September 1, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Every saint has a past, every sinner has a future. - Unknown
Encouraging Word For The Week from Brother Steve
Yesterday evening, life threw another one of its unexpected curves at me and my family. Our oldest son, Andrew, age 11, was at his first practice of the new football season in Minden. He had never played organized football before. He was really excited about this new game.
Well, the practice started and they played pitch and catch for a while, followed by group exercises, followed by running sprints and other typical practice activities. Then, it came time for the coaches to throw the ball to the boys to see what kind of catching ability they had. So, Andrew went out for a couple of balls and seemed to do well. Then, he had one thrown over his head that he leaped for and missed. In falling to the ground, he landed on his left arm in a strange way.
He was in pain for the rest of the practice session. In fact, it caused him to stop participating. His arm began to swell and darken and the pain didn't subside. On the advice of the coach, we went to the emergency room to get an x-ray. You guessed it. He broke a bone in his arm. He has what is called a "buckle fracture" and will be out for a least three weeks. At first, we thought his season was over before it ever got started, but the orthopedic doctor said today that he could return in a couple of weeks while wearing a rubber cast. Of all the breaks you can have, this is the best type for a speedy healing.
I share this because all of us have had to deal with disappointments of a similar nature. You have had great hopes and aspirations, only to have them quickly fizzle out. Maybe you have gotten all enthused about an opportunity, but within a short time your bubble bursts and you get discouraged.
At such times, we tend to ask ourselves the question, "Why?" We may even get personal about it and ask, "Why me?"
Getting back to Andrew's situation, it wouldn't be unusual to look over the whole event and begin to think, "Of the twenty kids at practice, why did it have to be him?" Such a rationalization seems reasonable, but it isn't productive. The result is a mindset of self-pity and withdrawal.
The scriptures are full of people who faced disappointment, "pity parties", and other valley dwelling experiences. In most of these cases, the Lord helps them see hope in the middle of their brokenness.
Of these, I think of Elijah. He had just seen God defeat the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel by raining down fire from heaven. A short time later, he hears that Queen Jezebel is out to get his life and he became "afraid and ran for his life" (I Kings 19:3) He spends the next forty days fleeing for safety and then he has an encounter with God.
He tells God, "I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."
This reminds me of what my Dad use to sing to me when I was pouting. It went something like this: "Nobody likes me. Everybody hates me. I'm gonna eat some worms." Needless to say, it didn't perk me up, but in retrospect, it made a good point. He was trying to say, "Get over it and move on."
In the case of Elijah, God makes a life-changing statement to him that we can learn from. He tells him to stand on the mountain as he is about to pass by. The scriptures say that, "a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." (19:11-12)
The suggestion is that God wasn't in the magnificent occurrences of nature, but he showed himself in a whisper. He follows this by telling the prophet to go back home and fulfill his task and he also informs him that there are 7,000 others who are just like him.
The question is never "Why?", but "What Now?". "Why?" focus upon me. "What Now?" focuses upon the leadership of God. The first deals with circumstances, the second with faithfulness.
I understand that God will work all things out for the good of my family because we love Him. This is the promise of his word in Romans 8:28. What I don't understand I leave to Him, and what I do understand I seek to live through by being obedient to God..
The Christian life is not about having all the answers. Such an existence wouldn't require faith. It is in those time where we have broken bones and broken hearts that we must turn to God and say, "Lord, what now?" This attitude helped Noah finish the ark, Moses wander for forty years with a rebellious nation, Joseph sit in jail with an unjust punishment, Jesus face the cross, and Paul live much of his ministry behind bars. This is an attitude that accepts disappointment, but never allows defeat.
If you are feeling defeated today, let me encourage you to surrender to Jesus. It is only in surrender that you will ever find victory.
Raising the white flag,
Bro. Steve
September 2, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: The vague and tenuous hope that God is too kind to punish the ungodly has become a deadly opiate for the consciences of millions. - A.W. Tozer
A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"Right Words, Wrong Heart"
Mark 7:6
Today he's a respected Christian professional in our community. But legend has it that he had a strong streak of mischief in him when he was a boy - and maybe even now. An older friend from their church told me that when this man was four, his pastor came up to him at a football game and sat down next to him. And the pastor said, "Well, Mark, what have you been doing with yourself lately?" To which Mark replied with a smile, "Would you believe - praying?" To which his pastor replied, "No, Mark, I wouldn't believe it." Smart pastor.
I'm Ron Hutchcraft, and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "Right Words, Wrong Heart."
It doesn't take long to learn the right church answers, does it? I mean even a four-year-old boy can do it! And many of us who've been around a lot longer as well. The danger is that you can really fool yourself spiritually, just because you know all the right words, and go to all the right meetings, and do all the right things. Tragically, a full Christian vocabulary can mask a dangerously empty heart.
Jesus talked about that in our word for today from the Word of God in Mark 7:6. He said of some deeply religious people, "These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me." And you can be sure that getting into Heaven will be based on what's in your heart, not on your lips. Your eternal rewards from Jesus will be based on what's in your heart, not your lips, too. Remember, "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (I Samuel 16:7)
Recently, we called some Native American Christian friends of ours - whose daughter has been struggling with some serious moral and life issues. The daughter was willing to talk with my wife - but only, in her mother's words, "after she puts her coat on." Now, that expression was new to us. Our friend explained that Indians use that expression sometimes to describe saying what non-Indians want to hear - in other words, saying what you think the other person wants to hear.
Well a lot of church folks "put their coat on" regularly when they're in a Christian setting. After all, you can pretty much learn the vocabulary of Christianity in about a month - and that will be enough to get you through with most Christians for the rest of your life. But it's not enough to get you through with God.
It's wise to stand back every once in a while and ask, "How much of my Christianity is really about Christ - and how much is a mask, a role I'm playing, human expectations I'm trying to fulfill?" If there's been more than one you - the Christian you and then those other guys - maybe you're tired of playing charades spiritually ... you're tired of the performance ... you're tired of the mask. It's time to say, "Jesus, I've been saying all the right words, but You know how hollow it all is really - and now so do I. I just want to love and know You for real - I want this to be all about a Christ relationship, not the Christian religion."
And if you've never really given yourself to Jesus, let this be the day you move from playing a role to the reality of knowing this awesome Savior.
Your words will get you by as far as Christians are concerned. But only what's in your heart will get you by with Christ. The words that really matter aren't the ones you say to men about Jesus ... they're the ones you say to Jesus about being really His.
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.hutchcraft.com
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2001, Ron Hutchcraft.
September 3, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: He looks today, as He has ever looked, not for crowds drifting aimlessly in His track, but for individual men and women whose undying allegiance will spring from their having recognized that He wants those who are prepared to follow the path of self-renunciation which He trod before them. - H. A. Evan Hopkin
Lessons On Living From Job
Where Is Wisdom?
"But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?"And to man He said, "Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding." - Job 28:12,28
A young man got into financial difficulty by loaning a friend in another town $500. He neglected to ask his friend to sign a written note. He didn't even ask for a receipt indicating the amount loaned. When the young man needed his money back, he realized he had nothing with which to document his claim. In desperation he turned to his father for advice. After a moment of consideration, the father said, "Write him and say you need the $1,000 you loaned him." The young man said, "You mean $500." "No," said the father, "you say $1,000, and he will immediately write back that he owes you only $500. Then you will have it in writing." The son followed his father's wisdom and the problem was solved.
Job, too, was perplexed by his situation. He had been a righteous man, yet now it seemed as though his world was falling apart. He felt the need for wisdom. "But where," he asked, "do I find it?" His Heavenly Father gave him the answer: It is in the fear of (respect for) the Lord. Only to the degree that those who seek wisdom are willing to respect God will they be motivated to apply the truths that He shares with them.
If earthly fathers can give wise counsel, how much more so can our Heavenly Father? But to gain true benefit from that counsel we must have reverence toward the One who gives it. Unless we respect the source, we'll never value the product. We not only need to hear, but we also must heed.
If you are looking for wisdom today, the best source you'll ever find is as close to you as your Bible. God speaks clearly through His Word to give you the guidance you need for your daily life. If you fear Him, obey what He says and take note of the benefit of heeding His Word.
If you respect the Lord, you'll benefit from His wisdom.
By Woodrow Kroll
Back To The Bible
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Copyright �1996-2001
The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
September 4, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Whence comes this idea that if what we are doing is fun, it can't be God's will? The God who made giraffes, a baby's fingernails, a puppy's tail, a crooknecked squash, the bobwhite's call, and a young girl's giggle, has a sense of humor. Make no mistake about that. - Catherine Marshall
Lessons On Living From Job
The Eyes Have It
"I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman?" - Job 31:1
Millie Dienert worked with the Billy Graham evangelistic team for 40 years. She commented, "I have always appreciated from a moral point of view how the men have been in their attitude toward the secretaries. The doors are always left open. They have always kept everything above reproach. When you are working on a long-term basis with the same person, constantly in hotels where the wife is not there and the secretary is, that is a highly explosive situation. You have to take precautions. I have always respected the way they have handled that."
Job also desired to live a chaste life. Even though he was a married man, he knew how easy it would be to slip. And it all begins with a look. Perhaps at first it is nothing more than just a casual glance, but then comes a lingering stare. Before long the look becomes something more. Therefore, Job made a covenant with his eyes, where it all begins. He knew that if nothing was started, he wouldn=92t have to worry about where it would go.
Christians need to remember that immorality begins with the eyes. Where people look, how long they look and what they allow to be communicated through their eyes are all factors that can bring about a fall. What we allow to come in through the eye-gate makes or breaks our Christian testimony. If we set up a roadblock at the source of our temptation, we can insure that our witness for the Lord will remain untainted.
Begin with the eyes. You can=92t help the first look, but you are definitely responsible for every look thereafter. Close that gate as soon as you can. Make a covenant with yourself and the Lord that you will not allow your eyes to be your downfall. Guard your eyes, and the rest of your behavior will be easier to control.
Wrong looks lead to wrong behavior.
By Woodrow Kroll
Back To The Bible
www.backtothebible.org
Copyright �1996-2001
The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
September 5, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: We can have no power from Christ unless we live in a persuasion that we have none of our own. - John Owen
Lessons On Living From Job
Trusting In Your Treasures
"If I have made gold my hope, or said to fine gold, �You are my confidence�; if I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because my hand had gained much; . . . this also would be an iniquity worthy of judgment, for I would have denied God who is above." - Job 31:24-�25, 28
Dr. Howard Hendricks, a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, shared how he and his wife, Jeanne, dined with a very rich man from a blue-blooded Boston family. During the course of the dinner, Dr. Hendricks asked him, "How in the world did you grow up in the midst of such wealth and not be consumed by materialism?" The man replied, "My parents taught us that everything in our home was either an idol or a tool."
Before the Sabeans raided his oxen and donkeys, the Chaldeans stole his camels and fire from heaven burned up his sheep, Job had been a very wealthy man, but he was also wise enough to know that these were not the things in which he should place his trust. In fact, had he done so, he would have been worthy of all the affliction he experienced. It would have made him guilty of denying God the most important place in his life.
Wealth is not wrong, but how we view our possessions can be very wrong. Christians must realize that everything we have is a gift from the Lord. When what we have received becomes more important than the One who gave it, we have fallen into the trap of idolatry. We are putting possessions ahead of the Lord. Our security then rests not in whom we belong to but in what belongs to us.
You may not consider yourself wealthy. Most people don�t. But whether you have a lot or a little, your attitude toward what you do possess may be causing you to stumble. Examine your heart. Are your possessions a tool to be used for God�s glory or an idol in which you trust?
Honor the Giver more than the gift.
By Woodrow Kroll
Back To The Bible
www.backtothebible.org
Copyright �1996-2001
The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
September 6, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: If our faith is not relevant to our daily life in the world and in the parish, then it is no use; and if we cannot be Christians in our work, in the neighborhood, in our political decisions, then we had better stop being Christians. A piety reserved for Sundays is no message for this age. - Douglas Rhymes
Lessons On Living From Job
No Guarantees
"Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand justice." -Job 32:9
When we buy a product, especially an expensive item such as an automobile or a computer, we want to know what guarantees come with it. What does the company that made the item promise to do for the one who bought it? If it ceases to function six months after we purchase it, will the manufacturer guarantee to replace it at no cost to the buyer? What if we�re simply not satisfied with the way it works? Can it be returned? Next to the price, the guarantees that come with a product can be the most influential selling point.
The fourth friend of Job, Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, made a valid observation. The youngest of those seeking to help Job during his time of trouble, he declared that there are no guarantees in life. As he considered the advice given by his more esteemed colleagues, it was obvious to him that they were off base. He realized that their reputed greatness didn�t guarantee their wisdom, nor did the fact that they were older than he mean that they understood justice. Nothing about life is guaranteed.
Yet for those who have placed their faith in Christ, life is not that gloomy. It is still true that following certain practices will not guarantee a particular result. Godly parents have raised prodigal children. Committed Christians have contracted incurable diseases. Devout believers have lost all their possessions. But God does make this guarantee--eventually everything will turn out all right. He promises, "All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). That�s the best guarantee of all.
Face it--you have no guarantees in life. But God is able to massage your life and make it fit into His guarantee. Whatever happens to you, God guarantees He will use it for your good.
What life lacks, God supplies.
By Woodrow Kroll
Back To The Bible
www.backtothebible.org
Copyright �1996-2001
The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
September 7, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: It seems to be very hard and -- if that would do any good -- might be a just matter of complaint, that we are fallen into so profane and skeptical an age, which takes a pleasure and a pride in unraveling almost all the received principles both of religion and reason, so that we are put many times to prove those things which can hardly be made plainer than they are of themselves. - John Tillotson
Lessons On Living From Job
Don't Blame God
"Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: Far be it from God to do wickedness, and from the Almighty to commit iniquity." - Job 34:10
A man was handing out business cards that read, "Federman and Coe, Merchants." When asked about his partner the man admitted there was no such person. "Then why do you have the name on your card?" someone wanted to know. "Well, you see," the man replied, "if something goes wrong I just blame it on Coe. That way I get out of trouble easily."
Three of Job�s friends were suggesting the same. As they saw it, God was responsible for all the evil that had befallen Job. Even though they suspected some hidden sin in Job�s life, his troubles still came down to a smear on God�s character. But Elihu, Job�s fourth friend, objected to such a charge. God does not commit wickedness, even if some might consider it justified. Admittedly, we have the benefit of seeing behind the scenes and knowing that it was Satan who committed these acts of iniquity. But Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar could have realized the same if they had truly understood God�s nature.
Christians are good at blaming God when things go wrong. If a child dies, it�s God�s fault. If the house burns down, it�s God�s fault. Such accusations cannot be true. God permits bad things to happen, but He doesn�t cause them. Sometimes things happen because of our own carelessness or sinfulness. Other times they happen because of the forces of evil in the world. But God is not to blame. James says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning" (James 1:17). We may not understand much about God, but there is one thing we can know for certain: There is no "dark side" to God.
Don�t blame the Lord for your troubles. They come as a result of sin in this world. Confess to God any anger or bitterness you might feel for what you�ve experienced in life. Then ask Jesus to heal your wounds and make you whole.
God permits, but He never commits.
By Woodrow Kroll
Back To The Bible
www.backtothebible.org
Copyright �1996-2001
The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
September 8, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Above all, desire to please Christ; dread His disapproval above everything else. - Rowland Croucher
Encouraging Word For The Week from Brother Steve
I didn't realize it then, but when I was two years old (1967) a television phenomenon began. It had a nice man who dressed in sneakers and a sweater. There was music that was appealing to me as a child. I was mesmerized by the trolley and the Land of Make Believe.
Of course, all of this could only describe Mister Rogers'Neighborhood--PBS's longest-running series. In it's run, nearly 900 episodes were produced. Tons of awards and special recognition were given to the show throughout it's 34 years. Through it all, Fred Rogers has even received 35 honorary degrees from colleges and universities throughout America.
On Friday, August 31st, the last original show was aired. There was nothing special about it. In fact, it was purposely produced to be indistinguishable from the rest. To quote the actor who plays Mr. McFeely, "There's no finale--it's seamless."
What was so special about this show? What made this host such an important part of our formative years?
I think the answer is found in his songs. As you read these lyrics, notice the primary theme of the two best known songs from the "Neighborhood".
"Won't You Be My Neighbor?"
by Fred Rogers (1967)
It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood,
A beautiful day for neighbor.
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?...
It's a neighborly day in this beauty wood,
A neighborly day for a beauty.
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?...
I've always wanted to have a neighbor just like you.
I've always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.
So, let's make the most of this beautiful day.
Since we're together we might as well say.
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Won't you be my neighbor?
Won't you please,
Won't you please?
Please won't you be my neighbor?
"It's Such a Good Feeling"
by Fred Rogers (1970)
It's such a good feeling to know you're alive.
It's such a happy feeling: You're growing inside.
And when you wake up ready to say,
"I think I'll make a snappy new day."
It's such a good feeling, a very good feeling,
The feeling you know that we're friends.
If you look closely, you'll find some pretty good New Testament Christianity in those songs. You don't read the name Jesus, but you certainly see the heartbeat of the Savior.
In Matthew 22:36, Jesus is asked to name the greatest commandment in the Law. He replies, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second it like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Maybe you haven't thought about it, but the focus of "Mister Roger's Neighborhood" has been the proclamation of the second greatest commandment. He has been preaching an important aspect of the gospel for over three decades through some very creative means.
By the way, in 1963 Fred Rogers was ordained as a Presbyterian minister. When he was ordained, he was given the charge to work with children and families through the media.
In Luke 10:29, Jesus is asked the question, "Who is my neighbor?" To this inquiry, he shares the parable of the Good Samaritan.
For as long as I can remember, a sweater-clad figure has also helped answer the "Neighbor" question with songs, puppets, and personal advice. He has helped me feel better about who I am, and in turn has helped me identify and love my neighbor.
So, at age 73, Mr. Rogers is hanging up his sneakers. He'll still enter our homes through reruns, but there will never be another new message from him about being a good neighbor.
Frankly, all of us have the same calling as our retiring brother. The only difference is that he did his on television.
Our world is in great need of good neighbors. If you will listen closely, there are people all around you that are asking. for your help They are saying, "Please, won't you be my neighbor?"
Picking up my sneakers,
Bro. Steve
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA
September 9, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And that which I can do, by the grace of God, I will do. - D.L. Moody
A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"The Souvenirs Of Sin"
Genesis 32:24-31
If you grew up on a farm, there's probably a dog in your memories. For my farm girl, Karen, that dog was a Collie cattle dog named King. King was great at rounding up her Dad's cattle. All Dad would have to do was to whistle that certain whistle, and King would start circling and circling those cattle until he herded them in. But there was a problem. One day a chicken got out, and King killed that chicken - which gave that valuable dog the taste of blood. They tell me if you can't cure that in a dog, you can't afford to keep it. The dog either has to be killed or disciplined so he'll never forget. So Dad took that dead chicken and tied its legs around King's neck with some twine. Needless to say, the dog tried everything to shake that dead chicken, but as the day wore on, the bird he killed did not, uh, improve with age. By the end of the day, King's head and tail were hanging low. It's a painful way to learn the seriousness of what he had done ... but not nearly as painful as the alternative.
Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "The Souvenirs of Sin."
If you have to carry some of the consequences of what you've done wrong, it can be powerful incentive not to do it again - which can save you from consequences that will be far worse. Now that's why God sometimes allows you and me to experience some unpleasant results of our sin. It's not that He hasn't forgiven us or that He doesn't love us. It's because He does.
God had great plans for Jacob - among other things, he would father the fathers of the twelve tribes of Israel. But all his life this stubborn, self-willed, survival-oriented man had been wrestling with God for the control of his life. And then came the final wrestling match. Our word for today from the Word of God, Genesis 32:24 and following - "Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man."
Eventually, Jacob realizes who he's been wrestling with that night - and all those years. The Bible says, "Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, 'It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared ... He was limping because of his hip." (Genesis 32:30-31) As far as we know, Jacob walked with a painful limp for the rest of his life. Was he right with God? Well, he asked for God's blessing that night, and God changed his name from Jacob, the cheat - to Israel, which means prince with God.
But even though it seems Jacob had made his peace with God, he was like that old Collie, King. In essence, he carried the dead chicken around with him the rest of his life to remind him of how much it hurts to be self-willed and stubborn and manipulative. It wasn't that my father-in-law didn't value that dog - he did value the dog. That's why he made him live with those consequences - the alternative was destruction.
And that may be why God has allowed you to continue to experience some of the scars and pain and consequences of your sin. If you have brought that sin to Jesus' cross in true repentance, God promises that He will "remember that sin no more." (Hebrews 8:12) You are forgiven ... you are clean ... your sin is forever covered by the blood that Jesus shed for it. But God doesn't ever want you to go back where you were. So maybe today there are still the memories, the regrets, some of the brokenness, the scars. God has left you with that aftermath so you will be protected by those consequences from ever doing that again. You won't forget how much it hurts and how much it costs.
It's another dimension of that same grace that forgave you and cleansed you. It's God's keeping grace ... enough pain from the past to keep you from ever going back to what would destroy you. Sometimes God in His grace saves us from the consequences of our sin and sometimes He leaves the consequences there. Either way, it's His love.
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.hutchcraft.com
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2001, Ron Hutchcraft.
September 10, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: If the heart is devoted to the mirage of the world, to the creature instead of the Creator, the disciple is lost... However urgently Jesus may call us, His call fails to find access to our hearts. Our hearts are closed, for they have already been given to another. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Lessons On Living From Job
No Place To Hide
"For His eyes are on the ways of man, and He sees all his steps. There is no darkness nor shadow of death where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves." - Job 34:21-22
Have you noticed that when people try to hide from trouble they rarely succeed? A true story relates that a retired couple was alarmed by the threat of nuclear war, so they undertook a serious study of all the inhabited places on the globe. Their goal was to determine what geographical location would be least likely affected by a nuclear war. They studied books and traveled the world and finally found the place. That Christmas they sent their pastor a card from their new home on the Falkland Islands. Shortly afterwards, however, their "paradise" was turned into a war zone by Great Britain and Argentina. Even though they had tried to hide from trouble, trouble had found them.
Elihu, Job�s youngest friend, made this same observation about God. No one can hide from Him. His all-seeing eyes observe man�s every step. Although Elihu was wrong in his assumption that Job had some hidden sin in his life, he was right to claim that nothing could be concealed from God�s sight. Had Job truly been a worker of iniquity, God would have known it.
Sometimes we feel frustrated because many evildoers are able to cover their wickedness so cleverly that they never can be brought to trial. Other times they simply disappear with their ill-gotten gains and no one can find them. But no one escapes the watchful eye of God. He knows what they�ve done and where they can be found. When the time is right, God will make sure justice is done.
If you are the victim of a miscarriage of justice or know some guilty person who has disguised his wrongdoing, be encouraged. No one can hide from the Lord. The most clever criminal can never conceal his deeds or himself from the watchful eyes of God. God observes all that we do, and He is a just Judge.
Justice is blind, but God isn�t.
By Woodrow Kroll
Back To The Bible
www.backtothebible.org
Copyright �1996-2001
The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
September 11, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: In judging others a man laboureth in vain; he often erreth, and easily falleth into sin; but in judging and examining himself he always laboureth to good purpose. - Thomas � Kempis
Lessons On Living From Job
No Partiality
"As for the Almighty, we cannot find Him; He is excellent in power, in judgment and abundant justice; He does not oppress. Therefore men fear Him; He shows no partiality to any who are wise of heart." - Job 37:23-24
Gandhi says in his autobiography that in his student days he was truly interested in the Bible. Deeply touched by reading the Gospels, he seriously considered becoming a convert, since Christianity seemed to offer the real solution to the caste system that was dividing the people of India. One Sunday he went to a nearby church. He decided to see the minister and ask for instruction in the way of salvation and enlightenment on other doctrines. But when he entered the sanctuary, the ushers refused to give him a seat and suggested that he go worship with his own people. Gandhi left and never came back. If Christians have caste differences also, he said to himself, I might as well remain a Hindu. The partiality showed by those Christians had a devastating effect on India and the world.
Elihu implied that Job may have set himself apart as something special because of his wealth, perhaps even thinking he could buy his way out of affliction (Job 36:18-19). While this was not a correct assessment of Job�s character, Elihu made a valid point: God shows no partiality. God doesn�t care about a person�s wealth, social status or skin color, but only about his heart. God accepts all those who are "wise in heart."
Christians have fallen into the trap of partiality almost from the beginning. James warned his readers about showing favoritism to the wealthy (James 2:1-4). Other Christians have shown partiality based on language, nationality or ethnicity. None of these things, however, are important to God. He looks beneath such surface issues and considers what a person is on the inside.
If you find yourself hung up on a person�s economic status or skin color, ask God to help you see past these superficial matters. Seek to know others as God does-by their heart.
Have no part in partiality.
By Woodrow Kroll
Back To The Bible
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September 11, 2001
Encouraging Word For The Week from Brother Steve
(Special issue addressing the terrorist attacks.)
I cannot in my right mind sit here and say nothing about today's unprecedented tragedy in our nation. I was searching for words of comfort to share with all of you when Brother Steve's Encouraging Word for the Week came my way. I could have put it no better than he does, so I am presenting it here and now. This cannot wait for a Midweek Pulpit, nor can it wait for Saturday, when we usually share Steve's writings.
Matthew 24:6-8 states: "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled, for these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Today's cowardly attacks against the American people are an act of war, and this is pestilence displayed on our TV screens and computers. WE MUST NOT FEAR, and instead of being troubled, more than ever we need to spread the Word of God and the love of Christ Jesus to a troubled and hurting nation.. and world!
Let us come together and PRAY like never before.
Trusting in Jesus and in none other,
Jonathan
As I sit in front of this computer screen, it is 9:45 AM. It is only a short time since the attacks took place in New York and Washington D.C.
These events take our breath away. They make us feel violated and vulnerable. Yet, God's word still gives comfort in our time of need. Today, let's listen to the Master's voice.
Matthew 11:28-30 -- "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 28:18, 20b -- "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
John 14:1-3, 27 -- "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 16:33 -- "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Psalm 27:13-14 -- "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
Psalm 42:11 -- "What are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
Isaiah 40:28-31 -- "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Philippians 4:4-7 -- "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Psalm 91:1-7 -- "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge, and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you."
Psalm 32:7 -- "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."
Revelation 4:11; 5:1 -- "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"
Times are turbulent and uncertain, but Jesus Christ is the same, "yesterday, and today, and forever". I choose to stand on Jesus. I place my trust in him. Do not fear what man can do because "greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world."
Resting my hope and my salvation on Christ,
Bro. Steve
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA
September 12, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: The world would use us just as it did the martyrs, if we loved God as they did.
- Thomas Wilson
This is the most difficult day of my life. That apparent terrorist attacks could bring such death and destruction to unsuspecting people is absolutely unthinkable. Yet the numbers of the dead and wounded from these attacks will be extraordinary.
In the midst of our stunned disbelief, as Christians we must respond appropriately. How are we to do so? Here's what I glean from God's Word.
First, trust God fully and solely. Psalm 119:114, "You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word." God has proven Himself to be trustworthy in the past; He can be trusted now.
Second, have courage in the face of tragedy. "Be strong and of good courage...Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:5-7,9). This is the time for our nation to be strong, and Christians are the strength of our nation.
Third, as Christians we have both the privilege and the responsibility to pray. The situation is serious, but God is strong. "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3).
Here are some prayer points:
- the victims and families of the World Trade Center attack
- the victims of other apparent terrorist attacks throughout the country
- the President and his aides as they formulate a response
- the response of Christians who minister to those who hurt
Fourth, don't give up hope. The psalmist asked, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?" and then he responded, "Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him" (Psalm 43:5).
God is in control. Trust Him and pray without ceasing. Hope in God.
Righteous Father, we don't pretend to understand why a tragedy of this magnitude has happened. But as Christians, we both have the privilege and the responsibility to pray for the friends and family of victims and to ask that You comfort them in this their darkest hour. We pray for police and firemen and rescue workers still looking for survivors. Reward their efforts, Lord, with miraculous finds. We pray for our President and his aides as they formulate a response. May it not come from anger but from righteousness and the need for a nation to protect its citizens. And as the events continue to unfold, Father, may we come to understand and to forgive those who have perpetrated this terrible human loss. Through the horrendous events of these days, may we find our way back to You--to a deeper appreciation of your sustaining grace at our deepest need. May we find our strength in You. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
By His Grace,
Woodrow Kroll
Back To The Bible
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The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
September 13, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: None but the Lord himself can afford us any help from the awful workings of unbelief, doubtings, carnal fears, murmurings. Thank God one day we will be done forever with "unbelief." - Arthur W. Pink
Lessons On Living From Job
Out of the Whirlwind
"Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind." - Job 38:1
Violent storms are one of the most destructive forces that nature can unleash upon mankind. Living in Nebraska, I�ve noticed that there is rarely a spring night during which some part of the state isn�t pounded by tornadoes or torrential rainfalls. Unfortunately, these outbreaks of nature are usually accompanied by a great deal of property damage, sometimes even loss of life. Whirlwinds are definitely forces to be reckoned with.
But the whirlwind that Job encountered was more than a product of nature. It was a divine messenger from the Lord. God used one of nature�s most awesome expressions of power to confront Job with his own frailty and weakness. The whirlwind brought Job face to face with his lack of understanding of God. Obviously his friends had misunderstood the nature of God as well, but Job was not entirely innocent either. After he experienced the violence of this whirling windstorm, he was brought to a fresh realization that God was far greater than he could comprehend. With his ignorance revealed, Job confessed, "I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know" (Job 42:3).
In the midst of our distress, it is common to find fault with God. We think, Surely God must have made a mistake for this to be happening to me. But such thinking is foolishness. With our limited understanding of what is truly happening both on earth and in heaven, we are arrogant to think that we are in a position to judge God�s actions. We are dealing with issues that are far beyond our understanding. In fact, even if God were to explain them, we wouldn�t be able to fully grasp them.
God is not committed to give you answers, but He is committed to bring you comfort. Avail yourself of what God offers-His presence in the midst of tribulation-and leave the rest up to someone far wiser than yourself.
Answers don�t always comfort, but God does.
By Woodrow Kroll
Back To The Bible
www.backtothebible.org
Copyright �1996-2001
The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
September 14, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: One thing that is worse than being blind is being able to see and having no vision
- Helen Keller
A Message from Richie Furay, rock musician-turned-minister, on the Terrorism In America.
At a time like this it's hard to find the words to express the way our hearts feel, the myriad of emotions from fear, to anger, to hate, to utter disbelief and grief. We have indeed experienced on Tuesday an unprecedented event that will change America and the world in which we live forever! I know there are many today who may be wondering where God is in all of this and believe me, He is not aloof to what has happened in New York and Washington DC or the many other places around the world throughout the centuries when man's inhumanity to man is unleashed upon fellow human beings! We shake our heads in disbelief, and yet, it's all too real because, even as the God of the Bible says in Jeremiah 17:
9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?
10 I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.
Our hearts and prayers go out to those whose lives are immediately and personally touched by this tragedy! My consolation today, two days after the events we've witnessed, is to know that God, the God of the Bible - Jesus Christ is in control - though it may not seem like it, He is working out His perfect plan for this world, a world He created that has been sabotaged by Satan and the forces of evil. God, the One True and Living God will prevail! Today is a day to search one's heart as to whether we believe Him and have trusted our life today and forever in the hands of Him who is The Way The Truth and The Life. Man may ask, "well how could He let something like this happen? Doesn't He care? Couldn't He have stopped it, prevented it?" Certainly!! God did in fact allow this tragedy to happen, but He did not cause it! Man, that He created with freedom of choice, free will to make decisions has done this to his fellow man and will continue to do so until Jesus Christ, the Prince of peace comes again to rule and reign on this earth and put an end to all unrighteousness! The Bible says:
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
Man is on a collision course with eternity and unless his heart and life is right with God in will end in death - separation form God for all eternity!
So how does all of this fit into His perfect plan? I certainly don't have the answers, but I know He will prevail and one day all of this kind of tragedy will come to an end! Until then, the Bible is rich with comfort for all who will read it and believe and who will trust in Jesus Christ is their personal Lord and Savior! He is the hope we have in the darkness of this day. He is the peace we have when the world in which we live is in such chaos! God bless you all. If you wish to write to me personally, my e-mail is available!
Jesus said: Matthew 11:28-30
28 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Proverbs 3:5-8
5 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.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.
Psalm 37:4-9
4 Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.
6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.
7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret--it only causes harm.
9 For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth.
Romans 10:8-10
..."The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach):
9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."
With much love,
Richie Furay
[email protected]
September 15, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: There is a virtuous fear which is the effect of faith, and a vicious fear which is the product of doubt and distrust... Persons of the one character fear to lose God; those of the other character fear to find Him. - Blaise Pascal
When Our Towers Came Crashing Down
By Ron Hutchcraft
I've been on top of the World Trade Center many times. For thirty years of my life in the New York area, those towers dominated the horizon. I can't imagine they're gone.
But so much more than buildings collapsed that awful day when airliners became missiles and America itself became the battlefield. Thousands of lives came crashing down that day, too. The airline passengers, the World Trade and Pentagon workers, the rescuers who died trying to rescue - so many, gone in one awful, violent moment. And the countless loved ones, in some cases not knowing what happened to those they love, in all cases agonizing over the horrific circumstances of their death ... and the lifelong scars on those heroic rescuers, recovery workers, and medical personnel who will always be haunted with the memories of what they have seen.
But the carnage and shock of September 11 have touched every American. We've been glued to our news channels, repeatedly horrified by the endless replays and unfolding details of unthinkable scenes in places we thought invulnerable. Like the TV commentators, we try to put our feelings in words, but no words can really say it.
I remember vividly the first attack on the World Trade Center - we thought that was unimaginable! The morning after I arrived at an airport in another city, only to be greeted by a TV crew with videocam and microphone in hand. They were seeking comments from people arriving on the first flight from Newark that day. When they asked me my reaction to the Trade Center bombing, I could think of only one word to describe how so many of us were feeling after that shock - "Vulnerable."
As I'm hearing people trying to put their feelings into words today, that's the feeling I'm hearing the most. The very symbols of our financial and military security as Americans have themselves been attacked - one is gone, the other heavily damaged. We watched everyday people like us, doing things we do - passengers on a jetliner, folks at their jobs - suddenly wiped out en masse. We see the lists of fatalities - including CEOs, Chief Operating Officers, high-profile lawyers and entertainment executives - and we realize that, like those who died on the Titanic, success and position mean nothing when death strikes suddenly. We see our children trying to understand horrors a child cannot understand - let alone us parents who are trying to explain those horrors.
We feel vulnerable. It's as if some of our sense of personal security and safety came crashing down with those majestic towers. The banner headline of our local newspaper screamed, "Forever changed" - they're probably right. One woman said, "I'm scared" ... one man said, "It feels like things are out of control."
If your heart is like mine and so many others I know, it's soft and searching - and re-evaluating right now. While the events have been horrific, the questions we're asking - or ought to be asking - could, indeed, leave us "forever changed" - for the better. Questions like, "What are the things that really matter and the things that really don't - and which ones have I been living for?" ... "What have I got that will really last - no matter what tragedy comes crashing into my life?" ... "Am I ready for eternity, no matter how suddenly my time comes?"
We have seen how suddenly our towers can come crashing down, how quickly what I've built and who I've loved can all be gone. And our hearts are hungry for something we can anchor to ... for something to sustain us when the bad news is more than we can bear ... for something that will make us really safe.
When our President addressed the nation on this generation's "day of infamy," he alluded to the one Source of comfort and hope in moments like these. He quoted from that treasured 23rd Psalm found in the best-selling book of all times, the Bible - "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me." (Psalm 23:4)
Life has many "vulnerable" moments - when you lose your job, when you lose someone you love, when your marriage or your parents' marriage collapses, when the medical report is unsettling. But that "valley of the shadow of death" - that is, by far, life's most vulnerable moment. Yet the Bible holds out to you and me a security that can keep you safe even in that valley - and no matter what else comes crashing down in your life.
That security is a Relationship, a Person - "You are with me, Lord." All our lives we have been hungry for one "unloseable" love. And there really only is one. It's the love of the One who made you ... the One who you will meet on the other side of your last heartbeat ... the One whose love caused Him to literally lay down His life for you.
The safety our heart longs for is found in the arms of Jesus Christ. In God's own words, "Nothing will every separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:39) But in your vulnerable moments, your moments that are more than you can handle alone - those moments when you've gone seeking God - maybe you've realized that there is something that is separating you from Him. The Bible confirms that all the wrong things we've ever done have actually "separated you from your God." (Isaiah 59:2) This "sin" - our hijacking of a life that God was supposed to run - cuts us off from the very God whose love is our only safe place.
But that's why Jesus came. "God sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins ... He sent His one and only Son that we might live through Him." (I John 4:9, 10) Now all Jesus is waiting for is for you to grab His outreached hand like a person trapped in the wreckage would grab the hand of a rescuer. You can do that right where you are, this very moment. Just tell Him, "Jesus, I've lived enough days without You ... I'm sorry for running a life that You were supposed to run ... I want to belong to You ... I want to be changed forever."
Jesus liked to use the word "everlasting" to describe the kind of life He wants to give you. We have been reminded so powerfully that nothing earth has is everlasting. That's the time your heart should be turning to the only One who is - so you can know that you have a love you can never lose ... a security that can never be shaken ... and that you're ready for eternity, whenever it comes. No religion can even offer that kind of security or everlasting life, it is only found with a relationship with Jesus Christ.
You're vulnerable no more when you run to the safest place in all the world - "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and they are safe." (Proverbs 18:10)
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.hutchcraft.com
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2001, Ron Hutchcraft.
September 16, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Many ordinary treasures may be denied the man who has God, or if he is allowed to have them, the enjoyment of them will be so tempered that they will never be necessary to his happiness. Or if he must see them go, one after one, he will scarcely feel a sense of loss. - A. W. Tozer
A National Crisis: How To Handle Calamity
By Woodrow Kroll
There's no question, the story of Job is the story we have lived in the last couple of days. There are not exact parallels, but there are enough parallels, I think, that spending a little time thinking about the story of Job today would be a good way for us to work through the events of the last few days.
Job was a man who was very wealthy. He was a man who lived before the Lord in a blameless fashion. It says in verse one, in fact, that he "was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil." This is a man who had seven sons and three daughters. He was very, very wealthy. In the first several verses of Job you learn about his possessions. In many respects Job was like corporate America: had everything going for him--it's "Wall Street" of the Old Testament. And yet, suddenly, something happened in Job's life. Calamity came to his life that he never anticipated, and he was never the same after that. And it's the calamity that came to his life that I think most closely parallels what we're going through as a nation here in America today.
There are those expressions about Satan being called to account for what he's doing. He appears before the Lord God (Job 1:7), and the Lord says to Satan, "From where do you come?" And Satan answers and says, "I've been going to and from throughout the earth, walking back and forth." And that's when God suggests to Satan that he might want to consider His servant Job. That's where Job's life was never the same after that.
None of us will forget last Tuesday. We will never forget hearing, first of all, of the first plane being crashed into one of the twin towers. That was, I think, 8:45 a.m. Eastern time. Then by 9:03 the second plane (now you talk about things happening). Just about the time we were somewhat adjusting to being aghast at the fact that two airplanes were crashed into these two huge buildings at the World Trade Center, we had a report that something happened in Washington and that the Pentagon had been attacked. Then it was only a few minutes after that, that we're hearing about planes being hijacked. And the story just went on and on and on from that.
Friends, we're really reliving the kind of rapid succession that tragedy came to Job in his life. I think it would be helpful if you have a Bible and would like to look at this story with me. There are clearly parallels between what we've been going through the last several days here in the U.S. and what went on in Job's life.
Look at that first chapter of Job. When Satan comes to God, and God says to him, "What are you doing, Satan?" and then God suggests to Satan that there is a righteous person, remember Satan's initial response? He says, "Sure, Job is living righteously because You've put a hedge about him: nothing ever happens to him." As a result of that, God removed that hedge.
As an American I feel a little bit like Job today, because there have been just incredible terrorist attacks throughout the world, and we've had a few here in our country--but this attack seems to be the worst terrorist attack in modern history. God has taken a hedge away from this country, and we are experiencing some of the same kind of tragedy that Job experienced. The only difference is we're experiencing it as a nation: a family of people of varying backgrounds. Job experienced it all by himself.
Notice what he says in verses 13-15, "Now there was a day when his sons and daughters [that's Job's sons and daughters] were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house; and a messenger came to Job and said, 'The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, when the Sabeans raided them and took them away--indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!'" Now it's interesting here that we often talk about tragedy coming in a series of threes. But the catastrophe here is a series of four waves of catastrophe.
The first one is these Sabeans. Now we don't know much about the Sabeans. They are perhaps a people who came from Sheba in southwest Arabia. They may also be associated with a little town called Sheba in upper Arabia (Gen. 10:7). What we do know about these people is that they were ruthless people. They were the terrorists of their day (as we have terrorists today), and they came quickly upon Job's family and his servants, attacked the servants, killed all of the servants, and left only one as the reporter to tell Job and the rest of the world what had happened there.
No sooner had that occurred than verse 16 says, "While he was still speaking, another one came and said, 'The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!'" Now if the first attack on Job came from outside--came from these terrorists, the Sabeans--the second one was permitted by God. The fire from heaven fell and consumed his sheep. Now for those of us who do not live in a shepherd society, consuming sheep doesn't seem like such a bad thing. Suppose the fire from heaven fell and as a farmer all of your crops were consumed or all of your cattle consumed; or the stock market: the bottom fell out of it and all of your earnings were consumed. That's the kind of tragedy that this man is facing--the first from terrorist activity; and the second, the floor fell out of his life.
But we aren't to the end yet, friends. Verse 17 says, "While he was still speaking, another also came and said, 'The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!'" Now it's on the Chaldeans. We've heard from the Sabeans--they were a ruthless bunch. And now the Chaldeans--they divided themselves into three bands and attacked on three fronts. This has eerie coincidence, doesn't it?--being attacked in New York City, being attacked in Washington, DC, and elsewhere. There are strange and eerie coincidences between the story of Job and what has been taking place in our country. The Chaldeans attacked; they took Job's camels. Camels were like our automobiles, like our airplanes. It's like shutting down the airports. Basically, what is happening here is that all of Job's personal commerce has come to an end. In fact, Job's life looks like it's about to come to an end; and when you see the next thing that happened to Job, you understand why.
Listen to this. Verse 18 of Job chapter 1, "While he was still speaking, another also came and said, 'Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!'" Now I will not equate Job and his life with the United States. Job is an individual, a man living righteously before God. We are a nation of people. But there are some very strange similarities here, and the last wave of oppression that came to Job was when he lost those who were most dear to him: his own family.
Now the death toll still climbs in the tragedies that occurred over the last number of days. I think it's too early for us to say anything about numbers of people who were killed in these tragedies. But it isn't too early for us to think about where God is in all of this--because, you see, Job was a man who did not understand what was happening. He did not bring this upon himself. He was surprised at these attacks. They came from terrorist quarters. They came from fire falling from heaven. And they hit him at his most vulnerable point: they hit him at his own family.
Some of you listening to me today may still not know the safety or the whereabouts of family members, of friends who were a part of this horrific tragedy here in the United States--and you're feeling a little like Job today. I want you to know that the story of Job has just an incredible ending, because, you know, God teaches us through the calamities of life how we're to handle calamities. And while there are significant parallels between what happened to Job and what happened in New York and Washington and elsewhere, we really need to get a handle on how God operates through all these things, where God is during all this time.
I've taken longer than I intended to, but the reason why I said this story is the one that I think most closely parallels what we've experienced the last few days is that so many things happened in such rapid succession. None of us was ready for this. And Job wasn't ready for it either.
Do you think Job had some insight into Psalm 37 long before it was ever written? That's the kind of insight we need to get today, friends, because we can't make sense out of the events of the last few days. Who can? I mean, these are things that are beyond our can: we cannot figure them out; we don't know enough yet to make any real valuable judgments. But even if we did, how could we figure this out? How could we understand this calamity?
Listen to the comfort that comes from the words of David, a man who was no stranger to calamity himself. He said this in Psalm 37:1,2: "Do not fret because of evildoers [now there's something we can use today, isn't it true?], nor be envious of the workers of iniquity, for they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb." Now here's his remedy for calamity. He says, "Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness" (v. 3). Pay attention to the verbs here: "Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass" (vv. 4,5).
Now in the story of Job, as in the unfolding story of these past few hours, I think that's what we need to do today. We've had lots of e-mails here at Back to the Bible. I've done I don't know how many interviews--radio interviews and other kinds of interviews of people calling and saying, "Would you comment on this tragedy?" I have to say that I think the best advice is the advice that we take not when we are faced with these tragedies but the advice we learn between tragedies: how God operates and how we are to operate when we face difficulty.
Job faced a calamity, and yet he understood what it meant to trust in the Lord and to do good. That's our challenge here in the United States now: to trust in the Lord and do the right thing, do the good thing; to dwell in the land and feed on God's faithfulness, to think about what God has done for us.
This is a tragedy of unparalleled proportions. But the faithfulness of God is also unparalleled. We can delight ourselves in the Lord during these days. We commit our way to the Lord. We don't know where it's taking us. We don't know what's going to happen next. And a lot of people are still apprehensive about what's going on. But the Bible tells us that we're to commit our way to the Lord and trust in Him, and He'll bring it to pass.
Now if there's a connection, between what we've seen happen the last few days and the story of Job, I think the assessment that he may have had some insight into Psalm 37 is a good one--because it's the kind of insight we need to get today.
If you're looking right now, my friend, for a way simply to grab onto something you can be sure of, why don't you grab onto your Bible. Go to Psalm 37, or go to Job chapter 1 and read the story of Job. But when you read the story of Job, make sure you don't miss the end--because the end is a lot better than the beginning.
As we think all through what Job went through, what the United States has gone through in the last couple of days--God is all-powerful, couldn't He have stopped it?
Yes, He sure could have stopped it. That's the question I think all of us wrestle with. It's the question of why does God allow things like this to happen? Can a sovereign God keep terrorists away from innocent people? And the answer is yes. God obviously could do that. I think the problem of human suffering is an issue that is always in the back of our minds, and then something happens like what happened last Tuesday. We scratch our head and we say, "Where is God in all of this?"
Getting a perspective on suffering, getting a perspective on calamity and where God is in all of that calamity, I think takes a certain amount of trust in God that a lot of people don't have. And they may not have it because they're not familiar enough with God. Friends, the only way we can become familiar with a God who permits suffering and still is a good God, is to get to know Him through His Word.
Let me make several observations, as we come to the conclusion of our program today, about God and allowing the kinds of things that have happened the last few days.
First of all, remember that the Bible affirms that God has chosen to permit these kinds of things to happen. Do I understand that? No, I admit to you, I don't understand that. I don't have the mind of God on everything, and the only thing I know is what He teaches in His Word. Why God permits these things to happen, I don't know. But God is the designer. He has a plan. He has allowed the kind of calamity that we've experienced to happen. I don't pretend to be able to have an answer as to why, but I do know that I can trust the Person who allows such things to happen.
So how should I respond? What should our response be to this kind of suffering, this kind of tragedy? I think our response is at least two or three things. Number one, we need to expect this kind of suffering. We need to expect this to happen. The United States intelligence forces knew that something was coming; we just thought it was somewhere else in the world. But as believers, we anticipate that in a fallen world, a world filled with sin, this kind of suffering, this kind of tragedy is going to be a normality. We can never escape the enormity of this tragedy, but we know that the sinful heart is very dark and very wicked. We shouldn't be surprised when the sinful heart exercises itself and this kind of tragedy occurs. So, first of all, while God permits suffering to happen, we expect it to happen because it's a part of an evil world. The question is, "Did God do this?" And the answer is, "No." Sinful, wicked people did this--people with dark human hearts, people who are revengeful and hateful, people who think they have a cause. God permitted it to happen, but we can't trace this kind of tragedy to God.
Secondly, I think we have to realize that regardless of what happens, God is still in control, and nothing can happen unless God allows it. Now why God allows this, I don't know. But the Bible is more than filled with references about God allowing things to happen and still being in control. The heart of the king is turned by the Lord. The king's heart is in the hand of God. Nothing happens in this world that God is not aware of, and God has to permit it. When Job suffered the great losses in his life, it was at the permission of God--not at the request of God and not at the urging of God. That was all Satan's doing. But it was at the permission of God.
If we understand that God is sovereign, then we're going to come to, I think, what is really the back-breaking issue, and that is this: If God is sovereign and He could prevent this, why doesn't He prevent it? What is there for us to learn through all this? If God can prevent this kind of suffering, why can't we understand why God doesn't prevent it?
And I think the answer to that is this: When that first plane crashed into the World Trade Center, we were all stunned, we were all shocked. And then, what, just a little more than 15 minutes later a second one, and then things began to unfold that we could not possibly even conceive. And just like Job in his own life, these tragedies came in rapid succession. At any time, God could have stepped in and said, "That's it. That's enough." But you see, God allows us only to understand in the framework of time. If we could look beyond today, we could see some sense in what God allows to happen. It's hard for us right now with these tragedies so fresh in our minds to see any good that can come out of them.
But then again, in Job chapter 1 it was hard for Job to see any good that could come out of this as well. You have to get to the end of the chapter. You have to go to the rest of the story, friends. And by going to the end of the story of Job, you see that indeed God did permit good to come out of this great tragedy. I think God will do the same thing with the tragedy that we've experienced now. We're still in shock. We're still scratching our head, wondering how, wondering why. But you know, one day we'll look back in eternity and we'll see these days and time as just little specks in eternity--and we'll understand something a lot more about the plan of God and His love for us.
I think, it would be remiss even today if we did not continue to pray for the families of these victims, pray for friends of the victims. Before we close our broadcast today, let me just take a moment and invite you, our dear friends and listeners, to join me. I know you've been praying without ceasing, and so have we here at Back to the Bible. But let's commit this to the Lord again and ask Him--whether He shows us what He intends to happen or not, whether He shows us why these things happen--let's pray to Him and ask Him to make something good out of this disaster. Will you pray with me, please?
"Lord, it's not within our ability to fully understand why tragedies like this happen. Yet, Lord, we are believing people. We have placed our faith in You through Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ has opened the door for us to talk with You directly. So while we may not be able to understand, may not be able to discern the cause and the effect of all this, we can pray for it. And I think in the light of these tragedies, our greatest opportunity right now is simply to pray. We hold before You the friends and family of the victims of these tragedies. We ask You to comfort them in this the darkest hour of their life. We pray for those who are still looking for survivors among the rubble. We pray, Lord, that You would give them miraculous finds. We pray for our President. We pray for his cabinet and those who formulate an appropriate response. But, Lord, most of all we pray for Your comfort to those who are bereaved today. May we as believers let the love of Jesus Christ shine today. In His name we pray, Amen."
Back To The Bible
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Copyright �1996-2001
The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc.
All rights reserved.
September 17, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Justice is truth in action. - Joseph Joubert
Lessons On Living From Job
Seeing Is Believing
"I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." - Job 42:5-6
All of his life, John Wesley had been very pious. He got up at 4 A.M. and prayed for two hours. He would then read the Bible for an hour before going to the jails and hospitals to minister to all kinds of people. He would teach, pray for and help others until late at night. A turning point for Wesley came, however, when he found his way to a chapel on Aldersgate Street in London. He heard a man reading a sermon that described a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Wesley suddenly realized that he was trusting his good works. That night he wrote in his journal: "About a quarter before nine, while he described the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death."
Job also had been a pious man. Even God pointed him out as an extraordinarily righteous individual. But apparently something was lacking. He had heard about God and had been obedient to the degree that he knew how. But when he met God in the whirlwind, a new dimension was added to his life. God was no longer simply what he had heard about; He was now someone Job had personally experienced.
Those who grow up in the church often spend their early years hearing about God. Based on what they hear, they may lead a moral life and feel they know Jesus Christ. Yet they have had no personal encounter with Him. He is the God of their heads but not their hearts.
Make sure that your faith is not based merely on what you've heard. Seek a personal encounter with Jesus Christ through His Word. Allow God to become a real person in your life, not just someone you've heard about. Jesus came seeking you (Luke 19:10); now it's your turn to seek Him.
Hearing is no substitute for experiencing.
By Woodrow Kroll
Back To The Bible
www.backtothebible.org
Copyright �1996-2001
The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
September 18, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: As long as I see any thing to be done for God, life is worth having; but O how vain and unworthy it is to live for any lower end! - David Brainerd's Journal
Lessons On Living From Job
Boomerang Prayer
And the Lord restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. - Job 42:10
In my office in Lincoln, Nebraska, I have on my desk two boomerangs from Australia. One is the genuine article, the other is a tourist version, but they both do what boomerangs are suppose to do. If you hold them the right way and throw them with that special flick of the wrist, they will fly out from your hand, circle back around and return to you. With a boomerang, what you send out also comes back.
Job experienced the same thing with prayer. Job's three friends found themselves in deep trouble with God. The Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "My wrath is aroused against you and your two friends, for you have not spoken of Me what is right" (Job 42:7). Having been on the receiving end of these misguided barbs, Job might have been tempted to rejoice that God was setting these men straight. But instead, at God's request, he prayed for them. And as he prayed for their forgiveness and restoration, God turned these prayers for blessing back onto Job and restored twice as much as Job had before.
When people have hurt and offended us, we often pray that God will help them see the error of their ways. And should God choose to extract a bit of vengeance, we wouldn't be opposed to that either. But the real joy comes if we can put our pain behind us and pray for God's blessing on them. Jesus says, "Do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). We are to pray for their good, not for their harm.
If you have been the object of someone's misunderstanding, pray for that person. Ask God to richly bless him. You will be surprised to find that the blessings may boomerang back to you as well.
Praying for others is the best thing we can do for ourselves.
By Woodrow Kroll
Back To The Bible
www.backtothebible.org
Copyright �1996-2001
The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
September 19, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Moreover, you are not to ask what each man's deserts are. Mercy is not ordinarily held to consist in pronouncing judgment on another man's deserts, but in relieving his necessities; in giving aid to the poor, not in inquiring how good they are. - St. Ambrose
His Armor
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. - Ephesians 6:10
Satan has a long list of things he would like to destroy in your life. This serpent of old who deceives the whole world, is like a roaring lion seeking to devour you. He will lie, tempt, discourage, snatch away the truth, and all the time try to make you believe he doesn't even exist. Many people who say they are Christians don't believe in the reality of Satan. But he is alive and well on planet earth, bent on destroying the work of Jesus Christ.
In order to fight the devil, we have to stand watch over our lives with the intensity and seriousness of a soldier at war. We have to be sure that Satan can't weasel his way into our hearts and minds. But how do we defend ourselves against such a cunning rival?
First, we acknowledge that we are in a life and death spiritual battle. Next, we don the full armor of God and prepare for war. We fight with the tools God has given us: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, God's Word, and prayer (Ephesians 6:14-18). Trying to fight in our own strength just leads to defeat and discouragement which is exactly what the enemy is striving for. But praise God, He has given us His armor that cannot be penetrated!
He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. - John 4:4
Read Ephesians 6:11-17
By David Jeremiah
Turning Point
www.turningpointonline.org
Copyright 2001, Turning Point for God
September 20, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Forgiveness is better than revenge; for forgiveness is the sign of a gentle nature, but revenge the sign of a savage nature. - Epicetus
Above The Crowd
Matthew 7:15-23
Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not . . . done many
wonders in Your name?"
- Matthew 7:22
When the steeple of a local church caught fire after being struck by lightning, firefighters had a difficult time putting out the blaze. The crew had to haul heavy hoses up three flights of stairs to save the structure, which was described as tall, windowless, and empty.
I know some people who fit the description of that steeple. They are "tall" in the sense that they set themselves above others. They are "windowless" in that they never let anyone see inside. And they are "empty" because they never allow anything to get inside.
Whenever we set ourselves above and apart from others, we become spiritual firetraps, and one small spark can ignite a devastating blaze. Pride is particularly dangerous because Satan disguises it as good and makes us think we don't need God. Pride keeps many "good" people from entering heaven. And some who accomplish great miracles in Jesus' name will one day hear Him say, "I never knew you" (Matthew 7:23). But others who humble themselves will become "the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (18:4).
We have the opportunity to learn the truth that Satan does not want us to believe: True godliness is achieved not by elevating ourselves but by lowering ourselves.
God often uses lowly things His purpose to fulfill, Because it takes a humble heart To carry out His will. -D. De Haan Those who know God will be humble; those who know themselves cannot be proud.
Our Daily Bread Ministries
�1999 RBC Ministries--Grand Rapids, MI 49555
www.rbc.net/bread
September 21, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: You must not lose confidence in God because you lost
confidence in your pastor. If our confidence in God had to depend upon our
confidence in any human person, we would be on shifting sand.
- Francis
Schaeffer
A WORD WITH YOU
By Ron Hutchcraft
"The Hypocrite Hang-up"
Mark 2:14
Seven years of junior high band concerts. Yes, that was the special joy Karen and I share since all three of the Hutchcraft kids were in junior high band. Now it wasn't always a supreme musical experience, but, hey, it's our kids, right? Now, let's imagine you have never heard of the brilliant composer Ludwig von Beethoven before. And I say to you, "Beethoven was a genius. His music is some of the most beautiful ever written." You're a little skeptical because you've never heard any of him, but I suggest a way to remedy that. See, the junior high band is having a concert this week, and they're performing Beethoven's 9th Symphony. So you go, and you come back to me saying, "I thought you said this Beethoven guy was a genius! I just heard his music. It wasn't brilliant!" Now what's the problem here? It isn't Beethoven - it's the way that band played his music. Just because they don't play his music well doesn't mean the man who wrote the music wasn't a genius!
Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "The Hypocrite Hang-up."
I've devoted my life to telling people about the Genius who can harmonize our lives, who wrote the music that's supposed to guide everything we do. His name is Jesus. But many people - maybe you - can't bring themselves to a point where they will put their trust in Jesus Christ to be their own personal Savior. And one of the biggest reasons? Christians. Christians who are hypocrites. Maybe some hypocrites you know have been a major roadblock in your considering Christ.
Well, that's why I'm so glad for today's word for today from the Word of God, where Jesus clarifies what, and who, is the issue in this whole Christian thing. Mark 2:14, our word for today from the Word of God - "As Jesus walked along, He saw Levi, sitting at the tax collector's booth. Follow Me, Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed Him."
Jesus sums up here the central decision we all have to make by issuing this clear, two-word invitation that He gave to many people: "Follow Me." Jesus said, "I'm the issue. Make your decision about ME." He repeated that invitation so many times when He was here on earth. And it's His invitation to you and me today. As for those Christians who aren't a very good advertisement - well, they're like that junior high band trying to play that Beethoven symphony. Unfortunately, some of us don't play Jesus' music very well. But that has nothing to do with Jesus. He is still the Genius who forgives our failures and loves us with "never-leave-you" love, and takes us to heaven when we die.
Jesus didn't say, "Follow My followers," or "Follow My leaders," or "Follow My religion." He said, "Follow ME." The only reason not to be a Christian is if you've got something against Jesus. And there wasn't a trace of hypocrisy in Him.
All that will matter when you keep your appointment with God is what you did with Jesus, His one and only Son who died on the cross to pay ... not for His sins, but for yours. Honestly, there is no place to hide when it comes to Jesus. Either you commit yourself to this Man who died for you or you turn your back on Him and walk away.
It is all about Jesus. And maybe you're ready to surrender all the baggage that's kept you from His love. It's Jesus and you, because it's Jesus you're trusting, not Christianity. Maybe you're ready to begin this relationship you were created for. Tell Him that.
On Judgment Day, it will be you and Jesus. Today it's you and Jesus. In the words of an old hymn, "What will you do with Jesus? Neutral you cannot be. For someday your heart will be asking, 'What will He do with me?'"
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.hutchcraft.com
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2001, Ron Hutchcraft
September 22, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: True progress is not found in breaking away from the old ways, but in abiding in the teaching of Christ and His Spirit in the Church. There is an apparent contradiction here, for how can we abide, and yet advance? It is a paradox, like much else in scripture; but Christian experience proves it true. Those make the best progress in religion who hold fast by the faith once for all delivered to the saints, and not those who drift away from their moorings, rudderless upon a sea of doubt. - Henry Barclay Swete
Encouraging Word For The Week from Brother Steve
After an emotionally draining week, Monday marked a day for things to get back to normal. Financial business in New York resumed. The professional sports business moved forward as Major League Baseball got back on the field. Even network television is back to its regular schedule of programs. As the old saying goes, "Time heals all wounds."
I'm not suggesting that America is anywhere near being over the events of September 11th, but instead that life proceeds forward in spite of our pain. Frankly, I don't know if I want us to get "back to normal".
There are too many wonderful things that have occurred in the last week that were not a reality when we were "normal". Certainly, I wish the thousands of dead were alive to see this beautiful day and that war was not eminent, but there are a slew of bright spots that reverting back to "normal" would end.
In our normal American society, churches aren't full on Sunday. Yet, our current situation has caused throngs of people to repent of their sins, turn back to God, and worship Him. Typically, millions would spend their Sunday morning sleeping in, relaxing, or using the day for personal recreation. In a society that is desperate for hope and answers, you can't sleep in because you are having trouble sleeping at all. You can't relax because your stomach is churning over nervousness about what could happen next. In terms of recreation, you can't catch enough fish or shoot enough game animals to take away the concerns of your heart. If getting back to normal means I forget God on Sundays, then I hope normal never returns.
When life is normal, Bibles get dusty and knees stay unbent for the majority of Americans. Why? "It's the economy stupid." I don't have time for God when the world revolves around me. For millions, they look to heaven and dig into scriptural truth only when their world is collapsing around them. I don't want to see more chaos, but I certainly don't want to see us get back to normal if it means people will become disconnected from God.
When life is normal, policeman aren't respected and fireman are taken for granted. My neighbor is a stranger and his life is none of my business. This isn't true in the abnormal time we are experiencing. Public servants are considered heroes. My neighbor isn't valued according to his status, color, or beauty, but only by his need for my hand and my love.
In fact, our entire neighborhood has grown this week. Instead of only those within a few miles being our neighbors, the scope of our concern has extended across continents, oceans, political divides, and every other imaginable obstacle that man has put between himself and his neighbor. Under such circumstances, why would any of us want to go back to normal?
I have a solution. Why don't we just redefine what "normal" is? Let's turn lemons into lemonade and tragedy into triumph. Let's go from the cross to the empty tomb and powerlessness to Pentecost. This transformation in America doesn't have to be just an emotional response, but it could in fact be the start of the supernatural revival our nation needs.
Friends, let's allow President Bush and his team to deal with terrorism. At the same time, we must grasp the moment and build upon the positive changes that have emerged out of the ashes.
The following words of Jesus describe the new "normal" that we need to embrace. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:33-34 NIV)
Change your world -- Seek Jesus,
Bro. Steve
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA
September 23, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. - Jim Elliot
A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"Bouncing Back When You Blow It"
Proverbs 24:16
I'm about 5'8". You probably know that because I sound about that tall, right? Years ago, I was carrying 210 pounds on this little 68 inch body. Goodyear actually offered me a job as their blimp. But thankfully, I have weighed about 45 to 50 pounds less than that for a lot of years. Of course, I've still got the same metabolism that inflated this body many years ago. So, ohhh, do I know about dieting! And I also know the point at which your diet is in the greatest danger. OK, you've really been good ... the scale has been giving you good news the last couple of weeks ... your diet discipline is holding ... then, somebody offers you something that you just can't resist - let's say, a few french fries. You consume them in one bite. So, you buy a whole order of fries for yourself. And now you feel bad. You have blown your diet. You could just get back on track right then! But no - you say to yourself, "I blew it! I've failed! Oh well, what's the use? I might as well have a milk shake to wash down those fries. Hey, anybody got the number of Pizza Heaven?" Yeah, you messed up. So you give up - and soon return to your former roundness.
Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "Bouncing Back When You Blow It."
Now, it's a shame when one or two failures make you give up on your diet. Or, more importantly, on living like Jesus wants you to live.
Maybe it's a pattern you know all too well. Like a dieter, you've made up your mind to change - to do things Jesus' way. You're living right, you're doing well. But one day you mess up and fall back into something the old you would do. And you feel ashamed. Now right here is the point - in dieting or being a disciple - that will determine whether or not this is a brief detour or a huge defeat. What will you do when you've blown it? Now, you can clean up or give up. And, believe me, Satan is gonna be right there whispering, "What's the use? You tried this Christian thing, and look at you! You're a spiritual lose. You'll never make it. This is too hard for you. Give it up, man."
Now, Jesus said Satan is capable only of telling lies - and this is no exception. But he wants to take one defeat and turn it into many defeats ... to use this one detour to get you to turn back completely. And maybe you have. Well, it's time for the truth. Our word for today from the Word of God, Proverbs 24:16 - "Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again." Notice it doesn't say, "a righteous man never falls." It says that when he falls, he gets right back up and starts walking again! See, that's God's intention for you when you've messed up.
That's why He invites us in I John 1:9 to "confess our sins" because "He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." It's not Jesus standing there, condemning you for falling. God says, "there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1) No, that's your enemy trying to pull you into a cycle of defeat. Live right ... then mess up ... then feel ashamed ... then you give up ... then you mess up a lot more ... and then you crash spiritually. That's the cycle of defeat. But Jesus is saying, "One failure is one failure. And the only people who never fell down are people who aren't trying to walk. Bring that sin to My Cross. Let me clean you up. Tomorrow's a new day!"
So when you mess up spiritually, it's either the cross or a crash. Bring that sin straight to Jesus' cross, and you can get up and keep going. Believe the "what's the use?" lie, and you'll crash. Because of Jesus, no failure is final. If you've fallen, you can get up, in the forgiveness and power of your Savior.
Take it from a veteran dieter - it's a terrible mistake to give up just because you mess up. Today's failure doesn't have to sink you tomorrow. You have a Savior who makes each new day a brand new beginning.
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.hutchcraft.com
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2001, Ron Hutchcraft.
September 24, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: The evil of riches, then, for institutions, for nations, for individuals, is that those who possess or seek to possess almost invariably overvalue possessions and so cease to live creatively. They stop loving God with all the heart and all the soul and all the strength and all the mind. They stop loving their neighbors, too. When you find a person of means who is not either a self-centered bore or a low person, you may know that God has worked a miracle. - Bernard Iddings Bell
A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"A Hundred And Eighty Degrees"
1 John 1:9
Not long ago, we met some wonderful radio listeners from the Sault St. Marie area of Michigan - way up north, you know, near the Canadian border. They told me this amusing and slightly amazing true story about a woman they met recently. She was driving from Detroit, which is about six hours south of them, and she was lost. So she stopped in at our friend's workplace, looking for directions. Now, that's not unusual. But she walked in the door blurting one frustrated question, "Which way's TEXAS?" Texas! Well, for starters, ma'am, you need to turn that car around and go six hours back to the place where you started!
Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "One Hundred And Eighty Degrees."
Now, for that lady to end up where she wanted to end up, she had to make a 180 degree turn. So do you - if you're heading in a direction that isn't God's direction for you ... if you're doing things you know God doesn't want you to do ... well, God has a 180 degree turn for you - and here's the word for it: "Repent."
In fact, He makes this encouraging promise in our word for today from the Word of God, Acts 3:19. "Repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, and times of refreshing may come from the Lord." Now, God has all kinds of things He wants to give you, but He can't until you repent.
Repenting of a sin and getting headed in the right direction really involves three steps. It's the same three steps that lady who was trying to find Texas at the Canada border had to take.
First, you have to admit you're going the wrong way. It took that lady a little while to do that, but she finally was willing to face the fact that the road she was on was wrong. You do that with God when you accept His invitation in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins" - now that means saying the same thing as God says about what you've been doing. Then it says, "He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." No more excuses, no more blaming, no more rationalizing, no more cover-ups. "God, this stuff is sin and it's sin that killed your Son."
But it wasn't enough for that lady just to admit she going the wrong way. She had to stop going the wrong way. Until she pulled over and quit going the wrong direction, she was getting "loster and loster." And so will you. Repenting is setting up your life as if you won't be doing that sin anymore. You destroy any sin-props you have ... you avoid the influences and the people that feed that sin ... you change what you watch and read and listen to. And you ask a believer that you trust to keep checking on you, to hold you accountable to being the new you.
Now there's a third step: Repenting also means starting to go the right direction. Until that lady turned around and started driving in the right direction, she was going to stay lost.
So, to make a spiritual change, you need to actively start doing the things that will take you in the opposite direction of that old sin - like making things right with those who have been affected by you doing that sin ... telling the key people in your life that you are going to be different ... feeding yourself the influences and relationships that will strengthen the new you ... and then going out of your way to do the right thing where you've been doing the wrong thing. Like over-correcting a car when you know you're swerving in the wrong direction.
We're not talking about just feeling guilty or asking God to forgive you. That's not complete repentance. We're talking a 180 degree turn! And with God's unlimited power, you can change! You're driven far enough on this road that goes nowhere! Turn it around. What you're looking for is the other direction. It's in God's direction!
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.hutchcraft.com
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2001, Ron Hutchcraft.
September 25, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Few have defined what free will is, although it repeatedly occurs in the writings of all. Origin seems to have put forward a definition generally agreed upon among ecclesiastical writers when he said that it is a faculty of the reason to distinguish between good and evil, a faculty of the will to choose one or the other. Augustine does not disagree with this when he teaches that it is a faculty of the reason and the will to choose good with the assistance of grace; evil, when grace is absent. - John Calvin
A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"Fractured, But Growing"
2 Corinthians 6:9,10
My wife Karen recently received a lovely family heirloom diamond ring. And she took it to the jeweler the other day so he could look at it with that magic eye that jewelers have. As he looked at it under magnification, he let out a curious "hmmm." He told Karen that the diamond had a fracture in the middle of it, invisible to the naked eye. Which caused Karen to ask how there could be a fracture in the middle. Why didn't it go all the way across the diamond? Mr. Jeweler gave a very interesting explanation. He basically said that while some diamonds are developing, some underground disturbance - maybe a quake or a tremor - causes the diamond to crack. But apparently some diamonds continue to develop anyway. Like the one we have. It was fractured, but it didn't stop growing!
Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "Fractured, But Growing."
Actually, that isn't just true of diamonds. There are people like that. Maybe you. Our word for today from the Word of God comes from 2 Corinthians 6:9-10. It's an account of a lot of life trauma and a man who was fractured, but - well, just listen. He says, "We were dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." Paul here models being a believer who may get beaten up but refuses to get beaten down; who takes a lot of hits, but refuses to be knocked out. Like our diamond, you may be fractured, but you don't have to stop growing.
Tragically, a lot of people do. Their growth stops with the trauma. And there's no denying the damage done when you get hit by a major life trauma. A divorce, losing your job, losing someone you love, losing your health, a major injury, a depressing setback, a breakup, abuse, dealing with pain from your past. Things like these are major blows, and the hurt is deep and long-lasting. There is very real fracture. The question is: Will you stop growing now?
The same Apostle Paul who experienced a bombardment of life traumas is the one who said in Romans 8:37, "In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." You don't get to choose whether or not the trauma hits you, but do choose whether or not it will be what you focus on the rest of your life - whether you focus on your identify, your attitude. So many people never get back up. They just sort of sleepwalk from the fracture point on, and they quit developing spiritually, interpersonally, mentally, emotionally.
But, because of God's Holy Spirit living in you, there is no life trauma that is insurmountable, that has to define the rest of your life. But it takes a sanctified stubbornness on your part that says, "The fracture is there, but my life is not over. Even if I don't feel like it right now, I'm going to aggressively pursue God's plans for my future. I'm going to dig into things that will enlarge the difference I can make in the years I have left."
Like Paul, you commit yourself to that realistic, but buoyant approach to life that is "dying, yet we live on; beaten, yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." (2 Corinthians 6:9-10)
Through the eye of a jeweler, we have seen a diamond that didn't let a fracture keep it from becoming more and more beautiful. By God's awesome grace, be a diamond that may be fractured, but will not stop growing!
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.hutchcraft.com
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2001, Ron Hutchcraft.
September 26, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: We can stand affliction better than we can prosperity, for
in prosperity we forget God.
- Dwight Lyman Moody
A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"What's Eating Your Home"
Hebrews 12:1
My wife Karen was waking up to a sound she hadn't heard before - and she couldn't identify. It sounded like crinkling cellophane - and it was coming from inside our bedroom walls! Now, somehow I missed this little symphony, but Karen sure picked up on it. Since we were pretty sure no one was actually crinkling cellophane in our walls, we looked into other possibilities. Like carpenter ants, for example. And sure enough, that's what it was! Those little marauders were feasting on the wood in our house ... and they were gradually eating our home! We didn't even have to think about what to do. "Hello, Mr. Exterminator?"
Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "What's Eating Your Home."
Obviously, you need to take drastic measures when something is eating your home-including some invaders that do far more damage than some hungry, little bugs. There may be some forces that are eating away right now, not at the building you live in, but the family who lives in it!
You can hear some of the sounds of deterioration-the angry words that are causing such deep wounds ... or that chilly silence ... or the negativism. Far more comments on what people are doing wrong than what they're doing right ... the exasperation, the frustration over not being listened to. Don't ignore those "sounds in the walls". The longer you do, the harder it's going to be to repair the damage. If there's growing tension or growing distance, or growing hard feelings or frustration, then it's time for radical action. It's time to attack what's eating your home.
Our word for today from the Word of God may be a statement that you need to take as a charge for you and your family. It's from Hebrews 12:1. It says this, "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles." Now if something is slowing you down or entangling you as a family, throw it off! Get rid of it! Or call the exterminator!
Maybe what's weakening your home is too much criticism.maybe too little affection shown.or maybe too little listening. Or it could be hypocrisy that's eating at your home-a big gap between the "church you" and then the you they see at home. Maybe there's favoritism or perfectionism that's driving everyone crazy. Or maybe your family is just feeling the effects of too little of your time.of a schedule that often has no room for them in it?
But listen, will you, to the sounds of a home slowly being eaten away. It's time to take strong corrective action - to "throw off everything" that is hindering your family and the sin that is tripping them up. And let the change begin with you. Get to your knees and confess to your Lord the part that you've been playing in the problems at home. And ask Him to change you from a thermometer who reflects everything that's going on there, to a thermostat that sets a whole new temperature.
Where you've been wrong, tell your family. You won't lose their respect - you'll gain it. God says, "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." (James 5:16) There are few words more healing than, "I was wrong." I wonder how many marriages could have been saved if someone could have said them ... or how many children. As this verse says, healing also comes when you begin to pray for each other-and for family healing. And if you need outside help, don't let your pride keep you from seeking that help.
Would you say to God, "Lord, I can hear the sounds of our home being slowly eaten away, and I want it to stop. I dedicate myself today to stopping it ... by stopping it in me first." Those bugs will destroy your home only one way - through your denial or your neglect. It's time for the exterminator - before any more damage is done.
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.hutchcraft.com
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2001, Ron Hutchcraft.
September 27, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Where there is fear of God to keep the house, the enemy
can find no way to enter.
- Francis of Assisi
A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"While The Window's Open"
Ephesians 5:15
I was sitting on our front porch, and I saw our son-in-law Rick suddenly running full speed across the front yard, headed for the back yard, with his camera in his hand. With my incredible detective mind, I surmised that he had seen something that would make a great photo - something that apparently wasn't going to be there for long. Actually, he had seen our horse Misty running across the pasture with her mane flowing and beautifully illuminated by the setting sun. Having a wife who's taken some pretty amazing photos over the years, I understand this "seize the moment" thing that photographers have ... and you'd better not get in their way.
Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "While The Window's Open."
Photographer types understand a life-principle that a lot of us miss - that there are moments, opportunities in life that have to be seized - or they're missed forever. And it isn't just photographs. It's precious life moments where a window of opportunity opens for a brief time, maybe just a moment - and either we stop and take that opportunity, or we sometimes lose it for good.
Thus, God's counsel in Ephesians 5, beginning in verse 15, our word for today from the Word of God. He says, "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise." OK, so what does wise living look like? "Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."
Apparently, knowing and doing God's will in your life often depends on seeing the opportunity He has opened up for you and seizing that opportunity. Many of life's regrets are about opportunities we missed because we let them slip by. Like the aging business man who says, "If only I'd spent more time with my family." As many times as I've heard that lament, I've never heard anybody say, "My only regret is I wish I'd spent more time in my business." When your child is ready to talk, you'd better drop everything and listen then - the window won't be open long. When your child is ready to be affectionate, you've got nothing more important to do than respond. When you son or daughter has time to be with you, you'd better have time to be with them.
The same applies to your mate, your parents, others that you love. Many a tear at a funeral is over opportunities we didn't take when this one we loved was still touchable, still thankable, still forgivable, still huggable. And how many chances do we have per day to simply compliment someone, encourage someone, stop and listen to someone. Those are God-moments - opportunities to be a channel of God's love into a person's life.
Most importantly, how many times do we pass up a God-given opportunity to talk about our relationship with Jesus Christ - when the eternity of that person may depend on hearing about our Jesus? Spirit-filled living involves making yourself available each new day to seize the opportunities God gives you in that day. If you're the kind of person that's all rigid, programmed and inflexible, you'll probably miss or ignore the many times the Holy Spirit is saying, "This is it - this is your chance. Do it now. Seize this moment!"
Like a photographer running to capture his picture before the moment passes, we need to capture the God-moments He weaves into each new day. Those scenes are just too good to miss!
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.hutchcraft.com
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2001, Ron Hutchcraft.
September 28, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Millions of hells of sinners cannot come near to exhaust
infinite grace.
- Samuel Rutherford [from a letter dating back to the year 1646]
A Word With You
By Ron Hutchcraft
"The Knife And The Nails"
1 Peter 2:24
Tony was one of the best-liked teachers in our kids' junior high school. And one summer day when he was helping me paint our house, I learned a lot about his background - a lot that was very surprising. Tony told me that he grew up in a very tough neighborhood that was sharply divided into ethnic groups and ethnic gangs actually. And he was a fighter, man. Most of the guys in his neighborhood were fighters. He said to me, "Ron, five of my good friends died violently in just two months." Two more of his gang friends are serving prison terms. I said, "Tony, how did you ever get out of all that? How'd you end up doing so well?" His answer blew me away.
I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "The Knife And The Nails."
When Tony told me what had made the difference, he did something I've never seen him do before - there were tears in his eyes. He said, "One of those friends who died was my best friend. See, there was a gang fight one night. One guy was coming behind me with a blade. It was intended for me, but my friend stepped in front of it. My friend took my knife - and that changed the course of my whole life."
Then it was my turn for tears. I said, "Tony, maybe you can understand now why I try to live my life for Jesus Christ - the same reason. My Friend Jesus took my knife, and realizing that has changed the course of my whole life."
Our word for today from the Word of God is 1 Peter 2:24. Now the "He" in this verse is Jesus Christ, God's one and only Son. "He Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed." I should have gotten the knife of God's judgment. After all, I should have to pay for the sinning I've done. But Jesus stepped in and took my knife ... and your knife.
That death Jesus died on the cross wasn't for His sins - He didn't have any. They were for my sins, and they were for your sins. The penalty for a lifetime of living for ourselves is death, which means being forever cut off from God, from His love, from His heaven. But Jesus loves you and me so much that He has stepped up and said, "Don't punish him. Don't punish her. Punish Me instead."
And He took more than my knife. He suffered all the hell I deserve, that you deserve. Now you may say, "I know all this. I know that Jesus died on the cross for our sins." But maybe you've never gone to that cross and said those two words that make all the difference: "For Me." In the Biblical words of Galatians 2:20, "The life I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me."
The day you make the Savior your Savior is the day the eternal wall between you and your God comes down, that you can finally have peace. And you'll be able to give up the sin that killed Him and begin living for what He loves. Once you give yourself to the Son of God who loved you enough to take your knife, your life will never be the same.
His love is within your reach right now - if you'll just tell Jesus you want to begin this love relationship with Him. If you want to belong to Jesus, I'd love to send you the booklet I wrote about this relationship called "Yours For Life." Just use the information we're about to give you to get in touch.
One young man told me he wanted Jesus in his heart for one simple reason. He said, "No one ever loved me this much. No one ever loved me enough to die for me." Don't live one more day without that love.
Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
www.hutchcraft.com
www.gospelcom.net/rhm/
Copyright (c) 2001, Ron Hutchcraft.
September 29, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Resolved, never to do anything which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life. - Jonathan Edwards
Encouraging Word For The Week from Brother Steve
As I stare at the screen of my computer, I don't know what to write about this week. It seems that everything around us has to do with the recent terrorist plot, the impending attack on Afghanistan, or the sluggish economy. At almost every turn, the conversation on the street is somewhat depressing.
Therefore, I'm avoiding this whole line of thinking altogether. I want this article to have nothing to do with what is going on around you, but with everything to do with what is going on inside of you.
Listen to this profound truth -- GOD LOVES YOU. Isn't this wonderful? The maker of the constellations, the designer of the universe, the architect of the human body, and the one who has a name above every name loves you unconditionally.
He knows the number of hairs upon your head. He was present at your birth. He knew your name before your parents did. Your height and weight were in His book before they were recorded in the hospital records.
As King David wrote in Psalm 139, God is before me and behind me. I can't escape His knowledge. If I seek to escape from God in the highest place, or the lowest place, or the most isolated of places, He is there before I arrive.
Paul understood this, because in Romans 8 he speaks of God with the term "Abba". This is an affectionate term for Father. It basically conveys the idea of "Daddy". This led him to say such things as, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" and "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purposes."
In church we get so busy teaching the classes, preaching the sermons, singing the solos, mowing the grass, painting the buildings, and paying the bills that we don't take enough time to just consider that GOD LOVES US. He is not forced to love us. He didn't have to give His Son as a sacrifice on the cross for a bunch of undeserving people like you and me. Yet, because He loved us He sent Jesus anyway.
When it comes to this love, we'll never completely understand it. Therefore, we should never assume that we can move beyond it. Everything that we understand beyond God's love, contains God's love. Grace is God's love applied. Forgiveness is God's love expressed. Salvation is God's love realized. Eternal life is God's love fulfilled.
Our world is in tremendous need for a love like this because the greatest needs of people are inside of them. Life's meaning is only appreciated when God's love is accepted.
This is why Paul prayed the following request for the church at Ephesus -- "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:17-20) He knew that it would take a people who had a personal understanding of God's love to share it with others.
Friends, to know God's love is to share God's love. The more I let it flow to me, the more it will flow through me.
So, pay attention. Listen closely. Open your ears and your heart. Don't allow the familiar to make you numb. Get your attention off of the news and focus on the Good News. Here it is: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
Let this grip you so that you might get a grasp on how to bring life to your world.
Because of His love,
Bro. Steve
First Baptist Church, Doyline, LA
September 30, 2001
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Prayer enlarges the heart until it is capable of containing God's gift of himself. - Mother Teresa
Alone with Jesus
"Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." - Mark 6:31
The disciples had just returned from their first missionary tour and excitedly had shared with Jesus all of their experiences. His reaction to their enthusiasm is most remarkable. Looking at the milling crowd by which He and the disciples were surrounded and listening to the distracting hubbub, He invited them to come to a quiet spot and to rest a while.
Notice, the verb is "come," not "go." They were not merely to "get away from it all." They were to spend their quiet time with Him.
How important that in our modern lives--crowded, busy, and hectic as they are--we remember this distinction. There is a difference between "getting away from it all" and being "alone with Jesus."
There are moments in each day which should be spent in quiet communion with our Savior, moments of refreshment and renewal when we speak to Him and He speaks to us--through remembered passages of His Word. Such a quiet and frequent rendezvous with our Redeemer calls for conscious discipline until it becomes a way of life. How often do we meet with Him--alone?
Taken from "Words of Promise"
Copyright 1996; Concordia Publishing House