Journal,

On our ‘Ask the Pastor’ site I often receive inquiries? about how to find a good family church to attend. This can be a difficult issue? since there are all kinds of churches, all kinds of denominations,? all kinds of sectarian groups, not to mention groups that are cultic in nature.

This does not mean that there aren’t many good family churches around. Actually there are a great many more good churches around than there are the not-so-good churches.?

When I speak of a not-so-good churches, I am not addressing groups that are known cults.? In every denomination and in? every non-denominational setting you will find good churches and? not-so-good churches.? Often what determines the difference in these two groups will be the pulpit ministry of the group.?

Here is? a short? list on what to look for? in finding a good church home:

(1) Avoid? churches that carry in them an elitist? or superior attitude towards other? Christians. These? churches are? often sectarian in nature. (Sectarians are? intolerant of the views of others.)

(2) Avoid? denominations that speak of their denomination as God’s? true church in the earth. Jesus said that His kingdom is not of this world. Jesus did not come to give us a better religion. He came to give us Hmself. You will find true Christians in all Christ-honoring churches, including those who are not-so-good.

(3) Look for a church that is generous in heart towards other Christians, who rejoice when other Church groups prosper, and who see? their own church as only one part of the greater body of Christ.

Why is this important? Because Jesus gave us a sign that will always be the mark of His people — “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jn13:35) Christian love is not sectarian. It is? shared by all true believers.

(4)? Avoid churches where the pulpit dominates the conscience of? members.? Fear preaching? and pulpit intimidation are trademarks of not-so-good churches. This is where the? pastor is pretty much the? sole prophet-spokesman for God, never to be questioned.

(5) Seek that? healthy church where? Bible believing, Bible-teaching,? and? being able to question and discuss doctrinal teachings in a open manner are? important to that church. Open and honest dialogue? is a key to spiritual growth.

(6) Avoid churches that are excessively emotional? in nature. Emotionalism should never be seen as? a? sign of spirituality or of maturity. Oftentime? it is? just the opposite. While we do? rejoice in our emotions, the greater sign of spiritual depth will? be a? quietness of spirit.

When Peter spoke of our spiritual adornment he said it was, “the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” (1Pe3:4)

Then we hear this from the prophet Isaiah, “And the work of righteousness will be peace, and the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever.” (Is32:17)

(7) Find a church where respect of? personal family life is? central to the leadership.? No pastor should become over-familiar with any family in the church.? This being over-familiar can cause the? break down of a? family.? (Nuff said.)

While the above seven? points are generic, they are good things to consider.

Perhaps I should go to say that the nature of a local church is pretty much set by the tone of the pulpit ministry. Where you find a humble, Spirit-led pastor in the pulpit, you will find those kinds of folk in the pews. When you find arrogance in the pulpit, guess what?

Let’s move on a bit. In my devotion this morning, one Scripture? caught my eye. It was where David said, “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Ps11:3)

I? immediately thought of what the? Paul said about our foundation in Christ. What he said can be applied to both good and not-so-good church groups. Listen to the apostle:

“For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will be become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work.

“If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” (1Co3:11-15)

Paul is? addressing teachers of God’s word. Gold, silver, and precious stones, represent the? wonderful doctrines of Christ that build up our faith walk with Him.? Wood, hay and straw represent those? teachings that are not true to the doctrines of Christ, and will not stand up under the fires of life or under the judgment of God.

Notice carefully where Paul places the salvation of these teachers. Their salvation is based on one central factor — The foundation of Jesus Christ and the work of the cross.

This is where we need to see a Messianic prophecy — God says through Isaiah, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.” (Is28:16)

The foundation of Jesus Christ is firmly placed. How we build up our lives on the foundation is another manner. God’s people need to make sure they are building their lives on the? ‘gold, silver, and precious stones’ doctrines of Christ.

Need I say more?

Well, where do I go from here. Not a whole lot on the home front. Nathan came by yesterday afternoon to spend time with us. He is one busy fellow. In fact Nathan and Jeff are leaving today for a seminar in Baton Rouge. David Stellwagon is our minister for this evening.

I really need to brag (in an humble way) on David and Kathy. I married this couple quite a few years ago. As a young couple they spent twelve years on the? mission fields in Japan where the Lord gave them three fine sons.

David is an ordained minister with Christian Challenge. He is an excellent Bible teacher. But it wasn’t always that way. When Nathan first met David it was at Louisiana College. David was in his days of rebellion, wore black, and gave Nathan the jibbies.

Of course the Lord had a plan for his life that David wasn’t aware of at the time. The short side is that David returned to the Lord with a true heart of faith and has continued his journey of life as a true disciple of Jesus. As one of his rewards, the Lord God gave David a beautiful wife.

How do I know that Kathy came from the Lord? Glad you asked. Proverbs 19:14 says, “House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”

Kathy is a good wife. She was willing to leave her people to travel as a young bride to a land that would be totally foreign to anything she had ever known. Yes, Kathy is a good wife.

But we have lots of families like that at Christian Challenge. Every church has them. These kind of folk are the heart of any ministry.

Looking forward to this evening’s service. I’ve never heard David teach anything without it going right to the heart of Bible faith.?

Time to close out.

Talk with you later.

? Buddy

?

Posted: February 28th, 2007 under General.
Comments: 8

Journal,

In this Bible study I want to deal with the one area that people struggle over in coming to the Lord Jesus. It has to do with a works-righteousness mentality. I hope this study will be a blessing to everyone. There is a true faith that we? are to walk in, that is, in learning to possess by faith that which we cannot earn.

One of the worship songs that we sing at Christian Challenge has this phrase in it: ‘To possess by faith what I could not earn, all surpassing gift of righteousness.’

The song title is ‘Knowing You (All I Once Held Dear)’ by Graham Kendrick. The entire song reaches into the heart of our salvation in Christ.

As a prelude to this study here are? lyrics from this song. Listen to them with your heart:

All I once held dear, built my life upon, all this world reveres and wars to own; all I once thought gain I have counted loss, spent and worthless now compared to this.

Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You. There is no greater thing. You’re my all, You’re the best, You’re my joy, my righteousness, and I love You Lord. (chorus)

Now my heart’s desire is to know You more, to be found in You and known as Yours. To possess by faith what I could not earn, all surpassing gift of righteousness.

Oh to know the power of Your risen life, and to know You in Your sufferings; to become like You in Your death, my Lord, so with you to live and never die.

(Each lyric then carries the chorus, ‘Knowing You, Jesus, knowing you.)

Works-righteousness doctrines set forth? the premise that salvation is something that has to be earned on our part. The end result of these sorts of teaching is a form of? of fear. Fear? teachings leave adherents never knowing for certain when they are ultimately saved. The truth of the matter is that we were ultimately and eternally saved at the cross. There is nothing to add to this. Nothing can be taken from it.

And so in the fear doctrines people? wonder which work will determine when their salvation is complete.? And if there is one sin left undone, this one sin can mean the very sentence to? hell. How horrible are these fear generated teachings.

But is this what our salvation is really about? The answer is never! Believers can know that they are ultimately saved the moment they receive Jesus Christ as their own personal Lord and Savior. They just need to understand the true message of the cross.

The apostle John said, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears [punishment] is not perfected in love.” (1Jn4:18)

John is? saying that as long as a believer is living in fear of punishment, or in fear of losing their salvation, then God’s love has not completed its work in that believer’s life.

The apostle Paul said, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom8:1)

The literal Greek expresses it this way - ‘There is not now nor can there ever be a damnatory sentence against any who are in Christ Jesus.’

How could the apostles make such ultimate-salvation statements? It is easy. These statements belong to the finished work of the cross.

Jesus not only died for our sins, that is, for the whole of our sinful existence from the beginning of our birth until our passage out of this life, but at the cross a life exchange took place. He exchanged His life for our life. This is why the cross is called ‘the finished work of Christ.’ If it is finished, then there is nothing to be added to it.

The finished work of the cross means that the enemy can never again bring a charge against any of God’s people. Every believer’s? life is now hidden in Christ. This is what makes our salvation complete.

How can this be? The reason is that the finished work is so complete that the death, burial, resurrection and ascension and glorification of Jesus Christ is placed on the account of every believer. Out of the cross God covered us with His own righteousness. Who can bring a charge against God or against His Christ?

John explains why God’s love is able to cast out? all our fears of condemnation and of punishment. Listen carefully - “By this love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He [Christ] is, so also are we in this world.” (1Jn4:17 - We have literally been clothed with the life of Christ.)

As Christ is in heaven, so are we on earth. This is why Paul said that nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is found in Christ Jesus our Lord. (This is how Romans 8 completes itself.)

Is any of this contingent upon anything we can earn by our own efforts? Not one little bit. Any idea of earning our salvation? is a distortion of the? true message of the cross. The only thing a person is called to do to be? saved is to truly? believe in Jesus Christ as their own Lord and Savior. Believing is something that is done with the heart. And true believing implies a repentance is in place. Out of a heart of faith comes our? confession of faith in Him.

Listen to these Scriptures:

“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (Jn3:35 - Obedience speaks of receiving Jesus Christ as Lord.)

“Truly, truly I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” (Jn3:35)

“The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given concerning His Son.” (1Jn5:10)

I would encourage any member who is struggling over the? message of salvation to take time to read the book of Galatians.

Keep in mind that every apostle preached the same gospel. The one thing required for salvation is for a person to call upon Jesus as their own Lord and Savior. Peter and Paul both said, “Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Whan a person confesses Jesus Christ as Lord, there is a transfer of that person from? the authority of darkness,? into the kingdom rule of God’s beloved Son. In this transfer the believer is given a change of clothing. They give up their old sinful garments and are given the very garment of Jesus. They are clothed with Christ.

In this transfer of kingdom rule, the newly born human is also given a Christ-like nature. Though they can? and will stumble at times, their new nature will not allow them to remain in a stumbling state. Sin will forever remain contrary to their new nature in Christ.

There is more — Not only is this newly born human clothed with Christ, but he becomes a member of God’s family. He? is positionally seated with Christ on His throne. He belongs to the royal family of God. Thus he is a heavenly citizen in an earthly body.

And it doesn’t stop there. This new child of God is made a full heir of all that Jesus has inherited out of the cross. Paul said that we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.

If all this is truth, what then is the problem? The problem is in the believing.

If we no not believe rightfully, we then go about trying to earn our salvation by works. Once again? the doctrine of earning our salvation will? distort the word of the cross. These distorted message become a source of religious bondage.

On our Ask the Pastor site I am often asked which religion is right. My answer is always the same. There is no right religion. There is only a right relationship with the Lord. And this right relationship is found by believing in Jesus Christ.

The answer? It is never faith plus works. Salvation is the free gift of God. Certainly there are good works to be had. For believers our good works? will always be an after-the-fact of our having been saved by grace through faith.

Salvation by grace is the message of the cross. By faith we experience? the death side and the life side of the cross. We die to our selves, to our works, to our self-righteousness, to our pride of life, and thus we die to our old sinful life. In coming to the cross we accept Jesus Christ as the sacrifice for our sinful life.

Out of the death of the cross we then? enter into the life side of the cross. The work of the cross is? placed on our account. We receive our new life in Christ Jesus. Eternal life is not simply about duration of life. It is about a quality of life that is only found in Jesus.

It all comes back to what the song — To possess by faith what I could not earn; all surpassing gift of righteousness.

These are just some things to? think about.

Blessings,?

Buddy

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Posted: February 26th, 2007 under NHL.
Comments: 2

Journal,

Its been a super day around the ranch.? Today was? friendship day at Christian Challenge and we had around twenty visitors. Nathan did a great teaching on? friendships. Of course Betty and I sat in on the service from home.

Then Shana came by with lunch. She had been to Philidelphia Baptist Church for an? awards ceremony for the basketball leagues.? It is such a joy to visit with our kids.? Just normal family chit chat is a blessing. Naturally we also get all the up-to-date stuff on each of the children.

It is very interesting to see CJ’s excitement when Shana comes for a visit. Next to Betty and me, Shana is his very special friend.? He’ll jump all around her? without touching her personally. ? When you realize just how big CJ is, to jump without touching is quite a feat.

Ok,? so now? let’s hear it for the most Christ-like player in the basketball league. You got it. My youngest grandson, Jared, was selected as the ‘most Christ-like’ player in the entire? league. What an honor. He received his trophy today.? I am so proud of my little buddie.

When Shana left, Betty and I took a stroll on the hill behind Christian Challenge to sit on our special bench for a bit of relaxing time.? The hill is my? meditating place. Really love being with my one and only blue eyed girl.?

What else — Christian Challenge begins its 37th School for Christian Workers this evening. The classes are looking good. Lane starts things off with the Disciple’s Heart Training Program. It took me several years to get that course where I wanted it. It is the kind of training program that no matter how many times you take it, it remains forever new. Of course the primary reason is its use of the Scriptures.

Nathan came by for a visit. This is our Sunday? afternoon norm. Sort of ‘catch-you-up-to-things’ visiting time. ?

5:15 p.m.? Edward Dorsey called to check up on me. Boy do I ever I miss not getting to pick on him in person. Edward has such a pleasant bearing and a? great sense of humor. Love all the Dorsey family. They bring such a dignity with them. That is something I terribly lack.

Reflecting back on the morning service, David Stellwagon filled in for Jeff as worship leader. We really missed Jeff, but David? also does a great job.? A good worship leader has to be a worshipper himself.? This is something that both Jeff and David do.

Then we had a special song by a friend who came with Nora. Don’t know her name. Believe her dad pastors a church in this area. Anyway, she sang ‘Alabaster Box.’? I had chills running up my spine. That girl? put her whole heart and soul into her song.

Well, its going to be a lazy evening. Awana is in full swing. Can’t want to see how Lane’s introduction class went.

Talk with you later.

Buddy

?

Posted: February 25th, 2007 under NHL.
Comments: none

Journal,

Don’t know if I’ve ever shared how General Claudius Josephus became a member of our family. It is a very interesting story —

Six years ago on Father’s Day, the kids had me go into the living room. Then they brought two Great Dane puppies and placed them in my lap, one black and one fawn colored. I chose the fawn colored puppy. But since they were too young to remove from the mother, they were returned until weaning time.

When we went to pick up the one I had chosen, a very interesting thing happened. Of the number of puppies scampering around, the puppy that I chose came over and sat down between my feet. It was as if he chose me even though I had already chosen him.

Betty and I were talking about that this morning. I thought how this incident puts a face on our salvation in Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that God loved me before I loved Him, and that He chose me before I chose him. This is one of the great mysteries of salvation.

Ok, nuff on that for now. CJ still thinks he owns me.?

Looks like the storms are coming. According to the? reports we can expect very intense weather this afternoon. We have? a? porch that extends across the front of the house. Betty and I love to? just sit there just to enjoy the outside. Don’t know if this will work this afternoon. Oh well, we’ve already had our morning ’sitting out.’

Now I need to share a great secret. While doing my devotion this morning in Psalms, something dawned on me as to why I have grown to love this book so much. It was as though the Lord gave me a deeper understanding on the uniqueness of the book of Psalms.

I always shared how? Psalms teaches us how to pray and how to live a faith walk. What dawned on me this morning is that Psalms doesn’t simply teach us how to pray. When we are reading and meditating in Psalms? we are actually praying. This is what makes the book of Psalms so compelling to our hearts.

Isn’t that strange. I’ve often taught? how to pray the Psalms as first person, present tense. Then it really dawned on me this morning that? when a believer is reading from this unique book, it truly becomes? part of the? believer’s prayer life, even when the believer isn’t fully aware of that.? Guess that is why I find myself lingering in Psalms more than I do in any other book. In fact when I am reading through the Bible, I can’t wait to get to Psalms.

This morning my devotional thought came from Psalm 4:3, where David said, “But I know the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him.”

I thought ‘How can David call himself a godly man, when he did so many ungodly things? Even thought about the ungodly things that I have done in life, and even since I’ve been a believer. Is there something more to being godly than simply being? good all the time?’

Perhaps you have wondered about this same thing. What makes? a godly person godly, is not his personal goodness.? Notice once again what David says — “But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself.” All this has to do with the ’setting apart.’ The godly are set apart people. Out of this setting apart comes the goodness of the Lord, which allows the work of His goodness to take place in our lives.

It is His goodness that brings about goodness in our lives.

Jesus said to the? disciples, “You did not chose me, but I chose you.”

? The idea of divine election is a doctrine that a fleshly mind cannot? endure. It goes against every fiber of our natural thinking.? It is a mystery that goes beyond our ability to understand. Yet David says,? ‘the godly man’, that is the? man set apart and chosen by God,’ will have? prayer success. The Lord hears when he calls.

A major key to all the promises of God is to take to heart the call of salvation. Paul said,? “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Rom8:28)

If we are called according to God’s purpose, what then is God’s purpose? The sum total of God’s purpose was for Jesus to be the firstborn of many brethren, that is, the firstborn of all the new covenant children of God. It has always been about family.

Jesus taught us to? pray a family prayer of,? “Our Father who is in heaven…”

Ok, nuff preaching for today.

Let’s make a little journey down memory lane. Often when Bety and I visit Campbell Creek Cemetery, I’ll walk around just to view the varied headstones. Two of my great grandparents are there,? my grandfather Martin’s parents, and my grandmother Martin’s parents. Actually? the greater part of that old cemetery is my family. Having to expand all the time.

The past couple of days I’ve been thinking about how quickly time passes and how very much the world we live in has changed from my grandparents time. My grandfather Martin was born in 1876 and grandma in 1888. Those were pioneer days. Grandpa homesteaded 160 acres near where Campbell Creek Cemetery is located.

I really don’t remember grandpa very well. Only got to know him for about six months. I do remember him playing the guitar on the porch of the old blue house that they lived in. The house had a breeze way down the center that opened on both ends.?

But even then wasn’t too far removed from pioneer times. I well remember grandma cooking? on a wood stove and how I had to? do my home work by an oil lamp. Making a trip to town was high adventure and not very often.

Guess my point is that how very little we think about how the pioneer days were not that long ago. When grandpa was born the Civil War had only been over eleven years.

1976? was the year Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, the year Col. George Armstrong Custer and his men were killed at Little Big Horn, and the year? all Native Americans were order to the reservations.

This brings me to a bit of family history in Betty’s family. There were other ‘trails of tears’ besides the? Cherokee Indians being forced to move to? Oklahoma? Territory. Betty’s foreparents included the Choctaw Nation in Mississippi. They also were forced to? relocate in Oklahoma.

In fact I’ve met Betty’s great uncles and the Indian in them is very obvious. Was telling Betty? that she needs to get a picture of her great uncles to show our kids and grandkids. But the Indian is on both sides. Grandpa Carver said we have Cherokee in our family line. Back on my Martin side, we have Apalachee Indian. Guess all the families that trace back to pioneer stock can find Indian in their lineage.

Wow it’s 4:45 p.m. Time to close out for the day. Don’t want to ramble too much.

Talk with you later.

Buddy

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Posted: February 24th, 2007 under NHL.
Comments: none

Howdy Journal,

For some unkown reason (to me) I haven’t been able to access my journal for the past couple of days. Nathan has been seeing to it. Looks like? everything is alright now.

Where do I begin? My sisters sure have been checking up on me. That always happens when the most handsome of all? brothers is walking through some ’stuff.’ (Course I am an only son of my dad and mom.)?

First it was Bonnie for a good visit, then Julia called, and then Bertie came by yesterday for a visit. How I? love my three sisters. They are so blessed to have me as a brother. And my wife, how that woman loves me.?

What has been really interesting is that for the last three days I’ve been unable to get any further in my devotions than Psalm 3. Psalms is? such an awesome book. Seems every verse speaks to your heart concerning Jesus.

Here is the Scripture portion that? my devotions have centered on the last three days? — ?

“Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah.” (Vv 7,8 nasb.)

Where do we see Jesus here? Glad you asked.?

‘Arise, O Lord; save me.” This speaks to me of the? resurrection of the Lord Jesus, as our Lord and and Savior.

“O my God!” Who was it that resurrected and ascended into heaven? How did Thomas see Jesus after he was invited to touched the hands and the side of the Lord? He said, “My Lord and my God.”

“For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.”

The teeth of the wicked speaks of the enemies ability to gnash himself at us. The cross removed Satan’s power over any believer.? From the cross comes the? victory of Christ. Paul said …?

“When He [the Father] had disarmed the ruler and authorities [forces of darkness], He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him [His Son, Jesus].” (Col 2:15)? ?

How about our personal victory in Christ? Another, ‘Glad you asked.’ No matter what happens in life we have a promise. Listen with your heart — “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triump in Christ, and manifests through us the sweert aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” (2Co2:14)

The victory Paul is describing is the victory of God’s grace. The cross removed any effort on man’s part to get good enough to become saved. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

Here is the Scripture that really arrested my attention –? “Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessing be upon Your people!”? (v8)

The blessings that rest upon Jesus, those same blessings rest upon all the children of grace. John said that as Jesus is, so also are we in this world. Paul said that nothing would be able to separate us from? God’s love for us.?

As I meditated on this? Scripture,? another verse came to mind.? The angel told Joseph? in a dream,? “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

Jesus saves us from our sins! The name Jesus in Hebrew signifies ‘Yahweh is Savior,’? or, ‘Yahweh is salvation.’ Jesus can thus mean ‘Savior.’ There is a wonderful connection between the name Jesus in Hebrew and the word salvation in Hebrew. It is sort of like a hidden revelation to be discovered by the searching heart.

The Hebrew name for Jesus is ‘Yehoshua’ (Often shortened to? Yeshua) which means ‘the Lord delivers,’ or, ‘the Lord is salvation.’ It is a proper noun.

The word ’salvation’ in Hebrew is the word ‘yeshuah’ which speaks of welfare, prosperity, deliverance, and victory. It is a feminine noun. It comes from the word ‘yasha’ which simply means ‘to save, to be saved, be delivered, to be victorious’.

There is a relationship that? I want you to see. Whenever you read the word ’salvation’ in the Old Testament, if you will mentally exchange it with the name of ‘Jesus’ the revelation will? delight you.

Here are a couple of examples? where I will exchange the word ’salvation’ with the name ‘Jesus.’

“For Your Jesus I wait, O Lord.” (Gen 49:18. Spoken by Jacob.)

“The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my Jesus; this is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will extol Him.” (Exo 15:2)

“Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of Jesus, and in that day you will say, ‘Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples…” (Isa12:3,4 - Keep in mind what Jesus said to the lady at the well concerning faith in Him becoming a well of water inside her, springing up.)

I find it more than a curiosity that the early Jewish Christians were able to find Jesus everywhere in the writings of Moses, of David, and of the prophets.

Verse 8 says,? “Salvation belongs to the Lord.” This statement is the sum and substance of the covenant of Christ. The doctrine of our salvation by grace alone is the keystone of the word of God. If salvation belongs to the Lord, then salvation cannot be attributed to man’s will, or his goodness, or his having achieved anything in relation to earning anything from the Lord. Salvation belongs to the Lord!

God calls us by His grace; He makes us alive by His Spirit; He keeps us by His power.

Paul said, “So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.” (Rom9:16)

John said, “…who were born [we Christians], not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:13)

Yes, this is a great mystery. We don’t have to understand it. It simply tells us that God knows a lot of things that we don’t know nor do we understand.

Aren’t you glad His name was called Jesus? The name of Jesus is not some magical word that we use as a matra.? The name of Jesus speaks of the person of Jesus. To call upon His name is to call on Him. Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.

Aren’t you glad that you have called upon Him as Lord and Savior? Aren’t you glad that you are a living picture of God’s grace at work? I sure am.

Peter said, “…let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead — by this name this man stands here before you in good health…

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men which which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:10,12)

What must a man do to be saved? He must call upon? Jesus as Lord and Savior. This is what it means to confess Him publicly. When this appeal is made, Paul said? a transfer is made. The new believer is taken from the authority of darkness and placed in the kingdom of God’s beloved Son. The kingdom of God’s Son is a kingdom of pure grace.? Is it any wonder that the elders in Revelation threw their crowns at the feet of Jesus.

Ok, nuff preaching for today. Think I’ll post this and then get on with other things.

Blessings,

Buddy

?

Posted: February 23rd, 2007 under NHL.
Comments: none

Well Journal,

I’m running a little behind again. Yesterday was a pretty full day with visitors. Enjoyed my day? emmensely.

Actually Sunday evening Andre and Judy came by for a visit. It is always such a treat to get to visit with my kids. Nathan also dropped by for awhile. Poor fella — He is having to play bachelor til this evening. Lori and the girls are in Houston visiting her dad.

Yesterday was another great day for visitors. My sister Bonnie spent the afternoon with us. Had a great time just sharing together. While Bonnie was with us,? Larry Jeane dropped by for a visit. Larry is so good about checking up on me. He is a good friend. Larry will be preparing the meat for our 31st Jubilee next month. Maybe it will work out where I can be there. Sort of iffy at this point.

Just an update on my health? — Mentioned earlier that I am at the half-way mark on my chemo.? Occasionally? I’ll have a touch of nausea.? I simply can’t do physical things that I normally? do. (Tire out.) As for my spiritual and mental well being, I am doing great. In fact Betty is really encouraged over how well I am doing. Most everyone who sees me is surprised just a bit.? I’m not surprised. Seems the Lord has some unfinished business for me to tend to.?

Plans for the future –? Now that Christian Challenge is well-in-hand under Nathan’s capable leadership, Betty and I will likely do some traveling. Plan to minister out as the Lord provides opportunities. I’ll probabaly fill in for Nathan as the need arises.? Then there is the? School for Christian Workers. I remain director of the school with Lane as my assistant. Need to pump new ideas into the school. All in all Betty and I will be the extensioned arms for CCI. Of course only time will determine what all this means.

I shared my last devotion from Psalm 1, and how the? book of Psalms opens with a benediction. Just a reminder in that the? Hebrew word for ‘how blessed’? speaks of the multiplie blessings and of the happiness that rests upon the man and woman who walks the pathway? of the righteous.?

The Amplified Bible says it this way:? “Blessed (happy, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lies not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.”

My devotion for today comes from? Psalm 2. I want to that this? issue of ‘blessedness’ a step further.

Psalm 2 is very important for more than one reason. It was the Psalm that the early Jewish believers drew from when the apostles had been persecuted by the Jewish leadership. It is very much a prophetic Psalm. Listen to just a bit:

“But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain. I will sure tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” (Vv6,7)

This Psalm is about the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. But what I really want you to see is how once again we see the ‘blessedness’ of believers. Note how Psalm 2 concludes:

“Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling. Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!” (Vv10-12)

This rebuke reaches across time and eternity. When the time of the outgathering of God’s people from the earth is fully completed, then comes what the Bible describes as ‘the day of God’s wrath.’ The doctrine of God’s wrath is taught throughout the Scriptures.

The book of Revelation encapuslates this final wrap up of the ages. Notice how closely it fits with Psalm 2:

“Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; and they said to the mountains and the rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand.” (6:15-17 nasb)

However, no believer needs to dread the day of God’s wrath. Keep in mind how Psalm 2 ends: “How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!”

There is so much I would like to share here. Taking refuge in Christ speaks to all believers throughout the ages. Listen to some Scriptures:

“For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” (Col3:3,4)

“Come, my people, enter into your rooms [our heavenly provision] and close your doors behind you; hide for a little while until indignation runs its course. For behold, the Lord is about to come out from His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity…” (Isaiah 26:20,21 - A clear reference to the catching away of God’s children.)

“You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.” (Psalm 32:7)

“For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock, and now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, and I will offer in His tend sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.” (Psalm 27:5,6)

All the expressions used in these portions speaks to the lifting up ‘heavenly’ blessedness that belongs to those? who have found their refuge in Jesus Christ.?

As Moses the man of God looks down on the tribal people of Israel, he expresses this blessedness that belongs to all the chosen in the Lord. Moses says,

“Lord, You have been our dwellihng place in all generations. Before the mountains were born or you have birth to the earth and to the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” (Psalm 90:1,2)

Is it any wonder that we sing songs like, ‘My heavenly home is bright and fair, I feel like traveling on. Nor pain nor death can enter there, I feel like traveling on.’

Did you know that one of the great signs that a person? belongs to the Lord is this inward longing for? our heavenly refuge in Christ?? The apostle said that the Lord is coming back for those who? long for His appearing.? Jesus plants this longing in our hearts when we come to know Him as our personal Lord and Savior.

Peter speaks of this longing for our ultimate salvation with this expression? — “And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice (over His coming) with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the [final] salvation [Or, 'the bringing home] of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8,9)

11:00 a.m. - CJ and I went for our second morning walk. Up on the hill to the quiet place. The clouds are hanging overhead. Looks like a bit of rain in the works. Of course the General always loves these outings. Gets to do his? roll in the grass.

On a sad note, I really do miss Snickers a lot. (Betty does to.) Find myself gazing at his resting place? from our dining room window. Just? miss his snuggling in your lap.? Then he had this puzzled look on his face when he cocked his head from side to side. But I also have to remember what a? bundle of aggravation? he could be at times.

For some reason I’ve always had this special liking for dogs. I well recall? every dog I’ve ever had.? A good example was Butch. When I was a policeman in Moab, Utah, Butch was my German Shepherd sidekick. Still have a picture of the two of us? while in my uniform.

Butch was another personality plus. Had a panel truck with a motorcycle that I’d tie down in the back. Butch would let Betty ride in the passenger? seat, but she had to let him sit by the window. I remember the first time Butch saw a bunch of cows. He didn’t know what to do with himself. Must have thought those were the biggest dogs he’d ever seen.? : )

But again, I well remember them all. In fact Betty had to keep me from running off to the dog? pound when we first got married. I’d go, bring one back. Then I’d go again, bring another one back. Well, she decided that two dogs was plenty dogs enough.? (Most I ever had at one time was three.) Course when you catch? a beautiful bride like my Betty, you pretty much go with her wishes.? Makes for a good marriage. ? ?

11:45 a.m. - Betty is enjoying grand-younguns today. Since I am a master cook, believe I’ll go fix me some soup.

Wait a minute - What is this I hear?? The back door has opened. Ok, CJ, let’s get in our defense stance. Around the corner it slip. What do I behold? A beautiful blued eyed girl with something in her hand. Well, I’ll be. That blue-eyed girl is my wife and in her hand is a Chinese meal. Boy, does that girl ever love me.

I’ve rambled enough. Time for the eating. Think I’ll sign off for the day.

And so,? ‘Remember your refuge and be sure to? keep looking? heavenwardly. Never know when the Lord will say, ‘Ok, it’s coming home time!’

Sending plenty of love coming your way,

Buddy

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Posted: February 20th, 2007 under NHL.
Comments: 4

Morning Journal,

Yesterday? Betty and I took a? drive around Cotile Lake just to get out of the house? for a bit.? I always enjoy these outings. A change of? scenery is good for pleasantries.? ?

By the way, General Claudius Josephus has a new toy. We picked up an extra-large pillow for him and a? stuffed cow that goes, ‘moo, moo, moo.’ CJ loves his toy. He carries it around. In fact when we have visitors, CJ likes to greet them with one of his toys in his mouth. He is ‘Mister Personality’ plus. (I keep his big pillow in my office right next to the window. It is so large that it makes CJ look small. Can you imagine?)

5:30 a.m. - Up and? at em. CJ and I had our morning outing. Picked up the paper, had my coffee,? prayer time, and afterwards my morning devotion.

Mama instilled in me at a very early age to pray for everyone that I could think of personally. I use to keep a list but nowadays I simply begin with my children and their families, then on to my sisters and their families, and then I’ll pray for others as the? Lord places then on? my heart.

What makes my prayer time interesting is a lingering memory from my childhood. Mama taught me to pray a common childhood prayer of, ‘Now I lay me down to sleep.’ As she would kneel beside me it was my job to bless everyone I could think of. Why does this memory still linger? Well, it is because as a child I could not go to sleep if I left someone out of my blessings. It is sort of like that today. The difference today is that I am more aware of letting the? Lord guide me in my prayer time. (Interesting how this child memory keeps coming back.)

One other thing quite interesting? is that the prayer little children are taught to pray is very similiar to a Davidic prayer.? You will find it in Psalm 3:5, where David says, “I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.” It can also be seen in Psalm 4:8; “In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.”

This brings me to a book in the Bible that I have dearly learned to treasure, the book of Psalms. It seems to me that the closer one gets to the Lord, the more dear this book becomes. At least that has been my case.

The past two days my devotions have lingered at Psalm 1. It isn’t a very long Psalm, yet it is filled with spiritual insight. Here it is:

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruite in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.

The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”

The book of Psalms opens with a benediction. The Hebrew word for ‘how blessed’ is very expressive. It speaks of the multiplied blessings and of the happiness that rests upon the man who walks the pathway? of the righteous.? It can be written, “Oh the blessedness of!”

It is interesting how Psalm 1 seems to sets the tone for the entire Bible. The Lord may have had this Psalm in view when He began His sermon on the mount, “How blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3 nasb.)

The word for ‘blessed’ in Greek expands on the Hebrew word. Makarios addresses the state of a believer in Christ, that is,? where men and women are marked by a fullness of the blessing of God. It speaks of a happiness that only true believers can know.

Anyway, when I get to the book of Psalms I find myself slowing down quite a bit. The Lord speaks so clearly to my heart in this book. Over the years I’ve found that Psalms will teach you how to think, what to believe, how to pray, what to pray, how to talk; in fact, it covers all spectrums of life that pertain to believers. Psalms teaches us how to live an enriching faith life.

The apostle Paul sets forth? Psalms as? related to living a? spiritual life. In fact he instructs believers to speak to one another and to admonish one another with ‘Psalms.’ (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16.)

Hear it from Paul - “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”