RIGHTS OR RIGHT?

RIGHTS OR RIGHT?

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

2Timothy [MKJV] 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfected, thoroughly furnished to every good work.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever.

1Peter 1:22-25 Purifying your souls in the obedience of the truth through the Spirit to unfeigned love of the brothers, love one another fervently out of a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the living Word of God, and abiding forever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of men as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls out, but the Word of the Lord endures forever. And this is the Word preached as gospel to you.

  Jesus, God Incarnate, The Word, is our example and guide. (Jn.1:1) The Word is not capricious or subjective to changing times or human whimsy. (Isa.55:8-9; Heb.6:18; 13:8) It is our responsibility to study the words and example of the Word as recorded in the Old and New Testaments for it is therewith that we may rightly decide and act on the issues of life. (Ps.119:11; 2Tim.2:15; 3:16-17; 1Pet.1:22-25) This however is obviously not always an easy thing to do. The following news bit once again reveals this quandary in Christendom.

  Bernard’s Township, New Jersey USA. Town planners told leaders of a planned mosque they would need a large number of parking spaces; this requirement killing the possibility of building. A federal judge ruled that under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act the board’s action is illegal discrimination.

  The Islamic Society of Basking Ridge and Mohammad Ali Chaudry filed a complaint. Those supporting the mosque group included the International Mission Board and the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention (ERLC). Among those disagreeing is John Wofford, pastor of Armorel Baptist Church, Blytheville, Arkansas, At the ERLC 2016 annual meeting Wofford challenged president Russell Moore as to how “someone within the Southern Baptist Convention can support the defending of rights for Muslims to construct mosques in the United Stated when these people threaten our very way of existence as Christians and Americans?”

  Responding, Moore emphasized religious liberty and sincere belief and the matter of if mosques can be banned so could Baptist churches. “The answer to Islam is not government power. The answer is the gospel of Jesus Christ and the new birth that comes from that.”

  Pushing back, Wofford’s letter published in the Arkansas Baptist News said “Would Jesus Christ stand in a court of law, defending the rights of a false religion to erect mosques, temples or other places of worship which are clearly in violation of the First and Second Commandments of God?”

  For some the above issue is easily decided by knee-jerk emotion or religious denomination party line or even political ideology.

  But what saith the Word? What has He done? What would (will?) He do? What is right?

EBB4

PERFECTION OURS?

PERFECTION OURS?

Monday, February 27, 2017

  Sinless perfection is a false doctrine. Sinning less should definitely be resultant practice for born-again followers of Christ, but so long as we live this side of dwelling physically in the presence of Jehovah we will sin, for it is our old nature conflict with our new mature. (Rom.6; Eph.6:13-18; Heb.12:1-4)

  But doesn’t Scripture contradict itself when Jesus said “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.“? (KJV Mt.5:48)

  God’s Word is neither capricious or contradictory. Scripture is harmonious. The problem is aged vocabulary.

  In the olden days of yore the connotation of “perfect” was different than our interpretation of perfect, our thinking in terms of precise exactitude . . . which experience and observation (Too often in the reverse order) without doubt reveals that our concept of perfection will not realized in this body.

  The Apostle Paul exhorts that we are to count ourselves dead to sin though we are not. And then gives testimony of his personal spiritual warfare. (Rom. Chapters 6 & 7)

 So what is this perfection that Jesus speaks of?

·         Read in context we see that we, as does the Father in heaven, are to treat all people with equality of civility and consideration. Note Matthew 6:9-15.

·         Strong’s (G5046) tells us the Greek is “τέλειος; teleios; tel'-i-os From G5056; complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with G3588) completeness: - of full age, man, perfect.”

  Paul learned the lesson the hard way on the road to Damascus and responded in corrected belief with a surrendered attitude and drastically changed lifestyle. (Acts 9) After he humbly received further enlightenment from others, Paul wrote to the Colossians explaining “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Be mindful of things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life has been hidden with Christ in God. When Christ our Life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness (which is idolatry), on account of which things' sake the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience, among whom you also once walked, when you lived in these. But now also put off all these things: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, shameful speech out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, having put off the old man with his deeds and having put on the new, having been renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, foreigner, Scythian, slave or freeman, but Christ is all things in all. Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender feelings of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering, forbearing one another and forgiving yourselves, if anyone has a complaint against any. As Christ forgave you, so also you do. And above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness.[(ESV)  And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you also are called in one body, and be thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And everything, whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.“ (MKJV Col.3:1-17, underlining mine.)

  Harmony with the Father, a major goal.

EBB4

WORSHIP

WORSHIP

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Revelation chapter 5 … they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

  What makes for the greatest quality of worship?

  Ambience with its distinctive atmosphere of stained glass, lighting, art and statuary, the quality of the music, liturgy and order, the reading of and preaching on The Word; Or a keen high sense of appreciative respect and adoration for Jehovah God, He who is Sovereign in all things; God of love, justice, and righteousness? 

  I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised … (Ps.18:3)

  You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created. (Rev.4:11)

EBB4

CHANGE VERSUS THE CHANGELESS

CHANGE VERSUS THE CHANGELESS

Friday, December 31, 2010

  As you can see from the above date I’ve been reviewing old DTs to again ponder lessons learned. A healthy exercise for me. I suggest that if you don’t already do so, please do so with journal, letters, clippings, scrapbook, photos et al.

EBB4 2/24/17

Matthew 6:19-34 Do not lay up treasures on earth for yourselves, where moth and rust corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up treasures in Heaven for yourselves, where neither moth nor rust corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye. Therefore if your eye is sound, your whole body shall be full of light. But if your eye is evil, your whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say to you, Do not be anxious for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Behold the birds of the air; for they sow not, nor do they reap, nor gather into barns. Yet your heavenly Father feeds them; are you not much better than they are? Which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his stature? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They do not toil, nor do they spin, but I say to you that even Solomon in his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Therefore if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much rather clothe you, little-faiths? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, With what shall we be clothed? For the nations seek after all these things. For your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow; for tomorrow shall be anxious for its own things. Sufficient to the day is the evil of it.

Hebrews 6:12-20; 13:8 … be not slothful, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no greater, He swore by Himself, saying, "Surely in blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply you." And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men truly swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. In this way desiring to declare more fully to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, God interposed by an oath, so that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us, which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil, where the Forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. … Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever.

  I remember a man telling me of driving his dying Dad to his favorite view. As they sat looking thru the truck’s windshield, his Dad began to weep. “What is it Dad?” his son asked.

  Surprisingly, the reply was not much about his impending death, but that he did rue that life, though including happiness, had and was always changing for the worse.

  This past summer in answering German family member’s questions about Baltimore, I told them of changes. In 1950 the population after many years of growth was approaching one million (950,000). Then came the “White Flight” (There was also black families that could afford to that left.) resulting in estimated population 637,000 for 2009. Also, public school education taught Baltimore was 7^th busiest port in the world. Investigating today, it wasn’t listed in the top 25.

  Then recently when discussing such things, someone told me of the Cambodian Khmer Rouge having reduced a city of millions to a population of 10,000 in one day.

  In last evenings Omaha World-Herald an article related that drug cartel crime Ciudad Juarez, Mexico has reduced from 1.4 million, by an estimated 110,000 to 230,000, with more fleeing every day. It described how once vacated, thieves strip homes of everything including window panes.

  And as I sit here typing, changes are taking place everywhere. Indeed life can be good, but by and large it is a continual struggle against deterioration.

  This truth about life is not however reason to worry or despair, for there is that which will never change. Preeminently, God; and with Him in our multiple vocations – family, parent or child, friendships, home, workplace, hobby, church . . . whatever the setting or situation – is where sanctification and discipleship happens. Amen?  EBB4

NOT TO BE, BUT BECAUSE OF OUR BEING

NOT TO BE, BUT BECAUSE OF OUR BEING

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. (Ps.103:1; Rom.12:1-3)

  Philippians 2:12 is not at all about working to be saved. It is all about reverently working as one of His saved. As promised, today I share with you Albert Barnes Notes on the Bible concerning Philippians 2:12.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed - The Philippians had from the beginning manifested a remarkable readiness to show respect to the apostle, and to listen to his teaching. This readiness he more than once refers to and commends. He still appeals to them, and urges them to follow his counsels, that they might secure their salvation.

Now much more in my absence - Though they had been obedient when he was with them, yet circumstances had occurred in his absence which made their obedience more remarkable, and more worthy of special commendation.

Work out your own salvation - This important command was first addressed to Christians, but there is no reason why the same command should not be regarded as addressed to all - for it is equally applicable to all. The duty of doing this is enjoined here; the reason for making the effort, or the encouragement for the effort, is stated in the next verse. In regard to the command here, it is natural to inquire why it is a duty; and what is necessary to be done in order to comply with it? On the first of these inquiries, it may be observed that it is a duty to make a personal effort to secure salvation, or to work out our salvation:

(1) Because God commands it. There is no command more frequently repeated in the Scriptures, than the command to make to ourselves a new heart; to strive to enter in at the strait gate; to break off from sin, and to repent.

(2) it is a duty because it is our own personal interest that is at stake. No one else has, or can have, as much interest in our salvation as we have. It is every person’s duty to be as happy as possible here, and to be prepared for eternal happiness in the future world. No person has a right either to throw away his life or his soul. He has no more right to do the one than the other; and if it is a person’s duty to endeavor to save his life when in danger of drowning, it is no less his duty to endeavor to save his soul when in danger of hell.

(3) our earthly friends cannot save us. No effort of theirs can deliver us from eternal death without our own exertion. Great as may be their solicitude for us, and much as they may do, there is a point where their efforts must stop - and that point is always short of our salvation, unless we are roused to seek salvation. They may pray, and weep, and plead, but they cannot save us. There is a work to be done on our own hearts which they cannot do.

(4) it is a duty, because the salvation of the soul will not take care of itself without an effort on our part. There is no more reason to suppose this than that health and life will take care of themselves without our own exertion. And yet many live as if they supposed that somehow all would yet be well; that the matter of salvation need not give them any concern, for that things will so arrange themselves that they will be saved. Why should they suppose this anymore in regard to religion than in regard to anything else?

(5) it is a duty, because there is no reason to expect the divine interposition without our own effort. No such interposition is promised to any man, and why should he expect it? In the case of all who have been saved, they have made an effort - and why should we expect that God will favor us more than he did them? “God helps them who help themselves;” and what reason has any man to suppose that he will interfere in his case and save him, if he will put forth no effort to “work out his own salvation?” In regard to the other inquiry - What does the command imply; or what is necessary to be done in order to comply with it? We may observe, that it does not mean:

(a)  that we are to attempt to deserve salvation on the ground of merit. That is out of the question; for what can man do that shall be an equivalent for eternal happiness in heaven? Nor,

(b)  does it mean that we are to endeavor to make atonement for past sins. That would be equally impossible, and it is, besides, unnecessary. That work has been done by the great Redeemer. But it means:

(i)               that we are to make an honest effort to be saved in the way which God has appointed;

(ii)     that we are to break off from our sins by true repentance;

(iii)    that we are to believe in the Saviour, and honestly to put our trust in him;

(iv)    that we are to give up all that we have to God;

(v)      that we are to break away from all evil companions and evil plans of life; and,

(vi)    that we are to resist all the allurements of the world, and all the temptations which may assail us that would lead us back from God, and are to persevere unto the end. The great difficulty in working out salvation is in forming a purpose to begin at once. When that purpose is formed, salvation is easy.

With fear and trembling - That is, with that kind of anxiety which one has who feels that he has an important interest at stake, and that he is in danger of losing it. The reason or the ground for “fear” in this case is in general this: there is danger of losing the soul.

(1) so many persons make shipwreck of all hope and perish, that there is danger that we may also.

(2) there are so many temptations and allurements in the world, and so many things that lead us to defer attention to religion, that there is danger that we may be lost.

(3) there is danger that if the present opportunity passes, another may not occur. Death may soon overtake us. No one has a moment to lose. No one can designate one single moment of his life, and say, “I may safely lose that moment. I may safely spend it in the neglect of my soul.”

(4) it should be done with the most earnest concern, front the immensity of the interest at stake. If the soul is lost, all is lost. And who is there that can estimate the value of that soul which is thus in danger of being lost forever?

Be blessed. Bless the Lord. Bless all that know us.

EBB4

THE CHRIST FOLLOWERS RESPONSIBILITY

THE CHRIST FOLLOWERS RESPONSIBILITY

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Philippians 2:12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye 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.

  Please do not be puzzled by or fearful of losing eternal salvation when reading Philippians 2:12. I had Christian friends that did so. As a novice Christian I was not puzzled by or fearful for. Why not?

  First of all I did as my wonderful mentors taught me. I read the verse in context beginning with 1:1 showing that the epistle was/is written to saints in and servants of Jesus Christ. The letter, though of value to, is not written to John 3:18 individuals.

  Secondly, again as taught, I examined 2:12 alone and noted “my beloved”; that it is singularly addressed to Christians.

  Thirdly I knew the Apostle Paul wrote to the saints serving Christ at Ephesus “Therefore I also, hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and love to all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of His calling, and what is the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us, the ones believing according to the working of His mighty strength which He worked in Christ in raising Him from the dead, and He seated Him at His right hand in the heavenlies, far above all principality and authority and power and dominion, and every name being named, not only in this world, but also in the coming age. And He has put all things under His feet and gave Him to be Head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. And He has made you alive, who were once dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience; among whom we also had our way of life in times past, in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the thoughts, and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love with which He loved us (even when we were dead in sins) has made us alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved), and has raised us up together and made us sit together in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.“ (MKJV Eph.1:15-23; 2:1-10)

  Fourthly I understood it to be as was job assignments when I asked “What exactly do you want me to do.” and, they pointing at bookshelf, was told “I want you to work it out.”-- entrusting me with responsibility.

  Let us not confuse being a saint with our responsibility to work as saints before man and Jehovah God Almighty. Christian life begins with salvation, but does not end at that moment.

EBB4 

PS. Tomorrow I will share Albert Barnes Note on the Bible on Ephesians 2:12.

WHICH WITH?

WHICH WITH?

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Psalm [MKJV] 119 … I have hidden Your Word in my heart, so that I might not sin against You. …

Romans [MKJV] 12:1-3 I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to every one who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. But set your mind to be right-minded, even as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.

1Peter [GW] 1:12-17 God revealed to the prophets that the things they had spoken were not for their own benefit but for yours. What the prophets had spoken, the Holy Spirit, who was sent from heaven, has now made known to you by those who spread the Good News among you. These are things that even the angels want to look into. Therefore, your minds must be clear and ready for action. Place your confidence completely in what God's kindness will bring you when Jesus Christ appears again. Because you are children who obey God, don't live the kind of lives you once lived. Once you lived to satisfy your desires because you didn't know any better. But because the God who called you is holy you must be holy in every aspect of your life. Scripture says, "Be holy, because I am holy." So if you call God your Father, live your time as temporary residents on earth in fear. He is the God who judges all people by what they have done, and he doesn't play favorites.

“Certainly there is no contending against the Will of God; but still there is some difficulty in ascertaining, and applying it, to particular cases.” Abraham Lincoln, President of the USA
Fragment on Pro-Slavery Theology ca. October 1, 1858 (CWAL III:204)

  I receive requests “Please pray that God be with ______.” I do not do so.

  I do pray that individuals, my family, friends and acquaintances, the church I am a member of, its committees (Especially those presently interviewing pastoral candidates), community and nation, and last but not least, John 3:18 lost souls . . . will not deny the Truth, and be with God.

  Why don’t I pray “God be with”?

  Soon after trusting Christ I discovered that throughout the 66 books of God’s Word it is not the nature of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It was then that I chose the correct “with”. In belief, attitude, and resultant actions we are to ultimately align with God, not He with us; this being at the center of holiness.

  Abraham Lincoln was quite clear on this truth, as well we all should be lest we think and act amiss. When he, during our second American Civil War, was asked whose side God was on, he succinctly responded “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side, my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”

  God incarnate Himself made this especially plain as He neared the end of His walk among men, saying “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.“

   The “with” we choose reflects our attitude as to whether God is ours or we are His; effecting all aspects of our life.

EBB4

THE QUESTION OF FAITH

THE QUESTION OF FAITH

Monday, February 20, 2017

Universal fact: Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Heb.11:1)

Merriam-Webster-Dictionary defines religion as “a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith.”

  I live by faith.

  Atheists claim not being religious.

  Does this mean they don’t also live by faith?

  Considering that atheists obviously definitely live by faith then what is their system of beliefs held to and expressed with ardor?

EBB4

LOYALTY AND WORSHIP

LOYALTY AND WORSHIP

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

1Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Hebrews 13:5-8 Let your way of life be without the love of money, and be content with such things as you have, for He has said, "Not at all will I leave you, not at all will I forsake you, never!"

6 so that we may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me." Remember those leading you, who have spoken to you the Word of God, whose faith follow, considering the end of their conduct: Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever.

  Please note that today’s thought is not “loyalty in worship”, it is loyalty and worship.

  Have you ever worked for or worse yet been married to person(s) that you were never certain they were loyal to you? Probably every DT fellow has suffered such lack of trustworthiness, unreliability, poor dependability: Disloyalty!

  I well remember working for mealy-mouthed platitude-laden intelligent but empty superiors or company. Admittedly I had lack of respect and admiration on any level but one; drudging commitment to duty.  

  This is a nonexistent issue involving God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How do I know?; my fickle sinful ways having tested and proven God’s loyal promise that He shall never leave me nor forsake me, that He is fully for my maturation and well-being; thereby making reasonable act of worship in service pleasantly above base sense of plodding duty.

  How wonderful is God’s love? Apprehended indeed, but far above this old man’s comprehension! 

EBB4 (3/29/09)

NEW HAT IS OLD HAT

NEW HAT IS OLD HAT

Friday, February 17, 2017

Ecclesiastes [GW] 1:9-11 Whatever has happened before will happen again. Whatever has been done before will be done again. There is nothing new under the sun. Can you say that anything is new? It has already been here long before us. Nothing from the past is remembered. Even in the future, nothing will be remembered by those who come after us.

  Thought of the above wisdom from Solomon when I read the following today: “Then the Jews became jealous. They took some low-class characters who hung around the public square, formed a mob, and started a riot in the city. … The confusion spread throughout the city, and the people had one thought in mind as they rushed into the theater. … Some people shouted one thing while others shouted something else. The crowd was confused. Most of the people didn't even know why they had come together.” Acts 17:5; 19:29, 32

  Seem familiar?

EBB4

I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR MY THOUGHTS

I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR MY THOUGHTS

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Romans [MKJV] 12:1-3 I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to every one who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. But set your mind to be right-minded, even as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.

2Corinthians 10:3-5 For though walking about in flesh, we do not war according to flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds,

pulling down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought into the obedience of Christ;

Dear fellow travelers,

  There is an unwritten point in yesterday’s DT, FLIPPED BY PHILIPPIANS. I think most of you already know that we individually are the responsible party for our thought life. I cannot pin down when I learned this valuable life lesson, but I certainly am glad I did. For those that have yet to gain the blessings inherent to this lesson and its personal application, I am sharing topical essay provided by GotQuestions.org.

Sincerely,

EBB4

==/

Question: "How can I take control of my thoughts?"

Answer: Many Christians struggle with this issue, especially in our highly technological world, but taking control of our thoughts is essential. Proverbs 4:23 states, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." The “heart” includes the mind and all that proceeds from it. Someone said that every sin we commit, we commit twice, once in our thoughts and again when we act upon those thoughts. It is easier to rid our lives of sin if we attack it at this fundamental thought level rather than waiting for it to become rooted in our lives by our actions and then try to pull it out.
  There is also a difference between being tempted (a thought entering into the mind) and sinning (dwelling upon an evil thought and wallowing in it). It is important to understand that when a thought enters our mind, we examine it based upon God's Word and determine if we should continue down that path or reject the thought and replace it with another thought. If we have already allowed a habit to form in our thought lives, it becomes more difficult to change the path of our thoughts, even as it is hard to get a car out of a deep rut and onto a new track. Here are some biblical suggestions for taking control of our thoughts and getting rid of wrong thoughts:
       1. Be in God's Word so that when a sinful thought enters our mind (a temptation), we will be able to recognize it for what it is and know what course to take. [ https://www.gotquestions.org/intrusive-thoughts.html ] Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4) responded to each of Satan's temptations with Scripture that applied to the direction He knew His mind should take instead of beginning down the path of the sinful thought. When tempted to meet His physical need (turn stone into bread), He recited the passage about the importance of relying upon God. When tempted to serve Satan in order to obtain the glory of the world, He brought up the passage that says we are to serve and worship God alone and speak of the glory that belongs to Him and those who are His. When tempted to test God (to see if God was really there and would keep His promises), Jesus responded with passages that stress the importance of believing God without having to see Him demonstrate His presence.
  Quoting Scripture in a time of temptation is not a talisman, but rather serves the purpose of getting our minds onto a biblical track, but we need to know the Word of God AHEAD of time in order to accomplish this. Thus, a daily habit of being in the Word in a meaningful way is essential. If we are aware of a certain area of constant temptation (worry, lust, anger, etc.), we need to study and memorize key passages that deal with those issues. Looking for both what we are to avoid (negative) and how we are to properly respond (positive) to tempting thoughts and situations—before they are upon us—will go a long way to giving us victory over them.
       2. Live in dependence upon the Holy Spirit, chiefly through seeking His strength through prayer (Matthew 26:41). If we rely upon our own strength, we will fail (Proverbs 28:26;Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 26:33).
       3. We are not to feed our minds with that which will promote sinful thoughts. This is the idea of Proverbs 4:23. We are to guard our hearts—what we allow into them and what we allow them to dwell on. Job 31:1 states, "I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman" (NKJV). Romans 13:14 states, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." Thus, we are to avoid periodicals, videos, websites, conversations and situations that will set us up for a fall. We should also avoid spending time with those who would encourage us down these wrong paths.
       4. We are to pursue hard after God, replacing sinful thoughts with godly pursuits and mindsets. This is the principle of replacement. When tempted to hate someone, we replace those hateful thoughts with godly actions: we do good to them, speak well of them, and pray for them (Matthew 5:44). Instead of stealing, we should work hard to earn money so we can look for opportunities to give to others in need (Ephesians 4:28). When tempted to lust after a woman, we turn our gaze, praise God for the way He has made us—male and female—and pray for the woman (for example: "Lord, help this young woman to come to know you if she does not, and to know the joy of walking with you"), then think of her as a sister (1 Timothy 5:2). The Bible often speaks of "putting off" wrong actions and thoughts but then "putting on” godly actions and thoughts (Ephesians 4:22-32). Merely seeking to put off sinful thoughts without replacing those thoughts with godly ones leaves an empty field for Satan to come along and sow his weeds (Matthew 12:43-45).
       5. We can use fellowship with other Christians the way God intended. Hebrews 10:24-25 states, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Fellow Christians who will encourage us in the changes we desire (best if of the same gender), who will pray for and with us, who will ask us in love how we are doing, and who will hold us accountable in avoiding the old ways, are valuable friends indeed.

  Last and most important, these methods will be of no value unless we have placed our faith in Christ as Savior from our sin. This is where we absolutely must start! Without this, there can be no victory over sinful thoughts and temptations, and God’s promises for His children are not for us, nor is the Holy Spirit’s power available to us!
  God will bless those who seek to honor Him with what matters most to Him: who we are inside and not just what we appear to be to others. May God make Jesus’ description of Nathanael true also of us—a man [or woman] in whom there is no guile (John 1:47).

Recommended Resource: The Mind of Christ by T.W. Hunt

FLIPPED BY PHILIPPIANS

FLIPPED BY PHILIPPIANS

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

1Peter [MKJV] 1:24-25 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of men as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls out, but the Word of the Lord endures forever. And this is the Word preached as gospel to you.

  In the good old days affordable cuts of beef were usually quite tough. Commonly boiled until tender, seldom done today in this USA. In 1679 Denis Papin invented the pressure cooker, it taking many years to become a kitchen tool producing delicious tender beef recipes. My family purchased one soon after WWII. Not long after then I began buying into the pressure cooker of passive aggressive anger. And as with the kitchen tool, if the pressure is not released safely it will do damage. I well remember Grandmother McGee, having learned to cook on a wood/coal burning range, first experience.

  After cubing the beef and adding our homegrown garden vegetables, she struck a wooden match and lit the gas flame. Fascinated by all things old and new, I sat in the corner watching and listening. I well remember the explosive boom resulting in walls and ceiling dripping with Grandmother’s recipe. I don’t remember what supper consisted of the evening, but do, recall it didn’t consist of scrapings.

  After increasingly buying into passive anger, finally in the seventies the head of internal steam took its toll, resulting in a 10 day stay in a hospital due to ear to rear hyperacidity plus a numbered list of gastrointestinal issues. I couldn’t even drink ice water without a nasty reaction.

  Dr. Coco was one of the best in the area. I was fortunate to be assigned to this absolutely-no-nonsense-specialist. His diagnosis was spot on along with pharmaceutical and dietary regimen that immediately began to heal my body.

  On the 9^th morning Dr. Coco told me he was sending a counselor to see me. I became quietly angry and politely refused . . . to no avail other than resulting in another gastro event.

  While I was continuing to read Competent To Counsel, by Jay E. Adams, a book I had been studying prior to hospitalization I smelled the aroma of pipe smoke. (Smoking in hospitals was permitted in the good old days.) Laying the book aside I saw an amused looking man leaning against the door frame wearing brown tweed coat with leather on the elbows, his face behind a cloud of smoke. Though I have lifelong problem remembering names, Dr. Desmond McNellis is not forgotten.

  The session lasted only a few minutes. He asked me about family, financial status, job satisfaction et al. I answered without comment from him. Just as suddenly as he arrived he turned puffing a cloud (Prince Albert Cherry) and began to walk away. I called “Wait, don’t you have anything to say?!”

  He faced about, pointed at my book lying on the side table, and said “You already know what to do.” and left never to be seen again.

  Back at work my resident mentors took me to Philippians 4:4-9, centering on verse 8. After a few days of brief break time discussions they recommended I carry verse 8 with me along with then ever present Maalox, reread and ponder often. In the good old days you hand copied. I did so and faithfully followed the wisdom of my Philippians 4:9 elders.

  The spiritual and emotional fine results were immediately realized, enjoyed, and rejoiced in. The bodily result of upending Dr. Coco’s prognosis “You will never eat normal again.” took longer, about 2 years total. Now I dine like a garbage can sans menu limitations other that 3-4 items I don’t like. A few days ago daughter Renee’ and I, while out and about, dined at PepperJax. She consumed a vegetarian sub. I ate a delicious cheese steak sub fully loaded including Jalapenos.

  Both helpful doctors and my mentoring elders no longer live, but the All-wise Word goes on eternally available to bring body, soul, and spirit optimum health to one and all.

EBB

WHATSOEVER THINGS

WHATSOEVER THINGS

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Ephesians [GW] chapter 5 Imitate God, since you are the children he loves. Live in love as Christ also loved us. He gave his life for us as an offering and sacrifice, a soothing aroma to God. … So then, be very careful how you live. Don't live like foolish people but like wise people. … don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants. … Always thank God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  Yesterday I shared an abbreviated account of my following the Word and thereby being delivered from my recurring troublesome passive aggressiveness. In doing so I highlighted the truth that though God can; His deliverance is seldom miraculously provided. The norm is Sovereign Jehovah has provided His absolute wisdom to guide us; the Word living (Jesus) and written (The Bible). Beginning with Adam and Eve, God’s instruction always being ultra clear, deliverance is still primarily our responsibility. Deliverance grounded in Biblical thought followed by application in holy deeds of charity (love and mercy) and/or abstinence from the sins that so easily beset us. (Heb.12:1)

  If we are confused, the primary problem lies with us. I consider the oft heard marital debate of Ephesians chapter 5 as a prime example. Is it about marriage relationship between man and woman? Yes, but centering on that illustrative section of the chapter misses the real emphasis of the passage; determining what pleases God in all of our life. (5:10; again note Rom.12:1-3)

  Dear Ann in teaching female inmates was sometimes confronted with “But the Bible is so confusing, especially the 10 commandments.” She always smiled and as often did Jesus responded with question “What part of ‘Thou shalt not steal’ don’t you understand?”

  I am not saying I readily comprehend all about the Word, There is the obvious understanding, and then there is the work part that Paul wrote to Timothy about. (2Tim.2:15) This seen earlier as Job & Company invested much intellectual and emotional currency. As an elder with more flexibility of time than many of you have, I deeply sense my responsibility and privilege to do the work and invest in putting my gained understanding in daily shared words.

  Then, lest I center amiss, there is the reminders in the additional whatsoever things surrounding this keyboard. (While writing there is background sounds of laundry a-washing.)

EBB4

WWJD APPLIED MAKES FOR PTL

WWJD APPLIED MAKES FOR PTL

Monday, February 13, 2017

1Corinthians 13:4-5 Charity [love] suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

1John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us.

1Peter 5:6-11 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

  My waking thoughts this morning began with 3 truths.

·         We must always equate Jesus as and with the Word. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. [Gen.1:1] … And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” Jn.1:1-3, 14

·         He being the Word, to emulate Jesus is never separate from the Word.

·         In spite of longtime emphasis from desk and pulpit, repentance, to think then act according to the Word, should not be centered in not doing wrong. Repentance should be centered in doing the right actions according to, in compliance with, the Word. Ps.119:11 et al; Rom.12:1-3 “pleasing God”

  This morning also included a personal review of recent events in light of my history of passive anger. The past few weeks involved several occasions that in the past I would have taken offense and quietly furious about, but I was not. How so?

  Some time ago I agreed to do a personal Word search study on the matter of anger. In application I discovered much, including the remarkable fact that I alone am responsible for the bile that troubles body, soul, and spirit . . . mine . . . and consequently others. Immediately anger events diminished.  Additionally the duration and intensity scaled down when I did choose anger. My life is now at the point where when I’m asked to describe the last time I was angry I must take time to recall the last instance.

  The short of it is I trust His peace displacing fear. (Fear is parceled with anger, inseparable.)

  And I do continue to praise the Lord for His wisdom that when followed provides deliverance.

EBB4

P.T.L.

P.T.L.

Sunday, February 12, 2017

  Just as the world has passing fads, so does the church. Anybody remember WWJD bracelets? Or signing mail or saying PTL? These two and others were in then out of vogue. Sadly, when left the bracelets for some so went the sentiment and/or the useful principle.

  Both of the aforementioned are just as applicable past and present for they have solid basis in Scripture.

PTL, praise the Lord! In using Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance enabled by e-Sword we may discover there is much about PTL in His Word. I’ve chosen a favorite passage to share: Psalm 150 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.  

WWJD, what would Jesus do? The implication being that once we discovered what Jesus did then we will emulate Him. Doing a web search I find http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Imitating-Jesus listing ten relevant passages:

1 Peter 2:21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,

Philippians 2:3-8 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.
who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.                2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

John 13:12-15 So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? "You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.
"For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.                John 13:34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

John 15:9-11 "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. "These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.

1 John 2:6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Colossians 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

  Knowing these things, how now shall with live?

EBB4

ABSENT OR?

ABSENT OR?

Friday, February 10, 2017

  In yesterday’s DT, A TALE OF REJECTION?, I presented an illustrative story about witnessing and suppression of witnessing. I ended with the questions “ If Samuel and Sarah died that evening would they be absent from the body and present with the Lord?  What do you think?” to which I received 4 responses.

From Diane: Dear Ed,

  Okay what do I think?  Here goes... In my opinion, "If" Samuel and Sarah go to Beautiful Savior "Missouri Synod Lutheran" Bible Church and partook of all the Sacraments (religious procedures instituted by Christ) such as Baptism, Confession, and Holy Communion, they will be saved.

  Most Lutherans are still under the first Pope, Peter, who denied Christ three times and yet Christ restored him to Pope.  The Pope has the Keys to the Kingdom; the power to bind and loosen Satan's grip on congregants.

  However, when Samuel and Sarah are dying... their souls must go immediately to the Light (Jesus) via their faith in Jesus' death for them and the Sacraments of binding and loosening.  If they all of a sudden Samuel or Sarah get convicted (because they denied Christ) and are scared to go to the light to be judged, they could be trapped and end up in Hell or purgatory.  (Yes, I know...Most Lutherans do not believe in purgatory.)  

  However, it cases like this that makes me wonder too if Sammy was scared that his parent's went to Hell.  Let's say he prayed to Jesus for his parent's souls and got them sent to purgatory or if God would allow Satan to torment him by demons the rest of his life by worrying about his parent's actions with visions of them suffering in Hell.  

  Believe me...Satan could use this vision to cause despair and get Sammy to loose his faith too.  That's Satan's job to get Christian souls away from Jesus.  God allows Satan to vet us.  Satan wants Sammy's soul too.

  I worried about my Dad's soul, possibly being Jewish, as he made light of Holy Communion and thought eating and drinking Christ's body and blood was horrendous.  According to my mother, their Lutheran church taught them it was only a symbol and not that important even if the Scripture stating its importance say it is necessary for salvation.  This is the scripture:

  John 6:44-55 “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.”

  Scriptures says...many Jews and "non biblical" churches today "could never swallow it" and walked away from this Sacrament.

  Anyway, my husband and I tried to help my Dad on his death bed to believe Jesus died for him.

  As for me, I was given a dream that my Dad is in Heaven with Jesus!  Praise the Lord!

  I pray Sammy gets the same dream...

Love in Christ, Diane (NE)

From Verlyn: Would they be absent from the body and present with the Lord?   Only the Lord, who knows all things, can provide an accurate answer to that question.  The parents did seem to be embarrassed by their son’s spiritual testimony.  It would have been a perfect opportunity to praise their son, and to share what God was doing in their lives at that time (maybe nothing to share, how sad).  Going camping on weekends, would take the family away for spiritual instruction and away from opportunities to serve the Lord.  It’s not looking good for the parents.

Verlyn (AR)

From Jim: Yes I believe they would be absent from the body and present with Jesus. Two reasons, one Sammy junior was able to articulate his beliefs and I don't know that he would have been that clear had he not heard the salvation story at home. The second reason is his parents changed the subject to
Allow the see that was planted to germinate and replace the awkward silence with casual conversation. 

Jim Abraham (NE)

From C.L.: I don’t believe EBB4 was so much asking questions expecting answers to. My thinking is he was provoking us to examine ourselves to whether we are bold faithful Sammy ambassadors or cringing adults ashamed to tell others of Christ’ redemption. I stopped in my tracks and asked God for forgiveness. Paul told at great peril. Am I deterred by fear of social rejection? Verses I looked up - Romans 10:8-11; 2Corinthians 5:14-21. Jesus said “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38. Also stated in Luke 9:26. Paul said “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; -- And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. -- That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”  Romans 1:16-18; 5:5; 10:9-11.

C.L. (MD)

Any further thoughts?

EBB4

A TALE OF REJECTION?

A TALE OF REJECTION?

Romans 1:16-18 [Paul wrote to the persecuted Christians in Rome.] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

2Corinthians 5:1-11 [Paul explained] For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

  Awoke pondering several portions of Scripture and arrived at a question. To involve your consideration thereof I write the following illustrative tale using fictitious characters.

  Samuel and Sarah Smitt are faithful attendees at Beautiful Savior Bible Church. Sammy Jr., age 7, reluctantly goes with them. For the most part Junior finds it all a real drag with the exception of enjoying being the disruptive class clown. Around his 8^th birthday Sammy begins acting more mature and thoughtful. Though they can’t exactly explain it, his parents are thankful for his improved behavior.

  That summer they purchase an RV and join Happy Trails Campers Club.

  During a friendly evening around a group campfire one of the women asks Sammy what new things he’s done lately. Sammy boldly tells that at Sunday School last week he trusted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He leaves nothing out, including how like him and his parents they’re all sinners and if they don’t trust Jesus they’ll all go to hell forever far away from God.

  The campfire is momentarily a circle of silence . . . then Samuel and Sarah apologize and change the conversation to the topic commonly popular in the group, sports.

  As I lay abed considering Jesus’ words recorded in Matthew 7:18-21 and Paul’s explanation in Romans 10:8-11 plus the generated illustrative tale above, I was left with question -- If Samuel and Sarah died that evening would they be absent from the body and present with the Lord?

  What do you think?  EBB4 (2/8/13)

Afterthought: Morning mattress meditations with my impaired hearing are a great blessing. I pray all you now-working folks will enjoy the same in your retirement.

BATTLE LINES

BATTLE LINES

Wednesday, February 08, 2017

John 14:6, 27 Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me. … Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

  This world cannot provide authentic peace for it is impossibility because of two facts: 1.) Our sinful nature cannot provide peace. 2.) Apollyon (Rev.9:11) will not permit peace as it is counter to his goal. 3.) Peace without God is not genuine peace.

  Our natural man looks within for answers to the stream of life’s many conflicts; self-actualization resulting in personal peace a hopeless treadmill effort with goal seemingly realized in moments, but limited to, never fully fixed for lifetime. Even Kurt Goldstein, the originating organismic theorist in using “drive” concedes this on the motive to realize one's full potential; "the tendency to actualize itself as fully as possible is the basic drive... the drive of self-actualization."

  If mankind realized true peace, Apollyon would have no field to play his game(s) in which all supporting troops are expendable without redemption. True peace would suppress him drastically.

  Man, in the way he strives for peace unwittingly doesn’t fight Apollyon. In seeking peace in all the ways lacking and thereby rejecting the One Way, man aids and abets the Destroyer of peace.

  We must be clear on which side of the battle line peace is on else we inadvertently ignorantly fight on the wrong side. 

EBB4

STEALING WATERMELONS

STEALING WATERMELONS

Tuesday, February 07, 2017

1John [ESV] 3:18-23 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. [Rom.12:1-3]

Actions

^

Attitude

^

Beliefs

  As a lad I stole watermelons . . . and cherries and strawberries and equipment from mothballed WWII trucks and armor and from boxcars. The taste and the money were good but not at all the main motivation. The collegiate razor’s edge excitement with sense of power was the list topper, just as I believe it is today.  (I see this in decades of volunteer jail and prison ministry.)

  Without God consciousness why live a factory or cubicle life? It wasn’t the desire to do wrong things. It was doing wrong things that quickened our spirit. Sadly, some of my childhood friends rejected the Lord’s omniscience and lost many years behind razor wiring.

  Family spoke of and pointed out penalties when passing Maryland reform School for Boys. Instead of inhibition it only added to the excitement. My awakening began under BSA Scoutmaster Larry Marino, WWII Pacific combat Marine, he teaching us that God sees everything we do or don’t do.

  It wasn’t until I trusted Jesus Christ as personal redeemer and began studying His Word that the truth of His omniscience played the utmost part in quickening my spirit beyond limited conscience once held in my old nature. (Ps.119:50, 93; 1Cor.15:36; Eph.2:1, 5; Col.2:13; 1Pet.3:18)

  Salvation is not only about now-going-to-heaven when I die. It is also about conscience while waiting.

EBB4

PS. It was in this same scout troop that I experienced molesting by the assistant scout master: The lesson being that in all situations, good and bad, we decide what we take away and how thereafter we identify ourselves. My name is not Victim.

PPS. Another definition for collegiate is “airy-fairy”.

PASTOR BOB RESPONDING

PASTOR BOB RESPONDING

Monday, February 06, 2017

  In my privilege and responsibility writing Daily Thoughts (DTs) I strive to honor and glorify God, emulating Jesus’ example. His example included being provocative. Yesterday’s DT, QUESTIONING GOD, included provocation in the questions presented, and slyly by an omission. The deliberate omission my leaving out “Job did so.” Both questions and omission were in the hope of generating thought and response from DT readers. Pastor Bob did so very quickly. In doing so he provoked me, and hopefully you.

“Job did so...

  Our hearts should be open before God and if we have questions, we should present them.  Wouldn't we want our children to come to us when they are hurting or confused?  But our questioning should be without presumption and always in faith.  That wasn't the case with Cain, Saul, and eventually, Job "lost his patience."  All were rebuked.  Job responded with repentance and God blessed him.
  Notice that nearly all the psalms of lament are done in the context of faith.  The complaint is voiced, but somewhere in the psalm there is usually the rejoinder "but."  "But I will trust....But I will praise."  Psalm 88 is the only lament that I can find that doesn't have that kind of faith expression.  Lament (questioning) is good when done in the context of faith.”

  Now, do you have any questions for God, Pastor Bob, me?

EBB4

QUESTIONING GOD

QUESTIONING GOD

Sunday, February 05, 2017

Hebrews [ESV] chapter … do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

For, "Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him." But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

  Is it okay to question or disagree with Jehovah God Almighty?

  It depends.

  Eve, then Adam, did so. (Gen.3)

  Cain did so. (Gen.4:9)

  Abraham did so. (Gen.18:23)

  Saul did so. (1Sam.28:6)

  Hezekiah did so. (2Kin.20:1-3)

  Psalmist did so. (10)

  Psalmist Maschil of Asaph did so. (74)

  Psalmist Asaph did so. (77)

  Peter did so. (Mt.18:21)

  Nicodemus did so. (Jn.3:4)

  Jesus, His only begotten son, questioned Him. (Mt.27:46; Mk.15:34)

  I have done so.

  You have done so?

  Reviewing the above list of questioners we know the answers varied. How do we followers reconcile the variety to the immutability of God? (Heb.6:18-19)

  Is the answer the first question posed today found in Hebrews chapter 11?

  Or do you recognize the answer elsewhere in God’s Word and its application to life?

EBB4