Planting a Church through Prayer

By Daniel McCabe

February 10, 2024

Thanks to those of you who now follow us on Facebook. We have had 623 views of our first post since launching our site on February 1st. The more it’s shared the more excited I’m getting. Our interest meeting is still on schedule for the 18th, another reason to get excited. There aren’t a lot of new developments over the last ten days, but please note that I’m preaching tomorrow and that Carol is having surgery on her knee on the 20th. It hasn’t improved as initially thought. Please see requests #6 and #7 below.

Our Prayer Requests

—1. Pray for our first Interest Meeting, still scheduled for Sunday, February 18, at our home. We’re inviting everyone for lunch at 12:30 and then we’ll meet around 1:00 to talk about the formation of the church. Please pray that those who have shown interest will participate. Please pray specifically that God will raise up five individual households (singles, couples or families) to join us.

—2. Pray for KRISTY, one of the Panera Bread ladies known to Zach and for whom he has been greatly burdened–that she and her parents will attend our interest meeting as intimated–and for her grown daughter, ALEX, for whom we’ve been praying–that even though she may be scheduled to work that Sunday, she will nonetheless be drawn to the Lord through the ministry of our new church.

—3. Please continue to pray for CAROL and TRISH (who have both said that they’ll come on the 18th) as well as all the others for whom we’ve requested prayer, including TRACY, LORI, SEAN and BLAKE at Panera. Also, the Wisemans, ERIC and STEPHANIE, along with their children, MICHAEL, ABBY, SHYLO, ELI, LYLIAN, THEODORE and OWEN.

—4. Pray for FRANNIE who recently lost her husband of many years and who is grieving deeply. We can’t seem to find a time to visit her that works for us all, but we’ll keep trying.

—5. For the future worship music at the church. Perhaps the Lord will be gracious to lead us to a spiritually mature, like-minded man who can serve in this way. Music might be our greatest early challenge, so please continue to pray.

—6. For CAROL’s surgery on the 20th, yes, but more importantly that she’ll see God working in all the details surrounding the surgery and that those who attend our interest meeting will rally around her to encourage her.

—7. I’m preaching tomorrow for Men’s Day at Center Hill Baptist Church. We’ll be looking in particular at 1 Timothy 2. Thanks!

—Daniel

“Unless the LORD builds the house they labor in vain who build it” (Psalm 127:1).

Week Seven, 2024

As I walked along the beach, the sign caught my eye. It said, “Swim Near The Lifeguard.”

Walking by the surf, I pondered and certainly it was a good safety warning, but it occurred to me that it had a spiritual warning as well.

Lifeguards rescue floundering people sinking beneath the waves. But so does Jesus rescue us as we sink to the way of the world below. A wise person does the Words of Jesus and builds His life on Jesus.

Wisdom is the ability to see life from God’s perspective and to then act accordingly. Disciples of Christ hear and do the Word of Christ. Put the Bible into practice! Be wise and build your life on the secure foundation of the Word of God. Jesus is not only a great teacher, but He is also God in the flesh. Follow and trust Him!

Matthew 16:24 provides direction on how to “stay close.” Jesus says, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” To stay close, one must seek, be selfless, submit, and be serious.

James 4:8 says, Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. When we seek God with all of our hearts and draw near to Him, we will feel His presence once again. It is in drawing nearer to God that we are able to access and obtain all that God has planned and purposed for us.

What does it mean to be close to Jesus? Serving and loving others, like He would. Trying to hear Him through the Spirit. Trusting His promises. Feeling grateful for His Atonement. Sticking up for Him, respecting His name, and defending the truths He taught.

How to stay in contact with Jesus? Really pray. Come to God as you would a friend, a confidant, a Father. And don’t make it a one-sided conversation. Learn to listen to God in your times of prayer by reading the Bible and waiting on him in silence, solitude, and stillness.

Drawing near to God means we commune with Him in our thoughts. We allow His Word to shape our attitudes, and we glorify Him in our lifestyle. Amid the stress and pressures of everyday life, we take time to focus on God and not on the affairs of life.

He wants us to stay closer to him. In James 4:8, we are encouraged to draw near to God and He will draw near to us. It is in drawing nearer to God that we are able to access and obtain all that God has planned and purposed for us Jer. 29:12-14.

How close are you to the lifeguard of your life?

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created he world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Hebrews 1:1-3

— o —

You’ve gone for a run or vigorously played some sport. You’ve sweated. Your body tells you that you are thirsty and need to be replenished with fluids. That’s your natural reaction and remedy. You’ve had a hard week dealing with life’s difficulties. Your mind tells you that you thirst for an emotional uplift, so you seek out a friend with whom you can share your feelings and from whom you can get solace. That’s also natural and a remedy.

You’ve come to a place where you feel you no longer have a purpose and that you need to renew your spirit. That’s when you go to God’s Word. That is where you find Truth, purpose, guidance, and everything you need. It may not feel natural at first, but the more you drink of the Word of God, the more you will desire it.

We live in a spiritually dry and weary place wherein God’s Word is our only remedy. So, drink up. Rich Jensen

— o —

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Paul describes the classic battle between the flesh and the Spirit. Really asking the question, “On what is your mind set? What are you focused on? Satisfying your own flesh desires or what the Holy Spirit desires?” Romans 8:5-6

WORDS OF EDGAR APONTE

• Fear makes us irrational. It makes us lose our perspectiveness.

• King Jesus has power over nature, for He is God and Lord.

• Following Jesus might get you into a storm. Trust Him for He is with you.

• Great storms and trials will challenge our faith. Believe in Jesus and His power to save.

• The storms of life will not last forever. Jesus will demonstrate His power. Worship Him and pray!

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul… Gilbert K Chesterton

Jesus is the holiness of God in the flesh. He is the embodiment of who God is. Jesus is better than anything or anybody, so listen to Him as the promised prophet, trust Him as the faithful priest, and worship him as the exalted king. Edgar Aponte

Choice is a wonderful thing, but it can also bring devastating consequences. Dan Shock

Opportunities will abound before us to add value to the lives and world around us. Christ came to lift and encourage us, and to also point the way, to all we can be and do for Him, others and all the world. Scott Whitaker

One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things. John Burroughs

Wealth, notoriety, place, and power are no measures of success whatsoever. The only true measure of success is the ratio between what we might have been and what we have become. In other words, success comes as the result of growing to our potential. H.G. Wells

Reaching your potential is part of the secret of success. God has invested substantially into your life. Whether or not you bring a return is dependent on growing in your potential. John Maxwell

The apostle Peter exhorted Christians to add to their faith moral excellence. Knowledge. Self-control. Perseverance. Godliness. Brotherly Kindness. And love. He then added, For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:8).

George Bernard Shaw was interviewed by a reporter shortly before he died and asked, “Mr. Shaw, If you could live your life over and be anybody you’ve known, or any person from history, who would you be?” “I would choose,” replied Shaw “to be the man George Bernard Shaw could have been, but never was.”

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Your feedback is welcome. Feel free to contribute your ideas and thoughts. Address all items and comments to [email protected]. ©Thoughts on Life Copyright 2024

February 3, 2024

—“In biblical times synagogue structures were public buildings used by Jews for civic and religious gatherings. The religious gatherings focused on the study of the Hebrew Bible and prayer,” writes Scott Stripling of Associates for Biblical Research.

But when exactly did the Jews begin building synagogues? It depends on whom you ask. Let’s look at what Matthew writes in his gospel, “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues ….” (4:23). Matthew affirms that synagogues existed during the time of Jesus’ ministry, approximately 30 A.D.

On the other hand, some historians had routinely argued that synagogues did not come into existence until after the destruction of Herod’s Temple in Jerusalem in 70 A.D. and that any references to synagogues by Matthew or any other Gospel writer were anachronistic.

Clearly both views couldn’t be right, but once again the modern age of archaeology came to the defense of the Bible, for approximately ten synagogues have been excavated that pre-date 70 A.D., including those at Capernaum, Gamla, Magdala and Beth Shemesh.

—Daniel McCabe

Week Six, 2024

Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours (Mark 11:240.

It happened more than sixty years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday. It happened on my high school football field, as graduation ceremonies were about to begin. There were foreboding clouds on the horizon and lightning in the distance. It looked like we were going to have a wet outdoor graduation.

Then, I did something I had never done before…… I bowed my head and I prayed. It was an unusual experience because I had never done it before. Oh, as an Episcopalian, I had recited many prayers and knew the Book of Common Prayer nearly by memory, but reciting prepared prayers is not the same as praying your own and I had never been taught how to do that.

Prayer is giving our attention to God in a two-way spiritual relationship where we talk to God and listen to Him. Prayer is like a child’s conversation with their father. It is natural for a child to ask his father for the things they need, or to ask for advice or guidance.

We don’t pray on our own, but prayer brings us in touch with God and others, and Christians pray in the name of Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we pray, we offer every situation to God. There is no ‘hidden secret’ when it comes to prayer. God is always alongside us and ready to listen.

Prayer is the open admission that without Christ we can do nothing. Prayer is an expression of faith in God’s power, fueled by a desire for more of him. It does not necessarily come naturally, even when we have given our life to Christ. We have to learn how to pray. Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.

Prayer is one of the most powerful weapons God has given us, and looking ahead at 2024, I believe it has never been more important for God’s people to be on our knees. But knowing how to pray is not always easy. Jesus’ disciples felt the same confusion. They were familiar with the oft-repeated prayers of the Torah. But Jesus prayed with a kind of authority and power they had never seen before — as though God was listening! So, when they came to Jesus, as told in Matthew 6, they didn’t say, “Teach us another prayer.” They said, “Lord, teach us to pray.”

Have you asked the Lord to teach you how to pray?

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

“How do we put our faith to work?”

In response, these 5 things came to mind:

1) By living what we say we believe. That is by glorifying God through our day-to-day living… through our work… through our fun… even in the mundane.

2) By doing what Jesus did – loving others, helping others, sharing life with others. Not because we have to but because He first did for us.

3) By going therefore – That is, by going to make disciples. Whether next door, down the hall, across the country or around the world. Put your faith into action.

4) By loving your neighbor as yourself (goes back to number 2). And who is your neighbor? Everyone – even if they don’t look like you. Overcome hate and disdain with love. Shine where you are.

5) By taking up our cross daily and following Him… loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength – loving him with all that we are. Love like Jesus. See as He sees. Respond like He would respond. Allow His heart to become our heart.

Let’s be clear – Faith and faith alone in Jesus Christ, the Son of God is what saves us. But as we live and grow in our faith in Him, we are called then to put our faith to work. So others can see Him in us… so others might know of His great love, grace and mercy.

Now is the time for us to shine, to be a light in a dark world… or at least our little part of it. Go now… “Get off the bench and do something… get out of the pew and put your faith to work.” Marty Stubblefield

— o —

A large Swedish study has uncovered a paradox about people diagnosed with an excessive fear of serious illness: They tend to die earlier than people who aren’t hypervigilant about health concerns.

Hypochondriasis, now called illness anxiety disorder, is a rare condition with symptoms that go beyond average health worries. People with the disorder are unable to shake their fears despite normal physical exams and lab tests. Some may change doctors repeatedly. Others may avoid medical care.

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

Progress is impossible without change; and he cannot change his mind cannot change anything. Bernard Shaw

Where there’s hope, there’s life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again. Anne Frank

The excellence of a gift lies in its appropriateness rather than in its value. Charles Dudley Warner

Luck is when an opportunity comes along and you’re prepared for it. Denzel Washington

As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do. Andrew Carnegie

Amidst the global challenges to freedom, we each face a crucial choice. We can passively surrender or actively contribute to safeguarding our cherished values—individual freedom, private enterprise, and constitutional government. What will you do? The Hoover Institute

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better person. Benjamin Franklin

Remind the people…..to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always be gentle toward everyone. Titus 3:1-2.

When in doubt about what to believe, some things never change…Trust in God’s Word, The Bible communicates through the Holy Spirit. Dwight Short

When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. Franklin D. Roosevelt

Public opinion in this country is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail, without it nothing can succeed. Abraham Lincoln

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. Martin Luther King

Be happy while you’re living, for you’re a long time dead. Scottish Proverb

Peace and justice are two sides of the same coin. Dwight D. Eisenhower

You can’t save souls in an empty church. David Ogilvy

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Selected portions of Thoughts on Life can also be read at TheLife.com.

Your feedback is welcome and if you want to contribute your ideas and thoughts, address all items and comments to [email protected]. © Thoughts on Life Copyright 2024

January 27, 2024

Archaeological Discoveries Related to Jesus:

Series–Countdown of the Top Ten

Have you heard about the Jesus Boat?

It was discovered in 1986 on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee after the water level of the lake had dropped very low due to drought.

This ancient boat dates to the first century B.C. or the first half of the first century A.D. based on nails found in the boat, the hull’s construction techniques and carbon-14 dating. Scientists successfully removed the boat from the mud that had fortunately minimized its decay over the millennium (removing it took twelve days), and then they cleaned it, submerged it in wax for twelve years to prevent any future decay, and prepared it for display at a museum very near where it was first discovered by two brothers who were fisherman as well as amateur archaeologists.

The boat measures 27 feet long, 7½ feet wide and a little over 4 feet in depth with room for four rowers and at least ten to fifteen other occupants. Could this have been the disciples’ boat?

Certainly! It’s the only ancient boat ever discovered in the Sea of Galilee, but without any evidence we are left to say only that it is of the type used by Peter, Andrew, James and John for fishing and additionally for transportation from one side of the lake to another.

—Daniel McCabe

Week Five, 2024

So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:22

It was a large funeral to say goodbye to a prominent member of the community. When we entered the doors, the greeter said we could either go to the chapel or to the “speak easy.” The what? Yes, there was a full bar loaded with partying participants.

The bar was lively, and the chapel was much less meet and greet. It was strange, but when we left, the sign out front told it all. The words “funeral home” had disappeared and in there it said, “Life Event Center.” They must cater to those who want their last event to be a reflection of their life.

For those of us who believe in the Word of God, that event is a mile marker in a continuing process. It’s like conception (the beginning of life) precedes physical birth and life continues.

As I exited, I thought of a song.  

Then Lord, what will I do?
The angels beckon me
From heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home In this world any more.

– Jim Reeves, 1962

I had a friend who was the organist at a local funeral home for many year,s and she could tell stories, like the crowd that came forward to put beer money for the decedent in the casket. Another friend ran a funeral home for many years and said that decedent’s funerals should reflect the way they lived, but many did not.

For those who follow the Christian faith, Bible passages for funeral readings can be an important part of the service. While funeral prayers and scriptures have always been part of a traditional Christian funeral, many services held in non-religious funeral venues also use funeral bible verses or funeral prayers as part of the service. Bible readings for funerals can give structure and meaning to a service, helping to support the family and friends of the deceased with their grief.

But here is the point. Our funeral is not a final event, but a pace marker of transition in our life, which begins at conception and lasts for eternity. The only question, regardless of the style of our funeral is where we will spend eternity. For those who have given their life to Christ, it will in with Him in heaven. For those who have not it will be elsewhere.

Where will you spend eternity?

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

When we are looking for someone to lead a company or lead a nation or even to marry, don’t look at the outward appearance. Good looks and fancy resume don’t guarantee a successful outcome. Use God’s playbook and look at the heart. See if it is committed to following God’s precepts in carrying out the mission. The heart is more important than anything else.

By the way, how’s your heart? Rich Jensen

— o —

A New Hampshire man, Geoffrey Holt died last week with a big secret. The 83 year old caretaker of a mobile home park in Hinsdale, a town of 4,200 people, lived a curious life. Although he once taught Driver’s Ed, he had given up driving his car and rode around town on a lawn mower. He lived in a trailer with very little furniture, no TV or computer and wore threadbare clothes.

His secret? Holt was a multimillionaire. While working as production manager at a grain mill, he invested his money wisely. Over the years Holt amassed a small fortune–$3.8 million. In his will, he gave it all away to benefit Hinsdale, to be used in the areas of education, health, recreation, and culture.

“He seemed to have what he wanted, but he didn’t want much,” said Edwin “Smokey” Smith, Holt’s best friend and former employer. While most of us will never become multimillionaires, like Geoffrey Holt, we can use what we have, while we’re alive to bless the lives of others.

— o —

The percentage of people belonging to some form of Christianity decreased from 52.2% the 2016 Census to 43.9% in the 2021 Census. Meanwhile, those declaring that they had no religion increased from 30% in the 2016 Census to 38.9% in the 2021 Census.

— o —

“How do we put our faith to work?”

In response, these 5 things came to mind:

1) By living what we say we believe. That is by glorifying God through our day to day living… through our work… through our fun… even in the mundane.

2) By doing what Jesus did – loving others, helping others, sharing life with others. Not because we have to but because He first did for us.

3) By going therefore – That is, by going to make disciples. Whether next door, down the hall, across the country or around the world. Put your faith into action.

4) By loving your neighbor as yourself (goes back to number 2). And who is your neighbor? Everyone – even if they don’t look like you. Overcome hate and disdain with love. Shine where you are.

5) By taking up our cross daily and following Him… loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength – loving him with all that we are. Love like Jesus. See as He sees. Respond like He would respond. Allow His heart to become our heart.

Let’s be clear – Faith and faith alone in Jesus Christ, the Son of God is what saves us. But as we live and grow in our faith in Him, we are called then to put our faith to work. So others can see Him in us… so others might know of His great love, grace and mercy.

Now is the time for us to shine, to be a light in a dark world… or at least our little part of it. Go now… “Get off the bench and do something… get out of the pew and put your faith to work.” Marty Stubblefield

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

God will continue to remove the imperfections within us until He can look at us and see His reflection. Dan Shock

You can’t keep trouble from visiting, but you don’t have to offer it a chair.

True faith shows itself in action. Dan Shock

The real question is not whether machines think but whether men do. B.F. Skinner

If you just set out to be liked, you will be prepared to compromise on anything at anytime and would achieve nothing. Margaret Thatcher

The most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government and I’m here to help. Ronald Reagan

The man of power is ruined by power, the man of money by money, the submissive man by subservience, the pleasure seeker by pleasure. Hermann Hesse

Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway. Earl Nightingale

Even though we have the full Bible today, we also can get caught up in false teachings. Things like, “If you are a Christian, you will lead a trouble free life”, or “You will get monetary blessings beyond your imagination”. They always sound enticing …

A wise man once said… absolutely nothing.

Pennies do not come from heaven. They have to be earned here on earth. Margaret Thatcher

The Bible taught us many things about our lives, but we did not learn that unless sin and its author, the devil are banished, no spiritual life can exist eternally. Stephen Bernard

I thank God for the mountains. I thank Him for the valleys. I thank Him for all He’s brought me through. For if I never had a problem, If I had never had to worry, I’d never know what faith in God could do! Through it all, through it all. I’ve learned to trust in Jesus. I’ve learned to trust in God. Bill Gaither

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt

If God had perceived that our greatest need was economic, he would have sent an economist. If he had perceived that our greatest need was entertainment, he would have sent us a comedian or an artist. If God had perceived that our greatest need was political stability, he would have sent us a politician. If he had perceived that our greatest need was health, he would have sent us a doctor. But he perceived that our greatest need involved our sin, our alienation from him, our profound rebellion, our death; and he sent us a Savior. D A. Carson

God sent His son at the appointed time. Trust God’s timing. Edgar Aponte

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Selected portions of Thoughts on Life can also be read at TheLife.com.

Your feedback is welcome. Feel free to pass this along to others and to contribute your ideas and thoughts. Address all items and comments to [email protected]. © Thoughts on Life Copyright 2024

Cullman Bible Church

January 20, 2024

A Quick Update

No more asterisk! The baby’s name is Cullman Bible Church. Not so flashy, but it tells people our target area and that the Bible is the center of all that we do!

Our Prayer Requests

1. For CAROL, a co-worker of my oldest two boys at Panera. Last time she asked prayer for her knee, which I’m told has improved. But I always like to tag every physical request with a spiritual request, so please continue to pray that she will grow in the Lord. Again, I think she’s a baby Christian.

2. For TRACY, TRISH, KRISTY and her daughter ALEX (four more Panera-related ladies). TRACY and TRISH have shown interest in the church. They may be baby Christians. Not sure. Zach has not yet had a natural opportunity to approach KRISTY and ALEX about the church. According to Zach, as you may recall from our last prayer team report, KRISTY and ALEX’s life stories might make some churches uncomfortable in reaching out to them or knowing how to relate to them, but I assured Zach that I don’t expect unbelievers to act like believers and that like the woman at the well or the woman taken in adultery, I would treat them with principled kindness. Zach also feels burdened to invite LORI to join the church, and Jake, my second oldest son, has a unique relationship with SEAN and BLAKE at Panera. Both are in their early to mid-twenties and neither are Christians, but please pray that Jake in particular can continue to influence them in things of the Lord.

3. On the 12th ERIC and STEPHANIE Wiseman came for dinner with their seven children, MICHAEL, ABBY, SHYLO, ELI, LYLIAN, THEODORE and OWEN (with one child on the way). They are looking for a church and so we invited them to consider joining our startup. They listened, but didn’t ask any follow-up questions, so it wasn’t immediately obvious that they had any interest. We will extend further invitations as the organization of our church increases. Pray that they find a place to worship if not Cullman Bible.

4. For FRANNIE who recently lost her husband after many, many years and who is grieving deeply. We have received a welcome from FRANNIE to visit her and we’ll pick a date in the next couple of days. I don’t think she is a prospect for the church, but please pray for her heart to heal. From what I hear she is a Christian.

5. We are organizing an interest meeting at our home sometime soon. We’ll need to plan around Panera work schedules. So far, CAROL has shown strong interest in coming. Please pray that we’ll find just the right date for the meeting and that at that meeting we’ll be able to form a church nucleus and even a start date. Please pray for five individuals or families to serve as our core group. With that group in place we can pick a day for our first worship service and then launch. If we don’t have five at our interest meeting, then please pray that they will get excited about the church and begin inviting others to join our core group.

6. For Zach and I as we research worship music options. Music might be our greatest early challenge. The McCabes play a little piano and guitar, but maybe not at the level of competency needed for singing as a church.

7. For wisdom as we develop a logo, favicon, Facebook page and more, and as we prepare to file proper state and federal paperwork. I’m not rushing things. I’m being intentional, but waiting on the Lord to open up the way before me and create divine appointments. Thanks so much for your prayers. That’s how he will build this church.

Daniel

Week Four, 2024

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth (Romans 1:18).

In this world of copy and fake, we often don’t know the truth. The media often publishes fake news. Brand name products are often knock-off brands with a fake name. Often the new products you purchase are “refurbished” broken ones. The president of Harvard University plagiarized her dissertations.

Were you trying to figure out what “authentic” even means? Either way, you weren’t alone: It’s Merriam-Webster’s word of the year for, an annual recognition given to a word that dominates searches and lookup volume on the dictionary’s website.

Authentic has a number of meanings including “not false or imitation,” a synonym of real and actual; and also “true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character.” Although clearly a desirable quality, authentic is hard to define and subject to debate—two reasons it sends many people to the dictionary.

And with the rise of artificial intelligence—and its impact on deepfake videos, actors’ contracts, academic honesty, and a vast number of other topics—the line between “real” and “fake” has become increasingly blurred. Even from some liberal pulpits we see and hear blurring of the authenticity of scripture.

The Bible is clear, inerrant and authentic. It has been a guideline for life through hundreds of years. Without it there would be no Western civilization.

Man’s greatest problems are not lack of knowledge but hardness of heart and the Bible solves them all. People reject God because they don’t want to be accountable. The unbeliever’s greatest problem is not intellectual, but spiritual.

Creation points to God’s existence, but it is through the Word that God has revealed how to be saved. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

As we read the morning paper and listen to the evening news, while we have to wonder what is true and what is false and what is authentic, we can read and follow the precepts of the Bible and know that every word is authentic and true.

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

Many Christians fail to flourish and grow spiritually because they are not digging deeper into the Word and developing a closer, intimate relationship with the Lord. Superficial and surface Christianity will not produce flourishing disciples.

Bible passages remind us not to view “flourishing” from a superficial, materialistic perspective based on wealth, pleasure, possessions, or an opulent lifestyle. Flourishing spiritually goes deeper. And transcends this life. It involves our relationship with the Lord. Feeding the spirit. And meeting the needs of the soul. It has an eternal viewpoint.

It’s also worth noting that a group of palm trees form an oasis. Together they provide shade from the scorching sun. In a similar way, when we flourish together, we help each other. The fellowship of the faithful becomes a refreshing oasis in a desert of sorrow and sin. We help each other flourish.

Senior saints can still flourish. We can continue to bear fruit. We can still be productive. While age may take its toll on the body, and we may not be as energetic as in our younger years, our roots, firmly fixed in the faith, will not only sustain us, but allow us to prosper spiritually.

As we grow older, our role and position in the Kingdom may change, but our responsibility to be faithful remains the same. Stay connected to Christ. Be prayerful. Remain “in the house of the Lord.” Feed the soul through the Word. Find meaningful fellowship with other Christians. Find ways to flourish.

What about you? Are you sowing seeds for spiritual growth? Are you flourishing or floundering? The Preacherman

— o —

A new study at Ohio State University shows that people suffering from forms of depression or anxiety may help heal themselves by doing good deeds for others. Evolutionary psychologists would no doubt call this finding an example of the “survival of the fittest”: the more compassionate we are with others, the more we experience their compassion and the more likely we are to survive and flourish.

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

Jesus is an astonishingly, wonderful giver of advice when needed. He is a mighty, great champion warrior. He is a strong, powerful God. He is perpetually eternal. He is our predecessor. He is our captain, commander and ruler. He brings us peace, security and safety. Rich Jensen

The impossibility of conceiving that this grand and wondrous universe, with dur conscious selves, arose through chance, seems to me the chief argument for the existence of God. Charles Darwin

The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life. William Morris

Worry was not uncommon in the days of Jesus here on earth and certainly that is no different today. People worry about things and those things can and do overwhelm us. Elbert Nasworthy

Many of the great achievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged men who kept on working. Oscar Wilde

As long as I know the Lord is standing with me, I can face the trials of tomorrow and the uncertainties of the future. Dan Shock

If the Lord should come today, would you be ready to meet Him? Florida Marketplace Ministries

God will never abandon us. He is with us. Edgar Aponte

It always seems impossible until it’s done. Nelson Mandela

If you do not stand in faith, you will not be able to stand at all. In the midst of trials and danger rely on God alone. Edgar Aponte

Crisis and Threats reveal in whom or what we trust. Trust the Lord. Edgar Aponte

Know that God will never forsake His people, in Christ He is with us. Wait on the Lord. Edgar Aponte

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Your feedback is welcome. Address all items and comments to [email protected]. © Thoughts on Life Copyright 2024

January 13, 2024

Scripture Study:

—The well-known Danish philosopher, Søren Kierkegaard tells a wonderful parable that reads as follows: 

—“A wild duck was flying in the springtime northward across Europe. During the flight he came down in a Danish barnyard where there were tame ducks. He enjoyed some of their corn. He stayed for an hour, then for a day, then for a week, then for a month, and finally, because he relished the good food and the safety of the barnyard, he stayed all summer. But one autumn day when the flock of wild ducks were winging their way southward again, they passed over the barnyard, and their friend heard their cries. He was stirred with a strange thrill of joy and delight, and with a great flapping of wings he rose in the air to join his old comrades in their flight. But he found that his good food had made him so soft and heavy that he could rise no higher than the eaves of the barn. So he dropped back again to the barnyard, and said to himself, ‘Oh well, my life is safe here and the food is good.’ Every spring and autumn when he heard the wild ducks honking, his eyes would gleam for a moment and he would begin to flap his wings. But finally the day came when the wild ducks flew over him and uttered their cry, but he paid not the slightest attention to them.”

—It’s so easy to fall into a life of ease and forget the glories of flying high. For some of us this means having forgotten what it was like in the exciting months and years after we first got saved and now we’re merely on cruise control. For others this may mean that you’re overwhelmed by life, and you aren’t even trying any more to rise above your circumstances. You’ve grown complacent!

—You used to read your Bible every day—“I’ll start again tomorrow,” you say.

—You’re letting your children talk back more lately—“I’m just so tired to do anything about it right now! It’s been a really long day.”

—You find yourself watching things on television that you know you shouldn’t—“It doesn’t really affect me,” you try to convince yourself. “It goes in one ear and out the other.”

—Do you remember this verse? I’ve shared it before, but once again it stirs my heart. “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles [or even ducks]. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

—Look to the Lord. He can lift you from the barnyard.

—Daniel McCabe

Week Three, 2024

First and foremost, don’t let disappointment shake your belief in the goodness of God. Do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. When disappointment strikes, hold tightly to your faith. Say, I am still confident (Hebrews 10:35).

It was an interesting and historical journey recently as we followed the trails of Lewis and Clark from Idaho to the Pacific. What a magnificent depiction of American history. The trials and difficulties were almost impossible to overcome for the team in search of a water route across America to the Pacific Ocean.

Many explorers were looking for the mouth of the Columbia from the Pacific and thought they had it, but it was not to be. Hence, it was a disappointment and named Cape Disappointment marking the disappointment of their expeditions.

I hiked through the woods to a beach on the Pacific and looking up, I saw the lighthouse that marks the cape. I stopped to snap a photo as I thought about the disappointments of life.

No matter our faith, God scatters disappointments through our life. But, for Christians, disappointments are God’s appointments, often to lead us to change our direction. I have had many and thank God for them.

I remember one in particular. As I was about to graduate from college, I received a full scholarship to receive a PhD. All I had to do was to take and pass a simple one hour test. It was given at another university. As I drove there, a few blocks away, a train was stalled blocking traffic. I was trapped. Finally, after running I arrived in the exam room thirty minutes late for the one-hour exam. My request to the proctor for extra time was summarily denied. I did not finish the exam and in the end, failed by one point. The scholarship was gone and I was disappointed.

I thank God to this day for that disappointment. It caused me to change directions and pursue other and better goals.

What does the Bible say about disappointments? “Be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never fail you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5). When you have faith in God, your mind will “hold together” so efficiently that you can recover from any disappointment and with Him in your life, you always will.

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

A recent study concluded that the number, intensity, and length of conflicts worldwide is at its highest level since before the end of the Cold War. Remembering Jesus’ reference to “wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6), it’s not hard to wonder how much longer the world can continue like this. Is this the beginning of the “end times.”

Medical debt has become a leading cause of personal bankruptcy, with an estimated $88 billion of that debt in collections nationwide, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Roughly 530,000 people reported falling into bankruptcy annually due partly to medical bills and time away from work, according to a 2019 study from the American Journal of Public Health.

▪ How does Moses make his coffee? Hebrews it.

▪ At what time of day did God create Adam? Just before Eve.

▪ How do we know whether Peter was a rich fisherman? By his net income.

▪ Why did God create man before woman? Because He didn’t want any advice on how to do it!

A living wage in Florida has been estimated to be $57,064 to cover all of your expenses if you are a single person. The average salary in Florida, at least according to ZipRecruiter, is $48,620, suggesting that the average salary is below the living wage to cover all of the expenses if you live in Florida.

In a Wall Street Journal article, Aaron Zitner reports that the values which helped define America’s national character for generations are receding in importance to Americans. A new survey reveals the following astonishing facts regarding the percentage of Americans who say these values are “very important” to them, comparing answers in 1998 to today:

▪ Religion: down from 62 percent to 39 percent

▪ Patriotism: down from 70 percent to 38 percent

▪ Having children: down from 59 percent to 30 percent

▪ Community involvement: down from a high of 62 percent to 27 percent

By contrast, the percentage who said money was “very important” to them rose from 31 percent to 43 percent. According to a pollster who worked on a previous survey measuring these attitudes, “These differences are so dramatic, it paints a new and surprising portrait of a changing America.”

May I ask you a question – when there is nothing you have to do, what do you think about? Maybe you think about owning your dream home, getting married, getting a new car, falling in love, your business success, your professional career, your reputation, hobbies, or achievements. Maybe you spend time thinking about what others are thinking? What do you think about when you don’t have to think about anything else? In your secret time? What do you do with your secret time?

Jesus says that whatever that is what you adore the most, that is what you hallow. The word hallow means “to treat it as sacred and as the ultimate.” It’s the ultimate thing in your life. Here’s the principle of ‘hallow’ from the Lord’s prayer – if the thing you adore is not God, then you’ll only pray when that thing is in jeopardy. The consistency of your prayer life will tell you who your god is.

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

Have you ever looked back and realized that God was preparing you for something that you had no idea was coming your way?

Discipline is doing what you hate to do, but nonetheless doing it like you love it. Mike Tyson

A man who lacks purpose distracts himself with pleasure. Stay focused.

There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit. Ronald Reagan

Just having a desire to live a godly life is not enough. Dan Shock

Jesus was selective in picking His disciples, knowing the personality and ability of each. He did that because He knew how they would uniquely be able to produce fruit, i.e., make disciples. God does the same thing with you. Just think, the Sovereign Creator God of the universe chose you! He knew what unique abilities you could produce for Him. You’re the best possible agent for the best possible outcome of winning people to Christ. He thinks that much of you. So, if you don’t think you’re the best fruit for the intended outcome, remember Who chose you. Rich Jensen

Wisdom is the ability to see life from God’s perspective and to then act accordingly. Danny Akin

One person with a belief is equal to a force of ninety-nine who have only interests. John Stuart Mill

The highest of distinctions is service to others. King George VI

We all have those moments when we feel less. Right? Moments where we lack joy. Uncertain about what’s next. Always feeling like we’re looking in from the outside. We all do at times. And we try to move to a place of more, seeking a sense of renewed joy, with a clarity about tomorrow, and acceptance in the world around us. Or we don’t, and instead we continue to live a life marked by never having reached our full God-ordained potential. Scott Whitaker

One day we’ll pass through that veil called death and we will see the face of our Savior. Dan Shock

There is nothing like a dream to create the future. Victor Hugo

The Christian life calls for growth, change and spiritual development. The Preacher Man

You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely. Ogden Nash.

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Your feedback is welcome. Address all items and comments to [email protected]. © Thoughts on Life Copyright 2024