He is Come

Late in time behold Him come

Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
                                Charles Wesley                      

 

 

Joseph was feeling more than anxious regarding the trip he and his wife were facing. The news of this taxation could not have come at a worse time. Joseph was facing a dilemma. His young wife, Mary, was almost full term with her first child. She really wasn’t in any position to make this trip but under Roman law there was no leniency. Being with child was no excuse to shirk the law. 

 

.               Since he was of the lineage of David, Joseph had no choice but to load up his wife and everything they would need, and begin the trek to Bethlehem. The journey would take them some seventy miles south as the crow flies. He knew it would be long and arduous, but it must be done, either that or spend time or possibly even die in a Roman jail.

 

His plan would be for Mary to ride the donkey as much as possible and when she felt that she could; she would walk, giving the animal a rest.

 

The journey itself turned out to be uneventful. After spending three nights under the stars, they finally reached Bethlehem late in the evening on the fourth day. Mary had done surprisingly well on the trip. Except for a few minor pains, there was nothing major to really speak of. But then again, she was not one to complain.

 

However, soon after arriving in the city, she began to experience the first real pangs of childbirth. She begged her husband to find a place for her to have her baby. Joseph inquired about available rooms at some of the inns he came upon, but was told that there were no rooms available. As he turned to leave the last inn he entered, the proprietor mentioned that it would be fruitless for him to look elsewhere. All the other taxpayers coming into the city had booked every available space.

 

It wasn’t long until Mary began to enter her last stages of labor. Joseph knew he would need to find shelter very soon. 

 

His mind went to a stable he had seen situated directly behind one of the inns. He didn’t really care for the idea that his wife might give birth there, but his options had run out. As they entered the door, he looked around and found an empty stall where the hay was kept for the livestock. The odor of the animals was pungent, wafting around the tiny shed, but at least there were four walls and a roof, and the hay was clean and dry. He was worried about his young wife. He had no doubts as to the welfare of the child, but the angel had made no mention as to how his wife might fair during this.

 

By the time they had settled into their impromptu quarters, the night was well on its way to becoming the morning hours. Joseph placed a blanket on the clean hay and helped Mary to lie down. Not long after, a child fell into his hands. A few seconds later, Jesus took his first breath as God incarnate. God had split the eternities by entering into a place called time.

 

At this same instant, an angel had apeared to a few sheepherders who were watching their flocks on the outskirts of town. He appeared at first as a bright flash of light, but as he began to speak, he became more like the flickering flame of a candle.

 

The shepherds were terrified. They had never been witness to anything like this. This “messenger” assured them that everything was fine and persuaded them there was nothing to be afraid of; that he was there to bring them the good news of great joy because, at the very moment, there was born unto all people a Savior in the town of Bethlehem, the city of David.

 

Amazingly, this “messenger” wasn’t sent to wake the high priest from his sleep with this wonderful news, nor did his brightness shine through the windows of the Sanhedrin. He didn’t speak a word to any of the great-learned religious men. In fact they all slept through this all but unnoticed event. But here we find the great messenger of God standing in front of this rag tag bunch; those who the religious world considered as uneducated farmers. But since the first chosen King was acknowledged while tending his sheep; what greater tribute to the eternal King that the great messenger Gabriel would be sent to witness before these shepherd boys as they also watched their flocks.

 

Immediately after Gabriel had spoken, millions of what seemed to be sparks, filled the sky. Heaven was emptying itself of its angels. They were sent to earth praise their eternal King who had just taken his first breath of humanity. As they hovered with the great angel, their presence filled the elements. They all together sang a song that had never before been heard in the ears of man, “Glory to God in the highest, who has come to earth to bring peace and good will from God to man!”

 

After their last word was spoken, these innumerable “lights” swirled into what looked like a vortex, then all were “sucked up” into a hole that had been opened in the sky, and just as quick as they had come, they were gone. The sky became dark again. The shepherds looked around at each other with wide eyes and gaping mouths, then almost in unison said, “We must go find Him and worship Him for we know that the Messiah now lives among us.

 

They began to run toward the city. Entering the town, they went from door to door inquiring about a newborn. Finally, they came upon a certain innkeeper who told them about an expectant couple. The wife was heavy with child. The innkeeper said that since he had no place for them to stay, he had to turn them away. He told them he had watched the couple as they walked toward the rear of the building; toward the stable area, and had not seen them come out.

 

When the shepherds entered the small barn, they saw Mary and a relieved Joseph, and… over there… in a feeding trough, was a baby wrapped in its birth clothes. He looked like any other newborn; wrinkles and all, but they all knew in their hearts that he was different from any other child that had ever been born. They all knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that they had just met their Deliverer.

 

As Mary and Joseph began to wonder how these boys were aware of all that had happened, and how they had found them so quickly, they received answers to all their questions, as the shepherds told them of the things they had seen and heard.

 

Mary said nothing but kept all these events to herself, placing them deep within her heart. She pondered the fact that everything that had been told her of the angel had thus far come to pass.

 

After the shepherds departed to return to their sheep, she called to Joseph and asked him to place her child in her arms. As she looked into his tiny face, she remembered one more thing that the angel had said to her,

 

“For He shall save His people from their sins.”

 

 She wondered, as lines of worry began to cross her brow, what would be required on His part for this to be accomplished?

 

Sam Everett

Luke 22: 39-----

He crosses the valley and makes His way to the Mount of Olives. His disciples follow close behind. He stops at a place just short of His original destination; tells His disciples to wait here and pray, then makes the rest of the trek to Gethsemane alone. When he arrives, He postures Himself by bowing to His knees with face to the ground. He calls out to His Father in urgency. He knows there is not much time. There are only a few moments that separate Him from a bloodthirsty crowd. Soon He will be taken by merciless hands to be delivered unto a cruel people who have no value whatsoever for human life.

He can feel the hated that emanates from those who have already assembled for the purpose of his destruction. All he sees at this moment in time is a Roman cross on the morning’s horizon.

Dread fills his entire being. He groans in His Spirit. He swoons and moans in His humanity. Low guttural sounds radiate from deep within His throat. He seeks His Father’s face once more. Can there be some other way?  Then He remembers the covenant that was made before his incarnation; the great Everlasting Covenant that would allow His beloved people, though sinful and undeserving, to inherit the purity of His heaven. The only way this can be accomplished is that He takes their sins upon Him; that He becomes sin for them; that He becomes them and takes their judgment upon himself, and then dies in their stead. Suddenly, with no further thought, the words fill his soul and fall from His lips, “Not my will, my Father, but Thine be done”

 A good friend from his home “country” comes and stands beside Him. One last familiar visitor to comfort and reassure Him before his sentence is carried out; Jesus knows him well. He is a friend whom He created and has known since before He shaped the world from nothingness; He is strengthened and comforted by his words and presence.

He foresees all that lies before Him, yet He does not scream for mercy or call on the heavenly host to deliver Him, as well he could. He agonizes while fully accepting His original purpose for coming into this strange and alien land. The night is cold , yet He sweats profusely, the unmentionable pressure he is experiencing causes his blood vessels under his skin to burst, forcing the life giving crimson fluid to ooze from the pores of His body, then fall to the ground

Suddenly there are sounds wafting on the breeze; noises in the distance; the muttering of far away voices; the rattling of staves; the clanging of swords. He lifts His head to see the flickering of the many torches as they move his way from the valley below. He arises and walks the short distance back to where his friends are now asleep. He speaks telling them to go ahead and sleep,  but they are awakened by the clamor; startled they leap to their feet.

A mob comes near. He does not turn to run, but waits on an event He has rehearsed in eternity. Then it happens. One whom He has befriended steps forward and places a kiss on his cheek, still damp from the tears.  A startled and angry disciple takes a defensive pose, draws a long knife and swings. He misses the neck he has targeted and hits the head instead; cutting off the top half of an ear. Yet, even in the dread of death and despair, compassion takes precedence. The ear is touched by innocent hands. The blood is stayed. No longer can any wound can be found.

He is dragged away by His own people. Beating, scourging, mocking, spitting, slapping, and blasphemy will soon be all that is left for Him in life. Not long after this, the sun,  the great master of light, will scatter any sign of darkness; the morning will break, and then that dreaded cross will come into view; the cross that is the reason for His being born; for his being here in the first place; the cross that has forever stood between the eternities;  the cross that was seen by the Children of Israel in the form of a serpent on a pole, the cross to which His prophets of old had pointed, in what was then their future; the cross that King David described so vividly in his prophetic songs; the cross that would be preached in every generation that would follow for all time.

This rugged cross on which the Son of Man would exhale His last breath of humanity would become the only hope of the wellspring of life for us.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

Do we worship the cross? I will reply with an emphatic NO! That old Cross of wood has long ago become only dust. No we do not worship that cross, we worship Him who died on that Cross. The Cross was the Altar on which He was sacrificed for our sins. The work of Jesus Christ that was accomplished on the cross is what we as Christians accept as the atonement for our sin.  It was His death on that cross that redeemed us from death and eternal punishment. It was His death on that cross that secured our home in heaven.

The cross was necessary for our hope of life, but let it be shouted from the highest hill that we worship only our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Sam Everett

Foot Washing-Literal or Allegorical?

John 13: 1-17

“Many interpreters consider Christ's washing his disciples' feet as a representation of his whole undertaking. He knew that he was equal with God, and all things were his; and yet he rose from his table in glory, laid aside his robes of light, girded himself with our nature, took upon him the form of a servant, came not to be ministered to, but to minister, poured out his blood, poured out his soul unto death, and thereby prepared a laver to wash us from our sins”…Matthew Henry

 

When I first entered the ministry, I was taught that the literal washing of feet was necessary if I was to be in full obedience with the order of the church. After looking into the subject in depth, to my surprise I found that there seemed to be a lack of written information, both biblical and historical, on this topic.

 

Among most Baptists as well as other denominational churches that perform this rite, it seems that John chapter thirteen is used exclusively to build the entire foundation as to the reason it should be carried out in a literal sense. If we are to allow this one and might I say only, scripture to guide us in this direction, must we not consider the multitudes of other scriptures in which Christ teaches us to follow his example? We must ask ourselves; are we to follow each one in a literal fashion?

 

Putting all this aside, we find, if studied closely, that Christ is not actually directing us to perform this as a literal application but rather is teaching by His actions, a wonderful exampled lesson in humility. Usually those who “wash feet” present it indeed to be a literal commandment of Jesus Christ, treating it as if it were a third ordinance given to the church. Then, there are others who perform it simply due to its traditional value.

 

 

 A.H. Newman, writes in “A Manual of Church History”, published in 1933.

 

There is no indication in the New Testament, or in any Christian literature of the first three centuries, that our Lord was understood to have instituted feet washing as an ordinance, by the acts and words under consideration in John 13. Feet washing was a common and needed practice in Palestine at the time, and the teaching that Christ intended to convey was the manifestation of brotherly love and humble service”

 

Both baptism and communion are mentioned multiple times throughout the New Testament scriptures. Both are recorded in all four gospels and in the Acts of the Apostles.  Apostle Paul mentions Baptism in many of his epistles. He also stresses the proper and correct manner in which we are to serve and receive communion. We find this stated in no uncertain terms in his letter to the church at Corinth. By this we understand that these are indeed ordinances that are to be recognized by Christ’s church, and are to be carried out, according to the scriptures. On the other hand, foot washing, while considered by many as a literal commandment, is mentioned only once in the New Testament (John 13).

 

For us to better understand what was done the night that Jesus washed his disciple’s feet, we must first look at the historical era in which it took place. The footwear of this day was almost always sandals, and the mode of transportation was, in most cases, walking. Obviously, after traveling for any length of time, the feet would become very dirty or dusty. When a traveler would enter a house as a guest, as an act of hospitality, the host would offer water and a basin in which his guest may wash his feet. In some cases, if the master of the house was wealthy, he might have his servant, usually gird about with only a towel (to show that he carried no weapons and was harmless), stoop and clean the guest’s feet. Whichever the case, the master of the house would never lower himself to do such a menial task. Keep in mind that this was an act performed on another only by a servant.

 

This was a strong time-honored and might I say necessary tradition that had been kept from Old Testament times, and Jesus would use this tradition as a tool with which to teach, not only His Apostles but all generations to follow, this much-needed lesson in humility.

 

We must also keep in mind the scene that was unfolding during this our Lord’s last meal. We find Jesus relating that one of those in His presence would soon betray Him:

(Lk 22 v.21). But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table They, being troubled by His statement, began to question him, as well as each other, as to which of them it could possibly be.

(Lk 22 v.23). And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

This caused quite a stir to say the least. However, they didn’t dwell on this for long, for we find only a moment later that a pretty heated argument had arisen among them as to who would be accounted as the greatest: How do we know is was heated??? Look at the verse.

            (Lk 22 v.24).  And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

This was not the first time this had come up. This same debate had come up before when James and John began to ask permission to sit beside the Lord in His glory:

(Mk 10 v.35-37).  And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.

We find this dispute arise at another time among some of the others, after coming down from the mount of transfiguration and after witnessing the miraculous feeding of the five thousand:

(Lk 9:46). Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.

Even James’ and John’s mother had gotten in on this request: (Matt 20:20-21) Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

It is evident that these roguish young men were more that just a little selfish and self-centered.  They were still rough around the edges, and would require some trimming and a lesson in humility. Can we not find many of these same non-redeeming qualities in ourselves?

 

We can almost see Jesus, as all the bickering was taking place, quietly rise from His seat and without a word, begin to remove His clothes and to gird Himself about with only a towel (Jn 13 v.4), thus taking upon Himself not only the role but also the look, of, a simple servant.  No doubt as these men first saw Him out of the corner of their eyes, their voices, one by one, began to trail off until finally, there was a deafening silence. Then, with all eyes fixed upon their Lord, they watched intently as He began to pour water into a basin, walk toward them, and then kneel in humble submission at the feet of the first disciple to be washed. What a great lesson He was teaching. For while they were jockeying for position as to who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus Christ, the Lord of all creation, was showing them by this act what it would take if any wished to claim this title; that before one could be considered as great, he must first learn the taste of humility through humiliation itself; before one could become a good master, he must first understand the role of his servant. With this one illustration, He established the words, which He had already taught these men, (Mat 23 v.11) “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant”, also in (Mark 10 v.44). “And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all”

 

We find, as our Lord comes to Peter, that Peter asks Him the question, (John 13 v.6) “Lord dost thou wash my feet?” Jesus gives him an answer that may have seemed somewhat strange to Peter “What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter” (v.7).

 

No doubt Peter had witnessed the washing of feet hundreds of times before. So why would Jesus tell him that he would not understand what He was about to do… unless…this indeed was to be viewed not as a literal administration, but rather as an exampled teaching of a needful lesson?

 

Sure enough we find that Peter does not immediately grasp what Jesus is doing, and makes the statement, not in a rebellious manner but rather as a statement of his unworthiness; “Thou shalt never wash my feet”. (v.8) In this, Peter was conveying that he could never allow the perfect hands of his Lord and master to touch his filthy feet, nor could he have his Lord and his God to bow before him in such a demeaning fashion… but then we hear the words of Jesus in the same verse, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me”.

 

We must understand that Jesus is not threatening Peter with apostasy if He is not allowed to wash his feet. He is simply relating to his beloved follower, that if he misses the true meaning of this lesson, and fails to understand its true application, then Peter can lay no claim to true discipleship. Peter, no doubt, hesitates for a few seconds as his brain is sorting out what is going around him. Then, suddenly, it all comes together. He finally gets it! 

Jesus is not doing this because our feet are dirty, but HE is showing us, by His example, how we are to live our lives, and that is; in humble service to our Lord, by serving each other. It is here that Peter makes the statement,

 

”Lord not my feet only, but also my hands and my head”! What Peter is saying is, Lord, take all of me; my entire life and do whatsoever you will with me, I am ready for you to use me in whatever capacity you so desire!

 

Even though the literal administration of feet washing is still performed among a few religious factions, the example and lesson that Christ was conveying is not fully comprehended. We find in many cases (even if unintentional) that pride, rather than humility is prevalent in many who “wash feet”. Sadly, many have been known to “boast” in the fact that they indeed practice literal “foot washing”? We also may find in some, disdain for those who do not agree with them in their views. This is in total opposition to the lesson that Jesus was conveying as he washed his disciples feet.

 

In my opinion, this act should not be given any more of a literal significance than many of the other examples which our Lord has given. For instance, as Jesus gave us the model prayer, He told us to pray “thusly”. Are we then to take His direction as a given commandment, using His words that He spoke, verbatim? No, for we find when placed in its proper context, that Jesus was giving us an outline, or structure, as to “how” we are to pray and not “what” we are required to say. Let us also take a look at a familiar passage that can be found in three of the four gospels. “And he said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Matt 16:24), (Mk 8:34) and (Lk 9:23). Barring only a few minor nuances this scripture speaks the same message in each of these gospels. I doubt any named Christian would take this “commandment” of Jesus to be of a literal sense. No I think that most all understand that He is speaking figuratively. We indeed have a “cross” to bear, but this is not a cross of wood on which we are to be hung on a daily basis. Even so in feet washing, as the Lord said in John 13, “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to (or should) wash one another's feet”, we find that Jesus, again, has given us the structure of how we should look at ourselves and what we are to do for, our fellow man, and not literally what we are to do to him.

 

To fully understand the lesson that our Lord has taught, we must keep in mind that humility is the theme for His actions. After He had bowed before His disciples, taking their feet into His hands, carefully washing each one, then wiping them dry with the towel, He declared His authority and position as being Lord and master (v.13). Then, with the same authority, He spoke to all by using this beautiful example (He even tells them that this is an example that He has given to them) that all should do as (not what) He had done (v.14-15). In this great paradox, His greatness is manifested by this exhibition of His lowliness. So we find in Christ’s beautiful lesson that the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (here on earth) is he that serves, and not he that is served. I have heard John 13:17 quoted many times, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them”; as if Jesus is speaking of the literal washing of feet. Even though this is usually quoted correctly, we must look at the previous verse to find the correct context in which verse 17 is to be used. (v.16) states “Verily, verily, I say unto you, “The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him”. He is saying that if you understand these things about the servant and his lord or the sender and he that is sent, then happy are you if you put this into action. He expresses very plainly that all who follow this example will find happiness.

 

Again, this act of self denial on the part of our Lord and master, speaks volumes on how we are to treat our brothers and sisters in Christ. For if we claim Him as our Lord then we are without exception, to follow His great example. His teaching shows us how we are to live in this world; that we should walk and live in all humility, preferring others above ourselves, being givers rather than receivers; ministering rather that being ministered unto, for “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (I Pet 5 v.5)

 

In closing, we find there are those who earnestly “feel” the need to kneel once or twice a year before the saints in order to wash their feet in this defined fashion. This may give satisfaction that they have openly proven their humility to everyone, even themselves. I will never condemn anyone for this. For one to place oneself in this position of humility is never to be taken lightly. However, I would only ask that those who do this should continually remain in this position or should I say condition of meekness and lowliness before men; manifesting this humble attitude that should be a part of our new nature given in Christ Jesus; ever taking into consideration that humility is not an act or deed performed, but rather should be considered the established way of life for the professed child of God and disciple of Christ.      

 

In all humility,

 

Sam Everett

Some Things I have Learned

 

I have learned that children are only miniature adults

 

I have learned that most adults are only oversized children.

 

I have learned that having an education is wonderful, but possessing wisdom is far greater.

 

I have learned that life’s road has many more rocks than rose petals.

 

I have learned that no one is exempt from trouble.

 

I have learned that, during a lifetime, one may have many acquaintances, but very few friends.

 

I have learned that we do not have to ask a true friend for help

 

I have learned that faith is the substance of hope

 

I have learned that hope is the sustenance that strengthens the soul.

 

I have learned that, in many cases, those who have little are more content than those who have much.

 

I have learned that money itself has no power over us, but that the love for it is very addictive.

 

I have learned that once we bring a thing into our possession, we can never again live without it.

 

I have learned that marriage is a continuing process and not just a ceremony

 

I have learned that there is a difference between being a father and being a daddy.

 

I have learned that what is said is the important thing, and not just how one says it.

 

I have learned that words actually do hurt more than sticks and stones and broken bones.

 

I have learned that, when one is angry, the mouth speaks much louder than the heart

 

I have learned that the way we live our lives will have a direct affect on others.

 

I have learned that when someone close to us hurts; we also hurt.. real bad!

 

I have learned that time does not heal all wounds, but it does allow us to become more reconciled to the pain

 

I have learned that life is very brief…for everybody!

 

I have learned that the only way that we can truly learn is by experience.

 

I have learned that we don’t trust God as much as we say we do!

 

I have learned that prayer changes things.

 

I have learned that God never changes.

 

I have learned that God hears every prayer, but does not always answer each one.

 

I have learned that God loves us much more than we love him!

 

I have learned that not everybody will love us

 

I have learned that the bible was given to tell God’s children how much he loves them.

 

I have learned that God does not deliver us from all trials, but he will be there with us during each one.

 

I have learned that excessive worry dilutes one’s faith.

 

I have learned that by the time we learn how to live, it’s usually time for us to die.

 

I have learned that bitterness is poison to the soul.

 

I have learned that an angry tone only causes more anger in the listener

 

I have learned that I know very little about love

 

I have learned that we do not have to receive permission from someone who has done us wrong in order to forgive them.

 

I have learned that we do not have to be taught by another in order for us to learn

 

I have learned that we never stop learning.

 

I have learned that some people never learn.

 

Sam Everett

"Satisfied Mind"

Written and recorded by Porter Wagoner

How many times have you heard someone say
If I had his money I would do things my way
But little they know that it's so hard to find
One rich man in ten with a satisfied mind


Once I was living in fortune and fame
I had all that I needed to get a start in life's game
Then suddenly it happened I lost every dime
But I'm richer by far with a satisfied mind

'Cause money can't buy back your youth when you're old
Or a friend when you're lonely or a love that's grown cold
The wealthiest person is a pauper at times
Compared to the man with a satisfied mind


When my life has ended and my time has run out
My friends and my loved ones will weep there's no doubt
But one thing's for certain when it comes my time
I'll leave this old world with a satisfied mind

This song was released in 1955. I was only seven at the time, so I truthfully can’t say that I remember the first time I heard it. To be perfectly honest, the song had very little meaning to me. Then one day, as I was listening to some of the old “Country Classics”, Porter began to sing and for the first time, I actually heard the words. I found that it was almost prophetic in its message, Now, I’m not so foolish as to say that it was a life changing event, but, as the title suggests, it did make me stop and think about whether or not I was actually satisfied with those things I had.

Since most of my posts are of a Christian nature, one might ask, “What does that have to do with the church or Christians?” I will try to answer that question on the next few lines.

First of all, allow me to begin with a couple of questions of my own. How many do we know that call themselves Christians who can sincerely say that they have a satisfied mind? How many have an inner peace with God. In all honesty, I have found that rather than lifting up their voices to sing praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, too many Christians today are singing the songs of complaint, the verses of which ring only with the rhyme of discontent.  Very few are satisfied with the lot and life that God has given them. They cannot find happiness with who they are. Instead of being appreciative, and looking to the promises that God has given in His Holy Word, where peace, contentment and comfort abound, they tend to set their minds on external things; “on things below and not on things above” They look around at everyone else and set their goal to be like them or to even become them. Very few people we are acquainted with today are actually who they seem to be. They don’t hold to their true self, but have rather created a pseudo-identity that will be acceptable to everyone else.  A perfect example of this phenomenon can be found on the social media.

If anyone doubts this to be true just open up the “page” of someone you may know directly. Read about a wife who worships her husband or a husband who adores his wife. Read how precious they are to each other. But they forget there are people that know them personally; outside the fantasy world they have created on this social media. These same people, who adore and worship each other on a web page, in many cases cannot in reality, stand the sight of each other. It’s almost as if they think by “posting” these comments, it makes them factual.

The “dissatisfied” look upon those whom they think are “blessed” with beauty and charm, but cannot see that on the inside, many of these people are empty and miserable. They are enamored by the outward being that stands before them, but again, they cannot look into the heart and see that they are naked and poor on the inside.

Everyone craves acceptance, and sadly most couldn’t care less if they are accepted of God as long as they are accepted by the world. Whether it is from their peers or from perfect strangers, all want to be a part of today’s society. No matter what they have in their personal possession, they still look at others and desire what they have. In Biblical terms this is called covetousness. 

 Even the churches of today have fallen into this trap. Many may look at others with a larger attendance or membership, then will start to pattern themselves after that church or in many cases will devise their own ways in which to grow their church. (Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain” Ps 127:1). It seems that conforming to the world has become the first priority on everyone’s agenda of life. However, we can be assured that this is not the life that Jesus has called us to. In fact, did He not teach us that if the world hated Him it would hate us also?  It seems that very few are putting forth even the least effort to please our Lord. The churches, as well as many Christians are struggling to fit into a world society in order to bring sinners out from the same worldly society they are using as their means of “recruiting” the “lost”.  If this sounds nonsensical that’s because it is. For Jesus made it plain that we are to come out from the world and be a separated people. There is nothing wrong in reaching out to the sinner, but we are never directed to compromise our Biblical or Christian values to do so.  

The only way to be content is to put aside these desires and “cravings”, much like a lifelong smoker who has finally made the decision to stop his use of tobacco. Is it easy? No, in fact it is terribly hard to put one’s life on the back burner and seek the will of God. But only after this is done and they begin to seek do the will of God will they find contentment and have a “Satisfied Mind”.

Remember; that which is impossible with man is possible with God!!

Alone

 

Despised by his human counterparts

                 And with no hope of aid from heaven

     He was alone.

                                                  Completely and totally alone

 

  He tread the fierceness of the winepress ALONE!

 

God blinked his eyes for the first time since creation and darkness was upon the face of the earth for the space of three hours.

The guttural groans from the heavenly host caused the earth itself to quake and tremble

 

God held at bay his innumerable host of angels; ordering each to turn their face away from their King of Glory and look not upon the event that was occurring upon the earth below.

 

For how could they not attempt to rescue him, by whom and for whom they were created.

He who, while on earth, was in their charge?

 

Only by God the Father’s restraint did they not rip the canopy of heaven from the earth and lay all humanity to the dust from which they were made.

 

From His cross, Jesus Christ looked down on the mob below and found only contempt looking at back at Him. He gazed upward up for compassion, only to find heaven’s back turned on Him

 

Alone, He was so alone.

 

No longer touching the earth: not yet entered into heaven.

 

He was painfully alone.

 

He writhed in indescribable pain, he groaned in His spirit

 

Then He died; like all men before Him, He died!

 

Satan and all his angels of darkness cheered as His last breath was expelled from his torn body. 

 

“He is dead, He can no longer hold the title of “the Prince of Life” for now he lies dead”, they shouted. “Death” has claimed him to the grave from which there is no escape.

 

Jesus was unbearably alone

 

He was carried to a borrowed tomb and was laid on a bed of stone

As the boulder was rolled into place and darkness filled the small cavity that Joseph carved into the hillside

He was left there alone

 

For three days he lay motionless in this unforgiving bed. Death had seized His humanity and had pulled the life giving breath from His chest.

 

He was alone. There was no doubt that He was alone

 

Then, as light had barely begun to overtake the darkness, destroying its nightly reign; in that nanosecond between the time when night comes to its end and the new day begins, the great Savior was awakened by and of his own bidding. The dead became the living by His own power.

 

Now he can doubtless say: I AM He the liveth and was dead, and behold, I AM alive forevermore.

 

                                                     Yes, He did all this alone, all alone

You Might Be a Legalist

You might be a legalist if:

 

 

You believe that your church decorum is actually recorded in one of Apostle Paul’s epistles

 

You demand that the church go into conference just to vote on whether or not to change the setting on the thermostat.

 

You refuse to set a time that the church meets back from lunch saying it must be put to a vote.

 

When the church actually tries to put this to a vote, you say voting on any issue can’t be outside of conference.

 

When the church tries to satisfy you by calling conference, you say a special conference cannot be called without a month’s notice

 

You demand that the constitution and decorum of the church be read quarterly, but complain when the pastor reads too much scripture before his sermon.

 

You refuse to partake of communion because the wine is served in a glass and not a “cup” as the bible states.

 

You vote against any issues that weren’t brought up by you.

 

You sit on the back pew and complain that the preacher isn’t speaking loud enough.

 

You sit on the front pew and complain that the preacher is speaking too loud.

 

You never attend any night services but pitch a fit if one is omitted without your being notified.

 

You say that that starting time for church services cannot be changed, swearing that it would be unscriptural.

 

You demand a recount even though the vote was unanimous.

 

You swear to stand on what you believe, even when you know it’s not biblical!

 

You want Bro Jones removed as deacon because, at the last service, he failed to make his way across the auditorium and congratulate you on your beautiful piano playing.

 

You grumble about helping the pastor financially, saying he’s supposed make his own living, but then complain because he didn’t show up at the Day Surgery for your wife’s colonoscopy.

 

You demand a majority vote by the church during conference each month just to pay the electric bill.

 

You let the church’s fire insurance lapse because it came due between conference meetings and the treasurer couldn’t make the payment without a majority vote from the church.

 

You demand that the deacons search out a new pastor, because the current pastor failed to visit your momma’s first cousin who is in the hospital ninety miles away.

 

You threaten to stop attending church services because you weren’t recognized for the flower arrangement you provided last Sunday.

 

And lastly, you might be a legalist if:

 

You believe that Jesus spoke with a southern accent.