By: Dean Kelly I was talking to a friend of mine who just lost his wife recently. He is one of those people who is extremely talented with his hands. He can build about anything. He is just a very nice person who loved his wife dearly. They were married for many years. He had gone through bypass surgeries, and other health issues. No one would have predicted that he would be left behind. Yet, that is exactly what happened. We were talking about his son, who is sick with the creeping crud. My friend commented, “I hope I don’t get it, because if I do, I don’t have anyone to take care of me.” It touched me when he said that. He is not wallowing in self-pity. He simply stated the facts, as he sees them. He is, for lack of a better word, lost without her. He has family who loves him dearly. He has good friends, but none of those can fill that gaping hole that losing her has put into his life. So, it made me think and want to jot down some thoughts. If you have a mate, don’t ever take him or her for granted. Life is so uncertain. If you have a mate who loves you, then, you are blessed beyond measure. Don’t ever forget that, and don’t ever let your spouse forget that you cherish him or her.  Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for

I had the opportunity to attend a meeting of the Alabama Scenic River Trail this past Monday. I was amazed to find out that there are over 5,300 miles of accessible waterways in the State of Alabama. It was stated that this mileage is more than any other state except Alaska. The main portion of the River Trail runs 650 miles from the waterways of northeast Alabama to Fort Morgan in the Gulf of Mexico. It is amazing that this state has such a topography, from the mountains of the north to the beaches in the south. One of the speakers at the meeting was a gentleman that my coworker and I guessed to be in his 70s. Earlier this year, he and a relative, in two kayaks, paddled the entire 650 miles of the main trail. It took them 34 days to complete it. It was amazing to hear him recount the trip. I cannot imagine paddling across a pond, much less paddling for 34 consecutive days. Some days, he said, they went maybe 3 or 4 miles, while some days they went 18 or more miles. It depended on conditions and weather. The point was, however, no matter what the conditions, they just kept paddling. At one point, he was talking about the strong headwinds that they occasionally faced, especially as they neared the gulf and the final stretch. He said when those strong headwinds came, “You either paddle or you go backwards.” That phrase really struck me.

Second Timothy 3:16-17 reads, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (NKJV). Scripture could not any more plainly teach that the Word of God is inspired – literally “God-breathed.” I read the other day where someone said, “Well the Bible is inspired. It contains within it words from God.” The whole point of his article was that he did not believe in the inerrancy of the Scriptures and the significance of being the words from God. Notice again, 2 Peter 1:20-21, which says, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” The NJKV footnotes “interpretation” as meaning “origin.” In other words, the Scriptures are not the result of the private musings of the human penmen. Instead, the Holy Spirit moved them. Some object that this says “prophecy” and therefore does not apply to all the Scriptures. The fact is that while prophets did foretell future events from time to time, their main purpose was to present the will of God. That could include foretelling the future, but that is not all it includes. Further, listen to what Paul said, specifically about his writing, but applicable to all inspired writers. “These things we also speak, not

Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men – extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14 NKJV) The Pharisee, a pillar of the community, demonstrated at least three different attitudes in this passage. 1. You are so lucky to have me, God. He truly seemed to feel that God was fortunate to have such a faithful servant as he was. After all, he was not doing evil things in his life, and certainly he was a shining light to observe for direction. 2. Look at me, how great I am. His prayer included 33 words. Five of those words are the word “I.” As a matter of fact, God says that he “prayed thus with himself.” His ego was so large that his prayer was with himself. He was very high

We have this beautiful song in our song book. We usually use it, appropriately, as we leave an assembly to close it out. It is taken from the following passage in Numbers 6:22-27, which reads: And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”’ “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.” (NKJV) This passage is a blessing that God commanded the priests to use for the Israelites. God stated to Moses the purpose of this blessing: “They shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.” Let’s examine this blessing one phrase at a time: The Lord bless you and keep you. The priests were to call upon God to bless the people. When we close a service with this song, are we really listening to the words we are singing? It should be our prayer and hope that as we leave that place of worship those who have been assembled will be blessed by God. We need to recognize our dependence upon God, realizing that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there

“If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it” (Genesis 4:7 NKJV). The context of this passage is that Abel’s sacrifice was accepted by God, but Cain’s was not. As God questioned him about what he had done, God offered this rebuke. God told him three things. 1.  “If you do well, will you not be accepted?” What the exact nature of the sacrifice of Cain was that made it unacceptable is not clear. One thing is clear, however. Cain did not offer what God told him to offer. Note: Hebrews 11:4 says, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain…” Abel offered by faith, and obviously, Cain did not offer by faith. What does that mean? Further Note: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). If Abel offered by faith, and the Scriptures say he did, then he offered according to the Word of God. Conversely, if Cain did not offer by faith (inherently implied in the Scripture), then he did not offer as God commanded. The bottom line is that God told him that he could not blame anyone but himself. He killed his brother because he showed him up, as we would say in today’s vernacular. God said he was the only one responsible. If he had done what God said to do, there would

Life is interesting from a 6-year-old’s perspective. Our daughter asked her precious daughter a series of questions. Her answers were really cute, and sometimes thought-provoking. One of the questions was, “Why do people get old?” Here is her answer: “Because they need to die and go to Heaven.” If I know my little granddaughter, she said that very matter-of-factly. What faith a little one has. There is one goal in life, and she is already aware that we are going to die, and we are getting ready for Heaven. The apostle Paul wrote these words in Philippians 1:20-22. “According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell” (NKJV). As Christians we need to be focused on the fact that we do indeed grow older because we need to go to heaven. I recently heard a recording (from last year’s Polishing the Pulpit lectures) in which a brother dealt with verse 21. He made an excellent point when he said, “For to me, to live is ________, and to die is _________.” He said if you will fill in the first blank, then he could tell you what goes

In old Popeye cartoons many years ago, Wimpy would try to get money for hamburgers from other characters and promise to pay “the second Tuesday of next week”! Obviously, the second Tuesday of next week would never come. I am afraid that sometimes we develop the second Tuesday syndrome. Some wait for the second Tuesday to obey the Gospel. Nothing is more heart-rending than to see someone who seemed to always intend to obey the Gospel die outside of the ark of safety, lost and without God. Some wait for the second Tuesday to start actively serving God in their lives. These folks have taken the initial steps in order to become Christians but seem to believe that baptism is the end, instead of the beginning. Too many will be left behind like the foolish virgins of Matthew 25. Some wait for the second Tuesday to truly show and express their love for their families. How sad it is to watch an individual overwhelmed at the casket of a family member because he or she had failed to truly show his or her true love for that person, and then, it is too late. I pray that we won’t get caught up in the second Tuesday syndrome. May we take advantage of today. May we serve God today. May this day not end without showing our love for God by our service; may sleep not take us from this day into another without expressing our love for our families. The dangers of the second

There are many significant subjects in the Scriptures. We have the responsibility to study the Word of God and to understand each of them. It is certainly important to be right doctrinally and in our application of Scripture in our daily lives. We must oppose sin. We cannot ignore error. Yet, we must also understand the need for kindness in all our dealings. The Scriptures constantly declare the kindness of God, and they also record for us the necessity of being kind. “What is desired in a man is kindness” (Proverbs 19:22). “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up” (1 Corinthians 13:4). “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do” (Colossians 3:12-13). There are several words that are translated with some form of the word kindness. One literally means being useful to others. The idea is treating them in a way that benefits them. Another can be understood to mean family love. Another means brotherly love. They all call for the Christian to care about and treat his fellow men in a way that is going to encourage and build them up. We can be

Jeremiah 6:16 reads, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls.’ But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” It is amazing how human beings always want new and improved. That is a common mantra in advertising. Sometimes new and improved is a good thing. Look how far cell phones have come from the old bag phone, to the huge handheld ones, to the slim, basically computer ones that we have now. The sad thing is, however, that humans tend to want to look for new and improved when it comes to the Word and Will of God. Instead of seeking the old paths, they want to blaze a new path that they sometimes want to call “progressive.” Actually, most of the time these “progressive” ideas, these “re-examinations” and new thoughts about what they like to call “Church-of-Christ doctrine” are simply rehashes of old errors already taught by people through the centuries. Almost every time some brother makes a declaration of what he has “discovered,” you can go back and find where that “discovery” has been hashed and re-hashed in times gone by. They simply regurgitate the same false ideas that were already taught by false teachers way before their time. They remind me of the Gnostics of the first century in that they claim how much more knowledge they have than all the faithful Gospel preachers who preceded

I have read several articles lately that have attacked brethren for saying that giving is a command of God. I am trying to figure out the purpose of these articles, and I can only assume that the authors oppose the idea that there are designated items which should be part of our gatherings to worship God on the Lord’s Day. In sort of a conglomeration of the ideas that I have seen various ones express, it seems to boil down to a couple of arguments. (1) If it is commanded, then, it will be done “grudgingly and of necessity” (2 Corinthians 9:7). (2) First Corinthians 16:12 and 2 Corinthians 8-9 do not apply to us because those passages only relate to those doing a specific giving—the collection for the saints. Let’s note, first of all, some commandments: believe (Acts 16:31), repent (Act 2:38; Acts 17:30) and baptism (Acts 10:48). Now examine all of these by the arguments being made. If these three things are commanded, and they are specifically called commands, then does that mean that they are to be done grudgingly and of necessity? Can one obey a command and do so without it being grudgingly or of necessity? I contend that one not only can do so but must do so. So, to argue that teaching giving is a command means that it is not being done purposefully and willingly, then we do not believe, repent or allow ourselves to be baptized purposefully and willingly. Also, carefully note

We have hung two hummingbird feeders in the back of our house. We love to watch the little birds as they flitter by and as they take the time to eat from the feeders. It is interesting to see them as they light on bush branches and tree limbs for a few seconds, looking warily around to make sure that all is safe. Usually when we open the back door and go out for some reason, they zoom away to some high perch. Most of the time, we can hear them fussing about us being out there. They really want to keep on eating, but as the old saying goes, “Discretion is the better part of valor” (or eating as the case may be). Today, however, I stepped out on the deck and saw two little hummingbirds were involved in a major tiff about who was going to eat and who wasn’t. They paid no attention to me at all and came close enough to me in their fight that I could have reached out and grabbed one, were I quick enough. I could not help but think of a few things as I watched them. 1. Hummingbirds are small and are in real danger if they do not watch carefully. Their cautious nature has been placed in them by God for a reason. It is also a fact that we as Christians live in constant danger when it comes to Satan and temptation. We must be watchful and vigilant,

My wife has, over the years, developed into a lover of plants. I know that she got it honestly, because her mother loved plants. I always said that her mother could take a dead limb of a plant, plant it in the ground and it would grow. Well, not surprisingly, the same is true of my wife now. We have plants planted in the yard; we have other plants that go back and forth from the yard to the house, depending on the time of year and temperatures. Then, we have the plants that are totally house plants. This early summer morning was an unusual morning. We slept in. I did not get up until about 7:30. At night, the shades in our den are often let down. A row of plants sits in front of the den windows. This morning after I “arose” from the bed, I sat in my chair and suddenly noticed something. It was a partly cloudy day and only occasionally was the sun peeking its head out from between the clouds. Suddenly, I looked, and it was as if fingers of the sun were reaching through the closed shades trying to open them, trying to make their way to those plants to bathe them in its life-giving light. I quickly pulled up the shades, and suddenly those plants were bathed in sunlight. It was almost as if the plants were grateful as their leaves and blooms were enveloped in the welcome warmth and sustenance of

Members of the Lord’s church need to feel true compassion. Evangelism has too often grown a harsh edge in our thinking and actions rather than being an act of compassion. We need to teach the truth firmly and clearly without fear or compromise. However, we sometimes seem to have forgotten the underlying reason to practice evangelism. It is important to note that the Scriptures often mention Jesus felt compassion (Matthew 9:36; Matthew 14:1). At one point, Jesus observed the city of Jerusalem: Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” (Luke 19:41-44 NKJV) Interestingly, in the verses following this passage, Jesus went into the Temple and very emphatically cleared it of the moneychangers. That action did not negate His compassion and concern, but rather His action was guided by His compassion. Jesus cared about the people of Jerusalem, and yet, He recognized the destruction that would come to it less than 40 years from the day that He spoke those words. He

First Kings 13 records that a young prophet went and prophesied against Jeroboam. God had told him not to stop and eat or drink, but to go straight back by a different way than he came. An older prophet wanted to spend some time with him on his way back. Here is what Scripture says at this point: “He said to him, ‘I too am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, that he may eat bread and drink water.’ (He was lying to him.)” (1 Kings 13:18 NKJV). As you know, the young prophet was killed by a lion after he believed this lie and disregarded what God had told him to do. I could not help but think of some points right here. There are many who lie in the name of Jesus. It may be that some lie in the name of Jesus because of ignorance of the truth. Others may lie in the name of Jesus because others have deceived them. Some lie in the name of Jesus, knowingly and willingly. The fact is that when anyone teaches anything concerning religion other than what is authorized by the Word of God, he spreads lies. Paul called it a “different gospel,“ which is not “another” (Galatians 1 :6-7)—a “gospel” of a different kind, one that is not from God. There are always consequences to believing a lie. Believing a lie,

But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ. (Ephesians 4:15 NKJV) Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:2-6) Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 1:13) A dichotomy is where two things are divided into separate categories. For example, on one hand are vegetarians and on the other hand are those who eat meat. That is a true dichotomy or opposite matters. The colors black and white are a true dichotomy: one is all the colors in one; the other is a lack of color. However, sometimes a dichotomy is just arbitrarily invented, in other words, made up. One example is the attitude concerning truth and love. Some feel that love trumps the upholding of truth and sound doctrine. Others think that truth and sound doctrine do not require kindness and love. Both of these positions are false, based on the same artificial dichotomy that somehow sound

We often hear about being “balanced.” We are told, and rightfully so, that we need to eat a balanced diet. We don’t need to eat only one kind of food; we need to have a diet filled with all the major food groups to maintain good health. We also hear about “balanced” preaching, an important concept, too. As I thought about this concept recently, several things came to mind about balance. First, in our physical diet when someone speaks of eating a balanced diet, he means we need to eat from every food group things that are good for us to eat. He does not mean to balance one’s diet between good foods and poison. In our preaching and teaching, we must have balance. It is important, however, to understand the true balance is to “teach the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20). It is not to equally preach truth and error. Around 30 years ago, I sat with some elders who were meeting with the head of a religious institution. They were asking about doctrinal issues and his institution. He responded by saying, “I have a stack of letters on one side of my desk that feel one way on that, and another stack on the other side of my desk that feel the other way on that.” That is really all he said. I wish I had pushed it more and asked him if that meant that he looked at whichever stack was higher and made his doctrinal

On March 30, 1981, when President Ronald Reagan was shot and Vice-President Bush was out of communication, Secretary of State Alexander Haig repeatedly insisted that he was in charge of the Federal Government. He was wrong. This lack of understanding of who was in charge may have seriously ended Haig’s career, and certainly it ended hopes he had of running for President. We have to know who is actually in charge to please God. If we get that wrong, it won’t just cost us a career, it will cost us eternity. I have said, over the years, that I believe the idea expressed by some bumper stickers is totally incorrect: “God is My Copilot.” The fact is that God must be the Pilot, and I must be the copilot of my life. I believe that this is the problem for many who profess faith in God. They have the order mixed up. While this statement implies an involvement by God, it fails to recognize the preeminence of God in one’s actions. I need to make sure that God is in charge. Another saying I have talked about is “God Said It, I Believe It, That Settles It.” I would correct that to say, “God Said it, That Settles It, I must believe it.” The point here is the authority of God. God’s Word is “settled” (Psalms 119:89). It is true regardless of whether I believe it or not. I must submit to His will, which is truth (John 17:17). The prophet

Often, I have heard or used the phrase, “Oh, that is just him (or her) being him (or her).” Often it carries a negative connotation, but, sometimes, it is a compliment. It can be that someone has acted in a kind way or has done something special. We had a wonderful friend and mentor in Valdosta, Georgia where I preached at the Airport congregation for nine years. When we moved there, I was only 26 years old, and Barbara was 25. We had one small child at the time. This wonderful lady, Brunell Dykes, a retired nurse, basically adopted us. She showed me where the members lived and how to get around in Valdosta. She was a confidant and aid to Barbara. Years later, she would serve as the “honorary grandmother” at our daughter’s wedding. She was well known for her service. She was the “nurse of Dasher” in the neighborhood where she lived. I once went to visit someone in the hospital, and Brunell asked me to apologize to him for not having been able to visit him yet. His response said volumes, “That is okay, because that means that Brunell is helping someone else.” He was probably right. That was simply “Brunell being Brunell.” She passed away last year at the age of 100. She left behind a legacy of Christian service, of just being like Jesus. When we speak of Jesus being Jesus, that is a many faceted concept. It shines through when He, struggling with death,

Then Moses answered and said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.’” So the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A rod.” And He said, “Cast it on the ground.” So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail” (and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand), “that they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” (Exodus 4:1-5) God was about to send Moses on one of the most important missions in history, to deliver His people from Egypt and to establish them as a true nation in the land He promised them. Moses was afraid and uncertain. He questioned God about it in several ways. Here he asked, “What if they don’t believe me?” God answered by showing him a miracle. While God is not going to miraculously use what is in our hands today, He is going to, through His providential care, use whatever it is for His glory. I suggest several things that we should see “in our hands” if God were to ask this question today. Today. I contend that one of the

“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). The differences in Peter and Judas are many. Peter was an honest and a just man who stumbled sometimes, and his acts of denial of Jesus were without excuse. On the other hand, Judas is described as a thief, and his life ultimately came to be guided by avarice and not by faith. Hence, he betrayed Jesus. One difference, however, is their reaction to their betrayals of Jesus (Peter by his words, Judas by his actions). When Peter realized what he had done, he went out and wept bitterly. However, Peter proceeded with a determination to do better and became a solid, mature leader among God’s people. Peter experienced “godly sorrow,” which brought about repentance. Judas, on the other hand, experienced “the sorrow of the world.” When he realized the effect of his actions (apparently, he did not think that they would really hurt Jesus), he returned the money and then went out and hanged himself. He was sorrowful about the results of his actions, but he did not really attempt to change his life. He simply took his own life. Could Judas have been forgiven? The answer is yes. However, it would have taken a godly sorrow that brought about a change of heart, and ultimately a change in life. Judas was not willing to take that step, so he took the “easy” way out. When

This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the Lords mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, Therefore I hope in Him! The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord. (Lamentations 3:21-26 NKJV) The morning sun peaks its bright orange face above the horizon and sends its rays to gently awaken a slumbering world. Another day has begun as the darkness of the night melts away into the welcome light of morning. No matter the difficulties, pains, trials or disappointments that yesterday may have held, we begin this new morning upheld by the mercies of a loving Father. They are new every morning. We may not be as faithful as we should be, for we are humans filled with frailty and weakness, but the greatness of His faithfulness never fails. Through every storm that rolls into our lives, for every tempestuous wind that tosses us about, for every tear stained moment on the rolling seas of anguish and despair, we can hold on tight. We never lose sight that God is our portion, the Comforter of our souls and the Hope Who Is ever constant and sure, anchoring us and holding us safely in the mighty power of His unshakable hand. We will

“Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’ And He laid His hands on them and departed from there” (Matthew 19:13-15 NKJV). When we moved to Highland Home to begin working with the church there, almost ten years ago, Chris, our youngest, was 11-years-old. There were few little ones in the congregation at that time, especially no small children. Now, our Sunday and Wednesday night Bible classes have several children. Our classes are able to be divided by age. I know that doesn’t sound like much to some from larger congregations, but for our little group of around 50, that is exciting news. We have two babies on the way. We have several that range from 9-months to 4-years-old. There is a sizable number that are older than 4, up to about 10 or 11. It is exciting for us to see these little ones heading to and coming from our Bible classes. Sometimes the little ones get a little loud. One Sunday, two of our little boys (both less than 18-months-old) were not in good moods, and they let everybody know it. One mother said, “I think our boys tried to out-preach you today!” Just this past Sunday, one of our little girls was given a quarter by her mother to put

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not. And it shall be on the sixth day that they shall prepare what they bring in, and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily’” (Exodus 16:4). The Israelites had moaned and groaned about their captivity and how horrible it was, which was true. Then, after being released from that captivity and on their way to the Promised Land (which their own faithlessness caused to be delayed for 40 years), they began to moan and groan again. And they journeyed from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came to the Wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they departed from the land of Egypt. Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. And the children of Israel said to them, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” (Exodus 16:1-3) It had been one and a half months! Already they had forgotten

When we first got into my first class Wednesday morning, I had my students sign in on the sheet and mark whether they had their work or not. One of my young ladies, who is personality plus, wanted to use a pen. She looked at the boy who was walking away with a pen, and she said to him, “Let me have the pen; don’t make me use your full name!” I couldn’t help but chuckle. I commented on it, and she said, “That is what a middle name is for, so that you can know when you are in trouble.” She was so right. My children knew they were really in trouble when we used their full names in addressing them. It is funny how little events like this get you to thinking and what applications of a funny line can come to mind. Using one’s full name implies that you know the person well. Have you ever thought about the fact that we do not know most people’s full names? We know them, but not intimately enough to really know their full names. Maybe we need to take more time to get to know others so that, instead of being on a “first-name basis,” we can be on a “full-name basis.” When we come to know others, we can be a more positive influence on them, and we can offer rebuke when it is needed, but hopefully more often, we can offer words of genuine encouragement. There are times that

I would, undoubtedly, be the forensic artist’s worst nightmare. For example, if we are in a restaurant, we can be waited on by a server, and as soon as she walks away, I cannot remember which one served us, much less describe her. I think I could give a decent description of Barbara if I needed to, but I have been married to her for over 38 years! And names? Let’s not even talk about my horrible problem remembering names. It is not because I do not care, I just cannot remember! That leads to the question, “Who was that?” Following are my thoughts. When we see other people, what do we see? Do we see race, size, beauty, ugliness or other physical attributes? Do we see someone who is like us or unlike us? When we come up to the checkout counter, do we see a cashier? My point is that we often forget that the person to whom we are speaking or with whom we are having a momentary relationship (waiter, cashier, someone in line with us, etc.) is, indeed, a person with the same feelings, problems and hassles that we have. Most importantly, however, when it comes to seeing a person with whom we have contact, is the question, do we see him or her as just a passing blimp on our radar of life? When we see a person, any person, anywhere, what do we see, and do we ask, “Who was that?” I, for one,

I totally despise autocorrect sometimes. I sent a text today in which I typed, “I loved the pictures I have seen…” Autocorrect changed it to, “I loved the bloc tires I have seen…” What on earth does “bloc tires” mean, and why would autocorrect find that to be superior to “pictures” in its twisted little “mind”? (I know it doesn’t have a mind, but bear with my anthropomorphizing if you will. “Anthropomorphizing” is my dollar word for the day; it means assigning human traits to that which is not human.) There are times when autocorrect is handy, like when it automatically capitalizes the word “I” or as in the sentence I just wrote where it changed my misspelling of “capitalizes” for me. However, sometimes it just arbitrarily changes things on its own. That makes the writer look really dumb, and sometimes it can be very embarrassing. (Autocorrect corrected “embarrassing” for me, by the way.) As I thought about autocorrect and the help it gives and the confusion it can cause, for some reason, it reminded me of one of the traits that separate humans from animals—the conscience. Autocorrect works well when it is properly set. It can save you from mistakes that totally change the meaning of what you are writing. A properly-trained conscience can do the same in our lives. It can guide us away from errors in life that can be dangerous or deadly. The Word of God is the number one source to properly train the conscience. Autocorrect

I stand accused as a sinful man,And everyone knows that it is true,Not because that is my plan,Yet it is what I ultimately do. I stand accused as one who is weak,I try to be strong, but I so often fail,I falter from the right path that I seek,I trip and fall too often along the trail. I stand accused as a coward as well,Not speaking out words I need to say,When it is important the truth to tell,To try to help another find the right way. I stand condemned by the person that I’ve been,A weak, sinful, and cowardly individual,In my hands no hope can possibly be seen,All I can present is a wounded, tattered soul. But, I stand justified and made as white as snow,My damaged soul has been restored as new,Not by my own power, that each one must know,But by the blood that can the weak renew. I will stand before the judgment seat one day,And my sinfulness will not show, or any longer count,For One will stand in my behalf and He will say,“He is clean, just charge his sins to My account!” I stand accused as a sinful man,And everyone knows that it is true,But I can overcome through Jesus’ plan,And that is what I must ultimately do.

The baby is born. From the first cry, all the baby knows is, “I need this now!” There is no time beyond right now. “I need to eat, now. It’s 2:00 in the morning; what does that mean? All I know is I am hungry!” As the child grows, hopefully there is greater and greater recognition that there is more than right now. Some grasp it at a younger age, some much later (maybe never). Maturity brings the recognition that life is not a sprint, but a marathon. Spirituality We must not “flame up and flame out” spiritually. We have a “course to run.” As Paul faced death, he could confidently say, “I have finished my course” (2 Timothy 4:7). Jesus told the churches of Asia, “Be faithful unto death” (Revelation 2:10). Our spiritual life will have ups-and-downs, but we just have to keep going. Marriage Too many couples today seem to view marriage as a sprint, so when things get hard, they are ready to give up and quit. Only when a couple enters marriage viewing it as a lifelong marathon will it be successful, knowing that it is worth the run! Life If we are blessed with years, we realize life is a marathon. It has those wonderful parts that light our lives up and give lasting memories. It has the little things that bring a smile to our faces, those sweet, tiny things. For example, the phone rings, and a little 18-month-old voice says, “Hey Pawpaw.” What a precious memory!

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17:45-47 NKJV) As David spoke to the mighty warrior of the Philistines, he made it abundantly clear that he was going to defeat him, this huge champion of the Philistines, as well as rout his army. However, he also made it clear why and how he would do that—“the battle belongs to the Lord.” David still had to take his sling and a stone; he had work to do on behalf of the Lord, but he did that work recognizing that it was not he who would bring victory, but God! We face the “Goliaths” that would destroy us and defy our God. Like David, we need to understand that we have a

The inspired writer, James, talked about the tongue and spoke of how hard it is to control (James 3). All of us need reminding of the poisoning that the tongue can do from time to time. A reminder of a few basic concepts will be good for us all. I know that I need this reminder from time to time. Always ask, “How will what I say make others feel?” Way too often we “let our mouths run before we put our minds in gear,” as the old saying goes. It is one of the most desperate feelings when you realize you have said something that should not have been said, and you realize that once it is said it cannot be “unsaid.” Always ask, “Why am I saying what I am saying?” In other words, what is my motive for saying this? Sometimes, we talk just to be talking. Sometimes, we really want to communicate with others. Sometimes, if we are not careful, we speak to hurt others. At those times, we use words as weapons, and they can be weapons of destruction—even mass destruction! Always ask, “What is the best thing I can say in the present circumstance?” If I am going to speak, I need to carefully consider what the most beneficial words will be. I have often thought that we ought to have training classes on how to speak to people who are ill or in the hospital, to children, to expectant mothers, to those who are mourning, etc. Too often, our

Self-Control is one of the key elements of the concept of Christian living. Someone will control us. Either we will control ourselves, or others will control us. Spiritually, either God or Satan ultimately control us. The Psalmist pled with God for help in controlling himself. Lord, help me control what I sayDon’t let me say anything bad.Take away any desire to do evil.Keep me from joining the wicked in doing wrongHelp me stay away from their feasts.If good people correct meI will accept it like a warm welcome. (Psalm 141:2-5 ESV) There are four areas that need controlling alluded to in this passage. Control My Mouth. The Scriptures are replete with passages that teach the danger of the tongue. We will be judged by our words. Yet, the tongue, according to James, is very hard to control. It tends to lead us instead of us controlling it. We need to strive to not “say anything bad!” We need to refrain from profane and dirty words, but we must also refrain from words of gossip and words that will hurt or destroy others. We should pray for God’s help in controlling our mouths. Control My Desires. We all struggle with the desires of the flesh. Eve experienced this struggle in the Garden. We must work not to desire to do evil. Sin is attractive and provides “pleasure…for a season” (Hebrews 11:24). We need to fill our minds with ammunition against sin and evil; “thy word have I hid in my heart that I

Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NKJV) reads, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” Colossians 3:22-24 says, “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” I have been sick since Monday of this week. Sparing all the details, I have been home most of the week. Sometimes illness overtakes you, and you have no choice but to give in and try to get better. However, way too often, I am afraid, some tend to give in to the slightest problems—a headache, being tired, various other ailments—and use them as an excuse not to meet one’s obligations. Sometimes, it is necessary to push ourselves to do what we do not necessarily feel like doing. We cannot give in to every little problem and be successful in life. We Need to Push Ourselves toDo Everything with All Our Might We should work hard to meet our obligations and to be the very best we can be at what we do. I know some people who are always pushing themselves to do the best they can. Quite often, they get out of bed not feeling

I looked out at the backyard this morning and could not help but observe the beauty of fall. One tall, thin maple tree was ablaze in glorious shades of gold. A gentle breeze was blowing with a slight nip of fall. Splashes of color dotted the woods just past our yard. Another season is truly upon us. Autumn is the beautiful preparation for the bareness of winter. The fall of the leaves, the beginnings of the frosts, the heralding of the coming silence. All of these are autumn. Soon the bareness of winter will be upon us, followed by the awakening of life in the comfort of spring. Finally, summer will bear down upon us with its withering heat, but untold beauty. Each will come; each occurs in due season. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9). The wise man in Ecclesiastes 3 stated that there is a season for everything. There is an appropriate time for everything under the sun. However, way too often, we are impatient. The Psalmist and the writer of Proverbs admonish, over and over again, that we should “wait on the Lord.” That is something that we have trouble doing. No question, we live in an age of instant gratification. Why do we carry telephones with us everywhere? So that we don’t have to wait to get messages or to contact someone. How do you feel about waiting in line?

The other afternoon, Barbara and I pulled up at the Bible Building on the campus of Faulkner University, and she noticed something scurrying right along the curb of the parking area. It was four of the cutest little birds. They had long legs, way out of proportion to their little bodies. Up on the grass above the curb were Momma and Daddy. They were chirping and hollering to beat the band. The little ones could not get up to them, and mom and dad could not figure out how to help them up. As we stood watching them, brother Cecil May pulled up. He told me that they were killdeer. These little birds are precious to watch. I started over in their direction, and all of a sudden the daddy bird dropped to the ground like he had been shot. He laid on his side and waved his wing in the most contorted way. I knew what he was doing. He wanted me to see him and come after him so I would leave those babies alone. He thought he could deal better with me, and I got the impression that he would rather die than see those little ones get hurt. I thought, God is illustrating through these tiny little birds how it ought to be with parents. When a baby is born into the world, it enters totally helpless and dependent. How dare anyone harm such a precious little being? How dare someone abuse and misuse them? What

Flashes of memories sometimes go through my head. For some reason, I only remember a few things about when I was little. One memory I have is that of going around with my grandfather when I was very small. He was a Life of Georgia insurance man. I remember going with him in his big car and waiting as he went to the doors of his clients to collect their premiums. One day, he got out and told me not to open the door of the car. I sat there, and of course being 5-years-old, I thought that he had been gone forever and that something was wrong. I wanted to go find him. I knew, however, that he had said that I was not to open the car door. So, I rolled the window down and climbed out. Most of you won’t remember when cars had handles like this one did (it was in the early ‘60s), but somehow I got my belt caught on that door handle, and I hung there for what seemed to me like an eternity. I dangled there just imagining all the bad things that were going to happen to me when my grandfather came back. What worried me more than any kind of punishment, though, was I just knew that he would cancel our stop at Price’s Donuts. We always stopped there, and I would get a chocolate donut and a glass of chocolate milk. When my grandfather came back, he found me

 “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:16-17). It is very important to recognize that God is the Deliverer of all that is good. Every blessing that any person receives comes down from the Father above. Therefore, it is appropriate for someone who has had something good happen in his or her life to give the glory to God, no matter who that person is, but especially if he or she is a Christian. To declare, “God Is So Good,” is not inappropriate at times like that, and I am not simply criticizing or attacking. I do think, however, that we need to be careful in saying this that we do not fail to recognize that God is good—all the time, even when bad things happen to us. I have often thought of the importance of this perception. When we suffer, it does not mean that God is not good. One of the major lessons of the Book of Job is that God is just and right, and that He is with the one who suffers. When we are in the midst of great difficulties in life, we still need to understand that God is good. The attitude of the Christian should be that of the song by Jennie Wilson, “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand.” Time is filled with swift transition,Naught of

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24 ESV). Today, I have been blessed with another day. I know that Psalm 118 is talking specifically about Jesus’ day, but I still believe it not to be a misuse to apply it to every day with which God blesses us, for indeed, every day is a day the Lord has made! Today, I cannot relive yesterday, and tomorrow is yet to come. However, I can give my new day back to God by serving Him, praying to Him, loving Him and never forgetting that I am His throughout this precious gift of a day. Today, I am going to put aside all anger, malice, hatred and discontent. I purpose to use every moment of this God-given day the best way that it is humanly possible to use. Today, I am going to be the example of what love is. I am going to love my family in deed and action, not just in words. I am going to love those who do not love me, just for today, because today is all that I can control. I am going to show the world, today, that I know what the love of Jesus is, and it is in my life. Today, I am going to live my life and use my tongue as a light reflecting Jesus. I will stand for His truth, without compromise, in sincere love and concern for

I am busy, Lord, I know that You can see,That I am as busy as I feel that I can be;Responsibilities from here to there,It seems I am constantly running everywhere.Help me as I traverse these busy days,Help me as I travel so many ways;Keep me on the path that is good and right,Help me lay my head down in peace at night. I am busy, Lord, I know that You can see,That I am as busy as I feel that I can be;Responsibilities from here to there,It seems I am constantly running everywhere.It is not to be less busy that I pray,I want to fill each moment of every day;My prayer is to never be so busy in my life,That I forget about You, my family, or my wife.Help me to juggle every responsibility,To do my very best at whatever my task may be;But to always hold Your light before my eyes,In all of those moments, as each one flies. I am busy, Lord, I know that You can see,That I am as busy as I feel that I can be;Responsibilities from here to there,It seems I am constantly running everywhere.But for now, O Lord, if it is your holy will,Just give me strength to climb each hill,To keep my eyes focused, sharp and clear;To bear the loads of life as they appear.Till I’m not busy, Lord, as you will see,That there’s a place with You, for me,Responsibilities will have all gone away,And I will get to rest through

What will happen tomorrow? What will the day bring? Will we feel well and enjoy the pleasures of the day? Will we be in pain, or maybe in deep sorrow? Tomorrow is a question for which we have no answers. Tomorrow is a mystery into which we would like to peer, but we cannot. In truth, tomorrow never comes. Tomorrow disappears with the strike of the clock. Tomorrow becomes today. Today is a thing that we can handle. Today is the tool delivered into our hands to mold as ours, depending upon the Lord. Although we will never live tomorrow, there is One Who is already there. Tomorrow is no mystery to the One who lives in eternity and is not bound by time. It seems only appropriate that since tomorrow resides in His hands, we should put our trust in Him, live for Him and love His ways (Philippians 4:13). Then, tomorrow will take care of itself.

Sunday afternoon, I told my grandson that I was going to have to get ready for church services. He looked at his mother in a minute and said, confidently, “Paw-Paw peech.” She replied, “Yes, Paw-Paw is going to preach.” My daughter and her husband live about 40 miles from where I preach, but they have come to worship with us for Sundays since they have been married. I thought as I heard the little two-year-old say that I was going to preach, that I am the only preacher he really hears right now. I had noticed him several times before intently staring and listening to me. It was true again Sunday night. I do not know how much of what I was saying he comprehended, but he was definitely, from time to time, listening. As I contemplated all of this, I thought that I have a true responsibility to him, especially as long as I am about the only preacher he is hearing. The more I considered it, the more I came to the conclusion that I would be a better preacher if I always preached like I was preaching for my grandson. I want many things for that little one, but above all, I want him to go to Heaven. Maybe that is a good way for me to define “preaching the truth in love” in my own mind—preach like I am preaching for my grandson. All of this led my ever-wandering mind to a list of 10 things

I know that sometimes we get discouraged by what we read in the news, in posts online and even in brotherhood papers and ads. Anyone who calls himself or herself a Christian may very well be headed for persecution simply by holding to biblical principles. The attack is already on. It will likely get worse. Within the body of Christ there is more and more of a push to denominationalize the church and to obscure and to obliterate the distinctive nature of the body for which Jesus died. Those who stand firmly for adherence to God’s Word and plan face attacks from outside and from inside the church. In the face of all this, listen to Jesus’ words to some of the seven churches of Asia (who faced those same types of problems that we do). Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10) But hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations. (Revelation 2:25-26) He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father

And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing. For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king. (1 Samuel 12:21-25 NKJV) Saul was just named King of Israel in this passage. Israel had begged for a king, despite the fact that this was a rejection of the leadership of God. Right before this passage, they admitted their sinfulness in this. Samuel’s response was simple: Yes, you have sinned, but from now on be faithful! In the verses under consideration Samuel made several important points. Avoid Empty Things ThatCannot Profit or Deliver Samuel warned them not to “turn aside.” Oh, how often we let ourselves be diverted and overwhelmed by things that cannot profit or deliver. In contrast, if we stay the course, walking in the light, we will reap those things that are profitable. God Will Not Forsake His People God has chosen us in Christ today. We can

Taking advantage of the gift of salvation in Christ and the mercy and grace of God seems to me to be a “no-brainier,” as the saying goes. Why, then, do the majority of people never obey the Gospel? While each case is different, and the following is not a complete list, it is food for thought. They Don’t See the Need Some don’t have any concept that they have a sin problem. Some enjoy sin and don’t want to change. Others, often good people in so many ways, have been deceived into believing false philosophies and into following false religion. These folks feel that their sins are gone, though they have never actually obeyed the Gospel according to God’s will. Ultimately, I believe that the major cause for failure to obey is this lack of understanding of the need to obey. We live in a world that says that whatever makes you feel good is right and is truth for you. To present the fact that we must subjugate our will to God, repent and follow His way is incomprehensible to many. Yet, all sin and need forgiveness (Romans 3:23). They Don’t Believe in Heaven For so many, the concept is that when life here is over, it is over. There is nothing beyond now, they think. For others, the desire for eternal rest is much less powerful than the desire for instant self-gratification. Sometimes those who confess a love for God, even those who are His people, put their

When David faced the giant with only a sling and five smooth stones, what made him different than the other men of Israel? He was younger than most – true. He was a shepherd not a soldier like many of them – also true. He was not very large – seems to be true. He had fought and killed lions and bears – true as well. Yet, none of these were the major difference. The major difference between David and the rest of the men of Israel was attitude! Listen to the reaction of the army of Israel: First Samuel 17:10-11 reads, “And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together. When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.” Now listen to the words of David, the young shepherd: First Samuel 17:32-37 says: And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his

The preacher stands behind a pulpit of some kind, And says the things that clearly come to mind, But the truth is very clear, whatever he may say, This one wrote his own funeral as he lived each day. She has left this earthly abode now far behind, She had been gentle, gracious and very kind; She wrote her funeral with acts of love, And her devotion to her God above. What did you write for your funeral today? What did you think, or do, or feel, or say? Did your steps align with the Savior up above? Did your heart follow in His path of love? Every day we take our pen into our hand, And often write things that we’ve not planned, For life is so uncertain, full of surprise, Many chances for choice our life supplies. We cannot say what will come our way, As we walk down the pathway every day, But, no matter what, we can firmly decide We have chosen Jesus, we’re on His side. The most eloquent preacher cannot display The beauty of a life that has walked His way. Like the simple eloquence that shows, In the life of one who the Savior knows. When the time comes that we lay life’s pen aside, We’ve finished our course, we’ve finished our ride May the pages we write, as we finish our days, Make it be obvious we followed the Master’s ways. What did you write for your funeral today? What did you

Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:12-19) Sometimes we need to stop and listen to ourselves. If we recorded everything that we say during the day and played it back at the end of the day, what would we find about our speech? I am not talking about profanity and foul language. Hopefully faithful Christians would never hear that in their recordings. What I am talking about is what attitude would our speech show us as having? If we are honest with ourselves, way too often the largest percentage of our words are negative – complaining about this or that. We complain about having to get up to go to work or worship. We complain

“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life” (1 Timothy 1:15). The apostle Paul, the stalwart of the proclamation of the Gospel to the early church, the author of the majority of the New Testament, the powerful example of what service to God really means, this great man called himself “the chief of sinners.” Even though he could say that he had lived in good conscience all of his life (Acts 23:1), Paul recognized that his own ignorant zeal led him to act contrary to the will of God, though he believed he was doing right. His actions not only caused many Christian men and women to suffer persecution, but actually caused the death of many Christians. We Need to Understandthat We Are Sinners “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Further, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8 NKJV). My recognition of my own sinfulness is important. It leads me to understand the fact that I need God. It leads me to the desire to overcome sin in my life and to leave it behind. If I truly understand

Twice in Psalm 42 David asked the question, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?” The ESV uses the expression “why are you in turmoil in me?” David faced many difficulties and life-threatening events in his life. Some were the direct or indirect results of his own actions. Some were through no fault of his own. There were times when he felt totally overwhelmed. This Psalm appears to have been written in one of those times. David had to reaffirm to himself, in his own mind, the fact that God was with him. Notice some of the Psalm’s statements: “Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me. The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me… A prayer to the God of my life. Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God” (Psalms 42:7-8, 11 NKJV). The fact is that each of us, no matter how strong one’s faith is, occasionally has a heart that is in turmoil. Remember, this Psalm was written by the same man who once stood, because of his great faith, in the presence of a giant, and won the battle with a simple stone – aided by the almighty hand of God!

On June 19, 2006, the following appeared as a “Letter to the Editor” in the Montgomery Advertiser. Once again the State of Alabama overwhelmingly showed its hypocrisy by voting to approve the ban on homosexual marriage in the state. As a Christian heterosexual married man, my faith teaches me not to judge other people, but to leave the judgment to God alone. As a state, 81 percent have judged those who seek to find fulfillment in their lives by telling them they can’t do something everyone else can, and they are doing so based on a set of beliefs (Christianity) that not everyone holds. It’s ironic how we are so concerned with keeping the “sanctity of marriage” by banning the legal union of homosexuals, and yet the divorce rates in the country continue to climb higher and higher. Last time I checked, 50 percent of marriages in the United States didn’t end in “gay” – they ended in divorce. Allen Goldman, Montgomery Here is the response that I sent to the paper. Hypocritical? Judge Not? It is interesting that in the recent letter by Mr. Allen Goldman, he says, “My faith teaches me not to judge other people, but to leave the judgment to God alone.” Yet, in the letter, beginning with the title, “Marriage Vote Hypocritical,” he passes judgment on everyone who opposed homosexual marriage as hypocritical. I guess his religion teaches him that no one is to judge except him. The amazing thing is that the Bible teaches that

“So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard’” (Acts 4:18-20 ESV). I admit that I get frustrated as I read all the various reports about the attacks on religion in our country, and especially on anything that identifies itself as “Christian.” While I will admit that I am often in disagreement with what is being done in the name of Christianity (finding no basis in the New Testament for many practices), the fact is that whenever anything that is perceived as “Christian” is attacked, it has an effect on those trying to practice pure and undefiled New Testament Christianity. I am stupefied by the absolute misinterpreting of the concept (not actually constitutional but found in other documents) of the “separation of church and state.” I do not want a government run or mandated religion. However, the free practice of religion is protected for each individual (not freedom from religion, but freedom of religion!) by our constitution. Beginning with the guise of “separation of church and state,” a constant attack is being made on the practice of religion in our country, period. However, in the end, the fact is that it does not matter. Ultimately, I am to stay faithful to God, to speak about God and to

Lord, please teach me how to cry,Like “Jesus Wept” for His dear friend,In sympathy for all those standing by,Though He knew it was not the end. Lord, let my heart be touched by grief,May tears of sorrow stain my face,May I not be afraid to find relief,Through the tears that leave their trace. Lord, let my heart be touched by love so great,May I not fear to feel the tears,May I be able to anticipate,Love that lasts throughout the years. Lord, help my heart to tender be,Not hardened to the world around,So I am touched by the things I see,And a caring soul within me found. Is there any crying for a man?Am I weak if tears do flow?No, I am stronger if I can,Let my caring sometimes show. Lord, please teach me how to cry,To shed my tears, with manhood kept,Teach me how, and when, and also why,To be like Jesus when He wept.

I stopped at a gas station to pick something up yesterday. I was on the way to an appointment. As I was checking out, a man came in asking to borrow a pair of pliers. The clerk thought the store didn’t have a pair of pliers, though a pair was found. He bought a coke to pour on his car battery to get rid of built-up corrosion (which worked). He looked at me and asked, with a pronounced lisp, “Can you jump me off?” My first thought was, “That will make me late!” I came close to saying “No” because I had to be somewhere, but then several things went through my mind. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I have been in that situation before. This fellow actually had his own jumper cables. I have had to actually borrow the cables as well as get a jump. How could I possibly ignore his request when I would hope that he would not ignore mine if I needed it? As you have opportunity do good to all men. This was not an inconvenience, but rather an opportunity! Certainly, in the big things we ought to help others, tornadoes, floods, sickness, etc. However, what measures our faith in action very well may be the little things. It seems that I recall something about a cup of water spoken by our Lord. A priest, a Levite and a Samaritan. I really was busy. I actually had places to be and

So many people, even Christians, have a rather confused concept of what faith is. Unlike the existential type of philosophy that is so prevalent today, faith is not just a leap out into the dark. Faith is not in opposition to knowledge. Faith is an avenue to knowledge that carries us through the dark with its light. Consider just a few points on faith. Faith Is Based on Reliable Evidence We act by faith because we have evidence that the object of our faith is reliable. That is why the apostle Paul said that “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Our Walk Is by Faith Not by Sight In 2 Corinthians 5:7, the biblical contrast is not between faith and knowledge, but rather between faith and sight. We do believe in what we have not seen. We have never seen God, yet we have deep and abiding faith in Him. We can, indeed, know that God is. We know it by faith, which is based upon reliable evidence that God is. There are things that we will never understand, and we do accept those things on faith, but that faith is in a God that is worthy of our trust. It is still not a leap out into the dark, but rather an acceptance of the God that is revealed to us by abundant evidence, including His revelation of His nature and will through the inspired Scriptures. Each of Us Must Develop His

In one of the opening chapel sessions at Faulkner University this year [2007] the President spoke. Among the things that he said was this statement: “The time has come for you to stand on your own.” I thought that was a very powerful and appropriate statement. It made me think about several things. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, Chapter 6, talked about the Christian armor. In this discussion he emphasized the need to stand. The word “stand” is mentioned several times with the conclusion, “And having done all, to stand.” I believe that it is the case that the time has come for all of us to stand. We Must Stand for What Is Right We need to firmly and without compromise stand for the truth (Jude 3). We need to be those who can be counted as proponents of right. We need to hold forth the banner of righteousness, and never back down. We must stand for right, even if no one else around us is. As has often been said, the greatest evil may be those who believe in the right, but who do not say anything. That is how Germany could be led into the terror of Hitler’s regime, and literally millions of innocent people were annihilated because good people remained silent. We Must Stand against What Is Wrong Those who are proponents of evil are very often militant and noisy, actively trying to get others to become part of their evil. If we

I actually am not real big on short slogans because they can be misleading in their brevity. Cutesy phrases often do not express the fullness needed to understand a subject; they merely sound good. However, this little phrase above is very powerful in its simplicity. There is no true hope outside of a relationship with the God Who created heaven and earth. Occasionally, I will read where someone will write or quote a writer who tries to give meaning to life without God. It is amazing and amusing to see the doublespeak and convoluted attempts to explain the significance of life without God. Here is a quote, and I will let you explain to me what he is saying, if you can. The author Eckhart Tolle claims to be a “spiritual” teacher combining thoughts from various world religions, though he is very vague about a “god” of any kind. “There is only one perpetuation of evil on the planet: human unconsciousness. That realization is true forgiveness. With forgiveness, your true power emerges, the power of Presence. Instead of blaming the darkness, you bring on the light.” HUH? Really? How about this instead? “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter, Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Tolle is right that we do need to leave the darkness and go to the light. The light is only found in Jesus Christ, with the hope that only comes from God though the Gospel.

My wife looked up at the clouds late yesterday afternoon as we headed home from work. She asked me, “Can you see the clouds in the western sky?” She went on to say, “There is a slim break in the clouds just above the horizon, and rays of the sun are shining through like the sun is sneaking its way through that little opening to reach the earth.” It is like the sun is saying, “You cannot hide me altogether – I am here, and I am still shining.” I couldn’t help but think what a beautiful picture that painted. Being me, I couldn’t help but see it as symbolic of a greater truth. Sometimes the light of goodness and righteousness seems to be barricaded behind the dark clouds of evil and unrighteousness that can hang heavily on the horizon of humanity and the lives lived on this earth. Sometimes it seems as though there is no light, there is no hope; there is only despair and loss, anger and destitution, fear and destruction. Yet then, through the darkness of the clouds that hover over our existence, a small ray of sunshine will peak its way through. We will see, for a moment, that there is beauty still left. We will be convinced that beyond the clouds of sadness and despair there is a beautiful light that shines. We will have hope in the midst of hopelessness and joy in the midst of sadness. A ray of sunshine will touch

My wife grew up near the Mississippi River. She never understood why anyone would want to see that big, muddy river that she had always known. She saw nothing special about it. I believe that her father had worked around the river at some point in time. I know that her sister’s husband lost a brother-in-law who was killed in a Mississippi River accident. On the other hand, I have often looked down toward this mighty river and seen its powerful currents, and I have watched the barges being pushed down river. I have also thought about the fact that each time I see the river, it is not the same water I saw before. It is always flowing and moving and changing. Apparently, many years ago, a major earthquake struck in northwest Tennessee. Reports say that the river flowed backwards for several days, the result of which is Reelfoot Lake. The course of the river changes from time to time. It is a mighty flowing river. Almost 40 years ago I stepped behind a pulpit in Belleville, IL and presented everything I knew about “The Church in Prophecy.” It took me fifteen minutes. I was 12. I had lived in Texas, Alabama, Germany and Illinois in my first twelve years. In the first nine years of school I attended 13 different schools, including two years in Japan. Life was full of changes. The river kept on flowing. The mighty Mississippi rolls its way on down until it empties yesterday’s

The question is, “Why?” The answer is, “Love.” Why should I listen to God? Why should I obey the Gospel? Why should I teach others about Jesus? Why should I stand up firmly for what is right? Why should I be willing to face possible persecution or even death? The ultimate answer is, indeed, “love.” Love for God Our major motivation for doing right should be our love for God. Our love and allegiance to God will affect everything we do. Our love for God should make us want to avoid sin. Our love for God is reciprocal (1 John 4:19); it is a returning of love to the One who is the epitome of love (John 3:16). Love for His Son Jesus came and willingly gave Himself up for us. He went as far as to die on that horrible instrument of death, the cross (Hebrews 12:1-4). His act of leaving His heavenly home and coming to earth was an act of love. His time spent learning all that we have to go through was motivated by His love for us. That kind of love demands that we return it in kind. Love for His Word The 119th Psalm is a beautiful “love song” to the Word of God. We have some letters at home that were written by my wife’s mother. She passed away over 22 years ago. Those letters are precious to us because of who the author is. How much more should we love the writings that

I am going to continue to do my best to love everyone, no matter what. I know a lot of people who have given themselves over to the practice of sin. [One note: yes, every person has sin in his or her life; the big difference is that some are trying to remove that sin from their lives, and others have just given in to it; some even flaunt it, and often defend it.] No matter what anyone says (even the Canadian Supreme Court), it is not only possible to love the sinner and hate the sin, but it is an imperative for Christians. We must hate the sin with which we struggle in our own lives. To love someone does not mean that we support their sin, but that we care about them as a person. Compromise and caring are not synonyms. My morality is not based on what is legal or not. Don’t misunderstand me; I am opposed to homosexual marriage on a moral basis. [Again, note: the decisions on this subject are the government making a moral decision. Someone says, well isn’t the defense of marriage act the government making a moral decision? Yes, it is, but I will not let the proponents of “gay marriage” get by without pointing out that they are asking the court to legislate morality. The gay activists are determined to make sure that their morality is forced on all other Americans. I know they argue that simply allowing “gay marriage” isn’t forcing their morality on others, but when

Christians must: Contend for the faith, but not be contentious.Be prepared to fight the battle, but seek peace.Never compromise, but always love.Hate the sin, but love the sinner. “Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again” (Romans 11:22-23 NKJV). Biblical balance is not between good and evil, false doctrine and true doctrine, error and truth, or manmade philosophy and biblical truth. Biblical balance is between “goodness” and “severity.” It is proclaiming the “whole council of God.” Biblical balance provides a well-rounded spiritual diet. Riding a “hobby horse,” no matter how important or true the point of argument may be, is not biblical balance. One person only speaks of love and grace, with no emphasis on obedience at all; another does nothing but attack false doctrine that is affecting the church; another only preaches on how to become a Christian; another emphasizes man’s need to obey with little or no emphasis on the grace of God. The truth is that all of these topics should be preached. Any one of them is true, but is not enough by itself. There is a story that has been around a long time about a young preacher who came to work at a congregation, and every sermon he preached

I find myself asking just how it could possibly be,That Jesus could have come and died for me,I am so weak and sinful, too unworthy of His love,How could it be that for me He left His home above? And then I remember: “There is power in the blood” says the song we often sing,We sing of the forgiveness that our faithful acts can bring,And of that blood that can wash us clean whatever we have done,If our hearts are ready to change the path we have begun. And sometimes I see myself just falter and take a fall,Sometimes it is something big, sometimes just something small,But I feel so disappointed in myself for being weak,For I know I have saddened the very One that I should seek. But then I remember: We sing with joy about the wondrous crimson flood,And how our sins are purged by the Savior’s precious blood,For He allowed Himself to be hung upon that awful tree,So that from the burden of our sins we could be free. I may be weak from time to time, as are we all,I may take my off the goal and take a fall,But I know, like Peter when he was sinking in the sea,If I look up my Savior will be reaching out for me. I have to get back up and to the straight path go back,I have to strengthen all those things that I may lack,I have to strive to not let Satan trick me into sin,I

Memory is such an interesting thing. I can recall events that happened 35 years ago or more, and cannot remember what I said five minutes ago. Don’t ask me what I was doing yesterday, but ask me what I was doing on particular days over the last 36 years, and there are some I can recall with extreme clarity. I walk from the bedroom to the kitchen, and in that 10 seconds will forget why I came. I will be in the shower and realize my hair is wet – and can’t remember if I have used shampoo yet. I know – it is old age creeping up on me! What we remember is significant. It can be significant if we forget things that are important to remember. It can also be significant if we remember things we should forget. Sometimes we forget what is really important. We get so caught up in the motions and actions of our lives that the truly important things slip our memories. On the other hand, sometimes we dwell on and remember things that need to be forgotten. One phrase used by Paul concerning the nature of love in 1 Corinthians 13:5 is well translated (believe it or not) in the NIV: “it keeps no record of wrongs.” Love does not keep a ledger book of transgressions against it by the one loved. Our memories are, indeed, very faulty. I think some looks at “remembering” from a biblical perspective might be fruitful. We Need

There in the distance you begin to hear the sound,Of thunder that speaks of the lightning’s flash;Sometimes streaking to some spot down on the ground,And then you begin to feel the raindrops as they splash. The sky turns gray as from the clouds the rain pours down,The thunder roars and the rising wind does swell,A chorus arises made up of many a sound,The rain pours down, and, yes, all is well. The flowers stretch their necks to take a welcome drink,As the life-sustaining water begins its welcome fall;Beauty that cannot be fully seen through page and ink,Is fully displayed to be enjoyed by all. Oh Wondrous God Who has made it all to be,Whose voice is heard through the falling rain?Who has built into this world the wonders that we see,Who has made nature sing its wonderful refrain? And sometimes in our lives the rain pours down,As trials and problems into our lives find a way,We are made sad; we are caused to frown,For it seems the rain has ruined our day. But remember that the rain is followed shortly,By the bright sunshine, and the sky of blue,And no matter how hard the rain may be,God is always there, and always with you. So when the sky turns gray and the rain pours down,When the thunder roars and the rising wind does swell,Listen to the chorus that arises, made up of many a sound,Yes, the rain pours down, and, still, all is well.

My son’s girlfriend, Kari’s sister-in-law lost her sister, Susan Griffies, this past Wednesday. It is a devastating loss of a young wife and mother of twins who are nearly three. Her husband is the youth minister of the Highlands Church of Christ in Lakeland, Florida. He is originally from Prattville. She went in to try to have some pressure released from a vein in her brain. It was supposed to be a simple surgery. Instead, the vein collapsed and she had a fatal stroke. Wednesday morning, they had to make the decision to take her off of the machine because she had no signs of life. The pain for the family and friends is unbelievable. It makes the Bible verses seem so much more real: “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14). We need to appreciate the many blessings we have, especially our loved ones. A while back I started our kids (including in-laws and possible in-laws) reading a text before I go to bed. I do not want a single day to go by without them knowing that I love them. They say basically the same thing every night, that I love them, and hope that they have a good night. Yet, it is important to me for them to know. I know that I have been blessed so much with my family, and I

“Be diligent to come to me quickly; for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry” (2 Timothy 4:9-11 NJKV). I think that maybe one of the saddest lines that comes from the pen under Paul’s inspired authorship is, “Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world.” Paul knew how it felt to have people let him down. After only a short introduction in his letter to the Galatians, he states severe, and I believe painful, words: “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:6-7). These brethren, whom he had taught, and whom he loved, were being turned away from the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ and being led into the false conception of Christianity that the Judaizing teachers promulgated. When Paul listed all of the painful things that had happened to him by the time he wrote 2 Corinthians 11, he included these words: “besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:28). He had already stated that he had been in “perils among false brethren.” As long as we live

It was practically unquestioned until sometime in the 1800s that the Bible Book of Hebrews is written by the apostle Paul. Some began to argue against his authorship, especially noting that it would be the only book in which he had no salutation of any kind. Many began to suggest that someone else wrote the book. Among many others, the names of Barnabas, James, Apollos and Luke have been mentioned as possible authors, if Paul did not write it. Many great scholars have debated this. Some adamantly say that there is plenty of evidence, despite some differences in style, that Paul is the author. Others say that it absolutely cannot be Paul. Still others say that they just do not know. In the face of all of this, I propose to give you the definitive answer. This is such a definitive answer that I would be willing to publicly debate to defend this position. It is that certain and sure. Here it is, my absolutely definitive answer: The author of the Book of Hebrews is God. It was “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). It is a message sent from God and He is the true author. That word was revealed by the authority of Jesus Christ, as He promised the apostles that they would be guided into all truth, being taught what they needed to know, and being reminded of what they already knew (John 14:26; John 16:13). The Holy Spirit was the Agent by which God through Christ sent the

Has anyone ever pulled an April Fool’s joke on you? Most of us have fallen victim to some practical joke at some time in our lives. They can be funny, or in bad taste, but they are commonly done. The sad fact is, however, that we don’t have to wait until April 1st to have a “fool’s day” occur in our life. Obviously, it a “fool’s day” when anyone declares his/her disbelief in God. The Scriptures say, “the fool has said in his heart there is no God.” For many, every day is a day dedicated to the foolishness that we humans are alone, the ultimate of all existence and that there is no God. However, one who believes in God is still going to have fool’s days in life: When we forget how much God has blessed us and decide to complain. The Israelites were a murmuring people in the wilderness, despite having seen the great power of God. Their foolishness brought on the wrath of God, and caused them to wander for 40 years. When we allow Satan to win even the small battles in our lives. We are fools when we rationalize and convince ourselves that it is really not that bad to do what we know is not right in the sight of God. We can be like the little boy who winds up with his tongue stuck to a metal flag pole on an icy, cold day; he let his friends talk him into it, and he was a

Is marriage under attack in America? Is the family in trouble? I think that the answer is “yes” on both matters. There are many contributing factors; we will note some. However, what is the biggest threat? Maybe we can answer that question, maybe not. The following list is not necessarily in any particular order of importance, just some comments (though it loosely goes from least threat to biggest threat). 1 – The view of marriage is very skewed by television and movies. I do not have any doubt that there is some influence against marriage by the way it is presented in our entertainment venues. However, I do not see that as the biggest threat to marriage in our country. 2 – Some see the pseudo-marriages between individuals of the same sex as a major threat to marriage. It is a travesty, and, to be honest, a joke that it can even be called “marriage” at all, and I am adamantly opposed to the practice of homosexuality, but that is not the biggest threat to marriage, in my opinion. 3 – Couples living together outside of marriage are a serious problem in our society. I often hear “What difference does a piece of paper make, anyway?” I am also adamantly opposed to sexual relationships outside of marriage, and do see the impact that this concept has on marriage. Yet, I am not convinced that this is the biggest threat to marriage in America. 4 – Obviously, the ease of divorce

This is not a dissertation of great research. This is not a pontification of how marriage should be done. This is a recording of observations that I have made from watching those who are married, and from about 37 years of being married. I do not know what the “experts” would say on these matters (i.e. those who are more involved in attempting to do research than in real life experiences), but I hope these very random thoughts might help one person who is thinking about getting married, one couple who is looking to marry or maybe some who are already married. Marriage is perfect in its imperfections. Marriage was ordained by God. He brought Eve to Adam from his side to complete him. As we often say in wedding ceremonies, Jesus did His first miracle at a wedding. The point is that He was there, and by His presence endorsed marriage. The writer of Hebrews (I believe it was Paul, in any case by the Holy Spirit) states that marriage is honorable and the bed undefiled. All of this shows that it is perfect in its conception and design by God. However, since marriage is between two humans, it is also imperfect. The beauty of the imperfection is that it gives both partners in the marriage the opportunity to grow – together. I know that neither my wife nor I are perfect. Yet, we fit together very well, and as the years have gone by, we have drawn closer together in

“And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision” (1 Samuel 3:1 KJV). There are times in the Old Testament where God is recorded as speaking often to a man, such as Moses or one of the great prophets, like Isaiah, Jeremiah, or Ezekiel. On the other hand, there were times when God did not speak directly to anyone for long periods of time. The events recorded in 1 Samuel 3 are at one of those times. The word translated “precious” is often translated “rare” (NKJV, ESV). When something good is rare, that makes it seem so much more precious. In the following verses of this chapter, inspiration records God calling to Samuel, and his consistent answer, “Here I am.” Later, in Isaiah 6:8, Isaiah is called by God: “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Notice the reaction of both of these godly people. “Here am I.” From these concepts I would make the following observations: First, the Word of God should never be rare anymore. God has revealed His will through the pages of the inspired Scriptures. There is no excuse anymore for the word to be “rare.” Only through our negligence will it be rare. To me, it is so sad that in the days of Josiah they had to find the

Ancient words have a place in a modern world, and especially the Book of 1 Corinthians is applicable today. First of all, the Bible is still active and powerful. Hebrews 4:12 (ESV) reads, “For the word of God is living  and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.“ The “ancient words” revealed by the Holy Spirit through inspired men are still the “power of God to salvation” as they reveal to us the great and glorious Gospel message. We must walk in these words, with hearts that are filled with faith, motivated by love and obedient to the message. Secondly, the letter to the Corinthians was written to a troubled congregation. Paul loved them and expressed that love, despite their myriad of problems. He called them brethren, and he addressed them as saints. They had been sanctified by the blood of Jesus. I do think that some points need to be noted, though. 1. The Corinthian church had problems with: division, eating of meats, the “covering,” misunderstandings concerning marriage, misuse of the Lord’s Supper, fighting over the spiritual gifts, denying the resurrection (have I left anything out?). 2. Not every member was involved in the false ideas and teaching. Some, like the house of Chloe, were standing strong against the problems in the church. 3. Paul did not say, just keep doing what you are doing, grace will

One of the little ones where I preach,Climbed up high to look aroundTo see as far as his sight could reach,To see each scene, to hear each sound. He felt so big, as he could seeWhat seemed to him to be so far,Amazed at how big the world could be,Nothing there his wonder could mar. But as he contemplated all he saw,A question formed in his young mind,His heart was filled with respectful awe,Hoping that an answer he could find. “When God looks down from up on highFrom His great home in heaven’s land,When He gazes here from over the sky,What does He see, is it what He planned?” Oh, from the mouth of this little oneComes wisdom that adults should learn,What really matters, when all’s said and done:“What does God see” should be our concern. I know that God sees a world gone astrayFilled with hatred and every evil thing,He sees mankind trying to make his own way,But leaving His will in most everything. But I am more interested, I must admit,In what He sees when He looks at me;Does He see someone for His kingdom fit?Someone who is ready for eternity? Does He read a heart full of faith and love?Does He see actions that serve Him well?Does He hear thoughts centered on Christ above,With a tongue His message prepared to tell? Good question, little one, I must say,What does God see when He looks down?Does He see the things in me each day,Which will earn for me

When the questions of life tend to fill my day, When I ask “Why” as I journey on my wayWhen the world does not make much sense to me, When there are no answers that I can seeThen, I must open the eyes of faith inside, under the wings of my Savior I can hideAnd as down this uncertain path I go, He is always there, and He loves me so.Faith is not just a feeling inside my heart, on a firm foundation faith must get its startFrom the Word that God has given to us all, believed by those who will heed His call.And faith does not lie dormant inside of me, instead true faith takes actions for all to see,It leads my steps and it guides my heart so that from my God I should never part.I cannot always answer “why not” or “why,” no matter how often or hard I may tryBut I believe that God is always there, caring for me all the time everywhere.So I will do my best to hold onto His hand, in my perilous journey to the promised land:To fill my heart with faith, fight off the doubt, till I see Him face to face,that’s what it’s all about.

I have had several back surgeries, and each one has helped me. I went through the pain of surgery, but I always told myself it would be worth it when I recovered from surgery, and each time it was. However, this past spring I had knee surgery. I think that I rushed the timing too much, and should have waited a few days. I kept thinking, “It will all be worth it.” Then, a few weeks later, I went into the hospital because of a blood clot. In the course of this hospitalization, I missed Chris, my son’s first starring role in a play. To this day my knee is only slightly better and bothers me often. If I was to ever hear talk of doing knee surgery on me again, it would take a great deal of persuasion, and an assurance that it would indeed be worth it. We can endure a great many things if we are certain that it will be worth it in the end. This applies in many areas of life and is very true in our spiritual dealings. In 1 Corinthians 15, the apostle Paul absolutely nailed down the fact that Jesus rose from the dead, and that all of us will be raised from the dead. Based on this, he assures all of us that serving God will be worth it, with these words: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye

Many wonderful people are shown throughout God’s Word. Their victories, their faith and their strengths are made known, but so are their trials, their pain, their weaknesses and sins – those things that plague every human who has ever been. I would love to see through the eyes of each great one, to be able to partake in the deeds that each one has done. However, of all of the characters that in the word I find, the way Peter was is most like me, in my mind. Sometimes it is like through Peter’s eyes I look at life. Just like him, I often cause my own strife, but hopefully from him, I can great lessons know. As I travel life’s paths down here below, I see sometimes through Peter’s eyes of doubt – when he did not understand what it was all about, when he failed to be as strong as he should be. Way too often, that is the picture of me. I see sometimes through Peter’s eyes of fear, as he followed Jesus to His trial, but not too near. As he was overcome by fear, he denied Christ. How many times have I fought that fear inside? I see sometimes through Peter’s eyes so weak, when he forgot it was after God’s will that he should seek, when he did not stand like he should have for right. Too many times, I am not ready to fight that fight. I see sometimes through Peter’s eyes of

I want to commend the sentiments of the country song, “I Saw God Today.” This particular song (sung by George Strait) tells the story of a man who stops to notice a flower that has managed to come out of the concrete of a sidewalk. He later sees a man and woman walking hand-in-hand. He notices the certain glow in the woman, and can see that she is beginning to show with child. Then, he goes back up and presses his nose against the glass of the nursery and sees his little, newborn girl. He calls her a “miracle.” Throughout the song he clearly states that he reads the Book and goes to church, but that he often forgets to remember that God is there. I know that the birth of a child is not a “miracle” in the biblical sense, but it should never cease to amaze us, and to make us so very thankful for what God has created in nature. Further, it is not the case that all of nature is God, as some would say. Yet, the fact is that the composer of this song has a very accurate idea in mind. We live and walk around every day without noticing all of those things that cry out that they have been fashioned by the everlasting love, kindness and power of God. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handiwork.” While we cannot know God’s true nature and will except through

“Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:14-16). “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:5-6). Once, several years ago, I went into a store in Valdosta, Georgia. I remember that it was a Winn-Dixie grocery store that we often used. I had just cashed a check, and had two $100 bills stuck in my pocket. That $200 was going to have to feed my family for the next month or more. After I left the store, I realized that somehow I had dropped that $200 out of my pocket. I went back and searched frantically for it. I never found it. I can still feel the giant bubble of despair that welled up in my chest and the desperate thoughts that raced through my mind: “How am I going to tell Barbara I have lost our grocery money?” “How am I going to feed my wife and children, now?” I know someone had a “lucky day” when they found that money, but it definitely was not a good day for me. As I think about this experience, I wonder how many, even more important things, I have lost, never to retrieve

The baby cries – but it’s ok – because of Mom. There is a hungry mouth – but it’s ok – it’s fed by Mom. There is a skinned knee – but it’s ok – it’s kissed by Mom. There is a broken heart – but it’s ok – it’s soothed by Mom. It is often said that the pinnacle of creation was when God made woman, and she took her station, but I cannot help but wonder if it was not the case, that pinnacle came when the first baby saw its Momma’s face. I ponder if there is any purer, unadulterated love (short of the Divine love that is from heaven up above), than the love that is found in a true mother’s heart, anchored there with the unborn child, from the very start. There is no stronger love, no fiercer love, no love as great as the love of a mother who will contemplate that some activities will be curtailed, some freedom lost, but the benefits far outweigh each insignificant cost. Moms do not know what it means to sleep at all, to have a day off, but they are always there on call. They never eat a complete meal all at one time. Sometimes it seems a mighty steep hill they have to climb. However, true moms, the ones who really know just how to care, learn to sleep with a baby on their chests in a rocking chair. They spend long nights awake at a

I have always believed that the Bible is a many-faceted book. I know that there are difficult doctrinal passages. Peter affirmed that some of what Paul wrote was “hard to be understood” (2 Peter 3:16). There is an abundance of Bible “stories” (word used advisedly, since true characters doing real things is the actual fact). These all help us to be patient and comforted in God (Romans 15:4). However, I also truly believe that beyond the deep theological matters, that are there of necessity, and that answer many of our questions, and beyond the doctrinal discourses, such as the nature of God, His Son, the church, etc., that the Bible is truly an owner’s manual, written so that we can better know how to live every day and deal with every day issues in our lives. One simple example would be to any of us that are employed at all. Have you ever been so frustrated with your boss that you just found yourself giving up and not wanting to try anymore? Have you ever been mistreated over a mistake you made, or even worse, maybe one you are being accused of making that you did not make? I would say that most of us have been in the boat where we find it difficult to work for the boss we have. When the Scriptures speak of the master-slave relationship, as the New Testament does often, the exact application does not exist today; yet, the passages on this subject serve as

The Great I Am is the topic in this article. Then Moses said to God, If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, The God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they ask me, What is his name? what shall I say to them? God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM. And he said, Say this to the people of Israel, I AM has sent me to you. God also said to Moses, Say this to the people of Israel, The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations. (Exodus 3:13-15 ESV) God Is Holy in the Complete Sense of the Word. God is totally without sin. Sin is conflict with His very nature; He cannot tolerate sin. We are called to imitate that holiness. “For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44). God Is to be Honored and Glorified. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; And holy is his name. And his mercy is unto generations and generations on them that fear him. He hath showed strength with his arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart. He hath put down princes from their thrones, And hath exalted them of low

 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question. (Mark 12:28-34) The Pharisees had been silenced by Jesus as they tried to trick Him. The Sadducees had been put to silence by the wise answers of Jesus. Now a scribe, who is also described as a lawyer, decided to take a shot at finding out if Jesus is truly wise.

Sometimes each of us needs to hear someone say, “It’s gonna be alright.” Whatever disaster, large or small, real or simply perceived, has struck us, we need to hear those words of comfort. From someone who is in panic mode because he may have lost his cellphone, to another who has just been told that she has cancer, each needs someone calm who can sincerely say, “It’s gonna be alright.” If we tell someone that, we need to believe it ourselves. If I ever tell someone that it’s gonna be alright, I truly believe that to be true. I may not be able to say how it is going to be OK, but I believe that if I say it. How can I say it if I do not know how things will be alright? As Christians, then, we should be able to say consistently and with conviction, “It’s gonna be alright!” It is God’s promise, not ours. “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3).

We were keeping Lil T (Thomas our 4-year-old grandson). I had put some straws we bought in a drawer at home, and suddenly we could not find them (they had dropped out of the drawer into the cabinet below we found out). We were discussing what could have happened to them, and Lil T said, “Probably the Devil took them. He doesn’t like us!” I said, “Well we do not like him either.” Lil T said, “No, we only like God!” As I reflected on what Thomas said, I could not help but realize that this little fellow understood a concept that most people do not: Satan does not like us; Satan does not want what is best for us; Satan does not care at all. He is truly “out to get us” in any way he can possibly trap us. It amazes me that so many have it turned around. They look at God, and say, “Well He tells me I cannot do this and that, or live this lifestyle, etc. Therefore, God does not really care for me.” It is true that Satan says, “Do whatever feels good to you, it really does not matter what you do, you will be fine doing it” (remember – “Thou shalt not surely die!”). God, on the other hand, does warn us about what is harmful, and He does guide us away from what is sinful. God truly cares for us. When the Bible says that “God so loved the world

I did it last night. I wasted time that I can never get back. I replaced rest with restlessness, and the sweet serenity of sleep with tumultuous tossing and turning. When I should have been folded into the comforting arms of pleasant slumber, I was instead wrestling a discomforting demon from within my own mind. “What if this happens tomorrow, what will I do?” “What if this doesn’t happen tomorrow, what will I do?” “Why can’t I just come up with a plan, why can’t I know what to do tomorrow, if…” Questions of this sort slammed their way through the crevices of my mind. I tossed and turned and, I might as well say it, I worried. Worry overcame my thoughts, and drove the sleep far from me. Worry took the hours and twisted them from peaceful serenity to tortured agony. The saddest part is that, as is so often the case, I spent the night worrying about “what if” and “what if” never happened. Why would I ever let worry do that to me? I think I know. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is

I read a story on Foxnews.com about a military course that was cancelled on the basis that it violated the separation of church and state. (Excuse my technical language, but that is baloney!) I am not going to comment more on that case; you can read about it at the link below. However, I did like the following quote from Commander Daniel McKay, a retired U.S. Navy Chaplain: “History will prove that if you stay true to God’s wisdom, it will serve us well and it has served us well.” McKay said it’s possible that parts of the military are trying to play “all sides of the fence – trying to take a middle-of-the-road approach.” That, he said, is a mistake. “If you stay in the middle of the road, you become road kill,” McKay said, urging the military to stay true to what the Founders established. Read more at https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/08/03/air-forces-suspends-christian-themed- ethics-training-program-over-bible/#ixzz1U4YFkSf1. We have all seen it. The poor animal, a possum, a deer, a squirrel, or maybe a dog or cat, is stuck in the middle of the road with traffic coming and just does not know what to do. Way too often they make exactly the wrong move and are struck by a vehicle. I hate it when I hit an animal, no matter what kind (except maybe a snake, I have a very strong prejudice against snakes). Yet, sometimes it is unavoidable, and then a living creature becomes, for lack of a better term, road kill. Staying

Sunday afternoon, I took my 15-month-old grandson out in the backyard. His little hand wrapped neatly around one of my fingers for a few minutes. Then, he took off on his own. I could not help but be amused when I watched him come to a little bitty stick that had blown off of one of our abundance of pine trees. If he stepped on a stick, it would throw him off, and he would nearly fall, or sometimes he would fall. As we walked, he got to the point that when he came to a stick, he would lift his little leg way up, and step over the stick with what was, for him, a giant step. As I watched him, I told my daughter (his mother) that an article was forming in my mind, based on his actions. Well, here it is. You see, as his mother and I walked along, we simply stepped on those little sticks, never thinking about them at all. They were not obstacles to us. However, for him, they were major obstacles that could make the difference between standing and falling. Being the preacher that I am, I could not help but think of the biblical application that this helped illustrate. The Scriptures often make reference to the fact that new Christians are like “newborn babes.” For instance, Peter says, “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word,

He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches” (Luke 13:18-19 NKJV). Lord, I know I’m like a little mustard seed,I know how small I am, how much help I need;My knowledge is ignorant, my strength is so weak,Lord, I am nothing, therefore it is You that I seek. A mustard seed that stays a mustard seed is a wasted thing,It never changes, never faces the challenges that growth will bring;Its existence is really nothing more than just being there,It finally fades away, and the world really could not care. I know that within me is the potential to grow,Much more of Your will I can come to know,True strength can only come from serving You,Allowing You to guide everything I do. Lord, I know I’m like a little mustard seed,I know how small I am, how much help I need;My knowledge is ignorant, my strength is so weak,Lord, I am nothing, therefore it is You that I seek. Lord, help me to grow to be like a mighty tree,With the strength to support and comfort those who need me;May I reflect Your care, concern and love to all,And be the “mustard seed” that has grown to be strong and tall.

I recently read a note from a fine young Christian lady. She talked about a difficult time in her life, as well as a difficult time she is now facing. In the context of all that, she told of speaking to a coworker who told her the following: “Friend, you keep that chin up. This too shall pass, and when it does, you’ll be on the other side of it, standing a stronger and wiser woman for it. The Lord hasn’t lost control of things, so don’t you lose faith in Him. Just keep that chin up.” I hung up the phone with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat, thinking of how ashamed of myself I was. At what point had I lost my faith? The young woman went on to state that it still took her time to come around, and that eventually her problem was overcome. She also noted that she did not have trouble with her faith in the good times and when things went well, but let it slip when things were bad. She said: “I had forgotten that faith was a work, and that just saying ‘I have faith’ isn’t enough.” Another young Christian woman replied to her with these words: “It’s so easy to forget that! That’s why so many people do give up faith and turn to the world for answers, taking themselves further and further away from the peace they need.” These young ladies made me think of

I always appreciate it when someone has the trust in me to write me asking a question of a biblical nature. I take that as a great compliment. A beloved brother, wrote me with the question that is the title of this article, and I believe that he will not mind me answering in the form of the article. I am not the authority, but God’s Word is. I hope that this answer is sufficient. To begin with, on the surface of the question, the answer would be yes. There are several passages, a sampling of which we will note, that indicate that to be the case. The true question, however, is the definition of what the “degrees of punishment/reward” really are. First, let us note some passages, then some comments from different commentaries, and finally draw our own conclusions. Sample Passages Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city. (Matthew 10:15) Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which

What, I ask, is the most powerful thing that the Most Powerful God created and placed upon the face of this earth? What is the greatest thing on earth, short of the salvation that God has authored through His Son? Was it the mighty dinosaurs that once walked the earth along with man? I say no, because they have failed to survive the age’s tests. Is it the rolling ocean waves that slap the coasts throughout the world? I say no, because God has set their boundaries, and only occasionally are they allowed to pour their fury beyond those bounds. Is it the mighty hurricane, or the fierceness of a tornado that suddenly makes its deadly appearance and leaves a path of destruction behind? I say no. Those just mindlessly follow the commands of nature’s laws, and leave behind destruction and despair. What then is the most powerful thing that the Great Creator put upon this earth? I believe that we can surmise such a thing. The most powerful thing that God has placed upon the earth is able to be gentler than the morning mist that softly tickles the grass on a spring morning. Yet, when it is necessary, this greatest thing can show a fierceness that would rival the most powerful of beasts. This most powerful thing can heal the wounds of the body, the heart and the spirit – or at least will give all in an attempt to do so. This greatest thing can provide a

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 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. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) In the next few months (less than six) I will have the privilege, Lord willing, of performing two marriage ceremonies. Chad and Jessica are getting married in April. Then, in October my son Chris and his sweet fiancée Kari will be getting married. For some reason, as I was thinking of these upcoming nuptials, this passage popped into my mind. I do not imagine that Solomon, speaking by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, was talking specifically about marriage, but I do believe that these verses apply very aptly to a discussion of marriage. In looking at this passage, I want to examine the very last phrase first: “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” His point is that an individual can be more easily overcome if he or she is alone. Two together are more likely to overcome. However, ultimately, he says a “threefold cord” is not easy to break. I picture a rope that is three strands intertwined. I cannot think of a more significant point for marriage:

All around our house are pine trees. Many of them are very tall, and some look like they are sturdy. However, there are several that look like they are rotten. Either bugs have destroyed the life in them, or lightning has struck them. We are not sure which is the case with most of them. However, we know that they are dead. As I write this, the rains spawned by a tropical storm are falling in our area. My wife called me a while ago and said, “Well, another tree has fallen.” I asked where it had fallen, and she said right where our oldest son parks his car when he visits. As a matter of fact, if it had waited about 25 minutes, his car probably would have been there. I’m pretty sure that one day one of those trees is going to fall and land on the house, or on one of our vehicles. I think it is a matter of when – not if, but I digress. I just could not help but think of some applications from the fallen tree: a. It is sad when a tree that was once strong and solid loses the life within its branches. However, that is not anywhere near as sad as when a good person, a tree planted by the waters (Psalms 1) dies from the inside out, and comes to a fall. b. Just like some of those dead trees in our yard have been destroyed internally by

It was Monday. Oh, yes, in every way it was Monday. No need to go into all that was making it a real Monday, but it had not been fun. I was on the way home from Mobile and I stopped at a rest area to take a break and to try to deal with one of this particular Monday’s crises. As I pulled up, it started pouring down rain. I jumped from the truck and headed into the building. My phone was running out of battery power as I made a call I needed to make, and I did not want to make while driving. I realized it was low, and ran out to the truck to get a wall-plug that I had with me (hadn’t gotten a car charger yet). As I neared the truck, I reached in my pocket, and stopped right there in the rain. My keys weren’t there. I went on and looked in the passenger window, and there in my locked truck, right there in the ignition, were my keys. About an hour and $65.00 later, I had my keys and completed my call. While I stood for a few minutes letting my phone charge some more, I must have looked pretty perplexed, because a fellow who was walking by said to me, “Whatever is worrying you, just take comfort that you have not just driven 350 miles, one way, to absolutely blow a job interview.” He continued, “I took a 16 hour training

Life, from time to time, brings all sorts of aggravations, difficulties, sicknesses, etc. We run hither and to simply trying to keep up with what makes up our life. Sometimes, we get so caught up in the little things of right now that we are enveloped in them, and we lose sight of what really matters. This morning, a young man is in emergency surgery as I write. He was in an automobile accident Saturday night. His right knee is so damaged that he will have to have a thorough reconstruction of it done. The required surgery is so extensive that even world-renowned surgeons in Birmingham cannot perform it. Today, they have found a ruptured artery in his foot, and are having to repair that. Knee surgery will have to wait a while. As I stood Sunday afternoon talking with him, his mother and father, I could not help but think about that son laying in that bed, injured but surviving. It helps you realize what really matters. I know another young woman. She is a wonderful person and a faithful Christian. I will not go into all the details of what she is facing. I cannot help but feel the deepest of pain for her predicament. None of it is her fault, yet she suffers. Her situation is as close to that of Job that I can remember seeing. You would think I was making it up if I went into all the details; they are so bizarre and

There are restaurants that I will never go to again because I remember the first time I ate there. They did not serve in a timely fashion, or they were ugly to me, or the food was not good – you know what I am talking about. These restaurants or stores, or whatever they may be, have made me say, “I remember the first time I went there, because it was also the last.” On the other hand, there are places to which I have often returned based on the fact that I remember the first time I ever went there. The people were friendly, the service was prompt and courteous, and the food or merchandise, etc. were very good. Those first, pleasant memories are never forgotten. On any Sunday, or even Wednesday night, people can walk into our assembly who will be experiencing it for the very first time. They will remember how welcome they felt. They will remember how sincere the worship seemed. They will remember whether the teaching or preaching was biblical, sound, yet caring and kind. As a preacher, I know that sermons are going to vary. I know that sometimes I am really “on my game,” and other times I am just a little off (or worse). I realize that some subjects are inherently harsher than others. If you are preaching on eternal condemnation, that is much “harsher” than if you are preaching on God’s love. However, I must keep in mind that if there

Often times these ramblings of mine are not designed to be in-depth teachings, but simply reflections on various events and thoughts that come to my mind. Hopefully, lessons are drawn, even from the lightest of these articles. Sometimes, some of these articles make reference to various Scriptures without citing them. Sometimes, they are designed to be particularly teaching articles. However, it is significant to stop on occasion and note that, while there is a place, I believe, for these “lighter” articles, that we must never lose sight of the fact that only the pure, unadulterated preaching of the truth is fulfilling God’s purpose in the church. The fact is that the preaching and teaching that must be done in our classrooms and from our pulpits must be Bible-filled, Bible-directed and Bible-driven. Nice little stories have a place, but it is not as the mainstay of our preaching! Sadly, there has always been a desire to hear only what makes us feel good. Isaiah spoke of this attitude: “That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us” (Isaiah 30:9-11). Do not tell us the truth, he said the people cried. Instead, speak to us smooth

We know that we must be ashamed of sin. Jeremiah condemned the people of Judah because they were not ashamed, and were not able to blush (Jeremiah 6:15; 8:12). He noted that, despite obvious punishment from God, they refused to be ashamed (Jeremiah 3:3). Isaiah spoke of those who created graven images, and who failed to recognize God. He said, “they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed” (Isaiah 44:8-10). It is easy, I think, for us to look at the “bad” people, and to know that they should be ashamed. It is harder to bring it down to ourselves. Ezra said, “O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God; for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up into the heavens” (Ezra 9:6). Jeremiah, once again, stated: “I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastened, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou are the Lord my God. Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth” (Jeremiah 31:18-20). Ezekiel spoke often of the need to be ashamed (Ezekiel 16:61; 36:32; 43:10). We should recognize sin in our lives and be ashamed of that sin. We must bring it to God,

One of the members at Highland Home told me about something that he observed while sitting on his porch the other day. Somehow, a little one-inch worm that was hanging off the edge of the roof caught his attention. He watched it as it started to lower itself on some kind of “string” that it appeared to be creating. It took long minutes of obviously great toil. Finally, the worm neared the first step of the porch. It abruptly stopped, and began to climb up, apparently eating the “string” it had made. Again, it took minutes of difficult labor for the worm to reach the top again. Then the little worm just made its way across the roof and out of sight. Before I go further, I have no scientific knowledge about this worm. I do not know why it did all that it did. I am sure that it was doing what God built into it through nature to do. I do not wish by my observations to indict God’s directions to that little worm. However, I cannot help but think of some ideas that this little drama of the worm brings to mind. If you have no goal, effort alone is not enough. Proverbs 29:18 reads, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Vision there involves, in context, the keeping of the law. However, I truly believe that the expression is not misused when we speak of the vision (based on truth) that leads us in a proper