Life Can Be Hard, But God Is Good

HE IS STRONG in our weakness.

HE IS COMFORT when we're in pain.

HE IS LOVE when we need acceptance.

HE IS PEACE when we're haunted by fear.

HE IS PROTECTION when we're in the midst of trouble.

HE HEALS OUR WOUNDS when someone or something hurts us.

HE IS JOY when our hearts are grieved.

HE IS OUR FRIEND when we need acceptance.

HE IS OUR POWER when we are helpless.

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Knit Together In Love

...that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ...
Colossians 2:2, ESV

Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.
Colossians 2:18-19, ESV

These verses in Paul's God-breathed letter to the church of Christ in Colossae reveal several keys for healthy growth of the body of Christ (i.e. the church of Christ - see Ephesians 1:22-23).

1. Mutual encouragement among members is essential to to being "knit together in love" (v. 2a).
2. Unity in the body will ensure the attainment of the goal of all God's people -- spiritual riches, assurance, understanding, and knowledge (v. 2b).
3. Without the Head (i.e. Christ), the body (i.e. church) cannot truly function (v. 19a).
4. When the church is nourished by Christ and bound together by the joints and ligaments of brotherly love, all growth will be Godly growth (v. 19b).
5. This being the case, sound (i.e. healthy) doctrine (i.e. teaching) and mutual love amongst the people of God are both indespensable components of the life and growth of the body of Christ.

How have you shown your love for Christ and your spiritual family today? How can you better serve the Head (Christ Jesus) and be those "joints and ligaments" of love that act as a moving, stablizing force in the body of Christ?

I'm thankful for all of you who are striving to this end.

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The Lord's Merciful Offer

Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
Isaiah 1:18, ESV

It is remarkable to me that the same God that the same God who declared unto us the transcendence of his ways and thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9) makes this offer to such a feeble minded people -- an offer to reason with us! His offer of sin-cleansing grace -- sufficiently powerful to remove any trace of iniquity -- is given when we humbly accept the offer to come and reason with him.

The Lord of heaven is a God who desires our service from unabridged minds, devoting conscience, emotion, volition, and intellect to his purposes. In so doing, we benefit our own souls while glorifying God in the process. It is, after all, "for his name's sake" that he "leads us in right paths" (Psalm 23:3).

Can you think of anything more important that accepting the Lord's merciful offer yourself? The only thing that can even compete is telling others of that same offer once you have accepted it yourself.

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The Lady Who Sat In Front Of Me

Several years ago while living in the state of Florida, I had occasion to travel to Alabama. I departed from the Tampa Bay area early on a Sunday morning, stopping to worship with a congregation of the Lord’s church in northern Florida. This is a congregation I had visited -- and had even preached at -- in days gone by.

On that day, the sermon was sound and informative, the singing was uplifting and instructive, and the Lord was worshiped in both spirit and truth (John 4:24). These are all privileges most New Testament Christians can enjoy on a weekly basis. This time around, there was one experience which has made a lasting impression upon me, and it was all thanks to the lady who sat in front of me.

Now, let it be known that my attention was focused on my privilege and obligation of worshiping the Lord. However, the very nature of our worship assemblies affords us opportunities to make an impression upon one another. The lady who sat in front of me was truly a splendid example for me in her involvement and participation in worship.

From the time the song-leader blew the pitch of the first song on his pitch pipe, this Christian woman was focused and ready to sing heartily to the Lord. — and sing heartily she did! Despite the fact that she was sitting on the pew in front of me, I could hear her vocalizing the words of every song in an alto voice which had no doubt weakened over the years. It was obvious that this was no deterrent for her, however, because she sang every lyric with great fervor and faith. As she sang the words, “anywhere with Jesus I can safely go,” I knew that she meant them, and that she was admonishing me (Colossians 3:16) toward the same assurance.

When the time came for “the collection for the saints” (1 Corinthians 16:1), I was impressed by her obvious forethought. As the men stood before the microphone to say a prayer in connection with the offering, the lady who sat in front of me opened her Bible and removed a check. I do not know the dollar figure she penned on the “amount” line. But this I do know: This Christian had purposed in her heart what she would give (2 Corinthians 9:7), and she was doing so in an obvious spirit of appreciation and cheer.

As the preacher mounted the pulpit, I noticed that her hands were already grasping her well-worn Bible. Almost without exception, the fair-minded lady who sat in front of me turned the pages of her Bible, comparing the words of the speaker with the very words of the Lord (Acts 17:11). Her attentiveness and apparent thrill in hearing the gospel preached shone through. I have no doubt that she considered the Lord’s day assembly to be the highlight of her week. Although she had probably heard many of these same verses of Scripture hundreds of times before, the lady who sat in front of me did not appear to be bored. On the contrary, she seemed to treat these words as if she was hearing them for the very first time. I learned so much on that Lord’s day.

Certainly, just being able to participate in worship myself was well worth the stop. However, I carried much more encouragement with me on that day than I left behind. What troubles me is that people do not understand the influence they can and indeed will exert. I do not believe the lady who sat in front of me knew the impact she had on me that day — an impact which has not
waned some four years later! We are constantly influencing others in one of two ways: For good, or for bad. There are no in-betweens.

When I hear people bristle at the Biblical role of women in the church, I think about the lady who sat in front of me. She was not only content with her role, she was thrilled to fulfill it. She sat on a pew with what appeared to be two other widows, but her spirit of contentment and thanksgiving were exemplary.

When the period of worship had ended, the lady who sat in front of me made a point of welcoming me, and thanking me for attending Bible class and worship. I would someday like to shake her hand and place in it this article. But if that never comes to pass, I would like to meet her again in the sweet by and by to say, “thank you.”

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A Position For Everyone

The sport of rugby has been frequently on my mind for the past two months. At almost 30 years of age, I will play my first season of competitive rugby this spring.

I knew very little about this sport, other than what I had seen from watching a collective total of about 30-minutes on television. I played football for many years, and what I saw in rugby was essentially American football without pads. The more I learn about the game of rugby, the more I find out how wrong I was in such an assumption.

American football actually grew out of rugby. When rugby came across the Atlantic from the British isles in the mid-19th century, various changes were made to resemble what we now see in our football games. But good old fashioned rugby has maintained a presence -- albeit much, much smaller -- in the U.S. to this very day.

As I learn the basic laws (yes, they're called "laws," not "rules") and strategies of rugby, I am fascinated to see how much skill, mental focus, and tactical savvy are required to be successful on the rugby pitch (football fans would say "field").

One of the reasons rugby is such a great game that can be enjoyed by anyone is the wide array of skill sets and body types that are fit for competition. Though rugby players are bigger, stronger, and faster than they have ever been, you will still see players who range from hulks to featherweights. Of course, when one of those featherweights gets cornered by one of those hulks, the results usually end up as a bone-crunching highlight on YouTube. Nonetheless, when one of those little guys breaks out into the open, those monstrous front-liners have no chance at running him down.

Rugby is a game that is based on teamwork -- 15 men performing their widely varying roles as individuals with the ultimate goal of helping their fourteen teammates emerge victorious at the end of the game. Usually, the side that plays with the strongest concept of teamwork emerges victorious at the end of 80 minutes.

Thinking about this reminds me of Paul's God-breathed words to the church of first century Corinth (1 Corinthians 12:12-31). Just as a rugby club is made up of many members with varying abilities and duties, the body of Christ (i.e. the church of Christ, Ephesians 1:22-23) is made up of many individual members. Each man and woman whom the Lord has added to the church (Acts 2:47) is vital in the growth and harmony thereof.

Rugby teams filled with selfish players rarely win. Churches filled with self-absorbed, uncaring people are far from what the Lord designed. Are you a member of the Lord's body? If so, are you helping or hindering your spiritual family from attaining "the prize of the upward call" (Philippians 3:14)?

Is your attendance at the assemblies of the church encouraging others in their faithfulness? Is your participation in the evangelistic efforts of the church encouraging the participation of others? Is your giving enabling the church to expand their reach in carrying out "the great commission?" Do your words and attitudes serve to edify (build up) the individual members of your church family?

These and other questions will help you and me in determining the manner in which we are helping (or hindering) the growth of the local body of Christ.

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A Lesson From The Leatherback

The photo at right shows the turtle that was recently tracked on a journey from Indonesia to Oregon. Scientists equipped this leatherback turtle with a satellite transmitter that tracked its movements in the Pacific Ocean.

From the coast of the Papua province of Indonesia to the Oregon coast of the United States, this turtle swam at his slow pace between separate breeding and feeding sites. After reaching Oregon, the leatherback turned around and headed to Hawaii. The battery on the transmitter gave out after 12,774 nautical miles -- a journey that took 647 days!

This leatherback turtle is the picture of endurance. There are many creatures of the sea that swim a great deal faster and more efficiently than turtles; but perhaps none is more suited for gruelingly long journeys that require immense endurance.

In writing to some struggling first century Christians, the God-breathed message related by the Hebrews writer was this:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith...
Hebrews 12:1-2, ESV

God's message to the church of Christ in first century Rome was that eternal life is for those "who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality" (Romans 2:7, ESV). There can be no doubt, patience, endurance, and a steadfast resolve will be required to lay hold on the prize of eternal life.

Let me encourage you this day, friend: Though life will present its heartaches and challenges, if you will look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith, you will endure! You will obtain glory, and honor, and immortality by the patient running of life's grueling race! The suffering we experience her is but for a brief time, and the afflictions are light compared with the eternal reward that awaits us in the hereafter (2 Corinthians 4:17)!

Keep swimming!

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Strengthening The Souls Of The Disciples

The 13th and 14th chapters of the book of Acts details the travels of Paul and Barnabas as they made their way preaching the gospel throughout Asia Minor. They had preached to and converted a notable number of individuals in cities throughout the region, including Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe.

Persecution of the saints of God was fierce at that time. A mob of Jews that had followed Paul and his fellow laborers from Antioch and Iconium persuaded some of the citizens of Lystra to aid them in stoning the evangelists. There, they dragged Paul out of the city and left him for dead (Acts 14:19-20).

After departing from Lystra, Paul and Barnabas journeyed to Derbe (v. 20-21a). The gospel was preached to the people of Derbe, and many obeyed the Lord and became His disciples. From Derbe, Paul and Barnabas returned to the cities where they had previously preached -- Iconium, Antioch, and Lystra (v.21b). Yes, the same Lystra where Paul had been stoned within an inch of his life!

What was the purpose? What could have been so important that it called for such a risky move on the part of this apostle? Verse 22 gives us the answer:

...strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
Acts 14:22, ESV

Paul realized how crucial following up with recently converted disciples was in doing the work of an evangelist. Truthfully, at what point can we say a disciple of Christ is no longer in need of such encouragement? Does the need cease after one has been a Christian for five years? Ten years? No, my friend. We all need to be strengthened on a regular basis -- whether we have been a child of God for one year or 50 years!

A handful of observations here:

1. We sometimes place all the emphasis on how many baptisms a preacher, missionary, or congregation has to their credit. No doubt, baptisms are important; but what are we doing to keep them "encouraged and in the faith"?
2. I have heard of preachers who say something to the effect of, "I'm tired of preaching to the saved." To one who has such a mindset, I would simply say that the saved need to hear the gospel every bit as much as the unsaved!
3. Life has peaks and valleys. If we will immerse ourselves in the word of God before we get to those valleys, we will be more likely to "continue in the faith." It may be too late to encourage someone with the gospel by the time they are standing in the midst of that valley.

Let us never lightly regard the importance of teaching the gospel -- to the unsaved so they can be saved, and to the saved so that they can remain saved!

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You Say, God Says

You say: It's impossible
God says: "All things are possible" (Luke 18:27)


You say: I'm too tired
God says: "I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: Nobody really loves me
God says: "I love you" (John 3:16 & John 13:34)

You say: I can't go on
God says: "My grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: I can't figure things out
God says: "I will direct your steps" (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: I can't do it
God says: "You can do all things" (Philippians 4:13)

You say: I'm not able
God says: "I am able" (2 Corinthians 9:8)

You say: It's not worth it
God says: "It will be worth it" (Romans 8:28)

You say: I can't forgive myself
God says: "I FORGIVE YOU" (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: I can't manage
God says: "I will supply all your needs" (Philippians 4:19)

You say: I'm afraid
God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear" (2 Timothy 1:7)

You say: I'm always worried and frustrated
God says: "Cast all your cares on ME" (1 Peter 5:7)

You say: I don't have enough faith
God says: "I've given everyone a measure of faith" (Romans 12:3)

You say: I'm not smart enough
God says: "I give you wisdom" (1 Corinthians 1:30)

You say: I feel all alone
God says: "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5)

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"God Made You. Be Happy."

The tallest man alive in the United States lives just down I-64 from Cold Harbor. George Bell of Norfolk, Virginia stands seven feet, eight inches tall, and works as a Norfolk sheriff's deputy.


Mr. Bell is a full two inches taller than the NBA's tallest current player, Yao Ming. He wears size a size 19 shoe (which actually isn't overly large for his height!), and wears pants that measure 43 inches at the inseam.


When asked how he feels about being so tall, Mr. Bell responded, "I have no choice but to like it."


Bell, 50, credits his late great-aunt for his positive attitude: "She always told me, 'Don't feel ashamed of yourself. Stand tall. God made you. Be happy and show your pride.' "


There is wisdom contained in such an outlook. No matter how big or how small, no matter where we have come from or where we're going, regardless of the color of our skin or how many friends we have, genuinely happy and content people are such by choice. If we live long enough here on earth, we will be faced with difficult days. People will be cruel, and those we count on will let us down.


Thus, we will be well served if we remind ourselves daily that we have inherent value in the eyes of the Lord by virtue of the fact that we are created in His image (Genesis 1:26). We set ourselves up for great disappointment when we lose sight of the fact that human relationships cannot provide all we need in life. Truly, "the arm of flesh will fail you," but the Lord will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)!!


Be loyal to Him who made you, sustains you, redeems you, and loves you without measure.

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Look Up!

"Give ear to my words, O LORD,

Consider my meditation.

Give heed to the voice of my cry,

My King and my God,

For to You I will pray.

My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD;

In the morning I will direct it to You,

And I will look up."

Psalms 5:1-3

If you want to be distressed, LOOK WITHIN.

If you want to be defeated, LOOK BACK.

If you want to be distracted, LOOK AROUND.

If you want to be dismayed, LOOK AHEAD.

If you want to be disappointed, LOOK TO MAN.

If you want to be delivered, LOOK TO CHRIST.

If you want to be delighted, LOOK UP.

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Don't Lose Sight Of The Positives!

Is the church of Jesus Christ facing threats from within? Certainly. Influential individuals and entire congregations have introduced doctrine and practice over the years that have sought to move what should be a body without schism (1 Corinthians 12:25) toward an organization that mirrors the concept of the church in the denominational order of things.

However, great effort must be made not to lose sight of the multitude of positive, Biblical works ongoing in the kingdom of God today. If we are not careful, we can become so "wrapped up" in keeping tabs on those weighing the church down that we overlook or even refuse to see those who are doing great things to build her up! I speak from experience.

The more brethren I meet from across our nation -- yea, across our world -- the more I am encouraged and convinced the church is strong and very active in carrying out her mission. I recently had the opportunity to attend the Polishing The Pulpit seminar in Birmingham, Alabama. I met men and women from all over our own nation, and several who are doing the Lord's work on other continents. We have an abundance of talented people who are serving the Lord and his church in mighty ways. Let us remember to unceasingly pray for the church around the world, and to be active supporters of as many workers for the truth as possible.

Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
3 John 5-8

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One Weak Valve Equals One Big Mess

Those who know me at least somewhat well are well aware of the fact that I am one of the most squeamish of all the people who have ever walked the face of this planet. It's not only the sight of blood or an injury that will cause me to squirm and feel ill. Often just hearing about it will cause me to be weak in the knees! I've always said it's a good thing I had no aspirations to work in the medical field, for my dreams would have been dashed early on.

I struggled mightily in my science classes in which I was responsible for dissecting everything from a cow's eye (yuck!), to a frog (ugh!), to a fetal pig (ahhhh!), to a cat (excuse me for a moment........). Don't bother sending me emails making fun of my wimpiness, for I acknowledge it in full.

I'm glad I was sitting down this morning when I read a story about a certain tanker truck spill in the Pacific Northwest. This past Wednesday, the truck -- carrying 4,000 pounds of pig blood -- spilled all its contents on a roadway in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Zoikes!! Biohazard teams were sent to clean up the scene caused by a broken valve on the tanker truck.

Here are the numbers:

4,000 pounds pig blood
200 feet of roadway
1 tanker truck
1 broken valve on said tanker truck

That tanker truck was only as strong as its weakest link, and its weakest link happened to be exceptionally weak! The church of God is a living organism, made up of all sorts of individuals. At any point in time -- past, present, or future -- that number will always include those who are experiencing a spell of weak faith.

How are we to treat these brothers and sisters?

"And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all."
1 Thessalonians 5:14, ESV

If my counting is correct, this divine directive includes four verbs -- four terms of action God prescribes for our dealings with a weak brother or sister.

1. Admonish
2. Encourage
3. Help
4. Be patient

So friend, while holding fast to and being uncompromising with the doctrine of Christ, take care to admonish, encourage, help, and be patient with our weak brethren. When your own weaker times come, you will need the same!

R2