Ten Reasons to Never Make Excuses

Good Morning, 

As we consider rearing our children and training our young adults, may we attempt to teach them not to make excuses and to avoid complaining. Some people are more prone to blaming others, blaming circumstances, or making excuses about some injustice; others do not do so as much. Making excuses and complaining are ungodly, and good parents should do their best to train this corrupt thinking out of their children.  

Numbers 11:1 “And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.”

1. No one wants to hear complaining; God killed a group of complainers.

2. If you did your best, that is enough; you need not explain. Be known as a man who always does his best.

3. Only your mother will listen, and most of the time, even she will not listen.

4. No one respects a complainer.

5. No one wants to date someone who complains.

6. No one wants to be married to a complainer.

7. Complaining sounds stupid to everyone besides you.

8. Complaining does not get the job done, and the job is what matters.

9. God is in charge, and He controls difficult, frustrating, and unjust situations, so do not complain about circumstances God arranges or allows.

10. If you are in the will of God, all the circumstances are okay; you are the variable. Do your job and keep your mouth closed.

Pastor Goddard

Watch What You Watch

Good Morning,

No matter what the world around us says, the first big trouble on earth came because someone looked at something.  

Consider the results of these people in the Bible because they simply looked at something: Eve ate the forbidden fruit; David committed adultery; Samson took a heathen wife; Achen brought about the death of his whole family, and on and on the illustrations go.

Yet, with such clear instruction from the Bible, Americans still watch countless hours of television, and place their own eyes and the eyes of their children in front of youtube and endless online videos. Worse yet, most American parents allow their children almost unfettered use of the internet which slowly perverts the hearts and futures of their children.

Psalm 101 gives two simple rules about what to watch:

vs. 3 “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:”

vs. 6 “Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land”


Psalm 119:37 “Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.”

Nothing very difficult to grasp in those verses, but what about Matthew

6:23, “But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!”?


What a dreadful warning about our eyes and our meditations. The sad part is how mankind acts surprised.  I can tell you now that the next Super Bowl half time will be foul.  How do I know?  I know because of what the Super Bowl half-time show is!  Yet, God's people (I am not talking about the lost) will still watch the game and be shocked at the shameful halftime show.  We usually know when evil is approaching.  The Holy Spirit will give warning; there will be that little hint of danger, and if we respond properly, God will continue to warn and guide so we do not end up in foul situations.  I think that after a while, we can refuse instruction to a point at which God will allow us to pollute our hearts and minds and ruin our lives.  We know some wrongs, and the Lord warns us about others. Our sinfulness is our trouble.  

Summer is here. Do not act surprised when girls are nearly naked at the lake, beach, or pool.  Just do not go there if it will be offensive!  If you have not yet done so, clean out your house, your garage, and your child's room and get rid of the things that you feel are offensive. Remember what God told Israel to do as soon as they entered Canaan?

Numbers 33:52 “Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places:”

Destroy all their PICTURES.  Yes, get rid of things we might look at that will draw us away from purity and the love of God.

We know better, we just enjoy sin and do not think it will hurt us - so foolish is man.  

Pastor

Why Tell?

Good Morning,


Psalm 96:3 “Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.”

vs. 4 “For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.”

vs. 5 "For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.”


Many people think it is a noble deed to preserve the ancient ways of a native culture or religion.  The deed is treated as someone who protects a redwood grove.


We do not want to protect ancient sanitation methods. We certainly do not want to protect primitive methods of family values or medical treatment (most end in sickness or death).  Folks do not understand that those ancient religions also result in sickness and death – eternal death.


Notice the text above.  We are to declare God’s glory among the heathen. We are to show all people God’s wonders.  It does not matter whether it is the aborigines of Australia or the sultans of a Middle-Eastern country. Everyone needs to hear about the way of salvation and the glory of God.  There is no other name under Heaven but the Name of Jesus that saves. (Acts 4:12)


God makes it clear in verse five, that the gods of the nations are nothing but idols – brainless, powerless, statues or images that cannot save or deliver.  No doubt, Satan has used these false gods throughout history.  With the provision and permission of the Almighty God, Satan has, no doubt, exhibited some power in these heathen religions.  Sadly, those very religions will send people to hell for an eternity.  Our obligation is to declare God’s glory among the heathen and his wonders among all people.


People die and go to Heaven or hell based upon what they do with Jesus Christ.  We must leave behind the foolish idea of sincerity and loyalty to our heritage, and devote ourselves to truth.


This matter of turning people to the Almighty God, the only true God, is more than getting people out of hell.  This is a debt that every human being owes to their Creator.  God gave us life, and for the majority of us, He gave us eyes, ears, and the ability to think and to walk.  He gives us sun and rain, and food and shelter – we owe Him!  Every human being owes Him!  It is the debt of humanity and the obligation of every honest and decent human being.  Paying our debts is our duty.  The greatest debt every human has is the praise and worship to the One Who keeps their hearts beating.


When you and I talk about Christ to others, we not only do so to get people saved but also to give God the glory He deserves.  Witnessing to others is about the people of our community who so arrogantly think their self-sufficiency has given them their homes and cars and toys. Our soul winning is an attempt to turn people from their arrogance and vanity and teach them to humbly worship the Almighty God Who gives them breath.  Our God, the God Who gave His only begotten Son deserves praise and worship from every human being.  That is the reason for soul winning, church ministries, and foreign missions.


Psalm 96:3 “Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.”

vs. 4 “For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.”

vs. 5 “For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.”


Pastor

Simple

Good Morning,


When I left for college, I was not stupid but I was certainly not academic. I received good grades, but I was also in a school that made it easy. I had never written a paper; I had no clue what it meant to put thoughts together and research in order to present an organized paper of twenty to thirty pages to a teacher. I simply had not been taught, neither had I grasped reading. I could do a word problem in math or memorize and use a geometry theorem. Reading and comprehending a book was something different, and it intimidated me.


I got saved just a few days before going to college, a secular college. I struggled academically, but I kept my grades high enough to stay on the ball team. It was not long before I knew I should be in Bible College; and around that time, I hurt my shoulder and was unable to play college sports without major surgery. I knew God’s plan, and I headed for Bible college.  During that year and a half in a secular college, I found out I could read just fine. I read the Bible hour after hour. I studied It; I compared verses with other verses; I had no notes, no commentaries, no concordance, and no help. I just had the Word of God – and It was plenty! I found out that I love to read. At least, I love to read the Bible. Many years later, I became comfortable with other books. The point is, I was common, average, and perhaps even a little below average when it came to organizing. 


Notice what the apostle Paul says about who God uses.


1 Corinthians 1:26  “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:”

vs. 27 “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;”

vs. 28 “And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:”

vs. 29 "That no flesh should glory in his presence.”


God is not looking for someone brilliant. God is not looking for someone with perfect hair, a perfect complexion, or the unusual ability to speak. In fact, Paul said that his speech was contemptible, and he did not use the wisdom of men’s words. We just read that God did not use the things which were impressive but rather the base things and things that are despised.


We need to remember that it is God Who does the work. He is just looking for a willing vessel. If we will love His Book, love Him, love righteousness, and hate iniquity, God will do the rest. (Hebrews 1:8)

I have never been very good at keeping records, journals, or numbers. When I teach a series of lessons or sermons, they are rarely taught again because typically, I do not keep the notes in an organized fashion. Everything I do is new and fresh. Even if the subject has been done before, the notes usually need to be rewritten.


I am not the best at scheduling. Sometimes, I wish I could be more efficient at getting everything done and having everything on a set schedule. It just has not happened. I look at organized and disciplined people and sometimes try to pick up a few hints of how they do things, but I am just a simple person who loves a very great God. I would like to encourage you to focus on the love of God, and let God take care of using you, whoever you are. God is not looking for anyone supernatural; He has that one covered. God is looking for a simple willing servant.

Pastor

Do Not Faint

Good Morning,

Proverbs 24:10 “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.”

In this verse, we see that some who face adversity will faint. People who face trials will simply give out or give up, or in weariness, turn aside from the fight.  

Job was accused of being able to talk about faith except when trouble hit him, and then he could not hold up. How wrong his accusers were! Job wrestled through terrible circumstances and won the battle, though the battle was fierce and terrible.  

Job 4:5 “But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled."

Yes, we do get troubled.  Yes, we face adversity beyond words.  To quit serving God is not an option; quitting is an insult to the grace of God.  

I wonder, does God give grace and help when we grow faint?

Isaiah 40:29 “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength."

Do those who wait upon the Lord truly find renewed strength? 

Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Notice God does not say we will not be faint, but that God will help us through the times when there is no strength to go on.  Paul spoke often about being under extreme distress.

2 Corinthians 4:1 “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;"

We must keep our eyes and mind on the Saviour or we will surely be overcome and faint.

Hebrews 12:3 "For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." 

To the church at Ephesus John wrote, "And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted."  (Revelation 2:3)  The Ephesian people were laboring for Jesus’ sake, not for their own pleasure or pride but for Christ.   Since the people were doing what they did for His blessed name, they kept on when they might have fainted in their own strength.  

Ephesians 6 has a very practical outline that will help us stand in the battle:

(Armour of God)

1. Stand for truth. Do not chase lies or exaggerations. Do not falsely accuse.  (vs.14)

2. Maintain a life of righteousness. (vs. 14)

3. Be sure to go soul winning and witness often. (vs. 15)

4. Keep trusting God and obeying His direction – that is our shield. (vs. 16)

5. Spend much more time in the Bible – it is our sword. (vs. 17)

6. Spend much more time in prayer. (vs. 18)  

Pressures and hurt will cause us to curl up in a ball and hide from people, but God says if we are to stand, we will need much strength; practicing the outline above will allow us to stand in the evil day.  

We must understand that this life of ours belongs to the Lord; we are His servants.  With all the Lord's kindnesses, we sometimes think we are His servants as long as life is happy and peaceful.  We must remember that we are at war, battling against the powers of darkness.  We cannot fight a spiritual enemy in the power of the flesh.  We need the armour of God mentioned above.  

Fainting is not uncommon, but I do not want to be one who does it.   Quitting is a regular occurrence for some, but I do not want to participate.  

Ephesians 6:13-14 tells us, “…having done all to stand, stand therefore..."

May we continue to stand for God and right.

Pastor

Others

Good Morning,

Patch the Pirate is certainly a favorite character among the children of our church. In his adventure story, “Kidnapped on I-Land,” there is a character called “King Me First.”  We all know the Scripture passage that says “love thy neighbor as thyself,” but we could add a few words from Philippians 2 which says, “look not every man also on his own things, but on the things of others.”  Most people have heard someone in a pulpit mention the subject of putting Jesus first, others second, and yourself last.

In 1 Kings 1:5, one of David’s sons decided that he would be the next king. One phrase is very key, “Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself.” When we consider the Christian life, we can look to John the Baptist who said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)

In Acts 5, we find the story of Ananias and Sapphira, the couple who sold a piece of land and gave only a portion of the money, yet said they had given it all in hopes of making themselves look good.

Christianity in its purest form is certainly one of self-denial, not self-promotion. Jesus said, “If any man come after me, let him deny himself…”

Matthew 16:24 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

Christianity must be built upon making others look good, rather than ourselves. Think of the number of times people have pushed to be first.  I remember the story of a checker at a local grocery store who said, “Two people were coming for the same checkout line.  One person shoved the cart quickly in front of the other.  The person who got the second-place ribbon, casually walked up to the person in front of her and pushed their cart over and dumped all the groceries onto the floor.”  I guess second place meant very little in their minds.

At the airport, we often see pre-boarders passengers (people who, for some physical reason, get an okay to get on the plane before everyone else). I find it interesting how many of those people look completely well. I do not mind them pre-boarding, I just know I would need to have a severe problem before I could ask to go first, to get a better parking spot, or to go to the front of any line.

Promoting ourselves is not a Christian value.  Promoting one’s self is carnal and satanic.  

Isaiah 14:13 “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:”

vs. 14* I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.”

May we train our children to open doors for others, to stand back while another goes before them, and to pass the plate of food to another before grabbing for themselves.  

When The Salvation Army had their annual meeting, William Booth, the founder, was unable to attend due to age and ill health.  He wrote a telegram to be read to the delegates; it was titled "Others."  His main objective was to focus on others.  We must have the same message if we are to have a blessed marriage; so it would be in our churches if we could gain the mentality of serving others and not ourselves.  

Paul had started the church in Corinth; the Corinthians were his converts, and, no doubt, he had trained many of them.  As time passed, they were more impressed with themselves and began to criticize Paul.  His response was amazing:

1 Corinthians 3:5 “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?”

The ministry was not about Paul, but about Jesus and what He did for us and through us.

Others!

Pastor

Things That Last

THINGS THAT LAST

Good Morning,

As our nation becomes more alienated from the Bible, we also see unscriptural agendas promoted more often through immoral behavior, wrong family values, national leadership, or environmentalism.   These facts are sure: the Bible affects people in dramatic ways, and the lack of Bible affects a society dramatically.  

God's Word is eternal, while the world’s values and goals are very temporary and pitiful.

Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”

Psalm 102:26 “They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:”

Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”

1 Corinthians 7:31 “... for the fashion of this world passeth away.”

1 John 2:17 “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

Whether it be wealth, beauty, musical glory, or political popularity, the rewards of this world are short-lived. The brevity is due to many lives being based on worldly possessions that have no foundation.  When we build our lives on the goals of the world, we become foolish and temporary.  

A Texas university announced that it was setting up a program to solve the mental health problem of masculinity.  The most basic component of life is clearly under assault: men and women, male and female, masculine and feminine.

Obvious facts are attacked and assaulted.

If I am interested in buying a dog, it will be identified by gender.  When someone talks about a horse, terms like mare, filly, gelding, or stallion are always used. Each term is an identification as to gender. Every valuable animal for sale has a gender listed; every store has its clothing categorized by the simple categories of gender, size, or style. California is about to lead the way in stupidity as they propose not filling out the gender on human birth certificates until the child grows enough to determine its true inner gender.   Cows or poodles are born and identified with a gender; but the gender of humans, created in the image of God, is under debate?  Can stupidity be any more obvious?  Without the Bible and God, mankind has no limit to the measure that its stupidity can reach.  

The university I mentioned earlier is proposing such absurdity is supposed to be a place of “higher education,” yet it challenges the “mental disorder” of masculinity. I ask again, “Why do people send their children to these schools?” 

The Texas college announcement is not a matter of gender as much as it is a satanic matter of rebellion against anything God promotes.  

Our world promotes couples living together rather than committing to marriage, for marital commitments are Bible-based.  Moral purity and sobriety are fought because it is biblical.  The very term virginity is mocked by Hollywood and the media everywhere.  School sports on Sunday is significant, not because Sundays are better days to play, but because it is rebellion against church attendance on Sundays.   Has anyone noticed how many high school graduations in public schools are held on Wednesday nights?  It just happens to be the same night as the mid-week Bible studies in most churches. One of our young people graduated from a secular college; the ceremony just happened to be scheduled on a Sunday morning.   


We must remember that our world is against God, against the Bible, and against anything for which God is in favor.  

Nations without a strong Bible base will oppress people because God sets them free.  Do not doubt this fact — proof can be seen all over the world.   Muslim cultures live in primitive manners and oppress their people; it only makes sense because God wants people free and prosperous. The most prosperous nation in the Middle East is Israel, a society founded upon the Bible.  

Do your best not to allow the world to guide your life or your thinking about marriage, child rearing, or personal finance; for all that is in the world is a godless, temporary lie.  

2 Peter 3:11 “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,”

vs. 12 “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?”

vs. 13 “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”

May we live for things that God promotes and seek out that which is eternal.

Pastor

And Ye Fathers

Good Morning,

As society changes so quickly, I thought of the quotes and phrases that younger people do not hear nowadays:

"Who wears the pants in the family?"

"Wait 'til your father gets home!”

"A man's home is his castle!”

"If you get a spanking at school, you get a spanking at home.”

"The fairer sex.”

“All is fair in love and war.”

"Don't quit!”

"Sissy kids" (Remember the commercial on every television in America: "Fat kids, skinny kids, kids who climb on rocks, tough kids, sissy kids, even kids with chicken pox love hot dogs…?")

Many more quotes could be listed, but many of them would cause several people to stop reading these Morning Moments. The point is, society changes, and the change is not usually for the better. (Yes, those were better days in America — at least we knew what bathroom to use, and any American could define a marriage without help from the Supreme Court.)

We live in a culture which does not like to look back, learn, listen, and follow the path of older and wiser generations. I had both of my sons start reading Louis L' Amour books (I blacked out any bad words) as they entered seventh or eighth grade. (I got them to read by not having the stupid television on all the time.) L'Amour books teach important, manly qualities that I wanted my boys to learn: loyalty, honesty, honor, hard work, “riding for the brand,” never touch a woman, payment for debt is a matter of life and death, respect the property of another man, fights and guns are necessary as long as bad people are on the earth, and defend your family, property, and country at all cost!

I am amazed that parents allow children to learn from Sponge Bob, Barney, The Simpsons, and the corrupt, womanizing pervert "Iron Man,” when they have John Wayne and others of his era to choose from. Parents have allowed boys to grow up acting as though women are simply sex objects, while allowing girls to dress as if that is what they are.

We have allowed women to boss men, mock the homemaker, and made commercials that show the woman driving home from work and the man making an amazing dinner. I have watched our basketball team play a homeschool team with one of the homeschool mothers coaching the boys and hugging the kid who fouled out (I cannot go on, it makes me want to throw up). With no television in our home, our youngest son grew up with Old Time Radio on his iPod; he was raised on "Have Gun Will Travel" , "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar" and several other radio shows of that era. A boy ought to grow up with stories about sword play, guns, hard work, facing injustice, and doing right when no one else does. We certainly do not need Star Wars, Vampires, and The Walking Dead. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is the kind of movie that carries value (it must have happened in a moment of insanity in Hollywood). Every boy should know the stories of Sergeant York, The Red Baron, Audie Murphy, and Eddie Rickenbacker.

The time has come for us to look to our fathers:

Deuteronomy 32:7 “Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.”

Isaiah 43:18 “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.”

Isaiah 46:9 “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,”

1 Corinthians 10:11 “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”

The Bible not only speaks about remembering the past, but also about fathers teaching their children:

Ephesians 6:4 “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Proverbs 1:8 “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:”

Dads, read to your children — not modern books, but rather stories such as The Moral Compass and The Book of Virtues. Sets of old children's books that were published as a compilation of hundreds of years of famous stories, fairy tales, and history can be found at almost any thrift store. Often at breakfast, after reading the Bible, I would read to our children out of these old stories; my children became familiar with Ulysses and the Cyclops, Molly Pitcher, Vikings (my family is of Norwegian descent), and stories that laud responsibility, courage, compassion, honesty, friendship, persistence, and faith.

The Bible talks about "the God of our fathers.”

1 Chronicles 12:17 “And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it.”

Acts 3:13 “The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.”

Acts 5:30 “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.”

Acts 22:14 “And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.”

With Father’s Day this weekend, let us be reminded of the biblical importance of fathers. May we study to know what we, as men, should be, and expose our boys to that which will develop those character traits in their hearts from youth.

Pastor

Fixing

Good Morning,

Each morning, we get up and have to start fixing things. The task may be our hair or clothing, but it will eventually get to our house or yard (pulling weeds, washing dirty cloths, doing dishes, etc). Correcting messes is a lifelong project.  In some cases, we end up fixing a major fiasco we caused ourselves.

Fixing is really more a part of our lives than building; for everything we do will need to be fixed at some point, and many things we did not build will become our problem to fix.

God has been in the fixing business for eternity.

The trouble is we do not allow Him have as much freedom to fix as often as He would like.  He has to pester us to come to Him.

Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

David understood the need to come to God and to allow Him to fix problems.

Psalm 51:7 “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”

It is the Lord Who will clean up the church so that it is fit to be presented to Himself:

Ephesians 5:26 “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,”

vs. 27 “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”

It is the Lord Who makes us acceptable:

Ephesians 1:6 “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”

Our primary issues are drawing close to the Lord, listening to Him, and allowing Him to fix our problems.  If we will obey God and trust His timing, He will work out our circumstances.

We often hear the instruction of God and simply do not believe it will work, or we do not read enough Bible to know what we are supposed to do.

Needing help is not shameful, but shame on us if we simply wallow in our mess, fail to be and do what God has planned for our future because we are too proud to draw nigh to Him and allow Him to do the fixing.

Relax, God only works with messes -- to a loving Father, you are no shocking exception.

Being too foolish to get close to God and listen is what we ought to fear.

Pastor

Faith Inside & Out

Good Morning,

Matthew 7:15 “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”

Acts 20:29 "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.”

We usually read these passages assuming the sheep are the believers and the wolves are the evil, anti-God world around us, but as we read the Bible, we see that it was the religious crowd that delivered Jesus to be crucified.  A "familiar friend" betrayed our Lord.  The spiritual leaders of the Reformation assaulted countless Bible believers throughout the Dark Ages.   

Since the beginning of time, religion has been the tool of evil as much as the tool of God.  Just like politicians, some have good motives and decent plans while others have corrupt plans and destructive agendas.  

Most likely, the strongest preaching of our Lord and John the Baptist was directed toward the religious crowd of their day. 

Matthew 23:14 “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.”   

vs. 33 “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?”

One public statement that was printed and circulated told of the religious leaders’ desire to silence the simple preaching of the Baptist people by implementing fines.  

“… And if any one be found to allow his house or place to the Anabaptists, contrary to the church regulations of this city, for the purpose of preaching or holding meetings therein, he shall each time be fined ten dollars.

The preachers, as aforesaid, if found to be preaching, shall for each offense be fined ten dollars, or be imprisoned two weeks on water and bread; and when detected in thus preaching the third time, shall be expelled from the city or the jurisdiction of the same.

And all that shall be found attending such preachings or gatherings, shall each time be fined two dollars.

Whoever shall be found to have rebaptized any one, shall be fined twenty dollars; and when detected the second time, shall be imprisoned on water and bread, and expelled as aforesaid.

Again, unbaptized children shall not receive inheritance, according to the city statutes.”    

- Sept. 7, 1601   Martyrs Mirror, page 1103

Whatever good God does, Satan will seek to modify, slander, corrupt, and use it for evil.  This was true in the days of ancient Israel as well as today; religion can become a mockery.

Amos 5:21 “I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies."  God can get completely fed up with outward religious deeds, deeds in which no heart for God personally exists.   Other times, God sees total compromise in the lives of those who say their hearts are right with God – God wants one’s heart and life.  

1 John 3:18 “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

1 Corinthians 13:1 “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”

Vain religion, whether Bible-believing or Bible-denying, is not uncommon; our lives need to match our faith.  A heart of compassion and a life of devotion should both honor God.  The difficult moments will often reveal who we truly are.  For this reason, our Lord directed us to love our enemies, to be merciful, and not to revile when others revile us.  

1 Peter 2:23 "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not..."

May we seek to have a faith that is rooted in our hearts and exhibited in our lives.  

Pastor

Children & Tech

Good Morning,

During our Christian Education month, we spent much time teaching on the development of our young people.  For a moment, indulge me while I deal with a very unpopular issue – technology!  

I heard a news report about the tie between suicide and (of all things) "wi-fi and Bluetooth."  Those were the words the news report used!  Not a Christian station, a regular radio news team.  I went online to search for suicide and the internet, and the articles about the dangers associated with social media and the internet are endless.  YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE.  

Children are feeling defeated and in despair because of "cyberbullying."  Well, if the child had no social media presence and carried no cell phone, that would take care of much of that pressure.  I also found that the lack of social media "friends" or followers is also a source of depression; the feeling that others have a great life and the youth lives a boring life of home, school, and chores is depressing to him.  

When the infinite damage done via porn and 24/7 music is factored into the problem, children are vulnerable beyond words.  Most parents just keep paying the phone bill that slowly destroys their child.  

In most public schools, having the best phone is a pressure – this is a great reason to place our children in good private schools where phones are not allowed to be out or used.  When children get home, have them place their phones in a box; do not allow phones in the child's room.  We did this with our last child, right up to college.  No "screens" were allowed in his room: no phone, television, tablet, computer, or game system!

I have sent this out before, but Steve Jobs was interviewed and this is one response he gave about his children and tablets:  “They haven’t used it.  We limit how much technology our kids use at home.”

Interviewing other tech giants brought about this summary:  “They strictly limit their children’s screen time, often banning all gadgets on school nights, and allocating ascetic time limits on weekends."

Chris Anderson, the former editor of Wired and now chief executive of 3D Robotics, a drone maker, has instituted time limits and parental controls on every device in his home. “My kids accuse me and my wife of being fascists and overly concerned about tech, and they say that none of their friends have the same rules,” he said of his five children, ages 6 to 17.  “That’s because we have seen the dangers of technology firsthand.  I’ve seen it in myself, I don’t want to see that happen to my kids.”

These interviews are a few years old, but I assure you, their views have not changed; those who know the dangers, limit and control devices!

Alex Constantinople, the chief executive of the OutCast Agency, a tech-focused communications and marketing firm, said her youngest son, who is 5, is never allowed to use gadgets during the week, and her older children, ages 10 to 13, are allowed only 30 minutes a day on school nights.

 Evan Williams, a founder of Blogger, Twitter, and Medium, and his wife, Sara Williams, said that in lieu of iPads, their two young boys have hundreds of books (yes, physical ones) that they can pick up and read anytime.

Technology is a terrible babysitter for little ones, a deadly friend for children, and a threat and deceiver of teens.  Control technology or exile it to a parent-filled living room, and still control it every minute.

Pastor

Identifying Spiritual or Carnal

Good Morning,

David had been chased by Saul for a long time.  Hiding in caves, forests, and other countries, David sought to avoid a fight with the king.    When David finally heard that Saul had died, he was broken – not glad.  His reaction to the news was proof of his spiritual mindset.  


2 Samuel 1:11 “Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him:” vs. 12 “And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword... (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)”

vs. 19 “The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!”


David memorialized Saul, wrote a song or poem to honor him, and taught the boys to use the bow in memory of Saul and Jonathan. Having had twice the chance to take Saul’s life, and avoiding it, his actions were clearly understood that David did not wish any ill upon his king.  


Spiritual men seek no harm to others, even those who hate them.  Rather than seek to take Saul’s life, David left Saul to the hand of God. This was not feigned remorse, but sincerity.  David truly grieved over Saul’s death, and he made Saul look good by talking about his good qualities.  


vs. 23 “Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.”


David did not seek to ruin the reputation of Saul; he protected it. Why?  Because David was a man after God’s own heart, and his actions identified his true character.  


After gaining the throne, David heard of those who honored the fallen body of Saul:

2 Samuel 2:4 “And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul.”

vs. 5 “And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him.”


The admonitions are clear. Those who walk with God and love Him can be easily identified by their words and treatment of those who hate them.  Godly people care for others, even those who hate them.  Godly people can be identified by their concern for their enemies.


The sorry culture that seeks to destroy is far from godly.  Wise, spiritual people seek only good for others.  Carnal people will argue this point, but we need not read far in the Scriptures to see how these truths are taught.  Jesus said we are to love our enemies and pray for them that despitefully use us.  


Psalm 35:12 “They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.”

vs. 13 “But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.”

vs. 14 “I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.”


More than a few stories like this are written in the Scriptures; for godliness is revealed by the relationship to those who hate you.  On the cross, Christ pled, “Father forgive them.” Stephen prayed warmly for those who threw stones at him: “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” Joseph held no ill will toward those who sold him as a slave – think about that – they sold him into slavery!  Joseph said God sent me before you to save people. 


Genesis 50:20 “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” 


As we live in a culture of character assassination and tactics designed for political and social destruction, let us remember that godly people are identified by their love for one another and their desire for the best reputation, even of their enemies.   

Pastor 

Grateful Spirit

Good Morning,

The spirit of the believer is to be filled with gratitude and praise.  

Ephesians  5:19 “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;"

vs. 20 “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”


Giving thanks always for all things! The same Bible that says do not kill and do not get drunk, says we are to have a thankful spirit. Part of this gratitude comes from the sources we allow to influence us. Ephesians 5:19 talks about singing psalms and hymns. The right kind of music will certainly affect our spirit. This world will likewise affect our spirit. Critical or negative, co-workers, friends, or newscasters will affect our spirit. We understand that there are some people who are simply negative. Like Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh, this kind of people assume the worst in each situation. That outlook is hardly scriptural; God said, “Rejoice in the Lord alway…” 


Ephesians 5:4 “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” 

Psalm 34:1 “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

Isaiah 63:7 “I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us…"

Colossians 1:11 “Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;”

vs.12 “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:”


These verses and dozens of other passages exhort us to praise, to give thanks, and to have a grateful heart. Our circumstances will be difficult at times, but our God is always good and always worthy of praise and thanksgiving.  


Some children naturally complain. Our duty as parents is to try to train them to praise, express gratitude, and overcome their natural tendency to have a negative outlook.

Perhaps you are married to someone who always looks on the downside; it would be wise not to try to change them. Remember, you chose to marry that person; it is best to love your spouse and trust that God will guide them to be what He wants them to be in spirit.   


For each of us individually, we should strive to be people of praise and thanksgiving.


Pastor 

Friends and Truth

Good Morning,

I believe the greatest influence in the life of young people is their friends.  Of course, there are many avenues for good or evil influences, but most come through the friends they have.  Many people can relate to a first cigarette or drink of booze that happened because of a friend.  In our culture, friends influence dress, social media, phones, and activities.

Forever, parents have warned their children against following friends into questionable activities, but not only young people need to be on guard against the improper leading of a friend.  All of us need to be careful to honor the Bible and truth, even if it comes between us and friends.

The book of Proverbs warns against co-signing for a friend.

Proverbs 6:1 “My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,”

A friend can lead us into commitments that are not prudent.  Friend or no friend, there are some situations into which we should not follow.  

God warns that there are certain lines all Christians should draw, and in some cases, it means walking away from a relationship, no matter who it is.  

Proverbs 14:7 “Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.”

Notice what David says about relationships, even those within his own house:

Psalm 101:3 “...I hate the work of them that turn aside…"

vs. 4 “...A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.”

vs. 5 “Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.”

David makes it clear that in order to stay godly, sometimes believers need to separate from others, even those with whom they were once in a close relationship.  In Psalms 101, one of the items David warns against is a wrong attitude.  

No one likes separation from those they love, but it is necessary and very scriptural.   In the Gospels, we read twice where God records our Lord assuring us about divisions among those in our family.  

Matthew 10:35 “For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.”

Luke 12:53 “The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.”

The idea that I will not be a good friend if I do not break the law for my friend is unwise, although it happens often.  I have a dear friend who explained that he took the blame for something others did because he was a friend and would not turn them in.  He went to jail for several months.  That was his own decisions, but I do not believe a wise one. 

I do not care who the friend might be, I would not follow a friend to drugs or booze.  I am passionate about my family, but I would also refuse to approve of my children's choice (or support them) if they entered into a corrupt venture.  I may leave the choice to them and stay out of the matter.  I may say, "I do not agree, but you are an adult and have to face your own choices."  I told one of our girls that she had to choose who to marry, but I was not obligated to walk her down the aisle to give the bride away.  This idea of family loyalty over right and wrong is nonsense.  

The Bible urges us to love everyone, but we are not commanded to be friends with everyone.  In fact, the very opposite is true. We are commanded to avoid some people.  

Romans 16:17 “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”

2 Thessalonians 3:6 “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”

2 Thessalonians 3:14 “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.”

2 Timothy 3:5 “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

My family and friends have my love and loyalty, but not at the expense of right.  Our Lord hung on the cross, and at one moment, Christ "became sin" for us.  At that moment, we read that the Father turned His back on the Son and Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me."  

Even God chose to turn His back on His Son as He became sin.  

Mark 15:34 “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?  

As we love one another, may we never drift in our love for God and right.  If we are pressed to choose, may God always be our first choice.  

Pastor

His Aid

Good Morning,

While praying for our missionaries in Africa and the South Pacific, I was very conscious of the weaknesses of these dear friends and the fierceness of the enemy they face. Some of these missionaries I prayed for have been my friends since college or the early years in our ministry.  For over a third of a century, these faithful servants have served; and as I watch them age, I pray more for them and their families.  

Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Paul wrote of our spiritual wrestling — the battle against spiritual wickedness in high places.  These missionary friends face demonic activity, corrupt governments, and all the sinful powers of the flesh.  As I prayed for them, I was reminded that I am no more able to fight the spiritual enemy than they are; the outcome of the battle is all of the grace and the power of God.  

Some of these friends have serious physical ailments, some have broken hearts over loved ones living sinful lives, but all wrestle with the evil one. I am reminded that a sound body is no more able to fight spiritual darkness than a weak and sinful one.  In fact, in weakness, we often pray more and humble ourselves more easily.  

I need prayer just as my friends do. The Apostle Paul also requested prayer:

2 Thessalonians 3:1 “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:”

Were it not for the grace, mercy, and help of God, how easily we would stumble and fall or become discouraged and quit.  I must continue to remember that without Him, I can do nothing.

John 15:5 “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Even when I am overly busy, I am reminded that I need to stop and go aside to seek the presence and help of the Father if I hope to stand against the wiles of the devil.  

Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Many a faithful child of God has walked away from his church or place of service simply due to despair, weakness, or frustration.  All of that could have been helped by spending time in prayer and by the prayer of others.  

Ephesians 6:18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

vs. 19 “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,”

Missionary Mark Sigstad and I attended college together.  He has spent over three decades laboring in Nigeria. He wrestled through a bout with cancer and returned to West Africa.  The grace of God is the only element that has allowed him to successfully continue in the spiritual warfare as the years pass.  May we all be assured that being a mother or carrying the responsibility for the spiritual well-being of a family as a father does is impossible without the help of God.  

Let us often remind ourselves of the words in these songs:

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children; help those who are weak;
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Pastor

Quitters or Heroes

Good Morning,

I closed my book, Surviving The Tsunami, with a poem and a verse well worth considering.  I send it today in my morning moments thinking it might be a help to someone.  

Pastor 

Dedication

Most books have a dedication at the beginning, but I chose to put the dedication at the end because it will make more sense to someone who read through these pages.  This book is dedicated to the God Who divinely allows trials that we might learn and become more like His Dear Son. Through troubled times, we grow stronger. Though broken-hearted and physically weary, and though Jacob limped the rest of his life, what a nation to which he gave birth! Job said it as well: 

Job 17:9 “The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.”

vs. 10 “But as for you all, do ye return, and come now: for I cannot find one wise man among you."

The ultimate goal of satanic pressure is to get us to quit and to be of no value.  The goal of God in pressure is to make us more valuable, like gold.  The question is, "How will we respond?"  

In a time of trial, I penned these words to close the book. 


Quitters or Heroes  


I’ve seen some people quit on right.

I’ve seen them walk away.

I’ve seen them quit because of sin

Or because of troubled days.



I’ve seen some quit in weariness 

As they walked life’s narrow path,

And some in fear slipped off the way

Because of satanic wrath.



Old Demas left and Titus too,
All twelve, they walked away. 

And Paul, he stood alone in court;

But Christ was there that day. 



Daniel and his three good friends,
They’re famous in history,  

While many a Jewish boy gave in

And lived Babylonian ways. 



John Mark, he quit and ran for home

For Paul walked a troubled road. 

But John, he grew in grace and returned

So faithful to Paul and God.



’Twas no easy road this couple took

From Nazareth to Bethlehem

To Egypt and back to their home again

As God’s Son became a man. 


Jospeh could have quit on God

And lived in moral shame,
Or given up in the prison cell

Forgetting his good name.



King David as a ruddy lad

Stood when he could have run;

But quitters ne’er faced giant men

And brought them to their doom.



I’ve noticed something of heroes.
They cross the finish line.

They may limp or run alone in pain,

But are heroes in their time. 



I’ve never seen a quitter

Who won the final prize.

I’ve never seen the tear-filled eyes 

Thank quitters for their lives.



I’ve never seen a hero
Who took the easy way,

Who gave up when the trouble came;

They all showed up and stayed.



We remember Doss on Hacksaw Ridge,

The “Unbroken” prisoner too,

And Washington's bullet-ridden cloak

Just to name a few. 

A hero, he can limp along

Or use prosthetic limbs.

A hero, he can die afar 

On unknown foreign lands.



But no quitter ever drew applause

From those he helped in fear.

No accolades from lives he changed
Caress the quitter’s ear.



Abe Lincoln faced his slander
,
George Müller was falsely accused.

Roger Williams, he was banished 

Before freedom’s light was viewed.

Just what do quitters gain in flight?

What good has ever come

From fleeing in the face of threats
Or leaving the fight undone?



I may be weeping while I stand;

By His grace, standing I'll be found.

I may be wounded, slandered, or more;

But to finish my course I’m bound.



Benedict Arnold and Judas,

Some things they two share:

Both turned when things were threatening

The risk they would not bear.


"Don't go into this danger,”

Eyes beautiful and pleading said.

But those words were never hearkened to

By heroes alive or dead.



I’m sorry, my beautiful loved one,

From the fight I shall not run.

There's something different in my blood

For a cause I here have come.



Some may have fled to Canada, 

In cowardice left their call

But no Purple Heart or Medal of Honor 

Will ever grace their brow.



I'll live a common, regular life
Nothing special I feel I am.

But a quitter I'll ne’er be labeled,

And faithful I shall stand.

Truth & The Bible

Good Morning,

While out of town recently, I preached on Proverbs 23:23 "Buy the truth and sell it not…"  The next speaker read his opening text, Psalm 85:11 “Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.”

God was certainly seeking to make an issue of truth by leading both of us to speak on the same subject one right after another.  The Bible mentions truth 237 times.  Truth is so important to God that our Lord defines Himself as "truth" in John 14:6.

We live around so much opinion; opinion is prevalent in the medical world and certainly in politics, economy, and social matters. Life is built upon realities and stable facts not on opinions and preferences.  Look at your car tire and see what air pressure it requires.  The tire does not say, "Inflate to whatever makes you feel good."  If you are off very much, you will quickly wear out your tires and potentially have more serious trouble.  Perhaps the worst place for truth to be missing is in religion; for most assume that religion is what gets one prepared for the "afterlife."  In reality, most religious people I have met have no idea about truth.  Even in eternal matters, religious people tend to lean on opinion and feelings rather than truth.

Opinion is fine when we talk about what car or ice cream one chooses, but when it comes to what happens to us after we die, we better have some truth.

If you are reading this and wonder about your eternal destiny, please contact our office, anyone there will be happy to talk to you about salvation and assurances that come from the Word of God.  

Allow me to make a few quick observations about truth and eternity:

1. The Bible says Jesus is the way to Heaven, not any other.

Acts 4:12 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

2. The Bible makes it very clear that being good or doing good works has nothing to do with getting us to Heaven after we die.

Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”

vs. 9 “Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…"

3. It is faith that saves a sinner.

Romans 1:17 “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."

Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith…"

4. Your faith will save you. Tell the Lord you believe He died and rose to pay for your sins,  and that you are trusting Him alone to save you.  Your heart belief is the only issue with which to concern yourself. 

Our Bible holds much guidance on marriage, child rearing, government, and business. Every Bible instruction is TRUE.   When referring to salvation, the lines of truth and error are specific and clear.  Jesus is "the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man cometh to the Father but by me” (Him).

Truth is the issue. Will we trust our feelings or opinions, or the opinions of our church, or will we look straight at the truth of the Bible and believe It?  

It should not surprise us that our society lifts opinions and feelings above the truth of God's Word. The One Who will judge mankind already wrote down what is right and wrong regarding gender, drugs and liquor, and every other subject.  

With all that said, is it any wonder the devil works so hard at keeping us from reading our Bibles?

I would like to urge you to read the Bible daily, talk about It with your family, and make the Word of God your source of truth.

Pastor

Overreaction Part 2

Good Morning,

If you have not read the first part of the lesson on overreacting, please do so, for it will set the stage for these thoughts better.  

2 Samuel 9:3 “And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.”

David, in times of peace and victory, sought out any child left of Saul.  He found Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son.  Bringing Mephibosheth back to Jerusalem, David treated him as a son and gave him all the lands of Saul.  

vs. 9 “Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house.”

Later, after David's own son betrayed him, sought to take away the kingdom, and planned to kill David (his own father), David did not act so prudently.

2 Sam 15:14 “And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.”

Zeba had apparently left Mephibosheth at home, crippled and unable to travel.  While Zeba brought supplies to David (he was banished), he slandered Mephibosheth and said he desired to rule in his grandfather's stead. David gave Zeba all the wealth of Saul, and condemned Mephibosheth to poverty or even death.  

2 Samuel 16:3 “And the king said, And where is thy master's son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, To day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.”

vs. 4 “Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king.”

Later it appeared that Mephibosheth had been in mourning and was elated at the return of David to the throne.

2 Samuel 19:24 “And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.”

After hearing this news, David divided the wealth of Saul between Zeba and Mephibosheth.

vs. 29 “And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.”

vs. 30 “And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.”

One man slandered another, wealth was divided, the leader made choices... it was all too much and too soon.  The king nearly lost the kingdom and his life, and he did lose his son.  Broken-hearted people are not going to make the best decisions.  Be merciful!  

Allow me to refer to the prior lesson on 2 Samuel 10:3

• 40,000 people died due to wrong advice, after the new king lost his father to death.

Consider how many people have left a church and quit serving God because they listened to the wrong people.  Consider the number of people who walked out on a marriage because they listened to a co-worker or neighbor rather than getting godly advice from a spiritual leader. Wrong advice, gossip, slander, or the misrepresentation of true events have all caused countless spiritual fatalities.

Which decision was right in David's situation with Zeba and Mephibosheth may be in question, but here are a few thoughts.  

• Do not make serious decisions when you are hurting.

• Use understanding and be patient with those who do make decisions in troubled times.  

• A friend who makes a bad decision in a time of tragedy deserves to still be your friend.  

• A friend who had made countless wise and faithful decisions in the past, may in tragic moments make a bad choice – but that does not erase all the good they had done before.   Keep believing in them, keep loving them.

• If you are wounded by the hurting friend, do your best not to retaliate. In so doing, you would give the devil a double victory; one of you needs to stay sound in response.  

You can probably come up with more lessons and guidelines for response to trials and suffering, but most importantly, remember that the best of God's people are flesh, and when great sorrow takes place, none of us are exempt from irrational decisions.  

Pastor

Foolish Overreaction

Good Morning,

When driving, it is important that one act deliberately.  Often, overreaction does more damage to one than the obstruction in the road, or the losing of traction on loose gravel or even ice.  I grew up where there were many deer, and it was not unusual at all to have a deer run into the road right in front of your car.  Some drivers have gone over a cliff, some ran into a tree, others hit the deer, and in each case a split decision had to be made. One thing is sure – overreacting is bad. 

David heard of the death of a neighboring king.  In sincerity and compassion, he did what he felt was an act of kindness.  How do you comfort one in the loss of their father and king?  What David did is not clear in Scripture, but he did send a group of men with a gift or words of encouragement.  

2 Samuel 10:2 “Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.”

David acted sincerely and honorably, no matter what Hanun thought.  The trouble was the wrong counselors.  Do not doubt that Satan has many team members who sound good, and act good but are set to ruin good people with bad advice.  It is likely that Hanun would not have reacted the same had it been his own decision.  We are all influenced by those around us.  

2 Samuel 10:3 “And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?”

vs. 4 “Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.”

A war followed, many people died, and international hurt and tension rose all because someone overreacted.  

Consider other Bible stories with overreaction.

Was David after the throne?  No, Saul overreacted. (1 Samuel 18:8)

Was the nation going to abandon Jeroboam and return to Rehoboam and Jerusalem?  No, Jeroboam overreacted.  (1 King 12:26-28)

In these and many other situations, we read of great hurt caused by an overreaction to situations yet to be understood and clearly defined.  

It would be good if this were only a biblical issue, but I heard of a husband who felt television was a problem in his home.  He came home and found the television on again and put his foot through it.  He found himself near divorce. Some people will overreact when wrong is found on a computer, or when a child appears to have done wrong.  I have seen pastors and staff resign, married people walk out on each other, fist fights begun, and many other sad situations occur that could have all turned out far better had people been slow to react.  

This situation can include moms and dads, kids and friends, or teachers and parents in a school; all have the potential of overreacting.  

Here are a few thoughts:

1. Do not act immediately. If dramatic action is needed, tomorrow will usually be soon enough.

2. Try to not think the worst.  If the situation is serious, you can be angry on purpose later.  In our courts a person is supposed to be assumed innocent until proven guilty; perhaps we could do that for each other.  

3. Give the benefit of the doubt.  At least try to consider that the action was intended to be right, even if it turned out to be wrong.

4. When you overreact, humble yourself and go back apologizing; try to make the situation right before irreparable damage is done.

James 1:19 “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”

Pastor

Loyalty

Good Morning,

Romans 13:7 “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”

Some people truly deserve to be treated with honor; it is DUE THEM.

Your family, your church, the college that trained you: these are people and institutions that have been important in our lives, and we owe them some honor and loyalty.  I strive to never come between anyone and their parents, their college, their own church, or their spouse (even if I have not always received the same treatment from other leaders).

A sickening smallness encompasses the man who is so insecure that he has to destroy others in hopes of finding his own loyal followers. One of the great things I noticed while attending Bible college was that Dr. Hyles had no problem with people talking about where they had attended school. Some teachers had attended Tennesee Temple, Bob Jones University, Princeton, or other places. They were also welcome to talk about great people from other churches and colleges that had influenced them.  

Another amazing characteristic about the ministry of Brother Hyles was his ability to knit hearts of college students with their home pastors.  After a few years under his ministry, I was far closer to my home pastor than I was when I began college.  

On the other hand, I have been around people in college ministries who asked their staff not to talk about where teachers attended college, and not to bring up people who influenced them. That insecurity is pitiful.

I have always been somewhat amazed by someone who was led to Christ in a church, was taught Sunday school throughout their life in that same church,  attended a Christian school at that church, surrendered to the ministry at a conferences at their church, and some even traveled to foreign countries at the expense of that churches members, only to have them step back and pretend their home church was not in existence.


Someone very small with big insecurity issues probably got a hold of this person and convinced them that their roots were not worth hanging onto. I can tell you that from the first pastor that influenced me, Al Porticalian, to the first place I attended Bible college with Pastor Blue , and then graduating some years later from Hyles-Anderson College, I am proud of my heritage! I am unashamed of those who loved me and helped me, and I am very happy to give honor to whom honor is due. I cannot forget the secular coaches and teachers who taught me, or even neighbors who helped develop me into the person I am today. 

In the Scripture, we are asked to honor many others. Peter mentions three of them: “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” (1 Peter 2:17)

We are to treat all men honorably; they matter and are loved by God, and they are a part of the world and society in which we live.  Be honorable toward all.  Peter continues to say that we are to give special honor to our Christian brethren. Lastly, he urges us to honor the political leaders. 

Paul writes that we are to honor our parents:

Ephesians 6:2 “Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)”

Moses wrote that we are to honor the elderly people in our world. 

Leviticus 19:32 “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.” 

We are to honor the pastors who labor in the Word of God to help us stay right in our beliefs.  

1 Timothy 5:17 “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” 

Loyalty is fast disappearing from our culture.  The lack of loyalty is certainly eroding the foundation of a good nation and decent humanity.   My natural father was not a Christian, but he was a good influence in many ways. I often use illustrations about him in writing or sermons because of the debt I owe him. Every American owes a debt of loyalty to those who founded our nation.  Our founders could have sat in luxury in a socialistic nation or lived comfortably under a monarch, but they spent their lives and fortunes to try to give the world a free land.  We owe them! I refuse to listen to losers who never built a hot dog stand criticize the great people who built our nation.  Our leaders today, from both parties, get rich, compromise, and sell out for their own good.   I will not sit idly by while self-sacrificing people died for us to have a chance at freedom. 

May we cut off the slanderous talk and embrace the good of those whom God has placed in our lives. “Give honor to whom honor is due.” This principle certainly applies to the military who offered their lives freely on the altar of American freedom. May we honor the living as well as the memory of the dead. 

Pastor