Friends

Posted on June 22, 2016 by glenn

It’s ironic that we call it the social network.  Visit a person’s Facebook site and it is not unusual to see someone with over 1000 “friends”.  I wonder how many friends this person really has.

The Discovery channel website makes an interesting observation. While social networks may make us feel that we know hundreds of people, research is showing that we feel more isolated than ever before.  According to a 2006 study in the American Sociological Review, people in the US had fewer friends than they’d had in 20 years.  In 1985, the average American claimed to have three close friends but by 2004 the average had dropped to two.  And one in four reported having no one to talk to at all.

I remember as a child the older people sitting on my grandmother’s porch talking and visiting.  This while all the kids were outside playing.  People seemed to know one another then.  I am ashamed to admit that after living in my current house 20 years I barely know my next door neighbors.  And I think the same evolution has happened to our circle of friends.

It was Longfellow who wrote, “Ah! How good it feels, the hand of an old friend.”

One man said his goal in life was to have eight friends who would attend his funeral without checking their watch to see the time.

How exactly would you describe a close friend?

How many can you truly call your friend?

How many people would call you a friend?

Are we cultivating those friendships?

There are many examples of friends in the Bible.  Consider David and Jonathan or Daniel and his three companions.  I particularly like the account of Job and his three friends.  During his time of need they came and sat with him.  For seven days and seven nights they sat with him without even speaking a word. (Job 2:13) They were just there.  Sometimes just being there is all we can do, we don’t have to say anything.

In the New Testament we find Mary, Martha, and Lazarus and their friendship with Jesus.  Paul had a close friendship with Timothy.

I suspect Barnabas (Acts 4:36) was a friend to many but especially to Paul.  Barnabas was an encourager.  This is why he was likely a friend to many.  Encouraging personalities do not usually lack for friends. Barnabas brought the newly converted Paul to the apostles and stood by him.  (Acts 9:27)  Barnabas was also an encourager and friend to John Mark in Acts 15: 36-39.

Strong social connections are thought to be one of the most powerful influences on our happiness.  Social growth was one of the four areas of growth Jesus experienced.  (Luke 2:52)

Proverbs 18:24 reads “A man who has friends must himself be friendly.  But there is a friend who sticks closer that a brother.”

So I encourage you to put down the phone and turn off the computer and find someone today with whom you can be a real “friend.”

Posted in discipleship, growth, influence, loyalty | Leave a comment

10 Rules for Fatherhood

Posted on June 15, 2016 by glenn

Father’s Day is the day set aside for celebrating our fathers and the influence of fathers in our society.  It is impossible to overestimate the importance of the father in the family.  With few exceptions, when father and mother are mentioned in the Sacred Text, the father is listed first.  By Divine design, he is designated as the head of the home.  If you had a godly father who fulfilled his place in GOD’S plan for the family then you are blessed.  Please note the tense of the verbs, had and are.  A godly father is the gift that keeps on giving.

There are many Scriptures in the Bible that deal with fathers.  Genesis 18:19, GOD commending Abraham, comes to mind.  Paul used a father as an example in 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12.  Proverbs 4 details a father’s responsibility to teach and lead his children with an emphasis on verse 11.

I wish to spend our time today with a familiar passage found in Deuteronomy 6.  Attention is usually called to verses 4 through 9.  Emphasis is sometimes given to the responsibility of a man to teach his children the ways of the LORD.  By adding verse 13, we find at least 4 principles that keep a family strong.  Hear, love, teach, and fear the LORD, from verses 4, 5, 7, and 13 are the foundation blocks for a strong family.

However, I would like to suggest the entire chapter is a powerful study when it comes to fatherhood.  Indeed, verse 2 contains a reference to one’s lineage with the phrase “you, your son, and your grandson”.  Having sons and grandsons myself prompted me to mark several passages in my Bible such as this.  Another one is found a couple of chapters earlier in Deuteronomy 4:9.

With our thoughts of fatherhood and in our study of chapter 6, let us not miss this point.  Verse 1 notes “GOD has commanded to teach you” and verse 6 notes those commandments “shall be in your heart”.  The point is, in order to pass them on to my children I first must have them in my heart.  There is a strong emphasis throughout the chapter on your heart, your soul, your strength, etc.

A closer study of the entire chapter yields several traits of a Worthy Father.  With this introduction I would like to suggest we look at the 10 statements in chapter 6 containing the phrase “you shall” or “you shall not”.

Verse 5 – You shall love the Lord your GOD

Verse 7 – You shall teach them to your children

Verse 8 – You shall bind them as a sign

Verse 9 – You shall write them on the doorposts

Verse 13 – You shall fear/serve Him

Verse 14 – You shall not go after other gods

Verse 16 – You shall not tempt the LORD your GOD

Verse 17 – You shall keep the commandments

Verse 18 – You shall do what is right and good

Verse 21 – You shall say to your son

 

To summarize these points we have

  1. Love the LORD
  2. Teach your children
  3. Bind GOD’S words on your hand
  4. Write GOD’S words on your door
  5. Fear/serve the LORD
  6. Don’t go after other gods
  7. Do not tempt the LORD
  8. Keep HIS commandments, testimonies, & statutes
  9. Do what is right and good
  10. Say to your son…(implication – mentoring)

 

What a powerful list of responsibilities for our fathers!  Please note these are the things of eternal significance.

I would like to add a comment to a couple of these.  When considering numbers 3 and 4, the first one is more personal in nature.  To bind them on “your” hand or frontlets between “your” eyes became the phylacteries of the Jewish tradition mentioned in Matthew 23:5.  It could suggest personal study and growth.

Number 4, to write them on your door, could have broader implications.  This practice from the time of Moses was for the child of GOD to attach the writing of verses 4 – 9 to the right side post of the door to his home.  He would touch this on passing through the door as a constant reminder of GOD’S word.  Not only would this apply to self but the family as a whole.  For us today, this could suggest visual reminders in the home.  I remember when our boys were younger we had Bible verses on posters, sticky notes, etc. around the home.  I am always encouraged to visit in the homes of young parents and see Bible verses on the refrigerator.

The last one in the list above is an answer to the question found in verse 20.  And it is noteworthy the text says “when” your son asks you.  As our children are growing up there will be many times “when” they will ask the questions that open those doors of opportunity.  These are the windows of opportunity for us to instill in them a love and respect of GOD.  What an awesome responsibility.  Please realize these doors will not always be open.  Fathers, let us be ready for those opportunities with the answers.  And let us remember that these opportunities will arise as we talk to them, as we sit in our house, as we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up.  In other words, the everyday functions of life provide the opportunities for us to share these eternal spiritual lessons with our family.

I pray for the fathers of this generation that they may raise up children who love the LORD.  I must say that one of my greatest blessings in life has been that of fatherhood.  I praise my heavenly Father for that blessing.

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Who can find a faithful man?

Posted on May 25, 2016 by glenn

I suppose our society is struggling with the idea of manhood now more than ever.  What is your definition of manliness?  What is your description of a real man?  Is it the idea of the Marlboro man of the cigarette commercials many years ago?  Or is it the husband/father of today’s sitcoms in which men are portrayed to be so inept?  In truth, we are in trouble if we rely on our world to define manhood for us.

I am most passionate about this discussion.  In part because I believe if our country is to be saved, the men must step forward and lead us back to GOD.  The foundation of the home, grounded with a faith in GOD, is the cornerstone of this country.  And for several generations the men have abdicated their position in the home.

Recently I have examined passages like Job 38:2 and Job 40:7 wherein GOD said to the patriarch Job, “Prepare yourself like a man.”  Paul said to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV) “…act like men…”  This caused me to wonder.  What does GOD expect a man in today’s world to look like? What does it mean to the Father to act like men or to prepare oneself like a man?  It is past time for us to examine what our Creator expects of us as men.

The corollary to our discussion, the worthy woman, has been studied many times.  Indeed, Proverbs 31 is a wonderful study answering the question, “who can find a virtuos wife?”

There is an equally compelling discussion in the book of Proverbs directed at the man.  I am surprised that more attention is not given to the question found in Proverbs 20.  Here by Inspiration, the question is asked, “Who can find a faithful man?”  In the surrounding verses of Proverbs 20 we find at least 10 traits of the faithful man.

It is noteworthy that the English word “man” is found more times in the book of Proverbs than any other book.  In the NKJ version it is found 146 times.  Looking at Proverbs 20 and all the verses containing the word “man” makes for a great study.  Let us observe some characteristics of the faithful man.

 

  1. A faithful man can manage his emotions.

Verse 3            It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel.

A faithful man can manage his emotions.  In the context we are talking specifically about anger, temper, etc.  I will admit that I have struggled with this one for years.  I know that each time that I have failed to control my emotions related to anger, it has always led to problems.  It might be road rage or giving someone a piece of my mind, but it never leads to good.

We are told in Proverbs 22:24 to make no friendship with an angry man.  And the next verse tells us why, lest you learn his ways.

The New Testament passage in Ephesians 4:26 reminds us to be angry and sin not.  Thus the sin must be in our actions associated with our anger.  It is interesting to note this passage comes from the Psalms.

Psalms 4:4 adds this interesting phrase.  Meditate within your heart on your bed and be still.  The word for anger in the Psalms passage means to tremble.  Have you ever been so angry you are trembling?  Yet the Bible says when this happens you are to lie on your bed and meditate or literally have a conversation with self.

 

  1. A faithful man will work!

Verse 4            The lazy man will not plow.

Let him who stole steal no longer but rather let him labor, working with his hands – Ephesians 4:28

If anyone will not work neither shall he eat.  2 Thessalonians 3:10

What do we know about Jesus’ growing up years?  He learned to work! We can imagine that because He was the son of a carpenter He knew what physical labor was.

Proverbs 20:13 is one of my favorite verses.   Work.   There are few things that I respect more and conversely will cause me to lose respect for someone, than their work ethic.  I want to see someone who will roll up their sleeves and put their hands in the dishwater!

Did you know the “ant” is only found 2 times in all of Scripture?  And both of the references to the ant has to do with work.

“Go to the ant you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise…provides her supplies in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest.”  Proverbs 6:6-8

“The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer.”  Proverbs 30:25

Many people would consider work as a curse given to man after the fall in the Garden of Eden.  But a closer examination of the text reveals work predated the fall and was in GOD’S original plan of everything good.  Genesis 2:15 notes that Adam was placed in the Garden “to tend it and to keep it”.

 

  1. A faithful man acquires wisdom.

Verse 5            Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water.

The NLT translation renders the passage, “Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out.”

The passage extols the man of understanding or insight.

Verse 16 of our text gives us an example of wisdom.  It is foolish to lend money to a stranger without securing a pledge (collateral).  The Israelites could not require a pledge from other Israelites (Exodus 22:25—27).  The stranger here is a non-Israelite.

See also verse 29 of our text.  A faithful man acquires wisdom with age. Some people grow older and wiser; some just grow older. I want to be the former.

As I grow older it is very apparent the truth found in verse 29.  As we grow older we lose our physical strength.  The word for this process is sarcopenia.  It is a known medical fact that after about age 30, one begins to lose muscle mass.  The rate of loss differs depending on many factors but this is a process that is unavoidable and is a factor in the occurrence of falls and fractures in older adults.

The glory of young men is their strength but age will change that.  However as we are losing this strength, our wisdom, our inner strength, should be increasing.

Proverbs 19:20 – Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days.  Note it is a process!

 

  1. A faithful man has humility.

Verse 6            Most men will proclaim each his own goodness.

Interesting the text says “most”.  Yes we live in a society of men who subscribe to the adage “He who tooteth not his own horn finds that it is not tooted.”

It is very apparent this attitude stands in stark contrast to the rest of the verse.  But who can find a faithful man?

Consider how frequently the Scriptures address humility.

Proverbs 27:2 – Let another man praise you and not your own mouth

Proverbs 15:33 – Before honor is humility

Proverbs 16:18 – Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall

Proverbs 31 – her works praise her, her children rise up and bless her, her husband praises her

1 Peter 5:6 – Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of GOD that He may exalt you in due time.

 

  1. A faithful man has integrity.

Verse 7            The righteous man walks in his integrity.

Webster defines integrity to be honest and fair.  The faithful man is honest.

Verses 10 and 23 refer to diverse weights and measures.  The full meaning of this reference is lost in our modern time.  When I go to the store to buy deli meat the clerk uses a digital scales to measure my purchase.  At the time of Proverbs it likely required a balance scale to make this type of measurement.  Measuring out exactly one pound was done by balancing the purchase with a known one pound standardized weight.  This opened the door for deceit.  One could have various “standards” with which to use depending on who the purchaser was.  If the seller was so inclined diverse weights could be used.  Incidentally, that is one reason Lady Justice is blindfolded as she holds the scales of justice.

Verse 17          Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. 

 

  1. The faithful man leaves a good name.

Verse 7            His children are blessed after him.

Proverbs 22:1 – A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches

Ecclesiastes 7:1 – A good name is better than precious ointment

When my boys were growing up and as they would leave home for an activity, I would frequently remind them to “remember who you are.”  I wanted them to be proud of their name and not do something that would tarnish it.  But more importantly we should remember “whose we are”.  We wear the name Christian and should protect that good name.

Having a good name leads us to expand the point.

A faithful man has a good reputation.

Verse 11          Even a child is known by his deeds.

The legendary coach John Wooten is credited as saying, “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”

BUT our reputation is so very important.  A reading of Luke 2:52 notes that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with GOD and man.

 

  1. A faithful man is a student.

Verse 15          But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

Do you want to be approved of GOD?  2 Tim 2:15 in the KJV reads, Study to show thyself approved.

The last recorded words of the apostle Peter are, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

The story is told of the church member telling the older preacher upon leaving church services one day, “I would give my life to know the Bible like you do.”  To which the older preacher replied “Well ma’am, that is exactly what it cost me.”

Let us be like the Bereans of Acts 17:11 – they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily.

Study. The word is not enthusiastically embraced by many.  Perhaps it is because of unpleasant memories of school days, cramming for those tests.  But observe, study is significantly different from a mere devotional reading, as pleasurable and valuable as that can be.  Study is not merely reading.

Study involves probing, analyzing, comparing, etc.  It is the task of digging deep.  The Greek word, spoudazo,  means to apply oneself, to devote oneself.  Effort is the implication.

Let us grow old and grow deep in the word…a lifelong learner.

 

  1. A faithful man is careful with his speech.

Verses 19 and 20            …talebearer…flatters with his lips…curses father or mother…

Verses 14 and 25 further describes the man who is not careful with his speech.  And verse 25 ends with the idea of needing to reconsider afterward.  How many times have I said something that I later regretted!

Proverbs 15:1 – A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 21:23 – Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

Proverbs 12:18 – the tongue of the wise promotes health.

If someone defined you solely by your speech, how would they describe you?  Would you be characterized as promoting health?  Would you be a builder or a destroyer?

 

  1. A faithful man is loving and compassionate.

Verse 28          Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king (ESV)

Steadfast love.  Is this what we normally associate with manhood?  If we truly want to emulate our Father we should (Psalms 119:149).

Love and kindness exemplifies a man’s man! It may not be what we normally associate with “manliness” but remember we are talking about what GOD describes here as a man!

And it is here I will make a very important point.  A boy learns to be a man from his father!  He can’t learn to love like a man from his mother.  She can teach him a mother’s love but he needs to learn a man’s love from his father.

 

  1. A faithful man follows the LORD.

Verse 24          A man’s steps are of the LORD.

Indeed, without this last trait all the others are futile.  Unless his steps are ordained by the LORD, he is a failure in the sight of GOD.  This is his greatest asset.

Without this one trait undergirding all the others he has no chance of being a faithful man.

As I consider what it means to be a man, I realize the Scriptures have much to say about the subject.  I wish to be like the Apostle Paul when he said “when I became a man, I put away childish things.”  Let us strive to be the men GOD wants us to be. Yea, men who will lead our families and communities to a closer relationship with Him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Kidney Stone

Posted on April 21, 2016 by glenn

There is an interesting fraternity of sorts among some men.  Strangers who otherwise may never have met have an immediate connection when this subject comes up.  They instantly are bonded.  It is as though they are members of the same fraternity.  I am going to refer to this fraternity as the Kappa Nu Omega fraternity.

Many years ago as a young married man, I had an episode where I thought I was going to die.  A pain in my lower back within minutes had me in tears.  I thought I had ruptured a disc in my back or perhaps something much worse. Death appeared imminent.  A quick trip to the emergency room revealed the problem: a kidney stone.

The doctors removed the stone and thankfully I recovered.  In the following days my doctor told me that I might never have another stone.  But if I ever had the second one, then I would probably have them the rest of my life.  The thought of having another one changed my life.  I became obsessed with drinking my water.

18 years! That is how long it took for me to have my second stone.  But then, just as the doctors predicted, I have had them about every 3 or 4 years.

The last really bad episode was in 2012.  In fact it is only the second time I had to have a procedure done in order to remove the stone, having passed all the other ones on my own.

With a procedure scheduled in which I was to be put to sleep, I awoke early in the morning.  I was nervous about the process, so I did what I always do in times such as these.  I picked up my Bible and thought to let the word speak words of comfort to me that morning and settle my anxiety.

I have a list of dozens of passages that are meant to bring comfort but I didn’t refer to my list.  I just sat down in my study and opened the word.  Now this will be hard for some to believe but it is exactly what happened.

My Bible naturally fell open to the middle section.  For the record the middle verses in the Bible are Psalms 118: 8-9.  But my eyes were drawn to one particular passage before I read anything else.  Literally, the first words I saw on the page were Psalms 118: 17-18.

 

I shall not die, but live

And declare the works of the LORD.

The LORD has chastened me severely,

But He has not given me over to death.

 

I couldn’t believe the appropriateness of the reading.  I went about the plans with a complete peace of mind.  The procedure was a success.

Of course, as I read the passage now I realize that I still have a job to do.  I am to declare the works of the LORD, which is actually what I am doing right now.

Now the point of all of this is to remind us that the answers to all of our problems lie in GOD’S Word.  Let us seek answers in the right place.

And one more thing.  If there is an actual Kappa Nu Omega fraternity, I apologize for any offense, there was none intended.

But as you may know, the actual Greek letters all have meanings attached.  Among the meanings assigned, Kappa means “bad luck”, Nu means “unpleasant necessity”, and Omega is “the end.”

So if you run into bad luck experiencing the unpleasantness of a kidney stone, and you think the end has come, I point you to GOD’S Word and hope you find comfort there.

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Questions

Posted on April 11, 2016 by glenn

Did it ever occur to you that the first time in Scripture wherein we hear GOD and Christ speak, it is in the form of a question?

In the Garden, GOD called out to Adam and asked, “Where are you?”

When his parents found the 12 year old Jesus, He asked them, “Why did you seek Me?”

Both of these questions carry powerful spiritual implications.  Let us observe some of these thoughts.

When GOD asked Adam of his whereabouts, it was a rhetorical question.  GOD knew where Adam was. The question should be considered in a spiritual light.  In this sense, it will also be the last question GOD asks of us all in the end.  And it will be the most important question of all eternity.  Where are you, spiritually speaking?

To this there can be a variety of answers.  To the one who has never become a Christian, the answer sadly will be, “I am forever lost.”  Perhaps I had many opportunities to obey my LORD and to become an adopted son (Rom 8:14-17) but I chose to decline.  The result will be devastating, because my GOD will reply, “depart from Me, I never knew you.” (Matt 7:23)

Where are you?  Perhaps my answer will be, “I was at one time a faithful Christian but I did not endure to the end. I did not continue to walk in the light.”  (Revelation 2:10; 1 John 1:7) Sadly the result will be the same, an eternal separation from GOD.

Where are you? The only answer which will be acceptable at that time will be, “I am a faithful follower of Christ.” (John 14:6)  And thus we will be rewarded with our heavenly prize.  This, not because of our deserving the prize, but because of GOD’S grace in devising a plan for me to be saved AND because I rendered obedience to that plan. (Romans 6:17)

Where are you?  I hope that we each can answer that question in the proper way.

In a very similar way, examine the question asked by Christ, “Why did you seek Me?”

Why does the world seek Christ?

There were those in Jesus’ time that followed him because of various motivations.  Some of these were honest and genuine and yet some of the motivations were purely selfish.  The same is true today. Regretfully there are some today that seek Christ from a motivation of “how can this benefit me now”.  Their desire seems to be of what benefit do I receive from being part of His followers.

So let us explore a text that addresses some answers to this important question.  Why do you seek Me?

We can examine John 6 to find examples of those seeking Him for various reasons.

John 6:2 notes many followed Him because of the miracles.  Perhaps they themselves were in need of healing.  Or maybe it was just the curiosity of seeing the signs which He performed on others who were diseased.

Later in the reading of verses 14-15 some, when they had witnessed these signs, wanted Him to become King.  Their motive was selfish.  They sought Jesus because of what He could do for them.

John 6:26 states that some sought Him not because of the signs.  They had an even more materialistic motive.  They were hungry!

They sought Him because of the material things.  Such could be true today, being a part of a Christian fellowship because of the possible material gain it provides.  Maybe in business the local church provides a good source of prospects.  Even Judas was guilty of following the Christ and eventually selling Him out for ill gotten gain.

It seems that some had a pure motive.  Their question in verse 28 appears to honestly seek an answer.  But Jesus’ discourse in the following verses led many to turn away from seeking Him, as verse 66 notes.

And finally in verses 67-68 we see Simon Peter summing up the honest, genuine follower of Christ when he answered Christ with this question, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.”  Peter acknowledged the truth we find in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Why do you seek Me?  My first hope is that you do seek Him.  Johnny Ramsay once noted the saddest verse in the Bible might be John 5:40, wherein we read, “But you are not willing to come to Me that you have life.”  Some are simply unwilling to seek Him.

Where are you?  And why do you seek Him?  Two simple questions with answers of eternal consequence!

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Will you scratch my back?

Posted on April 7, 2016 by glenn

The phrase “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” usually means I will do something for you and then you return the favor.  Man is not meant to live an isolated life on an island.  We have relationships with each other.  And the burdens of life require us to assist one another.  Helping one another along the way.

I am a fan of the Andy Griffith show.  There is an episode in which Andy saves Gomer’s life.  The episode revolves around Gomer attempting to repay Andy, to return the favor.  He refers to Andy as the life-saver man.  And in the end the only way Andy can get Gomer to stop trying to repay him is to set up a scheme whereby Gomer saves Andy’s life.  And thus the debt is repaid.

In reality we each owe one another.  Think of the impact so many have had in your life.  It is impossible to repay this debt. Yet Galatians 6:2 encourages us to bear one another’s burdens.  We must help one another along the way.

One another. This is an interesting phrase.  It is found many times throughout the New Testament.  In the Greek language it carries with it the idea of reciprocity.  Reciprocal just means given or done in return.  I do for you and you do for me.  Mutual actions.  One another could be thought of as one and the other, two people helping each other.  You scratch my back and I will scratch yours.

We would do well to examine these “one another” passages in the Bible and study the verbs associated with each reference.   There are about 100 “one another” references found in 94 verses in the New Testament. It is noteworthy that about 2/3 of these passages deal with two general themes.  One is unity and the other is love.

 

About 1/3 of these verses deal with the idea of unity.  These include verses like –

Mark 9:50 – have peace with one another

Romans 15:5 – be like-minded toward one another

How important is unity?  Paul pleaded with the Corinthians that there be no divisions among them.  A house divided cannot stand.  Unity is critical in the church and in the home.

 

Another 1/3 of these verses encourage us to love one another.  These are verses such as –

John 13:34 – that you also love one another

Romans 13:8 – Owe no one anything except to love one another

Can you summarize the entire Old Testament with one word?  Paul did just that in Romans 13:9.  Here by Inspiration Paul wrote, “…all is summed up in this saying, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’”.  Love.  Jesus said, “By this will all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love one for another.”

 

Other notable “one another” passages encourage humility toward one another.  Passages like –

We serve one another – Galatians 5:13

We give preference to one another – Romans 12:10

We have humility toward one another – 1 Peter 5:5

 

And there are many others such as –

We are to comfort one another – 1 Thessalonians 4:18

And be kind one to another, forgiving one another – Ephesians 4:32

 

Now let us see what we have in just these few verses we have surveyed.  Unity, love, humility, comfort, kindness, and forgiveness.  The list paints a picture of a Christian.

Romans 12:5 makes a reference to our being members of one another.  This seems to summarize what we are discussing, namely that we owe a debt to each other. Later in Romans 13:7 Paul reminds us that no one lives to himself and no one dies to himself.  We are mutually responsible to one another.

One another.   Let us strive to improve our “one another” behavior.

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Stages

Posted on March 24, 2016 by glenn

There is an interesting and yet disturbing section of scripture found in the book of Ezekiel.  Within a few chapters, GOD’S glory is depicted as departing from Israel.  And rather than it happening all at once it appears to happen in stages.

In Ezekiel 8:6, we find the reason for the departure.  It is said that great abominations were occurring in the house of GOD.  Verse 12 notes the abominations by the leaders done in the dark presuming the LORD did not see them.  Verse 16 notes some were worshipping the sun.

Now we know that GOD cannot and will not tolerate sin.  And so it was necessary for Him to leave His sanctuary.  But it is very interesting to note that He did so in stages.  Oh yes, He departed, but note He did so over time.

9:3 and 10:4       His presence went up from the cherub to the threshold

10:18                   Then from the threshold to the cherubim

10:19                   From there the glory of GOD stood at the door of the east gate

11:23                   And finally up from the midst of the city to the mountain

Let us visualize what is happening.  It would appear the LORD was leaving almost reluctantly or at the very least giving every opportunity for the people to repent. In 10:4, reference is made to His pausing.  GOD gave them every opportunity to change.  Could this have been a warning from GOD of what was to come?  Could the departure in stages have been GOD’S sign of what was to come if they didn’t repent?

This reminds me of a passage found in 2 Pet 3:9-10.

It is said of GOD that He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.  The next verse begins “But the day of the LORD will come.”  He is giving ample opportunity for us to be saved.  But one day that opportunity will end.  Whether it is His second coming or our death, that day is ever drawing nigh.

So let us consider these things.  Let us take inventory of our lives.  Let us consider how many opportunities we have been given. 

And as we have wasted so many opportunities, let us consider these thoughts.  Is He as close as He once was in my life?   How happy is He with how I am using my life?

Is it possible that He is viewing my life and seeing things with which He is displeased?   And…

He is departing my life in stages??

Is He not as close as He once was??                                                                                        

This line of questioning should cause us all to at least think.

 OR perhaps this same line of questioning is appropriate for our country.  Is GOD departing this country in stages?  Is He unhappy with things in our country now?  Is He withholding His blessing to our great nation now that so many have abandoned Him?  And is all of this occurring in stages?  Are there obvious signs of this?  Is it too late to repent?

Peter explained that He is longsuffering toward us.  I don’t think it is too late but I do think His patience will eventually run out.

It is a frightening scene that unfolds in the last verse of Ezekiel 8.  Here it is said of GOD’S people, “though they cry in My ears with a loud voice, I will not hear them.”  May we each be diligent to seek the help of the Almighty while His longsuffering patience is available.

 

 

Posted in God, government, opportunity, reflection | Leave a comment

Open Mouth, Insert Foot

Posted on March 8, 2016 by glenn

Then Job answered the LORD and said: “Behold, I am vile; What shall I answer You? I lay my hand over my mouth. Once I have spoken, but I will not answer; Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further.” Job 40: 3-5

We have all been there. We’ve said something we wish could be taken back.

I remember a particular episode of the Andy Griffith show. Andy had “put his foot in his mouth” by making a statement to Ellie that he wanted to take back. He pretended to reach out and grab the words and put them back in his mouth. He made some comment about them being pretty bitter going back in. Oh, that it were that easy to take them back.

I remember one time at a church gathering while going through the food line I made some disparaging remark about an item of food. Something like “what is that awful looking stuff?” Much to my dismay a friend in line with us said his wife had made it. So I proceeded to stumble around looking for words, getting some on my plate and commenting how good it was. Too late. Damage done. Open mouth, insert foot.

It is almost comical to think about Job with his hand over his mouth. Unfortunately, it was not a humorous thing. Job in his frustration had questioned GOD. Beginning in chapter 38, GOD begins to ask Job some questions. There are over 50 questions asked of Job. GOD says to Job, “Tell Me, if you have the answers!”

The last question is “Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? He who rebukes GOD, let him answer it.”

Job realized his mistake. One does not question GOD.

Paul makes a similar observation in Romans 9:20. He asks, “Who are you to reply against GOD? Will the thing formed say to Him who formed it, ‘Why have you made me like this?’”

Psalms 141:3 – Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep a watch over the door of my lips.

There are so many things in life that I can’t explain. Why do good people have to suffer? Why do some innocent little babies die and some of the meanest people I know live a long life? Why can’t people just get along? Why doesn’t everyone understand the Bible alike?   There are many questions for which I have no answer.

But I will end my thoughts with only one simple question.

Who am I to question GOD?

As long as I live I am sure I will be guilty of putting my foot in my mouth many times. But I hope that I like Job can realize I am not to question GOD and when it comes to that line of questioning “I will proceed no further.”

Posted in authority, God, humility, judgement | 1 Comment

Paw Paw and the Visiting Preacher

Posted on February 26, 2016 by glenn

My Teresa taught school for many years. Early in her teaching career, she met an older gentleman on the staff at her school that shared an interesting story with her. He said that in his younger days he was a traveling preacher. His travels carried him throughout North Alabama and he once stayed overnight with my grandparents! He told Teresa of an incident that had happened many, many years earlier but it still had a profound influence on him, even in his older years.

He was there to preach at a little country church and he awoke early. He needed some fresh air and decided to take a walk in the woods. He came upon my grandfather in the woods, on his knees, praying. And the thing that impacted the young preacher the most? My grandfather was praying for him! He really didn’t know him but here was this older gentleman praying for the young preacher calling him by name. That made an impression on that young man that he still carried with him in his older years.

Only recently I saw the preacher’s name, now an old man, in the obituary column of our local paper and was reminded of the story. As I reflect on the story, the one thing with which I am faced is that my prayer life needs to grow.

James 5:16 tells us that prayer is powerful. Do we avail ourselves of this powerful tool as often as we should? How many lives could be changed if we were diligent in our prayer lives? How many people do I call by name in my prayers?

Did you know the first recorded prayer in Scripture is a father praying for his children? Genesis 17:18 records a short prayer of Abraham for his son, Ishmael. If you are a father, I hope you regularly pray for your children.

And I hope your prayers are more than just “bless my children.” Pray for each child individually. Call them by name. Specify the unique needs in each child. For example, if one of your children needs help with kindness, remember the words of Ephesians 4:32 and ask GOD to help that child in that particular area.

There are so many verses in Scripture that have to do with youth. As the child ages, verses like 2 Timothy 2:22 come to mind. Help him O GOD, as he is particularly vulnerable right now to sins of the flesh. Help him to flee those youthful desires and to pursue righteous things. Increase his faith today. Surround him today with those influences who will help him make good choices.

I am certain that you pray for your family. I know you call their names in prayer. But what about others? The Bible tells us to pray even for our enemies. When was the last time you called the name of an enemy in prayer?

If you have ever had anyone pray for you and call you by name it will make an impact on you. More importantly your name is being brought before the Majestic Throne of Heaven.

I don’t know that my grandfather prayed for me. I suspect he did. What I do know is that I pray for my grandchildren and even their children. I may not live to see them but I pray for them. My life has been blessed and it could be because of prayers offered for me in times past.

LORD help me to be a man of prayer.

Posted in faith, family, memory, stewardship | 1 Comment

Lost

Posted on February 19, 2016 by glenn

Lost. That is one of the more frightening words in our language. Most of us can recall a situation where we were lost at least for a time. Hopefully it was not a threatening situation.

I have a brother 5 years younger than me. I recall something that happened when I was about 8 years old. I was at a nearby house with many family members. Someone heard my sister crying and yelling hysterically from our home. I remember the whole family ran to see what was wrong.

When we arrived she exclaimed my brother was gone. So immediately a massive search began involving perhaps a dozen or more members. They searched the house. They searched the yard. They searched the fields and pastures. But my little brother was seemingly gone.  Lost!  My sister was inconsolable. My parents were as well.

And then someone yelled, “I found him!” What a relief. He had gotten into a car and closed the doors. There he happily sat in the seat playing. And every time someone would yell his name he would answer but no one could hear him. And he was oblivious to what was going on outside. There he sat, happy and safe. And there was great relief among all.

Now here is the point. He was lost. But he didn’t know he was lost. Let that sink in a moment before continuing because I want to make a spiritual application of it.

It is a sad fact that most people are lost spiritually and most do not know it. Now before you condemn me for being so harsh, I am just stating what the Bible says. Matthew 7: 13-14 refers to the narrow gate and the wide gate and the fact that many will choose the one leading to destruction.   Later in the same chapter, verses 21-23 we read “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord…’ And Jesus will say to them, I never knew you, depart from Me.”

Yes it is true. Many, most, the masses, will be lost. But here is the good news. It doesn’t have to be that way. GOD doesn’t want us to be lost. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 states that He desires all men everywhere to be saved.

And because of that desire, HE provided a way. Matthew 11:28-29 “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” He wants us to take advantage of the opportunity.

Being lost here physically is one thing. But being lost spiritually and eternally is infinitely worse. We don’t have to be lost. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Claim Him as your Savior before it is too late. When we make that decision, it will be as it was 50 plus years ago when my little brother was found, there will be rejoicing among all the loved ones.

 

Posted in family, memory, opportunity, salvation | 2 Comments