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Mark 8:34-38 What is your biggest problem?  Such a question will, no doubt, elicit a host of responses.  You might say, “I’ve got all kinds of problems!”  But when you read that, what came to your mind? Perhaps you thought money.  If you only had a little more income to take care of those couple of large bills, then things would be a lot better.  You could breathe easier and have a clearer mind for serving in the kingdom. Perhaps you thought health.  You have a chronic condition, maybe very serious.  If this were only cleared up or alleviated to some extent, you’d feel better and feel more like doing things for the Lord. Perhaps you thought of your marriage.  You know it isn’t what the Lord wants it to be.  You and your spouse are often at odds and have grown to be somewhat distant.  If your relationship were just improved, then it would be a real load off of your shoulders. Perhaps you thought of any number of other things: your current employment situation, your addiction (which you are hiding from everyone), family troubles with children, older age related infirmities, questions about retirement, your no-growth discipleship ... the list is varied and near endless. Each of these situations is troublesome and needs to be handled in a prudent way according to the teachings of our Lord.  But none of them are ever your biggest problem.  Your biggest problem - is you! Jesus said that if a person wanted to become His disciple he must “deny himself.”  This means that I am the main thing which keeps getting between me and my following Jesus.  You see, I am the one who makes decisions for me; I am the one who deals with my temptations; I am the one who handles my problems; I am the one who decides what I do with my time; I am the one who rationalizes and makes excuses; I am the one who chooses how to respond to others and to God.  And, of course, I don’t always do it right. So how do I handle my biggest problem?  What did Jesus say?  “Deny yourself and take up your cross.”   Listen to Him and do things His way.  It’s a tough assignment, but it can be done - with His help. ><>  Jeff

Proverbs 18:13; James 1:19 “Rhonda, you look really down.  What’s the matter?” “Mandy, I’ve got to tell you, it’s bad.  We don’t know what we’re going to do!” “So, what’s going on?” “Justin lost his job” “You’re kidding!” “No, I’m not.  He went in to work yesterday, and they told him that his services were no longer needed.  I’m just sick.  Had a migraine last night.  We have the mortgage, car payments; Jill’s in college; we’re still paying on those medical bills, and I’m...” “Now don’t you worry.  Everything’s going to be fine.  Why I remember back about twenty years ago when Kyle lost his job.  They let him go when the economy went south.  We had a big mortgage, two car payments, two kids in college, and we made it.  We scrimped a lot.  Ate mac ’n cheese, hot dogs - you know.  Kyle took two part time jobs, and I went to work at a pizza place.  We didn’t see each other much in those days.  There were times when we didn’t think we were going to make it, but we did.  Why, I remember one time when we had to sell off some things in order to make the mortgage payment.  It was really touch ‘n go for that one year.  I’ll never forget the time...” As we reflect on this conversation between Rhonda and Mandy, and maybe crack a smile or two, let’s ask some questions.  Do you think Mandy helped Rhonda?  In the end, about whom was this conversation?  Was Mandy a good listener? As detached listeners, we can see that in this case one person hijacked the other’s misfortune to talk about herself.  Most likely Mandy meant well, but in the end, she wasn’t really much help.  She did not give Rhonda the chance to really open up, talk, and release some of that frustration and fear that was surely inside of her.  Mandy was not a good listener.  James says we “must be quick to hear.” Listening is not easy.  Let’s ask God to help us be better listeners, not only to Him but to one another. ><>  Jeff

Ephesians 5:20 Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire, If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don’t know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you’re tired and weary, because it means you’ve made a difference. It’s easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings. – via mikeysFunnies.com Paul writes: “always giving thanks for all things...”  This is often perplexing and not easy, but it can yield rich fruits.  Reach deep into your heart and soul, and be thankful. ><>  Jeff

Deuteronomy 3:1-11 When Israel was nearing the end of its journey to Canaan, they had to travel on the east side of the Jordan River and conquer two kingdoms before reaching the place where they were to cross over the Jordan.  Og was the king of one of these kingdoms called Bashan.  The scriptures describe for us, oddly enough, his bed! We are told that it was made of iron, and it was about 13 ½ feet long (nine cubits) and about 6 feet wide (four cubits).  The reason for such a huge bed made of iron was that Og was “of the remnant of the Rephaim” which was evidently a people who were considered giants.  This was truly a king size bed for a king size king! Now, is this just some bit of Bible trivia or does it have some import?  If we go back some forty years, we have the incident where Israel had spied out Canaan in preparation for its conquest.  But ten of the spies brought back a “bad report” (Numbers 13:32-33),  and part of their report was that there were giants in the land.  As a result, they did not listen to the Lord and had to wander in the wilderness for forty years.  Now they were facing another giant in Og the king of Bashan.  As before, Moses encourages the people with the words from the Lord, “Do not fear him, for I have given him and all his people and his land into your hand...”  This time the outcome is different for this generation listens to the Lord and defeats Og and his people. So what lesson is there in all of this for you and me?  Sometimes our problems and our enemies can look like giants!  We cannot see how a situation can be resolved, how any good could come out of something or how there could possibly be an adequate solution to our trouble.  Our enemies appear to be giants who have the upper hand and be “holding all the cards.”  In times like these, we need to look to the Lord even more and remember the words of another person who faced off with a giant: “...the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17:47). Are there any “giants” in your life?  You know to whom to turn.  Have faith in the Lord. ><>  Jeff

Matthew 8:20 For all intents and purposes after He began His ministry, Jesus was homeless.  He admitted the same (see our text), and although he had places to stay with others (Mary, Martha and Lazarus; Peter, etc.), He did not own or rent a dwelling which He could call home.  He was an itinerant rabbi, a traveling preacher. Jesus was homeless in another sense as well.  Paul writes how Jesus left heaven, becoming a bond-servant, taking on “the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:5-8).  In doing this, He emptied Himself by giving up privileges and humbled Himself to endure death on a cross.  While on the earth, Jesus was separated from His home in heaven and away from the presence of His Father.  Toward the end of His time on earth, He spoke often of His “coming” to His Father (John 17:11-13, et al).  Jesus was looking forward to going home. What would cause a person to leave the environs of a heavenly home?  What would cause someone to leave a place with perfect love, harmony, and fellowship?  What would cause an individual to leave a world of glory to go to a very different world filled with darkness and evil?  What would cause someone to leave a home of peace and safety for one filled with trouble and suffering? The answer to these perplexing questions lies in the words of the Son of Man Himself.  “I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled!  But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!” (Luke 12:49-50).  Jesus left heaven for a reason, and it wasn’t a weekend tour bus trip or simply a vacation to visit a foreign country.  He was sent on a mission - a mission to overthrow evil, save the human race and provide for the reconciliation of all things to God.  It was about good versus evil, right versus wrong, truth versus the lie, obedience versus rebellion. Immediately after accomplishing His task, Jesus was ready to return to His Father.  In the garden, He tells Mary: “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father ... I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God” (John 20:17). Is there any lesson in all this for us? ><>  Jeff

Matthew 13:52 We are creatures of habit.  In many ways that is good: in others, not so much.  For example, it is a good thing that we can learn to drive an automobile by using habitual actions.  When a person first learns to drive, he or she must think and concentrate deliberately on such actions as using the brake, the accelerator, steering, turn signals, etc.  But as one practices and becomes acclimated to driving, these things and many others become habit or second nature.  As a result, we are able to focus more on other traffic, signals, road signs, GPS, etc. In contrast, we can be so used (habituated) to taking a certain route to a certain destination that if we start out on the same route to a different destination, we might well miss the turn off for the different place if we aren’t careful.  Been there and done that! Such habit patterns can affect every aspect of our lives.  In our Bible study we can be so habituated to studying the same subjects, books or scriptures that we regularly turn to them to study.  We become comfortable with them because we “know” them well, and they probably give us peace and encouragement. On the other hand, it takes more concentrated effort to explore a topic or book or section of scripture with which we are not so familiar.  Our mind and heart are not so “tuned in” to these new learning frontiers. Jesus tells us that teachers who are trained for the kingdom of heaven will be aware of the need to teach both “things new and old” (see our text).  At times we need to review the foundational teachings and those things with which we are familiar.  For some people these will be new.  For others there may well be new insight, and still for others things will be reinforced.  However, new things need to be explored as well.  We should not be afraid of seldom studied topics or scriptures which seem to be more difficult than others but dig into them with much prayer, zeal and determination, knowing that they are rich with wisdom and spiritual truths, as well. God’s word is a treasure trove of knowledge of all sorts.  Dig deep and explore.  Spiritual gems are everywhere! ><>  Jeff

Psalm 118:22-24 One of the greatest mistakes we humans make is to presume our own existence.  It is a dangerous practice simply to assume you will get up tomorrow morning.  Life is not guaranteed.  Tomorrow is not automatic.  Every day is a gift - from God! The Psalmist acknowledged this fact: “This is the day which the Lord has made...”  Within the context of those words, he was looking forward to a particular day, the one in which the Christ would be established as the cornerstone of the kingdom of heaven.  But the principle holds true for every day.  Time and life are in the hands of God.  The Hebrew author (1:3) writes that the Son: “upholds all things by the word of His power...” As one grows older in years, approaching or even surpassing our “threescore and ten,” these truths become more evident and more personal.  When there are aches and pains, the effects of various health conditions, even emotional weariness - every day is truly a blessing.  Every good day is a great blessing - a gift from our Father. What shall we do with these gifts from God?  Whether twenty-five or seventy-five, how do we use this gift of life and time which has been placed into our hands?  It is cause for serious reflection. Shall we fritter our lives away in mind-numbing pursuits?  Will we drown ourselves in video games, TV programs, movies, endless interaction on social media and internet browsing?  Will we simply amuse ourselves to death with the next holiday, the next sports championship, the next sale, the next vacation, the next birthday, the next road trip, the next live-stream, the next weekend...? Most of these things in moderation are OK, but they can become narcotic.  They are addictive.  And we are made for nobler things.  We were made for things which bring blessedness to both giver and receiver - for a word of encouragement (even a text?), a prayer, a helping hand, a hug, a smile, a card, a visit, a word of hope, a cup of coffee, a gentle reminder, a meal, a token of love, a word of good news about a loving Lord...we were made for nobler things. God has given you today.  What will you do? ><>  Jeff

Ecclesiastes 12:11 Here’s yet another sampling of the sayings and quotes I’ve collected over the years.  Read, ponder, enjoy and be blessed! >                    At one time I had all the answers; then I learned which questions to ask. >                    ...it must be conceded that a Bible writer’s plain statement beats an uninspired assumption every time! - Jim McGuiggan >                    At first, sin is like an occasional visitor; then like a guest who stays for a while; and finally like the master of the house. – Rabbi Yitzhak >                    I recommend you to take care of the minutes, for the hours will take care of themselves.  – Lord Chesterfield >                    Never give a sword to a man who can’t dance.  – Celtic adage >                    God has no need to prove anything.  – Philip Yancey >                    Quit saying, “If only...” and start saying, “Next time...” >                    If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. >                    Some people can’t tell a lie. Others can’t tell the truth. And others can’t tell the difference. >                    A smile sounds the same in any language. >                    Is Jesus a part of our lives, or are we a part of His? ><>  Jeff

John 19:4-11 Pilate, the vicious but politically savvy governor, found no fault in Him.  More than once he told this to Jesus’ accusers.  He knew that He was guilty of no crimes, but the Jews would have none of it.  They wanted rid of Him.  Innuendos.  Accusations. “Give us Barabbas!”  “Crucify Him!”  “Crucify!” At one point, the Jews told Pilate: “We have a law, and by that law He ought to die because He made Himself out to be the Son of God.”  This was the law of blasphemy.  Of course, Jesus was not guilty of blasphemy, but they thought he was for He referred to God as His Father (John 5:17-18).  Nothing Jesus did had dissuaded them from holding to their law.  Not His wise and insightful teaching.  Not His numerous, wonderful, and without-a-doubt miracles.  The lame walked; the deaf heard; the blind could see; the leper came clean; the crippled were straightened; the dead lived - THE DEAD LIVED! What kind of world cannot see the power, the glory and the goodness in a Man who can bring a person back to life?  Back from the grave?  What kind of world hates such a man, pronounces him guilty of a crime and agitates to have him put to death?  What kind of world kills its God? It is a world which takes its cues from lies and falsehoods.  It is a world driven my lusts, passions and appetites of the flesh.  It is a world running on feelings and fears.  It is a world in which every person guards their own interests and pushes others away.  It is a world where good deeds are done but for the personal advancement of the doer.  It is a world where people are manipulated and exploited for the benefit of those in power.  It is a world in which people fear and hate what they don’t understand and don’t bother to try to understand.  It is a world where the desire for personal power, fame, money, sexual indulgence and pleasure are the driving force and the measuring stick.  It is a world which makes its own rules, follows its own rules and breaks its own rules when it’s expedient.  It is a world where the devil still prowls and untruth is his weapon. It is the world in which we still live.  Beware! ><>  Jeff

Acts 8:25-40 From time to time, I read newsletters from various brotherhood ministries about their efforts at spreading the gospel.  Pictures of believers being baptized are usually included, and as I’ve viewed them, I’m always struck by the absolute wisdom of God in His design for baptism into Christ.  The scriptures teach that a hearing of the gospel, faith in Christ and repentance must precede baptism.  But we’re not talking about that.  The scriptures also teach that baptism into Christ brings forgiveness of sin, a clothing in His righteousness, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.  But we’re not talking about that either. What strikes me is that such a momentous occasion in a person’s life could happen anytime, anywhere.  Baptism into Christ is the exact point at which a person passes from death to life and is transferred from Satan’s darkness into the kingdom of God’s Son.  But all you need for it is enough water for dunking and someone to do it! These pictures show people being baptized in all types of water venues.  Baptisteries; swimming pools; dirty river water; the ocean; creeks; lakes.  One picture showed a baptism in a 50-gallon drum!  When the gospel is proclaimed and a soul is moved to faith, God made it possible to be saved right then and right there!  Just find the water. In our scripture, Philip has been busy preaching the gospel and baptizing folks in Samaria, but through an angel and the Holy Spirit, he is directed to head to the south of Jerusalem on a desert road and encounter a man riding in a chariot.  This man is reading from Isaiah, and Philip asks him whether he is understanding what he’s reading.  The man’s response is classic: “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?”  Upon that, Philip begins to preach Jesus to him.  As they travel along, it says they came to some water.  At this, the man exclaims: “Look!  Water!  What prevents me from being baptized?”  After affirming his faith, Philip baptized him right then and there. No waiting required.  No special water needed.  No particular place necessary.  No hoopla; no elaborate ceremony.  Just a humble believer and some water - just enough water to be immersed into Christ.  What a beautiful thing!  What a God! ><>  Jeff

Genesis 1:27 Despite the discoveries in microbiology, DNA and elsewhere, many people continue to hold to Darwin’s theory of evolution.  The full title of his book is “The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life.”  If we think carefully about it, even the title of Darwin’s book contains a “poison pill” which sinks his theory in the primordial soup. When creationists and evolutionists have their “discussions,” it is almost always about the “how” of things.  How did we get to have all of the different species of animals, birds, etc., and ultimately humankind.  The creationist maintains all were created by a transcendent, loving and powerful God as given in the Bible.  God created them whole, complete and living. The evolutionist posits some singular event that happened billions of years ago in which the right combination of chemicals and whatever came together to form a “living” cellular structure of some kind.  From that point, through Darwin’s “natural selection,” things evolved from one stage to the next to eventually produce the various species.  This is an incredibly long, slow and drawn out process. But my thought here is not on the “how” of all of this, but the “why.”  Nobody ever seems to address the “why.” Consider “natural selection.”  Supposedly, this is a continual series of random mutations through which the most fit variant is retained and the rest discarded or die off.  Now, we should have some questions at this point.  Even though Darwin calls it “natural selection,” there is nothing to do any selecting.  What would it be?  If there is no mind of any kind to say that this variant is better than that one, why is one “favored” or “chosen” over another?  In fact, what is there to determine that survival is better than extinction?  It’s like standing at night, in the forest, without a map, where a dozen trail heads begin and wondering which one will get you to that cabin with warm blankets and a hot meal.  It’s just pure chance.  In fact, there is nothing at all to say that the cabin is where you want to go!  Hmmm?

Hebrews 5:11- 6:2 We all like our sweets, our sugary snacks.  Most of us, that is.  And I’ll admit, I’m right there with everybody else.  And the candy industry has made available to us every kind of treat to tickle the taste buds of every palate.  There are milk and dark chocolates of all types, hard candies, jelly beans, gum drops, licorice mix, etc.  This is not to mention all the snack cakes, cookies, donuts... (I’m going to run out of space).  Anyway, you know what I’m talking about. That sugary snack can give us a little boost during the day, but we all know that you can’t “live” on sugary snacks.  They don’t provide the necessary nourishment for good health, growth and energy.  We need our carbs, proteins, vitamins, etc.  And here, again, God has provided us with one of those insightful parallels between the physical and the spiritual.  Let me explain. Many of us have favorite scriptures that we like to go to for a spiritual “boost” during the day.  These might be stuck to the fridge with a magnet or on the side of your coffee mug.  Some folks have a calendar on their desk which has a scripture for every day.  Others read a short lesson from a daily devotional.  These are all good and have their place, BUT they are not sufficient to give you the spiritual growth you need.  They are just “a small “snack” from God’s word. The author of Hebrews had similar thoughts, although he uses milk and not sugar in his comparison: “...you have come to need milk and not solid food.  For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.  But solid food is for the mature...” Many of his readers had been living on the milk of the word (apparently some were not even doing that!), and subsequently had not grown into maturity.  They could not handle the meat or solid food which he was trying to teach them in his letter. Our little spiritual “boost” for the day is a good thing, but we all need something with more nourishment.  Make some time to get into God’s word.  Read, ponder, ask questions.  Let the Spirit guide you into deeper truths.  Get closer to the Lord. ><>  Jeff