10/30 Fundamental Thoughts

"The Fields Are White To Harvest”

              As we read the scripture below, and we take note of our surroundings here in the Panhandle of Texas, we see that the “…fields…are white…to harvest.”  The cotton pods are burst and white as snow.

(John 4:35)  Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest?  behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

              The fields are white with cotton, which was sowed a few months ago, and now the reaping is in progress.

              When you and I “sow” the gospel, we might not be the one who does the reaping.  Yet, we are to go out “preaching” to all we find, sowing God’s Word, never once expecting to always reap what we have sown, but we may reap what others have sown before us.

              Most of us expect results at the first door, and at the second, and so on, and soon disappointment rears it’s ugly head, and we comment, “Door knocking just doesn’t work any more.”  I will admit it seems harder.  There are so many things going on: all the school activities, the televised national sports, hunting season, and whatever is going on down at the Ritz.  All of these must be contended with, no doubt.

              However, we must understand it is the Lord’s work.  We must seek His council and allow Him to direct us.  If we as Hosea tells us will “sow [ourselves] in righteousness,” or if we, “walk the walk and talk the talk,” then we shall “reap in mercy”, and gather God’s blessings.  He tells us He will “rain righteousness” upon us.

              When was the last time God rained a shower of blessing on you?  Some days it seems like an occasional sprinkle, or a day, or maybe weeks of drought.  Where do we put the blame?  Probably not at our own feet.  We will proclaim, “I have sure had a hard row of “Bad Luck.”  Another excuse is, “I sure haven’t been blessed by God lately, and I think He has forgotten me.”

              Rest assured, neither Luck nor Mother Nature exist.  Secondly, if you know God, He has not forgotten you.  It may be you have forgotten Him.  We reap what we sow.  Are you sowing your heart out to God in prayer?  Are you spending time in your King James Bible, hearing what God has to say?  Are you faithfully attending your local New Testament Church you know, the one you belong to?  Are you tithing, regardless of whether you attend or not?  Are you supporting Missions, and your Church with special offerings?

              Search your heart and answer those questions from that search, not from your pride, and when you get the answers, maybe then you will know why God has not rained righteousness down upon you.

              “For it is time to seek the Lord.”  Do understand tomorrow never comes.  If you put off today what you can do, you will continue to put it off day after day, week after week, for an eternity.  The time is now, just do it.

Bro John R. E Chastain

(Hosea 10:12)  Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

10/31 Spurgeon's Devotion

“Renew a right spirit within me.”
- Psa_51:10

A backslider, if there be a spark of life left in him will groan after restoration. In this renewal the same exercise of grace is required as at our conversion. We needed repentance then; we certainly need it now. We wanted faith that we might come to Christ at first; only the like grace can bring us to Jesus now. We wanted a word from the Most High, a word from the lip of the loving One, to end our fears then; we shall soon discover, when under a sense of present sin, that we need it now. No man can be renewed without as real and true a manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s energy as he felt at first, because the work is as great, and flesh and blood are as much in the way now as ever they were. Let thy personal weakness, O Christian, be an argument to make thee pray earnestly to thy God for help. Remember, David when he felt himself to be powerless, did not fold his arms or close his lips, but he hastened to the mercy-seat with “renew a right spirit within me.” Let not the doctrine that you, unaided, can do nothing, make you sleep; but let it be a goad in your side to drive you with an awful earnestness to Israel’s strong Helper. O that you may have grace to plead with God, as though you pleaded for your very life-”Lord, renew a right spirit within me.” He who sincerely prays to God to do this, will prove his honesty by using the means through which God works. Be much in prayer; live much upon the Word of God; kill the lusts which have driven your Lord from you; be careful to watch over the future uprisings of sin. The Lord has his own appointed ways; sit by the wayside and you will be ready when he passes by. Continue in all those blessed ordinances which will foster and nourish your dying graces; and, knowing that all the power must proceed from him, cease not to cry, “Renew a right spirit within me.”

10/31 Crucified with Christ

GALATIONS 2

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (v. 20)

This, I consider my life's verse. It contains the gospel, if one will look, and it gives us much insight into ourselves and the Love of our Lord.

Note the first two words--"I AM". This connects us with the following statements, and enters us into their blessed realm. It reminds me though of a greater "I AM" the all-sufficient, Loving, Living God of gods, the Lord God Almighty.
Paul realized he was, and is, "crucified with Christ" as we all are when we accept His sacrifice of Himself for us on Calvary. We enter into His work there, and become a part of it too, as a thief, and not as a Savior. Though crucified, I live in Him, even as He was crucified and yet lives. What an amazing thought, and an even more amazing fact.

Note secondly that the life I now live is lived "By the faith of the Son of God". Now this could mean two things: 1. That I live it by the faith He has given me; 2. That I actually live in His faith, which is far superior to any faith I might conjure up! I like them both, but I think I like the latter better than the former. If I have the same faith that Christ has, in me, I can do all things through Him, which strengthen me. I have no excuse for unbelief, (Lord help my unbelief). Oh that I might live as if I have His actual faith (and I do, it comes with Him!), and that I might live every day by the faith of Christ. The word “of” shows origin, so this is Christ’s faith that works in me.

I realize the "just shall live by faith." (Rom 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38) and perhaps "his" faith (Hab. 2:4), but "his faith" may refer again to the faith of Christ in him, which becomes his, as Christ becomes his. We get the whole package! The point is made, the life I now live is Christ’s life in me! I have died, and He lives in me, what a wonderful thought; I am righteous because He is righteous, and justified by His blood.

Lastly it is in His ability that I live the life I life. When I say “I can’t do this or that” I am right! I can’t’ but Christ can do it through me. You see, it is not ability that the Lord honors, but availability; He honors those who make themselves available for Him to use them. When we say we can’t do some particular task that speaks of ability, but we are not chosen because of our ability, but because of our availability. His faith is sufficient in me.

10/30 Today's Reading

Romans 3-5, Psalm 45

10/30 Psalm 5

PSALM 5

AUTHOR: David

The Story Behind the Psalm

It is agreed that these words were written during one of the dark hours of David's life. The darkest hours of his life were no doubt during two self-imposed exiles. One of these was his exile to Mahanaim during Absaloin's rebellion, and the other was his constant fleeing from Saul when Saul had become jealous and made a constant attempt to kill David. However, verse 7 reminds us that David was not in exile at the writing of this Psalm. We then find in verse 8 that he did have bitter enemies at this time. So the Psalm was probably written before Absalom's rebellion. Absalom was stirring the people against David and very coyly rallying them to himself. David could see the cloud rising and no doubt realized that a battle was inevitable. It was no doubt written in the morning time. Note verse 3, as David was seeking grace and strength to face a new day in the midst of tremendous burdens.



The Way It Was Used by God's People

The Jews used this Psalm in the early morning hours. They used it as a prayer for help (verses 7 and 8). When in adversity, they used it as a plea for joy (verses 11 and 12). When beset by enemies, they would plead for God to destroy their enemies (verses 9 and 10).

Notice also that there are three things the Jews would do in the morning time, as is found in verse 3. First, they would let God hear their voices. Maybe they would read the Psalm aloud; perhaps they would sing the Psalm. They they directed a prayer to God. In other words, they petitioned God for His help to supply their needs. Third, they would look up. Ah, here are three wonderful things to do in the morning hours. Let God hear us sing and praise; then let us present our petitions to Him and then look up. For many years now the first thing I do in the morning upon arising is to pull the curtain and look to the sky and tell Jesus I would love for Him to come today. The wise Christian spends time with God in the morning, and especially so when he faces a battle or heavy burdens.

10/30 Daily in the Word

The Littlest Member
Friday, October 30, 2009
by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be."

James 3:5-10

Your words should be used to glorify God and edify others.

While walking through an old English cemetery once, a young man admired the stonework and structure of the tombstones. He took time to read of lives lived to the fullest, some that ended quickly, others who were loved by many, some who were loved by few. He took note of all the engravings and last words some people desired to be on their final resting place. As he wandered, he noticed one tombstone's inscription that caught his attention. There was the grave of a Miss Arabella Young. The epitaph on her tombstone read as follows:

Beneath this stone, a lump of clay
Lies Arabella Young
Who on the twenty-fourth of May
Began to hold her tongue.

Sadly, that tribute could be given to many people upon their death. The tongue seems to be a tricky thing to control, as we saw a few days ago, but today let's notice the power of the tongue. Our tongues have the power to do one of two things-help or hurt.

The Bible calls our tongues a little member of our body, but a vital member. Just as the small rudder in the back of a ship dictates the direction of the mighty ship, so our tongue has great power in our lives. Notice God's description of the tongue in verse 8, "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." The tongue has great power and we must be careful how we use it.

Sometimes our speech can be contradictory. Think of God's words in verse 9, "Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God." Have you ever stopped to think about the fact that the tongue you use to cut down others, is the same tongue you use to praise God and worship Him? God says these things ought not to be so!

The words that flow from your mouth should always be uplifting and Spirit-filled words. God gave you the power of speech in order to glorify Him and edify others. Is your speech doing those two things? Too often we can become cynical, critical, hateful, or even malicious in our speech. God never intended for our words to hurt others. He desires that we would be an encouragement to those around us.

How do you use your words? Do you often find yourself criticizing other people? God doesn't want you criticizing one of His creation with the same tongue you use to glorify Him. Your words should be pure and uplifting.

Spend some time in prayer with God. Ask Him to help you control your tongue, and only speak encouraging words. God warns that your tongue is a powerful member, so give Him control of your words today and allow Him to give you the words to say.

10/30 North Point

Friday, October 30
Bought? Or Inherited?
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field…Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” - Matthew 13:44-46
A common point in each of the parables we have been looking at this week is that both the one who found the treasure his in the field and the one who found the pearl of great price both sold all that they had to get what was most valuable.
The Lord Jesus Christ posed the following question: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26) Many people give everything they have for the things of this world while ignoring the most important thing: the eternal destiny of their souls!
God’s kingdom cannot be bought; but it is inherited. “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:” (Matthew 25:34) An inheritance requires a birthright; Jesus said in John 3:3, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
What can a man give for his soul so that he can inherit the kingdom? Nothing that can be gained in this world: only receiving Jesus Christ can do it! “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” (John 1:12) Only the sons of God can receive His kingdom inheritance!

Are you part of God’s kingdom through being born into His family?
Thank God today for His grace and mercy in saving you!

10/29 Spurgeon

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, etc.”
- Mat_6:9

This prayer begins where all true prayer must commence, with the spirit of adoption, “Our Father.” There is no acceptable prayer until we can say, “I will arise, and go unto my Father.” This child-like spirit soon perceives the grandeur of the Father “in heaven,” and ascends to devout adoration, “Hallowed be thy name.” The child lisping, “Abba, Father,” grows into the cherub crying, “Holy, Holy, Holy.” There is but a step from rapturous worship to the glowing missionary spirit, which is a sure outgrowth of filial love and reverent adoration-”Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Next follows the heartfelt expression of dependence upon God-”Give us this day our daily bread.” Being further illuminated by the Spirit, he discovers that he is not only dependent, but sinful, hence he entreats for mercy, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors:” and being pardoned, having the righteousness of Christ imputed, and knowing his acceptance with God, he humbly supplicates for holy perseverance, “Lead us not into temptation.” The man who is really forgiven, is anxious not to offend again; the possession of justification leads to an anxious desire for sanctification. “Forgive us our debts,” that is justification; “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” that is sanctification in its negative and positive forms. As the result of all this, there follows a triumphant ascription of praise, “Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever, Amen.” We rejoice that our King reigns in providence and shall reign in grace, from the river even to the ends of the earth, and of his dominion there shall be no end. Thus from a sense of adoption, up to fellowship with our reigning Lord, this short model of prayer conducts the soul. Lord, teach us thus to pray.

10/29 Troubled Thoughts

Daniel 5:10
“Now the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:”

The verse above comes from the story about Belshazzar, the king, making a party with all of his friends. At this party alcohol was being served, and I am sure there were many other wicked things going on. Belshazzar, who was the son of Nebuchadnezzar, had seen what God did to his father in his pride, and knew better than to live the wicked lifestyle that he was living. But instead of doing right, he thought he was smarter than his father and ended up at a drunken party where he saw a hand writing words upon the wall. The one thing I want you to notice from this story is what the queen said to Belshazzar in the verse above. She said, “...let not thy thoughts trouble thee...” The truth is he should have let his thoughts trouble him, for the lifestyle that he was living was wrong and he knew it. These troubled thoughts that Belshazzar was having were nothing more than a guilty conscience.

As I write this devotional I wonder, do you have troubled thoughts? Are your thoughts troubled about the lifestyle that you are living? Are your thoughts troubled because of the past and some of the things you may have done to others? Are your thoughts troubled because of wasted time you have had when it comes to your life? Many people go through life with thoughts that trouble them. Many times you will find that people try to drown these troubled thoughts out with alcohol and drugs. Though this is the extreme, I have also found there are people whose troubled thoughts come out in the form of bitterness, anger, violence, gossip and many other hurtful actions. No Christian should ever live their life with troubled thoughts, for when they got saved God wiped their record clean. But though our record has been wiped clean by God, we tend to continue living life in such a way that causes our thoughts to be troubled or our conscience to be filled guilt.

When your thoughts are troubled, there are some things you need to do. First of all, ask yourself if your troubled thoughts are true. You only hurt yourself more by trying to ignore or drown out your troubled thoughts. Instead of trying to drown out the problems in your life, you would be wise to find out if the Holy Spirit is trying to get you to correct something.

Secondly, change what is troubling your thoughts. Like I have said before, ignoring your thoughts will only hurt you. Instead of ignoring your thoughts, you should try to silence them, not by running to vices or lashing out at people, but by changing that part of your life that is causing these troubled thoughts.

Thirdly, correct what is troubling your thoughts. If your thoughts are being troubled because of what you did to someone in the past, then you need to right that wrong. Don't live the rest of your life wishing you had corrected your wrong. Correct it, for once you do, you will find your thoughts are relieved.

Last of all, live your life in such a way that you won't have troubled thoughts. The best way to keep from having troubled thoughts is to live your life in such a way so that you have no regrets. You don't have to live your life with troubled thoughts. The most peaceful way to live is to have a clear thought life that carries no guilt about what you have done or what you are doing.

If you have a troubled thought life, then correct it. If you don't have a troubled thought life, then live life so that you never will.

10/28 Fundamental Thoughts

“It Is Good For Us To Be Here”

            As I read our scripture below, the phrase “it is good for us to be here”leaped out at me and I thought, “It is good that we have a church to attend.”  Sometimes I have a problem with the knowledge that we as believers are seldom on a mountaintop seeing the glories of God.  Most of the time, I think we are down in the valley and being just a bit short sighted on who Jesus really is and what He is all about.  Maybe we are wearing those “Rose Colored” glasses the world tells us we are wearing.

              Our worship service ought to be a time when we come to church ready for a “mountain top” experience.  I know there are days that I am not as ready and my expectations fall short.  You and I, through our prayer life, and our expectation of what God can do should drive us to a mountain every day, not just Sundays and Wednesdays.  

              God tells us through Peter; “it is good for us to be here,” not just in Church, but here on earth.  It is good to do His will here where we are.  Heaven will be better, and what a “mountaintop” experience that will be, yet, until that day, you and I need to experience that “mountaintop” that Peter, James, and John experienced.  We need to see God in a light that is beyond our comprehension. Our problem is we do not expect to see Him until that day, so we muddle along and stay in our valley of choice.

                        

(Joshua 24:15)  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

            We as individuals need to choose who we serve, and then serve Him with all our hearts.  Because we are here (in this congregation), I believe most have chosen to serve the Lord.  In our service, expect He will give us an experience beyond anything we have experienced.  

              It is your choice.  Experience Him or the world.  Which will you choose?

Bro. John R. E Chastain

(Mark 9:2-9)  And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.  3  And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.  4  And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus5  And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.  6  For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.  (Mark 9:7)  And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.  8 And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.  9  And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead. 

10/26 Spurgeon Today

“Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the Lord of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.”
- Hag_1:9

Churlish souls stint their contributions to the ministry and missionary operations, and call such saving good economy; little do they dream that they are thus impoverishing themselves. Their excuse is that they must care for their own families, and they forget that to neglect the house of God is the sure way to bring ruin upon their own houses. Our God has a method in providence by which he can succeed our endeavours beyond our expectation, or can defeat our plans to our confusion and dismay; by a turn of his hand he can steer our vessel in a profitable channel, or run it aground in poverty and bankruptcy. It is the teaching of Scripture that the Lord enriches the liberal and leaves the miserly to find out that withholding tendeth to poverty. In a very wide sphere of observation, I have noticed that the most generous Christians of my acquaintance have been always the most happy, and almost invariably the most prosperous. I have seen the liberal giver rise to wealth of which he never dreamed; and I have as often seen the mean, ungenerous churl descend to poverty by the very parsimony by which he thought to rise. Men trust good stewards with larger and larger sums, and so it frequently is with the Lord; he gives by cartloads to those who give by bushels. Where wealth is not bestowed the Lord makes the little much by the contentment which the sanctified heart feels in a portion of which the tithe has been dedicated to the Lord. Selfishness looks first at home, but godliness seeks first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, yet in the long run selfishness is loss, and godliness is great gain. It needs faith to act towards our God with an open hand, but surely he deserves it of us; and all that we can do is a very poor acknowledgment of our amazing indebtedness to his goodness.

10/26 Treatment Of The Fallen

Jeremiah 52:31
“And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, in the five and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the first year of his reign lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah, and brought him forth out of prison,”

Unfortunately, in the Christian life, we consistently see people who have fallen into sin. When someone falls into sin we should never be happy that they have fallen, even if they have done us wrong. Furthermore, when a person has fallen into sin, we should not spread the news to everyone that they have fallen. Instead, our actions concerning the fallen should be to try and bring them back to usefulness for God.

I find in the story, from the verse above, Jehoiachin had been captive in Babylon for thirty-seven years. When Evilmerodach became king of Babylon, the Scriptures teach us how he treated this fallen king. I believe the way Evilmerodach treated Jehoiachin, the fallen king, is the same way we should treat the fallen.

The first action we should take towards the fallen is to help them in their condition. We must be careful about having the mentality that they got themselves into that mess, now they need to get themselves out of the mess. I am sure glad God did not do that with us when it comes to salvation. No, God took us in the condition we were in and worked with us from there. Likewise, we should do the same with those who have fallen. We should help them in their current condition.

Secondly, we should speak kindly to the fallen to try and win their trust back to us. You will notice in verse 32 that the king of Babylon spake kindly to Jehoiachin. We must be careful not to speak down to the fallen, but speak in a way that lets them know we want to help them.

Thirdly, we should try to change their actions from wrong to right. The king of Babylon changed the prison garments of this captive king. Our goal should be to try and change the actions of the fallen from wrong to right.

Fourthly, work with them to restore their position to usefulness. Notice in verse 32 that Jehoiachin's throne was restored back to him. Now we must be careful to understand that there are always consequences to sin. Sometimes those consequences mean we forfeit the right to hold a position we once held. We must always realize that anyone can be restored to usefulness for God.

Then, the last two actions go hand in hand. Jehoiachin was fed the right food and given the right associations. When restoring people, we must feed them the right spiritual food which is the Word of God. But we also, if we are going to keep them from going back into sin, are going to have to work hard at giving them the right associations. Right associations will help them to stay right.

One of the duties of a Christian is to restore the fallen. When you have a child or another Christian brother or sister who has fallen into sin, your goal should be to restore them back to usefulness. Let's work hard with those that sin has bound to restore them back to usefulness remembering this could be us someday.

10/26 Stepping Stones of Grace

2 Peter 1

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. (v. 15-17)

These seven attributes of the Christian life are as stepping stones into the portals of grace. As we “add” to each element, we rise higher, as if climbing a ladder, and we find another height of maturity. We begin with faith, that is already a “given”; it is the beginning of our life as a Christian. Then there are seven additions, the first being virtue. Virtue is defined as a “moral excellence” or the power of righteousness seen in holy living. This is to be added to our existing faith. Then, along with virtue, and at some point along the way, we are to add again. The Christian life seems to be a life of addition and subtraction, but here we are more concerned with addition for the time being. So then, let us not be lacking in knowledge; this must be added to virtue, and of course in the progression of faith. This speaks of “knowledge of the Holy” for how can we seek that which we do not know about? We must get close to God, and attempt to know Him, through His Word. These are the patterns of growth, if you will receive it. But what is knowledge without temperance? We can have a knowledge of God, and a faith in God, but without the restraints of temperance, all is vain and useless. Temperance is moderation; it is doing right habitually, and being steadfast in our Christian walk. We need this lest we become captive to diverse temptations and lusts; temperance is the lack of indulgence and excess. To temperance we must add patience, to keep it in perspective. This is perseverance in spite of obstacles and attitudes. It is very similar to temperance, but with an extra boost to it. Patience is waiting on God, and not rushing ahead on our own, but it is also suffering quietly whatever befalls us. With all these we must attain to godliness, which is purity in all forms; it is purity in body, in soul, and in spirit, as well as mentally and socially. Godliness may be the epitome of Christian graces, and essential to the testimony and influence we might have with others. Then we will find brotherly kindness. Let us leave off all bickering and contention, and seek to be at peace with our brethren. Only true godliness will allow us to find this peace. And, finally, to brotherly kindness, charity, which is at the very top of the ladder in Christian graces. Charity is love in action; it is the epitome of the excellence of love, and is most simply put, “others minded”. Charity is giving, the greatest test of true love. “For God so loved the world that He gave…” this is charity in its fullest. Peter goes on to say that if these things be in us, and abound, we will not be unfruitful (v. 8), and we will “never fall” (v. 10). Perhaps these are the “stepping stones of faith” and comparable to a stairway into Heaven.

10/25 Fundamental Thoughts

“The God of Hope”

            As I read our scripture below, the phrase “The God of Hope” is a name for God.  It helps me realize what He has really given me.   He has given me Hope, Hope of souls saved, and Hope that knowing one day God will call me home to that “Home of Hope” that is waiting for me.  That Hope is the joy and peace of understanding my Christ died on that “Old Rugged Cross” just for me, not for me alone, but for all those who will call on His name in belief.

(John 3:16)  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

            God gave “…His only begotten Son…” because He loves us.  He wanted us to have that hope and know that through the gift of His Son’s blood on that cross, that we know He is the “God of Hope.”  He is The Living God, the God who embraces us with The Holy Ghost, a gift given when we call on Jesus’ name in sincere belief.  We do not receive the Holy Ghost (Spirit) for any other reason.  The Holy Spirit was given to us to be the “Comforter” when Jesus ascended into the Heavens.  It is the source of our Hope, our Joy, and our Peace.  It is through the Holy Spirit we are taught. He teaches, we learn.

            So many times I have heard, “When I came into this church (or another church) I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit.”  It isn’t that the church building has the Holy Spirit, it is the “Church” which contains the Holy Spirit. (The people are the church.)  It is our Hope, our Joy and our Peace which is given to us through the Holy Spirit (Ghost).

            Do I feel the Holy Spirit?  Yes at times, yet salvation is given by faith and faith is belief with knowledge.  If you don’t have the knowledge, your faith is likely weak.  It may be because of weak church attendance, or because of seldom reading or not reading your Authorized Bible.  If you want to feel the Holy Spirit, get involved with God’s work, (not earning your salvation,) but working the salvation you have.  Read your Bible, attend a church which preaches the Bible, teaches the Bible, and one that is concerned for your soul.  Attend a church that is concerned that your soul might be headed straight for Hell, and through Bible teaching will get you off that road, and get you on a secure protected Highway to Heaven.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

(Romans 15:13-14)  Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.  14  And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

The trees of the Lord...

“The trees of the Lord are full of sap.”
- Psa_104:16

Without sap the tree cannot flourish or even exist. Vitality is essential to a Christian. There must be life -a vital principle infused into us by God the Holy Ghost, or we cannot be trees of the Lord. The mere name of being a Christian is but a dead thing, we must be filled with the spirit of divine life. This life is mysterious. We do not understand the circulation of the sap, by what force it rises, and by what power it descends again. So the life within us is a sacred mystery. Regeneration is wrought by the Holy Ghost entering into man and becoming man’s life; and this divine life in a believer afterwards feeds upon the flesh and blood of Christ and is thus sustained by divine food, but whence it cometh and whither it goeth who shall explain to us? What a secret thing the sap is! The roots go searching through the soil with their little spongioles, but we cannot see them suck out the various gases, or transmute the mineral into the vegetable; this work is done down in the dark. Our root is Christ Jesus, and our life is hid in him; this is the secret of the Lord. The radix of the Christian life is as secret as the life itself. How permanently active is the sap in the cedar! In the Christian the divine life is always full of energy-not always in fruit- bearing, but in inward operations. The believer’s graces, are not every one of them in constant motion? but his life never ceases to palpitate within. He is not always working for God, but his heart is always living upon him. As the sap manifests itself in producing the foliage and fruit of the tree, so with a truly healthy Christian, his grace is externally manifested in his walk and conversation. If you talk with him, he cannot help speaking about Jesus. If you notice his actions you will see that he has been with Jesus. He has so much sap within, that it must fill his conduct and conversation with life.

Remodeling

Isaiah 58:12
“And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.”

The verse above was talking about a day when a generation would rise up and rebuild the waste place torn down through captivity. God gave a name to these young people; God called them "The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in." In other words, these young people would spend their lives remodeling that which was torn down.

Years ago when I worked in the construction field, we remodeled many homes. Remodeling took patience because you were rebuilding upon a work that someone else had built. If that previous builder did not do everything right when they built the house, then it could become quite frustrating trying to fix what they had done.

I say this because I believe every Christian should be in the remodeling business. Before you go out and get your construction license, I am talking about remodeling the lives of those whom sin has broken or ruined. We have the very tool that can rebuild any life, and that tool is the Bible. But we must realize that when we remodel lives, there are some things we will have to do in order to be successful.

First, it will take a vision to see what that life can become. You will never be successful in remodeling lives if you don't have a vision for that life. That's what God did with our life. God saw what we could become and then started the remodeling process in our life. We must have a vision for those whose lives are broken by sin if we are going to be successful in helping them remodel their lives.

Secondly, we will have to tear down that which destroyed their life. When you remodel something, there is a tearing down process. In remodeling lives, you must tear down the things that broke their life. You cannot leave that which broke their life there, for if we do it will break them again.

Thirdly, you must replace the bad with good. Remodeling lives is not an easy task, but if we take something away, then we must replace it with good. This is the law of replacement! Whether it's someone else's life or your life, any time we tear down bad, we must replace that vacancy with good.

Fourthly, you must always be ready for the unexpected. It never failed, when we remodeled a home an unexpected obstacle would always come up. When you remodel lives, you must always be ready for the unexpected. You cannot let a set back in someone's life stop you from getting to the vision you had for that person. You must realize there will be set backs, but you must keep trying to remodel that life into the image you originally saw they could become.

Lastly, it takes hard work to remodel. Don't think that remodeling someone's life is going to be easy. It won't! There will be times when you will want to give up, but you must keep working with them. There will be times when you will wonder if you are getting anywhere with them, but you must not give up. If you keep at it, you will see the results in time to come.

Christian, your life will never be fulfilled as a Christian unless you start investing your life in remodeling the lives of others. Whether it is your child, a person you teach in your Sunday school class, a bus rider or a friend in the church, keep working with them and don't give up. Remember what that person can become, and keep working with them until you see the vision you originally had for their life come to fruition.

10/23 Fundamental Toughts

“He Gave His Life For Many.”

As we read the scripture below, we read in the last verse Jesus is prophesying His future, telling us what He already knows will happen. 

              That is one advantage of being God; He knows, and you and I suppose we know.  When I make our plans for the future, for example, I have 2010 pretty well planned out.  Yet, not being God, any prophesy (planning) on my part as to what will actually happen in 2010 is just a guess on my part.  It all might happen as planned, or changes may come about.  (Jesus may come before 2010 and none of what I planned will happen.)

              Yet, Jesus, our God, our Lord, and Saviour died on “The Old Rugged Cross” for not only my sins, but for the sins of many (all).  He intentionally planned the date and the time of His death.  He knew before the beginning of time the date, the hour, the minute and the second that His human spirit would be removed from His earthly body.

              You and I are not required to climb on that “Cross.”  We are not required to martyr ourselves physically.  However, we as Christians are to die spiritually, and martyr our souls for the cause of Christ.

(Romans 12:1-2)  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We are to present our bodies (the container of our soul) a living sacrifice. We are to transform our minds to the likeness of God, to be what is “The Perfect Will of God.”  We both know we will never achieve a complete likeness of Him, but we have to prove, grow in the Lord, and seek that acceptable “Perfect Will of God.” 

              We have used the Wordless Book in our children’s classes to descriptively show them the stages: Our Sin, His Blood, His Salvation, and Our Growth in the Lord.  Once we have accepted Jesus as our personal Saviour, our next step is to Glorify God in all manner of our walk.  Our first step is repentance, and then Baptism, now our task is to grow in Him.  We are to seek Him in the Word of God, seek Him in the Preaching, and seek Him in the teaching.

(2 Timothy 2:15)  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Bro John R. E Chastain

(Mark 10:35-45)  And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.  36  And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?  37  They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.  38  But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?  39  And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:  40  But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.  41  And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.  42  But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.  43  But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:  44  And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.  45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.  

10/23 Today's Reading

Genesis 36:18-37:36, Psalm 38

10/23 Daily in the Word

In Need of Wisdom
Friday, October 23, 2009
by Dr. Paul Chappell

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."

James 1:5-6

The question to ask yourself isn't whether or not you need wisdom, but in what area of life you need it.

Henry Ford invented the automobile and built a giant auto company named after himself, Ford Motor Company. Ford was a pioneer in the automobile, beginning in 1908 with the Model T. He also is credited with inventing the assembly line method of production, a method that lowered costs drastically in not only the automotive industry, but several other companies. Ford is said to have been a tightfisted man, despite being worth over $188 billion. One time, a part broke in the electrical generators of his factory. Ford called Charlie Steinmetz, who built the mighty generators, to come fix the problem. Steinmetz came out to the factory, toyed with the generators for a couple hours, then had them up and running again. Ford was very pleased until he received Steinmetz's bill-$10,000. Shocked, Ford inquired of Steinmetz why his bill was so high for only a couple hours of tinkering. Steinmetz replied: "For tinkering with the generator: $10. For knowing where to tinker: $9,990." Ford paid Stenimetz the entire $10,000.

When we have problems, wouldn't it be nice to have someone who would "know where to tinker" in order to get things straightened out? Just as Ford knew the creator of the generators, we know the Creator of our lives, and we have direct access to Him anytime we need wisdom for a problem.

James 1 lays out some very clear "tips" for the Christian life. Yesterday we saw how trials work patience in us, and how we must allow God to mold us through trials. Today, James 1:5 gives us a promise that we can all grasp onto. God promises that if we lack wisdom, we can ask it of God and He will give it to us.

Who doesn't lack wisdom? There isn't a person on this earth who couldn't use some divine wisdom from God. From the President of the United States to a teenager in high school, everyone needs wisdom. We might differ in our levels of wisdom or in the situations in which we need wisdom, but one thing is certain-we need God's wisdom.

The good news is God promises to give us wisdom, but He gives us two conditions for receiving it. First, we must ask Him. How many times have we needed God's direction or guidance but failed to ask? Oftentimes our self-sufficient attitude dictates that we try our own options and seek our own guidance before seeking God's wisdom.

God's second condition for receiving wisdom is that we have faith that He will give it to us. Asking God for wisdom as part of a "three-part plan" for guidance doesn't work. God must be our one and only resource for wisdom. Only He can give us what we need and we must trust Him fully.

God promises us wisdom as we ask it from Him and trust that He will give it to us. God has promised it to us, just as He has promised us eternal salvation if we trust in His Son's sacrifice. Yet many times it is easier for us to trust Him for eternal life than for wisdom, because we don't have another alternative for eternal life. But Christian, we don't have another alternative for wisdom either. God is the only source of true wisdom and guidance.

The question to ask yourself isn't whether or not you need wisdom, but in what area of life you need it-work, school, family, etc. Where do you need God's divine wisdom to know what to do? God promises to give it to you! Take time now to first ask God for wisdom, and then to place your faith completely in Him for an answer. Don't rely on Plan B for guidance; make God your first and only plan today.

10/23 North Point

Friday, October 23

The Leaven Principle

Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.”

-- Matthew 13:33

Throughout the Bible leaven is almost always used in the bad, sinful sense. The only exceptions are found in the wave offering, Leviticus 23:17, and possibly in our text today.

The principle of leaven is how a small, nearly undetectable substance works it way through something much larger, with the smaller having a great influence, and ultimately taking over, the larger.

In our parable today expositors are divided over the interpretation. Many see the leaven as symbol of the gospel working itself through the world and taking over, with the woman representing the church figuratively. Many others see just the opposite! They see the leaven as representative of sin and false teaching working its way throughout Christendom (that which is Christian in name, both real and false).

We must be very careful not to build doctrine on our interpretation of parables. In this case, there may well be truth to both interpretations! Yes, it is a good thing that yeast (like leaven) works through a loaf of bread, making it rise. But Jesus warned His disciples, “How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.” (Matt. 16:11–12)

Think about how fast rumors and bad news circulate compared to good reports.

Thank God that He has warned us against false doctrine and given us His Word, the Bible, to know what is right.

10/21 Psalm 4

PSALM 4

AUTHOR: David

The Story Behind the Psalm

The events of Psalms 2 and 3 continue to progress. In Psalm 4 David is at Mahanaim. He has been forsaken by his son and many of his friends and subjects. A few of his followers are with him, such as faithful Ittai and a band of Philistine bodyguards. As the Psalm is read, the Christian should picture in his mind a saddened father sitting at Mahanaim looking back at Jerusalem and watching the dust of battle rise. One of the miracles of this Psalm is found in verses 7 and 8. It is marvelous how the Christian can have gladness, peace, sleep and assurance of safety in such an hour of trial.



The Way It Was Used by God's People

This Psalm was sung at night by the Jews. It was especially used by people who had a problem sleeping or going to sleep. Note verse 8. It was a tranquilizer in the dark hours of the night. So it can be for us when we face the darkness of battle or loneliness, or for that matter, even when we are unable to sleep in the nighttime.

Verse 4 should be examined carefully. The words, "Stand in awe, and sin not," could be translated, "When angry, sin not." No doubt David is reminding himself not to be angry at his son or at the other rebels. When anger does come, however, we are not to give vent to it. It is often said that it is just as bad to do it as to think it. This is not so. David is saying here, "When you think it, don't do it."

10/21 Today's Reading

Genesis 31:36-33:20, Psalm 37:12-25

10/21 Daily in the Word

I Don't Know What to Say
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
by Dr. Paul Chappell

"And Moses said unto the LORD, O my LORD, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say."

Exodus 4:10-12

There will always be an excuse not to witness if you listen to your flesh.

Moses just couldn't agree to God's plan. He offered excuse after excuse, doubt after doubt, and tried to talk God out of using Him. "The people won't listen. They won't believe me. Pharaoh won't release the people." With every excuse Moses offered, God promised Moses He would help him. Yet Moses didn't seem to grasp the concept that he wasn't the one doing the work; He was simply representing God.

In Exodus 4:10, we see Moses offer yet another excuse why he couldn't be God's messenger. "Oh my LORD, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue." This time Moses blamed his lack of speaking abilities for his unwillingness to trust God. Yet God offered a simple reply. He asked Moses one question: "Who hath made man's mouth?"

Basically, God said, "Moses, who made your mouth? Who formed your tongue before you were born? Who is it who gives you the breath needed to speak?" God wanted Moses to realize that the words he was going to speak would come from God.

How often do we act like Moses? How many times have we made excuses to God about why we couldn't witness to others? God desires that we would be His representatives and speak His words to others, yet many times we fear what others will say or how we will be treated.

According to studies, some of the top fears soulwinners have are being rejected, not knowing what to say, not saying things correctly, and not seeing people saved. Sadly, many Christians do not seem to realize that God hasn't called us to see results, but to be faithful to spread the seed of God's Word.

Many believers, like Moses, fail to grasp the concept that we are God's messengers. We aren't supposed to be mighty orators or eloquent debaters. God simply wants us to read His Word, share what we've learned, and tell others of God's gift of salvation. The words we speak come from God, for only God can work in the hearts of the lost to realize their need for Him.

What is your reason (or excuse) for not obeying God's command to witness? Have you ever ignored God's Spirit leading you to tell someone of Christ? Far too often Christians allow fear and doubt to keep them from obeying God. Like Moses, they debate God with reasons why they can't obey. Yet God simply wants us to obey Him.

God doesn't require you to know all the right words or know how to persuade someone; He simply wants you to submit to Him and obey His command to witness. It's not a matter of your ability, but your submission. God will give you the words to say, and He will work through you to touch other lives. You must simply obey.

Will you commit to being obedient every time the Holy Spirit prompts you to witness to someone? Will you determine to not listen to the devil's doubts and excuses, but follow God? You will always find a reason not to witness if you allow yourself to, but determine right now that with God's help and His words, you will obey His promptings to share His Good News.

10/21 North Point

Wednesday, October 21

The Birds of the Air

“It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.” -- Mark 4:31–32

The phrase “the fowls (birds, Matt. 13:32) of the air” is used twice in the multiple parables concerning the kingdom of God in Matthew 13, Mark 4 and Luke 13. In the Parable of the Sower, in Luke 8:5 we read of the seed sown, “some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.” Who were these fowls? “Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.” (Luke 8:12) In both Matthew 13 and Mark 4, these parables were given together. So it only stands to reason that the same warning given in, for instance, Mark 4:15 and 4:32 has a similar interpretation.

Yes, satan is the great counterfeiter, appearing even as angel of light! “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Cor. 11:14–15)

There is a saying popular amongst those who study Christian history that wherever God builds His church, satan builds a chapel! These parables refer to satan and his demons as scavenger birds, trying to pick over the dead carcasses of unbelievers. The devil is active in religion and even in what goes under the name Christian. He does not mind people being religious as long as they do not hear, understand and respond to the precious gospel of Jesus Christ. Beware of counterfeits lurking in the shadows of what God is doing!

Pray and ask God for discernment and protection in our time of great spiritual deception.

Thank God for opening your heart to the truth of the gospel and for His hand of protection, keeping us from being victims of the fowls of the air!

10/20 Psalm 3

PSALM 3

AUTHOR: David

The Story Behind the Psalm

This is a perpetuation of the events of Psalm 2. In the second Psalm, David has learned of the rebellion. In the third Psalm he is running from Absalom. He has left Jerusalem and the palace, and in perhaps the darkest hour of his life, he is fleeing to Mahanaim. This Psalm was probably written as he fled. As you read it, picture a brokenhearted father and a sad king who, after having stepped down from the throne, flees the battle rather than engage in warfare with his own son.

The Way It Was Used by God's People

The Jews would find pavilion in this Psalm when they were completely bewildered and confused. When the way ahead was foggy and they could not see clearly the path that God had for them, they would find great comfort in the words of David when he faced a similar fate.

A new word is introduced in this Psalm. The word is "selah." You will find it at the conclusion of verse 2, verse 4 and verse 8. It is a word that is used as a musical term, much like our musical term, "rest." How beautiful it is to know that when we are perplexed, when friends betray us and family disappoints us, there is still a rest in our God.

10/20 Today's Reading

Genesis 30:1-31:35, Psalm 37:1-11

10/20 North Point

Tuesday, October 20

What is the Kingdom of God Like?

“And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?” -- Mark 4:30

This verse contains a statement that illustrates the very essence of the Biblical parables: “With what comparison shall we compare it?” Parables take known, physical, and earthly examples to explain unknown, heavenly, and spiritual truths.

The kingdoms of this world (John 18:36; Rev. 11:15) are built by military might and economic leverage! Christ’s kingdom is totally different. Jesus stated to Pilate that His “kingdom is not of this world.” Instead of beginning with the military victory of one nation over another, or from a treaty, where already existent nations are then combined into a new entity, this kingdom began with thoroughly insignificant – nearly imperceptible – elements.

Christ’s church was purchased with His blood (Acts 20:28) on the cross of Calvary. He said in John 12:24 that “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” The seed was planted at Calvary and broke forth through the ground at His resurrection, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” (1 Cor. 15:20)

Then the “plant” began to multiply, as 120 disciples in the upper room became more than 3,000 on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:41. This growth has continued for nearly two thousand years, numbering many millions of people today. Yes, the kingdom of God is like the mustard seed in that it had an inauspicious and barely perceptible beginning, but is now in every nation of the world.

Praise God today for His power and working in choosing to use such humble beginnings to build His everlasting kingdom.

You may not see the Lord working today, but He is!

10/20 Daily in the Word

What is in Thine Hand?
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
by Dr. Paul Chappell

"And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee. And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it. And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand: That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee."

Exodus 4:1-5

God doesn't measure our usability by our talents but by our willingness to be used.

Have you ever heard the name of Bertoldo di Giovanni? If you are a fan of art, you might be surprised to not recognize him. Giovanni was the pupil of Donatello, arguably the most gifted sculptor of his time. Giovanni possessed unimaginable talent and skill, yet he is not remembered for any sculptings, paintings, or art pieces. He is remembered as the teacher of Michaelangelo. At age 14, Michaelangelo approached Giovanni and requested his help in training his artistic abilities. Realizing Michaelangelo was gifted beyond his age, Giovanni agreed.

Giovanni was different than many teachers of his day in that he didn't allow talented students to simply coast through classes. He was known as a strict instructor who pushed his students no matter their ability level. One day as he entered class, he noticed Michaelangelo working on a sculpture that was below his abilities. Giovanni marched over to Michaelangelo's station, grabbed the piece of pottery, and smashed it into a thousand pieces. He then made a statement that Michaelangelo never forgot: "Michaelangelo, talent is cheap; dedication is costly!"

Our world seems to value talent. Kids are scouted at young ages for sporting talent, people are elevated for their talent in different arenas, and those with the most talent seem to climb the corporate ladder the fastest. Talent has become something that parents hope to see in their children. But just as Giovanni stated, talent is cheap but dedication is costly.

In Christianity, talent is sometimes too highly regarded. People are praised for their fine singing voice, musical talent, ability to teach, or witnessing finesse. Yet God doesn't desire to simply use talented people; He wants to use every one of His children.

Our verses show us another one of Moses' apprehensions and excuses for not being able to face Pharaoh. "They will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice" (vs. 1). God then asked Moses what he held in his hand. In essence, God wanted to prove to Moses that it wasn't his ability, talents, or finesse that God was interested in, but his willingness to be used.

God didn't ask Moses to acquire some object so that God could use it; God used what Moses already possessed-his rod. Likewise, God doesn't require that we become skilled or talented in some area so that He may use us. He wants to use what we already have-what He has already given us.

Have you ever seen the talent of others and felt God couldn't use you? God doesn't measure our usability by our talents but by our willingness to be used. Do you want to be used by God? Then don't worry about mastering a skill or becoming better at something; simply submit to God's plan and allow Him to use you how He wants to.

What is in your hand today? How can God use you? Don't compare yourself with other people, but allow God to use you according to His perfect plan.

10/19 Fundamental Thoughts

“A Pastor’s Prayer”

                        

(2 Corinthians 13:5-10)  Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?  6  But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.  7  Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.  8  For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.  9  For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.  10  Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.  

              Re-read 2 Corinthians 13:5-10 above. These were farewell verse from Paul to the Church at Corinth.  This is not my farewell, but as we read these verses, I know that Paul was telling these people “my heart.”  I may not have prayed those exact words; however, God knows my heart and these words convey my thoughts.  

              If I could for a moment think about Job and, “how he prayed” for his children:

(Job 1:5)  And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

Don’t we all pray for our children for the same reason that Job stated? Consequently, our text from Paul is not only a “Pastor’s Prayer,” I believe it is also a “Parents Prayer.”

              Paul is talking to each of us, that we should avoid the sins of the world, and seek after righteousness.  Our problem is that we as individuals seek for others; our children and our grandchildren, yet, we try our best to leave “me” out of the equation.  

              When, if we really look at our heart, do we stand within the boundaries of righteousness or is our place looking and partaking of sin?  The problem we have is we know where we stand.  We pray for others to move and get right, but we stand fast regardless of our own knowledge.  

              Not only was Paul speaking for us, he is speaking to us.  Your Pastor (Paul) is praying for you to move into a closer relationship with Jesus, and pray while you move for your Pastor to have the strength and power and the wisdom to lead you.  Pray he will have a closer walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.  Paul has given us direction, “Examine yourselves…”  Then just do it.

Bro John R. E Chastain

10/17 Fundamental Thoughts

“Are You A Christian or Are You Half A Christian?”

(Mark 1:14-20)  Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15  And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel16  Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.  17  And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.  18  And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.  19  And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.  20  And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

            I am reading a book with an Introduction of a message by Bro Charles H. Spurgeon, an English preacher of the 19^th century. 

            He said “My brethren, we are not half Christians; that is the reason why we have not half success.  We are Chistianized, but I question whether we are thoroughly so.”

            His statement about being Christianized is the word I will use to help us understand our duty, “…Come ye after me…”  We as Christians do understand to some degree our responsibility to the Lord.  We understand we are to tithe. We acknowledge that we must support missions, support our church, and our Pastor. 

            However, when we look at our lives, we might find we are only a “half Christian.”  We may not refuse, but we step back from “…ye after me…”  We attempt to live a Christian life, but when the “wheel needs greasing,” we sometimes look to the Pastor or our pew neighbor to take up the slack.   We may place more importance on our secular worldly lives than we do on our responsibility to the Lord Jesus and His Father, our God in Heaven.

            I know, and I understand where we each are in our lives. We have to eat and pay rent, but we each must understand the necessity of following in the steps of our Lord Jesus.  He tells us He will make us fishers’ of men.  He will do that, though we may get to the realm of unwillingness to follow and be the best Christian we can be. 

            We must concern ourselves with lost souls.  We must concern ourselves with the growth of the brethren.  Where are you this hour?  Seek Him, and ask Him to help you do the whole job, and become a full Christian, not just a person who is “Christianized.”

Bro. John Chastain

10/17 Worse Than Your Fathers

Worse Than Your Fathers

Jeremiah 16:12
“And ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me:”

One of the greatest mistakes many people make when it comes to their weaknesses is thinking their weakness will not affect anyone else. There are many times we make decisions about what we want to do not realizing that our decisions may lead the next generation to the next level in that area.

God addressed this problem in the verse above. Notice the phrase, "And ye have done worse than your fathers..." As God laid the foundation for why He was going to judge this people, the one thing He brought to their attention was that they took the sins of their fathers to a new level. What their fathers had done in moderation, they were doing in excess.

This same philosophy is lived out today. This is why we must be careful about the decisions we make. We must always remember that, though we may never go into "deep" sin, the generation that follows us will take what we have done to a new level. We must be careful with every decision we make for there follows another generation who will take our weaknesses to another level.

Every pastor needs to be careful what he allows his church to do and in what direction he takes his church. Though some of the decisions pastors make may not be wrong, those decisions that skirt the line of wrong will lead the next generation to cross that line. In our music, we must be careful what we listen to because the generation to follow will take their music to a level to which we would not listen. Parents must be careful what they allow in their homes. Though what they do may not be bad, their children will likely go further than their parents would have been willing to go.

We must realize that the generation who follows us usually starts at our weakest level and proceeds from there. They usually go a level lower than where we are right now because what we do in moderation they will do in excess. Each of us needs to be very careful about the decisions we make and our actions. Let us remember that the next generation will take our weaknesses to another level.

Let's raise our standard of living instead of lowering our standard of living. Let's raise our spiritual expectations instead of lowering them. The next generation is watching us. Let's teach them to raise their standards instead of lowering their standards by showing them how we are raising our own standards.

10/13 North Point

Tuesday, October 13

Sower or Soils?

“Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:” -- Mark 4:3–5

This well known parable is given in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. It has been called the parable of the sower for many years. However, the real focus of this parable isn’t so much on the sower, the farmer planting seed, as it is on the different types of soil! The sower is consistent as he sows the same type of seed. The seed is the Word of God, Luke 8:11.

The variable in this parable is where the seeds land, the ground or the soil. This is not a parable about distribution as much as it is a parable about reception. Yes, we are in the seed sowing business, but what this parable is about is what happens after the seed is sown.

When a farmer plants seeds of the same kind into the same soil, he expects the same harvest. This parable is an important teaching concerning why, when we sow the same seed of the gospel, the Word of God, into people there are such radically different responses. Some “receive the Word with joy,” (Luke 8:13) but quickly fall away. Others just have the Word deflect off their path, making no connection at all and with the devil swooping in and taking away what was sown (Mark 4:15).

Is the Word, the “engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21) different? No, the sower and the seed are the same. The principle we draw from this is there is a difference in the soil!

Does the lack of reception of many people frustrate you? Learn today that not all the soil is the same!

Ask the Lord to enable you to be concerned more with faithfully sowing the seed of the Word of God than with the results. There is a difference in the soil!