WORSHIP

WORSHIP

Sunday, January 31, 2016

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

  To attend to worship in church or while walking in the woods et al, without Bible study resulting in increasing knowledge of God, what He has and does for us, and who we are as born again sons and daughters of God (Jn.1:12; 3:3; 2Cor.5:17) can make for limited worship.

  Understanding His provisions definitely increases reverent awe.

  To that end, I share some definitions:

 "received"; means to objectively or actively to take or to get hold of

* "power"; the sense of ability and privilege, force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence: - authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.

* "became"; a primary verb (action); to cause to be (“gen” -erate), that is, (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literally, figuratively, intensively, etc.): - arise be assembled, be (come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, be done, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought.

* "believe"; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well being to Christ): - believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.

* "name"; involving authority and character

  In the spirit of worship I write from my awed heart: I, personally, have objectively and actively taken hold of Lord Jesus Christ with a gained sense of privilege and ability, force, capacity, competency, mastery in delegated influence to me, with all provided authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right and strength. In this truth I became and continue to be joined to God, ordained by Him alone (Jn.1:13), wrought and fulfilled by His provision without any goodness or earning on my part (Eph.2:8-9), turned as a new person in Christ. This accomplished by trust alone; having faith in Jesus authority and character as Almighty God; sole deliverer from the eternal penalty of my sin!

  In continuance I endeavor to, in submission, allow His hold on me to increase.

EBB4 

ENTREATY OURS?

ENTREATY OURS?

Friday, January 29, 2016

Job 6:24 Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.

Psalm 25:4-5 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

Psalm 27:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

Psalm 86:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

Psalm 119:12, 26, 33, 64, 66, 68, 108, 124, 135 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. . . . I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes. . . . Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. . . . The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes. . . . Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. . . . Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. . . . Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments. . . . Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes. . . . Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.

Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

  Teach me O’ Lord; How often the cry of our heart?  EBB4

OFFENSE IS DANGEROUS PIQUE TO CLIMB

 OFFENSE IS DANGEROUS PIQUE TO CLIMB

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Proverbs [ESV] 16:31-32 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Galatians 5:22-26 … the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

  HAVE YOU BEEN OFFENDED YET TODAY? NO, THEN WHY NOT?! (Recent FB posting rec’d.) 

  My in-home adult grandson operates professionally from here. His bedroom is his office and warehouse. He drives long distances around the eastern half of Nebraska installing, teaching use of, and servicing Caption Call phones for the hearing impaired. (Including Granpa.) His career is not just about a helpful instrument; going in diverse households he is very sensitive to the feelings of the individual and their families. Ian is not easily tricked into pique taken or given.

  Recently his 5 State manager phoned to ask if he had offended him. Ian was baffled as to what the manager was referring to. The manager explained he was checking because some other employees had taken offense after reading a business e-mail he had sent out. Again, Ian was baffled as to why others were offended and he was not.

  I am pleased that grandson Ian is not caught up in the landslide of a current culture of foolishness.

  Taking offense is a very risky pique to mount, for it is contrary to the victory that God Incarnate, Lord Jesus Christ, spoke of: “… in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (Jn.16:33)

  Riding the high horse of offense involves a level of anger resulting in ungodly impatient attitude that tumbles us down from victorious living in His peace with the gentleness of Jesus’ Spirit; When our haughty pride reins high we ride hard far from patiently seeing where others live. And they see us as  “Riding with the devil.”

  A person I know well once wearily intoned “Climbing Everest would be easier than surmounting my pride!”

EBB4

HOP AND CHANGE

HOPE AND CHANGE

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Proverbs [GW] 16:31-32 Silver hair is a beautiful crown found in a righteous life. Better to get angry slowly than to be a hero. Better to be even-tempered than to capture a city.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 After having heard it all, this is the conclusion: Fear God, and keep his commands, because this applies to everyone. God will certainly judge everything that is done. This includes every secret thing, whether it is good or bad.

Dear fellow travelers,

  For the followers of Christ change is just as inevitable as for those that deny Him. What is different is

the blessed assurance  factor: “Now that we have God's approval by faith, we have peace with God

because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done. Through Christ we can approach God and stand

in his favor. So we brag because of our confidence [KJV “hope”] that we will receive glory from

God. … We're not ashamed to have this confidence, because God's love has been poured into our

hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. “(Rom.5:1-2, 5)

  To recall all the changes in my life before and after trusting Christ as redeemer at age 27 is impossible. Truth is, I don’t even attempt for a number of reasons: A waste of time and effort, mind-boggling incomprehensible, and some of the baggage would distract from current decision making, plus possible attempts at clinging or retreating are a foolish futile exercise.

  Aging definitely makes for additional new decisions faced in our relentless travel this side of death.

  I’ve arrived at a decision after months of thoughtful consideration interspersed by strokes, hospital, recovery, on and off driving followed by now and future “Probably never” driving. I am not however without overarching purpose; for as ever only the subheadings of God’s job description change.

  I can never escape God’s purpose for living though the ability and ways do definitely change. As Good News Jail & Prison Ministry Senior Chaplain Morris Jackson wisely pointed out to me several years ago, ceasing a particular area of ministry is optional and at times necessary, but serving our Lord never ever is discretionary. (After 20 years of going behind the walls, I retired to other endeavors.)

  I have now decided it is sensible to cease leading the Tuesday morning Overcomers In Christ support group meeting. The major reason being that due to various circumstances mine and among the other regular participants the provision of meetings has been very irregular. People in need do need to know if the meeting schedule is dependable.

  The view of my path is unchanged: With unhindered scrutiny it is with blessed assurance I know that in the end I shall come back to life from the dead. I know it's not that I've already reached or perfectly completed the course. But, though slower in body and lesser in energy, I yet run toward that which Jesus Christ has already won for me. Brothers and sisters, I can't consider myself arrived as yet. This is what I am doing: I’m not looking back, I am running straight toward the goal to win the prize that God's heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus. Whoever has a mature faith should think this way. And if you think differently, God will show you how to think. (Phil.3)

To serve Him all my days,

Edwin Bennett Bullock 4th

A RIDDLED CULTURE UNDER GOD'S GRACE

A RIDDLED CULTURE UNDER GOD’S GRACE

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Mark [ESV] 13:31 [Jesus declared] Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

1Peter 1:24 … "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever."

Riddle:

1. A question or statement so framed as to exercise one's ingenuity in answering it or discovering its meaning; conundrum.

2. A puzzling question, problem, or matter.

3. A puzzling thing or person.

4. Or as in Bonnie & Clyde’s final ride, shot thru and thru.

  Various cultures have a history of using riddles to orally provoke thought and therewith teach wisdom. In the USA riddles, when used at all, have primarily been used for purpose of entertainment, including bullying “You think you’re so smart!” egocentric putdowns.

  This morning I’ve thought through a provocative riddle that edifies: A terrible crime is committed. As solution one of the victims is executed, the perpetrator is not.  ??

  In providing answer please include applicable truth that you may think of from God’s Word (The Bible.).

EBB4

+++++++

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Several answers have come in as of this morning, all incorrect.

Note the clue “one of the victims” indicating there are two victims, not one.

The answer to the riddle is below.

+++++++

A RIDDLED CULTURE?

Several answered “Jesus Christ”. Jesus Christ is one victim, not two.

The terrible crime: Rape or incest resulting in (non-life threatening) pregnancy.

The two victims: Woman “With child.” The child was executed. The rapist was not.

God’s Word: Exodus [MKJV] 20:13  "You shall not murder.”

God’s grace: 1John, chapter 1 “… the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. …”

EBB4

A RIDDLED CULTURE?

A RIDDLED CULTURE?

Monday, January 25, 2016

Mark [ESV] 13:31 [Jesus declared] Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

1Peter 1:24 … "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever."

Riddle:

1. A question or statement so framed as to exercise one's ingenuity in answering it or discovering its meaning; conundrum.

2. A puzzling question, problem, or matter.

3. A puzzling thing or person.

4. Or as in Bonnie & Clyde’s final ride, shot thru and thru.

  Various cultures have a history of using riddles to orally provoke thought and therewith teach wisdom. In the USA riddles, when used at all, have primarily been used for purpose of entertainment, including bullying “You think you’re so smart!” egocentric putdowns.

  This morning I’ve thought through a provocative riddle that edifies: A terrible crime is committed. As solution one of the victims is executed, the perpetrator is not.  ??

  In providing answer please include applicable truth that you may think of from God’s Word (The Bible.).

EBB4

TRUE WORSHIP

TRUE WORSHIP

Sunday, January 24, 2016

John 21:14-17 This is now the three times Jesus was revealed to His disciples, He being risen from the dead. [1Cor.15:20-23] Then when they broke fast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You. He said to him, Feed My lambs.He said to him the second time, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You. He said to him, Feed My sheep. He said to him the third time, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me? Peter was grieved because He said to him a third time, Do you love Me? And he said to Him, Lord, You know all things, You know that I love You. Jesus said to him, Feed My sheep.

  As recorded in John, chapter 21, Jesus spoke personally with Peter evidencing several important points, all having to do with true worship.

·         Our Lord pointed out that true worship is evidenced by which love of our life is preeminent. (Note that He did not say we must only love Him, or that we cannot love more than one person at a time.)

·         In conversing with Peter, Christ showed that preeminent love is not always so easy to discern, sometimes necessitating personal confrontation.

·         Jesus revealed that serious plumbing of loves depths can be extremely uncomfortable.

·         He showed that we must individually choose consciously and firmly. We are not to be fickly hopping (hoping?) from one love to love allowing circumstantial emotional reactions to dictate.

·         We are to act out love in accord with God’s will, not according to our will - that which feels good or is momentarily convenient.

  After Jesus pointed these things out to Peter, he still stumbled by following his momentary emotion of fear, but after Peter was converted fickle faltering ended. (Lk.22:31-32)

  What of us today? Are not Christ words to Peter meant for us too? Who or what is the object of true worship in our life?  EBB4

My Jesus, I Love Thee

Anonymous/A. J. Gordon

My Jesus I love Thee, I know Thou art mine, For Thee all the follies of sin I resign;

My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou; If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now.

I love Thee, because Thou first loved me, And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree;

I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow; If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now.

I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death, And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;

And say when the death-dew lies cold on my brow, If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now.

In mansions of glory and endless delight, I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;

I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow, If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now.

LIFE GONE BONKERS TODAY?

LIFE GONE BONKERS TODAY?

Friday, January 22, 2016

James [ESV] “… let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. … be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. … no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. … wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. … be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” [Please read all in context in your favorite translation.]

  After 28 years of faithfully serving as a staff doctor at Boston Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in December of 2014 Urologist Paul Church lost his last appeal to continue practice there.

  Why was he expelled? He vocally opposes the hospital endorsing LGBT activities.

  Why does Dr. Church stand publically against the hospital endorsing LGBT?  He sensibly states that it is preposterous to do so: The hospital should not publically support LGBT parades et al because of the hospital staff’s diversity of moral and religious beliefs and because it is supporting behaviors leading to higher risk of serious diseases like HIV/AIDS and anal cancer.

  In interview with WORLD magazine Church explained how contradictory the policy is, saying “It’s like a baby food company sponsoring an abortion company.” Or like medical journal running ads for cigarettes. “It makes no sense!”

  Interestingly, Dr. Church’s status is an upper management issue, not a patient concern. No patient has ever lodged a complaint against this doctor.

  Has life gone bonkers today? Not really, it all started with Eve, then Adam, gaining the knowledge of good and evil and ever since we continue in kind. (Gen.2:9, 17; 3:5)

  What is my point of personal consideration, homosexual issues debate? No. It is that I, you, everyone, is a commonly contradictory spring of sensibility versus non-sensibility that the Apostle James wrote of . . . and that we, with God’s direction, need to continually be aware of this our problem and daily view ourselves in the mirror of God’s Word. Then contemplate our expression with goal of godliness of mind and activity.

  Amen?

EBB4

RIDE WITH THE DEVIL?

THE DEVILS RIDE?

Thursday, January 21, 2016

John [ESV] 14:27; 16:33 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. … I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

2Timothy 2:24-26 … the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

  Life is very much as elder friend, now deceased, described: An emotional roller coaster that only you can decide what style of transport it is.

  Within the past few weeks beloved souls were enjoyed in home, through cards and calls, at birthday party, and otherwise. Then some soon gone, one 1200+ miles east, another 3,800+ to the west, with other dear celebration participants of their own necessity returned to local homes . . . but not without soon seeing some at medical checkup soon thereafter to be told that I am in wonderful condition for the 80, 018.25 mileage I’ve accumulated but that it is unlikely I’ll ever again be behind the steering wheel of a vehicle. (But bicycling is OK. Think: Helmet, body armor.) Yesterday I delighted in the reversed role of standing and walking being grandson Edwin’s gofer and tile cutter as he installed the new downstairs bathroom floor. Then there was old High School pal George and several more coworkers dying. Last evening I rejoiced in live-in grandson Ian’s jovial remark when he arrived home from another long day at work, “It’s just you and me again Granpa!”  And today and tomorrow and in future more ^v>^<vv^^^>v< to come.

Choosing fear: In bondage to and led astray by erratic feelings, suppressing the strengthening enabling peace that His Spirit embodies;  “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Gal.5:232-23; Eph.5:9-11)  

Choosing joyfulness: Wearing the gracious godly yoke of peace, thereby serving the Lord every moment of the up and down ride of life, and therein realizing the freeing peace that surpasses all normal comprehension. (Jn.8:36; Phil.4:4-9)

Matthew 11:25-30 … Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

1Thessalonians 5:16-22 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

  We do and will continue travel. It is unavoidable. Choice of manner however is not. Let not emotions power our travel. Choose His provision for the utmost in fine transport!

EBB4

A HARMONIOUS UNION

A COUPLE, YEA, A HARMONIOUS UNION

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Colossians [MKJV] 3:18-19 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as is becoming in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be bitter against them.

  I’ve never verbalized or published Colossians 3:18-19 without argumentative reaction from at least one person in audience. Usually it’s a married woman. Occasionally it’s a fearful husband. The two main reasons being emotional response or illiteracy or thereby pairing the two. Recently was no different.

  Sans emotions, without going to original language definitions, let’s look at English translation. Looking at yours whether KJV, MKJV, NKJV, NLT, GW, CEV, ASV, NIV or some other . . . Who does it say a wife should be subject to? Have you noticed the possessive “your” “your own” et al? Stated contrariwise: Wives are not to subject themselves to other women’s husbands, bachelors, or even delightful widowers like me!

  This is not addressing sexual adultery in the immediate tense. It is addressing long-term trust quotient in marriage. Emotional and/or intellectual infidelity is committed far more often than sexual adultery; and with somewhat 40 hour intimacy may lead to copulation imagined or practiced. (teaches Dr. Dobson.)

  And then there is the 2Timothy 2:15-16; 3:15-16 principles of hermeneutics connection with Genesis 3:1-6. (Paul was highly educated, including well-learned in existent Scripture.)

  Is the reaction to verse 3:18 and the typical lack of reaction to verse 3:19 odd? Or is it simply more revealing when it comes to marriage?

  Am I forgetting to explain 3:19? No. I’m confident you’ve already figured it out.

  Then there’s our oath of marital allegiance to think about and possible need to pledge to one another again. 

EBB4

A SINFUL GARDEN ENCOUNTER

A SINFUL GARDEN ENCOUNTER

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Philippians [MKJV] 2:5-8  For let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

  One day while gardening I met a great man.

  How do I know he is a great man? Without my asking, he bombastically told me so himself. Smarter and wealthier than the whole bunch, plus sharing a few more marks of greatness, said he.

  I had heard his loud exhaust as he roared about the neighborhood, especially so as he drew near and called out to me. I wasn’t surprised to see the noisy muffler was beneath an aged large Chevrolet SUV that looked like it had barely survived a destruction derby. When he noted my eying his vehicle that looked like some recycling center employee had shouted “Wait! Stop the crusher. We have a buyer!!” he informed me he has a new pristine model in his garage.

  Then he asked me if I was wealthy.

  Dirty and sweaty, raising tool in hand I responded “I do my own gardening.”

  Pausing, then grinning, looking at me as though a sly old fox, he said “You’re wealthy.” (Wickedly enjoying the encounter, I sinfully made no correction.)

   Later that evening I read the free “COMMUNITY INFORMATION SERVICE” 18 page 11.5 x 15 newsprint paper he left for us, having distributed it in our area.

  I noted his Mission statement on page 2. In particular the last half: “From the beginning management determined to make God the Senior Member. In a crisis, the problem is turned over to Him, and He hasn’t failed to help us with the answer. Each edition of the newspaper must reflect the integrity of the management. If sometimes we fail on our end, because we are human, we find it imperative to do our utmost to make it right. The Management”

  I thought how very true is “All have sinned and come short of God’s glory”; Like weeds in the garden, one man brashly boasting of his greatness, the other, though in subtle manner, responding egotistically in kind. 

EBB4

PS. Have you met this man anytime recently?

CEMENTED IN MIND

CEMENTED IN MIND

Monday, January 18, 2016

Matthew [NLT] 4:4b; 12:33-37 [Jesus said] … People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. … A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”

John 7:37-39 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)

  The word “euphemism” comes from the Greek, meaning favorable speech. A euphemism is replacement of disagreeable, disturbing, or offensive word or phrase with expression of language more pleasant and less troublesome to sensitivities of individual, group, or culture. The implementing of euphemistic speech is often active and progressive.

  A few examples:

died > deceased > kicked the bucket/bought the farm > met his maker > faded away > passed on

outhouse > necessary > commode/toilet > bathroom > restroom

drunk > alcoholic

garbage/trash man > sanitation worker > garbologist

garbage/trash dump > sanitary landfill/transfer station  (in UK “Civic Amenity”)

strip club > go-go bar > body shop > gentlemen’s club

tax > fee

whore > prostitute > streetwalker > escort service

lame > crippled > handicapped > disabled > differently able-d

shell shock (WWI) > battle fatigue (WWII) > operational exhaustion (Korean War, “police action”) > PTSD

adultery/fornication > hooking up > sleeping together

illegal immigrant > undocumented immigrant

  There are others that I’m sure you can remember. Please do share them. Two of my favorite euphemisms are from the good old days: “… gone to powder her nose.” “ … went to see a man about a dog (or horse).”

  “Church” as a building is a serious one that developed thru the decades; edifice rather than fact “the church is I, we are the church” is euphemistic speaking in serious opposition to literal meaning and necessary mindset; compromising not just vocabulary, but our spirit (Mt.26:41), God’s Word (Mt.4:4 “need every word”), and the Holy Spirit (1Thes.5:19-20).

  When such euphemistic word or phrase is habitually used, literalism is commonly dropped from our  Christian worldview and our vision blurs. (Efforts misdirected at preserving building instead building people.)

  There is vocabulary evolution to more acceptable euphemism that I believe in usage is gravely disastrous for speaker/writer and hearer/reader. Consider the severity of transition from “condemned . . . lost without Christ” et al to “unchurched” “needing spiritual renewal”.

  Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, indeed we are to be wise (Mt.10:16) in witness for God (1Pet.3:12-17) and our blessed assurance (Col.2:2-4; 1Thes.1:4-5; Heb.6:9-12;10:22). In doing so we are to be rivers of living water but never ever pathetic trickle. Let us beware cementing tradition of church (building/attendance) and/or program over individual need for redemptive salvation (Jn.3:3-18). 

EBB4

  

SYNCRESTIC WORSHIP

SYNCRESTIC WORSHIP

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Deuteronomy [ESV] 6:5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul   

       and with all your might. [Note Mt.22”37; Jn.14:6]

Revelation 22:16-21 "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star." The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

  Syncretism in worship is the combining of opposing philosophies; beliefs, principles, and practices. A prime Bible example is recorded in Exodus: After the people saw that Moses had been on the mountain for a long time, they went to Aaron and said, "Make us an image of a god who will lead and protect us. Moses brought us out of Egypt, but nobody knows what has happened to him." Aaron told them, "Bring me the gold earrings that your wives and sons and daughters are wearing." Everybody took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron, then he melted them and made an idol in the shape of a young bull. All the people said to one another, "This is the god who brought us out of Egypt!" When Aaron saw what was happening, he built an altar in front of the idol and said, "Tomorrow we will celebrate in honor of the LORD." (CEV 32:1-5)

  As we read on in Exodus (and other recorded instances) we see that syncretism is a result of not trusting God when He seems to be nowhere around and then relying on feelings instead of Him; the Word. In fear and impatience this may individually or corporately decide for undesirable spiritual results and can have terrible physical results.

  How much better it is to trust Him, regardless of our feelings.

  “The Lord has promised that he will not leave us or desert us.” (CEV Heb.13:5; note Deut.31:6)

EBB4

AMBASSADORS

AMBASSADORS

Friday, January 15, 2016

Psalm [MKJV] 30:4; 149:; Mt.21:16b Sing praises to Jehovah, O you saints of His, and give thanks at the   

       memory of His holiness. . . . Praise Jehovah! Sing to Jehovah a new song, His praise in the       

       congregation of saints. … Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

Ephesians [MKJV] 2:19-22 Now therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens

       with the saints, and of the household of God, 20 and are built upon the foundation of the apostles

       and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom every building having

       been fitly framed together, grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord; 22 in whom you also are built

       together for a dwelling place of God through the Spirit.

  As 5 year old grandson Michael was leaving he quoted Romans 3:23 to me. His conversation roused a few moments meditation:

  When we trust Christ as Redeemer, agreeing with God about sin and salvation, we instantaneously become sons and daughters in His eternal family. (Rom.3:21-26; Jn.1:12; 3:3) This is not however the only instantaneous event inclusive to His redemption; regardless of our prior or present position in life we instantly become saints with a new overarching vocation. (Believers are clarified as being saints in 61 NT verses.) Saul/Paul is a prime example of this grace available to one and all. We are ambassadors for Christ; messengers of God’s redemptive grace, His good news!

  “… we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

  And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (NLT 2Cor.5:16-21)

  Hmmm … but this leaves me with examination question “I know I personally cannot redeem anyone, but just how saintly and reconciling is my manner?”

  Thank you Michael for your perfecting words.  EBB4

DIVERSITY IN MARRIAGE

DIVERSITY IN MARRIAGE

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Genesis [ESV] 2:15-25 The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." Now out of the ground the LORD God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.

2Corinthians 6:14-15 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? [Βελίαλ; Belial; bel-ee'-al:Of Hebrew origin [H1100]; worthlessness; Belial, as an epithet of Satan: - Belial.] Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?

  All marriages are made up of two diverse individuals, and if procreative are complicated by a brood of dissimilar individuals with all continually constructing and destructing within their individual maturation or lack thereof.

  When a body thinks about it, every marriage since the wedge of pride and shame, has been and is troublesome; since pre fig leaf Eden there is no marriages between sinless man and woman.     

“completely compatible” is a myth. However, a well-matched marriage, attuned toward godly agape love, committed and respectful, companionable fellowship in goals set forth in God’s Word, prioritized with committed determinations, is possible: After Eden married couples and families are not left without sensible recourse; God provided before, He provided after, He provides now. The question being do we seek, read, study, implement His Word on the matter of marriage and family?

  For example: In contemplating marriage to individual different from us, do we consider just how different holds the best potential for a God-pleasing productive marriage and family. (Addressing an oft posed question: There is no biblical prohibition against interracial marriage. Though not so much as yesteryear, to do so however could be very problematic. Note Numbers 12)

  Absolutely leaving one’s family for matrimony is not easy for every couple saying “I do” or “I give”. In the ceremonial stepping away there may be invisible but emotionally real tethering thread, rope, or reins that jerks the marriage to and fro. (Gen.2:24; Mt.19:5; Mk.10:7)

  There are numerous other observations I could list, but two principle guidelines to initially keep in mind when considering marriage are godly commitment as opposed to embracing unequal yoking; if an ox, don’t think you can simply by choice happily yoke and plow productively with a donkey. (Deut.22:9-10)  EBB4  

RESTRAINTS GONE

RESTRAINTS GONE

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Matthew 6:22-23 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

  Though we may think ourselves a nation of angels we must not think we are other what all men have been since the fall of man; Sinful and in need of redemption. (Rom.3:10, 23; 5:12)

  We are affected of and/or effected by restraints, or not; restraint is primarily individual, individuals make for corporate restraint, whether community or nation.

  As God says and history shows, when restraints are gone acts of goodness are no longer the norm, but are the exception. If the departure of restraints includes sanction of ungodliness, even unto the rewarding of evil, life becomes plagued with the horrendous.

  There are many historical examples of this. Just a few: Cain killing brother Abel, the Crusades with its absolutions, the Inquisitions, Armenian genocide, the rape of Nanking, Jewish pogroms throughout the ages, Nazism’s Holocaust, historical slavery past and present, Civil Wars (If ever an oxymoron, this is it.), Wounded Knee, worldwide trafficking of girls, sweat shops ….

  But man has not yet seen the worst to come!

  There is to be a great tribulation when large masses of people will live without restraint.

  And while mankind waits for this Great Tribulation there will continue to be local and national miseries. I don’t know, but I do wonder what with the rising resentments, will the USA again suffer misery in the remaining interim? The answer really depends on how many of us live by godly restraint, doesn’t it?  EBB4

AS EXPECTED?

AS EXPECTED?

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Romans [GW] 12:1-2 Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God's compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him. This kind of worship is appropriate for you. Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants-what is good, pleasing, and perfect.

  Revelation is not exclusively a last book. Eye-opening disclosure is quite individual if one is looking beyond regimental vision. The scene once seen thereafter brings alteration to mind, or not. Young Samantha Knaub was vigorously successfully marching on path of what she saw as expected of her until she was exposed to a personal revelation. Responding accordingly Samantha in now joyfully on and moving along an alternative path His.

  With permission I share her recently written expression. Be blessed. And if need be, like Samantha, see.

“Samantha Knaub

Yesterday at 6:51am · OS X · [Zambia]

If you live life in fear you are not living at all. Seize the day, take risks, go on adventures, travel the world, try new things, let all that you do be done with joy. I cannot express how much I needed this trip. I needed to get away from the stress and the bustle of everyday life. I was too busy trying to be the girl everyone else wanted me to be that I did not know who I was any more. As selfish as it sounds I came to Africa not only to help others but to help myself. I was broken. Tired. Oppressed. Distant from God. I needed freedom. I needed a chance to discover who I am and who God is and to leave behind the expectations of the girl others wanted me to be. In Zambia I feel liberated. My chest is not burdened by the anxiety and tension that weighed me down in the states. Here I am free. And I love it. This first week was amazing and full of new experiences. I had some rough days and some great days, but every day has been rewarding. Here I am free to live out my passions and fulfill my calling in life. I would rather work eight hours a day here teaching and helping children and make no money than work at a meaningless job for minimal wages. Knowing that I have the ability to make a difference in a child’s life is worth far more than any paycheck, no matter how many zeros are tagged onto the end. I am so happy and I am eagerly looking forward to the next 20 weeks!“

EBB4

REJOICING IN MATURITY

REJOICING IN MATURITY

Monday, January 11, 2016

Philippians [NLT] 3:1-15 Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith. Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.

Dear fellow travelers,

  I’m writing to encourage you when examining yourselves to consider and rejoice in your maturation.

  It was grandson Michael that got me to thinking about this. Being 5 years old he of course didn’t articulate on the need to do so . . . it had to do with a container of chocolate milk.

  As his Mom and Dad work late hours some days, I’m privileged to pick Michael up from school. Then we do something we both enjoy, go to one of the many area playgrounds, watching sailors and wildlife at Lake Manawa, run errands, go to some store including Sherbondy’s nursery and then alternating who chooses place, always dine together.

  Yesterday we went to a favorite place, TSC across the street from his school. While doing our usual educational question/answer testing-how-stuff-works how-was-it -made, Michael found some cool replica farm equipment and animal miniatures he said he’d like to have for Christmas. With his knowing they would be closeted until then I purchased them. (An exercise by which he has learned patience.)

  Then off to Olive Garden we went: Chicken parmesan with salad for me and spaghetti with meatballs and chocolate milk for Michael.

  Always conversant with the wait people, we kept up a running conversation with the waitresses when they weren’t busy. As we were about to leave, one of the waitresses (Iowa native, just graduated from Creighton w/Political Science degree, no brothers, 2 younger sisters, all raised to take care of themselves, not married, presently w/o serious relationship, wants to go into PS research.) presented Michael with a second chocolate milk to take home with his leftovers.

  As I was about to pick up the chocolate milk Michael, in normal conversational tone, said “I’ll carry it Pop Pop. You have tremors and could have one and the chocolate milk would fly all over the place.”

  This set me to thinking of my maturation; there was a time when, though saying nothing in response, I would have been huffy at hearing such truth. This in turn led me to thinking about how I no longer beat dead horses … which led me to further rejoicing in God’s maturing me in numerous areas of life.

  So, if you’re not doing so already, please do keep your eyes open for chocolate milk highlighting in your life, and thank God for them.  EBB4 (Thursday, August 22, 2013)

ACTUALITY?

ACTUALITY?

Sunday, January 10, 2016

“gos´pel (τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, tó euaggélion): The word gospel is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word which meant “the story concerning God.” In the New Testament the Greek word euaggelion, means “good news.” It proclaims tidings of deliverance. The word sometimes stands for the record of the life of our Lord (Mar_1:1), embracing all His teachings, as in Act_20:24. But the word “gospel” now has a peculiar use, and describes primarily the message which Christianity announces. “Good news” is its significance. It means a gift from God. It is the proclamation of the forgiveness of sins and sonship with God restored through Christ. It means remission of sins and reconciliation with God. The gospel is not only a message of salvation, but also the instrument through which the Holy Spirit works (Rom_1:16).

The gospel differs from the law in being known entirely from revelation. It is proclaimed in all its fullness in the revelation given in the New Testament. It is also found, although obscurely, in the Old Testament. It begins with the prophecy concerning the 'seed of the woman' (Gen_3:15), and the promise concerning Abraham, in whom all the nations should be blessed (Gen_12:3; Gen_15:5) and is also indicated in Act_10:43 and in the argument in Rom 4.

In the New Testament the gospel never means simply a book, but rather the message which Christ and His apostles announced.”  From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia “Gospel”

  The gorilla, with all his mugging and antics was a favorite of children and adults at the zoo. The ape died . . . and attendance dropped off. The director decided that though expensive it was cost effective to hire the stunt man that played King Kong in the popular movie of that name. It worked! Attendance not only regained but exceeded past records as the actor was very creative in his role playing. One gimmick the actor added was exuberantly taunting and making furious the lion in the cage next to his.

  One day his exuberance surmounted his common sense and acrobatic skill. He fell into the lion cage. With a mighty leap the big cat was upon the terrified man and he began screaming for help. The lion put a paw over his mouth and whispered in his ear “You better shut up or we’ll both be out of a job!”

  Actuality is not always what it appears to be.

  In 2009 the USA taxpayer funded largest in the world diplomatic compound was opened; 104 acres equal to 80 football stadiums, about 10 times larger than any other USA embassy, a bit smaller than Vatican City. The purpose of the 750 million dollar investment and tremendous security and ongoing upkeep costs is establishing relationships with the people of Iraq. However, though some staff have been on-station for several years, they have never so much as been to a local marketplace.

  Actuality according to some visitors: FORTRESS AMERICA MEETS ALICE IN WONDERLAND; for many Iraqis a castle they are suspicious about and make fun of.

  Christian says and sings “I love Jesus.”, but doesn’t exemplify or speak the truth of God’s redeeming grace to , the Gospel, to other than known believers.

  Jesus says “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him." With one of those commandments being "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” [ESV Jn.14:12; Mk.16:15]

  What is our actuality past, this day, tomorrow?

EBB4

FAREWELL, BUT NOT WITHOUT EFFECT OF EDIFICATION

FAREWELL, BUT NOT WITHOUT EFFECT OF EDIFICATION

Friday, January 08, 2016

To Paul and to everyone who is united with Christ Jesus. Good will and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ is yours! I thank my God for all the memories we have of you.  [Phil.1:1-3] 

  Pastor Paul has resigned after almost 20 years serving Lord Jesus Christ at Benson Baptist.

  As he pointed out in his farewell sermon last Sunday, the people and church building at Philippi is long since gone but their ministry still affects us and many others unto this day and will continue to do so hereafter.  And so it will be with BBC whether as a local body it lives or dies.

  Paul will be missed as Pastor. 

  Below I share memory of past sermon that was heard by some, denied by others . . . but then individual personal reaction is part and parcel of effective ministry, isn’t it?!

EBB4

+++

A CHRISTIAN HOME

Monday, September 17, 2012

Matthew 19:3-6; John 14:1-3; Ephesians 5:31-32; Revelation 7:6-8

  The first song we sang yesterday morning was A Christian Home, a very old hymn written like a prayer.

(http://www.hymnlyrics.org/newlyrics_a/a_christian_home.php) A hymn I don’t remember singing for decades.

  Pastor had us ask a nearby person “What makes for a successful marriage?” (How would you answer?)

  He then asked us “Is marriage between a man and woman outdated?” and went on to explain some of what Scripture says.

  My mind wandered back to an old saying on what is now common practice contributing to societal problems, “Why buy a cow when milk is free?!”. . . and case histories that developed from this attitude.

  By the time I mentally returned Pastor Paul was talking about the violent rending effects of divorce on families, and the resultant woundings.

  He went on to impress how novels, movies, and TV romances typically end with “… and they lived happily ever after.” But don’t show Snow White and her charming Prince after 50 years of marriage.

  Again, how did you answer what makes for a successful marriage?

  I answered “Commitment, all else follows.” (Jn.3:16)

  Pastor closed with “Drawn by feelings, committed by facts.”  EBB4 

THE VALUE OF CONTENTION

THE VALUE OF CONTENTION

Thursday, January 07, 2016

Proverbs [GW] 13:10 Arrogance produces only quarreling, but those who take advice gain wisdom. …

Luke [GW] 14:11 Those who honor themselves will be humbled, but people who humble themselves will be honored."

James [GW] 4:6 … Scripture says, "God opposes arrogant people, but he is kind to humble people."

  As with most people, I dislike contention. For decades I let this dislike stand in the way of opportunities for maturation. This I learned from a supervisor that decided to mentor me. Mr. Robert Brettschneider showed me that contentious employees made him examine in a way that team players did not. At times they brought out problems that team players would not mention.

  The adversity of contention (complaint, strife, conflict, disharmony) can reveal much.  Contention with its companion adversity may have great value as it presents opportunity for personal examination as to whether the root cause is our pride, or not; maximizing probability of objective resolution and edification; or, being mulishly resistant to, maximizing dreadful subjective failure.

  For some of us it is not until we consider possibility of and recognize our pride as cause of disputation that we can consider wise instruction. (Mt.13:9-16) Without such acknowledgment and appreciation we do not respect God, and can expect naught but resistance from Him. (Heb.11:6; Jam.4:6)

  Indeed God’s grace is free, but there is an essential requirement before reception of edification; humility, a humble spirit.

O Lord, at times I am contentious. I confess that I am a prideful person, often much desiring to be right above being godly and pleasing to You. I thank You for the attention-getting recognition value of contention, for without it I know I wouldn’t even come close to seeing my pride as You do. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me that I might do Your good pleasure and build on the one and only foundation You provide. (Ps.51:10, 18; 1Cor.3:11) 

  For further contemplation, a psalm of David: “Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom Jehovah does not charge iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silence, my bones became old through my roaring all the day long. For by day and by night Your hand was heavy on me; my sap is turned into the droughts of summer. Selah. I confessed my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, I will confess my transgression to Jehovah; and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this let every godly one pray to You, in a time when You may be found; surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come near him. You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall circle me with songs of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you, My eye shall be on you. Be not like the horse, or like the mule, who have no understanding, whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, so that they do not come near you. The wicked has many sorrows, but mercy embraces him who trusts in Jehovah. Be glad in Jehovah, and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.” (Ps.32)  EBB4

PS. In autumn 1963 when I heard God’s Holy Word graciously urged by Bud Bond, I accepted God’s wonderful gift of resurrection present and future. Soon thereafter Bud began encouraging me to select a personally meaningful life verse. After much thought, and a few other close folks suggesting, I selected Psalm 32:8-9 and of necessity review it unto this day and plan on continuance. 

ACTING BEFORE THE GOLDEN BOWL IS BROKEN

ACTING BEFORE THE GOLDEN BOWL IS BROKEN

Wednesday, January 06, 2016

Ecclesiastes [GW] 12:1-14 Remember your Creator when you are young, before the days of trouble come and the years catch up with you. They will make you say, "I have found no pleasure in them." Remember your Creator before the sun, the light, the moon, and the stars turn dark, and the clouds come back with rain. Remember your Creator when those who guard the house tremble, strong men are stooped over, the women at the mill stop grinding because there are so few of them, and those who look out of the windows see a dim light. Remember your Creator when the doors to the street are closed, the sound of the mill is muffled, you are startled at the sound of a bird, and those who sing songs become quiet. Remember your Creator when someone is afraid of heights and of dangers along the road, the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and the caper bush has no fruit. Mortals go to their eternal rest, and mourners go out in the streets. Remember your Creator before the silver cord is snapped, the golden bowl is broken, the pitcher is smashed near the spring, and the water wheel is broken at the cistern. Then the dust of mortals goes back to the ground as it was before, and the breath of life goes back to God who gave it. "Absolutely pointless!" says the spokesman. "Everything is pointless!" Besides being wise, the spokesman also taught the people what he knew. He very carefully thought about it, studied it, and arranged it in many proverbs. The spokesman tried to find just the right words. He wrote the words of truth very carefully. Words from wise people are like spurs. Their collected sayings are like nails that have been driven in firmly. They come from one shepherd. Be warned, my children, against anything more than these. People never stop writing books. Too much studying will wear out your body. After having heard it all, this is the conclusion: Fear God, and keep his commands, because this applies to everyone. God will certainly judge everything that is done. This includes every secret thing, whether it is good or bad.

  Life includes problems, some writ in our past, presently active, others yet to come. Was this not so for God Incarnate, the recently celebrated babe that became the cruelly Crucified Savior? Should we expect a different Gethsemane that He?

  Family life involves discomforting diverse point-of-view when it comes to solving problems. And it is very easy to fall prey to letting emotions dominate and thereby subjectively react in kind or just as bad – to shut eyes and ears, close mind, harden heart, and/or be non-confrontational. Emotional stress should not, must not dominate our thinking, for ours is the utmost purpose. We are called to serve Him all our days in all our ways, a task that cannot be accomplished apart from combined vertical and horizontal love: “… when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets." “ (ESV Mt.22:34-40)

  The Apostle Paul’s life embodied this point well; History as a destroyer. He afterward often dealt with destroyers within families and churches. His life involved much persecution with future death by execution. Peopled hues on his canvas, but by submissive determination none framed his life picture.

  I pray this be so in my life and yours in subjection to our Lord . . . never forgetting that once the silver cord snaps, the golden bowl breaks, the old pitcher is shattered before the fountain of youth, our spokes support no longer . . . the opportunity for godly resolution to obtain things of everlasting value will cease.  EBB4

ACCOUNTABILITY

ACCOUNTABILITY

Tuesday, January 05, 2016

Dear fellow travelers,

I’m asked to provide the list below. Here it is again.

Ed. B

Proverbs [GW] 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens the wits of another.

Hebrews 10:21-25 We have a superior priest in charge of God's house. We have been sprinkled with his blood to free us from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with clean water. So we must continue to come to him with a sincere heart and strong faith. We must continue to hold firmly to our declaration of faith. The one who made the promise is faithful. We must also consider how to encourage each other to show love and to do good things. We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some of you are doing. Instead, we must continue to encourage each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming.

  One evening a young newlywed, a first time visitor to our Tuesday morning Overcomers group, wanted to let us know she couldn’t participate but would be there next week. Hardly knowing us or others in the group, why would she do such a thing? What is her reason for being voluntarily accountable to others?

  Because she understands the importance of, the benefits from, making one’s self responsible before and to others.

  This stirred Evangelical Methodist Church memory to search history of John Wesley’s Holy Club (Mocking name from fellow collegians at 1729 Oxford. http://www.ctlibrary.com/ch/1983/issue2/216.html )

  As part of their agreed upon accountability to one another, there were 22 questions the clubs asked themselves every day over 285 years ago. Here’s the list as given to me by EMC Pastor Donald McKnight over 45 years ago. I still keep it handy and personally review.

·         Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?

·         Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?

·         Do I confidentially pass on to another what was told to me in confidence?

·         Can I be trusted?

·         Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habits?

·         Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?

·         Did the Bible live in me today?

·         Do I give God’s Word time to speak to me every day?

·         Am I praying and enjoying it?

·         When did I last speak to someone about my faith?

·         Do I pray about the money I spend?

·         Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?

·         Do I disobey God in anything?

·         Do I insist on doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?

·         Am I defeated in any part of my life?

·         Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy, or distrustful?

·         How do I invest my spare time?

·         Am I proud?

·         Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisee that despised the publican? Luke 18:11-13

·         Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, or hold a resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I doing about it?

·         Do I grumble or complain constantly?

·         Is Christ real to me?

  Denomination aside, what answerability club do we belong to this 2016?  EBB4