IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

The title of this article is also the title of a song recorded many years ago by Andy Williams. This is the time of the year when many are wishing one another, “Happy Holidays,” “Merry Christmas, “Happy New Year.” We talk of joy, peace, and happiness more during this time of the year. Why is this time of the year a time of happiness and cheer for many?

First, many are thinking about Jesus Christ more at this time. The Bible says nothing about the date of Christ’s birth, or about celebrating it. It was an important day (He could not have died if He had not been born), but we do not know when it was. I suppose the chances that Jesus was born on December 25th are about 1 in 365. The celebration of Christmas is man-made. However, I think we would be foolish to say people are not more aware of Christ during this time of the year. Many people determine to be more spiritual and Christ-like during the holidays. People who rarely attend religious services will attend around Christmas. While we would agree that everyone should have these attitudes throughout the year, perhaps we can use this time to convince them of this need. Anytime we can encourage people to think about Christ, it is a good thing.

Second, it is a time for families to be together. One part of the song has these lyrics: “It's the most wonderful time of the year. There'll be much mistltoeing, And hearts will be glowing, When love ones are near, It's the most wonderful time of the year.” Many families are like mine. They live great distances from each other and have little time to be together. Often, that time is during the holiday season. I can remember as a child being at my grandparents’ house with all of my aunts, uncles and cousins. Since I started preaching, we have lived away from family. My two older brothers and their families are in the same situation. For many years, Christmastime has been the time of the year that we have tried to be together.

While it is true that this is the most wonderful time of the year for many people, there are others who struggle through the holidays in loneliness and depression. This time of the year has one of the highest suicide rates. While we are celebrating and enjoying the holidays, let’s all be look for those who are not and reach out to them with loving arms.

--Lamar

THINK ON THESE THINGS

Paul wrote to the Christians in Philippi, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Have you ever been around someone whose conversation was the opposite of these? Their speech is base and vulgar. Compare that with someone whose speech is always honorable, lovely, and pure. What makes the difference? The heart, their thoughts. Have you ever said something and then said, “I didn’t mean that. I didn’t think before I said it.” That is impossible. The things we say come from our thoughts. Jesus said that the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart and defile a man (Matthew 15:18).

Paul admonishes us to think on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. We should give every effort to keep our minds controlled by that which is wholesome. One cannot expect to keep his mind pure if he constantly holds his attention on things that are not pure. A dirty story, salacious literature and movies, as well as gossip, are not the kind of things that the pure in heart enjoy. It is a sad commentary on society that pro­moters of filthy literature and entertainment are getting rich doing it.

It is imperative that we fill our minds with good things. It is not enough just to avoid the evil and impure thoughts. If our minds are not used constructively, they will be used destructively. Remember the old saying, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. If we do not actively pursue using our mind for good things, Satan will simply take it and use it for his purposes.

We read in Matthew 15:19, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These sins are first committed in the heart, before the overt act. The sin, therefore, is the child of a corrupt mind. The most vicious crimes may be committed because a person allowed his mind to dwell continually on wickedness. It is not surprising that the Scriptures warn so plainly of the danger of thinking about the wrong things.
Proverbs 4:23 – Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
Psalms 51:10 – Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalms 19:14 – Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in
Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

What are you thinking?

--Lamar

MISPLACED VALUES

There has been much in the news for the last several weeks about the current economic crisis. People are losing their jobs, their investments and pensions, and their homes. Some are losing their hope. I think part of the problem is we have misplaced values. We need to realize there are some things that are worth much more than other things. We need to find out what the more valuable things are and place our focus on these things. I am not suggesting that we totally ignore the financial situation and bury our heads in the sand, but we do need to get our priorities straight. Because sometimes the things that are really worth the least are more precious in the hearts of men.

In Isaiah 5:20, we have this reading: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” It is tragic when men confuse themselves as to what is good and what is bad. The prophet said they call evil good; and they call good evil. They exalted the worthless and degrading; and belittled things were good. If this seems strange, only recall that this is the common course of mankind. For instance, money and material goods have become the great goal of many lives; while virtue and spirituality are forgotten. Our nation is more concerned with the economy than Jesus Christ and His treasures.

Jesus told a parable about a man who prepared a great feast and invited many. He sent his servant to bid them saying, “Come, for all things are now ready.” “But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’19 “And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’20 “Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come” (Luke 14:18-20). These men had a great opportunity; but they were more interested in other things. We have many opportunities to enjoy the blessings of Christ and His kingdom, but often pass them by in the pursuit of the temporal and unimportant. It is true that life requires attention to business, home, and so on; but such things should be secondary.

What are we talking about? We are talking about a mother that is anxious for her daughter to be a social success; but is not concerned about her spiritual success. We are talking about a father that spends thousands of dollars to get his son through college, but never took him to Sunday school. We are talking about the way men and women will devote themselves to business, to a profession, to home, and a host of other things; but who give the service of God and the salvation of their own soul only passing attention.

When your life and mine draws to a close, only one thing will really matter. All the rest will mean nothing. Only what is done for Christ will make any difference.
--Lamar

THE ELECTIONS ARE OVER

Except for a few races that will be decided in run-off elections, our government leaders have been chosen. It seems like some candidates have been campaigning since the last election ended, so I am certainly glad that part is over. Some of the candidates I supported and voted for won and some did not. The same is probably true for you. That is okay. I am reminded of the words of the apostle Paul in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” In the church today, there is neither Democrat, nor Republican, nor Libertarian, nor Independent. We are all one in Christ. As we look to the assumption of power for our new officials, there are some things we can do for them.

Pray. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). He tells us in Romans 13 that the authorities are appointed by God and we are to be subject to them. This is the case whether my candidate won or not. James tells us, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). We can pray for our leaders to have wisdom, to govern in a godly manner, to work for peace in our country and the world. We can also pray for their hearts to be changed in those areas where they are in conflict with God’s word. Yes, indeed, pray for our leaders.

Support. Even if you did not vote for the eventual winner in a race, you can still give that person your support when he/she is promoting ideas and laws that are good and right. Many states are dealing with the issue of same sex marriage. Any government official who is opposing such will have my full support on that issue. The same is true for any who oppose abortion, euthanasia/assisted suicide, and other such moral issues. These matters of morality are really the key issues. What should be done about the economic crisis? Iraq? Terrorism? Illegal immigration? There may be many possible solutions to these problems. However, with the problem of atheism, humanism, and immorality, there is only one solution: God. Anyone who will promote God, His word, and His way should have our support.

Oppose. On the other hand, when our officials are promoting things which are wrong we should speak out loud and clear in opposition. Our President elect and many others support abortion. They think Roe v Wade was the right decision and some want to broaden it even further. I can not and will not support anyone in his/her efforts to expand the “right” to destroy innocent human life. The same is true with other issues of morality (or the lack thereof). Thankfully, we live in a country where we have the freedom to speak out against such ungodliness, and we should use that freedom to the best of our ability.

In his inauguration speech, John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” What can we do for our elected officials, whether local, state, or national? Pray, support, and oppose.
--Lamar

FACING GIANTS CONCLUSION

Several weeks ago, we began a series of articles on overcoming the giants we face in our daily lives. As we have considered these, we have discussed the dangers they present and some ways of dealing with them. When we began, we looked at the Israelites as they were preparing to enter Canaan. When Moses sent out the twelve spies they came back with a disturbing report.

31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.”32 And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature.33 “There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight” (Numbers 13:31-33).

I think it is important to note both what is said and what is not said in this passage. First, they said they were grasshoppers in their own sight, then they were such in the sight of the giants. Someone has said no one can make you feel inferior without your permission. Part of their problem was how they saw themselves. If you think you can, you are right. If you think you can’t, you are right. The human mind is a very powerful thing. It can help bring about victory or defeat in any situation. Be careful of what you think.

Second, notice what is not said. Where is any mention of God? Look again at verse 31. “We are not able to go up against the people.” You know what, they were right. Listen to the words of Joshua and Caleb in 14:8 - “If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ Their confidence was not in their own abilities, but in the Almighty God. In Deuteronomy 9, Moses assures the people victory in possessing the Promised Land. The question was, “Who can stand before the descendants of Anak?” (9:2). He gives the answer in verse 3: “Therefore understand today that the Lord your God is He who goes over before you as a consuming fire. He will destroy them and bring them down before you; so you shall drive them out and destroy them quickly, as the Lord has said to you.” It was necessary that they were obedient, but they slew the giants because they trusted in God.

What about us? As we face these giants today, do we face them alone? Do we rely on our own strength and intelligence to slay the giants? Yes, we must be obedient; we must do everything in our power. However, we will never be able to slay the giants alone. It is only when we place our confidence and trust in God that victory is assured.
--Lamar

FACING GIANTS DENOMINATIONALISM

When I was growing up, eating out at a restaurant was a treat. It was a special treat to go to a restaurant in Rossville, GA known as “Bea’s.” It was a buffet restaurant with very reasonable prices. You went in and sat at a round table with a “lazy susan” in the middle and they brought the food to the table. It was my favorite place to eat. I still enjoy buffet restaurants. There is a great variety of food. You can pick what you want and pass over what you do not like. Aren’t buffets great?

We have a spiritual buffet in the religious world. There are all kinds of churches to choose from. Pick and choose from what you like and don’t like. Some of the differences are of no significance: where they meet, size of the crowd, time (on Sunday) when they meet. Other differences do matter because they are not in following God’s will. Not all religious people are right with God. Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’(Matthew 7:21-23). Paul warned that some would depart from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1). He urged Timothy to preach the word because the time was coming when Christians would not accept sound doctrine and would turn away from the truth (2 Timothy 4:2-4). Many people today base their “church preference” on likes and dislikes rather that the Word of God.

Over the years, more and more people drifted away from God’s will. This departure from the truth has resulted in a divided religious world. This is the opposite of what Jesus wanted. He prayed, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:20-21). Some estimates suggest there are over 20,000 religious denominations in the world today. How is that fulfilling the Lord’s prayer that believers be one? The word “denominationalism” refers to the divided religious world that has adopted the philosophy of “live and let live.” Co-exist with one another, accept one another’s differences, and agree to disagree, because one church is as good as another.

Not only has Satan used this giant to cause unbelief, he is also using it to influence the church of Christ. Some congregations are mimicking the denominations by using musical instruments in worship, serving the Lord’s Supper on days other than Sunday, permitting women to take leadership roles over men, teaching falsely on baptism and salvation, and other practices and teaching not found in Scripture. We need to search out what the Bible teaches and make sure what we are believing, practicing, and teaching is based on the authority of our Lord (Colossians 3:17).
--Lamar

FACING GIANTS LAZINESS AND BUSYNESS

Who doesn’t like to rest? Even Jesus sought rest and refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life (John 4:6). A part of God’s instructions to Israel concerning the Sabbath was that they do no work (Exodus 20:8-11). Heaven is described as a place of rest from our labors (Revelation 14:13). Yes, there is a time and place for appropriate rest.

Laziness, however, is a serious problem. It is an evil addiction to inactivity. There are many admonitions in the book of Proverbs dealing with this problem.
Proverbs 10:4-5 - He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.
Proverbs 10:26 - As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So is the lazy man to those who send him.
Proverbs 13:4 - The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.
Proverbs 21:25-26 - The desire of the lazy man kills him, For his hands refuse to labor. He covets greedily all day long, But the righteous gives and does not spare.
Proverbs 26:13, 15 - The lazy man says, “There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!” The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.
The question for the lazy person is not, “Are you smarter than a fifth grader?” but “Are you as smart as an ant?” (Proverbs 6:6-8). The answer is no.

God calls us to be workers, not couch potatoes. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). We need to learn to work as if we were working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). This applies if we are doing school work, chores around the house, developing a new product that will change the world, or flipping burgers for minimum wage.

Busyness is a giant of a different breed. Time management is an important skill to learn. Ephesians 5:15-17 – “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” We can become involved in too much, become too busy. We all have 24 hours in a day, 168 hours in a week. We cannot do everything. We must learn to prioritize. It worries me when someone responds to a request to be active in a work of the church by saying, “I don’t have the time; I’m just too busy.” Too busy doing what?

Satan does not have to get us involved in things we think of as awful sins: cursing, adultery, drunkenness, stealing, etc. He can simply convince us to do nothing or do too much. Either one is spiritually draining and will bring about spiritual weakness and even death. How are you doing facing these giants?
--Lamar

FACING GIANTS ADVERSITY AND PROSPERITY

These two concepts sit at opposite ends of the spectrum. In the simplest of terms, adversity represents the worst life has to offer and prosperity represents the best. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4). The trials and problems of life can help us become better people. However, it is also true that they can cause a great deal of harm. The same fire that can warm us on a cold night can burn us beyond recognition.

Sometimes life hits us hard, and it is not always fair. Think about Job in the Old Testament? Did he de­serve what he experienced? Read and see how much he suffered. His wife was unable to deal with the situation and told him, “Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9). She was overcome by the giant of adversity, but not Job. But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10). Likewise, the devil can use various difficulties in our lives and produce heavy burdens to bear. It is so very important to trust in the faithfulness of God as He can help us be capable of bearing up under any burden we experience. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Prosperity is also a powerful giant that can get the best of us. When everything is going well and life is good it is easy to credit ourselves and forget about the true source of all our blessings (James 1:17). At the conclusion of the parable of the rich fool Jesus says, “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21). We can be rich in regard to this world’s goods but poor spiritually. Prosperity can make us arrogant and lull us into a false sense of security (1 Timothy 6:17). Some have destroyed themselves simply from a desire to be rich (1 Timothy 6:6-10). Jesus knew what was important when He said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

These two giants are polar opposites, yet, twin killers. How have you been doing facing these giants?
--Lamar

FACING GIANTS SEXUAL IMMORALITY

“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4). Sex is not a giant; it is not evil. In fact, it is a God-ordained part of the marriage relationship. The first thing we have on record of God saying to man deals with the sexual relationship (Genesis 1:28). However, sexual immorality is one of the giants in Satan’s army. Notice the latter part of Hebrews 13:4. God will hold fornicators and adulterers accountable for their sin. As we think of facing the giant of sexual immorality, there are three aspects I would like to discuss: fornication, adultery, and homosexuality.

Fornication is defined by Vine as “illicit sexual intercourse.” It is the broader term, compared with adultery, referring to all sexual sin. However, for the sake of this article, I will use it synonymously with premarital sex. Sex is sacred in marriage, but sinful before marriage. You would not know this from looking at our society. For instance, when young adults ages 18-29 were asked if they believed premarital sex to be wrong, only 1 in 4 said they considered it to be wrong. One poll showed 50% of the American population does not believe it is wrong to have a child out of wedlock. Another study states that more than 9 out of 10 adults have engaged in premarital sex. Sex outside of marriage is wrong even if no one finds out, even if no unwanted pregnancy occurs, and even if no one gets a sexually transmitted disease. “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18).

Adultery is sexual activity with someone other than a spouse. As stated earlier, fornication is the broader term. Adultery is the more narrow term, indicating sexual sin where at least one person is married. If someone 100 years from now were to take a sampling of our entertainment (television, magazines, movies, music) and examine them, they would likely come to the conclusion that adultery is commonly accepted in our society. They would not be too far off. While it is still one of the leading causes of divorce, adultery is becoming more and more common. What does the Bible say? Included in the list of those who will not inherit the kingdom of God are adulterers (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Regardless of what man and society say, God says it is a sin.

Homosexuality is sexual activity between members of the same sex. We live in a society where the “gay rights movement” is getting stronger. Recently, a member of the music industry admitted to being homosexual and received praise from many. A 2003 Gallup poll found that six out of teen Americans believe that homosexual relations between consenting adults should be legal and 54% believe homosexuality should be considered an acceptable lifestyle. It has even reached the point where we see Christian people joking about it. “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due” (Romans 1:26-27).

The time to make a decision in regard to any aspect of sexual immorality is long before the tempting situation arises. I am confident that it helped Joseph that he had already decided that it was a “great wickedness and sin against God” (Genesis 39:9). Be careful of the situations you put yourself in. Understand the power of physical contact. Don’t just feel; use your mind and think. Exercise self control and win your battles against this giant.
--Lamar

FACING GIANTS EVIL COMPANIONS

“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). It is so easy for us to think that our associations with worldly people will have no effect on us. Perhaps that is why Paul begins the verse with the statement, “Do not be deceived.” If we make it our habit to associate with people with little or no spiritual direction in their lives, they will turn us to their ways of thinking and living. Their influence in our lives is usually gradual, but that makes it no less certain.

There are many admonitions and warnings in the book of Proverbs. “My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent” (Proverbs 1:10). “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20). “Go from the presence of a foolish man,” (Proverbs 14:7). “Make no friendship with an angry man, And with a furious man do not go, Lest you learn his ways And set a snare for your soul” (Proverbs 22:24-25). “Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them;” (Proverbs 24:1). What is so ironic and sad is that the man God used to pen these warnings allowed the women in his life to turn him from God (1 Kings 11:4).

Some may ask, “Did not Jesus associate with sinners?” Yes, He did. That habit of His life actually got Him in trouble with the self-righteous Pharisees (Luke 5:29-30; 15:1-2). However, His association with them was not for social benefit but for the well-being of their souls. He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). If we are spending our time among evil companions and are not making every effort to convert them, we are asking for trouble. It is also important to notice that His closest companions were like-minded people.

I have heard people say, “I am too strong of a Christian. They are not going to have a negative influence on me.” Keep in mind another admonition of Proverbs: “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Those with such an attitude also need to remember the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:12, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” It is a very dangerous game and the price (your soul) is of great value. Satan is wise in the ways of the world and he will use any and all of his tricks to pull us away from God, even if it turns out to be the person we thought was our best friend.

As a final word on this subject, I would like to especially warn our young people. This is not exclusively a problem of youth, older Christians must be aware of the dangers also. However, our young people need to be reminded of this danger when choosing friends and especially as they begin dating. The best friend, dating partner, or (eventually) spouse you can have is someone who will help you get to heaven.

Do you choose to associate with evil companions just for the fun of it? Beware of the giant!
--Lamar

FACING GIANTS

In their conquest of Canaan, Israel had to face some giants. They were first encountered when the spies were sent into the land. “There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight” (Numbers 13:33). They were big and probably frightening. However, they did not stop Joshua and the people from securing the promised land. God is faithful (1 Corinthians 10:13), and He had promised a land to the descendants of Abraham (Genesis 12:1). That promise is fulfilled in the book of Joshua, even in the face of the giants. “And at that time Joshua came and cut off the Anakim from the mountains: from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel; Joshua utterly destroyed them with their cities. None of the Anakim were left in the land of the children of Israel; they remained only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod. So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord had said to Moses; and Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. Then the land rested from war” (Joshua 11:21-23). The Israelites had to face giants in their day.

We face giants today. The Israelites faced giants in physical warfare. Our giants are faced in spiritual warfare. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). This is why Paul instructs us to “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).

There is a war going on! It is not a battle for oil, or land, or resources, or political freedom. It is a war for spiritual freedom, for the souls of men, women, and children throughout the world. It is a war between good and evil. God is the commander of the armies of righteousness and Satan commands the armies of the wicked. Satan has many giants in his army. They may appear indestructible. It may seem there is no way to defeat them. By ourselves, they are indestructible and undefeatable. With God on our side, they do not stand a chance. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Over the next few weeks, we want to identify some of Satan’s giants we face in everyday Christian life and how we can defeat them.
--Lamar

A PUFF OF SMOKE

“For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). One translation reads that it is “like a puff of smoke visible for a little while and then dissolving into thin air.” We could give various other translations, but the meaning is clear. Life here on earth is brief. It passes quickly. The psalmist writes, “The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:10). Even a life of great length is short and uncertain. Life is indeed a puff of smoke that is seen for a little while and then disappears.

As we consider the world in which God has placed us, it is obvious that He intended for us to be joyful. Certainly there are distresses, but these are the exception. Life is to be enjoyed. This is God’s design. His servants are to be the most joyful people in the world. It is also certain that the Lord has a purpose for mankind. We do not exist merely for the sake of existence. Ecclesiastes 12:13 states, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.” Life does have a purpose and that purpose is set forth in God’s Word. Man was made to be a glory to his Maker. We succeed or fail in life depending on our fulfillment of that purpose.

As we remember that life is brief, that it is a puff of smoke that is only seen for a little while, we should also recognize that it is a time of preparation. While we do enjoy life and use it to glorify God, this earthly life is not an end in itself. We must use the time we have on this earth to get ready for something better. Someone has correctly stated, “Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.” When we are looking forward to a trip, when we anticipate enjoying that trip (not so much the trip as the destination), we make preparation. Why would our trip into eternity be any different? If heaven is something we anticipate with joy, we will make preparation to go. It is certain that heaven would not be suit­able for those who make no preparation for it. The truth is that the doors of heaven will be closed to those who will not use their time here in getting ready to go there.

In Luke 12, Jesus tells of a man whose life was obviously a failure. He said: Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully.17 “And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’18 “So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods.19 ‘And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’20 “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’21 “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” By worldly standards this man was very successful. He had more than enough material goods. But he made a failure of his life. He forgot that it was just a puff of smoke that would soon vanish. God said He was a fool.

When your brief journey is over; when your soul is required; what will God have to say of you? Will you be called a fool or a wise one? Do not measure your success by the world’s standards. Aim for a life that joyfully fulfills its God-given purpose by preparing for the life that follows.
--Lamar

WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE?

The prophet Micah writes, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). Notice the question: “What does the Lord require of you?” The answer is given: “to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” There are some important lessons we can glean from this Scripture.

First, the question, “What does the Lord require of you,” certainly implies that GOD DOES REQUIRE SOMETHING OF MEN. How often do we think of our duty to God as compared with how often we think of what He does for us? For most people, their thoughts are usually more on God supplying their needs and wants. This is not to say that we ought not to look to God for blessings. At the same time, however, we should be concerned about what we must do to please Him. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Let each one of us ask, “What does the Lord require of ME?”

The verse begins with the statement, “He has shown you, O man, what is good.” This informs us that THE GOOD WAY IS THE WAY REVEALED BY GOD. It is not up to me to decide what is good, what is pleasing to God. The Lord tells us what is required. Jeremiah wrote: “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). The mind of man cannot by know the will of God without help. It must be revealed to Him, and it is revealed in the Scriptures.

What does the Lord require? The first two things revealed here concern our dealings with our fellow man. We cannot ignore our duties to others and expect to please God. TO DO JUSTLY asserts the neces­sity of honesty and fairness in all things. The Bible says, “The righteous man walks in his integrity” (Proverbs 20:7). Again, in Proverbs we read: “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich” (Proverbs 28:6). We must always do what is right, what is just, in dealing with our fellow man.

Second, to please God we must LOVE MERCY. Not only must we be honest and fair; but also we must do what we can to assist others. Also, included in the concept of mercy is forgiveness. Jesus said that if we will not forgive others, God will not forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15). The apostle Paul declared that we should not only refuse to steal, but also work that we may have to give to people in need (Ephesians 4:28) The principle of loving mercy is demonstrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan. The “hero” of the story was not among the thieves who inflicted the harm that befell the man. Neither was he with the priest and Levite who he ignored his suffering. Instead, he was one who loved mercy and showed it to the helpless traveler by treating his wounds and providing for his care.

The third requirement concerns our relationship with God. God tells us we must WALK HUMBLY WITH HIM. This includes doing everything commanded, because humility is the beginning point of obedience. Jesus Christ, who perfectly did all that His Father commanded, first humbled Himself. Philippians 2:8 says of Christ: “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” This is the opposite of arrogant refusal to do God’s will. Have you ever heard anyone say, or said yourself, “I don’t care what the Bible says, I do not believe it.” God requires that we walk humbly with Him. That means we must submit to His will and do as He commands.

Micah answers the question, “What does the Lord require of you?” Now you must answer the question, “Am I doing it?”
--Lamar

CALMING THE STORMS

As I sat here Wednesday trying to thing of what to write for the article this week, a storm blew in. I sat here and watched the rain falling almost parallel to the ground. There was some thunder and lightning and very heavy winds and rain. It made me think of what might have been happening one night almost 2000 years ago.

Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” (Matthew 8:23-27). The disciples were in the middle of a storm and were in fear for their lives. Jesus was able to calm the storm and left them in amazement.

Storms will come in our lives. No one goes through life unscathed. Perhaps you have faced disease or death, financial setbacks, personal turmoil, or spiritual struggles. We have all been there one way or the other. The apostle Paul writes, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Even for the Christian, it is not a matter of if troubles will come, but when.

Jesus is with us in the storm. The disciples had the solution to the storm with them in the boat. It seems to me by their reaction that they were not expecting Him to do what He did. David wrote in the well-known and loved 23rd Psalm, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (verse 4). When we face the storms of life, no matter what form they may take, remember Jesus is right there with us.

Jesus will see us through the storm. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12:9). In this text, Paul is speaking of his thorn in the flesh. Three times he pleaded with the Lord to remove it. The Lord’s response was “No, I will not remove it, but I will help you deal with it.” He may not always calm the storm as He did with the disciples, but He will always help us deal with the storm and come through it.

What are the storms in your life today? How long have you been trying to handle them by yourself? Give them to God; He will take care of it. 1 Peter 5:7 – “(C)asting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” He cares so much that He sent His Son to die for you (John 3:16). If He was willing to make such a sacrifice, surely He will calm the storms in your life.
--Lamar

CHRISTIAN FAMILIES

The family is the oldest and most familiar of God’s institutions. A Christian family is a wonderful blessing; both to the members of it and to the community. But many families are failures. Instead of being a refuge of peace and comfort, some homes are arenas of strife, hatred and confusion. Solomon said, “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred” (Proverbs 15:17). The high rate of divorce and juvenile delinquency are well-published evi­dences of families that failed. Still others are failing because the parents and children lack the rich spiritual experiences that a home should provide.

A Christian family is a family composed of Christians. This means more than just being church attenders. A Christ-like personality is needed. For a time, it was popular to wear items with “WWJD” (What would Jesus do) printed on them. It needs to be more than a slogan. In our families, each member of the family should be guided in every situation by that question: “What would Jesus do?” Christ should be acknow­ledged as the silent listener in every conversation and as a partner in every decision.

In a Christian family each person recognizes his own place and duty. In Ephesians 5:22-25 we read: “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” Peter instructs wives to adorn themselves with a meek and quiet spirit and to be in subjection to their husbands. Then he continues, “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered” (1 Peter 3:7). The greatest thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. When he does so, his leadership will be easier to follow.

Parents are to accept their duty of training their children with wise counsel and loving discipline. “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). In Proverbs 29: 15 we are told, “The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.” Solomon also wrote, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). There is no greater task than the rearing of children, but it takes effort, love, and consistency. The story is told of a man who stood before the statue of Abraham Lincoln in Washington. He remarked to a lady who stood nearby, “I would like to be the artist who carved this statue.” She replied, “I would rather be the mother who made the man.”

We must also recognize that in a Christian home, attention is given to more than just the mental and physical needs. No one denies the importance of food, clothing, shelter, and even education. However, too few remember that the souls in the family also need food. Prayer should be as regular as meals. The Scriptures should have as much a place as the newspaper and television. Emphasis should be given to education in the things of God. Yet, many parents are highly concerned about public school, music lessons, and sports, but care very little whether the child learns about God and His holy Book. My friends, the greatest need facing today’s world is not better doctors, lawyers, and scientists, but better Christians. We need a new generation which has God’s truth deeply instilled in its minds by the faithful instruction and example of Godly parents.
--Lamar

MID-TERM EXAMS

I can remember my days in school, especially college, when we would have mid-term exams about halfway through the semester. These provided a part of your final grade, but they also provided a tool for evaluating how well you were learning the material. They could provide you with a tool to understand if you were doing well or if you needed to work harder for the remainder of the term.

We have just passed the halfway point of 2008. Perhaps it would be good to take a mid-term exam. Did you make some resolutions at the beginning of the year? How are you doing with those? Perhaps you decided to lose weight, or to stop a bad habit, or to maintain better control of your anger. Whatever it may have been, are you making an effort to accomplish the goal? Can you look back at January and seen an improvement between then and now?

What about goals you set for spiritual growth? Read the Bible more, develop Christian attitudes, bear fruit, and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. These are a few examples of possible goals you may have set for yourself at the beginning of the year. Do a self examination. How are you doing? If you were to receive a grade, would you be passing the course?

I am not saying the Christian life is like taking a class in history or math, but there is a need to look at ourselves and see where we stand in our relationship with the Lord.

Lamentations 3:40 – “Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 13:5 – “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.”

We need to search and examine. If we find we have strayed from the Lord, we must turn back to Him.

The mid-term exam is only a precursor to the final exam. In school, we had final exams at the end of the semester. It was after these exams that the final grade was determined. Up until the final exam, there were opportunities to improve the grade and to prepare for the exam. Upon completion of the final, there were no more opportunities.

In Matthew 25, Jesus uses three parables to illustrate the necessity of being prepared. We do not know the duration of the “semester.” Death is an appointment everyone will keep (Hebrews 9:27), but we do not know the time (James 4:13-15). Jesus’ second coming is certain, but the time is unknown to all except the Father (Matthew 24:36). We must take advantage of every opportunity to be prepared for that moment (death or the second coming) at all times.

Take a moment and complete your mid-term exam. Are you prepared for the final?
--Lamar

A DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

This past Friday, people across this nation celebrated our Independence Day. This is the day that we remember and honor the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Declaration established the United States of America as an independent nation, free from foreign rule, and standing alone on her own laws and principles. The Colonies - now the independent states – declared that they would no longer conform to the laws and edicts of the ruler that had governed them to that point. Here's a quote from that document: “The history of the present King of Great Britain [George III] is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.” The signers of the Declaration were determined to do what was necessary to break away from King George's grip – even if it involved armed conflict – because they knew that he wouldn't let them go without a fight!

You can make such a “declaration of independence.” You can declare your independence a ruler who is much worse than King George III, or any other political ruler. You can gain freedom from the worst tyrant of all time, Satan. Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin” (John 8:34). All of us are sinners (Romans 3:23), thus we are All salves to sin.

It is common for us to think of sin as a servant rather than a master. When we choose to commit sin, we usually do so because we think that it will serve our interests, our selfish desires. Sin is viewed as a tool to bring us pleasure, and we view ourselves as being in control. The sin will go no further than we want it to go, and we can stop it whenever we want. But we are naïve! We are like Eve who only saw the forbidden fruit as a means to satisfy her desires and ambitions, but could not see the terrible consequences of her choice (see Genesis 3).

Once we give in to sin, we become enslaved to it. What we thought of as our servant suddenly becomes our Master. It takes us places we did not plan to go and causes changes in our lives that we never intended. Then, we realize that the great liberation and freedom that sin offered was only a trap. We find instead that we have sold ourselves into slavery, and it is a bitter slavery indeed.

The good news is that because of Jesus Christ, you and I can make a declaration of independence from sin. Christ, through His death on the cross, paid the ransom price to free us from the bondage of sin (1 Peter 1:18-19). Christ ratified this Declaration of Independence from sin with His own blood (Matthew 26:28). You and I can “sign” the declaration through our obedient faith – trusting in God (Hebrews 11:6), repenting of sin (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), confessing Jesus (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized (immersed) for the forgiveness of sin (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Signing the declaration is also expressing a commitment to live according to its principles so that we can continue to be free from sin (1 John 1:7). “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Will you sign the “Declaration of Independence” from sin?

--Edited
“Living Waters”
Church of Christ at Creekwood
Mobile, Alabama

I CAN DO ALL THINGS PHILIPPIANS 4:13

Paul writes, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Paul does not say this in pride and arrogance but rather in humility and faith. Paul did not think that he could do all things by himself. He did think that he could do all things that he needed to do with God’s help. We need this confidence today. Many are failing to serve the Lord acceptably because they lack this confidence. Many congregations are falling far below their potential because they do not think “they can.’ Someone has said, “Success comes in cans not can’ts.”

God does not ask us to do things and then accept “I can’t.” Yet many seem to think that this phrase is a means of avoiding responsibility. When God appeared to Moses and told him that He had selected him to stand before Pharaoh and Israel, Moses replied, Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” Moses was really saying “I can’t.” Would God select someone unable to do that which He asked him to do? Surely not. Yet if Moses was unable to stand before Pharaoh and Israel, then God had selected one that was not able. In the second place, if Moses could not do that which God called upon him to do, God was unjust. Moses certainly could not refuse to do what God called upon him to do and please God. But if he could not please God, he would stand condemned. It would be unjust for God to call upon men to do that which they can not do, and then condemn them for failing to obey Him.

Notice Moses’ next excuse. He said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’” (Exodus 4:1). He is now saying I can’t accomplish anything. He thinks it will not do any good so why bother about it. We likewise may make the same mistake. We think that our abilities are so small that our efforts will not accomplish anything. Our efforts may, with God’s help, accomplish more than we ever dreamed of.

Still unable to get away from his “I can’ts,” Moses said, “I can’t talk,” (Exodus 4:11). Moses said he could not talk and was arguing with God when he said it. What foolishness to argue with God and say, “I can’t talk.” Moses could argue with God but could not talk to Pharaoh. We likewise appear foolish and inconsistent to God with our feeble excuses.

Our “I can’ts” usually mean, “Let someone else do it,” (Exodus 4:13). Moses’ “I can’t” caused the anger of the Lord to be kindled against him. “I can’t” very seldom means we do not want the task accomplished. It simply means we want someone else to do it. Teach a class? I can’t, let someone else do it. Chaperone a youth trip? I can’t, let someone else do it. Study the Bible with someone. I can’t, let someone else do it. Visit someone who is physically or spiritually sick? I can’t, let someone else do it. Am I prepared to accept the responsibility of letting someone else do what the Lord asks me to do? I should be far more afraid of not at least trying to do what the Lord wants done, than I am afraid of failure. Instead of saying, “I can’t,” let us say, “I can’t afford not to.”
--Lamar

FATHERS

Several years ago, a book entitled Fatherless America was written by David Blankenhorn. The author emphasizes the vital role fathers play in the development of children. He wrote, “Kids need fathers who are strong family leaders. Their OWN fathers. In their own homes, in partnership with moms. And that’s that.” He found four basic qualities of a good father. A good father is a provider, protector, sponsor, and nurturer. God speaks of each quality in His word.

A good father is a provider. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 5:8, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” I am sure every generation has had some fathers who take this to an extreme. We want our children to have it better than we did. Many children today have every toy, electronic device, and gadget possible. Fathers are so busy giving their children things instead of giving themselves. That is a problem. However, it is a biblical truth that a good father must provide for the physical, material needs of his children.

A good father is a protector. Blankenhorn saw this as extending beyond the physical to preparing “his child for an increasingly uncertain future.” This sounds similar to God’s statement about Abraham in Genesis 18:19: “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” Whether you are speaking physically, emotionally, or spiritually, it is important that children know they have a father who will protect them from danger.

A good father is a sponsor. Blankenhorn defines a sponsor as one who “transmits character and competence” while teaching the child a way of life. The wise man writes in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” When I attended Freed-Hardeman, their motto was “Teaching how to live and how to make a living.” In Jewish society it was said that if a man did not teach his son a trade he taught him to steal. In today’s world, we do not see many children follow in their father’s footsteps, but it is important that he teach them the principle of work. Also, it is important that fathers instill in their children a sense of right and wrong, a sense of character.

A good father is a nurturer. “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). The King James says “nurture and admonition.” Nurture is defined as “to promote the development of by providing nourishment, support, encouragement during the stages of growth.” Again, there is a physical application, but more importantly, a spiritual one. A good father will provide spiritual nourishment and training so his children can be fruitful, productive Christians.
--Lamar

ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE TRUTH?

Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Please notice with me some thoughts about this statement.

First, Jesus said we can know the truth. Many today think truth is relative. They believe that truth changes based on time, circumstances, personal feeling, and interpretation. A popular idea promoted by man for many years is that there is no absolute truth. Truth is based on your personal experiences and current circumstances. What is true for you may or may not be true for someone else. If that is the case, then we cannot know the truth. But Jesus says we can. Therefore, there must be a standard of truth. Jesus tells us what that standard is. John 17:17 - “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” God’s word, the Bible is truth. Although the last words of Scripture were written almost 2000 years ago, it is as true today, and as relevant, as the day it was written. Jesus leaves no doubt. We can know the truth.

Second, the truth will make you free. Paul writes in Romans 6:17-18, “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” Sin enslaves us to Satan and he is a cruel taskmaster. His only purpose is to see us assigned the same fate as him, eternal torment in hell. Jesus, however, loves us and wants us to be free from such a hateful master. The truth, God’s word will indeed set us free when we know it and obey it. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Third, some people are afraid of the truth. They believe what they believe and are comfortable. Any examination of what they believe scares them. Any scrutiny of their understanding of truth is a personal insult. Many simply shut down the process; they will not allow any examination of what they believe to be truth.

Some points of truth may be painful. Truth may cause us to examine our lives and realize we have come up short. However, the truth is still the truth. Running from it, hiding from it, denying it, or trying to change it does not alter the fact that it is still the truth. A person may suffer a broken leg in an accident. Denying it, refusing to be treated, does not change the truth that the leg is broken. Failure to accept the truth, instead of relieving the pain, will only make the pain and suffering worse.

Some deny the truth because they do not want to change their lifestyle. John 3:19-20 - “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.20 “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” Some people are living in sin and rather than changing their lifestyle to comply with what is right, they deny the truth. Man has tried this through the centuries, but is simply does not work. The truth is still the truth.

“Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding” (Proverbs 23:23).
--Lamar

MEMORIAL DAY

Tomorrow, our nation will celebrate Memorial Day to honor those who have given their lives in our nation’s service. There will be parades, programs, and fireworks as we honor and remember those who have given so much to keep this nation free for over 200 years. However, traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country.

Today is also Memorial Day, as is every Sunday. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Paul writes, “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes (emphasis mine –LR). When we partake of the Lord’s Supper we are remembering what He did for us.

We are to examine ourselves as we partake and partake of the memorial feast properly (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). I can remember as a child some Christians refusing to partake of the Lord’s Supper because they were not worthy. I am sure you have heard that Paul’s instructions here refer to the manner in which we partake, not the worthiness of the one partaking. No one is worthy in and of himself. However, Christ makes us worthy. It is true that Paul is speaking of our manner in partaking. We must be sure to observe this memorial with reverence and respect. It is not something to do casually or mockingly. It is not something to do to fill in time, or something to do between playing with the baby in front of you and thinking about who will win the game this afternoon. What we are doing during this part, and every part, of our worship is to be taken seriously.

Just as stated earlier about the observance of Memorial Day being neglected, Christ’s Memorial Day is as well. There are those who will sleep late, go fishing, stay home with company, etc. They will be doing these things when they should be assembling with other Christians to remember Christ and His sacrifice. Others will observe it, but not in the proper manner. Yes, it is a good thing to honor our fallen soldiers. How much more important is it that we remember and honor our fallen (crucified) and resurrected Savior. It is the right thing to do every first day of the week.
--Lamar

FIVE PEOPLE

During our recent gospel meeting, Allen Webster asked each of us to do something. He asked us to make a list of five people that we wanted to see obey the gospel (or return to the church). He then said we should tell these people about the upcoming meeting and invite them to attend. These five people should then be mentioned frequently in our prayers. Finally, every effort should be made to encourage them to attend. Our meeting with Sam Long is two weeks away. How are you doing with your five?

Have you made your list? I am confident all of us know five people (probably more) who are lost that we would like to see become Christians (or faithful Christians). Paul writes, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved” (Romans 10:1). Paul had a strong desire for the salvation of his kinsmen (fellow Jews), even wishing that he would be accursed (lost) if it meant their salvation (Romans 9:3). Of course, such was impossible, but we see from this his strong desire for the salvation of the lost. However, that desire was accompanied by action. He spent much of his life traveling and enduring persecution so that the lost could hear the gospel. What are we willing to do?

Have you talked to them and invited them to attend? As mentioned above, Paul’s desire was accompanied by action. You can make a list of five people, or a hundred or a thousand, but nothing is likely to be accomplished until you do something. I read a story about former Speaker of the House, Tip O’Neill. His neighbor told him, “Tom, I’m going to vote for you tomorrow even though you did not ask me to.” O’Neill responded, “I’ve lived across the street from you for 18 years. I cut your grass, I shovel your walk. I didn’t think I had to ask for your vote.” She replied, “Let me tell you something: people like to be asked.”

Have you prayed for them? “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). It was true then, it is true now. Take the names on your list to the foot of God’s throne. Utter their names in prayer that they will be receptive to your invitation and to the gospel. As you read your Bibles, take note sometime of how many times Paul mentioned praying for his readers. Prayer does work.

Have you gone the extra mile? Jesus said, “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two” (Matthew 5:41). Do more than what is necessary. Ask them more than once. Offer to give them a ride. Invite them for dinner one night and then bring them to services. We never know what we might do that will trigger a response and interest from someone. Jesus cared for the lost, including you and me, so much that He was willing to die. How much are we willing to sacrifice for them?
--Lamar

PARENTS AND CHILDREN

During the Wednesday class there was a good discussion on the point Linwood made about Christian parents and their relationship with their children. A large number of children today talk back, are disobedient, or just ignore their parents. In addition, they display this behavior toward other adults: teachers, police officers, and adults in general. What has happened? What is the problem?

Let me first say this is not a new problem. Parents have had to deal with this problem for centuries. Adam and Eve had their problems with Cain. Eli and Samuel had sons who did not follow in their fathers’ footsteps. David was in fear of his life from his son, Absalom. I am not making excuses; I am just saying we are not the first generation of parents to struggle with this situation. Now, I would like to suggest three groups I believe have contributed to the current problem.

Parents. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Upon whom does God place the primary responsibility or training children? The parents are given this task, not the church, not the schools, not the day care industry, and certainly not the entertainment industry. We need to take our responsibilities as parents seriously. We need to teach and instruct our children properly. This needs to be done by word, but also by example. If we tell our children not to be rude to others, and they see us being rude, what have we taught them? Other organizations, including the church, can play a support role, but parents have the primary responsibility.

The church. I am concerned about the role the church is playing today in this matter. We need to be teaching our young people the importance of serving God. A part of this service is their responsibility to honor and obey their parents. I am not opposed to having fun and planning activities to entertain our youth, but these cannot be the focus of a successful youth program. We need to make sure we are placing supreme importance on teaching God’s word.

Society. I believe we would all agree that society has changed in recent years in regard to this situation. When I was growing up, parents did not hesitate to discipline their children (spanking), even in public. Now, if you do such, you are subject to public disapproval and possibly even being reported to authorities. It is shameful that we live in a society where child abuse is such a problem, but spanking a child is not abuse. In fact, a lack of discipline is abuse. “He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly” (Proverbs 13:24). We must be willing to do what is right, even if it means public disapproval.

Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”
--Lamar

A SUCCESSFUL MEETING

Our gospel meeting with Allen Webster concluded Wednesday evening. I hope you enjoyed this meeting and profited from it as much as I did. As I look back on these four days, I believe we can call it a success for several reasons.

The fellowship enjoyed. Most of us have never met Allen or his family before. We have read his writings, perhaps seen his picture, but what a pleasure it was to meet him face to face. It was a great joy to get to know him, Melissa and three of their children. We also had an opportunity to eat a meal together. As the fellowship groups prepared meals each night, we were able to visit with one another as well as with the Websters. Finally, there was the opportunity to fellowship with the visitors to our services. We had some visit from the community, and a good number of visitors from other congregations. What a joy to share such great fellowship with one another.

The attendance. We had wonderful attendance with over 80 for each service and a high of 126 Sunday morning. As stated earlier, we had visitors from the community and area congregations. However, the greatest number was from our own members. I have been associated with meetings where the visitors outnumbered the members. You are to be commended for your faithful attendance as many were here for every service.

The participation. Our song leaders did a wonderful job, but so did the followers. The singing was excellent and perhaps a preview of what we will enjoy in heaven. The worship was offered to God in sprit and truth. You could tell people were listening to the lesson by the rustling pages as you turned to various passages of scripture. For effective communication, and preaching is communication, to take place, there must be a speaker. However, there must also be someone receiving the message and you were doing that very well.

The preaching. Allen did an excellent job in proclaiming the word of God and reminding us why evangelism is so important. I told some Wednesday evening that the way he was preaching I would rather listen to him too. Every lesson was well prepared and presented. I believe we will see the benefits of the lessons well into the future.

The response. There were four public responses asking for the prayers of the church, for which we are thankful. I do not believe those were the only responses. I believe many of us responded within ourselves to be better Christians and better evangelists. Some who are not yet Christians may have responded by a private commitment to study and see what they need to do. God says, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). The word of God was preached; therefore, we know some good was accomplished.

Thank you for your part in making our meeting a success.
--Lamar

THE TIME HAS ARRIVED

The time has arrived for our gospel meeting. We are excited to have Allen Webster and his family with us this week. Allen preaches for the Jacksonville church of Christ in Jacksonville, Alabama. He and His wife, Lois, have four sons. He is also the editor of “House To House, Heart To Heart,” the bi-monthly paper mailed out by congregations throughout the United States and in several foreign countries. The circulation has surpassed that of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today. It is a well-designed publication that is being used very effectively by churches to reach their communities with the gospel. Allen has also written a large number of tracts that are used in connection with House To House. The focus of his lessons will be on evangelism and motivating us to be better evangelists. I am confident he has prepared well and will present lessons that are Bible based, encouraging, and effective.

There are some things we can do as well to make this week a success. If you have waited until now to start you are running behind, but you can still help. First of all, you can pray. “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). It was true then and it is still true now. We can pray for Allen as he presents his lessons. We can pray for ourselves that we will be attentive and apply the lessons. We can pray for those we invite to attend the services. Pray, pray, pray.

Second, you can attend. There was a time when you could fill a building during a gospel meeting. I believe it can still be done. One congregation with an average attendance of about 50 had over 180 one night during a gospel meeting, and this was just a few years ago. However, it all begins with us. If we do not attend and support the meeting, how can we expect others to do so? Some congregations are questioning the effectiveness of gospel meetings and I believe one of the reasons is that the members do not attend.

Third, you can invite. “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord’” (Psalm 122:1). We often quote this verse to speak of David’s attitude, but there is also the fact that there were those inviting him, encouraging him to enter the house of the Lord. While the theme of this meeting is evangelism and is geared toward strengthening the church, it is still a good time to invite your relatives and neighbors. They will have an opportunity to hear God’s word preached and that is always a good thing. Some may say, “They won’t come if I ask them.” That may be true. However, I can almost guarantee you they will not come if you do not ask them.

Finally, you can participate. Do not come just to fill your seat, just so you can say you attended. Be involved in what is going on. Worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Sing and pray with the spirit and the understanding (1 Corinthians 14:15). Listen attentively to the lessons, take notes, and go out and apply what you have learned.

This can be an effective gospel meeting. I am confident Allen will do his part. Will we?
--Lamar

A NEW BIRTH

This morning (Thursday), Wanda and I were driving out to Kent and Lori’s house. A few blocks from their house we noticed some of the bushes in bloom. I have a hard time telling one flower, bush or tree from another. However, I do know one thing about the blooms on these bushes: they were beautiful. If you had driven by there only a short time ago, you would not have labeled them as beautiful. The bushes were brown and drab. There were no blooms. They appeared to be dead, lifeless. Now, with the coming of spring they have been reborn. This is true of much of nature. The trees are budding, the birds are singing, the grass is growing (uh oh get the lawn mower ready). This is probably my favorite time of year (other than the previously mentioned lawn mower).

Jesus talks of man undergoing a new birth. Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:3, 5). Nicodemus did not understand. He asked if a man was to re-enter his mother’s womb and be born again. Jesus explains that it is a spiritual birth. As those trees and bushes are lifeless during the winter, but bud with new life in the spring, man’s spirit which was dead in sin is cleansed and made alive by the new birth (Ephesians 2:1).

As we experience the new birth through baptism, we become a new person. Paul says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Just as a newborn baby is a new person, so it is with one who is born again. A life changing experience has taken place. The sins of the old man have been forgiven. The desires, purposes, and goals of the old life have changed. Paul writes in Romans 12:2 of Christians being transformed. The word in the original Greek is the word from which we get metamorphosis. This is the process a caterpillar goes through to become a butterfly. It is a radical change. Paul says when we become Christians we are to undergo such a change in our nature and in our lives.

When we experience the new birth, we also achieve a new hope. In Ephesians 2:12, Paul writes of those who are without Christ as being without hope. He then goes on in verse 13 to say, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul gives a list of the type of people who will not enter heaven. Fornicators, idolaters, covetous, and drunkards are among those listed. He then says that some of them had been included in these in the past, but now they were washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus. They were among those who had no hope of entering the kingdom of God, but through the new birth in Christ they were cleansed and had laid hold of the promises of God.

The new birth is not some strange, mysterious, unknowable feeling we experience. It is simply believing the gospel and obeying it fully and completely. It is the only way of receiving the forgiveness of sin and the promises of our Father.
--Lamar

IT NEEDS TO BE SHARED

Several years ago, Mercedes-Benz developed a new energy-absorbing construction for their cars which would save lives. The company held the patent on the design, but competitors were allowed to use it. Mercedes-Benz did not enforce its claim. When asked about it, a company spokesman said, “Because some things in life are too important not to share.” Imagine if someone found a cure for cancer and kept silent about it. The masses would cry out in unison, “That’s not right.”

In 2 Kings 7, we read an amazing story. The Syrian army had surrounded Samaria and it seemed there was no hope. However, the Lord intervened and they armies left (verse 6). Four lepers decided it would be better to die at the hands of the Syrians than to starve. They went to the enemy’s camp to surrender, but were surprised to find it deserted. The Syrians had fled in fear of their lives and left everything behind (verse 7). The four men stuffed themselves with food and took of the treasures and hid them. However, they soon realized something. Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the king’s household” (2 Kings 7:9). It would be wrong to keep such good news a secret. They went and told the king what they found and the people were saved.

We have good news today. All have sinned (Romans 3:23), and the result of that sin is separation from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). If we remain in such a condition, eternal death will result (Romans 6:23). However, we do not have to remain in sin. Jesus came from heaven to live and die as a man, as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. If we will obey His will, His blood will cleanse us from all sin. Every person can be forgiven.

Those of us who are Christians know this and have done it. Through our obedience to the gospel, we are forgiven. The question is, “What are we doing about those who are still lost?” Mercedes-Benz thought saving physical lives was important enough to share good news. The four lepers thought avoiding starvation was important enough to share good news. How much more important is saving spiritual lives? How much greater is the task of avoiding spiritual starvation? With the gospel, we have the most important news available to man. It tells him how to receive forgiveness and eternal life. We have the responsibility to share it with them (Romans 10:13-14). In fact, the apostle Paul wrote, “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16).

We have many opportunities to share the gospel with those around us. In the near future we will have two special opportunities. Allen Webster will be with us March 23-26 and Sam Long is coming May 4-7. These are opportunities for us to invite people to hear the gospel. Good news should not be kept secret, it needs to be shared.
--Lamar

ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

There are many in the religious world who believe in the doctrine “once saved, always saved,” or “perseverance of the saints.” This is the idea that once a person accepts Christ and becomes a Christian he, or she, cannot lose their eternal salvation. Some promote the idea that once you become a Christian and receive the Holy Spirit, He acts in your life in such a way to prevent you from sinning. Others say that if a Christian commits sin then that person was never really saved in the first place. Such a doctrine is wrong. There are many passages in Scripture which warn of saved people being lost. Paul tells the Galatian Christians, “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (Galatians 5:4). Even Paul himself was aware of the danger that he could be lost. “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

However, that does not mean we cannot have assurance of salvation. Eric Lyons conducted an anonymous survey in a congregation of about 200 members. One question read as follows: “If you died within the next ten minutes, do you believe you would go to Heaven?” 9% responded that they knew unreservedly that if they died at the time they were taking the survey, they would not go to Heaven. Nearly 50% of the congregation was unsure as to whether they would go to Heaven. And only 40% believed they would go to Heaven if they died that very day. In other words, almost 60% of the congregation either knew they were lost or did not know if they were saved! (Apologetics Press.org).

Does this attitude agree with Scripture? No, it does not. There are many passages which could be quoted, but I will give you two.

2 Timothy 4:6-8 - For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

1 John 5:13 - These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

Do you see any doubt or uncertainty in Paul’s words? It seems to me he is confident in his eternal salvation. Why? Because he was such a good person? No. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul refers to himself as the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). Paul realized the fact that he was a sinner, but a sinner cleansed by the blood of Christ and forgiven by the grace of God. As John writes, he does not say that we can hope we have eternal life, but that we can know. What is that knowledge based upon? That we believe in the name of the Son of God and continue to believe. This is not a license to sin. As noted earlier, we must be careful lest we lose our salvation. It is not a confidence in our own goodness, although we must lead good lives. It is a confidence in God.
--Lamar

BECAUSE I DID

When caught doing something she should not be doing and asked why she did it, Caidyn has a very simple response, “Because I did.” You could not make it any plainer. I am sure God wonders sometimes why we do the things we do. He knows they are not good for us, sometimes even harmful, yet we do them anyway. We can offer all kinds of excuses, but it really comes down to “Because I did.” James writes in James 1:13-14, “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” We can say whatever we want about sin in our lives, but it really comes down to the fact that no one is responsible for sin I commit except me.

It is not God’s fault. James says God does not tempt anyone. Adam tried this strategy when questioned by God about his sin. “Then the man said, ‘The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate’” (Genesis 3:12). It’s not my fault; it’s the woman, and you, God, gave me the woman. God’s response to man shows He wasn’t buying it then and He will not buy it now. He does allow trials and temptations to strengthen our faith, but God is not responsible for our sin.

It’s not another person’s fault. Again, Adam tried this by placing the blame on Eve. Did she play a part, did she present the opportunity? Yes, but Adam made the choice. “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself” (Ezekiel 18:20). Paul writes to the church in Corinth, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Others may present the temptation, they may pressure us to participate, but they are not responsible for my sin.

It is not Satan’s fault. Most of you have probably heard the statement, “The devil made me do it. That is a lie. Satan cannot make you do anything. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Eve tried this excuse in Genesis 3 when she said “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” It did not work for her and it will not work for me. Satan is certainly the instigator of temptation. He will use every weapon in his arsenal to influence you to rebel against God, but he cannot force you.

I am responsible. If God is not responsible, and other people are not responsible, and Satan is not responsible; that leaves on person. ME! Look again at what James says. “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” We are drawn away by our own desires. I choose to sin, no one else can make me.

However, there is hope. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Yes, we are responsible for our sins. Those sins separate us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2), and condemn us to eternal death. However, God sent Jesus to die in our stead that through His blood we can have forgiveness and eternal life.
--Lamar

BE RECONCILED

Two brothers shared adjoining farms. For 40 years they worked side by side, sharing equipment and helping each other whenever needed. One day a rift developed. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by months of angry silence.

One day a truck pulled up at Pete’s house (the older brother). A man approached Pete carrying a carpenter's toolbox. "I’m looking for some work" he said. "Perhaps you have a few small jobs I could do for you?" "Well, yes I do," said Peter. "That creek down there is the border between my brother's farm and mine. He keeps it nice and deep to stop me from setting one foot on his farm. I want you to take that timber over there by the barn and build me a new fence, a real tall one, so I don't have to look over at my stinkin' brother and his farm no more."

The carpenter was glad to have the work, "No worries. Just point me to your post-hole digger and I’ll get the job done." So the carpenter set about working. Meanwhile farmer Pete drove into town to the local cattle auction. When he returned at sunset he was shocked to see what the carpenter had done.

There was no fence. Instead the carpenter had built a bridge and walking across it was Pete's brother. He held out his hand and spoke to his brother, "After all I've done to you I can't believe you'd still reach out to me. You're right. It's time to bury the hatchet.”

“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Vine says this about the word translated “reconcile:” “properly denotes to change, exchange; hence, of persons, to change from enmity to friendship, to reconcile” (Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, p.260).

Paul states that we were enemies of God (Romans 5:10). Isaiah 59:1-2 states, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.” Sin has separated mankind from God. It has created a great chasm between man and God that man cannot cross.

Thanks be to God; however, He has extended His grace and mercy to sinful man to offer salvation. That offer is made through Jesus Christ. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Through the sacrifice of His Son, God made possible our reconciliation with Him.
If we will be obedient to Christ (Hebrews 5:9), we can be reconciled to God, forgiven of our sins, and recipients of the promise of eternal life.
--Lamar

SUNDAY MORNING BEHAVIOR

We understand the concept of behavior and manners. There are acceptable and unacceptable ways to behave in various situations and settings. There is also the fact that our behavior often has an impact on the success or failure of the activity. I believe this is true concerning our worship. There are certain manners or behaviors that can contribute to our time together being effective.

ARRIVE BEFORE TIME TO BEGIN. If you are attending a sporting event, concert, or some other social event, how late do you arrive? Most of us get there early. Those who arrive right on time or a little late are generally unconcerned. This isn’t about those who are occasionally late for unforeseen reasons, but those who are habitually late. For example, the Bible class teacher who is seldom on time is saying to his or her students that the class is not really important when in reality every precious minute of a Bible class is most important.

GREET ONE ANOTHER. “Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you” (Philippians 4:21). Greetings are a way of saying that you care about a person. Two-thirds of the epistles or letters of the New Testament speak about greetings either by sending them or by instruction. The apostle Paul spent nearly an entire chapter sending greetings to various ones (Rom. 16). All of this indicates the importance of greeting one another.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY. In our culture, we tend to underestimate the importance of proper dress. People with training and knowledge in this area can tell you a great deal about a person by the way he/she dresses. As we worship God, we should give Him our best. Should this not also include what we wear? Would you dress any differently for a funeral, a wedding, or other events than you do for worship? We show our respect and attitude by the things we wear.

HAVE A PROPER ATTITUDE. I would rather be anywhere than here. Has this ever been your attitude during Bible study and worship? The song leader was off key, the crying baby got on my nerves, the preacher was boring and long winded. In John 4:24 Jesus not only said that we must worship in truth (according to God’s word), but also in spirit (attitude).

PREPARE YOURSELF. Start early enough that you are not rushed (refer to previous remarks about arriving early). Sometimes we are so rushed and out of sorts coming to services that the last thing we are ready to do is worship God. Spend time in prayer beforehand. Pray for the teachers, song leader, preacher, and everyone else participating in the worship (including yourself). If you have a class book, study the lesson. If you know the topic or text, spend some time studying ahead of time. Finally, as you approach the doors to the building, leave the world and its cares outside. By focusing our minds on God we can improve our time together.

BE ATTENTIVE. Give God your undivided attention during this time. Why is it we want to sit as close to the action as possible at a baseball game, but as close to the back as possible at worship? As a general rule, those sitting closer to the front are more interested, more attentive and less distracted. How many times have you been distracted by the behavior of someone seated in front of you? Sitting closer to the front reduces the possibility of this simply because there are not as many people in front of you. Follow along in your Bible and take notes. These suggestions will help our concentration.
--Lamar

RECIPE FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR

How many times in the last week have you heard or said, “Happy New Year?” Is such a thing possible? I reminded of the elderly gentleman who saw a friend in town. As they concluded the conversation the friend said, “Have a good day.” The elderly man replied, “God made every day good, it’s what we put in them that counts.” I believe it is God’s will for us to have a happy new year and I believe the following ingredients will help.

Holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16 – “(B)ut as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” Holy is defined as separated to God, sacred, pure.

Attend. Hebrews 10:25 – “(N)ot forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” If we will be faithful in attendance our prospects for happiness will greatly increase.

Pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “(P)ray without ceasing.” Jesus was a man of prayer and we need to be such as well.

Patient. Vine defines this as “to be long-tempered.” Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica, “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). One who is quick-tempered and always angry isn’t likely to be happy.

Yield. “Now do not be stiff-necked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the Lord; and enter His sanctuary, which He has sanctified forever, and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of His wrath may turn away from you” (2 Chronicles 30:8).

Needy. Be compassionate and helpful to those in need. It has been said that if you want to make yourself feel better, do something kind for someone else. Proverbs 28:27 – “He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses”.

Edify. We live in a self-centered world. Everybody wants to know what can you do for me. One of the greatest things we can do as Christians is to build up and encourage one another. Romans 14:19 – “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.”

Work. Whether physical or spiritual, labor is on the road to happiness. Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.”

Yearn. Have an overwhelming desire for the things of God. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6).

Eternity. Live everyday with eternity in mind. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 – “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

Assurance. 1 John 5:13 – “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” We do not have to doubt, we can know.

Rely upon God. We cannot save ourselves; rely upon God. We cannot know all the answers; rely upon God. Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
--Lamar