The Hortatory Subjunctive

Posted on January 12, 2017 by glenn

Surely the title of today’s blog will cause some to read the devotional just for curiosity sake.  My thoughts today actually are focused on the New Year and thinking about how to be better in the New Year.  So what does that have to do with the title of today’s thoughts?

The word hortatory means aiming to exhort (note the root of the word exhort, that is hort).  Hortatory expressions are usually encouraging statements urging others to join together in some action.  The expression is usually “Let us…”  I once taught a class I called the Salad Subjunctive by examining several passages containing the phrase “let us.”  Get it?  Salad, lettuce. The lettuce subjunctive.  Ok, so I’m not much on comedy but it helps me remember.

The phrase “Let us” is found 192 times in the NKJ version of the Bible.  The Bible has much to say encouraging us.  Here are but a few examples.

Galatians 6:10

Therefore, as we have opportunity let us do good to all

 

Nehemiah 2:18

So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work.

 

Psalms 122:1

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the LORD.”

 

1 John 4:7

Let us love one another, for love is of GOD

 

Hebrews 13:15

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to GOD, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

 

Ecclesiastes 12:13

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.

 

The last “Let us” statement in the Bible is found in Revelation 19:7 where we read,  Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife (the church, i.e. you and me, GT added) has made herself ready.

Clearly this means there is personal preparation necessary. There is no proxy obedience. Let us be about that preparation.  Let us so live that when we come to the end of our lives we have made ourselves ready.  We will indeed be glad and rejoice.

May we remember the words to the old song.

Let us then be true and faithful

Trusting serving every day

Just one glimpse of Him in glory

Will the toils of life repay.

 

 

 

 

Posted in discipleship, opportunity, service, stewardship | 1 Comment

Be Where Your Feet Are

Posted on January 2, 2017 by glenn

Sometimes a statement that seems simple can carry a great message when you think about it.  “Be where your feet are” is a common saying of my favorite football coach.  Of course, in his world of football, it means to dwell in the present.  If a player has a bad play, he stresses to them to not let that play continue to distract them mentally and thereby cause the next play to be a bad one.  The game is made up of many plays.  In a sense, each play is an individual game.  The player is to play each play individually.  Win this play.  Then win the next play.  Play the game one play at a time.  Play in the moment.  Be where your feet are.

Similarly, there is really a powerful message for us in life.  Play one play at a time.  Life is made up of days.  The Psalmist tells us to number our days (Psalms 90:12).  We would do well to live our lives one day at a time.  And strive to win each day.  Don’t let yesterday ruin today.  And by the same token, tomorrow’s concerns can ruin today as well.

Paul had many bad things in his past on which he could dwell.  I am sure he remembered his days of persecuting GOD’S people.  Yet he writes to the Philippian church, “…forgetting those things which are behind…”  (Philippians 3:13)  I think Paul would have agreed with the “Be where your feet are” idea.

On the other hand, James urges us to be careful when making plans for tomorrow.  James 4:13 reads, “Come now, you who say ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’ whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow.”  I think James would have liked the “Be where your feet are” sentiment as well.

The idea is live today.  One can’t change the past.  We all have regrets.  But the blood of Jesus Christ can forgive our mistakes of yesterday.  According to Jeremiah 31:34, GOD remembers them no more. 

Let us make the most of today.  Let us “Be where our feet are” today.

My other favorite coach also had a saying that is in line with today’s thoughts.  Coach Bryant carried the following poem in his wallet.

This is the beginning of a new day.  GOD has given me this day to use as I will.  I can waste it or use it for good.  What I do today is very important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it.  When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving something in its place I have traded for it.  I want it to be gain, not loss – good, not evil – success, not failure in order that I shall not forget the price I paid for it.

Be where your feet are today.  Make the most of today’s opportunities.  Win this day.

Posted in discipleship, opportunity, stewardship | 1 Comment

The E-Bible and Study

Posted on December 23, 2016 by glenn

The word study may conjure up negative feelings from our school days.  We may recall pulling those all-nighters prepping for some big exam.  We likely have had some kind of study beyond our school years.  Whether it is work related or our spiritual growth, we probably have some degree of study throughout life.  This blog will be a personal view of Bible study in particular.  As a part of my thoughts I will deal with e-books in the blog.  You are free to agree or disagree.

The KJV rendering of 2 Timothy 2:15 begins – Study to show thyself approved unto GOD.

I am certain we would all like to be better students of GOD’S word.  At the beginning of the New Year many people set out to read the Scriptures through during the year.  That is a very worthy goal.  However, there is a difference between reading and studying.  There is benefit in both.  I encourage you to make time for study.

Let us strive to become better students of the word.  Of the Bereans, Acts commends them in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily.  (Acts 17:11)  They had a receptive attitude and they studied daily!

I have noticed a trend lately of people using electronic devices for their Bibles.  This of course is an individual decision and I have a NKJ version of the Bible on my smart phone.  This allows me access to the Scriptures wherever I am.  There is no denying the convenience of such.  But let me opine on the matter of digital materials if you will.

If you have been around me long you know I am an advocate for making notes in your Bible.  This is a personal decision one has to make and I understand there are those who are opposed to writing in the Bible.  I respect that because presently there is a trend toward journaling or drawing pictures in the margin to illustrate the text.  I personally am not a fan of the drawing pictures.  However, I do make marginal notes in my Bible so that I can remember my studies easier.  It helps me remember and many of my Bibles are full of notes from years gone by.

For those who use their electronic versions of the Bible let me share a recent article.  Jared Jackson in the November, 2016, Fortify Your Faith Newsletter asked the question, “Is there a difference between real books and e-books?”  He then cited the Millward-Brown Study (Bangor University) that evaluated how a person’s brain reacts to electronic print.  Using MRI data, the study strongly suggests that greater emotional processing is facilitated by the physical material as opposed to the virtual.

Specifically the study revealed the following:

  1. Tangible materials leave a deeper footprint in the brain.
  2. Physical materials produced more brain responses connected with internal feelings, suggesting greater “internalization” of the subject matter.
  3. Physical material involves more emotional processing, which is important for memorization.

The complete article detailing the study can be found on the link, http://www.millwardbrown.com/docs/default-source/insight-documents/case-studies/MillwardBrown_CaseStudy_Neuroscience.pdf

Digital materials certainly have a place in my study.  In fact, I use electronic media for much of my study and lesson prep including writing this blog.  There are so many advantages including filing and searching options with digital media.  However, there is nothing that can take the place of my physical Bible in reading and studying.

If you are so inclined to make marginal notes in your Bible, let me suggest one more thing.   There are several pens on the market that are designed for this.  Their ink will not bleed through the paper nor are they prone to fade over time.  I personally like the Pigma Micron pens.  I use a .005 mm pen that is very thin and allows me to make the most use of my limited marginal space.  I also like to use multi-colors to differentiate various themes on a single page.   I am indebted to the late Wendell Winkler for his suggesting these pens to me long ago.

I know this is largely an opinion piece but let me just emphasize the important.  Whatever your method, I hope you will strive to be a better student.  I am encouraged to see those who bring their physical Bibles to worship and to observe them making notes in the margin (with a .005 Pigma pen) for future reference.  I know this has helped me become a better student of GOD’S Word.

Posted in discipleship, faith, growth, influence, memory | Leave a comment

The Hand

Posted on December 13, 2016 by glenn

Several years ago there was a popular song called “Daddy’s Hands.”  The song was very touching and referred to the hands of a father that could be soft or hard depending on the circumstances.  I recall a line in the lyrics that read “there was always love in daddy’s hands.”

The song was written by Holly Dunn.  I was saddened to hear of her recent death at the young age of 59. Incidentally, Holly’s father was the author of a book that I have in my study (Know Your Bible by Frank Dunn).  The book gives a detailed outline of every book in the Bible.  It is a wonderful resource and I use it frequently.

Take a look at your hands.  How have they served you in life?  I wonder what my children will remember about my hands.  I hope they too can know there was always love in my hands.  I remember being told once before our children were born, that when disciplining children one should never use the bare hand to spank.  This wise, older gentleman said he always used an object such as a rolled up newspaper, switch, or paddle because he didn’t want the child to associate the discipline with his hand. I tried to adhere to this advice while raising our boys.

In this context, let us consider the hands of GOD.  What does the Bible say about the hand of GOD?

There are several passages in the Bible that refer to the hand of GOD.  Almost without exception the references will fall under one of two headings.  The hand of GOD will be used in the context of either discipline or delivery.

In the day of the Judges, we find the hand of the LORD used in a disciplinary sense.

Judges 2:15 – “Wherever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for calamity…”

On the other hand, Isaiah 59:1 is an example of the hand of the LORD used in the sense of delivery.  “Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened that it cannot save…”

One of my favorite stories of my boys growing up happened when my oldest son was about 3 years old.  He fell into the deep end of the swimming pool.  Almost immediately one of the adults reached down under the surface of the water to grab him and pull him out.  When I asked him if he was scared his reply was, “No, I just wondered whose body’s hand that was that grabbed me.”  We have enjoyed that story many times through the years imagining from his view underwater, what it looked like for a hand to break the surface of the water and pull him to safety.

I am reminded of that story when I read the passage from 1 Peter 5:6.  “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of GOD, that He may exalt you in due time.”

There are so many lessons in that passage.

Humble yourselves.  The necessity of humility is expressed.  Note also the fact that this is something I have to do to myself.

That He may exalt you in due time.  I want GOD’S hand to be a hand of delivery for me.  I live knowing that it will come in due time.  GOD’S help will come at just the right time.  It might not seem so to me, but if I trust in Him, help will come and it will come on His timeline.

I can rest assured there is love in my Father’s hands.  I remember the many times in my life when His hand has reached down and saved me from destruction at just the right time.  I thank GOD for these blessings.

Posted in authority, family, God, humility, memory, reflection | Leave a comment

He Suffered Once

Posted on December 2, 2016 by glenn

We have all heard the expression, “No good deed goes unpunished.”  Have you ever suffered because of a good deed?

I can think back on my life and remember many times I suffered for doing wrong, for making a poor choice and having to pay.  This is only to be expected.  One has to pay for their error.  Scriptures tell us this is going to happen.  Galatians 6:7 says, “Be not deceived, GOD is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”  For us to think otherwise is to make a mockery of GOD.  Yes, we suffer the consequences for bad choices in life.

But what about suffering for doing good? Perhaps you can remember a time when you made the right choice, took a stand for what was right, and suffered because of it.

The key words to the book of 1st Peter are suffering and hope.  I urge you to read the entire book noting each time you encounter the word suffering.  Peter writes to Christians who are undergoing severe persecution.  The book is also a book of hope.  He gives us all hope as we deal with suffering for doing good.

In particular, he makes a statement that Christ suffered once for sins.  This is in line with the statement found in Hebrews 9:28, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.

Christ suffered only once?  The passage in 1 Peter 3:18 doesn’t say He suffered only once.  It says He suffered once for sins!  Christ suffered many times for doing good.  Consider the example of healing the blind man on the Sabbath found in John 9.

We will suffer for doing good.  It may be in the workplace if we work in a non believing environment.  It may be at the hands of a government increasingly hostile to Christianity.  It may be in the loss of familial relationships.  The list goes on, but the fact remains, we will suffer for doing good.

Let us return to the passage in 1 Peter 3. But while He suffered many times for doing good this passage notes, He suffered only once for sins.  When Christ went to the cross, He bore the sins of mankind from Adam onward.  That certainly includes mine and yours.  What a burden He bore!

Isaiah 59:2 tells us that sin separates one from GOD.  When Christ was crucified He was separated from GOD.  Because of the separation from GOD that the blackness of sin caused, Christ called out “My GOD, My GOD, why have You forsaken Me?”  For the only time ever, sin separated Christ from the Father.  It wasn’t His sin but the sins of mankind.  Thankfully the separation was only momentary.  He suffered once for sins.

We are told in 2 Timothy 3:12 that all who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.  But Peter tells us how to deal with that persecution.  He says among other things, to consider yourself blessed, do not be afraid, nor troubled, think about the LORD GOD, be ready to defend the gospel, have a good conscience and live a good life (3:17ff).

Suffering for doing good is never easy.  But it will help if we remember that it is expected and that it produces a desirable benefit (James 1:3).  Let us not be discouraged when we are persecuted but let us remember the LORD Jesus suffered once for sins, the Just for the unjust.  And let us resolve to take advantage of His gift so that all our suffering occurs here on this side of eternity, remembering there will be no tears, no death, no sorrow, no crying, and no pain over there (Revelation 21:4).

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Mama Nell

Posted on November 22, 2016 by glenn

I grew up in a small town.  During my teen years my hometown may have best been known as the home of “Mama Nell.”  Mama Nell lived about half way between my house and town.    She was a fortune teller with widespread notoriety.  Articles about her appeared in national papers and magazines.  I passed her house each time I went to town.  The yard was always filled with cars often from far away states.

So what does the Bible say about such things?  The Bible refers to these fortune tellers as soothsayers, diviners, sorcerers, etc.  There are many examples of them in the Scriptures.

We find one such account in Numbers 22 and the story of Balaam.  He was a diviner.  He was also one who offered sacrifices on pagan alters.  We are familiar with the story of his donkey speaking to him.  The donkey was able to see the Angel of the LORD blocking the pathway.  Balaam beat his donkey for refusing to proceed until the donkey eventually spoke to Balaam.  The LORD opened Balaam’s eyes so that he could see the Angel of the LORD as well.

An interesting point in this story is how the LORD used this pagan individual, Balaam, to accomplish His will.  Scripture identifies Balaam as a false prophet in many references.  And yet GOD used him to bring about His will.  I am sure GOD continues to use pagan men today to accomplish His will.  Romans 8:28 tells me GOD is able to make things work for the good of His people.

Fortune telling, sorcery, etc. was forbidden in the Law of Moses (Leviticus 19:26ff and 20:6).  Reading the whole chapter of Leviticus 19 one finds many do’s and don’ts.  And each one is followed by the statement, “I am the LORD your God.”  We might consider this as the ultimate “because I said so.”  It is noteworthy the Old Testament literally closes with a warning against sorcery in Malachi 3:5.

This activity was not confined to the Old Testament as the disciples encountered it many times throughout the New Testament.

In Acts 8 we find the account of Simon the Sorcerer.  This man had astonished the people for a long time with his sorcery.   He was converted to Christ but immediately had a problem of the heart.  Peter chastised him for wanting to use the power of GOD for money.  He saw the apostles’ ability to work miracles as a means of continuing his livelihood.  He was told to repent of the wickedness and pray for forgiveness.  Aren’t we glad for this pattern of forgiveness available to us as Christians?  We learn that even after we are converted and we fall, forgiveness is available if we repent and pray!

A few chapters later Paul and Silas met a slave girl practicing divination in Acts 16.  Her masters were using her fortune telling to make money.  Paul and Silas cast out the evil spirit and in so doing wound up in prison at the hands of her angry masters.  The lesson for us is that sometimes when we confront evil we pay a price.

In Galatians 5:19-21, we find the works of the flesh listed.  Sorcery is on the list along with the reminder that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of GOD.

So what about fortune telling today?  Do these modern day soothsayers possess powers?  Can they predict the future?  Many make that claim today.  I do not believe that is the case.

From what I read about these individuals, they follow common patterns.  They pick up on body language and pursue certain lines of thought when receiving positive feedback.  They often predict the future in a way that when certain events in one’s life occurs, they are reminded of the “prediction.”

Isaiah 41: 21-23 provides a text on fortune telling.  GOD says “Present your case.  Tell us what has happened and what will happen, that we may know that you are gods.”  Being able to tell the future makes one a god.  Be sure, GOD alone is able to know the future.  In fact, speaking of one particular future event, Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:36 that GOD alone knows of the time.

No, these modern day diviners have no power to see or influence the future.

Oh and just for the record, I am proud to say I never went to see Mama Nell.  Even as a young man yet to be converted to the LORD, I knew she was someone to avoid.  As a teenage boy I would never have admitted it but I was afraid of Mama Nell.

And I have to share one more thing.  Mama Nell claimed she was a distance relative of my mother.  Mom was always mortified when she said that.  Sorry Mom for sharing that extra tidbit of information.

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October 31

Posted on October 30, 2016 by glenn

No, this article is not about Halloween.  Rather, it is about an anniversary celebration of sorts.  On this date 499 years ago something happened that forever changed the world of religion.  Next year will be the 500th anniversary of the event involving Martin Luther and his protest of the religious environment of his day.  He nailed his 95 protests or theses to the door of the church in Wittenburg, Germany on October 31, 1517.

Although there were several other men, in many locations, involved in a similar movement, Martin Luther’s act is best associated with what is known as The Reformation.  These were men such as John Calvin, John Wesley, John Knox and others.

It is called The Reformation because they each had the mindset of reforming the religious institution of their day.

My objective today is not to discuss that movement in detail.  But I will note, that mindset didn’t just happen overnight; it was years in the making.  And therein lies the focus of our thoughts today.

I want to tie two major historical events together in order to draw a very important conclusion.

For our consideration today I’d like to consider what happened 25 years prior to 1517.  The year 1492 is widely recognized as the year Columbus discovered America.  So what possible connection is there between 1492 and 1517?  Between the discovery of America and Martin Luther’s protest?

Let us consider the events that preceded the 1492 discovery, in particular consider the religious atmosphere of the Old World in the years leading to this event.  Read the book, Foxe’s Christian Martyrs by John Foxe.  Read of the persecution of men such as John Wycliffe and John Huss.  Read about Jerome of Prague being burned at the stake while singing hymns. There was much religious persecution at that time.  Fleeing this religious persecution was no minor reason for relocating to the New World.

Think of the religious freedoms that followed that discovery in 1492.  It may have taken 2 or 3 centuries to develop but this new land afforded opportunities for those wishing to pursue religious freedoms.  Whether we want to admit it or not, the fact is, this country was founded by those pursuing religious freedoms.  And I might add, they were not pursuing a freedom FROM religion, they were pursuing a freedom OF religion.

I firmly believe GOD’S Hand of Providence was at work in the discovery of America and the eventual founding of our country.  Read the accounts of some of the early established colonies and their preservation against all odds.  GOD’S Hand was in their preservation.

Who can read the Declaration of Independence and think it was written by man without the blessing of Divine guidance?  I am not saying it was inspired like the Scriptures are inspired but I am saying it was the Providence of Almighty GOD that brought those men together to accomplish the founding of this nation.

The early words of that great document makes the following proclamation.  We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

What interesting thoughts.  All men are created equal!  Created by a Creator with certain rights!  Our rights do not come from men, government, or even great documents.  Our rights come from GOD!

In the coming days, as America goes to the polls to elect a new President, I pray that GOD will use whomever is elected to bring about His will.  Yes, the founding of this country required His Providence.  Furthermore, its continued existence requires the same.

I pray our country will remain the great land of the free.  A land in which my grandchildren and their children can live and serve the LORD.

Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.   Proverbs 14:34

More and more it seems our nation is defined by sin rather than righteousness.  However, I know there are still many citizens of this land who are righteous.  Righteous not because of their own merits but because they serve a living GOD. They belong to Him.  They put their trust in Him.  So to that end I ask…

GOD Bless America, please.

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Influence

Posted on October 12, 2016 by glenn

“Never listen to the voice of a man, who doesn’t listen to the voice of GOD”

Currently there are some professional athletes who are protesting what they perceive as a social injustice by refusing to stand during the playing of our National Anthem.  Now I resist the urge to write about this particular action and the fact their very right to behave in this manner is given them by the nation they are protesting.  Pretty sad…

I wish to point out the influence these professional athletes have on the younger generation.  It should come as no surprise we are now reading where high school students across the country are doing the same thing on Friday nights.  I don’t mean to paint with a broad brush but I say in most cases these younger athletes are not protesting, they are imitating.  They are just being influenced by their role models.

When I look back on my life I have had some good mentors.  These role models set a good example for me.  Whether it was a work ethic, serving our fellowman, or just by modeling a good outlook on life in general, I learned much from these men.  They all influenced me in a very positive way.

Unfortunately, I can also see those in my life whom I now realize influenced me negatively.  I suppose I am not alone in this regard.

There are many examples of being influenced for evil in the Scriptures.  Read the account of the friendship between Absalom’s half-brother, Amnon and Jonadab in 2 Samuel 13.  This friendship and influence led to the rape of Amnon’s sister, Tamar.  In one of my Bibles, I have written in the margin of this passage, “some friend” with a cross reference to 1 Corinthians 15:33.  The NIV renders this passage, “Bad company corrupts good character.”  Jonadab was bad company.

Another example is found in Matthew 14.  King Herod beheaded John the Baptist after making a rash vow.  The scriptures say he was sorry, but because of his oath and because of those who sat with him, he executed John.   Those who sat with him obviously had a negative influence on him.  They were bad company.

Let us be wary of those in our life that would influence us negatively.  Galatians 5:7-8, “You ran well.  Who hindered you from obeying the truth?  This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you.”  There may be those in our lives that will “hinder us from obeying the truth.”

If we read just one more verse in Galatians we see that a little leaven leavens the whole lump.  It really only takes one “bad company” friend to cause us to lose our spiritual focus.  Let us be ever aware of the influence of those we call our friends and choose them carefully.

If we just had the wisdom, as we live our lives, to adhere to the quote in the subtitle above. Never listen to the voice of a man who doesn’t listen to the voice of GOD.  If we only admired and followed those who followed GOD!

Paul said it in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be ye followers of me even as I also am of Christ.”

And again in Philippians 4:9 he says, “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the GOD of peace will be with you.”

Paul in essence is saying, “Don’t do as I say, do as I do.”

Let us choose our friends carefully.  May our friends be those who will help us grow closer to GOD.

But let us also realize the influence we have on those around us.  We also are being looked to as examples.  We owe it to our friends to be a positive influence on them.  And to that end let us ask ourselves this question, “Are we a Paul or a Jonadab?”

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The Big 6-0

Posted on October 7, 2016 by glenn

I have recently turned 60!   Wow, that seemed so old many years ago.  Now, not so much.  I don’t feel old.  But I do realize even more now the truth in James’ statement when he said, “For what is your life?  It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14)

I have lived in 7 different decades.  I don’t know if anyone else’s life will ever see the changes that I have seen in my 60 years.

Sometimes when we visit Cracker Barrel I look at a little booklet that is printed for each year.  It is interesting to note the world in 1956.  Gasoline cost 22 cents a gallon, a new house about $11,000 and a new car about $2,000.  The average household income was about $4,500.

Elvis first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show on September 9, 1956.  This happening after Ed Sullivan had initially said he would not consider presenting the singer before a family audience.  My, oh my, how times have changed with regards to what is put on television.

The film, The Ten Commandments, still being shown on television each year around Easter, premiered on October 5, 1956, the day I was born.  At the time, it was the most expensive film ever made.  It is almost unrivaled in its popularity for films 60 years of age!

If you wish to consider a good marketing tag line, think about Allstate Insurance.  Their phrase, ‘You’re in good hands with Allstate’ was introduced that year.

I don’t recall our family not having a television set.  In my earliest memories, we had a television that was black and white.   I can recall our first color television came much later.  The televisions were big bulky pieces of furniture.

In the year I was born, one of the more popular television shows was ‘I’ve Got a Secret’.  Guests appeared on the show and the shows regulars tried to figure out the secret by asking the guest a series of questions.  In February of that year the last surviving eye witness to the Lincoln assassination appeared on the show.

Telephones?  I remember when telephones were first brought to our community.  We all had a party line.  That meant that several people in our community all shared the same line.  Only one person at a time could use the phone.  If you picked up the phone to use it and heard someone else talking, you had to wait until their conversation ended.  That made for much eaves’ dropping by nosy neighbors.  And I can remember how frustrating it would be for some of the older ladies in the neighborhood to get on the phone and stay for what seemed like hours.

I remember my grandmother would use the phone and forget to hang it up.  Once a neighbor came to our house and asked me to go to my grandmother’s house and hang up her phone.  He knew it was hers off the hook because he could hear her talking in the house and as long as it was off the hook no one else could use the party line.

Yes, many changes have occurred in my 60 years.  But one thing never changes.  It is as true today as it was in 1956.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Hebrews 13:8

But the word of the LORD endures forever.   1 Peter 1:25

The Psalmist addressed the subject in Psalms 90:9-12.  Note his statement, “So teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”  Did you catch that he said to number our days, and not years?  Life is made up of days.  And the goal of life is to gain a heart of wisdom.  I hope I am doing that.

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The Whistle

Posted on September 27, 2016 by glenn

Can you whistle?  Some people cannot.  I’ve really never understood why anyone can’t whistle.  I learned to whistle when I was young.  I can whistle a tune like the theme from the Andy Griffith Show.  But I can also whistle using my fingers in my mouth.  In fact, I am called on frequently in a crowd to get everyone’s attention because that whistle can be ear splittingly loud if need be.

My whistle has served me well through the years.  I remember one time when my boys were young and we were at a high school ballgame.  When I was ready to go I gave a short whistle.  Someone standing nearby asked why I did that.  I replied that I was calling my boys.  Within seconds each of the boys appeared coming from 2 different directions.  They just knew their father’s whistle!

Years later when my younger son was in his 30s and officiating high school football, I went to watch him officiate one night.  Many people go to games to watch the players, some go to watch the band, others the cheerleaders, but I go to watch the officials.  At this particular game there was a huge crowd.  My son did not know I was there that night.  But at the end of the first half, as the officials were walking off the field, when they got near the end where I was standing, I gave a short whistle.  And my son immediately began scanning that area of the crowd until he found me.  When I asked him about it later he said “I would recognize that whistle anywhere.”  He knew his father’s whistle!

There is a special bonding between fathers and sons.  This bonding was developed over years of life experiences.  Though my sons are now grown and have families of their own, I treasure those memories. I know they are making memories of their own now, but it warms my heart to know they still know their father’s whistle.

Zechariah the prophet once said, “I will whistle for them and gather them.”  (Zechariah 10:8)

The word whistle is not found in the New Testament but there is a Scripture that comes to mind in keeping with these thoughts.  In John 10:4, Jesus makes this statement speaking of Himself as the Shepherd, “…the sheep follow him for they know his voice.”  The sheep know the voice of the shepherd.  I know very little about sheep but I imagine the truth in that statement was well understood in that culture.

Jesus tells us later in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

If our desire is spend eternity in heaven, we must realize Jesus is the only way.  We must seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).  We must know Him.   John tells us in 1 John 2:3, “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.”  We must know Him and know His voice.  We must be able to distinguish His way from all others.  We hear the voice of Jesus as He speaks to us through the Scriptures.

My boys knew their father’s whistle.  I am thankful for that.  But I am infinitely more thankful that they know the voice of Jesus.  My question is do you know your Savior’s voice?  Don’t you want to know the voice of the Shepherd?  Be diligent to seek Him through the study of His word.  I want to be able to distinguish His voice from all others.  Just as my sons could distinguish my whistle in the long ago.

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