As we close out this week and move into the holiday weekend, let me share some links that I trust will be helpful, challenging, and fun.
Sunday School Teachers and SS Classes: The Autopsy of a Deceased Class
Prayer: Never Resist the Urge to Pray
Music: 10 Great Hymns
Organization: Kindle + Evernote
Smartphone: 7 Smartphone Photography Tips & Tricks
Illustration by Rachel Ternes
What would the following men have said if a dear, well-meaning individual said to them, “Well, you know, the Lord won’t put on you more than you can bear”?
Elijah
And the angel of the Lord came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God. (1 Kings 19:7-8)
Job
“Why did I not die at birth? Why did I not perish when I came from the womb? Why did the knees receive me? Or why the breasts, that I should nurse? For now I would have lain still and been quiet, I would have been asleep; Then I would have been at rest. (Job 3:11-13)
Paul
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. (2 Corinthians 12:7-8)
If I read these passages correctly and there are many others, it sounds like to me that the Lord did put on these men more than they could bear! Truth is, God does give you more than you can handle because He wants you to depend totally on Him. Think about this lame, spiritually sounding phrase against the backdrop of these passages of Scripture:
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many. (2 Corinthians 1:8-11)
Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
These passages address this erroneous statement of the Christianese language. God does put upon us hardships and trials that are too hard for us to handle. He does so to develop Christlikeness in us (Romans 8:28-29) and a dependence upon God alone.
Psalm 18:1-3 — I will love You, O Lord, my strength.The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised.
Satan is a great deceiver. Man is often so gullible. The devil loves to get us believing statements that sound so good, but are so deceitful and untrue. They may partial truth, but are not completely true. For instance, have you heard anyone say or have you said:
“Just follow your heart.”
“God works in mysterious ways.”
“Money is the root of all evil.”
“Cleanliness is next to godliness.”
“To thine ownself be true.”
“Spare the rod, spoil the child.”
“God helps those who help themselves.”
“God needed another angel in heaven, so He called him/her home.”
“The Lord won’t put on you more than you can bear.”
There are many others, but these are not to be found in Scripture. The one I want to dwell on for a moment today is often said at the point of frustration, exasperation, and hopelessness, “Well, I guess all we can do now is pray!” Have you really given thought to that statement? What are you really saying?
This statement is a declaration of the following:
1. “I’ve tried everything else, and it didn’t work, so I guess we can pray now.” This is making prayer a last resort.
What does Scripture say about this?
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2. “I have looked everywhere except the Lord and His Word for the answer, for the great need I have, but finally after much searching, I recognize I better come to God.”
What does Scripture say about this?
1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
James 1:5-8 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
3. “Well, I don’t have any other options. Guess I’d better pray.”
What does Scripture say about this?
Psalm 18:6, 16-19 In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry came before Him, even to His ears. He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support. He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me.
Often, the Lord does bring us to a place where all option are removed so we will depend upon Him, and Him alone!
Here’s the correct response to all of life, to all unanswered questions, to all needs, to all difficult situations, to all prayer burdens and to every situation:
Psalm 16:8-9 I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope.
Psalm 18:1-3 I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, Who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning, God . . . .
Today, drop the pithy, pious statements of the Christianese language, and speak the truth to yourself. Run to Christ in prayer all day long; not as a last resort!!
Families, churches, places of employment, schools, government, and every other facet of life have it. You cannot avoid it unless you live on a deserted island by yourself (even then it’s still possible). What is it? Conflict. My post for today is simply to ask you to read the following passages of Scripture and answer each question:
1. Where do conflicts originate?
James 4:1-4 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
2. When handling a conflict/disagreement, how can you tell if you or the other individual(s) are responding from their flesh or from the Holy Spirit?
Galatians 5:19-23 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy,drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. . . .22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control;
3. What is a biblical way to handle conflicts?
James 4:6-10 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
Be sure to record your answers in your journal. One final thought—if a cup of coffee was bumped, what would come out of the cup? Obviously, coffee. When you are bumped in life by someone else, what comes out? (See Galatians 5:19-23 for your answer.) What’s the answer? (See James 4)
Yesterday, we saw God work in so many ways throughout our Sunday at church, at home, and in our church’s neighborhood! The greatest event of the day was a lost soul walking the aisle to receive Christ as her Savior. The invitation was given prior to observing The Lord’s Supper. While this dear lady was being shown the gospel from the Word of God and receiving Christ as her personal Savior in a side room of our auditorium, the congregation began to partake of the bread and sing “The Power of the Cross.” To be singing these words and knowing a soul was being set free from sin, death, and hell by the wonderful work of Christ was a glorious moment indeed!!
So, to begin your Monday, listen to this song and consider the words. Rejoice in the Lord and share with someone today who has never heard about our wonderful Savior!! And when you do, make sure your countenance reflects the joy in your heart just as these students are doing.
Pack your picnic basket with your favorites. Take a blanket, camera, a book, and ears to listen. Leave your cares behind and head on up to Unaka Mountain Overlook. My wife and I have sat all alone on the picnic table and watched the sunset. Absolutely beautiful! By the way, I recommend that you do not take the family car on this trip!
Directions: From I-26 take the Unicoi exit (#32). At the end of exit ramp turn east towards town. At the stop sign, turn right onto Route 173/Unicoi Road (which is also known locally as the Erwin Highway) and proceed for 0.7 miles. Follow the signs pointing to the Cherokee National Forest by turning left onto Rt. 107 (Limestone Cove Road). Drive 7.8 miles, turn right on Red Fork Road (it’s also referred to as Unaka Mountain Road). Reset your trip odometer and proceed up the mountain. I’ve listed below some of the things to experience on Unaka…(listed in the order you’ll find them — with mileage listed as distance from Hwy 107):
Red Fork Falls (1.2)
Clear Fork Falls (2.2)
AT Connector Trail (4.9)
Stamping Ground Ridge (6)
Horseback Ridge (6.3)
Unaka Mountain Overlook (7.2)
Unaka Flat Rock Overlook (7.2)
Trailhead to Unaka Mountain Summit (7.9)
Deep Gap (9.3)
Beauty Spot Gap (9.8)
Beauty Spot Overlook (10.2)
AT Crossing (11.3)
Indian Grave Gap (Hwy 395) (12.1)
For a more detailed explanation of directions, check out Unaka Mountain Overlook
Directions courtesy of appalachiantreks.blogspot.com
Sometimes, you just have to get away!
Marriage is a wonderful grace gift from the Lord (Genesis 2:18-25; Ephesians 5:18-33). How blessed I am for the Lord to guide me to my right woman almost 35 ½ years ago.
Our first outing was a pure friendship date and nothing else. My first “crush” on a girl was in the first grade, and all through elementary school, it was “will you go with me?” questions. Then I continued to date through junior high and high school always hoping I would marry my “childhood sweetheart.” When I arrived at college, it was a “wow moment” when I realized there were three girls to every one guy on campus! By the time my junior year rolled around, I was done with the dating scene. Too many heart breaks, too many tense moments, too many temptations, too many “crash-and-burn” dates, and I had had it!
Hence, the first outing with Denise was as I said earlier, a friendship style date. My Chevrolet Impala had a bench seat, which always begged for your date to sit next to you. But on this evening, I did not even ask. She sat on her side, and I drove. No stress; just us being ourselves. You see, Denise too, had gotten tired of the dating scene as well. We went out for supper and bowling. We had a blast! We were just two people having fun with no expectations or strings attached.
The reason for such a good evening was our attitude toward dating. Having heard some solid teaching on the doctrine of right man and right woman from Genesis 2, we began to believe in the sovereignty of God to bring His mate for both of us. His way is always perfect (Psalm 18:30), and He can orchestrate life so much better than we could ever imagine. So, with calmness in our hearts, we both had a great time that night.
Yes, we continued to “go out” and realized that God was directing this relationship. Our dating years were so much fun! After I graduated from college, we were married. Now after thirty-three years, we’re still having fun!
You are probably wondering where the title “Barbeque Sundae” comes into this story. Well, it’s simply this. We have found a quaint restaurant near us in Limestone, TN, known as Old Pilot Hill General Store. They have a unique entrée on the menu known as a Barbeque Sundae which is delicious barbeque, beans, and slaw all layered and served in a mason jar. Recently, because Denise and I are still dating, we drove to the country, sat outside on the large porch, side-by-side, and an enjoyed a quaint meal, the quiet and each other!
When you wait on God’s best, work every day at your marriage, and keep dating, it’s like a Barbeque Sundae—-it all goes together! And it’s good!!
After a long week of sharing my heart and hopefully some help concerning the subject of suicide, I want to end the week on a high note; a note of hope; a note of promise! We have been singing this song in our congregation since the middle of June. The lyrics have stirred our hearts, given us hope, and pointed us continually to Jesus Christ! Rejoice in the truths, raise your hands in praise, and drop to your knees in submission to our God Who always wins!! Worship here: Nothing Ever Can, Nothing Ever Will
“Nothing Ever Can, Nothing Ever Will”
Ross King
1) Every power on earth and in heaven
Is a shadow in His light,
No authority, law or government
Challenges His sovereign might.
His reign and rule have no boundary,
All that is, His hands have wrought.
Nothing ever can, nothing ever will
Overcome the Lord our God.
2) We are well aware we were orphans once,
Bent and broken in our shame,
Then He sought us out and adopted us,
Now we bear His royal name.
Every sin or crime we have ever done
Is no match for Jesus’ blood.
Nothing ever can, nothing ever will
Overcome the Lord, our God.
3) We are rescued out of darkest night,
Freed from Satan’s evil hold
And the kingdom of our Savior’s light
Is our soul’s eternal home.
Though the enemy tries to steal and kill
What the death of Christ has bought
Nothing ever can, nothing ever will
Overcome the Lord, our God.
Bridge
Our God is victorious,
He always wins! He always wins!
In love He reigns over us,
He always wins! He always wins!
Our God is victorious,
He always wins! He always wins!
In love He reigns over us,
He always wins! He always wins!
4) We, the Church, declare: Jesus Christ is King,
For He conquered death once for all.
We will live in light of His victory
Following His gospel call.
And when the story ends we know Jesus wins,
For His power cannot be stopped.
Nothing ever can, nothing ever will
Overcome the Lord, our God.
Nothing ever can, nothing ever will
Overcome the Lord, our God.
FoxNews reported the following about Robin Williams:
The beloved “Mork and Mindy” star had been battling severe depression recently, said his rep Mara Buxbaum. Just last month, he announced he was returning to a 12-step treatment program he said he needed after 18 months of nonstop work. He had sought treatment in 2006 after a relapse following 20 years of sobriety.
He had a complicated personal life and often seemed driven by demons. He did a few lines of cocaine with John Belushi on the last night of that comic’s life.
A darkness seeped in during an interview with comedian Marc Maron in 2010, where Williams seemingly dismissed what would be a career highlight for many actors. “People say you’re an Academy Award winner,” he said. “The Academy Award lasted about a week and then one week later, people went, ‘Hey Mork!'”
Depression, alcohol, cocaine, demons, and darkness; these are the words that stood out to me as I read the report. Why would anyone take their own life? Yesterday, I shared two important thoughts in reference to suicide. Today, two more. May I quickly add that my heart is saddened when I hear of anyone coming to this point because there is a remedy for ALL of life’s trials and disappointments. His name is Jesus (John 10:9-11)
Now, there is no way any of us can know all that goes through a man or woman’s mind who considers and then completes the act of suicide. I only offer these truths in light of recent events to maybe help someone who is thinking of taking their life as well as to shed some light on this dreadful subject.
For anyone you know who may be dealing with thoughts of suicide or even yourself, I recommend you turn this website and check out the list of resources counselingoneanother- resources-suicide
My friend, for every issue of life, for sin, for sorrow, for despair, for the agonies of life, the answer is Jesus Christ. Turn to Him today. Receive Him as your personal Lord and Savior. (Isaiah 53:1-12; Romans 3:19-26; 5:1-11; 8:28-39; Philippians 2:1-11)
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. — Hebrews 4:14-16
According to Suicide.org, over one million people die by suicide worldwide each year. On average, one person dies by suicide every 40 seconds somewhere in the world.
Global suicide rates have increased 60% in the past 45 years. As for the United States, 38, 518 were reported in 2011 (the most recent year for which data is available) by the American Suicide Prevention Foundation, making suicide the 10th leading cause of death for Americans. In that year, someone in the country died by suicide every 13.3 minutes.
What causes a person to come to the point of total despair and take his/her life? As I have pondered this in view of a well-known actor and a college president’s son recently committing suicide, the following thoughts have come to mind.
1. No matter what the situation or circumstance of life may be, you must begin with God. Genesis 1:1 has more to say than just referencing creation. When Scripture says, “In the beginning, God,” we are referred to the starting point and conclusion for all discussions, situations, circumstances, and answers of life. Since God is holy (Exodus 15:11; 1 Samuel 2:2; Isaiah 6:3), omniscient (Psalms 139:1-6; 147:5; Isaiah 40:28; 55:9), omnipresent (Job 34:21; Proverbs 15;3; Jeremiah 23:24) , and eternal (Exodus 3:13-14; Psalm 90:1-4; Revelation 1:8), He is the absolute perfect reference point for all of life. If I start with man or my own humanistic thoughts when trying to draw a conclusion, I will always come up with a faulty assumption because man is sinful, imperfect, limited in his knowledge and ever-learning, ubiquitous, and short-lived (Psalm 90:10; Proverbs 3; Romans 3:23; 5:12; Hebrews 9:27). How grateful to know that God is able to make all grace abound in every situation (2 Corinthians 9:8).
2. Never overestimate the condition of man’s heart. I have heard so many people say, “Just follow your heart” when a life-decision needs to be made. Why would you do that? Look at what God says about our heart:
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? – Jeremiah 17:9
Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. – Matthew 12:34
For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, — Matthew 15:19, 20a
Since a man’s heart is deceitful, if he listens to his heart, then self-murder is a possible “escape” for the immense troubles of life. Our heart has been sinful since the fall of man. The only remedy is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ Who has done everything necessary to fulfill the righteousness of God and to cleanse us from sin (Isaiah 53; Romans 5:1-12).
Tomorrow, I’ll continue these thoughts. For the present, make sure God is always your Reference Point for all of life and do not listen to yourself, your heart. Instead, preach the Word to yourself. The Truth always sets you free (John 8:32).
For additional reading: Psalm 42
fromapastorsheart.com 