Journal,

Yesterday our Christian Challenge 31st Homecoming Jubilee was no less than awesome. Yep, had a reserved table for me and Betty.? There we were — Shana, Hunter, Jared, Abbey, Andre, Judy, Betty and myself, surrounded by a sea of love. Hugs and greetings galore. It was like a bit of heaven on earth. (No such thing as ‘be careful about hugging Brother Buddy’.)? ?

What can I say? Watching a service via the computer can no way be compared to? actually being in a service. The worship was like a heavenly stream of? water.? Nope - There is nothing like? being in the fellowship of brothers and sisters in the Lord.

David described this fellowship atmosphere as best as it can be said. He wrote:

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, coming down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard, coming down upon the edge of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon coming down upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing–life forever.” (Psalm 133 nasb.)

Nathan did a wonderful job putting the service together. He is such a great worship leader.? (Jeff was unable to attend due to sickness.)? Without any prejudice on my part, I think that Christian Challenge is especially blessed to have Nathan in leadership. He and Lori are moving the ministry forward in a wonderful way.?

Nathan? and Donna also put together a? slide show on? Christian Challenge and the early years. Boy, have folk changed. That was such an? extra-plus? part of our Jubilee. Brought back so many memories. I was 35 years old? when Betty and I started the ministry in Boyce. This August I’ll be knocking on? 67. What a journey. (Our very first service was on Shana’s second birthday.)

Nathan wanted me to share a bit from our table. It was a? tender moment for me. I could hardly hold the tears. Saw a lot of misty eyes around. Course you know me — Had to begin with, “I can out shout, out worship, out dance, anyone in the house.” (Don’t know how anyone puts up with me.)?

Brought folk up-to-date on my progress. (Which is all positive.) Spoke of how [humbly] proud I am of Nathan and the direction that? Christian Challenge is taking. There is such a feeling of? adventure and purpose in the ministry.

Our young people shared a wonderful skit. It had to do with the bondages of darkness and how Jesus breaks the yokes. That was another moment when tears filled my eyes. Noticed that I wasn’t the only cry-baby around.? Jon is such a good youth pastor. And our young people are moving forward with? such a? passion for? the Lord. It thrills my heart.

Before the? ministry of the word, Edward Dorsey shared a song.? He? left everyone standing with? their hands clapping.? This brother can say more with the expression of his face and eyes that many of us can say with our words. Edward just gleams with a love for Jesus. ?

Christian Challenge overflowed with members and guests. Had to bring out extra seating. What a? blessing to have so many friends with us.?

Right at the top of the blessings was our guest speaker, Alan Stroud. He? came all the way from San Antonio, Texas, just to be with us. (Alan? came to the parsonage for a short visit both before services and after the service. Had to drive back to San Antonio that afternoon.)

Alan was one of our earliest disciples. He has such a passion for the Lord. On top of that, Alan is an excellent speaker. He can be humorous without even trying. One thing he shared that really touched my heart is how the Lord is now using him to mentor other young men. He touched on memories of how I had mentored him. (Alan is helping raise up a new church work in San Antonio, called ‘Cross Point’. Believe I have that right.)

What else can one say about a wonderful day. To mention dinner-on-the-grounds goes without saying.? We had a feast par exellance.? That is the norm for Christian Challenge. We feasted and fellowshipped with plenty of food left over.?

Could share a lot more but I don’t want to write a document. Just take my word for it — It was awesome, simply awesome.

Ok, nuff for now. General Claudius Josephus sends his best.

Talk with you later.

Lots of love,

Buddy

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Posted: March 26th, 2007 under NHL.
Comments: 6

Howdy Journal,

Seems like I’m more into marking time than anything else nowadays. Only have three chemos to go.? Most every day is a followup on the prior day. However, I did do a no no earlier this week. Did a bit of? bass fishing with Andre and Justin.

Well - Think I have this thing figured out. The bass have a secret CIA division. Somehow they knew I was coming and none of them would show up for me to catch them. Rats.? I’ve got to come up with a better plan.? ? :)?

CJ and I made a couple of rounds today. First was to pick up the paper. Then went to the church office to pick up a few more of my books.

Betty and I? made a round to Alex for some items. I remained in the truck for the most part. Just needed to get out of the house. Of course I’m not being a good boy.? I’m not to be in public or to have visitors.? (During certain times.)

Ok, nuff on that. Think you can put up with another of my Bible studies? This one will be? different. I want to share with you how to find a measurement for your faith. It’s not as hard as you may think.

Let’s call this study —? ‘Don’t leave home without it.’? (You’ll figure the title out at the end of the? study.)

The apostle Paul said that the Holy Spirit testifies to our spirit that we are children of God.? Did you know that this same testimony has to do with a continuous walk of faith? It is true. We can measure our faith walk by the testimony of the Spirit.

The testimony of the Holy Spirit is always a testimony of peace. When the peace of God is ruling in our hearts, this means that we are living in the realm of faith. If we do not have peace in our hearts, this means that we are not under the covering of faith, that is, something is missing somewhere.?

Listen to these Scriptures:

“And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.” (Mark 5:34 - Recorded also in Luke 7:50)

“And He said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 8:48)

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom5:1)

“Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Eph6:23)

Two words? interrelate in each of these Scriptures. They are? the words ‘faith’ and ‘peace.’ These terms belong? together. This is why when a child of God does not have peace in their heart about a thing, they? should instictively know to? back off.

The peace that I am speaking of is a? kingdom of God? peace. Peter quoted? David, saying, “The one who desires life, to love God and see good days, must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile. He must turn away from evil and do good;

“HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT.” (1 Peter 3:10,11 - Caps for emphasis only.)

Both David and Peter are speaking of a peace that comes from the Lord. The Amplified Bible gives the shades of meaning in Greek: “Let him search for peace (harmony; undisturbedness from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts) and seek it eagerly.”

We are to eagerly seek the peace that comes from God Himself. We are to do nothing without this peace to guide us.

There is a reason that the peace of God and the faith we are to live in? go hand in hand. In the new covenant God’s peace is a heavenly peace that is designed to let us know that we are in the perfect will of God. God’s peace? gives us the borders for our faith journey. If we get beyond the? borders? of peace, we should take this as a warning from the Lord that something is? not right.

The apostle Paul adds to this in saying, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Col3:15)

Keep in mind that we are talking about a special peace, God’s peace? comes from the throne. It carries a? clear witness that we are in God’s will. Paul said that? God’s kingdom is not about earthly things, that is, what we eat or drink. It is about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Righteousness, peace and joy are attributes of the kingdom of God.

And so, any child of God can find the measure of their faith by finding the measure of their peace.

But I need to take this a step further. The faith we are to live by is not our own human faith. Although our human faith is not to be disregarded, it can fail us. Yet the faith we are to live by is a heavenly peace. It is a peace that is administered to us by the Holy Spirit. For this reason it is a spiritual peace.

This peace carries a constant? testimony of the Holy Spirit to our spirits that everything is alright. This is why? peace and faith can be considered? the power twins of our Christian walk.

Because the faith that comes to us from God is a heavenly faith, it remains? without mixture. It has no fear in it, no doubt in it, no confusion, no condemnation, nor any other such thing. It comes to us in a pure spiritual atmosphere of heavenly peace.

To seek to walk in this peace should be the continual aim of every believer.

Now — Are there any conditions to be met in our Christian walk that determine how God’s peace will work with our faith? There are two issues in particular.

First, Jesus said, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me.”? (John 14:1)

Notice the cure for a troubled heart. We are not to let our heart become troubled. We do this by learning to trust in? Jesus Christ. We are to trust Him in every situation and in every circumstance. Sometimes we lose our peace because we are not trusting in the Lord as we should.?

Then there is a second issue. Every child of God should understand that if we are harboring ‘wrongness’ in our hearts, this must be dealt with. We are to bring our hearts to Jesus for? forgiveness and cleansing.

Wrongness means that we are? harboring or expressing ill feelings towards others, or that we are? involved in letting our mouth run loose against others, or that we are caught up in some form of unforgiveness. We? cannot expect the peace of God to simply overlook some form of bitterness in our heart. These things? have to be dealt with.

This is why the first thing we should always do in our prayers is to present our heart to the Lord for cleansing. The Holy Spirit will minister to our spirit in these regards. It is here that we can receive our? cleansing from any unrighteousness. And thus? the peace of the Lord can again fill out hearts.?

The Psalmist said, “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” (Ps90:12)

Keep in view? what Peter wrote: “The one who desires life, to love God and see good days, MUST keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile. He MUST turn away from evil and do good. He MUST seek peace and pursue it.”

These are things we MUST do in order to walk in the peace of God.

The high side in all this is that God’s children have the Holy Spirit in residence to guide them through whatever needs to be dealt with. This is the why the apostle instructed us not to grieve the Holy Spirit with bad behavior or bad attitudes.

Think about it.

If you are in faith you are also in peace. If you are not in peace, then? something needs to be corrected. In many cases it may simply be a belief readjustment.

The fact remains — Faith and peace cannot be separated. They will always be together. Great faith means great peace. The faith we receive from the Lord will always be packaged in God’s peace.

What is the answer to all this? Don’t leave home without it.? ? : )

Much love coming your way,

Buddy

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Posted: March 23rd, 2007 under Devotions & Studies.
Comments: 2

Journal,

Not much going on today. CJ and I made our morning round. Had my devotion, breakfast, read the paper, and checked up on emails that needed answering. Took time to look over my fishing gear. I’m working on a plan on giving those? bass a run for their money.

Yup, I’m about to hit the? road again —

Andre and Justin and I will do a bit of bass fishing this afternoon at Lake Buhlow. (After Andre gets off work.) I’m really looking forward to being with my son and grandson. But since this is also my cautionary time with regard to chemo, I’ll need to be extra cautious.

Well, I always like to leave you with something to think about. I sometimes get questions on which Bible translation is the best one to use. A simple answer is that the best Bible to use is the one you will read. However, that is really? over-simplistic. There are? translations that? are better than others.

Let’s have a basic study on the ‘kinds’ of translations. At the latter part of the study I want to share why those who? use the King James Version should also have a more modern translation at hand.

Let’s call this study, ‘Which is the best Bible to use.’

There are essentially three kinds of translations: the literal translation, a paraphrase, and what is called a dynamic equivalency. We’ll begin with the least literal and work from there.

A paraphrase seeks to render the original Bible languages into the common language of the reader.? Good News for Modern Man is an example. A paraphrase is intended for easy reading. They are designed for those who have little to no knowledge of the Bible.

The most popular paraphrase today is called the ‘New Living Translation’ (NLT).? The original work upon which this translation is based was the Living Bible. This was the work of one man. As paraphrases go, it could not be depended upon for accuracy.

Here is an where the Living Bible became? misleading.? Acts 13:48 reads, “When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and rejoiced in Paul’s message; and as many as wanted eternal life, believed.”

Most folk would not catch the problem area here. The problem has to do with the? sovereignty of God. The New American Standard Bible gives the proper rendering:? “And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.”

Regardless on what we believe concerning the work of salvation, there is a? difference between ‘wanting’ eternal life, and being ‘appointed’ to eternal life.

Because of this sort of misinterpretation, the Living Bible? was called into question. It underwent a revision into what is? called ‘The New Living Translation.” The? NLT now reads, “When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for His message; and all who were appointed to eternal life became believers.” (Actually the New Living Bible today is likely the most accurate of the paraphrases.)

A dynamic equivalency translation is also called a ‘thought-for- thought’ translation. The dynamic equivalency translations have become the most popular translations today. The premier case is the New International Version. (NIV)

This form of translation seeks to translate ‘ideas’ rather than ‘words.’ But there is a problem that cannot be avoided. In attempting to translate ‘meanings’ into the language of today’s reader, what happens is that ‘exact’ meanings cannot always be translated beyond the intent of the original Bible language. It is sometimes? impossible to translate ‘exact’ meanings without translating ‘exact’ words.

And so what often happens with dynamic equivalency translations is that the Scriptures can become simplified beyond what is meant in the original text.?

Now to the? ‘literal’ translations. In a literal translation there is a genuine attempt to be as accurate to the original wording of the Scriptures as possible.? This is why a literal translation should always be part of the serious Bible student’s library.

A literal translation will not flow as easily as a paraphrase or a dynamic equivalency, but this isn’t? really a disadvantage for the Bible student. The plus side is that in doing personal research on Bible? terms, the reader often discovers treasures that are not obvious in a less literal translation.

Some? literal translations include the King James Version, the New King James Version, the New American Standard Bible, and the New Revised Standard Bible. (My personal preference is the NASB.)

And so, which Bible should the believer use? I would recommend that the believer have both a literal translation and also one or more of the easier reading translations. You will find that they work well together.

Now for some tidbits on those who hold to the? King James Version. Many people dearly love the kjv. Yet just as with the paraphrase or the dynamic-equilavency, there are certain problems with the King James Version that should not be overlooked.? Sometimes it is a actual case of mistranslation.?

First? it is important to understand that the kjv is simply? a ‘version.’ It was based in part on earlier? Bibles such as the Bishop’s Bible, and even draws some on the Latin.

A second issue is that we do not speak Elizabethans English today. As a living language English is? ever changing. Many words used in the KJV do not mean the same thing today.? (The New King James Bible is a vast improvement.)?

Then there was the problem of King James himself. Most people are not aware that there were certain things in the KJV translation that King James would not allow to be changed because of tradition. A good example is the word Easter. This word is not in the Greek. It should have been translated as Passover.

Finally, we come to? manuscripts. Since the KJV was translated there have been over 5000 manuscripts or parts of manuscripts discovered. These manuscripts? were not available to the translators of the King James Version. Modern translations take? these later found manuscripts into? consideration.

The deeper problem can come from? ‘not-so-good’ preaching that is based on a misunderstanding of what is being said in the King James Version. For example, Philippians 3:20 in the kjv reads, “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

While this seems very poetic, the Greek text is not speaking of? conversation.? The Greek word translated as ‘conversation’ in the kjv literally means? citizenship. Every modern translation will use the correct word as ‘citizenship’ or ‘citizen,’ or ‘commonwealth.’ (Most have citizenship.) There is a great difference between conversation and citizenship.

Here is a? mistranslation found in the King James. In the kjv, Paul supposely says, “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?” (Acts 19:2) That is not at all what the Greek text says. The NASB gives the proper translation - “Did you receive the Holy Spirit WHEN you believed?” The word ’since’ is a mistranslation in the kjv.

Vincent’s Word Studies brings this out –?

“The two verbs are in the aorist tense, and therefore denote instantaneous acts. The? [kjv] therefore gives an entirely wrong idea, as there is no question about what happened after believing; but the question relates to what occurred when they believed.”

Those who use the? kjv will see this entirely wrong. No one receives the Holy Spirit after believing.? Believing in Jesus and receiving the Holy Spirit happen at the same time.

This is just something to add to your collection of ‘things to think about.’

Blessings,

Buddy

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Posted: March 20th, 2007 under Devotions & Studies, NHL.
Comments: 3

Journal,

My mind has been lazy of late. After the PET scan came in and the doctor said everything was negative, I sort of went into ‘it is finished’ mode. Naturally I am very happy that the cancer has vacated the premises. Completing the last three chemo treatments is simply part of the ‘making-certain-on-all-things’ program.

Still need to use wisdom. It really isn’t the cancer but the chemo treatments that I have to be concerned with. My immune system remains low, especially at certain times. The main thing is not to be around people who have a ‘bug.’ The greater concern is children. Boy I hate that. But this is why I have to be cautious about being in public places. Anyway, being on the lake for a bit of bass fishing will keep me clear of bugs.

I’ve gotten wonderful responses on the PET scan report. People and churches have had me on their prayer lists. One brother shared how he had become afraid that I’d pass over before he did. Said I was his preacher, and wanted me to do his funeral. My response was, ‘Don’t plan on going anywhere soon.’  :)

So many good things are happening that I could write a book right now. Rather than do that, I’d really like to just share a bit of a Bible Study. Let’s call it ‘the seal and the testimony.’

We Christians have different ways of saying things that may be similar but not always accurate. I don’t mean to be technical, but understanding proper Bible terms is important. An example is when people talk about when they received the Holy Spirit. (Or Holy Ghost as some like to say.)

The truth of the matter is that no one receives the Holy Spirit aside from Jesus. It is Jesus Christ that we receive as our personal Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit testifies to that fact.

The Holy Spirit enters the heart of a believing one at the point of faith in Jesus. After that it is a matter of learning to live a life that is overseen by the Holy Spirit.

But it is so important to understand that the Holy Spiritenters the heart of a new believer at the point of their have placed their faith in Jesus. This is when the Holy Spirit testifies to their spirit that they have become a child of God. Having the Spirit in residence means you have received Jesus as Lord of your life.

In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is also called the Spirit of Jesus or the Spirit of Christ. There is a reason for this. In the new covenant the Holy Spirit administers the finished work of the cross. This is why Paul said that the kingdom of God is not eating or drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

To say it another way — When we receive Jesus Christ as our own Lord and Savior, it is at that very moment that we receive the seal and the testimony of sonship into God’s kingdom. This is why you can never tell a person who has the testimony in their heart that they don’t have the Holy Spirit. Personal faith in Jesus Christ is? proof positive that they have the Spirit.

Consider these Scriptures:

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12,13 nasb)

“But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. … For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.”? (Rom 8:9,15,16)

“In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation — having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.” (Eph1:13,14)

Of course there is a lot more to the work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life other than birthing us into God’s kingdom. Paul said that a believer can grieve the Holy Spirit by actions, by thoughts, by sinful conduct, or even by wrong believing. This grieving is a sign that the believer needs to repent of these things. (Been there many times.)

What I wish to leave with my readers, however, is the understanding that the Holy Spirit cannot be disconnected from Jesus Christ.

So once again — Having the Holy Spirit means that God Himself is resident in your life in the person of the Spirit of the Son. Kingdom life in the new covenant is called ‘the kingdom of His beloved Son.’

Just something to think about.

Blessings,

Buddy

Posted: March 19th, 2007 under Devotions & Studies.
Comments: none

Morning journal,

Yesterday was quite a day. It started out with a trip to Cabrini for my regular blood tests. From there Betty and I went to the airport. I wanted to see the new terminal building. Boy, is it ever nice. We did a walk around. Can’t wait to try it out.

After returning home I got a call from Andre. He wanted to take me fishing that afternoon. He came by around four o’clock and off we went. Picked up his boat at Sharp and he and Brandon my grandson and I headed for the lake. Betty would meet us later that evening at Andres, and Judy would fix fish for supper.

What a wonderful time. I’ve never been a bass fisherman. It is one of those things you have to learn. Anyway, I caught the first fish, a nice size channel cat. All together we caught around six. Had to let a few go because of size.

Here’s the interesting part. Not being use to bass fishing I lost a couple of what looked like decent size bass. (In my opinion.) My line would go slack, then it would sort of start towards the boat. Rather than set the hook, I thought the fish was snared. Not so. He was just playing with his food. Anyway, the bass would get near the boat, give me what I saw as a ‘ha ha’ greeting, then off he would go. Boy, do I ever need an education on these crafty creatures.

Well, that brings me to a bit of a Bible study —

Been thinking the past few days on the goodness of the Lord. In my meditations this morning I kept thinking about how the Lord can bring something good out of something bad. Then it clicked — That is the story of the gospel. And that is the story of our lives.

I remembered the lady at the well who had been married five times and was then living with a man. Jesus did not condemn her. He simply showed her how goodness can come out of badness. He would be the goodness in her life. As I thought about this lady, I also thought about other gospel stories. Again it dawned on me — That is what the gospels are all about. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are stories of goodness coming out of badness.

Bringing goodness out of badness is the message of the cross. John wrote, “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:17 nasb.)

Salvation, not condemnation is the message of the cross. God is always at work saving people. I think this is why Paul said, “Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from the Lord.” (1Co5)

Not passing judgments is a hard thing for we humans to do. We want to pass judgments on just about everything and everyone. And yet we know so little about another person’s life, or where the Lord is at work in that person’s life.

On top of this I think there is a rule that Jesus gave us to follow — He said to certain religious leaders, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7)

None of this is a matter of overlooking sin. It is more a matter of loving the sinner but hating the trappings of sin.

Perhaps there is even a deeper lesson here. Paul taught that it is the kindness (or goodness) of the Lord that leads people to repentance. (Rom2:4) He also said that we must never think lightly of the Lord’s kindness, or His tolerence, and of His patience.

We have a tendency to look for God’s judgment on the erring person. Yet it is written, “God does not take away life, but plans ways so that the banished one will not be cast out from him.” (2Sa14:14) The word ‘banished one’ in Hebrew speaks of that one who is being drawn away from Him.

Then we hear this from Paul, “No temptation (drawing power of darkness) has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” (1Co10:13,14)

What is a better way of saying this? Perhaps the better way is to say that God is not like us. The Lord made this known when he said through Isaiah, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways … For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher then you ways, and My thoughts that your thoughts.”   (Isa55:8,9)

None of this means that we cannot know the thoughts of the Lord. In fact in the new covenant coming to know God’s thoughts and His ways is the undergirding truth of the maturing believer. Knowing God’s ways is what gives the believer a compassionate and caring  heart.

Here is the lesson to learn — If it is God’s kindness that brings us to repentance, then repentance must be seen as both a gift from the Lord, but also as a way of life. As a way of life we should continually make repentances for our wrong thinking and our wrong actions towards others.

This is why the ancient people of God believed that repentance was actually a form of worship. To the Hebrews the word itself spoke of making course adjustments. The Hebrew term ’shubah’ means ‘returning.’ It is a feminine noun that in a religious sense is an act of turning back to God, to commit yourself to Him by turning from one’s own wayward ways.

So we hear, “For thus the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isa30:15)

How then does God offer repentance as a gift? Paul said that repentance is a work of God’s kindness. (kjv says ‘goodness.’) It is not God’s will for any of his children to be undone by works of darkness. So the Lord sets about arranging things in a person’s life where He can bring goodness out of badness.

Badness was happening to the lady at the well. Goodness met her at her point of need. Was it a chance meeting between her and Jesus? No, the meeting was planned, deliberate, and with purpose. Jesus came to seek her out.

Again this is the story of the gospel. Jesus said“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

What then is God’s promise to his repented child His promise is, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.”

But He also adds, “Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check…” (Ps32:8,9)

The issue is that God has two means of providing guidance for the returning believer. First, we need to understand that God’s guidance is about life itself, and our need to be willing to walk in His ways by turning from our own ways.

Another way of providing gudance is through restraints. The Lord has ways of restraining His straying children so that they are caused to follow Him. Whatever the restaints may be, they are always a result of His love for His children. Restaints are not punishments. They are necessary corrective measures to keep the believer on the right path.

Perhaps we have all been mule-headed believers in our time. I certainly have. But once the restraining time is over we can then walk in the way of the Lord, without the restraint. The apostolic writer speaks of these restraints as the Lord’s way of teaching us the life of a disciple. Listen:

“All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful: yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.” (He12:11-13)

Ok, that is your life lesson for the day.

What does all this have to do with bass fishing? Much, indeed. Through much discipline I will learn how to be a good bass fisherman.?

Much of love coming your way,

Buddy

Posted: March 16th, 2007 under NHL.
Comments: none

Journal,

David often speaks of God’s secret place, of God’s hidden place, and the place of God’s shelter. Most often when he uses these terms David is referring to the holiest of holies in which only the high priest was allowed to enter but once a year. So why would David say that the secret place is where God hides His people? David is sharing insight into the wonders of redemption. This is what we want to consider in the following study.

Let’s look at this awesome subject entitled, ‘The Secret Place of the Lord.’

In Psalm 31, David expresses sorrow over the strife of life, when suddenly he breaks forth into statements that speak of God’s love for His people. David says:

“How great is Your goodness, which You have stored for those who fear You, which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You, before the sons of men! You hide them in the secret place of Your presence, from the conspiracies of man; You keep them in the shelter from the strife of tongues.” (Psalm 31:19,20 nasb.)

Bear in mind that David’s reference to the secret place is most likely a reference to the holiest of holiest. The literal Hebrew for ‘the secret place of Your presence’, is ‘the secret of Your face.’ The idea is that God hides His people from the view of their enemies, that is, by bringing them to the veryplace that He Himself dwells.

This wonderful truth is fully brought out in the new covenant. The lives of all believers are hidden with God in Christ.

But first let see how the tabernacle sets forth this truth of our redemption. The only furnishing in the holiest of holies was the ark of the covenant where two covering angels spread their wings over the golden mercy seat. And over the mercy seat was a brilliant light. In the light was a form. The angels have their gazed fixed on the mercy seat.

Peter explains this: “It was revealed to them [the Old Testament prophets] that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you from heaven–things into which angels long to look.” (1Peter 1:12)

The angels gazing at the mercy seat were expressing wonderment at the atonement of Jesus Christ, that is, both in His incarnation, in the work of the cross, and in His ascension to the throne of God. The angels are longing to see into God’s gracious work of redemption in Christ. Paul tells us that the Lord is instructing angels concerning His wisdom by His presence and grace in the Church.

Does not the Bible say that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself? (2Co5:19)

Back to the form — In the Light over the mercy seat was a form that only Moses was allowed to see. The form was the preincarnate Jesus Christ. We see this by tying the Old Testament and the New Testament together.

When the Lord rebuked Miriam and Aaron over their presumptious attitude towards Moses, He said to them, “Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant, against Moses?” The Lord just made a distinction between Moses and other prophets, saying, “He [Moses] beholds the form of God.” (Num12:8)

If God has no form, who then did Moses see. He saw the image of the invisible God. This is exactly who Jesus is. To the Jews, God’s Messiah was known as the form of God, the glory of God, the image of God, and at times even the Shekinah of God.

Listen carefully. Paul said of Christ, “Although He existed in the form of God, He did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself…” (Phi2:6) Any Jewish person reading Paul’s writings would immediately connect Jesus with the light over the mercy seat and the form that Moses beheld.

In the New Testament wriitings Jesus is called the ‘glory of the only begotten of the Father.’ (John 1:14)? ?

Then we need to recall the bright Light that blinded Paul on the road to Damascus. (Paul was then known as Saul.) What Paul heard was, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” He responded, “Who are You, Lord?” Keep in mind that both the Lord and Paul are speaking Hebrew. The term for Lord would be YHWH. (Yahweh). The Lord then identifies Himself as Jesus.

Now back to the tabernacle. John wrote, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

The Greek word for ‘dwelt’ calls attention to the holiest of holiest in the tabernacle. The glory that rested over the mercy seat was now tabernacled in Jesus Christ. Jesus is now the holiest of holies. Paul specifically calls Jesus, “The Lord of glory” (1Co2:8)

It is on the Mount of Transfiguration that Jesus appears on the outside what He is on the inside. It says, “And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.” (Mat17:2)

But what of the question as to why David could speak of the holiest of holies as the hiding place for God’s people? David could see by the Spirit into the redemption of Christ, past the veil, and into God’s redemption plan that would stretch across eternity past and eternity future.

The secret place of God would take in all His people from ancient time on. The tabernacle was a picture-perfect symbol of God’s eternal purpose for all His people.

The Old Testament saints somehow knew in their hearts that the Lord Himself was their ever present security in life. Moses said, “Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” Here Moses uses the same word that David used with regard to the ’secret place’ of the tabernacle.

Again think about the two cherubim with their golden wings spread over the mercy seat. Listen again to David: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” (Ps91:1,2)

David uses the same word again which references the secret place of God’s presence, that is, the mercy seat in the holiest of holies. God’s people dwell under the very presence and protection of angels.

Here is where we come to the great mystery of God’s love for His people. The Psalmist Asaph speaks of God’s people as His ‘treasured ones.’ He writes, “They make shrewd plans against Your people, and conspire together against Your treasured ones.”  (Ps83:3)

These treasured ones are God’s people from the ages. The Hebrew for ‘treasured ones’ speaks of that which is covered by God, that which is hidden, or that which is kept secret. But it espectially speaks of the secret of one’s heart. God’s treasured ones are the secret love of His heart.

The Psalmists puts things together when he writes, “One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple.

“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 [the Rock is Christ]. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.” (Psalm 27:4-6)

The Hebrew for ‘conceal’ is the same word for God’s ‘treasured’ ones. God’s people are His treasures in the earth and for all eternity. This allows us to have a better understanding of a kingdom parable concerning a treasure. Jesus said,

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field [world], which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matt13:44)

The treasure has to do with the kingdom of heaven. The story is the story of the cross. Jesus Christ gave His life for the hidden treasure. Jesus came to seek that which was lost. Now the treasure is hidden again, but this time it is hidden in Christ.

Paul said, “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)

All we have read in David’s writings have their fulfillment in the finished work of the cross. Being hidden in Christ means that every believer is eternally secured from the power of darkness. We can never be separated from God’s love. Our life is placed in the Light of God’s very being. Peter said that our calling was into “His marvelous light.”

While this may seem difficult to grasp, what we need to realize is that our faith is to be based upon our position in Christ. Our position in Christ is secured. We have already been raised up and seated with Him in the heavenly places. Our concern is in living out our present life with the knowledge of our eternal placement. God gives us heavenly life as a foretaste of eternity. This is what believers are to learn to live by. Heavenly life is God’s oversight of our lives.

Did you know that God never takes His eyes off you? Listen to this conversation between David and the Lord:

[David] “You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance.”

[Lord] “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” (Ps27:7,8)?

Did you know that there is continually joy in heaven over each person who turns to the Lord? The joy of heaven is the joy of the Lord Jesus Himself. The reason Jesus endured the cross was the joy that was set before Him. The joy set before Him was all those whom the Father would give Him for all eternity.

Jesus said, “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. … This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:37,39,40)?

You have come to love God because He first loved you. Did you know that your joy in the Lord is a reflection of His joy over you? Did you know that the grace that flows in your life is not something that you earned? It is freely given to you in God’s Beloved.

Finally we come to the great questions. How do I know that my life is hidden with God in Christ? How do I know that I am one of God’s treasured ones?

There is only one question to need to answer. Are you right now trusting in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Faith in Jesus alone is proof positive that you belong to Him. And if you belong to Him, then you are most certainly one of His treasured ones.

This is what the great apostle said:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Eph2:8-10)

Let this study settle in your heart.

Much love and blessings,

Buddy

Posted: March 12th, 2007 under Devotions & Studies.
Comments: none

Morning Journal,

Just a short note to share the good news with everyone.

My doctor was excited when he walked into the examination room. The PET scan was negative which means the lymph system shows no cancer. Also said it is important to complete the treatments as a precautionary measure. (Only three treatments left.)

However, just the fact that no cancers show up on the PET scan means it is ’shouting time on the hills of glory.’

Ok, nuff about me. One other item –

Today is a very special family day. We get together for a luncheon to celebrate Shana’s birthday. Like I tell my kids, family comes before anything else, after the Lord of course. But He is the one who gives us our family. He loves to see us rejoice as a family. After all, Jesus is our elder brother. He is always at the head of the table. 

May put out a study later today.

Talk with you later.

Lots of love,

Buddy

Posted: March 9th, 2007 under NHL.
Comments: 8

Journal,

This morning on my way to Cabrini for my blood test for chemo tomorrow, I made a surprise visit to my minister buddies at Christian Challenge. Boy do I miss those guys. We have such a swell group of pastors. Been meeting for a Wednesday morning prayer breakfast for a number of years. (Rotate between churches.)

Our group includes Baptist, Pentecostal, Non-denominational, Methodist, Wesleyan, Nazarene, and anyone else who cares to join us. It isn’t a large group, usually ten to twelve of us. But we’ve developed a friendship through the years where we leave our denominational hats outside the door.

Perhaps there is a lesson to be had. Over the years we bonded as brothers. The interesting thing is how we now see one another. We see each the other as belonging to the same Lord Jesus. None is more saved than the other, more spiritual than the other, or more in tune with heaven than the other. Wouldn’t be nice if all ministers could come to this realization. Course that can’t happen when we look at one another from a distance.

Anyway, I surprised everyone and got bunches of hugs as a reward.

Let’s see — Received a beautiful card from my great-niece Jessicaand her husband Allen. Sent a wedding picture of them and myself. I performed their wedding in August, 2006. What a treat. Wow, how time flies when you are having fun.

Come to think about it, I’m not only a great uncle but I’m a great-great uncle. Well, the only thing better than being great, is being great, great. Can I get an amen on that?

One of the most awesome readings in the Scriptures is where David speaks by the Spirit of Christ in Psalm 22. Wish I had time to do a walk through on this one Psalm. Perhaps I can share just a bit on where David gets, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” (v1)

The prophets of old were God’s very, very special men. This is why the New Testament places such a stress on the prophetic writings, and why Paul instructs us to never exceed what the prophets had written.

Here is the reason — In setting down redemption history, the prophets were literally speaking from the mind of God. It was as though God was thinking His thoughts in them. This means that the prophets wrote across history in what can be termed ‘prophetic perfects.’ Here is what Peter said about the prophets:

“As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.

“It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent frolm heaven–things into which angels long to look.” (1Pe1:10-12)

Did you notice who was speaking in the prophets? It was the Spirit of Christ. Did you also notice the heart of the message. It was about the grace of God that would come with the new covenant. 

The keynote of the new covenant can be written in one word, grace. How hard it is for our human minds to grasp such a subject.  Paul explains it simply by saying, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Eph2:8,9)

Paul put our salvation in a past tense mode. We are not going to be saved. We have already been saved. There is much to be said here but I’ll leave that be for now.

So as David writes, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” what was flowing through his pen were the actual words and thoughts of the cross. This is why if you really want to know what went through the mind of Jesus while He hung on the cross, then read Psalm 22.

It doesn’t stop there. The entire Psalm reaches from the cross, into the resurrection, and on into the final redemption program of God for all of mankind. Now note how Psalm 22 begins its conclusion:

“All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will worship before You.” (v27)

This Psalm is quoted in a number of places in the New Covenant.

Let’s make a special connection. Psalm 22, Psalm 23, and Psalm 24 go together. Psalm 22 is the Psalm of the cross that takes us from the cross and to the end of age.

Psalm 23 is the Psalm of the Christian walk, that is, the Psalm of the Good Shepherd. It fully expresses the true journey of faith that begins in this life and carries us into eternity. Notice verse 1 and then the concluding verse.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

Now verse 6 –

“Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Remember what Jesus said about the house of the Lord.

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you … that where I am, there you may be also…”  (Jn14:2,3)

Psalm 24 is also important. This is the Psalm of the millennium. It has to do with the second coming of Jesus to set up His kingdom on earth. Listen to bits of this Psalm:

“The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.” (v1)

And again,

“Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.” (vv7,8)

A fuller picture is given of Jesus ‘mighty in battle’ in Revelation — “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war … His name is called The Word of God … On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, ‘King of kings, and Lord of lords.” (Rev19)

There is so much more to be said about all these Psalms. Really makes for wonderful meditations.

Well, think I’ll go ahead and shut down for the day. Talk with you later.

Blessings,

Buddy

Posted: March 7th, 2007 under NHL.
Comments: 2

Journal,

Billy Graham’s column on ’self-help’ books really caught my eye this morning. Someone asked him why they could not seem to change, and that they had read dozens of books on self-improvement with no help in sight. I really love Billy’s response. Thought I’d pass it on.

Rev. Graham - Let me ask you a question: Have you ever read the greatest book that was written on how to become a better person? That book is the Bible — and if you’ve never read any of it, I urge you to do so.

Why do I say this? The reason is because the Bible isn’t just another book on self-help. In fact it isn’t a ’self-help’ book at all because it tells us that we are too weak to change our lives and make ourselves into the kind of people we ought to be. We may not like to admit this — but it’s true, as you know from your own experience.

Instead, the Bible points us to God, for only he can change us and make our lives different. We can’t change our lives — but God can, and he will if we let him. God loves us, and he doesn’t want us to be sunk in a pit of helplessness and despair the rest of our lives.

How does this happen? It begins with repentance — telling God we know we have sinned, and we are turning from our old ways of living. Then we must turn to Jesus Christ and ask him to come into our lives as our Savior and Lord. When we do, God himself comes to live with us by his Spirit. Then we’ll discover the same truth the Apostle Paul discovered: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:23).

Well, what can you add to that?

Yesterday I had a? PET scan. This Thursday will be my 5th chemo and the doctor will share the PET results with me. I am? confident that things are going? well.?

Been receiving a number of calls from family and others. Lots of prayers in place. Uncle Cullen called me Sunday morning just before church services. Had a? call from my cousin Nelda Ruth just this afternoon. What a treat. I haven’t seen her in a number of years.

Andre called me last evening. Wants me to get ready for a fishing venture. I’m all for that. Need to put my new (used) boat through its paces. In fact Betty and I went on an outing today to check up on equipment for the boat. I haven’t been fishing in so long don’t know if I even remember how.

My devotion this morning had me in? Psalm 19. Verse 7 really stood out. David said, “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”

This entire Psalm is a treasure but as my thoughts centered on God’s law being perfect, I also thought about how imperfect we humans are.? Then I recalled how the law of Moses could never save anyone. It? simply pointed out our imperfections. In fact the more law minded we become, the more we will find ourselves struggling. Then like the Pharisees, we add? laws and more laws until the weight of the law is unbearable.

Is there an answer for this? Yes indeed. Paul said, “For what the law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh.” (Rom8:3)

What God did was take the law and nail it to the cross. He then took the perfections of Jesus and placed those perfections on our account. And in place of the law we are now given the indwelling spirit of Jesus to teach us how to walk in God’s ways.

The point being that there is no law of condemnation hanging over any believer’s life. Where the law condemned, Jesus set us free by taking the law out of the way. This is why the apostle said, “Therefore there is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”

The Greek text is even more emphatic in saying that there is not now and never can there be a? damnatory sentence against any of God’s people. This is what Jesus meant when He said, “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (Jn8:36)

Now we have to make full circle. If the law is perfect, how then does the law offer any of its perfections to believers today? Good question. Paul said that the law is good if we learn to use it lawfully. This means that we must always look at the law through the lens of the new covenant. It also means that the Lord can use the law as a book of revealing Himself to us. Once we understand this, then we can approach the whole of the Scriptures with a healthy attitude.

Think I’ll leave this be for now.

Talk with you later.

Blessings,

Buddy

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Posted: March 6th, 2007 under NHL.
Comments: 4