May 11 prepared for battle

 Prepared for battle.    Proverbs 21:31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.  I understand during World War 2 a popular song was titled, “Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition.”  Someone has said, “Pray like it depends on God.  Then work like it depends on you.”  The idea is we are to be productive.  We are to take precautions.  We are to think, plan and take action.  But we are not to leave God out of our preparation and work.  After all, without His blessings we cannot be victorious.  Neither you nor I could get much done if we consciously had to tell our body what to do.  Eyes, see.  Ears, listen.  Heart, beat.  Lungs, breathe.  Hands pick up.  Feet move the body.  Digestive tract, digest food.  By time I told all these parts to function it would be time to tell the heart to beat again.  And the lungs to breathe again.  And so on.  I would be so busy keeping my body going I wouldn’t have time to accomplish anything else. Fortunately, we are blessed with the gift of an autonomous body.  We are to make preparation, but we must also realize that without the blessing of the Lord we are doomed to failure.  Ecclesiastes 9:11  I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. Ultimately the Lord is in control.  Living in His favor brings blessings.  Romans 8:31  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? However, we can also say, “If God be against us who can be for us?”  We are to be prepared for battle. Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Ephesians 6:11  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Prepare for battle for the enemy is real.  But also put your faith in the Lord.  He is the only one who can give us victory. 

 Pricked in the heart.  Acts 2:37  Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?   The preaching of the cross causes different reactions among those who hear it.  For many people it is foolishness.  1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. Foolishness to some.  The power of God to others.  For some the Word of God warms their heart.  Luke 24:32  And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?  On the Sunday Christ arose He walked with two of His followers several miles without them knowing it was Jesus.  He quoted Old Testament Scripture to them pertaining to His life, death, and resurrection.  Then He disappeared when He blessed the food they were about to eat.  I pray that when I preach the Holy Spirit will give the same heart burn to those attending the service.  Whether others receive or reject the Good News it is our Lord’s command that Christians tell others that Jesus saves.  Acts 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  The message we are to communicate is eternal life is found in turning to Jesus.  John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. There is great joy for both the teller and the hearer when a person hears, believes, repents, and receives Christ. John 1:12  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:  Have you received Him? 

 The baby died.  King David lusted after another man's wife and had an affair.  She became pregnant.  David had her husband called to Jerusalem to report to him how the battle was going.  The real reason for him to come to Jerusalem was for him to go home and be intimate with his wife so he would think she was pregnant with his child.  However, the soldier, Uriah, did not go home.  He slept with the kings’ servants as he felt guilty going home while his fellow soldiers were on the battlefront.  The next day David got Uriah drunk thinking he would go home.  Again, he did not go home.  In anger and desperation David had Uriah deliver a letter to his General instructing the General to have Uriah deserted in the heat of a battle so he would die.  Uriah was deserted and killed. The Lord sent Nathan to show David the error of his way and when David realized how sinful he had been he repented.  The Lord forgave David however the consequence of the sins was the child was to die. 2 Samuel 12:13-14 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. 14  Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.  The child became sick.   2 Samuel 12:16-17  David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. 17  And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them. Judgment had been pronounced.  The child died.  David then got up and ate and resumed his responsibilities.  There are consequences for sin.  It wasn’t the child’s fault he went to an early grave.  However, David said he would go to be with him someday. 2 Samuel 12:22-23  And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? 23  But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.  David wanted the child to live.  God said “No.”  Your prayer has power however you cannot command God.  David believed the child went to be with the Lord and knew that someday he (David) would go to him. Psalm 23:6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Will you live with the Lord forever? 

 The Backpack.  A man I know asked the vendor at the flea market if she had any backpacks.  She said “yes” and went and got one.  She said he could buy it for $3.00.  He looked at her and said, “Is that a fair price?”  She looked at him in disbelief and said, “Do you think that is too much?”  His answer.  “No that is too little.”  She couldn’t believe what he said.  She told him he could pay her more if he wanted to.  He told her he did, and he bought it for more than the asking price. Why?  Because to him he would be cheating her if he bought it at the price she asked.  What is wrong with him?  Perhaps I should say, “What is right with him?”  You see while the world is “dog eat dog” the heart filled with Christ should say, “What is fair?”  WWJD?  What would Jesus do?  No, it would not be wrong to pay the asking price.  He could have done so with a clear conscience.  Well, sort of.  His heart told him to be fair so he would not have a clear conscience if he had bought it for $3.00.    Matthew 7:12  Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.  This is a poor example of what I am trying to say but I hope you get the point.  Fair is fair.  Treat others with fairness. Has Jesus treated us with fairness?  NO!  He has not been fair at all.  He was sinless.  We are full of sin.  Fairness would have been to let us die in our sins and go to hell.  But Jesus wasn’t fair.  He died so that we can live.  Eternally.  1 Peter 3:18  For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:    He was unfair because He loves us.  Now the same Holy Spirit that brought Jesus from death back to life lives within the Christian.  The Holy Spirit and His Word the Bible guide our steps.  Showing us right from wrong.  Teaching us to be fair even when others are not fair with us.  Matthew 6:12  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  Mark 11:25   And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. In Christ we are different.  We read our Bible, attend a Bible teaching church and ask His Holy Spirit to direct our steps.  Will you obey even if it means doing something unnatural? 

 The birth of a church.   Several years before I came to be pastor of our church it and another church about 20 miles away saw the need to begin a new church about halfway between the two.  This was a growing community with much potential.  The two churches worked with our Baptist Association and prayed about beginning a new church.  Through love and cooperation, a new church was planted. That church is doing well.  That is how a new church should begin.  Many times churches are begun out of conflict. God will bless the effort to evangelize the world and feed the sheep in both churches, but Satan has a grand time causing hard feelings. And squabbles just hurt the churches reputation.  I suppose there will be church conflict until Jesus comes back to set up His kingdom.  Even in the Bible we see conflict and division.   Acts 15:37-40  And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38  But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went notwith them to the work. 39  And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; 40  And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.  On their first missionary journey Mark went with Paul and Barnabas.  However, Mark departed the journey and went home.  Acts 13:13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.  I don’t know why John Mark went home.  All we know is Paul did not appreciate his deserting his post. Now when ready to go out again Paul did not want Mark to go with them. Barnabas wanted Mark to go. They could not come to an agreement.  So, they went their separate ways.  Now the Lord has two teams serving him instead of one.  In later years Paul requested that Mark come minister to  him.  2 Timothy 4:11  Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.  Somewhere along the way Paul and Mark reconciled their differences.  We will have different opinions.  That is simply life.  We must learn how to have mercy and patience and agree to agreeably disagree.  Don’t let Satan cause you to ruin your witness for Christ.  Sometimes the ideas of others are better than yours.  Don’t be hurt or upset.  What is the goal?  Moving forward to serve our Lord.  If the mission is accomplished that is all that matters.  Our Lord can do much if we don’t care who gets the credit. 

 The pole climber.  For over 20 years I climbed telephone poles for a living.  Cable TV construction, installation, maintenance and managing. I knew I was straining my knees.  I basically laughed it off and said, “I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.”  I kicked the can down the road.  I was young and stupid. Finally, I came to that bridge.  My knees are giving me trouble for some odd reason.  I knew knee abuse would someday catch up with me, but I was more interested in earning a living and providing for my family than worrying about what may happen tomorrow.  I find in life that many people have a similar attitude towards God and salvation.  I’m busy.  I’m having too much fun.  Let me live my life and when I am old and unable to have any fun I will get my heart right with God.  That is a lie Satan has trapped many people with.  I assure you very few of the people who have their shoes removed by the undertaker put their shoes on thinking someone else would take them off.  We take life for granted.  We take God for granted.   There comes a time when the can can no longer be kicked down the road.  When God knocks on the door of your heart it’s best to open the door.  Revelation 3:20  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.    Is He convicting you to repent?  2 Corinthians 6:2 …(behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Please repent and receive Him while you can. John 1:12  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: 

 The rejected gift.  Cain and Abel came to worship the Lord.  Both brought offerings to the Lord.  The Lord accepted Abel’s gift but rejected Cain’s gift.    Genesis 4:3-5  And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. 4  And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5  But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.    In a sense you could say both brothers came to church.  Both brothers brought an offering to the Lord.  Cain’s was fruit of the ground.  Abel’s was a firstborn of his flock.  You would think God was pleased both men came to worship Him.  But the Lord had set up a standard.  Their parents, Adam and Eve, broke God’s law in eating the forbidden fruit and were guilty of sin.  The Lord confronted them in their shame. They confessed their sin.  In mercy He forgave them.  Jesus provided animal skins to replace the fig leaves they made for clothing.  Genesis 3:21  Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. In sacrificing the animals for the clothes, the Lord taught Adam and Eve that in order to have forgiveness from sin an innocent animal must have his blood shed.  Hebrews 9:22 …without shedding of blood is no remission. Whereas Cain brought an offering it was rejected because it had no blood.  Cain became wroth and killed his brother Abel.  Jesus, the final sacrifice for sin, died a bloody death.  Whipped with a whip that tore chunks of flesh out.  Thorns pressed into His head.  Nails in His wrists and feet.  And finally a spear stuck through His side.  Blood was everywhere.  Jesus is the final sacrificial lamb.  Man continues to bring sacrifices to God.  But God looks at the heart of the giver.  Has your heart been cleansed by the blood of Jesus?  Hebrews 13:12   Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.  Cain rejected God’s law and ended up a marked man.  Instead of rejecting God’s grace, will you repent and put your trust in Jesus? 

 The roll of the eyes.  It was unintentional.  I try to respect everyone’s right to their opinion.  Even if I disagree.  I believe I should be kind, patient, quiet and listen with an open mind.  She was a church member who has gone to be with the Lord since this happened.  She said, “Brother Tom I would like to talk to you about climate change.”  I rolled my eyes. Not intentional.  I wasn’t even aware of doing it.  Said she, “I can see that you already disagree with me because you rolled your eyes.”  I was disappointed in myself. Yes, there are topics I have looked into and prayed about and have firm conclusions in my mind, however I also acknowledge my Lord may think otherwise.  I must be open to both sides of a subject and realize that sometimes I am wrong. It is good to get much counsel because only one side of the story can sound good and be wrong.  Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.  There are two sides to every story.  The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins. Proverbs 18:17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. I was willing to patiently let my friend speak her heart on the subject of climate change without interrupting her.  Then I would consider what she said and compare it to my thoughts and either agree with her or kindly express my view in a noncombative way.  Sometimes our body language speaks louder than our words.  Jesus disagreed with the Jewish leaders on many subjects.  He always presented the truth even if He offended the others.  May you and I live a life filled with prayer.  A life filled with Bible study.  A life that produces the fruits of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Christinas should not hate those who disagree with us.  We should try to understand why they believe what they believe.  Then we must compare what they believe to what the Bible and the Holy Spirit teach us.  We are not always right.  Christians were terrified when they learned the newly converted Saul of Tarsus was in town.  It took a long time for some of them to trust him.  We all have our opinions.  We will never see eye to eye with everyone.  May we kindly stand up for what we believe is truth and not seek hatful vengeance on those who disagree with us. 

 The shirt. My two daughters gave me a beautiful shirt with the American flag, an eagle on front and a motorcycle rider under the eagle.  Very colorful but not my style.  Especially the motorcycle rider who resembled an out-law biker.  But I was grateful for the shirt and occasionally wear it.  Almost always when I wear it, I get complements.  It is very American, and I am thankful to be an American.  One of our church members graduated to Heaven.  She and her husband were bikers.  For her visitation the night before the funeral her husband asked me if I could wear something less formal than a suit.  I showed him my shirt. His face lit up.  “That’s perfect.” he said.  I was a bit uncomfortable wearing it, but it was his request and I wanted to accommodate him.  Then he asked me to wear it to preach her funeral.  That shirt?  Instead of a coat and tie?  Yes.  Well, again wanting to minister to his need I preached her funeral wearing that shirt.  After all the funeral is more for the living than for the deceased.  Now what is my point?  We need to be open to the needs of others.  What I would think is normal someone else may think too formal.  My heart's desire is to bring others to Christ.  To inspire and encourage Christians to walk close with their Lord.  To do that I must be flexible.  Paul put it this way:  1 Corinthians 9:19-23 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20  And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21  To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22  To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23  And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. We are not to compromise our beliefs; however, we can better identify with some people by dressing more like them, riding with them, eating with them, socializing with them, hanging out with them and in general being sensitive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Again, not compromise our witness and principles.  But be flexible enough to find common ground with all men so that we may win some to the Lord. 

 The unpainted square.  World events are making many of us look up to the Lord.  We live in times when Bible prophesy is coming to pass.  Many of us Christians believe the next thing that will happen prophetically will be the trumpet call and the shout of the archangel and the Christians will be taken up into Heaven.   1 Thessalonians 4:16-17  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. This event will happen quicker than you can blink your eye.   1 Corinthians 15:51-52  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  Christians need to be living for Jesus so that we are not surprised when He calls us home.  Now the world events are also causing many of our Jewish friends to look up also.  They are expecting their Messiah to appear.  A Jewish family we were blessed to visit in their home in Israel showed us an unpainted square on their living room wall.  It was about two feet by two feet. It is their custom to not complete their home until Messiah arrives.  They believe his coming will be soon and they will paint this square.  Are you as excited about what is happening as they are?  Many of us Christians believe the son of Satan will arrive after the Christians are taken up to Heaven and those left behind will believe this Antichrist is Christ.  2 Thessalonians 2:8-9  And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9  Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,  Things are stirring.  Anticipation is in the air.  Christian, read your Bible. Attend a Bible teaching church where you feel the Holy Spirit of God warming your heart.  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. Redeem the time you have left.  Ephesians 5:16  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Now is not the time to be sleeping.  Now is the time for us to be busy doing what Jesus has called and equipped us to do.