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Matthew 28:1-4 , 11-15 Webster defines integrity as “the quality or state of being of sound moral principle, uprightness, honesty, and sincerity” ( Webster’s New College Dictionary ).  This moral wholeness so completely affects a person of integrity that every aspect of their life is guided by honest behavior.  Let’s look at some men who did not possess this most needful quality.             The guards who were assigned to watch the tomb where Jesus’ body was placed had quite a story to tell on that momentous first day of the week.  The peace of that early morning was suddenly and loudly disrupted by an earthquake: rumblings and shaking of the ground.  An angel of the Lord appeared and rolled the stone away from the door of the tomb.  And he sat upon it himself as a watchman over the holy place.  The guards observed all of this but could do nothing because of their fearful shaking (v 4).  They had been eye witnesses to arguably the most awesome and significant event in history!             Like well-trained soldiers, they reported to their superiors all that had transpired.  But the marvelous happenings they saw on their morning watch died with them.  Their lips never spoke again of the glorious sights which their eyes had seen.  They sold out for “a large sum of money” and lied about what they had witnessed.  They were not men of integrity.             Are you a person of integrity?  What do you do with the “many infallible proofs” ( Acts 1:3 ) that Jesus of Nazareth was in fact resurrected from the dead?  What do you do with the insurmountable evidence that the Bible is the book from God and is pure truth through and through?  Do you turn your back and sell out for your current lifestyle?  Is your family religion more important to you than finding the faith which was held by first century Christians?  If these or other things cause you to reject the Word of God, you are numbered with a certain group of soldiers who chose not to speak of the glorious events they witnessed early one morning some two thousand years ago.             However, if you do believe the Bible witness about Jesus’ resurrection, do you share this or keep it to yourself?  Hmmm?                                                                         ><>  Jeff

Proverbs 8 In the book of Proverbs, wisdom is personified as a lady whom everyone needs to get to know and to whom we should all listen.  In chapter eight, she promises that only truth will come from her lips and that her words will contain no wickedness, only righteousness.  Her sayings are noble and right.  My, how desperately we all need wisdom these days!             Wisdom puts forward as her credentials (thus good reason for us to listen to her) that she was in the beginning with the Lord “Before His works of old” (v 22), and that “From everlasting I was established” (v 23).  She maintains she “was beside Him, as a master workman” (v 30).  This is a clear declaration by God that not only was His creation accomplished through wise design, but also that there was a certain correctness to it.  In other words, if God had tried to do things any other way (within the parameters which He had set) there would have been serious deficiencies if not an utter failure in creation.  Wisdom was absolutely necessary for the creation to flow together and function in a beautifully synchronized  manner.             But wisdom claims that not only was she necessary in the Lord’s forming the heavens and the earth, but also she is needed for a person to live their life in the right way on earth.  She claims there is a right way and a wrong way to live one’s life (vv 35-36).  She is seen standing beside the city gates ( v 3) which says that we need her to guide us in our daily comings and goings.  She stands “Where the paths meet.”  These would represent the path of wisdom and therefore life, and the path of foolishness leading to death.  Kings and rulers need her to “judge rightly” (v 16).  She promises blessings to those who keep her ways (v 32).             Yet, despite wisdom’s warnings of certain trouble if we don’t listen to her and her promises of even riches and honor if we do, so few people actually seek her out.  We let our feelings guide us, “listen to our hearts,” and follow the ways of the world.  No wonder we find ourselves in such big messes!  Better we find wisdom for she is more precious than silver, gold and all desirable things (vv 10-11).

Proverbs 30:7-9             Sometimes life is a perfect summer with breezy days, pleasant temperatures and just enough rain to keep the vegetables growing and the flowers blooming.  The blessings of God seem to especially flow at times like these: good health, success in business, friendships are easy, temptations are less powerful, joy and peace flood the heart - everything rolls along smoothly.             But then a cloud or two appears above the ridge line, and the cold air begins to sweep down the hillside.  Life turns into a hard winter: bitter cold days, biting winds, snow storms and freezing rain.  Nothing seems to be good: health wanes, business is a struggle, the spouse is distant, the neighbor complains, temptations are strong, fear and doubt are constant companions.             Agur has a prayer which addresses the extremes of life.  (Please take a moment to read our text).  He asks God not to make him rich because there is a great temptation when everything is good and a person is “full.”  He will begin to think (contrary to all that he knows in his heart that is true) that God had no part in preparing the bountiful table before him.  He looks at the gift and not the Giver.             Agur also asks God not to bring him to poverty where he must beg for then he will be tempted to steal and thus “profane the name of my God.”  In dire need he will also tend to forget his God and focus upon that which he does not have rather than the Giver who can provide everything which he needs.             In contrast to these two extremes, Agur asks for “the food which is my portion.”  In other words, he prays that God will give him just what he needs - a good balance in life.             In times of wellness and sickness, in plenty and in want, in turmoil and peace, in sadness and joy, there is the ever present temptation to forget the One who always rules and who rules in and over all the circumstances of life.  Whether we are experiencing the blessing or the “curse,” let us remember that it is God who is ruling over all things and to seek Him with our whole heart.                                                                         ><>  Jeff

Colossians 3:12-14             Relationships are at the very center of life.  From husband and wife, parent and child, and other family to neighbors, schoolmates, co-workers and brothers and sisters in Christ - relationships are everywhere.  The Bible is filled with God’s instructions about how to get along properly with the other people in our lives.             But a strange thing happens on the way to building strong, loving relationships - people!  How ironic that the very thing with which we try to grow close or get along is the very thing which prevents our achieving that goal!  We are all sinners with weaknesses and faults.  We have different perspectives, personal desires and unique personalities.  We offend one another through both words and actions, even by silence and inaction.  We all do it - some more often and worse than others.             The offense, then, becomes at the same time both a barrier between the two persons and a chain which holds them together.  The offense is a barrier because it inhibits the two people from growing closer together.  It is a fixed occurrence in the history of the two parties which must be removed if the relationship is to grow or perhaps even continue.  In addition, the offense becomes a chain linking the two people together because as long as it exists neither person can escape from its harmful effects.  No matter where they go, that offense binds them together through that particular event in their history.  They cannot be free from it unless the chain is broken.             So, how can this barrier be destroyed and the chain broken?  Only by forgiveness.  When forgiveness is sought and granted, the offense is removed.  This is the essence of forgiveness - removing barriers.  When the barrier is taken out of the way, then the chain is also broken.  That event, the offense, is no longer a factor in that relationship, and the two people are free to draw closer together and strengthen their bond of love and friendship.             Thus, both persons are released from the debilitating effects of the past offense.  Freedom returns.  Forgiveness is a beautiful thing!                                                             ><>  Jeff

Matthew 7:13-14             In our text, Jesus contrasts the way of sin with the way of righteousness.  The gate leading to destruction is wide, and the way is broad, making it easy to enter and travel.  The gate to life is small, and the way is narrow, making it difficult to find and follow.  On our journey through life, we are confronted with numerous pathways to follow.  We must be alert to choose the way leading to life.   It’s easier to fret and worry...             than to get down on our knees and pray. It’s easier to sleep in on Sunday morning and watch the live stream... than to get up and go to the assembly. It’s easier to pretend you don’t have a problem...             than to ask for the help which you need. It’s easier to blame someone else...             than to accept the responsibility for what you did. It’s easier to keep bitterness in your heart...             than to go and offer forgiveness. It’s easier to be on social media, play video games or watch movies...             than to read and study your Bible It’s easier to lie...             than to face up to the truth. It’s easier to “go fishin’”...             than to concentrate on the lesson being taught. It’s easier to keep your mouth closed...             than to speak up with the gospel message. It’s easier to say, “Just one more time”...             than to say, “No more.” It’s easier to let someone else do it...             than to accept some responsibility and get involved. It’s easier simply to agree with these words...             than to take some action in your own life. It’s easier to be a dying branch...             than a fruitful vine.                                                             ><>  Jeff

Ecclesiastes 12:11             Here we go with another installment of the quotations and sayings I’ve collected over the years.  Read, ponder and be blessed!   >                    No man really becomes a fool until he stops asking questions.                                                             – Charles P. Steinmetz   >                    It’s just so easy to be average.  – Urban Meyer   >                    Just because you don’t believe it doesn’t mean it isn’t true.   >                    The reason that Bible class teachers, elders and ministers continue to study the Bible is they want those they teach to drink from a running stream rather than a stagnant pool.   >                    It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.                                                             – Yogi Berra   >                    We tend to forget what we should remember, and to remember what we should forget.   >                    I don’t have time to think about where I’m going because I’m in such a hurry to get there.   >                    God cannot lead a man who stands still.                                                             – Gerald Paden   >                    I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.                                                             – Abraham Lincoln   >                    God doesn’t give us what we can handle; He helps us handle what we are given.                                                                         ><>  Jeff

Revelation 12:7-12             The origin of the devil is a topic about which there is much discussion and disagreement.  Suffice it to say that the devil is a very real spirit being whose purpose in life is to oppose God, thwart His plans and destroy those who serve the Almighty.  If we take a careful look at the Bible, we become aware that Satan uses three main methods to attack God’s people and try to derail the plans of God.             One of these methods is persecution.  Persecution can come in many forms, but the basic idea of it is force or threat to create pain or loss of some kind.  Early on the apostles were jailed for preaching the gospel and were threatened not to teach in the name of Jesus.  Herod had James beheaded and imprisoned Peter.  Paul endured numerous beatings and imprisonments.  The writer of Hebrews reminds his readers that at one time some of them had lost their property ( 10:34 ) for their faith.  For some the pain or loss was severe enough that they considered turning from Christ.             Another method employed by the devil is attacks through temptations to sin.  Through lust of the flesh, lust of the eye and the pride of life ( 1 John 2:16 ), he constantly tries to trip up and ensnare the Christian.  The allure of the world is powerful and whether it’s wealth, power, status, sex, drugs, comfort, pleasure, booze, etc., the evil one knows how to make them all look appealing and even harmless.  His end is to make us his captive rather than servants of Christ.             Third, Satan uses false teachings and religions to draw away God’s people and thus thwart God’s purposes.  Both Israel and Judah succumbed to the deceptions of worshiping the idols of the Canaanites.  Jesus denounced the corrupted temple worship at Jerusalem.  The apostles’ writings are full of warnings about falling away from the word of truth and following false doctrine.  Jesus said is was the truth which would make us free ( John 8:31-32 ).             Beware of Satan’s tactics!  Do not give in to threats.  Learn to endure opposition.  Do not be seduced by the things of the world.  Do not be deceived by unbiblical teachings and practices.  Hold fast to Christ and His word.  Your life and the lives of others are at stake.                                                             ><>  Jeff

Zechariah 8:21             Sunday, September 15, has been designated by “the powers that be” as Back to Church Sunday.   We certainly agree that many people have wandered away from the Lord and failed to assemble regularly with the saints.  The pandemic in 2020-21 seemed to throw a lot of people off track, and they have never returned.  Other things, also, are always pulling people away: jobs, kids, entertainment, schedules, etc.  Add to this the fact that many who professed Christ never really grew very much, and their faith just withered on the vine.             Back to church is a good rallying cry, but it needs to be coupled with this one: back to Christ!   The church is, as we know, the body of Christ.  You can’t have the church without Christ, nor can you have Christ without the church.  Some professing Christians just want a nice little church service on Sunday morning to kind of make them feel good about themselves.  You know, nothing too serious or too challenging, or anything which will upset their current lifestyle.  People today tend to forget that when people in the first and second centuries became Christians they were knowingly opening themselves up to the good possibility of torture and death for the Holy Name.             Back to church and back to Christ both also mean back to the Bible.   After all, the Bible is the Word of God without which we would know nothing of either Christ or His church.  The church, Christ, and the Bible go hand in hand.  They are inseparable.   >                    With that being said, let’s take advantage of Back to Church Sunday on September 15.   If you have family or friends whom you’ve not seen in church for some time, get in touch.  Phone call, note, even a text.  It’s a “relaxed” approach.  “It’s ‘back to church Sunday’, Why don’t you come?”  Pray, give it a try, and see what God does.               “The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, ‘Let us continue to go and pray before the Lord, and seek the Lord of hosts.  I myself will go also.’”                                                             ><>  Jeff

James 2:14-20             Though closely related, belief and faith are not the same.  Belief is a component of faith ( Hebrews 11:6 ) and therefore always precedes it.  There can be belief without faith, but never faith without belief because faith acts on what it believes.             Let’s take this example.  You have a friend who “swears by” a certain vitamin or health supplement of some kind.  (We see such products advertised with testimonials all the time.)  She says that this product gives her more energy, keeps her healthier and generally she just feels better.  Since you’ve been feeling somewhat listless for a while, she recommends you try it.  Do you believe your friend?  You know she’s not a person who would lie to you.  You may believe your friend that this product is working for her, but will you try it?  Do you have enough faith in your friend and in this supplement to use it yourself?  That is the difference.             In John 12:42-43 , we have the situation in which many of the rulers of the Jews actually believed in Jesus.  However, their belief never translated into faith because they would not openly confess Him.  They feared being put out of the synagogue, loving “the approval of men rather than the approval of God.”             Many of us have had occasion to talk with a Christian who has fallen out of service to the Lord and returned to the ways of the world.  One of the first things which such folks often say is something like: “But I still believe in God.”  Now, that is good that they do believe in God and in Christ - but that belief isn’t faith when it hasn’t moved them to obeying the voice of their Shepherd.             James speaks directly to our subject.  He notes that some argue they believe in one God or that God is one.  James says that such belief is good, but he then points out that demons also believe in God and shudder because they know that their belief will not prevent their future fate.  He calls him a “foolish fellow” who does not see that “faith without works is useless” since it is a “dead” faith.             Belief is good.  Belief is a must.  But belief that goes into action becomes the faith that moves mountains and is pleasing to God.                                                                         ><>  Jeff

Ephesians 5:15-17             The story is told (supposedly true) of a World Series game in the 1950's when the Braves were playing the Yankees.  The very talkative Yogi Berra was catching, and slugger Hank Aaron came up to bat.  In his inimitable style, Yogi tried to distract Hank with his chatter.  “You’re not holding the bat correctly,” he chirped.  “You have to hold it so you can read the label.”  Aaron answered not a word and promptly deposited the next pitch over the fence for a home run.  After rounding the bases and crossing home plate, Hank finally answered, “I didn’t come up here to read.”             Distractions can cause anything from minor inconvenience to terrible loss and everything in between.  Who has not been talking and been interrupted by someone else (distracted) and then forgot what you were about to say?  How many college students have “flunked out” because they got distracted by all the fun and extracurricular activities available on campus?  How many vehicle accidents have occurred in which someone was texting or talking on their cell phone while driving?  How many marriages have been ruined because someone was charmed by a cute smile or attractive body.             The scriptures are filled with warnings for God’s people not to get distracted by the things of the world and be led away from their devotion to Christ and the service to which He calls them.  Even such important and necessary things as making a living, getting an education or rearing children can become such a focus in one’s life that they distract from the One whom we are called to love - the One who actually blesses us in all of these endeavors.             Paul warns the Christians in Ephesus to “be careful how you walk,” and to be wise and make the most of your time.  He notes that the days are evil - meaning there will be obstacles and distractions, but we must remain focused on the will of the Lord.             The devil is a master at diversions and distractions.  His temptations are numerous and his frontal assaults are powerful.  Be aware of his devices and weapons, and don’t become distracted.             Hit the home run!                                                             ><>  Jeff

Ecclesiastes 12:11             Here we go with another installment of the sayings and quotes I’ve collected over the years.  Read, ponder, enjoy, and be blessed!   >                    You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers.             You can tell whether a man is wise by his questions. >                    Some of us want to fill the pews with members.  If we fill the members with Christ, the pews will take care of themselves. >                    The fear of God makes a hero.  The fear of man makes a coward.     – Alvin York >                    It’s not the height of your giant, but the size of your God. >                    “Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, suffering and injustice when He could do something about it.”             “Well, why don’t you ask Him?”             “Because I’m afraid He would ask me the same question.” >                    Live as if Christ died yesterday, rose this morning and is coming back tomorrow.    – Martin Luther >                    Living in regret of the past or fear of the future are two ways of not living at all.      – Andree Seu >                    ...if my Christianity costs me nothing, it’s not Christianity.                                                 – Steven James >                    Progress always involves risk.  You can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first. >                    Lord, help us find the Way, the Truth and the Life in a world of dead ends, deception, and death.                                                                         ><>  Jeff

Psalm 90:12-17             Annie Dillard has made the observation that “How we live our days is ... how we live our lives.”  My life is an accumulation of its days, and so is yours.  The legacy of my life is the sum of what I have done with the days which God has given me, and so is yours.  It cannot be any other way.             To think that our lives would be anything else than what we do on a daily basis would be like we were building a log cabin on a piece of ground.  Every day we would add a log or two, piece by piece, joint by joint.  Then, one day we would wake up and go out to our building site fully expecting to find a two story brick house!  Impossible!             But some people just live in this fantasy world believing that the outcome of their life is going to be different from what they are putting into it.  They seem oblivious to the principle of cause and effect somehow expecting things to be different tomorrow without having done anything different today to bring about a better outcome.  Certainly, God works and blesses us, but He particularly blesses those who are trying to serve Him and follow His will.             Years ago, I remember having conversations with a brother who was one of the leaders of a small congregation.  He would lament the fact that the church was facing difficulties but kept returning to this theme: “We just need to catch a break.”  Really?  It seems to me that churches and individual Christians make their own “breaks” through prayer, hard work, and the subsequent blessing of our heavenly Father. (This is not to say that God doesn’t sometimes send a blessing upon us “out of the blue.”)             So, what does your life look like right now?  Is it going in a direction which is pleasing to your Lord Jesus?  Good!  God bless you!  But perhaps it’s going in the wrong direction or just stagnant?  What should it look like?  What do you need to jettison from your life, and what do you need to start doing?  Whatever it is you need to do, you can’t do it tomorrow.   You must do it today!   Our lives are the sum total of what we do today .               “So, teach us to number our days.”                                                             ><>  Jeff