Monday, December 26, 2016

the Living Years

The Living Years                                            12-26-16

Romans 13:8 (ESV) 8  Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.  
A short observation this week. I sat in my living room turned insane asylum yesterday morning about 7:00A.M. I had been suddenly awakened by my wife informing me that it was time. You know.Time to let loose the two Tasmanian devils who were bound in the bedroom salivating to see what Santa had brought them. I nodded sleepily,rose and trod down the hallway to the mound of presents and what not,waiting for Chloe and Maddie Grace.Dogs were roaming around. Cat was shut up in the bedroom,pacing back and forth,wailing while waiting it's turn. And so it began.It would be a process that would be repeated over and again. Tearing into the wrapped presents, the "oh wow,look at this!!" Then the opened present would be summarily tossed aside and the next unopened surprise would be torn into.On and on and on until the wrapping paper was piled up waist high.Finally,the carnage was over and it was time to cook breakfast,eat,and pile up to the next stop for an instant replay.

Sure enough at the next stop(Bill and Sharon's) we had an instant replay with one exception. There were three more T.D's waiting to rip into their Grandma and Grandpa's presents. So there it was. People eating,kids playing,general chaos all around.After eating myself into a modified sugar coma, I sat quietly in a corner on the floor and dozed in and out most of the afternoon.Can anybody say gluttony?And herein lieth the lesson.

During one of my conscious moments,watching friends and family eat, while trying to avoid the attack of the power rangers,after being asked every ten minutes if the Ipod needed to be charged.....I thought about the folks that weren't there.Some were in different places,celebrating with others. Then my mind retrieved memories of those close to me that would never celebrate Christmas again on this earth.While I considered this,the song "The Living Years" crossed my mind.I couldn't remember who had written that song so I hummed what I could remember.Not long thereafter,I was interrupted for the umpteenth time(the urge to kill lol) and the moment evaporated.It was gone.

But this thought stuck with me.

Love em while they're here. They,or you and I may not be around the next time the opportunity to tell them that you love them comes along. Ya feelin'me here?
What does the Book say?

Ecclesiastes 9:4 (ESV) 4  But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

There's going to be a day should Jesus tarry, when you might not be able to tell that difficult child that you love them. A day is approaching when that friend or inlaw or outlaw who gets on your last nerve might not be here. Or it may be you or me that departs!! Don't wait until they are placing flowers on your's or my grave to tell those that matter how much  you love them. Tell them while there's still time.Tell them in the living years.

Psalm 36:7 (ESV) 7  How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.



God Bless





          

Monday, December 19, 2016

Technical Difficulties

Technical Difficulties                                      12-12-16  

2 Corinthians 2:11 (ESV) 11  so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. 

I went to church yesterday to watch the children's Christmas Presentation.While sitting in the pew I checked my watch and noticed that the published start time had come and gone.A couple minutes later I checked again,then sat back and chilled,knowing the program would start soon enough. Just then the Pastor, who also was the director of the program, ascended the platform and informed the waiting crowd that due to technical difficulties the program's start would experience a short delay.When I heard those words "technical difficulties" my ears perked up and my mind strolled back to another day.And herein lieth the lesson.

I have heard my friend Pastor Doug mouth those very same words on any number of occasions during the many productions and music programs he has headed up. It seems as if technical difficulties often rise up when we are attempting to do something for the glory of God doesn't it? While sitting there musing on those words,another phrase I had heard many times before also surfaced."What did you expect?" Let me try and explain.Take a hypothetical.

O.K. you've been working on this play. You garnered a list of characters. You secured commitments from the children and the parents. Then you started pulling all the necessary folks needed for behind the scenes. You began to coordinate practice times with the stage hands,helpers and of course tech support folk.Then you decided that instead of purchasing a production,you will write the script in house.That in itself requiring many hours of blood,sweat and tears to accomplish.Then a day or two after Thanksgiving rehearsals begin. Over the next two or three weeks you try to get everyone there on time(a miracle of God if you pull it off) You try to be very sensitive to the people who are volunteering,knowing  that this is also a VERY BUSY AND TIRING time of year for them.You usually end up with rehearsals that are partial because of various obstacles. Kids get sick. Parents get caught at work. etc.,etc..,

Probably after a particularly trying day,you have an evening rehearsal where no one has yet learned their part.The prop guy couldn't make it. The lead character is out sick. And to top it off,the play,in front of the whole church and the many visitors that will come out is only DAYS away. After everyone leaves and you sit there exhausted from your efforts,you look up to heaven and wonder if you can pull it off.

And the voice enters your spirit."What did you expect?"

The more effort you expend, it seems the more adversity you encounter.It seems everything that can go wrong does.And still the day of the performance looms ever closer. You seriously begin to wander if it is going to happen. The enemy will put all sorts of disaster scenarios in your mind. You can see characters wondering around the stage CLUELESS as to what they are to do next. Lines forgotten,songs absolutely butchered,props falling down, you gettin' my drift? BUT,THE SHOW MUST GO ON. You look to heaven once again and there it is once more:

"What did you expect?" 

You see the devil has designs on your efforts to preach the Gospel. Look at this.

Matthew 13:24-29 (ESV) 24  He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field,
25  but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away.
26  So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also.
27  And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’
28  He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’
29  But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them.



You see, the enemy will sow weeds in your good seed. It may come in the form of people who are negative and critical. It may be opposition in the form of sickness, lack of commitment,unforeseen circumstances....whatever. Here you are trying to put this huge production together with all of the accompanying problems and all you're hearing is:

"What did you expect?"

If you are not careful it can become overwhelming and discouraging.

So, you weather all the storms associated with producing and directing this thing and the BIG DAY finally arrives. Unbelievably,the dress rehearsal on the eve of the play went surprisingly well. For the most part people knew their lines,costumes were ready, props in place...for the first time in weeks there was a small light at the end of the tunnel.  Your confidence is bolstered and the crowd the next day begins to file in. "A good crowd," you think to yourself.You take one final look around and pronounce quietly to yourself,"we're ready." As you prepare to raise the curtain,all of a sudden you see someone out of the corner of your eye rushing towards you. "What? WHAT!? We're having TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES.

Fighting back the tears,in absolute panic mode you look heavenward and yeah there it is.

"What did you expect?.

So you wearily make the announcement that there will be a short delay. You walk off the stage and wait. At the complete mercy of the "tech geeks." But, you know something and here is the good part. Eventually,the technical difficulties are resolved and the show goes on. You sit there in amazement as the cast and crew pull off an amazing program. I mean they NAIL IT! You're sitting back in utter amazement and you realize that it was God.IT WAS GOD! Only God could have pulled it off. And so He did.

2 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV) 14  But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.


It is then that you realize that God had it all the time. He had your back and all you can do is say "Thank you."

Maybe I have exaggerated in my story telling......maybe not. But, one thing I will tell you is that the devil will not leave you alone in your efforts to do something for the Lord. Don't give up,God's not worried,He's got it and there is a reward.

As I watched yesterday in real time,the production came off without a hitch as far as I can tell. But,it was what happened at the end. From afar I watched a nine year old child on her own, without prompt, walk down to the altar and kneel to ask God about something that was happening in her life. She asked for one of the pastors to come and pray for her. As I looked around there were other folks who had been touched by the Holy Ghost kneeling and praying to God. I looked back at the child and then closed my eyes and looked heavenward. I thanked God for touching that child that is so dear to me. I saw the fruit of all the folks who labored behind the scenes unbeknownst to me or most of the other folks that were there. Because of their efforts, the Lord had moved.Afterward I heard a voice in my heart say"What did you expect?."

Brothers and sisters,your labor for the Lord is not forgotten.

Psalm 118:14 (ESV) 14  The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

Have a very Merry Christmas.


God Bless


   

  

   


       

Friday, December 9, 2016

Its In Jesus

Its In Jesus                                                     12-09-16

Romans 7:24-25 (ESV) 24  Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?
25  Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!......


 Take a listen to this old Gospel favorite.

https://youtu.be/pRLNBoL15q8

I tried to find a recording of our church in Georgia doing this song because they did it better than the New Jersey Mass Choir.Alas,it was not to be. This is a great rendition though. I have sit in many,many services and this song would be sung and the Holy Ghost would FALL! You know...one of those down home Holy Ghost meetins' I'm telling you.. God was in the house!! Great,Great song.

I was talking with a co worker at lunch this week past. We have become friends of a sort;and as he recounted to me his story,(recently released from 8 years in prison) what was going on in his life, and his struggles,the above verse came to mind."... Who will deliver me from this body of death?..." And herein lieth the lesson.

You know scholars argue,debate whether this 7th chapter of Romans was written to Christians or not. I've read many arguments supporting both sides of the debate. I have my opinion on the subject.And as my stepfather Stewart used to say "That opinion and a dollar will buy you a cup of coffee at the Pilot." You feelin'me here?

That being said,we all struggle with different issues don't we? You know,different strokes for different folks. Physical struggles with the many types of addiction and abuse.Mental and emotional struggles that rob us of our strength and joy. Doubts,fears,evil imaginations that rise up against us,and exalt themselves against the knowledge of God.What was it Job said?

Job 5:7 (ESV) 7  but man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward.
 



 As the saying goes,"the struggle is real." If we are not careful we can become overwhelmed. When we have failed yet again in the battle with that familiar sin.Or we have behaved in a hurtful way towards someone for no reason,and we sit guilt ridden and sorrowful, we can lose hope.Like a dog returning to it's vomit.

Maybe you haven't been there but I certainly have. I can relate to Paul's statement in Romans. WHO WILL DELIVER ME FROM THIS BODY OF DEATH!!

Brothers and sisters the world will offer all sorts and kinds of solutions. Self help books,courses,seminars. AA, Alanon, (both of which do great works)on and on and on. All of these different avenues do provide help.Problem is they are temporal. They are band aids that provide relief but do not cure. They address the outward symptoms but fail to get to the heart of the matter. The reason being that the problem is not exterior,but inward,a matter of the heart.The giants inevitably return don't they? What are we to do?

While we were training on the bus yesterday another trainee,a friend of the man in my story,asked him to sing a song. Right there on the bus while we were driving! There were seven or eight of us sitting in back and I didn't know what he would do. After a few seconds another one chimed in and requested a song. All these trainees are young and full of life.It is refreshing to listen to them joking and playing around all the time.I am the old bah humbug grandpa of the bunch. Anyway,to my surprise, this young man began to belt a chorus of "His eye is on the Sparrow"right there on the bus!!And man o man what a voice! Come to find out he had been in the prison choir and trust me... he could sing a blue streak.

At any rate, what I wanted to tell you is this guy found the answer. Or rather the answer found him. Its in Jesus.Your answer,my answer,ITS IN JESUS! Jesus found this young man in a prison cell and delivered him from a life of sin and debauchery. He still has issues. His past still tries to pull him back in. But,as he says what am I going do?There's only one way.That's it in a nutshell.

Only one savior. Only one deliverer. Only one healer.

Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

I have found a love that pardons
I have found some stripes that heal
I have found strength for my weakness
I have found grace to cover all my sins
It’s in Jesus
Only Jesus
It’s in Jesus
He’s the One
Rock of salvation
A strong foundation
It’s in Jesus
He is the One
Rock of salvation
A firm foundation
It’s in Jesus
He is the One
Hallelujah
He is the One

THANKS BE TO GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD!

Psalm 146:7-8 (ESV) 7  who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free;
8  the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.



God Bless
   

  


Friday, December 2, 2016

In Season and Out                                              12-2-16

2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV) 2  preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

Sometimes you just don't feel very spiritual do you? Yeah, I know. I feel that way today. I have not adjusted to my new job with it's new schedule. It's all good but I haven't found the routine just yet. It's going to be very difficult to post this blog on Friday going forward; as my new schedule doesn't look like it is going to allow it. More than likely,beginning next week the blog will be posted on Monday night.
For a time at least. At any rate a short thought this week.

Ever NOT feel like a reading your Bible? Ever NOT feel like praying and spending time with God? Ever NOT feel like you're a Christian? Yeah I hear ya. Me too. More often than I like to admit.Many times we wake up and the LAST thing we won't to do is spend time in the Word,or prepare the Sunday School lesson,or write a blog....or whatever!!  We would rather do ANYTHING than "something spiritual."And herein lieth the lesson. 

Ever heard of Tiger Woods? If you are one of the few who have not,Tiger Woods was one of,if not the greatest golfer who ever lived. I have literally seen him put on golfing clinics in the most pressure packed circumstances.With millions of people watching and millions of dollars on the line,it seemed that he could pull unbelievable shots out of nowhere,time after time after time.I used to marvel at the talent I was watching on the television screen.It was all so easy. TOO easy I thought. I used to say to myself how that it must be nice to have been so talented. To make the game look so easy. Until I heard the assessment of a golf announcer. This announcer was someone who was in the know. He had been a very successful golfer in his day and was also a close friend of Tiger. He saw him on a daily basis during the golfing season.During a golf match one day I heard this announcer explain what made Tiger so great.

Tiger's greatness,he said was due not to his ability to hit the golf ball 320 yards on a consistent basis. His greatness was not because of his uncanny touch and finesse around and on the greens. It was not even due to his almost other worldly focus and concentration. None of these marvelous talents and abilities were the real reason for his greatness. What you ask was it then? The announcer said these words. "The reason that Tiger Woods was the greatest golfer of this and maybe of all generations was that he was a grinder".....a what? A grinder. What, Ronnie pray tell,is a grinder?  

A grinder in golf is someone who keeps going on when things aren't going right. It is someone who keeps playing when the shots aren't falling. It is someone who somehow,someway guts it out to the finish. Whether he feels good or not. Whether he feels like playing golf or not. Whether his drives were straight down the middle or over in the second cut. Whether the putts fell or rolled off the green. Tiger Woods kept on playing. He kept on grinding and finding a way to post a score. And because of that he kept himself in contention until his game came around. He was,in this announcer's educated opinion, the greatest GRINDER to ever play the game.Not the greatest scorer.Not the greatest shotmaker.Maybe not even the greatest talent. The greatest grinder.That was his secret.

This is in essence what the Apostle Paul is telling Timothy and by rote all of us isn't it?   Timothy,....Ronnie, there are going to be days that you wake up and God is going to be the last thing on your mind. There are going to be seasons that you don't "feel" like anything is going right. There will be times when you will wonder if God has forgotten you. And it is precisely these times that you're gonna have to gut it out.You're going to have to find a way.You're going to have to GRIND. But remember this. If you keep walking,keep grinding you'll find your game again. God will see to it. Amen?Amen!

Psalm 71:14 (ESV) 14  But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.



God Bless


            

Friday, November 25, 2016

A Question Of Balance

A Question Of Balance                                         11-25-16 

Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV) 11  Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
12  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
13  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.


All ya'll 60's and 70's hippies out there! Remember that blast from the past by The Moody Blues? I still remember sitting around the hooch overseas in 1970 with my friend Chucky Harris listening to the 'question" in this song.

                                "Why do we never get an answer
                                  When we're knocking at the door
                                  With a thousand million questions 
                                  About hate and death and war?
                                  'Cause when we stop and look around us
                                  There is nothing that we need
                                   In  world of persecution that is burning in it's greed"

The writer goes on to declare that "I'm looking for someone to change my life,I'm looking for a miracle in my life...."

That someone,with that miracle,along with the answers to the question became reality to this writer around 7:30 A.M. on October 8,1975, in the person of Jesus of Nazareth,the Lord of Glory.

Some 45 years later however, the world is asking the same question isn't it? It is seeking the same miracle isn't it? Where's the peace? Or better "Where's the beef" as the Wendy's woman used to say.And herein lieth the lesson.

Chloe came home from school one day this week with something her teacher had said to her. It was about Thanksliving. No,not a typo. Thanksliving. In addition to our yearly celebration of Thanksgiving to God,wouldn't it be nice if we spent the rest of the year in THANKSLIVING to God. Hmmmm.....out of the mouth of babes.

As I pondered the wisdom of the 9 year old sitting in the back seat,the Lord put the above verse on my mind.

I have read this passage of Scripture countless times and while reading,an image always comes to mind. That of a man at perfect peace. Peace with God. Peace with the world. Peace with HIMSELF. Maybe you don't get that picture,but,for some reason I always do.

You see the Apostle Paul had found it. You remember the bumper sticker from many years ago? I FOUND IT! Well,Paul had found it. Found what? The secret. The secret to WHAT please, Ronnie?!! 

The secret to peace and contentment of course.The answer to the question don't you know?Listen to this. Life,I was told long ago, is like a wheel that rolls down the road. Sometimes you are on top,with the world by the tail;and sometimes you are on the bottom looking up. There are times and seasons for everything. Read Ecclesiastes 3. Ya feelin' me here?

But,the Apostle Paul had found the secret. It was maintaining a balance throughout all the different circumstances and conditions that life presented him with. Paul had....and here it is...Paul had LEARNED to be CONTENT in whatever situation he found himself in. And here is the power in that Scripture.

In order to LEARN contentment and peace in hard times,we must of necessity, EXPERIENCE hard times. In order to LEARN contentment and peace in PLENTIFUL AND ABUNDANT times,we must EXPERIENCE plenty and abundance. What's that Ronnie? We need to learn contentment in times of plenty? Brothers and sisters,as has been proven from time immortal, there is more danger to our soul in times of plenty than in times of need. But that is another story.

So my question today is where are we presently on the wheel?

Are you on he top and the whole world is your oyster? Take heed. Don't forget WHO got you there.

1 Corinthians 10:12 (ESV) 12  Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
Or are you laying flattened on the road trying to see the license plate of the semi that just trucked you? Take heart this too shall pass.

Job 42:12 (ESV) 12  And the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning.....

You see Paul had learned the secret. Rainy days or sunshine, famine,drought or plentiful harvest,the question had been answered for him. It was a matter of balance. It was keeping the Lord Jesus in front of his eyes no matter what. It was a question of Thanksliving.

Psalm 68:19 (ESV) 19  Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Selah



God Bless










    




                                


   

Friday, November 18, 2016

The Course

The Course                                               11-18-16

Acts 13:25 (ESV) 25  And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’


I read a post this week past proclaiming the favor of God. I won't go into details but let me tell you something about favor.We all have experienced the favor of God,IF we call Jesus our Savior. God's favor was extended to us in eternity past, before the creation of the world, by the grace given us through the Lamb of God that was slain before the foundation of the world. It's here where I will begin.

Course....According to Dictionary.Com., "A direction or route taken or to be taken." If you have run in road races you know that the race is along a predetermined course or route. Follow the course,finish the race and you get the T-shirt.But,it's the course that I want to talk about today.Have you ever looked at your circumstances and wondered where it all went wrong? Have you ever asked God why? Or have you ever questioned if God cared or if He was even there? Yeah,I feel ya.And herein lieth the lesson.

Here was John the Baptist.The COUSIN of Jesus. Prophesied to be the forerunner of the Messiah of Israel and indeed the entire human race.He had a powerful ministry. He had baptized Jesus Himself. Jesus Christ,the Lord of Glory had this to say about John.

Matthew 11:11 (ESV) 11  Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Those are pretty heady words from the Savior of the world. So here he is. John the Baptist.No one greater and where is he now? Look and see.

Matthew 11:2 (ESV) 2  Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples

Where was he? .....Where?? John the Baptist,baptizer of the Son Of God,none greater among women....yeah THAT John the Baptist. He was in prison. IN PRISON!! How do you think he felt? Do you think he had some questions and doubts about Jesus? Do you think he wondered if God had really spoken to him?Was he really the forerunner of the Messiah?Or was he deceived. Had he been running in vain? Think about it. What must have been running through his head while sitting in that prison cell. I can hear him now. "What is going on God? Do you see me sitting here in this prison cell?" "God was that really you?" What a battle it must have been.Yes,his faith faltered.It's recorded in the Word. But here is the point . It was his course. It was HIS COURSE. His predetermined route for this life that had been foreordained by the Lord God Almighty.

Look at The Apostle Paul.Or how about Jeremiah,or the Apostle Peter on and on and on.Even the Lord Jesus Himself. Their courses were not always strewn with rose petals. 

Brothers and Sisters maybe you are having a rough go of it.It seems as if your entire world has gone dark. You are having a hard time believing what God has spoken to you. Doubts and fears have entered in,and you are wondering where the "favor" of God is. Heck Ronnie,it's not even about  favor, my question is where is God? Is He still up there? I feel ya. Take heart.God is mindful of you and you are on course. He's got you in the palm of His Hand and you are in very,VERY good company. Just flip the pages of the Word of God and read about them.

Psalm 3:5-6 (ESV) 5  I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.
6  I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.



God Bless
   


      

The Course

The Course                                               11-18-16

Acts 13:25 (ESV) 25  And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’


I read a post this week past proclaiming the favor of God. I won't go into details but let me tell you something about favor.We all have experienced the favor of God,IF we call Jesus our Savior. God's favor was extended to us in eternity past, before the creation of the world, by the grace given us through the Lamb of God that was slain before the foundation of the world. It's here where I will begin.

Course....According to Dictionary.Com., "A direction or route taken or to be taken." If you have run in road races you know that the race is along a predetermined course or route. Follow the course,finish the race and you get the T-shirt.But,it's the course that I want to talk about today.Have you ever looked at your circumstances and wondered where it all went wrong? Have you ever asked God why? Or have you ever questioned if God cared or if He was even there? Yeah,I feel ya.And herein lieth the lesson.

Here was John the Baptist.The COUSIN of Jesus. Prophesied to be the forerunner of the Messiah of Israel and indeed the entire human race.He had a powerful ministry. He had baptized Jesus Himself. Jesus Christ,the Lord of Glory had this to say about John.

Matthew 11:11 (ESV) 11  Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Those are pretty heady words from the Savior of the world. So here he is. John the Baptist.No one greater and where is he now? Look and see.

Matthew 11:2 (ESV) 2  Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples

Where was he? .....Where?? John the Baptist,baptizer of the Son Of God,none greater among women....yeah THAT John the Baptist. He was in prison. IN PRISON!! How do you think he felt? Do you think he had some questions and doubts about Jesus? Do you think he wondered if God had really spoken to him?Was he really the forerunner of the Messiah?Or was he deceived. Had he been running in vain? Think about it. What must have been running through his head while sitting in that prison cell. I can hear him now. "What is going on God? Do you see me sitting here in this prison cell?" "God was that really you?" What a battle it must have been.Yes,his faith faltered.It's recorded in the Word. But here is the point . It was his course. It was HIS COURSE. His predetermined route for this life that had been foreordained by the Lord God Almighty.

Look at The Apostle Paul.Or how about Jeremiah,or the Apostle Peter on and on and on.Even the Lord Jesus Himself. Their courses were not always strewn with rose petals. 

Brothers and Sisters maybe you are having a rough go of it.It seems as if your entire world has gone dark. You are having a hard time believing what God has spoken to you. Doubts and fears have entered in,and you are wondering where the "favor" of God is. Heck Ronnie,it's not even about  favor, my question is where is God? Is He still up there? I feel ya. Take heart.God is mindful of you and you are on course. He's got you in the palm of His Hand and you are in very,VERY good company. Just flip the pages of the Word of God and read about them.

Psalm 3:5-6 (ESV) 5  I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.
6  I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.



God Bless
   


      

Friday, November 11, 2016

Selections Have Consequences

Selections Have Consequences                                   11-11-16

Proverbs 29:25-26 (ESV) 25  The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.
26  Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice.


No, this is not a misquote of President Obama's "elections have consequences" from 2009. It floated across my mind as I was listening to the reports of what was happening across the country.To be frank, I was not moved at all by the reaction to the election. Without getting sidetracked,I will say that truthfully I wasn't in a conciliatory mood. I recognized that the proverbial olive branch had to be extended. But,after reading the news accounts I was not quite ready. Right or wrong that is how I felt. That said,this verse crossed my mind recently.We are seeing this verse played out in the streets,right before our eyes are we not? And herein lieth the lesson.  

Selections have consequences don't they? We have a segment of our people that feel cheated. They feel that they are suffering under the boot of injustice. They have a fear. Whether it is justified,whether it is perceived or whether it is manufactured to promote a cloaked agenda,it is a fear isn't it? Here is the disconnect. They have been caught up in the passion of the moment.They are seeking redress for injustice in the wisdom of man; in the face of a ruler,rather than in the giver of justice,the Lord God. 

You see we all are faced daily with selections or choices if you will. In this corner we have God and His Word, in the opposing corner we have the world and it's wisdom.We must choose or select WHO and WHAT we will follow. Read the words of Joshua as he put that same choice to the children of Israel.

Joshua 24:15 (ESV) 15  And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

You see, Brothers and Sisters, we are in a buffet line and we must make a selection.
We must choose to be givers or takers. We can choose to walk by faith or walk by sight. We can choose to live in love or hate. We can choose to seek the wisdom found in God's Word, the Bible;or we can choose the Wall Street Journal,New York Times,Fox News or CNN.Ultimately we must choose The Lord Jesus Christ.....or not. God has given us that freedom. Remember however,our choices,our selections,come with consequences.

Folks, the Lord Jesus says that He has the answers. It is our call whether to believe and trust in Him or not.

Psalm 7:1 (ESV) 1
 O LORD my God, in you do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me,



God Bless


 



  

Friday, November 4, 2016

Beware The Power Brokers

Beware The Power Brokers                                      11-04-16

Being this is my last post before the election I felt moved upon to repost a blog I wrote from about the same time four years ago. However I cannot find that post anywhere so I will attempt a  reconstruction here today. Just some thoughts concerning upcoming events. Read this somewhat lengthy passage of Scripture from the Book of Judges. 

Judges 9:7-15 (ESV) 7  When it was told to Jotham, he went and stood on top of Mount Gerizim and cried aloud and said to them, “Listen to me, you leaders of Shechem, that God may listen to you.
8  The trees once went out to anoint a king over them, and they said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us.’
9  But the olive tree said to them, ‘Shall I leave my abundance, by which gods and men are honored, and go hold sway over the trees?’
10  And the trees said to the fig tree, ‘You come and reign over us.’
11  But the fig tree said to them, ‘Shall I leave my sweetness and my good fruit and go hold sway over the trees?’
12  And the trees said to the vine, ‘You come and reign over us.’
13  But the vine said to them, ‘Shall I leave my wine that cheers God and men and go hold sway over the trees?’
14  Then all the trees said to the bramble, ‘You come and reign over us.’
15  And the bramble said to the trees, ‘If in good faith you are anointing me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade, but if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon.’


Jotham's metaphor. Let me ask you a question. What is it that makes obtaining to and holding a "position" in this life such a rush? No matter your chosen vocation, what is it occupying our psyche that drives us onward and upward? Well,you might respond "it is a spirit of excellence or a passion for doing what we do that drives us." O.K. I'll buy that. You also might add "it is the financial reward that so often(but not always) accompanies success in this world. MONEY is a driving force. O.K. I will most certainly agree with the material benefit of success being a motivation.But, BUT,when one has achieved these goals...when you have risen to the top of your profession,...when you have more money than you will ever be able to spend,why the wanderlust to achieve even more? Why are you not enjoying the fruits of a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice? In other words why are you NOT floating around the Caribbean or the Mediterranean on a yacht living life to the fullest? What is it that causes you to go seeking after a position that is going to cause you nothing but headache after headache and age you by twenty or thirty years in a span of a fourth of that time? I will give you my take on that question. POWER.....POWER! It is the hunger,thirst,lust for power.And herein lieth the lesson.

In the story above the trees want to "anoint" a King over them. They inquire of two different fruit bearing trees and then a vine asking them if they would "hold sway over them," and they receive the same response. "Why would I want to leave where I am and what I do to rule and reign over you?" Notice that the trees and vine produce fruit that cheers both God and men.No need or desire to seek anything else. They are content and thriving where God has placed them. Then they come to the bramble. Ever get caught in a bramble bush? A prickly thorn bush.It is the thorn bush that desires the "anointing." The bramble agrees ON A CONDITION to take the reigns of power and hold sway over the trees.The trees must be acting in good faith. They must desire the bramble to rule over them. Be careful! You might get what you anoint or as is our case today,what you VOTE for! A bramble bush!!

Brothers and sisters,be wary of ALL those that seek for power, especially from an election podium. When that word power starts being bandied about it is not necessarily a sign to run the other way;but it is a time to exercise extreme caution.Why? Because many,many times the power that those amongst us seek is the power to control you and me. 

You see,when we put our trust into a political system,a political party,or a political candidate,we are putting our trust into earthly power brokers. Can we have a political preference?Absolutely. And I will add that this particular election year yields a clear and distinctive choice for all us "trees"out there. But, and please hear me,if we are putting our trust in a political candidate,party etc.,etc., to heal our land,then we are setting ourselves up not only for a huge letdown but for manipulation and even coercion. Let us line our choice up by what Scripture has to say on the different issues confronting us. NOT a party line or a candidate preference. You feelin'it here?

 Here's a final take on power and the authority we accord earthly rulers and a good rule of thumb to keep our perspective clear and in focus.Look at this.

John 6:15 (ESV) 15  Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

Jesus rejected this particular offer of an earthly kingdom.
For what reason? I don't know for sure. Maybe it was because His kingdom was not of this world. Folks we must occupy this world until the Lord Jesus returns, That is HIS command.But, we must never put our TRUST and CONFIDENCE in the systems or the power brokers of this world. They are doomed to failure.

Psalm 2:10-12 (ESV) 10  Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11  Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12  Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.



God Bless
      

Friday, October 28, 2016

Mission from God

Mission From God                                        10-28-16

John 9:4 (ESV) 4  We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.

The phrase immortalized by Jake and Elwood,the Blues Brothers. Remember? "We're on a mission from God!" Have you ever felt like God has placed you on a mission? He won't let it rest. It's on the inside of you and it won't go away.The Apostle Paul felt much the same way about the "mission" that God had placed in his heart. Look at this.

1 Corinthians 9:16 (NASB) 16  For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.

The NASB is better here. You see Paul was what?......what did he say?....he was.........COMPELLED.....he was under COMPULSION to preach. The key here is not WHAT he was doing, but WHY he was doing it. You see, you and I, unlike Paul may not be compelled by God to stand behind a pulpit. We may not be compelled to enter into full time ministry and whatnot. But, rest assured,if you name the name of Jesus,then you will be COMPELLED by God to do something for His Glory.What you ask? I don't know. Get alone with God and find out. That is the only way. There is something or somethings that God has designed uniquely for you. It is your post. Your mission if you will. And why we may ask? Because we must work the works of Him while it is still day,night is coming when NO ONE can work. And herein lieth the lesson. 

Look at this again.

John 9:4 (NASB) 4  "We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.

I have a friend,Mr. Shields as Chloe and Maddie Grace call him.Mr. Shields and I have been meeting  every Tuesday night to pray for about two years;and we have had some powerful answers to prayer over that time. Mr Shields however,is beginning to show signs of physical decline as he is 77 years old. It has been most noticeable these last few Tuesdays and now he just wants to sit and visit for a while when I come over. He told me this last Tuesday night that his days were in decline because he just could not physically do what he used to. He informed me of the various physical difficulties he was having along with some problems with his memory. It was simply a realization should Jesus tarry, that we ALL will face at sometime in the future. 

As Shields was talking to me, I was reminded of my mother in her last months and days telling me the same thing that Mr. Shields was saying. It dawned on me while talking  with my friend,that indeed that was where I was headed. Nighttime descends upon us all doesn't it? That's not a morbid or dark thing. It's just a fact of life;and that is precisely my point today. Jesus instructed us that the night was approaching. It was approaching for the Apostles in Jesus'day. It is approaching for our world and nation today.And most importantly,it is approaching for us as individuals. A time when no one can work.

It is coming Brothers and Sisters as surely as the sun will rise tomorrow.

 Has God given us a mission? If we,like the Apostle Paul,are under compulsion to begin or continue a work that God has placed in our hearts; then we must be about it don't you think? Time is short and the day is far spent.Let us take Jesus words to heart. Work while it is still day. I assure you, God will not let our efforts and obedience go unrewarded will He?

Hebrews 6:10 (NASB) 10  For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.

I'll leave you with the thoughts of a man of God.

Psalm 90:10-12 (NASB) 10  As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years, Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; For soon it is gone and we fly away.
11  Who understands the power of Your anger And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You?
12  So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.


God Bless





      

Friday, October 21, 2016

Surly Bonds

Surly Bonds                                                 10-21-16

Ephesians 1:18-19 (ESV) 18  having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
19  and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might


"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth............................Put out my hand,and touched the face of God........."

This phrase flashed in my mind this week. Don't know why. For all you old timers out there, it's from a poem entitled High Flight and in the days before twenty four hour news and television,it was often used in a sign off late at night when television stations would end their programming day.

That being said, I was speaking with someone this week and this was the comment raised in my direction. "It's not only that I can't talk about better days ahead, I can't even think or imagine them in my mind." He wasn't despondent or distraught, just making a statement of fact. When I heard that I thought about it the rest of the night. That's what this world does to us isn't it? And herein lieth the lesson.

Some years ago this person's comment would probably have labeled him as "clinically depressed." I looked up the definition of clinical depression. Depressed mood,reduced interest or feeling no pleasure in all or most activities, feelings of worthlessness,trouble making decisions or concentrating,you are getting my drift here right? 

And that is what seems crazy about it. He was so matter of fact. So accepting of the apparent  reality that he deemed normal. Can't talk about better days,can't even think or imagine the POSSIBILITY of better days! No hope is the norm!!

It can happen, can't it? We get so caught up in the circumstances of this life. The daily struggle to meet the ever increasing demands of employers. The incessant fighting and bickering  with the wife,husband,kids,in laws outlaws etc.,etc., A nagging illness,a wayward child, the horrors happening on our streets and in our neighborhoods, the rapid decline of our once proud nation into the category of Banana Republic or worse unprintable descriptions. On and on. It's no wonder this guy felt like he did so matter of factly. This is our world......PERIOD.

BUT

BUT,Christian Brother or Sister THIS IS NOT YOUR WORLD. YOU HEARING ME.LET ME SAY IT AGAIN. THIS IS NOT YOUR WORLD. Look at Jesus own words.

John 18:36 (ESV) 36  Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”

Listen to this. Sometimes you have to escape from where you're living. No, I don't mean you run away to some faraway place.You have to do a little dreaming. You have to break those surly bonds that tie up your mind and spirit. You have to get with God and let Him show you the possibilities. Look at that verse again

Ephesians 1:18-19 (ESV) 18  having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
19  and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might


"...the riches of his glorious inheritance............the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe........

But,first you have to have the eyes of your heart enlightened.

Brothers and sisters, this world will strip you of all hope and you won't even recognize it. It will become the new norm. But, I got a news flash for you(and me) no matter what the media spins, no matter what your friends say,no matter what some blog writer might say, there ARE better days ahead. God has your back on this earth. Not a hair of your head is forgotten. And His reward is coming. Get alone with Him and let Him get you excited again about living in HIS WORLD.

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV) 31  but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Get alone,close your eyes and let God work in you. Don't worry about what anybody thinks or says. Just enjoy the ride and bust loose from those surly bonds.

Psalm 125:1 (ESV) 1
 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.

God Bless





  

   





   


  

Friday, October 14, 2016

Freedom Fighter

Freedom Fighter                                                  10-14-16

Hebrews 12:1 (ESV) 1  Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Couple of thoughts today.Freedom fighter.....a term with STRONG negative and positive connotations depending on one's experience and perspective.My boss called me on the spur of the moment this week and asked me if I wanted to go to Memphis.We drove down to get a couple of trucks for our operation and drove them back the next day. One other guy went with us and he was familiar with Memphis,having grown up there. So while waiting for the trucks we went to get supper.On the ride to Gus's(great fried chicken and they just opened up a place in Knoxville,check it out) o.k. On the ride to dinner our friend asked us if we wanted to see The Lorraine Hotel. I could not figure out why and then it hit me. The Lorraine Hotel was where Martin Luther King was gunned down.

It took on extra interest for me as I lived through that and well remember it.As a matter of fact as a high school senior I had been in Memphis shortly before MLK's murder. Within a couple of weeks as I remember it. When we pulled up there was the obligatory protest on the opposing street corner. Some folks had set up a display decrying the waste of 27 million dollars spent on the museum that has been built adjoining the hotel itself.

At any rate we got out and walked around the parking lot,watching the various information kiosks,reliving the history and atmosphere that led up to the events of that day. We then walked up to the room and looked at the wreath placed on the second floor balcony.It was all very surreal......and very sobering. At this time,a staid thought entered my thinking.The man died fighting for freedom. He had laid aside all for this one purpose.And herein lieth the lesson.

While I stood gazing at the door to room 306 I was reminded of a conversation I had previously that week. My thoughts centered on a comment made during that conversation, it went like this"we are on the last leg of this journey."When this thought crossed my mind,as I scoped out the boarding house where the fateful shot was fired,I wondered if Dr. King knew that he was on the last leg of his journey. We'll never know. I personally think that he did but that is a question for God only.

As I mused today,unsure on what to write,the verse in Hebrews came to mind.You see this verse not only speaks to sin in our lives,but the various weights and baggage that saddle us. The concerns and worries that hinder our efforts at running and FINISHING the race that the Lord Jesus has set before us. 

You see brothers and sisters,this verse presents us with an uncomfortable dilemma doesn't it? Just this. We ALL are on the last leg of the journey or approaching the homestretch at breakneck speed.Our lives are like a vapor the Bible says.It is not a probability, not a possibility...no,no it is an absolute REALITY. Here it comes ready or not.

Whether we are world renowned personalities or paper truck drivers, we have a race that is set before us. Sometimes the cost of running that race is very expensive. But, the prize for finishing is precious above all. If we keep looking to the author and finisher of our faith,if we will allow him to remove all the unnecessary baggage out of our backpacks,(a lifelong exercise isn't it) then He promises us a crown at the finish line. Not only that,walking with a lighter load is much more enjoyable than dragging around a ball and chain don't you think?

Matthew 11:28 (ESV) 28  Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Get alone with God. Let Him take a look inside that backpack you're toting around.Let the Holy Spirit lighten that load. It's going to make a huge difference when you and I round the third turn and enter he homestretch.The last leg.

Psalm 73:25 (ESV) 25  Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.

God Bless