-
Snake On A Stick
Well, the 2013 edition of the Iowa State Fair is just about wrapped up. I didn’t go this year, in fact I seldom do. Not enough interest to justify spending the money or coping with the crowds.However, whenever I talk with someone who’s been to the fair, I have to ask them one question: “What did you eat?”
For the next 10 minutes I hear about all of the food one can get “on a stick”. In case you didn’t go either, here is a list of all the “stick” food you and I missed:
2013 Iowa State Fair Food On-a-Stick
(over 60 food options available on-a-stick)1. Shrimp Corndog
2. Smoothie On-a-stick
3. Bacon Wrapped Riblet On-a-stick
4. Deep Fried Brownie On-a-stick
5. Coconut Mountain On-a-stick
6. Soft Salted Chocolate Dipped Almond Pretzel On-a-stick
7. Deep Fried Sweet Corn Corndog
8. Rib Shack Cowboy
9. Jalapeño Corndog
10. Chocolate-Covered Chocolate Chip Cannoli
11. Chocolate-Covered Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pop
12. Fruit (with yogurt dipping sauce)
13. Double Bacon Corn Dog
14. Chocolate-Covered Frozen S’more
15. Peanut Butter & Jelly
16. Chocolate-Covered Deep Fried Cheesecake
17. Griddle Stick (turkey sausage wrapped in a pancake)
18. Cake Pops
19. Fair Square (Original,Peanut Butter & Graham Champion flavors)
20. Chocolate-Covered Tiramisu
21. Chocolate-Covered Turtle Mousse Bar
22. Twinkie Log (frozen Twinkie dipped in white chocolate & rolled in cashews)
23. Octodog (hotdog in the shape of an octopus)
24. Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Bar
25. Chocolate-Covered Key Lime Dream Bar
26. Carmellows
27. Pickle
28. Pork Chop
29. Corn Dog
30. Cheese
31. Cajun Chicken
32. Sesame Chicken
33. Carmel Apple
34. German Sausage
35. Teriyaki Beef
36. Corn on the Cob
37. Cotton Candy
38. Veggie Corndog
39. Turkey Drumstick
40. Nutty Bar
41. Hot Bologna
42. Chicken
43. Monkey Tail (chocolate-covered banana)
44. Honey
45. Ice Cream Wonder Bar
46. Deep-Fried Snickers
47. Deep-Fried Milky Way
48. Deep-Fried Twinkie
49. Breakfast Lamb Sausage (brat)
50. Deep-Fried Ho-Ho
51. Deep-Fried Cupcake
52. Dutch Letter
53. Chocolate-Covered Cheesecake
54. Pineapple (Fresh pineapple dipped in funnel cake batter & deep fried)
55. Hot Lips (breaded chicken breast smothered with hot sauce, served with blue cheese dressing)
56. Cornbrat (bratwurst dipped in corndog batter)
57. Chocolate-Covered Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich
58. Rock Candy
59. Salad
60. Hard-Boiled Egg
61. Unicorn Lolipops
62. Rainbow Popsicle
63. Push-ups
64. Turkey TenderloinDoesn’t the list make you hungry?!? I really like those giant turkey legs! Now, it’s not easy lugging that thing around all day, going in and out of exhibits while brandishing a 10 pound hunk of meat; but one does what one must do. Right?
What if we could get other things, other than food, on a stick? Things like, oh, money, or mail, or, I know, MEDICINE! How about getting our medicine on a stick?
You walk into your local pharmacy, up to the counter, and ask to pick up the prescription you called in earlier. The pharmacist hands you a skinny, hollow stick, about two feet long, filled with your medicine. Not very easy to carry in your pocket or purse, but it’s what the doctor prescribed, it’s what you need, so you hand over the cash and walk out with your “stick”.
The medicine or the stick need not be fancy, tasty, or even widely accepted by everyone in your neighborhood. No, it only has to work. So you deal with it.
Years ago, even before the first Iowa State Fair, in the middle of a desert, there was such a thing as “Snake on a Stick”. The children of Israel were traveling from Egypt to the Promised Land under the leadership of Moses and his brother Aaron. Now the Israelites weren’t known for their congeniality, nor for the way they supported their leaders. In fact, they were downright nasty!
“Then they journeyed from Mount Hor by the Way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the soul of the people became very discouraged on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread.” (Numbers 21:4-5 NKJV)
“Worthless bread”, if you didn’t already know, was the “Manna” God had been supernaturally providing for the nation. And they called it “worthless”. How’s that for gratitude?
But guess what? We are no different and can be just as ungrateful!
Look what happened next: “So the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD that He take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.” So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.” (Numbers 21:6-9 NKJV)
Imagine what that must have looked like! A big “stick” with a bronze snake attached to it! Nothing fancy, actually rather hideous, but it was the “MEDICINE” God prescribed. Medicine on a stick.
When God told them to “look and live”, He wasn’t referring to a ‘casual glance, then go about your day’ kind of look. His instruction, His prescription, was: “if you are dying, forget about everything else and gaze, fix your focus, your attention, on the snake on the stick.”
What would you do if snakes were crawling all around your feet, some slithering up your pant leg, touching your skin with their cold, forked, red tongue? Would you be able to stand still, gazing only at the stick, until you were healed? It would be hard, but that’s what they were told to do.
Because that’s how it is with faith! They got into their mess because they wouldn’t believe God or His leaders. And faith in God’s word would be how they were healed and restored.
The first couple, Adam and Eve, got us all into our predicament, where we were all “bitten by the snake”, due to their lack of faith in God’s word (Genesis 1-3). And faith is how we are healed of spiritual death, return to fellowship with God, and live eternally with Him. Jesus said it like this:
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, “that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:14-17 NKJV)
As the bronze snake represented the Israelites sin, so Jesus on the cross represents ours. He became our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21) so we could become righteous. And like the Israelites, in order for our situation to be remedied, we must look at the “snake on the stick”; steadfastly, in spite of distractions, look at Jesus on the cross. We must believe!
It’s nothing fancy, but it is freeing!
It’s not easy, but it affects our eternity!
Who would have guessed it; God was the first One to put something of real value “on a stick”.
-
He Hears You
Do you hear the voice of God calling you?He hears you…
While driving your car in rush hour traffic, from out of nowhere someone cuts you off. You slam on your brakes and scream, “Oh God, HELP!”
He hears you…
Tossing and turning on your bed at night, worried about children, parents, job, church, and things you can’t remember to worry about. You eventually fall asleep, exhausted, knowing you’ll have to face your heavy load tomorrow. But God doesn’t slumber or sleep.
He hears you…
The doctor’s office calls, explaining their need to see you in the office immediately. You didn’t catch all they said, but the urgency in their voice has you almost paralyzed with fear. With tears streaming down your face, you bow your head and whisper one name; the Name above all names.
He hears you…
The deep needs of man cry out to the depth of God’s compassion. The tears of the rejected, the heartbroken, the tormented call to the streams of the Lord’s tender mercies. Though you may be hiding from the One calling your name, the deep need in your life is crying out for help, for covering, for restoration.
And He hears you…
The greater the need, the more magnificent the promise:
“This is what the Lord says – the Lord who made the earth, who formed and established it, whose name is the Lord : Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.” (Jeremiah 33:2-3 NLT)
“As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.” (Micah 7:7 NLT)
Like the nation of Israel, slaves in a foreign land, seeing no way back to the land of promise, you have given up on life, settling for a mere existence.
But He hears the cry of your heart…
“I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land.” (Exodus 3:7-8 NLT)
If you will quiet your soul, lay to rest your reasoning and scheming, you will hear God speak. Great shall be your peace when you hear Him say, “Fear not.” You will know beyond the shadow of a doubt God is interested in your well being as He whispers to your soul the words of Jesus, “come unto Me all who are weary and loaded down with the cares of this world, and I will give you rest.”
And when you finally bow your heart in total surrender and allegiance to Jesus, and say these words, “Jesus, I need Your help. I receive You as my Lord and Savior…”
He will hear you…
My, how He’ll hear you!
-
Peace Be With You
Shalom! Peace be with you…“Shalom”, Hebrew for the word “peace”, means = safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace. The words, “whole, complete, fulfilled”, can also be used to describe “shalom”.
It isn’t a pill or narcotic to be taken when fear, worry, or pain is present. It is stronger than any shot of morphine, yet it doesn’t make a person loopy or dull their senses. It doesn’t mask or cover “life situations”, nor cause someone to lose their memory.
Peace does not remove one from storms, but rather keeps them from falling apart in the midst thereof. It gives a person the ability to remain “intact” even during the darkest hours of grief.
It cannot be found online, so put away the smartphone. It won’t be located in the aisles of “America’s Pharmacy”; no need to stop there. It can’t be found in a bottle, a magic lantern, a movie, a new car, changing jobs, a new spouse; only one place has it.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3 ESV)
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV)
“For He Himself is our peace…” (Ephesians 2:14 ESV)
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 ESV)
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 ESV)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13 ESV)
Peace, God’s peace, is for all who respond to His invitation.
Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Jesus, the One Who knows how to defeat any and every enemy of peace. He IS our peace…
May you experience His peace, and the life only Jesus can give. A simple prayer, a simple trust, is all it takes to get started. “Help me, Jesus…”, from a heart genuinely desirous of God’s peace, will get you going the right direction.
Peace, God’s peace, is for you.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26 ESV)
Please enjoy the words to this old hymn, as you put your trust in Jesus…
“Peace, Peace, Wonderful Peace”
Words: Warren D. Cornell, 1889, alt. Music: W. George Cooper, 1889
Cornell and Cooper wrote this song at a Methodist camp meeting near West Bend, Wisconsin.
Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
In celestial strains it unceasingly falls
O’er my soul like an infinite calm.Refrain
Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace,
Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
So secure that no power can mine it away,
While the years of eternity roll!Refrain
I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace,
Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control;
For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day,
And His glory is flooding my soul!Refrain
And I think when I rise to that city of peace,
Where the Anchor of peace I shall see,
That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing
In that heavenly kingdom will be:Refrain
Ah, soul! are you here without comfort and rest,
Marching down the rough pathway of time?
Make Jesus your Friend ere the shadows grow dark;
O accept of this peace so sublime!Refrain
-
The Church Mall Epiphany
It was an epiphany of no small magnitude. My eyes were wide open, as they should have been since I was driving my Outback and pulling a boat, heading west on Park Avenue; but I saw the possibilities in my spirit.As I meditated on the new idea, the clearer it became. It was something that could revolutionize the religious segment of Des Moines, Iowa. In fact, if developed and marketed correctly, the potential impact on the American society would be huge!
Before I share my “epiphany”, allow me to give you some background info first. As I mentioned, I was driving on Park Avenue. A friend and I drove past a huge warehouse/manufacturing plant that has been empty since 2001. My friend commented that it was a real shame the building just sat empty; surely someone could use it for something.
That’s when I had my epiphany!
By the way, the building is over 14.5 acres in size; 633,919 square feet, to be exact. To help you grasp the enormity of the building, if you took each square foot and put them in a single, square foot line, the line would connect Des Moines with the Missouri River, 120 miles away. Also, Des Moines’ first enclosed mall, Park Fair, is only half the size of the vacant warehouse.
Imagine!
Okay, now for the epiphany, the revelation. I warn you, though, some of you may not see the humor, or the validity, in this. But you know what? You might as well laugh, because many times the truth is funnier than fiction. And, unfortunately, the world is laughing at the church for some of the various reasons I’ll mention. So you might as well laugh along with them until things change. At least then they’d be able to relate to you and I.
I pictured a group of 25 churches, or so, joining their monies and leasing the whole building. Various denominations: Methodist, Lutheran, Catholic, Assemblies of God, Apostolic, Church of God in Christ, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Word of Faith, Vineyard, Non-denominational (Pentecostal), Non-denominational (non-Pentecostal), Independent Baptist, Regular Baptist, Southern Baptist, Free Methodist, Federated, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Open Bible, Church of the Wildfire, Church of the No Fire, Brethren, Sprinkler churches, Dunking churches, communion every Sunday churches, communion once a year churches, fire and brimstone churches, honey and syrup churches. All gathering together under one roof and calling it, “The Church Mall”.
Yes, folks; the Church Mall! And think of the possibilities! The church shopper would finally be able to find what they’re looking for!
Each church would have approximately 21,000 square feet to utilize. All they would need to build would be their own sanctuary and classrooms. Nurseries, offices, restrooms, coffee shops and lobby areas would be shared by all. Trained, paid personnel would handle all nursery duties, office functions (to include mailings, posting and deposits of offerings, payment of bills, janitorial duties, and keeping the coffee hot. No more worry about volunteers! Besides, in today’s economy, good jobs are kind of hard to find; this would remedy that problem, at least for some.
Picture with me, please, you and your spouse walking down the middle of the mall, reading the different signs/advertisements over the church doors. It’s Saturday morning, around 10 o’clock, and you’re interested in “trying” a different church tomorrow. So, you’re doing a little “window shopping”.
You walk past one church and see the picture of a communion cup on the door. Another one proudly displays a logo with A/G on it, along with the words “All the Gospel”. Nothing strikes a chord yet, so you walk on.
Continuing down the mall, your ears are suddenly assaulted by the loud, discordant ruckus coming from inside the church called “The Lion’s Din Church”; a church where the righteous are as loud as a lion. It’s a charismatic, non-denominational church with a sound system to match even the loudest of rock bands. Apparently the church’s worship leader, D.B. Whocares, is having a last minute band rehearsal.
There are signs advertising special confession services: “Catholic”, you say to your spouse. No, just the Word of Faith church proudly displaying their logo, “Miss the mess when you confess”. Catchy, but probably not for you.
On and on you walk. Signs advertising such things as, “the church that’s alive is worth the drive”, “large enough to serve you better, small enough to care”, “King James Bible Only”, “Come, feel the heat of our altar calls”, “God’s Truth has made us great!”, “The Church for Hymns and Hers”, “The tomb is empty, who needs the cross?”, “Our communion wine is the best in town”, (by the way, that church is right next door to the church with the logo – “Happy Hour every Sunday morning”).
You finally return to the Mall’s main entrance, completely exhausted, still unsure which church to visit the next morning. But don’t fret, because in the morning all the ushers will be out and about helping you find your way to their door.
I’m sure it would be interesting, you know, deciding which church gets the spots closest to the main entrance, and which one gets the least desirable space. And imagine the discussions involved regarding what can or can’t be displayed on each church’s individual sign. Some things would just have to be taboo, don’t you think?
Do you think this “Church Mall” idea would generate any interest? If not, why not? What could possibly be wrong with it?
After all, didn’t I read somewhere that there is ONE Body? Didn’t Jesus say something about His Church being ONE? And what will Heaven be like? Probably ONE group called “the Redeemed”.
“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:1-6
“I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.
“I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” John 17:6-23
Maybe the idea won’t catch on, and probably just as well. The competition among churches is hard enough on society as it is. And I don’t believe a facility has yet been built that can weather the storms created by the masses streaming from church to church; as they hunt for the “Perfect Church.”
Perhaps someday the world will be ready for the Church Mall.
Do you suppose Heaven is?
-
You Are Not Alone
You are not alone! Though you may be inundated with feelings of despair and loneliness, you are not alone.It matters not if you are unable to speak “God’s language”; He hears your cry.
He sees your need, feels your pain, knows your heart, and remembers what He accomplished on the cross those many years ago.
And it’s not the first time God ever had to rescue someone from life’s stranglehold.
“During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel – and God knew.” (Exodus 2:23-25 ESV)
“Then the Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them.” (Exodus 3:7-9 ESV)
It’s hard to see and think straight when you are full of despair. Faith doesn’t come easy when hope has been trampled.
Moses, being sent by God to Pharaoh’s courts, demanded freedom for His people. As a result, the chains of slavery became tighter. The hope that had been built in the children of Israel’s hearts turned to bitterness and hopelessness. Moses tried to encourage his brethren, but to no avail.
“Moses spoke thus to the people of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses, because of their broken spirit and harsh slavery.” (Exodus 6:9 ESV)
“They did not listen to Moses”, the man sent from God. Yet, that didn’t stop God from hearing them!
The heart of God is like none other. It is drawn to the needs, the brokenness and bitterness, and the emptiness of all mankind. It can’t ignore the cries of despair and will make every effort to bring encouragement and hope into the situation.
It’s as though the very need itself has a voice that cries out to God.
That, in essence, is the Gospel. God was in Christ, reaching out to mankind’s emptiness, their slavery to the lordship of satan, and answering the age-old cry for help that began in the Garden with Adam and Eve. Answering the cry with the Eternal Remedy – Jesus. God initiating, God sending, God delivering; for people too broken to speak.
“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person – though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die – but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.” (Romans 5:6-9 ESV)
You may be fed up with “life”, filled with despair, and ready to give up completely; but please wait before you do. YOU are a candidate for God’s love and power. He already knows your situation, hears the cry of your heart, and remembers what He accomplished on the cross. For you!
“Deep calls to deep…”
“Let not your heart be troubled; neither let it be afraid…”
You are not alone.
-
Do You Need A Tune-Up?
Have you ever driven a car that just didn’t run right? Sluggish, jerky, and smelling more like a gas station than an exhaust pipe?So what do you do? Ignore it, complain about it, trade it, or do you have it checked out by a trusted mechanic?
I remember years ago when I was 18, my wife and I owned a 1964 Rambler Classic 770. Roger Rambler, the truckin’ machine. Back in those days, and with speed limits higher, if a car didn’t run right the first thing you did was head to the interstate and mash down on the accelerator. If that didn’t fix it, you changed the plugs, points and condenser, THEN took it to the interstate.
I did that with Roger one evening. Gave it a minor tune up then went directly to I-80 westbound. Sweet! I had both of my brothers with me; one was 20 and the other was 9. Old Roger was excited that night and just kept tempting me, enticing me, to break the sound barrier (at least in my own mind).
He was running great! 70, 80, 90, 105 miles an hour! Yee haw!
All of a sudden there appeared flashing red lights in my rear view mirror. Busted! Fortunately, I only received a warning ticket!
But the car sure was running great. The tune up fixed its problems and the world was a better place to live.
I hate to bring it up at a time like this, but does your spiritual life ever seem sluggish or jerky? Ever feel like you’re not getting the mileage you once did?
Maybe your spirit needs a tune up! That’s what Paul and Jude referred to when they mentioned “praying in the Holy Spirit”, or, praying in tongues.
I do realize this can be a touchy subject; some believe and some don’t. But I must say, “it’s in the Bible.”
Yes, it’s in the Bible. “But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” (Jude 1:17-21 ESV)
Have you noticed, dear saint, the world has an uncanny way of putting a drain on your spirit at times? In fact, I believe we actually “leak” now and then; thus the need to “build ourselves up” (or charge our battery) by praying in the Holy Spirit.
“Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.” (1 Corinthians 14:1-4 ESV)
The one who speaks in a tongue (unknown tongue, KJV, a language given by the Holy Spirit and not learned through the regular learning process), “builds himself up.” There it is again.
There is a fair amount of confusion in the Body of Christ regarding “Spiritual Gifts”, and especially “speaking in tongues”. People read the 12th chapter of 1 Corinthians and note verse 30, “do all speak in tongues?”, where the obvious answer is “no”. Thus, they assume God doesn’t want every believer to speak in tongues.
However, chapter 12 refers to the different parts of the Body and the various ministry each part has been given. Not every part is the eye, but each part is important. Paul teaches about the gifts as they relate to the Body, and ministry.
Chapter 13 instructs us to operate in love, or ministry, even with the mighty gifts, will not be effective.
Chapter 14 deals specifically with tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophesy, and building up the Body of Christ through the use of the “utterance gifts.”. Paul writes, “speaking in tongues edifies the speaker (the Christian); their spirit is built up even though their mind isn’t. But prophesy builds up the Body because they can understand what the Spirit is saying.”
The Corinthian church, according to Paul (1 Corinthians 1:10), “came behind in no gift”. They sure could get wild! In Paul’s teaching, though, he wasn’t trying to make them quit “that tongue stuff”, but instead, focus on building each other up whenever they assembled together. “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.” (1 Corinthians 14:18-19 ESV)
It goes without saying: if a person is desiring to build up others, it stands to reason they themselves need to be built up. Doesn’t it?
Yes, reading and studying the Word builds us up. But, apparently, there’s something else we must consider or we, and the Body of Christ, will not be built up on our most holy faith. Nor will we stay steadfast in God’s love and mercy when unbelief, ungodly desires, and scoffers begin to blast away.
Keep yourself tuned up; regular maintenance and praying in the Holy Spirit. You can’t afford to have a sluggish, jerky, and stinky spirit; nor can I.
Amen.
-
Hey, Jude!
Ever hear of the rock and roll group called The Beatles? Of course you have! As a teenager, and like millions of other teens, I listened to them every chance I could. And, like it or not, their music spoke directly to the heart of their generation, the culture of the day. From simple songs about love, to complex pieces laced with veiled references to the drug world, their lyrics told tales of people with names like Rita, Lucy, Michelle, and Maxwell. They gave the world a new way to sing “Happy Birthday”, revealed a thing or two about Walrus’, took us on a Magical Mystery Tour, and encouraged us all to just “Let It Be.” And we can’t forget the cryptic cover of the “Abbey Road” LP; the one with Ringo as the preacher, John as God, Paul as the deceased, and George as the grave digger – as the story goes.
Yes, they spoke to their generation, for better or worse, and most of us listened and bought their message.
Ever hear of a guy named Jude? Not the guy the Beatles sang about; this guy was a brother of Jesus and a writer of a very small letter in the New Testament. He had much to say to his generation, as well. And although his letter is about 2000 years old, the message he gave then is probably better suited for this generation!
Ever read his letter? It begins nice and friendly; cordial, in a way. But things get pretty hot real quick. I mean, he starts writing and warning people to stand up, contend, for the faith. Fight for the Truth, the Gospel. Why, because there’s a time coming when all “hell is gonna break loose!”
He warns of judgment to come, the danger of “backsliding”, and the need to keep “built up on our most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.” He uses the word “ungodly” so many times you begin to get the idea God isn’t very pleased with a lot of people who call themselves Christians; the ones who act like they’ve never met Jesus. For instance:
“But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.“Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.” (Jude 1:5-13 NKJV)
See what I mean? “Having saved people…destroyed those who did not believe”, and “while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves.” These people hung out with the believers, but…
Jude, poor Jude. He’s not a very popular guy! Definitely not as popular as the Beatles! And his message doesn’t attract too many people today, either. In fact, most of the “church world” would just as soon ignore the message of Jude.
Here’s a little ditty that resonates with a lot of the modern “saints”. Feel free to sing along!
Hey, Jude,
I can’t believe
You’d take a Good God
And make Him bitter
Remember,
God is love and so kind
I am offended by your letterHey, Jude,
Why are you mad?
Where’s the love, man
Why be so hateful?
Remember,
God’s love and grace is for all
He wouldn’t send a soul to hell.So why the angry rhetoric,
You know, I’m sick
Of people who always speak so ugly
Why can’t we all just get along
Would it be wrong?
To talk of the good, and not the ungodlyHey, Jude,
You’re such a fool,
To believe those tales of fiction,
Remember,
The thought of angels in chains
Is but a vivid imaginationSo let them out and let them go
Those words of woe
They only embarrass Christian brothers
Lighten up your voice of gloom
Your words of doom
And let’s all love one another…Hey, Jude,
Though I’m your friend
Feel that church has made you bitter
Remember,
It’s not as bad as it seems
So take your sad notes, and make them better, better, better…Yep, poor old Jude. Too bad he didn’t realize this generation doesn’t care for such negativity. If he’d only gotten the memo, and had a dynamic agent, he just might have connected to the believers of the 21st Century.
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, hey Jude!
-
We Just Want To Be Liked!
It finally dawned on me… just yesterday, in fact. I’ve been wondering why the Church of Jesus Christ appears to be embracing the “let’s all get along” mentality more and more. Sometimes I’ve thought it’s just the liberals peddling the ideas, but, no, that’s not the case. Churches and individuals alike are crusading for everyone to “just get along.”
Please don’t misunderstand me.
I really do want to get along with others. Honest, I do. I want to be friends with everyone, if that’s possible. I believe in “friendship evangelism”, and I try and treat people like I want to be treated.
God loves this world as more than just a trophy, or something He’s conquered. He genuinely loves people because they deserve to be loved; not because of what they do, but because of who they are. And, as His child by virtue of the New Birth, He expects me to do the same.
I get all that.
But, as I said, it finally dawned on me why the Church is so adamant about getting along and fitting in with the world…
We want to be liked. We want the world to like us.
The thought is, “If we can get the world to like us, they’ll listen to our message”, or something similar.
But there’s a problem with that mentality. Big time!
Jesus said just the opposite! “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me.” (John 15:18-21 NLT)
He told those who didn’t yet believe on Him: “The world can’t hate you, but it does hate me because I accuse it of doing evil.” (John 7:7 NLT)
Jesus accused the world (that He loved) of doing evil! That’s quite a way to make friends, eh?
Here’s a promise to underline in your Bible: “And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22 NLT)
And how about this passage; just a few short verses after the beloved John 3:16: “All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” (John 3:20-21 NLT)
Finally, Pastor James had a thought on the subject: “You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.” (James 4:4 NLT)
It’s wonderful to be liked, even loved, by those around us. It’s nice for people to think we’re not stupid, or out of touch with society. But we will not please God by merely pleasing man. We must believe God knows what He’s talking about, and love the world enough to tell them the truth. Not in a mean-spirited kind of way, but the way Jesus did.
God’s eternal plan for this world is too great to be compromised…just because we want to be liked.
-
Honest John’s Church
I heard something today that caught my attention and interest, so I had to research the statement. Basically, the statement went something like this: “Americans trust clergy less than they trust used car salesmen.” I researched a number of different articles, asking the question “does America trust pastors?” I found that, while the politicians are the least trusted, and nurses the most, religious institutions and clergy are somewhere in the middle; depending on which poll is used. I’m not clear on whether the church ranks higher than the car salesman, but I am certain of this one thing: the trust level between the “Church” and the people the church is attempting to reach is far too low. 48% seems to be the average level of trust America has for the church.
Picture this: skimming through the Yellow Pages one day, looking for a church in your area to visit, you run across an advertisement which reads, “Honest John’s Church of the Redeemed.” The ad goes on to say, “the place where miracles flow, joy prevails, and lives are changed.” Would you visit that church next Sunday?
Maybe, maybe not.
What if the ad was true, “most of the time”?
We probably all know of churches which use the cute little saying, “a church that’s alive, is worth the drive.”
Does the church “always” seem alive to every person who attends? Does the pastor “always” ring the proverbial bell, EVERY Sunday? Is the congregation “always” friendly, helpful, and engaging?
And what does the slogan say about the other churches in the area? You know, the ones we’ll share eternity in Heaven with?
Doesn’t it seem to scream, “don’t go to any church but Honest John’s! It is THE happening church! It’s the place where all your water will be turned into wine. Trust us, and come on in!”
If you’ve been in and around churches for a long time, like I have, you’ll know things don’t really happen that way. Sure, God’s a miracle working God, but not everyday IS a miracle day. Why? Because people are people.
And people have a hard time trusting other people who always act like they have all the answers, yet struggle with life as much or more than the people who read their ads.
I believe the trust level would climb if the church would lower themselves, honestly and humbly, to a realistic, approachable level where relationships could be developed.
Instead of competing with other churches, how about finding ways to work with the other churches?
Lower standards? No! Change doctrine? Not necessarily. Build relationships, which allows trust to grow? Yes!
Who knows…maybe, just maybe, the Church will once again be the City (singular) on a Hill.
And if Honest John’s Church IS REALLY honest, it won’t have to spend a nickel on advertising. People will find out, because that’s what Americans are looking for.
-
Gideon Yawray
Years ago, back in the day when men were men and boys were boys, there lived a young man named Gideon Yawray. Just a simple kid, son of a farmer, well known and well liked in their small community. Gideon’s family wasn’t very large and didn’t have a lot of influence in the area. In fact, one might be apt to overlook the whole clan but for an event that took place one day when Gideon was busy doing chores. That event was the visit from Mawlak, a special messenger employed by Yhovah. Mawlak approached Gideon as he threshed wheat in the wine press. What a sight to behold! Gideon, standing in the middle of the press, dripping with sweat, swinging his shovel just as fast as he could. Every so often he would take a peak over the top of the press; that’s when he noticed Mawlak.
“What are you doing here?”, Gideon asked.
“I’ve come to visit with a special servant of Yhovah”, replied Mawlak.
Gideon looked around, and seeing no one else, chuckled to himself. “Oh? Where?”
“I’m looking at him.”
“Surely you jest! The only thing special about myself or my family is our size. We are puny, insignificant, and without talent or treasure. I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else.”
“No, you’re the one. And I’m to tell you this: you will lead your people, your whole family, on a special mission. You know how you’ve been bullied around by the Midyan and Amaleq families? Well, it’s time to make them stop bullying and start serving. You. This will be the day of your freedom.”
Gideon hadn’t heard talk like that since he was just a wee lad. He’d heard the stories of greatness, of conquering, of Yhovah in their midst and the outstanding, miraculous things He did. “How can this be? Do you remember who you’re talking with? I’m Gideon, just a non-important, nothing kind of kid. My family isn’t much better. And out of all the families in this nation, we are like the runt of the litter. No, wrong guy.”
But Mawlak wouldn’t back down. “I have my instructions to give you, so please, listen carefully.”
Gideon’s eyes were ready to pop out of their sockets by the time Mawlak finished. Gideon was given different, preliminary steps to take as preparation for the big day. Steps which would help him build confidence not only in himself and his leadership ability, but confidence in the anointed word of Mawlak, messenger of Yhovah.
Finally, after all preparation had been finalized, and testings ratified, Gideon gathered his group of 300 for one final meeting.
“Men, something has changed in each of our lives over the last couple of days. When we began our recruitment campaign, it seemed like we would have more than enough people to carry out this special mission; in fact, it looked as though we wouldn’t even need help from Yhovah. But, I no sooner started thinking that, when Mawlak gave word that we had too many helpers. ‘Send home the fearful, no questions asked.’ I thought I’d die! We lost so many people that day! Yet, that wasn’t enough. Soon Mawlak said, “Gideon, you need to reduce your troops a little bit more.”
“Well, here we finally are. Three hundred of us, ready to stand up to the bullies and fight for what’s ours.”
And fight they did! But not in their own strength; they fought in the strength of Yhovah. Judges, chapter 6.
Gideon, the fearful (Yawray) became Gideon, the bold (Bawtakh). All he needed to do was quit relying on the strengths of the past, strengths of the flesh, strengths of his human mind, or anything other than the Strength of Yhovah. “In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul.” Psalm 138:3
Each of us have a choice: be like Gideon Yawray or Gideon Bawtakh. There are a number of reasons why we can’t defeat the bully, just ask us. But there’s one reason why we can. Yhovah. God Almighty! He is the reason we CAN.
If you live your life only remembering what God USED to do, you’ll miss out on what He WANTS TO DO – through you.
That would be a shame.
Rise up, Gideon Bawtakh!
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
