Do right

Do right

“The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.” (Prov. 10:7)

Dr. Bob Jones, evangelist, and founder/chancellor of Bob Jones University used to often say “Do right until the stars fall”. Little did many of the students know how important and prophetic those words would be.
As one ages, he often lives with his memories. The kids are gone; many loved ones have passed away, and all he seems to have in this world that is of any value is memories. The human nature, being as it is, will recall the evil days and deeds much quicker than the good and wholesome thoughts, therefore, make your days good days, and do right! We store up memories as we go through life, some will bring rewards in eternity, and others will fall by the wayside and burn as wood, hay, and stubble; whichever it is, we have some input in our late life memories. How much sweeter life will be when we can recall more righteousness than evil in our lives; when our memories, try as they may, seek to defeat our joy with negative and unworthy deeds and thoughts, and run into a solid wall of right thinking and righteous living. As Dr. Jones used to say, “Do right!”--you’ll never regret it.

Battlefields and broken bodies

Battlefields and broken bodies

We have built great and magnificent buildings over past battlefields; we have erected sub-divisions, and built roads over parking lots of generations long gone. We have done wonders in the heavens and in the earth, but life has rolled over us all, and we have been cast upon the dung heaps of life. Today we tread over battlefields and bones long passed away, never stopping to give them a thought or a prayer, and still life goes on. It marches onward, as a great banner of evil and good; it marches on to a battlefield of a different sort, war waged on the brim of only to discover that age-old spirit that chases us all through life--the spirit of death. A continual struggle exists between the two, the one giving, and the other taking, and still life trudges on seeking more life, all the while ruining that which it has given until it is swallowed up by death. Yes, life squeezes a man until he dies, and then discards him in six foot of ground…and the end is not yet….
Some day, oh some glorious day, the Reaper will come and glean the wheat from the tares, and those that are found faithful will enjoy sweet rapture forever with the Lord. Let us remember those “glory days” when knights gave their lives in service for their country; when men bravely fought for the control of their own land, and for those who have fallen by the wayside. Let us remember those who fought on foreign soil so that America could be free from toil, and those who stayed home and fought from the factories and plants to feed the soldiers way off in who-knows-where. Let us give thanks for the pioneers that forged a path through the wilderness for others to follow, “trailblazers” they were, and for those who gave of themselves to serve the wounded soldiers at home and abroad. Yea, as we tread these turmoil-filled streets, let us consider how many thousands, yea, millions have went on before us, and made us what we are, and our country what it is today…and we walk over their graves! Give thanks, oh people, give thanks for the battles that led the way…for you…for me. May we step carefully and cautiously as we tread these not-so-hallowed streets and consider those forgotten men and women who believed in Truth, and went with faith forward into battle, to battle good and evil first-hand; let us thank the Lord for them, and whisper a prayer for their ancestors, of which may be our friends and neighbors. Mostly, my friends, give thanks for Calvary where the ultimate battle has taken place--for us.

Under the Law

I may have posted this before, but if so, please excuse me. I am easily confused as of late, (and I think it worthy of mention again, if so)

“The Law”
Christ fulfilled the law, proving that He could keep every facet of it, thereby doing what no man could do. The law, then, was weakened because it faced defeat in Christ, and became incorporated into grace. Grace overpowered law, having been stronger than it, and the law was “swallowed up in victory” along with death and sin. The law, then, never died, it dwells within the confines of grace; the strictest part of the law is now the weakest part of grace. Law has become “of no effect” unto us now, it has been fulfilled in Christ, our “all” and in all; it has merged with grace. Today, we live under grace, and walk by faith in it; we no longer consider the law to be our master, but have been set free from its grip, and have freedom in Christ and grace.

Under the Law
We hear this phrase often, as applied to the Jew, or usually to an ordinance of the law, such as tithing, but whenever we fail to see the grace of God, we place ourselves “under the law”. “The Law”, according to the letter of the law, is the commands for conduct in the Old Testament; though Gentiles never have been technically under the law, they become a “law unto themselves” when they fail to accept the grace of God, and thereby they are under the law, or rather should I say “A law”? Do not suppose that the Bible, when speaking of being “under the law” excuses the Gentile because he never was under the law in the strictest sense, but realize that there is no middle ground. You either dwell under “a law” (the law) or under grace, there is no other way aside from blatant unbelief; even then man is under the “law of sin”.
We are all under a law of some sort. When the Bible refers to “The Law”, it usually speaks of the Old Testament law which condemns men under sin, the law of Moses, but if we leave it there, then we must claim that the Gentile is not under sin, since he never was under the law! The purpose of the law was to expose man’s sin, but not all law is bad. You see, there are many laws; there is the “Law of the Spirit of life” (Romans 8:2); there is the “law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2); the “perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25 and 2:12); the “royal law” (James 2:8). Again, there are many laws by which we are to dictate our lives, but none is sufficient to deal with our sin, only grace can do that!

So, why should we remain “under the law” when we can walk “above the law” as we know “the law” to be? We have the victory in Christ, and are not under “the law of Moses” and the others. We are only above the law in the sense that we are no longer under its authority, but have made another law, and another authority to guide our lives by, that being, “The law of Grace”. So, as we are freed from the old law, we are subject to a new law--the Law of Christ. In one way or another, it behooves us to remain under “a law“.

Meditating on the Cross

Meditate on the Cross

The Cross

One preacher has said, (quote)
- “The history of human guilt culminates in the cross.
- The purposes of divine love are made intelligible at the cross.
- The rays of glory emanating from Christ are focused in the cross.
- The fingers of prophecy point to the cross.
- The mysteries of prophecy are unraveled at the cross.
- The great problem of human redemption is solved in the cross.
- The serpents head is bruised at the cross.
- The door of heaven is opened at the cross.
- The fountain of Salvation is unsealed at the cross.
- All the great events of the gospel yield in importance to the cross.
- The incarnation was preparatory to the cross.
- The transfiguration foreshadowed the cross.
- The resurrection was a complement to the cross.
- Pentecost was the firstfruits of the cross.
- All the great doctrines of grace revolve around the cross.
- Our new life is born at the cross.
- The world is stripped of its charm at the cross.
- Earthly glory fades at the cross.
- Our condemnation is lifted at the cross.
- The bitters of life are sweetened by the cross.
- The shadows of death are dispelled at the cross.
- The heart of God is revealed at the cross.”
----Joe Henry Hanks
(In public domain)

“I am saved by the cross. Hallelujah for the cross of Jesus Christ! It is the power of God and the wisdom of God. To those who perish it is foolishness, but I invite you to put it to the test. ‘We preach Christ crucified, unto the Greeks foolishness, unto the Jews a stumbling block, but to them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.’”
The cross--the “Highway to Heaven” that leaves this old world and enters into a new, bright eternity.

Is the seed yet in the barn?

“Is the seed yet in the barn?” (Hag. 2:19)

My comments take this question out of context, nevertheless, it is a very worthy question to consider. Is the seed, in your life, yet in the barn? Is it lying dormant while you enjoy the benefits of God’s grace? The seed is to be planted for the harvest, when the fields are white and ready, so where do you stand in lieu of this question?
The Lord had withheld His mighty hand from Judah because they failed to get the house of the Lord in order (chapter 1), but now that they had refurbished His house, and had set the right priorities, what did they do with Word of God? Too many times we sit back and bask in His grace, and reap the blessings of the treasures of God, but fail to pass them on to others. In Chapter two, he calls upon the old timers to verify that His house is much more splendid than the previous one, and it’s grandeur outshines what used to be (v. 3), but there is still the question we must all consider, “Are we getting the seed out”? Are we sharing the grace of the Lord with others by introducing them to Jesus? The Bible is a practical Book, and here is the practical application for us, are we trying to win others to Christ? The Lord will be pleased to put His name there when we are doing what we are supposed to do.

A Brief benediction for young ladies

Young Ladies
For the young ladies meeting.
(A brief benediction)


Girls, these are evil days we live in; there are a lot of people out there that will destroy you if you let them. You are approaching the time of life when decisions are crucial, and will make some decisions that can affect your entire lives. To make a wrong decision will bring pain and misery for many, many years to come. By now, most adults here can remember a decision that they would rather forget; they did something perhaps that cannot be undone; they have to live with those decisions. We hope to spare you much heartache, much anxiety, and maybe even mental anguish with this lesson, please heed it, and file it in your memory; it will help you later in life.

The one, and perhaps the greatest question you will ask yourself when you meet Mr. “right” is “Does he really love me? Is he sincere, or stringing me along?” Girls, Listen, there is no way you will know without continued communication with God. I know that sounds trite; you have heard it all your life, but I am going to give you tonight a few guidelines that will spare you from grief later on. I am going to teach you how to discern between the true and the untrue.

You may have already met that prince on a shining white horse--your hero, the man of your dreams, and yet as the relationship grows, doubts prevail. Making the right decision is too important to ignore. As your relationship grows (and I will be as delicate as I can) he presses you for a more intimate relationship. What are you going to do? You are under no obligation to submit to him yet. Does he really want a lasting relationship? (Get this in your craw ladies, marriage is forever. Ten years up the road you ought to love him as much, and more than you do when you first get married. Twenty years later, you are still committed to him--it’s for life!) if you jump into a marriage as a “trial basis,” you are not committed yourself, you are not ready for a permanent relationship.

Here are some guidelines that may be helpful:

1. How does he treat his mother?
The attitude toward his mother will reveal to you his attitude toward you some day. If he is cruel to that woman which bear him into the world, and took care of him for many years, what makes you think he will be different with you?

2. How does he handle authority?
God is the ultimate authority--if he is rebellious toward the Lord, what makes you think he will be kind and generous to you?

3. Can he hold a job?
Working reveals much more than being able to support you, although that is very important. It is a matter of character. Character will help him stay around when things get tough (and they will); working is a “training field” for fidelity.

4. Is he responsible?
Paying bills, and meeting other obligations will “prove” him to be responsible. Marriage is hard enough without failing in responsibilities; many men “give up” because of the result of irresponsibility, and will abandon a marriage. This, to many, is the true proof of manhood.

Thanks!

This thread will soon be discontinued. I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer disease, and as it progresses will be unable to write or type, or even think clearly. I would like to thank the Lord for the great privilege of writing on this site,and to thank JTR for trusting me in allowing me to do so. I have thoroughly enjoyed these years of writing here and especially the blogs that JTR made for me. I pray her and Fred often, and ask that you all do the same.

Again, thank you JTR for all you do, you have a great web site.

The science of sin

The science of fire is made up of three parts, spark, fuel, and oxygen. If you remove any of the three elements, you cannot have fire. Sin is also made up of three elements, at least physical sin is, and they are lust, enticement, and opportunity. If you could break up this unholy trinity, you would not have sin in the flesh. (based on James 1:14,15) Everything has a science; I speak from a worldly perspective, and not a heavenly, but, according to this world, everything has a science. Fire burns if not controlled, and sin leads to death if left to itself; it is a natural fact. Fire leaves ruin and ashes, while sin leads to death and despair.

The science of sin--
When enticement meets with lust, we are tempted, but opportunity has not yet presented itself; when opportunity meets with enticement, we are lured, but lust has not yet entered the picture; it takes all three meeting all at once, and be sure that the devil will do his part to see that they do. It is wise of us to seek the guidance of the Lord in our daily walk, that these three should never meet al at the same time, lest we fall to the clutches of sin. Man is weak, and Satan knows our weaknesses, and he will see to it, the best he can, that these three meet together in the minds and hearts of God’s people.

The science of sin

The science of sin

The science of fire is made up of three parts, spark, fuel, and oxygen. If you remove any of the three elements, you cannot have fire. Sin is also made up of three elements, at least physical sin is, and they are lust, enticement, and opportunity. If you could break up this unholy trinity, you would not have sin in the flesh. (based on James 1:14,15) Everything has a science; I speak from a worldly perspective, and not a heavenly, but, according to this world, everything has a science. Fire burns if not controlled, and sin leads to death if left to itself; it is a natural fact. Fire leaves ruin and ashes, while sin leads to death and despair.

The science of sin--
When enticement meets with lust, we are tempted, but opportunity has not yet presented itself; when opportunity meets with enticement, we are lured, but lust has not yet entered the picture; it takes all three meeting all at once, and be sure that the devil will do his part to see that they do. It is wise of us to seek the guidance of the Lord in our daily walk, that these three should never meet al at the same time, lest we fall to the clutches of sin. Man is weak, and Satan knows our weaknesses, and he will see to it, the best he can, that these three meet together in the minds and hearts of God’s people.

Three Secret things

Mt. 6


Alms giving:
“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.”

Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Though we do it in secret, God will reward us openly.

“and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” Vs. 1-4)


Praying
“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (Mt. 6:5,6)

Praying is a personal form of worship between us and our Lord only; we are not to be “showy” and ostentatious in our praying.

And finally:
Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. (Mt. 6:16-18)

Fasting is also a personal sacrifice, and to be done unto the Lord only; we need not “advertise” the fact that we are fasting.