BEAUTY

Proverbs 31:30 tells us, “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain…”  Of the godless, vile deeds accomplished by beautiful women, there is no end in fiction or reality, literature or movie making.

The Bible says much about the woman with beauty and no virtue:

Proverbs 6:25 “Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.”
Proverbs 11:22 “As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.”

One sad result in the life of a girl with unusual beauty (yet no training and depth inside her) is that she comes to trust in her outward appearance for all of life, and in fact, except for shameful areas, not much of life depends on the outward appearance.  As a matter of fact, very little depends on outward appearance, beside shameful deeds.

Ezekiel 16:15 “But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was.”

The girl without inner development is forced to lean more heavily on appearance and flesh and less on the true beauty inside her.  The inward spirit of a child of God should be beautiful.

Psalm 45:13 “The king’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.”

Our inner character becomes weak as we lean more upon the flesh for strength:
Ezekiel 16:30 “How weak is thine heart, saith the Lord GOD, seeing thou doest all these things, the work of an imperious whorish woman;”

Now to the point:  our culture leans far too much on the appearance of the flesh.  No one would question the beauty of Barbara Bush or Nancy Reagan, but they were women of depth.  Neither lady over emphasized her body, fired the White House cooks for using processed sugar, meddled in the school lunch system (which should be under state control, not federal), or pushed their way into the private lives of American homes (as recent First Lady did).

A foolish and shallow nation elects beauty, without considering the character and depth of belief inside the person.  Of course, we all notice the outside, but it should not be long before we seek to discover something rich, beautiful, and honorable inside the men and women we elect to office.  

Virtue and the fear of God, honor, and majesty are traits that carry a woman and her husband into the world of trust and responsibility.  For what we are inside will shape what we do outside — that kind of ideology will affect legislation, policy, and the destiny of nations.    

Proverbs 31:30 “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." 

Pastor

ENTERTAINMENT

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Several years ago, I became curious about modern television shows and searched Google for the top, most-watched television shows. I checked on a few of the favorites, being curious about the influence of those shows on marriage. I am not an avid watcher of television; the following is a list of “favorites” and includes my observations about the characters.

Signed Sealed Delivered: no one is married, except the couple who split up; dysfunctional members make up the successful team; no one has children.

NCIS: no one is married; several characters sleep around often; one guy becomes the brunt of constant jokes about multiple wives; no children are in the story.

NCIS LA: one guy married, but is never seen with her; other characters are living together; no home life is mentioned.

Blacklist: no one is married; no children are in the story.

Elementary: no one is married; no children are in the story.

Walking Dead: No need to go farther!

Shield: no one is married; some characters sleep around; no children are in the story.

Avengers: a rich pervert is portrayed; Captain America is unmarried.

The relationships that are found, mainly center on sex, not love, and certainly do not center around a home, on being loving, committed, or loyal; neither do those relationships involve the training of children for the next generation.

If we were to follow the big-name sports stars, we might find the same scenario.

The idea being portrayed is that life does not center around the home, marriage, or a committed relationship, but rather, real life involves a career, party life, and sex; and life does not include marriage or having a family. Where do we find a storyline with a dad and mom training a child? One might say that no one is interested in such a story line, but check out the shows of the 60s and you will find many of the television shows had family-based story lines: Father Knows Best, Leave It To Beaver, The Waltons; or stories about the struggle of single parenting like The Rifleman or My Three Sons.

Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…”

That which we think about changes our views and our actions. I do not know much about television shows, but these are examples of what our society is growing up with — no wonder our nation is a mess.

May we guard our “entertainment,” for it is actually brainwashing.

Pastor

SOME DO MOST

We have all heard the statistic that 10% of the people do 90% of the work.  Often, the same is true in a church or community.  I do not know if the numbers are correct, but the principle is true.  Most people do not accomplish the majority of the work.

In a church, if we start to plan with the idea that "If everyone did this, then we could all accomplish that” it is hopeful but vain thinking.  Do not get your hopes up or be discouraged about the truth.  The fact remains that life has injustices, hurt, and difficulties.  Settle the thought into your mind to be one of those people who gets jobs done; let the rest stand idly by and achieve little or nothing.  See that you succeed yourself or at least give it your all.

Remember the battle in which Sisera fought and died: a few comments were recorded to remind us of the simple lesson that "some do most."

Judges 5:17 “Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches.”
These guys stayed at a safe distance and waited.

vs. 18 “Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field.”

Zebulun and Naphtali gave their all —and God DID notice.
vs. 20 “They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.”
vs. 23 “Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.”

God got involved in the fight by using the stars.  God helped by commanding the stars in their courses to fight.  God pronounced a curse on those who did not run to the fight.  We understand that God could have won any battle on His own, but when God wants us to help, why do we have a problem?  Remember the tribes about to enter Canaan and the desire some had to stay behind?  The reply of Moses was clear:
Numbers 32:6 ”And Moses said unto the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?”

After agreeing to go and fight, Moses responded:
vs. 23 “But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.”

The fact that most people will not give their all or risk a dangerous, self-sacrificing battle is obvious.  Most people will not go soul winning.  Most people will not run a bus route.  Most people will not teach a Sunday school class.  Most people will not go to the mission field to start churches.  Most people will not start a church; they would rather have a paid position in a church that another pastor ran the risk to establish. 

The fact that most people will not participate in the work does not give us reason not to try.  We need to keep our eyes on the Lord and keep from allowing ourselves to become discouraged if we have no help. 

In the story mentioned earlier, God helped, and Jael helped with her tent spike.  Although it was a hard battle, the victory was won, and God received the glory.  That is a successful day! 

If it happens to be you doing the work, do it for God and His honor.  If you have some help, rejoice; but do not let your happiness or your service of others rest on the participation of those around you — that is a formula for defeat.    Go serve God; walk with God; enjoy the life God has given you, and look forward to the Judgment Seat because God always pays well! 

Pastor

KEEP DOING RIGHT

The doing of right will lead you to the right destination.

The wilderness was no easy journey for the children of Israel, but it worked; their journey brought them to the Promised Land.
Deuteronomy 8:15 “Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;”

Do not turn back when the road of life starts to look rough. Kadesh looked that way when twelve men went to see the land, and ten allowed their fear to discourage the people. The way was not too hard, they just did not try. Two men agreed that the Israelites should take the land.

Numbers 13:31”But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.”
vs. 32 “And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.”
vs. 33 “And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.”

Numbers 14:9 “Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.”

Does your situation involve babies, diapers, waking up several times a night, and mixing formula? Do not give up! Keep doing right and life will settle. When we had our little ones, it was necessary to switch over to formula earlier than we would have preferred. In addition to that new obstacle, no microwave or dishwasher was available, and sterilizing bottles was simply a pain. When Josh was small, he needed to eat every two hours. Thankfully, that did not last long, but those were not easy days. We must understand that hard times do not last forever. Just keep doing right, stay in church, and walk with God; the storm of life will soon calm. New trials will come and new challenges to your faith will arise, but keep doing right and you will arrive at the place of blessing and joy as God has promised. We now have three married children; all are happy and doing great. I would be remiss if I doubted, feared, and panicked after having seen God provide for our family over and over. All the college bills were paid and all diplomas were received, and no, at the time, we did not see HOW it would happen.

When you wonder how you will ever afford another child, a house, or Christian school tuition, rest in the Lord, do right today, and believe that He is able to lead and provide. Keep doing right, and you will find a way to arrive at your desired destination.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Prices for buying a house may look scary. Folks may tell you to buy now because the prices will only get higher. Let me assure you, prices go up and down. One of our staff members was urged to buy a home when prices were high because the prices seemed to only be getting higher. They bought the home and within two years owed $100,000 more than their home was worth. Do not hurry; do what you can; do not go over your budget; wait on God to provide a way to purchase a home, and the situation will work out. One of our church families bought a home; a few years later the house market crashed. They then owed $150,000 more than their home was worth. I asked them to wait, keep paying their mortgage as they had promised to do, and trust God. Years later, they sold their home and found they had acquired an enormous amount of equity, and they were very glad for having stayed on track.

Young couples, most of us started in apartments, rented homes, or lived in a junker. Over the years, living situations really do get better. There are times when God sees His glory more clearly through our grief and we do get hurt; but even then, mercy comes, and life will fall into place.

The rule? Keep doing right and wait on God to get you where you need to be.

Pastor

VICTORY

Too many believers get up each day defeated – that is certainly not what God had in mind. We are to get up each day needing the Lord. We are to get up each day seeking divine guidance.
We are to get up each day knowing our flesh will let us down, but as the following Scriptures and many other passages tell us, the Christian life is one of victory.

1 Corinthians 15:54 "So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”

Even the grave has no victory when it involves a Believer.

1 Corinthians 15:55 "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”
vs. 57 “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Through Christ, we are more than conquerors!
1 John 5:4 “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

Some might ask, "What about all the evil in the world?" To them, I would respond, "I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father... “ And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." (1 John 2:13, 17) In the Scriptures, we are called OVERCOMERS not defeated losers.

The child of God is promised victory in this life and in the life to come.
Romans 8:35 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?"
vs. 36 “As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
vs. 37” Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

“…in all these things we are more than conquerors…” The defeated, hopeless mentality of mankind that glorifies the loser and elevates those who cannot go on is crazy. The world has no hope, but Christ is all about hope, promise, and blessings. Of course the world is hopeless, they have no resurrected Christ – but we do!

Wars are won by believing that a way is possible. Athletic victories in which someone came from behind and won the game are countless. The victorious men and woman who had unbelievable disadvantages are located across the globe. When Jesus is added to the victory, it takes on an entirely new perspective!

I listened to a Christian man speaking to a crowded auditorium. He stood there, well, almost stood, as he had no legs and no hands or arms, yet he spoke of the victory that is in Christ. He spoke with power and joy!

I watched a godly man in our church, roll his wheelchair to our church flower beds. He slid off his wheelchair into the dirt and spent hours pulling weeds and dragging a garbage can behind him as he served his church. Yes, trouble comes into our lives, but Jesus is alive and well, no matter what life has thrown our way.

I heard the preaching of a Marine who had his legs blown off by a land mine. In his dress uniform, he told of how the mariners were afraid in the storm with Jonah. (He assured us that those men were not Marines, but Navy; for Marines were not afraid of anything.) Laughter was everywhere. He preached victory all across America; he did not preach a defeated, woe-is-me kind of faith. Do not let this world sell you their hopelessness and pitiful life. We are assured that we “…can do all things through Christ."

Just what is it that Christ cannot carry us through? What trial is too big for God to help? Who can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus?

Romans 8:35 “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

I am pretty sure the Bible is true when it records, "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57)

He does give victory; He does bring peace and strength. God is good!

Pastor

DO NOT ALLOW SORROW TO MOVE IN

Sorrow and mourning are a part of this world.  From the first sin, God said that in “pain” Eve would bring forth children; to Adam God said,

Genesis 3:17 “And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;”
vs. 18 “Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;”
vs. 19 “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”

A curse, sorrow, sweat, thistles, and death are the promise of God.  It would be wise to assume that each of us will have the visitor of sorrow throughout life. In the verses following this passage, God drove Adam and Eve from the garden.

Sorrow is not to encompass our lives.  Adam and Eve brought sorrow on the human race through their sin, but God immediately began to build a wonderful life for these two.

At the end of the book of Genesis, we read about the death of Jacob. Genesis 50:10 tells of seven days of mourning, and then they went back to their homes and jobs and to the good life the Lord had given them. 

If you remember the death of Moses, you will notice that the people sorrowed at the loss of their great leader. God allowed that sorrow to endure for a short time, but then God said go on with life and take the land of Canaan. They were not to dwell in the world of sorrow (it was only a place they needed to visit).

Deuteronomy 34:8 “And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.” 
Joshua 1:2 “Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.”
vs. 3 “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.”

To visit grief and mourning is normal and assumed, but to remain there is against the plan of God.  The more we love, the more deeply will be our hurt; and as such, grief will be a more dominant guest, but God does not want sorrow to take up residency.  He Who is love wants to be the dominant resident in our hearts. 

Saul was the first king of Israel, a very precious and loved man by the old prophet and priest who anointed him, Samuel.  Saul became sidetracked and grieved God in such a way that God “repented” for placing Saul in the office as King.  Samuel sorrowed deeply at the tragic situation.  

1 Samuel 15:11 “It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.” 
vs. 35 “And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.”
1 Samuel 16:1 “And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.”

One of the great tragedies of our society is the intentional cultivation of grief, sorrow, guilt, and blame.  We serve a God of forgiveness, mercy, love, and hope, but we can assume that everything Satan does is going to be the opposite of God.  Whether through counselors or social media, hurting folks are encouraged to keep their grief alive and even to nurture it.

Countless Bible passages teach us that anyone can find grace to build a great and useful life through the power of the Lord 

Christ brought life. 
Christ brought forgiveness.
Christ brought mercy.
Christ brought hope.
Christ brought courage.  
Christ brought comfort.

To wallow in guilt, to nurture pain and suffering, and to live in the sorrow of yesterday are surely destructive.  

Paul and Moses were murderers; the woman at the well was morally fallen; Peter exhibited cowardice and denied the Lord; Christ’s siblings said He was crazy; Joseph was sold as a slave, yet in each case, victory was given by God and the promise of a great new life was found.  

It is okay to grieve and to allow the visitor of sorrow to sit at your table for a short time, but there is too much good in the life we have with the Saviour to allow grief to be your roommate.  

Our culture says to “let it go” or “move on.”  The Bible states it more eloquently:
Philippians 3:13 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,”
vs. 14 “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Even after years of captivity and punishment, God made it clear that Israel would find great joy.

Isaiah 51:11 “Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.”
vs. 12 “I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;”

Bring joy back into your world; welcome mercy, forgiveness, and the countless promises of God.  We are human, and love will have the unpleasant guest of hurt, but do not allow sorrow to stay long.  

Pastor

SIMPLE THINGS

Years ago, the famous Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, grew to have amazing size and productivity: souls were saved and this ministry was probably was the most successful missionary-sending church in America. Dr. Lee Roberson was the pastor there for approximately forty-five years and built his ministry on simple things. His sermons were basic, and his ministry was simple.

“Never vary” was one of the key phrases of his ministry. Do not change.

Another phrase that was heard often was “Three To Thrive.” Get yourself to church three times a week, and you will thrive.

“The Crucified Life” was often the subject of his preaching. “Die To Self” was the key to getting along at home and in the community – not spectacular acts, just simple Christian living.

His counseling was unique as well. If you went to him for advice, he would almost always tell you the same instruction: go to church three times a week, read your Bible every day, and when you have done that for 30 days straight, come see me again. That took care of a lot of counseling.

As a pastor, Bro. Roberson told me he built his ministry on twelve visits a day. Whether the visit was a hospital call or a new visit door-to-door, five days a week making twelve visits a day was the way he built the church.

We love new recipes for success: bright unusual ideas, catchy styles, or miracle foods such as the eat-all-you-want-and-lose-weight diets. In reality, greatness is found in doing the simple things over and over, and doing them right.

In hopes of finding some new, easy way to do something, do not chase the spectacular new idea, and do not ignore the simple, pre-tested, successful recipe. Just do right -- love God, live holy, serve others, read the Bible, and go to church three times a week -- and your Christian life will be just fine.

Simplicity, sincerity, and consistency are three keys to building a successful Christian life!

NOT YOUR DECISION

When Eve faced the serpent, Eve made it clear that she knew God said not to eat it! After some discussion, she made the decision that another course was better. She trusted her own heart. She had an opinion, and felt her idea was just as important as the ideas of God; and once all suggestions were out in front, she could make the decision as to what was best. WRONG!

Proverbs 28:26 “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool…"

When Saul was told to kill all the Amalekites, the instruction was not vague, and the interpretation was not necessary.

1 Samuel 15:2 “Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.”
vs. 3 “Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.”

Saul looked at the options and made the decision as to what was best – but that call was not his to make. The fact that God allows us to obey or disobey does not mean that all choices are acceptable or appropriate.

1 Samuel 15:13 “And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD.”
vs. 14 “And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?”

Examples are frequent: consider David and the Ark of the Covenant being returned to Jerusalem.
2 Samuel 6:3 “And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.”
vs. 7 “And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.”

It seemed too simple to place the Ark on a cart. That is how they moved everything; it was the accepted method! God would not usually suggest we follow the normal, accepted path; not when He has clearly explained His will. A good man died; David grew angry toward God, and the Ark did not get back to Jerusalem for months.

Do not get angry at God if circumstances go wrong, especially when we have clearly chosen our own way over His obvious direction. When God tells us what to do, the direction is usually not multiple choice. When we go to a wise counselor, we have options: we can simply listen to the wisdom of older wiser folks, or we can get a variety of opinions and pick what sounds best to us.

If someone comes to me and asks a question, most of the time, I give options and tell them they will need to make the decision. On occasion, I will state the wiser or more biblical path; the choice is still theirs. Now it is their opinion against mine. Usually, I am big enough not to be bothered if they ignore my counsel. Consider though, having the clear direction of God right in front of us, and trying to make a decision based on God's opinion or my own – that is unwise.

Many of life’s decisions are clearly determined by principles, yet the care we take in applying those principles is our decision. Some instructions from God are absolutely clear, such as these examples:
1 Corinthians 11:14 “Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?”
Hebrews 13:4 “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”

The Bible is full of instructions from God, and He is always right. May we be wise enough to trust the Lord and to obey Him.

Pastor

PRAYER

As we move quickly through the year, I hope we are all staying with some spiritual “resolutions” — to resolve to read our Bibles, pray, be faithful to church, to break the ties of certain besetting sins — all of which are good to improve upon.

Though I would like to suggest something upon which to focus — prayer.

Even though we reach the point at which we read our Bibles daily, we still tend to miss the quiet moments of talking with God. There is more power with God in prayer than any of us understand.

Luke 18:1 “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;”
Here is a simple order from our Saviour: ALWAYS PRAY! Prayer ought to be a part of our lives all day long. We ought to seek God’s insight at every turn, learning to “walk in the Spirit.”

Prayer helps us avoid trouble.
Luke 21:36 “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”

Prayer helps us avoid temptation.
Mark 14:38 “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.”
Luke 22:46 “And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.”

In those verses, God gives us two incredible reasons to pray: to avoid temptation and trouble. PRAY!
Read the parable in Luke 18, and you will see the entire story. We are to consider prayer as our bothering God. Persistent, non-stop prayer is the way to get things we desire -- for others.
Luke 11:8 “I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.”

Prayer ought to go on often throughout the day.
Psalm 55:16 “As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.”
Psalm 55:17 “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.”
Ephesians 6:18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”

Prayer is the pathway to peace in troubled times.
Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
vs. 7 “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

The “Peace of God” — what a precious possession to have in this world of sin and hurt -- that passes all understanding. It comes to us partly through committing everything to God in prayer.

Prayer — let us keep it as a part of our lives this year.

Pastor

SACRIFICES

During stewardship month, we are talking about taking care of the things God has given us. Stewardship does not mean just protecting, it means using our time, talents, and treasure in a way that is pleasing to the One Who gave them to us. The book of James tells us that every good gift comes from the Father, and His stewards should use what they have in a way that will please God.

1 Corinthians 4:2 “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

To be a good steward means to be faithful to use the things that we have received from God in a way that will please him, not please ourselves.

Psalms 4:5 “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness…”

In this verse, David explains that the simple act of living righteously is a sacrifice pleasing to God. We could certainly live selfishly, carnally, or criminally. When we choose to say, “No” to sin and “Yes” to righteousness, we bring that righteous life to God as a sacrifice to Him from our hearts of love and gratitude.

The sacrifice in the Old Testament might have been an animal or money, and it was brought to God as a gift of gratitude and worship. The sacrifice was given by denying oneself in order to give something to God and His house. Righteous living is something you bring to God, something you have denied yourself in order to please your Heavenly Father.

Psalm 51:17 “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”

First, we observe that righteous living is a sacrifice pleasing to God. In this verse, we see that a broken spirit and a contrite heart are also a sacrifice pleasing to God. The first sacrifice is the choice to live righteously. The next sacrifice is to come to God with a broken heart when we fail to live in a manner pleasing to Him; these are pleasing to God. God does not focus on your sin of yesterday, He focuses on the sorrow in your heart for having violated God’s righteous laws.

A broken spirit and contrite heart are very pleasing to the Lord. I do not expect people to be pleased or satisfied with that. Whether church attenders or people in the employment industry, people are not real good at forgiving and forgetting, but God is. When we come to God with a broken heart, it is very pleasing to Him.

Psalm 107:22 “… Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of Thanksgiving…”

God is very pleased when we are thankful. Gratitude for our health, our marriage, our children, our country, or any of the good things God has given us are worthy of praise and thanksgiving –that is well pleasing to God. God calls these things a sacrifice. An express thanks does not seem very sacrificial, except in the case of looking across America and seeing how few people say, “Thank you” to God for all of the blessings; only then you might realize how very precious your words of gratitude are to Him.

Thus far, we see that God accepts righteousness and a broken and contrite heart as acceptable sacrifices. Then we read that thanksgiving is a sacrifice that pleases God.

Hebrews 13:15 “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
vs. 16 “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”

Here again, we see a sacrifice that brings us to thanksgiving and praise. Verse 15 makes it clear that it is not just a grateful heart, but words of praise and thanks on our lips. Public thanksgiving and praise to God are very honoring to Him. What husband or wife does not enjoy their spouse bragging on them in public. You have a God Who deserves so much praise and worship, and it is very pleasing to Him when He hears that gratitude.

Verse 16 adds two more sacrifices: to do good and to communicate. We have seen a spirit of thanksgiving arise twice and, we see righteous living coming up again. When you turn from shame and sin, and choose right, God looks down from Heaven and it pleases him.

Just as a rich person brings great amounts of money into an offering or as the old-testament believers brought their precious sheep to be sacrificed, God is pleased when you shut off the television when it spews smut into your living room or when you refuse to allow corrupt friends to be a part of your child’s life. These are the kind of sacrifices that are so pleasing to God. To do good makes God happy.

Next, we notice the word communicate. This is a financial word. To communicate usually indicates something that the learner is bringing to the teacher. It could be a church member and the pastor, or it could be a student and a teacher in the classroom. It could be a church to the leadership of their church. The word communicate pertains to financial remuneration. Again, we see that God is well pleased.

Parents will pay great amounts of money into their children’s schools, but sometimes we forget to invest our resources in the most precious influence on our family, those who are spiritually influencing us.

Hebrews 13:16 “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
Yes, we believe in sacrificial living, sacrifices that bring great pleasure to God.

Pastor

COURAGE

The book of Joshua mentions the word courage several times. Courage is a rare, but wonderful trait.

Joshua 1:7 “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law,”
Joshua 23:6 “Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;”

Courage was needed to obey God. The initial obedience was in the hands of men.

In the early days of the Christian church, the lines were quickly drawn between those who were going to embrace the doctrines of Rome and those who would embrace the Word of God. In their writings, some sounded much like the early Anabaptists. When the time came to be courageous enough to stand and risk their ministry, their reputation, or their friends, they sadly failed to have enough faith to stand. For instance, early in their ministries, Zwingli and Calvin both wrote against infant baptism and were in favor of baptism by immersion. Immersion being an unpopular doctrine, they both succumbed to sprinkling infants rather than to face exile.

Today, we find much of the same courage or lack thereof among preachers whom, I believe, truly accept the fundamental beliefs; yet popularity and the esteem of the brethren draw them away from their willingness to stand. Courage is not so easy when you realize it may cost you the loss of your friends. In the case of Erasmus (1469), although he wrote against many Catholic beliefs, he certainly was not going to lose his future pension from the Catholic church for taking a stand with the vagabond Baptists.

Likewise today, some young preachers love the companionship of other young preacher friends. Realizing that you are NOT in the crowd of the socially elite is difficult. Having the courage to say, “I’ll lose my golf partner,” or “I’ll be the subject of Facebook ridicule for simply and honestly saying, ‘Here is what I believe,’” is also very difficult. When Luther nailed his 95 Theses on the wall where the Diet of Worms was to take place, he was courageous enough to risk all because of his ninety-five problems with the Catholic church. Sadly, Luther also joined the world of compromise when he chose church tradition over the Bible.

Throughout history, countless Christians have stepped up and risked their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor, much as our founding fathers did when writing the Constitution. All our Bible heroes are such characters: Daniel, Joseph, Gideon, David, and many others. Many Christians today have a sincere heart of belief, but they just are not willing to lose anything by making their faith public. Courage is a rare, but noble character trait. Courageous people are often found standing alone. Courageous people have chosen the moral path or the separated path and have chosen to walk within the rules regardless of what others might say or think. Courageous people tend to be mentioned alone, and history shows that they were often separated from those with whom they had once associated. Courage is certainly a rare gift — one that every hero possesses.

1 Chronicles 22:13 “Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.”

Pastor

HOPE

We sit in a world of almost hopelessness. Something happened in the last fifty years that killed the dream and dare in the hearts of young people. We blame our situations on the world around us, and we give no hope to those with a difficult path. Some people do have a more difficult path, but no path is impossible. In reading about Ruth, I find those ideals repulsive.

Ruth 2:1 “AND Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.”

First, notice that Ruth was as far from acceptable to her society as a girl could be. Her race labeled her as a Moabite dog. She followed her mother-in-law to Israel, and in so doing, she walked into a very difficult world. Most of us know how God led her, and she ended up married to the great grandfather of King David; therefore, I happen to believe that you and God can do anything and overcome any obstacle. ?
Notice our text for today:
Ruth 2:1 “AND Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz."

According to God, Boaz was a mighty man of wealth. Who is this Boaz, and why would he care about Ruth? In fact, Ruth asked that question as well.

Ruth 2:10 “Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?”

The end of the book tells us he is the son of Rahab the harlot. That is reason enough for compassion on a stranger.

Compare the verse in the book of Matthew with the verses in the book of Ruth and the family relationships.
Matthew 1:5 “And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;"
Ruth 4:21 “And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,”
vs. 22 “And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.”

Picture this story: a harlot escaped death in Jericho as the walls came down. She was not allowed inside the camp of Israel, yet she married an Israelite man. Joshua and the people conquered city after city, and this Canaanite lady tagged along. (I would assume that she was viewed with suspicion.) She gave birth to a child, and that child was half Jew and half Canaanite. (The same people Joshua and Israel were killing in masses, yet she and her family were among the travelers near the Promised Land.) Other relatives of Rahab existed, but she married into the family of Israel. Her half-breed son grew up in a new world. Considering the history of humanity, we could probably say that he had a few things against him. I assume Jewish boys and men gave him a bad time. Similar to the Japanese people after Pearl Harbor, it is logical to think that patriots had a problem with this mother and her boy. Yet, his lot was to grow up in a difficult world.

The Bible says nothing about this young man during his youth. The next instance that we read about him, he has become a mighty man of wealth.

Ruth 2:1 “AND Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.”

The book of Matthew tells that Boaz and Ruth gave birth to a son who was in the lineage of Christ.

Matthew 1:5 “And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;”

My one thought is this: with God’s help, anyone can make it; anyone can have a life of worth and significance. Yes, burdens exist and yes, there is injustice; but yes, there is a living God Who has a plan for every life that is surrendered to Him.

In a few short years, this mixed up youth was rich, mighty, and had not lost his compassion for the stranger. He saw Ruth and her mother-in-law and, in compassion, remembered his upbringing and the treatment his mother received as a Gentile – he was kind to them. Sometimes our suffering makes us hard, but not this man; he stayed thoughtful and caring for those who hurt as he had hurt. No doubt, he used his own difficult past to launch himself into a life of compassion and love; and as such, he married Ruth and carried out the divine plan of God.

Little reason exists for pouting and giving up. There is no value in hopelessness. To act as if the world is against us is self-centered and foolish. This world has been hard on many people, and many people have gone on and made a life for themselves. If life becomes difficult, then do that which is difficult. Somehow, Boaz made his life into something.

Boaz made a life; likewise, Ruth found a path to follow in which God was involved. Through divine mercy, both of them succeeded. To bring up young people to act as though they have no hope is evil. Our God is a God of all hope, compassion, and love. We ought to always point young people to the Lord and to hope, not to a depressed, hopeless life.

Pastor

HIS AID

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

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

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

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

I need prayer just as my friends do. The Apostle Paul also requested prayer:
2 Thessalonians 3:1 “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:”

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

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

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

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

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

Ephesians 6:18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”
vs. 19 “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,”

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

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

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children; help those who are weak;
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Pastor Goddard

Greed

We are to work... or not eat:
2 Thessalonians 3:10 “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”

We need to work and provide for ourselves:
2 Thessalonians 3:12 “Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.”?

We ought to work and provide for our family:
1 Timothy 5:8 “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”

The Bible gives great warning about the passion for financial gain:
Proverbs 23:4 "Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom."

There is a grave danger in seeking wealth; it may bring about lowering our standard of right and wrong in order to gain riches:
Proverbs 28:20 “A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.”

Timothy gives us a similar warning:
First, be content!
1 Timothy 6:8 “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”

Second, realize that the desire for wealth can cause us to do wrong, and hurt ourselves and those we love.
1 Timothy 6:9 “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”

Third, we see the reminder that, according to the Lord, the LOVE of money is the ROOT OF ALL EVIL — that statement is monumental; but God made the statement, so we know it is true.  
1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

How many people would be in the ministry but cannot fathom trusting the Lord for the needs of their family or for allowing minimal income to be their provision?  

How many times have people compromised their fellowship for the sake of business and done immeasurable harm to their children or marriage? 

How many potential Sunday school teachers, choir members, and bus workers have been unwilling to commit to teaching a class because of the obligations they have at work? 

We see the trouble in that last verse:
1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after…"

Covetousness is all through the Bible.  Perhaps, covetousness is the object of more Bible warnings and prohibitions than any other sin.  

Exodus 20:17 “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.”

This warning is repeated in Deuteronomy 5:21 and in New Testament passages, Romans 7:7 and Romans 13:9.  Many other passages repeat the same warnings.  God is so strong in His feeling toward this matter that He tells us not to fellowship with a covetous man.
1 Corinthians 5:11 “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.”

Certainly, the desire for financial gain can lead us into participating in all kinds of wrong, not to mention growing complacent toward the things of God.  The wrong friends we gain through business can change our actions.  Wrong activities for financial gain may demand friends who are godless, and social time required by work can make us complacent toward booze and moral shame.  (The list goes on and on.)  Sometimes the desire for financial gain is not covetousness; it is a simple desire to do well, to accomplish, and to succeed.  This desire, without any ill motive, can become a deadly sin as we are soon motivated by gain rather than God in our every action.

?Good priorities cause us to seek first the kingdom of God.  Seeking eternal things ought to occupy our minds far more than accumulating earthly wealth. 
John 6:27 “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.”

We ought to labor for the things of God!!  

If we are not careful, our wrong priorities will show in our conversation; our children will hear us speak of "successful" people with money, yet never speak of those serving God as "successful."  Another danger arises when our children grow up thinking that serving in the ministry is not successful because there is not as much money found in that career, or they fail to see spiritual leaders as successful men and women.  Allowing finances to corner our attention could easily prevent our children from any interest in the mission field.

Success is not gain, but rather earnestly following the will of God — nothing else — will determine our success.   

Pastor

DECISIONS

Often, an outcry from children and teenagers has been made in regard to politics. The emotionally-based culture in which we live will take a camera into a classroom and ask the students what they think of a president, a war, or a law. Of course, children are designated as pure and innocent; but anybody with half a brain knows that children, in a situation like that, are simply parroting what teachers or their parents have told them. If a child is asked about Washington, he might just say, “Get rid of all the bad people.” What a grand suggestion! (However, only a few people would be left to make the decisions.)

There is a particular reason one must be at least thirty-five years-of-age to be the United States President. There is a reason that age minimums exist for someone to serve in the Legislature. People need to be old enough to be mature, well-thought, and well-educated in order to make decisions that influence society. Emotionally-based choices are usually made in the spur of the moment; anyone would agree that making decisions based on the happenings of the very moment is unwise, whether the decision concerns saving and spending money, making marital decisions, buying real-estate, or taking care of your diet and health.

Our culture loves to advertise emotional issues, while logic and reason seem to be underrated in every situation.

The end result of our decisions is what matters most. In Scripture, God defines the wise decision maker: one who possesses the ability to determine the end result.
Deuteronomy 32:20 “And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.”
Jeremiah 5:31 “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?”

We all understand that being able to determine the end result of a given action is vital. The book of Proverbs calls that ability wisdom; wisdom is the ability to see the end result of a given action. To allow children and teenagers to weigh in on moral, legal, and national decisions is the height of stupidity. The Democratic party lives on emotion and the immediate circumstance, rather than using wisdom to see the end result of given actions. Now, we can criticize emotion-based, feeling-motivated decisions, but what about the decision of choosing a church? Allowing teens to weigh in on political matters is no more stupid than adults choosing a church based on how they feel.

To be wise, we must be willing to consider the outcome of our marriage or our child-rearing choices. We need to decide how these choices will affect the world, the homes of our children, and the Judgment Seat of Christ. Our decision to join one church rather than another should be based on eternal reasons, not on feelings or fun, and certainly not because our teenager likes one church better. If we hope to make our decisions based upon wisdom, we ought not to trust those choices to teens. We need to ask ourselves how our decision will affect the end result — a vital question. Whether drugs or adultery, gambling or quitting a job we do not like, we would be wise to consider the end result and to beg God for wisdom enough to identify the right path.

Let us consider the subject of a school shooting. I would suggest that someone who has yet to figure out how to graduate from school not be trusted to have a logical or wise opinion about how to run, much less to protect, a school. The opinion of an uninformed, uneducated youth is of little consequence; but wisdom to know the outcome of a given course should shape our actions.

Deuteronomy 32:29 “O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!”

Pastor

TRUTH

Much evil in the world is committed under the guise of the excuse that it was not “my decision,” or it was “the leader’s choice,” or “I had no power to stop it from happening.” The fact is, we may not have the power to stop our leaders from doing wrong, but we certainly have the power to walk away or to verbally object. We can stand with those who are being hurt or simply stand for truth even if we stand alone.

Jeremiah was put away in jail, and his assistant, Baruch, had been writing Jeremiah's words, Baruch was instructed by Jeremiah to go and read these words out in public areas where people would hear the warning from God.

Some of the civic leaders heard the warnings, and they were scared.

Jeremiah 36:16 “Now it came to pass, when they had heard all the words, they were afraid both one and other, and said unto Baruch, We will surely tell the king of all these words.”
vs. 17 “And they asked Baruch, saying, Tell us now, How didst thou write all these words at his mouth?”
vs. 18 “Then Baruch answered them, He pronounced all these words unto me with his mouth, and I wrote them with ink in the book.”
vs. 19 “Then said the princes unto Baruch, Go, hide thee, thou and Jeremiah; and let no man know where ye be.”

These men knew their country was in trouble. They also knew that right would not be well-received by the king. These men told Baruch and Jeremiah to go hide somewhere; they also had the roll (the written document) hidden in hopes perhaps that the king would not find it and destroy it. Make no mistake, these men knew right from wrong. They were afraid because of the wrong in which they had been a part. The question now is, what were they going to do?

vs. 20 “And they went in to the king into the court, but they laid up the roll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, and told all the words in the ears of the king.”
vs. 21 “So the king sent Jehudi to fetch the roll: and he took it out of Elishama the scribe's chamber. And Jehudi read it in the ears of the king, and in the ears of all the princes which stood beside the king.”
vs. 22 “Now the king sat in the winterhouse in the ninth month: and there was a fire on the hearth burning before him.”
vs. 23 “And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth.”
vs. 24 “Yet they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words.”

The king and his counselors listened to the Word of God, and then mocked and burned It, thinking that perhaps they could rid themselves of the Truth. You cannot destroy the truth. God instructed Jeremiah to rewrite every word and added more. The nation fell as Jeremiah had spoken, and the king went into captivity as God said he would.

The point this morning is about the men who knew right from wrong. These men heard the Word and feared. Deep down in their souls, these men knew the truth; what would they do?

vs. 25 “Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll: but he would not hear them.”

These men urged the king not to burn the roll, but they did not stand for right. Greatness is exemplified in Daniel’s willingness to go to the lion’s den in order to stand for right. Greatness is the willingness of Daniel's friends to walk into the fiery furnace. Greatness is the boldness shown when the disciples said, "We ought to obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29)

These men knew right from wrong, but they were not man enough to stand up for it. They were not willing to risk their jobs or to endanger their lives for the truth. When truth is on one side and leadership is on the other, each person has to decide for which side he will stand. Will we stand with the truth regardless of cost, or will we turn our backs on the truth and allow evil to go unchecked? We may not be able to stop evil, but we can certainly make it clear that evil is not right and that no one else thinks it is either.

No one should stand idly by while leaders violate righteous laws and principles. A moral populace may not be able to stop the dictators, tyrants, and demagogues who rule, but we can certainly stand up and say they are wrong and that we refuse to act as if they are right.

God often mentions the fact that men do not care, and that they see wrong but do nothing.

Isaiah 59:14 “And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.”

Isaiah 57:1 “The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.”

Jeremiah 12:11 “They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.”

Somebody must care about the truth of God's Word! We should stand up for the truth, even though it may mean we will lose our lives. That is what the founders of our country meant when they said, “…we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”

Pastor

WHAT MATTERS?

Most of the people who seek money or earthly accolades are, in reality, looking for happiness.

What really matters most when it comes to happiness, though, is usually a good marriage and good children — not great wealth. The ability to provide the basic needs for your children is important, but many poor people find happiness, and many rich people find none. It is not money that brings happiness. Happiness is internal, not external.

Dad and Mom
What is it that really does matter? What really matters is a dad and a mom in the home. God designed the home with the father and the mother — the foundation of the family. Teach this principle to your children, in your Sunday school classes, and talk about it with dating couples under your influence. A strong, well-planned marriage will go far in bringing a lifetime of happiness. When God gave the “first commandment with promise” it was to honor your father and mother. Both parents are expected to be in the home influencing the children.

Church
What else really matters? A good church and Sunday school where children are taught the ways of the Lord.

Isaiah 54:13 “And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.”

Psalm 144:15 “Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.”

Your child's soccer ability will not make a happy home, but bringing up that child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord will.

School and Friends
What really matters when we consider what makes a happy home? The school in which our children grow up, the teachers, the textbooks, the instruction in morality, and the proper behavior toward authority are what really matter in the life of a child and in seeking a happy home and blessed life.

What is it that really matters? It is not the fancy shoes or the expensive clothing. It is something eternal and ordained of God. A dad and mom, a church, and a good school that honors God and the Bible, and supports the values of mother and father are essentials when it comes to happiness.

Of course, controlling the influences in a child's life like television, internet, phones, and all cyber influences also matters. Friends and social life likewise matter. If a child has a mother and father, a good church, and a good school, these three elements will dominate all of his decisions.

A godly father and mother, a godly church, Sunday school, and youth department, as well as godly teachers in a godly school with curriculum and a social life that are biblical and decent, are the components that really matter.

Throw out your concerns over your child having a car when he turns sixteen. Ignore the world’s demands to give your child a college scholarship to some university. The fundamentals that matter are the influences that honor God and these factors will bring long-term happiness.

2 Chronicles 26:5 “…as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.”

Parents, seek the Lord; seek His influence in every area of your life, and God will take care of the desired happiness.

Pastor

HE DOES NOT HAVE MUCH TO WORK WITH

We tend to beat ourselves up over our weaknesses, when, in fact, all God has to work with is sinners. The fact that I fail is not nearly as big a problem as if I do not try. The Bible says little about my being something spectacular, yet it says much about my faithfulness.

I do not have to be a great father, but I do need to be there and to give the job my best effort and to do so in prayer and intercession to God for mercy. I do not have to be a miraculous husband who provides fancy cars and amazing vacations, but I do need to be faithful, keep my vows, work at whatever job God gives me, and come home and love the family God gave me.

I am certainly not a great soul winner, but for over forty years, I have witnessed to people at stores, in parking lots, at doors, in lines at amusement parks, and in seats next to me on planes. I do not have to be great, I just need to be faithful.

1 Corinthians 4:2 “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

It is required that I be found faithful!

Look at the disciples: they were proud, they argued among themselves, and they disagreed.
Luke 22:24 "And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest."
vs. 25 "And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors."
vs. 26 "But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve."

At one point, Peter tried to stop Jesus from going to the cross.
Mark 8:32 "And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him."
vs. 33 "But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan:"

Saul murdered Christians before he was saved. Paul and Barnabas got into an argument and quit traveling together.
Acts 15:39 "And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;"

The church at Corinth had division and moral impropriety. The book of Acts tells us that the church in Jerusalem had a problem with neglecting widows.
Acts 6:1"And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.The church is just made up of sinners."

In the book of Micah, we are shown what GREAT Christianity is — it is nothing spectacular, but just doing the little things right.
Micah 6:8 “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

These are things we are commanded to do: do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. God wants us to do our best. Each one of us is to love God with all of his heart, soul, mind, and strength. God does not say we have to be the best at anything, or spectacular, or supernatural, or overachievers. We might be overweight or anorexic, short or tall, bald or with a full head of hair, but what God wants is for us to be faithful.

God does not have much to work with; honestly, He does not need much.

God does not use my goodness, he uses my faithfulness. The goodness comes from God. The power comes from God. The miraculous works come from God. As for me, I just need to be there when I am supposed to be there. If I were a Sunday school teacher, I would be at my class on time every week. If I were a bus worker, I would be on my bus route on Saturday visiting the children and looking for new riders and be on the bus on Sunday investing time and attention in these children. God will build the bus route if I will be faithful.

As a Christian, I can read my Bible; if I cannot read, I can listen to it with an electronic device. I can pray; I can take the time to stop everything and talk to God — anyone can do that. If we do our part, God will do that which we cannot do.

I have seen amazing people raise very un-amazing children. I have seen very common people with financial burdens and health trouble bring up wonderful children. I have seen people from broken homes rebuild their lives and become great servants of God. We have had bus riders from difficult homes become wonderful church members, and some have gone into the ministry. God uses a faithful parent, not a spectacular one.

Faithfulness is the key!

Faithfulness to church
Let me clarify an amazing thought: When a baby has a runny nose, the entire family does not need to stay home to help wipe it.
Does dad stay home from work when mom is sick?
Does mom stay home from work when dad is home sick?
Does dad stay home from work when dad is sick? Not often.
Yet folks will miss church for any little reason. We have allowed society to tell us that work matters but church does not. We have allowed the world to teach us that attending church is an option, and that work and money are not optional but a mandate.
Unfaithfulness to church says that you feel that church simply does not matter much— by doing this, we teach our children that God does not matter much either.

Faithful to the daily things makes all the difference. Be home when you are supposed to be. BE at church or work when you are supposed to be. Be with your children or spouse when you are supposed to be. Be with God when you are supposed to be. Faithfulness is not difficult, but it is hard; for it demands self-control to be FAITHFUL.

Faithfulness matters!

Pastor

GO ON AND TRY

The fact that we fail is undeniable. The fact that we sometimes think selfishly and even evil is also true. Yet, God, in mercy, works with sinful men. We are but dust, and the Lord knows this. Before I get to the lesson, let me say that no one gets close to the Lord without the love for right and the passion for holiness. (Hebrews 1:8-9, 1 Peter 1:15-16) I believe that a life of casual living with compromise toward the things of the world will cost us on earth and limit our usefulness to Christ. James teaches that even friendship with the world is enmity with God, and as such, keeps us from ever having the intimacy with the Father that could be ours. Yet, God has only sinners with whom to work, and, in mercy, He does so.

Jacob left home; and in route, he vowed to tithe and serve God if God would preserve him.
Genesis 28:20 “And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,”
vs. 21 “So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:”
vs. 22 “And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.”

God preserved Jacob and more by making him rich and by greatly rewarding his hard work and love for God. Jacob also gained four wives along the way. When God led him to return home after being away for twenty years (31:41), he presented the idea to Rachel and Leah. Here is their response:

Genesis 31:14 “And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house?”
vs. 15 “Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money.”
vs. 16 “For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.”

No family thoughts or concern about their father arose. Neither lady spoke of missing her mom or siblings — it was all about money. As long as these girls had lots of money, they were happy. Since their father had little, why not leave? What reason did they have to stay?

Now, if those women are not examples of totally selfish girls, I have never seen any. Of course, prior to this event, both of their selfish, bickering spirits manifested themselves several times. These gals fought over Jacob, and they fought over who had children and who did not. The favorite wife, Rachel (the idolatrous thief), even stole her father's gods.
Genesis 31:19 “And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father’s."

Suffice it to say, these women were not the godly examples we might hope for in the lives of our sons.

Yet, God greatly used Jacob. Jacob, whose name means supplanter or trickster, had his name changed to Israel meaning a prince. It was said that he had power with God. (Genesis 32:28)

We may live in a difficult situation or struggle with ties to shame or wrongdoing, but never forget that God can bless whomever He chooses to bless. Our pastor, Dr. Hyles, came from a family with a dad who was a drunk, beat his mom, and abandoned his responsibilities as a father and husband. David, the man after God's own heart, grew up in a home in which he was treated as a bother; he was mocked and ridiculed when he wanted to stand for God. Godly Solomon was the second child born to Bathsheba and David, and Solomon’s mother began her relationship to David in adultery.

The stories of men and women in difficulty being used of God are endless. The famous missionary, Jim Elliot, arrived at his desired mission spot only to be killed by those he came to help. Some time later, his wife and others returned to this same group of people, and a great harvest of souls took place. (Read the book, Through Gates of Splendor, written by Mrs. Elliot.) Many of our finest young people who went out to serve the Lord came from homes without Christ, and some came from a family with parents who claimed Christ but lived little or none of the things they claimed to believe. I have two friends, who are wonderful preachers, whose father sits in a jail cell due to sinful acts while in the ministry.

If someone near you is living selfishly, you decide to go on and live for God as best as you can. If those around you are evil, love God and follow Him as you are able. If those near you are contentious, live as best as you can in that situation. God is not blind to your world, and He loves you and knows your heart. God says, “If it be possible...live peaceably…” What liberty and comfort that brings to those who also live in very difficult situations.

Romans 12:18 “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

Just go on and live for God as best as you are able.

Pastor

Stability

Decisions should be made very slowly, thoughtfully, and while seeking counsel.

Look at the biblical use of the word unstable.

Genesis 49:4 “Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.”
James 1:8 "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”
2 Peter 2:14 “Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:”
2 Peter 3:16 "As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”

You cannot bounce around and expect to be used of God.

Countless opportunities arise for preachers to move, change, or find an easier course, but they stay because stability is spiritual. Notice what James writes above, "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." ALL HIS WAYS. That is serious! In every area of life, you will find your world unstable.

To bring about some measure of stability and security, one must watch their crowd; the wrong people will hamper your stability and security.
Proverbs 24:21 “My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:”

Compare the references that speak of being of a double mind.
James 1:8 “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”
James 4:8 “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”

The double-minded need to be purified in heart and cleansed in hands.

The Bonsai tree supposedly starts out as a normal tree, but removing it from the soil over and over and trimming the roots causes it to be stunted - it looks like a real tree, but is severely stunted.

There is no end of Bonsai Christians who move, change, and quit; and often they do so at the drop of the hat. If an injustice or difficulty causes you to walk away, you "shall not excel." If a brighter opportunity arises and you trot off after it, you will create the habit of instability and guaranteed mediocrity.

Every marriage is tested; every person in the ministry is tested, and even in secular work, those with potential for excellence and great success are going to deal with the chance to walk away and try another job, another position, or another team. Successful people are rooted and grounded.

If you have made any major change in the last six months, the next big change better be years away. If you can count several quick choices of change, or moved jobs in the last couple years, your habits are starting to form in stone. You will need to fight to lock in stability and then hopefully offer your spouse and family security.

Those who move churches regularly are never going to prosper spiritually. Those who run when opposition arises will find themselves always running. Those who always watch for that dream job will discover that dreams only happen when one is asleep, and dreams are very far from reality.

Pastor