Are You A "Hypermiler"?

A what?

A hypermiler.

Yeah, just as I suspected...the spell checking mechanism on my web browser doesn't like that word. That's because the term "hypermiler" is relatively new to the English language. I suppose it's slang at this point, but with gas prices soaring over $4 per gallon and inching ever closer to the $5 mark, it's a term that is working it's way into the vocabulary of an increasingly large number of people.

So what is hypermiling? According to an August 2006 story in the Washington Post, it is a method of increasing your car's gas mileage by making skillful changes in the way you drive, allowing you to save gas and thereby have an easier time withstanding the rising oil and gas prices.

It involves techniques such as slowly accelerating from stops, coasting to red lights and stop signs by shifting into neutral well ahead of time, and actually going under the speed limit from time to time.

When I first heard of this concept, I laughed and jeered like a typical "too cool for school" person. When I looked at our budget and realized Kelly and I are consuming $400+ per month in gasoline, I took another look. So, beginning yesterday, I started hypermiling! So far (according to my on-board computer), I'm saving about three to four miles per gallon thanks to my new driving style. When this is computed using the current $4 per gallon, I am saving between eight and nine dollars per tank of gas. Not bad at all.

Believe me...these hypermiling techniques are difficult for me to adopt. I'm not a speeder, but I do like to get up to speed quickly. Not any more. Shifting into neutral a quarter mile away from a traffic light goes against my instincts, but now I find myself making a bit of a game out of how far I can coast. And going under the speed limit? Well, I try not to do this when someone is behind me on a one lane road...that's just inconsiderate since everyone is not a hypermiler. But if I'm on a multi-lane road or nobody is behind me, I may find myself putting along at 35 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone! Add to all this the fact that I'm going to try and ride my motorcycle more (once these 100+ degree days leave), and I figure to be saving significant amounts of cash!

What this all comes down to is a change of habits. If it is different results we desire, it is different actions we must take. Albert Einstein once said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

The same holds true with any other area of life. Are your habits in keeping with God's word? Do your daily actions take you one step closer to heaven, or hell? Both destinations are very real places that will exist forever. You and I are inching ever closer to eternity with every passing day. In the example of hypermiling, it is causing me to go against what I've always done behind the wheel of a car....and it's very challenging at times. But I know this...if I keep on doing what I've always done, I can expect similar results!

If your style of living is taking you down the broad way that leads to destruction, the only way to veer off that deadly course is to change your way of life!

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Matthew 7:13-14, ESV

Why are there so few that enter the gate that leads to life? Jesus said it is due to the fact that it is "hard." Heaven's road requires giving up some things we may not want to give up. It demands full allegiance and submission to Christ as King. Grace that leads to salvation is given to all (Titus 2:11), but only a few accept it.

If you are on the path that leads to destruction even now, will you make a u-turn by repenting and obeying the will of the Father? If you are living outside of Christ, and if you continue to live outside of Christ, you can expect to be in a similar situation in eternity -- that is, separated from him in outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Luke 13:27-28).

It is my earnest hope that you will submit to the Lord today -- for yesterday has been lost, and tomorrow may never be.

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To Love The Lord

German philosopher and theologian, Eckhart von Hocheim (A.D. 1260-1328) once said, "Love God, and do as you like, say the Free Spirits. Yes; but as long as you like anything contrary to God's will, you do not love Him."

Meister Eckhart, as he was commonly known in his day, was really on to something there. His statement is merely a re-arranged version of Christ's words in the gospel of John.

If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
John 14:15, ESV

The English word "love" in Jesus' declaration is translated from the Greek term agapate (a derivative of the well known agape). Included in this term relative to one's superior (as of Christ) is the idea of duty, respect, and veneration. Jesus is telling us the love he desires from us is manifested in our service and fidelity.

As Meister Eckhart suggested, mere lip service devotion to the Lord is of no avail. True love of the Lord -- agape love -- will always be shown by one's obedience to the will of the Master.

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No GPS Needed For This Bird

On February 29th of this year (2008), I wrote about the amazing abilities of the African Grey Parrot. Included in that post was a brief video of Einstein, the African Grey Parrot who appeared on Animal Planet's Pet Star. If you'd like to read that article and view the video, just click the "February" link under "2008" in the menu to the right. As a follow-up to that article, here's an amazing story about Yosuke, the African Grey Parrot from Japan (that's him in the photo to the right).

When Yosuke the parrot flew out of his cage and got lost, he did exactly what he had been taught — recite his name and address to a stranger willing to help.

Police rescued the African grey parrot two weeks ago from a neighbor's roof in the city of Nagareyama, near Tokyo. After spending a night at the station, he was transferred to a nearby veterinary hospital while police searched for clues, local policeman Shinjiro Uemura said. He kept mum with the cops, but began chatting after a few days with the vet.

"I'm Mr. Yosuke Nakamura," the bird told the veterinarian, according to Uemura. The parrot also provided his full home address, down to the street number, and even entertained the hospital staff by singing songs.

"We checked the address, and what do you know, a Nakamura family really lived there. So we told them we've found Yosuke," Uemura said. The Nakamura family told police they had been teaching the bird its name and address for about two years.

We can learn a thing or two from Mr. Yosuke the Parrot. He was reunited with his family because he knows his true home. For the child of God, he or she knows that the eternal home of the soul is in heaven. The holy spirit of God inspired Paul the apostle to write these words:

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Philippians 3:20-21, ESV

If we will keep our sights set on our eternal home, we -- by the grace of God -- will find our way to that bright city whose builder and maker is God. Yosuke learned to recite his address by diligent daily training and discipline. God's grace provides the training for our upright living in view of eternity.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age...
Titus 2:11-12, ESV

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Steak Knife Salvation

In a city synonymous with great steaks, one man is grateful for the steak knife that helped spare his life. Steve Wilder, of Omaha, Nebraska, used a steak knife to perform an at-home tracheotomy. He took this drastic measure because he thought he was going to die one night last week after awakening and being unable to breathe.

Wilder said he didn't call 911 because he didn't think help would arrive in time. So, the 55-year-old says, he got a steak knife from the kitchen and made a small hole in his throat, allowing air to gush in.

As someone who is about as squeamish as any human being can be, this story churns my stomach. I cannot imagine performing my own tracheotomy! However, in addition to being completely "grossed out," it also helps me to reflect on the value of life.

What some people have done in an effort to spare their own lives is astounding. The stories you have, no doubt, heard of men amputating trapped limbs with small, dull utility knives should further serve to illustrate just how far human beings will go to preserve life.

Mr. Wilder was saved from death by his own courage and determination to live. How far will you go to be saved from "the second death" (Revelation 2:11), that is, eternal condemnation and separation from God? The wonderful news is that God's grace has provided the sacrifice we needed, but could not ourselves supply (Titus 2:11) in Christ. God requires only our faith (Hebrews 11:6), loving obedience (John 14:15; Hebrews 5:9), and a humble attitude of self-sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2).

How important is your own life? God has instilled within man an innate desire to live -- both physically and spiritually. When a man loses his desire to live (physically), this indicates a problem...perhaps mental illness. And when a man does not possess a desire to save his own soul, this too indicates a problem...a spirit that needs to be awakened and revived!

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:2, ESV

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Mark 16:16, ESV

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The New Slavery?

This morning's edition of NBC's Today show featured an interview with V. Gene Robinson, the bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire in the Episcopal Church in the United States of America (better known as simply the "Episcopal Church"). You may remember the copious amounts of air time his story received back in 2003 when he was elected to this position. The controversy surrounded his open admissions of homosexual behavior.

In the years that followed these events, numerous congregations within the Episcopal denomination have broken their ties with the governing body and have since aligned themselves with other groups. The reason for Mr. Robinson's appearance on the Today show was the release of his new book, In The Eye Of The Storm: Swept To The Center By God. Robinson also appeared in the film, For The Bible Tells Me So, a documentary promoted at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival (scroll to the bottom of this post and click on the video box to see the trailer for this film).

While listening to the interview this morning, I took a pen and a sheet of paper and jotted down a few of the more notable statements made by Mr. Robinson. Here are just a few:

• Robinson compared himself to the prophets of the Bible, citing the persecution he feels.
• He likened the "discrimination" against gays to the subjugation of women and slavery.
• Mr. Robinson said he knows many people who are "unashamedly gay and unashamedly Christian."
• He said there is a need to "re-interpret the Scriptures."
• Robinson claims that God has called him into the lifestyle of homosexuality so that he can fulfill the role he is now playing.

Where does one begin in answering these statements? Let's briefly take them one by one, shall we?

• The prophets of the Bible were persecuted for their unwavering support and defense of God's word; Mr. Robinson is being criticized for his blatant disregard for that same word.

• The opposition Mr. Robinson receives from Bible believers is not to be compared with social disasters like slavery and racism. Individuals who supported slavery in the past, and individuals who harbor racist attitudes today violate the word of God in so doing. Those who lovingly teach the truth about the sin of homosexuality as it is revealed in Scripture are following in the footsteps of the Lord. Does anyone else find Mr. Robinson's comparison to slavery offensive?

• There is no such thing as a homosexual Christian. The two terms contradict one another. A Christian is one who follows the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. If there are "gay Christians," as Mr. Robinson claims, there must also be adulterous Christians, fornicator Christians, thief Christians, and the like. The truth of the matter is that no man or woman who continues in a lifestyle of sin and rebellion to God's word will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

• The need is not in "re-interpreting the Scriptures." The need is for more people to show genuine love for Christ by humbly obeying Him (John 14:15).

• God does not call men to a lifestyle of sin. He does not compel anyone to practice that which will leave their soul in peril. On the contrary, the Lord calls men out of darkness and into the light of truth by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14).

It should be noted that we should never support any effort that would attack another human being, be it by words or physical violence. Anyone who spews venomous, hateful words in the direction of another also violates the law of God.

This being said, it is truly unfortunate that the propaganda machine used by many so-called "gay rights" groups paints with such a broad brush. Those of us who defend the truth and purity if the Bible and its teachings on homosexuality are often lumped in with the screaming, red-faced radicals hurling profanity-laced insults. Truly unfortunate.

It can only be hoped that those who have honest and sincere hearts can step back from the useless political debates to see the difference between those who hate homosexuals and those who love them enough to tell the truth. Gene Robinson would have you believe a loving attitude and teaching the sinfulness of homosexuality are mutually exclusive. That's a claim that will sell books...maybe even get him on a bestseller's list or two. But it is a claim that cannot be backed up by the word of God.

Let's speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

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Trained By Constant Practice

Charles Ray Fuller, a 21-year-old from North Texas, was arrested on forgery charges last week for trying to cash a $360 billion check (see the photo at right for an image of the actual check). I don't know how many $300+ billion checks pass through the average bank in a week, but tellers at the Fort Worth branch where Mr. Fuller attempted to cash his were a bit suspicious.

Fuller said his girlfriend's mother gave him the check to start a record business, but bank employees who contacted the account's owner said the woman told them she did not give him permission to take or cash the check, according to police.

In addition to forgery, Fuller was charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon and possessing marijuana. I suppose there may be a link between the check scheme and the marijuana possession.

So, how did these bank tellers know the check was bogus? Do you suppose they were given years of intensive training by the FBI and U.S. Treasury? Do they possess some sort of super-human intelligence? Highly unlikely.

The bank tellers must have known Mr. Fuller's check was fraudulent because of their very average ability to discern the plausible from the implausible. This reasonable level of discernment has, no doubt, come through gaining months -- perhaps years -- of experience. The constant exercising of these senses has made the average bank teller savvy enough to pick up on many varieties of fraud. This reminds me of a verse of Scripture:

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 5:14, ESV

Let's shift gears away from check fraud and think about spiritual discernment. It is constant practice that gives the child of God the power to discern truth from error. By continued and consistent hearing, believing, praying, and obeying, the Christian becomes more well equipped as time goes by.

The English rendering of "constant practice" ("exercised," NKJV) is taken from the Greek term gegumnasmena, which literally means "to practice naked." When one understands the custom of the athletes in the ancient Grecian games of competing in the nude, this makes perfect sense. By intense training and constant practice, the Christian gains the same dexterity in navigating through life that the elite athlete does for his moment of glory on the field of play.

Let's all engage in a constant state of spiritual exercise, training ourselves to wind successfully through the course of this life in anticipation of that which is to come!

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The Art Of Imitation

It has been said that imitation is the highest form of flattery. One of the talents upon which I prided myself as a "wee lad" was imitation and character impressions. I would carefully observe and give my best imitation of famous athletes, actors, recording artists, etc. I was even
able to use this gift to irritate my big sister. Did you know that God cares a great deal about whom and what you imitate?

The African Grey Parrot (pictured above at right) is almost universally considered one of the most intelligent birds in the world. Reports of "Greys" with 1,000-word vocabularies is not uncommon, and presumably, a five-year-old "Grey" has similar understanding to the average five-year-old child! African Greys have an uncanny ability to mimic voices and sounds...which, of course, caused me to ask for one as a kid (I never got one). For a hilarious and remarkable illustration of this bird's amazing abilities, see the video I've posted below.

Whether we are willing to acknowledge so or not, we all put our imitation skills into practice on a daily basis. The way we speak, the mannerisms we use, and our general outlook on life are often virtual mirror images of our parents, or some other influential person in our lives. Imitation is
indeed an unavoidable practice. God acknowledges so in His word. Imitation is neither good nor bad inherently. The determining factor in our approval (or disapproval) in God’s sight is how we use our observation and imitation techniques.

When John wrote under the inspiration of God, he implored Christians to use discretion in selecting both whom and what we imitate:

Beloved, do not imitate evil, but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God
3 John 11, ESV

God would not have His people to be naïve. It would be a mistake to surmise that we are immune from inappropriate imitation. Likewise, it should be obvious to every man that the Lord will not accept attitudes and actions which conflict with His will.

John’s plea for our wisdom here comes down to choosing role models. Basketball great Charles Barkley was dragged into the spotlight several years ago for renouncing his responsibility as a role model. Who should our role models be in life? More specifically, for this study, who should our role models be in the spiritual realm? God cares!

An example of God’s concern for our role model selection is the case of Diotrephes. In the brief epistle of Third John, we learn of Diotrephes, a man who earned a place in the annals of the New Testament church for his haughty spirit. There can be no doubt that the original recipients of John’s letter were quite impressed by the illustration of Diotrephes. When they were instructed not to “imitate evil” in the context of Diotrephes’ behavior, the point was most assuredly well taken.

Truly, the same warning must be heeded today. May we never find ourselves using spiteful and unkind methods to accomplish our own agendas. Likewise, we are repeatedly warned of the dangers of wanting to be like the world (including the religious world) around us. The nation of Israel was warned of the foolishness of such a decision on more than one occasion. The Lord instructed them in one place...

...take heed that you be not ensnared to follow them [heathen nations], after they have been destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? - that I also may do the same.’
Deuteronomy 12:30, ESV

The same foolish mistakes men make today are merely repeats of those made in the long ago.
How sad it is that some churches of Christ feel the need to “compete” with the denominational world in anything! The sectarians have failed to meet God’s challenge of resisting conformation while promoting transformation (Romans 12:1-2). Now some congregations of the Lord’s church are imitating something that has already failed! Solomon, in his wisdom, said it best: “There is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

Neighbor, we have something, Someone too good to emulate to become involved in “keeping up with the Joneses!” The Lord cares who and what we choose to imitate. Shun all that is evil, and imitate that which is good, and you will be eternally grateful for having done so.

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Don't Shoot Yourself In The Foot

One of the most commonly used colloquial sayings we have in American culture is, "Don't shoot yourself in the foot." The thrust of this pearl of great wisdom is simply this: Avoid doing that which is only going to hurt yourself.

One of the most frequently viewed videos on YouTube.com shows a DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) agent speaking to a crowd of teenagers and adults about the dangers of drugs and guns -- a noble effort to be sure. As the agent brings out a handgun which he says is unloaded, he assures them he is the only one in the room "professional enough" to handle such a weapon (scroll down to watch the video).

You can probably see where this is going. Almost as soon as those words had left his lips, the gun discharged (yeah, it was loaded after all). The stunned (and probably deafened) crowd began to stir in confusion and alarm. The agent began to limp, suggesting he had shot himself in the foot.

A painful way to get the message across.

As he continued to lecture, the agent asked for an assistant to hand him an assault rifle he had brought along. The prospect of this man handling an automatic weapon in a room full of parents and their children sent the crowd into a mild frenzy. You see, although the motives and message of this DEA agent were commendable, his own lack of care in the very matters on which he lectured destroyed his credibility with that group.

Jesus said...

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
Matthew 7:1-5, ESV

How effective will our efforts to win the souls of men be if our own soul lies in peril? Before we can effectively be about the work of helping others to see the urgent need of salvation, you and I must concern ourselves with the task of purifying our own minds through submission to the will of God.

To do otherwise would just be shooting ourselves in the feet!

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Isaiah: A Pattern For Soul Winners

Isaiah was one of the most evangelistic prophets of the Old Testament. The God-breathed message he composed is comprised of 66 chapters. Many familiar hymns have been written based on certain sections of Isaiah's prophecy.

For example:

"Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Though Your Sins Be As Scarlet, by Fanny J. Crosby; cf. Isaiah 1:18)

And another:

"O Jesus is a rock in a weary land, a shelter in the time of storm." (Shelter In The Time Of Storm, by Vernon Charlesworth; cf. Isaiah 32:2)

And perhaps one of our most well known "evangelistic" songs:

"Here am I, Lord, send me; Here am I, ready at thy bidding, Lord, send me." (There Is Much To Do, by M.W. Spencer; cf. Isaiah 6:8).

When Isaiah responded to the Lord's request for a messenger by saying, "Here am I! Send me," it was the result of a process designed by God to show Isaiah the proper mindset in soul winning. Observe...

• Isaiah saw himself as God saw him (Isaiah 6:5a)
• Isaiah saw his own need (Isaiah 6:7)
• Isaiah saw the needs of others (Isaiah 6:5b)
• Isaiah was given the call to teach others (Isaiah 6:8a)
• Isaiah willingly responded to this call (Isaiah 6:8b)

The message preached by Isaiah is encapsulated by these words:

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Isaiah 55:6-7, ESV

Backing up to verse one in this same chapter, we find this invitation issued by Isaiah to anyone who would hear:

Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Isaiah 55:1, ESV

My friend, let's get our own lives in order that we may, like the prophet Isaiah, be used by the Lord in rescuing souls in peril.

"Here am I! Send me."

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The Wonderful Simplicity Of God's Law

When a judge in Greensboro, North Carolina issued the oath of citizenship to fifty individuals, he advised them to obey the "Ten Commandments." If they did, he said, they need not worry about keeping over 35-million laws which have been enacted in their new country.

A disclaimer needs to be made here. Students of the Bible will observe that we are under a different law today -- that is, "the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). It will also be observed that in death, Christ abolished the Old Law (Colossians 2:14), thus placing into effect a new and better covenant (Hebrews 7:22; 8:6). Thus, any council to live one's life by a set of religious laws that were for a different people at a different time may not be wise.

However, it is the sentiment of this judge that we might deem to be wise. The idea is that if we will take the comparatively succinct and simple laws of God found in the pages of the Bible, there will be no pressing need to memorize the myriad of laws on the books in this or any other country. One who truly follows Christ is one who will be a good citizen, faithful in paying taxes and obeying the law of his land (when and where it does not conflict with the supreme law of God). Read Romans 13:1-7 and notice the character of the disciple of Christ when it comes to submitting oneself to civil government.

God's law is amazingly simple when one considers the timeless wisdom and applicability. We serve an infinitely wise God who has provided us with everything we need to live in peace with both God and man!

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The Fruit Of Disobedience

Obedience is greatly downplayed in Calvinistic theology. Consider, though, just a handful of truths from the Scriptures relative to the imperative nature of our obedience to the will of God.

Disobedience to God...

1. Forfeits God's favor (1 Samuel 13:14)
2. Deprives one of God's promised blessings (Jeremiah 18:10)
3. Provokes God's anger (Isaiah 3:8)
4. Brings judgment (Deuteronomy 11:28)
5. Shall be punished (Hebrews 2:2)

Regardless of what Calvin said, the eternal God would have us to know the indispensability of obedience.

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The Heart Of The Holy Spirit

Sometimes, we shy away from studying the Bible's teaching on the Holy Spirit of God. Without a doubt, this is primarily due to the abundant misunderstanding and rampant false teaching regarding this third person of the Godhead.

Admittedly, there are certain facets of such a study are difficult. Some questions we may not be able to answer. However, that which we can know and understand with regard to this Being should be studied and considered on a regular basis.

One area that has been plainly revealed is the emotional character possessed by the Spirit of God. We see language that implies the nature of God includes many of the same emotions you and I possess. Additionally, the Scriptures declare our thoughts and deeds to be directly linked to the Holy Spirit -- a truth that is attributable to the Holy Spirit's role in revealing God's word to the hearts of men (John 16:7-15; 1 Corinthians 2:13).

Consider this: God's people can...

1. Grieve the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 63:10; Ephesians 4:30)
2. Resist the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51)
3. Lie to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3)
4. Test the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:9)
5. But we can -- and should -- hear His voice (Revelation 2:7)

Let us never shy away from the rich and rewarding study of the Holy Spirit!

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The Secret To Daniel's Success

The secret to Daniel's success is not really all that much of a secret, for it has been recorded in the pages of Scripture for about 2,600 years!

When Daniel had been found alive by King Darius after a night in a den of lions, this was the explanation given by Daniel himself:

My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.
Daniel 6:22, ESV

Well, that was rather predictable, right? That same cause and effect has been observed and related in Bible story after Bible story. Ahhh, but you would be forgetting the rest of the story!

How was it Daniel was found to be "blameless before him [God]"? This did not come about by accident, but with a determined effort to live a holy life unto the Lord. Rewind your "mental video" of the account of Daniel back to almost the very beginning of this book.

When Babylon had conquered Judah, King Nebudchadnezzar summoned for some of the people of Israel (Daniel 1:1-3). As part of his decree, he requested some of Judah's finest young men to be brought forth (v. 4). Among these young men were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (the latter three being more widely known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego).

King Nebudchadnezzar's plan for these young men was for them to be educated in the ways of the Chaldeans for three years (v. 4-5). When young Daniel was offered the king's food and wine, he declined. There was quite apparently something associated with the meat and drink at the King's table that would have conflicted with Daniel's religious convictions.

But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.
Daniel 1:8, ESV

Regardless of what the reasons may have been, this attitude of unwavering faithfulness to his God in the midst of a crooked and ungodly society would prove to be the key to Daniel's success. The key word is "resolved."

Daniel's success came in the form of surviving a night in the midst of a hungry den of lions. Your success and mine will come by overcoming our adversary the devil who prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

If we will "resolve" to do what is right and shun what is wrong, we can experience success. If we wait until we come to the "fork in the road," my friend, it is probably already too late! Be resolved even now to be faithful to the Lord your God!

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How To Follow In The Footsteps Of Jesus

From time to time, we sing an old hymn entitled, Footprints Of Jesus. The chorus of this song reads...

Footprints of Jesus, that make the pathway glow; we will follow the steps of Jesus where e'er they go.

For those who understand the nature of Christ (God's Son and the Savior of mankind), following in the footsteps of Jesus is the prime objective. Consider the words of Peter's God-breathed message...

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:21, ESV

But how does one truly follow in Christ's footsteps?

B -- Believe in him (John 1:12)

Y -- Yield to him (Romans 12:1)

G -- Go to him in prayer (1 John 5:14-15)

R -- Read & study his word (2 Timothy 2:15)

O -- Obey his commands (John 15:14)

W -- Work for him (1 Corinthians 15:58)

I -- Ignore the works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11)

N -- Nothing held back (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

G -- Give talents and resources (Matthew 25:20; 2 Corinthians 9:7)

I -- Increase in fruit (John 15:8)

N -- Neglect not God's gift (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6)

G -- Gather with the saints (Hebrews 10:25)

R -- Redeem the time (Ephesians 5:16; 2 Timothy 2:4)

A -- Abstain from every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22)

C -- Conquer Satan and temptation (James 4:7; Matthew 26:41)

E -- Expect Christ's return (Hebrews 9:28)

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18, ESV

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Already At It For Next Year!

With the 2007 Cold Harbor Lectureship officially two days behind us, it is time to start planning for and working on next year's program. I am so excited about next year's theme that I had to sit down and design the cover for the 2008 lectureship book (at right).

As you can see from the image, the theme for the 12th Annual Cold Harbor Lectureship will be Balance. I know we every director of every lectureship probably says this every year, but I truly cannot think of any subject that is more urgently needed for consideration by the body of Christ in this generation.

With individuals and groups splitting off and departing in multiple directions, we desperately need to come back to a place of balance -- balance in what we teach, how we live, and any number of other areas of practical living. As we sit down to plan this lectureship, we will make the effort to be balanced in our approach.

Therefore, be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left...
Joshua 23:6, ESV

And, since our mind is still on the Proverbs...

Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.
Proverbs 4:27, ESV

Stay tuned for more information regarding the 2008 Cold Harbor Lectureship!

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.

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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

Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out

Here's an interesting story out of South Charleston, West Virginia:

A man who thought he was asking a friend about a drug deal instead sent a text message to the state police and was arrested, authorities said.

Joshua Wayne Cadle, 19, allegedly sent the message this past Wednesday to a phone number that used to belong to an unidentified friend. The number is now held by the State Police.

"He text messaged that and asked his friend if he wanted to buy some reefer," Moore said.

Another trooper who received the message responded and set up a meeting. Moore arrested Cadle on Wednesday night in the parking lot of a shopping center in South Charleston.

Cadle was charged with delivery of a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver.

Not all sin involves that which is illegal. One can gossip, lie, harbor hate, be negligent in serving God, and the like without fear of prosecution. Some sins, however, are also against the laws of civil government. The story above is a classic example of a man's sin costing him freedom both spiritually and physically.

The Bible says:

But if you will not do so [obey], behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out.
Numbers 23:32, ESV

You may go through life and never break a single law, and therefore, never have the fear of losing your freedom. Then again, men have led lives of crime without ever being detected. They were so adept at "getting away with it" that they went to their graves innocent in the eyes of the law. But not in the eyes of the all powerful God who sees and knows all -- even that which nobody else does.

Whether or not our sin "finds us out" in this life, there will be no way to cover it up as we stand before the Judge of all creation.

Friend, deal wisely with your sin now, for you can do nothing about it then!

r2

Just One Way

Among the most quoted and recognizable words from the life of Christ are the following, found in the fourteenth chapter of John's account of the gospel:

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

Christ declares himself to be the solution to the fundamental problem of the human race: sin and the consequences thereof. Have you given thought to the words in contrast to what we hear from other "authorities?"

Philosophy says THINK your way out.

Science says INVENT your way out.

Legislators say LEGISLATE your way out.

Politicians say SPEND your way out.

The liquor industry says DRINK your way out.

Psychiatry says TALK your way out.

Banks and lenders say BUY your way out.

Demonstrators say SHOUT your way out.

Rioters say FIGHT your way out.

Industry says WORK your way out.

False religion says FEEL your way out.

Satan says THERE IS NO WAY out.

Jesus says I AM the way out!

As the beloved old hymn declares, "There is just one way to the pearly gate!"

Are you going that way?

r2

How To Be A Better Listener

The Lord is interested in our hearing. He has given mankind direction on the proper way to listen in the pages of Scripture. In one place, the Bible says, “let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). This is a principle which certainly does not come naturally to most of us! Many times, I want to talk as opposed to listen. More often than not, the subject I am prone to discuss is my favorite...ME! Yet God instructs us to take a radically different approach to our conversational skills.

The above quote from the book of James must be kept in its proper context if we are to derive the most benefit. The topic at hand is the fact that “every good and every perfect gift” comes directly from the Lord (James 1:17). Included, of course, is “the word of truth” (James 1:18), easily one of the greatest of God’s gifts to mankind. Verse eighteen indicates that God “brought us forth by the word of truth that we might be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures.” The gospel has the power to save (Romans 1:16-17) and thus change lives. Thus the instruction to “be swift to hear, slow to speak.” The principles and commands contained in Scripture are not up for negotiation. We have not the liberty to “make deals” or select which portions of the Bible we will accept. Why are so many uncomfortable or even irate at one or more commandments of God’s word today? It is simple really: They are swift to speak, slow to hear, and swift to wrath!

In the days of Christ, many of the Jews heard, but they did not really hear! Many today hear, yet fail to listen. There are several varieties of listeners today. Here are a handful of examples:

• One can listen and criticize; they can pick the words, sentences, or facts apart. They hear the language errors a speaker makes, but are impervious to the truth.


• There are those who listen in resentment. They hear, but they do so with great hostility in their heart. Truth does not alter their intellect, but rather fires their passions.


• Some listen in sheer superiority. These individuals do not listen, but merely hear your words to be polite.


• Some, however, listen to learn. They have an open, honest, yet discerning heart. They are seeking, knocking, and asking. These listeners will hear and obey the truth. They will experience great spiritual growth, and be blessed because they have taken the admonition of James chapter one and verse nineteen seriously.

Friend, how are your listening skills? Applying God’s counsel in hearing his word will certainly help you in your social listening as well. Everyone likes a good listener. Instead of consistently dominating the conversation, “be swift to hear, slow to speak.” If you apply this principle in social settings, people will appreciate you. If you apply this principle in your dealings with the Bible, God will surely bless you!

r2