John Grant, Week 11, 2020

From the overlook, it appears to be so beautiful and full of life. I stood there and partook of its beauty and then thought of its lack of life. The Dead Sea, lies 1,300 feet below sea level and is the lowest and most mineral-rich body of water in the world. A significant landmark, too salty to sustain any marine life, the Dead Sea is famous for the water’s mysteriously buoyant qualities which allow people to float across the top of the water, without needing to swim. The sea is mentioned numerous times in the bible and has long been associated with mysticism, wonderment, and religious significance in the Biblical era.

It begins in the North where pure snow melts from Mt. Herman and cascades to the South through some of the best fishing grounds in Israel. It picks up nutrients along the way that support plant and animal life. Finally, it reaches the Dead Sea, where is stops and goes no further.

dead-sea

The nutrients built up to the point of snuffing out any semblance of life. There is too much goodness to support even the most microscopic forms of life.

Is there a parallel to life? Of course, there is. As we go through life, we build up goodness in our lives and as we pass it on, we sustain a balanced life, but when we hold it all in, it chokes our very being. Now, I am not talking about our nutritional goodness. I am referring to the goodness we get from society and from others as they pass goodness along to us.

When we begin to discipline ourselves spiritually, so much of the work is personal and interior that it is easy to become self-focused. This is why God has given us the task of reaching out and ministering to others. Ministry is crucial to spiritual growth. We are commanded to give and to serve, not because of what it will do for others, but because of what it will do to us.

The Dead Sea is dead because it has water flowing into it, but not out of it. It only takes and never gives. Our spiritual life is like that. If we take in but do not give out, like the Dead Sea, we spiritually stagnate and spiritually die.

The commands of Jesus, the teaching of the Scripture and the needs around us demand that we accept the challenges of ministering to others.

Who will you minister to today?

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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

APPRENTICE DEVILS:

There’s an old fable that tells about three apprentice devils who were sent to earth by Satan to finish their apprenticeship. The Devil asked them about their plans to tempt people and lead them astray.

The first demon said, “I will tell them there is no God.” Satan said, “That will not delude many, for they know there’s a God.”

The second said, “I will tell men there is no hell.” Satan replied, “You will deceive some that way.”

The third said, “I will tell men there is no hurry.” Satan excitedly responded to him, “Go, and you will ruin them by the thousands.”

Sadly, many people will be lost because of neglect, disregard, and spiritual lethargy. Maybe this is why there are so many warnings regarding spiritual inattention. —Preacher Man

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When was the last time you were attacked for being a Christian?

Maybe it was a disparaging word. Or exclusion from a group. Maybe it was even physical harm, as so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer across the globe. The fact is: Jesus promised us that, if we are following him, we will face persecution (Matthew 10:22).

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Pastor Ken Whitten on Idols:

• Whatever Gives You Joy and Security Apart From God Is an Idol.

• Idols Evoke the Deepest Emotion in Our Heart.

• Idols Need To Be Protected While Giving You the Illusion They Are Protecting You.

• Idols Demand Sacrifice to Keep Them Happy.

• Idols Are Not Just Psychological Forces, They Are Demonic as Well.

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QUOTES YOU CAN USE

Never be a prisoner of your past. It was just a lesson, not a life sentence.

Every time an old person dies, it is like a library being burned down. —Alex Haley

President Trump Tells March for Life: “Every Child Born and Unborn is a Sacred Gift from God”

Don’t Just Organize, Minimize. Minimizing is better than organizing. Minimizing possessions is an act of permanence. It lays the groundwork for overcoming consumerism and forces questions of values and purpose. And minimalism provides the opportunity to pursue our passions.

Jesus is the only God whom, when you obtain Him, will satisfy you, and when you fail Him, He’ll forgive you. —Tim Keller

How could anyone expect a gift from God if they have their hands cliched so tightly around what they already have.

Patience, the quality we love in the driver behind us…but hate in the car in front of us. —Dwight Short

Week Ten, 2020

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Amidst all the partisan rancor and hatred spewing from our nation’s capital most Americans are more upbeat about the country and their own prospects.

A recent Gallup poll revealed some fascinating findings. Most encouraging is this: An astounding 84% said they’re satisfied with the overall quality of life,” and “Americans” overall satisfaction with the country’s direction is at its highest point since 2005.

Issues with wide satisfaction include the economy (68%), “the opportunity for a person to get ahead by working hard” (72%), and military strength (81%). All three areas have gained tremendously in the past four years.

It’s no surprise that there’s plenty of dissatisfaction, though. Income distribution, race relations, immigration, healthcare, abortion, poverty and homelessness, and the moral and ethical climate” are all areas where dissatisfaction runs high.

It is heartening though most Americans see clearly the problems we face and at the same time they have a positive view of the greatest nation on earth.

As children, we thought it might be that bag of potato chips we begged our parents for at the store or that new bike, video game, or doll we wanted for Christmas. We thought they would make us happy. But they didn’t. As teenagers, we sought satisfaction in good grades, athletic accomplishments, a car, or in a significant other. But all of it left us discontent. As adults, we think that a bigger house, more (or less) children, or a better job will quench our thirst. But we’re still left wanting more.

At the root of our dissatisfaction is a never-ending thirst that nothing in this world can satisfy. We’ve been duped into a better job, more money, cooler friends, another spouse, or a new life is really what we need. And if we can’t obtain any of these things, or when they leave us dissatisfied, we resort to drug abuse, sexual immorality, or senseless entertainment.

While people gauge happiness and optimism from things of this world, true optimism and satisfaction comes from things above this world. God is the source and sustainer of all good. He and He alone is the abundant fountain of all goods. In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (PS 16:11)

Nothing in this universe is able to produce true goodness, unless the God, the good creator, is its wellspring. This truth puts all of life in perspective for mankind. To state it plainly, if goodness is what we desire, we must go to the source of all goodness: God.

***

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

The U.S. government’s budget deficit is projected to reach $1.02 trillion in 2020, according to a report released Tuesday by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, as the federal government continues to spend much more than it collects in taxes. Why can’t the government learn to live within its own means, just like you and I have to do?

— o —

Nearly 3,400 Hepatitis A cases reported in Florida in 2019

— o —

Rick Warren was right: “The way you store up treasure in heaven is by investing in getting people there.”

How much treasure in heaven will you store up today?

— o —

Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it. It requires a conscious decision because it is a countercultural lifestyle that stands against the culture of overconsumption that surrounds us. The world we live in is not friendly to the pursuit of minimalism. Its tendencies and relentless advertising campaigns call us to acquire more, better, faster, and newer. The journey of finding simplicity requires consistent inspiration.

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QUOTES YOU CAN USE

“You have heard that it was said, love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you“(Matthew 5:43-44).

We need to conquer the fears that cripple our faith. Kelly Knouse

As long as a man has friends, he is not a failure.

It is impossible to praise or thank Jesus too much.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Don’t say God is silent when your Bible is closed.

When we buy things, we get maintenance. When we buy experiences, we get memories.

You can’t enjoy the sight of the beautiful rainbow without rain.

The peace of God requires the power of God. Jim Denison

The Encourager

By John Grant, Week Nine, 2020

“When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts” (Acts: 11:23).

He was born on the island of Cyprus and his name was Joseph and he was later named Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement.”. He moved to Jerusalem and became well-educated and relatively wealthy. He became a leading Christian. After traveling on missionary journeys with the Apostle Paul, he returned to Cyprus and formed the orthodox church before being martyred.

I recently stood by his grave on the Island of Cyprus and could only think that while he was never a person of notoriety, his fingerprints are all over the Book of Acts. He was the constant companion, the constant helper. When Paul dismissed John Mark after a disappointing missionary journey, it was Barnabas who persuaded Paul to give him a second chance and he did. Without that encouragement, we might not have even gotten the first Gospel written, the Gospel of Mark.

A reporter once asked the celebrated orchestra conductor Leonard Bernstein what is the most difficult instrument to play. Given Bernstein’s experience, and expertise, the reporter was eager to hear the great conductor’s valued opinion. To the reporter’s surprise, Leonard Bernstein replied without any hesitation whatever: “Second fiddle! I can always get plenty of first violinists, but to find one who plays second violin with as much enthusiasm, or second French horn, or second flute, now that’s a problem. And yet if no one plays second part, we have no harmony.”

Barnabas was a man content to play second fiddle, always the helper, not the leader, but the faithful follower. He was the messenger, the follower, the servant. He supported Paul financially. He was a generous giver and a faithful friend, a committed encourager and a forgiving brother. He was a model of character and integrity.

The world needs more people like Barnabas. He never wrote a book of the Bible, but he made many of them possible. Never trying to be the leader, he was the consummate follower.

We believe what we tell ourselves about ourselves, and if we are influenced by negative people, we will have a negative self-image. If we believe the encourager, we will have a positive self-image. That is why every person is truly blessed if they have a Barnabas in their lives, for Barnabas was an encourager. He always saw the good side of people. He saw past their failures to their potential for good.

It is amazing we do not know Barnabas better, for he is one of the most influential men in the New Testament. He played a major role in the early history of the church, and a major role in the lives of the men who wrote the New Testament. Yet he seems to be an obscure person because we do no know very much about him. Barnabas encouraged these men to be all they could be for the cause of spreading the Gospel.

Who will you be a Barnabas to today? Who will you encourage today?

***

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

Do you want a great blessing and words of wisdom each day? Go to http://www.thepreachersword.com/ and sign up. It’s free.

WORDS OF SPIRITUAL WISDOM FROM PASTOR KEN WHITTEN:

▪ Discipleship Is Not Just a Church Word, It’s God’s Word.

▪ One of the Ways You Know You Are Living Out God’s Plan Is You’re Investing in Others, Not Yourself.

▪ Apostleship Is not a Vocation, It’s a Conviction.

▪ Hardship in the Christian Life Is Not an Exception for Followers of Christ, It’s an Expectation for Those Who Do.

▪ Are You Risking Anything for Jesus That Might Cost You?

▪ Sometimes God Does Call Us to Dark Places.

▪ Don’t Change the Bible to Accommodate the Listener.

▪ Remember God Is With You When You Are Discouraged.

▪ Just Be Faithful, Give Yourself to the Gospel.

▪ The Sweetest Time in Your Life Can Come After the Darkest Time in Your Life

— o —

Americans are dying of heart disease and strokes at a rising rate in middle age. Normally that period is considered the prime of life. But an analysis of mortality statistics by the WSJ shows the problem is geographically widespread. Death rates from cardiovascular disease among people between the ages of 45 and 64 are rising in cities all across the U.S., including in some of the most unlikely places. The findings suggest that the underlying causes of cardiovascular disease are universal and difficult to address.

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CHOCOLATE IS GOD’S APOLOGY FOR BROCCOLI

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Worldwide Leading Cause of Death in 2019: Abortion

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QUOTES YOU CAN USE

Grace is the fact that God knows every stupid mistake I’ll make in the ministry and yet he has chosen me anyway…that’s what grace is! Rick Warren.

Life in the Spirit is about letting go. Max Wilkins

Dwight Moody was once asked why he urged Christians to be filled constantly by the Holy Spirit. “Well,” he said, “I need a continual infilling because I leak.”

Harboring bitterness against someone is like drinking poison and hoping the other person will die. George Acevedo

It is impossible to praise or thank Jesus too much.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. —1 Thessalonians 5:18

The Wolf Pack

Week Seven, 2020

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing (1Thess. 5:11).

We all live in the midst of a “me too” generation. It’s all about me, accordingly to an increasingly large population. That’s contrary to what the Bible teaches the opposite. “And look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own.” (Phil 2:4). We as Christians are a community, but do we even know who are our neighbors today?

We can learn a lot as we study nature. Take for instance the wolf pack.

We can all learn an invaluable Leadership Lesson from this pack of wolves:
▪ The 3 in front are old and sick. They walk in front to set the pace.
▪ The next 5 are the strongest. They protect the front side from an attack.
▪ The middle group is fully protected.
▪ The 5 behind them are also among the strongest. They protect the back side.
▪ The last wolf is the LEADER. He ensures no one is left behind. He keeps the pack tight and on the same path. He is ready to run in any direction to protect his pack.

Being a leader is not about being in front.

Do you care more about others than about yourself? Do you respect and protect your elders? Are you a leader in life’s orchestra or do you just play your own piccolo solo?

Being a leader takes courage, discipline, and determination. While a great leader can bring great success, it also comes at the cost of being judged and overwhelmed. The Bible speaks of so many wonderful leaders and how God blessed them for their work. There are many verses and Scriptures that God spoke to encourage men and women who choose to step up and lead.

The Bible tells us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Gal 6:9).

The Bible tells us not to fear or be dismayed and assures us He is our God and He will strengthen us and help us. (Isaiah 41:10)

The Bible tells us as leaders to be humble and assures us that when we do, He will lift us up. (James 4:10)

The Bible tells us to not focus on our own interests but on the interests of others. (Phil 2:4)

It seems to me that the leader wolf at the back of the pack has been reading his Bible. How about you?

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

The book of Revelation describes Jesus as “the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world” (13:8 NIV). 1 Peter 1 points to “the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot” (v. 19) and says that “he was foreknown before the foundation of the world” (v. 20).

In other words, before God made the world, his Son was already a sacrificial lamb for the sins of the world.

Romans 5:8 makes this fact plain: “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” “While we were still sinners”—before we had done one thing to earn God’s forgiveness, Jesus died for us.

Here’s the point to understand: Jesus chose to die for you before you committed your first sin. He knew your forgiveness would cost him his life, but he chose to create you anyway. And every other person in human history with you.

There is nothing we can do to earn such love because it was decided before we even existed. His redeeming grace is like a house you build for your grandchildren before your children are born. It is like a soldier who dies for a country that does not yet exist, but his death helps create.

— o —

Nearly half of Jewish young people in America have been the victims of anti-Semitic acts in the last five years. Think about that fact for a moment. More than a third have experienced such hatred on a college campus or know someone who has.

Today, 88 percent of Jewish Americans think anti-Semitism is a problem in the US; 84 percent believe the problem has gotten worse over the last five years. The Anti-Semitic League reports that anti-Semitic acts in the US rose 57 percent in 2017 compared to the previous year. These are staggering numbers as well.

Writing for The Atlantic, Emma Green documents a frightening list of anti-Semitic reports in recent months. The title of her article: “American Jews Are Terrified”.

— o —

Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it. It requires a conscious decision because it is a countercultural lifestyle that stands against the culture of overconsumption that surrounds us.

The world we live in is not friendly to the pursuit of minimalism. Its tendencies and relentless advertising campaigns call us to acquire more, better, faster, and newer. The journey of finding simplicity requires consistent inspiration.

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

There is no one too unclean or too far away that God will not go after them. Jesus is an equal opportunity Savior. Kelly Knouse

If You Contain a Fire, It Will Die; If You Let It out, It Will Spread. Ken Whitten

You can’t teach that which you don’t know. Bob Sprinkle

But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. 2 Timothy‬ ‭2:23‬‬

Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgment. American author and scientist James Jay Horning.

Takers live better, but givers sleep better. Ken Whitten

Abortion Clinic CEO Compares Abortion to Removing a Mole or Getting a Root Canal.

The higher your Pedestal, the further you fall. Ken Whitten