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“In Step With God”

“IN STEP WITH GOD”

By Almon Bartholomew

We are taking the text for this devotional from both the Old and the New Testaments.

GENESIS 5:21-24: “And Enoch lived sixty and five years and begat Methuselah.

And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters.

And all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty and five years.

And Enoch walked with God and was not for the Lord took him.” KJV

HEBREWS 11:5-6: “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”

“But without faith it is impossible to please God: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” KJV

If ever a man walked with God, we would have to say it happened in the life of Enoch. The Scriptures testify that he walked with God, that pleased God, was inwardly dominated by an unshakable faith, and God suddenly translated him to Heaven! The only one close to that in the Old Testament was Elijah who was caught up in a whirlwind and escorted to Heaven riding in a chariot of fire.

The Old Testament story is characterized by direct simplistic statements each revealing Enoch’s victory achieved through faith. The Old Testament account simply states Enoch walked with God. The New Testament account goes underscores that statement and tells of a secret propellant which gave Enoch the strength to go forward. Faith in God is this propellant that makes walking with God possible. This pleases God!

The O.T. chapter in which this occurs covers a span of 1500 years of man’s sojourn on earth. It is the story of a failed humanity—birth and burial, passion and pain, living and dying. It is a solemn reminder of the devil’s lie told in Eden’s Garden. In the hour of temptation the malignant villain of the universe subtly asked Eve,”Has God said, you shall not eat of every tree in the garden”? This introduces the first questioning of God to humanity.

Eve took the bait. You can’t afford to do business with the devil. She was correct when she answered God permitted them to eat from the fruit of the trees in the garden. Then she incorrectly said they could not eat the fruit of the tree of life, or not even touch it or God would punish them with death. God never forbade them to touch the tree. God did say that that in the day that you eat the fruit from that tree you will surely die. Then the Satanic voice countermanded the commandment of God and said “You shall not die!”

Well you know the rest of the story. Eve and Adam both ate the fruit and were evicted from Paradise. They did die! And repeatedly, over and over and over for generations after we read and he died, and he died and he died. God tells the truth and the devil is a liar. As history moved on the death knell rank until, until, something happened in human history that had never been seen before.

Instead of the record keeper reporting the death notice he found himself telling another story. A man lived his life through but did not die. He was subservient to God. He was a remarkable man. He marched to a different beat of the drum. He walked with God, when suddenly: “WHISH” he was gone; taken up into heaven by the God whom he served. And he left a testimony! He walked by Faith. He walked with God. He pleased God and suddenly went into eternity to be with God! It was described as a TRANSLATION!!!

That brief story of Enoch is both incredible and wonderful. A change came into his life. At age 65 he begat Methuselah. After the birth of his son, something happened in the life of Enoch. The details of that life changing experience are not recorded in scripture. The testimony is, however, etched in the annals of eternity. After he begat Methuselah Enoch walked with God for 300 years.

It is evident that some powerful revelation came to him. It may be that he then saw beyond the darkness of the surrounding ages and the light of God dawned on him. Whatever it was it forever changed him and he walked with God.

Think about this with me for a moment. He lived before Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses. Joshua, Caleb, Samuel, David, Elijah, Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. He had no Bible. He had no book of hymns. He had no New Testament. He knew nothing of a Messiah or an Apostle. Yet, Yet, he walked with God. His was a rare brand of faith and it merited reference in our New Testament! He lived a different and a victorious life without one of these provisions now made fully and easily available to us.

The biographical sketch of David simply reads “David, after he, in his own generation, served the counsel of God, and fell on sleep”. Saul’s brief biography sadly reads “I have played the fool”! Other brief bio sketches fill the pages of sacred writ. But one bio, one short biographical sketch is reserved for one man, Enoch; it reads “He walked with God”.

What does it mean, He walked with God”? It means four things. First it means he is moving in a divinely planned direction. Secondly, it means he is in agreement with God. The scripture declares, “How can two walk together except they be in agreement”? Thirdly it means that a mutual trust exists. Here is a man that trusted God and here is God trusting a man. Ponder that one for a while. Finally, if a man walks with God, he must keep in step with God. As the old hymn says, “How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Savior, stepping in the light, stepping in the light. How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Savior, Led in paths of light.”

Again, as we consider all of the things Enoch did not have and he made it; with all of the spiritual provisions and privileges God has afforded us, we should make it. If we do not make it, it will largely be because we ignored these gracious provisions God has made for us. Look in Psalm 119 and read “God’s word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path”. This should help us walk with God. According to Galatians 5:16 teaches us how to walk, “if we walk in the Spirit we shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh”. Ephesians 5:15 admonishes us to “walk circumspectly” which means to walk within the boundaries.

Try Colossians 1:10 for size; “Walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of the Lord”. First John 1:7 has great promise “If we walk in the light as He, (Jesus Christ) is in the light, we have fellowship one with another and the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s So, cleanses us from all sin” There are dozens more verses underscoring this precious walk with God. None is more glorious than Jesus word to the church members in Sardis who persevered in the things of God; To those over comers he said in Revelation 3:4 “They shall walk with me in white for they are worthy.”

Enoch succeeded in his godly walk in his day. What was it like at that time? Enoch was of the seventh generation from Seth, the God fearing son of Adam and Eve. Lamech was the seventh son of Cain, the murderous son of Adam and Eve. It seemed as though Lamech and his sons were ambitious, abusive, and independent and rebels against God. Eventually it degenerated to the evil found in Noah’s day. Even though Godless conditions surrounded him, Enoch pursued God and walked with Him. By faith, and God’s grace this man lived under divine direction. Our day is also drenched in evil.

The same God that brought Enoch through is also able to bring us through. He has equipped us for the battle between good and evil. As we walk in concert with Jesus and keep in step with God, we are going to win. We too shall take that glorious elevator to heaven when we take wings from this world. The deep fact of life is that when we walk with God, at the very end, he receives us into heaven. Enoch “was not, for the Lord took him.”

I love the story of the little girl’s outlook, when she went home from Sunday School, after hearing the story of Enoch. She said: “Mother we heard about a wonderful man today in Sunday School. His name was Enoch. He used to go for long walks with God every day” Oh that’s wonderful but how did the story end”? “Oh mother, one day they walked on, and on and on, and got so far, God said to Enoch, You’re a long way from home. You had better come to my home and stay with me….”

“Jesus, will walk with me, He will talk with me He will walk with me.

In joy or in sorrow, today and tomorrow; I know He will walk with me”

Let us pledge ourselves to keep in step with God.

Almon Batholomew, shown with wife Joyce, pastored near Buffalo, New York, and for more than two decades served as the Superintendent of the NY District of the Assemblies of God.

Blogs, Frank Becker

“WHAT YOU DO THAT YOU DO ALWAYS”

“WHAT YOU DO THAT YOU DO ALWAYS”
By Jeremy B. Stopford

TODAY’S FUNNY: “Visit to A Zoo”
Little Johnny wanted to go to the zoo and pestered his parents for days. Finally his mother talked his reluctant father into taking him.
“So how was it?” his mother asked when they returned home.

“Great,” Little Johnny replied.

“Did you and your father have a good time?” asked his mother.

“Yeah, Daddy especially liked it,” exclaimed Little Johnny excitedly, “especially when one of the animals came home at 30 to 1!”

INTRODUCTION:
In our “Call to Worship”, perhaps you noticed verse 132 of the 119th psalm. In our NIV it reads, “Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.” Did you notice the phrase “as you always do”? In the NKJV it reads, “as Your custom is.”

What is this verse saying? It is saying that God has habits – things that He does on a regular basis due to…His character! One of His habits, according to verse 132, is to have mercy on individuals who love His name. Perhaps you’ve experienced that on a daily basis. We certainly did experience that at the cross. Now how much more do we need to experience His kindnesses on a daily basis. And He does that always! That’s one of HIS habits!

Experts tell us it takes at least 3 weeks to develop a good habit – while at the same time perhaps to break a bad one!
ILLUSTRATION How many of you have tried to read the Bible through, but after several days life got in your way? What was the problem? You didn’t strive for 3 weeks!

In your bulletin today are several verses that will show habits in Scripture. For us, a habit is…ready…here’s the title once again…”what you do that you do always.” Pretty clever, right? But also pretty challenging! PRAYER

#1. THE CUSTOM OF THE FAMILY ALTAR (Job 1:5)
We’re all familiar with the story of Job. Richest man on earth. 10 children. Many servants. And in the midst of all that, Satan pleads to test Job in many ways.

But there are 2 things you need to know before we go to the beginning of Chapter 1. Go to Job 1:6-9. Who was it that suggested the subject for Satan’s tests? Why, the Lord Himself! He knew Job’s character (verse 8).

And go forward to Job 2:1-3. What does the Lord add concerning His describing Job? “Integrity”. Job was a man of integrity.
Where did he get that from?

NOW let’s go to Job 1:1-5. Job “was the greatest man among all the people of the East” (v. 3) What caused that? Wise investing? Hard work? Perhaps that is true – and we should be wise and hard workers, too.

But Job had a custom, a habit which he had developed over the course of many years. Look at verse 5. The text says “this was Job’s regular custom.” – note, not just a custom, but his regular custom.
And what was his custom? He had a family altar. He regularly – probably daily – kept his family before the remembrance of the Lord! Wow! He would pray for each of his 7 sons by name. He would pray for each of his 3 daughters by name. He was concerned with their love for the Lord and for their walk with the Lord. And I imagine he also prayed for his wife, whom we meet in Chapter 2. When she advises her weakened husband, “curse God and die”, well, don’t you think that reminded Job to pray harder?

BY THE WAY: by the end of the book, how many children did Job –and his wife – have? This same wife who advised her husband to “curse God and die” would mother 10 more children! Job and his wife had 20 children – 10 on earth, and 10 in heaven. Don’t forget that!

So how do you develop a family altar? It takes…how long?…3 weeks! Or better, a lifetime! Have a piece of paper before you. On that paper put the name of each of your family members. And then make notes – either on paper or mentally – about the need of each one. And then? Sacrifice that need on the altar of God’s mercy! The same MERCY that is His habit (remember Psalm 119:132?)!

That’s the custom of a family altar. What you do that you do always should be a family altar.

#2, THE CUSTOM OF GOING TO GOD’S HOUSE (Luke 2:43/4:16)
The next text of importance is Luke 4:16. But let’s first make a pit stop at Luke 2:41-3. How old was Jesus? 12 years old. So how many times by now had He celebrated the Passover with His earthly parents? At least 11! So verse 41 tells us that “every year his parents”. Verse 42 tells us that this was the custom of the nation – and as a good Jewish family, it was the custom of Joseph & Mary – and young Jesus.

WHAT? You mean His earthly parents MADE Him – the Savior of the universe! – go to church? Look at vs. 51-52. He was obedient to them, the One Who laid aside the exercise of His divine attributes in order to be obedient, even unto death!

All that is free information. Let’s go to Chapter 4:16. “As was His custom” included going to the synagogue on a regular basis. Where did He get THAT custom from? Hello! His earthly parents!

And why is that so important? Read the verses following, vs. 17-21. Perhaps He wouldn’t have been where the Father wanted Him to be at that very moment. Perhaps He wouldn’t have fulfilled Scripture at that very moment. IF His earthly parents hadn’t developed in Him the custom of going to God’s House.

IF that is true of our Savior, what about us? You know where I’m going. Let me give you 2 thoughts:

#1 Hebrews 10:25 in our NIV says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the HABIT of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching”. Even the author of Hebrews understood that good habits can be broken.

#2. ILLUSTRATION As most of you know, I really love to send out bulletins to those who either are shut-ins, to those that we’re trying to maintain a contact with, and especially to those who for whatever reason missed church that Sunday. How many “regulars” do you think our attendance has? “Regulars” are what I refer to when talking about those who will be in church 2-3 Sundays per month. Do you know how many we have? 28. What would happen if EVERY Sunday all 28 were here? Why a visitor would walk in and say, “hey – this is a living church!”. I’ve heard that at Easter time. I hear it at Christmas time. I would love to hear that on a regular basis!
Let’s not grow weary in doing good! Let’s develop the habit, the custom of going to God’s house!

#3. THE CUSTOM OF GOD’S INTERVENTION (John 18:39)
I was overwhelmed to be reminded of this custom. This habit of the Roman governor and the Jewish people was that every year, at the time of the Passover, a prisoner would be released – pardoned in today’s language. This was a custom. This happened regularly. Everyone knew about it, including the Roman governor.

So what happened because of this particular year’s observation of that custom? Barabbas “son of the father” got released and the Lord Jesus “Son of His Heavenly Father” was crucified – for the sin of the whole world.

Coincidence? You think? It was GOD’S INTERVENTION in human customs. It was God’s using the circumstances of every day life to return glory to Himself – even the greatest glory in the death of His Son.

What’s the point? Every day becomes an opportunity of God’s intervention in the customs, the habits of the world around you and me where the Lord has wisely placed us. Radio preacher David Mains called these “God sightings”. That isn’t an irreverent term. It is the Christian’s bringing attention and glory to God by being very conscious that the eternal God is involved in his life!

May I hear another “WOW”!

CONCLUSION
As we wrap this up, let’s review. It takes on the average 3 weeks to develop good habits – and perhaps a lifetime to maintain bad ones!
The Scriptures encourage us with at least 3 habits that should be “what we do that we do always”:

We should have the custom of a family altar, a regular – hopefully daily – time when the entire family is brought before the Lord. Make that as person as you can!

We should have the custom of going to God’s House. Do you know the #1 reason we should be in God’s House every week? Who is there? Not only people, but God Himself. It is His House! Looking forward to seeing you here next week!

And we should have the custom of God’s intervention, regularly bringing glory, praise and honor to Him when we see His handiwork on our lives.

I want to close with one more verse. Leviticus 20:23. Moses is warning the people of Israel what life is going to be like in the promised land. And then he says this, under the inspiration of God: “You must not live according to the customs of the nations I am going to drive out before you.”

Are you living according to God’s customs – the ones found in His Word?

Close in prayer

First Baptist Church, Earlville, NY,  Rev. Jeremy B. Stopford, Pastor, June 10, 2018

Blogs, Frank Becker

Never Again

Week Twenty-Four, 2018

NEVER AGAIN

By John Grant

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved (Matthew 24:13).

As I stood there before the boxcar, I could only imagine its history. One of the actual cars which transported Jews to the gas chambers was right there in front of me. When it was brought there, a girls small ring was found, placed between the boards on her way to the death camp.

Throughout history, the Jews have endured hardships and have teetered on the edge of extinction, only to have a remnant so save them. Shamgar slew the Philistines against all odds. Ester saved them again.

In modern times there was the horror of the Holocaust in Nazi Germany, another time Satan tried to blot them out. The fact that, as of 1948, the Jews have a restored national identity helps to fulfill Biblical prophecies found in Ezekiel 37 and Matthew 24. Defeating Nazism and giving the land of Israel back to the Jews is a classic example of God’s thwarting Satan’s plan and bringing about good in spite of the evil.

Hundreds of these boxcars coupled to dozens of trains carried thousands upon thousands of Jews on their way to be gassed in the showers. Sadly, local people closed their eyes and failed to act.

There was one church along the tracks and when the trains would pass by during worship times, the organ music was turned up to blot out the sound of the Jews screaming for help.

And while Nazism took hold in Germany, where were the European churches? Some, it is true, stood fast against the evil in their midst, and some churchmen, such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, paid the ultimate price for dissenting. But they were the minority. Most churches of the era acquiesced to Nazi Party rules and remained silent while the Jews were slaughtered.

Satan is alive and well and evil continues to surround us. Will we as Christians sit idly by with our hands over our ears and ignore? Unless we rise up against evil, another holocaust could well happen and maybe, it will be the Christians who are persecuted.

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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

CRUSADE:

When we organized the Executive team for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association for the 1994 Cleveland Crusade, we were reminded on Day One that the only theme we would all have to make sure we committed to was The Main Thing.

For the next year and all through the Crusade, our focus was on one unifying ideal, the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ. When people came forward to dedicate their lives to Christ, we did not ask for information about their background, beliefs, or traditions, but were they ready to give their life to Jesus?

How simple and how profound! When I have friends who are seeking God and having this yearning to know more about God, the last thing I want to do is distract them from the “main thing”.

There is always time after a decision is made to reflect on one’s heritage and faith journey, but to allow that to muddy the waters at a critical time in life more often than not brings procrastination, not clarity. Dwight Short

NEWS: Oregon Legislature Passes Bill to Allow Starving Mentally Ill Patients to Death.

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QUOTES YOU CAN USE

Never take your liberty for granted, and be careful whom you vote for because it may be the last election you’ll ever have. Rep. Jamie Grant

The Bible is a list of authoritative books, not an authoritative list of books. Dr. Bruce Metzker

Christianity needs more oars in the water.

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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 be taken off the mailing list a simple e-mail will do it. 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 2018

©2018 John Grant | Florida State Senator (Ret.) | 10025 Orange Grove Drive | Tampa, FL 33618
Blogs, Frank Becker

“THE GREAT RECONCILER”

By Rev. Jeremy B. Stopford, Pastor

First Baptist Church, Earlville, NY

“THE GREAT RECONCILER” (Matt. 5:23-24; 2 Cor. 5:16-21)

June 3, 2018 10:30 AM

TODAY’S FUNNY: “Hard Working Farmer” – in honor of this year’s “first cut” which was able to be done by the last week of May!

A farmer and his recently hired hand were eating an early breakfast of biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon and coffee that the farmer’s wife had prepared for them. Thinking of all the work they had to get done that day, the farmer told the hired man he might as well go ahead and eat his lunch too.

The hired man didn’t say a word, but filled his plate a second time and proceeded to eat. After awhile the farmer said, “We’ve got so much work to do today, you might as well eat your supper now too.”

Again, the hired man didn’t respond but refilled his plate a third time and continued to eat. Finally, after eating his third plate of food, the hired man pushed back his chair and began to take off his shoes.

“What are you doing”? the farmer asked.

The hired man replied, “I don’t work after supper.”

INTRODUCTION: This past week I learned about a really sad incident. Two good friends – they had been friends for decades – suddenly separated their friendship. Perhaps the reasoning for the separation was good, perhaps it was petty. In either case, it may take awhile for these two friends to patch up. And that “patching up” is what the Bible calls “reconciliation” – where an offended party is able to make amends with the one who caused the offending. We often say, “it will take an act of God to do that”. And that’s just what God has done for you and me. On this communion Sunday, let’s observe how this plays out in Scripture. PRAYER

#1 THE PRINCIPLE (Matthew 5:23-24)

* Note the context: v. 21ff talks about a broken relationship equivalent to murder; and v. 25ff talks about a wise judge desiring offended parties to try to patch up before the extreme – appearing before the judge.

* In the midst of that is this story about the prodding of God at the altar. What is the Lord Jesus trying to have done? A “change in attitude” toward one another. And that, in a nutshell, is reconciliation!

* Here’s the principle: in order to have true reconciliation, a true “change in attitude”, the offended party and the one causing the offense must meet. Together. One on one. Alone.

This can happen between two people. As we soon shall see, this can happen between God (the offended “Party”) and man (the “one causing the offense”.

* ILLUSTRATION: When serving as the City of Norwich dog control officer, I often wrote tickets for violations of the dog ordinances – either local or state. And in almost every case, the wise judge would ask both the one receiving the ticket and I, “would you take a moment out in the hall and see if this can be settled out of court?”. I believe he took that principle right from the Scriptures.

* Let me share from personal experience: what happens when an offended party does NOT reconcile with the one causing the offense? Usually one word (can you guess it?): “bitterness”. Whenever they see each other, they remember the incident. Or perhaps the one causing the offense has forgotten, or even does not know the offense caused. Reconciliation is an huge thing. So is bitterness. Which would you rather have, reconciliation or bitterness?

#2 THE PATTERN (2 Corinthians 5:16-21)

Let’s apply what we learned in Matthew to this passage in 2 Corinthians. And when we do, we will see a decided pattern – one which must be made in every heart in order for a person to come to know Jesus as Savior:

1. Identify the offended party (v. 16). The Lord Jesus is the eternal offended “Party”! He is often viewed from a “worldly point of view” and not from Scriptures. When we choose not the world’s pattern but the pattern of Scriptures, then we can identify the offended Party.

2. Identify the one “causing the offense” (v. 17-18a). Once again, in the eternal perspective, WE are the ones causing the offense! Ephesians 2:12 tells us that every man, woman, boy and girl who has ever been born is born without God and without hope.

Yet in the midst of that hopelessness, what happened? God initiated the reconciliation – the “change in attitude”; the eternal “patching up”! How did He do that? By sending His Son to take our punishment upon Himself at Calvary’s tree.

And every one who receives that Savior – the One Who did the reconciling – is called a “new creation” and “the old has gone, the new has come!”. That isn’t religion. That isn’t churchianity! That is an eternal relationship with the living God Who has loved us with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3) shown in His sending His Son to die in our place.

3. Identify the new ministry (vs. 18b-20). What is the new ministry? The ministry of reconciliation! We are to be God’s ambassadors where He has wisely planted us. We are to make a difference before others. We are to show them Jesus, to show Him in that same world that is “without God, without hope”. And we are to point them to the One Who is the “offended Party” Who took the place of the one “causing the offense”.

ILLUSTRATION There is a ministry headquartered in Illinois which has been around for over 80 years called “Bible Tracts”. The title seems simple enough. But the ministry is based upon this one foundation: that God has promised to honor His Word (Psalm 138:2) and that His Word loves to change hearts (Romans 10:17). I encouraged you to look at the tracts we have – in the narthex both on the table and on the tract rack. Perhaps you will find one you can become familiar with and share with someone this week. Remember, you are not sharing yourself. You are sharing the Lord Jesus, the One Who wants to do the ministry of reconciliation through us as His instruments!

CONCLUSION:

As we wrap this up and prepare for this morning’s communion service, did you look ahead and read verse 21? “God made Him Who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

In a nutshell, that is what the communion service is all about. God made Jesus Who had no sin – the “offended Party” – to be sin for us – the ones “causing the offense”. And as a result, we might become His righteousness!

The Apostle John said, “He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” (1:10-12).

Do you know the Lord Jesus as Savior?

Don’t you wish everybody did?

Close in prayer

(Good job, Moxie! -FB)

Blogs, Frank Becker, Uncategorized

THE GLORY OF CREATION

By John Grant

Week Twenty-Three, 2018

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. – Psalm 19:1

It was a cold, dark night as we stood there in freezing cold, with a thirty knot wind in our face. We waited and suddenly they appeared showing the glory of God’s creation.

The bright dancing lights of the aurora are actually collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth’s atmosphere. The lights are seen above the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres. They are known as ‘Aurora borealis’

The temperature above the surface of the sun is millions of degrees. At this temperature, collisions between gas molecules are frequent and explosive. Free electrons and protons are thrown from the sun’s atmosphere by the rotation of the sun and escape through holes in the magnetic field.

Traveling at tremendous speed the discharge from the sun still takes about eighteen hours to reach the earth’s atmosphere. We live in a time when our knowledge of the heavens is expanding quickly. Our knowledge should lead us to praise God for His amazing provision and protection.

As I got back on the bus and headed back to town, I thought of how creative God is and how magnificent his creation is. You can see it in the Northern Lights and also in the smile of a new born baby. His creation all around us. The Bible tells us that God has left clues of Himself everywhere and they’re not hidden. They are right out in the open where every human being can find them.

The God who made the world and everything in it, this master of sky and land, doesn’t live in custom-made shrines or need the human race to run errands for him, as if he couldn’t take care of himself. He makes us; we don’t make Him. Praise Him and praise the glory of His magnificent creation.

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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

THE DIAMONDS RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU:

In his book, Acres of Diamonds, Russell Cromwell tells the story of a man named Ali Hafed, a farmer who had lived on his farm for years with his wife and children. He had health and peace and was content with his life. Until one day a priest visited and talked of “diamonds” sparkling like a million suns, the most beautiful things in all the world.

And Ali Hafed became discontented with what he had and sold his farm, left his wife and children with a friend and set out to find diamonds. For then, he thought, he would be rich. Then he would be happy and content with his life.

He searched the world over, looking for white sands and tall mountains, but found no diamonds. Until one day, broken, destitute, unable to see his family again, in a fit of utter despair and discontent with his life, he threw himself into the sea and died.

Meanwhile, the man who had bought Ali Hafed’s farm when he left, spotted an odd-looking chunk of black rock, took it home, put it on the mantle, and thought no more of it. Until one day that same priest came along, looked at it and saw a brilliant flash of light emitting from a crack in that rock. Something shiny, something beautiful lay beneath that rough exterior.

A diamond. And more and more diamonds were found there in an area. This became the greatest diamond mine in all the world, and produced diamonds used in the Crown Jewels of England, Russia and Persia.

Right there on the very property that Ali Hafed had sold to begin his search for contentment and riches. Right beneath his very feet, the richest diamond mine in the world, and he didn’t even know it. He’d searched the world over to find contentment in life, to find meaning in life. Always looking somewhere else, and all he found was frustration, disappointment, heartache, despair, failure and ultimately death.

We may know people like that. Spending years of their lives in all kinds of pursuits of success, pleasure, fame and wealth-in an effort to find happiness and contentment. When it’s right beneath their very feet, in their own backyard. If only they would look. If only they would believe that we are each something beautiful created by God and can find our purpose in life right where we are in whom He created us to be.

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QUOTES YOU CAN USE

A thought to remember: we can never un-ring a bell or take back a word, spoken or written, or any action we make in our daily journey of life. Be diligent because someone is watching. General Dick Abel

None of us know how long we have. What we do know is we have the ability to unwrap any ugliness layer by layer until we find the collateral goodness underneath. Kathy Merlino

It’s not my commitment to Jesus that saves me. It’s Jesus commitment to me that saves me. Ken Whitten.

***

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

Your feedback is welcome and if you want to be taken off the mailing list a simple e-mail will do it. 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 2018

©2018 John Grant | Florida State Senator (Ret.) | 10025 Orange Grove Drive | Tampa, FL 33618

Blogs, Jeremy Stopford

“A MEMORIAL SACRIFICE” (Isaiah 66:1-3)

First Baptist Church, Earlville, NY

May 27, 2018 10:30 AM
Rev. Jeremy B. Stopford, Pastor

TODAY’S FUNNY: “A Memories Funny”

An older couple was lying in bed one night. The husband was almost asleep when his wife started reflecting on all the love they had shared. The old gentleman is about asleep when she nudges him and says, “Honey, do you remember how we used to hug?”
The old gentleman says, “Yes, dear,” and rolls over and gives her a big hug.”
Then he was almost asleep again, when she nudges him and says “Honey do you remember how we used to kiss?”
“Yes, dear,” and he rolls over and gives her a big kiss.
He was almost asleep when she again nudges him again and says, “Honey, do you remember how you used to nibble on my ear?”
The old guy throws off the covers, somewhat frustrated, sits up in bed, and gets up. The wife says, “What are you doing?” In an exasperated tone he says, “I’m going to go get my teeth.”

INTRODUCTION:

As we celebrate this year’s Memorial Day, I was reminded recently of the definition of who a “veteran’ is: “A veteran is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to The United States of America for an amount up to and including their life.” Pretty good!
But just a reminder, in case any of us needs reminding: We honor our veterans on Veterans’ Day in November; we honor our country on the 4th of July; but we honor those who have died for our freedoms on Memorial Day. This day is not for those who served. This day is for those whose blank check was cashed. That too, is even better.
And all that got me thinking. Is there any place in scripture where it tells that all of us can give a memorial to God? A sacrifice that might be honoring to Him? A “memorial sacrifice” if you will? Isaiah is the sharp-tongued major prophet of the Old Testament. He does talk about a “memorial sacrifice”, but not with the desire we would think. This Memorial Day Sunday may our hearts be surrendered to God’s true “memorial sacrifice.” PRAYER

#1 THE SPIRIT OF THE MAJOR PROPHET

You would think that, having written 65 chapters of Scripture, Isaiah would be ready to show heaven’s flying colors. (Please remember, this was probably all on one scroll, NOT in 66 chapters! That makes Jesus act in the synagogue that much more amazing. He opened the scroll right to the very passage that was being fulfilled at that very moment in the presence of those in His presence in Nazareth. Wow.)
Isaiah wrote of an invitation to “come” and reason sins can be as wool. (Isaiah 1:18)
While mourning for the passing of King Uzziah, he wrote about seeing the Lord enthroned in words of almost unimagined splendor (Isaiah 6)
He wrote about the birth of the Messiah in a passage where the king had refused the revelation of this grand part of history, in a moment revealing his heart’s hardness (Isaiah 7:12-14).
He wrote about the tempter being in the garden of Eden – yet eons before that being in God’s presence desiring to be like the Most High (Isaiah 14:12ff).
And he wrote about the coming Messiah Whose first appearance would not be that of a King on a throne but of a Servant at the cross for the sins of the whole world (Isaiah 53 and surrounding chapters).
So you would think that by the time he got to the 66th chapter in his scroll, Isaiah would be ready to wrap up this majestic tale of divine insight into the history of God’s intervention in humanity.
But Isaiah had one more insight to share.

#2 THE HUNGER OF THE ALMIGHTY (66:1-2)

* Isaiah introduces God’s hurt by first sharing God’s hunger. (v. 1). God’s throne is in heaven. He is aware of the majesty – by human standards – of the temple on earth in Jerusalem. BUT that is not the throne He really wants!
* God wants the throne of the human heart (v. 2)! He gives a 3-fold description of His heart’s hunger: one who is humble, who is contrite in spirit, and who trembles at God’s Word.
He is to be “humble”: this is a poverty of self-spirit and a fullness of God in one’s life. He has an afflicted spirit because he realizes his only hope is in the Lord.
He is also “contrite”: this is a broken or wounded spirit. He has no hope in himself but is completely dependent upon the Lord and His intercession in his life. He is one who is sorry for his sins and has no human recourse for getting right with God.
He is one who “trembles at God’s Word”. “Tremble” is more than just being “frightened”. It is to have an holy awe, fear, or reverence. And even more so, it is to be responsive to everything that God says. He respects what God has to say. He hangs on every word of God and responds to it with an holy life.
And did you catch the beginning of the verse? The one who is humble, contrite in spirit, and who trembles at God’s word is the one upon whom God looks with esteem, with His favor (which is often translated in the New Testament as God’s “grace”). Isaiah begins his closure to his major revelation by first sharing the simple offer of God’s favor. But in order to show His favor, God has to show His hurt.

#3 THE HURT OF THE ONE WHOSE FAVOR IS SPURNED (v. 3)

The hurt of God is represented by the sacrifice chosen by the people. A memorial sacrifice! Truly God would highly esteem a sacrifice which is given in remembrance of Him!
The first part of the verse shares the different ways the people of Isaiah’s day were showing what they thought was “true worship”: sacrificing a bull, offering a lamb, making a grain offering, burning memorial incense. Why is Isaiah voicing God’s condemnation of such worship? Aren’t those things which outwardly show an heart that is dedicated to God? Wouldn’t God be pleased – show favor and grace – toward such a “memorial sacrifice”?
But Isaiah concludes this section by showing God’s true hurt. He words it this way: “they have chosen their own ways, and their souls delight in their abominations.”
But those memorial sacrifices? Those are good, right? Like going to church! Like reading the Bible! Like giving money in the offering! Like showing kindness to those who are hurting! Like having great programs which minister to the poor in the community! Aren’t these good things that we often do true memorial sacrifices?
Isn’t God pleased with them?

CONCLUSION:

Let’s wrap this up on this Memorial Day Sunday.
Through his extended revelation – thus making him a “major prophet” due to the length of his writing – Isaiah shares an huge body of truth which points to one sole sacrifice, one true memorial sacrifice.
Remember Isaiah 53? “But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (vs. 5-6).
The writer of Hebrews gives the New Testament heart: “He [The Lord Jesus] did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” (9:12-14).
As we recognize our freedoms because of the memorial sacrifices of many for our nation, on this Memorial Day Sunday let us remember that it was not an outward show but an act of love of the Savior which is the true “memorial sacrifice”.
And trust in that sacrifice causes an humbling, a contrite spirit, and a trembling at God’s Word.
Today, is Jesus your trust, your eternal hope, your reason for living?
Is He your “memorial sacrifice”?

Close in prayer

A.W. Salay, Blogs

PERFUME

THINK

On These

Things

Perfume

Philippians 4:8

Perfume. Just the thought is enough to stir one’s interest. It is a pleasant notion. Perfumes often come from the blooms of special plants or from spices. When we think of perfume we think of beauty and peace and comfort. Yes, for most folk, perfume is enticing. It draws them closer to the source. It promises a good experience. Some may even say it is a delight, raising the spirits, brightening the moment.

Are you a “perfume?” When you go forth into the world about you, are people enticed by you? Are they drawn to you? Are you a delight to them? – Can this be?

The great 19th century preacher, C. H. Spurgeon, wrote of exactly this possibility:

“He who comes forth perfumed with the spices of God’s word imparts delight to all with whom he associates.” [Spurgeon’s Devotional Bible, Baker Book House, 1978, pg. 221]

Do you wish to be a perfume? Do you wish to impart delight to everyone you meet? Oh, it is not enough to just smell nice. The perfume must be from the “spices of God’s Word”.

His Word must so permeate your life, so infuse your being, that your very presence is as a perfume. When that is the case, you will bring the promise of delight to everyone who crosses your path. The light of Christ will shine through you and the Holy Spirit will attract people to that light.

Let us ponder the verse of scripture that prompted Spurgeon to make this declaration. It is found in Psalm 119:74. David is talking to God:

“They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.”

I have always found this to be a remarkable statement. Let us examine it, part by part:

“They that fear thee . . .”

Not his friends. Not his family. Not his courtiers or his army. Not those who were in awe of him. But they that fear thee. David is speaking of people who fear God. He is one of them. They have unity.

“. . . will . . .”

Not only those few who are there in his presence at that time, but all those in the future also. They too will be glad. This is an on-going response.

”. . . be glad . . .”

They will be happy. They will rejoice. They will experience delight.

“. . . when they see me . . .”

Not when they hear him speak. Not when they hear of his deeds. Not when there are reports of his coming. When they see him, when their eyes fall upon him, when they are in his presence. Then the Holy Spirit of God will witness to them that they are brothers and sisters together.

“. . . because . . .”

There is a reason. There is a cause. It is not because he is king, not because he has won victories and defeated enemies. It is because –

“. . . I have hoped in thy Word.”

Here is the crux of the relationship. Here is the basis of gladness. Here is the cement of oneness. David has hoped in God’s word!

This is not a statement born of pride and self-esteem. It is the report of a seeker, energized by the witness of the Holy Spirit. The prior verse, verse 73, reveals David’s mood as that of a thirsty heart.

“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments,”

Later, in verse 97, we read:

“O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.”

Yes, David meditated on God’s word all the day, sought God for understanding, and expected God’s people to be glad, blessed, delighted when they saw him, for he was perfumed with the spices of God’s Word, the Word in which he hoped.

Spurgeon saw in this prophecy something beyond the immediate case. He saw that when we are perfumed with the spices of God’s Word we will find that it is not only God’s people who will be delighted to see us. Others will be too.

The spice of Christ, the living Word, that perfumes our lives will be used by the Holy Spirit to attract others, those who are candidates to become God’s people!

How can this happen? This is how!

The Holy Spirit is constantly wooing every living person. God is not willing that any should perish. While we live we are being pursued by His love and grace.

In each person who’s heart is even slightly open to the wooing of the Holy Spirit there is a germ of belief. It is the manifestation of the promise Jesus made to draw all men to himself.

That germ of His presence in them

Will recognize His presence in us.

Do you remember how the baby John leapt in the womb of Elizabeth when he was brought into the presence of Jesus in the womb of His mother Mary? (Lk1:42) In a similar manner, the embryo of faith in the bosom of whosoever should be saved will be delighted by the perfume of the Word flowing from us. It is the work of His Holy Spirit.

They will be glad when they see us.

Our perfume will impart delight,

When our perfume is from the

Spices of God’s Word.

(05/18)

Presented by Bro. Al Salay, Blessed Man Ministries Inc.

www.BlessedMan.net [email protected]

Blogs, John Grant

SECRETS OF SUCCESS

Week Twenty-Two, 2018

After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. He too saved Israel (Judges 3:31).

If only….. if only. If only I had these talents, I could do great things. Life is full of “if only’s”. Most of us think about achieving greatness in a given area, but sit back and do nothing. We don’t think we have the talent to succeed in certain areas of life or we sit back and do nothing because we think our encumbrances will hold us back.

Stephen Hawking, the renown physicist, and avowed atheist died recently. Hawking, who was 76, wasn’t expected to live past age 25. When he was 21 he was diagnosed with ALS, the incurable neurodegenerative disease. Although he beat the odds for more than 50 years he once said that he “lived with the prospect of an early death for the last 49 years.”

Hawking said of the meaning of life. “Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.” Notwithstanding his severe physical limitations, his mind remained brilliant and he became one of the premier physicists of modern times. Though unfortunately an atheist, he made great contributions to understanding the universe and its “black holes” His “cosmic curiosity” was unlimited by ALS. His best-selling book sold over ten million copies and led to a documentary film.

The world is full of people who overcame to rise to greatness. Kris Carr turned her cancer into a business of hope and healing. In 2003, Karr was a 32-year-old New Yorker just enjoying life. But then, a regular checkup at her doctor’s office resulted in a diagnosis of a rare and incurable Stage IV cancer called epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, existing in her liver and lungs.

Instead of succumbing to the disease, Carr decided to challenge her diagnosis head on. She attacked her cancer with a brand new nutritional lifestyle, and turned her experience into a series of successful self-help books and documentaries. Eventually, she launched her own wellness website, which is followed by over 40,000 people. Today, Karr is celebrating a decade of “thriving with cancer,” and is now revered as one of the most prominent experts on healthy living.

Shamgar was a king of Israel, mentioned almost parenthetically in the Bible. One verse of the Bible summarizes his period of leadership. Judges 3:31 says, “After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. He, too, saved Israel.”

Since the Philistines were known as warriors, the fact that Shamgar killed 600 of them on his own was an amazing—or even miraculous—accomplishment. Using what was perhaps a crude, ancient version of a bow staff, Shamgar destroyed the enemies of Israel. The only other judge to show such strength would be Samson.

What do all of these people have in common? They demonstrate that life isn’t what you have, but what you make of the opportunity at hand. Shamgar’s brief notoriety in the Bible lends itself to three success secrets.

  1. Start where you are.
  2. Use what you have.
  3. Do what you can.

Those who follow those examples can rise to success and even greatness not matter what limitations they have.

However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.” Stephen Hawking

***

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

FREEDOM – Galatians 5:13:

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Be cautious about how you use freedom. Do it responsibly

THE FATHER’S LOVE:

The foundation of our Christian life is a relationship with God. It is foundational to every facet of a healthy walk with God, physical health, emotional and mental health. Many Christians follow God, serve God, go to church, sing His praise, but when they are truly honest, they struggle with this most foundational question? Does God really love ME? They know what the Bible says, but the question lingers. Have I sinned too much? Am I good enough?

Unfortunately, many people have struggled to believe God loves them, because they never felt the love of an earthly father. For some, the expression “Father God” sends shivers up their spine. This problem impacts every area of one’s life.

COAL PILES:

In his book “Seeing Life: Finding God,” James L. Merrell, tells the story of a small, rural Tennessee church, from the 19th century that got into a fierce squabble which resulted in division.

The 100 member church was split right down the middle. There was no resolution. Neither side had the resources to build or buy its own building so they agreed to use the same building but meet at different times. However, they had a separate treasury to pay their own bills. They even had separate piles of coal to fuel the pot belly furnace to heat the building in the winter.

All went along fine for a while until someone decided to make a statement of faith about the warring little congregation. Their fading church sign still proudly advertised under their name “One Lord. One Faith. One baptism.” But a spray painter added in bold letters under it “But Two Coal Piles.”

***

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

  • In grammar school they taught me that a frog turning into a prince was a fairy tale. In the university they taught me that a frog turning into a prince was a fact. Ron Carlson
  • Great leaders learn from their failures.
  • Failure can strengthen, rather than destroy, your leadership.
  • Old age is always 15 years older than I am!!!
  • A pragmatist is someone who is practical and focused on reaching a goal. A pragmatist usually has a straightforward, matter-of-fact approach and doesn’t let emotion distract him or her.

***

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

Your feedback is welcome and if you want to be taken off the mailing list a simple e-mail will do it. 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 2018

©2018 John Grant | Florida State Senator (Ret.) | 10025 Orange Grove Drive | Tampa, FL 33618

Almon Bartholomew, Blogs

“LEADERS WITH HUMILITY AND A TEACHABLE SPIRIT”

By Almon Bartholomew

This paper is intended to show the relationship of humility to one with a teachable spirit. There are many applications of humility which are worthy to consider. These diverse applications impact the person who would learn. For our purpose, we will define teachable as “one who has the capacity and the willingness to learn. “

A basic principle of education sheds light on our theme: “No teaching occurs until learning occurs. No learning occurs until the information received modifies the recipient’s thinking, priority or behavior”. This principle assumes that the person who receives the information has both that capacity and the willingness to learn. Humility aids in this search for a widening understanding.

In considering this principle we will follow a three level application; “teaching”, “learning”, and “changing”. There are obstacles raised on the path of this tri-level concept. These obstacles include apathy, tradition, rigidity, fear of the unknown and an overarching impediment, inflated egos, better known as pride. These must be dealt with if our goal is to be achievable.

Apathy suggests a “so what” attitude “these things don’t concern me”. Tradition says “We have never done it this way before”. Rigidity manifests a hard and fast determination not to change, saying, “God doesn’t change and I’m not going to change either. Well, if one is perfect he doesn’t have to change. Man is not perfect; God is! There is a lesson to be learned from the little boy who said “If God is having difficulty making me a better boy it’s all right. I like me just the way I am”. Fear of the unknown is a real detriment to accepting something new. Some new perspective may be scary. Personal pride will caboose on any of these and deter both learning and change.

Pride is the antithesis of humility. It will create a mental block and will diminish one’s receptivity to something new. One must examine the validity and options of a different view, answer or solution. If such validity is determined, it may be in one’s best interest to consider a new approach. The person who will not entertain options may be characterized by the spirit underlying the statement “my mind is made up; don’t confuse me with the facts”. Humility leaves the door open to that which may be helpful, and indeed better, for one who seeks the best.

There is a difference between pure science and applied science. Pure science takes place in the lab. One can perform the same experiment over and over again and continue to get the same results. This is possible because there are no variables. Applied science, on the other hand, takes place in the field. The same experiment performed there may produce different results. This can occur since there are variables in the field.

What ever profession we may be in, we may tend to insist because we have the educational and background training we have the superior approach to a task. It is commonly called a “know it all attitude”. This creates friction in the workplace. It also limits the understanding of the unique set of circumstances which accompanies appropriate application in the field. It could be, by practicing humility, and looking at the concerns through the eyes of another who might be more experienced, one could learn from their observations. We must not let the information on our resume’ deny us learning from other people and other resources. A teachable spirit allows us to gain something new from persons who have long served in their field.

Let us apply the tri-level approach of “Teaching”, “Learning”, and “Changing”.

Teachers may come in all shapes and sizes and ages. The teacher in this Biblical narrative was a captive slave girl working in the home of a prestigious general in the Syrian Army. The unwitting student was Naaman, commander of Syria’s legions. He was the victim of a dread disease called leprosy. The lesson was, “how to be freed from a debilitating affliction”. The story is told in the 5th chapter of 1 Kings.

Upon learning of her master’s terrible plight she volunteered a solution. She informed him, “There is a prophet in Israel (Elisha) who could heal him. Now if this happened to one of our ministers today, we might be just a bit apprehensive having to live up to this advance billing. This young lady exuded great confidence in Elisha.

Desperate for any hope of help, Naaman pursued the contact. He enlisted the help of the King of Syria who sent a letter to the King of Israel. Israel’s King, with less faith than the captive maiden, thought this was a ruse to create an occasion to attack his land upon assuming his failure to produce the miracle. Elisha got news of the King’s dismay and sent word to direct Naaman to his house. He knew his God and he knew the Lord would not fail him.

Then Naaman showed up at the prophet’s door. Horses, chariots and a cache of treasures accompanied him. Elisha never came out to greet him. He sent word to Naaman by another telling him to go to the Jordan River and bathe seven times, and he would be healed. Naaman’s ego was shattered. He was furious. Didn’t Elisha know who he was ordering around? And, after all, the rivers in Syria were, by comparison, cleaner than Jordan. Naaman was headed home!

While the Syrian generalissimo was ready to ride out of town wearing a public pout, an underling suggested, “If he had asked you something difficult you would have done it”. Naaman humbled himself and struck a learning pose. He went to the muddy Jordan River and ducked in it six times. Following the seventh dip he arose from the water cleansed completely from his sore affliction. It was a teaching moment for Naaman, and when he humbled himself, as a willing learner, he was rewarded with a dynamic change in his life.

In yet another Biblical record, a sweet, wise, generous and mature woman named Abigail was the teacher. She was the wife of a selfish, wealthy and arrogant bigot named Nabal. Read about it in 1 Samuel, the 25th chapter. Besides vast vineyards and grain stores, Nabal owned 3,000 sheep and 1,000 goats. David, with his watchful companions, protected the shepherds and the flocks of this insolent man. None of them suffered injury or loss through the extended period of time David and his men kept watch.

In this whole story David is the one who attended class in the “School of Humility”. At first he didn’t even know he had preregistered. He and his men went to Nabal requesting, in lieu of payment for services rendered, an ample supply of food to ease their hunger. He was met with a scurrilous rebuke and utter disdain. In raging anger, (far from a humble response) David threatened death to Nabal, his household and his servants.

It was then when Abigail prepared and sent abundant provisions to David and his men. She also came humbly to him, speaking, as with a prophetic word, appealing to him to not have blood on his hands by retributing Nabal’s insolence. David cooled down took the humble way and God took care of the rest. Ten days later Nabal was smitten of God and he died. Abigail became David’s wife and potential slaughter was averted. David blessed God for Abigail’s intervention. Long before it was penned in Romans 12:19, David learned “Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord”. Here, again, you have a teacher, a learner, and a lesson well learned. It did indeed alter his planned behavior.

Unlike Naaman and David, Nebuchadnezzar learned the hard way. In the 4th chapter of Daniel, the God of heaven was the teacher. Daniel was His surrogate in the classroom. Nebuchadnezzar, supreme monarch in Babylon was the audacious student. In process, the king abandoned his self deification and was brought to acknowledge the King of the Universe.

In the scriptural account Nebuchadnezzar paraded his personal greatness; “The King spoke, saying, is this not great Babylon which I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power, and for the honor of my majesty? While the word was still in the King’s mouth, (as had been prophesied by Daniel), a voice fell from Heaven: “King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom is departed from you”. He was deposed for a season. He ate grass like oxen, the dew of heaven soaked his body, his hair grew like feathers and his nails like bird claws. His pride cost him dearly.

At the end of the appointed time, the King was restored. His eyes and his understanding had been opened. In utter humility he acknowledged the God of Heaven, giving Him honor and glory. He praised and extolled the King Eternal. He exclaimed, “Those who walk in pride He is able to abase”. In that dramatic experience he became teachable. Before this he sang “How Great I Am”. When God got through with him he changed his tune, singing “How Great Thou Art”. In today’s jargon one might repeat “The reason people beat their head against the wall is because it feels so good when you quit”. God taught; Nebuchadnezzar learned; his thinking and priorities changed.

These lessons continued in the New Testament. They are seen in the conversion of Saul of Tarsus (The Apostle Paul) recorded in Acts chapter nine. They are reflected in Samaria in Acts chapter eight. Simon the Sorcerer attempted to commercialize the blessing of God. He ended up begging for mercy. In Acts chapter eighteen, Acquila and Priscilla took a brilliant, articulate preacher, Apollos, aside and “expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly”. With humility this gifted man received their word. His ministry grew from that experience and he “mightily convinced” the public that “Jesus was the Christ”.

Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. In the beatitudes He taught them how to live. It was He who said in Matthew 23:12, “Whoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted”.

Speaking both to you and myself, I say, “Let Jesus be our Teacher; let us take a humble, learning posture; let us yield ourselves to a life changing experience”. In so doing we will be better servants to Him and to those he entrusts to our care.

Almon Bartholomew is a retired pastor. He is shown here with his wife, Joyce.

Blogs, Jeremy Stopford

“HOLY COMMUNION, BATMAN!” (John 10:22-30)

FBC Earlville October 30, 2011  10:30 AM
Rev. J.B. Stopford, Pastor

While Pastor Jeremy is away on vacation, he thought it would be good to post one of his favorite messages of the past 10 years. So here goes today’s version of Pastor Jeremy’s “Retro Sunday”!

Today’s “Special”

“Golf Funny”  The hacker hit the ball into the rough and landed on an anthill.  He tried three times to hit the ball and each time he missed the ball and hit the anthill.  Ants went flying all over the place.
One ant turned to the other ant and said, “If we are going to survive, we had better get on the ball.”

Introduction

This message is the last in our series on the Biblical topic of “following” Jesus.  Whether it is watching what He does, or leaving everything and submitting our whole lives to Him,  Jesus wants us to follow Him.
Our text today shows the fellowship to which we are invited to enjoy with God.  The old salts called this “Communion.” Observe how it connects with “follow”  (v.27).

Prayer

#1 True Sheep Commune with Deity (vs. 22-25)

Jesus says (v. 25) that what He does He does through His Father.  And if we are following Him, in essence, so are we.  That is fellowship!
How would you respond if you knew that to fellowship with God is an invitation personally from Him to you?
Revelation 3:20; Matthew 11:28-30.

ILLUSTRATION:  Martin Luther – today marks the anniversary of the start of the Reformation.  Martin Luther is famous for many things, but especially for his private walk with the Lord.  He once commented, “I have so much to do today that I need to spend at least 4 hours in prayer before I do anything.”  Do we understand “communion with God” in the same manner Martin Luther did?

#2  True Sheep Commune with True Sheep (vs. 26)

This is a brutal accusation.  I’m glad I wasn’t at the receiving end of that accusation, aren’t you?
So… what are some indications that true sheep are truly communing as God has newly created them to do?
1 John 1:5-9  There will be a consciousness of walking in light.
Acts 2:42-47  There will be a hunger to be identified with God’s people.

#3   True Sheep Commune with Only One Shepherd (vs. 27)

Vs. 3-5  The sheep hear only the Shepherd’s voice  “they are familiar with His voice” (Message)
ILLUSTRATION:  3 flocks of sheep – whose voice do they hear?  Phillip Keller, a shepherd turned pastor, once told the story of coming up on a stone fenced-in area with many sheep within the walled in area.  At the “gate” or entrance by the walls were 3 men.  They were each shepherds.  The first shepherd called out, and a good number of the sheep perked up and followed him out.  Then the second shepherd called out, and another group of sheep followed him.  Finally all were left were a small herd of sheep and the third shepherd.  The sheep even then did not move until the shepherd called out to them in his all too familiar voice.  All 3 groups of sheep were familiar only with their shepherd’s unique voice.
Any other voice – any other shepherd – is a THIEF!  He wants to steal you from following the true Shepherd! (vs. 8-10) – only He gives “abundant life”!

Vs. 11-14 The true Shepherd gives His life for the Sheep!
“Chicken  Funny”:  So a gentleman walks into a restaurant and asks the maitre d’, “Can you please tell me how you prepare your chicken?” To which the maitre d’ replies, “Yes. We let them know right up front they’re not going to make it.”
*  The true shepherd is focused on giving His life for His sheep.
Commune with the One Who is the Source of true communion!

Conclusion:

It’s exam time!
Have you responded to the Savior’s invite to commune with Him?
Do you hunger to commune with God’s people?
Are you familiar with communing with the Savior’s voice?  In Scripture?  In His house?  Where He takes you in your journey?      

CLOSE IN PRAYER