WHAT WE STORE SAYS WHO WE ARE

     Living in this rapidly growing age of technology certainly has its advantages, and in many ways its blessings. Unfortunately it is not without its problems.  If you have been the victim of a clerical billing error you know full well the difficulties often involved in trying to correct that mistake.  You will hear the words, "The computer does not make mistakes!"  There is some truth to that statement, but only to a certain point.
     What we have come to realize is the computer is not the problem.  The problem is the one entering the data.  We lived this first-hand recently on a trip to the grocery store.  As careful a shopper as Denise is, it was disheartening to find out she had spent more than she had estimated.  It wasn't just a few cents or a couple of dollars, but nearly $27.00.  A closer look at the receipt revealed the problem.  The checker had entered 14 heads of cauliflower when Denise had purchased only 1.  You would think the checker would have caught this mistake for no one can eat that much cauliflower.  This situation was easily resolved, but many times it can be quite a struggle to fix the mistake of someone else.
     In life there is an instrument that is constantly with us and we feed information into this instrument daily.  It is our heart.  Jesus addressed the problem of data processing when He addressed the Pharisees about their heart.  It didn't help when He stated they were a brood of vipers.  The Pharisees and other Jewish leaders must have gotten tired of hearing this since John the Baptist used the same words in his ministry (Mt. 3:7).  Vipers have forked tongues and it may be this is what Jesus made reference to as He confronted the Pharisees about their hypocrisy.
     The Pharisees claimed to speak what was good but Jesus called them evil.  So how can someone who is evil speak something that's good? In today's world Jesus might use the illustration of us putting something into our computer we say is good, when in fact it may be evil.  Very simply Jesus says, "For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart" (Mt. 12:34)  This teaching is given to admonish us against some of those thoughts we may encounter through the course of a day.
     This is on a personal level.  The only one who can program my heart is me.   The checker made a mistake by entering a wrong number.  On a deeper level we may be sinning if we are not paying attention to what we are putting into our heart.  For out of the heart come our words and our actions.  What we are storing in our heart on a regular basis says much about who we really are.  The damage that can be caused by the tongue springs from what is stored in the heart (Ja. 3:1-6).
     If we are to pursue after what is godly then we must pay constant attention to what we allow to enter our heart.  Just because a thought may enter our mind doesn't mean we have sinned (2 Cor. 10:5).  Sin enters our heart when we allow such thoughts to tempt us to the point of ungodly action (Ja. 1:13-16).  Remember, what we choose to store in our heart says clearly who we really are.  Let us store only what is good in the sight of God.  Rodger

                            OUR NEED FOR GOD AND ONE ANOTHER     There is a song that tells us, "No one ever cared for me like Jesus..."  It is true no one could show the depth of love revealed by Jesus in the death He suffered for us.  Even if man wanted to only Jesus could have been our sacrifice for sin, for all others have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. 
     The song ends with the words, "O how much He cares for me."  My heavenly Father did not call me into service to be a sacrifice for sin, but that doesn't mean I can't show my brothers and sisters how much I care for them.  In fact, as I serve God each day and acknowledge my love for Him, my brothers and sisters will at times be the recipients of that love.
     Mention the passage in Philippians 4:13 and most will readily quote the words contained in that verse.  The words of that verse are most certainly true.  We are dependent upon our heavenly Father for strength.  This is not a physical strength needed for some laborious task, but an inner strength needed to stand strong against the trials and temptations of life.  While each of us live this truth each day, we should also pay attention to what else Paul said.
     Verse 14 begins with the word "nevertheless."  That term is meant to convey an additional thought which goes deeper into the relationship Paul shared with the brethren in Philipi.  You have probably taken note that in the context of Philippians 4:10ff, Paul is speaking of contentment.  He states he has learned to be content in whatever circumstances of life he happens to be experiencing.  This not to say he is happy about those circumstances, but that he possesses an inner peace provided by God that sees him through any circumstance life brings his way.
     In his "nevertheless" statement Paul makes mention of the brethren's help.  It was these brethren who attended to Paul's needs, both in his affliction and in financial support during his travels and preaching of the gospel (vs. 15,16).  In these words Paul tells us today how much we need God, as well as one another.
     Each of us must gain our inner strength from God.  But that strength is made stronger through the love and concern shown to us by our brothers and sisters.  This is why Paul acknowledges their gift.  Praying for God's strength and showing our love for God is manifested in our love for one another.  What God wants us to see through these inspired words is that God is working in our lives, both individually and collectively through the church.
     I can do all things through God who strengthens me.  Those 'things' relate to a life fully anchored in God's love and truth and walking faithfully with Him each day.  As I do it is a wonderful assurance to know my brethren are walking with me, and that our God will supply our needs.  Rodger

                                          A HOPE RENEWED IN THE                                     FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD

      A new year is upon us.  How we look at this year will determine our attitude as the days, weeks, and months begin to fade away.  As children of God we should be looking forward to the new year because of the privilege we have been given in living a life filled with hope.
     The hope we share is realized through the promised blessings of God.  In Luke 4:18,19 we have recorded for us the words Jesus read aloud to those gathered in the synagogue.  Luke records in the 17th verse the words being read by Jesus are from the prophet Isaiah (61:1,2).  Jesus wanted the crowd to understand that God was working in their lives and prophecy was being fulfilled in their midst (vs. 21). 
     Two things must be noted.  First, Jesus was making it clear there was no longer a reason to be in despair.  The anointed one of God was here.  This anointing is not to kingship but to the pronouncement of the Messiah and His appearance.  The one who was going to save them from their sins, and had the power to heal their infirmities, was now no longer a dream.  He was there.
     The second thing to notice was the skepticism among the hearers.  While they wondered about the gracious words Jesus spoke, they also recognized Him as the son of Joseph (vs. 22).  This is what prompts Jesus to tell them, "no prophet is welcome in his home town." (vs. 24).  Jesus would have to prove Himself to people.
     As the truth about Jesus began to be affirmed through His works, many still refused to acknowledge Him as the Messiah, and failed to receive the blessings of the Lord.  It was meant to be a favorable year, God's favor being poured out upon them.  Yet we today are much the same.
     Through this past year, we have mourned together and celebrated together.  We know of some who are in a prison, in the bondage of sin or other snares that prevent them from truly praising God.  Others have a blindness that keeps them from seeing the solutions the Father has provided to them as they struggle through life's dark valley.  Still others are downtrodden because of hurts inflicted upon them,  circumstances that have dampened their spirits, or maybe extinguished their hope altogether.  Yet, still others have enjoyed the freedom from bondage and have escaped their personal captivity and now rejoice in the Lord.
     Where do you fit in?  Regardless of where you are simply realize the words that Jesus spoke in the synagogue are the same words He is speaking to you.  Don't allow Satan to keep you bound, or blind, or downtrodden.  It is time to realize the hope that is in us and the blessings around us.  The good news is the words of Isaiah's prophecy have been fulfilled.  This year is not to be like those of the past.   Let us truly see the favorable year of the Lord, and His blessings.  Let us live this year with the renewed hope that will not disappoint (Ro. 5:5).

                                            FAVORITE SCRIPTURES

     Since our earliest memories of childhood there is a favorite Scripture we hold dear.  For many people it is John 3:16.  Some cherish Romans 8:1,2 or maybe Romans 8:28.  Others fondly look upon 1 Corinthians 13 because of the application of Paul's description of love.  During this time of year, many will look to the gospels of Matthew and Luke and cite those as their favorite passages, for here we read of the birth of Jesus. What is your favorite Scripture?  No matter what you choose there is a reason for it.
     It is interesting however, that many or most people never look upon Acts 2:38 as their favorite Scripture or even Acts 22:16.  Other passages that relate directly to salvation hardly ever come to the mind of people when asked what their favorite Scripture might be.  Deep down we know that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, or is God breathed, yet we still have a tendency to think in human terms and credit the written words to Paul, or Peter, or John, or any other biblical writer.
     It is a good thing to have a favorite Scripture, or even more than one for that matter.  Scripture is meant to provide comfort as well as instruction, and the favorite Scriptures we hold dear supply that comfort.  But while memorizing a favorite passage of Scripture, let us not forget the importance of applying that Scripture to our lives.  And while there are other passages we may not like as much as our favorite, remember they too, are still God's word, and were written for our instruction.
     I am reminded of a man whose name is recorded in Old Testament Scripture by the name of Ezra.  This character of the Bible is not mentioned much in the course of conversation when biblical subjects are being addressed.  How often do you talk about him or even mention his name?  Yet there is a passage of Scripture that speaks volumes about this man and his relation to God.  It is found in Ezra 7:10.
     Ezra had gone from Babylon to Jerusalem, a journey that took five months (7:9).  His purpose for going there was to study the law of the Lord, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.  Take note of this verse.  Ezra was not content to merely study the word of God. He wanted to learn it in order practice it and then be able to teach it.  And not just a favorite verse, or two, or three. But the whole Law.  Ezra had come to understand the preciousness of this Law, for it came from God, and was life to him.  Ezra had to study this Law, he had set his heart on this matter.
     Do we hold the Scriptures in as high a regard as Ezra?  Do we memorize the verses that speak of Jesus' death, or His resurrection?  Do we long to live the teachings of God and desire to teach them to others?  Here again is a valuable lesson to be learned from the pages of Old Testament Scripture.  While it is good to have a favorite Scripture, let us not neglect the rest.  Let us love God's word as much as we claim to love God.  To truly love Him is to keep His teachings or commandments (Jn. 15:12-14; 1 Jn. 4:2,3).  Rodger

SOMETHING WORTH REMEMBERING

    Each and every one of us have something worth remembering.  Such things are sung about, written about, and taught to us through formal times of instruction or simple experiences of life.  Among those things written about you will find exhortations from God's word intended to help us remember teachings of utmost importance.

     Peter speaks of this in his second letter to the brethren (2 Pet. 3:1,2), as he exhorts them to remember the words spoken before hand by the holy prophets, as well as commandments set forth by Christ through the apostles.  Many times we don't want to hear what is being said.  Reasons for this attitude will vary but what is taking place is a rejection of God's word.  

     When you need words of comfort to whom do you turn?  When you need strength to whom do you go?  Again, answers will vary, but for the most part the answer will not be the Lord.  This is why Peter was writing this second letter.  To remind the brethren of what they heard and the source of that teaching.  These were not mere thoughts of men, but the words of the Lord.  The purpose of these words was to impart a source of encouragement, edification, and and admonition.

     Yet even the words of our God are sometimes not enough to keep us anchored to Him through faith.  We often go our own way, drifting away from our source of safety and comfort.  We end up fighting battles on our own.  All because we don't remember what can be found within God's word.

     A passage of Scripture familiar to each one of us is Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it" (NASB).  This passage relates to us there is something worth remembering.  When a child is raised to know the word of God, there is a seed planted that may not always bloom to produce fruit when we think it should.  Sometimes it seems to take longer for some to mature in the knowledge of God's word than others.  Times of unfaithfulness may also result, but there is always that ray of hope when a seed is planted.

     This is not to say that we condone sinful behavior, but once that seed has been planted, it is up to the individual and God concerning the fruit that will come.  We simply pray.  We cannot lose hope for we never know what the future holds.  That training in godliness is never really forgotten was shown to me in our last visit to the nursing homes in Leitchfield.  As we were singing the songs, I noticed an elderly woman singing along.  She held no songbook.  She sang the words from memory.  The  training and teaching from years past were evident.

     Once we learn something we never fully forget.  What becomes important is what we are teaching.  We may desire for our children to have the best education money can buy, but if we are not instilling God's word into the hearts of our children, then we have robbed them of the most precious education available to man.  And this teaching has very little cost.

     If we want the best for our children then we should strive to provide them with a knowledge of God's word.  As they grow they may encounter various trials but they will always be aware of the anchor available to keep them from drifting.  When life gets hard they will always look back at the teaching of their youth and acknowledge this is truly something worth remembering.  Rodger

JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED

     Anyone who has raised a family knows full well what the inside of a doctor's office looks like.  Whether or not it is your desire, you're going to see a doctor at some point in your life.  While some take great pride in never having gone to a doctor, others will see a doctor quite often.  Physically, we are different when it comes to health issues.  Spiritually, we are the same.
     In Luke 4:23 it is written, "And he said to them, "'No doubt you will quote this proverb to Me'", 'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we heard was done at Capernaum, do here in your home town as well'" (NASB).  Jesus goes on to say that no prophet is welcome in his own home town.  Strange as it seems, when people know you they don't often give you the same respect or courtesy they might give to someone else.  You would think with Jesus it would be different, but it wasn't.  Jesus had been talking about the healing He was about to perform,  as the Scriptures of the Old Testament recorded would happen, and Jesus said the passage quoted from Isaiah (61:1), was now fulfilled in their hearing (vs. 16-21).  Obviously, the people He spoke to had their doubts.
     People are strange.  They can go to the doctor and listen to the diagnosis, take the prescription he (or she) hands out, and leave, sometimes giving no attention to what was said or having the prescription filled.  Perhaps not so strange is the fact we do the same thing on a spiritual level as we do on the physical.
     In writing to the young man Timothy, Paul tells him to "prescribe and teach these things."  The 'things' refer specifically to what was mentioned previously in the context of the letter.  Paul talks about the falling away of some from the faith (4:1) because of deceitful spirits (teachers) and doctrines of demons (false teachings).  After listing some the false teachings, Paul tells Timothy to point these things out to the brethren (vs. 6) by sharing the sound doctrine he was following.
     When Timothy is told to 'prescribe' these things, it is literally meant to keep commanding these teachings.  The prescription is not just something Timothy or Paul have devised, it is the teaching of God we are to be following.  Concerning interaction with older people and widows, Paul tells Timothy to prescribe these teachings as well.  God's commandments go beyond what we like to refer to as doctrinal issues, to our everyday life and how we are to conduct ourselves toward others (5:1ff).
     While it is true that some doctors may over prescribe, the Great Physician knows just what we need.  So if we would simply follow the prescription set forth by Jesus in His word, and then apply what we are taking in, we would find ourselves a lot healthier spiritually.  That in turn, would go a long way in helping a feel better physically.  If we long to be the mirror image of our Savior so as to reflect the glory of the Father, let us follow Jesus and act not on our own initiative, but on what the Father reveals in His word.  So the next time you sit down and open your Bible and begin to take in what God would have you to know, remember you are in reality filling the prescription God has provided you.  When followed correctly, you will find that prescription is just what the doctor ordered.  Rodger

The Family of God

Many people use the phrase, "Blood is thicker than water."  It is a true saying but as a youth minister said years ago, "So is milk."  When the phrase about blood is used, it generally is to show the strength of the family bond as it exists between parents and their children, as well as other family members.

But is blood of mere man thicker or more powerful than the blood of Christ?  Why do we place such faith in the blood of men when it was Jesus who died on the cross?  Isn't it the blood of Jesus that cleanses us of our sin and doesn't that cleansing go deep even to the conscience?  If we are going to boldly state the power of  the blood we must make sure we are speaking of the blood of Christ and not our grandparents or parents.

This truth was brought home to me again recently when it was said by some how sad it was when people put their job ahead of family.  In many situations this is true.  No job is more important than my children and most certainly not more important than my wife.  However, my current position is as a minister of the gospel.  In that position I must stand firmly on the word of God as is the case for any who claim to be a child of God.

When I hold my children accountable for their actions, it is not just simply as a father, but in cases of sin, as a Christian brother.  What we often seem to overlook is the family of God.  While I am the father of seven biological children, with one safe in the keeping of God,  my heavenly Father is the creator of us all.  When I hold my children to a godly standard, I do so because that is the standard they will ultimately answer to.  No one can escape the watchful eye of God, and no one is exempt from a repentant lifestyle before Him.

What is recorded in God's word is not just for me, it is for all of us.  When I put on Jesus in baptism I am added by God to the church for which Jesus died.  When my children put on Jesus in baptism, they are added to the same church.  Though I am their earthly father, I am now their spiritual brother.  While there may be certain household rules laid down by me as a father and their mother, God's word has already established the guidelines we are to follow as members of His spiritual family.  As is the case with all who make up the church, we become accountable to one another, and most certainly are held to account by God.

It is not a question of liking my job more than family or wanting to hold my job over family matters.  It is a question of godliness and if sin is present it must be dealt with biblically.  I have lost positions as a minister because I wanted people to face their sin, when others in the church did not hold God's standard as the authoritative word it is.

I try not to allow my personal beliefs or desires cloud my judgment in spiritual matters.  I must be true to my heavenly Father.  You must be true as well.  So let us hold fast to the banner of love that is God's word and let us truly be the family of God.  Rodger