Our 64th Year Occupied by Worries Your role UFOs, Comets and Cults . . .Looking for a Sign? Material Temptation Boycotting and Grandstanding Take your troubles to the Lord Call on the Lord Lessons of the child Time of Thanksgiving The Holiday Blues Prayer Failure
January
This issue begins the 64th year of publication for The Banner of Love.
The Banner of Love was originated by my grandfather, Elder Hard G. Richards upon the inspiration of his father, Elder Hamp Richards. My great grandfather Hamp had published a religious newspaper entitled "The Glad Tidings" which closed during the Great Depression. After the closing of "The Glad tidings" it was the desire of my grandfather to publish the "good news" of the Primitive Baptist people -- to publish news of meetings, deaths and articles of the rich doctrinal heritage of the church.
He insisted The Banner of Love not become a "battleground" of any disputes.
In attempting to follow this same philosophy over the years, we have tried to follow the scriptural themes given to The Banner of Love by my grandmother: Songs of Solomon 2:4 and Psalms 60:4 which we print at the top of each issue. We want this to truly be a "banner" of "love". We are not perfect, or even close to it, but our attempt is to keep articles in this newspaper confined to the "good news" of the people. We want you to have confidence that when you pick up an issue of the Banner of Love you know you will find news of comfort inside.
With the beginning of each year we attempt to rededicate ourselves to that cause, and apologize to our readers for when our efforts have failed.
As we begin this new year, we re-adopt two civil themes from past years in publishing this paper:
(1) we believe and encourage the First Amendment rights of the U.S. Constitution: freedom of religion, speech and the press. Nothing prevents us from believing as we choose. However, it is those basic civil rights that allow us, our writers, and our readers the privileges of publicly interpreting the Scriptures, writing, selecting, editing, and providing (hopefully with God's guidance and direction) the "good news" for the people.
A lot of countries today do not have those basic civil rights and are forced to privately or secretly worship in spirit and truth in order to avoid government prosecution. We thank the Lord for the blessings of the civil freedoms of this country to worship Him as we feel guided by Him, and not as required or interpreted by a government, other religious leaders, or false prophets.
We also believe in: (2) the separation of church and state. We will render under Ceasar that which is Ceasar's, but want to separately render unto the lord that which is the Lord's. See Mark 12:17. We strongly believe God-fearing individuals should be politically elected to lead our nations and communities. But individuals in government need to appreciate the teachings of Jesus that the creations of "Ceasar" must be kept separate and apart, as best as is possible, from the creations of God.
I hope and pray for the ability to teach my children the spirit and truth of God's word. I should do that in the home and through the church. I want them to be unashamed in proclaiming their faith in God, whether that occurs in church, in school or in government.
I hope to properly teach them about other religions and scriptural interpertations to which they will be exposed when others express their religious beliefs. But, I also want to feel secure that my children are not required by some authority to participate in activities or programs that I find unscriptural. There is a big difference between, on the one hand, being exposed to others exercising their religious beliefs, and being required to participate in that exercise.
These are fundamental civil rights that we find essential to our free and open exercise of our religious beliefs. Our approach to publishing this religious newspaper is founded on those civil rights.
We continue to ask and pray for the assistance and input of our dedicated and inspired writers and readers. We know our tasks are in vain unless it all results in the praise and glorification of the Lord.
We rededicate ourselves to those efforts and hope what we do provides rest and comfort for our readers.
February
I find myself worrying a lot. I try not to publicize my concerns. I generally keep such matters to myself, but my mind is constantly drifting off the subject I am supposed to be on, to worries about my life, my family and other matters that I prefer not to talk about.
I worry how I am going to get through the day and get accomplished all that is expected of me, or that I expect of myself. Or how I am going to solve a particular problem that I do not have the solution to, or do not have the financial resources to resolve.
I simply do not have the understanding to solve all my worries. And I cannot figure out how to get to the position in life I want to be. And I am impatient about it. I worry why I have gone this long in life and still worry about many of the same times that I promised myself I would have solved years ago.
I know I must be the only person in the world with the unique problems that I worry about.
When I was young (I mean young-er), I trusted in myself more than I do today. I have seen the time pass without my solving many of the things I intended to solve. Not all things in my life have gone as I originally dreamed they would. I worry about that now and whether I have failed because of these shortcomings.
My major problem is that I have placed too much trust in myself, and not enough in the one I should have in order to lead a more peaceful life.
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6.
I spend too much of my time worrying, and not enough time praying and trusting in the Lord. Too many times I am impatient, I want a problem solved right now, or I want the Lord to get it solved right now.
"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalms 27:14.
The Lord solves problems under His own schedule. And His schedule is always better than mine.
The Lord promised Abraham and Sarah a son "at a set time." Sarah worried that she was barren and did not trust the Lord, so she solved the problem herself by offering to Abraham Hagar to bear a son and Abraham accepted. But the Lord fulfilled His promise at the time he saw fit, and provided a son when Abraham and Sarah could not otherwise bear children.
The Apostle Paul had a "thorn in the flesh" and he wanted it out. The Lord did not remove it, but provided His grace in sufficient quality and quantity for Paul to live with the thorn. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9.
The Lord may not remove all the problems from our lives. But He can provide "grace sufficient" for us if we trust in Him and wait on Him.
We trust in the Lord by praying to Him, by reading about Him and by worship of Him. It is amazing what happens to our worries once we start placing our faith and trust in the Lord, seeking His guidance and then waiting on Him. Not all problems will be solved, and they may not all be solved like we would have them solved, nor on the schedule we would solve them.
But one thing praying and worshiping will bring instantly -- grace from the Lord sufficient for us to get past, see past or overcome our problems and our worries. We gain an understanding of our problems and of the world. We all have problems -- but none the Lord cannot solve -- on His schedule, by his methods. In the meantime, He will provide grace sufficient for us.
March
Have you decided what your role is? Have you decided what should be the role of those around you?
How do we decide what should be the place in the church of Christ for each of God’s chosen people? Have you looked at your church and determined who should have what jobs or assignments? How do we judge the level of involvement or participation of each member? Who gets the coveted roles, and who takes out the trash?
We all are different; we have different talents, different abilities, and different personalities. The Lord has blessed us differently, depending on His desires.
The 12th and 13th chapters of 1st Corinthians provides us some excellent guidance for the various roles of the members of the "body of Christ". We are all one body, but that body has many members. The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the church at Corinth, at the 12th chapter, uses several similes, or comparisons, to describe the various and differing gifts of the members of the church and that all are necessary.
Can we all be feet on the body? If so, who performs the role of the hand? If the body were all eyes, who would hear and who would smell?
The answer is clear and simple in the 18th verse of 1st Corinthians, chapter 12: "But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him."
Some are to prepare food, others to serve. Some are to clean, set up or take down tables.
We all have different roles. Some are to know church history and pass it along. Some are to provide encouragement and spiritual nourishment to the pastors and members in need. Some are to care for the finances, others to care and visit the sick.
As Paul tells us, the eye cannot say to the hand or the head to the feet, that there is no need of its services. And Paul emphasizes the need to recognize the less comely parts of the body, but those which provide vital functions to the overall operation.
"Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." 27th verse.
Paul asks the question: "Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?
Paul tells us to covet our best gifts, yet the 12th chapter closes with an unusual lead-in to the revealing 13th chapter: he will show us "a more excellent way." Paul is referring to a more excellent way of establishing our priorities. While our gifts in the church are important, he lays out in the 13th verse the spirit in which our gifts should be used.
"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." 1 Cor. 13:`1-3.
Paul tells us that charity involves long suffering and kindness; is without envy and vanity. A person with charity behaves properly, is not easily provoked and thinks no evil; but rejoices in truth. Charity bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things.
Paul is trying to teach us that our first priority should be love. Love in our use of our talents and gifts, and love in all our approaches to using our gifts in relation to those around us. Judging our fellow man remains the job of the Lord; our job is love, understanding and forebearance.
Paul points out a way of life far superior to having the best talents and abilities — in the manner with which we use whatever talent and ability has been provided to us; as well has our approach to others.
Your role is to be charitable with whatever talent you have. Approach all you do in the proper charitable mind and spirit. With a charitable heart, carrying out the trash is no problem — it’s who gets to it first. Charity recognizes the contributions of each person, however small or insignificant.
Charity never fails its role.
April
One night last month Melba and I took our two children (Reid 8 and Raye Marie 5) out late one night (not a school night) so that they could witness the viewing of the passing comet Hale-Bopp which was well publicized in the news. It was an interesting sight for all of us as we attempted to instruct our children as to what the comet was and provide them background. We viewed the comet through binoculars and really got a good view of its brightness and the flared tail of the comet.
The incident really came home to me when the news broke about the "Heaven’s Gate" religious group and the suicide of its 39 members in California. The so-called religious cult apparently viewed the Hale-Bopp comet as a sign of the nearing of the end of the world and the coming of Christ in the form of a UFO-type vehicle riding in the tail of the comet.
The "Heaven’s Gate" group had been following the teachings of its leader that the comet was the sign of the Second Coming for which they had long been waiting.
We all look for a sign from God. It's our basic human nature. We look for signs from the Lord as to our choices in life, our career decisions and in our every day affairs as to determining our future paths.
How many of us have asked the Lord to "give us a sign" so that we would know the proper decision we are to make. How many people today are looking for such signs for their future?
With all the media generated over the "Heaven’s Gate" incident, we have seen news media coverage of numerous other "cults" across the nation and world who have similar views. We know over the years of numerous other "cults" or religious groups who are guided by leaders who claim to know the exact location of the Second Coming of Christ, as well as the exact how and minute.
It seems there are a lot of people in this world searching for signs, and searching for identity of God and their saviour. And for each group, there is a leader who claims to know exactly when and where Christ will arrive. Most of these leaders claim to be Christ, or a messenger of Christ. The incident a couple of years ago in Waco was another example of group leaders claiming "divine" leadership.
I feel sad for these type of people. Moreso, I feel sad for their families who are now searching for the answers to what happened to their children, loved ones and friends.
What is the answer for these people. Why do these incidents occur? What is happening within these religious groups that causes such radical behavior as happened with the "Heaven’s Gate" group? How do we explain this type of behavior? It is on the television everyday in the form of the "psychic hotline" and its very popular with people looking for a "sign." People pay lots of money for others to give them a "sign" of their future.
The answer as to what is happening is simple. We have already been told about these type of incidents. If we are not aware of these matters, it is because we have not been reading the Bible. The best lesson we can pass along is to sit and actually read the Bible. These questions are answered. People looking for signs could save themselves time, trouble, stress and money by just reading the teachings of Christ on this subject.
The best lessons and preparation we can give our children is the instruction detailed for us in the teachings of Jesus. Begin with the 24th chapter of Matthew.
In the week following "palm" Sunday and the beginning of the trial, death and resurrection of Jesus, we are provided an incident where Jesus was responding to questions from his disciples. At the Mount of Olives the disciples asked him when would be the end of time and "what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"
That is the same question we all would like to know; and the same question that the "Heaven’s Gate" and other religious groups think they have answered. But Christ’s answer was different, but very clear and unmistakable.
"Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying I am Christ; and shall deceive many." Matt. 24:4-5.
In the 24th through 26th verses of Chapter 24 of Matthew, Jesus provides more instruction: "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
"Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not."
Jesus here is telling us about those who would deceive us, disguising themselves a Christ and telling us the exact location where Christ is or will arrive — whether that be an isolated field, mountain or in a UFO behind a comet. Do not believe them.
His reference to the statement that he has told us before refers to Matthew Chapter 12, beginning at verse 38 and continuing through the 41st verse. There, the scribes and Pharisees were interrogating Jesus and demanding a "sign" from him that he was the son of God.
"But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah:"
Jesus then describes the encounter of Jonah in which he spent three days in the whale’s belly before emerging. "So shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."
Christ is instructing here that the only "sign" we need is the sacrifice of himself in death, burial and resurrection. That is all we should look to. We do not need any other sign to know of our salvation.
Jesus’ resurrection is our sign, but when is the exact time and date of our salvation? Jesus answers that one too, and it is in clear language:
"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Matthew 24:36.
Jesus instructs us in verses 37-39 in comparison to the great flood of Noah in that no warning sign will be given:
"Watch ye therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." Matt. 24:42. "Therefore, be ye also ready: for in such hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." Matt. 24:44.
We do not know when Christ will come. We do not know the hour, date or place. Only God knows. We are told to conduct our lives every day as if it were the last day, but it will occur when we least expect it or are prepared for it.
We do not know the time or date (no man does) , and there will be no warning signs. In fact, we are told it will be in the "twinkling of an eye". 1 Corinthians 15:52.
A lot of answers for the problems of the day are answered in the Bible — yet that is the last source many people will look to. Turning back to regular Bible readings helps us confront these and other problems of the day. We all looks for signs and spend our time and money for signs. Instead we should look to the 2000 year old instruction in the Bible.
We are wasting our time in looking for a sign or in listening to these many false prophets who deceive us, scare us and lead us astray. Such stray beliefs keep us from enjoying the richness of the kingdom of God and the clear conscience gained through placing our faith in Christ, his sacrifice for us and his resurrection. We need no other gods and we need no other signs.
Read it yourself. Then read it to your kids and grandkids.
May
Immediate gratification. The human nature desires in us many times overrides our ability to see the benefits of the long term plains. When we can get immediate satisfaction of our human nature desires, we have difficulty waiting out long term moral benefits. Going to church on Sunday morning, even when we know it is good for us, many times may be overridden by our human nature desires to sleep late, lay around the house, or watch the early Sunday playoff game. When the Dallas Cowboys play the early game on a Sunday morning, temptation for immediate gratification too many times may interfere with our objective judgment about the need to attend church that day.
Have you ever had problems with being tempted to immediate gratification instead of doing what you know is right and responsible? Denying ourselves our immediate human desires to stay on course for proper long term goals has always been a problem for man. We get thrown off course of a long term plan because we are tempted by the offering of some immediate short-term material or worldly desire.
We have seen many examples of man’s problem with this. Major studies have proven that people in the United States cannot seem to save money for the long term is that the ability to have immediate cash for immediate fulfillment of material desires, through credit cards, jeopardizes a major need to save for future benefits for ourselves and our children. Too many people have jeopardized the fidelity of their marriage for the immediate satisfaction of an adulterous relationship to their later regret.
The short term benefits of desire gratification are never worth the loss we suffer to our long term goals. But it is a lesson we never seem to learn. That is one major reason that man is classified as a sinner by nature.
This did not start with our generation. This problem has been around a long time. Adam and Eve jeopardized their relationship with God for the desire for immediate gratification of "knowledge" through eating of the forbidden fruit. Probably the best example of throwing away the future for immediate gratification is that of Esau.
Esau’s long term portfolio looked good. He was the eldest son of Isaac and the grandson of Abraham. By virtue of his birth, he was due by tradition to inherit the lion’s share of his father’s estate and be blessed by his father for untold greatness. We learn in the 25th chapter of Genesis that Esau was a cunning hunter. He was loved greater by his father Isaac than was his younger brother, Jacob.
Esau had a substantial birthright, both in long-term material riches as well as heritage. He gave it all up for immediate gratification.
We are told beginning at Genesis 25:29, that Esau came in one day from the field and was extremely hungry. His brother Jacob had prepared food. Instead of trusting in the Lord for the benefits associated with the long term, Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for short-term gratification. Esau sold his entire birthright privileges for a quick meal.
Esau’s birthright was substantial. As the firstborn son, he was entitled to a double share of a child’s inheritance from the parent. He had many rights, but also many responsibilities, due him by virtue of birth. Esau, in fact, despised his birthright. Gen. 25:34. Esau quickly ignored his long-term for short-term gratification.
Esau thus rejected the important honors and responsibilities that were his by birth. What had been sacred, Esau made common — so common it could be exchanged for stew and bread.
Esau was so concerned for his immediate material and temporary desires, he prioritized them over the heritage and responsibilities of his birthright. Most important, Esau was rejecting, as foretold, his heirship to the Abraham covenant.
Hopefully, our lessons will not be as significant as Esau’s. However, it is important we learn from the lessons such as told regarding Esau. We should prioritize God’s instruction and reject those temptations of the day that cause us to focus on and seek other things.
Is a football game today more important than our responsibility to attend church, support it and meet our responsibilities to it? Is the instant gratification of an adulterous relationship worth the long term violation of God’s commandments and the pain it brings upon ourselves and the families involved? Is the temptation of immediate revenge more important than the duty of forgiveness with acquiescence for God to pass judgment?
June
It has been interesting over recent weeks of the publicity regarding the national convention meeting of one of the country’s a major religious denominations. Much news media focus was on the censure by the Southern Baptist Convention of a major movie and television producer.
The convention spent considerable time and attention to The Disney Company and some of that company’s policies regarding its employment and movie and television productions. The policies in question regarded allegations that Disney, through its employee policies and television productions, has a friendly attitude toward homosexuals.
These actions of Disney at issue were of such concern that the convention publicly censured Disney and voted to support a boycott of all Disney-related items. The position against Disney apparently was the major focal point of the meeting. News media was invited to attend and encouraged to publicize the censure.
I am very uncomfortable questioning actions with which I share some of the basic underlying concerns. Yet, I have a basic disagreement with such tactics. I am concerned that these actions are: (1) not in conformity with reactions we are taught to utilize in the Bible; (2) detrimental to the actual intended result hoped to be achieved; and (3) diversions from other issues that we should be addressing.
July
It is easy to let yourself get caught up in the troubles of this world. They are there, and they will always be there. The troubles seem to come often to us, and we can let ourselves get caught up in worry over them. Too many times we let ourselves get worried because we have let ourselves get caught up too much with the world.
We cannot eliminate the troubles, but we can have refuge from them. That is not always easy to see. And it is always easier to tell someone else that concept than it is to sell it to yourself.
All of us have our problems. We each are absolutely sure that our problems are greater than our neighbor’s. And it is easy for each of us to "sell short" our neighbor’s problems because we do not live with their problems day to day, but instead we compare ourselves with all the good and rich, material aspects of our neighbors.
When we get in the midst of a troubling situation — it may be medical sickness, a family member’s problem with marriage, alcohol or drugs, or one of our children’s or our own indiscretions or trespasses — our human nature desire is to feel sorry for ourselves and blame others. This puts us many times into depression and doubt. It is times like this when our faith is tested. We simply do not understand how we or our family ended up in this situation. We do not understand how the world can treat us so badly.
But it also is the time when our faith can rescue us.
First, we should not necessarily try to understand our problems. We will always have them, and many times we can make no connection between our actions and the troubles which besiege us. Worry will do us no good. Worry over ourselves, our children or in comparison with our neighbors. Jesus tells us this in the Sermon on the Mount.
In the 6th Chapter of Matthew, Jesus tells us how to trust our Master, not man. "Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body more than raiment? Matt. 6:25.
Jesus tells us to look to the birds in the air, and the lilies of the field. Jesus tells us that the Lord takes care of the birds, and he clothes the fields in grass. "Are ye not much better than they? — "Shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" See Matt 6:26-30.
And he tells us not to worry, that worry will accomplish nothing, and will not add one iota to our material wealth: "Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?" 6:27
"Therefore, take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? Or, What shall we drink? Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Matt. 6:31-34.
In Proverbs we are told to trust God, and not man, for our daily needs, and no to attempt to understand the world:
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6.
If you have a problem (or if your family or friends, church or acquaintances have problems), instead of worry take your requests in prayer to the Lord. You will find peace and solace there.
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ." Philippians 4:6-7.
August
"Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the Most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." --Psalm 50:14-15
There was a very popular movie of a few years back, with its popular theme song, based on the recurring chorus of: when you have troubles — "Who you gonna call?"
A lot of people in the world today have problems -- lots of problems -- and yet have no place to go. They have no one to call on.
And there are those of us who forget, or neglect, to honor, thank, and remember the one we do know we can call upon.
The Bible provides us lots of reminders of where we can go to get comfort from our problems. Somehow we do not always get the message and need to remind ourselves. We neglect to read the Bible and it works to our detriment.
A lot of us today simply get too busy to read the Bible; we get too tied up to go to church. There are so many distractions in the world that take our attention. We find ourselves trying to find help for ourselves in the world — which is the place that causes us all our problems.
In browsing through a large bookstore recently I found myself in the "self-help" section of the store. There were literally hundreds of books there providing guidance for us in our daily lives. Most of the books provided instruction on ways we can address our problems in the world. In looking through some of the books, it was obvious the authors were sincere in trying to provide help people with their day-to-day problems. Yet in buying and studying these books, we thus fail to utilize the best and most simple tool we have to combat and address our day-to-day problems — whether the problems are financial, family or work.
Hundreds of us daily look for, and purchase, the words and advice of complete strangers in our efforts to solve our problems. We are looking for easy ways — quick ways — to solve problems created within our lives over the years. We overlook the obvious.
A major answer for us is neglected in our search for an instructional book for our daily lives. For all the self-help books read — how many people put the same effort into reading the Bible? We will spend our money on enough books to match the Bible’s length, yet we fail to turn open the Bible and read Proverbs — which provides us more simple, straight-forward instruction for our day-to-day lives than any self-help book.
Most people know the Bible has "good stuff" in it. But neglect to actually sit down with it and start reading. In doing so, we would find it has simple solutions: "Cast thy burdens upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22. "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7.
In the Bible we find simple instructions that actually work in reality. For example, when we find ourselves troubled, we first should talk directly to the Lord. That guidance is given throughout the Scriptures. It is simple, yet effective: We should cast upon him our problems. The use of the avenue of prayer is very therapeutic.
Then one of the next best things we can do is to move to helping others. Find someone with a problem — that is never very hard because it usually is almost any neighbor. Try to find a way to help out a friend — or a stranger. Find a way to provide help to the sick or the poor. It is amazing how you come at ease with your own problems when you start helping others with theirs. It is a simple device — a quick solution -- that comes directly from the Bible:
"Blessed be God, even the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
It seems we have gotten away from the advice of our forefathers. We do not make Bible reading a regular part of our lives. It is just not "convenient". Yet we would find more comforting stories, more inspiration, and more answers -- simple answers -- than in all the other books we can find.
Pick up your Bible tonight. If you do not have a starting place, start with Proverbs. If you want other inspiration, read the greatest sermon ever preached — Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount at Matthew chapters 5-6-7. It is easy, understandable reading, yet full of practical instruction.
Lay the Bible on the den table, or beside the bed and plan to read one chapter before you go to bed tonight. Start reading the Bible and you will not wonder who you need to call upon in times of trouble.
September
Some of the most important lessons we can learn in this life, are taught to us through the analogy to a child.
However, even as adults we need continued reminders of this simple truth. Jesus provided us several excellent lessons utilizing analogies that place us in the roles as a child. It is a simple, easy to understand concept, yet we do not always seem to get, or keep, this concept in mind.
The example of children are such good examples of explaining what our relationship should be with the Lord. If we place ourselves as "children" in our day-to-day activities and worship of the Lord, then we better prepare ourselves to do as the Lord has instructed us to fully enjoy His Kingdom of Heaven.
If we note the instruction of Jesus, beginning with his teachings to his disciples in the book of Matthew, this point is made very clearly. Jesus took many opportunities to discuss the role of humility in our lives, and he used the example of children to do it.
Being humble is not our nature. We are independent and our pride and egos get in the way of our ability to "be as little children."
A good lesson in this is taught beginning at the 18th verse of Matthew. His disciples have approached Jesus, asking him to tell them, by name, who among them is the "greatest" in the kingdom of heaven. That is not a question of humility. It is a question of pride and ego. In responding, Jesus used the analogy of children.
"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 18:1-4.
"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." Matt. 18:5-6.
The disciples were in a contest among themselves as to who could elevate themselves to be the greatest. Jesus responded with a lesson in humility. It is a lesson we need to learn and keep all our lives — yet it goes directly again our ingrained desire of pride and ego. Humility is something we must learn and re-learn daily. Jesus is telling us we must convert our thinking process as to our basic approach in life. We must develop a new attitude, a complete new mindset.
As children, we should "desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby." 1 Peter 2:2. Like children, we should void our thinking of the offensive and malicious concepts that we find ourselves doing as adults. 1 Cor. 14:20.
David provided us similar teachings in the Psalms at chapter 131.
"Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things to high for me. Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child. Let Israel hope in the Lord from henceforth and for ever."
Jesus tells us that without our becoming as a little child, we shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. We therefore must place ourselves in relationship with the Lord, as a child is with its parents. We should be humble and in full trust and reliance upon the Lord for our daily needs. By humbling ourselves in every aspect of our lives, Jesus tells us we place ourselves in the position of our original question -- how do we become the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Follow that with the instruction that we are to "receive" and treat "such little child" i the name of Jesus, because in doing so, we are receiving Jesus himself. Matt. 18:5.
Whatever kindness we bestow upon a child of the Lord, it is as if we are bestowing that kindness directly upon the Lord. Jesus tells us he takes our actions upon others personally, as if it were directed at him. If Christ were with us in the flesh today, we would take it upon ourselves to constantly find good things to do for him. We should do that daily to those around us, because in doing so, we are doing it directly to Him.
October
With this next month, we enter into what is referred as the traditional holiday season. November traditionally kicks off the holiday season with expectations and hopes high for family time at thanksgiving, Christmas and the coming new year.
We should be reminded daily, but especially at this season, of our duty of thanksgiving. We are reminded constantly throughout the Bible of our role in pausing constantly to express our thanks for our blessings. This season emphasizes what our commitment to that should be.
"O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever." Psalms 136:1.
We have numerous lessons and duties taught to us throughout the Bible. We are taught numerous lessons through historical stories, through the 10 Commandments, through the prophets and through Jesus’ sermons and lectures, and through the writings of the apostles about our duties. None is taught more significantly than our duty of giving thanks for the mercy and kindness of the Lord.
Giving thanks should be foremost on our minds — prior to asking for future special gifts or individual needs. How many times have we heard ourselves think about a "deal" we will make with the Lord if he will grant our special desire. "Lord, if you will give me this I will forever thank you." We each hate to admit that we all have had such thoughts.
There should be no thoughts of such deals, there should be no prior thoughts other than thanksgiving.
"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world." Rom. 1:8.
November
It’s the holiday season again. This is the time of fun, cheer, parties and rejoicing.
At least, that’s the official position.
But we know its a time of trouble for many. A lot of people are lonely. They live by themselves, or perceive themselves to be alone.
We put a lot of pressure on ourselves at this time of year. We feel great pressure to go out and buy "joy" for our friends and families. Many of us go into debt in an effort to buy that happiness. Many others would gladly pay just to get some company, or companionship.
It can be a tough time for a lot of people, but especially for those who have lost loved ones because the holidays create lonely memories.
But our Lord is a "father to the fatherless, and a judge of the widows." "God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are in chains..." Psalms 68:5-6.
Do something different this holiday season. Try charity.
Who ever you are, where ever you are, and what ever your circumstance, give of yourself this holiday. Look around you — someone needs help — maybe an encouraging word, maybe a goodwill visit, maybe a hot meal, maybe just a smile and a greeting to someone who is discouraged.
My dad used to tell me that a smile cannot be given away, because it is always given right back to you. I have always found that to be true.
"And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." 1 Peter 4:8-10.
Remember as a child the past Christmases and birthdays. Can you remember the exact presents you received? Do you remember those personal contacts with a mother, father, grandfather, grandmother or close friend? Do you remember that personal note of good cheer you received from a close friend — or from someone you did not think was that close?
Most of us remember those times when our parents gave to us themselves rather than a present.
Give yourself this year. Do something personal for your family or a friend or neighbor. (When was the last time you when caroling to an elderly person’s home?, or carried them homemade bread or soup or a turkey and spent a few minutes encouraging them?).
You may have sufficient money and other resources. You may be eloquent of speech, you may be powerful in the world — but without charity you are nothing.
"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and have all knowledge; and tough I have all faith, so that could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing." ! Cor. 13:1-2.
"...now abideth faith, hope and charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." 1 Cor. 13:13.
Make this holiday season one to remember for someone, including yourself. Focus on someone else’s happiness, resolve to cure someone else’s loneliness, provide a hot meal for someone else’s tummy.
The main person you help when you forget yourself and focus on others — is yourself. Treat yourself to happy holidays — by making it happy for someone else. Turn a blue holiday into a bright and encouraging holiday.
December
Ever experience prayer failure?
Do you ever feel you simply cannot pray. Sometimes our best words fail us. At other times we just simply cannot find the right combination of words that justify a prayer to our Lord.
Sometimes we simply feel too humble to pray. Sometimes our mind cannot get itself clear to pray — we cannot get ourselves clear from our muddled thoughts.
It is embarrassing to admit that we do not know how to pray. Prayer should be simple. However, each of us knows praying is not always simple.
Too many times we acquaint praying with public speaking. If we are not good public speakers, then we assume we are not good prayers.
Other times we are embarrassed to admit that we pray. We are embarrassed to let people see us praying, or hear us praying. That would imply weakness in ourselves. If we feel the need to pray, then that is an admission that we cannot solve our own problems.
We are embarrassed to let others in the world know that we pray. However, we will pull the covers over our heads at night and pray for the help we need to cope with the world.
We see this a lot in our children who are many times embarrassed to utter a public prayer. But those of us who are no longer "children" among our peers, are still children of the Lord. We may have some "fallback" public prayers we can use in emergency situations when we are asked without notice to pray over a meal; but at most other times fail to find the right words to express our true needs.
Prayer is an unusual vehicle the Lord has provided us. Most of us do not feel capable of praying in the manner that we know a "good prayer" deserves.
Most of the time we all experience what we believe is prayer failure. Or at least we think we have prayer failure.
I know I am many times inspired by the public prayers we have in our church services prior to the preaching service. Those that best inspire me are probably those which the person praying has no knowledge of its impact on me. I seem to be most inspired by those who later will tell you they think they are weak in prayer.
But, in my opinion, nothing can replace a simple prayer, by an humble person (one who is afraid they cannot pray, but acknowledges needed help from the Lord), who may not have all the eloquences of our more famous public speakers — but is sincere in effort.
That is one of the points of prayer. We do not know who we impact. We do not know how the Lord is using our prayer, our manner of speech, or who the Lord is impacting through us. At points when we feel the weakest may the Lord is using our very prayer for tremendous impact on a single individual in our audience.
That is because we are not alone in our prayers. Never. (Or as my daughter Raye says: never, never, never, never, never). Our Lord uses us in ways mysterious to us. He also intercedes in our prayers in ways that make our humble prayers makes sense even when the words do not.
Prayer is an unusual tool the Lord has provided for our use and His. His Spirit helps us in our weaknesses — even at times when we know what we want to say, but our weak bodies do not verbally communicate as well as we think is needed. The Lord does not need our words. He does not even need our language. He looks directly into our hearts. He also impacts the hearts and lives of those around us through our prayers.
"...the spirits also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession fore us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." Rom. 8:26-27.
The Lord knows what we need before we ask. We may not physically be able to utter anything more that groanings, but the Lord takes those groanings for the heart that is behind them. Those groanings may significantly impact a specific person who hears them even though the audible words have no ordinary meaning.
We may think we have prayer failure from time to time. The Lord does not. Our avenue of prayer is our direct hotline to Him and we should use it — regardless of our ability to "say the right words", or even any words at all.
I thank the Lord he has given us prayer. I do not know how I would make it day to day without it.
We may find ourselves embarrassed at our weak ability at public prayer, but we should never forget that the Lord may be using our public "groanings" for purposes that we know nothing about.
We may think we have no ability at private prayer. The Lord tells us otherwise. He looks to our hearts and already know what we need.