"In Case of Grief" by Author: Trevor Bowen

http://insearchoftruth.org/articles/in_case_of_grief.html

"In Case of Grief"

It seems like most airplanes, factories, and other environments that are susceptible to dangerous, or grave crises have some form of clearly posted instructions that begin with "In case of emergency … ". Usually these words follow with "pull string", "wash eyes with water", or "run around screaming with hands waving in the air" - ok, so I have never seen that last bit of instruction, but in some situations, it seems to be the only sensible thing to do. The emergency instructions are not so clearly posted for some of life's difficulties, but they are available for those who are humble and willing to look.

The book of I Peter was written to Christians who were suffering and laden down with grief. However, as every commentary notes, the suffering that is under consideration in this book is peculiar to Christians. It was written as aid to those who are suffering as Christians, not as human beings. Sickness, loss of employment, failed health, and loss of loved ones are forms of suffering that are common to all humans. The associated grief befalls Christian and non-Christian alike. Although the Bible contains help for those who are suffering persecution as a Christian, the Bible is not without advice and counsel regarding general human suffering, which seems all-consuming when one is in the throes of grief.

Sometimes we grieve so profoundly, we feel as if we could tear off this mortal raiment and fly back to our heavenly Father, sobbing, and seeking His comfort. Grief is the cry of an immortal soul, reaching and groping for help from the only One, Who can provide it. In Old Testament times, saints would literally rip and tear their clothes as evidence of their complete undoing. Shaken to their foundations, they could only call out to their Maker for protection (Genesis 37:33-35; II Samuel 1:11-12). From this we learn that grief is not wrong, even when it is manifested publicly. Our Lord and Savior was described as a "man of sorrows" and as one Who was well "acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3). Jesus visibly showed his grief on at least two occasions. As He was entering Jerusalem for the last time, He stood in a high place looking out over Jerusalem, weeping (Luke 19:41-44; see related Matthew 23:34-39). Although the people had rejected God, it did not change the fact that Jesus loved the people and sorrowed over their impending destruction. His love can also be seen after the death of his friend, Lazarus. As Jesus approached Lazarus' tomb and saw all the people weeping, the Scripture says that "He groaned in the spirit and was troubled" (John 11:33). Jesus grieved in sympathy with those who were grieving over the loss of Lazarus, but when Jesus approached the tomb Himself, He broke down and wept (John 11:35). The word here for wept means to weep openly and deeply. Those standing by commented on His evident love for Lazarus (John 11:36). Sometimes in grief, we also weep deeply. Sometimes other people witness our grief. Although we should not grieve to be seen of men (Matthew 6:1-8), those who truly grieve may find themselves in public places at the moment of crisis. Grief is not a sign of weakness, but it is a sign of understood loss. Those who do not grieve are those who have not lost.

Although grief is not a sign of faithlessness, we often feel the weakest at such moments of loss. Although we may feel ruined, we should remember that the One, Who once grieved at Lazarus tomb, now stands at the right hand of the Father, pleading for us (Romans 8:31-39). Does the heart, which was once moved at the suffering of Lazarus' friends and family, no longer feel the pain of His brethren? We can rest assured that He is still moved by our pain and pleads for help, in our stead, before the Creator of the whole universe (Hebrews 4:14-16). Not only do we have Jesus pleading for us, but we also have a amiable, heavenly Father, to whom Jesus pleads, Who wants to help us and provide the things that are good for us (Matthew 7:7-11).

Not only should we recognize that it is all right to grieve, and that God will sustain us through it, but we should also know that grief and suffering are not without benefit. Although such benefits were not the intended fruit of suffering, like many blessings God bestows, they are brought out of the ruin of evil schemes, which were never intended by their wicked designer to bless us. God is able to bring, and often does bring blessings out of curses (Numbers 24:10-13; Esther 9:1-25; Genesis 3:11-15). The times of grief are invaluable precipices of life on top of which, we can reflect upon our lives and choose to either soar to greater heights or tumble into the abyss. The wise man offered that the day of adversity should give us pause to consider (Ecclesiastes 7:13-14). Such consideration sometimes causes us to recognize failures in our own life, which may prompt us to return to the Lord (Psalm 119:67, 71). From all trials we can learn patience and wisdom (James 1:2-8). Such blessings are the flowers that bloom after the wildfire has pruned the prairie and prepared it for an even greater harvest (John 15:1-2). Paul said, "Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." (II Corinthians 12:10). Although these words again relate to one suffering persecution as a Christian, it nevertheless indicates a general principle of strength that may come during moments of our greatest weakness, if we allow God to bless us. When we are weak, we see our true condition. We are reminded of how much we need the Lord, and if we are willing, these moments will drive us towards a closer relationship with God, wherein true and lasting strength lies.

Finally, remember these instructions: "In case of grief: pray, study, and hope". Although it is all right to grieve, we should not let the grief consume us as those who have no hope. We should look to the example of the "man of sorrows". In His most difficult hour, He was constantly bowed before the Lord’s throne in prayer (Matthew 26:36-45; I Thessalonians 5:17). Although prayer brings us to a closer reliance upon the Father, it is not enough. We must also study the pages of God’s Word, looking for His wisdom that will answer our prayers (Psalm 119:25-28; 49-56; 81-96). Although not all of our questions and requests may be immediately answered through study, diligent study will continue to provide answers, but more importantly, it will provide the promise of the eternal Judge, Who will one day make all things right. After learning of God’s promises, we must learn to rest securely in hope. "Hope" should not be to us an empty word or cliché; neither should it be merely a pleasant word. Rather, "hope" should convey the very strength that carries Christians through grievous suffering (Romans 8:18-25; Hebrews 6:10-20). Without hope, no one will overcome grief. This makes the difference as we stand upon the precipice.

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." (I Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Only those who have this hope can obtain comfort from this promise. If you cannot find comfort, then will you not make your life right with the Lord? Only then will you find lasting hope and peace, even in the face of grief.

Please feel free to send the author of this article any questions, concerns, or feedback that you may have.

Author: Trevor Bowen

The First Miracle of Jesus – Turning Water into Wine by Ben fronczek

http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?p=1144

The First Miracle of Jesus – Turning Water into Wine

The First Miracle of Jesus – Turning Water into Wine                      

John 2:1-11  “On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

4 “Woman,why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”

5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.

7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.

8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”

They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.”

There are all kind of unexpected things that have happened at weddings. Some good, some funny, and sometimes things that are not either good or funny. For examples: Many years ago I was the best man at in a friend’s wedding. As most of you know, one responsibility of the Best man is to provide the wedding rings at the appropriate time when the minister asks for them. Prior to the service I place the rings in the right hand pocket of my tux. When the minister asked for the rings reached down into the pocket and found that they were no longer there. The rings were gone. In front of the crowded church I dug and searched in total shock and embarrassment. After what seemed like a long, awkward, and humiliating search my friend’s sister reached from behind and gave us her ring to use in the ceremony. Little did I know that there was a small tear in the pocket and the rings slipped down into the lining of my jacket and I found them shortly after the service.

Here are some others things I found that happened at other’s weddings:

●I read where the bride and groom’s head table collapsed and knocked over all of the drinks and food during the reception.

●At one wedding the groom pass out.
●At another the best man started crying and couldn’t stop.

●At another wedding the Mom’s stands by a candelabra at the alter and catches her hair on fire.
●At one wedding, when lighting the unity candle, the brides veil caught fire.
●At still another, the little flower girl screamed the whole way up the aisle.
●At another the bride tripped on her dress and falls flat.
●At another wedding the mother of the bride shouted out orders…from her walk down the aisle and her seat.
●At another wedding the officiate was drunk…

In our text today we read that Jesus had been invited to a wedding in Cana. During this time their weddings lasted up to 7 days. I am sure if the mishaps  were all recorded they also had their share of bloopers. In today’s story we read of how one such mishap was prevented with Jesus’ help.

Of the 4 Gospel writers John was the only one who recognized the significance of recording this wonderful story. He makes mention that this was the 1st miraculous sign that Jesus performed. I believe that there is more to learn from this story than Jesus simply revealing His power and glory.

 And so today I would like to mention a few lessons I see here in this text.

Read: 2:1-3   So Jesus, after having been invited to this wedding, is there with his mother and some of His disciples. In verse 3, we read that they ran out of wine. So I ask, ‘what’s the big deal?’                                                                           

In a small village such as Cana, a wedding would have been a community celebration.  It is said, “To fail to provide adequately for the guests would involve social disgrace. In the closely knit communities of Jesus’ day, such an error would never be forgotten and would haunt the newly married couple all their lives.” (Tenney)

The loss would not only have brought shame and social disgrace,  but also financial loss since grooms had a legal responsibility in that culture to provide a suitable feast for their guests.”

It also would have just destroyed their reputation and that was no way to start their new lives off as husband and wife.

And so we see Mary going Jesus and she lets Him know that they were out of wine. After reading this I asked myself, “Why did Mary do this? Why did she go to Jesus with this problem?” And I believe this leads us to our first lesson:

#1. Mary knew what kind of heart her Son had; that He was a caring and compassionate man. Over the years living with Him she saw how big a heart He had. As a boy she saw how generous and helpful He was.  Maybe He was the one going around and helping the other kids when they needed help. Maybe she saw how He helped the old people around their neighborhood.

She knew in her heart Jesus would try to help this couple. Later we see how much compassion Jesus had for each and every one of us when He went to the cross. We sing, “Why did the Savior come to earth and to the humble go? Why on that cross be lifted up – because HE loved me so.”

Let there be no mistake about it; no one loves you as much as Jesus, and He showed us that by stretching out His hands and feet on that cross where he allowed Himself to be nailed to it so that He could save us from ours sin.

But just like Jesus loved us and was willing to die for us, He also wants us to love one another, and make sacrifices for one another, out of our love. He is not asking any more of you and me than what He himself gave.

#2. She knew her son. He was not only generous and compassionated, He was also the most dependable person she ever met and knew He could get things done when a need came up. She probably depended upon Him for many years to do so many things and He probably never failed her ever.

Mary knew how dependable Jesus was and knew that somehow He could fix the problem. As far as being dependable goes; I wish all were as dependable as Jesus. When it comes right down to it, I have found that there are not too many people that we can truly depend on, especially when it comes to getting things done. Companies struggle to get employees that are dependable, who they can trust to get things done. We ask our spouse or family members to do something for us over and over, and eventually we give up or do it our self. And how many times have we been hurt or disappointed by friends or even church members because they talked about something that was said in confidence, or we wanted to depend on them for help, but were let down.

Mary probably had no idea what Jesus was going to do, but she trusted Him and had confidence in His ability. She even instructed the servant to do whatever He said. And after doing so she probably left Him in a peaceful state knowing that just like so many other times before, when you turn your problem over to Jesus He will help you through the situation.

I hope that you make it a goal to be trust worthy and dependable. And when you are in a difficult situation and don’t know what to do, like Mary learn to give it to Jesus, who is not only compassionate, He is able to help us.

 #3. As for the third lesson I see in this text: Jesus can take something which is very common and turn it into something extraordinary. We read that Jesus told the servants to fill the 6 stone jars there with water. They fill the jars to their brim and then Jesus instructs one of them to draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. After doing so the master of the banquet was delighted and complements the bridegroom for the very, very high quality of wine that was now made available for the guests.

A couple of things are seen here: This shows that Jesus had the same power to create that God demonstrated in creation. In John chapter 1:3 he wrote that “Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.”  And just like when He made everything in the beginning and said that it was good, here, by the same power, Jesus produced the best as He always did when He creates. That must have been REAL good wine!

But what I find especially interesting, is the fact that He transforms something which is very common (water – very possibly with some impurities or bacteria) into some extraordinary (the best wine ever).

Jesus is so good at transforming things from one condition into another. Look at what do does when He touches our lives:  Fisherman and tax collectors, and even someone who persecuted Christians, became Godly men and apostles; great servants of the faith. Prostitutes, adulterers, slaves, prisoners, jailors, freemen and scoundrels of all kinds have been transformed by the touch of Jesus. (like turning polluted water into fine wine)

When the water of our life submits to Jesus, then even the worst circumstances in life can become rich and meaningful, and have value. It doesn’t matter how bad you lived, Jesus can re-create you!

#4. And lesson 4, the jars held between 20 and 30 gallon which represented about 120-180 gallon of wine; probably about 2400 servings. This wine was most likely fermented grape juice, possible diluted with a little water. This kind of wine was something that normally took much time to produce and ferment. To the Jew and others in this part of the world during, wine was symbolic of joy. “Many students of this passage have identified the wine as symbolic of the joy that Messiah brings. (Blum)

Some even go as far as seeing this as an example of Jesus going above and beyond so that we may be filled with joy because of His love for us. What He did brought joy to those people. And what did, and continues to do is meant to bring joy to us.

This miracle portrays not only the joy Christ brings into a person’s life but also the abundance of joy. . . .for the Christian there is a new life in Christ. The old is passed away and there is a whole new life and perspective in and because of Christ Jesus.  In 2 Corinthians 5:17 Paul wrote, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

So in Conclusion:  Jesus is trustworthy, and dependable. Trust Him, depend on Him in times of trouble and doubt. When Mary turned the problem over to Jesus, I would image it put her heart at ease. He can do the same for you.

Remember how much Jesus cares for you. And remember how he can take that which is ordinary (you & me) and make us into something extraordinary.

And last of all, remember that Jesus wants you to be happy, and full of joy. He said, “I came that you may have life, and life to the full.”  Seize that joyful life! Everyday get up and thank Jesus for what He has done for you and what He has blessed you with…and choose to enjoy what you have and be happy.

Blessed Are the Faithful by Alfred Shannon Jr.

https://biblicalproof.wordpress.com/2011/05/page/7/

Blessed Are the Faithful

Only a few will talk about the doctrine of Christ: Some for money, some for glory, and a few to save a soul. Some will write for it, fight for it, and even die for it. God is also looking for those who are willing to abide by it. Blessed are the faithful which endure till the end.

2 Cor 2:17; Prov 11:30; Mt 4:19; Philip 1:15-18; Jude 3; Jam 3:1; Philip 1:21; Rom 2:21,22; Rev 22:14; Rev 14:13; Rev 3:11; 1 Jn 2:17

Abiding in Him by Richard Mansel

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Mansel/Richard/Dale/1964/abiding.html

Abiding in Him

How will we be found when the Lord returns? The time of the Lord's return is a mystery. "Of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only" (Matthew 24:36). So, how should we be conducting ourselves?
John writes, "And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him" (1 John 2:28-29).
Since Christ came and died for us and gave of Himself so freely (Galatians 2:20) we ought to spend ourselves for His kingdom. We should prepare ourselves and conduct our lives so we will not be ashamed when we stand before Him.
To be ashamed, as John writes, means to "grow pale, to change color from shame." We certainly do not want to be the ones ashamed on the Day of Judgment. Instead, sinners and 'Christians' who have scoffed at Christianity, justified drinking, fornication, false teachings, blasphemy and the like, will lose color and will strangle their laughs when they realize Christ is real and has come with a sword of vengeance (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Romans 1:28-32).
John writes that we must know God is righteous. He has all truth and has supplied us with sacred truths in Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
John also writes that we must be born of Him. Only in Him will we find salvation (John 3:3-5). Otherwise, we will be found with the sinners and will be lost forever (Matthew 25).
Finally, John writes that we should practice righteousness. We live for Him every day of our lives. Then because we are faithful to His cause we become filled with boldness. Proverbs 28:1 says, "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion."
Boldness here involves speaking freely. People speak out concerning matters they are passionate about whether it be politics, hobbies or gossip. Since we have boldness and confidence, we can be busy in the practice of righteousness. A 'practicing attorney' is someone who is active in this profession. What are we doing to practice righteousness? Is it obvious to those among whom we circulate daily? If not, how can we be "lights to the world?" (Matthew 5:16).
Richard Mansel


Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

Deception by Gary Rose

The world we live in is constantly changing. To me, this is most evident when it comes to information. I remember, that as a young adult, I trusted the media. Generally, I believed what was on the three network channels and PBS as being the truth. Then, as time when on, something changed; it became more and more obvious that the “news” was becoming increasingly more slanted. Within the past decade or so, the “news” seems to have been replaced by propaganda. More than that, propaganda has been transformed into outright political attacks filled with hate.

The deception of all the media is apparent and both disheartening and alarming. Yet, deceit is not a new concept, only the medium is different.

Consider this passage from the book of Joshua...

Joshua 9 (World English Bible)

 ¹ When all the kings who were beyond the Jordan, in the hill country, and in the lowland, and on all the shore of the great sea in front of Lebanon, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard of it  ² they gathered themselves together to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord. ³ But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai,  ⁴ they also resorted to a ruse, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks on their donkeys, and wine skins, old and torn and bound up,  ⁵ and old and patched shoes on their feet, and wore old garments. All the bread of their provision was dry and moldy.  ⁶ They went to Joshua to the camp at Gilgal, and said to him, and to the men of Israel, “We have come from a far country. Now therefore make a covenant with us.” 

  ⁷  The men of Israel said to the Hivites, “What if you live among us. How could we make a covenant with you?” 

  ⁸  They said to Joshua, “We are your servants.” 

Joshua said to them, “Who are you? Where do you come from?” 
  ⁹  They said to him, “Your servants have come from a very far country because of the name of Yahweh your God; for we have heard of his fame, all that he did in Egypt,  ¹⁰ and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon and to Og king of Bashan, who was at Ashtaroth. ¹¹ Our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spoke to us, saying, ‘Take provision in your hand for the journey, and go to meet them, and tell them, “We are your servants. Now make a covenant with us.”’  ¹² This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we went out to go to you; but now, behold, it is dry, and has become moldy.  ¹³ These wine skins, which we filled, were new; and behold, they are torn. These our garments and our shoes have become old because of the very long journey.” 

  ¹⁴  The men sampled their provisions, and didn’t ask counsel from the mouth of Yahweh.  ¹⁵ Joshua made peace with them, and made a covenant with them, to let them live. The princes of the congregation swore to them.  ¹⁶ At the end of three days after they had made a covenant with them, they heard that they were their neighbors, and that they lived among them.  ¹⁷ The children of Israel traveled and came to their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath Jearim.  ¹⁸ The children of Israel didn’t strike them, because the princes of the congregation had sworn to them by Yahweh, the God of Israel. All the congregation murmured against the princes.  ¹⁹ But all the princes said to all the congregation, “We have sworn to them by Yahweh, the God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.  ²⁰ This we will do to them, and let them live; lest wrath be on us, because of the oath which we swore to them.”  ²¹ The princes said to them, “Let them live, so they became wood cutters and drawers of water for all the congregation, as the princes had spoken to them.” 

  ²²  Joshua called for them, and he spoke to them, saying, “Why have you deceived us, saying, ‘We are very far from you,’ when you live among us?  ²³ Now therefore you are cursed, and some of you will never fail to be slaves, both wood cutters and drawers of water for the house of my God.” (emphasis added)

The Israelites were deceived and the influence of the deceivers harmed the chosen nation of Israel in many ways. If only they had consulted God, they could have avoided introducing a destructive ungodly influence into their society.

My advice is: pay close attention to what you are exposed to. Let your life be guided in a spiritual direction by God’s word and therefore- chose your sources wisely. Listen to what is being communicated “between the words” and especially the attitude of the author or commentator. Think: some things just do not stand up to scrutiny!

Some things are obvious, like Abraham Lincoln giving advise about the Internet (he died over 100 years before that medium of information was introduced) but others are less obvious.

Jesus gave his disciples some very good advice that still applies to us today:

Matthew 10 (WEB)

 ¹⁶  “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Now, these are words worth listening to!!!