Minds and Parachutes

This week I saw a bumper sticker that said, “Minds are like parachutes. They only work when they are open.” I suppose that’s true about many things, but especially so about God’s word and man’s use of it.

Do you know how many homes in the U.S. have a Bible? Nine out of ten.* However, despite having a Bible in the home, only 37% report reading it once a week or more. Of those who read their Bible only 57% say that it made them think about how to apply it each day. Many people are simply not opening their Bibles and allowing God to speak to them.

Additionally, the number one reason people gave for lack of reading the Bible was busyness. People let daily duties and responsibilities hinder them from opening their Bibles and their hearts to listen to God.

The sad fact is that some members of the Lord’s body fall into the same pattern with neglected Bible reading, lack of application of scripture in daily living, and allowing their busy lifestyles to supersede reading and studying the Bible.

Someone once said that B.U.S.Y. means “Being Under Satan’s Yoke.” If we let our busy schedules, activities, work, or play interfere with getting to know God through His word, shame on us. If you find yourself in a lull reading scripture, explore creative ways to reignite your passion. A few months ago I read something God commanded newly appointed kings. Write for himself a copy of the law in a book…and it shall be with him and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God and be careful to observe all the words of the law (Deut. 17:18-19). Since reading this, I am copying the New Testament, beginning with Matthew. It is an enlightening way to read God’s word. I call it “God’s reading plan.”

As a sobering side note, minds and parachutes have a second thing in common. When the parachute is not opened, the diver perishes. Likewise, if a person is unwilling to open the Bible, and open their heart to know God through his word, he or she will perish! Today’s Verse: Oh, How I love your law! It is my meditation all the day (Psalm 119:97).

By Teresa Hampton

No Sorrow

A few days ago a friend said, “I’m having a hard time understanding that in heaven there will be no more sorrow or crying. I cannot imagine being in heaven and not sorrowful about my loved ones who are not there.” I told her there are many things hard to understand. The following illustration is simplistic, but may give you some insight into Revelation 21:4.

Imagine this. You are walking through your kitchen and stub your toe. The pain is excruciating. The phone rings and you hobble over to answer. The call is from the adoption agency saying they have a baby girl to place with you and your husband. Immediately you begin shouting, jumping up and down, hysterically happy. You no longer feel the present pain in your stubbed toe, or remember the past pain of loss with infertility. You are finally going to be a mother, and soon your life will be changed dramatically with such joy!

As we live day to day, we agonize about loved ones who are spiritually lost. We also deal with illness and other sorrows. However, when we die and enter heaven we will see and hear things that will change us forever. The eternal gift we receive will be much greater than anything we ever dreamed.

We will hear the Father say, “Enter in…” Perhaps we’ll see and hear what Isaiah witnessed in the long ago, winged seraphim hovering above the throne crying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts!” and see him sitting on his majestic throne, high and lifted up, and the train of his robe filling the temple (Isa. 6:1-3). When we look around we will see a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb (Rev. 22:1). We’ll see Moses, Elijah, and other great men and women of faith. And at last we will see our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us (Gal. 2:20).

How will God wipe away every tear? It has not been revealed. But this we know, the pain we experienced on earth, whether emotional or physical, will certainly dim in the light of God’s unfading glory, unending mercy, and unfathomable grace! Today’s Verse: And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away (Rev. 21:4).

–by Teresa Hampton

Cancer of the Spirit

Fred Smith wrote, “Cynicism is cancer of the spirit. The bad cells of sarcasm attack the good cells of hope and, if undiagnosed, will eventually destroy them.” Unfortunately, their attitude drips on their associates and the cancer grows. At one time or another, we may confront them, whether at work, in the home, or in the church. How should a Christian respond?

Nehemiah presents valuable lessons about dealing with criticism and cynicism. When he arrived in Jerusalem, he surveyed the broken walls and called the leaders of the Jews together (2:12-18). The men said, “Let us rise up and build.” When Sanballat and Tobiah heard they were rebuilding the wall, they became furious and mocked them (2:19, 4:1). They threw out biting questions laced with sarcasm intending to frustrate them.

How did Nehemiah react? He went to God in prayer and continued overseeing the reconstruction (4:4). When his enemies saw that mockery didn’t work, they conspired to attack Jerusalem (4:8-9). Nehemiah and the people prayed. Then he instructed them to set a watch by day and night, and they continued the work.

Not to be outdone, Sanballat and Tobiah conspired to kill him (6:1-14). They tried to lure him out of the city four times. He refused to leave the work. The fifth time they said if he did not meet with them, they would send a letter to the King Artaxerxes saying he had ulterior motives (to make himself king). Nehemiah refused to meet them. Finally, they sent a false prophet telling him his enemies were coming to kill him. He asked Nehemiah to go with him into the temple for refuge. He refused, knowing it would be sinful for him to enter the temple (6:10). He prayed, continued building, and after fifty-two days of uninterrupted work, the wall was complete.

How does a child of God respond to criticism and cynicism? Take it to the Lord, pray for your enemies, and press on. Cynics may cast doubt on the outcome. Take it to God and continue laboring. When jealousy prompts them to circulate unjustified rumors, take it to the Father and pursue doing good!

Today’s Verse: Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world (Phil. 2:14-15).

–By Teresa Hampton