Flat Tumbled Down

Flat Tumbled Down!

So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

                                                                                                …Joshua 6:20

            Living on campus can be lots of fun at times. Trumpets, air horns, plastic horns, or anything for a similar sound was used to re-enact a Bible story of Joshua, college student style. Bible college students of course would only come up with ideas like this. Six nights in a row at a specified time the group of guys from Smith dorm decided to try this competitive driven idea on Harper Hall dorm, also a men’s dorm. For those six nights they walked quietly around the four story building carrying their homemade ark, returning to their rooms once having accomplished their goal.

            The seventh night, yes you know the story, don’t you? The young men walked seven times around the building. On the seventh time around, the horns blew and the hope of the Smith guys, was that Harper Hall would fall! Of course it was not taken well by men of Harper Hall and the ark was destroyed.

            Some students thought it to be very sacrilegious, some found it humorous, but others viewed it to be another point of provocation between dorms. Yes, even Christian Colleges in different stages of maturity, have times when it is not easy to live with fellow believers.

Needless to say the building didn’t fall like the walls in Jericho because of course, God hadn’t sanctified the act. I am sure Harper Hall is glad of that!

            If plans we make don’t include God, know it won’t have God’s stamp of approval on it. Bad things may not happen because of your choice, but you won’t feel God’s blessings either. March if He says, march! Sing if He says sing, but if God says to only walk around the city for six nights, and you think it is stupid and choose not to do it, don’t expect God’s blessings.

            On the seventh day, blowing horns on the seventh time around the city, I can imagine really got them excited, hearts pumping waiting to see action. The moment for God to act was upon them, and when He did, it was exciting. I know, because I have seen Him act in my life. I have also seen walls stay put, and not budge at all because I did things my way.

            If you want God’s blessings on your life, follow instructions, God’s instructions and no matter what you will come out just fine.

Father,

You left many instructions for the people of Israel, very clear instructions and they followed them not.  I don’t want to go in the same direction. Help me to walk in your ways to know true happiness and contentment.  In Jesus I pray.

Moved Away

Moved Away

Grounded Firm

If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister.

                                                                                    …Colossians 1:23

Most countries have a social barrier that exists between the rich and poor.  Rich can make anyone feel they have an “in” with God, as if their riches give them an open door to Him.  But I have also been around some very proud poor people with attitudes just as harmful.

Visiting homes of very poor Brazilians, they humbled at the fact a middle class American would visit them and they put out their best as I sat in un-intimidating surroundings. Coffee served in jelly jars seemed to taste extra “rich.” I felt privileged, like I was someone special. 

One Brazilian home I visited, the dirt floors were so packed and patted down, a natural shine appeared.  If the dirt floor became dusty, just a sprinkle of water would suffice. Too much water would make the floor muddy though. The woman swept the floors just as I swept my tiled floor. It was her home, dirt floor or not.

Dirt floor or speaking of your faith, they both must be established like a strong foundation, firm, and solid.  Paul speaks of dwelling and continuing in your faith, not being carried away from the hope of the gospel. Don’t let anything take you away from the hope and faith you have in Jesus Christ.  Be grounded firm!  No watering down and certainly no dust raised. Paul says to be settled, grounded, and firm. So settle in His Word, and firm in your trust and faith in God Almighty.

Father,

We are poor and needy especially in our showing our love to you.  Strengthen us, ground us in our trust and faith in you, when the world wants us to doubt you even exist.  Help us to not be moved away from the hope of your gospel.  In Jesus Name

Banana Too Green: First blog

Banana Too Green: First blog

Simple Faith

Went Out

Simple Faith

And in the day time he (Jesus) was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives. And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.

                                                                                                …Luke 21:37-38

            Louisa gathered with a few friends for a Bible study upon a mountain top near by.  “This will be our permanent meeting place, where it’s closer to God” said Louisa.  This young lady wanted something more, leaving the group of believers at our local work in Brazil. 

            Louisa and her friends started their own services of just singing praises with no real searching of the scriptures, or grounding of sound doctrine.  They only saw one aspect of worship to God, considering themselves spiritually “higher” than anyone else.         Not long after starting, the praises from the group of animated young people dwindled to nothing.  Voiced praises from the mountain top to the valley below all but stopped. Looking for a “high” as many do today, they were not satisfied with the simple way of Salvation, or even the simple fact of gathering together to hear His Word, which deepens our relationship with the Father.             

            Unhappy with themselves, the group looked to change others, or the system.  High on the mountain doesn’t take you closer to God.  It might be beautiful and tranquil, but it is the heart condition that draws us to Him.  Louisa doesn’t even worship Him anymore, sad to say; still looking for that “high” she already has in Jesus.”

            Ezekiel 6:13-14 is a prime example of the ungodly placing idols high on the mountain, a place they thought would find them favor in the eyes of their gods.  God says His judgment will fall upon them, and they will know I am the Lord! 

            Christ went to the mountains at times when He wanted to be alone to pray to his Father, but He always returned to fellowship with the Saints.  We are to congregate, to be an encouragement to others of like faith.  Like Christ in our verse, they gathered at the temple.  Christ died for the local church, you and me.

                       

Father,

I praise You for your mighty works, and lift your name above all names.My heart is burdened, for many have gone away from You. They are taught by the world that they must be “high,” on something other than Jesus.  You wait for their return, back to simple “trust in You.”  You wait for their praises to be heard once again, but this time with the other saints You died for.   Bring them back Father that they may allow your church to encourage them! In the name of Your Son Jesus

Absalom, Absalom!

Taken Up Between

Absalom, Absalom!

And Absalom met the servants of David.  And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.

                                                                                                …2 Samuel 18:9

            It was kind of hard for Bill to imitate Absalom, as he acted out the part of throwing his long hair back; partially bald he found it difficult.  As a congregation we really overworked the imagination trying to see Bill with long flowing hair, like the Bible describes Absalom.  Now Bill is good looking, only the hair is partially lacking.

            The last Sunday Evening I suggested to him he ought to wear a long wig, to look more the part.  I hunted all over during the week to find the perfect one.  Sunday evening came, and Bill trots into the informal Sunday night setting, flipping his hair back like a natural.  It was a bit scary I must say.  Of course the congregation took a while to gain composure, after seeing such a sight. 

            Bill needs no hair piece; I find him handsome the way he is.  If he wore a “rug,” I’d probably lose him to himself, like in the son of David’s case.   In the end, Absalom’s beautiful hair is what took him down.  Interesting isn’t it, after all the trickery of trying to gain his father’s throne, he ends up hung in a tree.

            No throne will be seized, no throne will be occupied if God desires it not too, and no presidency is bigger than God.  We can make all the deceiving attempts to act like God doesn’t exist, and go on with our own plans, but no power is big enough to go against God Almighty; even United States of America. 

            God had plans for David, but it was not going to be accomplished through his son Absalom.  David knows the acts of his son lay on him, for the sins he committed against God.  His sin, selfishness, and pride have cost him much.  But God still loves him!  Joab finished off Absalom with darts through the heart, as he hung, still alive in the tree. 

            Hair or no hair, that is not the question--heart or no heart, is!  Do you have a heart for God?  Or do you have a greedy heart full of selfish desire?  Are you like Absalom that through trickery, you will do whatever it takes to get what you want?  Watch out don’t let your hair grow too long, and certainly watch out for Oak trees.

Father,

May you help me, to not be deceitful in my ways.  Take away the greed that lies in wait for me to eye something, something material that I long for and feel I can’t live without.  Show me I can live without it.  Turn my eyes away from “ things” that are appealing, so I might see you more clearly.

I'm not Monk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Down

I’m not Monk!

Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house.

                                                                                                …2 Chronicles 7:1

            I love the TV series Monk, and have a good laugh at myself with my own idiosyncrasies. I really am concerned though when someone that says to me, “Oh, You’re one of them! I figured you to be like that.”  The subject was about making the bed. 

            In the class I attended, a woman student made a point to say all this in front of the rest of the students.  I thought, if I make my bed, I’m a perfectionist?  What is wrong with making my bed?  At the end of a long day, it does look more inviting to crawl into.  Allowing my self 5 minutes more is nothing so difficult.

            If you keep your house up a little each day, it doesn’t take a bulldozer to clean at the end of the week.  I remember my mother saying, “If you wipe off the stove and the refrigerator, each time we have a meal, the grime won’t build up.” I have picked up that habit in most areas of my life.  It’s not a bad lesson. 

            I want to be found faithful with all that God has given me.  Now my house is not spotless or perfect, but when my house is in order, I feel my home is a bit more in order.  I never have wanted my husband to ever be embarrassed to come home. If he found it a total disaster, he may not find it appealing to come home. 

            What about my spiritual life?  That clutter bothers me too.  How can I do great things for God when my life is full of unfinished business in need of attention? 

            Christian, take a step back for a moment and ask God to help you sort your life out.  Don’t dread it, because it will be the beginning of a less complicated life.  So many have depression, and wonder why as they sit amongst piles of boxes of muddle.  They think they have too much to do, so choose to not deal with it at all.

            We carry a lot of habits we form into our Christian life also. You might say, “I can’t change, I was raised this way!”  Wrong!  You just don’t see the necessity to change, and excuses come in the form of laziness, wrong priorities.  Making your bed is one thing, but total disarray and filth is another. 

            Open the curtains, let in some light, throw out old newspapers, and clean out the clutter.  Spiritually, God loves a clean place to dwell also.  Give Him what ever frenzy there is in your life that keeps you from giving your all to Him.  Whether you choose to make your bed or not, may the Glory of the Lord fill your house!

Father,

I give to you the areas of my life that need attention.  I have put it off for way too long.  I know what they are.  I have known all along.  Clear the path in all this muddle, confusion, and untidiness is keeping me from seeing your perfect will in my life.  Clean my heart from this sin that so easily discourages me and show me the plan you have for my life. May Your Glory be seen in me, your dwelling place!