. Brethren get your forks in the ready position.

Jesus' Birthday!

Did you hear about the family that celebrated Christmas every year with a birthday party for Jesus. An extra chair of honor at the table became the family's reminder of Jesus' presence. A cake with candles along with the singing of "Happy Birthday" expressed the family's joy in Jesus' presence. One year a Christmas afternoon visitor asked five-year-old Ruth, "Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas?" After a moment's hesitation, she answered, "No, but then it's not my birthday!" Remembering just whose birthday it is, that we celebrate at Christmas helps all of us keep the festivities in proper perspective.

Switched off Jesus!

The kids were putting on a Christmas play. To show the radiance of the newborn Savior an electric light bulb was hidden in the manager. All the stage lights were to be turned off so that only the brightness of the manager could be seen, but the boy who controlled the light got confused and all the lights went out. It was a tense moment, broken only when one of the shepherds said in a loud stage whisper, "Hey! You switched off Jesus!" Let's not make the same mistake and switch off Jesus in our lives. If we do I hope someone will shout not whisper that we have switched off Jesus.

Judging Ourselves!

I Corinthians 11:31 says, "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged." That we can escape the critical judgment of God by simply judging ourselves is one of God's wonderful blessings to all of us who know him. The question is are we doing it? To be a growing disciple of the Lord we must be our own greatest judge. We must hear the word of the Lord against ourselves. Our ears will stay open to whomever God sends to us if we judge ourselves. It often appears that many folks have ceased growing because they have a much greater opinion of themselves than they should. None of us are above receiving correction and we should be open to it. Humbling ourselves before the Lord is a righteous act for each of us to do.

His Good Gifts!

In James 1:17 it says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." Thank God for His good gifts, beginning with our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, and all of the wonderful things He does for us. Thank God that there is holiness, truth, love, righteousness, faithfulness, and total consistency in His relationship toward us. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. It is wonderful to know that God loves us today, tomorrow, and forever. Let's thank him daily for his good gifts.

That Day!

The song writer wrote, "He's coming soon, he's coming soon, with joy we welcome his returning. It may be morn it may be night or noon we know he's coming soon." Scripture says in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition." In the last days there will be a great apostasy or falling away. The church as we have known it will soon not be the same. There will emerge an apostate church where Christ and the subject of sin will not be spoken of. Then that Wicked shall be revealed whom the Lord will consume, the one whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. This is also found in the same chapter mentioned above. Watch and pray that that day will not overtake us unaware. Is there sin in our lives? If so, we need to repent.

Pray One For Another!

We are admonished to pray one for another and we should be diligent in this task. One of my burdens is for older brothers and sisters. They are battling things that the younger can't imagine. They are many times alone and feeling as if they aren't needed by anyone. Holiday times seem to magnify their situations. If you know some older folks please pray for them and if possible reach out to them during this holiday season. Maybe we could remind them that their life isn't over and that Jesus loves them. May the Lord bless all of our endeavors in this arena.

The Steps Of A Good Man!

Psalm 37:23-25 says, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread." These verses are certainly a major part of our testimonies. When God is for us we are being led by his Spirit and he is holding our hands and making provision for us. He wants us to be overcomers until the end. We won't leave this earth one second too early nor will we stay one second too long for God is on His throne.

Happy Thanksgiving Brethren!

The Apostle Paul wrote in 2Thessalonians 1:3, "We are bound to thank God always for you brethren, as it is meet because that your faith groweth exceedlingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth." Happy Thanksgiving Brethren!

An Appointment

Do you like appointments? You as well as I like some appointments but not others. A dentist appointment not so much, an appointment to get together with family or brothers and sisters are the ones we like. The Bible speaks of an appointment that all people have. In Hebrews 9:27 it says, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" An appointment with death and judgment sounds alright to those who know Christ as Savior and Lord, but it sure doesn't sound so good for those who are not saved. This is an inevitable appointment that mankind best be ready for. Do we know those that aren't ready to keep this appointment? Perhaps God will use us to help them be ready.

There Is A River!

The chorus goes, "There is a river that flows from deep within, there is a fountain that frees the soul from sin, come to the waters there is a vast supply, there is a river that never shall run dry." In scripture it says that out of a believer's inner most being shall flow rivers of living water (John 7:38). Aren't you glad for the river of God that fills and fills and never runs dry. Fill us Lord is our prayer!

Benefits!

There are so many ways that people get benefits in the hour that we live. There are Veteran benefits, welfare benefits, Unemployment benefits, Social Security benefits, retirement benefits, employment benefits, insurance benefits, etc. These all are really a tremendous help when needed as they help bear the burden. But the question that I have before us is, do we see the benefits that come from the Heavenly Father who loves his children. A great verse in the Bible that speaks of benefits is found in Psalm 68:19 which says, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah." It says daily loads us with benefits. This word benefits speaks of the burdens that God bears on our behalf. Have we noticed some of the benefits that have been given to us this day? You know, like our daily bread, peace, love, joy, safety, security, forgiveness, that still small voice that speaks to us, the assurance of salvation, just to mention a few. When you read this, take a moment to access what benefits God has given you today, and pause and give Him thanks.

Polly Want A Cracker?

Will Rogers said, "Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip." We should live our lives in an honest and transparent way then it won't matter who we sell our parrot to. All that parrot will say will be the truth. Please pass the crackers.

If Only They Knew!

In Matthew 13:49 we read, "So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just. And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." These words were spoken by Jesus and are telling of the destiny of all who don't know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Let's tell all that we can that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. They might just be saved, if only they knew!

Robb's ramblings!

The preacher said it wasn't about money, buildings, or the amount of people, but by the time his sermon was finished, it was about money, buildings and the amount of people. The longer we talk the more of what is in our hearts comes out. I had a call the other day and the female voice assured me that it wasn't a sales call, but within 30 seconds or less I got out of her that she was indeed selling something. She said that she would save me money, but I had to spend more money to accomplish the savings. You never save money when you spend money. Oh well, Jesus is still Savior and Lord! Let us worship Him!

Are You A Believer?

Are you a believer? I hope you answered yes for all of us are believers. Some believe the truth and some believe a lie and others believe some of the truth and some of the lie. Jesus is the truth and Satan is the lie. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians and in chapter 3:1 it reads, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, ..." Jesus said in John 8:32 that if we continue in his word we are his disciples and that we would know the truth and the truth would set us free. When we drift from the truth we are drifting into bondage and deception. Jesus also said in John 14 that he was sending the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) the Spirit of truth. Those who end up believing some of the truth and some of the lie do so because they get deceived. They hear the word and pick and choose what they will obey or rebel against. If you are a believer of the lie, you need to come to the Lord Jesus Christ and receive him as your Savior, and if you are a believer of the truth and a believer of the lie, you need to come to the Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ and ask forgiveness. Receive God's forgiveness and allow God to restore you to the full fellowship that you once knew. Father please help us each one to be a believer of the truth and to obey the truth at all times.

Buried Treasure?

Some people find fault as if it were buried treasure. Before we judge a situation it would be best if we were to know the whole story or as the old saying goes, "walk a mile in their shoes". I personally like Jesus' take on the situation, for us to forgive one another. What are your thoughts? Do we come to conclusions without the facts? Are humans just judgmental by their human sinful nature? Oh well, it is a great day to know Jesus and to be known by him.

Maranatha!

In Matthew 24, Jesus was asked by his disciples what shall be the sign of your coming and the end of the world? Part of his answer talked of the fact that many shall be offended and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another, and many false prophets shall arise and shall deceive many. He also said that because iniquity would abound, the love of many would grow cold, but those who would endure until the end would be saved. There is much coming on the face of the earth even through the church that is intended to deceive the saints. Teachings on good works for salvation, saving mother earth for the Lord, embracing those of all religions while working together for the good of mankind. Jesus gave us our mandate to go into all the world and make disciples. We have also been instructed that light and dark have no fellowship and that we aren't to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. God would that all be saved, but all won't be saved for to be saved they have to receive Jesus as Savior, Lord, and God. Mankind is so independent that we want to have the final say so on how we will get to heaven. The Bible clearly states that no man comes to the Father except through Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Jesus is coming soon so let's be alert to the snares of the enemy. Let's stay in the word and live the word and keep our hearts right with the Lord and our fellowman. Maranatha!

A Special People!

In Deuteronomy 7:6 we read, "For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all the people that are upon the face of the earth." This was written to the Jewish people and expressed God's love for them. We too are special to the Lord God for he has chosen us and called us and ordained us to be a people unto himself. We are to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves. It is important for us to realize that we are special to the Lord. When we experience the Love of God, we then know we are special. In I Peter 2:5 it says, "Ye also as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." In verse 4 of the same chapter it says we are chosen of God and precious. So fellow priests, precious in the sight of God, and special unto the Lord, let us offer up spiritual sacrifices unto the Lord, that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks unto him.

I Hate The Work Of Them That Turn Aside!

Psalm 101:3 says, "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside, it shall not cleave to me." Perhaps the process of turning aside from the Lord involves just what we allow in front of our eyes. No doubt there will be many movies at the theater and shows on TV, that God's children have no business watching. May God help us all to not violate our consciences by looking at evil things. Let's join David in proclaiming, "I hate the work of them that turn aside."

Touching up X-rays

Some folks live their lives like the following story by Henry Youngman which goes like this, "I have a very fine doctor. If you can't afford the operation, he touches up the X-rays." Ignoring problems won't make them go away. We must deal with problems with an open and honest heart and mind. God gives us creative ways to bring resolution to difficult situations, but they will always be an honest approach and bring positive results. Are we touching up X-rays or are we standing up as God's mature children and facing the facts, and responding accordingly?

Giving!

It will be good for us to remember the spirit of the following story as we approach the Christmas season.
The African boy listened carefully as the teacher explained why it is that Christians give presents to each other on Christmas Day. "The gift is an expression of our joy over the birth of Jesus and our friendship for each other," she said. When Christmas Day came, the boy brought the teacher a sea shell of lustrous beauty. "Where did you find such a beautiful shell?" the teacher asked. The youth told her that there is only one spot where such extraordinary shells could be found -- a certain bay several miles away. "Why . . . why, it's gorgeous,"said the teacher. "But you shouldn't have gone all that way to get a gift for me." His eyes brightening, the boy answered. "Long walk part of the gift."

Enough!

In Proverbs 30:15b-16 it says, "There are three things that are never satisfied, yea four things say not, It is enough: The grave, and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough." Let me ask a question, are we as God's people a satisfied people that say it is enough? In I Timothy 6:8 (Amplified Version) we see, "But if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content (satisfied)." Do those who don't know Christ as Savior and Lord ever feel content with anything? I doubt seriously that they do. The heart is empty until Jesus comes into our lives and gives us a new heart, one that cries Abba Father. In I Timothy 6:6 it says, "But godliness with contentment is great gain." Many believe that gain is godliness. What does our life say to others in this regard?

weekend blessings

Did you hear about the woman who told her neighbor: "I have a marvelous meat loaf recipe. All I do is mention it to my husband and he says, 'Let's eat out.'" I don't know about you, but as for myself I believe that I had that recipe while I was in the Navy. My wife is an excellent cook, so good in fact that one of our young grandson's calls her the cooker woman. Nothing like a child's perspective on things. Hope your weekend will be filled with good food, fellowship, and worship. Blessings to all.

A Good Marriage!

A Danish proverb says, "A deaf husband and a blind wife are always a happy couple." Love helps us to overlook an offense, to scarcely notice when someone does us wrong, etc. Love is able to make us deaf and blind which is a great road to a good marriage.

Let's Just Praise The Lord!

Henry Van Dyke once said, "The woods would be silent if no birds sang except those that sang best."Psalm 150:6 says, "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord." The Church might be silent as well if only those who sing best were the only ones singing. So Church, let's continue to Praise the Lord.

You Just Never Know!

One day as a woman was crossing a street at London station, an old man stopped her. He said to her, "Excuse me, ma'am, but I want to thank you."
She looked up and exclaimed, "Thank me?"
He replied, "Yes'm I used to be a ticket collector, and whenever you went by you always gave me a cheerful smile and a good morning. I knew that smile must come from inside somewhere. Then one morning I saw a little Bible in your hand. So I bought one, too, and I found Jesus."

God's Abundance!

I like the word abundance. It just seems to roll off of a person's tongue. Maybe it is rolling right out of their heart. Years ago as my wife and I were praying for our daily bread it came to us to pray for an abundance so that we would have our needs met and have enough to share with others. God has answered that prayer over and over, to the place that we have been able to share with others out of the abundance that he has provided. God gives in abundance. In Psalm 37:11 it says, "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." Psalm 36:8,9 says, "They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light." How many other examples can we think of in the word where God grants his abundance to his children?

Which Highway Are We On?

In Matthew 7: 12 - 13 Jesus says, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." We live in an hour where these verses are easy to see in people's lives as they are following the crowd and seeking the things of the world such as popularity, success, fame, and fortune. This is the easy route, and the multitudes are traveling on it. It is the road that the world admires and rewards. It's called the unholy highway where any sin goes. The narrow road is called the Holy highway and very few are traveling it. Only the holy and righteous can be on the narrow road. Let's check our compass or GPS and determine which road we are on. This is a matter of eternal significance.

There Is A Generation!

Proverbs 20:11 - 13 says, "There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother. There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up." Does this sound like anyone you know? I've known several that fit the above description of there is a generation! May God be merciful to us all.

Clothed in Righteousness!

In Romans 10: 1- 4 the Apostle Paul was saying, "Brethren my hearts desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they, being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." They wanted to do it their way and not God's way. Many people who say that they have Christ as their Savior are still going about with much zeal, but not according to knowledge, to establish themselves as righteous. All they have to do is receive the promise of God in verse 13 of the same chapter which says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." We can't work for our salvation or our righteousness. We must receive the gift of God which is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Then we will do as Ephesians 4 tells us, to put off the old man and to put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. We are to be clothed in His righteousness not our own.

A Benediction

A benediction is the invocation of a blessing especially at the close of a public worship service. My favorite benediction is found in the book of Jude 24 - 25 and goes like this, "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory and exceeding joy. To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." I personally think that this same verse is a great initial opening for a public worship service. Come to think of it, it could be a great middle statement in a public worship service. Praise the Lord that this is God's word and appropriate for all occasions. God can and will keep us from falling and He alone can present us faultless before himself the only wise God our Savior to whom is ascribed all glory, majesty, dominion and power both now and ever. AMEN!

Careful Now!

I've worked with brothers and sisters who have ended up in self deception. How did this happen you ask? It happened because they quit doing the word of God. They read the word, memorized the word, listened to the word being preached, debated the word, spoke the word, but did not do the word. The deceived man or woman thinks that they are better than all others. They compare themselves one with another, and oh yes, in their own eyes they are the final judge in all things. Therefore they end up in their own eyes as better than all others. We best watch carefully lest we fall because of our pride. Remember God did say that pride proceeds a fall. Careful now!

100 Times Awesome!

His first year in school had presented him with some situations that he didn't like or didn't understand. Well whichever, it had caused him to be in trouble at times and he had been in meetings with different people at school. Each day as Mom picked him up after school she would ask him how was school. Keep in mind she had been working with him and the school and praying a lot about this situation. So upon picking him up she asked him how school was and he replied 100 times awesome. When inquiring just why it was 100 times awesome, he said that he had not gotten in trouble in any class or in any way so it was 100 times awesome. I can't speak for you, but for myself I can say that I relate to that wonderful feeling that accompanies not being in trouble with school or the Lord or anyone. When all is covered under His precious blood and peace reigns it is 100 times awesome!

Sick Of Heart!

Have you ever been sick of heart? You know what I mean. Like the time you wanted something so bad but it just wasn't happening. I'm talking about the hope that is deep down in our hearts that we hold onto, silently hoping and praying that it will come to pass. When it doesn't happen just when and how we want it to, we have heartache . This kind of pain can't be helped by tums or pepto or any antacid. Proverbs 3:12 says, "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life." We must continue with our hoping and waiting until the Lord of hope and desire says, "now is the time" and when those words are spoken it happens and when it happens it explodes with life. At that time our hearts are full of gratefulness and rejoicing which cause the sick heart to disappear. We are waiting Lord!

What is our excuse?

Romans 1:20 says, "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse:" God created all things to testify of himself so that man would be without excuse when it comes to the existence of God. Man is truly well equipped through his sinfulness to make excuses. Being a Pastor these many years I probably have heard most excuses. I also taught high school for a few years where perhaps I heard the rest of man's excuses, but if that doesn't cover them all I could look at the excuses that I have used in my life as well as your life and just maybe we would have them all. No, I really doubt it. Man isn't done with the making of excuses for his behavior or lack of behavior. May the Lord help us all to remember that there will be a judgment one of these days, and on that occasion, all excuses will be set aside by the truth.

I Love Jesus!

He was sitting on the floor playing with his cars and train seemingly unaware of the rest of us. Someone mentioned Jesus and he immediately said, "I love Jesus" as he kept on playing. I was surprised by his comment but delighted as well. As I thought on this occasion later I remembered the scripture in Luke 18:15-17 which says, "And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein." I love Jesus! How about you?

Could it be an abomination to God?

In Luke 16:14,15 it says, "And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided (sneered, ridiculed, and scoffed) him. And he (Jesus) said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God." Much of what is valued in modern times would make God's abomination list. Think for a moment of all that is thought to be necessary for one's life to be considered successful in the hour that we live. Such things as, fashionable clothing, fancy automobiles, club memberships, huge homes, university degrees, stock holdings, etc., possibly make the list. Jesus said that man could not serve God and mammon (riches or anything else that you rely upon). Is God the source that we rely on? We shouldn't be afraid to look closely at our lives and evaluate just what it is that we are relying on. Some of those things could be an abomination to God and that would have hard consequences for us to face.

Stand By To Party!

When the man with 100 sheep lost one he went and found it and after finding it, he came rejoicing and called his friends to rejoice with him. When the woman with 10 pieces of silver lost one she swept the floor and looked for the lost coin, when she found it she called neighbors and friends to rejoice with her. When the prodigal son left home his father daily looked for him to come home, the son who was in another land squandered his money and fell into great need. He finally came to himself and headed home. While he was a good distance from home his father saw him and had compassion and ran and greeted him with a kiss. The son repented and the father called for the fatted calf to be prepared for a party. The father said, " This son was dead and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. " Then the party began. When a sheep was lost, and a coin was lost, and a son lost, scripture says, "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Do you know of any sinners that need to repent? Are you one of the sinners that needs to repent? When this joyous occasion happens, the joyful party in heaven begins, and we that are on earth shall party as well.

The Big 3 C's!

Have you ever been so overwhelmed of heart and mind that you weren't sure what to do first? Or maybe just what to do period. Perhaps you reached for some of your favorite comfort food one of the Big 3 C's. You know the 3 C's don't you? Ah come on we all know they are Chocolate, Chips, and Caramels. How did they make us feel? Didn't quite do the trick did they? God usually allows us to sample the 3C's, but then will lead us to his word for the real help that we need. Psalm 61:1 - 2 says, "Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I." As we follow directions we get to where we need to be, and that is standing upon the rock which in our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. He is always the answer for what ails us. For in him we are complete.

A Real Christian Is An Oddball!

A. W. Tozer wrote, "A real Christian is an odd number, anyway. He feels supreme love for one whom he has never seen; talks familiarly every day to Someone he cannot see; expects to go to heaven on the virtue of Another; empties himself in order to be full; admits he is wrong so he can be declared right; goes down in order to get up; is strongest when he is weakest; richest when he is poorest and happiest when he feels the worst. He dies so he can live; forsakes in order to have; gives away so he can keep; sees the invisible, hears the inaudible, and knows that which passeth knowledge." From one oddball to another, have a great weekend.

A Crack In The Sidewalk

All you need to grow fine, vigorous grass is a crack in your sidewalk. Blooming where we are planted, even if it is only a crack in the sidewalk, is exactly what God wants for our lives. But we say, "Cracks in the sidewalk aren't all that attractive, I want to be some place that is beautiful." Careful or we will miss God's will for our lives.

The Love Of God!

I John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." If there is fear in our lives it indicates that we haven't yet reached maturity. God loves us and desires His best for us all, and yet we are fearful when faced with circumstances or changes that seem out of control. We should be advised to remember that God is on His throne and is not in the least bit surprised by the unsettling events in our lives. We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28) . Romans 8:31 says, "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" Rest in His love for NOTHING can separate us from the love of God!

What Do We Own?

The poor man's house is rarely broken into. Scripture tells us to be content with such things as we have, and to be content with food and clothing. The robber comes when we start storing up treasures on earth. I'm not only talking about the person who breaks into our house to steal something, I'm also talking about Satan who being called by Christ the one who came to kill, steal, and destroy, enters our heart and mind and steals the freedom we have with possessing only what is needed to survive. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ only owned the clothes on his back.

A Normal Process Of Life!

As I watched the wind swirl some very dry leaves around my back yard, it really hit me that another autumn is upon us. Time moves by rapidly these days. In Ecclesiastes 3:1 and following it says, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted..." We have recently pulled some dying flowers from their pots, and each time we did it created a sad feeling. But should we feel sad over those things that are only happening because it is their time for change? I think it is fine to feel sad but we should recognize the reality of the situation. That reality tells us that what is happening is normal. Death is a normal process. Nothing will live forever. So let's enjoy each season as we acknowledge that it is the normal process of life.

Walking In The Truth!

In 3 John verse 4 it says, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." Being the father of four children and grandfather of five grandchildren I amen the above verse. Being a Pastor for the past 36 years I also amen the above verse for all the brothers and sisters that I have had the privilege of working with, those who have walked in the truth and continue to walk in the truth. May the Lord continue to help all of us to walk in the truth of God's word.

Speaking Truth!

Someone has said that, "tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy." Some might say that tact could also be defined as speaking the truth in love, but I don't think so, for the fact is, speaking the truth, even in love, will make many enemies. Jesus said it this way, men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil. (John 3:19) We should be more focused on speaking truth, rather than being worried about making an enemy. May the Lord help us all to be about His business.

How Quick Are We To Forgive!

How quick are we to forgive someone who has sinned against us and seriously hurt us? Is there possibly a correlation between how quickly we forgive to how much we love? Jesus in teaching on forgiveness in Luke 7:47 says about the woman who washed his feet with tears and wiped them with the hair of her head, " Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little." In summary, when we have much forgiven we then love much. I believe that forgiving someone is a barometer which tells the true story of just how loving we are or we aren't.

Change!

Two caterpillars were crawling across the grass when a butterfly flew over them. They looked up, and one nudged the other and said, "You couldn't get me up in one of those things for a million dollars." We need to be careful what we say about life's situations, for God is not finished with any of us. It remains to be seen just what God will have us to do and be at this point in our lives. He adds a little here, and a little there, line upon line, precept upon precept. One thing we can be sure of, we will be the ones to change for scripture tells us that God doesn't change.

We Are The Ones!

A nationally known celebrity once said, "Do you realize that one in every four Americans is unbalanced? Think of your three closest friends. If they seem OK, you are the one!" I don't know about all of that but, isn't it great that we are the ones who have the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2: 16) , and like the Apostle Paul who said in Philippians 4: 13, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Home!

Someone once said, home is where your heart is. I wonder if it shouldn't go like this, home is where love is? What do you think about when you think about home?

The End Of All Things Is At Hand!

"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." I Peter 4:7 In the Amplified Bible it goes like this, "But the end and culmination of all things has now come near: keep soundminded and self-restrained and alert therefore for the practice of prayer." Are we sober, watching in prayer, soundminded, self restrained, and alert and in prayer?" Self restrained means we are to be heavenly minded and not earthly minded. The allure of earth and the things it has to offer are enticing to most. We must be ready for the Lord's coming. The Lord said that when he comes, if a man is on the roof top he is not to come down for his stuff, but is to leave it. Remember Lot's wife who looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt. We brought nothing into this world and will take nothing out of this world. Let's keep ready, for the end of all things is at hand.

Heavenly Minded!

I once heard someone say about another brother, "He is so heavenly minded that he is no earthly good." Could this be possible? I think not, for if we are heavenly minded then we understand that the language of heaven is love. Here on earth we are to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves. We will be used of God to do a world of good, if we love as instructed.

Guile!

Merriam-Webster pocket dictionary defines guile as such, "deceitful - cunning". In I Peter 2:22 scripture says in reference to Christ Jesus, "Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth." Chapter 3:10 of the same book says, "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile..." Jesus had no sin or guile in his life. He spoke the truth in love. We should be inspired to do the same knowing we are to be like him and that we will see good days when we do so, as stated in I Peter 3:10. Do you know anyone who refrains their tongue from guile? In our world, most folks will tell partial truth when they think that they have something to gain from doing so. Some use guile, they say, to protect others who are weak and need their help. What do we use guile for? Or is guile actually in our lives? I hope that we are all receiving the Holy Spirit as he is pointing out our use of guile, and are repenting of it in our lives. Remember John 8: 31-32 which says, "...if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free." True freedom requires that we speak no guile.

Love Your Wife Like Christ Loved The Church!

I've sat in my office with them on many occasions. There stories sounded so much alike that it made me wonder if they had some sort of club where they learned their lines to certain interactions. He would say, "Pastor I will love my wife like Christ loved the Church when she submits to me in all things as unto the Lord." Yep, you guessed it, she would say, "Pastor I will submit to my husband as unto the Lord in all things when he loves me like Christ loved the Church." Someone needs to man up to their responsibility as unto the Lord. Brothers do we want to be a Godly leader for our Lord, our wives, and our children? If so, it's time to step up and become the servant leader that God intends for us to be. With one last question, I will leave it lay. How did Christ love the Church? Didn't he love us while we were yet sinners? Yes he did, and so must we love our wives the same way.

The Best!

Every man needs a wife, because many things go wrong that he can't blame on the government. With the joking set aside, consider Proverbs 18:22 which says, "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord." God's favor and a wonderful woman for your wife, sounds like the best a man can have.

God Is Good!

Just as the Psalmist David said in Psalm 27:13, I would like to say for myself; "I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Just how wonderful it is that God is with us all the time and most certainly in the time of trouble. For the past 66 years God has been with me through the good times and through the hard times and I praise him for that fact. Psalm 48:14 says, "For this God is our God forever and ever; he will be our guide even unto death." Sorry Mr. Skeptic, but God is alive and very much working in this world and in our lives.

Got Faith?

Saul's soldiers thought Goliath was too big to kill. David thought that he was too big to miss! Is our faith anywhere near this level? If not, why not? The Bible says in Romans 10:17, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." We must learn to obey the word by stepping out in faith to do just as God says. We too, will soon have mature faith and that faith will allow us to accomplish much on behalf of the Lord.

Praise Ye The Lord!

Psalm 149:5-9 says, "Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute upon them the judgment written: this honor have all his saints. Praise ye the Lord." Did you know that praise is this powerful?

A Prayer Away!

In Psalm 20:1 we read, "The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;" Verse 9 of the same chapter says, "Save, Lord: let the king hear us when we call." Isn't it wonderful and a great blessing the fact that we can call on God in the name of Jesus at any time night or day and He will hear and answer. Thank you Lord Jesus for your great sacrifice for each of our lives. We bless and praise you that you are only a prayer away.

Rich And Wealthy!

A farmer was overheard describing his financial condition in a colorful way. He said, "I'm as broke as the ten commandments." To that regard, I hope we are all rich and wealthy for keeping the ten commandments.

Its Our Turn!

Luke 6:31 says, "And as you would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." This is called the "golden rule" and it is our turn. It is always our turn and we should be about it, for it brings life to all involved, because it is after all, "God's Word".

Forsake Not!

Some people never come to church except for their baby dedication, their marriage, and their funeral, or it could be said this way when they are hatched, matched, and dispatched. Hebrews 10: 25 says, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching," It is important that we worship together, pray together, and sit under the preaching and teaching of God's word together. That assembling does not need to be in what man calls a "Church" but can be anywhere believers meet to worship the Lord. Hope all of us are able to assemble with other believers this weekend for a time of worship. Blessings!

Rejoice!

Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice. I like the word rejoice. In Psalm 13 it tells us to rejoice in God's salvation. Have we paused today in our busyness to thank the Lord for saving our souls? If not, perhaps now would be the appropriate time. As a chorus goes, "Thank you Lord for saving my soul, Thank you Lord for making me whole, Thank you Lord for giving to me, Thy great salvation so rich and free."

What is it like when we speak?

Psalm 11:6 Amplified Version says, "The words and promises of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times over." When God speaks it is pure and holy and to be relied upon. What is it like when we speak? Verse 2 & 3 of the same chapter KJV says, "They speak vanity every one with his neighbor: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:" What is it like when we speak? We had best make sure that our hearts are pure before we speak, for Jesus said that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Clean hearts will bring forth clean words. God is not to be mocked, we will reap exactly what we sow. He is listening to us each time we speak.

If The Foundations Be Destroyed

In Psalm 11:3 the Bible says, "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" There is no doubt that we live in an hour when the foundations are being destroyed. In every country men are doing what is right in their own eyes. Folks are no longer following the laws of the land nor God's laws. Criminals have more rights than the average citizen and they are armed to the maximum. The world is in chaos and what can the righteous do? Verse 4 of that same chapter gives us the answer, "The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men." We must remember that God is on the throne and we can turn to him in Jesus name and he will hear and answer our prayers. God is not shocked at what man is doing. Sure he hates evil and his word clearly says so, but the time of the Lord's return is not yet. We surely don't know the hour or day but we know that there is an hour and day in which the Lord will return to execute his righteous judgment on all. Let's all be about doing God's word and being a witness to all who observe our lives. Let's lay a righteous foundation in our lives by obeying God's word! Perhaps others will follow.

Happiness Is The Lord!

Let me ask you. Are you happy? If not, why not? We live in the most wealthy and powerful nation in the world. Does power make one happy? Does wealth make a person happy? Most modern day advertising is directed at making us desire something that we don't currently possess with the reason given "to make us happy". The Bible says in Colossians 2:19, "And ye are complete in him..." The being complete has reference to coming to the fullness of life, and the him is Jesus. Power and wealth and education won't do it for mankind. It is presented to us through Jesus Christ the Savior and Lord of the world. If you have Christ as Savior and Lord you have the fruit of the Spirit developing within. One of the fruit of the Spirit is Joy. That's right Joy. God gives to his children Joy. When we are full of Joy, we are happy and content and complete. Do you know Christ? Are you full of Joy? We cannot be fulfilled through things, power, position, or wealth; but only through Christ Jesus. An old time chorus says, "Happiness is to know the Savior, living a life within his favor, having a change in my behavior, Happiness is the Lord." In summary, Happiness is the Lord.

Armor Less?

Paul wrote in Ephesians about the armor of God and how we need to wear it. In Chapter 6:13 it reads, "Wherefore, take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, ..."
It happens just about every year that someone will take a hike in Rocky Mtn. National Park during a threatening storm and will be struck by lightning and killed on the spot. Their life could have been spared if they would have heeded the authorities warnings. We too can be struck dead if we disregard Paul's warning about the spiritual battles that we will encounter in life. We need to put on the whole armor of God so that we will be able to stand against the tricks of the devil. So many Christians think that they know better than God and the Apostle Paul and they try to battle the devil with their intellect. This course of action will cause them to be struck down as though a bolt of lightning hit them. Let's put on the whole armor of God daily, and ask God to help us stand and overcome the tricks of the enemy. Are we one of the armor less ones who think we can make it on our own? I sure hope we aren't!

Life Is?

Life is summarized with this thought, love God and one another.

Just Wondering!

Can't help but wonder what would be the outcome if we had a holiday on our calendar for mending. We could have it in March or May. It could be called "March Mending Day" or "May's Day Of Mending". I'm not talking about mending socks, or mending fences so cattle can't get out. I'm talking about mending unhealthy relationships in our lives. You know what I mean, reaching out in love, grace, and humility to our hurt family member, neighbor, or friend. It would be a manifestation of God's word where we are told to do to others the way we wanted them to do towards us. Like loving God and our neighbor as we love ourselves. Maybe our part would be to forgive someone as God has forgiven us, or perhaps to ask forgiveness. The key to it's success might just be found in our willingness and desire to be at peace with God and all men. We don't always have to agree with everyone on each issue of life, but we are called upon to love one another. Jesus even told us to love our enemies. Well like I said, I was just wondering!

20/20

The parents of two teenagers are worried about their teens failing eyesight. The daughter can't find anything to wear in a closet full of clothes and the son can't find anything good to eat in a refrigerator full of food. Perhaps the best eye salve (ointment) for these two teens is found in I Thessalonians 5: 18 which says, "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." As we become thankful for God's awesome provision into our lives, our vision becomes 20/20. How are we seeing just now in our lives?

What Are You Seeing?

I've seen the Saved
I've seen the Healed
I've seen the Broken
I've seen the Filled
I've seen them Laugh
I've seen them Cry
I've seen them Live
I've seen them Die
What are you seeing?

What Are You Looking At?

II Corinthians 4: 17-18 says, For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." How important is it for us to keep our eyes on the right thing? It is vital that we look to Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12: 2) for that is what is eternal. The world and all of it's stuff will pass away but not God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, The Bible, or Heaven, for these are all eternal.

Looking For Holes?

One's attitude is so important. If you only look for holes, you will think a screen is useless: yet it keeps the flies out. If we are inclined to look for loop holes in the word of God, we are ill advised. We must simply be those who do the word and not just listen to it. The word of God keeps the enemy out of our lives, that is, if we do it.

Yes, I Must Be In Heaven

Early in my career as a doctor, I went to see a patient who was just coming out of anesthesia. Far off church chimes were sounding. The woman murmured, "I must be in heaven." Then she saw me. She said, "No, I can't be, there's Dr. Campbell." What would the woman have to say if she came out of anesthesia and saw one of us standing there? Hopefully she would say, "Yes I must be in Heaven."

Yea and Amen!

II Corinthians 1:20, "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." In Jesus the answer is YES, not maybe, or we'll see, but YES. God is the giver of all good gifts and hopefully we will receive through Christ Jesus all of his good gifts. Perhaps it would help us to study just what is promised to us, and then hold on to it in Jesus. It could be Christmas in July in all of our lives.

Love Never Fails

You might know the verses out of I John 4:7,8 which reads as such, "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." It is wonderful that God is love and we can know him and experience as well as share his love. In I Cor. 13:8 it says, "Love never fails, ..." Could we surmise then, that our God never fails. Well of course we can and we should know at all times that God is love and that love never fails. It is important that we live in the reality of what I'm saying here. God is for us at all times and he is here to help us at all times. He is not missing or tardy. He is ever present with us and because of that we should rest in his peace.

The Blessing Of Rain!

All of this rain that we have had lately reminded me of these verses where Jesus spoke in Matthew 5:43-45, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, and do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." If God treats the evil and unjust with the blessing of sending the sun and rain upon them as well as upon us, shouldn't we walk full of his grace towards them as well?

Fret Not!

I often remind myself of a very important principle found in God's word. In Psalm 37:1-2 we read, Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass and wither as the green herb." In verses 8 - 9 of the same chapter it says, "Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth." We need to be careful and not worry about evil people and their deeds for God has it all in hand and will in His good timing deal with all these people and their situations. Care to rest with me in the Lord?

God's Wisdom

There is so much wisdom to be found in God's word, and the book of Proverbs offers its own bounty is this area. For instance Proverbs 19:11 says, "The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression." It is good for us to restrain our anger (be angry and sin not - Eph. 4:26), and it is to our credit to overlook an offense directed at us. We are called to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. How much of God's wisdom is evident in our lives?

You Are Not Your Own!

Paul writing to the church at Corinth in chapter 6:19-20 says, "What know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." Mark these words, "ye are not your own", for they are at the foundation of most believer's problems. We aren't in charge of our lives, God is. If we don't believe it, we will be taught by the Holy Spirit that it is true. Most problems can be linked to our refusing to obey God and his word. The prevailing reason that we disobey is that we want to do our own thing in our own way. Are we not able to see that we cannot serve God and self at the same time? Life has got to be lived in God way at God's time. Anything else falls short of the glory of God for we are not our own we are bought with a price.

They Overcame Him

Revelation 4:11, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." How did these believers overcome the devil? By acknowledging that Jesus' blood washes their sins as white as snow, and by the word of their testimony. Oh yes, and they loved not their lives unto the death. This is a tough one, for most folks love self more than anything. Will we stand until our own death confessing that Jesus is our Savior and Lord?

Being Confident And Thankful!

Paul and Timothy wrote in their letter to the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Phillppi these words in chapter 1: 6, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." These words speak assurance to our hearts that God will work and keep working in our hearts until the return of Jesus Christ. I'm very thankful that God loves us and is at work in our lives changing us into the image of Christ. I'm confident that you would like to join with me in daily thanking God for his great love.

The So Called Brilliance Of Man!

Psalm 1 : 1-3 says, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God (ICorinthians 3: 19). I Corinthians 2 : 5 says, "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." I wonder just what we are looking to for the wisdom for our lives? Is it to God and His Word, or is it the so called brilliance of man.

Daily!

Discipleship requires of us many disciplines, some of the daily ones are:

1. Our daily food, "Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:11 (for which we pray)

2. Our daily work, "Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work."Exodus 20:9 (the 7th day rest and worship)

3. Our daily carrying of our cross, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me."Luke 9:23

4. Our daily rejoicing, "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24

We have had plenty that we could have been doing today. Were we busy?

V. R Edman wrote:

Anywhere with Jesus I can safely go,
Anywhere He leads me in this world below;
Anywhere without Him dearest joys would fade;
Anywhere with Jesus I am not afraid.

Anywhere with Jesus I am not alone;
Other friends may fail me, He is still my own;
Though His hand may lead me over dreary ways,
Anywhere with Jesus is a house of praise.

All I can say about this poem is Amen!

Envy Causes Many Problems!

Paul Eldridge wrote, "What we have not, poisons what we have. . . Our urge to acquire things is due less to the passion to possess them, than to the vanity of feeling superior to those who envy our possession of them. . . Envy transmutes other people's base metal into gold. . . Our envy is the yeast that swells the fortune of others. . . No form of hatred is as keen as envy. It magnifies the importance of our enemy----and belittles our own."
James 3:14-16 says, "But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual and devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work."
Indeed envy is evil and has caused many a good man to fall. It can cause hatred of the one envied, and that is a dead action or reaction. The wages of sin is still death. Let's be careful to not allow envy into our lives, and if we find it there let's seek forgiveness, knowing that he is faithful and just to forgive our sins if we ask him.

God Is In Charge!

Jesus said in John 14:1-3, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also." These words are so comforting and reassuring. Remember this, all is going to work out as Jesus said, for God is in charge.

Where I Am!

James Harnish told the following story. One morning an elementary school teacher asked her class how many points a compass has. She was surprised when one little boy stuck up his hand and said, "Five." She asked him, "Five? What are they?" He counted them off: "North, south, east, west, and where I am." If we aren't careful we will be seeing everything from our own point of view or direction. Of course we are in the center of it all, that is, if we are selfish and self centered. God is truly the one that is at the heart or center of it all. We had best not forget where our place really is.

Let's Stand Together!

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12 says, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." There are many opportunities in life to have help. Some attend support groups with people in similar circumstances, and they share their experiences, and all are enriched. In the body of Christ we have similar opportunities. We are after all, the one group on planet earth that is, commanded to love one another. Let's stand together.

Will It Be Heaven Or Hell?

God loves the world. He is also prepared to judge the world. IIPeter 2:4 says, "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;" Think about this, God didn't spare the angels. If you aren't walking with the Lord Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you are in a world of hurt. I recently saw a man wearing a tee shirt with a sign painted on it that read, "who needs God when you have Satan". This man's eternal existence will be in hell, in the chains of darkness, forever. Is it right with your soul? Do you know people who don't know Christ? Prayer would be appropriate, sharing your faith with them is good as well. Time is short for many. Ready or not He will come.

Discerning the times!

Jesus said to the people in Luke 12:56, "Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?" Man seems to have the capacity to miss what God is saying and doing. What do we see when we look at the economic crisis around the world? Or what do we see when the leadership of the countries of the world keep lying to one another trying to gain allies, but all the while, they bargain with one anothers enemies? Or what about all the lies politicians spew forth during election time, and as soon as they are in office they do exactly the opposite of what they promised? Are we the people that can't discern between our right hand and our left hand? Perhaps if we discerned the times and signs, we would suspect that time is short. God will only wink at sin for so long. Then God will judge all the inhabitants of earth. What will he find when he looks closely at our lives? Hopefully he will see hearts washed in the blood of Christ. It is the time to watch and pray friend, for we do not know the hour when God will send Jesus back to get us, but we do know that it will happen.

The proof is in the pudding!

If speed depended on size, a cow could catch a rabbit. It is not how someone or something looks that is important. It is by their fruit that you will know them. Don't be dazzled by appearances or by apparent successes. Remember a book is not to be judged by it's cover, for the proof is in the pudding.

Narrow Way!

Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Why are so few finding the narrow way? Is it because they love darkness rather than light? Jesus walked the narrow way, and taught the narrow way, and expects us to abide in and on the narrow way. It is easy to tell if you are on the narrow way, for there won't be much of a crowd on this holy highway.

Something old and something new!

In Matthew 13:52 from the Amplified Bible, we see, "He said to them, Therefore every teacher and interpreter of the Sacred Writings, who has been instructed and trained for the kingdom of heaven and become a disciple, is like a householder who brings forth out of his storehouse treasure that is new and old --the fresh as well as the familiar." God does new things and adds new things into our lives -- the fresh as well as the familiar. I'm thankful for the new and the old. The new seems to stir our souls while the old seems to keep our souls settled. Well nevertheless, let's embrace them both.

Without Covetousness!

Hebrews 13:5 reads, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Our lives should free of covetousness and full on contentment. How are we doing?

Honk, Honk!

A man's car stalled in the heavy traffic as the light turned green. All his efforts to start the engine failed, and a chorus of honking behind him made matters worse. He finally got out of his car and walked back to the first driver and said, "I'm sorry, but I can't seem to get my car started. If you'll go up there and give it a try, I'll stay here and honk your horn for you." It is really good to know just what the other person is going through before we begin honking our horns. Once we find out, we just might forgo our strong desire to honk, knowing that some day the situation could be reversed. Jesus taught that people should do to others what they wanted others to do to them. Hope you have a good weekend, and that honking your horn at someone won't seem necessary.

A Little!

Psalm 37:16 says, "A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked." Do we personally know many Christians who believe this verse? How is it evident in their lives? Do they live simply? Are they satisfied with little or do they need much to feel successful? It seems to be a verse that needs a close look by us all.

The Word!

In James 1:22 we are admonished, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." As the world continues to become more and more evil, each of us need all the more, to continue in the word. For the holy scripture is able to make us wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (IITimothy 3:15) Let's stay focused on the word and the doing of it in our lives. Not only does it help us not to sin against God, but it also keeps us from deceiving our selves.

Brokenness!

God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume, it is Peter, weeping bitterly in his brokenness, who receives forgiveness and greater power than he had before. What does God want to break out of our lives? Certainly sin would be the obvious answer, but what exact sin? King Saul had the sin of stubbornness and would not be broken to God's will, while Saul was broken on the road to Damascus and became Paul the apostle and did mighty things for the Lord. Which of these seems like God's way? When we yield to God's breaking in our lives, life springs forth. If we refuse to yield, death comes forth.

Remember!

Scripture tells us to remember such things as, the poor, the words of the Lord Jesus, Lot's wife, that Jesus was raised from the dead, them that have the rule over you, from whence though art fallen, etc. We should remember where God found us and what shape we were in, and give thanks forever.
This weekend is memorial day weekend. All across the US and around the world, folks will pause and remember those who have given their lives for their country's freedom. It is good to render honor where honor is due, and honor is due these fallen men and women. Remember to pray for their families and loved ones. Their cost was great and they should be greatly remembered.

Snared By Your Word!

Sam Findley decided it was time to retire from the garment business. So he called in his son Mervyn and gave him the news and a bit of advice: "Son, it's all yours. I've made a success of this business because of two principles: reliability and wisdom. First, take reliability. If you promise goods by the tenth of the month, no matter what happens, you must deliver by the tenth. Even if it costs you overtime, double time, golden time. You deliver what you promise."

Mervyn thought about this for a few moments and then asked. "But what about wisdom?" His father shot back: "Wisdom is never making such a stupid promise."

The wisdom here is to be careful not to snare yourself with your words and promise to do or deliver something that you can not. It is a painful lesson to learn, but all must learn it or find themselves in situations of great stress. Let's all be careful to choose our words carefully and wisely.

The Spirit Of Truth!

A new business went in close to our home recently. We watched as the building was cleaned up and painted some. We wondered what was going in that small building, and then the day came when a sign went up. It was a very undesirable business from our perspective, a psychic readings business. I said to my wife, "now that just isn't good," and we prayed that God would close it down. Well the short version is, God did close it down. It didn't happen overnight, but it soon happened, and we just want to thank the Lord for that closing.

God's word in Leviticus 19:31 says, "Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God." This scripture makes it clear that we Christians are not to seek guidance from someone with a familiar spirit, such as Saul did in I Samuel 28. As we walk with God, he will make known his will to us. Jesus said in John 16 that the Spirit of truth (the Holy Spirit) is come, and he will lead us into all truth.

The Greatest Is Love!

Many will say that they love someone, but looked at closely, they don't really love the person as love is meant to be. Perhaps they say they love a person, but only if the person loved is able to do something for them. True love is not that way, and true love never fails, and true love comes only from God. It is easily read about in the Bible in I Corinthians 13. The last verse of that chapter says, And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. The greatest is always love, when it is God's love!

A Happy Heart!

An invisible man married an invisible woman. Their kids weren't much to look at either. In the KJV, Proverbs 17:22 says, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."In the Amplified Version it says it this way, "A happy heart is a good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries the bones." I like this happy heart and cheerful mind stuff. It really is good for our health. I know that it is invisible to some, but don't worry be of good cheer, and go ahead and enjoy. Have a happy and merry weekend.

Let Your Moderation Be Known To All Men!

Philippians 4:5 says, "Let your moderation be known to all men. The Lord is at hand." In this case moderation means, unselfishness, considerateness, and a forbearing spirit. To prefer someone over ourselves would surely show unselfishness and considerateness. In Romans 12:10 it reads in the KJV, "Be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another." In the Amplified Version it reads, "Love one another with brotherly affection -- as members of one family giving precedence and showing honor to one another."

To be forbearing might be summed up best in the Lords words in Matthew 5:39, "But I say unto you. That you resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." Being known as having moderation is no small matter. It is only God who accomplishes this in our lives. Let's all yield our lives to God for the needed surgery to become known as brothers and sisters who walk in moderation.

Trust

Trust is like a piece of furniture. It can be broken. It can be repaired. But the question is, "will it ever be the same?" I know from experience, that it is always right to trust the Lord. He is always reliable and trustworthy. God desires restoration and forgiveness when trust has been broken. The forgiveness should happen instantly, but the restoring of the trust takes a time of faithfulness. And as someone once wisely said, "it could happen."

Love In Deed And In Truth!

Ruth M Walsh wrote, "I was naked and you questioned my lack of modesty in my appearance. I was imprisoned, and you debated the legal aspects of interference. I was penniless, and you discussed tax-deductible donations from your wealth. I was sick, and you thanked the Lord for the blessings of your health. I was hungry and, you formed a club to study malnutrition. I was homeless, and you said God's love was shelter under any condition. I was lonely, and you left me by myself while you and your friends prayed. You seem so holy and close to God. Yet I'm still sick and alone and afraid!"
I John 3:17-18 says it this way, "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."

Gratitude!

A man was watching his eighty-year old neighbor planting a small peach tree. He inquired of him as follows: "You don't expect to eat peaches from that tree, do you?" The old man rested on his spade. He said, "No at my age I know I won't. But all my life I've enjoyed peaches although never directly from a tree I planted myself. I'm just trying to pay back the other fellows who planted the trees for me."
Someone paved the way for us, I wonder if we are grateful to them, or do we feel like it was owed to us. Unfortunately that is the way many think and act. Hopefully not us!

How Much?

Psalm 37:16 says, "A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked." Another verse with a similar message is Proverbs 15:16 which reads, "Better is little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble therewith." The writer of Proverbs 30:7-9 wrote, "Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal and take the name of my God in vain." God knows how much is enough for each of our lives. Will we trust him in this regard?
I hope and pray that we will!

When Is A Liar No Longer A Liar?

When is a liar no longer a liar? A liar is no longer a liar when he/she becomes a truth teller. (Ephesians 4:25) When is a thief no longer a thief? A thief is no longer a thief when he gets a job and works to help meet the needs of those who have needs. (Ephesians 4:28) The Apostle Paul speaking in Ephesians 4: 22, 24, talks about needed change in our lives. We are to put off the old man and put on the new man. If we were a liar, we must become a truth teller. If we were a thief, we must work so we will have to give to him that has need. In the life of a Christian, God wants to bring observable changes in the way we do things and the way we think about life. Ephesians chapter 4 lists a number of things that we need to look at to see if change is needed in our lives. Let's all take a peek at it and see if there isn't something to be changed in our lives. God in his great mercy loved us, saved us, and will change us as we yield to his word and way.

Do You Like Change?

This time of year always represents change for all of us. We have now gone through the winter season to the spring season, although someone forgot to get the message to several parts of the country. This is also the time when young people are graduating from High School and from College. These graduations represent great change for the individuals and families involved. Right in the midst of these human happenings, God continues to change us into the image of our Lord Jesus Christ. Do you like change? I do sometimes, but on many occasions change can be a hard thing to face and embrace. May the Lord help us all to face what is before us, knowing that whatever it is, He will be right in the midst of it helping us, all along the way.

Mother's Living Faith!

The preacher G. Campbell Morgan had four sons, all of whom were preachers. The youngest son, Howard, considered a fine preacher, once took his father's place on this side of the Atlantic while Dr. Morgan preached in London. Some came into the drawing room when the family was there and, thinking to find out what Howard was made of, asked a question: "Howard, who is the greatest preacher in your family?" Without a moment's hesitation he answered, "My mother." Sometimes men and women who never stand at a pulpit preach the greatest sermons through living out the Word in their daily lives. I hope you mothers will keep on living out your faith before all mankind, especially your children, for they are watching and learning what a living faith is all about.
Happy Mother's Day and thank you!

Mother!

Someone has said, "I finally found a Mother's Day card that expressed my feelings for my mother in real terms." It said, "Now that we have a mature, adult relationship, there's something I'd like to tell you. You're still the first person I think of when I fall down and go boom!" Or did you hear the following story, On Mother's Day a minister gave this perfect tribute: "My mother practices what I preach."
I hope all of you mothers have a great Mother's Day.

Such A Friend!

One could not but be moved by the story of the soldier who asked his officer if he might go out in the "No Man's Land" between the trenches in WWI to bring in one of his friends who lay grievously wounded. "You can go," said the officer, "but it's not worth it. Your friend is probably killed, and you will throw your own life away." But the man went. Somehow he managed to get to his friend, hoist him onto his shoulder, and bring him back to the trenches. The two of them tumbled in together and lay in the trench bottom. The officer looked very tenderly on the would-be rescuer, and then he said, "I told you it wouldn't be worth it. Your friend is dead and you are mortally wounded." "It was worth it, though, sir," he said. "How do you mean, 'worth it? I tell you your friend is dead." "Yes sir," the boy answered, "but it was worth it, because when I got to him he was still alive, and he said to me, 'Jim, I knew you'd come.'"

Do we have a friend such as this? The song writer wrote about our Lord Jesus Christ, "What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!" Jesus himself said in Hebrews 13:5b, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So I figure that we do have such a friend.

The Lord Knows The Way Through The Wilderness!

Speaking of how the children of Israel fell several ways while in the wilderness, the Apostle Paul warningly says in I Corinthians 10:12, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." It does seem like advice is least heeded when most needed. We have to walk with God according to his terms and conditions, not according to what we want or wish would happen. Some say that God's way is too hard, but it is really just God's way. When we yeild to his way, he helps us with what we view as hard. It is the Lord who knows the way through the wilderness, and not us. Shall we dare follow his steps and leading and venture out of our controlling comfort zones to get busy with the business that he has for each of us. He knows and we don't know, that is, until he tells us!

The Journey Of Life!

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Have you noticed that there is no itinerary for the journey of life, its a matter of trusting the Lord. God leads, guides, directs, corrects our paths. He loves to keep us on course for this journey of life. If we are having a difficult time figuring out what is going on in our lives, the answer is a prayer away. God answers yes, no, and wait. We probably aren't overly fond of the wait answer, and don't want to hear the no answer, but most always want the yes answer. We can go ahead and do anything we want, but the problem with doing what we always want is called rebellion and selfishness. Let's trust the Lord in our lives by acknowledging him in all our ways, then he will direct our paths and we will be safe on our life's journey. Remember rebellion and selfishness is the path to death, while trusting in the Lord is the path to life.

Boundless Love!

Someone has said, "You can give without loving, but you can't love without giving." Look how God loved us as written in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." All who have received this love are, and will be, eternally thankful for God's love shared in this way. Thank you Father God for your boundless love!

Perfect Peace!

In Isaiah 26:3 we read, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Trust in him, with our minds on him, and we will be kept by him in perfect peace. I can't speak for anyone else, but on my own behalf, I want to confess that it is my desire to be kept this way. Perfect peace seems to be just what is needed in this hour, with all the unrest and uncertainty in this world. Satan is really trying to wreck havoc on all nations and all people. But, God has a people, and this people will triumph! The victory is ours in Christ Jesus! He purchased it at Calvary. So Lord, we ask that you help each of us to be partakers of this perfect peace.

You Shall Know Them By Their _____?

A young lady was soaking up the sun's rays on a Florida beach when a little boy in his swimming trunks, carrying a towel, came up to her and asked her, "Do you believe in God?" She was surprised by the question but replied, "Why yes I do." Then he asked her: "Do you go to church every Sunday?" Again her answer was "Yes!" Then he asked: "Do you read your Bible and pray every day?" Again she said, "Yes!" But by now her curiosity was very much aroused. At last the lad sighed and said, with obvious relief, "Will you hold my quarter while I go swimming?"

It sure makes a person comfortable to know whom he or she is dealing with, but remember a lot of dishonest people professing to be Christians would give the same answers as the young lady in the above story! It's by their fruits that we know them, not by their words!

Have You Killed Any Cows Lately?

Many of us are like the little boy who had broken the glass of a streetlamp. Greatly disturbed, he asked his father, "What shall I do?" "Do?" exclaimed his father, "Why, we must report it and ask what you must pay, then go and settle it." This practical way of dealing with the matter was not what the boy was looking for, and he whimpered, "I --I--thought all I had to do was ask God to forgive me." I know all kinds of Christians who aren't at all aware of the fact, that if you kill another man's cow, asking forgiveness is only the beginning, for the cow must be replaced, and if you would like my opinion, "it should be replaced with a much better cow than the one killed."

Wandering Along Life's Many Paths!

Proverbs 27:8 tells us, "As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place." Some folks just love to go a wandering along life's many paths. From my experience, I don't believe the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, but is greenest right where God places us. Contentment of heart helps to hold us steady when we begin to have the desire to go a wandering. Let's wait on God's leading and then our journey will be right.

Buck Passing!

And the man said, The woman ...., and the woman said, The serpent ....Genesis 3:12,13. Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. Aaron blamed the people for the golden calf. The unprofitable servant blamed his master for his unfaithfulness. We live in an hour where most all are experts at giving reasons why it can't be them who made a mistake.

Proverbs 28:13 says, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." If, and only if, we are at fault we should own it, confess it, and receive forgiveness. Our deliverance is swift when it lies in God's hands.

A Laugh!

Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love and got married. The ceremony wasn't much, but the reception was excellent. Proverbs 17:22, says, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."

Words!

Dr Wilfred Funk, the well-known dictionary publisher, was asked to select the ten most expressive words in the English language. Here is the list:
1. the most bitter word - alone
2. the most tragic - death
3. the most reverend - mother
4. the most beautiful - love
5. the most cruel - revenge
6. the most peaceful - tranquil
7. the saddest - forgotten
8. the warmest - friendship
9. the coldest - no
10. the most comforting - faith
Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue:..." Let's choose our words carefully and lovingly!

If The Lord Wills!

In James 4: 13-15 it reads thus, "Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that."

It might sound old fashioned or perhaps even religious to some, but it should be a well used part of our vocabulary, to say regarding any plans we are making, "If the Lord wills we are doing this or that." How about it? Do we really say such a thing? or think such a thing? or live such a thing? Truth is, we should unashamedly, say it, think it, and live it!

Courage!

Someone has said, "Courage in people is like a tea bag. You never know the strength until they're in hot water." Speaking of courage, the lady was small, old, and frail. She had lost the sight of her eye, and it had to be removed. When it was to be replaced with a false eye she said to the doctor, "Be sure to choose one with a twinkle in it." Courage is definitely needed in life, but so is a twinkle in one's eyes.

You With Me Or What?

The psychiatrist was concerned about his nurse's office procedure, so he said to her, "When you answer the phone, just say, 'We're terribly busy just now', instead of 'It's a madhouse." It can mean the same thing, but we must choose carefully how we chose to say something. You with me or what?

Victory In Jesus!

I was particularly encouraged this morning by the following words from I Cor. 15:57-58 which reads, "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." Victory through Christ is the only place to obtain victory. We must focus on being steadfast, unmoveable, and abounding in the work of the Lord. There is much to distract us at this moment, but let's stay focused on the Lord, for the rest is only of minor significance. Victory in Jesus our Saviour forever!

Splitting Wood!

Have you ever split wood with an axe? It is a hard and difficult job. If your axe isn't sharp, you are fighting a losing battle. When we find ourselves in a hard spot in life it can be just like splitting wood. We need to be sharpened the right way to be able to deal with the situation in a proper spirit. If the blade of a axe has been sharpened at the wrong angle, it's worse than it was before we tried sharpening it. Don't let a hard time cause us to respond in the wrong way. God does want to shaprpen us the proper way and he can if we cooperate. It will be easily seen by our response. If we don't respond properly, we make the situation much more difficult. A humble and gracious spirit are good indicators we have been sharpened at the right angle!

The Way To Go!

In John chapter 8 there is a story told of some scribes and Pharisees who brought a woman, who was caught in adultery, to Jesus. They quoted the law that Moses wrote where it says that a person such as this should be stoned to death, and then asked him what he had to say about it. After writing on the ground, they asked him again and he said, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her," and then he wrote on the ground again. His saying convicted them and from the eldest to the youngest they left. Jesus asked the woman where her accusers were and has no man condemned you? She said, "No man" and his forgiving reply was, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."
Now any experienced stone thrower knows that even a small pebble makes ripples. I think we best leave the stone throwing alone, for it is not Christ's way. Perhaps we could throw a little love and forgiveness on a situation such as happened in chapter 8 of John's gospel. Now that would be the way to go!

No Rivals!

Benjamin Franklin once said, "He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals." How true this is. Luke 14:26 says, "If any man come to me and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." Self love is one of the main hinderances to our becoming a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must learn as he did, to become servants of all, manifesting love, humility, patience, mercy, forbearance, forgiveness, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, kindness, and did I mention love. Without love our lives are at best, lonely and legalistic. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:35) Hopefully all men can see who we are by seeing our love one to another.

It Could Happen Anywhere!

Two Texans were trying to impress each other with the size of their ranches. One asked the other, "What's the name of your ranch?" He replied, "The Rocking R, ABC, Flying W, Circle C, Bar U, Staple Four, Box D, Rolling M, Rainbow's End, Silver Spur Ranch." The questioner was much impressed and exclaimed, "Whew! That's sure some name! How many head of cattle do you run?" The rancher answered, "Not many. Very few survive the branding."
Let's watch out, for pride can be a killer!

The Doorkeeper!

The Psalmist David, wrote in Psalm 84:9-11, "Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."
We will have opportunity after opportunity to be a doorkeeper in the house of God. May our God help us all to choose doorkeeping over dwelling in the tent of wickedness. Sin often looks attractive, while doorkeeping only looks attractive to those of humble heart. You know the ones, those who are so grateful to God for his love, mercy, and forgiveness. Those who would rather worship the "Exalted One" over being exalted themselves. No good thing will God withhold from them that walk in uprightness. Now that is a blessed person!

Flee!

On an employee bulletin board: "In case of fire, flee the building with the same reckless abandon that occurs each day at quitting time." Humorous? Perhaps! Maybe we should learn a lesson from this story. We are told to flee the wrath to come, flee youthful lusts, flee ungodliness, etc. Let's make sure we flee these things, just like we would run from a fire.

An Open Book

Someone has said, "Live your life like an open book with nothing to hide or be ashamed of." To this I say amen, for our lives are like an open book to be read by any that cross our paths. Hopefully they will read out of our lives, Christ in us the hope of glory.

Coiled And Ready To Strke!

Years ago when Pepper Rodgers was in the middle of a terrible season as football coach at UCLA, he said, "It even got so bad that it upset my home life." He recalls, "My dog was my only friend. I told my wife that a man needs at least two friends and she bought me another dog." I don't know if this story is true, but I do know that a man needs friends. I personally know some who think that they don't have any use for other people. They are easy to recognize for they are about as friendly as a coiled rattlesnake. You know what I mean, "make a move in their direction and they will strike out at you trying to bite you, or at least scare you off." Without friends, who would help us up when we fall down? Or maybe you can tell me, who will stand with us when the battle rages hot? Everyone knows that a two stranded cord is twice as strong as a single stranded cord. Scripture tells us in the Amplified Bible in Proverbs 17:17, "A friend loveth at all times, and is born, as a brother, for adversity." I hope that we all value friends, family, and brothers and sisters in the Lord. Many a time they are representing the Lord as they reach out to us to help us in an hour of need.