Friday, June 30, 2017

Ask and It Will Be Given to You!


So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”  Luke 11:9  

When Jesus implored His disciples to ask, seek, and knock, He told them (and us) a great deal about what a life of faith looks like.

Hey Gang:  Many years ago, we had the opportunity to hear a converted alcoholic turned Evangelist, who also had been a very successful executive in a major company connected to the space program.  He was asked, “If you prayed for healing for someone and that person dropped dead, what would you do?”  His response, “I would go to the next person who needs healing and pray for them!” 

Did you ever ask God why bad things happen to good people? Or ever wonder why you do as God said: “Ask, seek and knock” but the fruits of your prayer fail to materialize?  “Why, Lord, did you not hear my prayer?” or “Why, Lord, did you not say…”  “Did you not hear my prayer Lord?”  You did say, “Ask and it will be given to you,” didn’t you?”

As I have looked and asked these very questions, throughout my 83 plus years of walking through many valleys and shadows,  I believe there has come a degree of  understanding.  I have begun to understand that below the surface of these Words is the humility of fervent prayer, the vigorous activity of seeking after God, and the persistence to overcome any obstacle that is placed between us and God!

I have also learned that God’s ways are always far and above and better than my ways.  The Bible tells us God's ways are not our ways, neither his thoughts our thoughts.  “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts” (Is. 55:9). 

Does this not sound a lot different from the self-serving first impression we often associated with this passage?   Careful young friends, that you not accept a shallow, worldly interpretation of Jesus’ words; the blessed, deep, and rich meaning that Jesus intended requires maturity in Christ that only comes through walking ever-closer to Him. Focus on Him first. 

As you take your petitions before the Lord this morning, keep in mind Jesus made a promise in this teaching: Good things, very good things will come to those who actively participate in the asking, seeking, and knocking of faithful living (see Matthew 7:9-11). And that, my good compatriots, is an irrevocable promise from the throne room of heaven.

Blessings,

Gramps

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Do We Sometimes Sell Ourselves Short?




“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). 

Hey Gang:  What say you?  Do you believe Paul’s words?  Do you really believe that you can do….anything…I mean anything?  Now, before you answer, note Paul’s words in that same chapter: “And my God will supply all your needs, how many? All your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:19).  Not quite sure yet?  Well, check out these words of Paul”: “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6). 

I love the stories of the Bible where God reached down and took an ordinary block from off the street and did a mighty miracle through them.    Saul was on his way to make life as miserable as possible for God’s people and God looked down and said, “I will take that one”.  (Acts 9:3-4).  When Gideon received his marching orders he “…was in a cave beating out wheat in the wine press in order to save it from the Midianites” (Judges 6:11).  Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro when he encountered the burning bush (Exodus 3:1). 

And how about Jesus twelve?  In a mock review of each of them, by a professional Management Consulting Firm, the final analysis stated: “Most of the nominees are lacking in background, education, and vocational aptitude for the type of enterprise you are undertaking:  one candidate, however, shows great potential.  He is a man of ability, resourcefulness, meets people well, is highly motivated, ambitious and responsible.  We recommend Judas Iscariot as your controller and right-hand man.

In my endorphin file is the story of little girl who was found, by the Pastor, crying outside the church.  When ask why she was crying she tearfully said there is no room for me.  Two years later the little girl died; when the parents went through her very special things they found a very worn purse with .57 cents in it and a note, “to be used to build a larger church so that all could attend”.  

The parents shared the find with the pastor, who in turn shared it with his church.  The Press picked up the story and shared it.  The money began to come into the church from far and wide soon surpassing the quarter of million plateau.  That was a huge sum for that day. 

If you happen to be in Philadelphia, make sure you visit the Temple Baptist Church, with seating capacity of 3,300.  Then be sure to drive through Temple University, then on to the Good Samaritan Hospital and close your tour by spending a moment or two in the Sunday School building that has capacity for more than 200 beautiful children- built so that no child in the area will ever be left outside.  A wonderful example of what God can do with fifty-seven cents and a servant’s heart.

Today is a very special day for my bride and me.  This blog, titled Do We Sometimes Sell Ourselves Short is the one thousandth blog sent since our good friend Paul LeRoy suggested and helped us set up the blog on internet.  Please accept my closing to this epistle in the spirit of Paul’s words when he said: “If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness” (2 Cor.11:30).  Of which I have many.

In the early years of development of the Village, I presented a challenge to what was a very young staff to “Seek first the Kingdom of God” (Matt 6:33), and He will be faithful to fulfill the desire of your heart.  At the end of the challenge one of the young staff came up and said, “Mr. H., while you were speaking, I saw an image of you standing in water up to your knees and waves going out in all directions.” 

That image remained etched in my mind for many years.  As my tenure as Super Eagle was winding down I was invited to attend an international conference at Disney Land and present the Village Family Program.  I thought perhaps that was God’s fulfillment of that prophetic image but that dream soon died on the vine.

Several years after we retired from the Village I was sitting in my study working on the monthly financial report and a thought - as powerful as the thought that started me down the road to develop the Village - entered my mind.

The message received that night was part reprimand and part promise.  God’s message, “You seem to be more interested in caring for your worldly possessions than in sharing your spiritual legacy.”  To that I pleaded guilty and began to seek a change in my focus.  After a time of prayer and seeking, I felt preparing a morning devotional and sharing with the family was the route I was to take.  I felt it would be a short route and the readers would soon tire of the repetition and fad away.

Such was not the case; the opposite began to happen with increased numbers joining Gramps Morning Thoughts.  A year or so ago, the gurus, who tamper with the computer programs, did something and when I turned the computer on one morning, I could not understand any thing that came up on the screen.    

After several frustrating days, I noticed a new category, “stats” and when I turned to it was amazed to see a listing of all the places Gramps Morning Thoughts have been hit.  I learned that over 60,000 hits have been made on the blogs since the first one went out on May 11, 2011, 7,700 of them in foreign countries.

I close with the question I began with- ‘Do We Sometimes Sell Ourselves Short”.   If “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13), then each one reading this epistle has the power to be a mighty witness for the Lord.  I believe with all my heart when we stand before the Lord He will ask “What did you do with My Son Yeshua?

Blessings,

Gramps

Monday, June 26, 2017

No Problem, Just Dump It in the Dumpster!


 “Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand”  (Matt. 7:26).

Hey Gang:  I was in Meijers the other day and happened to come across two very brilliant young men that were in-the-midst of deep discussion.  No, I was not eaves-dropping on their conversation but, while checking out the prices of headcheese and pickled beets, I could not help but overhear their brilliant discussion on marriage.

The first bundle-of-wisdom said to the second: “I hear you’re getting married”.  “Yes, that’s so”.  The first then asked a deep question to the second bundle-of-wisdom: ”How do you know when you are ready to make a decision like that?”  Bundle-of-wisdom number two then responded, “I am not sure but we talked it over and decided to go ahead and, if it doesn’t work out, we will just go our own way.  Now there’s commitment!  Kind of a pre-nuptial agreement based on whether she burns the potatoes.

It reminded me of an ad that appeared in a California newspaper: “Wedding rings and all that goes with it for rent.  It also reminded me that Los Vegas now has a drive-in wedding and divorce service! Is that like ordering a burger at the local fast food joint and if you don’t like it – pitch it? 

And we wonder why marriage today is very similar to a “soup sandwich”.  As I listened to the two bundles-of- wisdom discuss the joys of wedlock, I sensed that Abba Father sits in the heavens and weeps over what his creation has done to His perfection.  God is a covenant God, the Bible’s a covenant book, we’re designed to be covenant people and marriage it designed to be a covenant relationship.  

It is a lifetime covenant-relationship in which “I” becomes “we”, as they work together on issues.  It takes laying-down-your-life for your life-mate, joining together with the strand of three (Eccl. 9:9-12) which is the Holy Spirit and total commitment to live together while you work out your problems.

The bride-of-my-youth and I will soon celebrate sixty years since we were united together as one by her father. Has it been a perfect trip through utopia, as my dear sainted gramma would say. “Heavens to Betsy, no” but this I know, “what God designs He blesses when we enter into covenant with our mate and commit to following His statutes and precepts.



Blessings,


Gramps  

Friday, June 23, 2017

There Is No Such Thing As "I Can't!"


 “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16); “I can do all things through Christ who Strengthens me” (Phil. 4:23); “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).

Hey Gang:  Gramps version, “There’s nothing like the written Word of God” for showing us truth, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way”  or “Words, what you say isn’t very important - but what God says has eternal significance.” 

You say, “It’s impossible!”  God says, “With me all things are possible” (Lu. 18:27).  You say, “I’m exhausted,” God says, “Wait on Me, I’ll renew your strength” (Isa. 40:31).  You say, “Nobody loves me,” He says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jn. 31:3).  You say, “I can’t go on.”  He says, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Co. 12:9).  You say, “I don’t know what to do,” God says, “I’ll direct you” (Pro. 3:5). 

You say, I can’t do it.” God says, “You can do all things through Me” (Phil 3:13).  You say, “It’s not worth it.:  He says, “It will be – just keep going” (Gal 6:9).  You say, “I can’t forgive myself”,  ”God says, “You can – because I have” (Eph. 4:32).  You say, “I can’t make ends meet, “He says, “I’ll supply all your needs” (phil. 4:19). 

You say, “I’m afraid.”  He says, “I didn’t give you a spirit of fear, but of…power” (2 Tim. 1:7).  You say, “I can’t handle this.” “God says, ”Give it to me; I’ll carry it for you,” (Psa. 55:22).  You say, “I don’t have enough faith,” He says, “I’ll give you faith” (Ro. 12:3). 

You say, “I’m not smart enough.”  God says, “I’ll give you wisdom” (I Cor. 1:30).  You say, “I’m all alone.”  He says, “I will never leave you or forsake you,” (Heb. 13:5).

So, friends, God honors our choices.  He does not tamper with your free will.  There is an adage that I have pinned on the inside of my dome of intellect that says, “My values determine my choices, which in turn determines my destiny.”  You will make choices today – will they feed the white dog or the black dog?

Blessings,

Gramps  

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

-DO You? Yes, But!


“But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.  I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me” (Psalm 13:5-6).

Hey Gang:  Depending on your age, you have heard the Easter Message many, many times.  I have heard it for 83 years- heard it, sung it and even participated in plays that put told the message of the price Jesus was willing to pay for releasing us from the bondage of sin. 

As a growing lad, I looked forward, with great anticipation, to the beginning of rehearsals for the coming Easter play.  It was a special time of fellowship, being part of the rehearsals and looked forward with great anticipation to the night when the church would fill and we would present the finished product- it was a neat time. 

But the reason!  What was the reason we were celebrating the death of this man called Jesus?   Oh, I had heard the story many times and even mouthed the words “Yes, I believe” but,’ as the parable of seeds warns, some words fell on stony places, some by the road where there was no good earth and some amongst the thorns and were soon overcome by the glitter of the world.   As I recollect, I really was not interested in the ‘Reason for the Season’ at that time in my life.

When asked, “Do you? My quick answer was, “Yes, I do”; but I was quick to escape before the follow up questions came. 

It was not until God sent a wonderfully-grounded lady into my life that I began to see how very ugly I was inside.  You see she did not buy into my ungodly ways, often trucking off to church without me.  Through her consistent witness my conscience began to prick my heart and soul.  Did it happen immediately?  No, it took a few years of her consistency.  It certainly didn’t hurt that I had parents and In-laws who were faithful in taking me to the throne room. 

I have heard many people avow that when they gave their hearts to Jesus it was like when the disciples received the Holy Spirit.  That would have been wonderful but not my experience.  I just kind of grew into seeing the need to put all my eggs into His basket.    

I have gained deep respect for Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, since reading his first book The Harbinger.   I believe he could be a prophet for our day.  We, my bride and I, begin our day with a daily read from his latest The Book of Mysteries, a yearly devotional. we end the day with a reading from the Sapphires, a monthly devotion that he sends out to all who help him with his ministry. 

Last night, his entry was titled The Yeshua Entrance.  As I read it, I sensed I had to send it out to you, unabridged.  Read it carefully and slowly.   Read it to each other and your children.  Remember to go or hear an Easter message is only so many words unless you understand that, “God so loved you, He sent His only begotten Son…  to die on a hideous, cruel-beyond-description cross to set you free from the bondage of your sins and open the way for eternal life in the presence of Yeshua Hamashiah”. (John 3:16).

Jerusalem has seen many armies and generals enter through its gates – Nebuchadnezzar, Titus with the Romans, the Muslims and Crusaders in the Middle Ages, General Appleby in WWI, Moshe Dayan in the Six Day War – but the most famous entrance of all wasn’t made with great armies, but by a lone rabbi riding on a donkey on Palm Sunday.  More significant, pivotal, and powerful than all the rest was the life and effect of this one Jewish man – Yeshua/ Jesus.  So, the greatest thing that can happen in our life is not money, power, successes, or accomplishments – it’s the entrance of Messiah into your heart, not just once -but every day of your life.  The most important thing you can ever do is learn to receive Him.  Get your eyes off the things that will mean nothing in the end and set your eyes and heart on doing something far more important. Learn to truly receive your Messiah – His love, His joy, and His indwelling presence!  Of all the things that will ever happen in your life, this will by far be the greatest”.  A message from Rabbi Jonathon Cahn.

Blessings,

Gramps

Monday, June 19, 2017

A Contrast of Spirits - Vastly Different Outcomes!


“But Saul and His people spared Agag and the best of the sheep the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were not willing to destroy them utterly; but everything despised and worthless that they utterly destroyed” (2 Sam. 15:9).

Hey Gang:  Many years ago, when we were going through rapid expansion at the Village and a period when the alligators were doing more than nipping at our heals and were up to our armpits, I was priviledged to attend The Shepherd’s Conference in Kansas City.  The Kansas City news published a head line announcing that three-thousand shepherds were in town attending the conference: they added that they did not know there were 3000 shepherds left in the country.

I would dearly love to give you a blow by blow account of the three-day event, but will suffice to say, it was a life-changing experience - at a time when I was going through very deep waters.  I was so very blessed to sit under several outstanding teachers but the one that rally got inside my heart, soul and mind was Ern Baxter, then known throughout the world as being a ‘preacher’s- preacher’. 
 
He titled his series: “The King and His Army” and presented three, hour and half electrifying messages from the writings of Samuel.  At that time cassettes were the way to immortalize special messages.  I purchased the tapes and in the next several years literally wore them out.  There were very few days when I did to invite Ern Baxter’s teaching into my heart and mind.

I talked with an old-salt several days ago and mentioned that I had been reviewing notes that I have compiled over the years from the Old Covenant and he said, “Oh, that’s all past, I only read the New Testament.”  I kind of felt like he was basking on the whip cream and cherry and was neglecting the ice cream and chocolate syrup.  You see, I believe, if Jesus and His intimate twelve quoted from the Old Covenant, that is reason enough that I should find about what is in it. 

I would dearly love to go down that track this morning but I feel a tug saying, “Get back on the subject, Hainley.” In his three sessions, Baxter laid out a clear picture of how America is following the same track that Israel followed when the people grumbled to Samuel and demanded a king to rule them and not a prophet,”JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE”. 

Well, God answered, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them” (1 Sam. 8:7).   “But”.  Hey careful of the in’s, and’s and but’s, they tend to sometimes come back to haunt you.   Samuel warned: 

He (king) will take and he will take and he will take and then he will take some more” (I. Sam. 8:10-17).  Does that sound familiar?  

Saul had it all – he was chosen by God to be His king but became increasingly rebellious toward he Lord.  If I were to make a listing of Saul’s rebellious acts toward God, I would place his refusal to do as Lord instructed him to do. In 1 Sam 15:7 Saul received this instruction from Samuel: “Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey”.  

We read in verse 9 Saul’s response to his marching orders from god through Samuel, “But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were not willing to destroy them utterly; but everything despised and worthless they utterly destroyed!”

 He made a bad decision to go his own way.  “Why then do you ask me, since the Lord has departed from you and has become your adversary?  The Lord has done accordingly as He spoke through me; for the Lord has torn the kingdom cute His fierce wrath on Amalek, so the Lord had done this things to you this day”  (1Sam 28:16-18). 

But Saul chose not to do it God’s way.  Note the result of this rebellious act on Saul’s part- Saul was killed by the hand of an Amalekite  (2 Sam 1:8).



In this story of Saul and David’s kingship, is there a story tucked away for us and for this day?  Yes, I believe there is.  Note these words in I Sam 15:26: “The Lord has ejected you from being king over Israel”.  In I Samuel 16:12 we read of David’s anointing as king. 

Question?  Do we have two kings in your life, today?  If so, which one are you serving?

Blessings,

Gramps

Friday, June 16, 2017

Are You A Seed Planter? Have You Reached Out and Touched Somebody Today?

“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit” (I Cor. 12:13).   In other words, “We…were made to share.”

Hey Gang:  Time for another lesson from this old man who is older than dirt.  I have learned along the way that It is easy to fall by the wayside and get run over without anybody ever noticing.  

But, getting run over is not the real problem – it is being fearful to seek out a brother or sister to tell that you have been run over because you fear they will think you are on some sort of pity party. Or just plain weak in faith.

Paul says, get over it! Refuse to live in bondage to that kind of stinking – thinking.  Paul says that we were made to share and carry each other in times of wilderness experiences.  In verse thirteen he wrote, “For by one spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jew or Greeks, either slave or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.“

 God said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” We are wired to be communal in nature and crave to be connected.  We need people to laugh with, talk with, interact with and, yes, even to cry with.  When that does not happen, we are not strengthened by receiving, and others are not blessed by giving. 

Did you ever stop to think that God’s blessings are two- way?   When I give, you are blessed to receive and, in return, I am blessed when I give.  Luke put it this way: “Give, and it will be given to you…”  Notice the last part of that verse: ”…for by your standard of measure it will be measured out to you in return”  (Lu. 6:38).

So, when you see someone in need and you do not reach out and make a deposit in their love bank by coming alongside them, you miss one of God’s blessings.  And, if you, when in need say, “Oh, no, I can handle this alone” when a brother or sister says, “Let me carry your load for a while”, you are robbing them of God’s blessing. 

But a word of caution:  Do not hold a person to such high esteem that they lead you down the wrong pathways; nor worship at the altar of their public opinions in- order to stay in their good graces;  nor be intimidated into being anyone other than the person God made you to be!  

With that thought, watch for opportunities to be a blessing to someone who is in need and get a blessing from the heavenlies in return – in the same measure. And help someone to receive a blessing by saying “Yes, I need someone to walk with me through this valley”.  

The help you need is just around the corner. Paul wrote, “For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.” (2 Cor. 12:12). 

Blessings,


Gramps

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Are You A Vacillator?


“How long will you hesitate between two opinions?  If the Lord is God follow Him, but if Baal, follow him.  But the people did don’t answer him a word.” (I Kings 18:21).

Hey Gang:  I wonder what would happen, if Elijah the Tishbite showed up before President Trump and said, “As the Lord, the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, surely there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word” (vs. 1b).   Do you think it would make the front page of the Wall Street Journal?    

How many out there believe that we need an Elijah the Tishbite to visit the halls of Congress and ask the question, “How long will you hesitate between two opinions?

As I watched the on-going rhetoric between the gangs of donkeys and elephants over whether or not we should bite the bullet and begin to get our nations finances under control,   I think of Elijah’s conflict with the prophets of Baal. 

His challenge, “I alone am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal’s prophets are 450 men”.  I am sure the prophets of Baal thought this was going to be a piece of cake - much like the Arab nations felt in their four wars with Israel.  I sense, today, prophets of the Lord are no longer an endangered species -in the belt Way but rather extinct.   

We know the results of this so-called ‘tug of war.” God cleaned the prophets of Baal’s clock -but notice what happened next, Elijah was not satisfied to win the day but also, to prevent a renewal of the problem tomorrow,: “They seized the prophets of Baal and slew them, all 450 down by the brook Kishon.”    No, I am not advocating we kill those who oppose God’s ways.  
   
Is there a solution to the mess we have made of our Nation?  Elijah would say yes, “Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that You, O Lord are God, and that You have turned their heart back again” (vs. 38).  The solution is not in the halls of Congress, or in the Oval Office but in the people who are called by His name. 

Franklin Graham 2016 Decision America Lansing MI

He gave us the solution in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “…and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and win heal their land.” 

I am concerned about our country.  As I compare our nation today with past civilizations I see a very familiar pattern and that frightens me, not for my sake, but for the mess my generation is leaving my grandkids and great grands.  When I see the constant gridlock in our nation, I often feel like I am seated on a deck chair on the Titanic.  But I also know My God knows how to handle the impossible.

Does that mean I am, ready to throw in the towel?  In no way!  For I know that God’s dynamic power is available to us through the Holy Spirit, the name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus Christ, and the Word of God.  These sources of power enable us to face any situation with courage and confidence.  They are the sources of unlimited power, and we appropriate them through faith in God’s Word.

So, make sure your armor is in place with Helmet of Salvation securely fastened and that your lamp is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and you have your sword in hand, which is the Word of God, and report for duty as a warrior ready for battle. 

Blessings,

Gramps






Blessings,

Gramps 

Monday, June 12, 2017

Just Plain Caring!

“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”  (Gal. 6:2).

Hey Gang: When you are going through a time of agony and pain, it is good to have a guardian angel with the gift of discernment near at hand.   

In the very early days of Eagle Village each day was a tremendous challenge with alligators continually nipping at my heels.  There was never enough money to meet the needs of the day, the staff consisted of young and very inexperienced - but dedicated people that had no clue how to talk a kid down from a tree because he was ticked off at what he was served for lunch.

Today, as I look back at those very difficult days, I have concluded that Satan knew that God had anointed this program to be something very super special and he,  Satan, did not like it one bit, so he set out to nip it in the bud by destroying the confidence and enthusiasm of its founder – “ME”.

My office at that time was a very run down small cabin that we used for everything from cooking to sleeping- simply because that was the only building available that had such necessities as water, power and heat.   My secretary, at that time, was a tremendously caring and compassionate person who could read me like a book.  He knew when the cares of the world were weighing on me.  Oh, by the way, that caring person was my seventy-plus year-old father-in-law.

One day when it seemed the roof was falling and the Peter principle was operating in full force, “If it can go wrong it will!”  After breaking up several fights and gluing staff back together, I retreated to my desk, in the corner of the all-purpose room, to pay some bills.  As per usual, the bottom line did not come out in the black. 

It was at the peak of my depression, when throwing in the towel was a serious consideration, that Father–in-Law came in, set a cup of coffee before me, ran his hand threw my hair and left as quietly as he had come in.  Now, I never looked at my father-in-law as being an angel, but I certainly believe he had all of God’s qualifications to be an angel at that moment.  It did not clear up the bottom line but there was no question in my mind that when Grampa quietly left the building he was on his way to his favorite tree where he would seek patience, wisdom and a barn full of stamina for me.

So, my friends, what I am saying?  I do not recall a day in my life when God does not allow a shot across my bough-but that He also has someone out there that needs ‘an angel’ to run their fingers through their hair and pray. You could be that 'angel', if you care and listen to God's leading.

Grampa Beery, as he became known by the kids, was always there when the rubber-hit-the road.  I firmly believe it was his prayers and the prayers of six grandmothers who were there when I needed them the most, that kept my sanity and on track to do what God commissioned me to do.  My prayer for you this morning is that you, too, have a praying Grampa or Grandma in your life.   If not, let me know and we, my bride and me, will add you to or growing list. 

Blessings,

Gramps 

P.S.  My dear sainted grandma once said to me, “Some are called to pray, and some are called for action.  That is the family of God ‘ 

Friday, June 9, 2017

Where Is Your Mind?

“Set your minds on things above, not on the things that are on earth.  For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col 3:2). “Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get behind Me Satan!  You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s” (Matt. 16:23).

Hey Gang: I might have mentioned this before, but it is worthy of mentioning again and again: I love the little words of the Bible.  I tend to think of them as trigger words -when one appears we need to take heed that a very important truth will follow.  An old country preacher by the name of Pastor Mumford often said, “When you come to a therefore in the Word, you need to stop until you understand - what it is ‘there for’.

Let’s look at an example of the very small word “if” being a gigantic trigger word in a very important truth.  In Colossians three we find Paul’s formula on how to change from the old to the new:
He gives us a four step process, first, we must die to self, the old man in us (vs. 3); second, we must “put off” those things that are offensive to God and grieve the Holy Spirit (vs. 5b-8); third, we must fill the vacuum that is created when we dump the old by “putting on” those things that bring honor to our Father and to our neighbor (vs. 12);  and lastly, we are to “Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts” (vs. 15-16).

But notice: in verse one there are two trigger words that are foundational for implementing this process with success. “Therefore” and “if”.  In Colossians three Paul begins the change process with a prerequisite, “Therefore, if , you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God”.  And how does one do that? By “setting your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth”.  (vs. 2).

My young friends, it is my humble opinion that in this chapter of Colossians, Paul gives us the formula for living a life of victory.  He closes by saying ,“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (v.17).


I have always wondered if Paul did this teaching on “Putting on the New Self” (verses 1-17) to set the table for the teaching on “Family Relationships” that follows.  He gives some very specific rules for living together in a compatible way in verse eighteen through the end of the chapter. 

Do you think that during the exchanging of the marriage vows each would commit to dying to self and placing their mate first, putting off all those things that are offensive to their mate and putting on forgiveness, compassion, love and even at times mercy and letting the Holy Spirit have control of their marriage that we would have fewer marriage failures?   

As I grow nearer to celebrating my sixtieth year of wedlock with the mate that the Lord gave to me, I have a sadness in my heart for all those who will never experience the ‘out of sight joy’ of standing at the altar and seeing their bride coming down the aisle to be united in oneness with each other and Oneness with Christ.  Nor will they enjoy the wondrous gift of ‘anticipation’ that comes-as you grow together.

Blessings,

Gramps

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

WHere Is Your Power Source?

“The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?”  “A staff,” he replied” (Ex. 4:2).  Does God’s rod and staff bring comfort to you even in these dark days?

Hey Gang, how many out there believe Moses was a very tough and a stubborn sort of hombre?  I believe God equipped him that way, for he had an impossible task ahead and God was preparing him.  Not only was Moses going to take on the power of Pharaoh, but would also deal with the nearly impossible elements of forty years in the wilderness with a million or so people that even God described as “Stiff -necked.”

Moses spent forty years as second in command of the greatest power on earth at that time, Egypt, and forty years of dealing with the impossible elements of the wilderness caring for a bunch of sheep had made him
one tough dude.   But something was fixen’ to happen that would change his life forever; he had an encounter with a “burning bush” that did not burn.

Did you ever have a life changing experience?  Moses was about to have one.  He decided he needed to take a closer look at this burning bush that did not burn.  The burning bush was a phenomenal sight to
See, but he was about to come face to face with a “blow your mind” event!

 A voice came out of the bush (God’s voice) and said, “Moses, “Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.  I am the God of your
father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”   Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God” (Ex. 3:4-5).

The story of Moses’ encounter with God is indeed a wonderful story.  If you are not up to speed on the whole story -and nothing but the Biblical story - I strongly suggest you take your Bible and get alone with God and read the whole story.   It is worth the investment of time.

But, let’s skip down to the life-changing experience that applies to every believer who encounters difficulties in their walk with the Lord.  After Moses gave five reasons why God had chosen the wrong person for this assignment, God lost patience with Moses and said,  Moses what is that in your hand”, to which Moses responded “a staff”. 
God said, “Throw it on the ground”, and it turned into a serpent and Moses fled from it.”  After 40 years in the wilderness Moses knew the perils of getting to close to a serpent.  Then God said, “Pick it up by the tail”.    I don’t know what Moses said but I think I would have said- “You have got to be kidding!”  But when God is giving the orders, it pays to be obedient.

Hence, from that point on the “rod” became the rod of spiritual authority, called the “rod of God”. 
We know, from the Bible, that God wants his children to have the best- but He also knows that many of those best things have serpents in them that can be harmful in our walk with the Lord. 

So, My young friends, be sure and throw all of the neat bangles and beads – even the good things on the ground and let God take the serpent out of them.  I promise, if they are going to make you a better disciple for Him, He will give them back to you – serpent-less.

Blessings,
Gramps


Monday, June 5, 2017

"Come Fly WIth Me!" Signed Jesus


“Bless the Lord, O my soul!  O Lord my God, You are very great; You are clothed with splendor and majesty, Covering Yourself with light as with a cloak, Stretching out heaven like a tent curtain.  He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters; He makes the clouds His chariot; He walks upon the wings of the wind” (Psalm 104:1-3).    Wow! Is that not awesome?

Hey Gang, did you ever wonder what heaven is going to be like?  I am sometimes accused, probably rightfully so, of asking questions that seem weird to most.  For instance, I was sitting at a stop light last week and a semi-truck went by- followed by an ambulance and then a motor cycle- ‘I wonder what the transportation system will look like in heaven?’ Was the question that popped into my head.

We are told in Revelation 21:16 that the New Jerusalem “…will be laid out square, and its length and its width and its height will be fifteen hundred miles”. Now, in the hillbilly vernacular, “That is a ‘fer piece”. This might lead one to believe you would need some sort of transportation to get around.

But, then again, I have read some  prophecy gurus who believe we will have glorified bodies and,, when we think of being someplace else, we immediately go to that place.  You know like Philip, who, after baptizing the eunuch, came up out of the water and was snatched away by the Spirit of the Lord.” (Acts 8:20-40).

In 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 Paul related the story of a man who was caught up to the third heaven, “…whether in the body or out of the body, he did not know, only God knew”.  He further related. “The man was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak”  
.        
In doing a quick trip through the Bible we see that God used a variety of modes of transportation.  In Genesis, we have the ark- which I would suggest is probably not a vehicle that would be of much use in city such as the New Jerusalem.  Then, we have Elijah making his get away from earth in a flaming chariot.  There, again, I feel flaming chariots would not be practical in an urban setting.  With the driving habits of many today, I surely would not want to come face to face with a flaming chariot!

We do not find Jesus or the disciples using any people- moving modes of transportation except Shank’s Mare (for you city folks – feet); the exception was Jesus’ Triumphal Entry on the back of a donkey.   And, of course, we all remember the three magi arriving by camel at the place where they found Jesus at his inaugural appearance on earth. 

As I sat there thinking about that question, a wrecker went by- followed by a fire truck.  Then the thought surfaced in my dome-of-intellect that there would be no need for any of these vehicle in heaven!  There will be no need for medical facilities, prisons, electrical systems, or any of the other trappings that we find essential in our daily lives.  And the big issue- the blow your mind issue is- = we don’t have to go anywhere to sit at the feet of Christ, He is right there inside and around us.  We will be forever, yes, eternally, in His presence!.

So, gang, not sure I answered the question, but then again, one of the fabulous things that God put into our hearts is the joy of anticipation!  Each day, as my body sends messages that it is breaking down, I focus on the wondrous thought that one day, soon, I will break out of this earthly body and head for God’s paradise!  Make sure Your name is in the Lamb’s Book of Life and your invitation to the Marriage Feast of the Lamb, secure.

Blessings,

Gramps

Friday, June 2, 2017

to Believe Is Not Enough!


“You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”  You believe that God is one.  You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.  But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?” (James 2:18-20).

Hey Gang:  There are many blasphemies surfacing in our world today, even within the church.  If you an Opry Winfrey fan, you get a steady diet of ‘to believe there is only one way to Father God is very narrow and selfish.’  As I read John’s words, “Jesus said, (which should be reason enough to believe), I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father but through Me (John 14:6).  Now a brain surgeon or rocket scientist I am not, but that seems pretty clear. ‘One road, only one road, to God the Father through His only begotten Son.’ 

One glorious day fifty-nine years and nine months ago, I met the Cadillac of my life at an altar; we made vows to each other to love, cherish, care for, be faithful to, until death do us part.  On that day I felt in my heart that I could not love her or cherish her more than I did at that moment - but how wrong I was.   I believe and love her for her integrity, her faith, her commitment to her Lord and to me.  She supports me in most things I do, and is a constant source of encouragement.  But is that enough?

I appreciate her, honor her, esteem her but is that enough?  All-of-these things are essential in a husband-wife relationship but, if I do not show the faith that I have in her without works, “I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal” in the relationship.  Are not fixing the leaky pipes, taking out the garbage, laying in enough wood to keep her warm in the winter months and tending to the “Honey Do List” evidence that am I not a clanging cymbal? 

The same is true of our relationship with Jesus.  We may believe in Jesus with all-of-our being but, if we don’t talk to Him, listen for His voice, spend time with Him, and do the things that show that our love for Him requires is more than a few words on Sunday Morning; our relationship with Him will soon become like the hot coal that fell from the furnace to the floor and soon became cold.

Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me” (Matt. 25:45).  As chaplain, I would ask the boys what is the most important word in the English language?  I would receive a multitude of words but not the one that impacts on eternity, the word NOT.  I can think of no more frightening, agonizing word than to hear Jesus say, “I know you NOT”.

Sooo, my young friends, how is your relationship with Jesus this morning?  Have you talked with Him this morning?  Have you opened your heart to His leading this morning?  Have you said to Him. “Here am I Lord, use me!”  If this was the day that you were called home, how would you answer the question- “What did you do with my Son Jesus?

Blessings,
  

Gramps