"WHAT WAS MAN THINKING?"

Today we are going to at least begin a look at the idea of standards in our world. In every culture and country of the world standards are maintained across the board. Whether that be for the language of a country, that alphabet is maintained. If it is for mathematics, then the number system remains constant. There is no variation by even the smallest amount that would be accepted.

For instance, if you had a child or grandchild come home from school and they told you they had a new teacher in class teaching something different or new, you would be interested if not concerned. As that child begins to tell you that there is a new math being taught would you not be curious and ask about it. If they told you that this new teacher was saying that one plus one equals two and one sixteenth, would your ears not perk up a bit? I would hope so. No matter how reasonable or logical that teacher made it sound, it just would not fit with the standard that had already been set. Even if a new standard were to be accepted by some, it would in no way replace or even slightly change the one originally set in motion.

I recently heard of a new program in some schools around the country that are accepting "close enough" for some of their students. In the long run this kind of idea does no good for anyone. If a particular child has a difficult time with a certain subject in school, in order to help that child pass to the next level, "close enough" will get them by. As someone used to say when I was a child, "Close does not count except in horseshoes and hand grenades."

The point I am trying to make in all of this is that there is a standard that is accepted and used and not changed over the many centuries. But why is it that man has been accepting and still accepts variations to the standard of what God put down for man to follow? In the next study time or two I want us to look at some of the standards of God and see where man and his ideas have been slowly accepted in place of what is written in HIS Holy Word.

There is a definite difference in how tradition in organizations calling themselves "CHURCHES" have over-ridden the Bible and many within do not realize it. Pray about this and I look forward to our next time. God bless.

Problems In Life

In Romans 5:3 we read these words "And not only that, but let us also exult in our troubles;" (TCNT).

All too often in these days of "easy believing" and the false "peace and prosperity" teaching, we hear someone say, "Once you become a Christian, all your difficulties and troubles will be behind you." It is doubtful that anyone really believes such a statement, much less experiences it. As we look in scripture even the Israelites who had been miraculously delivered by God from bondage didn't experience peace or prosperity.

Of course, this concept is not even Biblical. In fact, the Bible teaches quite the opposite. Christ promised, "and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved." (RSV) (Matthew 10:22).

Jesus, Himself, would have many problems in His own life. He was not the most popular person and He makes it clear when He tells us, "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you" (RSV)(John 15:18). Later, after experiencing many problems in his own life, John wrote, "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you" (I John 3:13).

These problems which we all experience take the form of general troubles which come from living in this sinful, cursed world. There are also specific afflictions and trials, which God allows in your life and mine to bring about His purpose or discipline, as well as direct persecution from members of society and even our own family. Do not be surprised when this takes place

While troubles will come, we should not give up, but be glad that God sees us as strong enough to carry the weight and He also trusts us to accomplish the task He has in mind. Christ promised, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John16:33). Through Him we have the strength to meet every difficulty of this life with peace, a good attitude, and victory. Through Him we also receive the promise that throughout eternity "there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain: for the
former things are passed away"(Revelation 21:4).

I do hope this devotion encourages each of you to continue on, even when it gets tough. May God be praised and go to the Church of His Choice.

God bless until our next time.

Lord I Want It All #6

Today we are going to conclude our series, "Lord I Want It All!" I do hope this series has been as much a blessing for you as it has for me. This week our subject thought is, "With Happiness or Joy In Life, I want Peace In Death."

Someone made the statement one time that we will not get out of this life alive. In other words we are all going to die someday and stand before God's judgement throne. That being true, since we can have the joy in life that we talked about last time, should we not have peace when death comes our way? God's Word tells us this can be the case for us. Paul wrote to the Philippians when he was in some very dark and difficult times in his own life, and he made some great statements. He spoke in Philippians 1 :21 and said," For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (NIV)

If I stay here on planet earth, it is good as I continue to serve the Lord in whatever way He gives me strength. If, however, I go to be with the Lord, it is also a good thing because it is the reward of life from God and Christ. This world can ultimately do nothing to me that will not in some way glorify my God through my life.

Jesus looked at His small handful of faithful disciples just hours before He was crucified and promised absolute victory , the ultimate conquering of death itself. He said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." (NIV)

The words of Christ Himself should mean more to us than all the difficulties in life that we can experience. The first century Christians had a standard greeting when they met on the street or in their homes to worship; Maranatha. This has always been a difficult phrase to translate. The closest we can come in our English language is this; "Lord, come quickly." The Christian is not to be a person who fears things to come, even if that means death. We need to live with the confidence of a people waiting for the Lord to come and bring us greater glory than we could ever imagine. If you are reading this devotion today and you are not an heir to that promise, you can claim it today by obeying the Words of Christ Himself. "He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptised (immersed) will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:15-16) (NIV)

If you are an heir and it does belong to you, it is time to tell it to others who need it before they stand at the judgement. Hebrews 9:27 states, "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgement," (NIV). Find peace in death as you have joy in living for Christ.

God bless until our next time.