Today is the day of salvation

 

BIBLE THOUGHT

 

Genesis 19:16 "And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the Lord being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth and set him without the city."

 

This Bible Thought is an easy one to remember. Some time ago Lot chose to live in a city that was very wicked. Now God has warned him  to leave Sodom before it is destroyed. God has sent  two angels to warn Lot of the impending doom and lead him to safety (Genesis 19). For whatever reason, we learn that Lot was reluctant to leave that wicked place. As we read this account, we are amazed that a man warned in such a fashion of impending doom, given the opportunity to flee to safety, would hesitate to do so.

 

But why are we amazed over Lot's lingering? It is a story repeated over and over today. For, you see, Lot has his counterpart in every place the gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed. His counterpart is even found within the church throughout the brotherhood. Men are faithfully told of God's goodness and of his severity (Rom. 11:22). men are warned to flee the wrath to come and they have pointed out to them the way to escape that wrath and be saved. Within the church, men are constantly being instructed as to what must be done in order to remain safe from the wrath (James 4:17; Matt. 6:33). Yet, multitudes of those both in the world and in the church linger in the valley of indecision knowing what they should do but delaying to do it.

 

Some, no doubt, linger because they are in love with the world, in love with material things, in love with the pleasures and amusements of the world (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 Tim. 4:3-4; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:1-2; Matt. 6:19-21)

 

Some linger because they think they have time enough yet to obey. They say to themselves, "one day I will obey God but right now I am young, healthy and have many years left." These people make the same mistake the rich fool of Luke 12 made (15-21). These are the people who do not take into account the fact that there is but a step between life and death (1 Sam. 20:3) and it matters not what your age may be, young or old.

 

Lingering robs God of some of the best years of a man's life (Eccl. 12:1). Lingering can and often does influence friends, neighbors, husbands, wives and children to be lost eternally. Yet, still, many, like Lot of old, stand around lingering when it comes to obedience to God. Far too many are the people who live in tomorrow.

Charles Hicks

 

What is the book of life?

                              
                          "And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book
                           of Life was thrown into the lake of fire."   (Rev. 20:15 NLT)
You know, we haven’t heard or seen much lately about the Titanic, have we? For awhile there it seemed like there was something newsworthy about that great ship and her tragic end quite often in the news, but it’s been pretty quiet in that regard lately. To an editorial writer, the Titanic serves as a lesson illustration in a lot of ways and I’ve used the ship in several lessons in the past. I’m going to use another little facet of her story for a lead-in to our lesson and hopefully, if I can adequately present my thoughts, I think we can derive a good lesson from them.
Today our general topic word is - "lists." Something that I’m sure all of us are very familiar with. We make "grocery lists," we make "laundry lists," we make "travel lists," you know, so that we don’t forget something important.
We’re on lists. We’re on "work lists" and "non-work lists." In many church bulletins, we’re on "sick lists." The one list that I, and probably most of us, detest are "waiting lists" for one thing or another. We’re probably on all kinds of "government lists." So far I’ve managed to avoid being on the "No-Fly list."
We know "lists," don’t we? Let me see if I’m able to tie something I recently read about the Titanic with our knowledge and usage of lists and come up with a spiritually-oriented lesson. First the story and then the application.
There is an exhibit that travels about the country and appears at mostly museums that’s referred to as the "Titanic Exhibition." Some of you may have even seen it. It consists of a recreation of the ship’s Grand Staircase and the recreation of one of the staterooms. There are various artifacts that have actually been recovered from the wreckage placed throughout the exhibit.
What I found interesting about this exhibit and fits with this lesson today is something you see when you enter the exhibit on your tour. You’re given a ticket that has the name of one of the passengers or crew members inscribed on it. You go through the tour and when you come to the end of the tour you find a large wall.

On this wall is two lists of names. One list is short and the other one long. Next to each name on either of the two lists is one of four designations. It’ll indicate whether that name was (1) 1st Class, (2) 2^nd Class, (3) 3^rd Class or (4) Crew. As far as the name on your ticket is concerned, it really doesn’t matter what their accommodations were or whether they were a member of the ship’s crew. Each name ultimately appears on one of the aforementioned "two lists."
Now here’s where those two lists tie into our spiritual lesson. The headings of the two lists are: "SAVED" and "LOST." I’m not rightly sure of how I’d feel or what emotions I’d experience when I checked the name on my ticket against the two lists and found out on which list that name was inscribed. How would you feel? Interesting to consider, isn’t it?

And, you do realize that some of the names on the lists had no choice as to which list their name appears on, but many did. Now let’s make the application.
Our names are going to be found on one of two similar lists when our Judgment Day arrives. It will either be on the "SAVED" list or on the "LOST" list. And, just for your information, Judgment Day arrives the moment we cease to breathe the air of this earth because, once that occurs, there is no changing of our status. There’s no way of moving from one list to another. Here’s the point of this paragraph - a lot of the souls on the Titanic had no choice regarding which list their name appeared on - BUT WE DO!
Now I’m aware that the word "list" or "lists" doesn’t appear in the Bible as such, however, there’s another word that does appear that serves to the same application. That word is - BOOK. As in the "Lamb’s Book of Life" (Rev. 21:27) or as more often just cited as the "Book of Life." (Rev. 20:12, 20:15 & 22:18). Be good for you to read those verses.

Back to the thought about us having a choice of lists - which list do you want your name to be on? The "SHORT" list or the "LONG" list, remembering which one is which. Let me just amplify a moment on these two lists and provide you with some facts about why there is a different length to those lists.
The total number of souls who survived the ship’s sinking, according to the encyclopedia, was 706. The total number of souls that perished was 1,517. Hence the difference in the lists. Seen another way, about 70% of the souls on board were lost, thus had their names inscribed on the "LONG" list. Almost a 2 to 1 ratio. Do these figures seem to jive with the words of Jesus in Matt. 7:13-14 where He talked about the "wide gate" versus the "narrow gate?" And the "many" versus the "few?" Does to me.

Are you aware that the lifeboats of the Titanic were no where near filled with people? Many perished because of one reason: they refused to get in a lifeboat. They chose to stay on a sinking ship. Makes you wonder why, doesn’t it?

The only reasonable answer that I see is - they believed the propaganda about the ship being "unsinkable." It was a lie and they believed it and made their choice based upon it. Because of that false belief, their names appear on the "LONG" list.

The widow of the ship’s Captain, Mrs. Eleanor Smith, wrote this message to the families of those lost in the tragedy: "To my fellow-sufferers: my heart overflows with grief for you and is laden with sorrow that you are weighed down with the terrible burden that has been thrust upon us. May God be with us and comfort us all."

I sort of see her message as something we should also be concerned with, IE: the "terrible burden" of seeing so many souls perish because of choosing "to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin" (Heb. 11:25 ESV) (staying on a sinking ship) rather than obedience to Christ (getting in the lifeboat) and being saved. Shouldn’t it concern us that the "LOST" list is so long? I think so but, it should concern us more about which list WE are on.
Do you ever wonder how God feels about this "saved to lost" ratio? I don’t pretend to speak for God here, but I can provide you with something He said in His Word that can give us a clue. Read with me His words quoted below:
                 "For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God:
                  wherefore turn yourselves and live ye."    Ezekiel 18: 32

Ron Covey

Oh, The Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss

A Thoughtful Gift

Last year, Brenna Martin graduated from high school. One of the things that she will remember most is the graduation gift that she received from her parents. She posted her thoughts about her gift not long after she received it. Here are her words:

"I graduated High School this week. When my Dad said he had a present for me, I thought I was getting some cheesy graduation card. But what I received was something truly priceless....

Following the ceremony he handed me a bag with a copy of 'Oh, The Places You'll Go!' by Dr. Seuss inside. At first I just smiled and said that it meant a lot and that I loved that book. But then he told me, 'No, open it up.' On the first page I see a short paragraph written by none other than my kindergarten teacher. I started tearing up but I'm still confused. He tells me, 'Every year, for the past 13 years, since the day you started kindergarten, I've gotten every teacher, coach, and principal to write a little something about you in this book.' He managed to keep this book a secret for 13 years, and apparently everyone else in my life knew about it! Yes the intended effect occurred. I burst out into tears.

Sitting there reading through this book there are encouraging and sweet words from every teacher I love and remember through my years in this small town. My early teachers mention my 'pigtails and giggles,' while my high school teachers mention my 'wit and sharp thinking.' But they all mention my humor and love for life. It is astounding to receive something this moving, touching, nostalgic, and thoughtful. I can't express how much I love my Dad for this labor of love."

The book "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" has a cash value of less than $20, but to Brenna, it is "truly priceless." She will cherish the comments from her teachers and coaches, but what makes the book so valuable to her is that her Dad worked on "this labor of love" for 13 years.

If the value of a gift can be determined by the time and thoughtfulness behind it, consider the worth of God's greatest Gift for you and me.

The Apostle Peter wrote to Christians regarding the price that was paid for their redemption: "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake." - 1 Peter 1:18-19

Our sins condemn us (Romans 3:23; 6:23), but God loves us so much that He provided a Gift - His Son Jesus - to pay the price for our redemption (Ephesians 1:7).

That Gift, which provides salvation and eternal life to those who accept it, is precious - not only because it is the precious blood of the Son of God who died for us, but also because of how long ago God determined to provide the Gift. "He was chosen before the creation of the world."

In order to accept God's offer of salvation and life through His Son, one must place his faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), and follow Him faithfully (Revelation 2:10).

God planned to save us through the blood of Jesus His Son before He even created us! That Gift is "truly priceless."

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" - 2 Corinthians 9:15

Won't YOU accept the GIFT on His terms?

David Sargent

How to have a strong marriage

On the way to church recently, we noticed a goose sitting by a beautiful pond. She was in the same place every time we drove by. We soon realized she was sitting on eggs. She never left them. Always protected them. Occasionally we saw a gander near her. The reason? They mate for life. It’s the way God made them.

Weeks passed until, at last, we saw three little goslings dancing around the feet of their mother. It’s fun to drive by now and see both goose and gander staying ever so close to their little ones, feeding, guiding, and protecting them from predators. When an animal comes near, they usher everyone in the opposite direction.

The scene leaves me thinking about families. It was God’s design from the beginning that man and woman be joined for life. Jesus said divorce is never an option except for adultery or fornication (Matt. 19:1-10).

Husbands should love and protect their wives (1Peter 3:7). Fathers and mothers should lovingly nurture, guide, and protect their children from evil so they can grow physically and spiritually into ones who obey God (Eph. 6:4, 2 Tim. 1:5). The most dangerous predator is Satan. Is it not odd, then, that parents feel compelled to provide entertainment for the family with television, computers, games, music, etc., virtually inviting Satan into their home? Bad language, violent or immoral scenes, crude humor, and more. In goose and gander terms, it is like inviting a hawk to have dinner with the goslings. How absurd is that?

Couples, honor your vows. Parents, teach your children to obey God, lead them away from evil enticements, and be as vigilant and protective as the goose and gander. Today’s Verse: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8), Abstain from every form of evil (1 Thess. 5:22).

Today’s Challenge: Examine your family. Is God first? Are you on the look-out for predators? Today’s extra thought: A mother should cherish and protect the life of her unborn baby. One can only imagine the anger that is kindled when God looks down on those who do not.

--Teresa Hampton

Air Force maintenance complaints

     Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by US Air Force pilots and the replies from the maintenance crews.
 
Problem: "Left inside main tire almost needs replacement."
Response: "Almost replaced left inside main tire."
 
Problem: "Test flight OK, except autoland very rough."
Response: "Autoland not installed on this aircraft."
 
Problem #1: "#2 Propeller seeping prop fluid."
Response #1: "#2 Propeller seepage normal."
Problem #2: "#1, #3, and #4 propellers lack normal seepage."
 
Problem: "Something loose in cockpit."
Response: "Something tightened in cockpit."
 
Problem: "DME volume unbelievably loud."
Response: "Volume set to more believable level."
 
Problem: "Dead bugs on windshield."
Response: "Live bugs on order."
 
Problem: "Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick."
Response: "That's what they're there for."
 
Problem: "Number three engine missing."
Response: "Engine found on right wing after brief search."
 
Problem: "Evidence of hydraulic leak on right main landing gear."
Response: "Evidence removed."
 
     That last one describes how many of us try to deal with our spiritual shortcomings.  There's evidence of sin in our lives, but instead of trying to correct the problem, we merely try to remove the evidence.  But only when we are honest before God is there hope of forgiveness.
 
     "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.  Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.  For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me." (Psalm 51:1-3)
 
     No more hiding of evidence, as there once had been in David's life.  Merely an honesty and a remorse about what he had done, and a desire to once again be right in God's eyes.
 
     May you live this day with a heart like David.

Alan Smith

 

Trekking poles

For the past 25 years my hikes in the woods have been accompanied by a walking stick. The one I most often use is special to me; my father-in-law (now deceased) made it. He was a carpenter by trade, and this happens to be a sturdy and useful staff. But most of the time I simply carried it. I put it to use mainly when going down steep trails to help me keep my footing.

My two sons recently presented me with a gift I wasn't initially convinced I would like: trekking poles. (These look somewhat like the poles a snow skier would use.) I decided to give them a try on a recent hike to Rocky Fork Falls in Unicoi County, TN. After completing the hike, which involves a 1,200-foot elevation gain, I realized I had a couple of new friends.

I confess I had previously regarding trekking poles as "geeky" (or "dorky" as one of my sons said). But as I get older, I'm finding myself to be not as agile as before, and stamina is more of a precious commodity. These poles proved to be beneficial in a couple of ways on this hike: (1) They utilized my arm strength to climb the steeper parts of the train; (2) they also utilized my arms to take some of the pressure off my knees coming down those steep sections; and (3) they provided even more help in maintaining balance. That last benefit was especially helpful when fording creeks.

I suppose there are some who might regard the glasses I wear as "dorky", but I know I can't get far without them. Now I've made acquaintance with two helpful friends who will give me similar assistance when venturing into wilderness areas. (If you'd like to see photos of the falls I just visited, go to http://hikingbill.com/?p=511. This fellow has a very nice site.)

Hiking is not for everyone, but we're all trekking on a trail that is leading us into eternity. Those who know God's word realize the importance of having His guidance on this trail, for we don't want to take the wrong fork in the road! We need all the help we can get to make it to heaven.

The writer of the letter to the Hebrew Christians pointed to one valuable resource we have in making this journey: "Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed ... Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God ..." (Hebrews 12:12-13,15).

What that writer is describing is Christian fellowship. Think of Christian companions as "living trekking poles", staying close by your side as you travel. They're there to support you when you're weak, to help you maintain your balance, to relieve the pressure when the climbing is tough. It's one of the great gifts the Lord has given us.

Paul spoke often of this blessing. Consider this example: "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:1,2).

None of us are hiking on a level trail. Sometimes we encounter steep hills to climb, and obstacles over which we must cross. Can we do it alone? Maybe. But God promises His help as we travel, and He has also given us Christian brethren to assist us. Get to know the helpful friends near you.

Timothy D. Hall

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life

It was an October day in 1959 in Bixby, Oklahoma.  Six-year-old big sister was at school.  Little two-year-old sister was playing in the house.  Mom was also at home working in another room.  Dad was at work.  A carpenter was refinishing the hardwood floors in their old house.  The carpenter's wife, accompanied by a five-year-old neighbor, had just arrived to pick him up.  Then it happened.  There was a loud explosion.  When the hot water heater came on, it ignited the freshly sealed hardwood floor and the bucket of sealer that was sitting near the furnace.  Instantly, fire raged in the dining room.

Mother ran out of the back of the house around to the front.  The carpenter, his wife, and the 5-year-old had made it out safely.  The two-year-old, however, was trapped inside.  Mother heard her daughter screaming inside the dining room.  Mother went to the window, ripped off the heavy screen window, threw it aside, and climbed into the smoke-filled room with fire blazing all around.  Huddled in the corner just a couple of feet from the fire was her daughter.  She was trying to shield herself from the fire with her arms.  Mother ripped off her own skirt and wrapped her daughter in it.  Carrying her, she climbed out of the window.  By this time, Dad had arrived.  Seeing that their daughter was badly burned, they rushed her to the hospital in Broken Arrow.  It wouldn't be long before she would be rushed to a much larger, better-equipped hospital in Tulsa.

The little two-year-old had suffered terrible burns on her legs up to the middle of her thighs, on her right arm, and the right side of her face.  Over a four-month period in the hospital, the little two-year-old underwent multiple surgeries to place skin grafts on the burn sites.  Doctors even had to take her to surgery in order to change her dressings.

And every day, her mother was by her side.

That little girl, Pam, is now a wife and has a daughter of her own.  She has experienced success as an executive of the Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, Michigan.  She still walks with a limp and has scars on her legs and her right hand.  But she is alive and well. and thankful for her loving mother, Helen Parham, who saved her life by pulling her out of the fire.

The love of this mother for her daughter should help us to recognize how much the Heavenly Father loves each one of us...

 "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).  When we were doomed because of our sins, God sent Jesus to our rescue so that we would not perish in the flames of the fires of hell (Ephesians 1:7).  He came so that so we might have eternal life in a glorious place called Heaven (John 14:1-6).

Jesus will save and give eternal life to those who accept His offer of salvation on His terms: placing their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turning from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confessing Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  He will continue to cleanse those who strive to continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7).

Jesus has come to save YOU from the fire.  He has something FAR BETTER for you! 

Won't YOU accept His offer on His terms?

David Sargent