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
About Me
- Lamar Russell
- St Mary's, GA, United States
- Weekly bulletin. Church Office Phone: (912) 882-5800
Friday, January 4, 2008
Friday, December 21, 2007
THE REASON FOR THE SEASON
I am sure you have heard the slogans by now. “Put Christ back in Christmas.” “Join us in celebrating the birth of Jesus.” Perhaps you have heard it in other ways, but the idea is that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25. Some of the Christmas carols even state that He was born on Christmas. I would like to ask a question. Who put Christ in Christmas? Man did. People have asked me many times over the years, “What does the Bible say about Christmas?” The answer is simple: absolutely nothing. Some have argued with me, but I simply ask them to point out to me where Christmas is mentioned in the Bible. No one has been able to do it yet. I know the Bible mentions the birth of Christ, but what does that have to do with December 25? We simply do not know the date of Jesus’ birth. It might have been December 25 (I think it’s unlikely), or it could have been any of the other 364 days of the year. I do know the following: there is no command in Scripture enjoining us to celebrate Jesus’ birthday, whenever it may be; and we have no example of the early church celebrating His birthday.
There is one phrase that is popular during this season I would like to mention. “He is the reason for the season.” Again, this is promoting the idea that Christ was born December 25 and we simply do not know that. But that does not mean that He isn’t the reason for the season, because He most certainly is. He is the reason for this and every season.
In John 1:1-3 we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” In verse 14 John writes, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” The Word John speaks of here is none other than Jesus Christ. He was with God, He was God, and through Him all things were made. Jesus certainly is the reason for all seasons because without Him there would be no seasons. In fact, there would be nothing.
Paul writes, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). To the Galatians he said it this way, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Jesus is the reason for this season, and all others, because He is to be my reason for living. He is to be my focus and my passion. I no longer live for myself, I now live for Him. Ecclesiastes 12:13 – “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.”
--Lamar
There is one phrase that is popular during this season I would like to mention. “He is the reason for the season.” Again, this is promoting the idea that Christ was born December 25 and we simply do not know that. But that does not mean that He isn’t the reason for the season, because He most certainly is. He is the reason for this and every season.
In John 1:1-3 we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” In verse 14 John writes, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” The Word John speaks of here is none other than Jesus Christ. He was with God, He was God, and through Him all things were made. Jesus certainly is the reason for all seasons because without Him there would be no seasons. In fact, there would be nothing.
Paul writes, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). To the Galatians he said it this way, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Jesus is the reason for this season, and all others, because He is to be my reason for living. He is to be my focus and my passion. I no longer live for myself, I now live for Him. Ecclesiastes 12:13 – “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.”
--Lamar
Friday, December 7, 2007
FAITHFUL FOR THE HOLIDAYS?
We are in the middle of the holiday season. I don’t know about you, but I like the holidays. I do not like the commercialization that seems to grow every year, but I like the holidays themselves. For many, it is a time of family. It is one time that most, if not all, of my family is able to be together. It is about the only time except for funerals and weddings. As families grow, it becomes harder for everyone to be together, but we make the effort.
People seem to refocus, somewhat, and reflect more on their spiritual lives than they normally do during most of the rest of the year. That's a good thing! We are primarily spiritual beings, created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27). We have read enough obituaries and attended enough funerals to realize physical life is temporary (Hebrews 9:27). It is the spiritual part of us that will live for eternity. “Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
Considering this, does it not seem strange to you that we focus so much on our physical lives? If we are blessed, we may live to be 100. Most of us will die long before that. We spend most of our time and effort trying to achieve things for the physical part of life. Yet, when we die all of those things will mean nothing. We work for 40 or 50 years to prepare for retirement, which might last 20 years, probably less. In the meantime, eternity is waiting and most of us spend little time getting ready for it.
Many people will become “faithful for the holidays.” They will be more appreciative for their blessings. They will be kinder to others. They will express love for family and friends. They may even speak a little of spiritual things. Many will attend a church service somewhere. Then, after the New Year begins it will be back to normal. Their focus will return to physical things and their spiritual lives will again be neglected.
What about you? We talk all day about “them,” but the really important matter is you. You are the only person you can change; you are the only person you will give an account of before God. What can you do to strengthen your faith and commitment? There is no substitute for studying the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15, 3:14-17). It is the guidebook, the true success manual, for your life.
Something else you can do that will help strengthen your faith is to be here for every worship service and Bible study. Be committed to the worship and work of the church. Stop making excuses. As you study, worship, and work with the church, you'll learn and grow spiritually. Take advantage of this opportunity to turn things around. Refocus your life on what matters most, your eternal spiritual destiny.
--Lamar
People seem to refocus, somewhat, and reflect more on their spiritual lives than they normally do during most of the rest of the year. That's a good thing! We are primarily spiritual beings, created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27). We have read enough obituaries and attended enough funerals to realize physical life is temporary (Hebrews 9:27). It is the spiritual part of us that will live for eternity. “Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
Considering this, does it not seem strange to you that we focus so much on our physical lives? If we are blessed, we may live to be 100. Most of us will die long before that. We spend most of our time and effort trying to achieve things for the physical part of life. Yet, when we die all of those things will mean nothing. We work for 40 or 50 years to prepare for retirement, which might last 20 years, probably less. In the meantime, eternity is waiting and most of us spend little time getting ready for it.
Many people will become “faithful for the holidays.” They will be more appreciative for their blessings. They will be kinder to others. They will express love for family and friends. They may even speak a little of spiritual things. Many will attend a church service somewhere. Then, after the New Year begins it will be back to normal. Their focus will return to physical things and their spiritual lives will again be neglected.
What about you? We talk all day about “them,” but the really important matter is you. You are the only person you can change; you are the only person you will give an account of before God. What can you do to strengthen your faith and commitment? There is no substitute for studying the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15, 3:14-17). It is the guidebook, the true success manual, for your life.
Something else you can do that will help strengthen your faith is to be here for every worship service and Bible study. Be committed to the worship and work of the church. Stop making excuses. As you study, worship, and work with the church, you'll learn and grow spiritually. Take advantage of this opportunity to turn things around. Refocus your life on what matters most, your eternal spiritual destiny.
--Lamar
Friday, November 30, 2007
THE PRIMARY PRODUCT
Someone was telling me recently of a family trip during which they stopped at an Arby’s restaurant. They went in to order only to find out they were out of roast beef. What do you think was happening? Many customers were walking out. Some people may go to this restaurant for a chicken sandwich, french fries, or some other item. However, most people go to Arby’s for roast beef.
That is something that probably happened by accident. They had been busier than usual, the delivery truck was late, or some other reason could have been to blame for the lack of roast beef. What if McDonald’s quit selling hamburgers? They still sell french fries and cokes, but no hamburgers. How long will they last? Even if they keep enough of their french fry customers, what would happen to their stock? To their profits? How many new stores would they be opening? How successful would they be?I doubt they would exist for very long if they were selling only the “extras.” Selling hamburgers is their business. They exist for the purpose of selling hamburgers and making a profit. The french fries, shakes, and cokes are all extras that center around the hamburgers.What if the church quit preaching the gospel? What if we quit evangelizing? Would we grow? Would souls be saved? The gospel is the church’s primary product. We exist to spread the gospel. If we provide only the “extras” our future is in serious jeopardy. Often we get too caught up in the “extras” and programs that we forget our main goal and purpose for existing. We should be focusing on the primary product, not the extras.18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen (Matthew 28:18-20). If we are not evangelizing, we are failing in our mission. We may be doing great works in benevolence; we may be well known and well liked in the community; but if we are not sharing the gospel with a lost and dying world, we are not successful.
As we go through this holiday season, and prepare for the beginning of 2008, may each one of us share in the elders’ commitment to focus on evangelism; doing it, not just talking about it.
Ephesians 3:10-11 “to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
--Lamar
That is something that probably happened by accident. They had been busier than usual, the delivery truck was late, or some other reason could have been to blame for the lack of roast beef. What if McDonald’s quit selling hamburgers? They still sell french fries and cokes, but no hamburgers. How long will they last? Even if they keep enough of their french fry customers, what would happen to their stock? To their profits? How many new stores would they be opening? How successful would they be?I doubt they would exist for very long if they were selling only the “extras.” Selling hamburgers is their business. They exist for the purpose of selling hamburgers and making a profit. The french fries, shakes, and cokes are all extras that center around the hamburgers.What if the church quit preaching the gospel? What if we quit evangelizing? Would we grow? Would souls be saved? The gospel is the church’s primary product. We exist to spread the gospel. If we provide only the “extras” our future is in serious jeopardy. Often we get too caught up in the “extras” and programs that we forget our main goal and purpose for existing. We should be focusing on the primary product, not the extras.18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen (Matthew 28:18-20). If we are not evangelizing, we are failing in our mission. We may be doing great works in benevolence; we may be well known and well liked in the community; but if we are not sharing the gospel with a lost and dying world, we are not successful.
As we go through this holiday season, and prepare for the beginning of 2008, may each one of us share in the elders’ commitment to focus on evangelism; doing it, not just talking about it.
Ephesians 3:10-11 “to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
--Lamar
Friday, November 16, 2007
ARE YOU THANKFUL?
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (I)n everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
These are only two of the many verses that could be cited which indicate our need to be a thankful people. We realize that the holiday called Thanksgiving is one rooted in the traditions of men. Its origins will be recounted on the news and in countless TV programs this week. It is good that we have such a holiday, even if it does have more focus on football than on counting our blessings. But many of us will gather with family and/or friends on that day, and someone will lead a prayer of thanks to God for our manifold blessings.
We will then eat turkey or ham with all the trimmings while thinking about or watching some football game, promptly forgetting the things for which all of us should be so grateful. I have a suggestion for all of us to consider as we sit around that table enjoying the bounty God has given us. Surely it is reasonable for us to spend some of that time around the table talking about and expressing our thanks for the loving care and providence we have received during this past year.
As I think of the things for which I am thankful, please permit me to suggest the following as good topics of conversation around our tables this holiday week:
Our families. Many are blessed to still have their parents with them. Be thankful. Some have seen their parents pass from this life. Be thankful for their example and influence in your life. The psalmist says children are a blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). Let it be known how much you love and appreciate them. Brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, be thankful for all family members who have been a part of your life.
The country in which we live. We often become so disgusted with some facets of modern society that we forget the good, positive qualities of a nation with so many freedoms. This is a good time to remember the following words: “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,” (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Even with its faults, we are truly blessed to live in America in 2007.The church. We are truly blessed as Christians to be able to associate with some of the best people in the world. Most of us have had times in our lives when a Christian brother or sister has been closer, a greater source of support, to us than our physical families.
God. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15). God the Father devised a plan; God the Son fulfilled the plan; and God the Holy Spirit revealed the plan. That plan makes possible our forgiveness and hope of eternal life.
Yes, indeed, we do have much for which to be thankful.
--Lamar
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (I)n everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
These are only two of the many verses that could be cited which indicate our need to be a thankful people. We realize that the holiday called Thanksgiving is one rooted in the traditions of men. Its origins will be recounted on the news and in countless TV programs this week. It is good that we have such a holiday, even if it does have more focus on football than on counting our blessings. But many of us will gather with family and/or friends on that day, and someone will lead a prayer of thanks to God for our manifold blessings.
We will then eat turkey or ham with all the trimmings while thinking about or watching some football game, promptly forgetting the things for which all of us should be so grateful. I have a suggestion for all of us to consider as we sit around that table enjoying the bounty God has given us. Surely it is reasonable for us to spend some of that time around the table talking about and expressing our thanks for the loving care and providence we have received during this past year.
As I think of the things for which I am thankful, please permit me to suggest the following as good topics of conversation around our tables this holiday week:
Our families. Many are blessed to still have their parents with them. Be thankful. Some have seen their parents pass from this life. Be thankful for their example and influence in your life. The psalmist says children are a blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). Let it be known how much you love and appreciate them. Brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, be thankful for all family members who have been a part of your life.
The country in which we live. We often become so disgusted with some facets of modern society that we forget the good, positive qualities of a nation with so many freedoms. This is a good time to remember the following words: “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,” (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Even with its faults, we are truly blessed to live in America in 2007.The church. We are truly blessed as Christians to be able to associate with some of the best people in the world. Most of us have had times in our lives when a Christian brother or sister has been closer, a greater source of support, to us than our physical families.
God. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15). God the Father devised a plan; God the Son fulfilled the plan; and God the Holy Spirit revealed the plan. That plan makes possible our forgiveness and hope of eternal life.
Yes, indeed, we do have much for which to be thankful.
--Lamar
Friday, November 9, 2007
A THREE DAY WEEKEND
If I were to ask the young people why they are out of school tomorrow,” would they know the answer? If I asked the adults why they (some of them) are off work and some businesses are closed, could they give me the answer? Living in a military community, I am sure that many of you know that today, Sunday, November 11, is Veteran’s Day. Tomorrow is a day off for many in celebration of this day.
World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"
An Act approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday - - a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
We enjoy many freedoms in this country. Among them is the freedom to assemble here this morning to worship our Almighty God. You have heard it said many times “Freedom is not free.” Individuals serving in our military forces through the years have made great sacrifices and paid a great price to protect our freedom and trying to extend similar freedom to others. Thousands upon thousands have made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives. The least we can do is to take a day to honor them. We have several veterans, as well as active duty personnel, in our membership. Take a moment to tell them “Thank you.”
--Lamar
World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"
An Act approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday - - a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
We enjoy many freedoms in this country. Among them is the freedom to assemble here this morning to worship our Almighty God. You have heard it said many times “Freedom is not free.” Individuals serving in our military forces through the years have made great sacrifices and paid a great price to protect our freedom and trying to extend similar freedom to others. Thousands upon thousands have made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives. The least we can do is to take a day to honor them. We have several veterans, as well as active duty personnel, in our membership. Take a moment to tell them “Thank you.”
--Lamar
Friday, November 2, 2007
THE COOL OF THE FALL
In the past few days we have seen a slight change in the weather. The temperatures have dropped some and, while we have been in autumn for a little over a month, we can now see some evidence of the changing seasons. We are constantly hearing dire warnings about global warming. I am not a scientist, nor an expert on ecology and the weather, so I am not qualified to answer the many arguments given. However, I do know there are many scientists and others who are not convinced of the accuracy of these claims. They say the earth is constantly going through cycles of heating and cooling. Some point back to the 1970’s when there were some warnings of an impending ice age. In all of this debate, there is one thing of which I am certain. Some global warming proponents say the time is coming when there will not be a change in seasons. I know this is not true. Following the flood, God says to Noah, “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22). The change in seasons will continue as long as the earth continues. There are some things of which the seasonal change reminds us.
God is in control. “Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all” (1 Chronicles 29:12). I do believe we should be good stewards of all things with which God has entrusted us. This would certainly include the responsibility of taking care of the earth. I also believe, generally speaking, we have done a poor job. However, that does not mean man will destroy the earth. In 2 Peter 3, Peter writes about the destruction of the world by fire. He makes it clear, as do other passages of Scripture, that it will be God, not man, in charge.
God has a plan. We can see the planning and orderliness in the seasons. While there are exceptions, we can plan for a certain type of weather depending on the seasons. I remember a song by the Statler Brothers from several years ago. The main idea behind the song was the unlikely chance that a damaged relationship could be restored. One line says “When the 4th of July parade is called because it snows,” I’ll be coming back to you. A statement like this can be made because there is a pattern, a plan, and God is the one who set it in place. “For the Lord of hosts has purposed, And who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, And who will turn it back?” (Isaiah 14:27).
A time of rest. Winter is generally a dormant time for the earth. There are not as many crops planted, it is a time of rest and replenishment. The Sabbath Day under the Law of Moses was a holy day to the Lord, a day of worship, but also a day to refrain from work. There was a time when Sunday was viewed as such a day. I am not saying Sunday is the Christian Sabbath. There is nothing in Scripture supporting such a view. I am simply saying there was a time in this country when Sunday was viewed as a day of worship and rest. That is not the case anymore. However, there is still a rest for God’s faithful. “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them” (Revelation 14:13).
--Lamar
God is in control. “Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all” (1 Chronicles 29:12). I do believe we should be good stewards of all things with which God has entrusted us. This would certainly include the responsibility of taking care of the earth. I also believe, generally speaking, we have done a poor job. However, that does not mean man will destroy the earth. In 2 Peter 3, Peter writes about the destruction of the world by fire. He makes it clear, as do other passages of Scripture, that it will be God, not man, in charge.
God has a plan. We can see the planning and orderliness in the seasons. While there are exceptions, we can plan for a certain type of weather depending on the seasons. I remember a song by the Statler Brothers from several years ago. The main idea behind the song was the unlikely chance that a damaged relationship could be restored. One line says “When the 4th of July parade is called because it snows,” I’ll be coming back to you. A statement like this can be made because there is a pattern, a plan, and God is the one who set it in place. “For the Lord of hosts has purposed, And who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, And who will turn it back?” (Isaiah 14:27).
A time of rest. Winter is generally a dormant time for the earth. There are not as many crops planted, it is a time of rest and replenishment. The Sabbath Day under the Law of Moses was a holy day to the Lord, a day of worship, but also a day to refrain from work. There was a time when Sunday was viewed as such a day. I am not saying Sunday is the Christian Sabbath. There is nothing in Scripture supporting such a view. I am simply saying there was a time in this country when Sunday was viewed as a day of worship and rest. That is not the case anymore. However, there is still a rest for God’s faithful. “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them” (Revelation 14:13).
--Lamar
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