I get it. Being the father of four children who have filled diapers with the best of them, I understand the unending, insatiable need for diapers. The thought of stealing diapers, however, is about as petty as it gets. Nevertheless, a few years ago the Diaper Bank of North Carolina had 13,000 diapers stolen. Apparently, the thieves weren’t even planning to put them to, well, “good” use on their own children (if they have any). The diapers began showing up at garage sales and on the streets for $4 per package, bringing a potential profit of $24,000 from the stolen diaper packages (Fox News).

It’s sad to think about how low and how trivial the sins people commit are. These thieves have continued to endanger their eternal souls by stealing, of all things, diapers! These crooks are apparently willing to throw heaven away just to make a few bucks and possibly cover a few baby bottoms (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Sometimes a little perspective is in order. Are stolen diapers worth eternal punishment? If this sounds completely and utterly ridiculous, then you get the point. Let’s make no mistake though, absolutely no sin is worth going to hell for (compare Luke 16:19-31).

It’s easy to get caught up in the heat of a tempting moment (James 1:14-15). We can lie and convince ourselves the silliest and ridiculous sins are worth it. We can persuade ourselves into thinking the sin isn’t all that bad. No matter what we tell ourselves, there is never, ever a sin that is worth risking the eternal reward of heaven for.

Brett Petrillo

They were safe. Positioned behind a raised bank and double wall structure, the city was nearly impregnable. For hundreds of years, it had been so. From the ground level below the outer wall, to the top of the inner wall at the crest of the embankment was roughly 45′. From the perspective of a potential invader standing and looking up, 45′ must have seemed like it reached to the sky! (Deuteronomy 9:1) So, maybe there might be another way to take the city. Surround the city and lay siege to it! However, one of the main reasons the city was located here in the first place, were the fresh- water springs in and around it. Meaning, that the city had a sustainable water supply. When the fallen city (roughly 1400 BCE) was excavated, container after container of grain was found among the burned rubble. The fatal blow came not long after harvest and the city had much food stored. A siege was obviously not the answer. The answer was unconventional at best. God’s people would march, blow trumpets and yell and the fortified walls would fall. Excavations as late as the late 1990’s support the Biblical account of this conquest of Jericho. (Joshua 6)

It is interesting how much time we spend, trying to make our world safe and secure. We struggle to make our surroundings ordered and predictable. Our main goal is to get through each day with as little difficulty as possible. We work to secure our national borders, our public schools, our large venues and our homes. We watch as random violence against those around us, undermines our sense of wellbeing and comfort. With each collective failure to maintain a secure environment, our discomfort grows. Like Jericho, we can’t seem to build the walls strong enough.

Maybe we miss the point entirely. The search for safety and security in this life is an impossible goal and likely a goal that is counter-productive to our spiritual growth. You see, it is when our world seems unsteady and we reach for a handhold, that we find the hand of God. Adverse circumstances and unsettled days can cause us to live in a conscious dependence on God. Trouble can highlight our awareness of Him, and the darkness of adversity can illuminate the radiance of His face. Remember that there is great value in maturity and endurance that comes as a result of various earthly difficulties! (James 1)

Dean Murphy

As the primary preacher, sermon preparation takes up a very large percentage of my work week. This must happen because Sunday morning comes every seven days without fail. Whether I am ready or not, God’s people will assemble for worship. Somewhere in that assembly, I will stand before the congregation and deliver “the message of the hour.” There will be a beginning, a middle, and an end. As we leave, I may get a little feedback, positive and negative (I appreciate both), and we will call it a day.

Let me bring you in on a little secret, though. The preacher’s sermon is not the only message delivered in the assembly. In fact, when he stands up to preach it’s not the beginning, nor is it the end of the message when he sits down. If anything, what he provides is the middle. You see, the message begins the moment Christians walk through the door.

In Colossians 3:16, the apostle Paul says that we are to “let the word (message) of Christ dwell in [us] richly…” In Matthew 15:18, Jesus taught the principle that “what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart.” It stands to reason, then, that when the message of Jesus dwells inside of us, whatever comes out of our mouths is, in effect, the message of Christ.

When Christians enter the building on Sunday morning, our interactions with one another are the beginning of the message of the day: our warm greetings, asking about each other’s weeks, celebrating victories, grieving over the losses. All of these are communicating that Jesus binds us together into a spiritual family that cannot be taken away.

Furthermore, Paul goes on to say in Colossians 3:16 that the message of Christ is communicated when we “[teach] and [admonish] one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” When we sing during our assemblies, we are all engaging in a mutual “message of the hour.” We horizontally educate and encourage as we vertically lift praise and adoration to God. Consider also what he says concerning the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:26. In partaking of the memorial feast we are communally proclaiming the salvific death of our Lord! We are communicating the power of his sacrifice. By the time the preacher gets up, the message is not beginning…it’s been going strong for quite a while.

In a consumer-driven world, it’s easy to slip into a pattern of thinking that churchgoers receive a single message during the hour of worship on Sunday. However, it is much more accurate to say that the sermon is merely a specific part of a much larger message that ALL Christians are proclaiming. When you pull into the parking lot on Sunday, or tune in to the livestream, pause for a moment and remember, the sermon is not the only message of the day. The message starts when you walk through the door.

Cory Waddell

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Mark 4:9, ESV)

Hearing is a natural phenomenon. We don’t even have to try. It just – happens.

Yet, the physical act of hearing might as well be a miracle. There are so many things that have to be in place, so many things have to go right for it to happen, that it is a wonder we can hear anything at all. Think of how it works, and all of the things that can go wrong.

An object makes a movement. It could be a butterfly wing, a voice box, a falling tree branch, a doorbell. Air molecules are disturbed. These molecules then bump into billions of others. Whether or not the disturbance of those molecules ever reaches you is a matter of numerous factors, like: the mass of that object, the velocity with which it was moving, any other objects with which it might have collided, and our distance from it. That’s why the vibrations of an ant crawling on the floor next to us are essentially undetectable, while we hear the siren of a fire engine from across town. If we are close enough and the mass of the object is great enough, we will “hear” the sound. Well, maybe.

We must also be capable of detecting the frequency of vibrations that object has made. Frequency basically describes the distance between these ripples in air molecules, and is measured on a scale called Hertz (Hz). You might have seen it digitized in software in the form of waves. We hear it as pitch, like the varying notes on a scale. An “A” note – the standard musical tuning note – is 440 Hz. The extreme ends of human auditory range are between 20 and 20,000 Hz. Dog whistles begin around 20,000Hz. So only if the sound is more than 20 and less than 20,000 Hz humans can “hear” it. Maybe.

Even more can go wrong. These “waves” still must be physically captured (by our pinnae, the outer, visible flaps on the side of our heads) and drawn into a little funnel-shaped hole (ear canals) in either side of our heads. Any obstruction or malfunction of those physical capabilities will alter, dampen or obstruct hearing.

But, even if the waves reach this funnel-shaped hole our head, in order to experience all there is to experience, both of them must function properly. Our left and right ears function essentially the same, but because the vibrations they detect are processed by different hemispheres of the brain, the end product is different for each. Don’t believe it? Listen to your favorite song through only one ear bud or headphone, and then the other. If both ears aren’t functioning properly, or if only one is available to receive the particles smashing through the atmosphere, the result will be a distortion of sorts.

Yet, suppose that both ears and hemispheres of the brain are functioning properly. There are still things that can go wrong. There are numerous parts to the working of the inner ear, the ear drum, vestibule, and cochlea. Then there are the ossicles (commonly called the hammer, the anvil and the stirrup) – the three smallest bones in the human body. They work together to create an amplifier. They do this by increasing the pressure on the cochlear fluid to create a signal that is translated into nerve impulses that are then translated by the brain. Any interruption in this process means no signal gets to the brain via the auditory nerve. Or, it could be that the Eustachian tube is inflamed or clogged because of allergies, or a “head” cold, or a tumor could be compromising some aspect of these functions.

Even more things can go wrong. For example, other vibrations can be – in fact, always are – clashing through the air at the same time. What you thought you heard wasn’t one sound; maybe it was three or four sounds blended together.

If all that works, we’ve only begun to deal with the issues that inhibit hearing. There is the matter of the tricks our brains play on us. Brains are sophisticated things that, for reasons not completely known, and without the decent courtesy of asking our permission, tend to make a few things up as they go. Especially in the processes of sight and sound, our brains learn over time to recognize certain visual and auditory patterns and “block them out.” It keeps us from having to process every single thing as a new experience. Our brains label some patterns we see, and some noises we hear – however important they might have been – as irrelevant background stuff.

Of course, this all says nothing of emotional blockades. Perhaps someone is talking with whom you do not have a particular emotional connection, or they are talking about something you don’t like or care about (like, let’s say, pattern-making for dog garments). Or, perhaps grandma has told you this story before. This time, you consciously choose to ignore it, or at least relegate it to the “background noise” bin.

Hopefully, the spiritual parallels haven’t been lost on at this point. When it comes to physical hearing – with all of its nuance and complexity and moving (and non-moving) parts – so much can go wrong.

Should we be surprised if spiritual hearing – listening to God – would be equally, if not more precarious?

The creator of hearing and sound said:

“Pay attention to what you hear” (Mark 4:24, ESV), and

“Take care then how you hear” (Luke 8:18).

Indeed, friends, take good care, for so much can go wrong.

Rick Kelley

US military uniforms display a variety of insignia that detail the wearer’s rank and different qualifications that he or she may have. In 2005, the US Army mandated the wear of the United States flag on the right shoulder of the combat uniform at all times. Before this, the flag was worn on the uniform only when soldiers were deployed out of the country to identify them as US soldiers. The Army Chief of Staff wanted all soldiers to wear the flag whether at home station in the United States or when deployed to an operational or combat theater so it would serve as a constant reminder that the US Army was an expeditionary force at war, always ready to serve any time and any place.

Christianity is remarkably similar to this. One chooses to follow God and makes the decision to repent from the ways of the world and put on Jesus Christ as his or her “new uniform”. From that time forward, it is up to the Christian to “wear” his faith each day, to openly show that he is a follower of God and the Bible, and to serve in such a way that pleases the Lord and inspires others. Matthew 5:16 says: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” In doing so, our reward will be great. Jesus says in Luke 12:8: “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God.”

Living our lives as Christians is a service that is rewarding and fulfilling, pleases God, and brings others to Him. Just as soldiers are proud to be part of the US Army and wear the uniform and flag with pride, we can be proud of our affiliation with our Lord and openly show our love for Him each day!

Bill Rose

Being industrious and hardworking is a quality that Solomon knew was needed if a person is to be truly wise. In Ecclesiastes 2 we see some of what he did, while in Proverbs he wrote about not being lazy.

The word we find in most English versions of Proverbs is ‘sluggard’. This is defined as “as lazy, sluggish person”. The idea seems to be that because they are lazy they are slow; they don’t want to do what is needing to be done.

Rather than working, the sluggard finds any excuse not to work. “The sluggard has said, ‘There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the middle of the streets!’” (Proverbs 22:13 NET). It might sound foolish that someone would use such an excuse to get out of doing something, but some of the excuses we offer could be just as bad!

Sometimes it is just too easy to put off doing what needs done. Solomon was writing in an agricultural society. Planting and harvesting were necessary if a person wanted to survive and support their family. Yet someone who is lazy will find any excuse not to do the work.

“The sluggard will not plow during the planting season, so at harvest time he asks for grain but has nothing.” (Proverbs 20:4)

“I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of one who lacks sense. I saw that thorns had grown up all over it, the ground was covered with weeds, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I scrutinized it. I was putting my mind to it—I saw; I took in a lesson: ‘A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to relax, and your poverty will come like a bandit, and your need like an armed robber.’” (Proverbs 24:30-34)

Isn’t that so true to life? When someone never gets around to plowing, planting, and harvesting, they end up having nothing. But farming requires more than just planting and harvesting – the fields also need to be taken care of. Notice that Solomon passed a field and he could tell the person who owned it was lazy because of the neglect: the plants growing were weeds and thorns and the wall surrounding the field was broken down. Not only could nothing useful grow, but without a wall animals could also get in and eat any growing crops.

Solomon analyzed the problem: the person spent too much time in bed. If all a person does is relax they will never get anything accomplished. The result of this is poverty. Yet the solution would seem to be clear: get to work!

Solomon also identified the type of person we need to be. Rather than being a sluggard we need to be righteous.

“What the sluggard desires will kill him, for his hands have refused to work. All day long he has craved greedily, but the righteous person gives and does not hold back.” (Proverbs 21:25-26)

Wanting, yet refusing to do anything to fulfill our desire, can lead to great frustration. But notice the contrast: the righteous person, because they are industrious, has more than enough to give to those who are in need.

We could make the same application spiritually, as well. What about the person who wants to be a mature, respected Christian, yet refuses to spend time with God’s word, God’s people, or helping others. There will be no spiritual growth.

Whether physically or spiritually, we must learn the importance of doing what we can. When we do all we can, we will be satisfied physically and will grow spiritually. Perhaps Paul expressed this best when he encouraged Christians to live lives that are pleasing to the Lord: “Awake, O sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you!” (Ephesians 5:14).

Photo by Engin_Akyurt from Pixabay 

by Jon Galloway

?” How long is God going to delay comforting David in his discipline, showing David His love and grace?

RETURN AND RESCUE – 6:4-5:

In this small paragraph, there are three imperatives that David gives God: “Return (#1), Jehovah! Rescue (#2) my soul! Save (#3) me because of your lovingkindness!” Here is that beautiful word from the Hebrew language that cannot be translated by one single English word: lovingkindness, love, grace, loyalty. God had made a promise to David that God would bless David and David’s family for generations. But when you get disciplined, disciplined severely, you wonder if God is going to change His mind. David calls on God not to change His mind because God is loyal to His covenant. That’s the idea behind this word: “lovingkindness.”

David fears death, perhaps even death at the hands of God! There is not in death memory of God. In sheol (the unseen world equivalent to “hades” in the NT), who, David asks, “will praise God?” Now, there are those religions who do not believe in consciousness after death, especially in hell. So, they point to verses like this and say, “See, there is no memory of God in death.” But, this is poetry and David is not making a theological statement about life after death. David is lamenting that if he is dead, he can’t worship God.

I MAKE MY BED SWIM – 6:6-7:

“I am weary,” David says, “with my groaning.” This is audible sighing from pain, from frustration – not just being worn out physically but being worn out emotionally. David is such an emotional person. He is so scared. He is so upset at what he has done to God to cause God to discipline him, that he cries – all night long. He can’t sleep at night in his bed because he cries. So he gets up and sits on the coach or the recliner but he can’t find any comfort emotionally. He cries there just as much, so much that he dissolves the couch with tears.

THE LORD HAS HEARD AND RECEIVED – 6:8-10:

In this paragraph, even while David is “smarting” from God’s discipline, he turns to his enemies and challenges them to leave him alone. Why?

“Because Jehovah has heard the voice of my weeping.” When you hurt, I can’t always give you the answers. But I can assure you, if you are a faithful Christian, that God hears you. God hears your weeping.

“Jehovah, my prayer, He took.” Jehovah God receives David’s prayer. Will you picture that for just a moment? David sent his prayer to God in heaven and God took it. God holds David’s prayer in His hands. What’s He doing with it? He’s examining it. He’s evaluating it. God is deciding how He is going to answer that prayer in David’s best interest. Why? Because of God’s lovingkindness and loyalty and grace and mercy!

David is in pain. He has been touched by his enemies, which he interprets to be God’s punishment. But David understands it to be discipline. He refocuses his heart on God. He knows God hears his prayer and he challenges his enemies to leave him alone. He has a Father who cares.

There is biblical truth in the statement, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” As we see in the account of Job, God restrains Satan from destroying us. God will not allow Satan to overwhelm us beyond our ability to refuse. Trials and temptations can make us stronger. They can make us better quality Christians. They can make us more determined to follow our Master.

Sometimes, again Job is a good example, we can’t explain why we experience what we experience except to say there is sin in the world and Satan is the prince of the powers of darkness.

But when we do suffer, we need to know that we have a Father who is in heaven to whom we can call out for grace and mercy.

Paul Holland

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! For his mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from the hand of the enemy” (Psalm 107:1-2 NKJV).

When I first began traveling to Nepal almost 30 years ago I was told that, until recently, there had been no word for thank you in their language. After exposure to western vacationers following the opening of the country in the 1950s, someone coined the word dhanobhad to translate the English term “Thank you.”

Words express ideas or concepts and denote objects and actions familiar to those who speak a given language. If a society uses something, they generally have a word for it.

In Bangladesh homes have little furniture and even now often lack chairs. Historically they did not use that particular item. If there is a word for chair in Bangla, I have never heard it used. They have simply adopted the English word as the object has gradually become more common.

All of that is to point out that saying “Thank you” is not a habit or custom in all cultures. And if they do not have a word for it, one doubts that the attitude behind the phrase (i.e., gratitude) is of value to them. Gratitude is a virtue that is encouraged, and even commanded, in the Bible and has become a standard part of Christian character. But when one travels to areas where the Bible is not known, outward expressions of gratitude are much less frequently heard.

The Psalmist of old recognized that not everyone thinks to express thanksgiving to God, and that such thanksgiving should be abundant. God is good. Those who have received the fruits of his goodness should tell others, as well as God himself, about his goodness.

That even many of the redeemed (that is those of Israel whom God had brought back from captivity, see verses 4-7) did not proclaim God’s goodness is manifest in the Psalm. Four times in the poem he states: “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men” (Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31). His plea implies that ingratitude (or at least the failure to express gratitude outwardly) was the attitude of the vast majority.

The first two pleas are justified by acts of God’s goodness for which they should be thankful.

“For he satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness” (v. 9).

“For he has broken the gates of bronze, and cut the bars of iron in two” (v. 16).

The other pleas are followed by suggestions as to how gratitude should be expressed.

“Let them sacrifice the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing” (v. 22).

“Let them exalt him also in the assembly of the people, and praise him in the company of the elders” (v. 32).

When Christians worship together they not only express their devotion and thanksgiving to God himself, they also proclaim his praises (1 Peter 2:9) to all in attendance. In any assembly there may be unbelievers, those suffering from doubt or discouragement, or others who need to be reminded that our God is good and that we all are recipients of many blessings from that goodness.

Over the years I have heard many defend non-attendance of worship assemblies with statements such as, “I can worship God at home by myself; I don’t need to be with others.” To them I answer, “Yes you do; that is simply not true. And, further, others need you to remind them of God’s goodness and blessings.”

The infinite glory of God cannot be fully perceived or expressed by human tongue. But what we can perceive we must share with others. “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.”

J. Randal Matheny

Parents who wanted their children to have what they were deprived of often discover it growing among the toys and privileges.

Christians who help the poor sometimes see it in the scowls at the same time the hand is extended.

Friends who share the amazing gift of God’s grace with their loved ones see it in the face of those who find salvation a small thing.

Ingratitude.

It comes in many shapes and forms.

• The quality of devaluing the preciousness of a gift.
• The trait of despising the love that shares freely.
• The attitude that sees privileges as rights.
• The selfishness never content with what it has.
• The hardness that nothing is ever good enough for me.

And wherever it raises its head in my life, it deserves a solid stomp. For it’s a last-days sin. Though there’s nothing in the law books about it, God’s list of horrendous crimes against divinity includes it.

“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For me will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; and avoid such men as these” (2 Timothy 3:1-5, NASV).

The ingrate says, “Can’t you do better than that? I deserve that and much more! Why did you take so long? I want something different.”

Or he yawns, “Yeah, okay. Set it right over there, with the other trash.”

The ingrates pockets are full, and his heart is empty.

How does a person put away ingratitude to learn to be thankful? The best way is by standing at the foot of the cross. And by sitting around the table of the Lord. Eating the bread of Christ and drinking the blood of the covenant among a grateful people of God.

If that doesn’t move me into the grateful category, nothing will.

“Generous God of heaven, I don’t deserve a single thing. But you keep on giving and blessing. Let my lips speak praise and thanksgiving. Let my eyes see your goodness. Let my heart be touched at every turn by your grace. I know Jesus is the greatest, most wonderful gift of all. Amen.”

A. A. Neale

The word “hallelujah” is pronounced almost the same exact way in languages such as Slovakian, Italian, Spanish, Bulgarian, Chinese, Czech, French, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Khmer, Russian, Swedish, Welsh, and Swahili. I first noticed this while I was in Cambodia. During worship, they were singing in Khmer with English words projected on the screen for us Americans. At one particular point in the song, both the English and Khmer lined up perfectly for us to communally sing, “hallelujah.”

The word has its roots in the ancient languages of the biblical text, and is a transliteration of “praise Yahweh.” The phrase gets condensed into one word and is then pronounced “Hallelujah.” It is merely a reverent way for the soul to remember God’s worthiness to be praised. Exclamations of hallelujah come only when one recognizes the Almighty’s power,  and can be seen in the book of Revelation.

In Revelation 19, “hallelujah” is used four times. Each of them are aimed directly at God for His salvation, glory, power, and reign. In both, the heavenly realm and  the earthly realm, God’s creation can’t help but praise Him for who He is, what He does, and how He does it. Not only does the word “hallelujah” exceed the border of countries and languages, but it even goes beyond the physical realm, on into the spiritual world.

This simple fact has triggered a number of thoughts in my mind, but there is one that stands out more than the rest. Am I living a life of Hallelujah? Because no matter where I go in the world, people can understand it. Hallelujah has become the universal way of praising God in almost any part of the globe. Therefore, my intentionality in praising God should not just be seen in Sunday worship, but everywhere I go. “Hallelujah” is an opportunity to reach a commonality between man and spirit.

Tyler King

We have all read a book, watched a TV show or a movie when someone is severely injured. The crowd is gathered around, and someone will call 911 and say the ambulance is on the way.

Then somebody leans down and checks for a pulse, checks to see if the victim is breathing, and then someone will put a coat over them to keep them warm.

Many in the crowd know what to do to check to see if the person is still alive. Then comes the good news, “we have a pulse.” Then everyone knows the person has not died.

When the ambulance arrives, everyone is excited and waiting to hear the official pronouncement. Then after checking all the vital signs, comes the official announcement, yes he is going to make it. And he does. The paramedics know just what to look for, had all the right equipment, and could provide on the spot emergency treatment.

As we live the Christian life, I sometimes think wouldn’t it be great if we had an instrument that we could use to check our spiritual condition. You could hook yourself up and get a reading and know in an instant how God sees you according to His standard.

Oh, that’s right we can know where we stand in God’s sight. Of course, I can see the outward side of your relationship with God. I can read the scriptures and see how things are going for you day-by-day. And my responsibility as outlined Galatians 6:1, “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself so that you too will not be tempted.”

Even in something as simple as being faithful in attendance, it is clear that a person should be at the service. Hebrews 10:24-25, words it this way, “and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

Just as there are external signs that indicate a person’s physical health, so there are external signs that indicate a person’s spiritual health. Now our internal health that is another matter. I really can’t see into your heart, just like the people standing around at the scene of an accident can’t see internal injuries.

But you know when something isn’t right, so you seek treatment. And we will go to any length to be in the best possible health. With our spiritual health, we know too, and so does our Father in Heaven.

Note II Cor. 5:8-9, “we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. Is that your goal?

Or again, in I Thess. 4:11-12, “and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.”

Looking at your internal spiritual nature, only you know your true condition. But here is the good news. You can go from the poorest of spiritual health to perfect spiritual health in an instant.

As a child of God, repent and ask Him for the forgiveness you need to be in that perfect spiritual health.

We have all read a book, watched a TV show or a movie when someone is severely injured. The crowd is gathered around, and someone will call 911 and say the ambulance is on the way.

Then somebody leans down and checks for a pulse, checks to see if the victim is breathing, and then someone will put a coat over them to keep them warm.

Many in the crowd know what to do to check to see if the person is still alive. Then comes the good news, “we have a pulse.” Then everyone knows the person has not died.

When the ambulance arrives, everyone is excited and waiting to hear the official pronouncement. Then after checking all the vital signs, comes the official announcement, yes he is going to make it. And he does. The paramedics know just what to look for, had all the right equipment, and could provide on the spot emergency treatment.

As we live the Christian life, I sometimes think wouldn’t it be great if we had an instrument that we could use to check our spiritual condition. You could hook yourself up and get a reading and know in an instant how God sees you according to His standard.

Oh, that’s right we can know where we stand in God’s sight. Of course, I can see the outward side of your relationship with God. I can read the scriptures and see how things are going for you day-by-day. And my responsibility as outlined Galatians 6:1, “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself so that you too will not be tempted.”

Even in something as simple as being faithful in attendance, it is clear that a person should be at the service. Hebrews 10:24-25, words it this way, “and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

Just as there are external signs that indicate a person’s physical health, so there are external signs that indicate a person’s spiritual health. Now our internal health that is another matter. I really can’t see into your heart, just like the people standing around at the scene of an accident can’t see internal injuries.

But you know when something isn’t right, so you seek treatment. And we will go to any length to be in the best possible health. With our spiritual health, we know too, and so does our Father in Heaven.

Note II Cor. 5:8-9, “we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. Is that your goal?

Or again, in I Thess. 4:11-12, “and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.”

Looking at your internal spiritual nature, only you know your true condition. But here is the good news. You can go from the poorest of spiritual health to perfect spiritual health in an instant.

As a child of God, repent and ask Him for the forgiveness you need to be in that perfect spiritual health.

Dick Brant

When traveling long distance by vehicle, there are several types of riders. There is the navigator who knows all the shortcuts and ways to beat traffic. There is the entertainer who believes his job to be changing the radio station to the correct song. There is the detector who hears every rattle, feels ever shimmy, and thinks he must diagnose the mechanical problems.

We travel quite a bit, primarily between our home in Denver and our native land of Northwest Tennessee. It is about an eighteen-hour drive (one way) that we have made back and forth several times. In our truck, there are typically two types of travelers. There is the driver (me) and the sleepers (Melody and the boys). The rest safe and secure sleeping the miles away. My job is to get us there and back safely.

As we journeyed home yesterday, we had three near-accidents. At just the right time, I was able to notice, swerve, brake, or accelerate to deliver us from potential harm. After avoiding the near-mishaps, I would look over at Melody and up to the rear-view mirror to look at the boys. They all were still soundly asleep. I pridefully thought, “They rest easy, not even knowing how I have delivered them safely.” The more I thought about it, the more I realized how thankful I should be to the Lord that we had been delivered from near accidents. This led to the final thought (and the better one). How many times does the Lord watch over, protect, and keep me when I never am aware? How many times have I been asking “how long” in regard to a matter, never realizing how often He has delivered us at just the right time!

Many scholars believe the Thirteenth Psalm was written by David while being chased by Saul. Tremper Longman said this psalm is “a cry to God from a soul who has nowhere to turn but to God.” Spurgeon called it the “How Long Psalm.” David recognized that even though his enemy made his Heart lament, he could still rejoice in the Lord because of the way He cares for His people.

DAVID’S COMPLAINT (1-2).
The observant student will note that David asks, “How Long?” four times.

• Will you forget me forever?
• Will you hide your face from me?
• Shall I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart?
• Will my enemy be exalted over me?

The psalmist feels as if everyone is against him. In his mind, this could only happen if the Lord had abandoned him.

DAVID’S CALL (3-4).
He asks the Lord to consider (or notice him) and answer. He gives three reasons why the Lord should.

• He might die.
• The enemies might believe they have won.
• The enemy might have greater joy that the Lord’s servant.

VV. 5-6 – THE COMFORT.
He prays with full confidence the Lord will deliver him in due time. The Lord has proven his love and His desire to save David in the past. David says he will sing praises to the Lord because he recognizes the Almighty will again take care of His anointed.

We may not always know when or how, but we can always trust the Lord will take care of us! It may not be in this life, but we can keep putting our faith and confidence in Him knowing He cares for us. He has proven it time and again. So, may we not fear, but rest easy knowing He is in control and in due time, He will deliver!

Corey Sawyers

The right direction is always essential. Starting in Denver, you will never arrive in California by traveling “north,” nor can you arrive in California by going “south.”

Now the shortest distance to LA is about 1000 miles if you are traveling west. But you can also get to LA by going east. Oh, it would be a more extended trip by about 24,000 miles, but you would get there, just take a lot longer. So the old adage is still true. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.

Here is another point, if you travel north or south from Denver, you will never arrive in LA. You may start out going north from Denver, and in time you will be going south. Then of course later without making a conscious course change, you will be going north again.   Life can be like that, when you have no set direction; you keep going round and round.

The thing about traveling east or west is that unless you make a conscious course change, you will keep going in the same direction. If you start your trip to LA by going east, you will get there in time, it will be a more extended trip, but you will get there.

In Psalm 103:12 when God tells us, “As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.” So, as long as we keep moving away from our sins and not turn back, they remain completely removed. If the text had said, as far as the north is from the south, you would keep coming back to your sins. Stated as east and west, you must decide to turn back to your sins.

In II Peter 2:21-22 our turning back is expressed this way, “For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.”  Again, it is a decision you must make to turn back.

In Philippians 3:13-14 Paul notes this for us, “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” That must also be our thought; always pressing forward, no turning back.

Will there be difficulties along the way? Of course, there will. Just as Paul stated in Romans 7:19 “For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.”

The good news, there is always forgiveness. But you have to make that a priority, you are the only one that can “keep” yourself on the right path, still moving in the right direction. While there are many along the way that will help us keep going in the right direction, it remains your choice.

At the time of your baptism, all of your past sins were washed away. Indeed a new beginning, a fresh start. At the same time, God knew we would sin again and made a plan for our forgiveness day-by-day.

Now, just as it was your decision to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins; so it is your decision to seek His forgiveness day-by-day. Note with me, I John 1:6-9, “If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Once again, it is your choice.

Yes, keep moving in the right direction and seek His forgiveness day-by-day.

Dick Brant

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it – lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’” (Luke 14:28-30 NKJV).

A congregation in the U.S. made a commitment to help a church in Asia with a building in which to meet for worship. It has been a little while since I was involved in constructing a church building there and costs have increased considerably during that period. I was very concerned, therefore, with developing a plan which could be finished with the fixed amount of funds that were available. I did considerable shopping and consulting before the final plans were drawn and construction began. The last thing I wanted was to run out of money, leaving a partially finished but still unusable building to deteriorate in bad weather.

Jesus used that exact situation as an illustration for those who were thinking about becoming his disciples (Luke 14:25-33). His lesson was preceded by an announcement – following Jesus is neither free of cost nor is it easy. If one is unwilling to sacrifice, he cannot hope to be successful (verse 26). Christianity is not designed to be convenient.

This observation was seconded by Paul who said, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Another apostle, Peter, also testified,

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when his glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13).

Salvation in Jesus is a great prize given by God’s grace. It cannot be earned by human effort or merit (Ephesians 2:8-10). But though it is not earned, it nevertheless requires effort on the part of those who receive it. As innocent, forgiven recipients of grace, we are “His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (verse 10). Salvation is free, but the saved become workers of God from love and gratitude.

This is easily illustrated and understood. A student was given a car by his grandfather. The car was free. Yet in order to receive any benefit from the gift, the car must be licensed, insured, filled with oil and gas, and maintained. Those were the student’s responsibilities. In no way did he pay for or earn the gift, yet he was still required to pay a cost.

As individual lives are much different, even in the same time and place, so the cost to be paid will vary. Some will be persecuted. Others will leave homes and families to spread the gospel to other people. Some will give generously, even sacrificially, to do the work for which Christ built his church. But the nature of our calling is that everyone must pay a price. If we have not fully understood the cost involved we must do so now, and commit ourselves to do whatever is necessary so that our previous efforts will not have been wasted and come to nothing.

Michael Brooks

studies on First Corinthians at Lord Let Me Grow.

Money wins — or does it?

Money wins elections, they say. Whoever spends the most takes the seat.

Some men say money wins women, too. The English language has names for women who attach themselves to rich guys.

Even Proverbs recognizes that money wins influence. “A person’s gift makes room for him, and leads him before important people” Proverbs 18.16.

It would almost seem that money wins in religion as well.

Recently, I visited the grounds of a huge religious center in a beautiful rural setting, with posh buildings, three pools, a recreation room, and multiple meeting areas. The director said it was all due to the prayers of many people. He’s a good man whom I’ve known for many years. But neither he nor his organization teach the truth about salvation and the church.

Man accomplishes so much on his own. He may even attribute it to God. But Mammon is its own god, and accomplishes what many consider to be good.

Money wins many over to its worship. The love of money is the ruin of many. It causes great evils. It destroys lives and leaves its lover in eternal separation from God.

Seeing the evils caused by worshipers of money, one writer claimed that money is inherently evil. If that were true, however, Jesus would never have said to his disciples,

“I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves so that when it’s gone, you will be welcomed into the eternal homes” Luke 16.9 CEB.

Whenever something is inherently evil, our only instruction in Scripture is to stay away from it, to flee, to refrain from participating in it.

Rather, money is a blessing of God to do his work. Jesus himself was supported by people in order that he and his disciples might do the Father’s work.

The church in the New Testament was generous with its money to care for its own and to proclaim the Good News. The examples are numerous.

I have been supported in Brazil for decades by generous brethren, my work made possible by “worldly money” whose use is sanctified by honest employment and spiritual ends.

Money does win — when it becomes a righteous tool in the hands of godly saints, when it promotes the gospel of Christ, when it serves the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.

J. Randal Matheny

No, this week’s article is not about Bugs Bunny!  As is the case with most preachers, I suppose, my ministry has been full of opportunities to sit with, cry with, encourage and minister to families suffering through the hospitalization of loved ones, frightening diagnoses and heartbreaking prognoses.  And, like every other person on the planet, I’ve had to deal with the same things in my own family.  Sickness and death are a part of life in this world and we have to deal with it, but sometimes it gets really, really hard to know how.  Unfortunately, there is no magical incantation that I mutter that takes all the pain and anxiety away.  I do, however, have some encouragement that will make the pain and anxiety somewhat easier to bear, I think.

One of the truest statements I ever personally heard was what a nurse said to my family and me when my mother was in the hospital for heart surgery.  He said that the next few hours were going to be a lot harder on us than on my mother. Boy, was he ever right!  Even though the operating room staff called us every hour or so to give us an update (and every report was good and encouraging) those hours of that surgery were pure agony.  We sat around and talked and joked and did everything we could do to do what none of us expected to do; take our minds off what was happening in the other room.  And we prayed.  We prayed as a group out loud and we prayed as individuals silently; and we prayed throughout the whole surgery.  I do not hesitate to say that the Lord heard our prayers that day and gave us a favorable answer.

But sometimes it doesn’t happen that way, does it?  Sometimes an elderly loved one is stricken with an illness and even though the family and the church pray continually, death is the outcome.  Sometimes it’s not an elderly loved one, but one struck down “in the prime of life” by an accident or an illness and again, though heaven be flooded with prayers, a life is ended.  What then?  Some react angrily, blaming God and giving up on the notion of prayer.  What do you do when you pray and pray and the answer comes back, “No!”?  You keep praying, that’s what!!!

When someone you love is on his or her deathbed, you pray “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  When the doctor comes in with the test results and says someone you love only has a few more months to live, you pray without ceasing.  When that terrible phone call comes in the middle of the night and one of your children has been in an accident, you pray without ceasing.  And when the last enemy we will face in this life (death) wins a battle and a loved one dies, you pray even more because you need it even more.

The apostle Paul said that death is an enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26) and I would never dispute someone inspired by the Holy Spirit, but death is not the only enemy at work in situations like these.  Our true enemy is Satan and when tragedy strikes or threatens, he’s at work trying his best to convince you that God will not take care of you.  And many, many people fall into the trap of thinking he’s right!  They blame God.  They give up on prayer because “it doesn’t work, or Mom would not have died!”  And they fail the test and they lose the battle.

Let me end this week’s word of encouragement with this bit of advice:  when you find yourself suffering through what every family of man has suffered through and will continue to suffer through until the Lord returns, take the necessary steps to give yourself the best chance of enduring with a sound faith.  Pray! Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), pray believing that you will receive what you ask (Mark 11:24), pray in faith without doubting (James 1:6).  And tell your concerns and fears to your brothers and sisters in Christ and get them to praying, too.  Know the truth and the power of James 5:16:  The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.  It’s always made sense to me that if that verse is true, imagine what can be accomplished by a whole room full (or church full) of righteous people praying!  And when those times come (and they will come), times when all the prayers that are offered cannot avoid what is appointed for every person, pray all the more that God will help you through the death of a loved one.

One of the most powerful examples in all of Scripture on this subject is the story of King David and the little baby conceived in sin with Bathsheba.  For a whole week David, the distraught father, fasted and prayed.  His servants couldn’t make him eat or take care of himself.  Finally, after seven days the child died, and David’s servants were afraid to tell him.  If he acted this way while the child lived, how would he react when he heard his son was dead?  David acted like we should all act.  You know his heart was breaking, but in faith he said, “But now he has died…Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:23). David resolved to live his life in such a way that he would see his son again in heaven.  That’s how God wants us to respond to the tragedies of this life.  My word of encouragement to you this week is that through the most difficult times, don’t give up on God because He hasn’t given up on you.  He loves you and so do I.  Have a great week!

Donnie Bates

1 John 1:8-10

Self-deception is one of the greatest dangers we face in our Christian walk.  Once we successfully deceive ourselves then finding our way back to the truth is arduous and even those who seem mighty often fail to find their way back.  Take Saul for example.  He lied to himself so convincingly that he declared he was following God’s command even though he had blatantly violated it (1 Samuel 15:20).  We are given cautionary accounts about self deception throughout Scripture because when combined with one of our chief weaknesses, pride, the deception becomes nearly inescapable.  If we are lying to ourselves and believing those lies then how do we break the cycle?

First, we need to check the mirror we are using to reflect on our lives.  We need to be using the mirror of Scripture  (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and the example of Christ (1 Peter 2:21).  Only by holding our lives and actions up to this perfect mirror will be able to see the blemishes in our lives.  Once we can see the blemishes it becomes much easier to break the cycle of self-deception.

Second, in the context of Christ being our example in 1 Peter 2 and continuing in chapter 3 is an entreaty to be submissive with one another.  Humility is the other guard we have against self-deception.  When we think more highly of others than ourselves then it is easier to see the fault in our own lives rather than focusing on the problems they may have.

If we use the mirror of Scripture and keep our pride in check, then we can avoid the trap of self-deception.

Thom Vaught

What is religious unity? Many would say that the essence of “religious unity” is “agreeing to disagree,” or getting along despite your differences. Well, God is certainly a proponent of “getting along” despite differences (cf. Rom. 12:18); but He is NOT a proponent of “agreeing to disagree” in matters of religion.
Look closely to what Paul had to say in 1 Corinthians 1:10:

“Now I beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all SPEAK THE SAME THING, and that there be NO DIVISIONS among you; but that you be PERFECTED TOGETHER in the SAME MIND and in the SAME JUDGMENT.”

Here, then, is God’s five-point checklist for religious unity:

1. ALL SPEAK THE SAME THING
2. NO DIVISIONS
3. PERFECTED TOGETHER
4. SAME MIND
5. SAME JUDGMENT

In short, true religious unity is not “getting along” despite differences in doctrine; the single most important element of true religious unity is doctrinal unity. Aye, that dirty old “four letter word”—“doctrine.” Where there is not doctrinal unity, there can be no religious unity—nor should there be! The same apostle that commands Christians to have absolute doctrinal unity also commands Christians to “withdraw from” and have “no company with” any “Christian” who is NOT in conformity with the doctrine of the NT (2 Thess. 3:6,14)—i.e., those who do not “continue steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching…” (cf. Acts 2:42)!

No one has ever, nor will anyone ever be, accepted by God in spite of his doctrine; for God—through the teaching of His Son and His apostles (Matt. 28:18; Heb. 1:1,2; John 17:20)—has given us HIS doctrine, and only those who “continue steadfastly” in HIS doctrine are pleasing and acceptable to Him (2 John 9). Read it; study it; know it—for by it we will all be judged (John 12:48; cf. 1 Cor. 14:37).

By Seth Myers

Welcome to Bastøy Prison Island. A lush, one square mile isle comprised of pine trees, beautiful coastlines, and serene ocean sunset views. 115 prisoners are fortunate enough to stay at this so-called “prison.”  The inmates enjoy amenities such as a sauna, tennis courts, horseback riding, prime fishing spots, and a beach for sunbathing. There is even a “prison blues band.” They stay in wood cottages painted cherry red, of which they hold their own keys. They are also allowed to have TVs in their rooms and wear whatever clothing they want.

While on the island, the prisoners work weekday jobs such as gardening, farming, ground maintenance, and gathering firewood. They can have meals prepared by a chef or they can choose to buy their own food from the local shop and cook it themselves. The chef-prepared meals include everything from chicken con carne to salmon. So, what types of criminals are kept on this island? There are murderers, rapists, and drug traffickers to just name a few. As you might imagine, this prison has received plenty of criticism for its methods. Whether we agree with their “punishment” or not, there is no doubt the Bastøy Prison is a lavishly comfortable prison.

Interestingly, there is another prison in existence that rivals the Bastøy Prison. This prison doesn’t even feel like a prison. In this prison, many of the inmates don’t even realize they are incarcerated! What prison is this? Paul gives us the answer: “I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.  For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members” (Romans 7:21-23).

The prison Paul is referring to is the prison of our own sinful desires. When we give in to our fleshly lusts, we become prisoners of our sinful cravings. This is a prison that every accountable person has stepped into (Romans 3:23). This is a prison many people are ignorantly happy to stay in (John 3:19-20). This is a prison where the majority of the inmates will remain their entire lives, with few obtaining freedom (Matthew 7:13-14). This is a jail where the prisoners can engage in the sins they choose (Romans 1:21-32 provides terrible examples). This is a prison where there may not necessarily receive immediate punishment, but those who remain in this prison will be transferred to a permanent prison of horrible torture (Luke 16:19-31; Matthew 13:40-43, 49-50). The most tragic part about this prison is, people can be freed at any moment they choose. The price? They must become slaves to the Lord instead (Romans 6:16-18). Only Christ can provide escape (Romans 7:25).

Are you living in the prison of your desires?  It may seem good now, but it’s only temporary. Freedom is available (Romans 6:3-7).  Have you been freed (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21)?

Brett Petrillo

There’s a certain sight that has hung with me since my first trip to Tanzania. My friend and I were walking into a woman’s mud hut to study the bible with her. She had just gotten back from the market so the moment was a little flustered. We heard some children around the corner, and eventually saw them as they came to greet their mom. There was a sense of absolute joy that completely consumed her as she gave the groceries to her children. She was beyond thankful that she had the means to feed her kids, even though the groceries only consisted of a small portion of beans and rice.

There ought to be a great sense of thankfulness for the food we eat. The ability to enjoy food to the degree we do (some people even claiming the title of being “foodies”), is not something that is necessary for salvation. Therefore, God could have created lumps of gray material without flavor or appeal, and we wouldn’t have known the difference. But He didn’t. He made food to be colorful, delicious, and with tons of variety. So much variety, that it overwhelms us when someone’s asks the age-old debate of “where would you like to eat?”

So the question remains; do we have to pray before we eat? Some think it’s just merely tradition while others think it is a divine obligation. Perhaps some examples from the New Testament can shed some light on the subject:

• The Feeding of Five Thousand (Matt. 14:19) “taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing“
• The Feeding of Four Thousand (Matt. 15:36) “He took the seven loaves and the fish and having given thanks, He broke them and gave them to the disciples”
• Paul’s Storm-Driven Journey to Rome (Acts 27:35) “he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all, he broke it and began to eat” *Mind you, this was in the midst of absolute devastation and chaos.
• Paul’s Instruction to Timothy (1 Tim. 4:4) “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving” (Check prior context about food).

Whether it was Jesus feeding the multitudes, breaking bread at the Last Supper, or Paul as he nears his death in Rome, we have example after example of praying before eating food. Why? Because (1) God has provided the means for you to eat and (2) God has blessed you with the ability to enjoy and benefit from something like food. Part of what made that Tanzanian woman so overjoyed was the children’s reaction. A brief word of thanks to God is our opportunity to show God how grateful we are that He provides so abundantly.

Tyler King