Philippians 3:13-14

Press Toward the Goal

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

Paul said he had “one” thing to do. If you are like me you probably have several directions you are trying to go and some of them may be in opposite directions! Of course, Paul was talking about his main goal and not his daily schedule. As we know from the Bible, Paul was a busy man, but his activity was focused toward the one overarching goal.

You may have received an email or have heard about the Daniel Plan that is being advertised. It is a plan for both physical and spiritual health in 2015. This plan has some advice about goal setting:

Setting goals is a spiritual discipline. Goals stretch you and help you become all God wants you to be. Setting goals will give a destination for your vision. Move forward toward health in all areas of life by creating SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) in response to your results from the Five Essentials survey.

Specific goals are clear. Tell your brain exactly what is expected and why it’s important. A specific goal usually answers who, what, when, where, why.

Measurable emphasizes tangible benchmarks. If a goal is not measurable, it is not possible to know whether you are making progress. A measurable goal usually answers how much and by when.

Attainable means the goals need to be realistic, even though dreams can be big. Extreme goals usually invite failure and frustration.

Relevant means you choose goals that matter and answer yes to these questions: Does this seem worthwhile? Is this the right time? Does this match your other efforts/needs? Being relevant also means your goals are relevant to God and bring him glory. Any goal that brings you closer to him and makes you want to serve him and others is a goal that matters.

Time-bound emphasizes attaining the goal within a certain time frame. A deadline helps you focus on completion of the goal on or before the due date.

Once you’ve determined your SMART goals, share them with a friend. People getting healthy together lose twice as much weight as those who do it alone. That success dramatically increases when you are connected with others, receiving constant encouragement. Consider inviting some friends to do the six-week Daniel Plan study together.

I do hope and pray that the Lord Jesus Christ and his kingdom/church will be the central theme of your goals in 2015. Whatever plans you embark upon in 2015, be sure that it includes the Lord.

“Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.” 1 Corinthians 9:23-25


South Hill COC
1136 South Hill Avenue
PO Box 3425
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72702-3425

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Calvary, Not Bethlehem
by Tom Wacaster

Note: I wrote this article in 2009 but am sending it out by request, and for those who are new subscribers to "Tom's Pen." I hope you enjoy the article. I also wish for you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 

~~~~~~~~~~

It happened almost 2,000 years ago; but the residual effect is still with us today. Every time we partake of the Lord's Supper we are reminded of that moment in history when the sins of mankind were laid upon the back of our Savior and the Son of God bled and suffered on Calvary that you and I might live. But for some reason men have a desire to celebrate the birth of Christ rather than His death. We decorate our houses with glittering lights, wrap our presents in pretty paper, and sing holiday songs for approximately 28 days, and then go on our merry way wishing each other a Happy New Year until the next "black Friday" when the latest gadgets and electronic marvels hit the shelves of Best Buy and Walmart. While the birth of Jesus is most certainly a significant historical event, it was not God's wish that we celebrate the birth of Jesus once a year, but that we remember His death once a week. Every time we break the bread and drink the cup we are reminded of Calvary! The late Johnny Ramsey so eloquently captured the idea:

On a hill far away that old rugged Cross beckons lost mankind to a nobler pursuit of life. Out of the depths of despair and ruin untold comes a clarion call from heaven that provides salvation for wayfaring men estranged from God to come back home to the Father who runs to meet the prodigals once enveloped in the pig-pen of iniquity. The compelling love of the One who died for all (2 Cor. 5:14) draws us to a richer, fuller and purpose filled life that responds to the suffering Savior in obedience, gratitude and loyalty (The Words of Truth, April 25, 1997).

The real impact of Christianity is not found in a manger one cold December morning. In fact, evidence suggests that our Lord was born in the early to mid Spring rather than the dead of winter. The heralding angels, the shepherds, and the wise men all played a part in ushering the Lord and Savior into this world. We cannot, yea would not diminish the importance of that moment when Mary gave birth to the incarnate Son of God. Without His birth there would have been no life; and without His sinless life there would have been no value in His death beyond that of ordinary mortal men. However, it was not His birth, but His death that provides hope. It was His death that unleashed the power of heaven to save men from their sins. It was Calvary, not Bethlehem, to which the eyes of lost humanity must turn for hope. It was Calvary, not Bethlehem where the price was paid for the sins of humanity. It was Calvary, not Bethlehem, where God's law was fulfilled, divine wrath was satisfied, and the fountain of life was opened and from whence has poured forth the cleansing blood of our Lord for almost 20 centuries. Yes, all this happened at Calvary, not Bethlehem!

In the last days perilous timies shall come

     

 “These are the times that try men’s souls.”   Thomas Paine 1776

I’m pretty sure that you’ve heard the above quotation spoken before and I thought it sort of appropriate to cite at the beginning of my year-end message to be considered.  I’ll come back to it in a few moments for an additional thought but first, let’s discuss some things that currently are being witnessed in our societal lives.

If I had to choose a scripture that I feel is fitting to the events and times relative to this passing year, especially events of late, two of them come readily to my mind.  I’m sure that you can probably come up with others that match your take on the year, but these are the ones that my mind favors.

First, I recall these words written by the Apostle Paul to Timothy for the purpose of alerting us to a time that would someday be upon us and I see them as relating to the words of Thomas Paine cited above.  Paul wrote: “This know also, that in the last days perilous timies shall come.”  (2Tim. 3:1)   I suppose that things could become more perilous than they are right now, but I’m not sure how.

My second chosen scripture fitting to my thoughts today comes from the words of Isaiah, the Prophet:  “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”  (Isa. 5:20)   Maybe it’s just me that feels like the world has turned upside-down, but I doubt that.  Allow me to touch on some of the things that cause me to think this way, which in turn, causes me to write the words of this editorial today.

One thought that relates to the “perilous times” and the calling of “good for evil” and vice-versa was the recent release of a Senate report about the so-called “torture of prisoners” by a government agency.  The prisoners involved were captured members of an organization that killed thousands of Americans on 9-11-01 and has continued on with the slaughter of innocent people to this very day.  All supposedly in the name of their religion.

Now let’s see, they crash airplanes into buildings to kill people; they kill anyone who differs in religious opinion with them using the most barbaric methods imaginable up to and including public beheadings.  They show absolutely no regard for the life of anyone opposing their way of thinking and yet, according to this “report,” the pouring of water on their face and the depriving them of sleep is torture.  It’s as if the “reporters” are calling the ones charged with protecting us from the barbarians “evil” and thus, by comparison, the truly “evil” become the “good.”

But probably the most prevalent example we can look at of “upside-downness” in our society is the ongoing anti-police movement.  And I’m fully aware that the majority of people are not involved in this movement, however the news media, by the way they report it, almost seem to portray it as such.  You get the idea that everyone is protesting.

So what are we seeing in this action that fits with Isaiah’s words?  We see the police out there doing there jobs protecting everybody in their jurisdiction from the “evil doers” who would harm them in any way possible and the thugs and robbers plying their “trade.”   And when confronted by the authority of the law, physically resist arrest, sometimes to the point that they are killed due to their actions.

And, not only are those who perpetrate evil resisting the legal authorities, the 13th chapter of Romans tells us that, in so doing, they are resisting God.   In this situation that police officer, while lawfully doing his duty, is “the minister of God” and that “he does not bear the sword in vain.”  (Rom. 13:4)   There is a reason that police officers carry weapons and it’s because sometimes the ultimate measure has to be taken to preserve a life.  And I will say further that, having spent a career in enforcing the law, no police officer wants to take the life of another person, but yet that is how they are currently being portrayed.

So, now we’ve got the “evil doers” resisting authority being called “good” and the police officers (the good) being called “evil.”  And that’s exactly what the protestors, and those whose lives are seemingly devoted to fomenting and exploiting situations for their own benefit, are bringing about, IE: the turning “good into evil” and “evil into good.”

Here’s another situation that connects in my mind to both the “perilous times” and the reversing of “good and evil.”  I’m speaking of the moral decay of our society.  We have a growing-in-number segment of society who not only accept homosexuality and same-sex marriage, but promote it.  Just bears out the old saying that “what one generation tolerates the next embraces.”  But, don’t we see the “calling of good, evil and the evil, good” here too?

Even on the federal government level we see this “reversal.”   There are a lot of people who believe that the government should operate in accordance with The Constitution.  These are not people who are criminals.  They are totally law-abiding citizens who try to do things open and lawfully. 

But, they are looked upon by agencies of the government as somehow treasonous to expect the federal government to be responsible and abide by The Constitution.  They’re seen as being “evil” and must somehow be silenced even though they’re only promoting “good.”  Now, let me explain, I am not involved in any such movement or group, but I do watch the news and I’m only expressing my opinions on what I’ve seen taking place.

Yes, it’s been an interesting year in a lot of respects, hasn’t it?  Like all years before it, there’s been the highs and lows.  There’s been the “good” and the “bad.”  But one thing we must strive for in the future is to always “rightly divide” the “good and the bad.”  Let’s always keep the “good good” and the “evil evil.” 

And, as far as “perilous times,” the world has always had them and will have them as long as God allows this world to exist.  Plus, we have to recognize that we are now living in “the last days” and we certainly know that we’re living in “perilous times.”

Knowing all of this reminds us that we must stay strong in our faith and our duty, not only to God, but also our fellow man.  We can’t opt out of our duty to either in standing up for “good” and despising “evil” and in keeping them in the proper order.  I told you that we’d come back to the words of Thomas Paine before we closed and here is how we’ll do it.

I’m going to give you the rest of his statement after he mentioned the “times that try men’s souls” and, at least in my mind, they directly relate to what I just said in the above paragraph.  He said further: “The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”

Yes, our “souls” are “tried” on a daily basis, but neither God nor our country is benefitted by a “summer soldier” or a “sunshine patriot.”  And, in further regards to “perilous times,” I leave you today with the words of Jesus Christ:   “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:31)

Respectfully submitted,

Ron Covey

How to be more like Jesus

                      

Well, we’re heavy into the Christmas season, aren’t we?  We can tell by the music playing in all of the stores in which we’re fighting the crowds in order to purchase gifts for our friends and loved ones.  Let me just offer you my personal opinion on this season of the year. 

The world mistakenly recognizes December 25th as being the day of Christ’s birth, but nowhere in the Scriptures are we told this.   As a matter of fact, some of the events surrounding His birth would not have taken place at this time of the year.  As to a particular date, the Bible does tell us specifically when He was crucified and when He arose from the grave.  That is the important date to be memorialized and we do so each and every Sunday when we gather as a family in worship.

However, having said that, I personally have no problem with having a “season” in which people are more kind and thoughtful of others.  When gifts and tokens of love or esteem are given out.  And, if Jesus Christ is mentioned much more than usual and if He gets any glory for people’s behavior, so much the better.  I just wish that this “season” lasted all year round.

Because of this season, with all of its bustle and hectic activities and also with all the sentiments of “peace and goodwill towards men,” I thought that I’d combine my thoughts regarding this season with a lesson centered upon Christ whose name is connected with this time of the year.  And, as I’ve said, I just wish the world was “centered” on Him the whole year.  I’ve told the little story I’m about to use several years ago, but I think that it’s so appropriate to this season and our lesson today that I’m going to revisit it today.

First, let me ask you a question.  Have you ever been mistaken for someone else?  No doubt you have as I’m sure that most of us have a time or two in our lives.  Now let me follow that question up with another one: Was it embarrassing to you when that happened?  Like, who you were mistaken for?  In all innocense I once told a Brother that he resembled a well-known person and he replied, “Oh no, he’s an ugly guy.”  Oops!

Ok, one more question: How are you recognized by the world?  As in, “Are you easily recognized as a Christian (IE: Christ-like) or might you be just as easily recognized as not being one?   Romans 8:29 says that if we are Christians we are “conformed to the image of His Son...”  In other words, we should look like Him, meaning that our lives should reflect His life.

See, a reflection means an “image” or a “likeness” of something or someone.   If we then go one more step in this direction, we find that “likeness” means a “similarity.”  That’s the gist of our lesson today.  That Christians should portray to the world around them a “similarity” of Christ.  Said another way, they should “reflect” the values of God’s family as seen in the life of Jesus, our “firstborn brother.”  (Rom. 8:29)

Now, let me tell you the little story that I mentioned earlier and I think you’ll agree with me that it illustrates a powerful message and one that should cause us to really consider the “image” that we project to the world.  And always remember this: that “the world” is constantly looking at those who profess Christianity to see if we “live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28) as true examples of Christ.

The story: (as I recall it and somehow it seems appropriate to associate it with this hectic time of year).   A few years ago a group of salesmen had spent a week attending a regional sales convention in a major city and were hurrying through the airport to catch their plane because they had assured their wives they’d be home by dinner time Friday night.  In their mighty rush, with their tickets and bags in their hands, one of the salesmen accidently bumped into a table having a display of apples on it, knocking it over.  Apples flew and rolled everywhere.

Without stopping or looking aback, they all managed to reach their gate just in time to board the plane before the door closed.  All except one.  He paused, took a deep breath, thought about what had just happened and felt compassion for the youg girl whose table of apples they had knocked over.  He told his buddies to go on without him and asked one of them to call his wife and tell her that he was taking a later flight.

He then returned to the terminal where the table had overturned and was at once glad that he had done so.  The apples were all over the terminal floor and the 16 year old girl was on the floor trying to gather her apples.  People were swirling around her, everyone rushing by with no one stopping to help.  She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration as she helplessly groped for the apples.  It was then he realized that she was totally blind.

The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples and put them on the table and helped her organize the display.  As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised so he put them aside in another basket.  When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, “Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did and he asked her if she was okay.  She nodded through her tears and he continued on with, “I hope we didn’t spoil your day too badly.”

As he turned and started to walk away, the blind girl called out to him, “Mister...”   He paused, turned to look back into those blind eyes and she asked him, “Are you Jesus?”  Her question stopped him in mid-stride.  He then slowly walked back to the departure gate to catch the next flight, but the question she’d asked burned in his soul.  “Are you Jesus?”

Wouldn’t you consider that to be the most wonderful case of mistaken identity that a Christian could experience?  Let’s return to one of my previous questions and re-ask it: “How are you recognized by the world?”  By the way we live and conduct ourselves would someone see Jesus in us?  Would our Christian character be a true “image” or “likeness” of Him?  Would our character be “similar” to His?  Something to consider, isn’t it?

For my closing thought for this editorial today and in considering the “season” we’re currently enjoying, allow me to borrow some words written by the Apostle Paul to express a “seasonal” sentiment to everyone.

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in your body; and be ye thankful.”  Colossians 3:15

Ron Covey