This past weekend was our annual 57th Miller Family Reunion. I have been attending it as long as I can remember (except while in the military.) Family reunions are something common here in Southern Ohio, and I assume throughout the country. Although reunions are common I presume most are unique. I really believe that about our Miller Reunion.
My mother was Stella Miller, the eldest daughter of Samuel and Daisy Altman Miller. She was one of 10 children that survived infancy. Only 3 of those 10 survive today but the reunion is a big deal. It is a two day event. Beginning on Saturday afternoon around 2:00 p.,m. family members begin arriving. At 4:00 o'clock we enjoy a cookout with visiting and games to follow. On Sunday morning at 8:30 there is a breakfast cooked and served by volunteer family members. Usually 20-25 enjoy. Then at 10:00 o'clock we have a worship service. Then around noon we feast on a carry-in lunch. There are more games and visiting and people begin returning home one car load at a time. The attendance varies considerably and I haven't heard the count for this year yet but it generally (since the passing of so many of the first generation) has been between 70 and 80.
Nothing I've mentioned so far may seem too unusual except perhaps the worship service on Sunday morning. But that is what makes the Miller Reunion so special for many of us. Not everyone attends it but for those of us who do it is what makes the reunion. The food would be hard to beat anywhere, I mean it is down-home Southern style good . The visiting is exceptional because it is the only time of year many of us get to see each other. The games are good if you like horseshoe, slip-n-slide or the newest board games that some have brought. But the worship service is great because not only are we blood relation but we are spiritual family as well. Each first generation extended family takes a turn and gives a testimony to the goodness of God and sometimes a representative from the family will sing a gospel hymn or song. Then one of several member preachers will give a sermon. Many of us sit and cry off and on throughout the whole service as God is glorified in song and testimony.
Most families, including ours, are proud of their heritage and that is often mentioned in the testimonies but the fact that each testimony carries that one step further to glorify and give thanks to God for that heritage is nothing short of inspiring. To God be the glory for the Miller Reunion.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Father's Day
My father, Everett G. Sibole, passed away, Dec.11, 1984 so I didn't get to call him or visit him this past Sunday but that didn't keep me from thinking of him. My father was typical in many ways, 5'11" tall, 195 lbs. a blue collar worker and teamster member The only thing perhaps you might notice if you knew him long enough was that he never went out of the house without a hat on. If there was an underlying reason for that he never shared it with us.
So what does an ordinary man leave to a son for a remembrance on Father's Day? Two things I remember vividly. He was a man that like gadgets. He passed away before the real technology boom but I remember him getting a reel-to-reel tape machine when they first came out. Then when cassette tape players came on the scene, he had to have one. I mentioned he was teamster, when CB radios came out he had to have one of them for his truck and one for the car, so he could "10-4 good buddy" with the rest of the truckers. Had he lived just a few years longer I'm sure he would have had an eight-track player, cd player, mp3 player, cell phone and I'm sure I would have been emailing him when PC's and the internet arrived. I can't picture him into video games though, he was too serious for that.
The other remembrance was one that means the world to me and it happened on his death bed. My father, even though he was a Christian man, a born again believer, was afraid of dying as long as I can remember. Dying was something he thought about frequently and it terrified him. I never did understand it because I knew Christians were not suppose to fear death because we don't really die, we just pass from this life into another, more glorious one. Even though he knew that, the thought of dying still haunted him. The last two weeks of his life, he was bed ridden and on medication so strong that he hallucinated. There was a nurse that came and took care of him for 8 hours a day and then my mom and I sat with him the rest of the day and night. Then a little more than 24 hours before he passed at 2 a.m. he awoke and ask to talk to my mom who was in bed. She was getting so physically worn out that I hated to disturb her rest. I had some things to tend to while he was awake and I told him if he stayed awake until I tended to those things I would wake her and let him talk to her. To my surprise, he did stay awake. So I kept my word, knowing he didn't have long to live, I didn't want it on my conscience that I had denied him the opportunity to talk to her. I got a kitchen chair and sat it beside the bed then went and got her. He had been so heavily medicated that he had not carried on a meaningful conversation in several weeks. But he talked to her that morning with a clear mind for one solid hour. I was amazed. At the end of that hour he told her, in a calm, clear, fearless voice, "I'm leaving, I don't want to go but I'll meet you over there." He then went back to sleep and never awoke again before his passing almost 27 hours later. For a man that had feared death for so long to be that calm and fearless when it came to the actual time of passing left me with a remembrance not only of his life but of an assurance that I too will be able to meet him again.
So what does an ordinary man leave to a son for a remembrance on Father's Day? Two things I remember vividly. He was a man that like gadgets. He passed away before the real technology boom but I remember him getting a reel-to-reel tape machine when they first came out. Then when cassette tape players came on the scene, he had to have one. I mentioned he was teamster, when CB radios came out he had to have one of them for his truck and one for the car, so he could "10-4 good buddy" with the rest of the truckers. Had he lived just a few years longer I'm sure he would have had an eight-track player, cd player, mp3 player, cell phone and I'm sure I would have been emailing him when PC's and the internet arrived. I can't picture him into video games though, he was too serious for that.
The other remembrance was one that means the world to me and it happened on his death bed. My father, even though he was a Christian man, a born again believer, was afraid of dying as long as I can remember. Dying was something he thought about frequently and it terrified him. I never did understand it because I knew Christians were not suppose to fear death because we don't really die, we just pass from this life into another, more glorious one. Even though he knew that, the thought of dying still haunted him. The last two weeks of his life, he was bed ridden and on medication so strong that he hallucinated. There was a nurse that came and took care of him for 8 hours a day and then my mom and I sat with him the rest of the day and night. Then a little more than 24 hours before he passed at 2 a.m. he awoke and ask to talk to my mom who was in bed. She was getting so physically worn out that I hated to disturb her rest. I had some things to tend to while he was awake and I told him if he stayed awake until I tended to those things I would wake her and let him talk to her. To my surprise, he did stay awake. So I kept my word, knowing he didn't have long to live, I didn't want it on my conscience that I had denied him the opportunity to talk to her. I got a kitchen chair and sat it beside the bed then went and got her. He had been so heavily medicated that he had not carried on a meaningful conversation in several weeks. But he talked to her that morning with a clear mind for one solid hour. I was amazed. At the end of that hour he told her, in a calm, clear, fearless voice, "I'm leaving, I don't want to go but I'll meet you over there." He then went back to sleep and never awoke again before his passing almost 27 hours later. For a man that had feared death for so long to be that calm and fearless when it came to the actual time of passing left me with a remembrance not only of his life but of an assurance that I too will be able to meet him again.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Repentance and Prayer is the Answer
Romans 13: 1 ¶ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
This scripture is very clear that national rulers are in their position because God has ordain it and gives us a responsibility to act appropriately. That is a tough directive sometimes when we see things in this country sliding down a slippery slope politically, morally and ethically. We see our standing in the world being challenged. Our national defense being systematically weakened. And socialism being blindly voted in one election after another. So that seemingly leaves us in a predicament.
You see we like to cast blame. It is easy to blame the President, Congress the Judicial system, our educators and the list could go on and on. We just like to blame someone, anyone but ourselves. However Scripture is not silent in the area of blame either. God is clearly placing the blame on "His people". 2 Chronicles 7:14 says:
The state we find ourselves in and the direction we are headed is not the blame of the ungodly. They are just acting as the ungodly do. It is the Christian that has left their first love of God, compromised their morals, ethics and abandoned their prayer closets for comforts, conveniences, sports and recreation. That sounds harse and "old fashioned", but we have taken our prosperity that God has blessed us with and turned it into a curse. And we don't like the curse.
Now I have promised to be positive on this blog and what I've said is not intended to be negative, just the opposite. 2 Chronicles 7:14 is not negative. The end can be positive. We should be aggressive in our attack against evil. Not with negative political activism. Don't take that wrong, we should exercise our right to vote and I think we have a responsibility to promote leaders that advocate Christian principles. But our greatest responsibility is to repent, turn from our wicked ways which includes apathy and tolerance for immorality. However, neglecting our relationship with God and failing to be good stewards of our time and money can also be included in the list of wicked ways. The blame lies solely within the body of Christ. We have abandoned basic Christian principles. That may be tough to admit but until we do we will not implement the remedy. The fact that there is a remedy is what makes this positive. Can we join together in repentance and prayer?
This scripture is very clear that national rulers are in their position because God has ordain it and gives us a responsibility to act appropriately. That is a tough directive sometimes when we see things in this country sliding down a slippery slope politically, morally and ethically. We see our standing in the world being challenged. Our national defense being systematically weakened. And socialism being blindly voted in one election after another. So that seemingly leaves us in a predicament.
You see we like to cast blame. It is easy to blame the President, Congress the Judicial system, our educators and the list could go on and on. We just like to blame someone, anyone but ourselves. However Scripture is not silent in the area of blame either. God is clearly placing the blame on "His people". 2 Chronicles 7:14 says:
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
The state we find ourselves in and the direction we are headed is not the blame of the ungodly. They are just acting as the ungodly do. It is the Christian that has left their first love of God, compromised their morals, ethics and abandoned their prayer closets for comforts, conveniences, sports and recreation. That sounds harse and "old fashioned", but we have taken our prosperity that God has blessed us with and turned it into a curse. And we don't like the curse.
Now I have promised to be positive on this blog and what I've said is not intended to be negative, just the opposite. 2 Chronicles 7:14 is not negative. The end can be positive. We should be aggressive in our attack against evil. Not with negative political activism. Don't take that wrong, we should exercise our right to vote and I think we have a responsibility to promote leaders that advocate Christian principles. But our greatest responsibility is to repent, turn from our wicked ways which includes apathy and tolerance for immorality. However, neglecting our relationship with God and failing to be good stewards of our time and money can also be included in the list of wicked ways. The blame lies solely within the body of Christ. We have abandoned basic Christian principles. That may be tough to admit but until we do we will not implement the remedy. The fact that there is a remedy is what makes this positive. Can we join together in repentance and prayer?
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Pray Request and Answered Prayers
James 5:16 ...The prayer of a good man is full of power in its working. (BBE)
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. (KJV)
Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (KJV)
Those are just a small sampling of Scripture on prayer. Jesus set an example for us.
Matthew 14:23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. (KJV)
Matthew 26:36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. (KJV)
Mark 6:46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. (KJV)
Considering the importance of prayer and its power, I have added two pages Prayer Request and Answered Prayers to the Turkey Creek Free Will Baptist (Ohio) website. It is not limited to members or attendees of the church. I'd like to see these pages become used by the world wide web community. Help us use these pages to bring glory to God. I am convinced the more we broadcast His workings the more He will do.
I have heard Pastor John Hagee on his TV broadcast often repeat a favorite quote of his mother: "Little prayer-little power, more prayer-more power, much prayer-much power.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. (KJV)
Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (KJV)
Those are just a small sampling of Scripture on prayer. Jesus set an example for us.
Matthew 14:23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. (KJV)
Matthew 26:36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. (KJV)
Mark 6:46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. (KJV)
Considering the importance of prayer and its power, I have added two pages Prayer Request and Answered Prayers to the Turkey Creek Free Will Baptist (Ohio) website. It is not limited to members or attendees of the church. I'd like to see these pages become used by the world wide web community. Help us use these pages to bring glory to God. I am convinced the more we broadcast His workings the more He will do.
I have heard Pastor John Hagee on his TV broadcast often repeat a favorite quote of his mother: "Little prayer-little power, more prayer-more power, much prayer-much power.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Memorials
Some memorials are just remembrances on other occassions monuments are erected to enduce a memory. This is not new. In Scripture, Deuteronomy 4:9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons; (KJV)
Then in Joshua Chapter 4 when the waters were parted and the Israelites crossed the Jordan river, God instructed them to take 12 stones and build a memorial as a reminder to the miracle that God had performed.
And in the New Testament, Luke 22:19,20 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. (KJV)
In the instances cited above, notice they pointed to God. I have no problem with our Memorial Day Holiday. I think it is great that we have a day set aside for remembrances. (Here is a good history of Memorial Day) It originally was set aside to honor the war dead and has morphed into a remembrance for all of our military who gave the ultimate sacrifice as well as loved ones that have passed away.
What I suggest is we not only remember our couragous men and women who gave their lives that we can still enjoy our great country, its liberties and freedoms, but take it as an opportunity to thank God for the country for which they were willing to make that sacrifice. It is because of God that our forefathers took the direction they did in establishing our government. We have come a long way since its inception and only recently have we attempted to hide, cover and disavow God's involvment in our affairs. Shame on us. Those of us who are believers truly have become the silent majority. We need to be shouting it from the roof tops.
If this memorial day you were remembering parents or loved ones that have gone on to their eternal reward, I also suggest you take the time to give God the praise for the love they gave you. It is only because of Him that we have the ability to love. Love is the greatest of all emotions and 1 John 4:8 and 16 tells us that "God is love." Therefore it is an emotion that allows us to experience a part of Him. Acknowledge it or not, if you are or have been loved it is because of God and He needs to be praised
So as well as making memorial day a day of remembering each year make it a day of thanksgiving as well. Two thanksgiving days a year is surely not asking too much. To God be the Glory for our nation and our loved ones.
Then in Joshua Chapter 4 when the waters were parted and the Israelites crossed the Jordan river, God instructed them to take 12 stones and build a memorial as a reminder to the miracle that God had performed.
And in the New Testament, Luke 22:19,20 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. (KJV)
In the instances cited above, notice they pointed to God. I have no problem with our Memorial Day Holiday. I think it is great that we have a day set aside for remembrances. (Here is a good history of Memorial Day) It originally was set aside to honor the war dead and has morphed into a remembrance for all of our military who gave the ultimate sacrifice as well as loved ones that have passed away.
What I suggest is we not only remember our couragous men and women who gave their lives that we can still enjoy our great country, its liberties and freedoms, but take it as an opportunity to thank God for the country for which they were willing to make that sacrifice. It is because of God that our forefathers took the direction they did in establishing our government. We have come a long way since its inception and only recently have we attempted to hide, cover and disavow God's involvment in our affairs. Shame on us. Those of us who are believers truly have become the silent majority. We need to be shouting it from the roof tops.
If this memorial day you were remembering parents or loved ones that have gone on to their eternal reward, I also suggest you take the time to give God the praise for the love they gave you. It is only because of Him that we have the ability to love. Love is the greatest of all emotions and 1 John 4:8 and 16 tells us that "God is love." Therefore it is an emotion that allows us to experience a part of Him. Acknowledge it or not, if you are or have been loved it is because of God and He needs to be praised
So as well as making memorial day a day of remembering each year make it a day of thanksgiving as well. Two thanksgiving days a year is surely not asking too much. To God be the Glory for our nation and our loved ones.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Happy Birthday
Happy birthday to the church. Typically called pentecost because its inception was 50 days after the resurrection. Although not nearly as well known throughout the world, and not celebrated to the extent as Christmas and Easter, it is nontheless important. The term church here is not referring to any particular organization or denomination but to the universal church. It is the body of which Christ is the head. It is made up of individuals not organizations or denominations. (But that is not to say that individuals cannot be members of organizations or denominations.)
This was a world changing event and perhaps shameful that it is not a bigger celebration than it is. I think we miss a great opportunity to share the good news such as we do at Christmas and Easter and in fact it would help us communicate the complete message to those not familiar with Christianity's history.
Just as the coming and infilling of the Holy Spirit changed the lives of the first recipients it is still changing lives today. It is what makes the difference in ones life. In Christian jargon the term used is born again because Apostle Paul said we become a new creature. That coinsides with Jesus' explanation to Nicodemus that you must be born again. It is a spiritual transformation. It is one of those things you must experience in order to fully understand. Until experienced it will always remain a mystery. No amount of study or research will enlighten enough for comprehension. If you are interested in that transformation shoot me an email at davesib@yahoo.com or a comment with your contact information in it and I'll be happy to follow up.
This was a world changing event and perhaps shameful that it is not a bigger celebration than it is. I think we miss a great opportunity to share the good news such as we do at Christmas and Easter and in fact it would help us communicate the complete message to those not familiar with Christianity's history.
Just as the coming and infilling of the Holy Spirit changed the lives of the first recipients it is still changing lives today. It is what makes the difference in ones life. In Christian jargon the term used is born again because Apostle Paul said we become a new creature. That coinsides with Jesus' explanation to Nicodemus that you must be born again. It is a spiritual transformation. It is one of those things you must experience in order to fully understand. Until experienced it will always remain a mystery. No amount of study or research will enlighten enough for comprehension. If you are interested in that transformation shoot me an email at davesib@yahoo.com or a comment with your contact information in it and I'll be happy to follow up.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Christian Responsibilities
Christian Responsibilities
I heard an interview some time ago on the Focus on the Family radio broadcast with Mike Yankoski who along with another guy went homeless for 5 months back in 2003 in 6 different U.S. Cities, Denver, Washington D.C., Seattle, San Francisco, Phoenix and San Diego. He has since written a book "Under the Overpass." It is a real eye opener for the church in America. It gives practical insight into real Christian responsibilities. We have taken "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel" to mean send missionaries to foreign countries while we stay in our comfortable church building collecting the money to send them. (Nothing wrong with that) but Mike and his partner show how we are failing in America to reach the homeless and "the least of these." Not only are we failing to reach them by going to where they are but also by not welcoming them into where we are (unless they are like us.) I hope that interview and Mike's book changes me forever.
Jesus, who is to be our example, spent little time in the Synagogues and much time with the people. Jesus and the early church revolutionized the world in that day with that formula. Today we have abandoned that formula and wonder why America is in the condition it is. You can't bake a cake using a mud pie recipe.
I could expound on that thought a lot but I won't because I believe in trying to build up rather than beat down which is what would happen if I elaborated extensively. Let me just say let's get back to basics. Help the hurting, whether it be the poor, the young, the elderly, the grieving or the broken. People have often misspoke saying "God helps those who help themselves." In reality God helps those who can't help themselves and often He uses people to do it. Let's use the church building for worship and let's get the gospel (good news) out into the streets where it belongs.
Jesus also gave us the parable of the good Samaratian for a reason. The injuried man was not in a temple or synogogue and neither are most of the hurting in our society. Look for ways to help the less fortunate and disavantaged outside the wall of the church. That is where you are most likely to find them. You don't shop for groceries in a used car lot.
I heard an interview some time ago on the Focus on the Family radio broadcast with Mike Yankoski who along with another guy went homeless for 5 months back in 2003 in 6 different U.S. Cities, Denver, Washington D.C., Seattle, San Francisco, Phoenix and San Diego. He has since written a book "Under the Overpass." It is a real eye opener for the church in America. It gives practical insight into real Christian responsibilities. We have taken "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel" to mean send missionaries to foreign countries while we stay in our comfortable church building collecting the money to send them. (Nothing wrong with that) but Mike and his partner show how we are failing in America to reach the homeless and "the least of these." Not only are we failing to reach them by going to where they are but also by not welcoming them into where we are (unless they are like us.) I hope that interview and Mike's book changes me forever.
Jesus, who is to be our example, spent little time in the Synagogues and much time with the people. Jesus and the early church revolutionized the world in that day with that formula. Today we have abandoned that formula and wonder why America is in the condition it is. You can't bake a cake using a mud pie recipe.
I could expound on that thought a lot but I won't because I believe in trying to build up rather than beat down which is what would happen if I elaborated extensively. Let me just say let's get back to basics. Help the hurting, whether it be the poor, the young, the elderly, the grieving or the broken. People have often misspoke saying "God helps those who help themselves." In reality God helps those who can't help themselves and often He uses people to do it. Let's use the church building for worship and let's get the gospel (good news) out into the streets where it belongs.
Jesus also gave us the parable of the good Samaratian for a reason. The injuried man was not in a temple or synogogue and neither are most of the hurting in our society. Look for ways to help the less fortunate and disavantaged outside the wall of the church. That is where you are most likely to find them. You don't shop for groceries in a used car lot.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Fear Not
Deut. 31:1 ¶ And Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel.
2 And he said unto them, I am an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the LORD hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.
3 The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, and he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: and Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said.
4 And the LORD shall do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites, and unto the land of them, whom he destroyed.
5 And the LORD shall give them up before your face, that ye may do unto them according unto all the commandments which I have commanded you.
6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
7 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.
8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
The phrase "fear not" appears 63 times in the Bible from Genesis to Revelations. That is an average of almost 1 time per book considering there are 66 books in the Bible. I think that is significant, indicating 2 things. (1) It is something that is common and (2) Something God cares deeply about.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
In the text in Deut. the Israelites were fearful of the unknown. Hmmm, doesn't that sound familiar. That covers most of our fears as well, doesn't it?
In the absense of trained engineers and building materials to build a bridge, they feared crossing the swollen Jorday river. Then there was still the giants on the other side that their forefathers had feared 40 years before.
However, God's message to the individual Israelites (verse 6) and their new leader, Joshua (verse 8) was the same. "Fear not." But he doesn't just command them to abolish their fears without giving them reason. I like that. I used to hate it when my parents used to say, "Just because I said so."
He gives them three (3) reasons to not be afraid:
1. He would go with them.
2. He wouldn't fail them.
3. He wouldn't desert them.
Does those promises apply to us today? Sure! He is no respecter of persons, Acts 10:34. and For I am the LORD, I change not, Malachi 3:6.
So when (not if) fear rears its frightful head, trust God to go with you, never to fail you and never to desert you.
2 And he said unto them, I am an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the LORD hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.
3 The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, and he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: and Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said.
4 And the LORD shall do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites, and unto the land of them, whom he destroyed.
5 And the LORD shall give them up before your face, that ye may do unto them according unto all the commandments which I have commanded you.
6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
7 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.
8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
The phrase "fear not" appears 63 times in the Bible from Genesis to Revelations. That is an average of almost 1 time per book considering there are 66 books in the Bible. I think that is significant, indicating 2 things. (1) It is something that is common and (2) Something God cares deeply about.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
In the text in Deut. the Israelites were fearful of the unknown. Hmmm, doesn't that sound familiar. That covers most of our fears as well, doesn't it?
In the absense of trained engineers and building materials to build a bridge, they feared crossing the swollen Jorday river. Then there was still the giants on the other side that their forefathers had feared 40 years before.
However, God's message to the individual Israelites (verse 6) and their new leader, Joshua (verse 8) was the same. "Fear not." But he doesn't just command them to abolish their fears without giving them reason. I like that. I used to hate it when my parents used to say, "Just because I said so."
He gives them three (3) reasons to not be afraid:
1. He would go with them.
2. He wouldn't fail them.
3. He wouldn't desert them.
Does those promises apply to us today? Sure! He is no respecter of persons, Acts 10:34. and For I am the LORD, I change not, Malachi 3:6.
So when (not if) fear rears its frightful head, trust God to go with you, never to fail you and never to desert you.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Nameless?
On Mother's Day, I preached a message about a mother who had an encounter with Jesus. Her name is not mentioned in this encounter nor is she ever mentioned again. That is the way it is with most of us. We are nameless so far as most of the world is concerned. If you have ever been in the military or dealt with a government agency on any level you know exactly what I'm talking about. I'm reminded of an incident in basic training in the Air Force when the Squadron Commander got into the face of one of the young recruits, who was struggling to keep up with the group, and yelled, "Your name is Jenkins, isn't it?" and the airman answered back, "Sir, yes sir." To which the Squadron Commander replied, "You know you're in trouble when I know your name, don't you?" In essence they took pride in everyone remaining nameless. That is the way of the world. We expect that. The Psalmist said in Ps 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? And again in
Ps 144:3 LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him! (KJV)
However, that is not God. Psalms 115:12 Says, "The LORD hath been mindful of us:" (KJV) How awesome is that? It is one thing to be aware of someones presence or existence but to be mindful of them take the situation to a elevated level. Actually I can't think of anything in Scripture that indicated God is just aware of anything. We use the word Omniscience as one of the attributes of God but He is more than all knowing he is mindful of all things. That means He cares:
All of this is beyond human comprehension. 1 Peter 5:7 says, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (KJV) That means you, even if no one knows your name.
Ps 144:3 LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him! (KJV)
However, that is not God. Psalms 115:12 Says, "The LORD hath been mindful of us:" (KJV) How awesome is that? It is one thing to be aware of someones presence or existence but to be mindful of them take the situation to a elevated level. Actually I can't think of anything in Scripture that indicated God is just aware of anything. We use the word Omniscience as one of the attributes of God but He is more than all knowing he is mindful of all things. That means He cares:
Matthew 6:25-29 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (KJV)
All of this is beyond human comprehension. 1 Peter 5:7 says, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (KJV) That means you, even if no one knows your name.
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