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Deuteronomy 15:7-11             We have all seen the neon signs in store and restaurant windows with the blue neon border and words in red which say “OPEN.”  Such signs express more than the current status of the establishment.  The sign says “Come on in,” “We are available,” “You are welcome here,” etc.  They are visually inviting.             The Bible has much to say about people being “open.”  In our text, the Lord is giving instruction about the poor: “...you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother...”  The open hand is based upon a heart which is not hardened but open to the plight of those in need.  In fact, “openness” is a necessary characteristic of a righteous person.             First, a righteous person’s mind is open to the word of God.  What are its truths?  What kind of person does God want me to become?  What are the good works in which He wants me involved?  The ears of the righteous are open to the voice of the Good Shepherd.             Second, the righteous person’s heart is open to accepting those truths and putting them into action in his/her life.  If a person’s heart opens to doing the will of God, then his heart opens to those around him.  His eyes open to see the circumstances of others.  His ears open to the heartaches and cries for comfort and help.             Third, the arms of the righteous are open to welcome and support others.  The hands are open to give aid.  The mouth opens to speak encouragement and hope.  Prayer is offered.  The gospel is shared, and the lips are opened in praise to the Lord (Psalm 51:15).  He/she is open to the leading of the Holy Spirit to show the love of God to fellow travelers.             On the other hand, the “closed” person does not open his/her heart to the word of God nor to the circumstances of those around him.  His heart remains focused upon himself - closed to the struggles and cries for help of the needy and the lost.             Are you an open  or a closed  person?  When you become aware of the needs, struggles and lostness of another, what do you do?                                                             ><>  Jeff

1 Corinthians 9:19-23             Having purpose in life is important.  Many people who believe they have no purpose for living become depressed and often give up on living meaningful lives.  They can sink into further depression and despair, often turning to drugs and other escape-from-reality mechanisms.  Some resort to suicide.             There are a wide range of “purposes” for living which run from the honorable to the vile.  Many people find purpose in altruistic endeavors: volunteering in soup kitchens, visiting in care centers, raising money for various charitable causes, etc.  Others find purpose in rearing children and providing for their family.  Others pursue a career which benefits mankind such as medicine or teaching.  Lots of folks immerse themselves in various hobbies and pastimes: fishing, golf, collecting, gardening, antiquing, etc.  For others, money, power and fame are the driving force in their lives.  Some people even find evil purpose in lives of crime.             For the Christian, purpose in life takes on different meaning and perspective.  Having accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord, He now becomes our Master, and His purposes become ours.  We gain a new perspective on life.  Let’s take a couple of examples.  We may still want to volunteer in soup kitchens, but now it isn’t just about my own personal satisfaction but about Christ working through me to show His love.  I still want to do well in my career, but now such things as honesty, integrity and fair play come to the fore.  Am I honoring Christ in my work and in my conduct at my place of employment?             Paul’s life took on new purpose after Jesus stopped him in his tracks on the road to Damascus.  He had been living all-out to keep the law of Moses in his life.  Now, Jesus becomes his Lord, and His word becomes his purpose.  He wrote: “I do all things for the sake of the gospel...”   The gospel for Paul was his specific charge from Jesus - to take the message of the cross to the Gentile people.  The gospel became Paul’s purpose in life - both inside and out.             We would all do well to remember Paul’s example.  We need to keep Jesus’ words close to our hearts in all we do.                                                             ><>  Jeff

Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-24             From where does the knowledge of good and evil originate?  Human beings have that sense that certain things are just “wrong.”  The person who believes in the spontaneous generation of life  (life just sprang from non-life) has no legitimate answer to this question.  The only way for there to be something which can be called evil  is for there to be something which can be objectively called good .  That “something” is none other than a holy God.  The atheistic evolutionist’s world in which man is nothing but elements, enzymes and electro-chemical reactions has no standard to judge good and evil.  Things just exist.  People just are.             Adam and Eve were forbidden by God to eat of the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”  Before they disobeyed, the first pair knew only good.  They did not know what evil was nor had they experienced it.  They lived in a paradise with God.  They didn’t know how “ good ” they had it!  Then everything changed.  Enter the serpent.             One of the devil’s lines in his temptation was that “in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”  Eve considered “that the tree was desirable to make one wise.”  She thought that knowing good and evil was a good thing, and so Eve ate.  While they were munching away, the knowledge that they had disobeyed God sunk in.  They got what they wanted.  They tried to cover themselves and hide from God.             It got worse.  God acts, and they begin to experience the consequences of their evil deed.  The woman’s pain in childbirth will be multiplied.  The ground is cursed with weeds so Adam will now toil and sweat to have food.  They are driven from the Garden away from the tree of life and out of fellowship with God.  In a few years, their older son murders their younger one.  They now understand the concept of “good and evil” and have experienced both.             Today, humanity still lives with the consequences of their actions and will do so until the end of all things.  Praise God, however, that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).  Someday, evil will be no more.                                                             ><>  Jeff

Ephesians 1:3-6             Throughout the New Testament, Christians are referred to as God’s chosen (or elect) people.  Paul writes that “He chose us in Him” (i.e. in Christ) to be holy and blameless.  Peter writes that Christians are a “chosen race (generation), a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1:2:9).  Paul writes to the Thessalonian church (2:2:13) that they had been chosen “for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.”  This choosing by God was His plan “before the foundation of the world” and comes through the life, death and resurrection of our Savior Christ Jesus.             But the question naturally follows: Chosen for what?  Certainly for salvation, but is that all there is to it?  Does God just want to be able to point to some group of people and say they are His saved?  The idea that the saved are sanctified and holy gives us a good indication of God’s intentions.  Christians are set apart for His purposes.  Saved?  Yes.  But is that the extent of it?  Certainly not.  In the previous scripture reference, Peter continues to say that these are chosen “so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”             Some have quipped in recent years that instead of being the chosen that God’s people are the “frozen.”  Frozen in their church buildings and unable to get out and serve their communities.  Frozen in their traditions and unable to make necessary changes to accomplish the whole will of God.  Frozen in their ways and unable to think differently about better ways to spread the gospel and make disciples.  Frozen in their lifestyles and unwilling to make any sacrifices to further the kingdom of heaven.             For what are the chosen chosen ??  To proclaim the gospel to the lost.  To make disciples.  To equip the saints for ministry.  To do good and show the love of God to all people.  To bear burdens.  To encourage the faint-hearted and support the weak.  To bring back the wandering.  To be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.   To live lives worthy of the gospel.             So.  Are you chosen, or are you “frozen”?                                                             ><>  Jeff

John 11:30-37             Does God cry?  What do you think?  Scripture indicates that God experiences anguish of heart when people do wrong.  In the days of Noah (Genesis 6:5-8) we are told that God observed the continual wickedness of mankind and that “He was grieved in His heart.”  Maybe God in heaven does not shed literal tears, but He certainly is hurt by the sinful and destructive actions of us human beings.             It is also important to know this.  God isn’t only concerned about those who sin persistently without repentance and continually reject the gospel.  Though this may be His greatest concern (knowing what pain and sorrow that will ultimately bring), He is also troubled by the heartache which we Christians cause for ourselves and for others when we sin:             When someone is lied to...             When someone is gossiped about...             When somebody steals from another...             When harsh and abusive words are spoken...             When selfishness displaces love...             When marriage vows are broken...             When children are neglected...             When fathers are disrespected...             When mothers are taken for granted...             When the bond of fellowship is disregarded...             When lives are wasted on the trivial day in and day out...                         ...God is grieved, and the Divine heart aches.             When Jesus went to see Mary and Martha after the death of their brother Lazarus, he wept.  He certainly wept for Lazarus, but He knew He was going to raise him up.  Was Jesus not also weeping for Mary and Martha over the grief that their brother’s death had brought to them?  Was He not weeping for all of us who would experience the heartaches, losses and separations which result from sin?             God’s tears.  Maybe we, too, should cry a little more over our own sins and the sins of the world.  Maybe a lot more.                                                             ><>  Jeff

Ecclesiastes 12:11             What better way to start the new year than with another helping of the sayings and quotes I’ve collected?  Read, savor and be blessed!   >                    Our faith is not true because we believe it; rather, we believe it because it is true.    – Mark Mittelberg   >                    To serve a hungry person a meal is just as holy as to serve them the Lord’s Supper.   >                    Unless you assume a God, the question of life’s purpose is meaningless.       – Bertrand Russell (atheist)   >                    Bad habits are like a comfortable bed: easy to get into, but hard to get out of.   >                    It’s not whether you get knocked down.  It’s whether you get up.      – Vince Lombardi   >                    Every saint has a past; every sinner can have a future.   >                    Read your Bible - it’s the only book God wrote.   >                    God does not reveal His secrets to lazy people.                                                 – Alexander Shaw   >                    Some people can’t be taught anything because they already know everything.   >                    Friendship that insists upon agreement on all matters is not worth the name. – Gandhi   >                    Some things need to be believed to be seen.                                                             ><>  Jeff

John 14:1-3             There is an old expression: “Home is where the heart is.”  Now, I believe that’s a good sentiment if one understands “the heart” in the expression.  It is one’s love, passion and desire.  For some people home is a place; for others, it’s family.             In a very real sense, Christians are on a journey home.  What we need to be careful about on this journey is where our “heart” is.  Some of us focus on that “mansion just over the hilltop” of which we sing.  Jesus spoke of going to prepare a place for us, and this causes all kinds of thoughts about our perfect estate: the big family room, screened in porch, farmhouse kitchen, deck with a view of the mountains and lake, etc.  We have all done imaginings like that.             Others focus on another aspect of this home to which we travel found in Revelation (21:3-5) - no death, no pain, no mourning.  All the troubles and evils of this world will be gone.  The hope for such a paradise is intoxicating for those who have suffered in this life.             One thing, however, we must never forget regarding this home to which we travel - and this is crucial.  This home isn’t about the place to which we go no matter how glorious those “pearly gates” look.  Nor is it about the blessedness of being free from pain and the fear of death.  These dare not be “the heart” of our homeward travel.             If we read Jesus’ words with care (Is there any other way?), we will see the real reason for our spiritual trek: “that where I am, there you may be also.”  The focus of our journey is not that special place (although it will truly be magnificent) nor that peace bringing set of circumstances (although it will be pure joy).  The focus is on the One who makes it all possible - Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God.  He is the One for whom we should long and desire to be with.             We sing: “But I long to see my Savior first of all.”  Will you stand around gawking at the gold and jewels of the holy city or perhaps lie down in the cool grass in total peace?  Or will you be looking for Somebody?  “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3).             Home is where the heart is.  Hmmm?                                                             ><>  Jeff

Matthew 10:7-8             We are in that season of the year in which giving is on everybody’s mind.  A spirit of giving seems to be at every corner and on every website.  Those who celebrate Christmas are busy shopping for gifts for family and friends.  TV ads and fliers remind us of how many shopping days are left and how late you can order on line and still receive your purchase in time for the holiday.             Charitable organizations seize the opportunity of the season, also.  Red kettles can be found at the entrance to many stores.  We are reminded everywhere to remember the needs of the less fortunate for food and clothing.  It seems we receive more requests than usual from these groups for financial support both by letter and e-mails.  Everybody jumps on the proverbial “giving bandwagon.”  It’s the season of giving.  But it’s also the season of expected giving.             Did you ever get the feeling that the friendly bell-ringer tending the red kettle who says “Merry Christmas” thinks you’re a “scrooge” if you don’t open your wallet and drop a buck in the pot?  Do you feel guilty if you don’t?             That brings up the question: What exactly is giving?  If we give because someone expects us to give, is that giving?  If we give a gift because we feel guilty if we don’t, is that giving?  If we put something in the collection basket because we think that satisfies some tenet of religion, is that giving?             When Jesus sent out the twelve to preach the good news to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” he gave them gifts that they could then give to them.  “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons,” He told them.  But their giving came with a condition: “Freely you received, freely give.”  This is true giving.  Just as we welcome and joyfully accept gifts, we are to give things away with the same attitude of heart.  Freely, willingly, joyfully.             For the Christian, there really is no season of giving.  We welcome opportunities to give to those in need throughout the year.  We are, in fact, alert for them.  Giving is part of our spiritual DNA.                                                             ><>  Jeff

John 21:1-17             We often wonder why some people who begin the Christian journey never seem to get too far.  Some just kind of poke along the road.  Others appear to stand around and watch fellow travelers hike on by down the highway.  There are many, sad to say, who leave the route at various junctures and head out for vague, fanciful destinations.             What is the cause for this? Let’s first eliminate one possibility.  And that would be belief or faith.  Now I do realize that some who have begun the discipleship journey get to a point (for whatever reasons) that they stop believing in Jesus, even in God.  From my experience, these are in the minority.  Many “stragglers” on the road will say something like “I still believe in God” or “I still have faith.”  The scriptures give us several examples of people who believed in Jesus and/or the gospel but failed to build on that faith and never made it (as far as we know).  So, what’s the key?  Let’s look at John 21.             Jesus has been resurrected and gone to Galilee where He said He would meet the disciples.  They had gone as instructed, but when Jesus had not yet shown Himself to them, Peter said, “I am going fishing.”  Galilee, the lake, was his old haunt, and fishing was his livelihood.  All familiar and comfortable.  Well, they caught nothing after fishing all night.  Jesus appears on the shore, tells them to cast their net on the “right-hand side of the boat,” and they haul in 153 large fish.  Of course now, they recognize the Lord.  After a charcoal-fired breakfast, Jesus is ready to talk sheep with Peter.             “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?”  I don’t know why so many people struggle with what the “these” is here.  It’s the key to the whole story and to devoted discipleship.  The “these” are the fish which represent Peter’s former passion and life.  Is he ready to give it all up now in order to shepherd God’s people?             “Do you love Me more than these?”  More than yourself, your own life, your husband/wife, your children, your career, your greatest passion in life...?  Jesus is alive.  He is a real person.  He gave Himself for you.  Do you love Him?  Will you follow Him?             “Do you love Me more than these?”  That is the question.                                                             ><>  Jeff

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18             Today is “Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.”  In 1941, when most of the world was at war, the United States was trying to stay out of the conflict.  On December seventh, the Japanese navy conducted a surprise attack on U.S. naval and army forces in Hawaii.  The next day, the United States officially entered World War II.  The lives of every American alive at that time were severely impacted.  The fallout and effects from the events of that day are still being felt in our time.             There were many days in the history of mankind which contained monumental events.  The Bible speaks of five of the most significant.  One is yet to happen.             The birth of Jesus Christ : Prophesied from the very beginning in the garden, the birth of the Son of God as Savior of the world came about when God had everything in place.  His desire for all people to have life eternal would be fulfilled through the life, ministry and death of His only begotten Son.             The baptism of Jesus : Many people overlook this day, but when Jesus was baptized by John, He unabashedly identified with sinful humanity and officially began His work to free us from the iron grip of Satan.  His Father openly acknowledged Him on that day.             The crucifixion of Jesus : This was a dark day for the human race with its wickedness on full display.  Jesus’ own people railroaded Him in a rigged trial and pressured Pilate to yield to their wishes to execute Him by crucifixion, a grisly death.  This all despite the fact that Jesus was innocent of any law-breaking, either Mosaic or Roman.             The resurrection of Jesus : This was a day of victory!  Despite its gruesome aspects, Jesus’ death was actually the sacrifice of the Son of God for the sins of the world.  He came back from the dead on this day in triumph over Satan, death and Hades.             The return of Jesus : Jesus will return at the end of the age to reward His own and take them to be with Him.  What a great day that will be!  Jesus’ enemies and unbelievers will be condemned to eternal destruction.  A sad day for them.             Do I even have to ask?  Are you ready?                                                             ><>  Jeff

John 6:1-14 , 25-35             How many meals a week do you eat?  Do you get your “three squares” a day?  That would be twenty-one meals a week.  We all know that because of crazy schedules, sometimes we miss a meal or just grab something “on the go.”  Perhaps we should reword the question: How many times a week do you eat?  Most of us (all?) also eat snacks (nutritious or not) during the day and do some snacking in the evening.  Without stretching it too much, we may be eating something 35 to 40 times a week!  That’s a lot of eating.  But we know that food (especially nutritious food) is essential to maintain good health and provide energy to work, recreate, and live life.             Jesus used the idea of food and applied it to the spiritual person.  Following His feeding of the 5000, He admonished the crowd who had followed Him for simply wanting food for the body.  He told them to work “for the food which endures to eternal life.”  In the exchange which followed, there was discussion about the manna which Israel ate in the wilderness.  Jesus reminded His listeners that the manna had come from His Father, and that “the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.”  He then spoke those beautiful words: “I am the bread of life.”             Now let’s ask this question.  If we eat thirty plus times a week to feed our bodies, how many times a week do we need to feed on the Bread of Life to maintain a healthy spiritual person?  How many times a week do we need to feed on the Word and seek the Lord in prayer to receive the knowledge, strength and guidance to live the Christian life?             Perhaps the numbers comparison is not legitimate, but Jesus told His hearers to “work...for the food which endures to eternal life.”  This implies time, energy and effort.  It could be that Satan has deceived us (again) into thinking that one or two helpings on Sunday of the Bread of Life is enough to get us through the week.  Actually, that’s probably true, but God wants us to do more than just “get through the week.”  He wants us to grow and become forces for good in this evil world.  Are you getting enough of the Bread of God?                                                             ><>  Jeff

Colossians 3:15             Thanksgiving is our very favorite holiday.  It bothers us a great deal that it gets squeezed out (even crushed) between Halloween and Christmas.  Thanksgiving brings together faith and family, along with food (some would add football!).  To use an overworked phrase: it doesn’t get any better than that!  Although Paul encourages us to “be thankful” as a matter of course, Thanksgiving is an opportunity to pause from the hectic pace of daily living and reflect upon the goodness of the Lord God, our Creator.  His blessings range from the material through the spiritual.  For what things should we be thankful?  Here are just a few...   >                    the love of God.  Without it, we perish >                    the cross of our Lord Jesus.  Without it we perish >                    the resurrection of Jesus.  Without it we perish >                    the Holy Spirit.  Without Him we are in the dark >                    your parents.  They took care of you and taught you. >                    your siblings, if you had them.  Despite the squabbles. >                    the opportunity to hear and obey the gospel.  Life saving. >                    a loving and faithful wife or husband.  A true blessing. >                    children and grandkids.  What a joy! >                    God’s patience.  You didn’t always do right. >                    God’s looking out for you.  Oh my!  How many times? >          God’s bringing you through hard times.  Yes, He did. >                    Having more than enough to help others.  Humbling. >                    the Bible.  So much to learn; so little time. >                    prayer.  He is always available. >                    your church family.  They really do love you. >                    morning coffee.  Bacon.  Chocolate.  Pizza. >                    a good book.  Good music.  A good conversation. >                    Sunshine.  Fresh air.  Morning mist.  Flowers. >                    Freedom.  Hope.               What else would you add?  Be thankful.                                                             ><>  Jeff