THOU SHALT UNDERSTAND

There are some good "TV Preachers" out there and there are a few who come up with some really off the wall stuff. Some times I just scratch my head and wonder, "Where in the world did he get that?"

When you read the Bible, or anything for that matter, don't try to read something into the text that really isn't there. If you try hard enought you can make it say anything you want it to say. That's one of the reasons there are so many sects in Christendom.

When I was a theological student I remember hearing this as we studied Principles of Interpretation, "If the plain sense makes good sense don't look for any other sense". This is the first and most important principle.

Tyndale, who died as a martyr for translating the Bible into English wrote:
"Thou shalt understand, therefore, that the Scripture hath but one sense, which is the literal sense. And the literal sense is that root and ground of all and the anchor that never faileth, where unto if thou cleave, thou canst never err nor go out of the way. And if thou leave the literal sense, thou canst not but go out of the way."

For a little more on this subject go to my blog http://2knowthetruth.blogspot.com

The Meaning of a Word

Language is fluid - ever changing.
The King James Bible is sometimes difficult to understand because a word has become archaic and is no longer used. For example: "chambering", in Rom. 13:13. What in the world is "chambering"? My "spell check" can't even find it!

In other instances, over the passage of time, a word or phrase may take on a completely different or totally opposite meaning. For example: In Matt. 13;21 the phrase, "by and by he is offended" would lead you to believe that "after some time he is offended", you know, as "in the sweet by and by". However, three hundred years ago, that phrase meant, "immediately he is offended". We've changed the phrase to mean the exact opposite of it's original meaning.

Gay used to mean happy.
Cool and hot used to refer to temperature.
Pot used to be a container.
Roach used to be a bug.
High was a position not a condition.
The list could go on and it would be a lot of fun.

All this to say "liberal" used to mean generous and tolerant. Yes indeed, generous with someone else's resources and tolerant of everything except conservative views.

The Pathways of the Wind

God's ways are as hard to discern as the pathways of the wind, and as mysterious as a tiny baby being formed in a mother's womb. Be sure to stay busy and plant a variety of crops, for you never know which will grow--perhaps they all will.

Ecclesiastes 11:5

Noses, Tongues, and Chicken Brains

Yesterday I mentioned a song I had once heard about how Americans will swallow almost anything (physically, mentally, and spiritually). The song is on an old cassette from about 25 years ago. A miracle that I found it and that it still works. It was written and sung by a young man, Grady Toland. here is one of the verses.

"My balony has a first name,
it's animal remains.
Like noses, tails and tongues and such,
probably even chicken brains.
But I love to eat it every day
and if you ask me why I'll say;
Because we Americans will eat about anything,
if you wrap it up just right."

Oh, please God, help us to see beyond the wrappings, the ads, and the "testimonials".

Check the Ingredients - Closely

I heard a cute song years ago (I'll try to find the words) about American eating habits. The point of the song was that Americans will eat anything if you put it in the right package. There is a lot of truth in it. I've found that usually tastiness and "addictiveness" is directly proportionate to the amount of dangerous ingredients in the product. Remember the ad ditty, "Jay's potato chips, can't stop eatin 'em."

For the past 50 years American consumption, driven by powerful advertising, has fueled the world's economies. We are a consumer oriented society. The advertisers hawk their wares and we swallow it with only a cursory glance at the ingredients.
"Hmm, wonder what that is? Never heard of it. Gulp.

Buyer beware!!! This has a strong application to American spirituality if you didn't catch it!!

Don't Look Down on Youth

In 1904 a spiritual revival broke out in Wales. God used a man named Evan Roberts. Within a year over 100,000 converts were added to the Welsh church. Evan was 26 at the time. The evangelistic team consisted of his brother Dan(20), Sydney Evans(20), Evan's sister Mary(20), and their singing group "The Singing Sisters" whose ages were 18-22. www.welshrevival.com

The Apostle Paul adomonished Timothy, "Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe." 1 Tim. 4:12

LET THE YOUTH ARISE!!!

False Hopes -- False Fears

Which is worse?

False hopes.....or false fears?

The end result of false fears is a nice surprise since they didn't come to pass.

The end result of false hopes is bitter disappointment.

Weighted Down?

Bear not
a single care
thyself

One is too much
for thee

The work is Mine
and Mine alone

Thy work -
to rest in Me.

author unknown

Rock Gardens and WYSIWYG

Living in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona has been quite an experience these past 14 years. It is so very different from Asia and Northern Europe where we spent most of our adult lives. We've learned to love Arizona.

If you want to have a "Rock Garden" in your yard, it's easy - just do nothing. When we landscaped our front yard the designer wanted to haul in some boulders. I thought he was crazy. Why would I pay a hundred bucks for a boulder when a large part of the state is a rock pile?

Anyway, a friend of ours has a "Rock Garden". They have collected unusual rocks from all over the country, some as large as a bushel basket, and placed them on a mound in the corner of the back yard. Small plants and cacti are interspersed to create a very unique and beautiful focal point. Some of the stones are undoubtedly semi-precious, petrified wood, quartz, garnet, amethyst and various crystals.

I was admiring some of these stones and reached down to pick one up to examine it more closely. When I lifted the stone I jerked back at the sight of several scorpions and some black bugs scurrying from the bright sunlight. But when I lifted a crystal I found no bugs at all.

I asked my friend, "What is it about crystals that seems to repel the bugs?" He gave me a lesson on human nature. The crystals transmit light and bugs like the darkness. These stones can be likened to people. Some folks are transparent. If you poke around in their lives there are no surprises. WYSIWYG - what you see is what you get. Others are opaque. It seem like every time you poke around, a big black bug shows up. You never quite know what you might find.

The Greatest Book on Earth (Poem)

This is the greatest book on earth,
Unparalleled it stands;
Its author God, its truth Divine,
Inspired in every word and line,
Tho' writ by human hands.

This is the living rock of truth
Which all assaults defies
O'er every stormy blast of time
It towers with majesty sublime;
It lives, and never dies.

This is the volume of the Cross;
Its doctrine pure, its history true,
Its Gospel old, yet ever new,
Shall evermore endure.

by J. Sidlow Baxter

Cave Mentality-"The Reality of Shadows"

First impressions are extremely powerful and, more often than we might admit, are perceived as reality. In fact they are merely a shadow of the truth. A shadow on the wall may give you a pretty good outline of a person's face, but it is certainly not an accurate description. A shadow can be very misleading. What we might perceive as a dog, could in reality be a child's fingers twisted in front of light.

You know the story of "Plato's Cave". Prisoners from birth are chained in front of a cave wall and see nothing but shadows cast on the wall as their guards walk between them and the fire. The shadows are all they know. Someone telling them what exists outside the cave is considered dangerous because he threatens their concept of reality. It reads, "---And if they were somehow able to get their hands on and kill the man who attempts to release and lead up, wouldn't they kill him?"

Reminds me of the verse in Scripture, "Men loved darkness better than light-."

There is a spiritual "reality". God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, heaven, hell, angels and devils. Don't be surprised if those living in darkness have a tough time listening to you.

In the film "Fatal Attraction" Dan's first impressions of Alex were tantalizing. He got more than he bargained for. A huge difference between the "shadow" of an attractive colleague and the psychopath who kidnapped his child and tried to murder his wife. See my blog, "Fatal Attraction, Garlic Girls, Delilah and HIV" July 5 at http://2knowthetruth.blogspot.com

Our first impressions need to be taken for what they are, a mere shadow. Don't fight the truth, get out of the cave and into the sunlight and experience a real dose of reality.

Black Light

Went on a vacation last year - stayed in good motel/hotels, not the Hilton, but not the bottom of the heap either. I've always asked to see the room before we pay. Turn on the lights, pull back the covers and sheets (always all the way to the the foot of the bed after having wiggled my bare toes on some body's dirty sock in the middle of the night a few years ago). Also poke around a bit in the bathroom. Seldom find anything worth mentioning but do it as a precaution.

A few months ago I related my routine to a friend who told me I really wasn't seeing things in the proper light. If I would get a "black light", an ultra violet flashlight, I would see things a lot differently and might be surprised. He told me that I was "seeing" but really not "seeing". I reluctantly bought a UV flashlight before my last trip - I could always use it to check around the house for scorpions.

It was late when we arrived at the hotel. As usual, I asked to look before paying and was given the door code. We turned on the lights and poked around as we always do. Looked OK to me. Then I pulled out the UV Flashlight, turned out the lights and just about puked. Everywhere you could imagine were splashes and splotches of florescent green - everywhere! On the bedspread, walls, floor, all around the toilet and sink. It was enough to gag a maggot. This was a "nice" 3-4 star place. We slept in the car that night - couldn't even think about looking at another room.

I'm reminded of the words of Jesus,"Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?" Mk. 8:18

Are you seeing but not really seeing? Try looking at things in a little different light - you may be surprised! It may even be a life changing experience - I'll never sleep in a motel again!!

Wilderness Communion

C. H. Spurgeon

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

July 18
Wilderness Communion

I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. (Hosea 2:14)
The goodness of God sees us allured by sin, and it resolves to try upon us the more powerful allurements of love. Do we not remember when the Lover of our souls first cast a spell upon us and charmed us away from the fascinations of the world! He will do this again and again whenever He sees us likely to be ensnared by evil.

He promises to draw us apart, for there He can best deal with us, and this separated place is not to be a paradise, but a wilderness, since in such a place there will be nothing to take of our attention from our God. In the deserts of affliction the presence of the Lord becomes everything to us, and we prize His company beyond any value which we set upon it when we sat under our own vine and fig tree in the society of our fellows. Solitude and affliction bring more to themselves and to their heavenly Father than any other means.

When thus allured and secluded the Lord has choice things to say to us for our comfort. He "speaks to our heart," as the original has it. Oh, that at this we may have this promise explained in our experience! Allured by love, separated by trial, and comforted by the Spirit of truth, may we know the Lord and sing for joy!

From "Faith's Checkbook - C.H. Spurgeon

NO FEAR ? - FEAR GOD!

I saw these words on a bumper sticker the other day. According to some, the idea, "FEAR GOD", is not only old fashioned but landed in the dust bin of history years ago. However, let me remind you that the phrase is found throughout the Bible, both OT and NT. (check it out) It's not only good advice it is a command to be obeyed.

The saved standing before the throne of God sing,
"Great and marvelous are your deeds,
Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
King of the Ages.
Who will not fear you, O Lord,
and bring glory to your name?"
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed."
Rev. 15:3,4

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools ------." Prov. 1:7

Now, "fear of the Lord" includes the concept of reverence, another word that we seldom hear today. God is referred to as "the old man" or "the man upstairs". The prophets fell on their faces when they "sensed" His presence. Today, men pick their nose while they say they're having a buddy-buddy chat with God (I doubt they even know what it is to come into His presence). I read of a man who said Jesus appeared to Him while he was shaving. He continued to shave and they enjoyed a nice little chat together. If the real Jesus appeared he, like the Apostle John, would fall flat on his face in reverential fear. Rev. 1:17

The latest obnoxious, irreverent, ungodly and foolish thing I have come across which demonstrates this lack of reverential fear is a referral to Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world, as Jesus - "the toxic waste dump of the universe". That's not cute or creative - it's a sick reminder of how far we have departed from "THE FEAR OF THE LORD".

I'm Wrong - You're Right

We live in a curious age. I am a "black and white" sort of guy. It seems to me that there use to be a lot of "white" and a lot of "black" and a little bit of gray or grey in the middle. Today, as I look around, I wonder if, in the minds of many, there is any "white" and "black" or if everything now is grey.

Francis Schaeffer wrote this about 35 years ago. I think he addressed it to intellectuals but since then this kind of thinking has become commonplace.

“------ we should note this curious mark of our own age: the only absolute allowed is the absolute insistence that there is no absolute."


Now, when there is a difference, either:

I am wrong and you are right,
or
You are wrong and I am right,
or
We are both wrong,
but
We cannot both be right. (unless reason has died)

The Commercialized Mindset

John Piper, in his little book, "Jesus - The Only Way to God" spells one of the most dangerous corruptions of basic Christian beliefs which we are experiencing in American society. His introduction includes the idea of a "Commercialized Mindset". If people are not "buying" what we are presenting to them, we get the feeling that there must be something wrong with our "product" (message). Eventually, we "redefine" the truth so that it becomes more palatable. Example: If maintaining that Jesus is the only way to heaven becomes offensive, the "commercial mindset" will modify the message to something like, "Jesus is in some way or another the way to heaven even if you've never heard of Him." Or else just not make an issue about it anymore and quit talking about it.

There IS such a thing as "the offence of the cross." (Gal. 5:11 NIV) If the truth is offensive to some - then let it be. Who are we trying to please, anyway?

Blood Diamonds and Blood Gold

In the last few years a new expression has been added to our language - BLOOD DIAMONDS. A film and a TV Documentary by that name was produced in 2006.

"In relation to diamond trading, blood diamond (also called a converted diamond, conflict diamond, hot diamond, or a war diamond) refers to a diamond mined in a war zone and sold to finance an insurgency, invading army's war efforts, or a warlord's activity, usually in Africa." (wikopedia)

Now, there is also something called BLOOD GOLD. The gold we enjoy in our jewelry was produced at great cost which is reflected in the price - today $1209 per ounce.

BLOOD GOLD is made available for our enjoyment and security not by intensive labor but by blood, sweat, tears and death. The blood, sweat tears and death of our Lord Jesus Christ which purchased our redemption. He said, "I go to prepare a place for you --." And the streets of that city are paved with gold. BLOOD GOLD

The Image of God or an Idol

I heard a dialog between two ministers over the subject of pain and suffering and whether or not God causes some of it. One maintained that God sometimes causes suffering as punishment, discipline, chastisement, etc. The other said words to this effect, "That is not my image of God" and maintained that all pain and suffering is caused by Satan and his demons.

Now, the point I want to make is this: Due to our ignorance of God's revelation, we may "re-invent" God in our own image. In our minds, He thinks like I think, He likes what I like, He wants what I want, He does things the way I want things done, His idea of justice, holiness, purity, etc is exactly the same as mine.

This Is Idolatry. It is making God in the image of man. Not a bit different from making God in the image of a beast.

John Newton - His song, his text, his testimony, his epitaph.

He was a sailor on a slave ship and became the wretched slave of a slave woman.

John Newton wrote "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me."

His favorite text was written on the wall of his study: "Thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee."

His testimony on his death bed, "My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things, that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Saviour!"

His Epitaph:: John Newton, Clerk, Once an Infidel and Libertine, A Servant of Slaves in Africa, was by the Mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Preserved, Restored, Pardoned, And Appointed to Preach the Faith he had so long laboured to destroy.

Expose or Cover - What will it be?

"What we try to cover, God will uncover;
What we uncover, God will cover." Adrian Rogers

1Cor. 4:5 ".....He (the Lord) will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts."

1Jn. 1:9 "If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." vs. 7 - "...the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, purifies us from all sin."

Rom. 4:7 "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered, Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him."

Nothing is more pathetic---

Nothing is more pathetic than having a small character in a big assignment. Many of us don't want to give attention to our character, we just want the big assignment from God.
Henry T. Blackaby--Experiencing God (Lifeway Press)

The Giftie gi'e us

"O wad some power the Giftie gi'e us
To see oorsel's as ithers see us."

The Scottish poet - Robert Burns

Give me the Love .......

"Give me the Love that leads the way
The Faith that nothing can dismay
The Hope no disappointments tire
The Passion that'll burn like fire
Let me not sink to be a clod
Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God."


"We profess to be strangers and pilgrims, seeking after a country of our own, yet we settle down in the most un-stranger-like fashion, exactly as if we were quite at home and meant to stay as long as we could. I don't wonder apostolic miracles have died. Apostolic living certainly has."

Amy Carmichael

Have you ever read a martyr's trial?

Articles or Charges against Michael Sattler (1527)

First, that he and his adherents have acted contrary to the mandate of the Emperor.

Secondly, he has taught, held and believed that the body and blood of Christ are not present in the sacrament.

Thirdly, he has taught and believed that infant baptism does not conduce to salvation.

Fourthly, they have rejected the sacrament of extreme unction.

Fifthly, they have despised and condemned the mother of God and the saints.

Sixthly, he has declared that men are not to swear before the authorities.

Seventhly, he has commenced a new and unheard of custom in regard to the Lord's supper, placing the bread and wine on a plate, and eating and drinking the same.

Eightly, he has left the order, and married a wife.

Ninethly, he has said that if the Turks should invade the country, no resistance ought to be offered them; and if it were right to wage war, he would rather take the field against the Christians than against the Turks; and it is certainly a great matter, to set the greatest enemies of our holy faith against us.

After his short defence which quoted Bible verses it is recorded "the judges laughed and put their heads together, and the town clerk of Ensisheim said, 'O you infamous, desperate villain and monk, shall we dispute with you? The hangman shall dispute with you, I assure you."

Michael said, "God's will be done."

The town clerk said, "It were well if you had never been born."

Michael replied, God knows what is good."

Town Clerk, "You arch-heretic, you have seduced the pious; if they would only now forsake their error, and accept grace."

Michael: "Grace is with God alone."
One of the prisoners also said, "We must not depart from the truth."

Town Clerk: "You desperate villain and archheretic, I tell you if there were no hangman here, I would hang you myself, and think that I had done God service."

Michael: "God will judge aright."
Thereupon the town clerk said a few words to him in Latin, what we do not know.

Michael Sattler answered him Judica.

The town clerk said, "The hangman shall convince you; he shall dispute with you, arch-heretic."

Michael: "I appeal to the Scriptures."

The judges arose, and went into another room, where they remained for an hour and a half, and determined on the sentence.

The judges having returned to the room, the sentence was read. It was as follows, "In the case of the Governor of his Imperial Majesty versus Michael Sattler, judgement is passed, that Michael Sattler shall be delivered to the executioner, who shall lead him to the place of execution, and cut out his tongue; then throw him upon a wagon, and there tear his body twice with red hot tongs; and after he has been brought without the gate, he shall be pinched five times in the same manner."

After this had been done in the manner prescribed, he was burned to ashes as a heretic. His fellow brethren were executed with the sword, and the sisters drowned. His wife, also, after being subjected to many entreaties, admonitions and threats, under which she remained very steadfast, was drowned a few days afterwards. Done the 21st day of May, A.D. 1527

from "The Martyrs Mirror"

Are we so weak that we won't even dispute the very things for which our spiritual forefathers were tortured and died at the hands of the Papists and Reformers? God have mercy upon our pitiful souls.

Dogs are human, too. Funny

From the Journal of Canine Psychology

Post Training Stress Syndrome - PTSS

Unrealistic expectations from high strung breeds can result in PTSS. Fortunately, PTSS is not a permanent canine psychotic condition. The most common symtoms are aggressive behaviors (excessive barking, growling, snapping and biting) and destructive behaviors (chewing furniture, clawing walls and tearing up lawns and flower beds). Symtoms usually appear immediately after training sessions and disappear after a few hours only to reappear with the next session.

Case Study

Ms. Mallon came to the clinic with her 2 year old wire haired fox terrior - a very active, yet friendly spayed female. It had been house trained as a puppy. Ms. Mallon was distraught because her pet, unlike her neighbor's poodle, could not "do tricks". "All I wanted to do", she explained, "was to teach her not to bark so much, to sit, to roll over, and to play dead with it's paws in the air. I just can't teach her to do anything no matter how hard I work at it. And every time I try she poops under my kitchen table. What can I do?"

I explained to her that some breeds are easily trained, like her neighbor's poodle. Others, especially terrier breeds, seem to have a mind of their own and will probably never "do tricks". Defecating under the table is simply her way of saying no, I don't like this. "She'll be just like she was before when you stop the training. Nothing is wrong with your dog, Ms. Mallon, it just doesn't want to sit down, shut up, roll over and play dead. Dogs are a lot like people."

The Souls of the Martyrs Cry Out

"I saw-----the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, 'How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you--------avenge our blood?'"

"Vengence is mine, saith the Lord, I will repay." Rev. 6:9-10; Rom. 12:19

When I think about the multitudes of believers, my brothers and sisters, who have died for their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ I am both humbled and strengthened.

I am humbled because they endured ridicule, persecution, poverty, imprisonment, torture and death for what they believed. And I have it so very easy and live in the lap of luxury.

I am strengthened in my innermost being by their heroic example of faithfulness and the strength of character they displayed.

In my spirit I hear them crying out to me, not for vengence - that belongs to God, but for steadfastness, for faithfullness, for convictions that will not waiver and for a faith that is worth more than life itself.

I hear the martyrs asking;
" Did we give our lives in vain?
Will you so easily lay aside
the very things for which we died?
Will you follow in our train?"

Yes, I will follow in their train.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every thing that hinders, and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus---"
Heb. 12:1

Friend or Foe?

Sometimes the person we think of as a friend could in reality be our worst enemy; likewise, the person we think of as an enemy could actually be the best friend we ever had.

For instance; The "friend" who supplies you with drugs or assists in other destructive behaviors is not a friend at all. A true friend would never hurt you or help you hurt yourself.

You may consider the cop who gave you a DUI an enemy, when he may haved saved you from permanent brain injury or many years in prison for killing someone in your drunken state. If he indeed saved you from something like that, and there is no way to know, you should look at him as one of the best friends you have ever had.

One of the cruelest things you can do is to tell a "friend" that everything is ok and that they will be all right because you don't want to hurt their feelings or injure your relationship. You may in reality be their worst enemy by withholding information they really need to know.

The Old Testament prophets were killed by those they were trying to help - because the people didn't like the message being delivered. Their friend was considered an enemy. The false prophet told them what they wanted to hear and aided in their destruction. Was he their friend? No, their worst enemy.

Jesus was accused of being demon possessed and doing miracles by the power of Satan because the "religious" people could not handle what He had to say. He was acting as a true friend but was considered an enemy. Actually He is the best Friend anyone could ever have.

Friend or Foe? Take another look from a different perspective. You might want to change your mind about who is friend and who is foe.

The Deepest Theological Truth

A famous and learned theologian was once asked, "What is the deepest theological truth."

His answer: Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.



The love of God is greater far than toungue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled, and pardoned from his sin.

When hoary time shall pass away, and earthly thrones and kingdoms fall;
When men who here refuse to pray, on rocks and hills and mountains call;
God's love, so sure, shall still endure, all measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam's race - The saints' and angels' song.

Could we with ink the oceans fill, and were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above would drain the oceans dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole, tho' stretched from sky to sky.

Frederick M. Lehman