It can be a challenge to always recognize who is in control of our lives. In many cases, people believe they have sole ownership of whether or not things go “according to plan”. Whether it was in school, on the practice field, or performing the daily chores we had around the house, we have been charged from a young age to work hard in whatever we do. We accomplish tasks from start to finish individually or with a group of people with our minds and/or our hands. We make friends by personally introducing ourselves, staying in touch, and visiting with one another on a regular basis. I can decide whether or not I am going to be personable, and the same goes for the other individual. When a loved one is treated for an illness or injury in the hospital, the doctor is the one who performs the surgery or prescribes the right medicine that enables the loved one to recover. In all of these situations, we are the ones physically performing the work and mentally making the decisions that will drive whether or not a situation is going to be successful… or so it seems.

Haggai 1: 5-6, 9a, 10-11 “Now, therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways. 6 You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. 9 You looked formuch, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. 10 Therefore the heavens above you have withheld the dew, and the earth has withheld its produce. 11 And I have called for a drought on the land and the hills, on the grain, the new wine, the oil, on what the ground brings forth, on man and beast, and on all their labors.”

Zechariah 8: 10-12 “For before those days there was no wage for man or any wage for beast, neither was there any safety from the foe for him who went out or came in, for I set every man against his neighbor. 11 But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as in the former days, declares the LORD of hosts. 12 For there shall be a sowing of peace. The vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its produce, and the heavens shall give their dew…”

When reading passages like the ones above, it is very difficult to think of an area in my life where God does not play a major part. In the Haggai passage, we read about individuals who were working for a living, clothing their families, feeding their families, and trying to save funds. People in 2013 are performing these exact same tasks today. In the Haggai passage, it is clear that the effort of the people was great. It says that “you have sown much and looked for much”, but their efforts were futile; they weren’t successful though they were doing everything they could for it to be so. If people are in control, and people ultimately drive whether or not a situation is going to be successful, they would have had plenty to eat and drink, they would have been warm in their clothes, and they would have been saving funds, but they weren’t. God was against them because His house was not built and they were living in their homes, and so they weren’t accomplishing their goals. In the Zechariah passage, we read that the relationships of the Jewish ancestors were very hostile. It wasn’t a safe time. Why is this? Didn’t they have a choice whether or not to be kind to one another? Didn’t they have a choice to put other’s needs in front of their own? Yes they did, but because God was against them, their efforts towards good relationships were to no avail.

The Bible is very clear that as Christians we are to do our best in everything we do. We must do our part in order to be successful in life, work, and relationships. Ultimately, though, God’s Will shall be done, so if we are successful in an endeavor, we need to give God the glory. God gave the Jews in Zechariah instructions on how to stay in good standing with God.

Zechariah 8: 16-17 “These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace; 17 do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the LORD.”
We are told in Romans chapter eight that for those who love God all things work together for good. This is not a guarantee that we will always be successful in every endeavor we take on here on earth… it is so much more.

Romans 8: 31-32 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Travis Starling

Some of the themes in Psalm 39 are very similar to those written in Ecclesiastes. Like his son would do one day, David was trying to understand the vanity and problems of life. There he was, absolute king of a large, rich and powerful kingdom. Armies moved at his command, and servants were ready to meet his every need. He even enjoyed a special relationship with God. But he STILL had to deal with personal suffering due to the consequences of his personal actions, and life in general.

In Psalm 39, David reflected upon the problems he had to deal in his life, and how he would like to verbally strike out at the people who caused some of them. But from the psalm, it’s clear that David had decided on a different path. “I said, ‘I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence'”. Today, we might warn someone in a similar situation and say, “Well, you’re just going to have to bite your tongue.”

David’s resolution was well intentioned. He was going to control what he said, especially when his enemies and political opponents were with him. However, that kind of decision is often easier said than done! David went on to write, “But when I was silent and still, not even saying anything good, my anguish increased.”

David certainly had the right idea on practicing discipline in what he said, but he obviously felt the pressure building up inside of him like a pressure-cooker. How often have we felt like we were going to “blow up” if we don’t say something? How often have we been in a “bad mood”, or we have been filled with anger over what has happened to us? Too often, the result of such pressure is that we lash out in anger and frustration. Unfortunately, the person that gets “dumped on” may have had absolutely nothing to do with the situation at all! Sadly, that other person is often a loved one.

As king, David’s case was a little different. He had to deal with different kinds of people. Many did not like him, and were his enemies. David described some as being “wicked”. Still others would try to gain his attention or trust to fulfill their own ambitions. It would have been very easy for David, as king, to lash out at those that he did not care for. But David knew that such outbursts would have been a sin, so he was determined to hold his peace.

However, as the pressure inside built up, it began to affect him physically. Finally, David could contain it no longer, and he let his thoughts and emotions pour out. But he did not do it before the people in his court, he poured out his heart before the Lord.

David’s example is very important, because too often today, we reverse the order. Many people spend long hours crying about their problems to other people, yet they never take their petitions, their thoughts, their feelings to the one being that can truly help – the Lord.

Such actions are especially bad when a Christian complains about what is happening to a non-Christian. As God’s children, and as His ambassadors, we must be careful as to what we say, and to whom it is said. Like David, at times WE must resolve to put a muzzle upon our mouth, and NOT say what we would just LOVE to say!

Now, to state that we should take our petitions to the Lord first does not mean that we cannot go to another Christian when we are facing great problems. The encouragement and love that Christians can give one another is one of the great blessings of the local congregation. However, we should never be reluctant to express what we feel before the Lord! After all, He knows what is in our hearts; and we might as well get it out so that it can be dealt with.

In the psalm, David wrote. “Show me, O Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life”. Two thoughts come out of this passage. First, it seems like David was saying, “Lord, this is so bad that I just want it to end!” During the hard trials that are faced, it is not uncommon for Christians to say, “Lord, I can’t take it anymore – I want it to end!” Many writers in both the Old and New Testament scriptures had such feelings. Life can be such a burden that all one wants is an ending. However, at such times, we must remember Paul’s words to endure, persevere, and run the race. As one man said, “Life is a task to be done – not a vacation to be enjoyed”. Today, we must be about the Lord’s work. We must always remember that God will help us, and He will relieve the burdens we face.

The second thought from verse 4 is that during the time we are dealing with trials, they seem to go on FOREVER. However, after that time is past, we look back on what we faced and see that it made us stronger. Intellectually, David knew that the things he faced would run their course, but in his heart, he needed the assurance of the Lord. In our times of great distress, we need to remember that this life and the problems of this life are only temporary. As long as we understand how short this life really is, we will be able to master the trials we face, and keep our eyes upon the goal we want – ETERNAL LIFE!

Jim Shelburn

In verses 1, David wrote, “O LORD, rebuke me not in Your wrath, and chasten me not in Your burning anger.” We do not know when David wrote Psalm 38, but it is clear to see that he had done something very wrong and he was suffering the consequences of his actions. Some believe that he wrote this psalm after he was accused of his sin with Bathsheba. If this is true, then this psalm is one of several that he probably wrote during that time.

The words of David sound hauntingly familiar. In many ways, the first few verses sounded like the pleas of a child before his, or her, father. “I’m sorry! Don’t punish me! I didn’t mean it! I won’t do it again!” Sound familiar? As children, most, if not all of us, echoed the same sentiments when we faced a stern father or mother because we did something wrong. Usually, the punishment was still administered and it was not pleasant at all!

However, that perspective changes, when we become a parent. Now, that son or daughter stands before US, and they are guilty of doing something that they knew was wrong. That familiar plea is made, and WE have to decide to punish or not punish the child. The easy way out would be to let the child go, but then the lesson of facing the consequences for wrong actions would have been lost. So, out of love, the appropriate punishment is administered.

Usually, the problems that people find themselves facing come from their own actions. In David’s case, he was experiencing great anguish over what he had done, because he KNEW that it was contrary to the Lord’s will. He was overwhelmed with his guilt!

Guilt will affect a person mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Unresolved guilt can contribute to a person sliding into a deep depression. Guilt can be a harsh taskmaster that never lets up. In verses 3-8, David wrote, “There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities are gone over my head; as a heavy burden they weigh too much for me. My wounds grow foul and fester because of my folly. I am bent over and greatly bowed down; I go mourning all day long. For my loins are filled with burning, and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am benumbed and badly crushed; I groan because of the agitation of my heart.”

Yes, unresolved, or unforgiven guilt is a terrible thing to have to deal with. David finishes the Psalm by writing, “Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God, be not far from me! Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior.” It is clear that David had thrown himself upon the mercy of God, and was begging for forgiveness.

In reading David’s plea to the Lord, we, as Christians, can say, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” As long as we love Him and walk in His light, we KNOW that we are cleansed from all sin. That does not mean that we will be free from the feelings of guilt. If we have deliberately turned from the way the Lord wants us to go, we will, and we should, feel guilt! When that happens, we can pray to our Father for help and forgiveness. Then, we can follow the words of David when he wrote, “I wait for you, O Lord; you will answer, O Lord my God”. At such times, God may let us “stew” awhile before the burden is lifted. But, as His children, we can approach the Throne of Grace with confidence.

There is another good point that David made in his psalm, “I confess my iniquity…” To confess means to acknowledge. When Nathan rebuked David for his affair with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, David did not try to hide from what he had done, and he did not try to act as if it had not happened. Instead, he acknowledged it, and placed himself at the mercy of God. David’s last words in Psalm 38 were, “Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!”

As Christians, we would do well to follow that example. Forgiveness cannot occur without acknowledging sin, and that acknowledgement must be sincere. A casual “forgive me for anything that I might have done” attitude is not true repentance. With repentance will come forgiveness, but the consequences of those actions will probably still remain.

Of course, we know that the Lord did indeed help David, and we also know that He loved him, and that love did not change. By the same token, we also know that God loves us as His children. There will be times when we will experience the same kind of anguish that David faced, there will be times when WE cry out much as David did, and we will also place ourselves in the hands of our Lord.

When those times occur, we need to remember the words of David. His inspired words will help us keep the right perspective. Yes, we will face trials. Yes, we will be disciplined; but our Lord loves us. That love will be with us as long as our love and trust are placed in Him. Remember, as His children, we can approach the Throne of Grace with confidence.

Jim Shelburn

Psalm 37

David wrote psalms throughout his life. For some, it is difficult to determine when they were written, but from verse 25, it is clear that David wrote Psalm 37 when he was old. “I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread.”

In many ways, the psalm sounds like the loving advice that a grandfather would give to his grandchildren. What a life David had lived! Think of the years of experience and meditation that he had when he wrote this psalm. As David saw his own end coming closer, he may have wanted to give the generations following him something to help them with life. So, he tried to answer the perplexing question, “Why do the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper?” Not only was that an important question in David’s day, it is a question that is asked many times every day.

David recognized that the situation did exist where it seemed like the wicked often did better than those who loved the Lord and were trying to do His will, and his first eleven verses contained a message to hold on and get everything in the right perspective. David began piece of advice with words designed to encourage the faithful. He wrote, “Do not fret because of evil men”, “Trust in the Lord and do good”, “Delight yourself in the Lord”, Commit your way to the Lord”, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him”, and “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath”.

Often, life seems to be horribly unfair. At such times when it is happening to US, it is hard to see why God would allow things to happen. The question creeps into our mind, “What good is it to be a Christian if this is going to happen?” In reading David’s psalms, it’s clear that he had written many of them while he was wrestling with tremendous problems and trials. So, the first eleven verses are especially precious; because David “has been there”, and his words were written out of those times.

David’s words would be echoed time after time by the New Testament writers. We are “told to endure, persevere, run the race, hold fast to our faith, and countless other words. All of these men saw life as a task to be done, and it would require a faith and trust in the Lord.

Not only would the wicked seem to do better than the righteous, David also knew that the wicked would also plot against the men and women that loved and followed the Lord. Today, in varying degrees, Christians face hostility from those that will not follow the way of the Lord. However, verse 13 shows what will happen, “The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming”. For those opposed to the Lord, the day of reckoning will arrive. For Christians, that promise is to be a word of encouragement, but it must not be taken too far. With Godly love, all in Christ are to take the Good News to a lost world. We are to work to save souls, and even those that are to be considered wicked can find salvation in Jesus Christ. Our work is to be about the Lord’s business, His job is to settle the accounts.

In verse 18, David wrote, “The days of the blameless are known to the Lord, and their inheritance will endure forever”. This passage, in a sense, answers the question about why the wicked seem to prosper and the Righteous seem to suffer. In this world of sin, the wicked will have their day. In addition, Satan actively works against those that follow the Lord. However, the Lord KNOWS those that love him and try to follow him. No matter what happens here, the eternal inheritance that has been promised is secure. This world will end, but what is real will last.

How much do people know about other people that lived in the past? How many details do we even know about our personal families? Certainly, memories are often very clear and precious concerning parents and grandparents. But what is known about great-grandparents or great-great grandparents? What did they do in their lives? What did they accomplish? What about great-aunt so-and-so, or old great uncle… “What was his name again?” How important is a person’s life if the details are lost?

But the Psalmist wrote, “The days of the blameless are known to the Lord…” In Christ, every Christian’s life has meaning. The efforts, the prayers, the struggles, and the great joys don’t disappear. In fact, they are remembered for eternity.

In verses 23 and 24, David wrote, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.” How many parents have carefully walked behind a small child just beginning to walk? Each tentative step is a victory for that little one, and the joy of success is obvious in those young eyes. But the danger of falling and getting hurt is very real. So, “Mommy” or “Daddy”, shadow each step to make sure he, or she, does not get hurt.

How many times have we seen a small child holding onto the hand, or finger, of Daddy as they walk along the sidewalk or parking lot? It is clear that the child feels secure and confident, because the Father is right there.

In a very real sense, the Lord is with very one of His children. If that Christian stumbles or falls, any injury will be relatively minor. In many cases, tragic incidents or trials are avoided, because “the steps of a man are established by the Lord”. Like a small child, a Christian can move through the events of life confident that the Lord is right there.

So, when life seems to be horribly unfair, remember Psalm 37 and the wise advice of an old man who had a very special understanding of the importance of the Lord. Across the centuries, his words can help.

Jim Shelburn

Johnny dreams of playing baseball in the Big League someday and his little sister, Julie, wants to grow up to be a veterinarian. What great ambitions our children imagine themselves doing! One day they want to be this and the next day that. Most of us encourage our children to dream big because we want them to see what is possible.

This is not to suggest we should encourage false hope or lie to our children about their future. Not every little boy or girl can grow up to become what they first dreamed about. However, it may be better for them to find out what they can and cannot do rather than us telling them they can’t. We should be in the business of teaching them to choose wise goals and helping them to build behavior for success.

Young minds do not know what is good for them on their own. (Prov. 22:15) Think about the children who grow up wanting to be a part of a gang or who believe drugs are the way to happiness. Look at kids who drop out of school because they feel education is a bother. Some teenagers spend the week waiting for Friday and Saturday so they can drink and party. Many date with a corrupt view of sex and marriage. To them, loyalty and good manners may just get in the way of a “good time.”
How and where do our young people get these destructive views? They learn them early in life by what they see and hear. These first years do a lot to shape who they become later in life. This is why parents should teach their children right from wrong and then set the example for them to see. It helps give a solid base for the choices kids must make as they get older. (Prov. 22:6)

Our boys and girls need help learning what is best for them. Parents do this when they teach them about God and how to choose between right and wrong. This will then give them the ability to figure out the details of life. (2 Tim. 3:16-17) It is up to them to choose a godly mate or to decide what they will do for a living. They will not take a job that conflicts with Scripture or that calls for acts of sin. Neither will they marry someone hostile to God or their efforts to serve Him.

When children grow up to have and use the right tools for life, they will put God first. You might disagree with this statement and say many successful young adults do not serve God. (Jeremiah 12:1) I would counter if they do not please the Creator then they are not successful and do not use the right tools. What we have here are two points of view about success. One focuses on earthly feats and the other says the only point that matters is if we serve God faithfully. Which position do most people believe is right? If you look at the evidence of how people live it is clearly the first. Most parents spend more time teaching and talking about earthly goals than they do about spiritual ambitions. We want our kids to flourish socially, get a good job, have a big house, and a great family. Nothing is wrong with any of these, but they do not define success by themselves.

Jesus said there is nothing more important to man than his soul. “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26) No matter how much money our children make or how far they go in life they are failures without God. Parents have one job; teach their children to love and obey God. If we carry out this task then everything about our kids’ lives will take care of themselves.

What are the right tools for life? What should every parent focus on when teaching and training a child? Paul said “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Eph. 6:4) Raise your children with training and education that comes from God’s Word. Cultivate their thoughts, feelings and actions to want to please God. Remind them of why they are here and all that God has done for them. (Eccl. 12:13-14) Correct any wrongs in thought or action and use appropriate punishment when needed.

I am reminded of what the Lord said to Israel in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Take every opportunity to talk to your children about God’s love and grace. They should come to know God has done more for them than you ever can or will as a parent. Whatever love and respect they have for you ought to be magnified many times for God.
Terry Starling

Toning It Down

A “country meeting” had gone exceedingly well, and elders from another community asked the preacher to work with them the following year. He came at the appointed time, and found his reputation had spread, and the building was packed. The elders met him at the car, told him they had never had such a gathering of Methodists, Baptists, and no-church folk, so he must be very careful lest he offend someone with his forthright teaching.

Being young and brash, and having no more tact than to tell the truth, he reminded them of the undiluted lessons that had been given at the neighboring church in the previous year. He said that since he had not been in that section of the state before, the previous year’s work must have drawn this year’s crowd; and certainly was the reason he had been asked to come. He concluded, “If you expect to hold and convert these people with something other than the kind of preaching that brought them together, I’m afraid you have the wrong man. I’ll get back into my car and go home.”

With much confusion — “Oh no, you must have misunderstood us” etc., the preacher was persuaded to stay, and the meeting began. The preaching was strong, and seemed to get a little stronger; but the people continued to come, and several were converted.
I do not now believe, nor did I then, that “skinning the sects” is good preaching. Some folk will turn away from straight, plain truth, no matter how fairly we seek to present it. But we are dead wrong in thinking we can convert people to Christ with anything other than the Bible message. It will convict the world respecting sin, righteousness, and judgment; and many won’t like that. But we are looking for the “few” who will like it, and will genuinely turn to God.

“Toning it down” will produce only “toned down” members of a “toned down” church. You may keep the money, the politicians, and silk-stocking row; but you will lose the backbone and fiber that is necessary for a church to prevail and please the Lord. And if “members” are not interested in pleasing the Lord and saving souls, why bother with any preaching at all?
Robert Tuner

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The Last Fight

On the ruins of a theater in Ephesus there is a memorial to an athlete of the 2nd century A.D. which reads: “He fought three fights, and twice was crowned.” Watch out for that last step! You see, those “athletes” fought to the death. A man’s last fight was always fatal. So, the crown meant only that one changed opponents; and sooner or later the last would slay him.

What a difference in this crown, and that of the apostle Paul: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day…” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Paul did more than fight “unto death” — he fought unto life, eternal. If his fight of faith cost him his earthly life, it only meant he was now free to claim the crown that counted most (Revelation 2:10, 2 Cor. 5:6ff.). How different from those who die without hope.

Paul sought an enduring victory — one that could not be taken from him. He exhorted Timothy, “La hold on eternal life…” (1 Timothy 6:12). This called for training, perseverance, and above all, self control (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). The athlete trained his body only to prolong the day when it would fail him; but Paul trained his that it might the better serve the Lord, and thus serve his eternal purposes.

Psalm 36—Jim Shelburn

Many of the psalms that David wrote were in response to something that he had faced in his life. However, Psalm 36 seems to be more of a reflection upon the general state of sin that existed, and exists in the world. The first four verses are a harsh, but realistic, picture of a person who has given himself, or herself, over to the wickedness of the world. “Transgression speaks to the ungodly within his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes. For it flatters him in his own eyes concerning the discovery of his iniquity and the hatred of it. The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; he has ceased to be wise and to do good. He plans wickedness upon his bed; he sets himself on a path that is not good; he does not despise evil.”

Today, the words of David are reflected in faces of people seen everyday. People live lives of indescribable misery, yet there seems to be no motivation to change for something better. The first four verses may seem to be extreme, but how many people fall within this picture? For some people – some families – the only words heard are harsh. They are designed to hurt the self worth of a person. Words such as, “I love you”, or “You are important” are never considered. Too often, the goal of such people is to “get ahead” regardless of who it hurts. Times that could be spent in relaxation are spent trying to escape from life. Yes, David’s words are uncomfortably close for too many people.

In contrast, David’s words and thoughts turn from the wicked to the Lord. And what a contrast that is! The first four verses seem to show a life of desolation and spiritual poverty; but verses 5 – 9 give a picture of peace, beauty, and plenty. David uses such words as faithfulness, righteousness, justice, love, joy, and abundance. Yes, David knew what too many people tragically cannot see today. Everything that is truly important can only be found in the Lord.

Look again at the words David used, “Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep.” There is a real sense of permanence in these words. These give a picture of the Living God that will NEVER fail those that trust in Him. Every single good thing or person in this world will fail eventually, but absolute trust can be placed in the Lord, because He is good, faithful, loving, and eternal.

In verses 7-8, David wrote, “How precious is Your loving kindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; And You give them to drink of the river of Your delights.”

John described the time when Jesus met the Samaritan woman. Jesus told her that he could give her living water. In John 7:37 Jesus said, “If a man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him”. Physically, every person must drink enough water to live. Without water, a person becomes increasingly thirsty. The initial pangs of thirst become an unbearable need for water. A person’s body will begin to shut down, and the person finally dies.

Likewise, every person must be replenished spiritually. The only true source for this is Jesus Christ – period. Initially, the effects may not be as obvious, but over time the chronic effects of a spiritless life lead to despair. Many people that have a reputation of “living life to the fullest” Usually, that expression refers to a world-focused life. But those same people begin to look at things differently as they face the fact of their own demise.

In the Lord, a person will find spiritual nourishment. Life can still be active and fun; but the difference is day-to-day decisions are Spirit-driven and not world-driven. Serving Lord gives purpose to life. “Walking in the Light” automatically provides a better quality of life; because contentment and inner peace CAN be achieved. In addition, the ability to answer the “whys” of life become clearer as a person matures in Christ.

Verse 9 is significant. “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light”. Not only are these words a beautiful picture of what comes from the Lord, but they also bring to mind some of the deepest truths presented in the Gospel of John. In John is found the picture of Jesus Christ as the Light that gives light to the world. At night, when the lights are out in our homes, we move cautiously; because we cannot see, and we’re afraid we might stumble into something or stub a toe. Then, the lights come back on, and we can see!

Every day is a day of decisions. “What am I going to do in this situation?” Many of these decisions are routine. For other situations, deciding the right course of action is obvious. But in too many cases, determining the right answer does not appear to be that clear-cut. The consequences for each option are obscured. In that case, the right decision must be determined based on the principles found in the Bible.

The “Good News” establishes the goal of eternal life; and the teaching in the New Testament provides the instruction for day-to-day living. Of course, that will require a working knowledge of the principles in the New Testament. Decisions based on feelings, impulse, or strong emotions invariably lead to disaster. “Ready, go, set!” has never worked.

David’s words also pointed forward to a time when the mystery of the ages would be revealed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ gives us the anchor for people’s lives. Through study, reflection, and application of the scriptures, the revealing light and wisdom of God opens up more and more. As faith and trust grows, His precious light pushes the shadows farther and farther away.

Yes, in the world, it seems like wickedness has the upper hand. The righteousness of God, God’s will, often seems to be in retreat; but David knew, and Christians know, that is not true. God WILL strengthen his children, and those that reject His love and offer will suffer the consequences of their actions.

When the result does not turn out the way we want, we often blame someone or something else for the breakdown. I failed the test because my parents did not make me study. It is not my fault I became lost; I followed the map. Do not blame me for dropping the dishes because you came in and scared me. Some think this way because they believe it excuses their actions by laying guilt elsewhere.

Adam and Eve are the classic example of trying to excuse what they did by blaming others. Adam deflected his guilt by accusing Eve and brought God into the picture. Eve redirected their focus to the serpent because he had deceived her. In the end, they each had to bear the guilt of their own actions and sins. (Gen. 3:11-24)

Instead of blaming someone else for my failings and offenses, I must accept the problem belongs to me. (1 Tim. 1:15) I must first believe God alone sets the standard of right and wrong. (John 12:48-50) I need to honestly compare my life against the pattern of His Word. (2 Cor. 13:5) The issue Adam and Eve had is the same we face in life. We must choose to obey or disobey God and accept the blame if we sin.

There are also times we blame ourselves for events and failures over which we had no real control. I am not talking about matters of sin for which one is liable. Breakdowns and unexpected troubles can happen anytime. It is like a driver blaming himself for an accident he did not cause. “What if I had looked three times instead of just two?” “Perhaps I should have been driving twenty-five miles an hour instead of thirty.” “I should have reacted quicker when I saw the danger.” This groundless blaming of self makes no sense. Some may even come to question their own driving skills or get so scared they refuse to drive. Baseless feelings of guilt can weigh us down to a point where we do not do much of anything.

Christians are workers for Christ and we have much to achieve. This means we do the jobs, and only the jobs, God wants. (2 John 9) We also love Him enough to do the work His way. (Rev. 22:18-19) I am not saying it will always go the way we want or expect, because it won’t. Satan, the evil one, is fighting against us. His whole purpose is to spoil our effort to serve the Lord faithfully. (1 Peter 5:8)

While the Devil can entice and tempt us in many ways, creating despair has to be near the top. (Eph. 3:13) If he can dishearten us by our failures or if he can make us question our worth, then he wins. We must not let him prevail by us becoming discouraged over events beyond our control. (2 Tim. 4:10)

I know people who are passionate about their faith and ready to do the Lord’s Work. You can see their zeal by what they do and how they live. They never miss a service unless they are sick or out of town. (Heb. 10:25) Bible studies and worship services give them a chance to learn about God, and so they do not want to miss. Just as someone taught them the truth, they want to grow to a point where they can teach others. (Heb. 5:12-14)

BEWARE! Satan will do everything he can to discourage you, to chip away at your faith. (1 Peter 5:8) You want to teach someone the truth? Do not get down when they mock and make fun of the message. Evil people did the same to the Lord and the apostles. (Acts 17:32) If you lovingly teach the truth, that is all God expects and wants from you. (2 Tim. 4:1-2)

When people reject the gospel they snub God, not me. The power to reach people does not come from me or my wisdom. It is as Paul said, he did not use “lofty words or wisdom” to teach people. (1 Cor. 2:1) Instead, the Holy Spirit guided him almost two thousand years ago to reveal truth. (Gal. 1:11-12) When we use the same words to teach the same message, the power to save still belongs to God.

When I make rejecting God’s Word personal and about me, then I have lost sight of the One who should take offense. Without God, we can do nothing to save ourselves. He is the One who planned, carried out, and revealed every part of His saving grace and what He wants from us. (1 Cor. 2:9-13) We must also remember, the gospel does exactly what God intends. As Isaiah said about His Word, “it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)

Do not let what we cannot control derail our faith. Some give up teaching because they become discouraged. Others may blame themselves when sinners do not respond they way they should to God’s Word. What about the person who loses faith because some mistreat them? Instead of giving up, perhaps it is better to increase one’s kindness and compassion to others. I know we can all grow and do better. We should continue to examine ourselves and try to improve.

Terry Starling

Imagine with me for a moment about what it would be like to experience the trials and tribulations that the apostle Paul lived through. We read in 2 Corinthians chapter eleven a summarization of Paul’s “major” physical trials he faced. 2 Cor. 11: 23-27 reads, “Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one – I am talking like a madman – with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.” Many more passages could be referenced when talking about Paul’s struggles as a Christian. We could explore the idea of him being rejected by his former peers when he converted to “the Way”. We could reference the “thorn in his side” or the mental torment that he endured while being held captive by Felix for two years while Felix looked for a handout. These topics that have been mentioned about Paul’s life could be discussed by any Christian and benefit be gained, but I want to look deeper into one of Paul’s mental battles that he faced towards the end of his life.

Philippians 1: 20-26 reads “as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.” We see in this passage that Paul is facing a mental battle or struggle about his current situation on earth. Paul expresses a healthy hunger to get to heaven soon, while realizing that leaving this earth for heaven may not be the best choice at time. Paul realizes that there is still much joy, knowledge, and encouragement that he can give to other Christians, so we see the mental battle that he is faced with. He can choose to stay on this earth and continue to work in God’s kingdom to help others get to Heaven, or he can soon be with his father in paradise. Paul proclaims in the passage that he is going to chose the unselfish choice and remain and continue with them all, for their progress and joy in the faith. Paul makes the valiant choice and gives Christians today a great example on how to be servant. The main point I want to focus on though is about the mental battle that Paul was able to have that maybe not all of us as Christians could have in our own minds. Anyone who has heard the stories about Paul and has learned about his love for the “the Way” knows that Paul could boldly say that “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Paul, on countless occasions, made sacrifices in his life for the benefit of others. His conversation was such a life changing experience that from a worldly standpoint took him from being on cloud nine to falling all the way to rock bottom. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Could we all say that? Could I say that? In my life, am I living in such a way that for to me to live is Christ? While passing through this pit stop on our way to our true home, are we living in such a way that is going to lead us to Heaven? Another question we could ask is, “are we as sure as Paul about where our final destination will be?” “To die is gain” is such a powerful message to us. As Christians we have power over death that Christ gave to us that others in this world do not have. These questions are great to ask on a regular basis to help keep us in check. We should be yearning to reach Heaven and living towards that goal each and every day.

Paul was able say “If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me.” Producing fruitful labor is what it means to live for Christ. The Bible uses a common theme about the idea of fruit being produced or not being produced in the New Testament. In Matthew 21 Jesus finds himself hungry and seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. Immediately Jesus curses the fig tree and the tree withers at once. I want to present a simple question. Would Jesus have cursed the tree had it had fruit on it? I believe the simple answer to this question is no. The purpose of a fig tree is to produce figs, just like the purpose of an apple tree is to produce apples. As Christians, our purpose on this earth is to fear God and keep his commandments. Our purpose is to produce fruit, but not just any kind of fruit. We have to produce wholesome and pure fruit. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul writes about love and how important love is to God’s kingdom. Paul writes about the important role love plays in our actions as Christians. He writes that if we do anything without love, it is meaningless. While fulfilling our purpose to fear God and keep his commandments, we must produce the right kind of fruit with love.

Paul is admired by Christians for so many reasons. Countess times he put the needs of others in front of his own needs. This being said, I sometimes think that Christians do Paul an injustice by exalting him higher than a human being should be. Paul did great things in his life, but Paul would never approve of Christians today putting his example up above anything we could attain today. Paul did have the power of the Holy Spirit and he did preach in a time when the Gospel was still fairly new, but that does not mean that we cannot strive to be like Paul in any shape or form. There are still many people who have no clue who God is, or they don’t care to know. There are still people that can use encouragement and support. There are still fellow Christians that need a spiritual boost, and we can give it to them. We can make an impact, just like Paul did, and quite frankly we should. If a Christian is not able or willing to preach the Gospel afar, there are people that for dollars a day could make that happen. There are families in every local congregation that are just waiting to be picked up off the ground spiritually by a helping hand. We all have to do our part, not thinking that someone else will carry our load. Let us be aware of passages like Matthew twenty-five and help those who are in need. Let us be steadfast to live in such a way that we all could say, “to live is Christ.”

Travis Starling

Most people are grateful when others do grand acts of kindness for them, and they usually have no trouble saying thank you for these deeds. For example, it is not hard to be thankful to the firefighter who goes into a burning building to save someone we love. Most of us find it easy to say thanks to a Good Samaritan who stops to give aid. In these moments, when another’s actions immediately help us with a clear and present problem or danger, we take notice. At least, this is how we should respond.

In one Bible example, Christ healed ten lepers after they begged, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” Jesus told the ten to “go and show yourselves to the priests”, and Luke records “as they went they were cleansed.” There was no cure for leprosy. Anyone infected had to separate themselves, even from friends and family. One would assume that all ten came back to the Lord to thank Him. Sadly, they all did not. If you know the story, you know only one came back, and nine were ungrateful. (Luke 17:12-19)

It is not just the great deeds of others we should value and for which we should be thankful. While these may stand out in our minds, the everyday goodness of people helps shape us more. The way our parents love and care for us, how they teach and protect us, goes a long way in helping to form who we will become. Neighbors, friends, and even complete strangers show us kindness and courtesy for which we ought to be thankful.

Why would anyone not show another common courtesy for good and kind deeds done to them? It makes no sense to be rude to someone who has been nice, but this is how many respond. They return evil and contempt for the goodness of others.

I think too many believe society owes them, and so they take for granted the goodwill of others. They feel no special reason to be thankful when others are nice to them. People may also be ungrateful because they focus on themselves, or when the blessing overwhelms them and they forget to say thank you.

Whatever the reason behind ingratitude, the attitude is never acceptable to God. In fact, it is mentioned among those feelings and actions that condemn us. In the book of Romans, Paul writes about some who did not honor God or give thanks to Him. In the context, he describes some sins of people who fall into this class. (Rom. 1:18-32) Paul says ingratitude will cause “times of difficulty” and that Christians should “avoid such people.” (2 Tim. 3:1-5)

Regardless of our current circumstances, we have so much to be thankful for as Christians. Paul tells us, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thess. 5:18) Daily events should not diminish our gratitude for all that God has done for us. I know that bad things happen to Saints, but these do not remove God’s love and blessings. (Rom. 8:38-39)

We must not let the cares and concerns of this life weigh us down, make us anxious, or doubt God’s promises. When difficulty comes, pray to the Father with thanksgiving, knowing He will answer our prayers. (Phil. 4:6) And not only that, but with His answer He gives peace and protection for our hearts and minds. (Phil. 4:7)

Spiritual confidence is made possible because we are freed from sin and its devastating effects. There is no kindness greater than what God has done for us because we have no greater need. (Rom. 6:17-18) Sin separates us from God and His blessing (Isaiah 59:2) and ultimately causes us to lose our soul. (Rom. 6:23) However, God’s gift is “eternal life” in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We must build a grateful spirit in everything we say or do as Christians, and that means respecting the Lord’s authority. Reading from Paul’s Epistle, “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Col. 3:17) People who add to or take away from the Lord’s message are not thankful for His love and sacrifice. (John 14:15) They are not grateful for what He did for us.

Finally, our gratitude is given because we have victory through God. In every spiritual battle there is a winner and a loser, and winning is infinitely better than losing. Christ has already won the war and everyone with Him will enjoy victory, however, we are still fighting our own personal battle. Recall what Paul said, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Cor. 15:58)
Terry Starling