Do-4

This is a prime example of what I refer to as a do-4; that is, something you substitute in an emergency. In 1966 I was driving my '56 Pontiac through the Ferry tunnel in Troy, NY, when all of a sudden my engine started revving. When I looked under the hood, I noticed that the linkage for the carburetor had come off. So, I took off my shoe lace and tied it together. It worked so well that I ran it that way for two whole years. Sometimes you just have to make-do. Jesus was faced with a problem of having to make-do; Matthew tells the tale.

Mat 14:14 Jesus went out, and he saw a great multitude. He had compassion on them, and healed their sick.
Mat 14:15 When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, "This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food."
Mat 14:16 But Jesus said to them, "They don't need to go away. You give them something to eat."
Mat 14:17 They told him, "We only have here five loaves and two fish."
Mat 14:18 He said, "Bring them here to me."
Mat 14:19 He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave to the multitudes.
Mat 14:20 They all ate, and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces.
Mat 14:21 Those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

World English Bible


Jesus only had a couple of fish and five loaves of bread and he fed something over five thousand people. The disciples didn't know what to do, but Jesus did; pray! There is power in prayer, awesome power. I can only tell you that when my car acted up in the tunnel, boy, did I pray. Why, because if I didn't get Linda home on time, she would have been immediately grounded, that's why. I can't tell what they attached the mirror in the picture with, but whatever works, works! Humm, I wonder if they prayed first?

There will be a test

Ever done this? If you have teenagers, I guarantee it! The eternal "why" and the search for understanding is part of what makes us human. We start out with questions of origin, consider morality, followed by the meaning of life and finally, eternal destiny. Philosophers call it our "world view", but I just call it growing up. We begin with ourselves and end with God; simple. Consider the greatest thinker of all time: Solomon.

Ecclesiastes

Ecc 12:8 Vanity of vanities saith the preacher; all is vanity.
Ecc 12:9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge: yes, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
Ecc 12:10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
Ecc 12:11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
Ecc 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
Ecc 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecc 12:14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.

Webster Bible

No matter how smart you are, I guarantee there is someone smarter. You may have to look for a long time, but sooner or later.... bamm, you are humbled. It is very good to learn and to consider one's condition in the light of God's word is wisdom. If, after much reflection you think you know yourself very well, then wait, tomorrow you will change again. Solomon summed it up succinctly in the last two verses of the book, consider what God wants you to do and do it; there will be a test.... judgment day.

Don't hold back

This picture reminds me of an old song by Larry Verne: "Mr. Custer". The first verse goes like this: "Please Mr. Custer, I don't wanna go, Hey, Mr. Custer, please don't make me go. I had a dream last night about the comin' fight, Somebody yelled "attack!"And there I stood with a arrow in my back." Ok, you probably don't remember it, but it was way back in 1960 and I do. Both the picture and the song do say something interesting, though. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations that no matter what we do, something bad is going to happen. Paul was told about just such a thing; read on to see how he handled it in the book of Acts.

Act 21:1 When it happened that we had parted from them and had set sail, we came with a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.
Act 21:2 Having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard, and set sail.
Act 21:3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload her cargo.
Act 21:4 Having found disciples, we stayed there seven days. These said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
Act 21:5 When it happened that we had accomplished the days, we departed and went on our journey. They all, with wives and children, brought us on our way until we were out of the city. Kneeling down on the beach, we prayed.
Act 21:6 After saying goodbye to each other, we went on board the ship, and they returned home again.
Act 21:7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais. We greeted the brothers, and stayed with them one day.
Act 21:8 On the next day, we, who were Paul's companions, departed, and came to Caesarea. We entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
Act 21:9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.
Act 21:10 As we stayed there some days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
Act 21:11 Coming to us, and taking Paul's belt, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit: 'So will the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.' "
Act 21:12 When we heard these things, both we and they of that place begged him not to go up to Jerusalem.
Act 21:13 Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Act 21:14 When he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, "The Lord's will be done."

Agabus confirmed what Paul had already heard; he should not go up to Jerusalem. He was unwilling to listen, unafraid of the consequences. There is something so brave and yet so submissive about the man that it is a little scary. Try to put yourself in his situation and ask yourself: would I do the same? Probably not, yet Paul was a man that God had put on a mission and he knew it. He also knew that in the end he would be with The Lord Jesus, so there was nothing to fear. Death is nothing to fear as long as you know life follows. So, be like Paul, don't hold back, jump right in and do what God is leading you to do; who knows, you might actually like the water?

Suspense

Well, I don't think there is any doubt which baby belongs to the couple outside the nursery. Just goes to show you that there is someone for EVERYBODY! Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. Who knows, maybe the child with the bag over its head is better looking than either one of its parents and perhaps be a future Einstein. This cartoon reminds me of a passage from the sermon on the mount found in the book of Matthew.

Mat 7:1 "Don't judge, so that you won't be judged.
Mat 7:2 For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you.
Mat 7:3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but don't consider the beam that is in your own eye?
Mat 7:4 Or how will you tell your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye;' and behold, the beam is in your own eye?
Mat 7:5 You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother's eye.

World English Bible

Its human nature to find fault with others and yet ignore MY OWN FAULTS. Yet, here Jesus is calling this for what it really is: Hypocrisy! I have always been impressed how Jesus can be gentle with those who deserve it and harsh with those of a hard heart. Beginning today, I am going to try to be more understanding with those around me and look at the motives of my own heart more often. Who knows, someday when I am MUCH OLDER and in a nursing home some attendant may hand me a bag to put over my head; I hope they still will make paper, plastic bags could be fatal.

Pot-luck

1982. I was on a try-out for a preaching position in Minnesota. After teaching the adult class and presenting a sermon, I was treated to a pot-luck something like this only MUCH, MUCH LARGER. The food was delicious, but since I had to try every one's favorite dish, I had the weirdest combination of foods I had ever had. One leg of the flight home was on a small nine passenger plane and we ran into a severe storm. We went up and down hundreds of feet at a time and you guessed it... I started to turn green. As we hit the runway, I used the bag provided for airsickness and filled it completely. As we deplaned a Cherie stewardess was about to ask me how my flight was, but I placed the warm bag in her hands. When she realized what the warmth meant, she didn't know what to say, but attempted a smile and just nodded her head knowingly. I really don't know if this episode made her think about what she did, but I know I did. Sometimes you can see things happening to you and you don't know WHY and other times you realize their importance later. I saw how professionally the stewardess acted and this example has stayed with me all these years. When I encounter a difficult customer, I remember this episode and try to be the best I can, REGARDLESS OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES. The Apostle Paul was faced with something like this in the book of 2nd Corinthians.

2Co 12:1 It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. For I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2Co 12:2 I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I don't know, or whether out of the body, I don't know; God knows), such a one caught up into the third heaven.
2Co 12:3 I know such a man (whether in the body, or outside of the body, I don't know; God knows),
2Co 12:4 how he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
2Co 12:5 On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in my weaknesses.
2Co 12:6 For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no man may think more of me than that which he sees in me, or hears from me.
2Co 12:7 By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively.
2Co 12:8 Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
2Co 12:9 He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.

World English Bible

God had blessed Paul. His thorn in the flesh was a reminder to be humble; a little lesson to help him grow spiritually. When bad things happen, it is best to learn from the situation and grow as a result. A professor of mine used to say: "When bad things happen, you either get bitter or better". I probably could have learned this lesson another way, but the memory of the shock on that poor lady's face did the trick... I remembered and learned. However, I just wish I had not turned green because that was the color of my suit; I must have looked like a giant green pea.

Death and taxes

People who die remain dead; obviously the person who wrote this headline meant to say it a little differently. I have not personally seen someone come back to life, but I know it has happened because The Bible tells me it has. However, those who become Christians do so by identifying with Jesus and his death and RESURRECTION. The following passage from the book of Romans tells about this process.

Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Rom 6:2 May it never be! We who died to sin, how could we live in it any longer?
Rom 6:3 Or don't you know that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
Rom 6:4 We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:5 For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection;
Rom 6:6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be in bondage to sin.
Rom 6:7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.
Rom 6:8 But if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him;
Rom 6:9 knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no more has dominion over him!
Rom 6:10 For the death that he died, he died to sin one time; but the life that he lives, he lives to God.
Rom 6:11 Thus consider yourselves also to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

World English Bible

Death and taxes; these two things are certain! Just as certain is the fact that Jesus was raised from death. The documentation of his resurrection is incontrovertible. Facts are facts and because this IS true, we who have identified ourselves with him will not stay dead forever. So much for death, now, I wonder what we can do about the tax problem? Does anyone out there have President Obama's cell phone number?

Now that is something to brag about!

Ha, Ha! Maybe he should have looked a little closer at that box! On another level, this cartoon does say something about human nature. Human beings tend to boast about their activities far more than they have any right to do. What do we really accomplish in this world, anyway? If we are blessed with a job, most of us do the same sort of thing day in and day out. If God blesses us with enough money, we pay our bills, raise our kids and have a little left over for "someday". When was the last time you remember doing something REALLY worth boasting about; something that will last one hundred years or more? However, each of us has an opportunity to do something that will last a thousand years or more. Read this passage from 1st Corinthians and I think you will see what I mean.

1Co 1:18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are saved it is the power of God.
1Co 1:19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, I will bring the discernment of the discerning to nothing."
1Co 1:20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the lawyer of this world? Hasn't God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
1Co 1:21 For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom didn't know God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save those who believe.
1Co 1:22 For Jews ask for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom,
1Co 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks,
1Co 1:24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1Co 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
1Co 1:26 For you see your calling, brothers, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, and not many noble;
1Co 1:27 but God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;
1Co 1:28 and God chose the lowly things of the world, and the things that are despised, and the things that are not, that he might bring to nothing the things that are:
1Co 1:29 that no flesh should boast before God.
1Co 1:30 But of him, you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:
1Co 1:31 that, according as it is written, "He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord."

World English Version

Once we realize how foolish our temporal accomplishments are, we can begin to take a wider perspective of our life. This begins by putting God at the center of everything; changing our focus from something WE DID, to what God can do THROUGH US. Pride can be a terrible thing, but when God's will is prioritized in our lives, HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS make all the difference. Think back, the last time you boasted about something, was it something that you did, or that God did THROUGH YOU? This question makes me a little nervous, does it do the same for you? Well, there is a sure cure for this problem and that begins with doing something "foolish"; boast about what God has done for you. His Gospel and HIS SACRIFICE will last a thousand times a thousand years and more. Now that is something to brag about!

Can you pass the test?

Not everyone can read this; only about half the population. I don't know why, but that's the way it is. Humm, should the ones who can gloat over it and put down those who can't understand it? No, a thousand times, NO! So what if you can or can't read it, there are probably things that you can do that no one else can. Read this passage from the book of Ephesians and I think you will come away with a positive self image.

Eph 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called,
Eph 4:2 with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love;
Eph 4:3 being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you also were called in one hope of your calling;
Eph 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph 4:6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in us all.
Eph 4:7 But to each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Eph 4:8 Therefore he says, "When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men."
Eph 4:9 Now this, "He ascended," what is it but that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?
Eph 4:10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.
Eph 4:11 He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers;
Eph 4:12 for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ;
Eph 4:13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
Eph 4:14 that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;
Eph 4:15 but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ;
Eph 4:16 from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love.

World English Bible

Everyone is different and that is a very good thing! Its good for both our country and the church in general. Be happy God made you the way you are and do the best you can. And don't forget the last part of the last verse from Ephesians, we should love. If I pass the test of love, then you can understand me, no matter how crazy I seem to write. Beielve me, I rlleay am not czray at all...... rghit!

Help

Simple little prayer, isn't it? Sometimes simple IS BEST! When I saw this one after I came home from work, I had to put it on the blog because it really says something. I have a good friend whose spouse is dying, so prayer has been on my mind a lot today. What do you say to someone who is about to go this ordeal? You do what I did; that is, to offer to help by being there. One more thing, you have to really mean it! After that, prayer is in order, but what to do you pray for? Healing, hope, calm or any one of the many things you could pray for. As I drove home tonight I couldn't help but remember the greatest prayer I have ever heard. A dear friend of mine was having trouble in school and when we gathered together in chapel he took his turn at the podium to pray. He just stood there for the longest time until finally began to shake because the emotion within him. Finally, the tears began to flow and after he calmed himself a bit, he uttered this simple prayer...."help". His prayer reflected his close relationship with God and its simple plea stunned everyone there. Consider this short passage from the book of 1st Thessalonians.

1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

If we are close to God, we may not always know exactly what to say, but God knows what we mean to say. So, to all my Internet friends out there, I pray the prayer in the picture. To that special friend whose need is so great, I say that I will pray for "help", because God knows what you really need.

Additives, preservatives and sugar, oh my!

The caption said "Red neck wedding cake" but if you like it... enjoy. Actually, I think I have had everything on this "cake" and if you don't think too hard about all the additives, preservatives and sugar, well its not too bad. Now, don't get me wrong, this is NOT DIET FOOD! I love to eat, but these things aren't normally on my list. I can say without a doubt that they are NOT ON MY WIFE'S LIST. However, this does bring up an interesting topic, which the Bible does discuss in the book of Romans.

Rom 14:1 Now accept one who is weak in faith, but not for disputes over opinions.
Rom 14:2 One man has faith to eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables.
Rom 14:3 Don't let him who eats despise him who doesn't eat. Don't let him who doesn't eat judge him who eats, for God has accepted him.
Rom 14:4 Who are you who judge another's servant? To his own lord he stands or falls. Yes, he will be made to stand, for God has power to make him stand.
Rom 14:5 One man esteems one day as more important. Another esteems every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind.
Rom 14:6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks. He who doesn't eat, to the Lord he doesn't eat, and gives God thanks.
Rom 14:7 For none of us lives to himself, and none dies to himself.
Rom 14:8 For if we live, we live to the Lord. Or if we die, we die to the Lord. If therefore we live or die, we are the Lord's.
Rom 14:9 For to this end Christ died, rose, and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
Rom 14:10 But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Rom 14:11 For it is written, " 'As I live,' says the Lord, 'to me every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess to God.' "
Rom 14:12 So then each one of us will give account of himself to God.
Rom 14:13 Therefore let's not judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his brother's way, or an occasion for falling.
Rom 14:14 I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself; except that to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
Rom 14:15 Yet if because of food your brother is grieved, you walk no longer in love. Don't destroy with your food him for whom Christ died.

World English Bible

In ancient times food was offered to the "Gods" and later sold in the meat market. So, some early Christians wouldn't eat meat because it MIGHT have been an offering. Likewise, many first century believers had been Jewish and still wanted to observe Jewish holy days. Where do we draw the line; what do we do? Give people the benefit of the doubt and some latitude. Does this mean anything goes and we can do ANYTHING WE WANT? No, for I believe we should use the New Testament as our standard and if we go beyond that we are on shaky ground indeed. The bottom line is that I don't answer for you; all I really can do is to encourage you to think about how you apply the New Testament teachings in your walk with God. I have to give an account for what I do and hope some of what I say might make sense to you as it does to me. This is a very good starting point and who knows, you and I might actually agree on many, many things and grow to accept more about each other. Please don't ask me to eat a twinky though, my doctor would have a fit.