TGIF!

Most everyone understands that TGIF means "Thank God It's Friday". The problem is, that most people are just referring to a statement that someone made popular and the thought of God actually being a part of the equation, never enters their minds. Isn't it amazing how people talk about God without ever really considering God. The idea behind the statement is that when Friday is finished, they have the weekend all to themselves. Now, if they really meant what they said, then God would be put first in their activities during the time that He has given to them. And, that come Sunday morning, they would be getting up and preparing themselves for Church rather that sleeping in after a long night out. Romans 1:20 tells us that God is revealed in His creation to such an extend that man will someday stand before Him "without excuse". I think that such a statement as TGIF indicates the reality of that truth. Man knows, down deep, that there is a "Supreme Being", as they like to refer to Him, even if they are not sure Who He is. The problem occurs, as is mentioned in Romans 1:21, when man doesn't recognize Him as God. When that happens, it is downhill all the way. Just read the rest of the chapter and you will see what I mean. Here is my point in this. Friday marks the "END" of a time span, like the end of life. Are we going to be glad when our life span here is over, because we have recognized God and accepted His gift of Salvation? Are we going to be excited that our time on earth is coming to a close, and that our time in Heaven is just beginning? If so, it is because of a different TGIF - "Thank God I'm Forgiven".

Rise And Shine

With the Spring time coming on, a lot of nature is coming alive again. I was thinking about how that some animals actually hibernate during the winter. At my age, I can't imagine, sleeping for such a long time without having to get up and go to the bathroom. They don't have any alarm clocks to wake them, only their natural senses. That, I guess, is one thing that separates man from the animal kingdom. We need to be stirred occasionally. Paul, in writing to the church in Rome told them that since they understood what the time was like, they needed to wake up and get busy serving God. (Rom 13:11) Paul was able to look around him and see the condition of the world and realize that Christ's return could be at any moment. And that was over 1900 years ago. I think we would all agree that things haven't gotten any better in that time. Jesus said that the world situation, when He returned, would be much like it was in the days of Noah, when men were completely engrossed in pleasures and self gratifications. I believe we live in those times now. Paul also mentioned that God has given us a set of armor to fight against Satan, and that when we put it on, we are to "stand". Which means that we need to rise and shine! Take a stand for God and let His light shine through us into a world that is darkened by sin. Let's come out of hibernation and roar out the good news of the Gospel.

How Far Is Far?

Tonight we are continuing our study of the parable of the prodigal son recorded in Luke 15:11-32. There are a couple of things that we are putting a great deal of emphasis on. The first is that it is actually about the prodigal "sons" - in fact, both sons were prodigal in their own way. The other has to do with where each of these sons went. I know, you are thinking that only one of them left home. And you are exactly right. That brings us to another interesting thought. It says in verse 13 that the younger son went into a far country. Because of the mode of travel, a far country for him would not be what we would consider a great distance today. So, the question arises - how far is far? Just where did he have to go to be considered in a far country? The point is that he had, of his own volition, left the security and provisions of his father's house to go out into the world. Did it really matter if he was 5 miles away or 50 miles away? He was not where he should have been or needed to be. So, how does that tie into the elder son, since he remained there at home? I am glad you asked. As time passed and the younger son realized his mistake, he humbled himself and returned home. He returned to a father that was eagerly awaiting his arrival. Though feeling unworthy and ashamed, he was reinstated to his former position as a son, and not as a servant. The father sent for "the" fatted calf, that had been in preparation for the son's return. And a celebration in sued. The elder son became bitter because of what his father had done. Which tells us that though he never physically left his home, mentally, he was just a much in a far country as his younger brother. Here the point in this. We can be faithful to God's house and tithe and work for God, and still be in a far country if 0ur hearts are not in it. The younger son came home because he wanted to. The elder son stayed because he felt he had to. Do we serve God because we want to or because we feel obligate? Are you in a far country?

Making Everybody Happy

It is often said that you can't ever make everybody happy. If you got 10 people together and said "we are going to have ice cream and cake", someone would want pie instead. That is just the way we are. We have our own likes and dislikes. The problem isn't so much that we can't agree on everything, it is that we can't agree to disagree. You see, in some areas, like pie or cake, it is okay to disagree and neither person is necessarily wrong - just different. Now, there are some things that are definitely wrong when they are different. Take for instance, how a person is able to go to Heaven. There are those who believe in many different religions and are resting their hopes in what some other man has to say. On the other hand, the Bible is very plain when it says that except a man be born again he cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. (John 3:3) The difference is that God said it and not man. With man, we can agree to disagree or as they say, disagree agreeably. But, not with God. He is Righteous and whatever He says is right. Whatever He thinks is right. If we do not agree with Him we are wrong. Solomon said, "there is a way that seemth right unto a man, but the end therof are the ways of death". No, you can't please everyone, but everyone can be pleased.

It's Called Work

Prov 12:11 says "He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding". Unfortunately, we have a lot of people in the latter category today. They are seeking the easy way out, rather than putting in the effort to achieve their goals and meet their needs. People are looking to the lotteries and the casinos for quick wealth rather than following the rules that God has established for His blessings. Too many are looking for a handout from the government thinking that Uncle Sam owes them a living, when in reality, what they need to do is get out and get a job. Someone once said that necessity is the mother of invention. Maybe, what we need to do is let some of these people go hungry for a while and their necessity will spur their thinking about how to provide for themselves. God said, that if we will go out and work, we will be satisfied with what we have coming in. Here is part of the problem. Those who are sitting around, waiting for someone to give to them are never satisfied. It is a good feeling to go out and earn a living by the sweat of your brow and have your boss give you a paycheck. You can only dip from the bucket so many times until someone has to fill it up again. Our dependency needs to be upon God, who has promised to supply our needs, not our government who has forsaken God. Obey the Lord and give Him a chance to take care of you.