From Gary... Life on display

I have seen quite a number of "glass houses", but never one like this!!!  Can you imagine living in such a thing?  Where everyone can see exactly what you are doing-all the time.  But, it a way, we already do.  God sees every single thing we not only do, but say, think or feel.  He knows things about us that even we do not understand.  And the world around us knows more than you think to!!! Last night I went to weight watchers (59.8 lbs. so far) and we were talking to a friend of the family there named Sue.  When I said that I was doing some walking around the complex; she piped in to say she already knew about it--People had told her!!!  So, we don't operate in a vacuum, the world knows who you are and what you do!!!  A couple of portions of Scripture came to my mind...

Matthew, Chapter 5

 14  You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.   15 Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.   16 Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. 

Philippians, Chapter 2

  12  So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  13 For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.  14 Do all things without murmurings and disputes,  15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without defect in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world, 16 holding up the word of life; that I may have something to boast in the day of Christ, that I didn’t run in vain nor labor in vain.

Like I said at the beginning, I have seen "glass houses" before, just not elevated ones.  Humm, I guess this describes what being a genuine Christian must be like!!!  Only one thing bothers me though-- Where is the toilet?????

Bible Reading Mar. 5

Mar. 5

Exodus 15

Exo 15:1 Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to Yahweh, and said, "I will sing to Yahweh, for he has triumphed gloriously. The horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.

Exo 15:2 Yah is my strength and song. He has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise him; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

Exo 15:3 Yahweh is a man of war. Yahweh is his name.

Exo 15:4 He has cast Pharaoh's chariots and his army into the sea. His chosen captains are sunk in the Red Sea.

Exo 15:5 The deeps cover them. They went down into the depths like a stone.

Exo 15:6 Your right hand, Yahweh, is glorious in power. Your right hand, Yahweh, dashes the enemy in pieces.

Exo 15:7 In the greatness of your excellency, you overthrow those who rise up against you. You send forth your wrath. It consumes them as stubble.

Exo 15:8 With the blast of your nostrils, the waters were piled up. The floods stood upright as a heap. The deeps were congealed in the heart of the sea.

Exo 15:9 The enemy said, 'I will pursue. I will overtake. I will divide the spoil. My desire shall be satisfied on them. I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.'

Exo 15:10 You blew with your wind. The sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

Exo 15:11 Who is like you, Yahweh, among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

Exo 15:12 You stretched out your right hand. The earth swallowed them.

Exo 15:13 "You, in your loving kindness, have led the people that you have redeemed. You have guided them in your strength to your holy habitation.

Exo 15:14 The peoples have heard. They tremble. Pangs have taken hold on the inhabitants of Philistia.

Exo 15:15 Then the chiefs of Edom were dismayed. Trembling takes hold of the mighty men of Moab. All the inhabitants of Canaan are melted away.

Exo 15:16 Terror and dread falls on them. By the greatness of your arm they are as still as a stone-- until your people pass over, Yahweh, until the people pass over who you have purchased.

Exo 15:17 You shall bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of your inheritance, the place, Yahweh, which you have made for yourself to dwell in; the sanctuary, Lord, which your hands have established.

Exo 15:18 Yahweh shall reign forever and ever."

Exo 15:19 For the horses of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and Yahweh brought back the waters of the sea on them; but the children of Israel walked on dry land in the midst of the sea.

Exo 15:20 Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand; and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dances.

Exo 15:21 Miriam answered them, "Sing to Yahweh, for he has triumphed gloriously. The horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea."

Exo 15:22 Moses led Israel onward from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.

Exo 15:23 When they came to Marah, they couldn't drink from the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore its name was called Marah.

Exo 15:24 The people murmured against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?"

Exo 15:25 Then he cried to Yahweh. Yahweh showed him a tree, and he threw it into the waters, and the waters were made sweet. There he made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there he tested them;

Exo 15:26 and he said, "If you will diligently listen to the voice of Yahweh your God, and will do that which is right in his eyes, and will pay attention to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you, which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am Yahweh who heals you."

Exo 15:27 They came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water, and seventy palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

Mar. 5, 6

Mark 5

Mar 5:1 They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.

Mar 5:2 When he had come out of the boat, immediately a man with an unclean spirit met him out of the tombs.

Mar 5:3 He lived in the tombs. Nobody could bind him any more, not even with chains,

Mar 5:4 because he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him, and the fetters broken in pieces. Nobody had the strength to tame him.

Mar 5:5 Always, night and day, in the tombs and in the mountains, he was crying out, and cutting himself with stones.

Mar 5:6 When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and bowed down to him,

Mar 5:7 and crying out with a loud voice, he said, "What have I to do with you, Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, don't torment me."

Mar 5:8 For he said to him, "Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!"

Mar 5:9 He asked him, "What is your name?" He said to him, "My name is Legion, for we are many."

Mar 5:10 He begged him much that he would not send them away out of the country.

Mar 5:11 Now on the mountainside there was a great herd of pigs feeding.

Mar 5:12 All the demons begged him, saying, "Send us into the pigs, that we may enter into them."

Mar 5:13 At once Jesus gave them permission. The unclean spirits came out and entered into the pigs. The herd of about two thousand rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and they were drowned in the sea.

Mar 5:14 Those who fed them fled, and told it in the city and in the country. The people came to see what it was that had happened.

Mar 5:15 They came to Jesus, and saw him who had been possessed by demons sitting, clothed, and in his right mind, even him who had the legion; and they were afraid.

Mar 5:16 Those who saw it declared to them how it happened to him who was possessed by demons, and about the pigs.

Mar 5:17 They began to beg him to depart from their region.

Mar 5:18 As he was entering into the boat, he who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him.

Mar 5:19 He didn't allow him, but said to him, "Go to your house, to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he had mercy on you."

Mar 5:20 He went his way, and began to proclaim in Decapolis how Jesus had done great things for him, and everyone marveled.

Mar 5:21 When Jesus had crossed back over in the boat to the other side, a great multitude was gathered to him; and he was by the sea.

Mar 5:22 Behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came; and seeing him, he fell at his feet,

Mar 5:23 and begged him much, saying, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Please come and lay your hands on her, that she may be made healthy, and live."

Mar 5:24 He went with him, and a great multitude followed him, and they pressed upon him on all sides.

Mar 5:25 A certain woman, who had an issue of blood for twelve years,

Mar 5:26 and had suffered many things by many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better, but rather grew worse,

Mar 5:27 having heard the things concerning Jesus, came up behind him in the crowd, and touched his clothes.

Mar 5:28 For she said, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be made well."

Mar 5:29 Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.

Mar 5:30 Immediately Jesus, perceiving in himself that the power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd, and asked, "Who touched my clothes?"

Mar 5:31 His disciples said to him, "You see the multitude pressing against you, and you say, 'Who touched me?' "

Mar 5:32 He looked around to see her who had done this thing.

Mar 5:33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had been done to her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.

Mar 5:34 He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be cured of your disease."

Mar 5:35 While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue ruler's house saying, "Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?"

Mar 5:36 But Jesus, when he heard the message spoken, immediately said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Don't be afraid, only believe."

Mar 5:37 He allowed no one to follow him, except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.

Mar 5:38 He came to the synagogue ruler's house, and he saw an uproar, weeping, and great wailing.

Mar 5:39 When he had entered in, he said to them, "Why do you make an uproar and weep? The child is not dead, but is asleep."

Mar 5:40 They ridiculed him. But he, having put them all out, took the father of the child, her mother, and those who were with him, and went in where the child was lying.

Mar 5:41 Taking the child by the hand, he said to her, "Talitha cumi!" which means, being interpreted, "Girl, I tell you, get up!"

Mar 5:42 Immediately the girl rose up and walked, for she was twelve years old. They were amazed with great amazement.

Mar 5:43 He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and commanded that something should be given to her to eat.

From Jim McGuiggan...

A war for heroes

When we’re tired, bone tired and wishing there was some medicine we could take that would let us sleep for a thousand years, or at least until the war was over, we’re tempted to doubt Paul’s word. He says in 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man." But that’s just it, when we’re weary we either don’t believe that or we don’t care if it’s true. Mostly we tend to doubt it—our temptation is that bit different. At least we tend to think that when we compare ourselves with the mass of people, though we know there are some whose furnace is ten times hotter than ours. (But they live in Third World countries, don’t they?)

But Paul was sure that the temptations we experience have been experienced by others before us and are being experienced at this very moment. Nothing has happened to us, he goes on to say, that must take us away from God for God wouldn’t permit a temptation about which we could do nothing. But his first remark is that our temptations are the common experience of our comrades. Everywhere he looked as he traveled through the world he saw earnest brothers and sisters putting on their armor to engage in war. War with an enemy that gives no quarter though it takes many as slaves! And it’s the sight of these cheerfully serious people that lifts our spirits for the battle. "Here," she says, as we fumble with nervous fingers to buckle something on, "let me help you." Alone with the noise of battle around us, alone and cut off from the main body we would have a hard time of it but shoulder to shoulder with people whose strength and heroism is disguised by their appearance we’re made braver.

Nevertheless this is war! Real war! War against an enemy that seeks us out, meaning not just to harm us but to end us. Meaning not just to end us but to end all those we love and could learn to love. Take away the reality of this war and we face temptation unprepared for the Lord Jesus has taught us that evil is a world spirit that would sift us as wheat and destroy us. We must allow no one to make us tremble in slavish fear as if the victory is not with us in the Christ but we should turn from that speech that makes it appear that sin should be shrugged at as if it were not a killing power. John Bunyan helps us here when he tells us how Christian met Apollyon, the destroyer on the road to the Heavenly City.

Apollyon claims that Christian is his unfaithful servant and Christian agrees. No more would he serve Apollyon for he had given his life over to a young Prince whose government, company, country and service was better than all that Apollyon stood for. After some debate Apollyon "broke out into a grievous rage, saying, I am an enemy to this Prince; I hate his person, his laws and people; I am come out on purpose to withstand thee."

Christian replied, "Apollyon. Beware what you do; for I am in the king’s highway, the way of holiness; therefore take heed to yourself."

Then Apollyon straddled quite over the whole breadth of the way, and said, "I am void of fear in this matter: prepare thyself to die; for I swear by my infernal den, that thou shalt go no further; here will I spill thy soul."

Those who sign up for engagement in this war, in the company of this Prince have purposed to engage in a war that’s for heroes. Yes, yes, I know how corny that sounds to those who have not yet seen the reality of the world through the lens of the cross of Christ. Ignoring the sneers and jeers we still know who the salt of the earth is. Of some of our heroic mothers and fathers Hebrews 11:38 says, "the world was not worthy of them." This is a world and a war for heroes.

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Mark Copeland...

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                    They Beheld His Majesty (17:1-9)

INTRODUCTION

1. What a blessing it must have been, spending time with Christ during
   His earthly ministry...
   a. To hear His teaching, spoken with the voice of authority - Mt 7:
      28-29
   b. To witness His miracles, which manifested His glory - Jn 2:11

2. Among those blessed to be with Jesus, three men especially so:
   Peter, James and John...
   a. They accompanied Jesus on the mount of transfiguration - Mt 17:
      1-2
   b. Peter would later write of that experience on the mount - 2Pe 1:
      16-18
      1) He says they were "eyewitnesses of His majesty"
      2) That Jesus received "honor and glory" from God the Father
   -- What an experience this must have been for these three fishermen
      from Galilee!

3. The setting that led up to this event was as follows...
   a. Jesus had just made two amazing statements:
      1) He would come in glory and reward each one according to his
         works - Mt 16:27
      2) As supporting evidence, some would not taste death before they
         saw...
         a) "the Son of Man coming in His kingdom" - Mt 16:28
         b) "the kingdom of God come with power" - Mk 9:1
         c) "the kingdom of God" - Lk 9:27
   b. The gospel writers then connect these sayings with the event
      about to occur:
      1) Matthew and Mark record "and after six days..." - Mk 17:1;
         Mk 9:2
      2) Luke writes "about eight days" ("the Jewish equivalent of
         `about a week later'." - Wiersbe) - Lk 9:28
      3) Luke adds "after these sayings", clearly tying the event to
         what had just been said

[What happened on the mount?  Simply put, "They Beheld His Majesty".
What was the significance of this event?  To answer this question, 
let's take a closer look and note first of all..]

I. THEY BEHELD THE MAJESTY OF HIS PERSON

   A. EVIDENCED BY HIS TRANSFIGURATION...
      1. He was "transfigured" - Mt 17:2; Mk 9:2
         a. Gr.., metamorphoo, met-am-or-fo'-o
         b. Meaning to change, transfigure, transform
      2. This change affected His face and clothing
         a. His face shone like the sun - Mt 17:2 (Luke says the 
            appearance of His face was altered - Lk 9:29)
         b. His clothes became as white as the light - Mt 17:2
            1) Shining, exceedingly white, like snow, more than any
               launderer can whiten them - Mk 9:3
            2) White and glistening - Lk 9:29
      -- Peter later wrote that what he saw was His "majesty" (2Pe 1:
         16); the effulgence of His glory likely represented His 
         deity as the Son of God - cf. He 1:1-3

   B. EVIDENCED BY THE PRESENCE OF MOSES AND ELIJAH...
      1. They were talking with Jesus - Mt 17:3; Mk 9:4
         a. They also appeared in glory - Lk 9:31a
         b. Discussing with Jesus about His coming death in Jerusalem 
            - Lk 9:31b
         c. Peter, James, and John had been sleeping, but awoke to see
            Jesus in His glory, and talking with Moses and Elijah - Lk 9:32
         d. Moses and Elijah then began to depart - Lk 9:33
      2. That Moses and Elijah would appear with Jesus was not lost on
         Peter - Mt 17:4
         a. Moses and Elijah were the epitome of the Law and the
            Prophets
         b. Peter wanted to build three tabernacles, one each for 
            Jesus, Moses and Elijah
      -- Jesus had evidently been elevated to the same level as Moses
         and Elijah in Peter's mind!

[But Peter was soon to learn that Jesus was above Moses and Elijah,
especially in regards to His authority!  As we continue, therefore, we
note that...]

II. THEY BEHELD THE MAJESTY OF HIS COMING KINGDOM

   A. EVIDENCED BY THE VOICE FROM HEAVEN...
      1. While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed
         them - Mt 17:5
      2. Peter, James, and John, fearfully entered the cloud - Lk 9:34
      3. A voice came out of the cloud:  "This is My beloved Son, in
         whom I am well pleased, Hear Him!" - Mt 17:5; cf. 3:16-17
         a. This terrified the disciples - Mt 17:6
         b. Jesus then sought to comfort them - Mt 17:7
      4. The command, "Hear Him!"...
         a. Implies that God would begin to speak through His Son, not
            the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) - cf. He 1:1-2
         b. That the rule and reign of God would be exercised through
            His Son, as He would be given all authority in heaven and
            earth - cf. Mt 28:18
      5. Of course, this rule and reign (i.e., Christ's kingdom) would
         begin after Christ suffered (i.e., His death) and entered into
         glory (i.e., His ascension) - cf. Lk 24:26
         a. Which explains why He told them to tell no one the vision
            until after His resurrection - Mt 17:9
         b. What they had witnessed was a foretaste, a foreshadowing of
            His coming glory and rule in His kingdom!

   B. EVIDENCED BY THE ABSENCE OF MOSES AND ELIJAH...
      1. After hearing the voice, and lifting up their eyes, only Jesus
         was present - Mt 17:8; Mk 9:8
      2. Perhaps symbolizing what the voice clearly declared:  that
         Jesus was the one they were to hear, not Moses and Elijah who
         likely represented the Law and the Prophets

CONCLUSION

1. Truly "They Beheld His Majesty"...
   a. They beheld the majesty of His person
      1) Transfigured before them
      2) Exalted even above Moses and Elijah
   b. They beheld the majesty of His coming kingdom
      1) Acknowledged from heaven as God's beloved Son
      2) The One whom all should heed, for all authority would be given
         to Him

2. What is the significance of this event?
   a. It may be the fulfillment Jesus' statement recorded in Mt 16:28;
      Mk 9:1; Lk 9:27
      1) That some would see the Son of Man "coming" in His kingdom
      2) That some would see the kingdom of God "present" with power
      3) That some would see the kingdom of God (i.e., His rule or 
         reign)
   b. If such is the case, what they saw was a foretaste of His kingdom
      or rule...
      1) Which would not be fully exercised until after His death and
         resurrection - cf. Ep 1:20-23; 1Pe 3:22
      2) Which would include that day in which He will judge the world!
         - cf. Ac 17:30-31; Mt 16:27

3. In any case, all of the events at the mount contributed to giving
   Jesus what Peter later described as "honor" and "glory" from the
   Father - 2Pe 1:17
   a. The glorious transfiguration of Christ
   b. The presence (and their subsequent absence) of Moses and Elijah
   c. The voice from heaven, acknowledging Christ as God's Son

4. What does God desire of us today?  
   a. Not tabernacles or temples erected in the memory of His Son
   b. But for us to simply obey what God said at the mount: "Hear Him!"

If we desire to add to the honor and glory that Jesus so richly 
deserves, and to one day behold His majesty in heaven, then let be
careful to heed what He himself said regarding His authority:

   "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go
   therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them
   in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
   teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;
   and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." 
                                                      - Mt 28:18-20

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

Missing you...

It has been about 9 years that I have been living in Florida and New Jersey is but a memory now.  The year I moved here was a difficult one; Linda had left in late December of the preceding year and I was alone.  There was much to do, cleaning out the condo, packing, placing things in storage.  This took quite awhile.  Then I moved in with my oldest daughter's family and even though there were quite a few people living in that beautiful big house; still I was very lonely.  You see, we were married over 35 years at that time and all but a day or two- Linda had been there.  That June, I took what remaining vacation I had and retired two weeks earlier than I expected to.  Frankly, I just couldn't bear to be away from her one more day.  Yes, you guessed it, the love between us has not diminished, it has just gotten stronger over the decades.  During those long months, we talked on the phone often and sent letters back and forth constantly.  We encouraged one another and in a way, I felt like I was in high school again, writing so many notes.  Imagine feeling that way about people other than your relatives?  Christians can- and do.  The apostle Paul writes to his fellow Christians at Philippi and says many things, but somehow this just seems to stand out...

Philippians, Chapter 4

 1 Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. 

When I became a Christian, I identified with Christ's death, burial and resurrection by submitting to a baptism in water for the forgiveness of my sins.  It took me awhile to fully realize that I really did have a brand new family as well.  One who loved me because I loved God.  And so, over the years, I have begun to appreciate my brothers and sisters in Christ more and more.  I guess these things have been on my mind a lot today, because Austin and Carol Smith (and their friends C.J. and Dave) went back to Tennessee today.  If I could say just one more thing to them (besides driving safely) it would be something like what Paul says above.  It is comforting to know that even though Christians may be separated by thousands of miles and eventually even death, we will be united in heaven.  Somehow, I feel better now!!!  It is truly wonderful to be a Christian!!!!

PS. Charlie Brown is looking in the right direction; are you?

Bible Reading, Mar. 4

Mar. 4

Exodus 14

Exo 14:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

Exo 14:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal Zephon. You shall encamp opposite it by the sea.

Exo 14:3 Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, 'They are entangled in the land. The wilderness has shut them in.'

Exo 14:4 I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will follow after them; and I will get honor over Pharaoh, and over all his armies; and the Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh." They did so.

Exo 14:5 It was told the king of Egypt that the people had fled; and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was changed towards the people, and they said, "What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?"

Exo 14:6 He made ready his chariot, and took his army with him;

Exo 14:7 and he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over all of them.

Exo 14:8 Yahweh hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel; for the children of Israel went out with a high hand.

Exo 14:9 The Egyptians pursued after them: all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen, and his army; and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baal Zephon.

Exo 14:10 When Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them; and they were very afraid. The children of Israel cried out to Yahweh.

Exo 14:11 They said to Moses, "Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you treated us this way, to bring us forth out of Egypt?

Exo 14:12 Isn't this the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, 'Leave us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians?' For it were better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness."

Exo 14:13 Moses said to the people, "Don't be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of Yahweh, which he will work for you today: for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall never see them again.

Exo 14:14 Yahweh will fight for you, and you shall be still."

Exo 14:15 Yahweh said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Speak to the children of Israel, that they go forward.

Exo 14:16 Lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go into the midst of the sea on dry ground.

Exo 14:17 I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall go in after them: and I will get myself honor over Pharaoh, and over all his armies, over his chariots, and over his horsemen.

Exo 14:18 The Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh, when I have gotten myself honor over Pharaoh, over his chariots, and over his horsemen."

Exo 14:19 The angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them, and stood behind them.

Exo 14:20 It came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud and the darkness, yet gave it light by night: and the one didn't come near the other all the night.

Exo 14:21 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and Yahweh caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all the night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

Exo 14:22 The children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left.

Exo 14:23 The Egyptians pursued, and went in after them into the midst of the sea: all of Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

Exo 14:24 It happened in the morning watch, that Yahweh looked out on the Egyptian army through the pillar of fire and of cloud, and confused the Egyptian army.

Exo 14:25 He took off their chariot wheels, and they drove them heavily; so that the Egyptians said, "Let's flee from the face of Israel, for Yahweh fights for them against the Egyptians!"

Exo 14:26 Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come again on the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen."

Exo 14:27 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it. Yahweh overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

Exo 14:28 The waters returned, and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even all Pharaoh's army that went in after them into the sea. There remained not so much as one of them.

Exo 14:29 But the children of Israel walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left.

Exo 14:30 Thus Yahweh saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore.

Exo 14:31 Israel saw the great work which Yahweh did to the Egyptians, and the people feared Yahweh; and they believed in Yahweh, and in his servant Moses.

YOUR LUCKY DAY by Gary Womack

YOUR LUCKY DAY

It was one of those rare days when everything "goes my way." The traffic lights were all green and I found a parking place at the end of the row closest to the entrance of the store. I didn't have to wait in line at the check-out, and the item that I went to purchase was on sale at half price. It must have been my lucky day!

No doubt, "luck" is a word that is commonly used in our society. The winning casino gambler is invariably referred to as being smiled on by "lady luck." On the other hand, there are those occasions where everything seems to go wrong wherein it is not uncommon to hear it said that they were having a "run of bad luck."

Many live their lives on the basis of "luck." It's not uncommon to find that many have the superstitious custom of carrying a rabbit's foot for "good luck," or perhaps carry a "lucky" coin in their pocket. Some have a particular piece of clothing that they wear, such as their "lucky" hat, when they are hoping for "good luck." When things fall a certain way in matters of choice, some will say that "it was the luck of the draw." And how many times have you heard (or said yourself), "good luck" to someone when wishing them success on a certain venture? All of these references to "luck" share a common thread of meaning. It all encompasses the idea of "chance." In fact, the definition of "luck" according to Webster's Dictionary is, "The seeming chance happening of events which effect one; fortune; lot; fate." On the word "lucky," we find this definition: "Lucky implies a favorable or advantageous event happening by mere chance, often unexpectedly, and not as the result of effort or merit."

In Solomon's efforts to "seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven" (Eccl. 1:13), he made this observation: "The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all." (Eccl. 9:11) Regardless of what may appear to be a circumstance that ensures our success, it is no guarantee that such will be the outcome. Circumstances and opportunities come our way, but our choices are not guarantors of the outcome that we expect.

The real issue in the matter of "time and circumstance" is that we not make the mistake of relegating everything to "luck" and thus exclude the providence of God from the affairs of life. Such is the norm in our present carnally-minded society which refuses to acknowledge God. However, Jesus makes it clear that the heavenly Father "makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." (Mt. 5:45) He is the source of everything that is good. As James says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." (Jas. 1:17) That, dear reader, is not a matter of "luck" but rather the reality of God's providence.

While "luck" is embraced by many to be the sole determiner of every outcome, it should be observed that there is also a contrasting view held by some who wish to attribute "providence" to every minute detail of their lives. Such an extreme view declares the light turning green and the parking space coming available as being matters of providence. Those who hold to such a view are often guilty of attributing all kinds of circumstances to God as having intervened in their lives in matters which may not necessarily be His doing.

Many credit God for circumstances that have lead to their "conversion" or to the "numerical growth" of their denomination. In so doing, they have unknowingly credited God with leading them into error. Man has been guilty of such erroneous perception for a long time. Consider the example in Mt. 12:22-24 where Jesus healed a demon possessed man who was blind and mute. "And all the multitudes were amazed and said, 'Could this be the Son of David?'" (vs. 23) While these people believed that this miracle was done by the power of God and thus gave Him the credit for such, the Pharisees attributed the undeniable miracle to being the work of Satan, saying, "This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons." (vs. 24)

The debate between "luck" and "providence" is one that mankind will never agree on. And while such is the case, our responsibility is not to figure out all of the workings of God. Remember "how unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!" (Rom. 11:33) We should rather busy ourselves in seizing the opportunities that God places before us and place the outcome into His hands. On this thought, consider again the words of Solomon; "As you do not know what is the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes all things. In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good." (Eccl. 11:5-6) Truly, we do not know God's workings, but that does not prevent us from conducting our daily lives by using what He blesses us with and doing good with it. We may not know the outcome of it, or how He will use it for His eternal purpose, but we can still serve Him and glorify Him as the Provider of every good and perfect gift.

When the nation of Israel hung in the balance on Esther's decision of whether to approach the king on their behalf, Mordecai said to her, "Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esth. 4:13-14) While Mordecai expressed his faith in the providence of God to deliver them regardless of Esther's decision, he acknowledged the fact that he could not know if the circumstances of this moment in time was the means that God would use to carry out His will.

Life is not luck. Therefore, use it to His glory.

- Gary V. Womack - November 2003