By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial
Text: Jeremiah 9: 23-24 -- "Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the LORD which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth: for in these things I delight saith the LORD."
Certain forms of pride are acceptable; pride in your country, pride in your heritage, pride in your children's accomplishments, and in general, the sense of pleasure in well-doing.
The Big "I" -- But pride develops a problem when "I" is inflated. The greater the inflation, the more obvious "I" becomes. Sadly, prIde is quick to get out of hand. Any and every one else can see it, but the one doing the (self) inflating is running blind. His or her huge "I" is in the way. "For I say, through the grace that is given unto me, to ev ery man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think: but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." (Romans 12:3)
So ho is it that we slip so easily over the line between acceptable pride in the accomplishments of others and the foolish self-inflating kind? The Bible is clear -- "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18) I believe the seeds of sinful pride germinate when we compare ourselves with others. "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves,and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. ...But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth." (II Corinthians 10:12, 17-18)
The first one to fall into the snare of prIde was LucIfer. His "I" got so inflated he thought to make God move aside so he could take over Heaven's Throne. What's more, it soon became plain that this kind of inflation was contagious. It spread like weeds. LucIiferian prIde so penetrated the ranks of the heavenly host that it had to be settled in a cataclysmic event. (See Luke 10:18; Isaiah 14:12-16; Ezekiel 28:11-19.) "For if a man think himself to be something,when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." (Galatians 6:3) Although Lucifer (Satan) continues to germinate seeds of prIde in hearts and minds, his end is a foregone conclusion. (See Revelation 20:1-3, 10.)
Need help dealing with prIde? Dig into the Word! Cultivate it! Learn to think with the mind of Christ. Use the Word to defeat the suggestions and snares of the enemy of your soul. Allow the Word to do its holy work in your heart and mind. "For the Word of God is quick, [alive] and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,and the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: butall things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do." (Hebrews 4:12-13) Filter out the weed seeds... prune... purge... Down with self-inflation! Glorify God!
Showing posts with label Choices. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Choices. Show all posts
Monday, June 30, 2014
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Seed for the Harvest
By Alan Demos
As
Jesus spoke to both the multitudes and His own disciples, He knew
that the Jewish people, however sincere or faithful, had no
understanding of growth and harvest for their synagogues or the
temple. They were people of tradition and Old Testament law. He had
to prepare them to receive other sheep into His worldwide flock of
believers. Several of His parables brought forth principles of the
kingdom pertaining to evangelism, growth and the eventual harvest.
In
the Sermon on the Mount, He taught that they would be “the
salt of the earth,”
and “the
light of the world.”
His plan was for them to influence more than one nation, one city
and one religious group. All three Synoptic Gospels later record the
parable of the sower. “A
sower went forth to sow…” (Matt. 13:3.) In Matthew, Jesus pointed us to the ground when He said, “The
field is the world.”
Luke reveals what the seed should be. “The
seed is the word of God.” (Luke 8:11)
However humble the packaging, whatever the size or method of
dispersion, the seed must be the Word of God and it
must
be planted in the ground! There we have it! God
wants us to find a field, have the right seed in our hands, and sow!
It
doesn’t take an extensive knowledge of agriculture to be a sower –
just willingness, time, a plot of ground, and some seed.
Have
you found a field where you can labor faithfully for Him?
Finally, we must be patient. The seed we sow will rarely bring an
instant harvest. Our love will be the sunshine; our tears in prayer
will be the water. Yet, the regenerating power of the Word has to
work through burial, germination, plant growth, flowers and, finally,
in due season, the harvest. The faithful sower understands the
principles of the harvest. He labors with purpose, beginning by
preparing the seed. He knows that no two crops reach harvest in the
same time period – the timing is ordered by God. Our Creator
insured in the beginning (Genesis 1:11-12) that
there would be future natural harvests when He created the plants and
the trees with
seed within.
We learn what we need to know about spiritual harvesting by studying
natural harvesting.
Has
the seed been placed within you that will bring forth a harvest?
We
live with fields all around us – big cities, small towns, and
villages. The people into whose hearts we must plant the seed are
not hard to find. They’re at home, at work, at school, on the
streets and in our neighborhoods. How do we turn barren, unprepared
soil into a harvest field? People who don’t believe in God or
know who He is are not candidates for the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Faith in Jesus Christ comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of
God! The
seed must be sown to bring forth faith!
Jesus prepared for Pentecost by adding knowledge and understanding
that would lead them to New Testament salvation. For three years He
ministered through miracles and healings, taught and preached,
rebuked the wayward and comforted the suffering. Why was He taking
so much time to lay the groundwork?
He
was preparing the ground even as He was preparing the seed.
None
of us will ever be as effective as Jesus Christ, but He expects us to
be both sowers and harvesters! Each of us can hide the Word in our
hearts and minds, find a field, and decide how to plant, using our own
chosen method. Some will pass out tracts to strangers or distribute
literature in a neighborhood; some will preach from a pulpit; some
will teach children in a Sunday School class; some will teach others
in a home; others will just speak gently and persistently with a
friend. No method is more important than another! No venue is off-limits!
The
only requirement is that we sow His Word!
The
written Word of God in a condensed version, a summary or an
introduction, is called a tract, whether evangelistic for the
unbeliever or doctrinal for the believer. Let’s supply ourselves
with Gospel literature to use wherever we walk in our fields. Let us
pray to be led by the Holy Ghost in our sowing. It is not for us to
inspect the soil. We are called to sow on all kinds of ground - good
ground and poor ground. Literature is a time and cost effective
means of connecting God with believers needing more truth or sinners
needing salvation. Literature should go out to those who don’t
know about, or, are not yet ready for, our churches.
A
literature evangelist can easily distribute more than a hundred
tracts
in
the same time that it takes to give a one-hour Bible study!
Literature
ministry fulfills the purpose of God revealed in the parable of the
marriage. The king said, “Go
ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to
the marriage.” (Matthew 22:9).
We can’t wait for them to come into our churches; we must go out
to invite them. Without a doubt, we will not be wasting our time.
“Cast
thy bread upon the waters… for thou shalt find it after many
days.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6) SOW
faithfully in faith, and in God’s time, the Harvest will come.
Why
not begin to utilize the wonderful tool of literature in your daily
life
as
you seek to win souls and lay a harvest at Jesus’ feet in eternity?
Editor's Note: Bro. Alan Demos and his wife Valerie have served as UPCI missionaries to the nation of Germany for many years. Bro. Demos skills and experience in literature ministry are legendary. In this article, he presents the concept of a literature ministry. Next month, we will feature a more in-depth look at what sowing the seed of the Word entails and the rewards it brings.
.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
By Rufus M. Parker
Text: John 14:1-4 - "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know."
Reading in the paper a few weeks ago, I learned there is a new disease called "SAD" - an acronym that stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder. I thought to myself - "What?" They said because it had been so cold this winter, many people have not been able to get out of their houses and do things. They become negatively affected by having to remain inside and are depressed. The article went on to say it can affect people in the spring and fall too.
Now, I know this is a trick of the devil if people are depressed in the spring and summer! Man, I'm smelling the roses and drowning some worms during those two seasons. There isn't going to be any depression here. I don't know about you, but as for me and my house, we are going outside in all seasons. People go to the beach and pool to swim and get wet, and then stay inside when it rains. Get your umbrella out, get outside, and get wet, and enjoy what God has provided. Don't stay inside and mope because of the snow. Make a snow man. I like shoveling and even eating some of it, as long as it isn't yellow.
I like standing outside in the cold for a while. It helps you get rid of the impurities in your body. For me, I'm affected by every season. Winter, I rejoice. Summer, I rejoice. Spring, I rejoice. And yes, Fall, I rejoice. Do you know why? Because the Bible says, "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24) Seasons come and seasons go, but the Word of the LORD is for ever. And He tells me to rejoice for evermore.
Editor's Note: Bro. Parker, former missionary to Okinawa and Mongolia, pastors Calvary Apostolic Church UPC in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He has authored a number of books and publishes a daily blog called, "Morning Manna." Link: http://morningmanna-parker.blogspot.com
Text: John 14:1-4 - "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know."
Reading in the paper a few weeks ago, I learned there is a new disease called "SAD" - an acronym that stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder. I thought to myself - "What?" They said because it had been so cold this winter, many people have not been able to get out of their houses and do things. They become negatively affected by having to remain inside and are depressed. The article went on to say it can affect people in the spring and fall too.
Now, I know this is a trick of the devil if people are depressed in the spring and summer! Man, I'm smelling the roses and drowning some worms during those two seasons. There isn't going to be any depression here. I don't know about you, but as for me and my house, we are going outside in all seasons. People go to the beach and pool to swim and get wet, and then stay inside when it rains. Get your umbrella out, get outside, and get wet, and enjoy what God has provided. Don't stay inside and mope because of the snow. Make a snow man. I like shoveling and even eating some of it, as long as it isn't yellow.
I like standing outside in the cold for a while. It helps you get rid of the impurities in your body. For me, I'm affected by every season. Winter, I rejoice. Summer, I rejoice. Spring, I rejoice. And yes, Fall, I rejoice. Do you know why? Because the Bible says, "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24) Seasons come and seasons go, but the Word of the LORD is for ever. And He tells me to rejoice for evermore.
Editor's Note: Bro. Parker, former missionary to Okinawa and Mongolia, pastors Calvary Apostolic Church UPC in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He has authored a number of books and publishes a daily blog called, "Morning Manna." Link: http://morningmanna-parker.blogspot.com
On Praying Through...
By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial
Text: Matthew 25:1-13 ~ Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
Key Verse: "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." (Luke 21:36)
The old-timers called it "praying through" and frequently mentioned it in victorious testimonies. Because I was a rather obstreperous child, my mother would say, "It's time you prayed through, Marjie Jean! You're so much easier to deal with when you've just prayed through." Bro. C.C. Kirby, my pastor for the first 16 years of my life, frequently said we should all be, "Prayed up... packed up... and ready to go up."
Praying through is an accurate description of its definition. As the old-timers used it - it meant that one had prayed until they felt they had overcome something and then given a release in their Spirit. Hence - "Praying Through!" It might have taken minutes or hours, but it was earnest, sincere, serious praying.
There is another realm beside the flesh and blood world in which we currently live and move around. This "world" is more real than the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and the chair we sit on. It's not spooky, nor is it science fiction; it's the Spirit world in which God Himself and His heavenly host of ministering spirits (angels) dwell. It's not a restricted world, oh no! It's unfettered by time and space, and it's focus is on the redeemed and those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. All angels serve as ministering spirits.
This spirit world is also inhabited by God's arch-enemy, Lucifer, who was called the son of the morning. (See Isaiah 14:12-16; Ezekiel 28:12-19; Luke 10:18; and Jude 6.) Lucifer, now know as Satan, rebelled against God and drew one-third of the holy angels under his sway. These, though evil and unrepentant, continue to minister; but now for evil and to thwart God's desire that all should come to repentance.
The Bible reveals that these ministering spirits (angels, both good and evil,) take an active interest in humankind. Both are transfixed by, and intrigued about our salvation.
Our flesh is one-third of our three-fold enemy. John told us we should, "love not the world, neither the things that are in the world," which are - "the lust of the eyes" [world], "the lust of the flesh," [flesh] and, "the pride of life" [the devil], (See I John 2:15-17.) Paul said we must fight it, subdue it,and make it obey the Spirit that dwells in us. He referred to it as "spiritual warfare" and likened it to soldiering. He said, "Put on the whole armor of God." This armor is needful when fighting off our enemies. Finally, Paul also said that this spiritual battle is daily. It must be fought at a moment's notice. We must be alert, prepared, and ready to fight - not against persons or even personalities. We fight against spiritual wickedness as it attacks us! We do not fight alone, but we must do our part.
Praying through speaks of the ability to press past the opposition (the world, the flesh, and the devil,) and into the freedom of victory, a.k.a. overcoming! Praying through is first and foremost... Praying! Jesus said, "Men ought always to pray." and, "Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation." He led by example in that He consistently prayed and taught His disciples to pray. In Acts 2, those disciples became empowered apostles. They were men of prayer; they also gave themselves to studying the Word. If prayer is our friend and helper, then the Word of God is our arsenal. Jesus overcame the enemy with the words, "It is written." So, hiding the Word of God in our heart becomes our weapon; and "praying through" presses past the enemy's onslaught.
If the five foolish virgins had been "praying through" - "prayed up, and packed up," they would have been "ready to go up." The wise had prayed through; they were ready when the midnight cry came, needing only to trim the wick and light the fire in their lamps. When one prays through they refresh their Holy Ghost experience. They speak in tongues, they light the fire, stir up the coals, and put fresh fuel on them. Note that when the apostles prayed through they were all filled with the Holy Ghost again! (See Acts 4:31.)
Praying through strengthens and helps you win in your battle against the enemy of your soul. It parallels the birthing process in that it includes travail and bearing down. It's a desperate struggle to bring forth new life, (death hovers nearby,) yet, when the battle is over and that new life is now visible and tangible, the celebration begins.
Praying through is wisdom. Keeping prayed through is essential - something no one else can do for you. You must do it for yourself. You can "intercede" for others, but your "praying through" cannot do their part, nor can they do your part. We need the refreshing winds of the Holy Spirit to fill us and fuel us in our quest for the victory known only to those who overcome. It's a daily thing! Staying prayed through will help you be ready for and aware of the midnight cry, "Behold, He cometh! Go ye out to meet Him!" Just before He ascended, Jesus said, "Go, and tarry in Jerusalem [wait in prayer] until ye be endued with power from on high." (Acts 1:4-5)
Pray Through!
Editorial
Text: Matthew 25:1-13 ~ Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
Key Verse: "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." (Luke 21:36)
The old-timers called it "praying through" and frequently mentioned it in victorious testimonies. Because I was a rather obstreperous child, my mother would say, "It's time you prayed through, Marjie Jean! You're so much easier to deal with when you've just prayed through." Bro. C.C. Kirby, my pastor for the first 16 years of my life, frequently said we should all be, "Prayed up... packed up... and ready to go up."
Praying through is an accurate description of its definition. As the old-timers used it - it meant that one had prayed until they felt they had overcome something and then given a release in their Spirit. Hence - "Praying Through!" It might have taken minutes or hours, but it was earnest, sincere, serious praying.
There is another realm beside the flesh and blood world in which we currently live and move around. This "world" is more real than the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and the chair we sit on. It's not spooky, nor is it science fiction; it's the Spirit world in which God Himself and His heavenly host of ministering spirits (angels) dwell. It's not a restricted world, oh no! It's unfettered by time and space, and it's focus is on the redeemed and those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. All angels serve as ministering spirits.
This spirit world is also inhabited by God's arch-enemy, Lucifer, who was called the son of the morning. (See Isaiah 14:12-16; Ezekiel 28:12-19; Luke 10:18; and Jude 6.) Lucifer, now know as Satan, rebelled against God and drew one-third of the holy angels under his sway. These, though evil and unrepentant, continue to minister; but now for evil and to thwart God's desire that all should come to repentance.
The Bible reveals that these ministering spirits (angels, both good and evil,) take an active interest in humankind. Both are transfixed by, and intrigued about our salvation.
- They desire to look into our salvation - I Peter 1:12
- They are "watchers" - Daniel 4:17; I Corinthians 11:10
- They herald tidings - Daniel 9:21-22; 10:12-13; Luke 1:26; Matthew 1:20; and Luke 2:9-10 (See I Kings 22:14-23, 28 also.)
- They intervene - Genesis 18:2-22; 19:1-20; and Hebrews 13:2
Our flesh is one-third of our three-fold enemy. John told us we should, "love not the world, neither the things that are in the world," which are - "the lust of the eyes" [world], "the lust of the flesh," [flesh] and, "the pride of life" [the devil], (See I John 2:15-17.) Paul said we must fight it, subdue it,and make it obey the Spirit that dwells in us. He referred to it as "spiritual warfare" and likened it to soldiering. He said, "Put on the whole armor of God." This armor is needful when fighting off our enemies. Finally, Paul also said that this spiritual battle is daily. It must be fought at a moment's notice. We must be alert, prepared, and ready to fight - not against persons or even personalities. We fight against spiritual wickedness as it attacks us! We do not fight alone, but we must do our part.
Praying through speaks of the ability to press past the opposition (the world, the flesh, and the devil,) and into the freedom of victory, a.k.a. overcoming! Praying through is first and foremost... Praying! Jesus said, "Men ought always to pray." and, "Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation." He led by example in that He consistently prayed and taught His disciples to pray. In Acts 2, those disciples became empowered apostles. They were men of prayer; they also gave themselves to studying the Word. If prayer is our friend and helper, then the Word of God is our arsenal. Jesus overcame the enemy with the words, "It is written." So, hiding the Word of God in our heart becomes our weapon; and "praying through" presses past the enemy's onslaught.
If the five foolish virgins had been "praying through" - "prayed up, and packed up," they would have been "ready to go up." The wise had prayed through; they were ready when the midnight cry came, needing only to trim the wick and light the fire in their lamps. When one prays through they refresh their Holy Ghost experience. They speak in tongues, they light the fire, stir up the coals, and put fresh fuel on them. Note that when the apostles prayed through they were all filled with the Holy Ghost again! (See Acts 4:31.)
Praying through strengthens and helps you win in your battle against the enemy of your soul. It parallels the birthing process in that it includes travail and bearing down. It's a desperate struggle to bring forth new life, (death hovers nearby,) yet, when the battle is over and that new life is now visible and tangible, the celebration begins.
Praying through is wisdom. Keeping prayed through is essential - something no one else can do for you. You must do it for yourself. You can "intercede" for others, but your "praying through" cannot do their part, nor can they do your part. We need the refreshing winds of the Holy Spirit to fill us and fuel us in our quest for the victory known only to those who overcome. It's a daily thing! Staying prayed through will help you be ready for and aware of the midnight cry, "Behold, He cometh! Go ye out to meet Him!" Just before He ascended, Jesus said, "Go, and tarry in Jerusalem [wait in prayer] until ye be endued with power from on high." (Acts 1:4-5)
Pray Through!
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Raise His Banner High!
By Jill Friedman
Whenever Bro. Charles Wilson came to the platform,I knew he was going to cheer me up by preaching faith and a positive message like no one else could. In my mind he is still preaching. There are no limits to Charles' God, who is everywhere and everything wonderful.
I'll never forget his story about the difference between an optimist and a pessimist: "You can put a pessimist in a room full of gold and he'll find a flaw in something; but if you put an optimist in a room full of horse manure, he'll say, "Oh boy! There must be a pony in here somewhere!"
I considered the home in which the Wilson boys were raised. The steadfast, quiet assurance in God of Bro. Wilson, Sr., must have had a profound influence on his sons because his steady faith is found in them also. There's no shadow of wavering. This friendly man wants to serve God. He has no hidden agendas. He is cheerful, willing, and quick to respond to needs as they arise. His joy is in the Lord. Nobody can take that away. Although Sis. Wilson has gone on home to glory, her excited testimonies and zeal for the Lord linger. her cheerfulness and kind words helped me many times. Her calm understanding had a steadying effect on her home. She busily worked on a job until she retired, but still managed to put God first. She based her family on a good foundation, the Word of God. With her husband, they two pulled together for over fifty years. Faithfulness and authority stabilized their efforts.
This family caught a glimpse of the gold in the hills of God. The extreme riches that are hidden to most have always been open to their eyes. The Wilsons visualized the beauty and romance, pageantry and great adventure of being a Christian while some cannot get past the drudgery of every day life in the wilderness.
Jesus, please anoint our eyes with eye salve and let us buy this gold. May we too wear the garments of the Christian life with grace and hope and joy. Let us lift Your banner high (as Bro. Charles was taught, believed, preached, and lived,) and "do exploits" in Jesus' Name!
Editor's Note: Sunday School Teacher, leader of our puppet ministry, saxophone player, and singer of unique songs - Sis. Jill is a multi-talented lady and a willing worker in the Kingdom of God.
Whenever Bro. Charles Wilson came to the platform,I knew he was going to cheer me up by preaching faith and a positive message like no one else could. In my mind he is still preaching. There are no limits to Charles' God, who is everywhere and everything wonderful.
I'll never forget his story about the difference between an optimist and a pessimist: "You can put a pessimist in a room full of gold and he'll find a flaw in something; but if you put an optimist in a room full of horse manure, he'll say, "Oh boy! There must be a pony in here somewhere!"
I considered the home in which the Wilson boys were raised. The steadfast, quiet assurance in God of Bro. Wilson, Sr., must have had a profound influence on his sons because his steady faith is found in them also. There's no shadow of wavering. This friendly man wants to serve God. He has no hidden agendas. He is cheerful, willing, and quick to respond to needs as they arise. His joy is in the Lord. Nobody can take that away. Although Sis. Wilson has gone on home to glory, her excited testimonies and zeal for the Lord linger. her cheerfulness and kind words helped me many times. Her calm understanding had a steadying effect on her home. She busily worked on a job until she retired, but still managed to put God first. She based her family on a good foundation, the Word of God. With her husband, they two pulled together for over fifty years. Faithfulness and authority stabilized their efforts.
This family caught a glimpse of the gold in the hills of God. The extreme riches that are hidden to most have always been open to their eyes. The Wilsons visualized the beauty and romance, pageantry and great adventure of being a Christian while some cannot get past the drudgery of every day life in the wilderness.
Jesus, please anoint our eyes with eye salve and let us buy this gold. May we too wear the garments of the Christian life with grace and hope and joy. Let us lift Your banner high (as Bro. Charles was taught, believed, preached, and lived,) and "do exploits" in Jesus' Name!
Editor's Note: Sunday School Teacher, leader of our puppet ministry, saxophone player, and singer of unique songs - Sis. Jill is a multi-talented lady and a willing worker in the Kingdom of God.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Knives and Axes
By Rachel Coltharp
My child is frustrated. He wants soooooooo desperately to read, but is chafing over the fact that he is being forced to first learn letters. He does NOT want to learn letters, they are such small things, his heart yearns for BIG things - like sentences, chapters, volumes.
He is itching to dive into the adventures encased within the tomes his older siblings are consuming. He is hungry for WORDS - and I am wasting his time on letters. His vision is BIG - and he thinks mine is too small.
Have you ever been there? Ever felt frustrated because you wanted, needed, were called to something, but instead of being launched out into your dream, you find yourself doing something that feels lesser.
Take heart my friend. You are not alone. You are instead in the throes of the painful place of training. Yes, I know you FEEL ready. But when the door has not opened, it is because God is preparing you for what you NEED.
Feeling ready rarely has anything to do with BEING ready.
So take a lesson from the pocket knife and the ax. Both are blades, wielded by a hand. Both will cut wood.
God may call you to cut timber while you still have only a pocket knife.
You FEEL the call and answer it with a resounding "Yes." But hacking away at an oak with a pocket knife is wearing out your arms, exhausting your strength, may not be God's plan...
Many times we are sent first to spend time splitting firewood. Our heart is in the forest, but it is in the smaller task of splitting logs that we build our strength and get the feel of the blade.
We are sent to practice on logs, in preparation for the forest.
It can keep us from burning out our physical strength, hurting ourselves and others with wild swinging, or giving up in frustration, because our tools were inadequate.
It is okay to feel frustrated splitting logs. Split them anyway.
It is okay to yearn for the forest. Yearn, but split with diligence.
David spent time protecting/feeding sheep and leading/rescuing rag-tag outlaws
before he became king.
Joseph spent time learning to run a household for Potiphar and work with fellow prisoners before he ran Egypt as Prime Minister.
So before you charge off into the forest with the pocket knife skills you were born with, remember this, time spent sharpening your skills with an ax is not time wasted.
"Do not despise these small beginnings,
for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..."
(Zechariah 4:10)
_____________________
Editor's Note: Rachel is the wife of Brent Coltharp, Co-pastor of First Apostolic Church of Aurora, Illinois, and District Superintendent for the state of Illinois. They are the parents of four children, three sons and one daughter who are home-schooled by Sis. Rachel.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Trust and Obey
Editorial by Marjorie Kinnee
The words of this old song took on new meaning (for me) this week. Pondering on the issues of trust and obedience and an illustration oft repeated about the child who takes a blind leap on the say so of his father. Because he trusts his dad to catch him, a child obeys his father's command and jumps off some high place.
We use this analogy to explain faith as well as trust.
Jesus said, "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:15) Years later, John added greater emphasis... "And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." (I John 2:3-4) He used strong words and serious implications that portend severe consequences (See Revelation 21:8.) in conjunction with obedience (keeping His commandments).
Consider these verses...
"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation." (Hebrews 13:7) This verse describes trust in at least four premises...
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (Hebrews 13:17) The word, "obey" leads off; it's a clear command. Six important areas are emphasized...
"When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will Trust and Obey.
Trust and Obey - for there's no other way,
To be happy in Jesus - but to Trust and Obey."
We use this analogy to explain faith as well as trust.
Jesus said, "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:15) Years later, John added greater emphasis... "And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." (I John 2:3-4) He used strong words and serious implications that portend severe consequences (See Revelation 21:8.) in conjunction with obedience (keeping His commandments).
Consider these verses...
"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation." (Hebrews 13:7) This verse describes trust in at least four premises...
- Their "rule" is by the calling and appointment of God, (See I Corinthians 12:28.)
- They teach "truth" from the Word of God,
- Their "faith" is worth following, and,
- The "results" of their teaching are eternal.
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (Hebrews 13:17) The word, "obey" leads off; it's a clear command. Six important areas are emphasized...
- Again, their "rule" is ordained of God, (See Ephesians 4:11-13.)
- We are commanded to "submit" ourselves (to their rule),
- They are charged with the responsibility of watching for our souls,
- They must give an account of their ministry,
- They also give account (witness) of our response - with joy or with grief,
- If their report is given with "grief" - it will not profit us individually.
Trust and Obey - There's no other way!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
O Taste and See!
By Pastor Ken Foreman
Text: Psalm 34:8 - "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him."
David, the author of this psalm, had humble beginnings as a keeper of sheep. God had plans for his life and David prepared himself by developing a praise and worship habit in the back of beyond. He opens this psalm with an invitation to join him in praise to the Lord.
The world is an uncertain place. Blessed assurance is not going to be found there - there is only one place of safety, one refuge; it is Jesus!
David had purposed in his heart that the praise he was offering was going to be based on his personal experiences. He was convinced that if you could just understand how good his experiences were, you would want to try God for yourself. "O taste and see that the LORD is good!" Try it! You'll like it!
God's plans for His people are good - He has good things in his mind. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD..." (Jeremiah 29:11-14a) It's His desire that all would come.
Once we comprehend what He is, then we can understand who He is. He said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
John the Baptist said, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)
Paul said, "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself." ( II Corinthians 5:19)
Trying Jesus opens whole new vistas, a whole new level of understanding, new realms of possibility... "O taste and see that the LORD is good!"
Some once tried and tasted, but they've forgotten how good He is. They wander off, and, like the prodigal, settle for corn husks and swine's slop. But when they hit bottom and find the grace to come to themselves, they see the need to arise and go home, where the Father is waiting with open arms. In the Father's house, a wondrous meal is prepared, the flavors of "home cooking" are beyond compare. Celebration and rejoicing ring the rafters as he, who was prodigal, but is no more, sings, "O taste and see that the LORD is good!
Text: Psalm 34:8 - "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him."
David, the author of this psalm, had humble beginnings as a keeper of sheep. God had plans for his life and David prepared himself by developing a praise and worship habit in the back of beyond. He opens this psalm with an invitation to join him in praise to the Lord.
The world is an uncertain place. Blessed assurance is not going to be found there - there is only one place of safety, one refuge; it is Jesus!
David had purposed in his heart that the praise he was offering was going to be based on his personal experiences. He was convinced that if you could just understand how good his experiences were, you would want to try God for yourself. "O taste and see that the LORD is good!" Try it! You'll like it!
God's plans for His people are good - He has good things in his mind. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD..." (Jeremiah 29:11-14a) It's His desire that all would come.
Once we comprehend what He is, then we can understand who He is. He said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
John the Baptist said, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)
Paul said, "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself." ( II Corinthians 5:19)
Trying Jesus opens whole new vistas, a whole new level of understanding, new realms of possibility... "O taste and see that the LORD is good!"
Some once tried and tasted, but they've forgotten how good He is. They wander off, and, like the prodigal, settle for corn husks and swine's slop. But when they hit bottom and find the grace to come to themselves, they see the need to arise and go home, where the Father is waiting with open arms. In the Father's house, a wondrous meal is prepared, the flavors of "home cooking" are beyond compare. Celebration and rejoicing ring the rafters as he, who was prodigal, but is no more, sings, "O taste and see that the LORD is good!
Listen and Hear!
By Pauline Foreman
There was a Man named Jesus, you see,
He was born to save you and me;
Born of a virgin, begotten of the Spirit,
Everyone who has an ear should want to hear it.
We were made in His image,
But through sin we were blemished;
Nevertheless, He had a plan,
To redeem sinful man.
He went about healing the blind, halt, and lame,
His love and compassion soon gained great fame;
They came from the north, south, east, and west,
He delivered them all from all their tests.
He that has an ear – listen and hear.
Opposing forces came against this Man,
But for the love of people He took a stand;
He defeated the devil on every hand,
And took the punishment of sinful man.
For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross,
So that mankind would not have to be lost;
When life to you seems dark and grim,
Take up your cross and follow Him.
Wherever He leads, be willing to follow,
And your life will never be hollow;
Your void He will fill,
Give new life, He will.
He that has an ear – listen and hear.
Repentance of sin is where you begin,
Baptism in His Name is the next step to claim;
He promised to give you the Holy Ghost,
You will be filled to the uttermost.
In another tongue, you will speak,
When it is Him wholeheartedly you seek.
He that has an ear – listen and
hear.
To give your life to Him is very smart,
Righteousness to you He will impart;
A broken and contrite heart He will in no wise cast aside,
But is faithful to complete the work He began inside.
No longer a slave to sin,
You will have peace within;
Every time you kneel,
He will begin to heal.
All the hurts of the past,
Will be gone at last.
Read your Bible and you will find,
How to be like Him – so good, so kind;
He is high and holy, yet so meek and lowly,
To be like Him is a process – slowly.
Continue to run this race,
He will guide you at His pace;
For the race is not given to the swift or strong,
But to the ones that endure the whole course long.
He that has an ear – listen and hear!
Monday, December 2, 2013
The Lonely Heart...
A Poem by Marjorie Kinnee
Searching...
Not sure what for,
But knowing there's a lack,
A very deep need,
That cuts no slack.
Seeking...
Parched and thirsty,
Barren and dry,
Looking everywhere
For a love to satisfy.
Wondering...
Hoping and wishing;
Maybe if I pray,
The fear and the doubt
Might go away.
Hungering...
Feeling like a starving child,
I'm longing to be fed,
Nutrition's what I really need,
More than daily bread.
Fearing...
The life I've lived,
The scars I bear,
Make me cautious,
Afraid to dare.
Longing...
Do you see me here?
I'm right at your door,
Will you love me to Jesus
And joy for evermore?
Coming...
My time is now,
Intercessors I need,
Please, lead me to Jesus,
I earnestly plead.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
The Benefits of True Repentance...
By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial
Text: Hosea 14:4-8; John 15:1-5
Key Verse: Matthew 4:17 - "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Repentance is both a mercy and a privilege extended to mankind because of the grace of God Every other part of man's relationship with God hinges on this essential first step. Repentance is taught in both the Old and New Testaments. David's Psalm of repentance (Psalm 51) has become a model prayer. Job 33:26-30 provides a clear definition of what true repentance entails. Every Old Testament prophet issued calls for repentance, and both John the Baptist and Jesus inaugurated their ministries with "Repent ye!"
But repentance is more than just acknowledging our sin and asking for forgiveness. Repentance leads us to cleansing and clearing and making things right with those we have sinned against - including and especially God! Once man's heart is reconciled with God, he begins to understand the benefits associated with a right standing in the eyes of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Hosea provides a list of them...
Editorial
Text: Hosea 14:4-8; John 15:1-5
Key Verse: Matthew 4:17 - "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Repentance is both a mercy and a privilege extended to mankind because of the grace of God Every other part of man's relationship with God hinges on this essential first step. Repentance is taught in both the Old and New Testaments. David's Psalm of repentance (Psalm 51) has become a model prayer. Job 33:26-30 provides a clear definition of what true repentance entails. Every Old Testament prophet issued calls for repentance, and both John the Baptist and Jesus inaugurated their ministries with "Repent ye!"
But repentance is more than just acknowledging our sin and asking for forgiveness. Repentance leads us to cleansing and clearing and making things right with those we have sinned against - including and especially God! Once man's heart is reconciled with God, he begins to understand the benefits associated with a right standing in the eyes of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Hosea provides a list of them...
- I will heal their backsliding.
- I will love them freely.
- My anger [against their sin] is turned away.
- I will be as the dew.
- He [the repentant one] shall grow as the lily,
- and cast forth his roots.
- His branches shall spread.
- His beauty shall be as the olive tree.
- His smell as Lebanon [cedar trees].
- They that dwell under his shadow shall return [extends to repentant's sphere of influence].
- They shall revive as corn,
- and grow as the vine.
- The scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon [which has great drawing power].
- All this comes at Jesus' expense! He said, "From Me is thy fruit found!" (John 15:1-5).
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Planning My Funeral
By Rachel Coltharp
I am planning my funeral.
I know EXACTLY what I want.
The least expensive coffin on the market.
Do NOT waste precious dollars on a fancy box
that is just going in the ground.
I was frugal in life, I have a reputation to protect.
Bury me in a size 8.
Maybe something with lace, or sequins.
Or even better, lace AND sequins.
I know you'll have to cut it open
and drape it over me,
but DO PLEASE bury me in a size 8.
Save your money, don't send flowers.
Instead, have a meal with someone you love.
Feel free to have tacos, chocolate cake
and sweet tea to remember me by.
And here is the best part,
I want THESE words said.
I want my kids to say,
“My mom was a woman of integrity.
She lived at home, like she lived in public.”
I want my husband to say
“She treated me with dignity and respect,
and made me want to be my best self.
Rachel made me proud to be a man.”
I want my neighbors to say,
“She shared her veggies and flowers with us,
and our kids always had a safe place
to play over at her house.
She sure loved our kids.
Mrs. Coltharp, she really loved her church.
She invited me to come every time we talked.”
I want my friends to say,
“Rachel always told me the truth.
It wasn’t always what I wanted to hear,
and I didn’t always agree with her,
but she always had my best at heart.”
I want my bank account to say
“She always paid her tithe,
and gave generously to the Kingdom.”
I want orphaned/abandoned children to say
“She shared with us when we were alone,
cold, hurting and hungry.”
I want my Bible to say,
“She slap WORE ME OUT”..
I want my computer, cell phone, debit card, check book and mailbox to say “She served Christ first with me, herself second.”
I want my house to say,
“I heard her pray every day,
and watched her disciple her children
right here within my walls.
She made me a holy place.”
And I want it all to be true.
So, like I said, I’m planning my funeral.
Every day.
Every time I plan a meal. Every time I open my web browser. Every time I whip out my debit card. Every time I pay my tithe. Every time I open my door to a neighbor, a friend, or a child.
Every time I reach for my Bible.
Every time I choke back my sarcastic reply, choosing a gracious word instead. Every time I stifle my irritation and serve with humility, as unto the Lord, and not men.
For when my voice has ceased to speak,
my words will echo in the hearts of my children.
When my prayers have ceased to be breathed,
they will still fan the flames
in the souls of my loved ones.
When my fingers stiffen and are folded
into eternal stillness,
my life will still touch those I leave behind.
I’ll be gone.
But I’ll still be here.
I’m planning my funeral.
Are you?
Editor's Note: Rachel, wife of Brent Coltharp, who co-pastors First Apostolic Church in Aurora, Illinois, is the mother of four children and wears many hats as she passes through her days. Most of what she has described in the article above are easy to observe in a life that's being well-lived for Jesus.
Pleasing God...
Editorial By
Marjorie Kinnee
Text: Hebrews 13:20-21 - "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
A recent excellent Bible Study by Sis. Foreman entitled "Three Ways to Please God," was a special blessing to me personally and has been a catalyst for meditation and further consideration. Identifying Righteousness, Integrity, and Holiness, she encouraged us to seek to follow after the Lord wholeheartedly, knowing that the Lord sees everything from the obvious to the thoughts and intents of the heart. Righteousness is imputed unto the faithful and obedient by God Himself. We need a "made-up mind, and our integrity is founded on our determination to follow God no matter what, no matter who's looking or not looking. Holiness is born in a heart that seeks to be cleansed from every sin and filled with His righteousness. It was apparent that these three factors are not only critically important, but they're also intertwined - each adding dimension and strength to the others.
Because two of my innermost, heart-felt longings are to sense His smile of approval toward me, and to hear Him say, "Well done!" at the end of my life's journey - my thoughts turned toward identifying ways we can know we are pleasing our Lord...
First, Hebrews 13:15-16 reveals that the 1.) "sacrifice of praise", 2.) "doing good" [obedience], and, 3.) "to communicate" [with God, His Word, with those He has set over us in spiritual authority, and with each other]. All three of these are counted as "sacrifices" that are "well-pleasing unto God." It is interesting to note the sacrificial part of this equation is that each of these require our submission - sending our will under His. Isaiah 1:19 promises good to those who are willing and obedient.
Second, Proverbs 11:20 tells us "the upright are His delight." In a physical building, an upright is dependable. Other parts of the building can lean on uprights because they support the structure. Spiritually speaking, the upright are pillars in the church; loyal, steadfast, proven over time, committed and dependable. It's no wonder they are pleasing to the Lord.
Third, Proverbs 16:7 provides an interesting bonus blessing... "When a man's ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." Think about it! When God's smile of approval is on you and your life, your enemies have to sit back and take notice. God's favor is obvious. We have only to look at the lives of men like Joseph and Daniel to see that God's favor is not subject to man's displeasure. Enemies conspired and beset both of these godly men, but God's favor brought them through it all with victory.
Finally, we can rest assured that His favor will carry us through whatever life brings our way. "The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy." (Psalm 147:11) There you have it! There are ways to know when we are pleasing our Lord and Savior and that we have His smile of approval. Pleasing God brings bountiful benefits and blessings well worth any and every sacrifice; not only here and now, in this life, but throughout eternity!
Marjorie Kinnee
Text: Hebrews 13:20-21 - "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
A recent excellent Bible Study by Sis. Foreman entitled "Three Ways to Please God," was a special blessing to me personally and has been a catalyst for meditation and further consideration. Identifying Righteousness, Integrity, and Holiness, she encouraged us to seek to follow after the Lord wholeheartedly, knowing that the Lord sees everything from the obvious to the thoughts and intents of the heart. Righteousness is imputed unto the faithful and obedient by God Himself. We need a "made-up mind, and our integrity is founded on our determination to follow God no matter what, no matter who's looking or not looking. Holiness is born in a heart that seeks to be cleansed from every sin and filled with His righteousness. It was apparent that these three factors are not only critically important, but they're also intertwined - each adding dimension and strength to the others.
Because two of my innermost, heart-felt longings are to sense His smile of approval toward me, and to hear Him say, "Well done!" at the end of my life's journey - my thoughts turned toward identifying ways we can know we are pleasing our Lord...
First, Hebrews 13:15-16 reveals that the 1.) "sacrifice of praise", 2.) "doing good" [obedience], and, 3.) "to communicate" [with God, His Word, with those He has set over us in spiritual authority, and with each other]. All three of these are counted as "sacrifices" that are "well-pleasing unto God." It is interesting to note the sacrificial part of this equation is that each of these require our submission - sending our will under His. Isaiah 1:19 promises good to those who are willing and obedient.
Second, Proverbs 11:20 tells us "the upright are His delight." In a physical building, an upright is dependable. Other parts of the building can lean on uprights because they support the structure. Spiritually speaking, the upright are pillars in the church; loyal, steadfast, proven over time, committed and dependable. It's no wonder they are pleasing to the Lord.
Third, Proverbs 16:7 provides an interesting bonus blessing... "When a man's ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." Think about it! When God's smile of approval is on you and your life, your enemies have to sit back and take notice. God's favor is obvious. We have only to look at the lives of men like Joseph and Daniel to see that God's favor is not subject to man's displeasure. Enemies conspired and beset both of these godly men, but God's favor brought them through it all with victory.
Finally, we can rest assured that His favor will carry us through whatever life brings our way. "The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy." (Psalm 147:11) There you have it! There are ways to know when we are pleasing our Lord and Savior and that we have His smile of approval. Pleasing God brings bountiful benefits and blessings well worth any and every sacrifice; not only here and now, in this life, but throughout eternity!
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Doing Good to Others
By Pastor Ken Foreman
Text: Luke 10:30-37
Key Verse: Luke 10:37b - "Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise."
In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus taught the basic principle of ministry - doing good to others in the stead of Christ.
Let's look at six ways to help and do good for others...
1.) Be Sure You Have the Right Attitude.
2.) As People of God, We need to Cultivate a "Good Samaritan" Attitude!
Text: Luke 10:30-37
Key Verse: Luke 10:37b - "Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise."
In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus taught the basic principle of ministry - doing good to others in the stead of Christ.
Let's look at six ways to help and do good for others...
1.) Be Sure You Have the Right Attitude.
- The Priest - insecure, fearful, avoided the problem. He held the victim at arm's length and isolated himself from the suffering man. Though his mandated ministry was clearly outlined, this priest was not willing to fulfill his responsibilities.
- The Levite - curious but uninvolved. Like a gawker, he wanted to see what was going on, but wasn't willing to pitch in and help.
- The Samaritan - saw and took action at his own expense. His compassion reached out to risk his own life for the sake of the injured man. He was willing to get dirty and bloody and gave of his time, energy, and personal resources.
* The key here is that we need to treat others as we would like to be treated!
2.) As People of God, We need to Cultivate a "Good Samaritan" Attitude!
- See the need...
- Ignorance and busy-ness are culprits/enemies of the right attitude.
- Meet the need...
- We need discernment; slow down, talk and listen to others.
- Two pence = two days' wages!
- Feel how others feel. (See Romans 12:5.)
- Judge nothing before the time!
- Learn how to listen!
- You learn sympathy/empathy by your experiences.
- Don't wait! Don't hesitate! - become a friend!
- Get down on their level - identify with them.
- Take a risk - be willing to get dirty.
- Money - personal involvement/investment.
- Time - the Samaritan took at least two days!
- Energy - first aid, picked up, carried, took care.
- No guarantee of a return.
- Compassion moved the Samaritan to action.
- He didn't get discouraged when/if he wasn't appreciated. (What could a man left for dead know of what was done to rescue him until well after the fact?)
Hidden Price Tags
By Rachel Coltharp
Cost is a tricky thing. We are often fooled into believing we know what we are paying. We also often overlook the fact that the price reflected on a tag, on a sticker, or in a menu is just the beginning. Everything comes with a hidden price tag.
Welcome to Rachelconomics 101. We will explore the hidden price tags of opportunity cost and emotional cost.
For the mathematicians out there, my formula is this: (Price + Maintenance Cost) + Emotional Cost + Opportunity Cost = Total Cost. I know the economics majors are choking right now, and I do apologize for throwing Rachelogic and Rachelmath into your neatly organized world, but roll with me, okay?
Let's look at an example of eating dinner at a restaurant. Since my theoretical dinner is a healthy one and has no adverse health affects requiring additional financial investment, I have $0 in maintenance cost. If I choose to eat junk, driving up my weight, sugar, and blood pressure, resulting in health care costs, early death, and lost wages, then further financial cost would have to be factored in.
I can figure the formula like this; a $10 dinner, plus a $2 drink, with tax, and a 20% tip will be $15.60. So, on the surface, the initial cost of my dinner is $15.60.
Behind these numbers lies another cost, opportunity cost. What I spend on dinner cannot be spent somewhere else. Looking at it from a different angle, the opportunity cost of eating out might be the lost opportunity to purchase a house. Over a 10-year span, one dinner out per week, per couple, ($16,224) equals a 10% down payment on a $160,000 house.
Look at long-term opportunity cost, not just initial price tag cost, The same couple, renting a house for an additional 10 years (at $1000 per month) equals $120,000 in lost equity. Thus, the opportunity cost of a once a week dinner out, can end up giving that $10 dinner an opportunity cost of $230.77 per dinner!
Opportunity cost is not just money.
Thrift stores and estate sales are filled with people's "Oh, I just HAVE to have it!" which eventually becomes, "Ahh, just get rid of it." Sadly, we often leave houses, garages, attics, and sheds full of STUFF, but the treasure chest of memories is bare.
Things like your health, your spouse, your children, and grandchildren; all come with expiration dates. Time spent with them, building relationships, investing in shared experiences should be considered in opportunity cost. The emotional cost of not spending time with them now may cost us millions of emotional dollars down the road.
I heard a broken-hearted pastor tell his story a few years back. He recounted how he left at the crack of dawn and returned home at dark his entire married life. When his wife of 40+ years died suddenly, he found himself visiting her grave every day, spending his lunch hour there. He told me, "The time I spent doing pressing things cost me more that I ever could have imagined. I'd give it ALL up to go back and spend more time with her. Why didn't I spend my lunch with her?" When she was alive, lunch with her every day seemed too costly. Her death put everything into perspective.
Health and strength fade. Parents die. Spouses die. Children grow up. And sometimes children die. don't overlook the opportunity cost of time.
Emotional Cost. If you spend money based on your momentary feelings, you most likely will not spend it wisely. Understanding spending habits by giving them an emotional price tag can help tremendously. There are some emotional costs that simply cannot be figured with mere numbers. There are occasions when the stress involved in planning, preparing, serving, and cleaning up simply outweighs the cost of paying someone else to do it. All emotional costs are not equal. Sometimes time is more valuable than money.
When my infant daughter was in the hospital, my husband and I took 12-hour shifts with her. Buying dinner to eat together in her room had an emotional price tag that cannot be reflected in numbers. The money we spent on those dinners bought more than our food. It bought us two hours together, with her. When you don't know if your baby is going to live, the opportunity cost of losing 2 hours with her vs. maybe not getting a house doesn't even matter.
However, when I'm just tired and don't want to cook, the emotional benefit cost of asking my husband to bring home food does not even compare to those hospital dinner costs. When I was merely tired, the opportunity cost of maybe not getting a house helped me suck up some reserve energy and cook! We have a house today because of it!
I've heard it said, "Time is money," but I disagree. Time is so much more than money; money you can make more of, time is limited. Learning to evaluate which is more valuable to you can help you invest them both wisely. Don't judge an investment merely by the sticker price because everything has a hidden price tag.
Editor's Note: Rachel is the wife of Brent Coltharp, pastor of First Apostolic Church in Aurora, Illinois and Superintendent of the UPCI's Illinois District. They have four children; James, Reagan, Lincoln, and Grant. Some years ago, Rachel spoke at an Apostolic Writers Banquet here at New Life. He husband ministered to us during that weekend. We were richly blessed by their ministry of the Word.
Cost is a tricky thing. We are often fooled into believing we know what we are paying. We also often overlook the fact that the price reflected on a tag, on a sticker, or in a menu is just the beginning. Everything comes with a hidden price tag.
Welcome to Rachelconomics 101. We will explore the hidden price tags of opportunity cost and emotional cost.
For the mathematicians out there, my formula is this: (Price + Maintenance Cost) + Emotional Cost + Opportunity Cost = Total Cost. I know the economics majors are choking right now, and I do apologize for throwing Rachelogic and Rachelmath into your neatly organized world, but roll with me, okay?
Let's look at an example of eating dinner at a restaurant. Since my theoretical dinner is a healthy one and has no adverse health affects requiring additional financial investment, I have $0 in maintenance cost. If I choose to eat junk, driving up my weight, sugar, and blood pressure, resulting in health care costs, early death, and lost wages, then further financial cost would have to be factored in.
I can figure the formula like this; a $10 dinner, plus a $2 drink, with tax, and a 20% tip will be $15.60. So, on the surface, the initial cost of my dinner is $15.60.
Behind these numbers lies another cost, opportunity cost. What I spend on dinner cannot be spent somewhere else. Looking at it from a different angle, the opportunity cost of eating out might be the lost opportunity to purchase a house. Over a 10-year span, one dinner out per week, per couple, ($16,224) equals a 10% down payment on a $160,000 house.
Look at long-term opportunity cost, not just initial price tag cost, The same couple, renting a house for an additional 10 years (at $1000 per month) equals $120,000 in lost equity. Thus, the opportunity cost of a once a week dinner out, can end up giving that $10 dinner an opportunity cost of $230.77 per dinner!
Opportunity cost is not just money.
Thrift stores and estate sales are filled with people's "Oh, I just HAVE to have it!" which eventually becomes, "Ahh, just get rid of it." Sadly, we often leave houses, garages, attics, and sheds full of STUFF, but the treasure chest of memories is bare.
Things like your health, your spouse, your children, and grandchildren; all come with expiration dates. Time spent with them, building relationships, investing in shared experiences should be considered in opportunity cost. The emotional cost of not spending time with them now may cost us millions of emotional dollars down the road.
I heard a broken-hearted pastor tell his story a few years back. He recounted how he left at the crack of dawn and returned home at dark his entire married life. When his wife of 40+ years died suddenly, he found himself visiting her grave every day, spending his lunch hour there. He told me, "The time I spent doing pressing things cost me more that I ever could have imagined. I'd give it ALL up to go back and spend more time with her. Why didn't I spend my lunch with her?" When she was alive, lunch with her every day seemed too costly. Her death put everything into perspective.
Health and strength fade. Parents die. Spouses die. Children grow up. And sometimes children die. don't overlook the opportunity cost of time.
Emotional Cost. If you spend money based on your momentary feelings, you most likely will not spend it wisely. Understanding spending habits by giving them an emotional price tag can help tremendously. There are some emotional costs that simply cannot be figured with mere numbers. There are occasions when the stress involved in planning, preparing, serving, and cleaning up simply outweighs the cost of paying someone else to do it. All emotional costs are not equal. Sometimes time is more valuable than money.
When my infant daughter was in the hospital, my husband and I took 12-hour shifts with her. Buying dinner to eat together in her room had an emotional price tag that cannot be reflected in numbers. The money we spent on those dinners bought more than our food. It bought us two hours together, with her. When you don't know if your baby is going to live, the opportunity cost of losing 2 hours with her vs. maybe not getting a house doesn't even matter.
However, when I'm just tired and don't want to cook, the emotional benefit cost of asking my husband to bring home food does not even compare to those hospital dinner costs. When I was merely tired, the opportunity cost of maybe not getting a house helped me suck up some reserve energy and cook! We have a house today because of it!
I've heard it said, "Time is money," but I disagree. Time is so much more than money; money you can make more of, time is limited. Learning to evaluate which is more valuable to you can help you invest them both wisely. Don't judge an investment merely by the sticker price because everything has a hidden price tag.
Editor's Note: Rachel is the wife of Brent Coltharp, pastor of First Apostolic Church in Aurora, Illinois and Superintendent of the UPCI's Illinois District. They have four children; James, Reagan, Lincoln, and Grant. Some years ago, Rachel spoke at an Apostolic Writers Banquet here at New Life. He husband ministered to us during that weekend. We were richly blessed by their ministry of the Word.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Who's the Boss?
By Rachel Coltharp
Submission is not an easy thing. From the moment we are born, we fight for our own way. I am no exception. Submission grates my skin like sandpaper, its grit rubs me raw; exposing the real me underneath. While it goes against our nature, everyone submits to someone.
It's what you do when you choose to be employed. You submit your "mission" of sleeping till noon, talking/texting to your friends all day - to their "mission" of being productive in whatever area they direct. It's what you do when you choose to stop at a red light when you'd rather plow on through because there are no other cars on the road but yours. It's what you do when you choose to pay your taxes rather than spend them on a vacation to Hawaii. Submission is part of our everyday life.
The heavy handed misuse of the principle of submission by non-Christ-like individuals has given it a bad image. The true pattern found in I Peter is that of a husband who takes time, effort, and energy to study and learn his wife - to get a Ph.D. in her! Husbands are instructed in I Peter 3:7 to study her, to honor her, and treat her as an equal in Christ, and is warned that if he doesn't, God will not hear his prayers. In Rachel language, this says, "Look here son, I'm trusting you with my precious baby girl. Get to know her, what makes her tick, and remember she's MINE, before she is yours. Treat her like MY daughter should be treated. And if you don't, don't even bother coming to Me with your petitions for repentance, provision, or protection.
You don't get any more serious than that - to have your connection to the Father cut off. God takes this authority/submission thing seriously. So should we.
As a follower of Christ, I choose submission to my spiritual authority (Pastor) and to my husband. I do not find it to be an easy thing. Simple, yes. Easy, no.
In choosing submission, I find that I learn a LOT about myself. I see that I am often selfish. I see that I am easily irritated. I see that I have a lot of pride. And I would NEVER see these things if I did not choose submission. The weaker me wants things MY way. The undisciplined me wants things MY way. It takes strength and stamina to push past me, the big fat baby me, to get to the best me.
What about you? Who do you submit to? Who has veto power in your life? How are you doing in submitting your will/mission to that of your authority? Do you take your role of spouse/parent/child/spiritual authority seriously?
Everyone follows someone. Everyone leads someone. I beg you to prayerfully consider your role in submission. Someone's soul may be at stake. Maybe yours.
Editor's Note: Rachel Coltharp is the wife of Brent L. Coltharp, (Illinois District Superintendent,) pastor of First Apostolic Church of Aurora, Illinois. She is not only a pastor's wife, but mother of four, friend of many, homeschool teacher extraordinaire, consoler, writer and speaker, and wearer of many hats. Her joy and wisdom reveals her as a modern-day Proverbs 31 lady. It's a privilege to reprint this article written recently.
Submission is not an easy thing. From the moment we are born, we fight for our own way. I am no exception. Submission grates my skin like sandpaper, its grit rubs me raw; exposing the real me underneath. While it goes against our nature, everyone submits to someone.
It's what you do when you choose to be employed. You submit your "mission" of sleeping till noon, talking/texting to your friends all day - to their "mission" of being productive in whatever area they direct. It's what you do when you choose to stop at a red light when you'd rather plow on through because there are no other cars on the road but yours. It's what you do when you choose to pay your taxes rather than spend them on a vacation to Hawaii. Submission is part of our everyday life.
The heavy handed misuse of the principle of submission by non-Christ-like individuals has given it a bad image. The true pattern found in I Peter is that of a husband who takes time, effort, and energy to study and learn his wife - to get a Ph.D. in her! Husbands are instructed in I Peter 3:7 to study her, to honor her, and treat her as an equal in Christ, and is warned that if he doesn't, God will not hear his prayers. In Rachel language, this says, "Look here son, I'm trusting you with my precious baby girl. Get to know her, what makes her tick, and remember she's MINE, before she is yours. Treat her like MY daughter should be treated. And if you don't, don't even bother coming to Me with your petitions for repentance, provision, or protection.
You don't get any more serious than that - to have your connection to the Father cut off. God takes this authority/submission thing seriously. So should we.
As a follower of Christ, I choose submission to my spiritual authority (Pastor) and to my husband. I do not find it to be an easy thing. Simple, yes. Easy, no.
In choosing submission, I find that I learn a LOT about myself. I see that I am often selfish. I see that I am easily irritated. I see that I have a lot of pride. And I would NEVER see these things if I did not choose submission. The weaker me wants things MY way. The undisciplined me wants things MY way. It takes strength and stamina to push past me, the big fat baby me, to get to the best me.
What about you? Who do you submit to? Who has veto power in your life? How are you doing in submitting your will/mission to that of your authority? Do you take your role of spouse/parent/child/spiritual authority seriously?
Everyone follows someone. Everyone leads someone. I beg you to prayerfully consider your role in submission. Someone's soul may be at stake. Maybe yours.
Editor's Note: Rachel Coltharp is the wife of Brent L. Coltharp, (Illinois District Superintendent,) pastor of First Apostolic Church of Aurora, Illinois. She is not only a pastor's wife, but mother of four, friend of many, homeschool teacher extraordinaire, consoler, writer and speaker, and wearer of many hats. Her joy and wisdom reveals her as a modern-day Proverbs 31 lady. It's a privilege to reprint this article written recently.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
God's Promises Are Within Your Reach!
By Mark A. Grisham
Text: Exodus 16:4 - "Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in My law, or no."
Israel was captive in Egypt 400 years. God delivered them and made them into a mobile people who lived in tents. God's blessing (favor) was upon them. They had cattle, goats, sheep and clothing and shoes that didn't wear out. His supply was inexhaustible. "Manna" rained down from heaven on them every day. Morning by morning... "Take what you need!"
On the sixth day, for the Sabbath, a double portion (two-day's worth) was provided. "Take what you need!"
"Manna" was just outside their tent door - within their arm's reach!
Imagine! Two million plus people received what they "needed" (each one of them) every day of every year for forty years.
Yet after ten generations they'd lost their identity and had taken on Egypt-ness. They'd been delivered from Egypt but Egypt was still inside them. Now they longed for what they'd gotten used to while God was raining His favor on them.
You need to know that His promise (and favor) is strong enough to stand on. "Take what you need!" That should build up your "most holy faith." You can retrieve the promises of God. His blessings are available at your tent door. "Take what you need!"
Editor's Note: Sermon notes from a message preached at New Life by Bro. Mark Grisham. An evangelist, he and his wife live in Houston, Texas.
Text: Exodus 16:4 - "Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in My law, or no."
Israel was captive in Egypt 400 years. God delivered them and made them into a mobile people who lived in tents. God's blessing (favor) was upon them. They had cattle, goats, sheep and clothing and shoes that didn't wear out. His supply was inexhaustible. "Manna" rained down from heaven on them every day. Morning by morning... "Take what you need!"
On the sixth day, for the Sabbath, a double portion (two-day's worth) was provided. "Take what you need!"
"Manna" was just outside their tent door - within their arm's reach!
Imagine! Two million plus people received what they "needed" (each one of them) every day of every year for forty years.
Yet after ten generations they'd lost their identity and had taken on Egypt-ness. They'd been delivered from Egypt but Egypt was still inside them. Now they longed for what they'd gotten used to while God was raining His favor on them.
You need to know that His promise (and favor) is strong enough to stand on. "Take what you need!" That should build up your "most holy faith." You can retrieve the promises of God. His blessings are available at your tent door. "Take what you need!"
Editor's Note: Sermon notes from a message preached at New Life by Bro. Mark Grisham. An evangelist, he and his wife live in Houston, Texas.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Life
By Charles R. Grisham
Life to many is a cruel thing,
In their hearts no joy bells ring,
No smile, no love for fellow men,
All alone, as though in a den.
The birds, the flowers are unnoticed by they,
All of creation is right in their way,
To offer assistance to these saddened souls
Often is worthless and makes them your foe.
But there are others who wear a big smile,
A beaming face and a happy profile,
Enjoying life and all that surrounds,
The secret to joy they surely have found.
In order to get the best from your life,
Give it your all and live for the right,
Keep on smiling from ear to ear,
And joy and love will ever be near.
[Written 1/20/1952 - crg]
Life to many is a cruel thing,
In their hearts no joy bells ring,
No smile, no love for fellow men,
All alone, as though in a den.
The birds, the flowers are unnoticed by they,
All of creation is right in their way,
To offer assistance to these saddened souls
Often is worthless and makes them your foe.
But there are others who wear a big smile,
A beaming face and a happy profile,
Enjoying life and all that surrounds,
The secret to joy they surely have found.
In order to get the best from your life,
Give it your all and live for the right,
Keep on smiling from ear to ear,
And joy and love will ever be near.
[Written 1/20/1952 - crg]
Terminal Thinking
By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial
Text: Psalm 39:4-8
One cannot sit under the teaching of Charles R. Grisham for 25 plus years without absorbing many impactful truths. One was his Three Touch Points for every day... (paraphrased)
True terminal thinking is not a box canyon. Psalm 39:4-5 reveals it's proper scope.
When it comes to spiritual things, it is all the more critical to understand that your seventy "promised" years are really not all that long. What you've invested your life into needs to count for far more than a mutual fund or an inheritance of tangible and/or monetary assets. Often, individuals become involved with philanthropic activities thinking they do "lasting and permanent good." However, eternal values cannot be bound up in dollars and cents.
In verses 7 and 8, the Psalmist says...
Editorial
Text: Psalm 39:4-8
One cannot sit under the teaching of Charles R. Grisham for 25 plus years without absorbing many impactful truths. One was his Three Touch Points for every day... (paraphrased)
- Touch God,
- Touch others,
- Touch something that will outlive you.
True terminal thinking is not a box canyon. Psalm 39:4-5 reveals it's proper scope.
- Make me to know my end
- And the measure of my days,
- That I may know how frail I am.
- Every man at his best state is but a vapor.
- Our earthly work is vain.
- In reality, we heap up wealth we cannot keep;
- We have no idea who is getting it.
When it comes to spiritual things, it is all the more critical to understand that your seventy "promised" years are really not all that long. What you've invested your life into needs to count for far more than a mutual fund or an inheritance of tangible and/or monetary assets. Often, individuals become involved with philanthropic activities thinking they do "lasting and permanent good." However, eternal values cannot be bound up in dollars and cents.
In verses 7 and 8, the Psalmist says...
- My hope is in God.
- He alone can keep me from a life of spiritual rebellion and disaster.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Choices
By Pauline Foreman
Often we have too many choices, they're daily - choices, choices, choices, bringing perplexity. Which way do I turn? Which path do I choose? Options are the list of many from which you make your selection. If there's only one thing to eat, you're reduced to one choice - eat, or not eat.
Why does God want us to choose? He knows ahead of time what we will do. He made everything that is and He saw that it was good. He formed man from the dust of the ground in His own image, then breathed the breath of life into him, and man became a living soul. ("Male and female created He them.") Nothing else in creation had this living soul. Animals have no choice; they are what they are. Being created in God's likeness meant the power of choice and dominion over all else, but not dominion over man. The only forbidden thing was the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (A choice.) The consequences of disobedience were made clear. But the choice was man's.
The tree of life - caused one to live.
The tree of knowledge - caused one to die.
Cain and Abel also had a choice in the matter of a sacrifice that would please God.
God gave us the power of choice to show that His love was unconditional. Consequences, yes. But whatever you choose, He will still love you. Even after Adam and Eve sinned, He clothed them with animal skins -- covered their sin with a blood sacrifice. God drove them from the garden because if they had continued to live there and eat of the tree of life, they would live forever in sin. So He barred the way to the tree of life.
The ground was cursed -- it would require sweat and blood to eke out a living for Adam, Eve, and their posterity. Eve's conception was multiplied and would be full of sorrow. The serpent was cursed above all animals -- forever to crawl on its belly and be at enmity with Eve and humanity in general.
Jesus' death on the cross was proof of His love. (Romans 8:38-39) You cannot separate Him from His love. God knows the heart's thoughts and intents. You can't hide anything from God.
Many things affect our choices; fear, ignorance, willfulness, lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, pride of life, peer pressure, (fear of man,) feelings, perceptions, time pressure, and our experiences. Even when we make the wrong choice/s, "...He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9)
Look at the lives of the Three Hebrew Children, Joseph, and Moses. (Hebrews 11:13-14) Study them carefully and prayerfully. Obedience to the Word of God helps us make the right choice/s.
Often we have too many choices, they're daily - choices, choices, choices, bringing perplexity. Which way do I turn? Which path do I choose? Options are the list of many from which you make your selection. If there's only one thing to eat, you're reduced to one choice - eat, or not eat.
Why does God want us to choose? He knows ahead of time what we will do. He made everything that is and He saw that it was good. He formed man from the dust of the ground in His own image, then breathed the breath of life into him, and man became a living soul. ("Male and female created He them.") Nothing else in creation had this living soul. Animals have no choice; they are what they are. Being created in God's likeness meant the power of choice and dominion over all else, but not dominion over man. The only forbidden thing was the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (A choice.) The consequences of disobedience were made clear. But the choice was man's.
The tree of life - caused one to live.
The tree of knowledge - caused one to die.
Cain and Abel also had a choice in the matter of a sacrifice that would please God.
God gave us the power of choice to show that His love was unconditional. Consequences, yes. But whatever you choose, He will still love you. Even after Adam and Eve sinned, He clothed them with animal skins -- covered their sin with a blood sacrifice. God drove them from the garden because if they had continued to live there and eat of the tree of life, they would live forever in sin. So He barred the way to the tree of life.
The ground was cursed -- it would require sweat and blood to eke out a living for Adam, Eve, and their posterity. Eve's conception was multiplied and would be full of sorrow. The serpent was cursed above all animals -- forever to crawl on its belly and be at enmity with Eve and humanity in general.
Jesus' death on the cross was proof of His love. (Romans 8:38-39) You cannot separate Him from His love. God knows the heart's thoughts and intents. You can't hide anything from God.
Many things affect our choices; fear, ignorance, willfulness, lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, pride of life, peer pressure, (fear of man,) feelings, perceptions, time pressure, and our experiences. Even when we make the wrong choice/s, "...He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9)
Look at the lives of the Three Hebrew Children, Joseph, and Moses. (Hebrews 11:13-14) Study them carefully and prayerfully. Obedience to the Word of God helps us make the right choice/s.
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