Pummeled By Pickles

For some of you "pickle haters" out there, this story may be too much for you to read. For those of us who enjoy a good pickle (such as myself), this report out of Niles, Michigan will be good for a laugh. For those of you who despise pickles to their very core -- if they had a core -- this may disturb you.

Two friends became involved in an altercation that will go down in the court logs as one of the strangest ever. Jody Lee complained to friend Bobby Lee Bolen when Bolen went to Lee's refrigerator and began eating pickles. Lee told Bolen that he could not afford to feed everyone. Bolen proceeded to storm out of the house, only to return moments later. He grabbed two more pickles and threw them at Lee, yelling something to the effect of, "Here are your pickles!" (edited for profanity).

Bolen was arrested and imprisoned for 54 days on charges of assault......with pickles. If only he had used the sweet kind. Surprisingly, alcohol was involved (tongue firmly implanted in cheek).

I know for some of you, being attacked with pickles would be a fate worse than death. How silly, though, is the behavior of Mr. Bolen? Perhaps we understand even more fully in cases such as this what God meant when he breathed the following words through the writing of Solomon:

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
Proverbs 20:1, NKJV

Be sober friend -- both in mind and in body -- and your regrets will be far fewer.

r2

Keep That Chin Up, And That Nose Down

I once got in a wee bit of trouble with a brother when I said I was "proud" of a certain group of folks for their attitude and commitment. His objection was that the Bible says we shouldn't be full of pride. That brief discussion made me realize there needs to be some teaching on this matter.

Is there any any distinction made between being puffed up with pride and being proud of something or someone? Consider these points:

1. There is no doubt that being "puffed up" with a haughty sense of pride is condemned by the word of God (cf. Proverbs 21:4; Habakkuk 2:4; Luke 18:11).


2. There is a sense in which we can rightfully praise a group or individual for their character or accomplishments. Consider the manner in which Paul began most of his God-breathed epistles to the churches of Christ in the first century (cf. Philippians 1:1-11; Colossians 1:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10). This amounts to paying someone a compliment.

Certainly, when we do recognize others for their accomplishments, character, or service, we should emulate the apostle's method of recognizing in truth that ultimately the glory belongs to the Lord. Pride becomes a problem when it seeks to elevate oneself above others. On more rare occasions, pride may even be an issue when it comes to our children, grandchildren, or some other close family member.

Someone has said, "Pride is a good thing to have. Be sure, however, it is the kind that keeps your chin up and not your nose."

I would say that sums it up rather well.

r2

Freshly Brewed Coffee, And Philosophy While You Wait

While waiting on a cup of coffee in downtown Birmingham two months ago, I picked up a half-page flier printed on glossy card stock. It was an advertisement for I'll Make You Love Me, a monologue show written by J'Mel Davidson and directed by Doug O'Neil. By the way, I have no clue who these folks are....just reading what it says on the flier.

The photo (inset at right) shows a parent and an infant child in silhouette with the following statement superimposed: "Love means never having to be accountable for your actions."

When I picked the card up out of sheer curiosity, I turned it over and discovered that the show was being presented by The Feminist Dedutante Guild. I must confess, I have no clue what constitutes a "Feminist Dedutante."

So, what about that statement: "Love means never having to be accountable for your actions." Is there any validity to that? I submit we should consult the very source, the very personification (so to speak) of love -- Almighty God. What does God's word say about love and its relationship to our actions and accountability therefor?

Does God love us even when our actions do not align with his will? "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8, ESV). So, the answer is yes...God loves us even when we stand in rebellion to him. However, that does not mean he loves -- or even approves of -- our actions. Will we be accountable for our unrighteous actions even though God clearly declares his love for us in the midst thereof? Consider the following:

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak."
Matthew 12:36, ESV

So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Romans 14:12, ESV

The time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead."
1 Peter 4:3-5, ESV

Some of us have become so accustomed to justice bending to the will of the accused that we actually believe the Judge of all mankind will follow suit. Let me assure you, dear reader friend, that God will execute perfect justice. His love and mercy will reign on that day for those covered in the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb. For those who have left this realm unprepared and unredeemed, though he love them, they will be held accountable for their unholy actions.

Notwithstanding the Birmingham Feminist Dedutante Guild's propaganda, love means the opportunity to serve a God who is willing to forgive upon our repentance (2 Peter 3:9). God's love does not somehow cancel the righteous and just facets of his nature which demand holiness (1 Peter 1:16).

Interesting what you can learn while waiting on a cup of coffee, isn't it?

r2

Highlights From The 2007 Cold Harbor Lectureship Book

The eleventh year of the Cold Harbor Lectureship will feature relevant topics, qualified speakers, and outstanding singing. Every year, we publish a book to go along with the oral lectures. The speakers spend great amounts of time in authoring manuscripts several months before they ever step behind the microphone to deliver their message.

Whether you hear these lectures in-person (obviously the ideal), via the live broadcast on the Cold Harbor website, or on a set of DVDs or CDs, you will be greatly enriched by having the corresponding manuscripts. Several of our speakers will change their oral presentation to such as degree that you will benefit doubly by both hearing and reading the information they provide.

The following are just a handful of quotes from some of the authors in this year's book:

"The essence of wisdom is to learn of the ways of God as revealed in His divine inspired word and apply its contents to life." ~ Jimmy Clark

"It is becoming harder and harder as a Christian to be a patriot of this nation. The more man enacts laws legalizing and legitimizing abortion, homosexual behavior, etc., the more difficult it is to be a supportive, loyal citizen of this country." ~ David Sain

"Let us be reminded: The faithful Christian is obsessed! A radical! A fanatic! A revolutionary! Christianity is their vocation (their work and other activities are their avocation). The dedicate, determined, zealous follower of God will not allow anything or anyone to come between him and his charted course." ~ Paul Sain

"In becoming like God we do what honors and glorifies God. In becoming like God we do what is ultimately best for us. In becoming like God we do what is ultimately best for those around us. We must learn to be like God, learn to imitate the nature and character of God in every respect possible. In brief, we are to take his nature, copy it, and make it our own." ~Jody Apple

"Conscience is not our morals or ethics. Conscience is that facet of our minds that tells us that we ought to do right, but it does not tell us what right is. We are taught right by hearing God's word." ~ Glenn Colley

"Fearing God should cause us to obey him, not from abject terror, but from a healthy respect built on understanding. We owe him respect as the Almighty Creator. He has shown that he is fair, loving, understanding, wise, and consistent." ~ Nick Genter

"Thankfully, when a mother trains a child to live for God, the child usually chooses a Godly life. Such a life is the natural result of training arising from a mother's immense love. It is a love that encompasses kindness, patience, and endurance. It is a sacrificial love that is not irritable or resentful. Rather, it is defined by all that is hopeful and good. With her love comes a protective nature. It compels her to do everything she can to secure her home, especially in the spiritual sense." ~ Teresa Hampton

"Money is morally neutral, being neither good nor bad. It has potential for good or bad, depending on how it is earned, how it is used, and attitudes associated with it. Money is a tool to be used and should never be an end in itself. If money becomes the goal rather than a tool to accomplish a goal, disappointment will follow." ~ Dwayne Wilson

"A person's life cannot even 'get off the ground' until an humble respect for God and his will is in place. Once the prerequisite of genuine regard for God is intact, the individual is in a position to hear God and to begin the process of assimilating God's wisdom as it relates to a variety of life's characteristics, including pride/humility, wealth/poverty, sin, folly, goodness, use of the tongue, vengeance, strife, gluttony, justice, love, lust, laziness, death, friends, and the family." ~ Dave Miller

These snippets scarcely even "touch the hem of the garment," but hopefully they have piqued your interest sufficiently to look into ordering a copy of two of this year's book. The book is LOADED with helpful and thought-provoking material based on the book of Proverbs.

If you are interested in ordering this year's book or any of our past years' books, visit the Cold Harbor website by using the link on the right side of this page, then click on the "Lectureship" button on the home page.

We hope these books will provide relevant Biblical teaching for many years to come!

r2

Polly Want A Wake-Up Call?

Parrots can be a noisy nuisance sometimes, but there is at least one Muncie, Indiana family that may never complain about that noise again.

Shannon Conwell and his nine-year-old son awoke about 3 a.m. last Friday to find their home on fire after hearing their Amazon parrot, Peanut, imitating a fire alarm. The smoke alarm was functioning properly and had activated, but it was the bird's matching call that awoke Conwell. Upon realizing the gravity of the situation, Conwell grabbed his son and the bird on his way out of the house.

Paul's God-breathed words to the church in first century Corinth were as follows:

For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you then, be imitators of me.
1 Corinthians 4:15-16, ESV

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1, ESV

When you follow the example of a true-hearted Christian, you are following Paul. When you follow the Godly example of a Christian who is following the lead of Paul, you are following Christ. Your words stake claim to being in the light of Christ. When people imitate your faith and manner of life, are they (by connection) following Christ?

The Conwells of Muncie, Indiana learned how crucial an effective imitation can be. Men and women outside the body of Christ need an accurate imitation of Christ -- sounding the warning cry, and leading others to safety.

When people imitate your faith and manner of life (and they will), will they be led toward or away from safety?

r2

A Lesson From A Hungry Boy

Perhaps you read about the little six year old Colorado boy who smashed up his grandmother's car last week.

It seems this little tike has really taken a liking to "America's Favorite Neighbor," Applebees. This little guy was hungry, and in his mind, Applebees was the only logical destination. So, he grabbed his grandmother's keys, wisely transferred his booster seat from the back seat to the front, and started the car!

He only made it about 75-feet, unable to get the car out of reverse. He crossed the street, hit a curb, and continued moving backward until he slammed into a transformer and communication box, knocking out power and phone service to dozens of nearby townhomes.

Thankfully, nobody was injured, and the little driver got out of the car and informed his grandmother of what had just occur ed. If Applebees has not yet secured this little guy's endorsement services, they really need to do so. "Applebees.....So good we make six year olds think they can drive!"

If we can learn anything from the saga of this wee lad, it is in the realm of desire. Obviously, his childish decision making process is another matter, but reflect for a moment on the drive that motivated him to make "the drive."

Do we have a genuine desire to know and do the will of God? The Bible says, "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and he shall give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4, NKJV).

r2

'Twas A Sheep, Not A Lamb

I will be the first to tell you that I am not a poet. Poetry can be an effective teaching tool. I sometimes wish I had such a talent, but I have always been convinced it is wise to recognize one's own limitations.

Nonetheless, when I come across an especially outstanding poem, I like to share it with others. The following is from the pen of a man named James Smith, whom I know nothing about other than the fact that he wrote this thought-provoking poem:

'Twas A Sheep, Not A Lamb

It was a sheep, not a lamb that strayed away,

In the parable we are told;

A grown-up sheep that had gone astray...

From the ninety and nine in the fold.

Out in the meadows, out in the cold,

'Twas a sheep the Good Shepherd sought:

Back to the flock and into the fold,

'Twas a sheep the Good Shepherd brought.

And why for the sheep should we earnestly long

And so earnestly hope and pray?

Because there is danger, if they go wrong,

They will lead the young lambs astray!

For the lambs follow the sheep, you know,

Wherever the sheep may stray;

If the sheep go wrong, it will not be long

Till the lambs are as wrong as they.

So, with the sheep we earnestly plead,

For the sake of the lambs today,

If the lambs are lost, what a terrible cost

Some sheep may have to pay.

Paul's God-breathed admonition to Timothy was to, "be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12, NKJV). Never underestimate the impact your faithful service to the King of Kings (or lack thereof) has on those around you.

r2

A Fourfold Folly

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
Galatians 6:7-8, NKJV

The fourfold folly here is...

1. The folly of trying to deceive God
2. The folly of expecting something different from what we sow
3. The folly of sowing to the flesh and and expecting to reap of the Spirit
4. The folly of expecting more or less than we sow

God is not deceived, but I truly believe many of us are! Our actions have consequences. If we live spiritually grounded lives, the consequence is spiritual reward. If my life is dominated by fleshly pursuits, my inner man follows the same course as the outer.......it passes away (2 Corinthians 4:16).

r2

Ezra's Example Of Success

Ezra descended from the lineage of Hilkiah, the high priest (Ezra 7:1). However, Ezra was not able to serve in such a capacity himself during the time of captivity. Still, he gave his time in study of the Scriptures (Ezra 7:6).

Ezra became one of Israel's great restoration leaders. He led the reconstruction of the temple as well as the effort to restore the religious life and institutions of the people. Ezra was very successful in accomplishing these tasks. The following statement is most revealing as we consider the source of his success:

For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.
Ezra 7:10, ESV

Notice Ezra's focus in these three areas:

1. He set his heart on the study of the Scriptures
2. He set his heart on the doing of the Scriptures
3. He set his heart on the teaching of the Scriptures
   

In can neither do nor teach something with which I am unfamiliar. Personally speaking, I cannot repair a radiator on a car, nor could I teach anyone else how to do so. Why? Simply because I have not applied my mind to study the discipline of auto mechanics.

God requires study of his word for the purpose of our own obedience as well as the transmission of his divine truths from one man to another, from one generation to the next.

Your success and mine is a direct result of how well we know the Bible.

r2

Coming Clean

You may have heard the news that broke yesterday about track and field legend, Marion Jones. Ms. Jones has finally admitted to using performance enhancing drugs prior to her truly golden performance (three gold medals, five medals in all) at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

For several years, Jones has adamantly denied using such substances. In 2004, she held a public press conference in which she strongly urged her fans and the public to trust her word.

The news of her admission yesterday makes every one of her denials and appeals to the public for trust seem exceedingly shallow and blatantly dishonest. To make matters worse, Marion is now claiming she must have been given these substances against her will and without her knowledge. She claims the drugs must have been contained within what she thought was merely flax seed oil.

But this is hardly a new song. Over the past few years with the increasing steroids in sports scandals, several athletes have used the same unlikely, and quite frankly, unbelievable excuse. For an elite athlete to claim that he or she does not meticulously monitor what goes into the body that provides their livelihood is simply inexplicable.

My family lived in Southern California during the early 1990's during part of my middle and high school years. During that time, my dad and I attended a high school girls' basketball game in which Marion Jones was playing. She was one of the most gifted and dominant athletes I have seen in any sport at any level. Marion went on to star as the University of North Carolina's point guard, leading that team to a National Championship during her freshman season. Of course, her track and field accomplishments at the highest level speak for themselves.

The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and snare of death.

Proverbs 21:6, ESV

What is most sad about this story is Jones' lack of honesty. For her fans (like me) and those who admired her talent and work ethic, the tainted shadow she now casts on the sports world is bad enough; but to add to that blatant dishonesty and outright lack of regard for the justice system merely pour salt in the "open wound."

Could you estimate the number of lies that have been told by human beings throughout the history of the world? Do we even have a number that goes so high? Now, how many situations and lives have been improved by all those lies? Not a single one. Lives are ruined and trust vanishes when lies are told.My friend, be resolved to always tell the truth, no matter what!

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

Proverbs 21:6, ESV

Gambling With Eternity

The "gaming" industry in the had gross revenues of almost $85-billion in 2005 in the United States alone. Of course, one's imagination can run wild as to what that figure would look like if every segment of the gambling world reported all income. The "bookie" who is taking wagers on this week's ballgames does not report the money he takes from his clients who call in looking to make an easy "buck."

Simply stated, the gambling universe is HUGE business. Savvy and often seedy businessmen and women are all too eager to break into an industry that capitalizes on the greed and materialistic outlook of a warped nation. Anyone who thinks gambling is a viable source of income is woefully deceived, and sadly mistaken. Simply put, the "house" ALWAYS wins. How else can we account for the palatial casinos and hotels in the aptly dubbed "Sin City?"

Countless families and individuals have been ruined by the deceptive world of gaming. Gambling addiction has been on the rise since gaming has expanded from the casino floor. Among other methods, you can now play poker online, play the lottery by holding a slip of paper, and wager thousands on a football game with a single phone call.

Personally speaking, the most disturbing and outright annoying development over the past five years is gambling's transition from shady and risky to national past time. As a regular viewer of ESPN, I have been amazed at the amount of airtime their national poker tournaments have been receiving. These out-of-shape, middle-aged men have garnered a following larger than most athletes and rock stars! Teenagers know these guys by name and model their own poker-playing "skills" thereafter. Yes, poker has become sport.

Let's be frank here -- gambling is like diving into an empty swimming pool. The chances that you will hit bottom are about the same. We are a nation deceived. Las Vegas' official slogan may be, "What Happens Here Stays Here," but I submit to you there is only one way in which that is true -- that is, in regard to your money. If you go to Vegas, 'tis true......your money will stay behind when you leave. Everything else (regret, shame, anger, compulsion, lies) you most certainly take with you!

People who can afford to gamble do not need money, and those who need money cannot afford to gamble. Listen to the word of God...

Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty. A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished
Proverbs 28:19-20, ESV

My friend, gambling is most certainly a "worthless pursuit." To the extent that we engage therein, we will be impoverished. If you are involved with gambling on any level, may I exhort you to cease from this un-Godly practice at once. I realize there can be a certain level of compulsion with some people, but I wholly reject the notion that gambling is a "disease." After all, if gambling is a disease, as some contend, can you deduct your losses as a medical expense? Renounce this sinful activity and seek the forgiveness of a loving God who is anxious to forgive, as well as the forgiveness of anyone else who may have been affected.

For those who have never tried gambling, may I encourage you to stay as far away from the practice as you possibly can.

r2

Remember Lot's Wife

In Luke 17:32, Jesus made this very simple statement: "Remember Lot's wife."

When we go back and look at the example of Lot's wife in the divine record (Genesis 19:1-26), here is what Jesus is telling us to remember:

Remember Her Privileges

• She was faithfully instructed
• She was a relative to one of God's chosen -- Abraham
• She was warned of danger

Remember Her Fate

• It was merited
• It was sudden
• It was final

Practical Reflections

• Beware of earthly entanglements
• Beware of questioning God's commands
• Beware of disobedience

May our memory of this woman's fate, recorded for time immemorial, be an admonition to trust and obey the word of our God.

r2

20 Ways To Simplify

Most of us think we are pretty busy. Most of us are right. While busy can mean productivity, busy can also mean a life that is “out-of-whack” in terms of priority.

Yes, work begets more work, hobbies beget more hobbies, stuff begets more stuff until the point where we step back in the one free moment we might have during a week and realize…. “It’s time to simplify!!"

Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24). The more “stuff” we have crowding our lives, the more danger we put ourselves in of dividing our loyalty that rightly belongs to the Lord.

Here is an excellent list of 20 ways to simplify, compiled by Dr. Steve Stephens:

1. Eliminate ten things from your life.
2. Cut back on T.V.
3. Escape to a quiet spot.
4. Set your own pace.
5. Get rid of clutter.
6. When you bring in something new, throw out something old.
7. Do only one thing at a time.
8. Say “no” at least once a day.
9. Enjoy the little things.
10. Take at least four breaks per day.
11. Determine what really matters.

12. Make peace with all people.
13. Tell the truth.
14. Appreciate beauty.
15. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it.
16. If you don’t have time, don’t do it.
17. Have a plan for everything and put everything in its place.
18. Share your thoughts, feelings, and opinions with a friend every day.
19. Allow time to pray.
20. Thank God for what you have.

r2