Today's post is the beginning of a series by guest writer Lucas Ward.

Whatever the eventual relationship between European settlers and the Native Americans, the friendship between the Pilgrims and the Indians is a historical fact.  The Natives were a great help to the Pilgrims and were a major reason that colony survived the first year.  Yet, something odd continued to happen:  the Indians would explain to the Pilgrims how to do something, but leave something out.  When the settlers had trouble, the Natives would say, "Oh, you have to do this.  Everyone knows that."  They grew up in a culture and environment in which certain truths weren't so much taught as absorbed as children.  The Pilgrims grew up in a different culture and environment and had not learned those things.  It sometimes led to great confusion.  Similarly, because of my rearing in the Church, I just don't worry about demonic possession.  "Everyone knows that!", but then I was asked three different times by four different people in a nine day stretch about demonic possession and did they need to be concerned about it. It occurred to me that maybe this was something I needed to address.  I preached two sermons on this and related issues, which I hope to turn into three to four articles here. 

Demonic possession as described in the Gospels is dramatic and scary.  There is a reason Hollywood keeps mining this material to make horror movies.  After reading the Gospels, it makes sense to be concerned about this terrifying phenomenon.  In considering this, the first thing one should realize is that in the Bible demonic possession took place for a very limited period of time.  There are NO cases of demonic possession in the Old Testament.  Yes, Saul was troubled by an evil spirit (1 Sam. 16:14), but that's what he was, troubled.  He was not possessed or taken over by it.  That is the only thing even related to possession mentioned in the OT.  Possession is hardly mentioned in Acts (chapter 19), and not mentioned at all in any of the epistles or even in Revelation.  Biblically, demonic possession was an affliction that began just before Jesus began His ministry and tapered off during the time His Apostles were active.  This matches both OT and NT prophecy:

Zech. 13:1-2  "In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.  And it shall come to pass in that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered; and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land."

When was the time that a fountain was opened in Jerusalem to wash away sin and uncleanness?  When Jesus died for our sins and was raised, right?  This time would also encompass the establishment of the church and its expansion throughout the world, right?  What does God say would happen at that time?  Among other things, He would cause the unclean spirit to pass out of the land. 

1 Cor. 13:8-10  "Love never fails: but whether there be prophecies, they shall be done away; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall be done away.  For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away." 

Paul here prophesies that spiritual gifts, including prophecy and speaking in tongues, would cease when the perfected, or completed, revelation of God's word was revealed. Sure enough, by the end of the first century as John completed the Revelation, the reports of miracles ceased.  If there are no miracle workers, then there are none who can exorcise demons.  Would God allow us to be controlled puppet fashion by evil spirits with no hope of being cleansed?  Of course not, and I can prove it:  1 Cor. 10:13  "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."  If this passage is true, then we can say definitively that God would never allow us to be possessed that way, as it would be beyond our ability to control.

Why did God allow demon possession during that time?  So Jesus could demonstrate His authority.  All of Jesus' miracles demonstrated His authority.  He had authority over nature (calming storm, walking on water, water to wine).  He had authority over illness, shown by his numerous healings.  He had authority over death, with triple the recorded resurrections of anyone else in the Bible.  He had authority over demonic forces, shown not only by His exorcisms, but His ability to delegate such authority to as many as 70 disciples (Luke 9:1; 10:17). 

Do we have concerns about demonic influences in our lives?  Yes, which is the topic of my next devo.  Do we have to worry about becoming a possessed, evil creature against our will?  Categorically, emphatically NO!

1 Cor. 10:13  ". . . God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability. . ."

Lucas Ward

Today's post is by guest writer Joanne Beckley.

Personal dreams give us many hours of pleasure and create hope. Some will come true because we make choices that make them possible. Some may not come true but develop in ways we may never have imagined. And some are just wistful and never could be.

As a young girl I had lots of dreams. Some silly and outlandish and some I REALLY wanted to come true. Some I thought would be possible, but all those dreams kept me on track. They were important to me for just maybe... And so I grew up. Here are a few that I remember:

- Grow up pretty (although Mother kept reminding me to concentrate on a beautiful heart)

- Give my heart to God

- Marry a preacher man who would take me to Africa

- Design and build a house to hold my family.

As I dreamed and grew up, I learned that life and fulfilling dreams contain a series of tests. Each test would either make or break my spirit, and determine how near I am to God. There was schooling, housework, cooking, and music. I had a very sick mother and as the eldest daughter I grew up trying to hold my family together. This was a challenge for this butterfly girl, flitting from flower to flower. Yet, with a backbone and dreams, the mix can work and did.

Now at the age of 76, I can look back and see God’s hand in some of those dreams. I obeyed the gospel at the age of 13. In some ways, it was too early. The knowledge was there, the conviction and commitment was there. I just needed to finish growing up! (And for Christ, shouldn’t we all?) I never did let go of my preacher-man dream and chose to attend Florida College where I was determined to get all the Bible courses I could. One of the professors facilitated this and I learned to buckle down (after a strong reminder from my dad for his butterfly girl...) Lo and behold, a spiritually minded man was lurking there and I learned what real love can be. Some eight years and three babies later, he did indeed take me to Africa, he to preach, and we both had the opportunity to reach out to many with the gospel. What an adventure those near 33 years were!

I never did get to design and build a house...

Day dreams do carry hope, but our dreams need something a lot more substantial in order to create a strong hope as we live out our lives. That real and steadfast hope can only be found in God. He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works...Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness,..Let Thy lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us, According as we have hoped in Thee, Psa 33:15,18,22.

The first mention in the Bible of lost hope and lost dreams was Naomi. After losing her husband and both adult sons, notice the conclusion of her reply to her daughters-in-law:

"Return, my daughters! Go, for I am too old to have a husband. If I said I have hope, if I should even have a husband tonight and also bear sons, would you therefore wait until they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters; for it is harder for me than for you, for the hand of the LORD has gone forth against me" Ruth 1:12,13.  She blamed God. It was not until she held Ruth’s son was she able to regain hope. Too often when we lose cherished dreams, we equate them with lost hope because our faith in God is not as strong as we first thought. At times you and I have had to face this unpalatable truth and must reassess not only our faith but also our dreams.

There are other women mentioned in the Bible that allowed their dreams to dictate their lives and their values. Each time their hopes were dashed and it becomes clear to the reader that God, the giver of all hope, was not paramount in their lives.

Yes, dreams can change or die and new dreams can develop and become not only a new reality but can even become a blessing to others. There was a woman whose dreams died, and yet her actions afterward helped to save the Israelite nation! King David, in trying to return Israel back into God’s good graces, chose to have Rizpah’s two sons and five other men be hung to appease wrong done to the Gibeonites. She spread out sackcloth on a rock and protected all seven bodies for five months. When her act was told to David, he had the bones buried along with Saul and Jonathan’s. “After that God was moved by entreaty for the land” (2 Sam 21:14) and the plague lifted.

Most young girls dream of a husband and children, of having an admired place among her neighbors. Anna was one such girl. She married a fine man, but he died after seven years of marriage. Luke tells us that she chose to live and serve in the temple until the age of eight-four. “And she never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers” (Luke 2:37b). Although this widow’s dreams were dashed, she understood where her strength lay. God was her rock and her shield (Psa 18:2). Anna lived with hope, “giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:28).

Take time and consider the dreams you have held from childhood and of those you hold to this day. Like mine, I’m sure some have come true–by yours and God’s efforts–and others you have had to let go and replace with other dreams.

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe” (Eph 1:18-19).

Daniel 12:13 "But as for you, go [your] way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise [again] for your allotted portion at the end of the age."

Joanne Beckley

Today's post is by guest writer Keith Ward.

From almost the moment I knew I would survive, I resented that I was "the officer who got shot." I knew officers who treated their caseloads like they were not people at all. At the coffee urn, they referred to their probationers as "dirtbags," "lowlife's" or worse terms not suitable for printing. And, if anything, they spoke to them worse, harsh words and manner like decent people would not use on their dogs. And I was the one who was shot?!  As I watched such, perhaps even the majority of officers ruined any chance that people who had made a mistake had of building a life by their disdain. I felt like shooting some of them myself. Now, make no mistake, I was hard when necessary, firm at all times, demanding. But, the people who were making it, or even on the way, said I was the best probation officer they ever had. The ones that violated, made no effort, would not listen, had a different opinion. I often told them, "The only difference between me and you is that my sins are not crimes."

 

In my officer safety classes, the rule I pushed hardest was to treat the probationers like human beings. As a general rule, that will make one safer when he goes out among them; but the second part of my rule stated that doing otherwise changes who you are. Often, police officers develop an "us vs them" mentality. We live in the real world, these lowlifes are the problem and if you don't see it that way, you need to wake up, became their attitude.

 

Jesus ate with sinners; Paul said, "such were some of you" after a list of "lowlife" sins. Would you guess how many "such" would have been converted by the attitude once expressed to me in a business meeting of the church where I was preaching, "You are bringing the wrong type people to church?" Not said in many places, but palpable in every other way, the same attitude keeps many away from their salvation.

 

In a total reversal, many say, be accepting, one must show tolerance for other opinions and lifestyles. Thus, the gospel and the holiness of God lose all meaning. Jesus died to save us from our sins, not to save us in them. He arose to give the power to transform ourselves to be sons of God. How can a sinner renew his mind unless he is confronted?

 

With many, the confrontation is with so much grace that the sinner has no idea he has been reproved (corrected). He walks away thinking, "that was a nice conversation" (or sermon). Where is the salt? "You are the salt of the earth." A friend once read every occurrence of the word, "salt" in the Bible. Tedious! But he learned that not once is the word used in the sense of preservative. NOT ONCE. "Speak with grace seasoned with salt."  Without making a sinner feel like a lowlife, we recovering sinners can speak clearly enough to cause him to repent. Otherwise, we are false teachers, comforting the one mired in evil.

 

I charge you in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; REPROVE, REBUKE, EXHORT, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own desires;  and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables. But be  sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry (2 Tim 4:1-5).

 

Keith Ward

 

Today's post is by guest writer Lucas Ward.

Early October a year ago, Nathan and Brooke with Silas and Judah came up for a visit.  One of the things we did was to go up into the Blackwater River State Forest to a trail I knew that leads to bluffs overlooking a creek.  Bluffs nearly 30 feet tall, as much as 50 feet over the creek, may be the norm in large parts of the country, but in Florida they are nearly unique.  It was a fun morning of playing on the cliffs, exploring the area, and racing sticks down the creek.  When we first got to the trail-head, knowing that my nephews were city boys, I explained to them that this was a wild forest.  There could be dangerous animals, especially snakes, and so they should stay behind me as we hiked the trail.  "If I stop, you stop."  Their mother strengthened my words a bit, the boys agreed and off we went to a fun morning.   

This past June, I was able to host Silas and Judah for nearly a week.  A couple of times we took forested hikes.  I repeated my warnings to my brilliant, but city-bred nephews.  This time, however, Judah responded with, "You said that last time we were here and there weren't any snakes," as if a little impatient with his overly cautious uncle.  Despite saying that, Judah stayed behind me as we hiked and did as I asked.  Judah did display an ignorance of some harsh realities that exist in the wild, though.  Any country boy will tell you that you can stumble around in the forest 99 different times and never see a venomous snake.  Most wild things, including snakes, will avoid people if possible.  However, on that 100th time, when the snake doesn't hear you coming in time, or is cornered by some landscape obstacle and you blunder closely enough to scare the snake, he will strike.  If venomous, you will die, or get very ill with possible life-long effects.  It only takes once.  That is why, every time one walks across a field, or hikes through the forest it behooves him to keep his eyes out for snakes.  

Our enemy is called a snake (Gen. 3, Rev. 12:9) and a hungry lion (1 Pet. 5:8) -- why else is he roaring?  If I am on a hike where either of those animals are possible to be, I am keeping my eyes open and my head on a swivel.  And certainly, if I see the danger, I will not get close and try to pet the snake!  We are repeatedly admonished to flee from sin and temptations (1 Cor. 6:18; 10:14; 2 Tim. 2:22).  To flee from it, we must have our eyes open and know where those temptations are.  Once found, we stay away!   It only takes one time getting bit to ruin our spiritual lives, and perhaps our physical lives as well.  God forgives, but earthly consequences remain and the temptation to repeat something one discovers he really enjoys is often greater than the original curiosity.  Once bitten by the snake, one's life is never the same.

Keep your eyes open every time you hike into the spiritual wildness of this world!

 

1 Tim. 6:9,11  "But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition. . . But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."

 

Lucas Ward

Today's post is by guest writer Joanne Beckley.

May the following help you in reaching out to the lost with the gospel.

What does mankind have that can help him gain knowledge? Only through his ability to reason and learn from what he does – experience. but it is not enough. We cannot look inside ourselves and learn the answers to questions like: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Is there any reason for my being here? Unless there is a third source of knowledge these very important questions cannot be answered!  We can look around us and see our world and know there is an all-powerful Being who created the world and that He is eternal. (He was never born and He never died – He has always been!) Romans 1:20" For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” 

Just looking at His power around us cannot answer our all questions, but we can know that this powerful Being(God) CAN choose to answer our necessary questions. Without God there is nothing. With God there is everything– including His words, the Bible. God is spirit – so how did He write the Bible? He told certain men what words to speak to the people and these words were written down.  2Peter 1:20 “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is [a matter] of one's own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”  We have the Bible because God, the creator, loves us, his creation. In His own words, God tells us how we came into being. He tells us why we were created. He tells us what He wants us to do with our lives. He tells us what is going to happen in the future. He tells us He is not controlled by his creation. He tells us WE NEED HIM!  We learn in the Bible of THE PLAN God had in His mind before He created the heavens and the earth. His plan was made in order to keep us close to Him. Therefore, we learn of God’s justice and God’s everlasting kindness. By reading the Bible we can learn that God is our Creator and our Redeemer through Jesus Christ, His son. Hebrews 1:1 “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days has spoken to us in [His] Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. 3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” 

The Bible is not just a collection of stories, letters, and poems. They are all tied together perfectly. There is agreement between them all – even though they were written throughout 1,500 years! Most of the time each writer didn’t even know what another writer had already written.and sometimes they didn’t even understand all of what they were writing! These forty writers were kings, prophets, teachers, musicians, farmers, a tax collector, a doctor, a tent maker, two fishermen and two carpenters! Some of the writers had a lot of education, some had very little.  The book from God is a divine library that is tightly woven and it is complete.Acts 20:26 "Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.”  Jude 1:3 “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” The Bible is still the same book today that it was 2000 years ago! The words have not been changed. We still have the Bible, even though evil men have tried to keep everyone from reading the Bible. Some have even burned all the Bibles they could find! Through God’s providence the Bible is forever. It is the only book that STILL has the answers to all our questions. Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” But the Bible is a book that demands we LISTEN to it. Not only must we listen, but God’s words demands we DO what God wants us to do. It will change our lives but not by ways we might devise. Jer 10:23 “I know, O LORD, that a man's way is not in himself; Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.” 

When we first read the Bible we do not learn right away all about God and his plan for mankind. God chose to reveal Himself gradually and we see truth unfolding more and more as we read and study the Bible. It is an exciting journey to discover why we existence and the mystery of how we can be saved from ourselves and walk with God.  There are many ways to study the Bible. One of the best ways to study the Bible is to prepare a foundation for future study. We want to try and understand what each section in the Bible is about and then tie the section together with other sections of the Bible. In this way we can understand why the Bible is so important to us. It will also help us to see that the Bible is the living Word of God. We want to see God in a way that will cause us to love Him, and trust Him, and OBEY Him–all that He expects from us.

The Old Testament 

LAW - The first 5 books were written by Moses, the man God chose to lead a special group of people out of bondage to become God’s chosen nation, Israel. This nation would bring all men to God.

HISTORY - The next 12 books that were written about God’s chosen nation, how they served him and how they tried to ignore God. It didn’t work, because God punished the Israelite nation by letting other countries conquer them. After 70 years God allowed them to return to their land.

POETRY - The 5 books of poetry are of a personal nature and they deal with problems of the heart.

PROPHECY - The last 12 books of the Old Testament are prophecies which were first spoken in warning to God’s special nation and to nations around them. These prophecies were then written down so that everyone could know there was hope. A perfect man (God in the flesh) was going to come from heaven to save all men and rule a kingdom that will never end.

The New Testament 

GOSPELS - Again, there is order and unity in the books of the New Testament. The first four books tell about the perfect man. These four books are the foundation for knowing Jesus Christ and how he was crucified without cause, and then resurrected for all mankind.

ACTS OF APOSTLES - The book of Acts tells the history of how the kingdom of God (the church) began and what the men did who were sent by Jesus Christ to preach the good news. They were called Apostles. This book tells us how you and I can enter the kingdom of God.

LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS - Next comes a group of letters (books) that were written by men guided by the Holy Spirit. Some of these letters were addressed to different churches and some were written to certain preachers.There are 21 letters in the New Testament.

PROPHECY - The last letter (book) in the New Testament was written by the apostle John. The Holy Spirit guided him to tell the Christians not to give up hope. God is still in control of nations and events. His hand is upon His own people. We live in hope of eternal life with Him. Colossians 1:10 “so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please [Him] in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously.”

Today's post is by guest writer Keith Ward.

"Always back in" was my mantra for all aspects of being safe when I was out in the felon's world. It covered a number of other safety tricks I employed as a Community Control (House Arrest) Officer, but was also literal. We never knew when a probationer might be drunk, on drugs, or just had a fight with his girlfriend. A hasty exit might be necessary and also not being too obvious about it could be important for "the next time." An officer I had helped train knew the news reports were wrong when they said that I was shot while I was backing out.  He knew I would have backed in and thus, pulling straight out into the street.

 

After my excitement, I had numerous opportunities to speak on officer safety, so here are a few of the rules: I switched to an analog watch because it can be read in lower light without lighting you up and taking both hands; I had the door-operated light in my vehicle disabled so I would not be silhouetted every time I got in and out after dark; I used a clicker pen because I could operate it one handed; I kept my pepper spray available to my weak hand so if the situation escalated, my gun hand would not be tied up; I stood balanced on both feet, my right elbow in my left hand so that I looked like an attentive listener while actually my vitals were covered and my hands could move quickly for defense; and several more as well.

 

Actually, Christians daily go into a more dangerous world than any street I ever entered (1 Pet 5:8).  Yet, we carelessly go forth not only unarmed but apparently unaware of the dangers. A rule often repeated for being safe in the world is "be aware of your surroundings at all times. Interviews with criminals reveal they target the unaware, not the alert." This is not true of Satan. He already owns the unaware and targets the active Christian. We cannot avoid entering his world, so what safety tips can we use to avoid becoming his prey? Spiritual safety is not a one size fits all matter as the temptation that is very strong for one may not be a blip on another's radar. The following are suggestions and cannot all be used at once.

 

Fill your heart with hymns and songs of Zion.  Maybe it is just me, but I am much more likely to recall a spiritual song when I am in spiritual trouble than a scripture citation, no matter how glibly I can quote the passage. It is very difficult for Satan to keep pornographic fantasies in your head when you are singing—aloud or silently – "Holy, Holy, Holy." Humming "Angry Words" or even "Higher Ground" while in bad traffic and running late can prevent stress and road rage. The list can go on for as many types of temptations as man faces. God did not write 150 plus psalms without reason. The aptness of the song to the temptation is of little importance; the spiritual attitude it brings is your strength. And, have you noticed that many of the new songs are not easy to memorize and leave our armory empty?

 

Always back in—if you have any reason to suspect temptation in a situation you will be in, plan your exit in advance. If work took you there, your exit may cost you a sale or a promotion. But, staying most likely will cost your soul.

 

Know your strengths and keep them up front. Do not let your "sword arm" become entangled with matters that do not profit. Proclaim your faith often so you will be obligated to live up to it. Engage in reasoned conversations about Biblical morality. As Jesus said, "Let your light shine." Satan is the Lord of darkness and you just might save someone else too.

 

Don't silhouette yourself, stand in doorways, or focus on anything other than the dangers around you. You have no safe haven other than church and often Satan attacks your mind even there. The advertisements on TV, the books, the movies, the lifestyles of co-workers, the desire to blend in and avoid being a troublemaker all work against your faith, your growth, your salvation.

 

"If we walk in the light as he is in the light…"

 

Keith Ward

 

I think there is a part in all of us that wants to show off for our parents.  Over the last several years, I have gotten into distance swimming as an exercise routine.  I swim across a cove and back on the island every couple of days, roughly 0.7 mile.  Nobody in my family had ever seen me swim it.  None of us had ever been big swimmers until I stumbled into it.  So, when Mom and Dad came to visit late last October, I drug them to the beach.  (It was my day for swimming.  I had gotten to the point that if I missed, I got antsy, but there was a big part of "Look at me, Mommy and Daddy!" in it.)  I swam a longer route than usual, nearly 0.9 mile, and Mom and Dad were appropriately impressed.  (No, they didn't give me a lollipop.) 

 

Dad asked something regarding my concern about getting into trouble while swimming.  I grinned and said, "I don't get into trouble in the water."  His response was, "That's a dangerous attitude."  I completely understand his point.  Cockiness in dangerous situations is stupid and leads people into serious injury and death routinely.   And, make no mistake, open water swimming has dangers.  The Gulf of Mexico is not a big pool, as several tourists find out to their dismay each year.  Even the intercoastal waterway, which is where I usually swim, has tidal currents, wind driven chop that can get dicey, and aquatic wildlife that can range from cute, to annoying to truly dangerous.  Dad, however, had misunderstood my statement.  

 

You see, people don't drown because they get out over their heads and can't swim back.  People drown because they panic, then exhaust themselves flailing about, and then begin to despair.  It is almost like giving up and allowing oneself to go under.  Almost everyone can float.  Stay calm, roll over on your back and float.  While doing so, think.  How are you going to get back?  Then implement your plan, resting occasionally as needed.  The key is to stay calm.  I routinely go out a hundred yards or so on the days in between long swims and just practice being calm in the water.  I practice several different drown-proofing techniques.  I hang out in 8-10 feet of water for 45 minutes and learn to think of that as one of my natural environments.  Which is why when, on two occasions, my left shoulder just decided it was done for the day, I didn't drown.  I shrugged (one shouldered) and sidestroked to shore.  You see?  I don't get in trouble in the water, because no matter what happens, I can stay calm and handle it.  Which kind of reminds me of Psalm 46.  

 

1-3  "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah"

 

Do you ever feel like your world is falling apart?  In either your personal life or as you look around and don't recognize the country you grew up in?  Are there days you would be ready to swear that the earth is sliding into the sea?  Stay calm, because God is your refuge and strength.

 

6-7  "The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; He utters his voice, the earth melts.  The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah"

I know there are times when it seems that everyone is against us.  When standing for even the concept of truth, much less God's truth, seems to outrage the world.  Stay calm and keep swimming, because the LORD of Hosts, who can melt the world with the sound of His voice, is with us.  

 

Just like in open water swimming, panic and despair are what kills in our spiritual life.  We start to think that we just can't handle the bullying and ridicule anymore.  We just can't keep ourselves from the ever nearer and easier to achieve temptations of the world.   We just aren't going to make it, as the waves crash over our heads.  Stay calm.  Breathe and know that you can make it, not because you are such a great swimmer, but because God is right there with you.  He is your refuge, providing rest if you will just avail yourself of it.  He is your strength, to keep you swimming.  He is with you.  Stay calm; rely on Him, keep swimming.

 

Ps. 46:10  “Be still, and know that I am God."

 

Lucas Ward

 

From guest writer Joanne Beckley:

Dear parents and grandparents, and any who love children, Do you have goals concerning your children? Are you making sure you are teaching them? I would like to suggest the following list of five scriptural goals which will give your children the foundation on which they can build their faith.   

Goal I: “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart” (Mark 12:30).       

1.    Is your child learning of the love of God through the love, tenderness, and mercy of his parents (training and admonition of the Lord)?       

2.    Is he learning to talk about the Lord, and to include Him in his thoughts and plans?       

3.    Is he learning to turn to Jesus for help whenever he is frightened or anxious or lonely?       

4.    Is he learning to read the Bible?       

5.    Is he learning to pray?       

6.    Is he learning the meaning of faith and trust?       

7.    Is he learning the joy and challenge of the Christian way of life?       

8.    Is he learning the beauty of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection?   

Goal II: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).       

1.    Is he learning to understand and care about the feelings of others?       

2.    Is he learning not to be selfish and demanding?       

3.    Is he learning to share?       

4.    Is he learning not to gossip and criticize others?       

5.    Is he learning to accept himself?   

Goal III: Teach me to do your will; for you are my God” (Psalm 143:10).       

1.    Is he learning to obey his parents as preparation for later obedience to God?       

2.    Is he learning to behave properly wherever he is?       

3.    Is he learning a healthy appreciation for both aspects of God’s nature: love and justice?       

4.    Is he learning that there are many forms of authority to which he must submit?       

5.    Is he learning the meaning of sin and its consequences?   

Goal IV: “Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).       

1.    Is he learning to be truthful and honest?        

2.    Is he learning to faithfully worship God on the Lord’s Day (and any day)?       

3.    Is he learning that life does not center on money?       

4.    Is he learning the meaning of the importance and value of family?       

5.    Is he learning to obey his conscience – which has been wisely trained?   

Goal V: “but the fruit of the Spirit is . . . self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).       

1.    Is he learning to give to God, whether money he has earned, or in helping others?       

2.    Is he learning to control getting what he wants and to control his anger?       

3.    Is he learning to work and carry responsibility?       

4.    Is he learning the big difference between self-worth and pride?       

5.    Is he learning to bow in reverence before his Creator, the God of the universe?               

– Adapted from Straight Talk to Men and Their Wives by James Dobson

 

Today's post is by guest writer Keith Ward.

Some of you know that I served the state of Florida as a Felony Probation Officer for 7 years. Much of the training was similar to that of a police officer. However, we were Certified LEO's; our arrest powers were limited and usually involved back-up by a Sworn LEO. Since we did not go into places to enforce new law violations but to contact our probationers, we had a measure of safety when entering bad neighborhoods. Neighbors were more helpful than to cops, since they knew the probationer could get in serious trouble if we did not locate him. Over the years, I developed a number of safety rules that on reflection (and under the gun because Dene had major RIGHT hand surgery) I thought these also matched some of the warnings in the N.T. and can serve as practical ways to keep our walk "as he walked" (1 Jn 1:6).

Some Christians go into the world as unprepared as a friend who answered my question with, "I carry my gun when I think I might need it." I replied, "If I thought I would need it, I wouldn't go there." Actually, there is no place of absolute safety for a Christian, not even in church. "Your adversary the devil as a roaring lion walks about seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet 5:8). At all times we must be armed and ready to defend, not our worthless lives, but our eternal souls.

The "whole armor of God" is pretty much useless to a Christian who is too weak spiritually to hold up the shield or wield the sword. I practiced daily, handling and aiming, or shooting my gun so that I would be confident I could hit the criminal and not the bystander. Sadly, some on membership directories are not exercising much even during church services. Hosea said, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hos 4:6). The Holy Spirit said, "You have need again that someone teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God" (Heb 5:12). By being audience rather than workers, they had retrogressed to babes. We must be, "Fullgrown men, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil."

Many members(?) know more exercises for maintaining their bodies than they do to build up their souls. I benefitted from firearm instructors who reproved me for incorrect techniques and sometimes even got a bit loud. Members fuss because they were offended or, "He didn't do it the right way.' Or, "His manner and tone of voice upset me." Notice, the truth of what was said is never questioned. Spiritual exercise must be done correctly or you will miss the target. Such is not hard, in fact, it is boringly simple, "Adding on your part all diligence in your faith supply virtue; and in virtue knowledge; and in knowledge self-control; and in self-control patience; and in patience godliness; and in godliness brotherly kindness; and in brotherly kindness love." Physical exercise done sporadically just makes you sore and is no benefit. "All diligence." I knew my life might (and did) depend on my skill so I practiced regularly. Peter knew that our souls depend on these exercises, "For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful unto the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." And we know unfruitful branches are cut off and burned (Jn 15). He who fails to diligently follow this exercise routine just as well have never been baptized, "For he that lacks these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins." He who follows this inspired exercise plan for strengthening the soul, "shall never stumble: but shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2Pet 1:5-11).

Unfortunately, those who read these devotionals are those who routinely exercise their spiritual being. The ones who truly need these reminders seldom bother.  Perhaps, you could share this to someone you love who needs to hear it.

 

"And exercise yourself unto godliness: for bodily exercise is profitable for a little; but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come" (1Tim 4:7-8).

 

Keith Ward

Todays post is a class outline by guest writer Lucas Ward.  Please feel free to use it.

I.  Know Your Scriptures (2 Tim. 2:15; Eph. 3:4)

A.  Know what it says.

1) Examine vocabulary, grammar. Use of good commentaries/concordances. 

2)  Knowing what it says leads naturally to what it means.

B.  Good points based on misused scripture = lost credibility/lost audience.

II.  Inspiration of Scripture/Speaking as the Oracle of God.  (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Pet. 4:11)

A.  God's Word!  Preach what it says, not what you wish it said.

B.  You are teaching others what God's Word says.

1)  In effect, you are speaking for God.

2)  All too many won't look up passages, but just accept what you say.

3)  James 3:1.

III.  Three Qualities of a Good Sermon/Talk.

A. Have a clear purpose:  speak with a reason.

B.  Have a central idea:  speak with a point.

C.  Have a well-organized message:  Speak without rambling.

IV.  Two Kinds of Sermons/Talks.

A.  Topical:  You present what the Bible teaches on a particular subject.

1)  Take care not to use passages out of context to support you thesis. 

2)  Don't leave out passages because they disagree with what you want to say. 

3)  Read and examine all the passages in the Bible on a particular subject to learn what the Bible teaches on that subject and then teach that, regardless of your long-held belief or personal feelings.

B.  Expository:  Explaining or analyzing a particular passage and teaching that passage.  

1)  Know the passage backwards and forwards.

2)  Understand how your passage fits in the context of the book it is in, and the Bible as a whole.

V.  Organizing your Message.

A.  Introduction:  Tell the audience what you will be speaking about and engage their interest.  Perhaps utilize humor or an anecdote.

B.  The body of message. Must have a logical structure.

1)  The three point sermon, with supporting subpoints, is common.

2)  Each point and subpoint must support the thesis and lead to a conclusion.

C.  Conclusion:  Bring the plane in for a safe landing.

1)  State your conclusion and reiterate the points that lead to that conclusion.

2)  Have a planned segue into your invitation.

VI. Your Speaking Should Support Your Message, Not Distract From it.

A.  Speak clearly, slowly and enunciate.  Be heard.

B.  Avoid "um" and "like" and other space fillers.  No need to fill every silence.

C.  Use proper grammar.

1)  Bad grammar can be distracting.

2)  Bad grammar can cause doubt as to the validity of your message/conclusions

3)  Good grammar automatically makes you seem professional/credible.

4)  If you choose to use colloquialisms, do so on purpose and with a  reason.

D.  Practice out loud before you speak in front of an audience.  Will help smooth out the space-fillers and poor grammar.

VII.  Be Ready for Criticism.

A.  Most will just say, "Good job."

B.  Some will ask, "Why didn't you use this passage?"

C.  Some (who really care enough to put themselves out) will offer pointers on better speaking and preparation. 

D.  Be prepared to use all of this to grow in confidence, Biblical knowledge, and skill, rather than being hurt that someone said other than "Good job."

 

Lucas Ward