Joy to the World

At a conference at a Presbyterian church in Omaha, people were given helium-filled balloons and told to release them at some point in the service when they felt like expressing the joy in their hearts. Since they were more reserved in their worship than other traditions, they typically didn’t verbally express themselves. They would not say, "Hallelujah, Praise the Lord, Amen," or any of the other expressions heard in some churches. However, all through the service balloons ascended. However, tragically, when the service was over one-third of the balloons were unreleased. Whether because of embarrassment or that they were not filled with joy in their worship, we cannot know, however like so many people they needed to be able to release their balloons.

And, isn’t it that time of the year? As we prepare for Christmas, joy is a principle factor in all of the activities. Isaac Watts, one of the great Puritan Reformers, wrote the following Christmas carol in the early 1700’s. In the next few days we’ll look at some of the elements it declares. The first is JOY!

Joy to the world! The Lord is come.
Let Earth receive her King.
Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room,
And Heav'n and Nature sing.
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.

Perhaps, like me, you read these words and begin to hum along with familiar melody of this wonderful song. Now read the account from Luke’s gospel of the birth of Christ:

“At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiance, who was obviously pregnant by this time. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn. That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!" Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors." (Luke 2:1-14 NLV).

F. E. Arn, pastor of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Pomeroy, Washington, wrote the following: “Joy is that which encompasses and transcends both happiness and sadness. Once endowed with joy, a person is not likely to lose it and in fact it grows with awareness of it. Joy is like the sun, always shining even when night falls or clouds cover it. Happiness is like the moon, waxing and waning. Happiness is a kiss, joy a golden wedding anniversary. Happiness is frequently shared but not always -- joy is always. Happiness is born in the mind, joy in the heart. Happiness comes from humans, joy from God. Happiness is exchanging Christmas gifts -- joy is awareness of what Christmas is all about.” Imagine this Christmas you’ve been given a balloon filled with helium – can you let it go? “The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!”

Unfolding the Rosebud

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own goodness or my ability to obey God's law, but I trust Christ to save me. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. (Philippians 3:8-9 NLV).

A young, new preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned preacher in the garden one day and feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do, he was inquiring of the older preacher. The older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals. The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the WILL OF GOD for his life and for his ministry. Because of his high respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to TRY to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact...It wasn't long before he realized how impossible it was to do so. Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud while keeping it intact, the older preacher began to recite the following poem titled “Unfolding the Rosebud.” I think it will challenge and bless you as you read it.

It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God’s design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so sweetly,
When in my hands they fade and die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God’s design,
Then how can I think I have wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?

So I'll trust in Him for His leading
Each moment of every day.
I will look to him for His guidance
Each step of the pilgrim way.

The pathway that lies before me,
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.

Trust and obey! Those familiar words from an old hymn seem so appropriate in these days of uncertainty! Trust in Him today. He will not fail you.

Dressing in Layers

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12-17 ESV).

It’s that time of the year when I receive a lot of comments and questions about the way I dress. The one that always amuses me is the one that goes, “How many layers do you have on anyway?” It is not that unusual for me to have four or five layers on during the winter. I suppose that is a little difficult for most folks to understand since they rarely need to have that many layers to stay warm in our relatively moderate climate. However, for me, that’s the only way to stay comfortably warm while others around me stay comfortable too. I could reset the thermostat for higher heat, but most everyone else would melt! So, turtlenecks and sweaters are a common part of my daily dress during the winter.

My closet reflects the different seasons. The same is true in a spiritual sense also. God has given us different types of clothing. There is clothing appropriate for living, and that which we need for war. Actually, it is a layered look we have with our heavenly wardrobe, for we need both kinds of clothing to live our lives as God has planned for us to do. The battle wardrobe is used to fight spiritual warfare, for we are always in an unseen struggle with Satan. God told us to put on the helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, and shoes of peace. We must also carry the sword of the spirit and the shield of faith. These items will keep Satan at bay as he tries to invade our thoughts and lives. He also tells us in our reading this morning that we should put on tenderhearted mercies and kindness to others. We must wear gentleness, forgiveness and humbleness. Now, each morning when I mentally put on my armor from God, I need to remember the second layer of clothing God wants me to put on. This is the one that that will radiate Christ's love through me.

It’s the layered look for the Christian. Are you dressing in those layers of love and forgiveness? Change your clothes today! Start the new season in Christ’s love and compassion toward others. It will make you warm inside!

Guards in the Alley

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. (Psalm 91:1-11 ESV).

Adrian Mathews tells a wonderful story that illustrates the incredible protection of God. Following the Halloween symbols, I thought you might enjoy a more positive expression of the spirits of the other realm. Here it is:

Diane, a young Christian university student, was home for the summer. She had gone to visit some friends one evening and the time passed quickly as each shared their various experiences of the past year. She ended up staying longer than she had planned and had to walk home alone. But she wasn't afraid because it was a small town and she lived only a few blocks away. As she walked along under the tall elm trees, Diane asked "God" to keep her safe from harm and danger. When she reached the alley, which was a short cut to her house, she decided to take it. However, halfway down the alley she noticed a man standing at the end as though he were waiting for her. She became uneasy and began to pray, asking for "God's" protection. Instantly a comforting feeling of quietness and security wrapped around her, she felt as though someone was walking with her. When she reached the end of the alley, she walked right past the man and arrived home safely. The following day, she read in the paper that a young girl had been raped in the same alley, just twenty minutes after she had been there. Feeling overwhelmed by this tragedy and the fact that it could of been her, she began to weep. Thanking the Lord for her safety and to help this young woman, she decided to go to the police station. She felt she could recognize the man, so she told them her story. The police asked her if she would be willing to look at a line-up to see if she could identify him. She agreed and immediately pointed out the man she had seen in the alley the night before. When the man was told he had been identified, he immediately broke down and confessed. The officer thanked Diane for her bravery and asked if their was anything they could do for her, she asked if they would ask the man one question. Diane was curious as to why he had not attacked her. When the policeman asked him, he answered, "Because she wasn't alone. She had two tall men walking on either side of her."

There are demons and evil spirits, however there are also angelic beings whom God has given to us for our protection. You access that protection through prayer. They are our guardian angels!

Happy Birthday Faith and Logan!

As I get older time passes so much more quickly! Just eight years ago I was standing in front of the basinet in the NICU looking at my hours old grandchildren. They were so small being six weeks premature! Today they have grown so much! As we celebrate their birthday I wanted to call your attention to another birth. Matthew recalls it for us with the visitation of the Magi:

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:10-11 ESV).

Often we wonder when Jesus was born. There is some indication in the Scripture that it was during the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast of Tabernacles is called "the season of our joy" and "the feast of the nations." The terminology the angel used to announce the birth of Jesus were themes and messages associated with the Feast of Tabernacles.

But there is another matter that I would like to explore. It is the matter of gift giving. Imagine what would happen if everyone invited to Faith and Logan’s birthday arrived with their arms full of presents and suddenly began to exchange these gifts with each other instead of giving anything to them? By the way, birthday celebrations are mentioned only twice in Scripture. In both instances the celebration resulted in a beheading. The first is in Genesis chapter 40 when the Pharaoh had the baker's head removed just as Joseph had foretold. The second mention of a birthday is recorded in Matthew 14:6 and Mark 6:21. It was the birthday celebration of Herod and you may recall that at the bidding of Herodias, John the Baptist was beheaded.

Jesus came into the world to give mankind the greatest gift that anyone could ever imagine—eternal life! The sad thing is that so many have neglected this precious gift. It is there for anyone who will accept it, but many people ignore it or reject it. They prefer other “gifts” offered by our enemy.

Since the Christmas celebration is less than a month away, may I encourage you to focus on the message that it is not the "day" we worship, but Jesus who became flesh and lived for a time as a man in order that He might redeem us with His shed blood and give us the precious gift of eternal life! That is the real gift!

When Mary and I gather to give Faith and Logan their birthday presents, I hope the most important present they receive will be a continued growth into the knowledge of THE gift of Christ on their behalf. And I pray that gift will be yours as well.

Sandpipers and Joy

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. (Hebrews 10:23-24 ESV).

While reading some of the many emails I get each day from so many thoughtful friends, the following story by Robert Peterson caught my full attention.

She was six years old when I first met her on the beach near where I live. I drive to this beach, a distance of three or four miles, whenever the world begins to close in on me. She was building a sandcastle or something and looked up, her eyes as blue as the sea. "Hello," she said. I answered with a nod, not really in the mood to bother with a small child. "I'm building," she said. "I see that. What is it?" I asked, not really caring. "Oh, I don't know, I just like the feel of sand." That sounds good, I thought, and slipped off my shoes. A sandpiper glided by. "That's a joy," the child said. "It's a what?" "It's a joy. My mama says sandpipers come to bring us joy." The bird went gliding down the beach. Good-bye joy, I muttered to myself, hello pain, and turned to walk on. I was depressed; my life seemed completely out of balance. "What's your name?" She wouldn't give up. "Robert," I answered. "I'm Robert Peterson." "Mine's Wendy... I'm six." "Hi, Wendy." She giggled. "You're funny," she said. In spite of my gloom, I laughed too and walked on. Her musical giggle followed me. "Come again, Mr. P," she called. "We'll have another happy day." After a few days of a group of unruly Boy Scouts, PTA meetings, and an ailing mother. The sun was shining one morning as I took my hands out of the dishwater. I need a sandpiper, I said to myself, gathering up my coat. The ever-changing balm of the seashore awaited me. The breeze was chilly but I strode along, trying to recapture the serenity I needed. "Hello, Mr. P," she said. "Do you want to play?" "What did you have in mind?" I asked, with a twinge of annoyance. "I don't know, you say." "How about charades?" I asked sarcastically. The tinkling laughter burst forth again. "I don't know what that is." "Then let's just walk." Looking at her, I noticed the delicate fairness of her face. "Where do you live?" I asked. "Over there." She pointed toward a row of summer cottages. Strange, I thought, in winter. "Where do you go to school?" "I don't go to school. Mommy says we're on vacation." She chattered little girl talk as we strolled up the beach, but my mind was on other things. When I left for home, Wendy said it had been a happy day. Feeling surprisingly better, I smiled at her and agreed. Three weeks later, I rushed to my beach in a state of near panic. I was in no mood to even greet Wendy. I thought I saw her mother on the porch and felt like demanding she keep her child at home. "Look, if you don't mind," I said crossly when Wendy caught up with me, "I'd rather be alone today." She seemed unusually pale and out of breath. "Why?" she asked. I turned to her and shouted, "Because my mother died!" and thought, My God, why was I saying this to a little child? "Oh, she said quietly, 'then this is a bad day." "Yes," I said, "and yesterday and the day before and -- oh, go away!" "Did it hurt?" she inquired. "Did what hurt?" I was exasperated with her, with myself. "When she died?" "Of course it hurt!" I snapped, misunderstanding, wrapped up in myself. I strode off. A month or so after that, when I next went to the beach, she wasn't there. Feeling guilty, ashamed and admitting to myself I missed her, I went up to the cottage after my walk and knocked at the door. A drawn looking young woman with honey-colored hair opened the door. "Hello," I said, "I'm Robert Peterson. I missed your little girl today and wondered where she was." "Oh yes, Mr. Peterson, please come in. Wendy spoke of you so much. I'm afraid I allowed her to bother you. If she was a nuisance, please, accept my apologies." "Not at all -- she's a delightful child." I said, suddenly realizing that I meant what I had just said. "Wendy died last week, Mr. Peterson. She had leukemia. Maybe she didn't tell you." Struck dumb, I groped for a chair. I had to catch my breath. "She loved this beach so when she asked to come, we couldn't say no. She seemed so much better here and had a lot of what she called happy days. But the last few weeks, she declined rapidly," her voice faltered, "She left something for you... if only I can find it. Could you wait a moment while I look?" I nodded stupidly, my mind racing for something to say to this lovely young woman. She handed me a smeared envelope with MR. P printed in bold childish letters. Inside was a drawing in bright crayon hues -- a yellow beach, a blue sea, and a brown bird. Underneath was carefully printed: A SANDPIPER TO BRING YOU JOY. Tears welled up in my eyes and a heart that had almost forgotten to love opened wide. I took Wendy's mother in my arms. "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry," I muttered over and over, and we wept together. 1

I know I need to do a better job of looking for those “sandpipers” in my life. Perhaps you do as well. Sadness and grief are too easy to surrender to. I prefer to live life knowing that God has nothing but my best interests in mind and has promised to see me through every trial until I reach my heavenly home.

1. "THE SANDPIPER" by Robert Peterson

Red or Green?

My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? (James 2:1-4 ESV).

On September 30, 1962, in Oxford, Mississippi, US Marshals, setting off a deadly riot escorted James H. Meredith, an African American, onto the University of Mississippi campus. Two men were killed before the racial violence was quelled by more than 3,000 federal soldiers. The next day, Meredith successfully enrolled and began to attend classes amid continuing disruption. A former serviceman in the US Air Force, Meredith applied and was accepted to the University of Mississippi in 1962, but his admission was revoked when the registrar learned of his race. A federal court ordered "Ole Miss" to admit him, but when he tried to register on September 20, 1962, he found the entrance to the office blocked by Mississippi Governor Ross Barnett. On September 28, the governor was found guilty of civil contempt and was ordered to cease his interference with desegregation at the university or face arrest and a fine of $10,000 a day. Two days later, Meredith was escorted onto the Ole Miss campus by US Marshals. Turned back by violence, he returned the next day and began classes. Meredith, who was a transfer student from all-black Jackson State College, graduated with a degree in political science in 1963. In 1966, Meredith returned to the public eye when he began a lone civil rights march in an attempt to encourage voter registration by African Americans in the South. During this March Against Fear, Meredith intended to walk from Memphis, Tennessee, to Jackson, Mississippi. However, on June 6, just two days into the march, he was sent to a hospital by a sniper's bullet.

I read the following story recently: “Two apples up in a tree were looking down on the world. The first apple said, ‘Look at all those people fighting, robbing, rioting - no one seems willing to get along with his fellow man. Someday we apples will be the only ones left. Then we'll rule the world.’ Then replied the second apple, ‘Which of us, the reds or the greens?’" Silly, isn’t it? However, there is a great deal of truth to that blindness of prejudice. At the heart of any prejudice is the misunderstanding that someone may be superior because of their race, gender, or socioeconomic status. It simply is not the truth of Scripture. General Robert E. Lee was a devout follower of Jesus Christ. It is said that soon after the end of the American Civil War, he visited a church in Washington, DC. During the communion service he knelt beside a black man. An onlooker said to him later, "How could you do that?" Lee replied, "My friend, all ground is level beneath the cross." A greater truth could not be spoken! There are of course levels of achievement and talent that differ from one individual to another. However, that should not be a basis for exclusion. It should be the foundation of cooperation.

Four-eyes and Metal Mouth

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. (Psalm 107:1-3 ESV).

Thanksgiving brings so many thoughts and memories to us. Last year I had my eyes checked. I was amazed at how much my right eye had weakened. However after the new prescription was written and new glasses fitted, I am amazed at how much clearer the world has become! That experience took me back to the third grade when I first began to wear glasses. For whatever reason, we had not had my eyes checked until then. What a difference it made in my life to be able to actually see things I had never before seen! Of course, wearing glasses had its down side. This being well before the time of contact lenses. I had the popular black heavy frames that some of you may remember from the 1950’s. I was the recipient of many schoolyard jokes. “Four eyes” seemed to be the most common tease, though there were others. That same year was when I made my first visit to the orthodontist. And, of course braces were put in also! So, now I was “four-eyes” and “metal-mouth” all at the same time.

There were days when I dreaded going to school. Of course I am now very happy to be able to see and have straight teeth. Isn’t it funny how easy it is to be grateful after the pain? It is hard to remember to be grateful during the daily grind. I mean, of course, when the Thanksgiving holidays arrive we give our annual token speech of giving thanks for the air we breathe, the friends and family which surround us, the plentiful supply of food at our table, and most importantly our state of health. But actually THINK about it. There are countless numbers of people who don't have food, except for maybe a bowl of rice a day. What if that was all you had to eat - the same white, soggy rice one time a day, seven days a week, fifty-two weeks a year. Or what if you had an unusual illness that wouldn't allow you to speak or walk or even nod your head yes. These are things we take for granted.

And what of the non-necessities in life? How many times have you thanked God for the cute little Christmas ornaments for your very first Christmas tree with your newly wedded spouse? Or for that parking place you found close to the front of the mall so you don't lose that "holiday spirit" while having to park a mile away. Or maybe for that hug someone gave you when you found out your dog ran away. Or even for your eyelashes because without them we would have a hard time keeping dust and particles out of our eyes. These are things we never stop to think about and I actually have never thought of until now. But we must not take these minuscule things for granted. Everything is a blessing. Nothing is guaranteed. That is except for God and His Son, Jesus, who came down to earth to save us from the depths of hell. He gave us eternal life - all we have to do is believe. Words cannot express our gratitude to the almighty Creator of the Universe. This Thanksgiving, think about all the things, small and great, to thank Him for providing.

The Not-Raising Hog Business

The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame. (Proverbs 10:3-5 ESV).

Hard work never hurt anyone. I know you have heard the proverb “work smarter not harder.” While there is great wisdom to that, it is not an excuse not to work! The following humorous letter brings me to a truth this morning:

Honorable Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,

My friend, Dan Hansen, over at Honey Creek, Iowa, received a check for $1,000.00 from the government for not raising hogs. So I want to go into the “NOT RAISING HOGS” business next year. What I want to know is, in your opinion, what is the best kind of farm not to raise hogs on? And what is the best breed of hogs not to raise? I want to be sure that I approach this endeavor in keeping with all government policies. As I see it, the hardest part of the “NOT RAISING HOGS’ program is keeping an accurate inventory of how many hogs I haven’t raised. My friend Hansen is very joyful about the future of the business. He has been raising hogs for twenty years or so, and the best he has ever made on them was $422.90 in 1968, until this year when he got your check for the $1000.00 for not raising 50 hogs. If I get $1000.00 for not raising 50 hogs, then would I get $2000.00 for not raising 100 hogs? I plan to operate on a small scale at first, holding myself to about 4,000 hogs not raised the first year, which would bring in about $80,000.00; then I can afford an airplane. Now another thing - these hogs I will not raise will not eat 100,000 bushels of corn. I understand that the government also pays people not to raise corn and wheat. Would I qualify for payments for not raising these crops not to feed my hogs I will not be raising? I want to get started as soon as possible as this seems to be a good time of the year for the “NOT RAISING HOGS” and “NOT PLANTING CROPS” business. Also I am giving serious consideration to the “NOT MILKING COWS” business and any information you would have on the endeavor would be greatly appreciated. In view of the fact that I will be totally unemployed, I will be filing for unemployment and food stamps, and was wondering how long that process takes. Be assured, Mr. Secretary, you will have my vote in the upcoming election. Patriotically yours, P.S. Would you please notify me when you plan to give out the free cheese again?

Don Genereaux

My Dad was one of the hardest working men I have ever known. I suppose that my own work ethic was primarily formed watching him. However, the heart our work ethic as believers must come from the truth that God expects us to be diligent in our work. I have also found that it is easier to do my work when I realize that everything I do is dedicated to the Lord. He’s my ultimate employer. Ask yourself today, How’s my work?

Smart as a Four-Year-Old

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.” (Matthew 18:1-5 ESV).

The following four questions were developed to determine ability to think progressively. The questions are not difficult. Answer each one in turn and then look at the bottom for the answers.

1. How do you put a giraffe into a refrigerator?
2. How do you put an elephant into a refrigerator?
3. The Lion King is hosting an animal conference; all the animals attend except one. Which animal does not attend?
4. There is a river you must cross. But crocodiles inhabit it.
How do you manage it?

All done? Here are the correct answers.

1. Question #1 - Open the refrigerator, put in the giraffe and close the door. This question tests whether you tend to do simple things in an overly complicated way.
2. Question #2 - Wrong Answer: Open the refrigerator, put in the elephant and close the refrigerator. Correct Answer: Open the refrigerator, take out the giraffe, put in the elephant and close the door. This tests your ability to think through the repercussions of your actions.
3. Question #3 - Correct Answer: The elephant. The elephant is in the refrigerator. This tests your memory.
4. Question #4 - OK, even if you did not answer the first three questions, correctly, you still have one more chance to show your abilities. Correct Answer: You swim across. All the Crocodiles are attending the Animal Meeting! This tests whether you learn quickly from your mistakes.

I hope this little exercise was fun. According to Anderson Consulting Worldwide, around 90% of the professionals they tested got all questions wrong. But many preschoolers they tested got several correct answers. Anderson Consulting says this conclusively disproves the theory that most professionals have the brains of a four year old!

It is interesting that we tend to make things much more complicated than they really are. No wonder Jesus used children so often as an example of how we are to accept the truths of God. That’s the real lesson from our reading this morning. It is with childlike faith that we find true forgiveness. Trust in Him. He will not disappoint you! You don’t need to “figure it all out”!

Riding Out the Storm

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. (Proverbs 3:1-10 ESV).

Since I grew up on the island of Galveston, I am very familiar with hurricanes. In fact, I lived there during one of the worst storms to hit the island, Carla. It was a category five storm with winds in excess of 140 mph! We stayed on the island and rode out the storm. I remember much about those days. The winds howling, the rain and the flooding. The water rose over ten feet! It was devastating, but we survived and rebuilt.

The same may be true in your personal life. You may be facing a “storm.” Customers, bosses, subordinates, co-workers, friends, spouses, children, and society as a whole demand more and different from us every day. There seems to be no safe harbor as we try to ride out the storm. So the natural question for us to ask is what can we do? And how can we master the forces of change? Asking to master change is like asking to master the wind. While we cannot stop the wind, we can understand it, minimize its damage, and maximize its value. We can set our sails and our course to reach our destinations or we can batten the hatches, set the anchor and ride the storm. The challenge is to understand what to choose and who to follow as our navigator through the storms. Let me make a few suggestions:

 First, trust the Lord. It goes without saying that your first and best resource is the Lord’s strength. Trust Him to keep you through your trial.
 Second, involve your family. Communicate with them your thoughts and desires. Don’t make them guess and worse, fear themselves.
 Third, get rid of useless baggage. Recheck your priorities and rid yourself of needless burdens. Simplify and survive.
 Fourth, understand the need to vent your anger appropriately. Take care to think before you speak.
 Fifth, be optimistic, but realistic. Know your limitations and work within them.
 Sixth, accept the fact that life requires change. It is stressful, but when managed it can be very positive.

I marveled at the way some of the palm trees swayed with the winds of hurricane Carla. The bent, but never broke. With your trust in the Lord, you can do the same.

Steady

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.” (Matthew 22:36-38 ESV).

I have done enough woodworking to know a little about how to make a table steady. The real trick is in the balance of the legs. If one is just a little bit longer than the others are, it will wobble. Of course the most stable of all tables is not the four-legged design, but the three-legged one. Perhaps this is true because you can never make one leg more important than the others. All three bear the same weight and balance. Photographers know that holding a camera steady is best accomplished by using a tripod. Likewise, when it comes to one’s life, three elements must be kept in proper proportion in order to achieve balance.

There have been those who have suggested that man is made of two dimensions, the mental and physical. However, there is a third dimension that must be added if we are to achieve true balance. That dimension is the spiritual. This is the central truth Jesus uses when asked about the greatest commandment. He simply says that a man must love God with all of his heart, mind, and soul. It is another way of saying that our body, intellect, and spirit must be balanced to truly be stable.

1. Perhaps the hardest of the three to balance in our lives is that of the physical. This has become even more true the older I become. My body simply won’t do the things it used to do, no matter how much my mind tells it to do so! But, that does not lessen the need to keep physically fit. This is not just another mandate to diet and exercise. Those things should be a part of our lives no matter what age we are. Rather it is an encouragement to rest our bodies also. We talked a little about that yesterday. Eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep are all essential to maintaining a healthy body.

2. The second part to achieving balance in our lives is found in a healthy mind. We should never think of ourselves as too old to learn. Balance in your intellectual dimension is achieved through reading, interacting with others, and stimulating your mind with new thoughts. You can teach an old dog new tricks!

3. The third part is the easiest for the Christian, yet it is often overlooked. So many of us only “snack” on the Scripture. Balance comes from a steady diet of Bible study, prayer, and personal worship.

How wobbly is your “table”? Make your life stable, steady, and balanced by properly adjusting the three legs of the balanced-life tripod: body, mind, and spirit.

No Appeal

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’” (Matthew 25:31-36 ESV).

In 1789, the Judiciary Act was passed by Congress and signed by President George Washington, establishing the Supreme Court of the United States as a tribunal made up of six justices who were to serve on the court until death or retirement. That day, President Washington nominated John Jay to preside as chief justice, and John Rutledge, William Cushing, John Blair, Robert Harrison, and James Wilson to be associate justices. Thus, the US Supreme Court was established by Article 3 of the US Constitution. The Constitution granted the Supreme Court ultimate jurisdiction over all laws, especially those in which their constitutionality was at issue. The high court was also designated to oversee cases concerning treaties of the United States, foreign diplomats, admiralty practice, and maritime jurisdiction. The US Supreme Court has grown into the most important judicial body in the world in terms of its central place in the American political order. According to the Constitution, Congress sets the size of the court, and the number of justices varied during the 19th century before stabilizing in 1869 at nine. In times of constitutional crisis, the nation's highest court has always played a definitive role in resolving, for better or worse, the great issues of the time.

While few of us will ever face the US Supreme Court, there is another court that all of us will face. And, that judgment will be eternal in its decision. There is no appeal from that court. It’s strange how many well-meaning people deny this truth. The idea of hell and judgment are nowhere to be found in Betty Eadie's bestseller, Embraced By The Light, on the NY Times bestseller list for more than 40 weeks, including 5 weeks as #1. In November 1973, Eadie allegedly died after undergoing a hysterectomy, and returned five hours later with the secrets of heaven revealed by Jesus. Eadie says that Jesus "never wanted to do or say anything that would offend me" while she visited heaven. Indeed, Jesus seems to be relegated to the role of a happy tour guide in heaven, not the Savior of the world who died on the cross. That is simply not the teaching of the Scripture.

Just before the death of actor W. C. Fields, a friend visited Fields' hospital room and was surprised to find him thumbing through a Bible. Asked what he was doing with a Bible, Fields replied, "I'm looking for loopholes." You need not follow his example! The declaration of Christ is that all that come to Him will receive eternal life. Today, if you have never confessed your sin to Him, do so immediately. Then, walk in the grace He has shown you by living in His Spirit. That will be the only way to hear a “not guilty” at that one final judgment!

Resting From Your Labors

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. (Genesis 2:1-3 ESV).

Today, I will be “preaching” more to myself than anyone else, I’m sure! Last month I went to Texas to perform a wedding. Since I went alone, I had a lot of “down time.” I can tell you that it felt very strange to be completely without schedule and responsibilities for nearly three days! It was a luxury I have not had in a while. Even while on vacation, there are often schedules to keep and things to do. However, waiting for the time of the wedding, I really rested! I almost felt a little guilty! So often in our busy culture, we feel that resting is a waste of time. Our modern mindset is that rest is for when we’re weary or sick or have time to rest.

God didn’t make our world this way. God rested on the seventh day. He called it Sabbath. He built that rhythm into our world. God didn’t rest because He was tired. He rested to give us an example. We needed to know that God made rest a priority. Let me make some observations about the importance of rest.

 First, it is a way to acknowledge the uniqueness of the nature of God in our lives. We need to acknowledge that God is God and we are not. It’s a way of saying that we cannot do everything needed and so we rest, trusting that God is at work doing only what he can do in our lives.

 Second, we need rest to restore and renew our physical, emotional, and spiritual lives. It is a simple fact, though often ignored, that our bodies need rest to function properly. Our minds need rest to operate at peak efficiency. Maybe most importantly, our spirits need to rest in the presence of God.

 Third, we need to rest to allow those around us to rest. When God called on Israel to keep his Sabbath, he reminded them that they were to let all their livestock and all their servants and workers, Israelite or not, rest as well. In other words, God’s rest was not a time for his people to take off from work so others could work for them, but a time for them to rest and let those around them to share in this blessing from God.

This is certainly not an excuse to be lazy. The Bible speaks very clearly about that as well. However, we do need to hear God calling us to a time of rest so we can receive his blessing, so others can share in that blessing, and so we can learn to trust God to work on things that we cannot do. At least in my busy world, with all its demands, I need to do a better job of resting! Perhaps you do too. God wants to meet us, bless us, restore us, and bless others through us in our times of rest!

The Song of Moses and the Lamb

Then I saw in heaven another significant event, and it was great and marvelous. Seven angels were holding the seven last plagues, which would bring God's wrath to completion. I saw before me what seemed to be a crystal sea mixed with fire. And on it stood all the people who had been victorious over the beast and his statue and the number representing his name. They were all holding harps that God had given them. And they were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb:

"Great and marvelous are your actions,
Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
O King of the nations.
Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come and worship before you,
for your righteous deeds have been revealed."
(Revelation 15:1-4 NLV).

Worship renewal is ongoing throughout the church around the world. Thank God that his Spirit is stirring believers to a keener consciousness of worship as the first business of the church. After all, worship is the one ministry of the Body of Christ that will extend into eternity. We will not need programs in heaven. There will be no purpose to evangelistic sermons to the unsaved. Since there will be no sickness, tears, or death, many of the ministries we pursue here in the name of Christ will have long since served their purpose by the time we arrive home. But worship is different. With all distance and barriers removed between God and his people, we will worship then as we wish we could worship now. No distractions. No possibility of self-absorption. Only glory, honor, and praise to heaven's throne occupants!

In a brief glimpse of heavenly worship given in Scripture, the redeemed from Earth "held harps given them by God and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb." The Song of Moses (read Exodus 15) is a song that exults in God's faithfulness and power. It recounts his mighty acts among the descendants of Abraham to deliver them from bondage and to give them a Promised Land. The Song of Moses and the Lamb (Revelation 15:3-4) is modeled on the same outline. It focuses on what God has done throughout the ages to reveal himself as the Faithful Deliverer of his people. Real worship is that which draws attention to the worthiness of God. It is not for our entertainment, but for His glory. What kind of worship do you practice? Perhaps it is time to rehearse the Song of Moses and the Lamb in your life today!

Our Greatest Glory

“Our Greatest Glory”
by Don Emmitte

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:7-9 ESV).

He felt like a failure! Everything he attempted seemed to turn out wrong. He began to fantasize about being rich. He would do the one thing he could do to make the most money in the briefest period of time. He would take up the occupation of bank robbing.
The would-be bank robber began to plan his strategy. He sat up late at night working on detailed plans, drawing sketches and going over steps he would take in robbing the bank. But he could never seem to get around to robbing the bank. He would plan each night, but when morning came, his anxiety paralyzed him, again. One night he determined that his mind was made up. Regardless of his feelings he would force himself to rob the bank the next morning. The next morning an anxiety attack paralyzed him again. Finally he came through it and forced himself to get into his car and go to the bank. The reluctant bank robber sat in the car in the parking lot from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. trying to force himself out of the car. Finally, he got out of the car and went into the bank. At the teller’s window he handed the teller his pistol. He stuck his brown paper bag in her face and said, “Don’t stick with me. This is a mess-up.” 1

Oliver Goldsmith said, “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising each time we fall.” I’m certainly not advocating that the would-be bank robber keep on trying to become a success at that job! However, I do believe that the Apostle Paul encourages us to keep on trying in our lives even in the face of seeming failure.

There are countless stories of those who simply would not quit until they reached their goals. And, there are countless stories of those who quit just a moment too soon! Perhaps you are in the midst of a difficult time today. First, determine God’s will in your life through prayer and counsel from godly friends. Once you know God’s plan, don’t give up. Success may be just around the corner! It may mean just a little bit more effort, time, or investment and success will be yours. Even when the failure may seem final, don’t quit. Thomas Edison’s manufacturing facilities in West Orange, N. J., were heavily damaged by fire one night in December 1914. Edison lost almost $1 million worth of equipment and the record of much of his work. The next morning, walking about the charred embers of his hopes and dreams, the 67-year-old inventor said: “There is value in disaster. All our mistakes are burned up. Now we can start anew.” 2 Do you need to start again? You can!

1. Darrell W. Robinson, People Sharing Jesus, (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995), p. xx
2. Alan Loy McGinnis, The Power of Optimism.

Sunday Dinner

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:1-4 ESV).

There is a wonderful story that comes out of the American Revolution. It seems that the general as he rode along saw group of men endeavoring to lift some timber. They were shorthanded, and the work was not going well. Their corporal stood by and repeatedly yelled orders at them. The general passed and said, "Why don't you lend them help and put your shoulder into it?" "Why sir," said the lofty corporal, "How can you think of such a thing? Do you know who I am? I am a corporal!" The general got off his horse, pulled off his coat, and helped move the timber, and by his efforts the soldiers achieved their task. Then he turned to the high and mighty corporal and said, "Mr. Corporal, next time you want a man to do such work as this you can send for me: I am General George Washington." This is the attitude of humility that Paul urges on the Christians in Philippi. It is the attitude we all ought to work toward maintaining in our lives. The following story comes from Cori Connors. Let it inspire you as it did me:

One Sunday afternoon our family gathered around our big oak table for dinner. Soon my daughter Kate’s laughter rose above the talk. “Gram, you’re silly!” she said. We all turned to see my mom delicately lifting to her mouth a small strand of peas on the blade of her knife. All but one pea made it, and everyone clapped. Then Mom told us the story behind her unorthodox technique: “When I was little we didn’t have much. It was the Depression. But we did have a table full of food because my father grew wonderful vegetables. Lots of hoboes who had jumped from the train wandered onto our property, looking for a meal. More often than not an extra seat was pulled up to our dinner table. “One summer afternoon I was sweeping the kitchen floor when my father’s voice came through the screen door: ‘Lizzy, set another plate. We have company tonight.’ Our guest paused in the doorway, and dipped his head in a gesture of gratitude. ‘Looks like he doesn’t speak much English,’ Dad said, ‘but he’s hungry like we are. His name is Henry.’ “When dinner was ready Henry stood until we were all seated, then gently perched on the edge of his chair, his head bowed and his hat in his lap. The blessing was said and dishes were passed from hand to hand. “We all waited, as was proper, for our guest to take the first bite. Henry must have been so hungry he didn’t notice us watching him as he grabbed his knife. Carefully he slid the blade into the pile of peas before him, and then lifted a quivering row to his mouth without spilling a single pea. He was eating with his knife! I looked at my sister May and we covered our mouths to muffle our snickers. Henry took another knifeful, and then another. “My father, taking note of the glances we were exchanging, firmly set down his fork. He looked me in the eye, then took his knife and thrust it into the peas on his plate. Most of them fell off as he attempted to lift them to his mouth, but he continued until all the peas were gone. “Dad never did use his fork that evening, because Henry didn’t. It was one of my father’s silent lessons in acceptance. He understood the need for this man to maintain his dignity, to feel comfortable in a strange place with people of different customs. Even at my young age I understood the greatness of my father’s simple act of brotherhood.” Mom paused, looked at her grandchildren, and winked as she plowed her knife into a mountain of peas.

History in the Making

Certainly no one with any reasonable familiarity of current events could say that we are not living in an historic period. In almost every area of our lives we seem to make history on a daily basis. However, it is important for us to realize that as December, 2011 looms on the horizon, the most important event of history has already occurred. That is the birth of the Christ. When Luke wrote his gospel account to Theophilus, he explained it as follows:

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:26-33 ESV).

Take the year 1809. The international scene was tumultuous. Napoleon was sweeping through Austria; blood was flowing freely. Nobody then cared about babies. But the world was overlooking some terribly significant births.

For example, William Gladstone was born that year. He was destined to become one of England’s finest statesmen. That same year, Alfred Tennyson was born to an obscure minister and his wife. The child would one day greatly affect the literary world in a marked manner.
On the American continent, Oliver Wendell Holmes was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. And not far away in Boston, Edgar Allan Poe began his eventful, albeit tragic, life. It was also in that same year that a physician named Darwin and his wife named their child Charles Robert. And that same year produced the cries of a newborn infant in a rugged log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky. The baby’s name? Abraham Lincoln.

If there had been news broadcasts at that time, I’m certain these words would have been heard: “The destiny of the world is being shaped on an Austrian battlefield today.” But history was actually being shaped in the cradles of England and America. Similarly, everyone thought taxation was the big news—when Jesus was born. But a young Jewish woman cradled the biggest news of all: the birth of the Savior.

And, it is still the biggest news! As you begin moving toward your celebration of Christmas this year, concentrate on the real meaning of the birth of Jesus in your life. Today, meditate on this one thought: What difference has the birth of Jesus made in my life? Then, praise Him for the blessings you have just remembered.

Covered Up

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. (Psalm 32:1-7 ESV).

Animals killed on the highways of America seem to be quite a problem for some states. I recently read an article about the outraged mayor of a small town in Pennsylvania. The interstate runs through his community. The reason for his outrage? A paving crew was working on that road one day last summer. They came upon a dead deer with much of its carcass lying on the road. They went right ahead and paved right over the deer! It's hard to believe that you could have this major obstacle, major bump in the road - and your solution would be to just pave over it. The just covered it up!

That is difficult to believe, but many people have done the same thing in their spiritual lives. They have opted for the "pave over it" approach. The writings of David show an intensely passionate, honest man. In Psalm 32, he starts by announcing, "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven... who sin the Lord does not count against him." All the mistakes of your life, all the sins, all the hurts you may have inflicted - forgiven and forgotten by God.

David first tried covering up his sin. However it didn’t work at all. "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night, Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer." Like David, many of us don't deal with our sins - we "keep silent." We do our best to cover up our wrongdoing. It feels as if we're getting away with living outside the laws of God. We're not. We keep hitting the bumps of what we paved over. And God's hand is heavy on us... we often feel drained or incomplete and the thought of God's inevitable judgment haunts us. David finally found peace, he said, "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity." No more paving over or running from God. What happens when you do that? "And You forgave the guilt of my sin." Finally, guilt-free... clean... ready to meet God. You face the facts of a life you have run instead of God running it... and you bring all that sin to the cross of Jesus Christ - where HE took the death penalty for YOUR sin - so you don't have to! You don’t have to cover it up at all. Come to Christ and He will forgive you of every sin. Aren’t you ready for that today?

Acts of Kindness

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’” (Matthew 5:43-48 ESV).

Sometimes the most wonderful stories are found within the arena of sports. The following is one of those stories:

Northwest football coach Dave Frantz and Tigers’ coach Derek DeWitt shared a conversation the week leading up to the game. But the two coaches weren’t discussing strategy; instead they were talking about a mentally handicapped Northwest player by the name of Jake Porter. Porter, a senior, has a disorder called "Chromosomal Fragile-X," which is the most common cause of inherited mental retardation. Porter still shows up on time for practice every day and dresses in full gear during games, but he has yet to take an official snap in a football game. Frantz wanted that streak to end last Friday. "I told them (Waverly) ahead of time that he can’t take a hit or anything," Frantz said. "If the game’s not at stake on the last play, I wanted him to come in and take a knee." Yet a week after their conversation, with Waverly leading 42-0 with five seconds remaining, coach DeWitt offered Frantz one better. "During the time-out, he met me in the middle of the field and said ‘We’ll let him score,’" Frantz explained. "(Initially) I said ‘Nah.’ Then we talked about it with the referees, and they said ‘Hey coach, we understand." What soon followed will forever go down in Southern Ohio football lore. At Waverly’s 49-yard line, Porter entered the game at tailback, had his play, "84-iso," called in the huddle, and when the ball was snapped all 21 players parted ways. Porter was somewhat surprised when he slowly walked through the huge hole. He initially turned back around to the original line of scrimmage, but everyone on the field, including defensive players from Waverly, pointed and guided Porter toward the Tigers’ end zone. "When we practiced it, he was supposed to down it, so I think he was a little confused at first," Northwest tailback Zach Smith said. "But once he figured it out, he took off." The 49-yard trek to glory took about 10-12 seconds in all, and was culminated by players from both sidelines cheering and running step-for-step with Porter to the end zone. Tears flowed from the bleachers well into the night, and the life of one young man was changed forever. "At Waverly, we didn’t do anything special. We were just happy to be a part of that," a humbled DeWitt said. "That young man was just excited to get the ball. Our guys didn’t care about the shutout; those stats went out the window. "When you’re involved in a moment like that, you want to make sure you end the game with class, decency and respect." 1

We may all learn a lesson from this wonderful example of kindness in the midst of competition. Love for all men is, after all, one of the two great commandments. How’s your “love life?”

1. James Walker in “The Herald-Dispatch”

I'm Bored

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. (Philippians 2:12-15 ESV).

It is incredible to think that anyone could be bored in today’s world. However it is a phrase that I have often heard. Part of the reason is that so many people simply don’t notice what is happening right in front of them! I was reminded of this recently when I saw the following caricature depicting the birth of Abraham Lincoln: Two tired Kentucky pioneers meet with their skinny dogs on a bleak February morning. One asked, “What is new out here, neighbor?” The other replied, “Nuthin at all... nuthin’ at all, ‘cept for a new baby boy down to Tom Lincoln’s. Nuthin’ ever happens out here.”

You ever feel like “nuthin” happens where you live? Does life seem ho-hum boring? Ever get the feeling that all the excitement, all the “happenings” in the world, are occurring somewhere else to somebody else? Ever wish that just for a change, you could be on the cutting edge of something new and wonderful? Well, you might be right. Like the illustration above suggests, we may be missing what God is doing. Some people’s lives are dull and boring. Their lives are lackluster. There are a lot of people living in the slow lane of life, and they like it that way. Of course, there are others who currently occupy the slow lane, but wish for something new and exciting. They seem to be waiting for it to happen. They are a lot like the fellow who was discovered sitting by the lake, when someone asked him what he was doing, he replied: “Waiting for the fish to bite.” Interestingly, his fishing pole lay on the ground by his side. So far he hadn’t gotten around to putting a hook in the water, but he was waiting for the fish to bite. Do you see the problem?

If you’re waiting for things to happen, may I suggest that you consider “throwing a hook into the water?” Get up and make something happen “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure!” I’ve heard countless people say they wished their church could grow. Many have said they would like for their church to make an impact on their community, help change lives, and save the lost. There is just one problem. They evidently think that if they sit around long enough, someone will come along and make it all happen. They’re waiting for the right time, the right person, the right situation, the right method, or the right something that will cause things to happen. What they need to learn is that all of those things are within their grasp. They just need to get up and make something happen, for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure!” If you’re bored with life as you see it, maybe its time to do something about it!

King Tut's Tomb

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” (Matthew 28:1-7 ESV).

On November 4, 1922 British archaeologist Howard Carter and his workmen discovered a step that led them to the tomb of King Tutankhamen in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. When Carter first arrived in Egypt in 1891, most of the ancient Egyptian tombs had been discovered, though the little-known King Tutankhamen, who had died when he was 18, was still unaccounted for. After World War I, Carter began an intensive search for "King Tut's Tomb," finally finding steps to the burial room hidden in the debris near the entrance of the nearby tomb of King Ramses VI in the Valley of the Kings. On November 26, 1922, Carter and fellow archaeologist Lord Carnarvon entered the interior chambers of the tomb, finding them miraculously intact. Thus began a monumental excavation process in which Carter carefully explored the four-room tomb over several years, uncovering an incredible collection of several thousand objects. The most splendid architectural find was a stone sarcophagus containing three coffins nested within each other. Inside the final coffin, which was made out of solid gold, was the mummy of the boy-king Tutankhamen, preserved for more than 3,000 years. Most of these treasures are now housed in the Cairo Museum. Tutankamen was one of the most powerful kings of ancient Egypt. He was worshipped as a god. Yet, when it came time for him to die, he was buried just like any other man. Only Jesus holds the position of resurrection. It is the capstone of the faith of Christianity.

Little Philip, born with Down’s syndrome, attended a third-grade Sunday School class with several eight-year-old boys and girls. Typical of that age, the children did not readily accept Philip with his differences, according to an article in Leadership magazine. But because of a creative teacher, they began to care about Philip and accept him as part of the group, though not fully. The Sunday after Easter the teacher brought Leggs pantyhose containers, the kind that looks like large eggs. Each receiving one, the children were told to go outside on that lovely spring day, find some symbol for new life, and put it in the egg-like container. Back in the classroom, they would share their new-life symbols, opening the containers one by one in surprise fashion. After running about the church property in wild confusion, the students returned to the classroom and placed the containers on the table. Surrounded by the children, the teacher began to open them one by one. After each one, whether flower, butterfly, or leaf, the class would ooh and ahh. Then one was opened, revealing nothing inside. The children exclaimed, “That’s stupid. That’s not fair. Somebody didn’t do their assignment.” Philip spoke up, “That’s mine.” “Philip, you don’t ever do things right!” the student retorted. “There’s nothing there!” “I did so do it,” Philip insisted. “I did do it. It’s empty. The tomb was empty!” Silence followed. From then on Philip became a full member of the class. He died not long afterward from an infection most normal children would have shrugged off. At the funeral this class of eight-year-olds marched up to the altar not with flowers, but with their Sunday school teacher, each to lay on it an empty pantyhose egg.

Moments That Take Your Breath Away

We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. (1 John 3:14-20 ESV).

We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath. The following story came to me from a friend. Though I do not know the source or the author, it accurately illustrates this wonderful truth.

During the waning years of the depression in a small southeastern Idaho community, I used to stop by Mr. Miller's roadside stand for farm-fresh produce as the season made it available. Food and money were
still extremely scarce and bartering was used, extensively. One particular day Mr. Miller was bagging some early potatoes for me. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas. I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller and the ragged boy next to me. "Hello Barry, how are you today?" "H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas ... sure look good." "They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?" "Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time." "Good. Anything I can help you with?" "No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas." "Would you like to take some home?" "No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with." "Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?" "All I got's my prize marble here." "Is that right? Let me see it." "Here 'tis. She's a dandy." "I can see that. Hmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?" "Not 'zackley .....but, almost." "Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble." "Sure will. Thanks, Mr. Miller." Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said: "There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, perhaps." I left the stand, smiling to myself, impressed with this man A short time later I moved to Colorado but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys and their bartering. Several years went by each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his viewing that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon our arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts ... very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing smiling and composed, by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary, awkwardly, wiping his eyes. Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and mentioned the story she had told me about the marbles. Eyes glistening she took my hand and led me to the casket. "Those three young men, who just left, were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim "traded" them. Now, at last when Jim could not change his mind about color or size... they came to pay their debt. "We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world," she confided, "but, right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho." With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three, exquisitely shined, red marbles.

Fear Not

I love this time of the year. From Thanksgiving to Christmas provide us with incredible inspiration/ Pastor Clifford S. Stewart of Louisville, Kentucky, sent his parents a microwave oven one Christmas. Here’s how he recalls the experience:

“They were excited that now they, too, could be a part of the instant generation. When Dad unpacked the microwave and plugged it in, literally within seconds, the microwave transformed two smiles into frown! Even after reading the directions, they couldn’t make it work. Two days later, my mother was playing bridge with a friend and confessed her inability to get that microwave oven even to boil water. ‘To get this darn thing to work,’ she exclaimed, ‘I really don’t need better directions; I just needed my son to come along with the gift!’”

When God gave the gift of salvation, he didn’t send a booklet of complicated instructions for us to figure out; he sent his Son. Someone has said:

• If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator;
• If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist;
• If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist;
• If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer;
• But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior.

At least one of the things that Christ has accomplished for us as our Savior is the means of conquering of fear in our lives. In the Christmas narratives, there are several “fear not’s.” We may look at each of these through the following Scripture:

1. The “fear not” of salvation: “…but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!” (Luke 2:10,11; NLV). Almost every thinking individual fears death and the uncertainty of that which we have no measurable evidence. Faith in Jesus Christ brings courage in the face of this uncertainty. We no longer need fear death. Jesus has shown us the way to conquer it!
2. The “fear not” of the humanly impossible: "Don't be frightened, Mary," the angel told her, "for God has decided to bless you! The angel replied, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby born to you will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:30,35,37; NLV). All of us have reached points in our lives where we simply could not do something. The message of Christ is that all things are possible with Him.
3. The “fear not” of unanswered prayer: “But the angel said, "Don't be afraid, Zechariah! For God has heard your prayer, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John.” (Luke 1:13; NLV). How often have you felt as if your prayers went unheard and unanswered? The birth of Christ offers us proof that our prayers are heard and answered.

It really isn’t as complicated as often thought. God sent His Son to simplify life through His example and leadership. When Thomas wanted to know the way, Jesus said, “I am the way!” That invitation to follow Him still stands today. Trust Him today and let your fears melt away in His grace.

Happy Thanksgiving (Part 3)

Happy thanksgiving! “Yeah, right!” is the retort from those who are having a difficult time in life. You may be one of those people today. For you, the sun simply is not shining. What do you do when the sun doesn’t shine? Well, it has happened before!

In 1883, history records that in New England the Sun didn't rise! The people awoke to an eerie darkness. They went outside to do their chores in stony silence. No rooster crowed, no birds chirped, none of the usual sounds of a new day. At the very start, people began to gather in small groups to question what was happening, to wonder and discuss what was taking place. Slowly, people began to make their way to the Churches. They say that by noon every Church in New England was filled to overflowing with people on their knees crying out to God. There were cries for mercy, people begging for forgiveness and others confessing their sins. They say that there were few people who didn't pray the day the sun didn't rise. The Churches were full late into the night.

As the next morning neared, great crowds began to gather on the hilltops and the high places near their homes and churches. People were staring toward the eastern horizon. Every eye was fixed on that point where the sky touched the land. Every eye watching, hoping to catch a glimmer of the first rays of the Sun. As the sun began to come up over the horizon, people began to shout and yell praise to God; they clapped, danced and rejoiced because the Sun shined on the land again. As if in one voice, they began to praise the Lord for the sunlight, the warmth and the joy of God's new day.

They had no idea that on the Island nation of Indonesia, the sleeping giant of a volcano, Krakatoa, had come to life. They had no idea that this great mountain exploded sent a huge cloud of dust and ash into the upper atmosphere. This black cloud would be carried around the world by the jet stream. It was said to cover whole regions, covering the sky from horizon to horizon. Few people had any idea that a volcano, half way around the world, could create such a cloud that could block out the Sun. Yet for most of those people that the very first time they ever thanked God for the warmth and wonder of the Sun.

It may be that in the midst of your trials, you have found it next to impossible to thank God. Today, as you prepare for Thanksgiving, won’t you spend a moment and thank God. It may be that you will have difficulty thinking of anything to thank Him for. Begin with the life He has given you – not the quality of your life at the moment, just life itself. Then, let your mind wander a bit. Little by little, find yourself replacing the negative with the positive. You have much more than perhaps you at first thought to thank Him about. You have freedom. You have family. You have food and shelter. You have eternal life! You have much to be thankful about.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV).

Happy Thanksgiving (Part 2)

“Happy thanksgiving!” becomes an empty greeting in the face of so many difficulties and trials. All of us have been faced with challenges and hardships that seemed to take away all hope and joy. There is a way to transcend the worries of the moment. While it is true that we must never lose our sense of “present tense,” we must also balance that with a knowledge that this moment is not all there is in life. We are destined for so much more in the gift of eternal life that awaits us through Christ.

Lavonn Brown, in his book, The Other Half of of the Rainbow, wrote, “Every year thousands of people climb a mountain in the Italian Alps, passing the stations of the cross to stand at an outdoor crucifix. One tourist noticed a little trail that led beyond the cross. He fought through the rough thicket and, to his surprise, came upon another shrine, a shrine that symbolized the empty tomb. It was neglected. The brush had grown up around it. Almost everyone had gone as far as the cross, but there they stopped. Far too many have gotten to the cross and have known the despair and the heart break. Far too few have moved beyond the cross to find the real message of Easter. That is the message of the empty tomb.”

Today’s verse comes from the psalms. It is a declaration of David in the midst of his flight from Saul. Perhaps it will speak to you as much as it did me.

I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!” Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful. The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. (Psalm 116:1-9 ESV).

That’s the balance! There is a sense in which we must live here and now, but we must not forget that we are destined for the then and there. Regardless of how bad this life may get at times, we have the promise of eternal life. A little boy was offered the opportunity to select a dog for his birthday present. At the pet store, he was shown a number of puppies. From them he picked one whose tail was wagging furiously. When he was asked why he selected that particular dog, the little boy said, "I wanted the one with the happy ending." There is a happy ending to our lives with Christ as our Savior. That makes the possibility of a “Happy thanksgiving!”

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:51-58 ESV).

So, today, start looking for the “happy ending!” And, then have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Happy Thanksgiving (Part 1)

As we approach this year’s celebration of Thanksgiving, let’s look at some of the gifts He has given us. In his book, In the Heavenlies, Dr. Harry Ironside tells the story of an attempted assassination of Queen Elizabeth I. “The woman who sought to do so dressed as a male page and secreted herself in the queen's boudoir awaiting the convenient moment to stab the queen to death. She did not realize that the queen's attendants would be very careful to search the rooms before Her Majesty was permitted to retire. They found the woman hidden among the gowns and brought her into the presence of the queen, taking from her the poignard she had hope to plant in the heart of the sovereign. She realized that, humanly speaking, her case was hopeless. She threw herself down on her knees and pleaded and begged the queen as a woman to have compassion on her, a woman, and to show her grace. Queen Elizabeth looked at her coldly and quietly said, ‘If I show you grace, what promise will you make for the future?’ The woman looked up and said, ‘Grace that hath conditions, grace that is fettered by precautions, is not grace at all.’ Queen Elizabeth caught it in a moment and said, ‘You are right. I pardon you of my grace.’ And they led her away, a free woman. History tells us that from that moment Queen Elizabeth had no more faithful, devoted servant than that woman who had intended to take her life.”

Of course, this is the central motivating factor in our service. God’s grace has been shown to us without reservation. God has given us the greatest of all gifts in the life of His Son, our Savior. There was nothing we did, or could have done, to deserve such grace. Yet, it has been given to us. David’s praise focuses on this work of God in redemption:

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! (1 Chronicles 16:8-10; 34 ESV).

Just one of the many things we may be thankful about this year is His “faithful love.” Over forty years ago, as a young preacher, facing the delivery of my first sermon, I was given a Scripture that has been a point of strength through many difficulties. I was just twenty that year. The pastor of First Baptist Church of Bryan, Texas, H. Bailey Stone, Jr., had asked me to preach in his absence on a Wednesday night. It was both exhilarating and terrifying. Of course I had practiced, studied, and prepared for weeks prior to the night, but when the time came, I found myself frightened and unsure. One of the deacons met me at the church and prayed with me prior to going into the sanctuary. That certainly helped. But, just before I went into the sanctuary, he handed me a telegram from the pastor. It was brief, but powerful. It said: “Read Dt. 31:6 Love Bailey”. I still have that old yellow telegram. Though I no longer need to be reminded of the Scripture. I long ago memorized it and often recite it to myself. Perhaps it will help you today as we being to focus on the things we may be thankful about.

“Do not fear them, nor be in dread of them, for the Lord your God goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6, KJV). His faithful love does endure forever! What greater gift can there be than this grace?

The Spin Doctors

“When a stretch of street swelled, cracked and then returned to normal within 20 minutes last summer, one city official joked that it was the work of a giant earthworm. Fire Dept. spokesman Charlie McCafferty, who make the quip, later chalked the 20-foot-long bulge up to a natural gas accumulation and forgot about it. Until Tuesday, when he learned that the weekly National Examiner carried the headline, ‘20-foot earthworm terrorizes city, swallows dogs.’ The story told readers about a ‘top-level investigation ordered into the horrifying sighting of a giant earthworm.’ McCafferty said he heard about the article when two frightened women phoned him about a creature ‘eating up dogs’ they’d read about in the magazine. The tabloid quoted unidentified city officials and witnesses who said they saw the worm grab dogs and swallow them whole. Cliff Linedecker, news editor for the West Palm Beach, Fla. weekly, said the paper got the story from Frank Kendal, a stringer who ‘has given us some pretty good stories. It was a very good story and I saw no reason to question it,’ he said. ‘We run into a lot of really unusual stories here. ‘ When asked if he believed in such giant earthworms, he said, ‘Well I do now. When you’re dealing with the printed word. All I had to deal with was the printed word.’” (Taken from Spokesman Review, of Fort Worth, Texas).

Soon we will be looking at elections. Campaigning is already in full swing. One of the “new” phrases that has entered our vocabulary is “the spin.” I know its not a new word, though it has come to be used more in the last few years than I can remember in my lifetime. This is what Webster’s Dictionary lists as the definition of “spin”:

1. To draw out and twist into threads, either by the hand or machinery; as, to spin wool, cotton or flax; to spin goats' hair. All the yarn which Penelope spun in Ulysses' absence did but fill Ithaca with moths.
2. To draw out tediously; to form by a slow process of degrees; with out; as, to spin out large volumes on a subject.
3. To extend to a great length; as, to spin out a subject.
4. To draw out; to protract; to spend by delays; as, to spin out the day in the idleness By one delay after another, they spin out their whole lives.
5. To whirl with a thread; to turn or cause to whirl; as, to spin a top.
6. To draw out from the stomach in a filament; as, a spider spins a web.

It is amazing how comfortable we have become with something less than the truth! Lying is one of the many tools Satan has used to since the beginning of time to keep us from the fullness of God’s presence. The trouble with his lies is that they sound so believable! Perhaps one of the most destructive forms of these believable lies is that of gossip. The Scripture has some very specific things to say about this subject.

A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. (Proverbs 16:27-28 ESV).

For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. (Proverbs 26:20-22 ESV).

Truth is always the better of the two choices in our speech, especially when it concerns the lives of others. Today, determine to use your tongue for good and not evil.

The Law

There are so many different laws. I was browsing through some of my notes from a few years ago and found the following list of "laws.”

1. The law of volunteering: If you dance with a grizzly bear, you better let him lead.
2. The law of avoiding oversell: When putting cheese in a mousetrap, always leave room for the mouse.
3. The know-its-time-to-quit law: The more you run over a dead cat, the flatter it gets
4. The law of common sense: Never accept a drink from a urologist
5. The first law of reality: There are days when no matter which way you spit, it is upwind
6. The second law of reality: When you starve with a tiger, the tiger starves last.
7. The third law of reality: Whatever it is that hits the fan, it will not be distributed equally.
8. The fourth law of reality: Never get into fights with ugly people. They have nothing to lose.
9. The fifth law of reality: Creativity is great, but plagiarism is faster.
10. The law of goal setting: Reality is a crutch for those who cannot cope with fantasy.
11. The law of escape: When you are in a hole, stop digging.
12. The law of vision: The higher you climb, the further you can see, but the view gets fuzzier.
13. The sixth law of reality: You’ll never win a spitting contest with a skunk.

The Bible has a great deal to say about laws, however it is vital for us to realize that grace covers our sin under the law. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Roman church:

Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. (Romans 3:19-25 ESV).

A story is told about Fiorello LaGuardia, who, when he was mayor of New York City during the worst days of the Great Depression and all of WWII, was called by adoring New Yorkers ‘the Little Flower’ because he was only five foot four and always wore a carnation in his lapel. He was a colorful character. One bitterly cold night in January of 1935, the mayor turned up at a night court that served the poorest ward of the city. LaGuardia dismissed the judge for the evening and took over the bench himself. Within a few minutes, a tattered old woman was brought before him, charged with stealing a loaf of bread. She told LaGuardia that her daughter’s husband had deserted her, her daughter was sick, and her two grandchildren were starving. But the shopkeeper, from whom the bread was stolen, refused to drop the charges. “It’s a real bad neighborhood, your Honor,” the man told the mayor. “She’s got to be punished to teach other people around here a lesson.” LaGuardia sighed. He turned to the woman and said, “I’ve got to punish you. The law makes no exceptions—ten dollars or ten days in jail.” But even as he pronounced sentence, the mayor was already reaching into his pocket. He extracted a bill and tossed it into his famous sombrero. That’s the same grace that we have been privileged to receive through Christ. We are guilty, but God sent His only Son that we might have our “fines paid in full!” If you’re still trying to gain acceptance through the law, you deny His grace. Accept it today and praise His name! It is, after all, amazing grace!

Naked, Hungry, and Cold

Poetry is so often profoundly symbolic written with layers and layers of meaning. However, I recently found a very short bit of verse that speaks very clearly to one of man’s most common temptations, that of discontentment. Here it is:

As a rule, Man’s a fool
When it’s hot, He wants it cool.
And when it’s cool, He wants it hot,
Always wanting What is not.

The devil has made many people miserable in their lives by simply dangling those things we do not have in front of them. Welling up inside all of us are those moments of discontentment. If we are not very careful to refocus our thoughts, we will lose our sense of peace. From his prison cell, the Apostle Paul wrote the following declaration in response to the Philippian’s gifts:

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:10-13 ESV).

Philip Parham tells the story of a rich industrialist who was disturbed to find a fisherman sitting lazily beside his boat. “Why aren’t you out there fishing?” he asked. “Because I’ve caught enough fish for today,” said the fisherman. “Why don’t you catch more fish than you need?” the rich man asked. “What would I do with them?” “You could earn more money,” came the impatient reply, “and buy a better boat so you could go deeper and catch more fish. You could purchase nylon nets, catch even more fish, and make more money. Soon you’d have a fleet of boats and be rich like me.” The fisherman asked, “Then what would I do?” “You could sit down and enjoy life,” said the industrialist. “What do you think I’m doing now?” the fisherman replied as he looked placidly out to sea.

Don’t misunderstand. I am not advocating laziness, or denial of your dreams and hopes for the future. All of those things are perfectly acceptable. However, when we are consumed with what we do NOT have, we cannot truly be at peace. Someone said, “A contented man is one who enjoys the scenery along the detours.” Life is a journey that we are all called upon to walk. Some of the roads we travel take us to places that are not as desirable as others. But the same wonderful Savior, who walks with us on the easy paths, also walks with us down the difficult paths. So, naked or clothed, hungry or fed, with little or plenty, rest in the unalterable truth that we can do everything with Christ’s help! “For the poor, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15). Feast in His riches today!