Not So Easy Button

by   September 26, 2022 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

Have you ever wished for Cliff Notes of the Bible? Like yesterday when I gave you all that Scripture and you started hearing, “Blah blah blah designer shoes blah blah …” Well, here ya go.

I came across a passage that sums it all up. In Matthew 22: 34-40, Jesus is being questioned by the religious experts of the day. These guys were careful to obey the details of the law down to the length of their sleeves. Trying to trick Him, they asked what He considered to be THE most important law. His reply is well known, but not well practiced. “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important. Love your neighbor as yourself.” Then He says it.

“All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” So here’s the scoop. If we get those two things right, all the other stuff falls into place. The God of details gives us an easy button. Well, at least He narrowed it down to two things. So should I take that job? Can I fulfill Christ’s royal law of love there? No? Then the money is not worth it. Should I work in the yard today? Will I in any way defeat the goal of loving God and loving people? No? Then go for it.

Just a little jump off the Nehemiah bus for today. Because if we bear down on these two things, Christ says we’re good to go. Love God. Love people. And it’s also amazing that He places loving others “equally important” as loving Himself!! Knowing that He is a jealous God and wants us to love Him with every ounce of our being, makes that statement even more astounding!

Can I be real with you? Loving Him and loving people is certainly harder some days than others. I bet you already knew that. Here’s what I prayed. You fill in the blanks where you have been.

Strengthen me Lord to love You so much that I never doubt You again. When people hurt me and You are silent, help me rest in Your Word and believe You when You tell me You love me. When we both lose our jobs, both cars break down, the house has a tax lien, and medical bills mount up, [summer of 1990] help me remember that You love me. When I blow my cool and bless out the person I feel to be responsible for our job loss; when I slam the door so hard the windows are still rattling, [also summer of 1990] help me to know that You still love me. When I lose my strong and beautiful mother because she gets an illness that is so rare that only 3 in one million in the U.S. get it [winter of 2004]; When my very first grandson dies before I hold him in my arms, [summer of 2010] help me to rest in the fact that You love me. And when we come out on the other side of heartache with a stronger understanding of Your great love, help us use that understanding to love people better. Everyone is going through something. Strengthen me, and all of us today, to lighten someone’s load just a little; Because You love me while I am most definitely unlovable.
More: Ephesians 3:14-21; Romans 8:31-39; Matthew 22:34-40

Maintaining Your Faith

by   September 24, 2022 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            When spring rolled around this year I thought I would change the oil in my lawn mower. Each week, I thought I would do it next week. Spring melted into summer, and here we are on the cusp of fall. I finally made time to change the oil; it was way past due. I read that an engine can overheat if you don’t keep the oil changed. I know better and usually do better.

            Engines need maintenance, as do so many other things. Bushes need trimming. Grass needs to be cut. Houses need maintenance, too. There is some painting that needs to be done around my house. I normally like to paint, and can’t figure out why I can’t seem to motivate myself to get started. Maybe part of the reason is that I am not a fan of all the prep work that goes into a paint job.

            Even relationships need to be maintained. How can a friendship thrive if the two people don’t spend time together? There is a need to share and talk in order to keep the relationship alive. Two people become best friends because they spend quality and a certain quantity of time together. Relationships don’t just happen; they require an investment from each person. You build a strong relationship, which means you have developed strong connections.

            Some people believe that they can have a strong relationship with God simply by attending church a couple of times a month. If you rarely make time to feed your spirit it won’t remain alive and vibrant. I read that marriages last an average of eight years now in America. If two people will not invest in staying together, they will ultimately drift apart. This same principle applies to our spiritual lives.

            We need to be in church or attending virtually so we can hear God’s word from our pastors. Hearing what God is telling your pastor is so important to knowing what the Spirit is doing in your church and community. The pandemic has driven us from church and each other, which are two critical things we all need for spiritual growth. There are ways we can safely engage again with our church and church family and we need to do that if we want to remain spiritually strong.

            Whether you attend church virtually or in person, you need to connect with your church family on a regular basis if you want to build a strong relationship with God. It is also critical to have a daily intake of God’s word. The Bible is God’s love story with mankind. It tells us of His character, His great love for us, and the many ways He interacts with us. It also tells us many stories of how people have interacted with God. It gives us example after example of how faith and trust in God can change circumstances.

            Reading the stories in the Bible will give us a strong foundation for our faith. Next, we have to learn how to apply the principles in the scriptures to our own lives. God wants us to grow our faith so that means He will allow challenges to come our way. These challenges will cause us look for God’s promises in the Bible that apply to our situation. Then we have to hold onto those promises and trust in God to see us through our circumstances. That’s building faith.

            No matter how strong we are spiritually we are going to get knocked down. Sometimes we will be able to pull ourselves up, but sometimes we are going to need the help of some good friends. If we want to grow strong spiritually we are going to have to connect on a deeper level with friends who will pray for us, stand with us, and lift us up when we have fallen. We also need to be there for others when they are going through difficult times. Good friends are critical for spiritual growth. We need to mutually encourage and support each other.

            I want to encourage you to maintain your spiritual life. Digging into God’s word is the first step to spiritual growth and maintenance. Being connected and committed to our brothers and sisters, whether in person or virtually provides the support system that is critical to keeping our spirits refreshed. God never intended for us to walk alone spiritually. Life will have its ups and downs, but our church family will be there to help us through the dark days. Walking with God requires us to put our hand in His, doing our part to maintain our faith, and trusting Him with the rest.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

I Thirst

by   September 23, 2022 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

 I was flying from Myrtle Beach back to home, and I had a connection to make in Charlotte.  As it seems to happen at times, I landed at gate D-20 something and had about 30 minutes to get across the airport to gate A-something. And, I am the first on a plane, but the last off. So, my connection time was shortened. However, after I de-planed, I gathered my two bags, placed them on my knees, and began quickly to cross Douglass Airport.

The concourses at Charlotte are connected by a rather steep, carpeted, and long ramp which I had managed before on trips. However, this time I had two bulky gym bags riding on my legs.  I hit the ramp with speed and was powering up quite well, and then the top bag began to slide, and before I recovered, the bottom bag began to go with it. As I tried to adjust them with one hand, my wheelchair began to turn sideways, and I was running out of time. I had a connection to make and this mess was going to cause me delay. As I leaned into the ramp, trying to hold the bags with my chest while pumping to get all the way to the top, I felt two hands take control of my chair and a strong voice said, “I got you.” Someone had taken control of my situation and before I knew it, I was on the level hub and the same voice said, “You got it now?” And before I could turn and say “Thank you”, he melted into the crowd, going back the way he had been headed.

As I think of the Cruxification and the latter words of Jesus, “I thirst”, I think of my experience. No, I was not suffering like Jesus, but I was in distress and an angel came out of the crowd and took control for me and gave me relief from my thirst. We thirst for many things in this life. Sometimes we thirst for knowledge and wisdom, sometimes we thirst for friendship, or love, or any number of things. And, sometimes we may thirst but not be aware of it, and I hope that you may have an angel come out of the crowd and satisfy your thirst.

In Training

by   September 20, 2022 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

Labor pains had begun. The time was almost here.

We were ready. We had been in training for this! We had prepared. We had notes to guide us. We had attended classes with other parents-to-be. We had been educated on what to expect. We had practiced. We followed instructions. We had been trained in how to respond as the birth pains escalated. Proper breathing techniques were my friend.

At that time, it was called natural childbirth. After 31 hours of labor, the training paid off. A mother — me — had made it through childbirth with no medication. My husband had survived, as well. We had trained for the birth of our baby and our promise had been delivered!

Thankfully, we had been in training for that moment in time — I mean for that 31 hours in time — that took place almost 40 years ago. To be in training can mean preparing for or learning a certain skill, often through instruction. It can end with a promise of becoming fit, qualified and proficient at whatever it is we are training to do. This was a promise I had been willing to work for. We were successful.

Was it easy? Uh, no. Was it worth it? Yes.

Would I have done it without training? No.

We have all trained for something many times in our lives. Training teaches us, prepares us and gives us skills and knowledge.

God’s Word teaches us about training:

2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness.”

“Train ourselves for godliness, for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” — 1 Timothy 4:8

Psalm 144:1 states, “blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.”

“Let the word of Christ have its home within you, dwelling in your heart and mind, permeating every aspect of your being as you teach spiritual things and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” — Colossians 3:16

Got it? Just in case, here is a summary:

God’s Word trains us in righteousness. We are to train ourselves for godliness, and the Lord trains us for battle.

As the Lord has his home within us, we are to train one another. Training in righteousness, training for godliness, training for battle and training one another brings a promise for our present life and also for our life to come.

It is a promise we can cling to!

Ann Farabee is a teacher, writer and speaker. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com.

Valley of Oh-No

by   September 19, 2022 with No Comments

By Lynna Cark

There’s a trap set for you. I don’t know what that looks like in your world. In Nehemiah’s it was set for him in the valley of Ono. I’m guessing that’s pronounced, “Oh NO!” Wouldn’t it be cool if everything were labeled by descriptive words, so we knew what we were getting into? “Hey honey. Wanta buy that house on Money Pit Lane, or the one over in Rainbow Valley?” or “Let’s try a vacation at the Shark Pit Villas.” “Where you wanta eat tonight?” “Oh I don’t know, maybe that new place, Hurler’s Grill.”

Somehow Nehemiah knew the invitation would not turn out well. So he stalled. He was even diplomatic. But they persisted. Finally he responded in a voice much like the witch in Princess Bride… “LIAR!!” I love that line. We use it often at family functions. Princess Bride is so deep… so quotable.

Nehemiah called them out as the liars they were and watched his back [and most surely his front as well.] Verse Nine gives the goal of his enemy and ours too. “They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining they could break our resolve and stop the work.” Next line holds the key to his success and ours. “So I prayed for strength to continue the work.”

Today, name your trap. It could be anger, past hurt, secret sin, or something as simple as mine, which is fear. I actually had to go to counseling to figure that out. When I finally named my crippling fear for the sinful choice that it is, my life changed. Now that I recognize the trap, my thought patterns are more deliberately opposite of fear. Do that for yourself, for your family, for the God you love. Name the trap that Satan, uses to hold you captive. Is it pride, criticism, or something you don’t even recognize? I know it took me a long time to realize what was holding me back. Ask the Lord for help. Then pray for strength to continue the work.

God has big plans for His church. Everyone has something to give. I really believe it all starts with prayer. He seems to emphasize that a lot. So let’s do it His way, realizing we cannot accomplish anything without His blessing. So look that old devil in the eye and call him the liar he is the next time he whispers that you don’t matter. Because God really does want to complete His work in you and use you for His glory!

Today Lord, reveal the trap set for me. Give me wisdom to recognize what holds me back. Then strengthen me to avoid anything that would hinder Your plan. Give me strength in You.

More: Philippians 1:6; Romans 12:1,2; Hebrews 12:1,2

Walking

by   September 17, 2022 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            I have always been an active person, especially in the spring and the fall. When the weather is good, I want to be outside doing something. In the fall, there will be leaves to get up and the garden will need to be put to bed for winter. In the spring, I can’t wait to plant my garden and to clean things up from winter. Naturally, the grass needs cutting, which is good exercise.

            The trouble, according to my doctor, is that I am less active in the winter, and especially during the hot summer days around here. My physical is in August every year and the need to be active year around always comes up. Something clicked when I was in his office last year and I decided that it was time to find a way to remain active.

            I considered my options. I know I am not a runner unless there is a dog, lion, or bear chasing me. I don’t have a bike so that was out. We don’t have any fancy indoor equipment. I am not big on sit-ups, jumping jacks, or push-ups. Walking seemed to be the most appealing.

            I live in a nice neighborhood and we have lots of people who walk. My first day out was a very warm afternoon and I didn’t make it very far. I realized that I was out of shape. As the weather cooled, my distance improved. I was out there walking and improving almost every day. I was consistent and improving right into the heart of winter. I don’t mind the cold as much as I mind the heat. I even walked in the snow.

            When I started my job in January I worked hard to learn the new curriculum. I walked less. Then I took an online class to help in the new job. There were lots of excuses for not taking my daily walks. It is hard to start a good habit, and easy to give it up. Soon it was summer and I don’t even like walking to the mailbox in the heat and humidity, so walking was definitely out.

            I went for my annual physical this year and had to fess up to giving up this good habit. He reminded me that walking is not only good for your physical body but for your mental and spiritual health, too. I am back to walking again. I am gradually building back to the same distance I was walking when I gave it up.

            Walking is better than running for someone of my age, says the doctor. When I walk my mind is free to think about things. This could be bad if I spend my walk worrying. We live in a day and time where there are lots of things that can fill our minds with worry. I won’t bother list them as I am sure you have your own list of things that can pull you down. We need to train our minds to think on good things. Philippians 4:8 and 9 give us a great list of things to think about as we walk. It also promises that if we meditate on this good list of things, that our minds will be filled with the peace of God.

            Inviting God on walks or whatever exercise you do is probably a good plan. God wants to talk with us, and inviting Him into our exercise routine is the perfect opportunity to talk with Him. Praying for others is great. Praying about situations instead of worrying about them is excellent. Casting all your worries upon God is something God encourages us to do. Asking for His wisdom and guidance is great too because you are in a place where you can hear Him better. Spending time with God builds your friendship and trust with Him. Allowing His love to invade your heart and His peace to invade your mind will change your perspective on life.

            I want to encourage you to do the things that are necessary to maintain your body, mind, and spirit. Taking care of yourself physically by getting proper rest and exercise can make for a healthier and happier body. Casting all your worry and anxiety on God will free your mind to think about good things and make you feel happier and more at peace. And doing the things that I always encourage: spending time in God’s word and praying will strengthen your spirit. I believe God wants you to be strong physically, mentally, and spiritually, so take good care of yourself. I need to go; it’s time for my walk.     

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

Duel Citizenship

by   September 16, 2022 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

David McCullough’s The American Spirit is a timely read. A 2017 collection of fifteen of his speeches covering several years and settings, it is timely because its sub-title, Who We Are and What We Stand For is a reminder that 2022 is a good time to re-examine our character.

The selected speeches scan from 1989 to 2016 and were delivered at the White House and the United States Capitol and Monticello and other such settings, but, as fitting for a scholar like McCullough, most were shared at colleges and universities. As expected, each speech gave some history of the occasion, information about some of the people behind the occasion, and as he writes in the introduction, he always came away from each speaking date “with my outlook greatly restored, having seen, again and again, long-standing American values still firmly in place, good people involved in joint efforts to accomplish changes for the better, the American spirit still at work.” But, best of all, he gives a lesson or lessons in each speech.

 At Hillsdale College in 2005, for instance, he quotes Daniel Boorstin, Barbara Tuchman, E.M. Forster,  John and Abigail Adams, and speaks of such Signers as Benjamin Rush. Not surprisingly, all of his words are spoken from his love and appreciation of our history, which he implores us to learn. He shares how his friend Daniel Boorstin thought that “trying to plan for the future without a sense of the past is like trying to plant cut flowers”,  and he cautions us that, “Citizenship isn’t just voting.” And he shows us how to be more than just voting citizens.

“Read. Read, read!” A command from a fellow citizen who knows the necessity of being informed.

Now, I am sure that when McCullough delivered these speeches he was thinking of our secular citizenship and the debt we owe our country. He is correct that a good citizen does more than vote in every election cycle. A good citizen reads and studies and thinks of history and the events and people who came before. And a good citizen understands that those folks were like us-fallible humans.

But McCullough’s words are applicable to another citizenship role in many of our lives—the role of citizenship in Christ. Just as we are told to read our secular history, we need to read and study not only the Bible but other sources concerning Christianity.  Read the histories of Jesus’ world and better understand the forces He encountered. Read modern day Christian writers such as Clarence Jordan, Howard Thurman, C.S. Lewis, Samuel Wells, A.W. Tozer, or any number of the good writers available. Their words are reminders of how a Christian life should be lived, and when attending Sunday service do not act and think like the secular voter McCullough warns us against who believes that showing up is all that is required.

McCullough tells us that being a citizen requires more than voting just as Jesus tells us that being a Christ Follower requires more than sitting in a pew on Sunday.  Both citizenships require action: Acts of study, thought, and deeds. Anything short is false.

1 … 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 … 211