mess

I recently heard the following story:

“My daughter Michelle is the commander of a Coast Guard Cutter. When she gave my husband Bob a tour of her ship, he was impressed by the neatness of all decks.

“However, when Bob went to Michelle's house with her, he couldn't believe the disorganization. ‘Why is everything in its place on your ship,’ he asked, ‘but your house is such a mess?’

“‘My house,’ Michelle said, ‘does not take 30-degree rolls.’”

I found the story quite humorous, but it made me wonder. How often do others notice that things are just fine in our workplace, but not at home? Things may be “in its place” at work (and elsewhere), but at home things are “a mess.” One of the saddest passages in the Bible is found in I Samuel 8:1-3:

“Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel…But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.”

Here was Samuel – a great prophet, one of the greatest men in the Bible, arguably one of the godliest men in all of history, but his sons didn’t follow after his example. Some commentators have speculated that it was at least partly due to the fact that Samuel traveled around Israel fulfilling his responsibilities as a prophet (I Sam. 7:15-16), neglecting his family in the process.

It’s a problem that everyone who works struggles with, but especially preachers because we often view our work as being done “for God” so we feel justified in pouring more of our time and effort into our work. But there is always the danger -- the temptation – that we may be neglecting things at home.

Early in my ministry, my wife used to complain, “You always have time for anybody else who comes to you with a problem, but you can’t find time for me.” There were times she was right. I felt compelled to make sure that everything was in order at “work”, but I sometimes allowed things at home to be a “mess.” I’m sure there were many times my children felt the same way. I would like to think that I’ve learned from my mistakes and have a better balance now.

My message today comes with an encouragement for all of you who work to make an assessment of your own. Are you more interested in keeping things in order at work than you are at home? 

May God help each of us as we strive to fulfill our God-given responsibilities to our spouses and children.

sinking

"Beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me." — Matthew 14:30

Sinking times are praying times with the Lord's servants. 

Peter neglected prayer at starting upon his venturous journey, but when he began to sink his danger made him a suppliant, and his cry though late was not too late. 

In our hours of bodily pain and mental anguish, we find ourselves as naturally driven to prayer as the wreck is driven upon the shore by the waves. The fox hies to its hole for protection; the bird flies to the wood for shelter; and even so the tried believer hastens to the mercy seat for safety.

Heaven's great harbour of refuge is All-prayer; thousands of weather-beaten vessels have found a haven there, and the moment a storm comes on, it is wise for us to make for it with all sail. 

Short prayers are long enough.

There were but three words in the petition which Peter gasped out, but they were sufficient for his purpose. Not length but strength is desirable. A sense of need is a mighty teacher of brevity. If our prayers had less of the tail feathers of pride and more wing they would be all the better. 

Verbiage is to devotion as chaff to the wheat. 

Precious things lie in small compass, and all that is real prayer in many a long address might have been uttered in a petition as short as that of Peter.

Our extremities are the Lord's opportunities. 

Immediately a keen sense of danger forces an anxious cry from us the ear of Jesus hears, and with him ear and heart go together, and the hand does not long linger. At the last moment we appeal to our Master, but his swift hand makes up for our delays by instant and effectual action. 

Are we nearly engulfed by the boisterous waters of affliction? 

Let us then lift up our souls unto our Saviour, and we may rest assured that he will not suffer us to perish. 

When we can do nothing Jesus can do all things; let us enlist his powerful aid upon our side, and all will be well.

-charles spurgeon 

mighty

By the words "to save" we understand the whole of the great work of salvation, from the first holy desire onward to complete sanctification. 

The words are multum in parro: indeed, here is all mercy in one word. Christ is not only "mighty to save" those who repent, but he is able to make men repent. He will carry those to heaven who believe; but he is, moreover, mighty to give men new hearts and to work faith in them. He is mighty to make the man who hates holiness love it, and to constrain the despiser of his name to bend the knee before him. 

Nay, this is not all the meaning, for the divine power is equally seen in the after-work. 

The life of a believer is a series of miracles wrought by "the Mighty God." The bush burns, but is not consumed. He is mighty to keep his people holy after he has made them so, and to preserve them in his fear and love until he consummates their spiritual existence in heaven. Christ's might doth not lie in making a believer and then leaving him to shift for himself; but he who begins the good work carries it on; he who imparts the first germ of life in the dead soul, prolongs the divine existence, and strengthens it until it bursts asunder every bond of sin, and the soul leaps from earth, perfected in glory. 

Believer, here is encouragement. Art thou praying for some beloved one? Oh, give not up thy prayers, for Christ is "mighty to save." You are powerless to reclaim the rebel, but your Lord is Almighty. Lay hold on that mighty arm, and rouse it to put forth its strength. 

Does your own case trouble you? Fear not, for his strength is sufficient for you. Whether to begin with others, or to carry on the work in you, Jesus is "mighty to save;" the best proof of which lies in the fact that he has saved you. 

What a thousand mercies that you have not found him mighty to destroy!

-charles spurgeon

...cup

Christian! here is all thou canst require. 

To make thee happy thou wantest something that shall satisfy thee; and is not this enough? 

If thou canst pour this promise into thy cup, wilt thou not say, with David, "My cup runneth over; I have more than heart can wish"? 

When this is fulfilled, "I am thy God", art thou not possessor of all things? 

Desire is insatiable as death, but he who filleth all in all can fill it. 

The capacity of our wishes who can measure? but the immeasurable wealth of God can more than overflow it. I ask thee if thou art not complete when God is thine? Dost thou want anything but God? Is not his all-sufficiency enough to satisfy thee if all else should fail? But thou wantest more than quiet satisfaction; thou desirest rapturous delight. 

Come, soul, here is music fit for heaven in this thy portion, for God is the Maker of Heaven. 

Not all the music blown from sweet instruments, or drawn from living strings, can yield such melody as this sweet promise, "I will be their God." Here is a deep sea of bliss, a shoreless ocean of delight; come, bathe thy spirit in it; swim an age, and thou shalt find no shore; dive throughout eternity, and thou shalt find no bottom. "I will be their God." If this do not make thine eyes sparkle, and thy heart beat high with bliss, then assuredly thy soul is not in a healthy state. 

But thou wantest more than present delights-thou cravest something concerning which thou mayest exercise hope; and what more canst thou hope for than the fulfilment of this great promise, "I will be their God"? This is the masterpiece of all the promises; its enjoyment makes a heaven below, and will make a heaven above. Dwell in the light of thy Lord, and let thy soul be always ravished with his love. Get out the marrow and fatness which this portion yields thee. Live up to thy privileges, and rejoice with unspeakable joy.

echoes

In his book Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, author Charles Swindoll shares the following:  " A young boy lived with his grandfather on the top of a mountain in the Swiss Alps. Often, just to hear the sound of his own voice echoing back to him, he would go outside, cup his hands around his mouth, and shout, "HELLO!" Up from the canyons the reply reverberated, "HELLO... HELLO... hello... hello..." Then he would call out, "I LOVE YOU... I LOVE YOU... I love you... I love you..." " One day the boy seriously misbehaved and his grandfather disciplined him severely. Reacting violently, the child shook his fist and screamed, "I HATE YOU!" To his surprise, the rocks and boulders across the mountainside responded in kind: "I HATE YOU... I HATE YOU... I HATE YOU... I hate you... I hate you..." " And so it is in life. We get in return exactly what we give. It all comes back. If we wish for a marriage that is gracious, loving, and supportive, the feelings must be reciprocal. For a friendship to exist, the relationship must be a two-way street " If you want others to judge and condemn you, you start it. If you want them to be understanding, broad-minded, and loving--then begin by being that way yourself. Jesus best exemplied the law of echoes when He said,  "Treat men exactly as you would like them to treat you...Don't judge other people and you will not be judged yourselves. Don't condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive others and people will forgive you. Give and men will give to you... For whatever measure you use with other people, they will use in their dealings with you" (Luke 6:31, 37-38, PHILLIPS).  " Today, remember that our deeds and words serve as echoes to those around us. May our lives echo the love and grace of our loving God.

duty

In 1805 Admiral Lord Nelson sailed his Intrepid British Fleet to engage the French and Spaniards at the Battle of Trafalgar. At the start of the fight, Nelson ran up a signal on his flagship "Victory" which said, "England expects every man to do his duty." And as he later that same day lay dying on the deck of "Victory", wounded by a sharpshooter from an enemy ship, he said, "Thank God, I have done my duty." Here was a man with a tremendous sense of responsibility and accountability to his nation. He expected all the men under his command to have that same feeling. For believers everywhere there is an even more encompassing call to duty found in Solomon's words, "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)  We are in a great battle today for the hearts and minds of people. Are we doing our duty?

dishonesty

The president of a large international construction company was once asked why his company did not work in countries where bribes and graft were a way of life. 

He responded, "We never build in those countries, no matter how profitable the project may appear, because we can't afford to. If my employees know we are acting dishonestly, they will eventually become thieves. Their dishonesty will ultimately cost us more than we could ever earn on a project." 

Dishonesty can be disguised in many ways, from telling "white lies" to elaborate govenment cover-ups. As leaders and members of society, we are to hold a higher standard, setting an example of honesty in our personal and professional lives. Solomon in his wisdom speaks strongly concerning dishonesty: 

"For the crooked man is an abomination to the Lord; but He is intimate with the upright" (Proverbs 3:32).

"The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death" (Proverbs 21:6).

"He who profits illicitly troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live" (Proverbs 15:27). 

As God's children, let's strive each day to flee from dishonesty in its various shapes and forms.

direction

Dr. Billy Graham tells of a time early in his ministry when he arrived in a small town to preach at the First Baptist Church. 

Wanting to mail a letter, he asked a young boy where the post office was. When the boy had told him, Dr. Graham thanked him and said, "If you'll come to the Baptist church this evening, you can hear me telling everyone how to get to Heaven" 

"I don't think I'll be there," the boy said. "You don't even know your way to the post office!" 

For the believer, it's reassuring to know that Jesus did know the way to Heaven when he said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. 

No one goes to the Father except by me." (John 14:6) 

He had been there and would provide the way to the Father by His death on a cross and His resurrection from the dead. So if you want to know how to get to Heaven, stick with the One who has been there, visited us here on earth, and then proved to us the way back by resurrecting from the dead.

difficulty

One of the world's greatest pianists was told he could never become competent on the piano because the middle fingers of his hands were too short. In spite of this handicap, for decades Ignace Ian Paderewski stunned the world with his amazing talents. Paderewski had started his piano lessons at age six, and even when his teacher discouraged him, he refused to give up. He also became one of Poland's most beloved sons, who was largely responsible for that nation again becoming independent at the end of World War I. Difficulty never stopped this amazing man. Difficulties can bring out the best in us. James reminds us "Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life" (James 1, The Message).

determined

Among other qualities of personal character, what makes a man great is his determination to keep going. Most sports buffs know that from 1960 to 1966, the record for the most stolen bases was held by the incredible Maury Wills. In 1962, he set the club record for the Dodgers: 104 stolen bases in one season. But Maury Wills set another record in those years. A record probably obscured by his other accomplishments. A rather dubious record, for in 1965, a year in which he again held high honors for the most stolen bases he also took top billing for the most times caught stealing in a single season. He was thrown out thirty-one times that year. But...he got back up, and that's why we remember him. Proverbs 24:16 tells us "For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises agan."  Today, remember that just because you fall down, it doesn't mean you have to stay there. Pick yourself up and allow God to use you to be the wonderful creation He made you to be.

details

Several years ago Vice President Dan Quayle was on the campaign trail in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois for then-Representative Lynn Martin. Organizers of the political rally got schoolchildren excused from school for the motorcade parade for the Vice President. They encouraged the youngsters to wave and cheer when the motorcade came by, and they did. They indeed did wave and heartily cheered. The only trouble was the first motorcade to come by was a funeral! Details make a difference. Jesus paid attention to details. In the push of the crowd, Jesus asked His disciples "who touched me?" They said how could they tell with such a large crowd pushing against them? The smallest of details never got past Jesus. For you today, don't take for granted the small details of your life. If you don't, mistakes can be made.

defection

I was reading recently that Yale University had celebrated its 287th anniversary. The article recounted how the school was started in Killingworth, Connecticut by Congregationalists who were dissatisfied with the growing liberalism at nearby Harvard University. Some 40-plus years later, the school moved to New Haven, Connecticut and was renamed Yale in honor of Elihu Yale. Both Harvard and Yale were schools founded by Christians to offer education for ministry. It is amazing how these schools, once founded on Christian principles, have defected from the Christian faith and Biblical authority. Jude's call must be answered in all areas today, when he said "Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). We must earnestly speak out and up for our faith. If we don't, churches, schools, and institutions can lose their focus and faith.

darkness

Back when electricity was first being introduced to a little Scottish village, almost everybody in a particular church switched from the propane lanterns to electricity just as soon as it could be hooked up. 

However, the oldest couple in the congregation couldn't get their electricity because they were waiting for the poles to go up and the wire to be strung. So they continued to use their propane lanterns.

The day finally came when the electricity was brought into their home. Everyone came for the festive event. The old man waited for it to get extra dark; then he told his wife to go turn on the switch. 

When she did, the light filled the room, and everyone rejoiced. The old man grinned from ear to ear, picked up a propane lamp and said, "It sure makes lighting my lamps easier." And with that he lit a lamp, and his wife turned off the electricity. 

Sometimes we're just like that. We can't see the light for our need to hang on to the darkness of our past. We have eyes that grope in a fog that never lifts. 

However, Jesus Christ comes to us at the darkest parts of our lives, wanting to chase away our darkness with His light. John tells us that "In him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness..." (John 1:4:5a). 

Unfortunately, too many people today choose to hold on to the their darkness, rather than be illuminated by the love of Christ.

content

Former pro quarterback Kenny Stabler once said, "In the NFL, there are 25 guys who can throw better than I can. But I can make guys win." I guess that's what it comes down to, isn't it? Being able to win. In the NFL, as in life, content is more valuable than form.

There was once a district manager of a chain of retail stores whose managers were rewarded financially for outstanding sales performance. He recently made the comment, "A number of managers try to score points with me by having the most tidy store—as if that will make up for lack of profit."

People have a tendency to value form over content. Most real estate professionals will tell you that on a percentage basis, a new coat of paint will increase a home's selling price far more than new plumbing will.

This is a trap we must refuse to be caught in. In the Old Testament, we are reminded that God's priorities are different than ours. God said to Samuel...

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).

We may sometimes allow ourselves to be satisfied with good form—a handsome family, a nice car, a pretty house, a good job, a respectable religious affiliation, a dignified manner of worship—but God reminds us that the content of our lives is much more important than surface level appearances. Samuel said...

"To obey is better than sacrifice" (1 Samuel 15:22).

Our ongoing challenge is to strive to improve the content of our lives, rather than merely settling for good form. It means that we should make it our aim—in our family, in our career, in our relationship with God—to live life from the inside out.

conscience

 In their book Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, Dr. Paul Brand and Philip Yancey write:

"Amputees often experience some sensation of a phantom limb. Somewhere, locked in their brains, a memory lingers of the nonexistent hand or leg. Invisible toes curl, imaginary hands grasp things, a 'leg' feels so sturdy a patient may try to stand on it. 

For a few, the experience includes pain. 

Doctors watch helplessly, for the part of the body screaming for attention does not exist.

One such patient was my medical school administrator, Mr. Barwick, who had a serious and painful circulation problem in his leg but refused to allow the recommended amputation. As the pain grew worse, Barwick grew bitter. "I hate it! I hate it!" he would mutter about the leg. At last he relented and told the doctor, "I can't stand it anymore. I'm through with that leg. Take it off," Surgery was scheduled immediately. Before the operation, however, Barwick asked the doctor, "What do you do with legs after they're removed?" 

"We may take a biopsy or explore them a bit, but afterwards we incinerate them," the doctor replied.

Barwick proceeded with a bizarre request: "I would like you to preserve my leg in a pickling jar. I will install it on my mantle shelf. Then, as I sit in my armchair, I will taunt that leg, 'Hah! You can't hurt me anymore!'" 

Ultimately, he got his wish. But the despised leg had the last laugh. Barwick suffered phantom limb pain of the worst degree. The wound healed, but he could feel the torturous pressure of the swelling as the muscles cramped, and he had no prospect of relief. He had hated his leg with such intensity that the pain had unaccountably lodged permanently in his brain." 

Phantom limb pain provides great insight into the human conscience. Christians can be obsessed by the memory of some sin committed years ago. It never leaves them, crippling ministries, devotional lives, and relationships with other people.They live in fear someone will discover their past, so they work overtime proving to God they're truly repentant and erecting barriers against the enveloping, loving grace of God. 

Unless we experience the truth of 1 John 3:19-20 that "God is greater than our conscience," we can become as pitiful as poor Mr. Barwick, shaking a fist in fury at the pickled leg on the mantle.

common

"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought." (1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV) 

Dr. George Truett once told the story about an old gentleman visiting a well-known art gallery one day, gazing earnestly at a picture of Christ on the Cross. Involuntarily, the man was so moved that he sighed quietly, "Bless Him! I love Him!"

A stranger standing nearby overheard the old man. Taking the old gentleman by the hand, the stranger said, "Brother, I love Him, too." Then a third and a fourth person joined them and soon there was a small crowd standing before the picture and worshiping Him who they adored. 

They were drawn together by their common love of the crucified Saviour. 

No matter our differences of opinions or religious heritages, we all can find a common ground at the foot of the Cross of our Saviour.

meaning

In the popular Hi and Lois comic strip, the writer often puts into words what is in the mind of the little baby girl who is the pride of the family. During a comic strip that appeared during the Christmas season, the little girl is pictured as thinking, "I sure do love Christmas, boy do I love Christmas. I don't know what it's all about yet, but I sure do love it."     Many are in the same boat as this little girl. They enjoy Christmas, but they just don't know what it's all about. Think how much more enjoyment they would receive if they understood the full significance of Christmas!     The significance of this holiday is embodied in the words of some angels who said, "for today in the City of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11).

choose

Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, made headlines last year with the story of Donald Wyman.

Wyman was by himself in the woods when he was pinned by a falling tree. For several hours he attempted to free himself with no success, and no one responded to his frantic pleas for help. In shock from a broken leg and with nothing but his pocket knife, Wyman amputated his own leg, turnicated it with his belt, dragged himself to his pickup, and drove to the Punxsutawney hospital.

When he was interviewed later by the media, he said, “It was a terrible ordeal...I had a life-and-death decision, and that was my only choice — life or death. I have so much to live for that I did the only thing I could — I chose life.”

    

Moses, in his final message to the Israelites told them that they too had to make a choice. He said, “...I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you might live.” (Deuteronomy 29:30). 

We have a choice to make, either life or death. If we choose life in Christ, we can live full, abundant, eternal lives — because “He who has the Son has life.” (1 John 5:12). But if we choose life without Christ, we will miss blessings and fulfilled lives.

    

As we stand on the threshold of a eternity , we must know that have a choice to make that will determine our eternity. 

I hope you will join me, and choose life!

character

I just love the comic strips in the newspaper. My all time favorite comic strip is Calvin and Hobbes. Calvin is always getting himself in trouble, or going on adventures with his friend and stuffed tiger Hobbes.

I have many favorite strips throughout the life of this strip. One of those favorite is the character building times in Calvin's life. Calvin complains about doing work and his dad always says it builds character.

There is one such moment, however, when Calvin and his family are going on a camping trip and Calvin starts sharing his thoughts while his dad rows them in a canoe toward an island they will be staying on. Calvin says, "Remember last year, when it rained all week? It poured so hard we couldn't even make a fire. Without question, that was one of the worst experiences of my life." Calvin's dad says, "Yes, but it built character." And Calvin said, "Why can't I ever build character in a Miami condo or a casino somewhere?"

Building character is not an easy thing. 

We have to go through many hardships in our lives to build character.  This is especially true in the Christian life.  Hardship can only build a Christlike character.  If we were to get the wish of Calvin throughout our lifetime, the luxury would not build character, but rather an independent life. We should rely on Christ through the hardships and sufferings.

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:1-4

change

As a minister, early in my ministry I had the erronious notion that it was my job to change people. But as time passes and brings wisdom, it became apparent that I cannot change anyone. Only as a person is exposed to God's Word and His agent the Holy Spirit does one change.      You may be familiar with the Serenity Prayer: "God, Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference." It has been around so long that we overlook its timeless wisdom and insight. Recently, I came across a variation: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the person I cannot change, The courage to change the person I can, And the wisdom to know that I am that person" Now I know that I can only change me. That change comes when God's powerful word gets into my heart and the Holy Spirit brings it out into my life. Then change occurs for God's glory, not mine. As Paul reminded Timothy, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (1 Timothy 3:16-17). Any changes needed in your life? Let God's Word instruct you and God's Spirit to empower you to the change that is needed!

chance

Chance put Enlil-Bani on the Babylonian throne. 

According to custom, once a year the king would appoint a "mock" king for a day, after which the appointee would be sacrificed to the gods. King Erra-Imitti appointed his gardener to be the "King for a day" as part of a New Year's celebration. However, Erra Imitti died during the celebration, making Enlil-Bani the permanent ruler. History records he remained on the throne for 24 years.

Chance has little or no effect on the believer. 

The Bible tells us that God is in charge of His children's lives. We need not have a fear of the future because God has promised that we can be strong and secure. He said "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). No matter what we face, we can be sure God is watching over us.

captives

During World War II, General George Patton embodied the American Spirit. 

His legacy inspired stories, folklore, and a popular movie about his life. Known as "Old Blood and Guts", his ambition and drive led one of the most successful campaigns of the war. His Seventh Army swept across Sicily with precision maneuvers and speed, and his Third Army gained more ground and took more prisoners than any other army in modern history.

As impressive as Patton's armies were, believers are equipped and battle-ready to do more than Patton dreamed. 

Paul reminded the Corinthian believers that the "weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 

We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:4-5NASV).

Do you need to take some prisoners in your life? 

Take those thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ today.

bitterness

In his book, "Lee: The Last Years", Charles Bracelen Flood reports that after the Civil War, Robert E. Lee visited a Kentucky lady who took him to the remains of a grand old tree in front of her house. 

There she bitterly cried that its limbs and trunk had been destroyed by Federal Artillery fire. She looked to Lee for a word condemning the North or at least sympathizing with her loss.

After a brief silence, Lee said, "Cut it down, my dear Madam, and forget it."

It is better to forgive the injustices of the past than to allow them to remain, let bitterness take root, and poison the rest of our life. 

Today, cut down the trees of bitterness that remain in your heart from hurts of the past.

betrayal

At the start of the Revolutionary War, the governor of New Jersey was a Tory, giving aid to the British. He was arrested by the Revolutionary Congress of New Jersey and imprisoned. His life was spared because of the reverence the colonists had for his father. 

He was exchanged for Americans held prisoner by the British, and sailed for England to live. The Tory was William Franklin, son of Benjamin Franklin. 

Benjamin Franklin was not the first to feel betrayed by someone he loved. 

Jesus knew the pain of betrayal. The night before His crucifixion he took His disciples into an upper room and identified His betrayer. The disciples were confused and questioned Him as to the identity of the person. J

esus revealed it to be Judas. 

Afterwards Jesus said, "How the Son of Man will be given glory, and He will bring glory to God" (John 13:31). 

His betrayal brought glory to God. 

behaviour

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." (Colossians 3:17 (NASV)) 

In his book What It Means to Be Real, Stuart Briscoe states that his motivation to join the Marines was "Their magnificent dress uniforms". He thought that once he joined that he would get one of those uniforms immediately. But they didn't give him one. When he asked about it they told him, "You are a Marine. The moment you walked through the gates, you became a Marine. You are a Marine to stay." 

Briscoe said, "Give me another uniform". 

They replied, "You are not fit to wear one yet. We will have to do something about your back, about your chest, and about your shoulders. We will have to teach you how to march, how to walk, how to look like a Marine. Then you can wear the uniform." 

Briscoe observed, "I was a Marine the moment I was sworn into that position, but it took me a long, long time to wear the uniform". 

For many of us we were washed and inducted into God's Army. 

But we are still learning how to behave in a Christian way. 

Let's take Paul's advice and live our lives as soldiers of God.

autograph

This past week Jamie, our Associate Minister and University of North Carolina alumnus, received a surprise letter. He had written to former University of North Carolina Men's Basketball Coach Dean Smith following his retirement several months ago, congratulating him on his 37 years of coaching and his record as the all-time winningest coach in the history of college basketball. 

After returning from a camping trip, to his astonishment Jamie had received a personal letter from Coach Smith, thanking him for the letter he had received and wishing Jamie well in the ministry. 

Needless to say, Jamie was excited when he saw the handwritten autograph from Coach Smith at the close of the letter. 

In life, people can be excited about and even make hobbies out of collecting autographs of famous people. God has left His autograph for everyone to see. 

Our God has opened His heart to His people in what we call the Bible. His Word is a love letter to us, signed through the hands of those He inspired through generations. 

From Abraham to Moses, from David to Paul, God has left his autograph to be viewed by all. In 2 Timothy 3:16, the apostle Paul tells us the Bible is "God-breathed" and the most valuable autograph of all. 

Today, take time to thank God for signing His Word on our hearts.

attitude

In the book entitled, "God's Little Devotion Book for Students", the following story is relayed:

Long ago, a band of minstrels lived in a faraway land. They traveled from town to town singing and playing their music in hopes of making a living. They had not been doing well financially, however. Times were hard and the common people had little money to spend on concerts, even though their fee was small.

The group met one evening to discuss their plight. "I see no reason for opening tonight," one said. "It's snowing and no one will come out on a night like this."

Another said, "I agree. Last night we performed for just a handful. Even fewer will come tonight."

The leader of the troupe responded, "I know you are discouraged. I am too, but we have a responsibility to those who might come. We will go on, and we will do the best job that we are capable of doing. It is not the fault of those who come that others do not. They should not be punished with less than our best."

Heartened by his words, the minstrels gave their best performance ever. After the show, the old man called his troupe to him again. In his hand was a note, handed to him by one of the audience members just before the doors closed behind him. Slowly the man read, "Thank you for a beautiful performance." It was signed simply, "Your King."

The apostle Paul states in 1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 

Everything we do on this earth should be done as if God Himself were the benefactor of our efforts. Our King is with us each day, so let us live our lives for Christ not as a performance, but genuinely out of Christian love.

anger

A recent study conducted has shown that heightened anger physically affects one's ability to be rational. When we are angry or fearful, our adrenaline flows faster and our strength increases by about 20 percent. 

The liver, pumping sugar into the bloodstream, demands more oxygen from the heart and lungs. The veins become enlarged and the blood supply to the problem-solving part of the brain is severely decreased because, under stress, a greater portion of blood is diverted to the body's extremities.

George Odiarne, a management consultant, says, "This is an emotional condition that the person is in, and it means that, while he's beautifully equipped for a brawl, he's very poorly equipped to get a problem solved".

Interesting findings, don't you think? 

The author of Proverbs, however, recognized the effects of anger long before any scientific studies were conducted, and he paints a beautiful portrait of anger in reference to the Christian. Proverbs 14:29 states, "He who is slow to anger is of great understanding," but on the other side of the scale, Proverbs 25:28 says, "Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit." 

Our God is patient with us when we are angry and, as a result, are led to sin. The apostle Paul also understood the dangers of anger when he said in Ephesians 4:26 "Be angry, but do not sin."

It is easy for Satan to use our emotions against God and others, which is why Paul also instructs us to "not give the devil a foothold." 

Today, let's make a commitment to put away angry thoughts or feelings and live the obedient, rational-thinking life God has called us into.

afflictions

Billy Graham told the story of a friend he knew who during a time of hardship lost his job, a fortune, a wife, and a home. 

But he held tenaciously to his faith--the only thing he had left.

One day he stopped to watch some men doing stonework on a huge church. One of them was chiseling a triangular piece of stone. "What are you going to do with that?", asked the friend. The workman said, "See that little opening way up there near the spine? Well, I'm shaping this down here, so it will fit in up there." 

To the friend, it was as though God had spoken to his heart through the workman to explain his ordeal he was currently experiencing. "I'm shaping you down here, so you'll fit in up there." 

Our experiences on earth may be the means that God is using to shape us. 

Paul said, "For momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison" (2 Corinthians 4:17). 

All of our afflictions help us fit in up there in glory.

ambition

A young boy complained to his father that most of the church hymns were boring and old-fashioned, with tiresome words that meant little to his generation. 

His father challenged him with these words: "If you think you can write better hymns, why don't you?" 

The boy accepted the challenge, went to his room, and wrote his first hymn. The year was 1690, and the young man was Isaac Watts. Among his 350 hymns are "Joy to the World," "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," "I Sing the Almighty Power of God," and many other classics. 

Like Isaac Watts over three centuries ago, we as God's children are to live with determination. We may never write a hymn, but we can challenge others and live to exalt our Savior Jesus Christ. 

As the apostle Paul once wrote, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20 NIV). The Christian's goal to live a life of faith in God that blesses others is an ambition which should never be a secret to anyone.

adversity

 A traveler through the countryside of Italy stopped and watched with curiosity as a lumberjack occasionally jabbed his sharp hook into a log, separating it from the others that were floating down the mountain stream. 

The traveler asked why he did that, and the worker replied, "These may all look alike to you, but a few of them are quite different. The ones I let pass are from trees that grew in a valley where they were always protected from the storms. Their grain is coarse. 

The ones I've hooked and kept apart from the rest come from high up on the mountains. From the time they were small, they were beaten by strong winds. This toughens the trees and gives them a fine and beautiful grain. We save them for choice work. They're too good to make into plain lumber."

James reminds us of such truth when he wrote "My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything." (James 1:2-4) The adversity we face makes us just too good to be plain.

acquittal

A teacher once told each of her students to bring a clear plastic bag and a sack of potatoes to school. For every person they refuse to forgive in their life’s experience, they chose a potato, wrote on it the name and date, and put it in the plastic bag. Some of their bags were quite heavy. 

They were then told to carry this bag with them everywhere for one week, putting it beside their bed at night, on the car seat when driving, next to their desk at work. 

The hassle of lugging this around with them made it clear what a weight they were carrying spiritually, and how they had to pay attention to it all the time to not forget and keep leaving it in embarrassing places. Naturally, the condition of the potatoes deteriorated to a nasty smelly slime. This was a great metaphor for the price we pay for keeping our pain and heavy negativity! Too often we think of being acquitted as a gift to the other person, and it clearly is for ourselves! 

Praise the LORD, O my soul;

      all my inmost being, 

      praise his holy name.

Praise the LORD, O my soul, 

      and forget not all his benefits 

      who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 

      who redeems your life from the pit 

      and crowns you with love and compassion, 

      who satisfies your desires with good things 

      so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 

                  (Psalm 103:1-5)

?advice

Years ago, there was lady by the name of Billie Burke who was a famous actress. On one occasion, she was traveling across the ocean on a ship when she noticed that a gentleman at the next table was suffering from a bad head cold. She asked him, "Are you uncomfortable?" The man nodded.

She said, "I'll tell you just what to do about it. Go back to your room and drink lots of orange juice. Take two aspirins. Cover yourself with all the blankets you can find. Sweat the cold out. I know just what I'm talking about. I'm Billie Burke from Hollywood."

The man smiled and said, "Thanks." Then he added, "By the way, I'm Dr. Mayo from the Mayo Clinic."

I don't know about you, but when it comes to medical matters, I would prefer to take the advice of an esteemed doctor over that of a famous actress. Likewise, when it comes to spiritual matters, we have a choice.

We can look to celebrities. We can look to those we regard as "wise." We can look to the stars (astrology). We can even look to the angels. Or we can look to Jesus Christ. It shouldn't be a difficult choice.

Jesus Christ is superior in every way. He is the Son of God, the Lord of lords and King of kings. He is God. He creates, sustains, governs, redeems and cleanses us of sin. He is the one to be worshiped by the angels and all the other creatures of the universe. He is omniscient, omnipotent, unchanging and eternal. 

Why would you look anywhere else?

Jesus said to him, 

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)

eyes

There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She

hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see the world, I will marry you.' 

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend. 

He asked her, 'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him. 

Her boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine.' 

This is how the human brain often works when our status changes. Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations. 

Life Is a Gift