Forsaking God - Not a Pretty Sight!

When a person decides to forsake something, they have decided to give it up or abandon it. We can forsake our marriages, our jobs, our friendships and yes, ever our selves. Does it take any effort to do these things? Some, but for those who are willing to give these things up it begins in the heart.

Those things mentioned above can have some bad repercussions, but nothing like what can happen if we decide to abandon or turn our backs on Almighty God. How many times have we read about the children of Israel repeatedly doing this? In 2 Kings 17:7-18 we read of yet another account where they turned their backs on God. Unlike Peter's statement in Acts 5:29, “We ought to obey God rather than men,” these Israelites feared man more than God. Beginning in verse 7 we see that they are now slaves again. Not to Egypt, but to Assyria this time. You would think that they would wise up sooner or later and realize that Jehovah God was impenetrable. They had not figured out that with God all things are possible (Matt. 19:26). Sad but true in this instance!

We discover from our reading in this chapter of Kings that Israel feared other gods and walked in the statutes of the nation whom the Lord had cast out from before the children of Israel. They even went behind God's back, like that's possible, and built for themselves high places in all their cities. They set up for themselves pillars and wooden images on every high hill and under every green tree. Can you believe this? They went as far as to burn incense on all the high places and do wicked things to provoke the Lord to anger. They had to be very close to losing all their senses when they allowed themselves to do these things. They followed all these insane actions while serving idols, of which the Lord had said to them, “You shall not do this thing.” (Ex. 20:3-5)

God had sent His prophets, namely every seer, saying “Turn from your evil ways, and keep My commandments and My statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers.” Did they heed this admonition? Absolutely not! Verse 14 reveals to us that they would not heed these commandments, but rather stiffened their necks, like the necks of their fathers, who did not believe in the Lord their God. Have you ever heard of such stupidity? What were they thinking? Did they think God was playing a joke on them? They even allowed their sons and daughters to practice witchcraft and soothsaying, and sold themselves to evil in God's sight just to provoke Him to anger. Did their foolish tactics work? Sure did! In verse 18 we read that the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them from His sight. He did what? He wouldn't even look upon them any longer.

Forsaking the assembly (Heb. 10:25), is a serious matter. Have you been guilty of this action? Has God given you a warning that you have not totally heeded yet? If so, you might better turn a listening ear and a focused eye in His direction before He turns His very sight from you. To not be seen by the Lord should frighten us to death. Now is the time to make amends and be steadfast, not forsaken in your service to the Lord.

God's Blessings,

Eddie

For the Sake of Prosperity

Most of us realize in today's society that prosperity is a must for most folks, but should it be? Prosperity, according to Wikipedia, is the state of flourishing, thriving, success or good fortune. It often encompasses wealth but also includes other factors which are independent of wealth to varying degrees, such as happiness and health.

If a person gets to the point in their life where they allow wealth prosperity to dominate or control their decision making, this could cause a major decrease in the amount of happiness and health they have acquired. There is nothing wrong with being wealthy, but there is a problem if we let it become the ruling factor in our lives.

There are so many prosperous people in the world and many of them are very benevolent but not to the point that it would be pleasing to God. You see, most people that have a lot of wealth usually are in love with themselves, not others, and especially not God. Just imagine what would happen if God allowed all of us to prosper above and beyond our means. What would we do with those fortunes? Would we take care of the unfortunate or would we become greedy and uncaring towards our fellow man?

We need to realize that if God allows us to prosper, then we are to give as we prosper (1 Cor. 16:1-2). If we do this, it would be reasonable to say that God would continue to prosper us so we could continue to give. Do you see how this works?

This brings to remembrance the story of King Solomon, David's son, who was very concerned about the number of people God had placed in his care. Solomon was so concerned that he asked God to give him an understanding heart to judge God's people so he could discern between good and evil. This request pleased God and God not only gave Solomon this understanding heart, but also great riches and honor so that there would not be anyone before or after his reign like him (1 Kings 3:6-14; 2 Chron. 1:7-12).

Just as Solomon asked for understanding and received abundantly more than he asked for, we too can be the recipients of God's blessings if we walk not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night (Psa. 1:1-2).

The big question here is, “Are you doing what God has commanded you to do, or are you still allowing yourself to be spiritually polluted by giving in to the world's desires?” Once again it boils down to choice. Choosing right over wrong. Are you man or woman enough to say “NO” to the evil of this life? If not, then expect to be chastised one way or the other. If you are smart and choose to do right over wrong, then expect to continue to receive the blessings of God. Look for as much spiritual prosperity as you can and leave the material prosperity to the world.

Blessings,

Eddie

Fire Usage

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word “fire”? Could it possibly be “HOT”? How about “hurt'? One thing for sure it is not a term we want to think about when it comes to the word of God or is it?

The Bible mentions the word “fire” in numerous instances, but we will look at some of the physical uses in this article. In John 18:18 we read where servant, officers and even Peter was warmed by the coals of a fire. Surely you can remember a time when you yourself was warmed by a fire. What a nice physical feeling of comfort! In Exodus 16:23 we realize that fire was used to bake and boil in preparation of the Sabbath. How many times have you used fire to do your cooking? Too many times to count for sure.

Have you ever used fire to signal anyone? This is usually the method used by those who find themselves stranded or lost enabling them to call for help. Judges 20:38, 39 tell us that a cloud of smoke was used as a signal between the men of Israel and the men in ambush to turn the men of Israel in battle. One can't help but think how the smoke from a fire was used by our native Americans during the cowboy and Indian days. Can't you see the signals going up from one mountain peak to the other?

Another physical use for fire was sacrifices. A good example of this is when Noah built an altar to the Lord, after the floods had receded, and sacrificed burnt offerings to God for sparing their lives. The Lord smelled the soothing aroma and said that He would never again curse the ground for man's sake nor would He ever destroy every living thing as He had done (Gen. 8:20, 21). Aren't we blessed knowing that God keeps His promises?

How much do you know about refining? The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times (Psa. 12:6). This informs us that God's word is true and has been tested. God's word does not jest with; impose on us nor has it any other design towards us than our own good. God is SO good!!!

Finally there has been one other use of fire and that has been for torture. This brings to mind the fiery furnace that Daniel and his companions were place in because they would not worship the golden image. Once again God intervened and saved those being tested (Dan. 3:11). Are we living in such a way that God would do the same for us? Let's learn from others mistakes, not our own!!!

Blessings,

Eddie

Feeding on God's Word

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God...rightly dividing the word of truth ”

Feeding upon the word of God can be hazardous to one's life and health if taken literally. On the other hand, it can produce life changing experiences that will save one's life too.

The story is told of a man by the name of Menekil II who was one of the greatest rulers in African history. He is responsible for what is known as modern Ethiopia today. Born in 1844, he was captured during an enemy raid and held prisoner for 10 years. Escaping, he declared himself head of the province of Shewa. He began conquering neighboring kingdoms and developed them into modern Ethiopia with himself as emperor. His efforts to modernize Ethiopia (schools, phones, railroads), make Menekil world-famous. The emperor had one little known eccentricity. Whenever he was feeling ill he would eat a few pages of the Bible insisting that this always restored his health. One day in December, 1913, recovering from a stroke and feeling extremely ill, he had the entire book of Kings torn from an Egyptian edition of the Bible, ate every page of it and died. Is there any surprise? The word of God was never intended to be taken orally to cure life's illnesses. Of course he found out the hard and eternal way.

There is yet another story I would like you to read that has completely the opposite effect on one's life and he too digested God's word, but in the right intended way. Here's the story!

One of the most dramatic examples of the Bible’s divine ability to transform men and women involved the famous mutiny on the “Bounty.” Following their rebellion against the notorious Captain Bligh, nine mutineers, along with the Tahatian men and women who accompanied them, found their way to Pitcairn Island, a tiny dot in the South Pacific only two miles long and a mile wide. Ten years later, drink and fighting had left only one man alive—John Adams. Eleven women and 23 children made up the rest of the Island’s population.

So far this is the familiar story made famous in the book and motion picture. But the rest of the story is even more remarkable. About this time, Adams came across the “Bounty’s” Bible in the bottom of an old chest. He began to read it, and the divine power of God’s Word reached into the heart of that hardened murderer on a tiny volcanic speck in the vast Pacific Ocean—and changed his life forever. The peace and love that Adams found in the Bible entirely replaced the old life of quarreling, brawling, and liquor. He began to teach the children from the Bible until every person on the island had experienced the same amazing change that he had found. Today, with a population of slightly less than 100, nearly every person on Pitcairn Island is a Christian. From Signs of the Times, August, 1988, p. 5.

How are your feeding habits? Are they healthy or hazardous to your well-being? The Word of God is living and powerful...(Heb. 4:12). It is the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17). How are you using it?

Blessings,
Eddie

Faith & Trust in Jesus or Self!

When we think of faith we need to also consider the term trust. Both go hand in hand with one another. Without faith it is very difficult to trust and if you are trusting, then you must have a lot of faith.

What are the things in your life that you put the most trust in on a daily basis? Could it be the security of your job, your marriage, your family life, your religious beliefs, your convictions, or maybe yourself. Yes, you heard right. Do you put more trust in yourself than you do in the Lord?

Ezekiel, a prophet of God, was made a watchman for the house of Israel. He had an awesome responsibility to warn the people when they were contrary to God's will. If he warned them and they did not listen, his soul would still be delivered. But if he failed to warn the people of their wrongdoings and they died in that condition, he would be held responsible. This is where God said, When I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, but he trusts in his own righteousness and commits iniquity, none of his righteous works shall be remembered; but because of the iniquity that he has committed, he shall die.” (Ezek. 33:7-10, 13) We see here that one cannot trust in his/her own righteousness or works but only in God's righteousness to eradicate their sins.

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass. (Psa. 37:3, 5) Here's a familiar one: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding... ( Prov. 3:5) From these two verses we truly realize once again that it is God that we must put our trust in and we must rely on His faithfulness, not ours.

At this point you say, “Okay, I will quit putting so much trust and faith in myself, but will depend on my friends more. This won't work either. Here's what God's word say about that, Do not trust in a friend; do not put your confidence in a companion. (Mic. 7:5) This leaves us one alternative and that is to pur ALL of our faith and trust in God Almighty who will see us through to the end. Amen!

Blessings,

Eddie

Allergy Sufferers Beware!

Many of you are very much aware that the allergy season is in full force and sending people to the doctor's office and emergency rooms on an hourly basis. So why do so many suffer from these different allergies? Good question.

The main reason so many people have trouble during this time of the year is due to pollens being released in the air by plants and trees. The most common allergies are nasal. The symptoms are usually congestion, sneezing, itching and running nose. Of course these are easily comforted by using an over the counter spray of some sorts. Then there are the more severe allergies that can send an individual to the emergency room fighting for their life. I remember when I was younger and had bronchial asthma. I had to have an injection several times to clear my breathing passages. I remember how scary it was trying to breathe my next breath. I finally out grew that allergy but found out later that I was very allergic to cat dander. If you were to lock me up in a room full of cats, it would be no time at all that I would be gasping for my next breath and eventually I would suffocate. Don't get any ideas!

The point is that if you suffer from allergies you will do all that you can to get relief. You don't want temporary relief; you want permanent relief. So you seek out doctor after doctor until you find one that has the cure for your specific condition. Once the solution is found you can be on your happy way and pray that no other symptoms arise.

Did you realize that just as we have physical allergies we suffer from, we can also have spiritual allergies that can cause us more harm. Do you find yourself running towards evil deeds or running away from them. Be honest here. We all suffer from doing wrong. That's why we are sinners, but we should be allergic to wrong doing and our antidote for this problem should be clean or right living. Remember the apostle Paul and his problem? For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice (Rom. 7:19). Do you have the same problem? He goes on to say, Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me (Rom. 7:20). If you have this type of sin in you today, it can be easily gotten rid of by giving it to the Lord. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30).

Jesus gives the invitation to come to the Father through Him. All who labor under burdens of any kind are invited to come. The greatest burden is the burden of sin. Jesus will give men the forgiveness of sins when they come to Him. Are you willing to surrender your all to Him today? He is the true antidote for your spiritual allergies. Get rid of them today, once and for all. We will be praying for you. Come!

In Christian love,

Would Jesus Befriend You on FaceBook?

Presently there are some 359 million active users on Facebook. Out of those 350 million, 65 million are accessing Facebook through their phones or mobile devices. Did you realize that the average user is spending at least one hour a day on their personal site. You might think these figures are exaggerated, but they are not.

Most of your young people wake up with Facebook on their minds. They need to make contact right away or miss out on something very important. They are taking pictures and placing them on their site in real time hoping that their friends will see or read their updates. Yes, I am a Facebook user, but I do not depend on it for my communications. I still use the old fashion way of eye to eye contact and the telephone. I do remember mores code from my younger days but that's another story. We have come a long way in which we stay in contact with one another.

Using your imagination, "Would you befriend Jesus on Facebook?" "Would he befriend you?" Right away if you are a Christian you might say "Yes," of course I would. This would be very understandable, but would you have to clean up your profile, pictures and posts first? If Jesus were on Facebook and He decided to befriend you, would He accept your invitation once He visited your site?

One thing for sure, the writer of Proverbs 15:3 says it best, "The eyes of the Lord are in every place keeping watch on the evil and the good." Need I say more? We know that Jesus doesn't have to befriend us on Facebook to know what we are doing. Would he be pleased with your communications? If so, great! If not, what are you willing to do about it?

Let me suggest that you examine your behavior and be completely honest with yourself. Am I setting the right example for my Lord, His church and my fellow brothers and sister in Christ while accepting the calling of Christian? Only you can answer that question truthfully. Just remember that when you befriend someone, you are allowing them to know everything about you that is posted on your site.

If you have been added to the Lord's church (Acts 2:47) through obedience (Acts 2:38) to the gospel call, then you owe it to Jesus and to yourself to act like a Christian in all aspects of your life. Are you willing to clean up you act starting with Facebook to make this happen? The choice is all yours. I pray you will do what is pleasing to the Lord, not what is pleasing to you. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness... (Matt. 6:33).

Blessings,
Eddie

Do you attend regular Bible classes? Why or why not?

What about the above question? If you do attend regular Bible classes then we all know why. It is to gain as much knowledge as possible to be a better student of God's word. By obtaining as much knowledge as possible, you will be better equipped to proclaim the truth of the gospel to those who are still in the dark of such good news. You are to be commended my friend for an effort well done.

2 Tim. 2:15 reminds us to “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” This means we must become a student of the Bible. How else will we be able to rightly divide this truth if we know little or nothing about the subject matter?

We offer Bible studies to our congregation on Sunday mornings and on Wednesday evenings. There is not one member that can stand before God and say, “I never had an opportunity to learn.” If you choose not to take advantage of this wonderful learning tool, then you can blame no one but yourself. It will be a terrible thing to stand before the judgment and hear Jesus say, “Depart from me you worker of iniquity!” It could have been as simple as attending a regular Bible study that would have kept your ears from hearing that statement.

You may say, “I attend morning worship most of the time. What else do you want of me?” Whoopee! Give yourself a BIG pat on the back. Jesus gave His very life so you can have this opportunity to study and learn more about Him and His sacrifice for YOU! Is your time more valuable than His? Is your sacrifice to give up some time so you can attend more than once a week more of a sacrifice than His?

What excuse did you have this past Lord's day for not attending Bible study? Are you going to use the same one this week or are you going to be a bit more creative? Know this, there will be no lame excuses accepted by God for your lack of interest or pure laziness for not learning as much as possible about His word. You will reap what you sow (Gal. 6:7) and you can take that to the bank.

In Christian love,

More Than A Mother

When God set the world in place,
when He hung the stars up in space,
when He made the land and the sea,
then He made you and me.

He sat back and saw all that was good,
He saw things to be as they should.
Just one more blessing He had in store;
He created a mother, but whatever for?

He knew a mother would have a special place
to shine His reflection on her child's face.

A mother will walk the extra mile
just to see her children smile.
She'll work her fingers to the bone
to make a house into a home.

A mother is there to teach and guide,
a mother will stay right by your side.
She'll be there through your pain and strife,
she'll stay constant in your life.

A mother will lend a helping hand
until you have the strength to stand.
She'll pick you up when you are down,
when you need a friend she'll stick around.

A mother is one who listens well,
will keep her word; will never tell.

A mother never pokes or pries
but stands quietly by your side,
giving you the strength you need,
encouraging you to succeed.

A mother is one who can be strong
when you need someone to lean on.
You're more than a mother to me;
a reflection of Him in your face I see,
a love that knows no boundaries.

I'm glad that you chose to be
all this and more to me.
You share a love that knows no end,
you're more than my mother,
you are my friend.
Kari Keshmiry

Sunday is Mother's Day and if you still have your mother, please do not hesitate to give her a call or go by and see her. Whichever you do, remember to let her know that she is appreciated and that you love her very much. There is nothing like a mother's love and hopefully we have all been able to experience this love in one form or the other. Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers and may God continue to richly bless each of you.

In Christian Love,

Dirty or Clean!

The world has a strange way of classifying each one of us. Sometimes the terms dirty and clean are used for this descriptive purpose. When someone declares another to be dirty they could be referring to many aspects of that person's life. Looking on the outside, they could determine that the person needs a bath because they are filthy physically. They could be speaking of one's language. Jesus said it is not what enters the mouth that defiles a man but the things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart and they defile a man (Mt. 15:17, 18). So one could be using offensive language that could be deemed dirty. God is very concerned about our outward appearance but not as much as He is concerned about our inward condition. We definitely need to be concerned about both ourselves, but without being judgmental of one another.

This brings us to a very pertinent question, “Are you dirty or are you clean when referring to your inward or spiritual side?” Why is it that so many people struggle with answering this question? Surely you know if what you are doing is pleasing or not pleasing to God.

Many folks today see themselves as being very clean in the eyes of God. Why do they feel this way? It could be due to the fact that they are comparing themselves with other human beings. If so, this makes it very easy for them to choose others who fall way short of the mark, in order to make themselves look much cleaner. Cleaner than others doesn't mean clean in the eyes of God.

God looks where? On the heart! We all fall very short when we start to compare ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. He is perfection! Jesus knew the heart of Judas when He made this statement, “You are not all clean” (John 13:11). When He declared that one of them would betray Him, they started examining themselves wondering which one of them it could be. Peter had to ask, “who is it?” Just because we look clean on the outside does not mean that we are clean on the inside. We can be so defiled on the inside that we can never gain a spiritual cleansing. Have you been spiritually cleansed by the blood of the Lamb?

In Christian love,

Dancing with God

When I meditated on the word Guidance,

I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.

I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.

When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.

The movement doesn't flow with the music,

and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.

When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,

both bodies begin to flow with the music.

One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back

or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another.

It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.

The dance takes surrender, willingness,

and attentiveness from one person

and gentle guidance and skill from the other.

My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.

When I saw "G": I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i".

"God, "u" and "i" dance."

God, you, and I dance.

As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust

that I would get guidance about my life..

Once again, I became willing to let God lead...

My prayer for you today is that God's blessings

and mercies are upon you on this day and everyday.

May you abide in God, as God abides in you.

Dance together with God, trusting God to lead

and to guide you through each season of your life.

And I Hope You Dance Through 2010

Unknown

In Christian love,

Eddie

Cultural Degeneration

What is happening to our cultures? Do you remember when folks used to be able to leave their house doors unlocked at night? Your windows could be opened wide knowing that your belongings were safe. You could even leave your keys in your car's ignition without fear of it being stolen. Remember when you didn't have to know where your children were at all times during the day. Some would say those were the good old days and most of us would solemnly agree, especially us baby boomers.

Our cultures have changed so drastically that we are even afraid to go outside after dark for fear of losing our lives. It is easy for us to blame our law enforcement by claiming they are not doing their jobs, but would that be entirely fair? The sad truth is that this might be just the beginning of our woes. In the past we had opportunities to speak up and we remained silent. Our silence has allowed prayer to be taken out of the schools and now taking “In God We Trust” off of our currency. What's next? Are we going to be branded with numbers on our foreheads or have detection devices implanted under our skin? When do we say, enough is enough? Sooner or later we are going to have to make a stand.

God will not allow nations to go unpunished who have turned their backs on Him. Rightly so! He is God Almighty and deserves to be worshipped by all of His creation. The Old Testament is full of examples where the Israelites forsook God and He brought them under submission by captivity or sometimes even death. We surely don't want either of those attention getters!

Any culture can be renewed but it will have to begin with outstanding leadership that has its focus entirely on God. People follow people and hopefully God's will, for the good of the people, will be accomplished at the polls so that we can get back on tract to being a godly nation once again. Amen? We must be willing to do our part as well in order to make the system successful. Are you willing to do your part? No matter how tough it gets? Cultural degeneration can easily be turned into cultural regeneration if we the people truly desire it.

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chron. 7:14

God's Blessings!
Eddie

God's Valentine

Will you be my Valentine

Is an expression heard this time of the year.

It can be spoken out loud or

It can be whispered in one's ear.

Whether spoken aloud or whispered

Is a minute part.

Because what really matters

Is if it's truly from the heart.

Being one's Valentine

Is an outward show of love.

One in which God reveals to all

From His heavenly kingdom above.

Aren't you excited

To know of God's love for you,

Especially during this time of the year

When so many are feeling blue.

God will not leave nor forsake you

Since this is His great plan.

Which makes you the perfect Valentine

To be placed in His ever loving hand.

Being one of God's Valentines

Puts you in a very special place.

One in which you will see Him

Face to face.

In Christian love

Confession - Is It Not Good For The Soul?

Most people have heard of the phrase, “Confession is good for the soul.” Do we have any idea where this saying was coined? Probably not, but we do have another saying that relays the same truth and it is found in 1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Could it be said that this is the key verse for restoring our relationship with the heavenly Father? Probably yes. The wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon, wrote essentially the same thing, warning, He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy (Proverbs 28:13).

Confession of sin is manifested by repentance, as was the case of David after he was confronted by the prophet Nathan about his sin with Bathsheba (Psalm 51). It is also manifested by self-abasement (humility/dishonor). Jeremiah put it this way, We lie down in our shame, and our reproach covers us. For we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even to this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God (Jer. 3:25). The apostle Paul said, For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, not to be regretted...(2 Cor. 7:10a). Confession is even manifested by restitution (compensation/amends). The children of Israel were made to do this when they were found guilty of any sin against the Lord.

Now that we see how the confession of sin is manifested, what will be the results of our confession? First there is forgiveness, as stated earlier in 1 John 1:9. Secondly there is pardon, concerning David (Psalm 32:1-5). Thirdly there is renewed fellowship (Psalm 51:12-19). Lastly there is healing. Confess your trespasses to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed (James 5:16a).

Our sins are not something that we should take lightly. It is true that our sins will find us out, as they did with David and others in the Holy Scriptures. We want to make sure that we stay confessed up so that we will find ourselves continually being cleansed by the blood of the lamb, Jesus Christ. This will assure our entrance into the heavenly kingdom Christ is now preparing for each of us.

God's Blessings!

Eddie

Christian Service

Early in this century a London newspaper carried an advertisement that read: “Men wanted for hazardous darkness, and constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success.” The ad, signed by famous Arctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, brought inquiries from thousands of men. Commenting on this in his book Be Faithful, Warren W. Wiersbe said, “If Jesus Christ had advertised for workers, the announcement might have read something like this: ‘Men and women wanted for difficult task of helping to build My church. You will often be misunderstood, even by those working with you. You will face constant attack from an invisible enemy. You may not see the results of your labor, and your full reward will not come till after all your work is completed. It may cost you your home, your ambitions, even your life.’” - D.C.E. Our Daily Bread, June 18

If such an ad was placed in your local paper, would you be tempted to answer the ad? If you are a disciple of Christ today, you might be experiencing some of the affects of being a Christian and serving the Lord in building His one and only church. The Bible reminds us that we are to Serve the Lord with gladness...” (Psalm 100:2a). Even if we are or could experience such conditions, we are to do it with gladness. Peter wrote, Yet if anyone suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter (1 Peter 4:16). Peter also said, For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil (1 Peter 3:17). Our service to God should be without repose. It should be a task that is met head on with anticipation, excitement and zeal. Could we ever do a better service in this lifetime than serve the Lord with gladness?

Are we giving the Lord our very best when it comes to service? Are we gladly attending all the worship services? Are we getting as much as we possibly can out of our singing to the Lord? Are we getting the most out of prayers as they are lifted up to the heavenly Father? Are we understanding and getting more out the Lord's Supper each time we participate in it? Are we getting more out of the collection that is taken up each and every Lord's day? Are we gleaning as much as we should from the preaching we are hearing? And are we getting more out of the Bible Study we attend? These are very pertinent questions that need absolute answers.

God's Blessings!

Eddie

Everyone Wants and Needs To Be Accepted

Have you ever been in a situation where you just absolutely felt out of place? It happened to me at Deb's 20^th High School Reunion. It was at this very event that we came in contact with the church of Christ. Can you imagine that happening at this type of gathering? Actually, we didn't learn about the church that evening but had we not gone to that reunion we would probably still be worshiping in a different setting today. It was because of that reunion that we came in contact with two individuals who belonged to the Lord's church and they shared this good news with us later on. Of course all of you know the rest of the story, but maybe the following story will express what I'm trying to say more clearly.

One Sunday afternoon our family gathered around a big oak table for dinner. Soon my daughter Kate's laughter rose above the talk. “Gram, you're silly!” she said. We all turned to see mom delicately lifting to her mouth a small strand of peas on the blade of her knife. All but one pea made it, and everyone clapped. Then mom told us the story behind her unorthodox technique:

“When I was little we didn't have much. It was the Depression. But we did have a table full of food because my father grew wonderful vegetables. Lots of hobos who had jumped from the train wandered onto our property, looking for a meal. More often than not an extra dinner seat was pulled up to the table.”

“One summer afternoon I was sweeping the kitchen floor when my father's voice came through the screen door: 'Lizzy, set another plate. We have company tonight.' Our guest paused in the doorway and dipped his head in a gesture of gratitude. 'Look like he doesn't speak much English,' dad said, 'But he's hungry like we are. His name is Henry.'”

“When dinner was ready Henry stood until we were all seated, then he gently perched on the edge of his chair, his head bowed and his hat in his lap. The blessing was said and the dishes were passed from hand to hand.”

“We all waited, as it was proper, for our guest to take the first bite. Henry must have been so hungry that he didn't notice us watching him as he grabbed his knife. Carefully he slid the blade into the pile of peas before him, then lifted a quivering row to his mouth without spilling a single pea. He was eating with his knife! I looked at my sister May and we covered our mouths to muffle our snickers. Henry took another knifeful, and then another.”

“My father, taking note of the glances we were exchanging, firmly set down his fork. He looked me in the eye, then took his knife and thrust it into the peas on his plate. Most of them fell off as he attempted to lift them to his mouth, but he continued until all the peas were gone.”

“Dad never did use his fork that evening, because Henry didn't. Is was one of my father's silent lessons in acceptance. He understood the need for this man to maintain his dignity, to feel comfortable in a strange place with people of different customs. Even at my young age I understood the greatest of my father's simple act of brotherhood.”

Mom paused, looked at her grandchildren, and winked as she plowed her knife into a mountain of peas. [Contributed by Cori Connors, of Farmington, UT., to Guidepost, March 1997, p. 36]

If you were given the same circumstances, how would you have responded to Henry and his odd eating habits? Shamefully I would have to say that I would have probably caught myself, for a moment, snickering with my children. Everyone everywhere wants and needs to be accepted. Are you and I willing to accept everyone just the way they are? The Bible reminds us that God accepted us in love by sending His Son to die for us while we were sinners (Rom. 5:8). Are we not willing to do the same?

God's Blessings!

Breach-of-Contract

Most of us have heard this phrase before, “breach-of-contract.” What exactly does it mean? First of all, a breach is the act of breaking something. So in this case it would be the breaking of a contract, no matter what the contract might be. A breach can also be the violation of a law, or any other agreement. It can be a gap, like a breach in a dam. How about a breach delivery? It can even be defined as a difference; quarrel; or injury.

As we look at the definition of breach, we notice that it does not have a very good inference. As we read in the word of God we see particularly in the Old Testament that the children of Israel breached many a contract with God.

The word contract means a compact; a written agreement; a betrothal. In the case of Israel, they had an oral compact with God through their patriarchs, then God gave them a written contract when He wrote the Ten Commandments on two tablets of stone and gave them to Moses to give to the people. These were contracts that were not meant to be broken. How terribly did the Hebrew people mess this one up?

Now, try this one on for size. Back on February 23, 2000, attorneys representing the Tribe of Abraham, filed a suit against God in New York's Southern district court, citing 117 specific instances of breach of covenant on God's part. The Israelites were seeking $4.2 trillion in punitive and compensatory damages. Have you ever heard of such? According to their attorney, the Children of Israel, entered into a covenant with God in good faith. They were assured in writing, that in exchange for their exclusive worship of Him, they would be designated His chosen people and, as such, would enjoy His divine protection and guidance for eternity. They claim they have not received the protection they were promised in the covenant.

The Israelites site countless tragedies over the past 5,000 years, from the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem to the Spanish Inquisition to the Holocaust. Their question, “Does that sound like protection to you?” They stated that the Creator had no intention of honoring His legal and binding agreement with them from the start.

You can only imagine the other claims they made against God. The legal counsel for the Lord made known to the Tribe of Abraham that the Lord had not ruled out filing a breach-of-contract counter suit against them, claiming that they “have failed to worship the Lord in an acceptably faithful manner.” Among the evidence cited: a 70% rise in interfaith marriage among Jews since 1900 and last year's turnout of just 36% at world wide Yom Kippur services.

Does God have a case? He always has and He always will! Who will win out in the end? It will be God Almighty rightly and justly so! Hopefully we are not in breach-of-contract.

God's Blessings!