Blog Archives

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

10/29/2015

This past Sunday morning, as we celebrated All Saints Day at our church, I shared a message on Heaven, based on Jesus’ promise, found in John’s New Testament Gospel (14:1-6), and John’s later vision, found in Revelation 21-22. It is a wonderful thing to contemplate what all our Heavenly Father has in store for us in that amazing place!

Afterward, I was reminded by someone of the popularly circulated e-mail based on Roger William Thomas’ short story titled "Keep Your Fork." Appearing in many variations, this piece was originally found on pp. 186-188 of Jack Canfield’s collection titled A 3rd Serving of Chicken Soup for the Soul (Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health Communications, 1996). I repost one such version here:

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So, as she was getting her things in order, she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.

She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.

Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.

“There's one more thing,” she said excitedly.

“What's that?” came the Pastor's reply.

“This is very important,” the young woman continued. “I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.”

The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.

“That surprises you, doesn't it?” the young woman asked.

“Well, to be honest, I am somewhat puzzled by the request,” said the Pastor.

The young woman explained. “My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming ... like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!

“So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder 'What's with the fork?' Then I want you to tell them: 'Keep your fork, the best is yet to come.'”

The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.

At the funeral, people were walking by the young woman's casket; and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, “What's with the fork?” And over and over he smiled.

During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either.

He was right. So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come.

And just remember... keep your fork! The BEST is yet to come!

SOURCE: Thomas, Roger William, "Keep Your Fork", as recounted in: Jack Canfield’s collection titled A 3rd Serving of Chicken Soup for the Soul (Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health Communications, 1996), pp. 186-188.

The original story is available online at: http://author-unknown.com/Keep%20Your%20Fork.htm.

See also: http://www.snopes.com/embarrass/celebrity/keepfork.asp.

DESTINATION PLEASE

10/26/2015

On October 24, 2013, www.Beliefnet.com posted a wonderful piece titled: Billy Graham: I Know Where I’m Going. In it, the following incident was related.

A while back, businessmen and Christian leaders in Charlotte, North Carolina, invited (Rev.) Graham to a luncheon in honor of his upcoming birthday. He initially hesitated to accept the invitation because of his struggles with Parkinson’s disease. However, the Charlotte leaders said, ‘We don’t expect a major address. Just come and let us honor you.’ So he agreed.

After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said: “I’m reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who was honored by Time magazine as the ‘Man of the Century’.

“Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train, when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn’t find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets.

“It wasn’t there. He looked in his briefcase but couldn’t find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn’t find it.

“The conductor said, ‘Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it.’

“Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.

“The conductor rushed back and said, ‘Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don’t worry, I know who you are; no problem. You don’t need a ticket. I’m sure you bought one.’

Einstein looked at him and said, “Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going.”

Having said that, Graham continued to his Charlotte crowd, “See the suit I’m wearing? It’s a brand new suit. My children and my grandchildren are telling me I’ve gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious.

“So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion. You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I’ll be buried. But when you hear I’m dead, I don’t want you to immediately remember the suit I’m wearing.

“I want you to remember this: “I not only know who I am. I also know where I’m going.”

Praise God for Dr. Graham’s wonderful affirmation. I too share that testimony in that I know where I am going. And I trust you do as well. If not, check out Dr. Graham’s thoughts at: http://peacewithgod.net/. You’ll be glad you did.

SOURCE: http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/news/2013/10/billy-graham-i-know-where-im-going.php.

VIVA LA EGLESIA!

10/22/2015

The namesake of the famed Tennessee Valley Authority is the Tennessee River itself. A total of nine major dams sit on the 652 mile long waterway.

Its main tributary, the Little Tennessee River, includes another five dams, each providing vital flood control and hydroelectric power to the surrounding areas.

One of those latter five is the Chilhowee Dam, which is located not far from where I reside and minister. As happens periodically, it is currently being drawn down in order to allow for maintenance on the dam.

Not surprisingly, in the process, the past is once again being revealed. Old cars, bridges, roadways, and even building foundations, all submerged for quite some time, are suddenly visible again.

As amazing as these things are, they pail in comparison to what is happening down in Mexico, where drought has caused the water level to fall 82 feet in the Nezahualcoyotl reservoir on the Grijalva river.

As the water level has fallen, a 16th-century church, known as the Temple of Santiago, that was flooded during construction of a dam nearly forty years ago is now emerging from the waters of the reservoir.

According to news reports, this isn't the first time the church has resurfaced. Once before, in 2002, the water level got so low that people could actually walk around inside. We are told that people celebrated and even worshipped inside the exposed building at that time. Check out these photos…

I share these amazing pictures because they speak volumes about the resiliency of the church. What is emerging from the depths of a Mexican impoundment is symbolic of the church throughout her history. Time and again, over the last two thousand years, she has been inundated and seemingly buried by the world, only to reemerge once again in all her glory and splendor.

And why should anyone be surprised by this? After all, Jesus Christ Himself said, in the New Testament Gospel of Matthew (16:18), “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Amen! Long live the Church of Jesus Christ!

UNIVERSAL PROBLEM SOLVER

10/19/2015

According to an article in Reader’s Digest, WD-40 has far more uses than just on squeaky hinges. Consider some of the many ways you never imagined that this ubiquitous garage staple can make your life a little easier with these 40+ amazing uses for WD-40…

1. Use WD-40 to protect a bird feeder
To keep squirrels from taking over a bird feeder, spray a generous amount of WD-40 on top of the feeder. The pesky squirrels will slide right off.
2. Separate stuck glassware
What can you do when you reach for a drinking glass and get two locked together, one stuck tightly inside the other? You don’t want to risk breaking one or both by trying to pull them apart. Stuck glasses will separate with ease if you squirt some WD-40 on them, wait a few seconds for it to work its way between the glasses, and then gently pull the glasses apart. Remember to wash the glasses thoroughly before you use them.
3. Get off that stuck ring
When pulling and tugging can’t get that ring off your finger, reach for the WD-40. A short burst of WD-40 will get the ring to slide right off. Remember to wash your hands after spraying them with WD-40.
4. Exterminate roaches and repel insects
Don’t let cockroaches, insects, or spiders get the upper hand in your home. Keep a can of WD-40 handy, and when you see a roach, spray a small amount directly on it for an instant kill. To keep insects and spiders out of your home, spray WD-40 on windowsills and frames, screens, and door frames. Be careful not to inhale the fumes when you spray and do not do this at all if you have babies or small children at home.
5. Remove chewing gum from hair
It’s one of an adult’s worst nightmares: chewing gum tangled in a child’s hair. You don’t have to panic or run for the scissors. Simply spray the gummed-up hair with WD-40, and the gum will comb out with ease. Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area when you spray and take care to avoid contact with the child’s eyes.
6. Remove tough scuff marks
Those tough black scuff marks on your kitchen floor won’t be so tough anymore if you spray them with WD-40. Use WD-40 to help remove tar and scuff marks on all your hard-surfaced floors. It won’t harm the surface, and you won’t have to scrub nearly as much. Remember to open the windows if you are cleaning a lot of marks.
7. Wipe away tea stains
To remove tea stains from countertops, spray a little WD-40 on a sponge or damp cloth and wipe the stain away.
8. Clean toilet bowls
You don’t need a bald genie or a specialized product to clean ugly gunk and lime stains from your toilet bowl. Use WD-40 instead: Spray it into the bowl for a couple of seconds and swish with a nylon toilet brush. The solvents in the WD-40 will help dissolve the gunk and lime.
9. Winterproof boots and shoes
Waterproof your winter boots and shoes by giving them a coat of WD-40. It’ll act as a barrier so water can’t penetrate the material. Also use WD-40 to remove ugly salt stains from boots and shoes during the winter months. Just spray WD-40 onto the stains and wipe with a clean rag. Your boots and shoes will look almost as good as new.
10. Clean and restore license plate
To help restore a license plate that is beginning to rust, spray it with WD-40 and wipe with a clean rag. This will remove light surface rust and will also help prevent more rust from forming. It’s an easy way to clean up lightly rusted plates and it won’t leave a greasy feel.
11. Prevent snow buildup on windows
Does the weather forecast predict a big winter snowstorm? You can’t stop the snow from falling, but you can prevent it from building up on your house’s windows. Just spray WD-40 over the outside of your windows before the snow starts and the snow won’t stick.
12. Keep wasps from building nests
Don’t let yellow jackets and other wasps ruin your spring and summer fun. Their favorite place to build nests is under eaves. So next spring mist some WD-40 under all the eaves of your house. It will block the wasps from building their nests there.
13. Remove doggie-doo
Uh-oh, now you’ve stepped in it! Few things in life are more unpleasant than cleaning doggie-doo from the bottom of a sneaker, but the task will be a lot easier if you have a can of WD-40 handy. Spray some on the affected sole and use an old toothbrush to clean the crevices. Rinse with cold water and the sneakers will be ready to hit the pavement again. Now, don’t forget to watch where you step!
14. Tone down polyurethane shine
A new coat of polyurethane can sometimes make a wood floor look a little too shiny. To tone down the shine and cut the glare, spray some WD-40 onto a soft cloth and wipe up the floor with it.
15. Remove strong glue
You didn’t wear protective gloves when using that super-strong glue and now some of it is super-stuck to your fingers! Don’t panic. Just reach for the WD-40, spray some directly on the sticky fingers, and rub your hands together until your fingers are no longer sticky. Use WD-40 to remove the glue from other unwanted surfaces as well.
16. Loosen zippers
Stubborn zippers on jackets, pants, backpacks, and sleeping bags will become compliant again after you spray them with WD-40. Just spray it on and pull the zipper up and down a few times to distribute the lubricant evenly over all the teeth. If you want to avoid getting the WD-40 on the fabric, spray it on a plastic lid; then pick it up and apply it with an artist’s brush.
17. Clean and lubricate guitar strings
To clean, lubricate, and prevent corrosion on guitar strings, apply a small amount of WD-40 after each playing. Spray the WD-40 on a rag and wipe the rag over the strings rather than spraying directly on the strings-you don’t want WD-40 to build up on the guitar neck or body.
18. Keep wooden tool handles splinter free
No tools can last forever, but you can prolong the life of your wood-handled tools by preventing splintering. To keep wooden handles from splintering, rub a generous amount of WD-40 into the wood. It will shield the wood from moisture and other corrosive elements and keep it smooth and splinter-free for the life of the tool.
19. Break in a new baseball glove
Use WD-40 instead of neat’s-foot oil to break in a new baseball glove. Spray the glove with WD-40, put a baseball in the palm, and fold it sideways. Take a rubber band or belt and tie it around the folded glove. The WD-40 will help soften the leather and help it form around the baseball. Keep the glove tied up overnight, and then wear it for a while so it will begin to fit the shape of your hand.
20. Remove stuck prostheses
If you wear a prosthetic device, you know how difficult it can be to remove at times, especially when no one is around to help. Next time you get stuck with a stuck prosthesis, spray some WD-40 at the junction where it attaches. The chemical solvents and lubricants in WD-40 will help make it easier to remove.
21. Clean dried glue
Clean dried glue from virtually any hard surface with ease: Simply spray WD-40 onto the spot, wait at least 30 seconds, and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
22. Degrease your hands
When you’re done working on the car and your hands are greasy and blackened with grime, use WD-40 to help get them clean. Spray a small amount of WD-40 into your hands and rub them together for a few seconds, then wipe with a paper towel and wash with soap and water. The grease and grime will wash right off.
23. Remove decals
You don’t need a chisel or even a razor blade to remove old decals, bumper stickers, or cellophane tape. Just spray them with WD-40, wait about 30 seconds, and wipe them away.
24. Remove stickers from glass
What were the manufacturers thinking when they put that sticker on the glass? Don’t they know how hard it is to get off? When soap and water doesn’t work and you don’t want to ruin a fingernail or risk scratching delicate glass with a blade, try a little WD-40. Spray it on the sticker and glass, wait a few minutes, and then use a no-scratch spatula or acrylic scraper to scrape the sticker off. The solvents in WD-40 cause the adhesive to lose its stickiness.
25. Clean carpet stains
Don’t let ink or other stains ruin your fine carpet. Spray the stain with WD-40, wait a minute or two, and then use your regular carpet cleaner or gently cleanse with a sponge and warm, soapy water. Continue until the stain is completely gone.
26. Get tomato stains off clothes
That homegrown tomato looked so inviting you couldn’t resist. Now your shirt or blouse has a big, hard-to-remove tomato stain! To remove stains from fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce, spray some WD-40 directly on the spot, wait a couple of minutes, and wash as usual.
27. Clean your fridge
When soap and water can’t get rid of old bits of food stuck in and around your refrigerator, it’s time to reach for the WD-40. After clearing all foodstuffs from the areas to be treated, spray a small amount of WD-40 on each resistant spot. Then wipe them away with a rag or sponge. Make sure you wash off all the WD-40 before returning food to the fridge.
28. Condition leather furniture
Keep your favorite leather recliner and other leather furniture in tip-top shape by softening and preserving it with WD-40. Just spray it on and buff with a soft cloth. The combination of ingredients in WD-40 will clean, penetrate, lubricate, and protect the leather.
29. Pretreat blood and other stains
Oh no! Your kid fell down and cut himself while playing, and there’s blood all over his brand-new shirt. After you tend to the wound, give some first aid to the shirt too. Pretreat the bloodstains with WD-40. Spray some directly on the stains, wait a couple of minutes, and then launder as usual. The WD-40 will help lift the stain so that it will come out easily in the wash. Try to get to the stain while it is still fresh, because once it sets, it will be harder to get rid of. Use WD-40 to pretreat other stubborn stains on clothing, such as lipstick, dirt, grease, and ink stains.
30. Remove marker and crayon marks
Did the kids use your wall as if it was a big coloring book? Not to worry! Simply spray some WD-40 onto the marks and wipe with a clean rag. WD-40 will not damage the paint or most wallpaper (test fabric or other fancy wall coverings first). It will also remove marker and crayon marks from furniture and appliances.
31. Remove old wax from skis and snowboards
To remove old wax and dirt from skis and snowboards, spray the base sparingly with WD-40 before scraping with an acrylic scraper. Use a brass brush to further clean the base and remove any oxidized base material.
32. Protect your boat from corrosion
To protect your boat’s outer finish from salt water and corrosion, spray WD-40 on the stern immediately after each use. The short time it takes will save you from having to replace parts, and it will keep your boat looking like it did on the day you bought it for a long time to come.
33. Remove barnacles on boats
Removing barnacles from the bottom of a boat is a difficult and odious task but you can make it easier and less unpleasant with the help of some WD-40. Spray the area generously with WD-40, wait a few seconds, and then use a putty knife to scrape off the barnacles. Spray any remnants with WD-40 and scrape again. If necessary, use sandpaper to get rid of all of the remnants and corrosive glue still left by the barnacles.
34. Spray on fishing lures
Salmon fishermen in the Pacific Northwest spray their lures with WD-40 because it attracts fish and disguises the human odor that can scare them off and keep them from biting. You can increase the catch on your next fishing trip by bringing a can of WD-40 along with you and spraying it on your lures or live bait before you cast. But first check local regulations to make sure the use of chemical-laced lures and bait is legal in your state.
35. Untangle fishing lines
To loosen a tangled fishing line, spray it with WD-40 and use a pin to undo any small knots. Also use WD-40 to extend the life of curled (but not too old) fishing lines. Just take out the first 10 to 20 feet of line and spray it with WD-40 the night before each trip.
36. Clean and protect golf clubs
Whether you’re a duffer or a pro, you can protect and clean your clubs by spraying them with WD-40 after each use. Also use WD-40 to help loosen stuck-on spikes.
37. Keep dead bugs off car grille
It’s bad enough that your car grille and hood have to get splattered with bugs every time you drive down the interstate, but do they have to be so darn tough to scrape off? The answer is no. Just spray some WD-40 on the grille and hood before going for a drive and most of the critters will slide right off. The few bugs that are left will be easy to wipe off later without damaging your car’s finish.
38. Remove stuck spark plugs
To save time replacing spark plugs, do it the NASCAR way. NASCAR mechanics spray WD-40 on stuck plugs so they can remove them quickly and easily. Perhaps that’s one reason why WD-40 has been designated as NASCAR’s “official multi-purpose problem-solver.”
39. Coat a truck bed
For easy removal of a truck-bed liner, spray the truck bed with WD-40 before you install the liner. When it comes time to remove it, the liner will slide right out.
40. Remove "paint rub" from another car
You return to your parked car to find that while you were gone, another vehicle got a bit too close for comfort. Luckily there’s no dent, but now your car has a blotch of “paint rub” from the other car on it. To remove paint-rub stains on your car and restore its original finish, spray the affected area with WD-40, wait a few seconds, and wipe with a clean rag.
41. Revive spark plugs
Can’t get your car to start on a rainy or humid day? To get your engine purring, just spray some WD-40 on the spark-plug wires before you try starting it up again. WD-40 displaces water and keeps moisture away from the plugs.
42. Clean oil spots from driveway
Did a leaky oil pan leave a big ugly spot in the middle of your concrete driveway? To get rid of an unsightly oil spot, just spray it with a generous amount of WD-40 and then hose it down with water.
43. Rejuvenate the barbecue grill
To make a worn old barbecue grill look like new again, spray it liberally with WD-40, wait a few seconds, and scrub with a wire brush. Remember to use WD-40 only on a grill that is not in use and has cooled off.
44. Renew faded plastic furniture
Bring color and shine back to faded plastic patio furniture. Simply spray WD-40 directly on the surface and wipe with a clean, dry cloth. You’ll be surprised at the results.
45. Keep shovel or chute snow free
Here is a simple tip to make shoveling snow quicker and less strenuous by keeping the snow from sticking to your shovel and weighing it down. Spray a thin layer of WD-40 on the shovel blade, and the snow will slide right off. If you have a snow thrower, spray WD-40 on the inside of the chute so snow won’t stick and clog the chute.
46. Remove cat's paw marks
Your cat may seem like a member of the family most of the time, but that isn’t what you are thinking about when you have to clean a slew of paw marks off patio furniture or the hood of your car. To remove the paw marks, spray some WD-40 on them and wipe with a clean rag.
47. Kill thistle plants
Don’t let pesky prickly weeds like bull and Russian thistle ruin your yard or garden. Just spray some WD-40 on them and they’ll wither and die.

Even though I grew up in a world where you could pretty much solve any problem with either a roll of duct tape or a can of WD-40, I still have to admit that I did not know many of these uses for this famed product. I certainly wish I had known all these things earlier. Like so many others, I have faced a good number of these common dilemmas; but had no idea that the solution was so readily at hand.

Of course, “official multi-purpose problem-solver” is quite a moniker. And yet, WD-40 appears to be one of a select few products worthy of such high praise. I do note, however, that the phrase is “multi-purpose problem solver”; and not “universal problem solver”. For at the end of the day, there are some things that even WD-40 cannot rectify.

Is there such a thing? Is there any substance that can literally solve any and every problem? I believe there is. I believe that substance is the blood of Jesus Christ. For there is no sin common to men and women that the blood of Jesus cannot cover! In his first New Testament Letter (1:7), the apostle John tells us that the blood of Jesus, God’s Son, cleanses us from all sin!

In the original Koine (or common) Greek language in which the New Testament was written, the word for cleanse is “katharízō”. It is the word from which we get the English term “catharsis” (meaning cleansing, purging, or releasing), and it means “to make pure, by removing all admixture or intermingling of filth”.

And this is what Jesus can do with mine and your sin – all of it! He removes it, purifying our corruption through His grace and His imputed righteousness.

No matter what you have done… No matter how badly you have messed things up… No matter how horribly you have failed… God’s grace though Jesus Christ is available to wipe your slate clean! That is the good news of the Gospel.

As the Apostle Paul told young his young associate Titus (3:3-7): "At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

"He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."

This purifying work of Jesus is available to anyone and everyone who will call upon his name! So, my friend, if you need this spiritual cleansing, make haste to call upon Him today. He will hear and He will do for you what no one else can; for He alone is the one true “Universal Problem Solver”!

SOURCE: Adapted from: http://www.rd.com/home/cleaning-organizing/13-amazing-uses-for-wd-40/?trkid=outbrain-all#slide
show=slide1.

GREAT QUESTION!

10/14/2015

It has not been a good week for this Georgia born Pastor living in Tennessee. I dropped my glasses, broke a tooth, and then hurt my knee while exercising. As if all of that was not enough, and to add insult to injury, both my beloved Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Falcons lost their football games this week. It was bad enough to lose the games, but it cost the Falcons a perfect record (so far) and nearly cost the Bulldogs a star running back.

But alas! I have learned to look for the silver lining in most any cloud. And I saw it in an oft repeated theme in a series of commercials being broadcast during football games by a well-known national chain of home improvement stores.

In each of these well-crafted commercials, a given football fan is introduced to his future “football self”, who then proceeds to lovingly reprimand himself for not doing his chores around the house on Saturday in order that he can be free to watch football on Sunday afternoon.

Brought to his senses, the individual then snaps to and rushes off to the featured home improvement store where he acquires all he needs to complete his outstanding projects on Saturday in order to be free for the big game a day later.

I can certainly appreciate the point of the commercial. How many of us put off doing what there is time and opportunity to do today, only to regret it tomorrow? And how many of us have been duly chastised by our own conscience later on as a result?!

The ancient Romans had a phrase: “Carpe Diem”. Literally translated from the Latin, it means “Seize the Day”. William Shakespeare said it this way, “There is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and miseries.”

As God gives you opportunities, my friend, I trust you will take every advantage of each of them. For, surely, few things could be worse than having some future version of yourself berate you for the decisions you did or did not make today, each of which was destined to have had a huge bearing on your future circumstance at that time.

A young man I know and love recently said to me, “If this 25 year old (he named his own name) could go back and talk to the 19 year old (he again named his own name), he would say, “Don’t do this. Do that instead. You’ll be very glad you did!” In so doing, this young man spoke for all of us at one time or another.

So, my friend, rather than wait for that future self to speak reproachingly to your current self, why not ask yourself right now what he or she might say to you? And then act upon that wisdom now, while there is still both time and opportunity to do so. You will most likely be glad you did in the long run.

In his New Testament Letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul admonishes us as believers to “make the most of every opportunity” (chapter 4; Verse 5). No doubt, many of us, if we had just a small glimpse of the future, would take this admonition quite seriously .

And so, I leave you with these basic questions: What is your "future self" saying to you? And just what should you be doing right now in light of this?!

SHINE SPIRIT SHINE!

10/12/2015

Like many church families today, our worship often includes a wonderful song by Hillsong Music titled “Mighty to Save”. The lyrics are:

Everyone needs compassion
A love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me

Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Saviour
The hope of nations

[Chorus:]
Saviour, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever, Author of Salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as you find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender

[Chorus 2x]

Shine your light and let the whole world see
We're singing for the glory of the risen king Jesus [2x]

[Chorus 2x]

Shine your light and let the whole world see
We're singing for the glory of the risen king Jesus [6x]

Each time we sing this, I am reminded of the words of J. I. Packer in his book titled Keeping in Step with the Spirit: Finding Fullness in Our Walk with God, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 2005, p. 57.):

The Holy Spirit’s distinctive new covenant role, then, is to fulfill what we may call a floodlight ministry in relation to the Lord Jesus Christ. So far as this role was concerned, the Spirit “was not yet” (John 7:39, literal Greek) while Jesus was on earth; only when the Father had glorified him (see John 17:1, 5) could the Spirit’s work of making men aware of Jesus’ glory begin.

I remember walking to a church one winter evening to preach on the words “he shall glorify me,” seeing the building floodlit as I turned a corner, and realizing that this was exactly the illustration my message needed.

When floodlighting is well done, the floodlights are so placed that you do not see them; you are not in fact supposed to see where the light is coming from; what you are meant to see is just the building on which the floodlights are trained. The intended effect is to make it visible when otherwise it would not be seen for the darkness, and to maximize its dignity by throwing all its details into relief so that you see it properly. This perfectly illustrates the Spirit’s new covenant role. He is, so to speak, the hidden floodlight shining on the Savior.

Or think of it this way. It is as if the Spirit stands behind us, throwing light over our shoulder, on Jesus, who stands facing us.

The Spirit’s message is never, “Look at me; listen to me; come to me; get to know me,” but always “Look at him, and see his glory; listen to him, and hear his word; go to him, and have life; get to know him, and taste his gift of joy and peace.”

The Spirit, we might say, is the matchmaker, the celestial marriage broker, whose role it is to bring us and Christ together and ensure that we stay together.

Well said, Dr. Packer! In light of your inspired words, I add my voice to the impassioned chorus and sing with joy: “Shine, Spirit, Shine! Shine your light and let the whole world see!”

And if someone asks, "Let the world see what?" I respond, "Let the world see that our only purpose in singing is for the glory of the Risen King, Jesus Christ! To Him be glory and honor, forever and ever! Amen!"

SOURCE: As cited at : http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/
2010/09/21/the-holy-spirits-hidden-floodlight-ministry/. Note: this is also found in Packer’s earlier book: Your Father Loves You (Harold Shaw Publishers, 1986).

LYRICS: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/hillsongunited/mightytosave.html.
See also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR8rlTIU8_Y.
As well as: http://hillsong.com/music/.

CAREFUL, BIG GUY!

10/8/2015

While watching Thursday Night Football this week, I witnessed a relatively rare call in professional football. The Indianapolis Colts were driving deep in their opponents’ red zone when they were suddenly penalized 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct. The penalty cost them a chance at a touchdown; and they settled for a field goal instead.

At the time, they had a 10-0 lead. The field goal put them up 13-0. But the ensuing drive by their opponents, the Houston Texans, resulted in a field goal as well. The upshot of all of this is that the game should have been 17-0; but quickly changed to 13-3 instead.

And that is not the end of it. On the last play of the half, with only one second left on the clock, a classic 42 yard “Hail Mary” long bomb was pulled off by the Texans, completing a 95 yard drive for a touchdown. So, rather than 17-0 at half, as it was so close to being, the score was suddenly 13-10. And it was all arguably due to the pivotal call when unsportsmanlike conduct was called.

Now, who was the culprit? Which player goofed and invited the game-changing 15 yard penalty? The answer: none of them. Rather, of all people, the foul was called on the Head Coach of the Indianapolis Colts!

One might conceivably understand if a player, caught up in the passion of the moment, perhaps became a little overzealous and acted in an unsportsmanlike manner. But not the Head Coach! He, above all people on the field of play, should know better.

Especially when he had already been warned once to get back inside the coach’s box! But rather than do so, he ignored the admonition and strode brazenly back down to the ten yard line a second time! When he did, Voila! The yellow flag flew! And in the end, it was his team who paid the price.

The Bible reminds us that leaders are held to a higher standard. In the New Testament Book of James (chapter 3, verse 1), we are admonished by the Apostle: “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”

Translation: coaches, like teachers, and yes, pastors, should be careful so as not to cost their teams, pupils, and/or congregants. Simply put: leaders are understandably held to a higher standard. And well they should be; for very often they are not only the face, but also the heart and soul of a given organization. And by their influence, many others are impacted.

The Indianapolis Colts did eventually go on to win the game. But it is arguable that they did so under unnecessary stress. The church will inevitably win out. The Bible promises that. But woe be unto those who cause her undue stress in the process.

It is one thing for a player to be flagged for a penalty. It is quite another for a coach to be. And the same is true in the church. For this reason, I ask you to pray for me and for all Ministers of the Gospel everywhere. Satan knows that if he can take one of us down, the whole church will suffer and stumble. May we be especially prudent and diligent; and may we not fall prey to his shenanigans in the process.

A PICTURE OF JESUS

10/5/2015

He is now in Heaven, no doubt enjoying the beatific vision as part of his eternal reward. But when he was in this world, Dr. Spiros Zodhiates labored long and hard for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As the Director of AMG Ministries in Chattanooga, Tennessee, he faithfully fulfilled his calling as a Minister of the Gospel.

This gifted Greek-American Bible scholar, author, and ministry innovator was passionate about his service for the Lord. Among his over 200 published works was the bestselling Hebrew-Greek KeyWord Study Bible, which indexes key terms in the English Bible with the words they were translated from in the original Greek and Hebrew languages.

As a young minister, I relied heavily upon his various language tools to help me expound the Word of God faithfully. I will forever be indebted to him for all he provided. If you desire, you can read more about the life and ministry of this faithful servant at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiros_Zodhiates.

Another of his works that was useful to me as a Christian communicator down through the years was his monthly publication titled Pulpit Helps Magazine. (Later, some 4000 entries from this newsletter were compiled into a series of four books titled Bible Illustrations.)

In one issue, he told the following story about Dr. Leo Winters, a skilled surgeon of a previous generation in Chicago, Illinois. I wanted to share it here today.

Dr. Leo Winters was awakened one morning around one o'clock. There had been an accident and a young boy was in the hospital. Nurses there felt that he alone had the skill to save the boy's life.

Without any hesitation, Dr. Winters rushed out of bed, threw on his clothes, grabbed his keys, and ran to his car. As he made his way in downtown Chicago, he took a shortcut through a dangerous area known for its rough gangs. The risk was worth it to him, for he knew that only precious minutes stood between the injured boy and death.

But something happened. As he sat at a stoplight waiting for it to change, a man wearing an old flannel shirt and a gray hat suddenly rushed from the shadows. He opened the car door, grabbed the doctor and threw him out, screaming, "I've got to have your car."

Dr. Winters tried to plead his situation; but the man was gone before he could utter two words. This was before the days of cell phones; and it took at least forty-five minutes to find a pay phone and call a taxi. By the time he arrived at the hospital, more than an hour had passed.

The nurses on the floor shook their heads and said, "You're too late, Dr. Winters; the boy died thirty minutes ago. You'll find the father down the hall in the chapel. He's awfully confused - he can't understand why you didn't come."

Without taking time to explain to the staff, Dr. Winters hurried down the hallway and opened the chapel door. There, sitting in the front row, was the crumpled form of the weeping father, wearing an old flannel shirt and clutching a gray hat. In his desperation to get to the hospital, he had pushed from the car the one man who could have saved his son's life.

Do you want a picture of humanity? Here it is: rushing after life; racing after satisfaction and fulfillment; hungering for meaningful relationships and lasting commitments; hoping for peace and relief from guilt and sin - yet, at the same time, pushing away the only One capable of saving their lives.

But we must never give up on them. We must continue to rush through the cold, dark streets no matter what danger awaits us and try to reach them in time.

Will some people throw you out? Yes. Will some people refuse to listen to you? Yes. Will some people curse at you? Yes. But God's mercy is worth your greatest effort. We have been given the cure for the disease of sin, and we know the Divine Healer who offers that cure to all.

So make haste to reach everyone . . . while you can.

SOURCES: I first heard Dr. Richard Lee, Pastor Emeritus of First Redeemer Church in Atlanta, Georgia, tell this story picturing people’s response to the offer of salvation available through Jesus Christ nearly forty years ago. Years later, before the rise of the internet, I encountered the story again in Dr. Zodhiates’ publication. I also found it in Dr. Paul Lee Tan’s monumental work: Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations (Rockville, MD, USA: Assurance Publishers,, 1979), 1211.

It may very well be that the original source for Drs. Lee, Zodhiates, and Tan was an article first published in the then popular Moody Monthly Magazine. Cf.: http://www.wisdomonline.org/devotionals/devotion_detail.html?id=829.

ADDITIONAL PAGES OF INTEREST:

AMG Ministries, International: http://www.amginternational.org/main/fs/.
Pulpit Helps Magazine: http://www.pulpithelps.com/www/docs/6.
AMG Publishers: http://www.amgpublishers.com/main/.
Information about Dr. Richard Lee can be found at the There's Hope web page: http://www.thereshope.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=artic
le&id=73&Itemid=54.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

10/1/2015

Students of the Old Testament know that the children of Israel languished in the wilderness for forty years as a result of their failure to step out in faith at Kadesh-Barnea (in the Book of Numbers, chapter 13) and possess the Promised Land that God had in store for them.

After that entire generation had passed away, God gave their children another chance to possess that same land. In the Old Testament book of Joshua, the new generation passed over the Jordan River and into the land of promise. This last great miracle, wherein God dried up the Jordan for them to pass over on dry ground and reminiscent of what He had done when their forbears came up out of Egypt at the Red Sea, no doubt bolstered their faith.

But it also terrified their enemies, who had not only heard of Israel’s God, but had now also witnessed His power firsthand. The logical thing for Israel to have done, therefore, would have been to attack the city of Jericho right after this crossing – to have struck while the proverbial iron was hot. And yet, that is not what God told them to do.

Rather, He had them hold up or two and a half weeks at a little place called Gilgal and spend some time alone with Him. Here, according to the Book of Joshua, chapters 4-5, they were consecrated to Him. Here, they were circumcised. Here, they kept the Passover. Here, for the first time in forty years, they ate produce instead of Manna. Here, they met the enigmatic “Commander of the Lord’s Army”, who gave instructions on just how to defeat Jericho.

And there you have it! Yes, the wisdom of the world is to launch out and immediately jump on the task at hand. But the wisdom of God is to stop, spend time alone with Him, and then and only then, to proceed. How does this apply to our lives? Simply put, how do you start your day? How does each bold new venture unfold for you? Should it not be in prayer and consecration to God? And if not, how can you or I as believers ever expect to have full and victorious lives?

I thought I would share a little poem in closing. First written back in 1960, I Didn't Have Time To Pray by Grace L. Naessens is now considered a classic in the poetry of spirituality.

I got up early one morning
And rushed right into the day!
I had so much to accomplish
That I didn't have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me,
And heavier came each task.
"Why doesn't God help me?" I wondered.
He answered, "You didn't ask!"

I tried to come into God's presence;
I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,
"Why, child, you didn't knock!"

I wanted to see joy and beauty,
But the day toiled on, gray and bleak.
I wondered why God didn't show me.
He said, "But you didn't seek!"

I woke up early this morning,
And paused before entering the day.
I had so much to accomplish
That I had to take time to pray!

Source: http://coachdelmonte.com/2014/07/21/the-difference-prayer-makes/. Often titled The Difference, Ms. Naessens’ poem is available widely on the internet and has also been included in numerous published works as well. See, for instance…

Ronald Rolheiser, The Sacred Fire (New York: Crown Publishing, 2014), Chapter Six.

As well as...

Roger C. Edwards, The Little Things and Such: Motivational Poems You Know and Love (Ft. Myers, Florida: Edvardson (sic) Publishing, 2014), p. 44.