What's Your Motive For Serving God?

by Jill Jackson

Christ said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). In an ideal world, those in the Lord’s body would be people who are drawn to worship the Creator because they love Him and want to please Him. If all people loved God with all their hearts and souls, then all who wear the name of Christ would obey His commands without reluctance or hesitation. In an ideal world, all Christians would serve God because they treasure the relationship they share with the Father, value the gift of life they have received through Christ, and cling to the hope of heaven.

But sadly, the reality is people are motivated to “serve” God for a lot of reasons, many of which are the wrong reasons. People can attend every worship service yet be spiritually empty. Many “serve” God for a lot of reasons, yet have no genuine love for Him or intention of obeying His commands. Presence of body in the house of God truly doesn’t equate presence of heart.

Some people “serve” God because they recognize the alternative. They’re not without belief. They believe there’s a Creator of the world (Genesis 1:1, Hebrews 3:4). They recognize there is an eternal life to come. They know they’ll be judged for their actions (2 Corinthians 5:10). And they fear eternal punishment, so they serve God. Avoiding eternity in hell is the motive behind their service instead of, as the Psalmist said, a delight to do His will because God’s law is within the heart (Psalm 40:8).

Some people “serve” God because of family associations. They have generations of Christians in their family, and they merely follow suit. They’ve always gone to church. Perhaps they can’t imagine not going to church and feel they benefit from it to some degree, but the driving force behind going is simply a routine. The church environment affects them in the church building, but after exiting through the doors they fail to stand out from the world (Romans 12:2). Church is what they do, but it’s not necessarily who they are. Habit is the motive behind their service instead of, as Paul said, one who is walking “in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him” (Colossians 1:10).

Some people “serve” God because of obligation. Some people have family who do in fact have a deep devotion to God. Because of their love for their family, and perhaps the blessings they receive from those familial relationships, they walk in line so as not to upset the apple cart. Serving God is not motivated from a pureness in heart, but from a selfishness of what could be lost if they don’t keep their family happy (1 Peter 1:22).

Some “serve” God because attending worship services is their means of relieving their guilt for their transgressions—many of which they’ll plan ahead of time. “Guilt-goers” make little effort to live a righteous life. Sermons don’t penetrate the heart. But showing up and feeling sorry for whatever at that moment, wipes the slate clean in their mind, despite the fact there’s no intent to change. Showing up for worship services is not the Lord’s Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Assembling with the saints is not equal to repentance. When John the baptist preached in the wilderness of Judea he said, “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8). Repentance requires more than a fleeting thought of sorrow. It requires a genuine change of heart that reflects willful change following—to bear fruit or actions that demonstrate a recognition of wrong and a desire to change one’s life in such a way to live for God and not self.

Presence of body truly doesn’t equate presence of heart. Christ said love for God should engage our emotions, intellect and dominate our lives (Deuteronomy 6:4). The next time you walk through the doors of your congregation and take a seat on the pew, check your motives for being in the house of God. Are you serving Him for the wrong reasons? When it comes to serving God, the only motive we should have within our hearts, is to please the Father. We should be compelled to live according to His purpose and laws because He loved us like no other could—because that love compelled Him to send his Son for us. Because in the blood of His precious Son, we have life (1 John 1:7).

Recommended Reading

Jackson, Jason. Psalm 139 — A Magnificent Portrait of God. www.christiancourier.com.
Jackson, Wayne. Why Humanity Should Serve God. www.christiancourier.com.

Note: Purchased photo: please honor copyright laws. Copyright: <a href='http://www.123rf.com/profile_shsphotography'> / 123RF Stock Photo</a>

The Circle of the Earth

by Betty Jackson

What does “the circle of the earth” mean in Isaiah 40:22? To be a questioner is a good thing. However, one must begin answering biblical questions with the foremost questions:

1. Does God exist?

2. Is the Bible inspired?

3. Is the Bible verbally inspired?

4. Can the Bible be trusted?

Is there evidence for the existence of God? To honest seekers there is overwhelming evidence (Romans 1:20). Is the Bible inspired of God? One must be careful when accepting the “yes” answers by certain “theologians” for what that question may mean to them is that it “contains” inspired ideas, but the words are not necessarily inspired. Thus there will be evidence of erroneous information or superstition of ancient people.

Is the Bible verbally inspired? Paul answers the question in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All scripture is God breathed.” As the Word came from God, it is verbally inspired. That does not mean that every “translation” is a good one. When there are problems with certain texts, it requires some effort to ferret out the truth. 

Can the Bible be trusted? Can we believe the biblical account of creation—that it took place in six days? (Exodus 20:11.) Can we believe the Bible when it records that Jesus was a miracle worker–even raising the dead and was himself resurrected after three days in the tomb? Absolutely! Evidence for its inspiration abounds. If one does not trust the Bible, finding out what it teaches on any subject is going to be a confusing effort. Neither will approaching it with dark glasses of bias help one professing to be a truth seeker.

Now, what does the “circle of the earth” mean in Isaiah 40:22? Does it refer to the shape of the earth? If not, what does it mean?

What sources are available to determine what the phrase means? Indeed, some sources are totally unreliable (e.g. Dan Bratcher, a Nazarene, whose own church has disciplined him by “stripping him of his Phd.” and those among us who have similar liberal leanings of discounting scientific accuracy or foreknowledge in the Bible). Once you determine that a “scholar” has no respect for the miraculous or the verbally inspired Word, you will be quick to recognize the motive behind his interpretation or so-called translation of a passage such as Isaiah 40:22. Adding to the difficulty is the common practice of some commentators of lifting “interpretations” from one another. 

The Hebrew word for “circle” can be looked up on the internet by the most inexperienced student of biblical words (Cf. http://www.studylight.org/lex/heb/view.cgi?number=02329). Specialists in the Hebrew language say there are only a few passages that contain a form of this word: Job 22:14; Proverbs 8:27; Isaiah 40:22; Isaiah 44:13 and a verbal form in Job 26:10.  

One must recognize that the recording of the events in Job’s life was by inspiration, but not everything said by various people in that book is inspired. Eliphaz was not inspired when he berated Job, accusing him of all kinds of sin, thus bringing suffering upon himself and his family. So one must be very careful when making arguments from the book of Job for support. The question must be asked when quoting from the narrative about Job: who was speaking, and was that person an inspired prophet? Obviously all the statements made by God to Job are right and scientifically accurate. It is important in understanding what the word “circle” means that we not look to a statement made by Eliphaz (an uninspired man) to define the phrase “circle of the earth,” by “vault of heaven” in Job 22:14. Those two phrases do not necessarily mean the same thing, though the word “vault” and the word “circle” are from the same Hebrew word.

Upon what sources then can we rely to understand the phrase “circle of the earth” in Isaiah 40:22? First the translators of most English versions translated the Hebrew word (gwx - transliterated to chuwg) by the word “circle” (rather than “vault” [arch] as some commentators ascribe to it). The number of scholars involved in those works is great. It is obvious that they agreed upon the meaning of the word. The same word or form of it is translated circuit or compass. The last considered translation possible is the word “vault.”

Some argue that the word “circle” does not have reference to the sphericity of Earth, but to the horizon. They cite Proverbs 8:27 which seems describe the horizon. The statement in Isaiah 40:22 does not speak of the horizon over the deep (ocean), but instead the “circle of the earth.” However, even if this should be true, ancient scientists surmised that the earth was round because of the horizon! (e.g. Stabo and Ptolemy at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spherical_Earth.) 

Others interpret the verse as having to do with the hemisphere or “vault of the heavens” around the earth. The response has been made that that is a possibility “though not so good” (Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges, ed. J. Skinner. 1906. London, UK: Cambridge University Press. p.11). 

Some translate “circle” by the word “dome.”  What does the word “dome” imply? Certainly, a curvature. It is interesting that many of the more liberal minded commentators choose to interpret the Hebrew word as vault and/or dome. Brother Coffman rightly stated, “Certainly the passage is compatible with the fact of the roundness of the earth” (James Burton Coffman Commentaries, Isaiah, James B. Coffman. 1990. Abilene, Texas:ACU Press, Abilene University. p. 380-381).

Arguments are even made that “circle” cannot reference the shape of the earth because it suggests roundness instead of sphericity. Isaac Asimov, an atheist/humanist, wrote a booklet that apparently was designed for young people, titled: How We Found Out The Earth Is Round. He used the word "sphere" interchangeably with the word "round."  (Cf.  http://www.arvindguptatoys.com/arvindgupta/earthpix.pdf) Mr. Asimov, a biochemist professor, who wrote textbooks, had no problem with describing the world as "round.” There is no need for Christians to be apologetic for Isaiah’s use of the word “circle.”

Renowned creationist, Henry M. Morris wrote, “The word ‘compass’ in Proverbs 8:27 and the word ‘circle’ in Isaiah 40:22 are both translations of the same Hebrew chuwg, an excellent rendering of which is ‘circle.” It could well be used also for ‘sphere,’ since there seems to have been no other ancient Hebrew word with this explicit meaning (a sphere is simply the figure formed by a circle turning about its diameter.” (The Biblical Basis for Modern Science.1984. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House. p. 274.)

Paul Steidl, who holds an M.S. degree in astronomy, considered Isaiah’s description of the shape of the earth to be accurate. (Cf. The Earth, The Stars and The Bible. 1979, Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co. p. 19.)

 Brother Coffman also stated, “We are somewhat annoyed by some writers who hasten to explain to us that this has no reference to the earth’s being a sphere, because Isaiah, of course, could not have known that. Do such writers not know that it was not Isaiah who declared this, but God gave the words through Isaiah?” (Ibid.) 

The argument that Isaiah’s statement for “the circle of the earth” as a reference to the roundness (sphericity) of the earth stands as credible. It is valid regardless of whether it is translated circle, dome, horizon, or vault. 

Critics of the Bible are eager to take issue with any passage that shows scientific accuracy or foreknowledge. Isaiah 40:22 is one of those verses that the atheistic community ridicules. One such atheist, Dawn Huxley, states,“Earth is not a circle but a sphere.” She says, “Isaiah is actually describing the Earth as flat and circular, with a dome-shaped tent (sky) covering the land. 

Note the specific definition by Wikipedia: “A sphere is an object shaped like a ball” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphere_(disambiguation). Again, another source defines the word as “a round object; geometry: a three-dimensional shape that looks like a ball”

(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sphere).

The fact is the earth is an “oblate spheroid.” According to Thomas Elkins, an Earth Science teacher, “One of the most important things to remember about the Earth's shape is that it is only very slightly oblate.” (emphasis mine) He further points out that, “The Earth is so close to being a perfect sphere that when viewed from any point in space the Earth appears spherical.” 

 The idea that since the Hebrew word translated “circle” does not give the technical information about the exact shape and size of the earth, thus cannot be used to show the scientific accuracy of the Bible is pressing the word beyond its purpose. 

Pictures taken of Earth from space show that it certainly can be described as a circle, round or a sphere. When we view that beautiful harvest moon, it appears to be a golden ball, though it is not an exact circle. We don’t say, “Look at the moon, that beautiful yellow lemon!” In fact, what we see looks more like a circle than a sphere. 

Let us not be afraid of the atheists who demean the Bible. We can be assured that Isaiah’s statement did reference, in general, the shape of the earth.

Recommended Reading

http://www.christiancourier.com/articles/603-are-the-scriptures-verbally-inspired-of-god

http://www.christiancourier.com/articles/82-the-incredible-accuracy-of-the-bible-an-argument-for-inspiration

Elkins, Thomas. Earth Science High School teacher

http://regentsprep.org/Regents/earthsci/units/introduction/oblate.cfm

The Blue Marble – Nasa Image

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=565&eocn=image&eoci=related_image

The Gift of Giving

by Jill Jackson

This time of year many people are thinking about giving to others including family, friends, or those less fortunate. The holidays create quite a buzz of happiness found in the gift of giving, but such is a principle implemented by Christ years ago. Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Despite this principle being at the forefront of our minds right now,with the passing of the holidays many will lose sight of this blessing. Thoughts shift from selfless giving to self-absorbed taking.

Call me. Invite me to your house for dinner. Visit me when I am in the hospital. Bring me food when I am recovering from surgery. Teach my children in Bible class. Send me a letter of encouragement. Make a point to talk to me at church. Include me in your plans.

What you will not hear from the self-absorbed: Who can I call to check on? Who can I invite over for dinner? Who is in the hospital and needs my company? Who can I prepare food for while they are recovering from surgery? When can I teach the children in my congregation? Who can I encourage with an unexpected card? Who can I talk to and make feel welcome at church? Who can I include in my plans?

Consider Paul's encouragement: "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). Sometimes we get busy and fail to do the good we could do, especially to those of the household of faith. But many times, those making complaints like the ones above need to be reminded of a few of biblical truths.

First, we must remember the golden rule. "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them" (Matthew 7:12). Sometimes we have the expectation that others should be serving us, but they are exempt from serving others. When we are quick to point the finger of accusation at others, with a long list of ways they have failed to do for us, we need to remember there are three fingers pointing back at us. Ask yourself, when is the last time you sent someone a card, invited someone into your home for a meal, or visited someone who was sick. Are we expecting of others what we are unwilling to do ourselves?

Second, we must remember it's not all about me. Certainly we all experience times of strife and hardship, but even in difficult times we must remember it's not all about me. Christianity is about selfless love. Sometimes we have a preoccupation with what others need to be doing for us. We can become very self-absorbed and neglect to follow the example of Christ who came not to be served, but to serve. "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). Repeated examples are given in the New Testament of Christ showing love to others through service. His thoughts and concerns were not about himself, but about others. He hung upon the cross for you and me. He was not thinking

about himself, but of us.

Let others see the beauty of Christ in you through your interest and service to others. "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" (2 Corinthians 9:6). Sow bountifully and receive true happiness and blessings bountifully. Let the blessings of giving to others be a gift you focus on throughout the year, and not just for a passing season.

Recommended Reading:

Jason Jackson. Burden Bearing, It's The Law.

https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1244-burden-bearing-its-the-law

Loving Care #2 - Comfort of the Scriptures

by Betty Jackson

Caregiving is a sacrifice. Your loved one may be in a care facility, but you are still a caregiver with concern and expended energy. What do ill people need? What does the caretaker need? Besides the obvious physical necessities, spiritual food is required “to keep on going.” Endurance or patience is strengthened for it is “through the comfort of the scriptures, we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). However, there may be little time and energy to study in any depth. 

Even brief (but frequent) studies can be powerfully beneficial to one’s spiritual health. In the previous article, I suggested that it would be wonderful to have some Bible study time with the “patient.” If the loved one is able, it is helpful to watch or listen to good sermons or Bible classes available through many outlets. There are links throughout this article for helpful topics. Some may be too long to for someone seriously ill. But perhaps you can glean something to share, without a lengthy study.

It maybe your loved one isn’t open to a formal devotional Bible study. Perhaps it is perceived as preachy, or condescending to them that they are unable to study for themselves. It may be that their ability to concentrate is hindered because of pain and weakness. After reading some scripture and articles share truths in casual conversation over a cup of coffee or tea.

There are topics that are especially encouraging and needful when one is suffering. Does God really exist? Does he care that I suffer? Why does he allow me to suffer? Be alert to subjects that are most needful to yourself and your loved one.

Sometimes things simply seem to be out of control. As death looks us in the face, a study of God as the Almighty provides reassurance. His power was demonstrated in the creation, in miracles, in providence. He is in control. He does care for we are created in his image. (See: https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/327-creation-week-reflections-on-genesis-the; https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1519-created-in-the-image-of-god.)

Meditating upon the life of Christ reveals how deeply he loves us. Such a concept is so valuable and motivating when we are enlightened to the fullness of that truth. The plan of redemption was brought to us through ages of providential and miraculous events. The whole purpose of Christ’s coming was to show how much he loves us. “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us...” (Ephesians 1:7-8; NASV). The word “lavished” is full of meaning to feel! In some versions it is translated “abound.” The Greek indicates an overflowing to the point of affluence. That is how much Jesus loves us. Yes, he cares for us, just as he did for his dear friends, Lazarus, Martha, and Mary in their grief. (See: Emotions of Jesus: 
https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/20-emotions-of-jesus-the
https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/156-breathtaking-view-of-the-love-of-christ-a
https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1572-the-authority-of-jesus-christ.)

Topics of suffering will be on your minds whether worded or not. One may puzzle over why he/she is lingering when there is an eagerness to go to be with the Lord. We wonder why suffering exists. Such a study surely will include meditation upon the suffering Christ. He died suffering, because of his love for us. 
(See: https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/114-while-he-was-yet-speaking
https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/726-penetrating-questions-from-the-book-of-job; https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/828-fear-of-death-the
https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/553-was-jesus-the-suffering-servant-of-isaiah-53.)

The historical reality of the resurrection of Jesus is a vital topic. Without his resurrection, nothing makes sense. His resurrection is a promise of our own (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23). There is comfort in the fact that at death we do not go out of existence for our spirits leave our bodies (James 2:26; Philippians 1:23. [Note that in Philippians 1:23 the Greek word translated “depart” is the idea of being loosed, thus loosed from the body]). It is also amazing that at the resurrection, we will be redeemed body, soul, and spirit. Our whole person will be redeemed from the consequences of sin; there will be no more tears, sickness or dying.  Living with the Lord in heaven will be a peaceful place of full redemption. 
(See: https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/64-significance-of-christs-resurrection-the
https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/107-resurrection-of-the-human-body-the
https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/26-historicity-of-jesus-christ-the.)

Prayer must be recognized as part of your efforts to keep on a spiritual path as the needs of the flesh press you. Long prayers are not evidence of a spiritual person, necessarily. Keep yourself and your loved one close to God in prayer. 

As you struggle with the limitations of the flesh while taking care of a sick person, may the Lord bless you for your willingness and determination to do this task. It may be needed by you one day. Do your best to be the influence you need to be to your loved one. You won’t regret it. If you are caring for one who has no interest in the Lord, your load is even heavier. But your service will not go unnoticed by our Father, nor others.

Never lose hope as you strive to meet each day. You may feel you have no life of your own presently, but that will not last forever. Stages of life are temporary. “Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray all the time” (Romans 12:12; Easy To Read Version).

Perhaps you do not have the responsibilities as a caregiver at this time. I hope the previous article and this one will encourage you to take some time to help someone who is worn down by illness or caregiving. The Lord will bless you.






Picture Copyright: <a href='http://www.123rf.com/profile_kuzma'>kuzma / 123RF Stock Photo</a>





  

Loving Care

by Betty Jackson

Swifter than a weaver’s shuttle...(Job 7:6). That is the pace with which life passes. There are so many things we want to accomplish, and so little time.

Life brings challenges at each stage. 

For most of us the last stage may be the most frightening. As I watched my mother during those “dying days” my heart ached for her, knowing that she was facing that battle of pain and terror on her own; though we did the best we could to provide gentle assistance for the daily rigors. How will the rest of us face those last days—those evil days? (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

What can we do to encourage those we love who are facing those days of rapid decline? 

Poor health often hinders worship attendance, but spiritual food is so needful, more than ever. How can we have the strength for the significant demands we must meet in caring for those we love, whether our babies, an afflicted child, or elderly parent. How can we spiritually encourage the one for whom we provide care?

It would be wise to establish a habit for short devotionals with your ill loved one, if that is possible. The caregiver, as well as the "patient," needs spiritual strength to cope with the significant challenges, frustrations and fatigue. 

Your adult loved one may resent your efforts at a formal devotional. It may be helpful to simply share your own study conversationally, rather than in a formal study format. That will lessen the appearance of your “preaching at” the “patient.” Pray together on a regular basis—at meal time, and bedtime. One of the most meaningful prayers I shared with my mother was the last one. We asked God for forgiveness in the ways we had offended one another. And we did do that!  

There will be regrets. 

Recognize that you are human. You will wear down, and say or do things, inadvertently, that will irritate your dear one. There may be times you must rebuke for unseemly behavior. That is so uncomfortable, if you are overseeing the care of a parent. Seek how to do this in a way that is not condescending.  You may err. You need to ask for forgiveness, not only from God, but from your loved one. Unless the patient is mentally incapacitated, this will help as you deal with regrets after that person’s death. You will need to learn to forgive yourself.

Caretaker support is a must.

Support is needed so badly for the caretaker during these difficult days. An understanding and patient mate is such a help in keeping things in perspective, listening as you vent, giving you opportunity to attend worship at least once on Sunday, or grocery shop. Allow others to help you by giving you time off. If possible, hire some help. Take advantage of every aid you can to help yourself. If you can afford it, use a housekeeping service. Even teenaged youngsters can help with chores.

It is common for one family member to be the caretaker.
Siblings commonly neglect their duties. Some cannot help because of health matters or job restrictions. You will need to accept the reality of what it is, and not let it fester. Whenever you are desperate for a break, call a sibling to see if there is any way he or she could give you respite for even a few days. If you don't ask, you may not get the help you really need.

Towards the end...

Towards the end you may suffer severe sleep deprivation. Nap or rest if you possibly can; try to protect your health. It is a given that you sacrifice some well-being over the months of caregiving. However, after the end, you will be rewarded, knowing that you have done all that you could (Mark 14:8). 

You will grieve.

You will grieve, forgiving yourself and others for their lack of support. You will be able to look back at the difficult times, knowing that neither you nor your loved one wanted to hurt the other. So on that dying day, you can let go of the past, and look forward to serving in other ways that the Lord may have in store. And if both of you are faithful Christians, you will find comfort in knowing you will be reunited, without all the sorrows of the flesh (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). You will rejoice together in the light of God's throne.

Recommended Reading

Jackson, Wayne. What is the Meaning of Corban?

https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1086-what-is-the-meaning-of-corban

Jackson, Wayne. If We Never Meet Again. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1220-if-we-never-meet-again

Picture Copyright: <a href='http://www.123rf.com/profile_victor69'>victor69 / 123RF Stock Photo</a>

Starve Out Bitterness and Feast On Betterness

by Sandy Jackson

Each of us has partaken of meals of strife and turmoil in our lives at one point or another. Those morsels of struggles may have come in bite size portions; or we may have experienced scooted up to the table, filling our bellies with heaping amounts of difficulties that have overflowed our plates of daily living. Some of these troubles we spooned up ourselves by our own poor decisions or those around us have made. But we also experience some distresses that just land in our laps with no fault of our own. The troubles we face through life do not have to be the sum total of what we are made of. How we deal with the tasteless and sometimes bitter experiences we have been served can make our lives palatable and even teach the world this abbreviated life is not the totality of our being. 

Here are 4 things we can stick a fork in and enjoy the bountiful blessings of this life  as we deal with our portions of adversities.

1.  Decide TODAY what you want to be full of...Bitterness or Betterness.  

Happiness is a choice. Your thoughts belong to YOU. They are in your possession. Be confident, in spite of poor circumstances that you have to deal with that no person has control over your state of mind except YOU. This takes practice and determination by filling our hearts with what will bring us true happiness. The menu is in God's Word and we need to be gorging on the righteous instruction therein. "Lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul." Deuteronomy 11:18

2.  "If you want to soar like eagles, you better not be gobbling around with the turkeys." 

Eagles will spread their wings and face a storm using the winds to glide them to higher places. The turkey will flap around in circles then flee nervously to the coop with his feathered friends. I have never yet seen an eagle on someone's dinner plate! Surround yourself with spiritually positive people. Gather with those that have the same goal as you. Lot was caught up into the cares of the world and moved to a population of unrighteousness. He ended up fleeing for his life losing even loved ones that did not keep their eyes on God the Almighty. The instructions in Proverbs on choosing friends still applies today, and we would benefit greatly by adhering to those wise words. 

3.  Set a goal each day of encouraging others who are suffering even in the midst of our own anguish. 

What an example we have in our Lord Jesus who while hanging on the cross and bearing the most cruel actions imaginable did not dwell on his own misfortunes of being treated unfairly. Yet, Christ outpoured his compassion even on the very ones spewing mockery and harsh spittle from their lips into his face. 

Often, we hold grudges against those who have hurt us in some way. Will we forget those actions...probably never, but they can be tucked in the back of our minds as vague memories with effort on our part. More times than not....we are the ones keeping the torture alive in our hearts by stewing over the pain and wishing ill will to those individuals who have hurt us. We may bear scars of misfortune for the remainder of our lives, but we do not have to open the wounds afresh day after day causing bleeding to our souls. Allow the Great Physician to work on your scabs by spending time in his word everyday. 

4. Invest yourself in deep reliance on God. 

I read a sad note recently by a lady obviously experiencing extreme stress in her life. She stated, "I am having a hard time believing prayer works."  I am the first to admit that waiting on the Lord to answer my petitions is the hardest thing to do in this life. We live in such a "microwave" minded world. We want answers and we want them NOW.  Here, I would strongly recommend an excellent article to read regarding this heart wrenching subject, "Seven Laws to Pray By" (www.christiancourier.com) We do not fully understand how God intervenes in our life, because we operate on a purely human vantage point. But I can have confidence that he DOES look out for us ( Isaiah 40:29-31, Phillippines 4:19)   I want to reap benefits as the faithful people such as Hannah, Paul, Noah, Abraham, Elijah, and countless other prayerful souls did. God has yet to go back on any of his promises, and I can count on Him providing for my every need. What a rich study would be on the promises made and kept by the Creator who made mankind and cares for him. Highlight them in your Bibles and hearts!

These points are not to diminish the stresses of life because I know they are very real. Divorce, cancer, death, financial struggles, Ebola, ISIS and other warfare are real. But we have all witnessed the different ways people handle these stresses. None comes out of trials unscathed, but we can be made stronger and maybe even help someone else that is going through turbulent times. 

If you really want to feast on betterness and starve out bitterness, please gift yourself or someone you know that is dealing with a tough life situation with an excellent book, Stronger Than Ever, by Jason Jackson. Here is the link to where you can find it...www.fortifyyourfaithbookstore.org. You will not regret the small price you will pay for the encouragement. 

Champions are Not Just Athletes

by Sandy Jackson

I have sat at probably 124,516 ball games watching my precious nieces, dear friends' kids, and my own competitive boys battle it out on the field with a ball and glove. I love the game of baseball. I'll even watch complete strangers play the sport. I had no idea what the future would hold when Nicholas, now 17, read the Sundown Little League sign-up poster at the age of four. You see, it was almost every day after that for a full year that he asked, “Is it time for me to play ball?” Matthew was right behind him, not satisfied with being a spectator at his brother's games; at five he signed up to take his place on the field. 

Fast forward a few years with moving up through the different levels—hitting off a tee, to coach pitch, and finally to kid pitch. There were tough losses, close wins, exciting championships, and lots of hot dogs eaten along the way. It was this past year that the term "champion" took on a new meaning for our family. I am not referring to the "major league" throws that our youngest son, Matthew, threw from third to first to make the close out plays. And I am not alluding to the thrilling state championship for which Nicholas had the privilege to pitch and cheer his teammates on for the win. These young men started down the walk of champions when they obeyed our Lord by being immersed in baptism last summer and the new beginning of this year. 

I would like to share with you from the very words of our Creator why being a champion for him is the most important accomplishment our children can achieve, and how we as parents can enjoy the win with them in the end. 

1.  Our kids need faithful coaches. They need to see us living the Christian life 24/7. Will we make the wrong calls from time to time? You betcha! But our children need to hear our prayers of repentance and see us striving to do better every day. 

2.  Our kids need to KNOW God. This only comes by knowing His playbook, the Holy Bible.  May we look to the psalmist as an example to instill the precious truths of God and his promises in our children's hearts, so they will possess the strategies for defeating Satan, their most vicious opponent (119:7.) Our influence, as powerful as it is, will only stand on the foundation that we have built for those little souls. There is no substitute for reading, talking about, and practicing every day the game plan laid out for us by the "Divine Planner." Let's not just be spectators of Christianity. 

3.  Our kids need to be trained to be team players. Young people need to be taught to look for opportunities to stretch out a hand, helping a fellow player up when she has fallen or going through a slump. 1 Peter 4:10-11 reminds us when we serve those around us not only is our team built up, but ultimately God is glorified in our doing good toward others. Kids are valuable to the kingdom no matter what age they are; we need to remind them of this and help them cultivate their talents to serve the church and their neighbors. 

4.  Our kids need guidance in choosing good companions. They will become like those they spend the most time with. Supervise your child and who he is hanging around with. Supervision requires your active attention!  The book of Proverbs is packed with valuable counsel for choosing friends. “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:9). The desire to be a champion is contagious. May our children be godly examples before others (Titus 2:7), yet always looking for righteous role models to emulate. 

Let us cheer our children on to look to their Father as their head coach with the prize of heaven ever before them. And may they long for the eternal reward of living a faithful Christian life, more than the temporary shiny trophies of this earthly abode. 

Recommended Reading

Jackson, Jason. Parents Obey Your Father. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1190-parents-obey-your-father

Jackson, Jason. Building Character Before the Concrete Sets. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1233-building-character-before-the-concrete-sets 

Jackson, Wayne. Joel 1:3 — Parental Responsibility. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/922-joel-1-3-parental-responsibility