A Man's Word

I told him I would. And I didn't.
It wasn't a big deal. It was something small. So I shouldn't worry about it, right? I shouldn't let it bother me?

But it does. It bothers me a lot. I said I would, and I didn't.

He says it doesn't matter, and that I shouldn't worry about it anymore. But when he says that, he focuses on the thing that I didn't do that can be taken care of anyway, rather than what I'm focused on, which is the greater issue that my word should mean a little more, regardless of the promise.

Whether he realizes it or not, this incident will cause him to doubt, however slightly, next time I give him "my word."

What is your word, and what can be said for it? If you don't have your word, then what do you have?

My Dad used to tell us that if we couldn't keep our word, then we weren't ready to be a man. Yet today, so many "men" have no interest in making sure that they keep their word, and they really can't be trusted to follow through with anything.

What kind of promises have you made? "I will never" do this or that. "I will always" be this way. Does it matter to you if you don't follow through with those promises? Those statements are made with the understanding that we are all human, you say? Are they? Or were those statements understood to mean that no matter what, you can overcome your humanity in times of weakness to be a man of your word?

"Preacher, I'll be here for you. When the fire is on, I'll be right by your side."

I start to yawn when I hear that these days. And I almost even feel like it's an indicator that they surely will not follow through.

Peter said, "I will die with you." And he denied the Lord in his darkest hour.

Somehow, in society today, a person's word doesn't mean as much as it used to. Think about when the Bible demeans "trucebreakers," which is someone who doesn't stick to an agreement that they made. In olden times, I could have shaken a man's hand, and bought his piece of land from him with that handshake. Now, we need multiple notarizations, bank papers, 14 signatures, etc.

You get the drift...

People do not mean what they say.

Here's a popular one: "Till death do us part." Wow! What about the third time you say it? Do you mean it that time, too? When I went to Technical School, I heard a guy tell his girlfriend, "I'll always be with you." That was about 4 months before they "broke up," as they say, and that was about 2 years ago now.

Talk is cheap, and actions speak louder than words. People don't want to hear what you say, they want to see what you do. The preacher wants you to be there for him, not talk about it in times of ease. Your husband or wife wants you to always be with them, not just tell them that because it's what they want to hear.

I am determined to be a man of my word.

He told me not to worry about it, so I have chosen not to beat myself up over it. But what I will do: let him know that I'd like a chance to make it right, and show him that I am not one who says, and doesn't do. People who do that aren't men.

I have been, and am determined to remain, a man of my word.

Dealing With People

Have you ever wondered why they left? Elimelech and Naomi left Bethlehemjudah, "the house of bread," over in the book of Ruth. And why? I know there was a famine. But did they expect there to never be a famine in the land? The famine will surely come...it always comes. It's just a matter of when...

I wonder if someone had asked them why they were leaving, what they would've said. "We are afraid of..."

Stop right there. Fear? Where fear is the fruit, doubt is the seed. This is the opposite of faith. But there they go... leaving Bethlehemjudah.

There is a tendency, in the ministry, to get hardened. It's not that the tenderness toward others is gone, or that you no longer desire to help those who need it. It's simply that you get tired of seeing those who seemed the most loyal, the most unmoveable, and the most faithful, depart in time of famine.

I am not where I am today because of the greatness of man; I am here because of the greatness of God. If I had based my loyalty, devotion, and steadfastness on the strength of a man, or the greatness of a leader, I would no longer be in the ministry today. You see, there have been many opportunities for me to get out of this fight...and tempting occasions as well. I am who I am because of the grace of God, and the day God changes will be the day that it will be right for me to go to Moab in the famine.

To quote one of my favorite lines from any hymn:

"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name."

I say all of this because I am beginning to wonder what it is that causes people to make decisions. For instance, I go to Truth Baptist Church because I believe that is where God wants me. It is my Bethlehemjudah. One day, I will go away to Law school, and when that happens, I will do it because that's what I believe God wants me to do.

But then I see people leave our church. And rather than base it on the will of God, they base it on feelings and fear. "Well," you say, "they've been feeling like leaving for a long time." Oh yeah? SO HAVE I! But since when do our feelings have anything to do with the will of God? Since when do Christians reserve the right to make decisions as if God's will has nothing to do with their life?

Why were you at Truth Baptist Church? Because Bro. Buddy Maynard was such a great man? You're right...he was and he still is. But if you were here because of his faithfulness, I'm surprised you weren't disappointed and scared off sooner! What a sad reason to be somewhere...the strength of a mortal man.

You see, I am not here because my Pastor is perfect. I'm here because God is perfect, and he told me to be here. Only those who base their decisions on man need act in fear, out of feeling. Only someone who bases their decisions on a man need change their mind at the drop of a hat.

And only a fool would leave the "house of bread," where God is, because there is a famine in the land.

Interesting Fact

Something for the readers to think about:

The average Facebook user spends 18 minutes a day on Facebook

The average Christian spends less than 3 minutes a day reading the Bible.

Is it possible that a user of Facebook, without any obligation to Facebook itself, is more dedicated to Facebook than a Christian is to his/her Bible?

Is it possible that you, Christian, as a Facebook user, spend more time reading status updates and comments on Facebook than you do reading your Bible?

The facts suggest that it not only is possible, but that it is likely.

I hope that you do not fall into these averages listed above. If so, you should reconsider your priorities.

Why?

Why do we do what we do?

I know this is a rhetorical question, but think about it for just a moment. Why?

Suppose a man came home with flowers for his wife. She, in surprise, says, “Oh, how thoughtful of you! Thank you! That’s so sweet that you were thinking of me!” Suppose this man said in response, “Well, it’s my duty, I’m you’re husband.” Or, what if he said, “Well, I thought you needed it.” Or better yet, how about this response: “Oh, they were real cheap, it was no big deal.”

I don’t think this flies real well with the wife. But how come? Do you think this woman even wants the flowers now? Why not?

We tend to do a lot of things for strange reasons. I give 10% of my income, and rightfully so. I go to church. I dress a certain way. I try to live holy. But why?

God, in his word, states that we were created “for his pleasure.” Does it really please God that we do so many of these religious rituals because we’re “supposed to.”

In Matthew 23, God rebukes a group of people, religious leaders, no less, for thinking that the outward actions were what mattered, and told them that after searching the world over for converts, they make one twice the child of hell as they are! Jesus seemed to disregard deeds done based on “duty” and not on love. I can almost see Jesus telling the Pharisees, “I don’t want your flowers.”

I can do very nice things for those I love, and they accept them with true love in return, because they believe it came from a heart of love. Christ just wants the same. He doesn’t want your income “because you’re supposed to” give it. In fact, he says in Corinthians to determine in your heart what to give, and do it out of cheerfulness. Why? Because God doesn’t need your money! He needs your heart!

Why do you give to missions? Because God needs it? God tell us in Psalms 50, “If I were hungry, I would not tell thee. The world is mine, and the fullness thereof.”

Jesus was truly angry with the religious leaders who had all the rituals down, but missed the message of God in the incarnation of his Son. He ignored their rituals.

Let’s not be polished on the outside, so that we can be in the right place, at the right time, dressed the right way, to be seen by the right people. Let’s show God love out of a pure heart. And do live holy, and be in your place, and give what God says to give, and do right….because of love!

Why? Because I love Christ!

In It To Win It!

Winning is not an event, a time and place, and an action. It is not the sudden celebration of being on top of your goals, your dreams, or your fights. Winning is much more than the comparatively brief moment of excitement when all is said and done, at the end of the day when you receive the reward of your labors.

Winning is an attitude. It is a way of life.

Winning is every second of all four quarters of a game. It is every burn and muscle ache of a marathon; it is every minute and hour of study, every moment of initiative and extra hard work, every decision to put away the weights and hinderances from you, regardless of how petty they may seem, or how long the temptation persists.

In everything a real winner does, he wins. The final score may not show it, the last blow may be the one that knocks him out of the rink, and the last shot that falls may be the nail in the coffin that sinks his every effort to come out on top. But he wins. He wins because no matter what he does, he leaves everything, his heart and his soul, on the floor and leaves that fight knowing he did his best. In victory, he cherishes it. In defeat, he learns from it, making it not a defeat for him, but a lesson.

Winning is an attitude.

"Yeah, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,..." Phillipans 3:8

I have won many things, and in this world, there is much allurement out there to win and to succeed in various things. As with any winning, it comes with much sacrifice. But this is the part of winning that makes most people losers. It is hard, sometimes painful, to sacrifice in order to win. Consider a fighter, who gives up all foods that would hinder his physical shape or bodily systems, keeps a sleep log, trains for hours a day. etc. He gives his life, literally, to be the best fighter he can be. Or an athlete, who does similar routines in health and dieting, physical exercise and training. Or an elite soldier, who once again demostrates unquestioned determination in giving up his home and family to be the soldier he needs to be.

Winning takes sacrifice.

But to win Christ? As I stare in amazement at the phrase itself, it seems an impossibility. For one thing, he had to win me, sacrificing himself on Calvary! How could I win him?

This is ultimate sacrifice. It is not sacrificing family, food, fellowship, or life itself. It is being willing to sacrifice any and all of those things, including any honor you would receive for those sacrifices! At least with a fighter, you may enjoy the benefits of a healthy life and good self defense. At least as an athlete, you enjoy health and millions of dollars due to the idolizing of American sports today. As a soldier, should you truly give up life or limb, you will have much honor in this country, whether you died or were injured in an act of courage and bravery for this country and for your comrades. These are no small things to speak of.

But when you become a pursuant of winning Christ, it is of no benefit to you. It is all a benefit and glory to Christ! In the pursuit of winning Christ, you will have nothing of which to boast, nothing to claim, and should you sacrifice all, and "count them but dung," you will, in the end, hope against hope that you may get closer to understanding what Paul meant when he said, "Let this mind be in you..." You will chase that presence of God that demands ultimate sacrifice of self and pride. YOU gain nothing.....except the likeness of Christ!!! And even this serves only to glorify his name and further his cause, leaving you the with only the blessed priveledge of knowing you gave to him somewhat similar of what he gave to you. Self sacrifice is a pursuit in a Christians life that desires to make him more like Christ, so that you can aim to live in his steps, spending and being spent for others.

I can only hope that I can come close to pleasing my Saviour as much as he pleases me.

I don't suppose I will ever fully understand the concept of winning Christ. I can only pray and work, so that when I stand before him, he will say, "Well done!" If I could hear those words one day from my heavenly Father, I'd say that would be winning enough for me.

Double Decision

It is always easy to say things. It’s not always so easy to do them.

Words spoken in time of ease many times are hard to swallow in times of testing. And due to the excess of words, we find ourselves questioning things that we once have said, and now are expected to act upon.

It’s not that what was once said was wrong. It doesn’t even mean that we no longer believe it now that the testing is upon us. But our flesh gets into situations where our desire is so overwhelming that the things we once stood for are now being second-guessed and even being tossed to and fro in our minds.

As a Christian who takes a stand for many things, this is especially important. You must take that stand, but taking that stand will require you to live a very specific way.

“LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?…[he] In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.” Psalm 15:1,4

Swearing to your own hurt, and changing not. These are powerful words spoken by the psalmist, realizing some things he knew personally.

David said he would not touch God’s anointed. When Saul began throwing spears, David ran. He honored his word. But it did not end there. After more than 5 years of running from Saul, the opportunity to kill him was well within David’s grasp. Yet he apologized and repented for simply cutting the cloth of Saul’s garment. Swearing to your own hurt… and CHANGING NOT!

Stability is probably the most lacked character trait in this generation. People don’t even know what to stand for, and then those that do know what to stand for don’t stand.

There’s no such thing as making a decision for God only one time. If you make a decision for the Lord, the devil is sure to test it. Try it. If you made the decision once, you will need to make the same decision again.

I made the decision a long time ago to do whatever the Lord told me to do. A semester into college, I’ve made that decision at least 100 more times. :)

I made the decision not to use certain language. I make that same decision every time I go to work and deal with certain people that do their best to bring out the worst in me.

I made the decision to keep myself pure, saving my heart and body for the precious young lady I marry. I made that same decision again today.

The point is, if you made the decision for the Lord, expect to make it again, and again, and again. A world of sin is against everything you promise the Lord.

Have you made the decision to do whatever God wants? If you have, then never let financial circumstances, geographic locations, or self-will deter you.

Have you vowed to keep yourself pure? If the answer is yes, then never, ever give your heart, emotions, or feelings to anyone whom God has not expressly told you is the man or woman you will marry, and only then after you have the go-ahead from God’s authority in your life. In fact, I ask every unmarried young adult with Christian parents reading this to make a vow to the Lord: Vow to never pursue a relationship that leads to marriage until both of your parents approve. If one of them sees a problem, then there’s something wrong. But I promise you, if both of them agree that it is good, you can be sure the Lord is in it. (That advice was unplanned so that was free of charge) :D

And that will be another decision that your flesh will be sure to test you on. Just remember, even if it hurts, CHANGE NOT! What was right when you made the decision is still right today. Do not change based on the situation. The circumstances do not warrant exceptions, the circumstances show what you really believed all along. Stick with those decisions… especially when it hurts. God loves to see his children make decisions, and then make the same decision again when the going gets tough and it isn’t easy, because it honors him.

Double decisions will be the greatest tool of public testimony you can have. And to top it off, God will be pleased. And when he smiles, the frowns of the world won’t mean a thing. I love to make God smile, and he put it on my heart to write this post. God is pleased with double decisions!

Our Problem with God’s Will

I appreciate God’s will. I’ve seen it guide, work, and lead in many situations. The will of God has led me as much as I’ve seen it lead anyone. I’ve seen God speak when I had questions, showing me his will. I’ve watched God’s will work in the lives of others. I’ve seen the blessings of those who followed it, and the horrible consequences of those who did not.

I’ve never believed God’s will was a mystery. I always believed that if you truly wanted God’s will, God would show you what he wanted. People act sometimes like God is playing hide and seek with his will, like he gets some sort of pleasure out of seeing you distress over what he might want for you. I don’t believe my Lord does that.

But there is something about God’s will, that, if you don’t understand it, you could be greatly discouraged and disheartened. This concept is called God’s timing! Revealing his will is an art that only God understands, and it’s where faith comes into the picture. There is a beauty that turns the head of God Almighty, and it’s faith.

God does not show you his complete will. He only shows you what he wants you to see. I used to deeply wonder at why he would do this. One night, as I was meditating on this, I asked God why he wouldn’t tell me some important things I felt like I should be able to know. I simply asked God to show me why he wouldn’t let me see the whole picture, or at least more than I was seeing at the time. Then, whether by divine inspiration or common sense I don’t know, it occurred to me that what I knew about God’s will, I would prepare myself for. What I didn’t know about God’s will for me, I could not try to prepare for. Maybe God didn’t want me to try to prepare for my own future instead of letting him prepare me for my future.

And here lies the problem. Are we content to only see as much of God’s will as he allows us to? Do we allow our wishes to see too much of his plan deter us from doing his immediate plan. Could it be that your misconceiving that God is not showing you his will when in reality his will is for you to do nothing. You can’t see everything at once; it would take away from the sovereignty of God, as well as our dependence on his guidance. Don’t allow the road signs miles down the road that you can’t quite make out distract you from adequately obeying the road signs right in front of you. Focusing on God’s will in 5 years may cause you to lose focus on God’s will for you right now.

Faith is taking the first stair when you can’t see the whole staircase. Faith is trusting God to only show you what part of his will he wants you to know for now and being content with it. I say this not because I have conquered it completely. Rather on the contrary, I have been chastened on this quite recently. Without realizing it, you can build up a grudge against the Lord about something you don’t or can’t understand. Don’t allow that to happen. Be content with only a piece of the puzzle. One day, when the picture is all complete, you will enjoy the beauty of it tremendously, because you know every mountain and valley of each piece.

Just something to think about.

"And laid thy hand upon me..." Psalm 139:5-6

It's one thing to imagine great things to be done for God, and even ask for the Lord to do them through you. It's one thing to offer your services to God. But it's quite another thing for God to lay his hand upon you.

When God lays his hand on you, you are ruined. You are only good for his use. Someone who has been chosen by God cannot succeed at anything besides what he has called you to be. You cannot be a good salesman, policeman, or soldier of the armed forces when you're called to preach. You won't make a good insurance agent, real estate developer, or even church worker when God wants you on the mission field. I didn't say you couldn't be those things, you'll just be barely making it on your own, miserable out of God's will.

Only God knows what I know about myself. And while everyone else can say the same, it does not take away from me the amazement that God decides to use me. I'm not the only candidate out there. God makes a conscious choice to put me in positions to get glory out of my life. Why?

"Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it."

When choosing someone to be a young preacher one day, God must have looked over the earth for a young, small, unworthy boy. He saw the most insignificant and wicked young man, and decided that if he would give his life to God, he could get glory from his life, seeing he had absolutely nothing to be proud of. He knew at that time how much I would fail him, how much I would fall short, and how sorry of a Christian I would be, and he still laid his hand on me.

Then I've gotten up and preached and God seemed to just blow through and lavish favor on me....for what reason, I for the life of me cannot figure out! I am the last person worthy to be used for God's glory in something like washing a toilet, let alone for God to tell me to preach his holy book.

He's sees right through me! He sees as I preach and knows the struggles I face even in things I'm preaching about. He sees my pitfalls that show up in my sermons, and he allows me to preach the standard so much higher than I've ever been able to attain. I've always had to be honest with him. What's there to hide from him, anyway?

He knew before he saved me what kind of Christian I would be. He knew before he called me just how much I would hurt him in my actions, though striving for better. He knew! And he still laid his hand upon me!

"Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it."

God, if I am only good on earth for one thing, may it be bringing you honor and glory. If I can only attain one thing, may it be that in spite of myself, my love for you always be stronger than the day before. And in essence, God, please help me to bring a smile to your face!

“Thou hast searched me…” Psalm 139:1-4

People don’t understand what you are feeling. You don’t even understand it all…and yet God has already searched you. God has performed an operation on you that has all of your worries and cares on inventory.

“Thou hast searched me, and known me.”

If anyone knows me, it’s the Lord. Boy, does he know me! I’ve been at his feet just a few times, for many different things. I’m glad he knows me. It brings me comfort. No one else has to understand, including myself. God is the one making decisions, so as long as he understands I’ll be OK. I’m glad he does.

“Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.”

Have you ever tried to hide from God? We don’t really believe we’re hiding, we just try to ignore him quietly. We try to act like God doesn’t know us as well as he does.

“Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it alltogether.”

It says he compasses our path and our lying down. There is not a flank that the enemy can penetrate. Compass literally means to surround. God has compassed you. Not only has he compassed me, but he has compassed my path. My path is where I’m headed! My future has already been staked out by the Saviour. There is nothing to be uncertain about. He will wake me tomorrow. He will meet me at the car tomorrow to help me carry my mental luggage throughout the day. He will open the classroom door on the 19th to greet me at school. I am compassed, brethren!

When faced with a complication in life, Bro. Neils Gade once said, “It’s a matter of prayer, but not a matter of worry.” That is an attitude that would help us all if we would adopt it.

I’m starting to think we complicate the Christian life a bit too much. And it is complicated when we must handle the struggles.

It’ almost like there is a stack of paperwork that is too overbearing for us too even handle, and we let it depress us. Meanwhile, on the other side of the desk sits God. He has all the same information organized and analyzed, and even gives you the answer to the problems that await. Yet still, we allow the sin of worry and anxiety to overcome us. Why don’t you depend on him? It's the Lord’s problem. I have given my life to the Lord, and in return he has promised that I can cast all my care upon him. (1 Peter 5:7)

Just leave it at that.

When you don't understand, just understand!

Sometimes we have a thought processes that lead us to believe that what we think is important. "I think....", "I believe...", etc. I have come to the conclusion that what we think is not only unimportant, but also unnecessary. We think too much instead of focusing on what we know.

In the military, it doesn't matter what you think. It matters what you know. In the academy where I work, there is a chain of command from the top to the bottom, and it doesn't matter what you think, it only matters what you know. The Christian life is no different.

In a battle situation for the military, you thinking could cost lives. It's not your job to think, and it's not your job to weigh options, it's only your job to act on what you know is right. Do. Quit thinking! When the order comes, don't think about it...just do it. It comes from the top, and you aren't going to be held responsible for the right or wrong of the order, only whether or not you obeyed.

That brings me to the point of this post. Sometimes things don't make sense. There always will be things that don't make sense. But when you don't understand, just understand this: you understanding is not a priority! When you understand that, understanding everything else becomes a commodity. We need to quit thinking like we as Christians have to understand things that happen.

I think of David...he was completely misunderstood. He did not understand why he couldn't be king from the day that God annointed him. But the important thing was he didn't let his lack of understanding God's doings get in the way of him allowing God to work on him. There are things you will never understand...and there are people who will never understand you. They misunderstood David and read into his actions because they had a plan. Others around him had reason to read into his actions so they could call him subversive. This was a plot to find reason for Saul to kill him.

There is not one whose actions have not been misread or read into. Everyone has been misunderstood at some point. None was misunderstood and misread like our Lord, though. He was killed for claiming to be who he was, being charged with blasphemy.

Like Christ did, and like David did, we should not worry about what we can't control, what others think, what we think about things we don't understand, and focus on what we know. And Christian, you know what's right! Quit thinking...just do right. If you do that, your misunderstood and misread actions will be explained by your steadfastness in what is the truth.
What's right? Do it...and leave the rest up to God to sort out.

Don't think. Do right.

The Far Country

When the prodigal son took his journey, there is no doubt he took a physical, literal journey into the far country. The far country was full of bright lights, city attractions, and sensuality. It was enough, whatever it was, to lure even the fathers son away from home. But what is the far country? Does it have to be across the country? I don't believe so.

The moral of this story as Jesus told it was not the son that left, but the elder son that was still with the father. The Pharisees were murmuring about Jesus eating with and receiving sinners. Jesus responded by telling them about the sheperd who left ninety-nine to find one, and when he is found, there is great rejoicing. The same with the lost coin, etc.

So the problem being dealt with in this parable is not the sons that leave physically, but rather the ones who never left the fathers side, yet never understood the heart of their father toward those who were wayward.

The Bible is clear that we should be very forgiving as spiritual Christians in the spirit of meekness. (Gal. 6:1) This was not the case in Luke 15. The elder brother had a clear problem.

Only a selfish, self-centered person would be upset with the rejoicing over a son come home. You see, the elder brother was as far away in his heart from the father as the younger son was literally. And by the way, it's just as far of a trip back home when it's a heart problem as when it's a outward flesh problem. I know this because I've never been to the far country in person. I've never run to the bright lights and big city attractions of this world. Yet I have made my homeward run many times--in my heart.

I do not downplay the fact that the elder son had never left home. It is no secret that the physical far country holds far more dire consequences than the far country of your heart. But I assure you that the far country of your heart is no less sinful.

I have returned from that far country a few times. I will not, by the grace of God, go back. That far country has its markings--critical of everyone and everything, fleshly decisions, and self-serving and self-centered actions. While in that far country of your heart, you can't even allow someone else to enjoy the blessings of God on their life. The servants think they're spiritual, the brethren are overplayed, and the father is unjust and unfair after how good YOU'VE been. That's how you think in the far country of your heart! Leave it at once. Realize that the physical far country is a place that you could be tomorrow aside from Gods grace, and rejoice with the rest of us. The father has slain the fatted calf for those for whom we rejoice. You won't stop the party, so you might as well get in on it.

Notice that the father reminded the elder about his inheritance at the end of the story..."All that I have is thine," he said.

Just maybe if you'll come home from the pity-party, you'll be the next recepient of the fatted calf. In fact, I know that you will. But there aren't fatted calfs slain at the fathers table for those who abide in the far country, whether in the flesh, or in their heart.

Come home.

Noah

"And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him." Genesis 7:5

Repent! Repent! The judgement of the Lord is come! Any who would escape must flee to the refuge of the Ark of God, through the door that God hath opened. Come, before the rain falls!

What a nut! This Noah guy is crazy. He plans on building a boat in the middle of a field because water is going to fall from the sky? He's nuts....

Noah was alone. When he began this amazing task, the environmentalists began going crazy about the trees he was cutting down, the natural habitat being destroyed, the homes for animals vanquished at the end of an inhumane, crazy man's axe blade. The building department council got together and decided that it was illegal, seeing Noah had not obtained a permit to build such a structure. As punishment, the government confiscated his house with all his earthly belongings.

Nothing of earth matters to me. Get on the Ark! How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?

You would think everyone would leave the nutty old man alone, but they didn't. They taunted him, along with his three sons.

Hey Japheth, you as crazy as your old man? You think the water is coming too? Or are you just building along with the family to keep from feeling guilty? You know he's crazy, don't you?

Hey Shem, what about your wife? You gonna take her on that filthy boat with all those vile animals? What kind of man are you to lead your family into something so incredulous? Aren't you responsible for your own wife, or you just trying to appease your dad?

Hey Ham, you know even your uncles, aunts, cousins, grandparents, and other relatives think he's crazy, too?! You think God would really kill all the relatives and family--the whole known world for that matter--and only save your family? Are you really that narrow minded? You think you're better than us?

It was taunting for sure. But it didn't stop there. The local nightclubs, dance parties, and proms moved to Noah's field. After all, what better way to drink the night away than laughing at old diluted Noah and his boys building away at that old boat. How long have they been at it, 45, 50 years now?...

When the Ark is finished, then the flood will come upon the world of the ungodly! Come help us build, and get on board!

At first, the relatives tried to engage him in useful conversation.

You know, Noah, we believe like you do, we just think you're a little too hard on everyone else who may not be just like you. You know, Noah, maybe you should settle down on that building a little and show a little more compassion.

But he was insanely committed to this tedious, useless task. He was unmovable.

Would true compassion shield you from the truth to accommodate your sinful practices? Is it greater compassion to leave off building the refuge from the coming storm, suffering my own family to be judged? Nay, nay, brethren, it is compassion that drives me to tell you to leave your sinful ways, and help me build this ark, saving your families as well!!

Noah, Noah. How long will you persist? Till you die? You've been working on this monster of a ship for like 100 years now, and still no water has fallen in any measurable amount, and yet your sure the whole world will be covered? God will punish us? Where is he Noah? Why isn't God helping build the boat? HA!!

Be not deceived. God is not mocked! Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap! Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Say to thy soul, "Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry." THOU FOOL! This night thy soul shall be required of thee.

We went and talked with Dr. Doubtful Disputations, Noah. He said the signs are evident in your behavior that you have a severe medical condition. Noah, you can be treated with doses of community involvement and compromise, and we promise, you'll think a little more clearly.

Hey, Noah! The government just put a label on you. You're a fanatic! You home school your children, you read the King James Bible, you believe in the constitution, you believe in the second amendment, and, worst of all, you're building a boat to get out when it's all just seemingly coming together for the first time here on earth with amazing unity under our new president and congress and judges!

We're just having a good time, Noah! Is that so wrong? You think so narrow minded, Noah; just loosen up a bit!

It is not my mind that is narrow, but my morals. My mind is free! It is your mind that is narrow, while your morals are loose! I seek to obey God, by faith, to the saving of my house.
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh!

Noah had no ministerial association for comfort, encouragement, and help. He had he, his wife, his 3 sons, and their wives. That's it! No one else! Yet, I happen to believe, that if a man wins his own family, he has won his first and greatest mission field. Noah had no converts, but his family was on the ark with him that day.

Noah finally got them fool animals on the ark with him. Man, what a boat! And what a nutty old man. Ha ha ha... he says he's gonna be inside the Ark seven days before the so-called "rain" falls. What a cook!

Hey, Noah, you old coot! We're just gonna have a party right here outside your boat. After all, "God" shut the door right? (laughing) Hey, everyone, lets have a toast to day 4 of the week before "God" "floods" the earth! Ha ha ha...

Hey, Noah, it's day seven. This is the day, right? I guess we'll see right? Ha ha.

(Silence)

What is that? Do you feel something? It's like water is sprinkling.

3 hours later

Noah! Noah! Open the door!!! (gasp) (choke) Noah, just get a rope out the window or something, Noah. Noah, we're going to drown. (gulping) It's to our shoulders, Noah, help us!!!!

Settled into the innermost chambers of the Ark, sits Noah, his wife, his children, and their wives. They realize the punishment and judgement of God in a whole new way. They pray that somehow God would block out the awful sounds of those people dying...

And when the last knock on the side of that Ark faded away... and all was quiet, Noah was just glad he had obeyed God. And this preacher of righteousness now had spared his family, and in turn, the human race.

Don't quit telling sinners of the wrath to come, but don't feel responsible for their actions. When you've done your job--telling the truth--leave the rest to God, and get on the boat!

The Miracle of Salvation

He's in a fix. This sea of life is tumultuous! He's been here forever it seems...it might as well be forever, cause he knows of no other life outside this raging sea he lives in. There have been good days and bad, but the good days are few.... and it's so lonely.

Living in the troubled sea is no easy task, especially without the boat, sails, anchor, and captain needed to weather such a storm. The rashes from constant waves and torrents of sins consequences rack his body with pain, and the taste of that awful seaweed rises from his tongue every time he takes a laboring breath...but that's just life here on the sea.

The attacks come so sudden, so sudden it takes him by surprise, though he should be accustomed to it by now. Those sea creatures, monsters that they are, seem to toy with him on a constant basis, the sea monster of them all telling him he's got no hope. What if he's right, though? He wonders when they'll just kill him and end this misery most call life... Well, if this is life, I want no part of it. He seems to think no other life exists...

The storm is back. All of the empty promises, broken relationships, and unfulfilled expectations are thundering through the sky, reminding him of times where he trusted that he could make it on his own, trusting his own heart... well, he still does, cause he learned from those mistakes; I'll do better next time.

It's killing him now, this restless sea. He surely cannot make it long in this darkness...it's overtaking him. He chokes hard on the bile mixed with salt water in a half cough, half vomit that hurts him to his very soul! He feels something like a log of some sort with his right hand, and clutching it with all his might, hoping it will save him from sure destruction, it too crumbles upon contact, following the path of all he has clung to in this sea. His head is barely staying above the water, and only for seconds at a time. The will to survive rises within him, but the weights of his past sins and the bleakness of having true hope...well, why try? He will soon die, he knows. He no longer resists...

He hears the voices of men... sailors ....men somewhere ... maybe he's just already losing consciousness from lack of oxygen ... but no, those are the voices of men he hears!! He hears the croaking of wood and metal as the biggest ship he's ever seen comes into view on the horizon. A life boat with a rescue team is on it's way!!!! Finally, help is here; he may just live! But can they get here in time?

Maybe it's one of the delusions those sea monsters like to pull... but he's never had one like this before. In fact, just the view of the ship and crew seemed to bring over him a longing to be one of them. They worked with such strength and confidence, though they also bore the storm that was raging. They worked with such purpose. There seemed to be a calmness... or peace, aboard that ship... even in such a storm. He wonders who their Captain is...

Well, that was years ago. Now he sits aboard the same ship of grace! He had no problem abandoning his old clothes and ways when this ship passed by. Come to find out, the Captain is there for leadership, but he's also the anchor for stability, the sails for direction, and the bow for durability. It should be easy to trust the Captain, shouldn't it? I mean, the storms are still bad, but he's on a ship that just can't be brought down!!! After all, the Captain promised when they get to port, he will share his name, his wealth, his home, and his inheritance with this old hopeless sinner! He wonders sometimes how long it will take to get home, but as long as they're headed there, he's just fine.

But... sad to say, sometimes his weaker nature gets the best of him. He begins to question the Captains directions, deciding to try to guide the ship his own way... My, what mistakes can be made doing that!! He should just let go and let God...

Why would he question the Captain? Was he doing so great out on life's sea alone? Now he has someone to call family, friends and shipmates that would never let him down if they could help it, and the friend that sticketh closer than a brother! What could he possibly do without the Captain? He doesn't want to leave the ship. To whom shall I go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. He, well, he just doubts sometimes. But what a great Captain he is, he is always forgiving, always concerning, and always caring. But, the only thing is, when he steers things away from the Captains plans, he always hurts his Captain. And he hurts himself as well. The more he tries to control things on his own, the farther he gets from the Captains best for him, settling for God's partial blessing.

Isn't is good that God doesn't kick out the doubters? I mean, Thomas doubted, and Jesus didn't kick him out of the group. That's comforting isn't it? Thomas' only problem was that he missed church on Sunday. :D Remember? Everyone was there on Sunday morning for church but Thomas. He slept in and got a bad rap! Jesus didn't even scold him, he just decided to make a second appearance, and told Thomas, "touch me, and see."

But the doubting isn't only with the saved, it's with the lost. Over in 1 Corinthians 15, Paul had to rebuke a bunch of people who weren't teaching the Resurrection. Doubts, doubters, and doubteresses. (I'm not smart; I came up with that word.) LOL

Listen, if you're lost and you're a doubter, and the Holy Spirit can't convince you, I surely can't convince you. All I can say is, it's true. You're wanted; your soul was worth dying for to the creator of the universe, and the old rugged cross was for you!!!

I met a man the other day who just told me, "That's too good to be true. Nobody gets deals like that in the real world. That's just your crutch." I proceeded to tell him that if you're hurt, don't you want a crutch? And by the way, Christ is so much more than a crutch for me... he's wings to fly as eagles!

I wrote a song the other day for doubters because of that man. The song isn't finished yet, because I only included the lost, but when it's done, the third verse will include the saved who doubt as well. I'll post it when I'm done. Hope it helps!

Could it Be Real

---

I heard a story; I heard a song

I heard a testimony, the word of God

I felt his touch upon my very soul

This perfect love I simply had to know

---

I heard his voice; it whispered soft but clear

I needed life that gave me rest from fear

Could I let go, and quell my shameful pride

His blood could heal, forgive, and satisfy

---

Could it be real, my sins be washed away?

Could he forgive, and cleanse my deepest stain?

If I believe and turn in Godly sorrow

Could it be real, that he my soul would save?

---

So I believed. By faith I took his word

And now I'm clean, I know my hope's secured

He gave me peace where there was only fear and doubt

And now this love, I know and tell about!

---

I know it's real; my sins are washed away

His love forgave, and cleansed my deepest stain

When I believed, and turned in Godly sorrow

I found it real, cause he my soul did save!

---

You may not see, and doubt that it is so

But you can't doubt this joy this peace I know!

---

I know it's real; my sins are washed away
His love forgave, and cleansed my deepest stain
When I believed, and turned in Godly sorrow
I found it real, cause he my soul did save!

By Clay Maynard

More Blood Needed

We have learned from down south Florida at Shands that Silas is in need of more blood. His blood counts are dropping rapidly at this point, and they had to put him back on his morphine drip. They are not ready for Silas to leave there yet. Russell and I drove to Dothan, Alabama today to give blood. He will have it in the next couple of days. Please pray for the little guy. He is in alot of pain.

I shot this picture outside the other day.

Walking across the yard to go to work, something flew past my head as I walked under a tree. Looking to see what it was, it was the poor little bird. He had fallen from his nest. My first instict was to try to get him back to the nest where he belonged, but if you know anything about animals, they will reject their young if human contact is made. My best bet was to leave him on the ground and hope that the parents came to get him.

When I came home from work, he laid there still, dead on the ground. I gave him a proper burial, and went inside with a unique thought. Why couldn't something have been done? I knew he would die without help. His parents must have known that too. But they left him to die alone. Could it be that they were too busy to go get him? Maybe they were so lazy they didn't feel like going to get him?

Regardless, it made me think of Silas. What a loved little boy he is!! I'd take that cancer in his place if I could. In a heartbeat. I'd do it tomorrow if they could possibly pull that off.

But then I think of the cancers around us; worldy music, worldy philosophies, and the influences of sin. These cancers eat up our young today. The young generation of this country is laying in the middle of the yard, subject to being trampled on, freezing to death, and the ravaging of the wild animals. No one would get them some help, or take the necessary means to get them to safety from the snare of the devil. No blood would be donated through prayer and fasting, to get them the transfusion they need from sins diseases.

What a poor little bird. But how much worse to see this generation of kids being ignored the same way.

Please continue to pray for Silas. Every prayer is a petition to the all-powerful King of the universe. We need yours!

Encourage Yourself in the Lord!

I have been reading 1 Samuel as a contrast to my normal Bible reading, which is stuck in the judgement of the major prophets.

Anyway, I read 1 Samuel 26-30 yesterday, and I was touched by the Lord about several things. Today, I picked up a book by Max Lucado called "Facing Your Giants." I picked up reading where I had left off at chapter 8, which happens to be about 1 Samuel 30. This was a great encouragement to me, so I've posted the link below to read it online in Google Book Search. I hope if you're down and out like I get sometimes, you'll take the time to read this.

"Slump Guns"

In Christ Alone,
Clay

All My Needs

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:19

I believe this verse is one of the most doubted verses in the Bible for Christians today. You show what you believe by what you do. Belief inspires action. If you believe God supplies all your needs, you will depend on him; if you do not believe that God supplies all your needs, then you will seek to supply your own needs. Belief inspires action.

I know that until I leave my fathers home, I can depend on being able to eat here. I know that the need of my stomach will be filled with groceries from this house as long as I live here. My action based on that belief is that I will eat here and not worry about it. If I was worried about it constantly, I would be showing my belief that my father was not sufficient in providing groceries by going out of the way to provide for myself.

I see people on a regular basis acting as though God does not see their needs, when the truth is, their "needs" are not what God sees as needs, but wants. Why does our lack of faith take over a situation that is simply God's job? Why do we act as though the need is not going to be supplied by our heavenly father? If my earthly father is faithful in supplying earthly needs to me, how much more is my heavenly father capable of supplying my needs? Not only does he supply my needs, he has an advanced knowledge of my grocery list! I do not even need to tell him what I need for him to know. He already does. Before I even ask for it, he is preparing to provide it.

Are his riches in glory ever going to be insufficient? Will he bounce the check of heaven on my little problems? There is no way, and it would be mad to suggest it! However, modern Christianity lives in an independent lifestyle that seeks a faithless provision to our needs by seeking to meet them through fleshly means. Do you realize that Satan is waiting for your independence from God's way so he can attack you with vices that you alone cannot handle?
Your self-dependent attitude makes you completely vulnerable to situations that only the power of God can help you through! Do not become self-sufficient and self-dependent, thinking that you can somehow manage this Christian life without the help of Christ, who was the ultimate example. Do not think that you can live a supernatural Christian life, following his steps, without Christ' power. That is simply mad!!

So that brings me to the point of this post.

Let God supply your needs. I am in a situation right now that requires ultimate dependence on God. I have no control, and therefore I am naming and claiming Phillipians 4:19. I need him to supply the need. I could make a knee-jerk decision to try to handle it myself, but that will only make matters worse. I need to depend on God!

Do you need money? Does God know that? Of course he does!! What doesn't he know? The answer is not to take matters into your own hands! If you're right with the Lord, pray and ask God to take control, admitting your incapability to handle the situation.

Now, God is not a bell-hop either! God does not watch his children muddle around and mess up a situation, only to run and bail them out when they realize what a mess they've made. If you have not honored God, do not expect him to save you from the consequences of your sin. That is not what is being written about in this post! I am talking about you being in situations that you cannot control and allowing God to do his job as your father.

Do you need a husband or wife? Who would know best when and who you need? Of course, God would!! If God knows best when you need to be married, and he knows best who you need to marry, shouldn't you just claim the promise of Phillipians 4:19 that God will supply that need?
When it's time, God will give you who you need, when you need them. And trust me, he knows best. I believe that. I personally have asked God to pick me out a wife! I'm not smart enough to know how to do that, and so God is in charge of it. He is well able!!

If I believe that promise, why should I try to "help" God out by taking steps outside of his guidance? Why would I flirt with someone, knowing that God has a very special young lady that he has chosen for me? Why would you? Is God not able? If he is able, and he has not given you direction on it, then you should not be meddling; it is obviously not the right time!

The best part is, when God supplies, you know it was God! When my financial situation pans out just fine, I know who to thank! "Thank you, Lord, for your help!"
And when God puts his approval on Miss Wonderful and says, "Psst! She's it!" I'll know it's God's doing. Because, after all, isn't it he that supplies these needs?

It's as simple as this: Let God be God! Let God supply your needs! He's surely worth trusting.

The Fight Is On

Sometimes, I seem to inhale blessings and triumphs, while exhaling spiritual findings and insight. These have often been called "mountain top" moments. It's the time in your Christian life where you are walking with the Lord, the devil is firmly planted between your heel and the floor, and all inside seems still, quiet, and serene. The victories are being won, the flesh is in total subjection, and you are ready to charge all of hell itself with faith that overcomes the world! It is at these times that you wonder if you will ever go back again. Back to where the struggles take place. Back to where the flesh is formidable, the foe advancing, and your spirit is struggling to breathe. Those times of fighting the devil are a distant memory from the mountain top.

But, one day...there I find myself. There in the valley. I'm not alone, it's just so dark sometimes with the smoke of the battle that I can't see. My flesh is raging with desires, appetites, and carnal lusts. The spirit of God advances, its forces even greater than the former. But the victor, in the end, will be who I endorse. The one who gets my nod of approval, the one I allow to take center stage, on the throne, making decisions, he will take the victory. That could be the fleshly man, if I take his side. As powerful as the spirit of Christ is in me, my will alone can repel him and send him into silence. The greater one that is in me has seen that corner of my complete rejections far too many times, watching my flesh take me captive while the plan of Satan since the garden of Eden is accomplished yet again. The serpent has his advantages. My flesh is on his side, and it strives for the destruction that he proposes. The beautiful delicacies of this world, poisoned by the diseases of sinful consequences and bitter aftertaste, allure me in these times of weakness, where, like Eve, I long for the taste that brings what I presume to be greater pleasure...only to be blinded and hurt once again by the sting... I know the tempter is near, I can see the temptation coming, I know the result, and yet I still struggle with the decision.

Paul faced the same thing.

"For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I...Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me...For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not...I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me...O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Romans 7

It is an inevitable, irresistible fight that you as a Christian will face. When Salvation took place, the devil devised a plan to make you useless for God. He can no longer take you to Hell, but he can put you on a spiritual shelf, rendering you incapable of serving God. To do this, he uses the flesh. He drives you to decisions of impulse so that you are fleshly, without God's power as a Christian, and without the capacity to succeed as a Christian. You will have taken the reigns of your life from Almighty God and begun making decisions on your own. You will never fail at failing when you behave this way.

I have found myself in the battle of my life recently. A battle that will never end until I get to my heavenly home, and this corruption shall put on incorruption, and this mortality shall put on immortality.

I thank God that victory is possible, though. Over the past couple of weeks, I have fallen flat on my face multiple times. But God is faithful!! I'm so glad my Salvation is not based on my faithfulness! Aren't you?

Hebrews 4:16
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

What a wonderful verse that is!! What a privilege to carry everything to the Lord in prayer. All our anxiety, all our care, bring to the mercy seat, leave it there!! Hallelujah!
I have adopted an attitude of victory. I've fallen, granted. But the war is not over. I have a commander that will never give up on me, no matter who else does, and based on the grace of the faithful one, I can go on!! I will not quit!!! He did not quit on me!!

I love second chances. It's not everyday you get a second chance anymore, let alone meet someone who gives you a second chance every day!!!

After reading Romans 7, I was feeling pretty down, but then the Holy Ghost spoke to me and said, "Read the next chapter..,"

Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

What a great book I'm reading! That means I don't have to have condemnation because I don't have to walk in the flesh! Through God I can do valiantly!!! Through God I can be different! And through God, I can walk right out of this valley!

I find out now looking back just how close he was to me in that valley. I just didn't see him. I didn't realize all of the help that was there, just waiting to be called upon. When the smoke cleared I saw. God doesn't always show you everything. He just wants you to remember in the dark times what you saw in the light, and keep walking... It's called faith. Faith that God is true.

Christian, defeat is not something we can afford in this latter day. The fight is on, and I'm here to stay. I'm not quitting, and I'm not backing out. I'm in this fight until the end...until God calls me home. Maybe you're struggling now with the flesh, and you can sympathize with what I wrote here. Just stick in there...when the battle is the hottest, victory is just around the corner! Hold on! And furthermore, God knows exactly what you're going through. He's been where you're at. I'll save that for another post I'm working on.

It's worth it at the end of the battle, friend! Stay in the fight!

If It's Right, Then What Else Is There To Know? Pt 2

"Why?" He asked politely. He wasn't being rude; he sincerely wanted to know. "Why do you wear long pants to play basketball in? I'm telling you--and it ain't just me--shorts are way more comfortable!" I nodded. "You're right it ain't just you, it's just about everyone in this gym." I replied with a grin. "In fact, it's me too!"

I've known Vince almost since I started going to this gym to work out and play basketball. He's not saved, but he is very respectful of our beliefs. I've tried with no success to get him to come to church. Actually, there are several guys down there that I've tried to get to come to church. People just have no time for God, it seems.

"You're kidding! Why don't you wear them, then?"
"Cause it's not right, Vince."
"So, this is a religious thing!"
"NO, this is about pleasing God and having a good testimony."
"Whatever."

Honestly, I like Vince, but he will never understand me or why I do things.

"It's right" doesn't seem to satisfy those that are lost. However, it never ceases to amaze me that many claiming Christians are the same way. They claim the name of Christ, but they do not represent God's children. They say they are saved, yet, personally, I would mistake them for the devil's kids! Church folks will criticize you as much as the lost nowadays.

I would love to wear shorts....if it wasn't nakedness, sin, displeasing to God, etc. My flesh thinks, "It's easier to move around in, more comfortable, so why not?" But like I said in part one, it's not about those factors. It's about what's right.

What about the things you watch? Do they please God or your flesh? What about your music? Is it uplifting to the Lord, or does it cater to the carnal man? You cannot share qualities! An action or deed cannot and will not please God and your flesh at the same time. Impossible! God will not be honored while the flesh is being gratified. Never!

Jesus asked the question of the Pharisees in reference to John's baptism, "Is it of heaven, or of men?" You know from the Bible account that they would not answer Jesus.

Do you know that every action can be judged by that same question? Music, movies, hobbies, clothing: "Is it of heaven or of men?"

It is one or the other. Does your music please God? Then take it to church and pass it on to other believers for encouragement. Your movies? Let's watch it at church! Wear those clothes that you struggle to justify unscripturally to a church activity, and see if you feel comfortable. Any man that has the spirit of God dwelling in him will know that something is wrong.

"Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." 2 Tim. 2:19

Anyone that loves God and desires to please him will consider their actions in light of God's thoughts.

I know those who are called to preach. They are not right with God unless they're preaching or preparing for it. It's what's right. Some are called to the mission field. They're not right with God unless they're obeying their call. What has God told you? Do the right thing, Christian.

If It's Right, What Else Is There To Know?

Since the dawn of creation, man has been faced with a decision. I've never liked decisions! I hate them. A decision means that one purpose has to be defeated in favour of the other.

But many decisions that you face are easily answered by the question, "Is is right?" There are so many factors in the decisions we make. How do we feel? What do we think? What do others say? What am I being pressured to do? What are others doing? How will this effect me or my future? etc.

I watched a film recently called "Come What May," and it was one of the best I have ever seen. However, it was the slogan of the film that I want to address, "Do what's right, come what may."
In our hearts and minds, as Christians, we know to a great extent what ought to be done. I admit that there are exceptions where it takes some searching of God's will to find the truth. But this is truly an exception. What is right for the Christian is usually found in the conscience that has been directed by the Word of God and reinforced by the Holy Spirit.

Our flesh wants to consider ALL of the factors because it will not submit to the only factor that matters, God's will. And when you begin to allow your flesh to rationalize the truth with the "factors," you begin to lose the battle. What is right is all that matters.

Not your environment. Not your past. Not your present circumstances. What is right! That's it!
Not how you feel. Not what others say, do, or think. Not the possible negative effect that it may incur on you by others who do not agree. What is right! That's it!

We must quit making excuses for why we have not done right. We must quit making excuses for why we are not doing right. We must simply quit making excuses!

If it's right, what else is there to know? The answer is nothing! You need nothing else. Let's just do what's right, come what may.

It was a short, but important, thought. Consider your ways.

Do We Have a Misunderstanding?

Misunderstandings. I could ask, "Have you ever had a misunderstanding?" But I think the better question is, "Who hasn't had a misunderstanding?" Show me someone who has never had a misunderstanding, and I'll show you someone who is either perfect, or they do not have the ability to speak for some reason. Why? Why misunderstandings? Why can't life just go on as normal, everyone understanding everyone, perfect harmony, and effective communication one-hundred percent of the time? That would be nice, wouldn't it?

I had a misunderstanding recently with one of my superiors at work. He said, "I knew you better than to think that, yet I still did!" That describes the situation perfectly! One thing I will love in heaven: NO misunderstandings.

Listen, you are human. Your friends? They're human too. Coworkers? Yep, human. Parents? Human. What about my siblings? Well, if they're anything like mine, they're definitely human!!! :D No, I'm just kidding. The fact is, we're simply all human, and humans make mistakes. Human itself is by nature fallen, and therefore cannot effect incorruption in it's dealings. Do you like mathematical equations? Human = mistakes.

If I was perfect, and all my friends were perfect, we could communicate with complete efficiency. The words I say would be absolutely perfect for what I meant, and they could not be understood any other way. It would come across perfect. Those I am around, being perfect themselves, would take it into a perfect mind and understand it...well...perfectly! Unfortunately, this is far from the case. I am not perfect, and therefore say things that could possibly be misunderstood. My acquaintances hear and understand with an imperfect mind, and sometimes understand things different than they were intended. There is only one word I can think of for situations like this: Human!

Now, this is not to say that we should not try our best to prevent misunderstandings.


Proverbs 18:19 says,
"A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle."

I believe we should be as clear and complete in what we say as we possibly can. Effective communication skills go a long way in any situation. But, in light of the fact that miscommunication and misunderstandings are inevitable, this is what the Bible says about the issue. (It seems to say something about every issue. Aren't you glad for that?)

Proverbs 18:13
"He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him."

First of all, never assume. Unless you have heard the explanation of what was meant by what was said or done, do not assume anything, especially the worst, about someone. I have been in situations where an action was taken, and someone immediately assumed an intention for the action. That was never explained, just assumed. Needless to say, it led to a mess! Unless you've been reaffirmed in your initial suspicion, do not take action based on your understanding of a situation. Also, instead of making statements, always ask questions first. This allows you to understand the situation properly before making judgement. My dad always says, "It's never best to approach a situation on the attack with your mouth."

Proverbs 18:17
"He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him."

Proverbs 20:18
"Every purpose is established by counsel..."

Seek advice. Talk the situation over with someone who is trustworthy and wise. Allow your "neighbour" to search you. They may see something, notice something, or think of something that you did not, preventing a problem. My parents just happen to be my first option. :) I would go to them first in any situation. You cannot go wrong with such trustworthy counsel. The Word of God and the Spirit of God will also speak to you. Never enter into dealing with a situation without first diligently seeking God in a time of prayer. Know the mind of the Lord on the matter, and ask him to teach you how to handle things. God will lead you. It seems that I naturally want to handle things right away without delay, which allows my flesh to get involved because I have no insight from God before analyzing things.

Lastly, resolve the issue. If wrong has been done, get to the heart of it. Take action on the facts, and do not gossip to any that should not be involved with the issue. This will cause further confusion and hurt. However, if wrong has been done, take it directly to the source.

Proverbs 27:5
"Open rebuke is better than secret love."

Proverbs 27:17
"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."

However, if it is realized that wrong has not been done, or at least not intended by the erroneous action that was taken, do not hold the other at fault for a simple, unintended mistake. In fact, I believe the Bible instructs us to take responsiblity for the misunderstanding, even if you don't think you should have to. Read this:

Proverbs 6:3
"Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend."

The idea is that no real friend is worth getting mad at for a misunderstanding. It is better to "make sure" your friend than to rehash a mistake that cannot be changed. It always starts with you humbling yourself. That is the issue. It is not easy to humble yourself, especially when you feel that the other has done the wrong. I know--I've been there! I will tell you this: It's worth it! It's far more profitable taking responsibility for a misunderstanding, and receiving and giving forgiveness, than to "figure out" who was really at fault.

I need not elaborate further; it's the doing, not the understanding, of the concept that we have the problem with. I don't know about you, but my friends are not worth being mad at over misunderstandings. I love them too much to be mad at them for too long over anything, actually. Aside from blatant sin, for which I have separated from many, it is just not worth it.

Proverbs 17:17
"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

Proverbs 27:10
"Thine own friend...forsake not;"