The Common Manifests God’s Glory Too! Skies, Springs, and Squirrels

"By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible." (Heb 11:3 ESV)

Today, as in all periods of human history, human beings have great interest in the sensational and the supernatural. There is a penchant in human nature for the bizarre and unusual.  The latest “viral video” will no doubt bear this out.

This desire for all things amazing is a God given one.  God has wired humanity with a thirst for awe.  His purpose is that we would be in awe of Him, and all of His works. 

What many fail to realize is that it is not just the uncommon which is awesome. While they pursue the sensational in those things that are uncommon, they run past many things that are awesome, but whose awesomeness is hidden by their commonness.  These common things are bursting with the awesome glory of God, but that glory can only be seen through the eyes of faith.

What could be more common than the sky? It is always above us. We never even wonder if it will be there when we walk outside. Yet the writers of Scripture saw the awesome glory of God in that ever present common thing. They wrote things like: "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." (Psa 19:1 ESV), and "The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory." (Psa 97:6 ESV) and "When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?" (Psa 8:3–4 ESV)

These words of Scripture expressing worship and awe, while looking toward the sky, were penned before the invention of today’s powerful telescopes. Modern scientists can see things that the Psalmists could never see.  They know, for example, that there are multiplied billions of stars just like our sun.  But while their telescopes can show them the stars, many of these scientists  lack eyes of faith to see the awesomeness of the God who created those stars. They fail to realize that He has a different name for every star, and because His power never fails, every star is accounted for! (Isaiah 40:26)

Every facet of the common creation of which we are only a part, is bursting with awe, as it manifests God’s glory! Whether it is a spring gushing millions of gallons of water daily, or one squirrel chasing another one around and around a tree, it is all awesome, and yet all common.

These common things make men accountable to their creator. Paul writes, "For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." (Rom 1:20 ESV) One day every human being will give an account for what  he or she did, with the revelation of God’s awesome glory, through what we would call just common every day things.

“Father, help us to see your awesome glory in the common things of our lives, and worship you with fervency, affection and pleasure.”

The Things I Learned From Losing my Mind

Holly Turner:
    the printer is not on their computers yet
Aaron:
    Where are you?
Holly Turner:
    where am I????
    don't you know where I am?
Aaron:
    Something has happened
Holly Turner:
    what???
Aaron:
    I don't know where you are
    please tell me
Holly Turner:
    Aaron are you teasing?
Aaron:
    no
    I have lost something
Holly Turner:
    do I need to call you?
Aaron:
    yes

So began my experience with TGA- Transient Global Amnesia.   Of this day I have no recollection, except what Holly and others tell me and occasional "flashes" of memory. She was working at the house of one of our friends, and I was to go over there later to do some work on their computers.  After this exchange of text messages, she did call me, and our conversation caused her to come home right away. 

A Very Strange Experience

I can honestly say this is the strangest thing I have ever experienced. In all of my years of ministry, and walking with people through their medical problems, I had never heard of this.  During the episode, I remembered my own identity, and the identity of others, but did not remember other pieces of information.  For example, I recently purchased a new guitar--a Taylor 814 CE. I had previously owned a Taylor 314 CE, but had sold it on E bay. When Holly came home, she asked me if I could play my guitar, and I did, but I was confused as to why I had an 814 instead of a 314,  and did not know what happened to the 314. When I got to the hospital,  Joel met us there, and I knew him, but didn't remember where he worked.  I remembered that he and his family have been sick recently.  When asked who the president was, I could remember that it was Barack Obama. But when asked for my address, I gave my post office box from years ago when we lived in Steinhatchee, instead of our current one.  I continually asked the same questions again, and again. 

Tests Tests and More Tests

When Holly came home and realized that something was wrong, she tried her best to get me to get dressed and get ready to go to the hospital.  I was not defiant, but was not compliant either.  I was confused and bewildered.  She had been at the home of  Matthew and Jennifer Ellison. Matthew called their pastor, Brother Leon Holden to pray for me. He was away, and called his son Chris to come and check on me.  Chris came, and then Matthew Ellison, Mitch and Carolyn Mitchell.  The EMTs were called, but I finally ended up just riding to the hospital with Holly.  Upon arrival in the ER, I was immediately taken back and the testing began.  It was decided that I should be admitted, and I ended up spending a total of 3 days in the hospital.  They were not able to find the cause of my episode, but did find some other minor things wrong with me. 

What I Learned  (again)

I am dependent   As a matter of fact all of us are. We are only alive, functioning and in our right minds because of the grace and mercy of God.  At any moment, if the Lord so chooses, we could lose our ability to function. (Lam 3:22 KJV) “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” It is humbling to realize that at any moment, this kind of thing can happen, and there is nothing I can do to stop it. Anyone who thinks that they are in control of their own destiny is very foolish. We are all at the mercy of God. And not only that, but we are dependent on others.  There are times in all of our lives when we cannot take care of our selves, and must depend on others to take care of us.

God communicates His love through others.  Throughout this ordeal, many people have communicated their love and concern to Holly and I. Some came to the hospital. Some called. Some sent texts. Some posted on Facebook.  Two of my dear pastor friends came and prayed with me. It meant so much to Holly and I.  This experience makes me more than ever, want to reach out to people who are going through hard times. If I started listing all of the people that have meant so much to me through this time, I would surely leave someone out, and feel badly because of it. (As you know I am having memory problems these days). Under this point, I must say that I am very thankful for Facebook.  Facebook allowed me to stay in touch with many people during this time, and many people to communicate with me at a time, when I needed to hear from them. God truly communicates His love for us through others!

Humor is therapeutic.  I am aware that not everyone "gets' my sense of humor.  I have been told that it is "strange" But being able to see humor in things and laugh was a great blessing during this time, at least to me. There are many things to laugh about in a hospital if you just know what to look for! I am convinced that they make you wear those split back gowns, so that you won't be tempted to run away when you see the food! Who in their right minds would want to be seen in one of those things on the street!

God providentially arranges appointments.  One of the tests that I had was a chemically induced stress test.  This test is conducted in three different stages and there is some waiting that is required between stages. I found my self in a row of wheel chairs next to a black man by the name of Leroy Watson.  So here we were side by side in our wheel chair, and I looked at him, smiled, and asked him if he wanted to race! (see my last heading). He laughed and so began our conversation.  I was going to bring the gospel into the conversation, but before I could he did! He began to talk about how good God had been to him. He shared about his marriage and family. He has been married for 46 years, and all of his kids have gotten scholarships to different universities. We talked about how the gospel was the answer to racial issues. All the while people were listening to our conversation and hearing about the greatness and glory of our God and His gospel! I was able to share the gospel with two of the techs that worked on me. I believe that if we will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, we can exploit the appointments that the Lord sets up for us to fellowship with other Christians, and share the gospel with the lost!

Thankful

I am very thankful to be home, and at least for now I am in my right mind (some could debate this point I know). I can honestly say that my love for others, and compassion for those who are suffering has grown through this. I hope to be a better, husband, father, friend, and pastor because of losing my mind!

Gracious Works: Starbucks and the Providence of God

Gracious Works: Starbucks and the Providence of God

Starbucks and the Providence of God

As I write this, I am in Vero Beach, Florida.  Holly and I drove down yesterday afternoon, and are going back to Steinhatchee this morning. The purpose of our quick trip, was to witness the baptism of our seven year old grandson, John William Andersen IV.  God saved Johnny a few months ago, and he followed the LORD in baptism last night, along with three other young men.  

I woke up this morning at 4:45 AM, and didn't want to wake the rest of the house trying to make coffee in an unfamiliar place, so I decided to grab a shower and head to Starbucks, where I could drink some coffee and have my morning devotions.

Upon my arrival at Starbucks at about 5:40 AM, I noticed only one other car in the parking lot, and a young man sitting at the table outside reading by the lights of the parking lot.  I got out of my car walked up to the door, only to find it locked.  They weren't open yet! I peered through the window and saw that there were workers in there, so I knew it wouldn't be long. I looked at the book the young man was reading and noticed that it was the Bible.  I am affectionately referred to by my family as "the greeter" (at least I think it is affectionately),  because of my tendency to speak to strangers. I asked the young man what he was reading, and looking up at me with a quizzical look, simply replied, "The Bible." I said, "It's good isn't it!" Looking up again, this time with an even a more quizzical look, simply said, "Yeah it is." I said, "Where are you reading in it?" He replied, "Samuel." I said,"Yeah, Samuel had a great mother but lousy sons." 

By this time, they were turning on the lights and unlocking the door.  Come to find out, they were running about 15 minutes late, just long enough for me to have this conversation with this young man.  

After we got inside, I introduced myself, and found out his name was Jason.  Jason, a young man in his mid to late 20s,  was saved about 10 months ago, and gave testimony of all that God was doing  in his life.  He shared how that God had totally changed him, given him a job at Publix, and a Christian girl friend who had become his fiance.  They are to be married in January.

As we continued our conversation, he shared with me that of late he had been experiencing a lot of opposition from the enemy, and was very discouraged. I was thankful that I could share with him, many things that God has used to in my life to bring me encouragement over the years. He had many questions, particularly about his upcoming marriage. I shared with him that Holly and  I are celebrating 31 years of marriage on Monday, and some truth from Ephesians 5, that I have found helpful through the years.

Jason said that he normally would not be in Starbucks that early on a Saturday morning, but that he had been awake since 3:00 AM and decided to come to Starbucks at about 5:00 AM, and read his Bible and drink some coffee. I normally would not be at that Starbucks at all.  But God in His providence had arranged for our meeting, and I was encouraged by it, and I believe he was as well.

When we got ready to leave, I asked if I could pray with him to which he heartily replied, "YES!" We prayed,  exchanged cell phone numbers,  and promised to keep in touch.

As I write this, I am back at Jeremy's and still haven't read my Bible yet, but I believe I have met with the LORD through fellowship with one of my brothers in Christ. Now to get in the WORD!

The Mothers in My Life.

Tomorrow is Mother's Day.  I have been working most of the day getting ready for the services that we will have at the church that I serve. I have been thinking all day about the mothers in my life.  Tonight I want to write a tribute to them.

My mother Wanda Turner, was a godly, practical woman, who had much common sense.  She was one of the hardest working people I have ever known.  She was responsible, and she loved us kids unconditionally.  She went home to be with the Lord two years ago, and there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about her.  I am thankful for her and wish I could talk to her tonight.  I always remembered her on mothers day, but I wish I would have done more for her.

 

My oldest daughter Rachel Andersen. I fully realize that she is my daughter and not my mother! My mind doesn't work as good as it used to but I am not that bad off yet! However she is the mother of two of my grandchildren. And I must say that I have profound respect for her as a mother. She loves her children and her family, and takes wonderful care of them.  She loves the LORD, and is one of the best writers I have ever read. I am so proud of her! I love you Rach!

Cheryl Turner is my daughter in law, and the mother of two of my grandsons. I am thankful for how you love and take care of Preston, and Zac. as well as how you love Jeremy.  You are a wonderful mother, and wife. We are blessed to have you in our family! I thank God for you!




Waynette Turner is my daughter in law and the mother of one of my granddaughters, one of my grandsons, and soon to be the mother of my youngest grandchild. Thank you for  how you love and take care of your Alena, and Luke, and how you love Joel.  We love you and are glad that you are in our family!







My youngest daughter Bethany Goddard. She is the mother of one of my grandson, and one of my granddaughters.  I have seen you walk through very deep water in the last several months and come through stronger and more godly than even before. I am so thankful for how God is working in your life, and how you are a godly mother to your children, and as well as a godly wife to your husband. I pray for you daily, and love you more than I can say!

I have saved the best for last. Holly the mother of all my children. There is no way that I can put into words what you mean to me. I have the deepest and most profound respect for you. Your influence on our entire family cannot even be measured.  You are the wife of my youth, and I am enjoying growing old with you.  You make me very happy. You are the greatest mother I have ever known. Thank you for filling our lives with your smile, and your love! Your family deeply loves you!

The Blessedness of Confession

“For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up* as by the heat of summer. Selah I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” (Psa 32:3-5 ESV)

Two time presidential candidate John Edwards has been very much in the news for the last several days because of an affair that he had with Rielle Hunter. After denying the affair, he finally confessed to it in an interview with Bob Woodruff of ABC News. In that interview, he said that he had "made a mistake" and that he had confessed that mistake to his wife, and to his Lord, and had found forgiveness. I couldn't help but think about this incident when I read this text this morning as part of my Bible reading schedule.

The purpose if this writing is not to criticize or cast judgment on Mr. Edwards. I sincerely feel sorry for his wife and family. My hope is that he really does know the Lord Jesus Christ, and that he truly has received forgiveness, not only for the sin of adultery, but for all of his sins. The truth is, there is no one reading this, including the writer or is without sin, and in need of God's forgiveness through the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ.

But this incident reminds us of some truths about confession--truths that are found in this psalm. Allow me just to list some of them for you.

1. Happy is the man whose sin is forgiven. “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity,” (Psa 32:1-2 ESV) There is no greater joy, than knowing that all is well between you and the Lord, and that all of your sin is confessed and forgiven, and no longer held against you!
2. Miserable is the Christian who is living with un-confessed sin. “For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up* as by the heat of summer. Selah” (Psa 32:3-4 ESV) They are the recipients of God's chastening hand. They are acquainted with Godly sorrow, because the Spirit of God that lives within them is grieved, they are going to be grieved!
3. Confession involves more than saying "I made a mistake." “I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”” (Psa 32:5 ESV) Notice that the psalmist did not say, "I confessed my mistakes" but rather, "I acknowledged my sin...I will confess my sin." A mistake is something that you did not intend to do. A sin is on purpose. It is rebellion against the commandments of God. It is much worse than a mistake. Jesus Christ did not die for our mistakes, rather He died for is sins!
4. God is faithful to forgive when true confession is made. “and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah” (Psa 32:5 ESV) This is something that we should stop and think on. God has forgiven you dear reader of every sin, if you have truly confessed it in dependence upon Christ! Therefore you can pray with confidence! “Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.” (Psa 32:6 ESV)
5. Confession of sin gives confidence in time of trouble. “You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” (Psa 32:7-8 ESV) One of the most important elements of this is the confidence that God will lead and guide us!
6. Confession of sin restores our ability to enjoy our God. “but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” (Psa 32:10-11 ESV)
7. Confession of sin is evidence that we are truly trusting the LORD. but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.

"Father, please help us to confess our sins to you, and not live in the misery of unconfessed sin. Thank you for the promise of your Word that tells us that if we confess our sins you are faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousnesses." Thank you for the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have forgiveness of our sins."

How Do You React to Bad News?

“As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. And I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your dispersed be under the farthest skies, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cupbearer to the king.” (Neh 1:4-11 ESV)

How do you respond to bad news? Our automatic first response to bad news can tell us a lot about our hearts. In Nehemiah's case, his response was to weep and mourn, which are understandable human responses. But that is not all that he did. He prayed and fasted. This tells us where Nehemiah's confidence was. It could have been said of him, “He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.” (Psa 112:7 ESV)

Prayer and fasting indicate that we are in fact trusting in the LORD.

Notice several elements of his prayer.

1. He recognized the greatness of the God to whom he was speaking. “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments," It is very important for us to realize that when we pray we are not just saying words in the air, but talking to the "great and awesome God" who is faithful to keep His promises.

2. He requested that God hear His prayer. "let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants,"

3. He confessed sin. " confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses." If we confess and repent of our sin, no matter what they have been, God will hear and forgive. This will put us in a position to get our prayers heard and answered.

4. He claimed a promise. "though your dispersed be under the farthest skies, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’" There are so many faith strengthening promises to claim, all of which God will be faithful to keep and honor.

5. He made His request. "They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”

This pattern is so often repeated in Scripture that we dare not overlook it but pay close attention to it.

What problems are you facing today dear reader? In closing consider the following promises of God from todays reading in Psalms.

“Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind! In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the LORD, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city. I had said in my alarm,* “I am cut off from your sight.” But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help. Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!” (Psa 31:19-24 ESV)

The Hand of the Lord His God was Upon Him.

“this Ezra went up from Babylonia. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses that the LORD the God of Israel had given, and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him. For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.” (Ezra 7:6, 10 ESV)

The phrase, "The hand of the Lord his God was on him." means that God worked in his life in such a way that Ezra was successful in what he set out to do. It means that what he tried to do, was in the will of God, and therefore it was successful. But notice several things about him:

He was very knowledgeable of the Word of God, "skilled in the law of Moses"
He had set his heart to study the law of God.
He had made up his mind that he was going to do the law of God and teach it.

I believe that if those goals are our goals, that the Lord will put his hand upon our lives, and make whatever we do to prosper as well.

"Lord give us a heart not only to seek your word, but to do it, and teach others to do it as well. Help us to be disciples, of yours, and make disciples of yours."

Having the Support of the Prophets

“Now the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel who was over them. Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.” (Ezra 5:1-2 ESV)

A prophet is one who speaks for God to men. He utters God's words to the people. Prophets aren't perfect. Not everything they say is correct. Not all of the ways of thinking are correct. They are not infallible. However, they are the means that God uses to get His message to His people.

It is interesting to me that when Jerrubbabel, and Jeshua began to rebuild the Temple, The Bible says that the "prophets of God were with them, supporting them." They were not just taking on this project on their own. This was not just a whim of theirs. This was the will of God, and the prophets of God were with them supporting them.

How we need the prophets of God to be with us in our lives and supporting us! Those who truly speak the words of God to men, are the ones whose presence and support we need in our lives.

This means that anything that we undertake to do, needs to be something that Scripture would support. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2Pet 1:20-21 KJVS)

But this also means that we need the support of those men, through whom God speaks today, as they proclaim the Scriptures, and as the Holy Spirit speaks through them to particular situations in our lives.

As we build our homes, our marriages, our businesses, we need the support of God's Word, and God's men in our lives.

I thank God for the elders in my church who speak into my life, and support me and help me. I am especially appreciative of my pastor, and friend Russell Taylor, who loves me enough to meet with me and speak into my life, and hear my confessions of sin, and pray for me.

I am thankful for Terry Spears who loves me and speaks into my life almost daily. I have watched this man go through very difficult trials, and stay steadfast in the Lord.


I am thankful for the Scriptures, those written words of the prophets of old who spoke the message of God. I have not been as faithful to them as I ought for several days. These men have been faithful to gently remind me to get back into the Word. I am thankful for them.

Dear reader, you need the support of the prophets in whatever endeavors you are engaged, especially when you are inundated with the cares of this life, and struggling. Opposition is going to come just like it did for these two men. But blessed is the man, who, when facing opposition in his endeavors, has the support of the prophets of God.

"Father, thank you for giving us those through whom you speak to us. Grant us the wisdom to seek the support and presence of the prophets in our lives."

Thank God We are Under a New Covenant

““And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.” (1Chr 28:9 ESV)

“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.” (Ezek 36:26-27 ESV)

I am thankful this afternoon, that I am no longer under the Old Covenant, but under the New Covenant. Under the Old Covenant men were required to obey the commandments in order to have the blessing and presence of God in their lives. Under the New Covenant is is the blessing and presence of God that causes men to walk in the commandments of God.

It is the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit that enables men to delight in, and walk in the commandments of God. We don't obey the commandments in order to get the Holy Spirit, but the Father has given us the Holy Spirit in order that we can obey the commandments of God.

I can live a life of obedience, because the Holy Spirit lives in me. God will bless my obedience, but the truth is my obedience is evidence that He has already blessed me !

"Father, thank you for the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, that was shed to cleanse me from my sin, and cause me to be pure, so that the Holy Spirit now indwells me and empowers me for obedience. Thank you that you bless obedience, and the obedience is a sign that your blessing has already been poured out on me."

A Tribute to my Gift from God

“House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.” (Prov 19:14 ESV)

In my Bible reading this morning, there are many things that I could have written on, as there were many thoughts that the Lord gave me.

In my particular schedule, the last thing that I read is in Proverbs. When I came to this verse, I knew that the thing that I wanted to write about was my wife (and your mother). She is a "thing" “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.” (Prov 18:22 ) :)

Your father can give you an inheritance, but he can't give you a wife. If he did, she would be your sister, and who wants to be married to their sister? :)

My wife is truly described in this verse. It is very hard for me to believe that we will soon be married for 28 years! I am sure that I know here better than anyone else in the world. And I know that this verse really describes her! She is from the Lord to me, and she is prudent.

Consider some of the different shades of meaning to this word "prudent"

• Circumspect hence intelligent
• Expert
• skillful
• worthy to teach
• understanding
• a wise guide

I am indebted to her for being all of these things to our family.

I love you Holly!

No God, No Sun, No Stars, No Hope

Acts 27:20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.

One of the passages in my Bible reading for today is Acts 27:1-20. It is interesting that in this particular passage, nothing is said bout God, or the Lord Jesus Christ, or even the gospel. There is much about weather conditions, geographical locations, and sailing plans. There is also a warning from Paul, that was not heeded.

The passage ends in a most solemn way. No sun, no stars, and much wind, but no hope. Stuck in the middle of the sea, with a ship that is threatening to break up, and no where to go, nothing that can be done. And the situation just drags on and on, day after day.

Sometimes that is the way our lives are. We go through seasons of great fear, insecurity, and no Sun, and it seems like there isn't even a God. He is silent and just lets us go day after day in what appears to be a hopeless situation. But I am glad that this isn't the end of the story.

Finally after many days, God appeared to Paul and spoke to him:

“and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we must run aground on some island.”” (Acts 27:24-26 ESV)

They had to follow the instructions that God gave them through Paul, but in the end, when they did they were saved.

We need to remember this, so that when we are in one of those times, we will wait with hope to hear from God, and trust what He says and do it.

"Lord, help me to wait on you, and trust you in the hard, difficult, and dark times, knowing that your purpose for my life will be fulfilled. Help me to be willing to do what you say, when at last you do speak"

You have More Going for you than You Know!

“When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (2Kings 6:15-17 ESV)

What a scary site it must have been for the servant of Elisha! They were surrounded by an enemy army whose purpose was the destruction of Elisha! Every where he looked he saw them. As a matter of fact the only thing he could see at that point was the Syrian army. He asked the question of Elisha, "What shall we do?"

There are times in our lives, when what we can see seems like we are facing overwhelming odds, and they are stacked against us. And we ask ourselves or those who are with us, "What are we going to do?" This servant could not see what Elisha saw, and therefore was afraid. But when his master prayed for him, the Lord was pleased to open his eyes, and show him that he actually had more going for him than he realized: "the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

When we walk by sight, it is a very fearful thing. But when we walk by faith, trusting in the provisions of God that we cannot necessarily see, we can have peace. Truly those that are with us are more than those that are against us. We can have peace and joy knowing that we have much more going for us than we can see.

"Dear Lord, open the eyes of our faith, and help us to trust in the One that we cannot see, especially when what we do see makes us afraid."

Is the Journey getting to Great for you?

“And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.”” (1Kings 19:5-7 ESV)

There is no doubt about it, Elijah is in a bad way emotionally. First, Let's take a look and see what he is displaying in his life in this passage:

• Fear “Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.” (1Kings 19:3 ESV)
• Illogical thinking “And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”” (1Kings 19:4 ESV) In verse three He is running for his life, and in verse 4, he is asking the Lord to take his life! That doesn't make sense. If he wanted to die, why didn't he just let Jezabel do her thing?
• Depression “And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”” (1Kings 19:4 ESV)
• Exhaustion-“And he lay down and slept under a broom tree” (1Kings 19:5 ESV)
• Lonliness-“and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.”” (1Kings 19:10 ESV)

Secondly, let's take a look into his life and see what has been happening to bring him to this place.

• A great exciting, emotionally draining spiritual victory in the slaying of the Prophets of Baal. (See 1 Kings 18:18ff)
• The threat of Jezebel, (2 Kings 19:1-2)
• He has been frantically running (v.3)
• He has forsaken his servant (v.3)

Thirdly, Let's see what he needed in this condition:

• Solitude-“But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree.” (1Kings 19:4 ESV)
• Rest-“And he lay down and slept under a broom tree” (1Kings 19:5 ESV)
• Food and Water-“And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again.” (1Kings 19:5-6 ESV)
• Communion with God- “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.”
  

There is much more than can be said here, but I don't have time. But to summarize, we need to realize that many times when we are experiencing what Ellijah was experiencing, if we will take inventory of our lives, we will see what brought us to that place. But most importantly, we need to see what He needed, and realize that many times that is just what we need, rest, food, solitude, and communion with God..

"Prone to Wander Lord I feel it...."

1Kings 11:9 ¶ And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice.

Without a doubt, one of the most amazing stories in all of the Bible is the appearance of God to Solomon, when Solomon first became King of Israel. He could have asked God for anything, but he chose to ask God for wisdom. God not only granted him his request for wisdom, but also promised him wealth, and victory over his enemies. There was a second time that God appeared to him, and that was after Solomon prayed the prayer of dedication for the temple.

Can you imagine having the God of the universe appear to you? Do you think that after that you could ever forsake Him, and become idolatrous? If you are like me, you are thinking right now that if God ever appeared to you, and granted you what He did for Solomon, that you would serve Him all of your days. You wonder how Solomon could do such a thing! But I must say, that the older I get, the less I trust myself. I am capable of forsaking the God who has already done so many wonderful things for me. If it were not for His persevering grace in my life I would have forsaken Him long ago.

There is a warning here for us. We must not trust our passed experiences with God to keep us faithful to Him, in the future! We must depend upon Him for fresh supplies of grace to keep us faithful. Also, I believe that we must guard our intimate relationships, and be sure they are the kind that brings us more near to God, and not the kind that causes us to drift from Him!

Finally, we must see that there is a cost for such forsaking. Solomon had the kingdom taken away from His posterity. Idolatry is never free, but is always very costly.

"Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love. Take my heart Lord take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above."

The Gospel in the Words of an Ancient Woman

“We must all die; we are like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God will not take away life, and he devises means so that the banished one will not remain an outcast.” (2Sam 14:14 ESV)

These are the words of the woman who was sent by Joab to King David, when Absalom had been banished from the kingdom. They are strikingly prophetic, and have application to the human race. This morning, I just want to "squeeze" each phrase, and make some comments.

We must all die: In one way or another, this is true about all of us. Unless the Lord comes first, we will all die physically. But at one time we were all dead spiritually, because of our sin.

Eph. 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Those who do not repent of their sin, will die the second death and forever be separated from God, and the redeemed.

“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Rev 20:14; 21:8 KJV)

we are like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again.

This illustrates the impossibility of our being restored and saved through human means. We cannot possibly gather water up after it has been spilled on the ground. But thank God even though are restoration is impossible with men, with God nothing is impossible.

But God will not take away life, and he devises means so that the banished one will not remain an outcast.”

It is not God that takes away life, it is sin! God has made a way for those who are banished to come back to Him and be restored. We do not have to be outcasts any longer, we can come back through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christs and what He accomplished on the Cross for us!

Eph. 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Relationships--Vertical and Horizontal

“For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” (John 13:15 ESV)“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”” (John 13:20 ESV)

What a startling thing it is to realize that in John 13:15, the Lord Jesus Christ is commanding His disciples to treat one another in the same way that He has treated them. They are to do for one another the same things that He has done for them!

One of the first thoughts that comes into my mind when I think about this is, "Yeah, but He is supernatural--He is God Himself. How can I be expected to do for others what He has done for me?" Then the Holy Spirit reminds me that His Spirit is in me, to do through me what I cannot do myself.

The immediate context of this command is the washing of the disciples feet. But it would be unwise to limit this command to that act alone, since that act served as a symbol of the love and care that His disciples are to have for one another.

What has the Lord Jesus Christ done for His disciples, that they should also do for one another?

• He has loved them. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34 ESV)
• He has forgiven them and been kind to them “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Eph 4:32 KJV)
• He has sacrificially supplied their needs according to His ability. “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.” (1John 3:16-19 KJV)

We could spend much time expanding on this thought, but time is getting away and there is one more thought that I want to point out in this post. Not only are we to treat one another the way He has treated us, but we must realize that how we treat one another is how we are treating HIM!

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”” (John 13:20 ESV)

There is no way to separate our relationship with Christ, from our relationship with His disciples. May the Lord help us to apply these truths in our relationships with each other!

An Illustration of How to Treat One's Enemies

“David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “May you be blessed by the LORD, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord and buried him. Now may the LORD show steadfast love and faithfulness to you. And I will do good to you because you have done this thing.” (2Sam 2:5-6 ESV)

There are people in this world who don't like me. They speak ill of me. If they had the opportunity to do ill to me, they would. I would like to think that I am an enemy of no one. I don't want to speak ill of any one, and I can honestly say that in my heart I don't desire to do ill to anyone. There are some people that I would rather they just left me alone.

In this text from 2 Samuel, David illustrates for us how to treat our enemies. His greatest enemy at that time was none other than his king, King Saul. Saul had tried to kill him on a number of occasions, and even hunted him, and would have killed him if he could have caught him. David had two opportunities to kill him, but refused. He recognized Saul as the Lord's anointed, and therefore refused to do harm to him.

When David heard that Saul was killed, he mourned. He then blessed the people who had blessed and been loyal to Saul.

May we learn a lesson from this. May the Lord help us to be gracious and kind to our enemies, instead of vengeful and bitter. Isn't that what the greater Son of David commanded us to do?

“Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.” (Luke 6:26-30 KJV)'

Dear Lord,
Forgive me for the bitterness in my heart towards others. Help me to forgive them, and treat them graciously no matter how they treat me. Thank you that when I was your enemy, you poured out your grace and forgiveness on me.

God is Sovereign on the "bad days"

“And when David and his men came to the city, they found it burned with fire, and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep. David’s two wives also had been taken captive, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul,* each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.” (1Sam 30:3-6 ESV)

Someone has said that there are some days that it is not worth getting out of bed. If David had such days, surely the ones described in 1 Samuel chapters 29-30 had to be some of them.

In his effort to escape Saul, David went into the land of the Philistines. It would appear that he actually was on friendly, and comfortable terms with them. So much so, that he was prepared to fight along side them against the nation of Israel! It would appear to me that David's willingness to fight with the Lord's enemies against the Lord's people was indicative of David's spiritual condition. He was not trusting the Lord, but in a backslidden condition. The fact that He left his family in a vulnerable position is also indicative of his not thinking clearly and correctly.

In such a state, God could have just allowed him to go the way he wanted to go, but the Lord had other plans. I am so glad that God doesn't just let us go! He works many times against our will to bring us back to where we need to be. In this case He used the distrust and the lords of the Philistines to thrust David back where he needed to be.

It was a good thing that David and his men came back to Ziklag when they did. The Amalakites had come and burned the city and took both David's and all of the families of the men with David hostage. Wow, you talk about hard times! They wept and his men were on the verge of stoning him! But David turned back to the Lord: "But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.”

David's turning back to the Lord was a turning point in his situation! He received assurance from the Lord that he would recover all! He not only recovered his family, their belongs, and that of the men that were with him, but a bunch of spoil as well!

No wonder he wrote:“I was pushed hard,* so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the LORDdoes valiantly, the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORDdoes valiantly!” I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD. The LORD has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death.” (Psa 118:13-18 ESV)

"Father, thank you for working against our will, when we are living against yours. Thank you for bringing us to the place where we are trusting you, and then delivering us from our enemies. Help us to rest in your sovereignty even during the bad times. May we endure your discipline, and grow from it." In Jesus Name I Pray!

Taking Risks

1Sam. 14:6 ¶ Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few.”

The words that really "stuck out" to me in this verse are, "It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few.”

Jonathan could have been satisfied just to be under the oppression of the Philistines, but he stepped out in faith, and took action. In so doing he took a risk.

"It may be that the Lord will work for us." It could have also been that the Lord would not work for them. What he did could have been disastrous. When they discovered themselves to the garrison of the Philistines, they could have been killed immediately on the spot. If it had not been for the Lord's mercy, in delivering them, the would no doubt have been killed on the spot.

I have noticed that God seems to honor those who are willing to step out on faith and trust Him. He seems to delight in those who are willing to take risks in dependence upon Him. He seems to help those who put themselves in a position in which if He doesn't help them they will face disaster and failure.

How many of us find that we are unwilling to put ourselves in a position like Jonathon and His armor bearer did on that day? Are we willing to put ourselves in a position to where if God doesn't help us, we will fail, and maybe even face disaster and destruction.

May God help us to step out and take the kind of risks that honor Him, and give Him opportunity to display His glory.