Today's post is by guest writer Doy Moyer.

Never speak evil. We are not to speak evil of anyone, including those in positions of power. Not even Michael the archangel would bring a railing accusation against the devil, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (Jude 9) The powers that be are in God’s hands and judged according to His will and in His time; He will deal with them as He wills. When they fail to honor God, then He will judge them.

This is not to say that we endorse or appreciate everything about people in power. I have severe differences with many who make laws, and I try to leave no doubt as to where I stand on moral issues (like abortion or homosexual activity). However, as a Christian, I try to be careful about what I would say about those in authoritative positions, especially when I disagree with them. We can deal appropriately with the various issues without bringing railing accusations against those in power or dishonoring their position.

Remember the example of Jesus (1 Peter 2:21-25): “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously….”

If we are truly disciples of Jesus, then we will seek to follow this example. This ought to impact how we interact in person, on social media, or any other form of communication. Christians do not get to hide behind a wall so they can insult and revile. Even when being put to death in the most shameful and degrading way as a criminal by the ruling authorities, Jesus did not revile or insult, but rather offered forgiveness and died so that they can choose to enter into His grace.
 
Doy Moyer

Today's post is by guest writer Lucas Ward.

In Luke 13:10-17, Jesus heals a woman with a "spirit of infirmity".  This spirit caused her to be bent over, unable to straighten up.  The healing was done on the sabbath, which caused a stir.  Jesus' answer, based out of Deut. 5:12-15 which told the Israelites that the Sabbath was to be a reminder being freed by God from Egyptian slavery, is extraordinary.  "What better day to free a daughter of Abraham?"  Today, I want to focus on a minor point.  

Jesus often healed in response to someone's act of faith.  "Your faith has made you whole" almost seems like the Lord's catchphrase.  This was not the case in this instance.  Jesus is teaching in the synagogue and sees this poor woman who had been suffering from this evil spirit for eighteen years.  He has compassion on her.  He heals her.  The compassion of the Lord is not surprising.

What is surprising is that this woman, bent over and surely in significant pain, unable to straighten up and surely mocked by unruly children everywhere, was in the synagogue on the Sabbath.  When I think of all the excuses I have used to miss a church service and compare them to her, I am ashamed.  Somehow "my back is sore" or "I'm just too rundown" doesn't seem nearly as valid.  

Jesus had compassion on her when He saw her.  He only saw her because she was at the synagogue service, despite her misery.  Maybe there is a lesson there.  
 
Hebrews 10:25  "Forsaking not the assembling of yourselves together, as the custom of some is . . ."

Lucas Ward

Today's post is by guest writer Joanne Beckley.

Whenever we are “struck” with attraction toward another (whether we are young or old!), we need to identify that attraction for what it is. In today’s terms we identify differences in this attraction as affection, sexual infatuation, and love. Each are various degrees of love. We all recognize a caring, warm feeling of affection toward one another (John 21 Peter’s substitution for “agape” love), but when this drifts into a feeling of being sexually stimulated, we need to identify it for what it is and make a conscious choice. Do I allow it to increase? Or with will power strike it down? When we want to please God, it will be the latter until it can be acted upon in marriage.
 
When we talk with our young people we need to help them identify the difference between infatuation and love. Can we? Do we ourselves have a clear understanding? So lets talk about it.
 
"Infatuation love" refers to a strong, often intense feeling of attraction or interest towards someone. It is usually based on a superficial level of connection, physical appearance, or excitement of a new relationship. This level is often short-lived and not as deep or committed as true love. Infatuation is essentially a quick and passionate crush that may not stand the test of time.
 
“Infatuation creates illusions, and illusions are dangerous people. They have no flaws.”
 
On the other hand, love identifies and acknowledges differences as individuality, accepting the other as a whole. Love looks to celebrate these differences and build a connection that allows both people to thrive as individuals. It may require intentional work and effort to come together toward a mutual goal. Love is a choice.
 
Consider the relationship between Joseph and Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:9-16). Joseph recognized her sexual attraction toward him as infatuation and and acknowledged that acting on it was not right in God’s eyes. He ran!
 
Amnon did not run, but rather acted with absolute determination to have his sister Tamar. (2Samuel 13). King David did not run (2Samuel 12) and let his sexual need rule his heart and head. Both destroyed any possible good.

Whatever love there is in man, whether toward God or toward our fellowman, love has its source in God (1John 4:7, 19). The highest form of love implies a clear determination of the will and judgment. When we read through 1Corinthians 13, it is obvious that love demands considered action whether toward God or man. Love is an earnest and anxious desire in the well-being of the one loved. How it is shown will depend on circumstances and relationships.
 
Love should be “without hypocrisy” (Rom 12:9). There should be no pretense about it. It should not be a thing of mere word or tongue, but in deed and truth (1John 3:18). Real love will find its expression in service to man. “Through love be servants one of another” (Gal 5:13). Love bears the frailness of the weak, seeking their welfare (Rom 15:1-3; Phil 2:21; Gal 6:2; 1 Cor 10:24). One gladly forgives (Eph 4:32) and honors the one loved (Rom 12:10).
 
Love is an intense feeling of deep affection
Infatuation is an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone.
 
Love develops over time
Infatuation is instant
 
Love lasts a long time.
Infatuation is temporary and never develops.
 
Love accepts the imperfections of the other.
Infatuation only sees or imagines the perfections.
 
Love is more than a physical attraction.
Infatuation is mostly a physical attraction.
 
Love doesn't make a person irrational.
Infatuation can make a person act irrationally.
 
We must learn the difference if we ever hope to have a lasting love.
 
Joanne Beckley

Today's post is by guest writer Keith Ward.

Jer 8:4  “Shall men fall and not rise again?  Shall one turn aside and not return?”
 
            We would be astonished to see someone trip and fall and not get up. Probably, we would rush to his aid, thinking he was seriously injured. But we would be totally confused should he say, “No, I am all right; I decided not to get up because I like it down here.” 
            God sent his prophets to warn the people of Israel that they were as foolish as that man. They fell into idolatry and sin and rather than admit their mistake, they said, “I like it down here.” Bible students know that God caused his people to be carried into Babylonian captivity for their sin. Finally, they awakened from their sin-induced stupor and did a U-turn in their hearts, so God returned them to the Promised Land.
            In our society, many seem to be like the man fallen on the ground who proclaims, “Life is great down here; get your head out of the clouds and join me.”  Anyone with any moral standards left at all can look about and see many reasons for God to bring judgment on this wicked society – fornication abounds to the extent that when one sins with the same partner for more than a week, it is a “relationship”, babies older than John the Baptist who “leapt for joy” in Elizabeth’s womb (Lk 1:44) are murdered every day, the judicial system protects criminals who prey on society from the justice due them, etc. How can we not fear that a Day of Judgment from God is about to be unleashed upon us? Even the religious leaders, who should be crying aloud for repentance, plead for acceptance of sinners who refuse to repent and who continue to grow worse and worse, “The prophets [evangelists] prophesy falsely and the priests rule by what profits them and MY PEOPLE love to have it so” Jer 5:30-31).
            God’s good news is that we have a savior who will help us to our feet, who will brush the dirt of our evil desires from us, and who will turn us from the ways of the world into the old paths that lead to God.
 
Jer 6:16 “Thus says the LORD: Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.”
 
Or as Jesus’ invitation: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:28).
 
Keith Ward

Today's post is by guest writer Joanne Beckley.

Forgiveness can never be deserved, for man cannot remove his own sin which has created a barrier between him and God. Though forgiveness is on God's part an act of pure grace prompted by His love and mercy, and though He forgives freely all those who comply with the condition of repentance and obedience and abandonment of sin, this does not ignore the necessity of an atonement. Jesus’ death and resurrection made it possible for God to forgive you and me, Romans 5:10 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. We will never deserve forgiveness for our sins, yet we can be forgiven when we believe and obey His Son, and trust in His ability to do so.
 
But what about man toward man? (Or should I write woman toward woman?) Do we ever deserve to be forgiven of sin? Must man forever carry the guilt of what he has done toward another? No! We forgive primarily to honor Christ. The other person is merely the recipient of our obedience to God. On the other hand, whatever hurtful thing we have done must be realized, accepted, grieved over, and then asked to be forgiven. Until the other person wholly forgives, we will carry the unrelieved burden of grief and guilt buried deep within. If unforgiven, we will feel the other does not believe forgiveness is necessary or deserved. Everyone sins (not just “oopsies”). It is love that will cover sin. 1Peter 4:8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
 
What about our own ability to trust another’s forgiveness when we know we have deeply hurt that person? Do we feel that we can never deserve to be forgiven? There must be the knowledge that accepting love in the form of forgiveness is something we cannot afford to ignore or discard. Forgiveness and accepting forgiveness are absolutely necessary to bind two human beings together.
 
We have a very strong example of this dilemma in Genesis 45-50. For many, many years Joseph’s brothers carried their guilt concerning what they had done to their father and especially to their brother. When they were finally able to express their sorrow to Joseph and hear Joseph’s words to try to reassure them that he had already forgiven them, they were not reassured. This was evident a number of years later when their father Jacob died and they were still fearful of Joseph’s forgiveness. They didn’t feel they deserved his forgiveness. They didn’t trust Joseph’s truth of being able to forgive or their right to be forgiven. Joseph learned to forgive while being refined and tested by God while in Egypt (Psalm 105:19); his brothers had to learn to accept with thanksgiving.
 
Now to ask a very important question. Can you believe and trust when someone forgives you? Or do you still carry your guilt and grief around with you? Do you resurrect it in your mind and in your speech year after year? No? Consider the husband/wife relationship. What tends to happen in an argument that gets heated. “You always, you never!” A lack of trust cannot heal.
 
One more question. God has said he has forgiven you. Do you believe His promise? Or do you continue to feel you do not deserve to be forgiven? God thinks you do! We must learn to trust in His forgiveness throughout the years by reading the Scriptures, acknowledge that He has answered our prayers, trust in His promise to wipe our slate clean, and always give thanks. What a gift! True peace.
 
Philippians 4:6,7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Joanne Beckley

Today’s post is by guest writer Lucas Ward.

Psychologists have long argued over the topic of "Nature vs. Nurture," what makes a person who he is. Which makes a bigger impact, the inborn traits inherited from parents and ancestors (Nature) or how he was raised and the environment he was exposed to at an early age (Nurture)? One of their favorite tests is to study the personalities of identical twins who, for whatever reason, were separated at birth and raised in completely different environments. Both have the same genetic inheritance from their parents, so how did the different types of child rearing philosophies, economic strata, and/or geographical locations affect who these people became? It is an interesting debate and I have my personal theories, but what is truly intriguing is that God weighs in on the matter. 

God's attitude seems to be that the whole question is moot. Regardless of what you have inherited or what you've been through, you had better live righteously, or else.

Let's take the "Nature" side of the argument first. What if I were to say to God, "I've inherited these tendencies; it's in my DNA; I can't help myself?" What would God's reaction be?

Interestingly, someone did say something like this to God. Ezekiel 33:10 "And thou, son of man, say unto the house of Israel, "Thus ye speak, saying 'Our transgressions and sins are upon us, and we pine away in them; how then can we live?'" They believe they are swallowed up in their sins and can't change. "How then can we live" speaks to their mindset, as does "we pine away in them". They know they are sinning, they know the consequences, yet they feel that they just can't change. "This is just who I am!"

God’s response is “Turn from your evil ways.  O why will you die?”  His attitude toward this seems to be, "Well, I don't like how you are, so change." Apparently, he doesn't think that DNA controls our every action. Remember, he knows more about DNA than any scientist. After all, he created it. Apparently, he expects us to learn to control the tendencies that our DNA has programmed into us. (Rom 7) 

"But my Daddy was a bad man and he trained me to believe in and do bad things. It's not my fault, it's just how I was raised!"

Ezekiel 18 answers this with the hypothetical story of three generations: a righteous man who has a wicked son who in turn has a righteous son. The two who are righteous aren't punished for the wicked, the wicked isn't saved by the righteous, and the son of the wicked doesn't get a free pass because he was raised in a bad environment. He is judged the same as the others, based on how he lived his life. The circumstances don't seem to matter. How we live our lives is what matters. Our Lord said, "By their fruits ye shall know them." He didn't discuss the type of tree and whether this strain generally yields as well as that strain. Neither does he discuss the type of soil the tree is planted in, nor whether it has rained recently, nor the amount of sun the tree has received. All he mentions is the fruit borne by the tree.

As Christians, we must hold OURSELVES responsible for our sins. While there may be a lot of circumstances and pressures and other reasons that led to our sin, we need to realize that, bottom line, we've sinned. God isn't happy with us. We need to change. No one is saying it will be easy. Change never is and some of us have a lot more obstacles to overcome in our efforts to change than others of us do. Still, we need to realize that our sins are OUR FAULT, not Dad's fault or circumstances’ fault, or society’s fault, or anything else's fault except ours, and "man up" (1 Cor 16:13).

If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. For ye died and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with him be manifested in glory. Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; for which things sake comes the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience; wherein ye also once walked, when ye lived in these things: but now do ye also put them all away: wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth: lie not one to another seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings and have put on the new man, that being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him, Col 3:1-10.


Lucas Ward
 
 

Today's post is by guest writer Keith Ward.

Normally in Florida, oak leaves fall in January and February and pollen and new leaves come in a week or two. But, this year after I finished blowing, raking and bagging, we were sitting on the patio and watching green leaves fall from the trees. It's not that unusual to see the grass turn brown or flowers wilt, but when the trees start dropping green leaves, one knows he is in the middle of a drought! Just as the human body shuts down the extremities under extreme trauma, the plants wilt or the trees shed green leaves in attempt to save the life of the tree itself.

When members start falling away, we must ask one question, are they dropping off because the body is not getting enough water of life? Many of the members may be wilting in the pews, attending every week but no fruit borne from relationships with the other members. Failure to develop relationships with sinners with a goal to convert them is a dangerous symptom of a lack of life giving sustenance. The knowledge level of the members stays about the same year after year and faith actually declines. The hearing that produces faith requires applying and living the words heard. Attendance may be fine and truth may be preached but churches are shedding green leaves all over the country during spring season.

Positive preaching that never offends anyone creates a false sense of security. The word was preached. The members heard it and everyone is happy. We have close fellowship and interactions. All is good. Nothing false is preached and challenges are even offered in a kindy way. The green leaves keep on falling.

I sometimes wonder if people read the gospels like they were some sort of saintly fairy take with no meaning for real life. Not even Jesus could preach without words that seem harsh and overly demanding to our sensitive ("itching"?) ears. In the Sermon on the Mount alone, Don't pray like the hypocrites; Don't give like the hypocrites; Don't cast out motes like a hypocrite who has a beam in his eye. To those who would follow, he offers demands, Leave everything for me; Let the dead bury the dead; Whoever loves Father or Mother more is not worthy. To those who followed closest, her reserved the harsh, "O you of little faith;" and he called Peter, "Satan."

The apostles learned even though modern applauded preachers have not, Peter accused his first two audiences of murder, Stephen called his audience "stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears;" Paul shook the dust from his feet against the chosen people of God after his second sermon to them.

So, all teaching does not need to be sharp and demanding, but if you have not felt the call to make major sacrifices in your lifestyle, or to repent of sins, or to get out of the pew and go to work for God, maybe the sermons lack water. If you have not felt a touch of the fear of hell, maybe you are better than I or hearts have become calloused by a positive, unoffensive gospel, " which is not another gospel: only there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ."

When green leaves start falling, the life of the tree is in danger.
 
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; so neither can you, except you abide in me.  I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit: for apart from me you can do nothing.  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned John15:6.
 
Keith Ward
 
 

Today's post is by Robert F, Turner

Alone! Alone! What a stark, bleak, terror-filled word. Solitary confinement is one of man's most dreaded and destructive punishments. Who has not felt the agony of being excluded and left alone? Bold and strong Elijah wilted under its lash and cried out, "It is enough; now, 0 Lord, take away my life; ... I have been very jealous for the Lord God of Hosts ... and I, even I only, am left" (1 King. 19:4,10) No wonder God examined his creation and said, "It is not good that man should be alone" (Gen. 2:18). Nor is it surprising that Jesus gave special attention to his disciples when it was time to leave them. He assured them that they would not be left alone — orphans (Jno. 14:18). "I will pray the Father and he will give you another comforter" — one called to the side — "that he may abide with you forever" (Jno. 14:16).

God provided for man so that he would not have to be alone. First, he put man in the family. To Adam he gave "a help meet for him." — or a helper suitable to his needs. Family was endowed with the strongest and closest human ties — a refuge against being alone. Likewise, God gave the nation to meet man's social needs for "no man lives to himself." Finally the local church was designed to put together men of like faith and hope in God. God knew that in spiritual matters "it is not good that man should be alone." Few — if any — can make it alone. We are members "in particular" but solidly joined to the other members. None stands alone.

By design, the family, nation, and the local church should support and protect a man as he strives to serve God. Often that is not the case. The Lord prepared his disciples for being outcasts from family and society. And churches run by men like Diotrephes "cast out" righteous men. Even so, he is not alone. "At my first answer no man stood with me... notwithstanding the Lord stood with me:" (2 Tim. 4:16). We always have an advocate — a friend by our side.

When "all men forsake" us, we must not allow that to distort our values and perspective. Elijah did. Things were not as black as he painted them. "I only am left." There were seven thousand who had not bowed to Baal. His perspective was warned. "Take my life" shows his values are out of focus. Many decide to go to hell with a crowd rather than stand alone.

Yet there are places we must go alone. No comrade can stand at our side. In the garden, Jesus prayed alone; the disciples were left behind. They could not share his pain or his prayer. He was alone in his sorrow. We also must meet sorrow alone. Our friends encourage; they want to help. They weep with us, but it is ours alone in the last analysis. We say, "There is nothing you can do." Again, duty stands us alone. Brethren exhort but I alone can do my job -- "For every man shall bear his own burden" (Gal. 6:5). And at last consider the final judgement where I stand alone even in so great a crowd. Churches and crowds are not judged here, but "every man ... receiving the things done in his body ... good or bad" (2 Cor. 5:10).
 
Robert F Turner

Today's post is by guest writer Lucas Ward.

Then he cried in my ears with a loud voice, saying, "Bring near the executioners of the city, each with his destroying weapon in his hand." And behold, six men came from the direction of the upper gate, which faces north, each with his weapon for slaughter in his hand, and with them was a man clothed in linen, with a writing case at his waist. And they went in and stood beside the bronze altar. Now the glory of the God of Israel had gone up from the cherub on which it rested to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed in linen, who had the writing case at his waist. And the LORD said to him, "Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it." And to the others he said in my hearing, "Pass through the city after him, and strike. Your eye shall not spare, and you shall show no pity. Ezek 9:1-5.


            In Ezekiel’s vision did you notice who was marked out to be saved? Those "who sigh and groan" over the sins and wickedness they saw all around them in their society. Everyone else was killed. This implies that there might have been those who did not participate in the sins, but who turned a blind eye to the sin around them, who might even have found it entertaining.  They were not spared either.
            This makes me consider my dedication to righteousness. No, I don't participate in the sins that go on around me, but when I hear about some wild party do I mourn the wickedness or am I leaning in to catch every word, laughing along with others at the stories about the drunks?  Do I turn off the television or am I one of Nielsen’s ratings?  Do I mourn the hedonism around me or do I silently wish I could join Jimmy Buffet in Margaritaville instead of joining my brethren in worship?
            I think too often some of us wish instead of mourn. When we see the rampant sin around us we should, as a holy people, be repelled, not attracted. We should sigh and lament the judgment that is coming for those sinners, not idolize their lifestyles.
            New converts might have problems developing this attitude; it won’t come immediately. But for those of us who have been Christians for 20+ years the concept of being holy like God is holy should be pretty well imprinted on our brains.

"Blessed are they that mourn ...”
 
Lucas Ward

Today's post is by guest writer Keith Ward.

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear."  Who has not heard someone say this means we should all be working to love God more and more until all our obedience is from love and none from fear? And further, that if we fear, we do not really love God the way we ought, "for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love" (1 Jn 4:18).

However, this view does not pass the test of fitting the rest of the New Testament doctrine on the fear of God. Peter says, "Fear God" (1Pet 2:17). Many interpret fear to merely mean reverence or respect. Jesus himself refutes that with, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matt10:28).  The place that Jesus says is so bad one should tear out his eyeball rather than go there inspires the terror definition of fear. Also, the Hebrew writer declares that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (12:28).

Finally, that interpretation of one phrase does not fit its context.  Six verses before, "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another" (1John4:11). Two verses after, "for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen." And the next verse is the famous, "We love because He first loved us."  We love who? The context primarily concerns loving our brothers which John makes clear is inextribly bound with loving God as we continue reading through 5:3. Therefore, the fear John expects us to lose "when perfect love casts out fear" is the fear of demonstrating our love to both God and his children, our brethren—even when persecution will result, or ostracism, or...

No one should ever stop fearing God, so that cannot be the point.

Jesus was not ashamed to use fear as a motivator for serving God. Neither was Peter. Some want to wash fear out of the gospel with some smarmy warm feeling definition. The result is that many sit around with a warm fuzzy feeling toward God but do little to repent or to actually serve God in inconvenient ways.

Knowing that "Judgment begins at the house of God….which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" we should, "pass the time of [our] sojourning in fear, If [we] call on him as Father" (1Pet 4:17, 1Tim 3:15, 1 Pet 1:17).
 
Keith Ward