MICKEY'S Youth Devotional 9/8/2008
In the context of Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus twice taught His disciples, “do not worry.” in verse 25, His words were, “do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on” and in verse 34, “do not worry about tomorrow.” in the same sermon, Jesus also said that the “wise Man” is the one who hears His teachings and does them, while the “foolish man” does not do them (7:24-27). As rrecorded in John 8:31, the Lord spoke of the importance of “abiding in” His word, setting it forth as the basis of true discipleship. And again He succinctly said, “if you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). And remember too that God said concerning Jesus, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him” (Matthew 7:15). Later on, the apostle Paul taught against being “anxious” (i.e. worrying -Philippians 4:6), and in another epistle affirmed that what he wrote was the commandment of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 14:47b).
From all this, we’d have to conclude that the Sacred Scriptures have addressed the issue of “worry”, weighed it in the balance and found it wanting (note the principle of Daniel 5:27), and thus it stands condemned. We are to heed what Jesus said, and what the apostles by inspiration taught. Therefore, Christians are not to worry. To do so is to “transgress” the Divine will and to do that is “sin” (1 John 3:4).
Christians “walk by faith, and not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:27). We are plainly taught, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.....” (Proverbs 3:5). Remember, “this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith” (1 John 5:4). Think about it.
Copied from Maxie Boren
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Is It In You?
(Romans 8:9)
1. The Spirit of Christ/God is in the Christian. If not, we are not His.
2. This suggests, then, that all that we are belongs to Him.
I. A mind through which Christ thinks.
A. We are to be careful thinkers (James 1: 19-20 & 2 Corinthians 10:5).
B. We are not to think selfishly (philippians 2:3-5).
C. We should think as Paul did (philippians 4:8).
II. A heart through which Christ loves.
A. This is the nature of God (1 John 4:8).
B. We love God (Matthew 22:37), brethren (John 13:35; 1 John 4:20), & enemies (Matthew 5:44).III. A voice through which Christ speaks.
A. "Speak as oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11).
B. "Speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15).
IV. A hand through which Christ works.
A. One way that the love for our neighbor is shown (Luke 10:25ft).
B. This is the mark of "pure religion" (James 1 :27).
V. A life through which Christ lives.
A. Christ lives in us (Galatians 2:20).
B. He has taught us how to live (TItus 2: 11-14).
Conclusion: Are you His? Do you have His Spirit?
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In His Presence
La Fontaine, chaplain of a Prussian regiment, preached a plain sermon on the sin of a hasty temper. The next day the major, a very passionate man, told him he had used his official liberty rather too freely. La Fontaine admitted that he had thought of him, but had no intention of being personal. "Well, it is of no use," said the major. "I have a hasty temper, I cannot help it, and I cannot control it. It is impossible." The next Sunday La Fontaine preached upon self-deception, and the excuses which men are apt to make, "Why," said he, "a man will declare that it is impossible for him to control his temper, when he very well knows that, were the same provocation to happen in the presence of his sovereign, he not only could, but would, control himself. And yet he dares to say that the continual presence of the King of Kings imposes upon him neither restraint nor fear!" The next day the major again accosted him. "You were right yesterday, chaplain," he said humbly. "Hereafter, when you see me in danger of falling, remind me of the King." Let us always remember we are in the presence of Christ. Surely we would not wish to let our passions loose in the presence of the King.
I am reminded of the statement Paul made to the Philippians when I read the above story. He said, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;” (Philippians 2:12). As Paul would have them to walk uprightly, even in his absence, we should all be reminded that we are always in the presence of the King...Jesus. If we continue to “walk in the light as He is in the light,” we will continually be in fellowship with Him, as He invites us into his presence, and cleanses us from all our sins (1 John 1:7).
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How To Use The Bible When In Need of Help
When you are discouraged Isaiah 40
When you are blue Psalm 24
When your burden grows heavy Matthew 11:25-30
When you need courage for your task Joshua 1
When you are despondent Isaiah 35
When men forsake you Psalm 27
If your faith waivers Hebrews 11
When God seems far away Psalm 139
For Christian guidance and assurance Romans 8
When you are drawn into quarrels James 3
When you have business worries Matthew 6:19-24
If you long for wealth Mark 10:17, 18
If you feel bitter toward men 1 Corinthians 13
If you are nursing a grudge Mark 11:25-26; Luke 17:3-4; Leviticus 19:7-8
If men are intolerant Romans 14
For Paul’s “portrait of a gentleman” Romans 12
When you are in mourning 1 Corinthians 15:20-58
For Jesus’ advice on prayer Matthew 6:5-15
When you want to give thanks Psalm 33; 98; 145
For reassurance in old age 2 Corinthians 4:16, 5
Jesus’ rules of Christian behavior Matthew 5
A good recipe for happiness Colossians 3:12-17
How Do I Get There From Here
How many times have you had to stop and ask directions? One of the most common questions is how do I get there from here? That could be a tricky question. It depends on where "here" is. It depends on if they know where you want to go. While living here on this earth I have asked that question many times. When I first visited Camden, TN I knew how to come around through Lexington on highway 22 and get on I-40 located about ten miles north of the city of Lexington. As we learned the area, I learned how to get around by much shorter routes, saving time and expense. In other words, I learned how to get there from here.
While we live on earth we are given a charge of leading other souls to heaven. The question again is how do I get there from here. The answer is simple, yet complicated. Simple in that I am told to give my life to Christ by being added to the church through baptism (Acts 22:16; Acts 2:47). I then must live my life in Christ never turning my back on heaven (Romans 6:1, 2). Christ assures me of a home in heaven if I have been faithful and am found faithful (1 Thessalonians 4:1; 14-17). We must remain faithful to the cause of Christ. We must remember that we can get to heaven from earth by remaining faithful. It is my sincerest desire and dream to one day be in heaven and I pray that all of my brethren will be there. I also pray that we can teach, lead and help people realize how to get there from here. Will you get there from here?
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The Home and Its Relationship
to the Church
Both are divinely inspired
(Genesis 2:18; Matthew 16:18)
Both have the same standard
(2 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 6:1-4)
Both are to be pure
(Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 11:1-3)
Both need to be true to God
(Psalm 100; John 8:31, 32; 1 Tim. 3:15
Both are needed by man
(Genesis 2:18-24; Ephesians 5:23-32)
via: The Green Plain Proclaimer
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He Did It Without Regret
United States Senator Jake Garn of Utah did something most of us admire-and perhaps should consider doing ourselves. He donated one of his organs to save a life.
A recent survey says 73 percent of Americans approve organ donation. But only about 20 percent actually sign donor cards and make arrangements for our corneas, kidneys, or other organs to be used when we die.
In Senator Garn's case, however, he did not wait until his death to donate his left kidney. His 27-year-old daughter, Susan Garn Horne, suffered from progressive kidney failure due to diabetes. Her condition deteriorated, and doctors determined that she needed a kidney transplant immediately.
Jake Garn and his two sons were all found to be compatible donors. The senator insisted that he should be the one to give the kidney. "Her mother carried her for nine months," he said, "and I am honored to give her part of me."
So, on September 10, 1986, in a Washington, D.C. hospital, a six-hour surgical procedure was performed to remove one of his kidneys and to implant it into his daughter.
The radio news broadcast a story on Garns, and in it was a comment from the doctor who put the donated kidney into Susan's body. At a press briefing at Georgetown University Hospital, the doctor said, "The senator is awake, has a bit of a grin on his face. He seems very self-satisfied, and happy and peaceful."
The senator had to be in pain at that moment. The incision through which his kidney was removed goes from his back to his front ribs. There were tubes in him, needles yet to come, and several weeks of recuperation lying ahead. But he was smiling!
That grin on Jake Garn's face could have meant only one thing: no regrets. Love makes it possible for a person to do the most difficult and dreaded of things without looking back.
Think for a moment about what Jesus did to save you. He left the worship of angels to be born in a stable. He accepted the limitations of human form, suffered indignities of the greatest magnitude, and shed His life-blood to purchase your redemption.
The most astounding thing about all He did is that there is not a word in the Bible which indicates that the Son of God regretted doing it. In fact, the opposite was the case, he willingly did it to save mankind from sin. Jesus made an incredible statement in John 10:17, 18, “Therefore doth the Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. No one taketh it away from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment received I from my Father.”
On the day of His ascension back to the Father, there may have been a bit of a grin on His face. His only regret would come if you refused His gift of life.
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A Chronic Grumbler
A lady who was an incurable grumbler complained about everything and everybody. But, finally, the minister thought he had found something about which she could make no complaint: the lady's crop of potatoes was certainly the finest for miles around. "Ah, for once you must be pleased," he said with a beaming smile as he met her in the village street. "Everyone is saying how splendid your potatoes are this year." The lady glared at him as she answered, "They are not so bad, but where are the rotten ones for the pigs?"
It is sad that some Christians, God’s own people, sanctified through Jesus Christ His Son, by the shedding of blood through His death, fit into the category of chronic grumblers. Brothers and sisters, this matter is a serious one that is addressed in the Scriptures extensively. We seem to always be able to find something to complain about...the preacher, elders, deacons, and anything else if we can think of it.
Many examples could be examined, but one will suffice. In Exodus, God delivered, by Moses, the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage. In Numbers 14, ten of the twelve spies came back with a negative report, discouraging the people. Beginning at verse 11, God determined to strike the people with a pestilence because of their murmuring and complaining. However, Moses spoke to God on behalf of the people, and God determined to force the generation to wander in the wilderness for forty years until that generation passed away. Their children entered the promise land forty years later. 1 Corinthians 10:10, speaking of those very people, warned, “ nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.” What did the murmuring or complaining get them? Destroyed! Complaining is part of that spirit which is unacceptable to God, and must be completely put away from His people.
Finally, note how Jude described the false teachers of his day, in identifying as dangerous to the Lord’s people. At verse 16 he said, “These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.” Grumblers, complainers, murmurers and such like, are identified with everything and everyone that is wrong, and not with anything and anyone that is right. May we prepare our hearts that we will not be grumblers!
Mickey Beam
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Some Things Belong Together
In observing combinations, we cannot help but to notice that some things just go together. It’s difficult to think of one without the other. For example, we observe this truth when we observe personalities. Abbott and , The Three Martin and . You probably answered as following: Costello, Stooges and Lewis. (Maybe some of you younger ones did not know the third one).
When we think of certain foods, we cannot but think of one without the other. For example, peanut butter and , cake and and milk and . You probably answered jelly, ice cream and cookies. It’s natural, as we have come to think of these foods as going together.
In the Bible, we see this same principle as it is applied to God’s plan of salvation. You cannot sepatate one from the other, and you cannot think of one without the other.
For example, in Romans 10:17 we read, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” We cannot separate hearing the Word of God and faith. Paul said hearing the Word of God and faith go together. The conjunction “and” puts them together and keeps them together.
So it is with the rest of God’s plan of salvation. We see that some things go together. “Belief” or faith, and “baptism” go together like milk and cookies. At Mark 16:16, Jesus said, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Belief and baptism are connected with the conjunction “and” which puts them together and keeps them together. The same is said of “repentance” and “baptism” in Acts 2:38. Peter and the rest of the apostles had been preaching on the day of Pentecost, and as they convicted the multitude of murdering Jesus, asked “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” The answer is found at Acts 2:38, Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.“Repentance” and “baptism” are connected with the conjunction “and” again. They go together.
Finally, the Scriptures teach that “confession” is connected with salvation. “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9, 10). “Faith” and “confession” are connected, and go together. They are joined together by a conjunction, and cannot be separated. They go together like peanut butter and jelly.
As we observe what is involved in God’s plan for saving man, we learn that man is saved by giving heed, or hearing God’s Word, faith, confession of Christ as God’s Son, repentance of sins and baptism for the remission of sins. So it is that they simply “go together.” God bless.
Mickey Beam
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God's Model
A shipbuilder steps out into his yard and looks around him. There are the vast skeletons of ships just commenced; there are others advancing to completion. But there is nothing in the scene to satisfy. The big hulls are at present good for nothing. A thousand hammers are tapping in vexatious discord. The miry ground is strewn with wood and metal. Yet the owner stands content amid the imperfection. He never thinks of even doubting the process he beholds. In his mind he carries the ideal of a perfect ship, and he justifies the imperfect ships by imputing to them that ideal. God is like that great shipbuilder. The ideal man exists in His mind. He has the blueprint; man is like the ship being built. When God looks at it He does not despair, because He knows what He can do with the imperfect man.
The whole of mankind is a work in progress. God’s people are striving for perfection. The Hebrew writer reminds us of that in Heb 6:1, “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,...” The idea is that man is a work in progress, not having attained perfection, but working toward that goal. That’s why the Hebrew writer, at Hebrews 12:1 said, “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,...” Since God’s children are a work in progress, that means that much is needed in order to continually seek God’s will. Paul said at Philippians 3:13, 14 that we are to forget what is behind and reach for what is before.
Worldly obstacles of sin and temptation get in the way as well (1 John 2:15-17). The lust of the felsh, eyes and pride of life can halt the work of man to seek perfection. In fact, such a conflict with the righteous man and sinful world is described as a “warfare” in Scripture. Paul said to Timothy, 1Timothy 1:18 “This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,...” How then can we continue on to perfection? Fight with endurance! Through God’s wisdom, and confidence through His Son, our Savior, we can overcome, and strive toward perfection (2 Corinthians 11:1).
Mickey Beam
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The New Year Teaches the Importance of Right Now
When I was younger, and couldn't wait until I got grown, adults told me back then, that time would pass fast enough. They told me the older you get the faster time passes. I didn't understand, because I was a little boy who could only dream of the time when I got grown, then I could do anything I wanted. May I say that forty-five years have come and gone in a hurry. A couple of observations are in order. First, don't get in a hurry, living your life for some day in the future. Jesus said at John 4:25, "Take no thought for the things of tomorrow, for tomorrow will take thought of the things of itself..." As the song states, tomorrow may be too late. Live in the now in order to be really happy. You may be looking back some day wondering where it has all gone, regretting opportunities of which you are not now taking advantage. Second, God has only promised today, therefore, be happy with today, tomorrow may never come. I'm sure you want to be older, maybe as was I, can't wait until you can do what you want. However, you will also be responsible for everyting else too, money, education,maybe a spouse and childeren, then you will have little opportunity to do whatever you want to do. Life is short (James 4:17)and the only part of it you can use with great certainty is what you have right now. As you live each day, one day at a time, have a happy new year.
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God Knows
When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts...God knows how hard you have tried.
When you’ve cried so long and your heart is in anguish...God has counted your tears.
If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by...God is waiting with you.
When you’re lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call...God is by your side.
When you think you’ve tried everything and don’t know where to turn...God has the solution.
When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated...God has the answer.
If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope...God has fulfilled His promise.
When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for...God has blessed you.
When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe...God has smiled upon you.
When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow...God has opened your eyes and called you by name.
Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are facing...God knows.
Author Unknown
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GENTLENESS
Richard L. Dunagin tells an interesting story that makes a great biblical point that all Christians should remember.
"At their school carnival, our kids won four free goldfish (lucky us!), so out I went Saturday morning to find an aquarium. The first few I priced ranged from $40 to $70. Then I spotted it--right in the aisle: a discarded 10-gallon display tank, complete with gravel and filter--for a mere five bucks. Sold! Of course, it was nasty dirty, but the savings made the two hours of clean-up a breeze.
Those four new fish looked great in their new home, at least for the first day. But by Sunday one had died. Too bad, but three remained. Monday morning revealed a second casualty, and by Monday night a third goldfish had gone belly up. We called in an expert, a member of our church who has a 30-gallon tank. It didn't take him long to discover the problem: I had washed the tank with soap, an absolute no-no. My uninformed efforts had destroyed the very lives I was trying to protect. Sometimes in our zeal to clean up our own lives or the lives of others, we unfortunately use "killer soaps"--condemnation, criticism, nagging, fits of temper. We think we're doing right, but our harsh, self-righteous treatment is more than they can bear."
One of the great characteristics which should part of the Christian’s life is gentleness. In the New Testament, Jesus described His work with us as “gentle (Matthew 11:29). Paul said to the Thessalonians that their (the apostles’) approach in their work toward them was “gentle” (1 Thessalonians 2:7). At Titus 3:2, we read, “to speak evil of no one, to be peacable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.” God in the richness of His mercy is gentle toward us. If we are to be like Him, we are to take on ourselves the quality of gentleness with “all men.” May we always remember that as God’s people, we are to be known for our gentleness.
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Full Justification
On my word processor is an option which makes the justification of my text full. That simply means that all the letters line up even on the right hand side of the paper just as they do on the left side. I like the full justification mode because it looks much neater than when the right hand margin is staggered. It is just a matter of tastes, and to me, simply looks a little neater.
Much more importantly, the Bible teaches that the justification that was provided through Christ is a “full justification.” It has been said that the word “justified” means that when I become a Christian, God looks at me “just as if I had never sinned.” I suppose that is as good a way as any to remember the meaning of the word. The word “justification” is a legal term, and simply means that God looks at us through Christ as “just or innocent.” From the negative, God looks at the child of God as “not guilty.” What wonderful words to the one in a court of law...that the jury has heard the case and the judge pronounces the defendant “not guilty!” Much more, how thrilling when we realize that our God views us as innocent or not guilty of sin.
The justification which is offered is a “full justification.” Titus 3:7 teaches, “that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (NKJV) Note the words used in this little gem of a passage. Justification by His grace gives us a hope of eternal salvation. Eternal salvation is a full justification. We are seen as innocent or just, not guilty, forever.
Ephesians 2:8-10 teaches that we are saved by grace through faith. Verse 10 even says we are to walk in good works. At Titus 3:4, 5, we learn that we are saved by the kindness of God and not by works of righteousness “which we have done.” At John 6:28, Jesus was asked what must be done to work the works of God, and he answered at John 6:29, “...This is the work of God that you believe in Him whom He has sent” (NKJV). In that passage faith is the work He wanted done. We learn from looking at these few passages that “justification” is made possible by 1) the kindness of God 2) faith 3) grace 4) not by our own works of righteousness 5) by the works of God. Often the term “works,” is misunderstood. If we seek our own way, by works we have done, the sense of the word is misapplied. If we seek His way, it is understood that we are doing His will. The kindness of God, grace, faith, and obeying His will make us fully justified, having a hope of eternal life.
Mickey Beam
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Have Your Eyes Been Opened?
The Second Book of Kings and the sixth chapter tells us of an interesting event. Elisha, the prophet of God, was given knowledge of the planned activities of the Syrian King to destroy Israel. Elisha warned Israel, which angered the Syrian King, who then sought to kill Elisha. The servant of Elisha awoke one morning, looked out and saw the Syrian army surrounding the city. He became very frightened. But Elisha was not afraid because he could see the Lord's protection.
Then, in verse 17, Elisha prayed that the Lord would open the eyes of the servant that he, too, would see what Elisha saw. In this prayer, Elisha was not referring to physical sight. The servant had that, for he could see the army, but he had no spiritual sight to see the Lord's protection.
Now there are many people who have perfect vision in the natural eyes, but they are blind spiritually, just as this young servant of Elisha.
Only the Lord can give men spiritual eyes to see their lost and ruined condition. Romans 3:23 plainly teaches, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Only the Lord can show men the holy wrath of God against their sin. Revelation 21:8 is clear, "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."Only the Lord can reveal the glory of a beaten, scourged, and crucified Christ as seen in Luke 23:33, "And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left." Only the Lord can give men a revelation of the exalted, risen, Christ, ruling the universe and providing for, protecting, and caring for His redeemed. At Luke 24:6 we read, "He is not here, but is risen!" Only the Lord gives mankind His Word to become a Christian, live the Christian life and accomplish the work He wants us to do (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). Without this revelation, no man will come to Christ in saving faith and obedience.
Have your eyes been opened to see the glorious person and work of the blessed Son of God? The young servant of Elisha could not see the mountains full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha until the Lord opened his eyes. Neither can the sinner see the glory of Christ until the Lord opens his blind eyes by giving heed to his Word.
"Lord, I pray Thee, open their eyes, that they may see."
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From May 1-3, Michael Bates, preacher with the Batesville Church of Christ, held a gospel meeting at Smithville, MS. The last night of the meeting, Wednesday, May 3rd, Michael made a tremendous point that warrants repeating. He pointed out that many people are missing heaven, and ultimately will miss heaven eternally because of "one thing," just "one thing" is keeping many people lost eternally. For some, it may be gambling, for example. They are just not willing to give up that type worldly lifestyle in order to be saved. For some, it is such things as drugs and acohol. Simply unwilling to give up that type worldly pursuit. For some, it is such things as immorality in regard to relationships they have. "Just one thing" will keep/is keeping many lost eternally. Through inspiration, John teaches that we are not to love the world, neither the things in the world, because all that is in the world is not of God. (1 John 2:15-17). Is "just one thing" keeping you lost eternally? Think about it.
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Excuses, Excuses
Some Christians have the same idea about the commandments of God as a little boy who was playing with his sister. A most unpleasant woman who lived near by had been finding fault with them, and the boy said, "I just hate her!" His little sister, greatly shocked, said, "Oh no! The Bible says we must love everyone." "Oh, well," he remarked, "old Mrs. Blank wasn't born when that was written." In the same way the disobedient Christian always finds an excuse. Webster says the word “excuse” means “to justify; to vindicate.”
King Saul did this in 1 Samuel 15. God told him to destroy the Amalekites, destroy all their possessions, including the animals, and precious materials, and kill the king, Agag. However, when Samuel, God’s prophet arrived on the scene, he saw that King Saul had brought back cattle and sheep, and that he had not killed the king. Samuel, according to the commandment of God, had to take matters into his own hands and kill the king himself. Saul offered the excuse that he brought back some of the animals because the people had wanted them to use as sacrifice. Samuel made one of the great statements in the Bible at this point. He said at 1 Samuel 15:22, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.” Samuel told Saul on this occasion that another would be chosen to reign in his place, and David ultimately was the man God would choose to take his place.
Our Lord told of an occasion in which many will seek to offer excuses, but to no avail. On the day of judgement, all will be gathered before our Lord, the righteous judge. Many will plead their case before Him. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. "Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)
Let us live our lives according to God’s will, established in His Word, so that we will never have to stand before him condemned in judgement. After all, an excuse is just an excuse anyway. It will do us no good to offer them now, and in the eternity to come.
Mickey Beam
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Don't Quit
When Things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low, And the debts are high, And you want to smile, But you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is strange with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out, Don't give up though the pace seems slow, You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than it seems
To a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup.
And he learned too late, when the night slipped down. How close he was to a golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far.
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit, It's when things seem worse,
That you must not QUIT.....
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Dear Preacher:
You often stress attendance at worship as being very important for a Christian, but I think a person has a right to miss now and then. I think every person ought to be excused for the following reasons and the number of times indicated:
Christmas (Sunday before or after)
New Year (Party lasted too long)
Easter (Get away for holidays)
July 4 (National holiday)
Labor Day (Need to get away)
Memorial Day (Visit hometown)
School Closing (Kids need break)
School Opens (One last fling)
Family Reunions (Mine & wife's)
Sleep late (Saturday night parties) Deaths in Family
Anniversary
Sickness (One per family member) Business Trips (A must)
Vacation (Three weeks)
Bad Weather (Ice, srioW, rain, clouds, heat
wave)
Ball games
Unexpected Company (Can't walk out) Time changes (Spring ahead; fall back) Special on TV (Super Bowl, etc.)
Preacher, that leaves only two Sundays per year. So, you can count on us to be in church on the fourth Sunday in February and the third Sunday in August unless providentially hindered.
Sincerely,
A Faithful Member
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Counting the Cost
The following illustration is a very good one that makes an excellent point each of us should think about and seriously seek to apply to life.
Let's ask ourselves this question: "Am I concerned about the sacrifices I may be called upon to make in serving Christ?" Two young men were talking about this very thing. One of them said, "I cannot tell you all that the Lord Jesus is to me, or what He has done for me. I do wish you would enlist in His army." "I'm thinking about it," answered the other young man, "but it means giving up several things-in fact, I am counting the cost." A Christian officer, just passing, heard the last remark, and laying his hand on the shoulder of the young soldier said, "Young man, you talk of counting the cost of following Christ, but have you ever counted the cost of not following Him?"
In very simple terms, each of us has a choice to either be conformed to the world, or not to be conformed to the world. We all have to consider the consequences of each; to be conformed to the world, or to Christ. John teaches, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17 NKJV) At Romans 12, Paul tells us as well, that our lives are a sacrifice to our Lord because they belong to Him. He said, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2 NKJV)
James Burton Coffman observed, “This living sacrifice can best be understood in terms of dying and rising with Christ (Romans 6:1-11). Even more than this, however, is certainly included. The believer indeed presents his body for baptism, this being an important element in the new birth itself, and thus accomplishes a sacrifice which requires the volition and assent of the whole person; but the presenting does not end at the baptistry. There is also the formal and faithful presentation of the body in public corporate worship, regularly throughout the Christian's probation. Now, as in Job's day, "when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord" (Job 1:6), the sons of God still present themselves before the Lord in the Lord's Day assemblies of the church (and other times also), a duty which Christians are categorically commanded not to neglect (Hebrews 10:25). Nor can it end there. The body is the chief instrument of the person and is to be presented to God through service to humanity, by preaching, teaching, ministering, and helping people, and not merely for some space of time, but throughout life. “ To brother Coffman’s statement we agree with a hardy “amen.”
Mickey Beam
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Controlling Our Temper
One of the great challenges which faces us each day as we seek to live successfully upon this earth by overcoming the world, is controlling our emotions. We need to use our emotions properly, rather than allowing them to get out of control, and as a result, do great harm. One of the emotions we must control is anger. Simply stated, we are all different. Some of us are given to a quick temper, others are not. For those given to a quick temper, a great challenge is ever present.
The story is told of an aged man who went to his physician for an examination. The physician expressed astonishment at his robust vigor in spite of his advanced years. The man explained that he had been compelled to live an out-of-doors life. He then went on to say that when he and his wife were married, they made a compact. When he lost his temper, she was to keep silent. When she lost her temper, he was to go out of doors! That is a very funny story, but it is better to take a positive action and control our temper than to allow it to cause great harm.
It should be remembered that sin has not been committed when becoming angry over some matter. Paul told the Ephesians. "Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath," (Ephesians 4:26) Our challenge comes with controlling our anger and tempers.
James teaches that allowing this emotion to reign in our lives keeps us from the righteousness of God. He said at James 1:19, 20, "But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." John would explain in his epistle, "All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death" (1 John 5:17). Obviously Christians would want to control an unrighteous temper to avoid sinning against God.
How do we control our tempers? It’s difficult, but can be done. Our emotions are a by-product of what is in our hearts. Whatever we put into our hearts, a like fruit will be produced. Paul to the Philippians said, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things" (Philippians 4:8). We can control our tempers, because when we put the right things into our hearts, we get the fruit produced by those things.
Mickey Beam
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Begin Again
The theme for the fourth session of Sardis Lake Christian Camp, held July 3-9 was "Beginning Again." This week of camp was "full" 70 boys and 70 girls with counsellors and staff, which amounted to near 200 people on campus this year. A waiting list was also necessary, as those who did not get their applications in on time were turned away due to the lack of space.
Many speakers presented excellent lessons which dealt with the topic at great degree and in an indepth manner. It was a marvellous week in which a number of young people responded to the Lord by either being restored to the Lord, or being baptized into Christ in order to become a Christian. What a great week!
Mickey Beam
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The Cleansing Blood of Christ
Spurgeon was right long ago when he said, “There may be some sins of which a man cannot speak, but there is no sin which the blood of Christ cannot wash away.” One of the marvellous aspects of Christianity is that it is the only religion which offers salvation through a savior, The Savior, Jesus Christ. Isaiah foretold of the cleansing power of the blood of Christ, "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.” A beautiful statement which tells of the cleansing from sin which, at that time, was to come in Christ.
I Corinthinas 6:11 proclaims, "And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." Paul knew that some of those Corinthians had been living in sin, but just look at what the blood of Christ did for them. “Washed”, having the idea of washing away, “sanctified” meaning to make holy. The word comes from the background of the word holy. The word “justified” means to render innocent or not guilty, free. God through Christ makes us free...from sin and it’s harm.
1John 1:7 proclaims, "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." The blood of Christ cleanses us from our sins and makes us white as snow, free from condemning sin. Oh, how important that we obey the gospel in order to enjoy the benefits of that cleansing blood of Christ.
Mickey Beam
Questins? Comments? See guestbook
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Christ the Savior
A native of interior China wanted to become a Christian but couldn't understand how Christianity was superior to Confucianism and Buddhism. One morning he came to the missionary in a happy mood saying, "I dreamed last night, and now I understand. I dreamed I had fallen into a deep pit where I lay helpless and despairing. Confucius came and said, 'Let me give you advice, my friend; if you get out of your trouble, never get in again.' Buddha came and said, 'If you can climb up to where I can reach you, I will help you.' Then Christ came. He climbed down into the pit and carried me out." It takes the Savior of man to do that. Only a Savior would stoop so low as to save a sinful soul like yours and mine.
What a great point! Christianity offers an element which is lacking in all other religions...a Savior who lowered Himself to become that Savior. Paul taught the Philippians this lesson well at Philippians 2:3-8, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (NKJV). The Hebrew writer said he became “obedient,” “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,” (NKJV). Wow, one who left the glories of heaven, lowered Himself, and became obedient through suffering...all for us, so that we can be saved.
Paul would say in 1 Corinthians that the message was foolishness to some, but saves those who believe. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18-24) (NKJV). The message of one who willingly lowered Himself and succumbed to the cross is the same message that will save you and sustain you if you will take advantage of it!
Mickey Beam
Questions? Comments? Please see the guestbook
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Amazing Grace
One of the great themes in the Bible is the grace which God has extended to us through Jesus Christ His Son. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance defines grace as following: charis khar'-ece From G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).
Additionally, Thayer defined the word “grace”:G5485 charis Thayer Definition:
1) grace
1a) that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech
2) good will, loving-kindness, favour
2a) of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues
3) what is due to grace
3a) the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace
3b) the token or proof of grace, benefit
3b1) a gift of grace
3b2) benefit, bounty
4) thanks, (for benefits, services, favours), recompense, reward
Part of Speech: noun feminine
Of particular interest to this writer is the statement taken from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, “especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude,” and the statement made by Thayer, “ the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace.” The definition of the word shows that the child of God is living a life that is in constant response to the extension of God’s grace. Titus 2:11, 12 are helpful verses in this regard. Paul said, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,”... Paul said at Romans 6:1, 2 that we cannot live in sin that grace may abound. Just how amazing is grace? It is so amazing that it teaches us to live our lives as God has shown us in His will, which has been revealed in His Word. Grace keeps us in the right place with God, as it teaches us to, as Paul said to Titus, “deny ungodliness,” and live “soberly, righteously and godly in this present world.”
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According To God’s Eternal Purposes
A tremendous statement is found in Ephesians 3:10-11: “to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, (NKJV).” In this verse, we learn two important truths: 1) the manifold wisdom of God might be made know by the church, and 2) that is a matter of the eternal purpose accomplished through Christ.
A well accepted teaching among denominationalists, called “premillennialism,” asserts that Jesus
was to establish his kingdom on earth and rule from that throne. He was rejected by the Jews, and the church is just a substitute. They maintain that He will return and reign 1000 years upon the earth.
Several problems are associated with that doctrine. We will address the one that is presented according to the verse given here. In Ephesians 3:10, 11, the Scriptures teach that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “Upon this rock I will build my church...” At Mark 9:1, that church would come into existence in the lives of some who were present at that time. Jesus said that some of them would not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come with power. The word “kingdom” is synonymous with church in this case. As Peter and the rest of the apostles preached on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, we read clearly that those who repented and were baptized (Acts 2:38), were added to the church (Acts 2:41, 47). Verse 47 even states that the saved are added to the church. That’s significant.
In Ephesians 5:25, Paul, in making an analogy between Christ’s relationship with His church and the husband and wife, said Christ loved the church, and “gave Himself for it.” Again, that’s significant. He “gave Himself for it.” That places importance and value on the church.
But the church was a part of God’s eternal purpose. Ephesians 1:4 says, “just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,” (NKJV). Further, Peter tells us that Christ and His work were ordained before the foundation of the world, “but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you” 1 Peter 1:19-20 (NKJV).
Therefore, the Scriptures clearly teach that the work of Christ, including the shedding of His blood to establish the church, is a matter of God’s eternal purposes.
Mickey Beam
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A Multitude of Counselors
Here is a caution about seeking experienced
counsel: It's dangerous to go on just one person's experience. Mark Twain told about a cat who sat on a hot stove lid. That experience taught the cat never to sit on a hot stove lid again. But further, that cat never sat on a cold stove lid either. He took more from the experience than it had to offer. If we're going to talk about experiences, we would be wise to talk to a number of people who have faced similar decisions and extract direction from their combined counsel.
As children of God, we seek the counsel which is pleasing to God. The wise man spoke of seeking a multitude of counselors in order to establish a wise course. He said, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14) “Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established” (Proverbs 15:22). “For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 24:6). Various applications can be gleaned from these verses, but the central thought to each is that of seeking counsel and wisdom from others which direct us toward right decisions pleasing to God. Jesus used the phrase, “he who has an ear, let him hear...” seven times to the churches of Asia Minor. The point of all this is that we are constantly seeking God’s way. Jesus said at John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Our responsibility is to “think” the way God wants us to think so that we will ultimately “live” the way He wants us to live (Philippians 4:8).
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Happy New Year!
Many of us get excited this time of year as we come to the close of an old year, and begin a new one. Often, we look to the new year with great joy and anticipation, citing specific areas in which we wish to make improvements. We often call this the "New Years Resolution." May I suggest one avenue through which all should think in terms of a new year.
The Bible teaches that when a person abandons an earthly way of life, and responds to Christ, seeking His will, that he is a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature, old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new." Now what makes us new in Christ? Repentance! The word repentance simply means change. There is a need for everyone to repent, or change at some point in life. For the alien sinner who has never obeyed the gospel, there is a need to repent, to forsake the world, and obey Christ, seeking to serve Him. For the child of God who has fallen away from God in sin, there is a need to change, repent of sins, which separate from God. Jesus, our Master taught at Luke 13:3, 5, "I tell ye nay, but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."
Repentance takes place in our hearts, that is, we want to change. A visitor to a sculptor's studio commented, "I saw some blocks of marble lying off in a corner. Out of one a hand emerged, out of another was a head, with face unfinished. Others had unfinished work. Why the abandoned pieces? The artist answered: "All those pieces showed great promise on the outside, on the surface. But as I chiseled deeper, flaws and defects in the marble that were not visible on the surface showed up. They had to be abandoned." The difference between marble defects and human defects is that the marble cannot repent and be cleansed, but the human can. The defective heart becomes the perfect heart at the touch of the Master.
Have a happy new year by becoming a new person, "in Christ."
Mickey Beam
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A Parable From Nature
A person who is "sanctified in Christ" is like the water spider which is a very peculiar insect. We are peculiar, also, to the environment in which we live. The water spider lives at the bottom of muddy pools and has the distinctive power of ascending to the surface of the pool and there surrounding itself with a tiny globule of air. Thus enveloped it descends to the sludge and ooze at the bottom of the pool and remains there unsullied by its environment until the air is exhausted. Then it rises again to the surface and the process is repeated. So those "sanctified in Christ" find spiritual rejuvenation in daily Bible reading and Christian fellowship, unsullied and undirtied by the hostile environment around them.
The word "sanctified", according to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, means to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate:--hallow, be holy, sanctify. According to the word then, a sanctified person is a holy person, one who belongs to the Lord in mind and purpose.
An interesting statement is found at 1 Corinthians 1:2, "To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:" The words "sanctified" and "saint" in this verse are taken from the same root word. Another word taken from the root of these two words is "holy." It is clear that the sanctified person belongs to Christ. James Burton Coffman said about this part of the verse in his commentary, "Again, "to be" is an unnecessary additive to the text. The Corinthian Christians were not merely candidates for sainthood but were in fact already entitled to this designation by virtue of their being in the spiritual body of Christ, "in him," and therefore possessing a complete identity with the Saviour." We "put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27), and as a result enjoy all spiritual blessings "in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). A scriptural designation of such relationship and association with Him is "sanctification" (1 Corinthians 1:2).
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Example
How impressive indeed is the power of example! When General George C. Marshall took command of the Infantry School at Fort Benning, GA, he found the post in a generally run-down condition. Rather than issue orders for specific improvements, he simply got out his own paintbrushes, lawn equipment, etc., and went to work on his personal quarters. The other officers and men, first on his block, then throughout the post, did the same thing, and Fort Benning was brightened up. Leadership by example.
Jesus is our Leader, and provides leadership by example. 1Peter 2:21 says, "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:" The word "example" means "an underwriting." Clement of Alexander spoke of the word as being used as of the copy-head at the top of a child's exercise book for the child to imitate, including all the letters of the alphabet.In all things Christ is our example, and we look to him in order to "imitate" everything we know about Him.
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Be Prepared!
Matthew 25:1-13
Preparation is important.Several centuries ago, a Japanese emperor commissioned an artist to paint a bird. A number of months passed, then several years, and still no painting was brought to the palace. Finally the emperor became so exasperated that he went to the artist's home to demand an explanation. Instead of making excuses, the artist placed a blank canvas on the easel. In less than an hour, he completed a painting that was to become a brilliant masterpiece. When the emperor asked the reason for the delay, the artist showed him armloads of drawings of feathers, wings, heads, and feet. Then he explained that all of this research and study had been necessary before he could complete the painting.
How many A's would a student make if he waited until the last second to prepare for a test or assignment. Probably either none or few.The Bible speaks of the need to BE PREPARED. Paul states in Romans 1:15, "...I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome...." Actually, this term ``ready'' means to be "willing, eager, zealous" (Bullinger); but certainly part of the preparation towards sharing the gospel with others is having the willingness and the zeal to do so.
Paul "thought it necessary" to "urge the brethren" in 2 Corinthians 9:5 "that they would go on ahead...and arrange beforehand" the "promised bountiful gift, that the same might be READY."
Here the word translated as "ready" means "at hand, ready, prepared"; and, therefore, indicates the need for preparation.
This same word is also used in Titus 3:1. In this passage, Paul exhorts Titus to "Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, TO BE READY FOR EVERY GOOD WORK"
If observing the activities which the Bible authorizes is not a good work then there is no need to prepare; but if it is, then how can we be pleasing to God unless we make the proper preparation that will help us to "grow in the grace and knowledge" of Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18)?
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How Do I Get There From Here?
How many times have you had to stop and ask directions? One of the most common questions is "how do I get there from here?" That could be a tricky question. It depends on where "here" is. It depends on if they know where you want to go. While living here on this earth I have asked that question many times. When I first visited Camden, I knew how to come around through Lexington on highway 22 and get on I-40 located about ten miles north of the city of Lexington. As we learned the area, I learned how to get around by much shorter routes, saving time and expense. In other words, I learned how to get there from here.
While we live on earth we are given a charge of leading other souls to heaven. The question again is "how do I get there from here." The answer is simple, yet complicated. Simple in that I am told to give my life to Christ by being added to the church through baptism (Acts 22:16; Acts 2:47). I then must live my life in Christ never turning my back on heaven (Romans 6:1, 2). Christ assures me of a home in heaven if I have been faithful and am found faithful (1 Thessalonians 4:1; 14-17). We must remain faithful to the cause of Christ. We must remember that we can get to heaven from earth by remaining faithful. It is my sincerest desire and dream to some day be in heaven and I pray that all of my brethren will be there. I also pray that we can teach, lead and help people realize how to get there from here. Will you get there from here?
-adapted from an atricle written by Paul Tittle
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The Cross
A wonderful passage is located at 1 Corinthiansf 15:1-4. There we read, "Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,"(NKJV) In that passage, we learn that the was of salvation in Christ still goes by way of the cross. The passage teaches us that Christ "died" on the cross, that he was buried, but that he "rose again." The significance of that statement is that He overcame death on the cross, paving the way of salvation for us. As the old hymn proclaims, "The way of the cross leads home."
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Free Indeed
Fourth of July is a time in our country when we celebrate our freedom which was made through struggles of many who went before us. The founding fathers of our country wanted freedom from England, and many fought and paid the ultimate price with their blood and lives in order to make that possible. The "Declaration of Independence" is one of the most important documents, not only in our country, but also throughout the world. It describes a desire to be free and independent from the rule of England.
Much more significantly, Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice with His blood and life to set us free from sin and eternal condemnation. John 8:32 says, "And you shall know the truth and the truth will make you free." Jesus said further at John 8:36 "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. Paul said at Ephesians 1:7 "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." Christ blood makes redemption possible. The word redemp