Making Memories

 MAKING MEMORIES

“The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.” - Proverbs 10:7

One of the great blessings that our Creator has bestowed upon us is the ability to remember. As humans, we have experiences in life that we tend to forget, but thankfully, there are some that we remember.

When our loved ones pass away, it is a blessing to have a mental database of memories to dwell on. Modern technology has permitted us to store memories through the use of photographs, audio recordings and high-definition video. Still there are many memories that we never captured with modern technology. Instead, our minds retail these moments. Whether it is a comical moment, a casual smile or a touching conversation, our minds record these special events for future edification and enjoyment.

The Bible says, “ The memory of the just is blessed.” One day, you and I will be just a memory to the loved ones, friends, co-workers and neighbors that we leave behind. What kind of memories are you leaving? Will people think of you fondly? What will you be remembered for?

Right now, you and I are creating memories to leave behind. Through our words and deeds, we are making memories. Our contribution to humanity, our involvement at church and our dedication to family are among the many memories we are creating.

I believe the greatest memories we leave behind are our small acts of kindness and the tokens of love we gently deposit in the lives of those around us. Often it is the little things that make the biggest difference. I want to be a difference maker, what about you?

You may create memories today. Yet what kind of memories will they be? Some will create bad memories because of their selfishness, anger or greed. Others will impact lives with acts of mercy and grace.

Yet there are others who simply blend in with the culture. Rather than making memories, they simply want to be spectators. Yes, they want to receive blessings and gifts, but they are not contributors. Sadly, when they pass away, they will leave behind few memories. They won't be remembered for any positive endeavor.

The Bible has much to say about remembering. The Israelites were commanded to observe the Passover annually. This event was designed so they would remember how God delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage. Also, they were commanded to remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

In the New Testament, believers are commanded to partake in communion. In doing so, we remember our Lord's suffering until He returns. Paul told Timothy to remember to stir up the gift of God within him. In 2 Peter 1:13, the Apostle wrote that he wanted to “stir you up by putting you in remembrance.” God told the loveless Ephesian church in Revelation 2, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.”

Many people have created memories that we still cherish. During this holiday period, we remember the loved ones who brightened our holidays during the past. The Lord has brought us through many experiences that we should continually remember and thank Him for.

As we come to the close of the year, let us create memories for the generations that will follow us. One day, they may look back with fondness and recall how we invested in their lives and contributed to their growth.

Most of all, let us all remember our Lord. He has made great investments in our lives. Remember how He saved you from your sins. Recall how He changed your life. But don't stop there. Also, think back to all the times He has met your needs, helped you through trials and provided grace to help you. Such memories should stir up gratitude in our hearts that we should express verbally to Him.

Yes, there are negative memories that will come to our minds from time to time. Yet we can choose the thoughts we dwell on. For me, I'd rather think about the good times, what about you?

When I was growing up, the older crowd would fondly recall “the good old days.” Typically, these were childhood memories spent with their parents, free of responsibility and problems. I have many fond memories of the past, some from my childhood, many from my adult years. Yet I am convinced that the best day is yet ahead. It will be one endless day in a place called heaven. While it is good to remember the past, we shouldn't live there. Remember the past, live in the present and look forward to the future.

In the meanwhile, let's create memories by living each day to the fullest for the glory of God.

Be Wise

 BE WISE

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” - Matthew 2:1-2

In our country, there is a great emphasis placed on education. It is a good thing to acquire knowledge. Knowledge can help a person go far in a career or trade. The pursuit of knowledge has led to many discoveries and cures.

Yet there is something even better than knowledge. Knowledge is simply the accumulation of information. On the other hand, wisdom includes making good decisions and practicing discernment. To put it in a different way, wisdom is the proper use of knowledge. Wisdom includes doing the right things at the right time and in the right way. Knowledge deals with information but wisdom involves application. Wisdom enables a person to know what the best choice is and leads him to make that choice.

When Jesus was born, men came seeking Him. The Bible refers to them as being wise men. The Bible gives us little information about these men. Most people refer to them as the three wise men, but the Bible doesn't specifically number these men. They did bring three types of gifts, but this does not necessarily indicate that there were three men.

In spite of the fact that there is little information about these wise men, the Bible does give us some insight about them. As we near the Christmas holiday, may we embrace the same actions that they took.

First of all, the wise men sought the Lord. They came looking for Jesus. If we would be wise today, we must do the same. The Bible says, “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found.” Jesus said, “Seek and ye shall find.” Few people seek the Lord today. Even among the Christian community, many seek something from the Lord rather than seeking the Lord Himself. Be wise yourself and seek the Lord with all your heart. God says, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Be wise and seek Him.

Secondly, the wise men served the Lord. They brought their gifts to Him. Traditionally, we give and receive gifts at Christmas, yet the One who is having a birthday is not on our gift list. Strange, isn't it? The wise person gives to the Lord at Christmas and throughout the year. Whether you give a little extra at the church, make a special financial gift to a favorite ministry or give to a needy family, give it in the Name of the Lord. Also, you can lend your talents and serve your fellow man in the Name of the Lord. Help at a soup kitchen, visit someone in a hospital or nursing home, or call someone who is lonely, like a widow. In Matthew 10:42, Jesus said, “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” Be wise and serve in His Name.

Third, the wise men worshiped the Lord. They knelt before the Lord in act of submission. Where are the worshipers today? It isn't difficult to find people who worship a sports team, a movie star or a musician, but it is difficult to find those who regularly worship the Lord. Why did the wise men worship? They recognized Jesus as being One who is worthy of worship. They knew Him to the Messiah, the King of Kings. They didn't worship Herod, but they did worship Jesus. The reason that few people worship the Lord today is that they fail to see Him as He really is.

The Bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. God is the source of wisdom. He provides wisdom as a gift to those who ask for it (James 1:5). That is the reason that wisdom is rare these days. Few ask for it.

Despite the consumer mindset that drives much of our Christmas traditions, it is important that we remember the true meaning of the day. Christmas is not really about little children receiving gifts. Neither is it about having a big meal with family. These aren't bad things, but they miss the point.

Christmas is all about Jesus. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth. He was born of a virgin. He came to the tiny town of Bethlehem on a mission of love. He came to redeem us from our sins.

As we approach Christmas, let us be wise and focus on Jesus. Like the wise men, let us seek the Lord. Let us serve the Lord. Let us worship the Lord.

Be wise!

Problems In The Pulpit

 PROBLEMS IN THE PULPIT

“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” - Galatians 1:8

I am thankful for the wonderful preachers who faithfully proclaim the truth of God's Word on a regular basis. Some are highly educated and trained to fulfill their calling, while others have little or no formal training, but simply stand and preach with great power. I am thankful for such men of God, who take their calling seriously. They lovingly shepherd their congregation and lead people to Jesus.

While some of these preachers may have regional, national or even international acclaim for their ministries, most are virtually unknown. They simply do God's will in the obscurity of a small church in a community or small town. Many of these obscure preachers are bi-vocational, holding down a regular job while leading a small congregation. Such men deserve our respect.

While I am thankful for such men, I must also confess that there are some in the ministry who give the rest a bad name. They are known for their shady fund-raising schemes, wild extremes of ministry and false doctrine. Some are nothing more than slick snake-oil salesmen, using the pulpit for selfish gain and public notoriety. They bring shame and reproach to the Lord Jesus, misrepresent the Gospel and lead many astray.

When I write about “Problems In the Pulpit,” you're probably thinking about these notorious preachers who make a mockery of the Gospel ministry. While this could be a topic for another message, I wish to dwell on the public pulpits that we tend to overlook.

First of all, there are problems with the classroom pulpit. Over the past century or so, we have transferred the responsibility of teaching children from the parents to the government. Schools and colleges have a strong influence on the worldview your child will have. In spite of the teaching they hear at home and church, most of their views will be formed at a government-funded educational facility.

Yet many young people are enticed to leave the faith after being taught in college. The college lectern has become a pulpit to spread heresy, blasphemy and lies. There is a problem in this pulpit. Rather than teaching young people and preparing them for a professional career, instead they are being molded into thinking like the ungodly world around them. Information has been replaced with indoctrination. Rather than encouraging young people to think, they are training them to be robots of new age ideas. There is a problem in this pulpit. Godly parents need to pray carefully before sending their kids to a secular college. The young person they send off may not resemble the one who returns.

Secondly, there is the political pulpit. A politician will stand behind his or her “pulpit,” and preach a doctrine that is often contrary to the teaching of Scripture. Sometimes these politicians will quote Scripture, then twist the verse to mean something that is absurd or even blasphemous. They are responsible for what they believe, how they live and the doctrine they publicize. They are also accountable for the people who were led astray by their teaching. There is a problem in the political pulpit.

Finally, there is a problem with the newsroom pulpit. When I was growing up, newscasters simply reported the news. Now they gave “analysis,” which is a fancy way of saying that they are going to give you their opinion on the subject. Americans should be fed up with this kind of “reporting.” Newscasters seem to think that the average American is too ignorant to know what a news headline means. They think we can't understand the news of the day without their commentary. In many cases, the news desk has become a pulpit. I am not opposed to newscasters who will honestly “fact check” a politician. However, it is time for people to “fact check,” the newscasters, too. They often have a hidden agenda. They wish to persuade their viewers to share their views and biases. There is a problem in the newscaster's pulpit.

Let me close by reminding you to “fact check,” everything you hear. We need to listen carefully to everything that is said and examine the merits by searching the Scriptures. The Bereans were called “noble,” for “fact checking” the Apostle Paul. Paul actually encouraged people to fact check him. In Galatians 1:9, Paul wrote, “As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

By the way, it is important for us to “fact check,” ourselves. The Word of God probes our minds and hearts and discerns our motives. Open your Bible and read it daily. Let the Word reveal the truth to you.

One day, each one of us will stand before God. On that day, we will be judged by the truth. If you are unsaved, be aware that your issue is not a problem in the pulpit, but a problem in your heart. The new birth is the only solution. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.

Bad Love

BAD LOVE

“...I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house ...because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.” - 1 Samuel 3:12-13

Last week, I wrote about “Good Fear.” Those two words typically don't go together. Yet the fear of the Lord is a good fear. It is a fear that all of us should have. As the Scripture teaches, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Today, I am writing about “Bad Love.” Again, these two words don't seem to go together. We think of “love” as a positive word. Certainly, you'd think that love is always a positive emotion, producing positive results. But that simply isn't so.

Eli and his sons served as priests over the people. Yet Eli's sons were evil men. They abused the priesthood with their selfishness and wickedness. Those in authority can be very wicked indeed. Even those in spiritual leadership can be evil. Yet like Eli's sons, the wicked will meet their doom. Judgment lies ahead for such men. Sinful men will reap what they have sown.

Eli also faced God's judgment along with his sons, because “he restrained them not.” Eli was not wicked like his sons, but he refused to restrain them. There's an old staying, “Blood is thicker than water.” That was true in this situation. Eli knew his sons were out of hand, but he permitted them to get that way.

Eli knew better. It is true that he verbally rebuked his sons for their wickedness, but it was too little, too late. Eli probably wouldn't have tolerated such behavior from others, but his sons were a different story. He refused to restrain them. This is “bad love.”

“Bad love,” exists when a parent refuses to correct, discipline and train a child because of sentimental “love.” When a parent says, “I love my child too much to discipline him,” this parent is practicing, “bad love.” Both the child and the parent will pay the price for such “love.” Eventually, the uncontrolled child may end up behind bars, dying from an overdose of drugs or endure a life of alcoholism.

Let's consider Eli and his sons. In our text, the problem was that Eli's sons were now adults. It is obvious that they lacked the proper discipline and direction they needed when they were growing up. “Bad love,” produced unruly children that eventually became wicked adults.

“Tough love,” is the antithesis of “bad love.” We consider “tough love,” to be the stern response of a parent toward a son or daughter that is doing wrong. When parents discipline their children, it is an act of “tough love.” I admit that “tough love,” is unpopular and politically incorrect these days, but it is Biblically correct --- which is all that matters.

Nearly twenty-five years ago, then-Governor Bob Wise signed legislation that made corporal punishment illegal in public schools here in my home state of West Virginia. There are still strong opinions about both sides of this issue. Many, including some teachers, think that the paddle should be brought back to the classroom. Others think that such punishment is barbaric, harmful and unnecessary.

Proverbs 13:24 states, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” This is tough love. “Bad love,” spares the child the discipline he or she desperately needs. It isn't the lack of discipline in the classroom that is ruining the lives of young people, it is the lack of discipline at home that is the cause.

Look at the end result. Eli and his sons died tragically because Eli refused to restrain his sons. His “bad love,” cost them their lives. Today, we wonder why there are riots and increased crime. Children backtalk their parents and show disrespect to elders. Parents allow their little children to decide what gender they are. In America, we are reaping what we have sown. We have sown to the wind, now we are reaping the whirlwind.

Be assured, God uses “tough love.” He takes His children out to the woodshed when they need it. He does not tolerate unruly behavior and rebellion. He can be stern at times. He wants to save His children from future pain and heartache. Because of this, He provides “tough love,” when needed. He disciplines His children because He loves them. We should do the same with our children.

I strongly condemn child abuse. Yet I also object to parents allowing their children to act disrespectful and unruly. The pain of discipline is far less severe than the ultimate heartache that comes from an undisciplined life. When required, love can be tough.

“Bad love,” is not really love at all.

Good Fear

GOOD FEAR

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” - Proverbs 9:10

There are many who teach that fear is always bad. They say that it is important for people to overcome their fears. According to them, unresolved issues with fear brings an unhealthy balance to life.

I agree that there are unhealthy fears. Perhaps the most common unhealthy fear is our fear of others. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” The fear of public speaking is a variation of this fear. Many people refuse to speak in front of others due to this fear. We resist witnessing to a friend or enter social dialogue with strangers because of our fear of man. Truly, it is a snare to us. It is a bad fear, an unhealthy fear that we need to be liberated from.

Not all fears are bad. I think it is good to have a healthy fear of electricity. Many have died from electrocution because they were careless about electricity and its dangers. While it may be good to have a healthy fear about dangerous situations, they shouldn't paralyze us to the extent of making us bedridden.

Yet there is one fear that most avoid, yet it is the most important fear of all. Proverbs 9:10 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Fearing God is a good fear. Fearing God is not the summation of wisdom, just the beginning of wisdom. Unless a man fears God, he is not wise at all.

I used to think that fearing God was simply having a healthy respect of God. Certainly, fearing God includes this, but it goes far beyond that. When I was growing up, I loved my father. But I also feared him. I knew that if he caught me telling a lie, showing disrespect to others or misbehaving, I would face his discipline. I feared his discipline, so I feared him. Was this a bad fear? I don't think so. He disciplined me because of love.

In a similar manner, God is to be feared because of who He is. He often disciplines His children. His discipline can be rather painful and severe at times. Hebrews 11:6 says, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”

Many well-meaning Christians believe that we should love God, but never fear Him. They believe that fearing God is only an Old Testament teaching. Obviously, this is incorrect. In the New Testament, Hebrews 10:31 says, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

Fearing God consists of more than just having a healthy respect and reverence of God. Look at what Jesus said in Matthew 10:28: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” When we fear God, other fears pale in comparison.

To many, it is unthinkable that we should fear the Lord. Love Him, yes, but fear Him, no. Yet the Bible teaches us to fear the Lord. Both the Old and New Testaments teach us to fear God.

Our nation is undergoing moral and spiritual destruction right now. One of the reasons for our nation's indulgence in sin is that people do not fear God. I blame this, in part, on many people-pleasing, lukewarm preachers in America. There are preachers who refuse to preach against sin or warn against hell. They may be popular among people, but refusing to warn others of impending judgment is a dereliction of duty. As a result of such weak preaching, many do not fear the Lord.

Furthermore, we must accept responsibility for our own failure to speak the truth about these matters. Are we trying to make God popular, hip, cool and relevant to people, or are we attempting to please Him by boldly sharing the facts? When a watchman is derelict in his duties by failing to warn the people of an approaching army, God held the watchman responsible for the blood of the people. Today, believers are serving in such a capacity. You are a watchman on the wall. I am a watchman. Do we care enough for the people and fear God enough to warn them of the judgment to come?

Yes, unbelievers need to fear God. Unless they repent, they will face His wrath. Yet believers need to fear God as well. A healthy fear of God will cause us to be more circumspect in our living. If we fear God as we should, we will live holy lives. We will live humble, committed lives.

Here's the inescapable truth. All of us must stand before God one day. His judgment will be true and final. If you feel cocky about judgment day, you aren't ready for it. If you think you will arrogantly strut into His presence, you are in for a surprise. The One who sits on the throne is holy and righteous. We should reverence Him. Respect Him. Fear Him.

That is a good fear.

Are You Grateful?

 ARE YOU GRATEFUL?

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” - 1Thessalonians 5:18

Most of us don't appreciate what we have until we lose it all. We tend to overlook the tiny details of life, not knowing that the tiny details add up to much more than we realize.

Take your health, for instance. If you're like me, you have good days and bad days. Yet our worst days could be dramatically worse … and we don't even consider it. We take our eye sight for granted, until the doctor says we have quick-spreading glaucoma. We don't think much about our hearing until we have an inner ear infection. We take our taste for granted until Covid robs us of our taste. Something as simple as rising from a chair seems to be a small task, until you are confined to a wheel chair. I have found that health is a gift that can quickly be taken away. Yet we tend to take it for granted.

Our tendency is to grumble and complain. Things aren't perfect and never will be this side of heaven. We will have our aches and pains. People will disappoint us. Life can be very unfair. We can feel abandoned and alone at times. There is always something we can complain about. For this reason, the Bible often reminds us to give thanks.

Writing to the Thessalonians, Paul wrote, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Notice the wording of this verse: “In EVERY thing give thanks,” (emphasis added). It is one thing to give thanks sporadically, but do we give things for every thing?

As Christians, we love to use the word, “grace.” Grace is God's unmerited favor. Grace is God's mercy and blessings that we don't deserve. Since we don't deserve any blessings, we'd have to classify every blessing as being a love gift from the Father. James put it this way, “Every good and every perfect gift cometh down from the Father of lights...” Every blessing, every good thing, is a gift of love from the Father. We are recipients of overwhelming grace every day. But are we grateful for this grace?

Paul wrote, “In every thing give thanks.” Does that mean we should be thankful even during the bad days? Yep. But it is easier said than done, isn't it?

If we are honest, we'd have to confess that the challenges and problems of life have taught us more about walking with God than anything else. Pain and sorrow have a way of driving us to our knees and drawing us close to God. We learn and grow through the obstacles we face. The greatest fruit grows in the valley and not on the mountain-top. Aren't these things to be grateful for?

Also, we fail to thank God for getting us through the bad days. All of our pain and problems are temporary. Do we show gratitude for God's faithfulness during these difficult times? Do we praise Him for delivering us from them? The bad days also show us how blessed we are when the good days come. Yes, we have reason to give thanks even for the rough times.

We should be grateful every day. Here are three things we should do to express our appreciation to God.

SAY IT

First of all, we need to thank the Lord for His blessings. Gratitude should be expressed verbally. A grateful person is not ashamed to say “thank you.” Have you thanked the Lord for anything today?

SHOW IT

Secondly, we should show our appreciation through our conduct. Gratitude should prompt us to love Him fully, obey Him explicitly and adore Him reverently.

SHARE IT

Finally, we should share our gratitude with others. When was the last time you told someone about God's blessings? Have you ever given God credit for the good things in your life? Do people know you to be a grateful person? Be transparent about your gratitude. God has blessed you liberally, don't be stingy with your gratitude.

When we go through a rough time in life, we are tempted to throw a pity party. We can easily feel sorry for ourselves. Yet a visit to a nursing home or the corridors of a hospital can quickly put everything into proper perspective.

The late evangelist Bill Stafford is noted for saying, “Everything above hell is grace.” I have been a recipient of God's abounding grace. Let me testify that God has been good to me. I can never repay Him for all He has done. Every morning His mercies are new. Each day I get deeper in debt to Him because His blessings continue to flow in my life. I have everlasting life because He died for me. He is worthy of my life.

What about you? Are you grateful?

Beautiful Feet

 BEAUTIFUL FEET

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” - Isaiah 52:7

I'm glad that I wear shoes in public. I have ugly feet. While shoes provide stability and comfort to my feet, they also keep my feet from being a public spectacle. After shattering my ankle in 2003, I had to undergo therapy to regain mobility in my ankle. I pitied the physical therapist that had to work with my right foot. I'll spare you the details, but she should have received combat pay for what she endured.

I am like most Americans. I don't give much attention to my feet unless I have problems with them. While I wash my feet like everyone else, I don't spend much time thinking about them. You probably don't either. If we're honest about it, our feet tend to get dirty often. They may have an odor that is embarrassing.

Yet Isaiah 52:7 talks about beautiful feet: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” Why are these feet so beautiful?

Obviously, television, radio and the internet didn't exist in Biblical times. Newspapers were not in circulation either. Instead, news traveled by means of a messenger. News traveled by foot. It would be great to be a runner who had good news to share!

We have a message to share with a dying world. It is good news. It is the news of everlasting life, available through Jesus Christ. To perishing souls, this is the news they so desperately need to hear. It needs to be shared across this globe. But it also needs to be shared across the street. When God opens the minds of people to understand the good news, it is like giving cool water to a thirsty man. When someone drinks of the living water, it changes them. They have joy in their souls. They are happy in the Lord. They celebrate the event and even thank the person who shared the good news with them.

In foreign lands, missionaries will carry this news to unreached people groups. Upon receiving the news, some of these new converts actually kiss the feet of the missionaries. The feet that had traveled so far just to share this message was honored with a symbol of their gratitude.

So if the Lord directs your feet to visit a neighbor, a relative or even a stranger and they hear the Gospel from your mouth and receive it by faith, they will praise the Lord for such a great salvation. They may also thank the Lord for the beautiful feet that came their way so they could hear the truth.

Paul instructed believers to put on the whole armor of God. Notice that you are to have, “... your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15). We are to be prepared for battle, with the very Gospel that changes lives. Because of the Gospel, our feet will walk the right path. Our feet will go to rescue souls from the enemy's camp. Our feet will march forward in triumph because of the Gospel.

Our feet are led by the Gospel, prepared by the Gospel and used for the spread of the Gospel. Some will even consider them to be beautiful feet.

Yet there is something even greater.

When Jesus cast the demons out of the wild man of the Gadarenes, the residents came and found the new convert in his right mind sitting at the feet of Jesus. When Jesus visited the home of Mary and Martha, Martha was busy preparing the meal, but Mary sat at His feet and heard His word. A sinner woman kissed the feet of Jesus, washing His feet with her tears and wiping them with her hair. Many came to Him, falling at His feet, seeking His aid or simply worshiping Him.

It was His feet that walked to meet the needs of many. His feet walked the shores of Galilee, spreading the Good News. It was His feet that walked up to Calvary. It was His feet that were nailed to the cross.

One day we will see Him face to face. At His feet we will fall in worship. At His feet we will cast our crowns and rewards. There are no feet like His.

Truly, the feet of Jesus are beautiful feet.

The Coast Is Clear

 THE COAST IS CLEAR

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” - Psalm 118:8

Four times, the Bible says, “Now the just shall live by faith.” At our church, we still sing the old song, “Living By Faith.” As I get older, that song means much more to me. But are we living by faith?

The writer of the book of Hebrews described faith this way: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” After giving us a description of faith, the writer goes on to give us examples of faith, all from the Old Testament. As you carefully read Hebrews chapter 11, you can't help but get inspired by the many men & women mentioned in the chapter.

But where are the saints who are living by faith today? Are you among them?

Faith is simply trusting God. Faith is dependence on God. Faith is taking God at His Word. Faith is relying on the Lord.

Every person on the planet has faith. The difference is the object of faith. Just because a person claims to be “a person of faith,” doesn't mean that his or her faith is in Jesus. I've seen movies classified as “Faith-Based” movies, yet never mention God. Some are even based on teachings of a cult. The object of our faith is critical.

The psalmist put it this way: “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” In spite of this basic truth, so many trust in politicians, musicians and actors. Many more trust in their own ability and ingenuity. Proverbs 3:5 teaches us, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Faith is simply trusting God.

A while back, I was driving my mother to town. When we got to the bottom of the mountain, I could easily see the traffic coming my way. From the driver's seat, it is more challenging to view the traffic from the opposite position. Mom offered to check for traffic coming her way. When she said, “the coast is clear,” I took off without even looking back at what she saw. I took her at her word. I trusted what she said. I put our lives on the line, depending on the accuracy of what she said. That is acting with faith.

Why did I have such faith is what my mother told me? Well, first of all, she is my mother. She loves me. Can't we have the same kind of faith in God because He loves us? God loves me even more than my mother.

Also, I can trust Mom's word because she has proven herself to be trustworthy. She has a track record of being honest. Yet, can't we take God at His Word? Isn't He honest? Hasn't He proved Himself to be truthful all the time?

Third, my mother has a reputation of telling me what I need to hear, not just what I want to hear. If she had told me that a car was coming, it wouldn't be what I wanted to hear, but it would be what I needed to hear. God is the same way with us. His Word encourages us at times. At other times, His word convicts us. He cares enough to tell us what we need to hear, not merely what we want to hear.

Finally, I can trust my mother's word because, if she is wrong, she will suffer the most by the misinformation. It is true that an accident would total my car, but my mother would be sitting at the very point of impact. She would suffer the most if she didn't tell me the truth. When God makes a promise, His credibility is on the line. His integrity is in question. If He lies, misrepresents the truth or misinforms us, His impeccable character would receive irreversible damage. In fact, He would fail to be God because He would violate the very essence of His deity.

I figure you're like me. If a family member is riding in your car when you're driving and tells you the coast is clear, you proceed without verifying the accuracy of their word. You trust them. You believe in them. You act with faith based upon information provided by a reliable source.

Living by faith is simply that. We act upon information provided by a reliable source, God Himself. Since He cannot lie, we can proceed without worrying whether He will back up His promise or not. We can go forward without visible evidence simply because of what He tells us.

At times, God's Word warns us. At other times, we are corrected. Still, there are times we are told that the coast is clear and advised to proceed. In any case, we know His Word is reliable. Our eternal future hinges on it.

If you can trust Him with life beyond the grave, can't you trust Him with today? Can't you rely on Him when times get tough? He is trustworthy all the time.

Soon each one of us must face death. From a human perspective, death is a dark, lonely, dreary & uncertain time. Yet if our faith is in Jesus, we can proceed with confidence in Him. He will welcome us on the other side. So proceed.

The coast is clear.

The Importance of One

THE IMPORTANCE OF ONE

“How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?” - Matthew 18:12

We are taught that there is strength in numbers. Whether it is the number of players on a football team or the number of soldiers in an army, we tend to think that large numbers of people are important. We even think this way at church. We feel like the larger the crowd, the better. We celebrate “numerical success.” We shop at Sam's Club, buying items in bulk because there is a price discount if we purchase an item in large quantities.

Let's think about the number, “one.” While large numbers tend to be notable, we tend to think that there is nothing special about just one. One is too small a number for most of us. We may reluctantly settle for one car, but we'd prefer to have two. We may have just one bank account, but we'd prefer to be rich enough to have accounts in numerous banks. We prefer quantities much higher than one.

Yet there is importance in one. I was born in the small town of Mullens, WV. Just a few years ago, Mullens had a mayoral election in which the victorious candidate won by just one vote. Yes, one vote does matter, doesn't it?

One person is insignificant for most politicians and leaders. Yet God cares about each of us, as individuals. One is a significant number to Him.

God called one man, Abraham, to be the father of many nations. He took one son, Joseph, and uniquely used him to save the Israelite tribe. He called one man, Moses, to lead the Israelite exodus from Egypt. He used one king, David, to make Israel a strong nation. He used one queen, Esther, to save the Jews from the evil hand of Haman.

He took one tiny town, Bethlehem, and chose it to be the site of the coming Messiah. He took one twelve-year old child, Jesus, to confound the elite religious rulers.

He used one man, John the Baptist, to bring a prophetic message that would introduce the ministry of Jesus to the world. This one man, John, would be the one that what have the honor of baptizing Jesus.

Yes, one person can be important. When Jesus cleansed ten lepers, only one came back to give the Lord thanks. Jesus took the lunch of one boy and fed five thousand. Only one lady would wash the feet of Jesus with her tears and would be remembered in the canon of Scripture for this act of devotion and love.

God provided one Messiah. He sent us His one and only Son. Jesus came to earth, God in the flesh, to ransom lost souls. God provided one Savior. There is just one mediator between God and man and His name is Jesus.

This Savior lived one solitary life here on earth. By His own testimony, we know that He is the one and only way to the Father. Through His shed blood, sinners become saints. The lost are found. His enemies become His friends. Only one man could do that.

God sent His one and only Son so that we may be saved. One soul matters to Him. If a famous evangelist conducts an evangelistic service to a packed stadium, the crusade would be considered a massive failure if only one person responded to the Gospel invitation. Yet if that one person truly got saved, it mattered to God. The Bible says that there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels over one who repents. One person matters.

The Good Shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep in search of one sheep that went astray. The woman cleans her house in search of one lost coin. A father looks for the return of one prodigal son. Yes, one person matters to God.

I write this to encourage you, my Christian friend. Your efforts are not in vain. God can take one person like you and use you in ways that will astonish you. Only in heaven will you know the full impact God has made through your life. You may be limited on resources, but your Father is not. You may have limited talents, but God can still use you. Perhaps you have a limited education, but God has placed His wisdom at your disposal. Don't underestimate what God can do with a surrendered life. Be that surrendered person today. God and one person makes a majority.

Perhaps you are not a follower of Jesus. My final words are for you. You matter to God. Although millions may come to Jesus in a single day, each one is saved on an individual basis. You may feel like an outsider --- one who beholds the good things of God, but never feasts at His table. God invites you to come and dine. Consider this to be your personalized invitation to dine with the Master. Call on the Lord right now in repentance and faith. He will not turn any way who approach Him by faith.

No, not one.

Fear, Faith & The Future

 FEAR, FAITH AND THE FUTURE

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” - 2 Timothy 1:7

We are living in perilous times. We are constantly bombarded with fearful news headlines. As I write this, two separate wars continue to escalate. It isn't uncommon to hear of school and workplace violence. Scientists are always issuing stern warnings about “global warming,” or some new strand of virus they've uncovered. Political, social and racial tensions are at a boiling point. The news is always bad --- and getting worse.

I believe the news broadcasts are intentionally designed to bring fear upon the people and indoctrinate us to embrace their views. Taken to an extreme, a person could easily barricade himself in his house and die of mortal fear.

As Christians, we are called to live by faith, not by fear. Although everyone seems to be overwhelmed with a sense of fear, we shouldn't be. We have every reason to smile and look forward to the future.

Let me be clear about something. I am not like the movie character, Polyanna, who pretends to find good in everything. There are bad things around. Evil does exist. Wicked people excel at the expense of the righteous. Christians do suffer and die. This is a sinful, depraved, destructive society that we live in. Our world seems to be getting worse by the day.

Yet Christians have every reason to rejoice. Our faith is in not in a political process, economic forecast or the latest news headline. Our faith is in the person and work of Jesus Christ. We rejoice because our redemption draweth nigh. We rejoice because Jesus is alive, He hears our prayers, He still saves souls and He's coming again very soon!

As the old song says, “This world is not my home, I'm just passing through.” Often we place too much hope in men. We expect a politician to save our nation. There is only one Savior and His Name is Jesus. My faith lies in Him, alone. I am just on assignment for a few days here on earth. Soon my working days will be over and I will be called home. The best is yet to come!

God has not called us to live in fear. Neither do we live in denial about the state of our world. Rather than looking to Washington, we lift up our eyes to the hills, from whence cometh our help. Our help comes from the Lord. Our confidence lies in Him.

So I refuse to live in fear. I will live by faith, assured that God is in control. My future is in His hands, so why should I fear?

For myself, I have chosen not to watch the national news. Instead, I spend time each day in my Bible. That's where the Good News is found. Furthermore, I've read the back of the Bible, and I know how the future will ultimately unfold. Yes, things will continue to get worse. Yet God is reserving the very best for His children. He is saving the best for last.

Yes, people have disappointed me at times. Circumstances have sometimes gone a different direction than I would have preferred. Yet I know that the Lord is sovereign. Nothing will occur without His divine permission. Although I may not understand everything He does or permits, I know that He is good and is working everything together for my good.

No doubt there are rough days ahead. There are challenges we must face. Yet we are called let our light shine in this world of darkness. Light seems to be so much brighter when it invades the worst degree of darkness. This is our hour to shine.

It has been shocking to realize how far our nation has deteriorated in the last twenty years or so. It can be scary to consider how bad the next twenty years will be. But our time on earth is limited. As Christians, our real home awaits us in heaven. We will live there forever. A better day is just ahead!

Paul summarized it best when he wrote, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” This is not just positive prose, but a powerful truth. When we get to heaven, our earthly trials will then seem as nothing. All we have endured in this life will be worth it on that day.

While others tremble with fear, let us look up with faith. Our Lord may return any moment.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Praying For Our Nation

PRAYING FOR OUR NATION

“We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.” - Daniel 9:5-6

In 1918, Irving Berlin wrote the patriotic song, “God Bless America.” If you're like me, I've often used the title of that song in prayer to request God's favor on our nation. In recent years, I've changed my request from “God bless America,” to “God have mercy on America.”

Daniel faced a similar situation. When he reflected on the spiritual condition of his people, he sought God's mercy and forgiveness. They had sinned greatly against God and failed miserably to keep His commandments.

Like it or not, the United States of America is no better. Our nation still seeks to kill unborn children. America has condoned and celebrated homosexuality. Transgender living is considered normal, acceptable behavior. Fornication is very common, in fact, more common than marriage.

It is easy to point the finger of blame at Hollywood or Washington. The fact is that the moral decay of our country has come even though thousands of churches meet weekly. With so many churches open in America, you'd think that Christians would greatly impact this culture with the truth. Instead, the culture has impacted the church. Churches are embracing the very sins that are destroying the moral fabric of our country. In the name of “love,” many denominations are compromising, yielding to political correctness by embracing the very sins that God condemns in his Word.

Rather than praying for God to bless America, we should be begging Him to have mercy on America. Like Daniel, we need to confess the sins of our country. Yet we also need to admit that these things have happened under our watch. The American Church remained silent as the forces of darkness made great advances.

So how should we pray? First of all, we need to confess our own guilt. We have been silent while wicked people have led a revolt against God, His Word and His people. We need to ask God to forgive us of our apathy and coldness. We should pray for God to wake up the Church, revive His people and raise up prayer warriors everywhere.

When Daniel made confession for his people, he used the word, “we,” in his confession. He admitted that he had been part of the problem. Today, our prayers should be similar to Daniel's. We have failed the Lord. We have been silent for too long. Our silence has given the devil a foothold that he has not relinquished.

Christians need to get back in church. If you think it is hard going to church now, what are you going to do when that freedom is taken away? If it seems difficult to boldly share the Gospel publicly, how are you going to be a witness for Jesus when persecution intensifies? Let's get busy for God and share the Gospel publicly. We may be the last generation of Americans that have the freedom to do so.

The Bible says that judgment must begin at the house of God. There is so much false doctrine being preached these days. Too many members are playing church. While most are concerned about the size of their church, we need to be more concerned about the purity of our church. A church is only as clean and pure as its members. Pray for God to purify your life, your marriage, your home and your church. Repent of all forms of ungodliness. Remove all sinful influences from your life. Come clean with the Lord and stay clean by His Word.

Secondly, we need to pray for unbelievers. Pray that God will soften their hearts. Ask for a mighty spiritual awakening to take place in America. Ask God to give you boldness to share the Gospel wherever you go. Time is running out. Judgment lies ahead. Many are unprepared to meet God. The harvest is ending and many are unsaved. Pray for more harvest workers --- and be one yourself.

Finally, we need to pray for our government. Yes, everything seems to be a mess in Washington. With another election coming up, so much is on the line. Let's pray for the election. Go to the voting booth and vote according to Biblical convictions. Pray for our leaders. The Bible commands us to do so. Pray for our national leaders, state leaders and local leaders.

Our nation is in a mess. It is easy for us to blame others, but the blame begins with us. We need to get serious about our faith. Come to the throne and beg for God to do a mighty work in our land, beginning with the Church.

Daniel prayed for his people. He prayed that God would have mercy on them.

We should do the same today.