Southside's Blog

What does the Bible Say?

I have been writing on this topic since last spring. It proved much more difficult than I imagined. The more I studied and read the more complicated it became. It’s by no means complete so I hope it encourages you to study the subject for yourself.

It would be very presumptuous of anyone to label God either a capitalist or a socialist although some do say God is in one camp or the other.  He’s neither! He is GOD! This article is not a politically based writing. I was raised to be against socialism and continue to maintain that belief but why?  We should reexamine our beliefs occasionally to confirm or change them.  A number of political leaders are in favor of socialism and are pushing our country towards that goal. In light of their effort, I felt the need to study the subject. I don’t want to be like the politician who came out with the position: “some of my friends are for it and some of my friends are against it, and well, I’m for my friends.” I want to be able to support the reasons I am against socialism. Let’s look what the Bible has to say. The Bible needs to be my guide in ALL matters. I cannot find either word in the Bible.

The New Deal was an amalgam of dozens of programs and agencies created by the Roosevelt Administration and the Congress.. These programs held many aspects of socialism in the U.S. FDR was elected president four times so his ideas and programs were popular. The New Deal was born as the result of the depression. The Social Security Act was signed in 1935. In the early 1970’s, I attended a financial seminar on investments. The speaker illustrated that investing the money you contributed to Social Security into a fund that earned a moderate interest rate  would give you a much better  benefit than Social Security. The problem with his idea is that too many people simply do not have the self-discipline to act responsibly. In other words they are not good stewards of God’s blessings. Many socialists do not believe individuals should not have to be self-disciplined.

The following are comments and descriptions of socialism and capitalism from the internet:

“Socialism is an economic and political system under which the means of production are publicly owned. Capitalism is an economic system under which the means of production are privately owned. Production and consumer prices are based on a free-market system of “supply and demand.”

“Capitalism and socialism are so different that they're often seen as diametrically opposed. Capitalism is based on individual initiative and favors market mechanisms over government intervention, while socialism is based on government planning and limitations on private control of resources assigned exclusively to either its “capitalist” or “socialist” components, or to the fact that the system is mixed rather than purely one thing or the other. The real debate, as Williamson* goes on to suggest, concerns the structure, balance, and integration of the elements that make up our political economy.” * Kevin Williamson, Deputy Managing Editor of National Review

“Socialism, strictly defined, is an economic theory which proposes the abolition of private capital and the substitution of collective ownership in carrying on the industrial work of the world. This collective ownership is to extend to all the material instruments of production; these are to be publicly operated, and the products to be equitably distributed. The government is to be wholly in the hands of the people, and it is to assign to each individual his task and to determine his wage. Every citizen is to be actually a government employee.”

“Many Christian socialists believe capitalism to be idolatrous and rooted in the sin of greed. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica Online, socialism is a "social and economic doctrine that calls for public rather than private ownership or control of property and natural resources.”

An opposing view is interesting reading: 5 Reasons Socialism Is Not Christian By Julie Roys, CP Op-Ed Contributor, The Christian Post

1. Socialism is Based on a Materialistic Worldview,

2. Socialism Punishes Virtue,

3. Socialism Endorses Stealing,

4. Socialism Encourages Envy and Class Warfare,

5. Socialism Seeks to Destroy Marriage & Family.

Read her explanation for each of these reasons.

Former Southern Baptist Convention President Jack Graham stated that the rise of the Democratic Party’s socialist left to a list of concerns like abortion and same-sex marriage on the line in “a battle for the soul of our nation.”

Graham continues: “Socialism is fundamentally at odds with the Christian worldview and seeks to suppress all peoples in support of the state,” Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, said in a televised sermon on Sunday. “No one serious about their Christian faith can be serious about socialism.”

There is a “movement” known as Bruderhof which is a communal form of life. No one owns anything. They share everything for the good of the community. It’s not a government system based on elected leaders based but the self-appointed leaders of the commune make the decision for the whole.

I do not believe these descriptions are all inclusive. When people use the term socialism it’s difficult to know exactly what they mean because there are different degrees and types of socialism. In researching the topic, I discovered that it is much more complicated than I thought. Some want to pull issues like abortion and same-sex marriage into socialism which I do not believe belong there. People bring issues into or leave them out based on their need to prove their points. An article by William Wilkinson written August 16, 2018 maintains that is conceivable to have capitalism and socialism  both combined. I willing admit that I don’t fully understand everything he wrote. Read the article for yourself. “Socialism” vs. “capitalism”: what left and right get wrong about the debate – Vox.

In one form of socialism, the government takes control of everything. I’m opposed to this form because I do not trust the politicians nor the government administrators! My biggest concern is their lack of seeking God’s guidance. They are relying too much on their own ideas but then again capitalists are guilty of the same thing. Maybe I’m wrong but it does not seem many of the government leaders ask God to be a part of guiding them. Also, the more we rely on the government administration and politicians the more rights it seems we have to forfeit.

Some socialists believe in creating equality of income. Their belief is that there should not be a large gap in the  income of people. During the pandemic layoffs, I heard a gentleman comment that he was being called back to work and was not pleased. He was making as much by not working as he was when he worked. One lady related the story about how her daughter and son-in-law were both laid off, but they were spending a lot of money. Turns out they were making more money than when they were working. If the government controls income and guarantees all people a minimum income, then more people are incentivized to remain jobless. To me this what happens under socialism when the government guarantees incomes to everyone.

My daughter has a degree in social work. She started her degree at the University of Memphis. The instructors there taught students to focus on the number of government programs available to their “clients” and to instruct them on how avail themselves of as many government handouts as possible. After we moved to Bell Buckle, she continued to work on her degree at MTSU. The instructors at MTSU taught her how help “clients” to use as few government programs as possible and teach them how to become independent. A huge difference in the two philosophies. I believe MTSU”s teaching is much sounder and more Biblical.

What does the Bible say about the poor and needy?

Proverbs 31:9 ESV  “Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Matthew 26:11. NIV “The poor you will always have with you.”

Proverbs 14:31 ESV “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.”

Proverbs 28:27 ESV “Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.”

Luke 14:12-14 ESV “He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

Hebrews 13:16 ESV “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

1 Timothy 5:8 ESV “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

1 John 3:17-18 ESV “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but indeed and in truth.”

Luke 3:11 ESV  “And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”

Proverbs 14:31 ESV “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.”

Matthew 25:37-40 ESV “Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”

There are many more scriptures directing us to help the poor and needy. How can you read these scriptures and not understand God’s direction? Some believe that by giving to the church they have satisfied their duty. I disagree! These verses are written about MY duties. In Acts chapters four and six you find that the deacons did act as a way of distributing money for the needs of people. They did this so that the apostles could continue with preaching and teaching about Christ. That does not absolve us of our duties. None of the verses quoted directs us to solely use the deacons of the church to help the poor and needy.

The Bible does not teach us to take care of people through the government, but neither can I find where it specifically condemns it. Many who are in favor of a socialist government claim that Christians have not performed our duty by helping those in need. Those claims are not without basis. We tend to attach requirements to our assistance that I cannot find in the Bible. Church attendance has been one of those requirements. I understand the thinking about church attendance but none of the Bible verses requires church attendance. A hungry child needs to be fed and properly clothed whether his or her parents take him to church or not. The benevolence program at Southside does a great job in following the Bible.

Our judgement about the worthiness of those in need help sometimes enters into consideration. I must confess to judging at times. For the past 2-3 years Rafe Woodard and I have delivered meals for the Senior Citizens Meals on Wheels Program, a government sponsored program. At times I have doubts on whether some of the people are worthy based on their home, cars and what I see as their life styles. But I do not know the whole story on these people. I do not believe that these elderly people are capable of working.

What does the Bible say about those who will not work? The only qualification for providing assistance I find is in 2 Thessalonians 3:10  “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.”

Other Bible verses describing the lazy:

1 Thessalonians 4:12 ESV “So that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.”

Proverbs 21:25 ESV “The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.”

Proverbs 18:9 ESV “Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.”

Proverbs 19:15 MSG “Life collapses on loafers; lazybones go hungry.”

I do not believe these verses are about being judgmental or vindictive. The principle taught is practical, spiritual, and loving. Giving to those who want to live off of others or the government enables a spiritually harmful attitude.

The school system in Bedford County provides free breakfast and lunch to all children without qualification. The meals are subsidized by the USAD. Bedford County is considered a poor county. Is this program “socialism”? Some say ”yes” because it is sponsored by the government. If it is socialism, then I’m ok with it.

There is also a program called “Backpack” that provides canned food for children to take home over the weekend. Many children may go hungry if not for this program. For the most part “Backpack” depends on donations. Some money comes through United Way and some from individuals.  Many of the teachers help out of their pockets.

The form of “socialism” I believe in is what the Bible describes as our responsibilities to feed and clothe the poor and needy.  I will be interested in reading your thoughts and comments at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you write me, please include your approval for me to post your thoughts and comments.

Thanks!

Mike

It seems like these times we are living in are the most difficult of my 70 years. We’ve dealt with national health crisis before but not like this one. COVID-19 has had not only a terrible toll in deaths but also on the economy. People are angry and upset over the dilemma of masks. Tension over racial relations has always been with us but has escalated to an all-time high. People are much less respectful of one another. There is the debate over capitalism versus socialism. Very few trust the news media to deliver the news as opposed to giving us their propaganda. The need for peace in our lives has increased exponentially. How and where do we find it?

One form of peace is a stress-free state of security and calmness that comes when there's no fighting or war, everything coexisting in perfect harmony and freedom. I can’t remember a time when there was not a war somewhere in the world we were not a part of in some form.

There is also a peace and calmness in your life when you are free from the stress of turmoil in your life. You are seldom totally free from problems in your life. Then what is peace through God? John 14:27 -“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Romans 5:1 - “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This peace through God is not the absence of troubles. I’ve come to believe for the most part it is acceptance of your situation whatever it maybe. It’s not a giving up or caving in to the situation but a form of recognition that God is with you. As I’ve written before, he’s got your back! Praying is an integral part of finding the peace of God. I want to use my family experiences as an example.

My sister, Dianne, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998-99. The doctor recommended a radical mastectomy of both breast resulting in only a 5% chance of the cancer returning. She agreed to the treatment course. Two years later she was at the doctor’s office to see about a sinus infection. It was cancer in her brain, then they found it in her liver and everywhere. The medical recommendation was a series of three bone marrow transplants. They would either cure Dianne or kill her. She called a halt after the second transplant. She just could not take it anymore. We all knew what the prognosis was then. Dianne was at peace with her decision. She knew her destination because she believed in God’s promise.

My parents delivered Dianne’s hospice care in their third bedroom. I don’t remember if the insurance was a problem or just my mother’s desire to take care of her child. They cared for her for several weeks before she was admitted to the hospital for her final days. Dianne had seen both of her sons but kept hanging on, so her nurse told my parents she was waiting for permission to die. Within just a couple of hours of my mother whispering in her ear she was gone. Even though my parents were strong Christians, they struggled to find peace, especially my mother. How does a parent find peace after losing a child? After many prayers and time, they found their peace. There is true peace through God’s love.

If God granted me the blessing of making a few rules for life, in the top five would be that no parent watch their child die followed closely by no parent becoming the hospice care for their child. My parents aged and changed tremendously during this time. 

I’m not totally sure that I’ve reached a full peace. After the mastectomies and the doctor’s assurance that “all was well”, I stopped praying about Dianne’s health. What if I had kept praying? Would things have turned out different? If you are on my prayer list for a serious diagnosis or continuing medical problems, you’ll most likely remain in my prayers even if the doctor says, “all is well”. I’ve heard that “all is well” before. Is that a phobia or a lack of faith and trust in God? Is a strong faith and trust in God what peace really is? For me it is!

Our daughter, Meg, works as a consultant for a heath care provider in the delivery of hospice care. She works with the patient and the family. The degree of their acceptance and peace covers the whole spectrum. Some patients are in total denial as well as the family. Some-times the patient is at peace and the family is not. Then there are times the family is at peace and the patient is not. Most of the people at peace have a strong belief in God.

“God’s Love Never Leaves” from Max Lucado’s Daily Devotion:

“George Matheson was a teenager when doctors told him he was going blind. He graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1861. By the time he finished graduate seminary studies, he was sightless. His fiancée returned his engagement ring with a note: “I cannot see my way clear to go through life bound by the chains of marriage to a blind man.”

“Matheson adapted to his sightless world but never quite recovered from his broken heart. He became a powerful and poetic pastor, led a full and inspiring life, turning to the unending love of God for comfort. And he penned these words: “O love that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in thee; and I give thee back the life I owe, that in thine ocean depths its flow may richer fuller be.” The love of people may come and go, but God’s love? It never leaves.”

Death is not the only challenge that we must face and find peace. Broken marriages, drug addiction, job loss, health difficulties and any turmoil must be faced and dealt with in our lives. If you can’t find your peace in and through God, life will be extremely difficult.

Allen Jackson on peace:

“God knows what we need, even better than we know it ourselves. Is that settled in your heart? Does your life reflect that reality?”    

“If Jesus said we don’t have to be afraid, we don’t have to be. If Jesus gives me His peace, that’s good enough for me.”     

Allen’s prayer for peace: “Heavenly Father, thank you that in this troubled world You provide peace, security and abundant life through the cross of Jesus Christ. May Your Holy Spirit counsel me daily in Your peace. When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.    

 I would love for this blog to be interactive. If you have a story or any thoughts on finding peace, please share. We can help one another!

Thanks

Mike  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Max Lucado material sheared by permission

Standing Firm by Allen Jackson, Intend Publishing, 2018, Shared by permission

Max Lucado writes: “Belief happens when we place our confidence in God. It is a decision to lean entirely upon the strength of a living and loving Savior. And to the extent that we do, we will have “life in His name.” This is the purpose of the miracles. John the Apostle recounted signs in this promise: that you and I are never, ever alone.”

“Was this not one of the final promises of Christ? Before he ascended to heaven, he assured his friends, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 ESV). Those words must have meant everything to John. Can you picture the aged apostle as he tells about the day some six decades earlier and a thousand miles removed when Jesus invited him to lay down the fishing net and follow him. John did. You can too. Remember, friend, you are never alone.”

Take note that Max uses three words that call for action on our part. He uses “place” and “decision”. He uses the adverb “entirely”. God is not going to force us into a decision to place our lives in His hands. We have to decide! If we do decide to entirely lean on Him, Jesus will always be with us. We will still experience problems even heartache but knowing He is there gives us peace and comfort. God/Jesus will wrap their loving arms around us and never leave us alone!

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado. Max Lucado’s Daily Devotional.

Thanks

Mike   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I was “raised” in business to be results oriented. Effort was good and necessary but bringing positive results, meaning revenue, was required. If efforts did not bring in the best results, then figure out what needs to be done differently otherwise you should seek employment elsewhere.

That thought and practice has bled over into my spiritual life. In my work with CASA, I can often become frustrated because I cannot see results. Satan puts the thought in my head to give-up. The CASA leadership assures me that volunteers may never see positive results but one day that child may remember us for our efforts.

Trying to serve others for God requires faith and trust in Him. Max Lucado writes about prayer:  “Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.”  Replace the thought of “prayers” with “service” and the same meaning applies. Any service for others in God’s name requires that we rely on his power, not our own. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Keep on with whatever service you are rendering to God and DO NOT let Satan lay doubts on you!

Thanks

Mike   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

1. When the doctors tell you there is nothing medically they can do, what do you pray for? First, I believe God wants to be thanked for what He has done for us. He likes to be praised. Even though the doctors can’t heal, God can. Pray that somehow He will make healing happen. Pray for a breakthrough in medicine or a miracle even. Never doubt God’s power and ability! To not pray for complete healing in a time of bad health seems to discount God’s ability, a lack of faith. It’s almost like we have made His mind up for Him. Sometimes we have to accept the situation that death is near, or the patient is not going to make progress, for example an Alzheimer’s patient. Pray for their peace and comfort. Ask God to give them a good day! What does it mean to ask for them to have a good day? One lady takes care of her husband with dementia. He doesn’t or can’t  control his bowels and his bladder. She doesn’t know which it is. He can’t remember who she is at times. He asks why they are living in this place and asks to go to their real home. There is much more she deals with in their daily life. It seems a good day would be to lighten their load.  Romans 12:12, NIV: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

2. When I pray, must I be specific, or can I be general? I like to be specific but sometimes you can’t be specific because of the circumstances. A local man was involved in a very bad car wreck where his friend was killed. From time to time the 82 Market will post requests for prayers for him and his family. I do not know his exact needs, but God does so I ask Him to supply those needs.

Sometimes you hear public prayers that say, “We pray for all those that it’s our duty to pray for”. That’s a catchall that does not work for me in my prayers. It doesn’t mean that using that phrase is wrong, but I believe being specific is a more fervent prayer.

Max Lucado’s Daily Devotional:

“God calls us to pray about everything!  We tell God exactly what we want.  We pray the particulars. When the wedding ran low on wine, Mary wasn’t content to say, “Help us, Jesus.”  She was specific:  “They  have no more wine” (John 2:3).  A specific prayer is a serious prayer.  If I say to you, “Do you mind if I come by your house sometime?” you may not take me seriously. But if I say, “Can I come over this Friday night? I really need your advice.”  Then you know my petition is sincere.  When we offer specific requests, God knows the same!”

“God loves the sound of your voice—always! God never places you on hold or tells you to call again later. He doesn’t hide when you call. He hears your prayers. For that reason “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). With this verse the apostle calls us to act against anxiety. We tell God exactly what we want. We pray the particulars of our problems.”

“What Jesus said to the blind man, he says to us. “What do you want me to do for you?” (Luke 18:41 NIV). One would think the answer would be obvious. When a sightless man requests Jesus’ help, isn’t it apparent what he needs? Yet Jesus wanted to hear the man articulate his specific requests. He wants the same from us. “Let your requests be made known to God!” 

3. The following are just a few of the Bible verses directing us to perform good works. Titus 3:1 – “To obey, to be ready for every good work.”.  Titus 3:8 - “That those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.” Titus 3:14. “And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.”

Galatians 6:10  “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” James 4:17 “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them.”

How many good works are enough to satisfy God? If God ranked us on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest score on our service, where would I rank? How about you? I do not believe God’s attitude towards our service is score keeping on the big board. “Well, he’s done three services for today so, he’s had a good day!” God knows the opportunities he has given us and measures our service by our responses to those opportunities. God does not NEED our service, but He wants and expects it.

Some might say, “I haven’t had opportunities.” WRONG! You are not looking for the opportunities. Some might say that they “just don’t know how or they do not have that talent”! WRONG! II Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”  Philippians 2:13 “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” God will not ask you to serve Him without equipping you! Still others say, “Well I’m so busy with ….. so I really don’t have time”. If that is your rationale, then think on Revelation 3:16 “So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” God expects to be our priority in life.

What does “lukewarm” mean?  These people in Laodicea knew who Jesus was but were indifferent and spiritually apathetic.  For the most part the commentators agree about what Christ meant about lukewarm.

The next question is what does “Spit you out of my mouth” mean? It seems that many preachers and teachers do not want to take on Revelation in sermon or class. The limited number of sermons and discussions I’ve heard define this phrase as a reference to judgement day. Jesus will deny us before God. The commentators are all across the board on this. Some ignore it. Others do not believe it refers to judgement day. They reference verse 19 where He talks about discipling those He loves. Some believe Christ used the phrase just to inspire the church. Others believe it is a direct statement to judgement day! Either way you choose to believe it’s not a comforting feeling to have our Savior spew us out of his mouth.

Thoughts on our service to God by Allen Jackson:

• “There is no greater investment of a human life than serving God.”
• “Our highest purpose, whether we are a butcher, a baker, or a candlestick maker, is to serve the Lord with our lives in the midst of these callings.”
• “God has given every one of us strengths and gifts and abilities. It’s wonderful to see God’s people acknowledge and use what He has gifted us with, and it’s sad to see God’s people deny their gifts and abilities or to let them sit unused. Sometimes people even deny t their gifts out of fear they’ll be asked to use them! God has given us these things in order that we might have a place of service in His Kingdom. Using our gifts and abilities wisely is not only a great responsibility; it’s a great honor.”
• “When God equips us to do what we feel unqualified for, it is an opportunity to show that He lives in us and works through us.”
• “Don’t be a spectator. Show your gratitude to the Lord by serving His people.”

“Do you aspire to do great things?  Excel in the small things.  Don’t complain.  Let others grumble, not you.  When you’re given a task, take it.  When you see a hurt, address it.  Compassion matters to God.  This is the time for service, not self-centeredness.  Cancel the pity party.  Love the people God brings to you.  He will work in you what is pleasing to Him.  You will get through this.” Max Lucado Daily Devotional

Too many times we measure our work by expecting great outcomes! Sometimes, although the service we perform may seem small and insignificant to us or others, God loves it! That kind word you speak or kind action you take may have made someone’s day! I’ve been assured by others that shut-ins love cards and notes even an email. Tell someone who is going through a difficult time that you will pray for them. Think about it! The person can see Christ in you!

When you get up tomorrow morning, first thank God for being alive then ask him to lead you to some service for Him. Let Him have your heart!

4. I realize I’m referencing former bosses a lot, but I was fortunate to have a number of good ones along with the awful ones. One boss told me he could live with and forgive honest mistakes people made but he had no tolerance for bad attitudes! If you think about it, most of us feel the same way. Wonder if God feels the same way?

You realize you have sinned and begrudgingly confess asking for forgiveness. You really do so feeling like you had good reason for your attitude. He/she was so hateful to me that he/she needed to be told off. Here’s our rationalization and justification again. Not the attitude God wants. God wants to forgive us when we sincerely confess and ask for forgiveness.

Many years ago a coworker and I were discussing our childhoods. I made a comment about something I had done, and Nita responded that she bet my mother spanked my butt. The next day she was in my office to apologize. When asked what she was apologizing for, she was sorry for using the word butt. Even though I assured her no offense was taken, she believed God had convicted her for using that word. I’m not convinced she sinned, but that’s the right heart.

I’ve heard it from the pulpit and read it by authors that God does not need anything from us. I understand the meaning behind that statement but at the same time, God does not want attitude from us! He can get that from your teenager!

Thanks!

Mike    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Standing Firm by Allen Jackson, Intend Publishing – 2018 – Used with permission

Edition 3

The way my mind works is that I need to analyze to understand the how’s and why’s things are the way they are but not from a technical basis. I don’t care how a car runs just that it does. As a kid when my grandparents were visiting, my grandmother would tell my grandfather “Bob, we better go before it gets too dark.” Finally late one afternoon I asked,  “When exactly is “too dark”?  I got in trouble with my mother for asking the question. She thought I was being a smart mouth. I really wanted to understand what my grandmother meant. Never did find out.

The answers, “that’s just the way it is”, “that’s the way life works”, or “that’s the way we’ve always done it” frustrates me. Yes, I’ve given my children and grandchildren these answers mostly out of exasperation because I can’t really explain things. Early in my career I had a boss tell me to never give the answer “that’s the way our company has always done it”. My clients never heard that answer from me because it’s not a satisfactory answer.

My logic does not always seem to be on target with others. Whenever green beans were served, I was made to eat some. “Just try some!” I had already tried them hundreds of times. I just did not like them. But, according to Mom they were good for me and the starving children of Africa, China or take your pick of countries would love to have them. One night at dinner I had a revelation, “I do not like them, and the starving children wanted them so let’s ship them to those children.” My Mother was not happy with my logic and turned to my Father for help. He just shrugged his shoulders. I thought we solved the problem! Those kids are still looking for the green bean shipment.

By the way, when I was in the rehab hospital, the therapist said I was ready to graduate from soup three times per day to pureed food. I was really looking forward to the change. The first morning oatmeal was for breakfast, good start! Some kind of pureed meat, mashed potatoes and pureed green beans were for lunch. The hospital must have bought a train car of green beans because they were served each day at lunch or dinner. To honor my Mother I did try them, but pureed green beans are not any better. I figure Mother was not just smiling from heaven but laughing out loud.

I had a boss, Bill, who told me to never bring him a problem without also bringing him a potential solution. He also told me to view them as “opportunities” not problems. That’s what I am trying to accomplish in this article. These are not problems nor worries but just what I wonder and think about.  Included is what I believe the answer should be. Let me know what your answer is! PLEASE!

1.  While talking with a gentleman recently, he told me he was trying to digest something I had written on the blog. He wasn’t telling me my logic was absolutely wrong but was not sure he agreed with it. I had asked a question about why we think our doctrine must be pure, and perfect without fault, when we don’t live a pure and perfect life. We sin in a number of different ways and believe God will forgive us if we confess and tell him we are sorry. So, if I am in error concerning my beliefs about singing with or without instruments, orphans’ homes, Sunday school, drinking alcohol, etc. am I hell bound? I do not believe I am because my intent is to follow the Bible in all things. If my intent is to go through the Bible to dismiss parts because they don’t suit me or have not kept up with times or social correctness, then I believe I have a problem. My ego has gotten in the way of what the Bible says. Intent is important!

Revelation 22:18-19: “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”

Example of my thoughts: Barnes seems to believe these verses are about the writing in Revelation only, but Johnson believes the verses are about the entire Bible. Which one is correct in his interpretation?

The elders have allowed me to write articles on the blog for approximately eighteen months. It’s a very serious responsibility so every morning I pray for God’s guidance. No God does not inspire me, but he will lend guidance and understanding if my intent is to use the Bible as a guide.

2.  Why does the scripture record that Jesus cried out in a loud voice asking God, His Father, why he had forsaken Him? Are the writers just reporting the “news of the event” or does it have some meaning? One interpretation is that Jesus’ crying out is taken by some as an abandonment of the Son by the Father. Another interpretation holds that at the moment when Jesus took upon himself the sins of humanity, the Father had to turn away from the Son because the Father is "of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong" (Habakkuk 1:13).

I believe this was recorded to help us have a deeper appreciation for Christ’s suffering. Not only did he suffer extreme physical pain but harsh mental anguish. I’ve never felt abandoned by anyone especially not a parent, but Jesus did feel abandon by God, His Father. We tend to focus on his physical suffering but don’t overlook his emotional suffering. I know people who suffer with anxiety and depression. It’s real and terrible.

3.  Jesus promises that God will provide our needs in Matthew 6:25-34. The promise includes food and clothes then why are people, especially children, going without? Is there a qualification we need to meet? Most commentators write that we must be a believer and “seek first His kingdom and His righteous” and then we will have these blessings. But what do children understand about seeking Him? Are these children going without because of their parent’s lack of seeking God? The only answer I have is Matthew 26:11 “The poor you will always have with you”. This doesn’t really satisfy me.

In Matthew 6:11, the “Lord’s prayer”, we are instructed to ask God to give us “our daily bread”. Why do we need to ask for something he promises us just a few verses later? Some commentators believe that God wants our prayers as a reminder that He is the giver and wants us to continually be reminded that all blessings come from Him.

Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Jesus Christ.” When I was growing up, a need and a want were the same thing for me. My “need” was for good reliable transportation to and from school and work. My “want” was for a black Dodge Charger! My grandfather gave me his 1957 Chevy. Wished I still had that car! We should keep the difference between a true need and a want in mind as we pray for God’s blessings.

4.  How long will God hang in there with you? Does he ever just give up on us? Most of my effort with CASA has been with teenage boys. I admit to having the feeling of great frustration with them and their parents. Why am I bothering? Just give up! One young man has been in jail for over three years and another one is headed there on multiple charges and a third is back in jail. But God reminds me of his promise: Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” If He’s not willing to give up on His children, why should I? I can’t walk away because I believe I would be giving on God!! He’s hanging in there on these young men.

There were times in my teens and young adulthood that my relationship with God was strained to the max because of the way I was living. I tell Him in my prayers everyday how grateful I am that He hung in there with me. One author wrote, “You will give up on yourself long before God will ever give up on you!” Sorry but I don’t remember the name of the author. If I were God, I would have gotten tired of me a long time ago and let go but praise Him because He hung in there with me! He’ll do the same for you!

5.  Do we believe or understand what we sing in worship and why? Is it possible that we are just going through the motions? Sometimes, I’m just calling words.

For me, How Great Thou Art, is a perfect praise song to God. Read the words. 

Read the following two verses:

Colossians 3:16 ESV “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

Ephesians 5:19 ESV “Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,”.

It’s not just an opportunity to sing to God, it’s a responsibility to sing to one another!  Do You Know My Jesus? is a great song to sing to one another. Near to the Heart of God  is comforting to sing to one another and also a request for Jesus’ help.

Be with Me, Lord by L.O. Sanderson, a minister of the Church of Christ for many years is an excellent form of a prayer song. I cannot sing but by joining with others, hopefully others are encouraged.

We visited a congregation of about one hundred people in a Harding Academy school building one Sunday. The congregation was being criticized by other congregations for doing a number of things during worship. The only one they were guilty of was setting in two semi circles facing each other. They were trying to practice Colossians and Ephesians. When you are facing your brothers and sisters to encourage them, it’s very difficult to avoid singing. Yes, it was intimidating at first, but it brings you to the realization of the value of encouraging one another in song and hymns.

6.   Sometimes being a Christian is a tall task! The Bible tells us we are to love everybody, even our enemies without exception. I Corinthians 13 describes what love is and is not without exception. We are to pray for our enemies without exception. The only exceptions come from our great ability to rationalize and justify. One of my justifications is people with huge egos who think rules, laws, etc. are meant for you and me certainly NOT them. Many times their arrogance causes me not to love.

This is not a real scenario but very plausible. You are driving on 231 North and you see Filbert, who is an ego maniac, standing by his car looking at a flat tire. Do you stop to see if you can be of assistance or just drive on? You notice Filbert is on a cell phone probably calling for roadside assistance, so you turn your head and speed up hoping he doesn’t see you. Some of us might smile and wave as we drive by enjoying his problem! Did you demonstrate Christian love? Would you have stopped if it had been Mrs. Filbert? Just how far do we have to take “love”? As far as God does!

Will God not allow me just a few exceptions every once in a while? Seems like a reasonable request! I don’t believe he does. Remember the Bible records no exceptions nor justifications.

Thanks

Mike   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I am prefacing this article by stating that I belong to neither political party. There is good and bad about both. I have relatives and friends who believe their political party of choice can do no wrong. I’m pretty sick and tired of both of them. They need to be spanked and sent to bed!

 In 1960 when John F. Kennedy was running for president, a number of preachers spoke from the pulpit against Mr. Kennedy not because he was a Democrat but because he was a Catholic. Their tactic to sway their congregation’s vote was to claim the Pope would be running the United States. In making your voting decisions, do not allow the media, a politician nor a minister to have undue influence on your thoughts about government leaders. Most people are selling their own agenda. I hope to be guided by my study of the Bible and the government leaders adherence to the Bible principles.

One commentator believes God will only intervene in our lives at our request. No scripture was given as supporting evidence. Assuming the writer is correct, and I do not believe he is, then we need to be busy asking God for His intervention in our government. Romans 13:1 ESV “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” If I’m subject to them the I need to be praying for them, 1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV - “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

An elder of a church we attended at one time has been posting parts of the following document on Facebook. Many of you were not alive in 1963 or too young to have any knowledge of the document. This is the first knowledge I’ve had of it. As I read the goals, I was alarmed at the number of the goals the Communist party has been successful at achieving. We have set by and allowed their success because they have bullied us with assertions of not being politically correct.  A number of the accomplishments attack the roots of our Christian beliefs. It’s time to let our elected officials know of our concerns and dissatisfaction. Please take the opportunity to express your views by writing to your elected officials federal, state and local. Their addresses can be found online.

Pray for God’s intervention!

Thanks

Mike     This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

THE 45 COMMUNIST GOALS AS READ INTO THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, 1963

By Donna Calvin

Watchwoman: In addition to reading this, the 45 communist goals, click here to read “The 10 Planks of Karl Marx, ‘The Communist Manifesto.’ ”  America has already fulfilled 90% of them.

Congressional Record–Appendix, pp. A34-A35

January 10, 1963

Current Communist Goals

EXTENSION OF REMARKS OF HON. A. S. HERLONG, JR. OF FLORIDA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, January 10, 1963

Mr. HERLONG. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Patricia Nordman of De Land, Fla., is an ardent and articulate opponent of communism, and until recently published the De Land Courier, which she dedicated to the purpose of alerting the public to the dangers of communism in America.

At Mrs. Nordman’s request, I include in the RECORD, under unanimous consent, the following “Current Communist Goals,” which she identifies as an excerpt from “The Naked Communist,” by Cleon Skousen:

U. S. Congressional Seal [From “The Naked Communist,” by Cleon Skousen]

CURRENT COMMUNIST GOALS

1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war.

2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war.

3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament [by] the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength.

4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war.

5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites.

6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination.

7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N.

8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev’s promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N.

9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress.

10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N.

11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.)

12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party.

13. Do away with all loyalty oaths.

14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office.

15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States.

16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights.

17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers’ associations. Put the party line in textbooks.

18. Gain control of all student newspapers.

19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack.

20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions.

21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures.

22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to “eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms.”

23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. “Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art.”

24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them “censorship” and a violation of free speech and free press.

25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV.

26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as “normal, natural, healthy.”

27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with “social” religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a “religious crutch.”

28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of “separation of church and state.”

29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.

30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the “common man.”

31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the “big picture.” Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.

32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture–education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.

33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus.

34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities.

35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI.

36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions.

37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business.

38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand [or treat].

39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals.

40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.

41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.

42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use [“]united force[“] to solve economic, political or social problems.

43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government.

44. Internationalize the Panama Canal.

45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court

Goodness – Websters defines goodness as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. The Biblical commentators make note that the Greek words for kindness and goodness are often interchangeable. It seems odd that Paul would use two words that have exactly the same meaning. Barclay points out that the Greek word for goodness has the connotation of “might and could rebuke and discipline with kindness”. The Greek word just previously used for kindness can only help others and does not rebuke or discipline others. Barclay believes we often need discipline with the type of goodness that can be kind and strong at the same time.

The MSG uses “sense of compassion in the Heart”. Other commentators write that the word “goodness” senses compassion as we rebuke others. Paul was writing this letter because of the way the Jews were treating with the Gentiles and encouraging the Jews to show compassion.  So as we have an occasion to rebuke others, our attitude needs to be one with compassion not harshness.

Faithfulness – The MSG translation uses the words “loyal commitment” and Phillips translation uses “fidelity” which are closely related but “loyal commitment” for me is stronger. Barclay writes that the Greek word means “trustworthiness”.

I put a request on the internet asking for commentator’s thoughts on the faithfulness used in this verse.  One commentator wrote in his thinking: “Faithfulness requires us to submit our ways to God. It comes from a place of realizing that we need a Savior and that He is in control of our lives.” Is Paul writing about our faithfulness to God?  Other writers believe the faithfulness used is our faithfulness to one another.

As Paul writes to the Galatians, his apostleship is under attack from some of the Jews and they also are not accepting the Gentiles. So it seems highly likely that the verses 22-25 are written more for our relationship with one another.  We are to have a loyal commitment, faithfulness to one another and a true fidelity to each other. This includes those you do not like. We should have faithfulness especially to our brothers and sisters in Christ. How, by living a Christian life and being ready to help them in their life.

Gentleness - The Phillips translation uses the word “tolerance”. Barclay writes the Greek word used here is the most untranslatable of words. He believes it has three meanings: submissive to the will of God; being teachable, not too proud to learn and most often has the meaning of being considerate. I believe Paul’s use of the word is for consideration of others.

Other commentators and a Biblical dictionary point to attitude, compassion, concern, humility, meekness and kindness as acts of gentleness. One description is that gentleness is being a little kinder than we have to be.

It seems to me that in today’s world we have lost gentleness for others. The political parties blame one another for our countries’ problems and do so hatefully. Racial tension continues in our society. What a great time for Christians to be very strong in our beliefs but show gentleness.

I want to chase a rabbit for a thought about gentleness.  For the most part, I feel like God has been gentle with me during my life. Max Lucado asks a question in A Gentle Thunder: “How far do you want God to go in getting your attention? If God has to choose between your eternal safety and your earthly comfort, which do you hope he chooses? Don’t answer too quickly. Give it some thought.” Interesting.

Self-control – The MSG version uses the phrase, “direct energies wisely”. Barclay writes that the Greek word has a meaning of “self-mastery”.  Most of the commentators believe the self-control Paul writes about is related to sex. Paul writes about “sinful nature with its passions and desires”. These passions and desires extend to other things like food, alcohol, gambling, even anger and much more.

Given the context of the events in Galatia, I believe the Jews’ anger towards the Gentiles could be important here. The Jews were trying to force the Gentiles to adhere to the law of circumcision. Some Jews probably became angry when the Gentiles weren’t going along. Paul even mentions “fits of rage” as one of acts of the sinful nature.

Allen Jackson writes in his book, Standing Firm: “Throughout life we will encounter those who will push or pull us toward or away from the Lord. But the processing of maturing as Jesus-followers means that we must exert the self-discipline necessary to own our choices and outcomes. We ask the Holy Spirit to give us self-control, which we practice in our daily lives.”

Thoughts on Galatians 5:22-25: Why did Paul write to the Galatians? As mentioned before the Jews were trying to force the Gentile Christians to hold on to the old law, especially circumcision. I believe at times we are guilty of trying to make people hold to man’s customs creating divisions between Christians. Paul is asking the people to step back and think about the law versus the fruits. The present-day church needs to take the same steps. Is what I’m holding on to have a Biblical basis or it is just a custom I’m holding on to?

Why did Paul select the word “fruits” to express himself? Fruits are enjoyable and good for you. According to Strong's Greek Lexicon, the Greek word listed in the verse has a meaning of 'joy', 'gladness', or 'a source of joy'. My life will be full of joy and gladness and hopefully a source of joy to others if I have and use the fruits.

We each have standards by which we judge other peoples’ behavior. For discussion sake, let’s use the fruits of the Spirit as those standards:

• Do you judge your own behavior by the same standards? Choose from the following answers: 1.) I hope so; 2.) I try to; 3.) Not always; 4.) Yes, except when…. 5.) Always.  

Most of us if we’re completely honest will choose 1-4. If you chose #5, you are not being completely honest. If #4 was included in your answer, do you allow others their exceptions?  Please point out Paul’s list of acceptable exceptions to the fruits of the Spirit! There ain’t none.

Is Paul’s list of fruits all inclusive? I don’t think it is. He’s trying to put out a fire in Antioch, so he used these characteristics for the Christians to think on. He lets them know that these don’t have a matter of law. If you could add one “fruit” to the list, what would it be and why? Forgiveness! People seem to struggle with displaying forgiveness.

Keep in your heart that commentators say these fruits are not our nature! We must invite the Holy Spirit to bring the fruits into our life then make a choice to use them for our own benefit and the benefit of others!

The following is a description of on a web page for Max Lucado: “Does God still free hearts, minds and bodies from the ravages of sin and poverty? The answer is yes! He does it through you. In Outlive Your Life, Lucado challenges you to make a difference that will last beyond your time on earth.”

The following is from Max Lucado’s book, When God Whispers Your Name: These are his thoughts on the fruits of the Spirit:

“IT’S QUIET. It’s early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.

In a few moments, the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.

For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.

I choose love . . .

No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.

I choose joy . . .

I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical . . . the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I choose peace . . .

I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I choose patience . . .

I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I choose kindness . . .

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I choose goodness . . .

I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.

I choose faithfulness . . .

Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.

I choose gentleness . . .

Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I choose self-control . . .

I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.”

 When God Whispers Your Name Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1994) Max Lucado Used with permission

Standing Firm by Allen Jackson Copyright 2018 Intend Publishing Used with permission

A Gentle Thunder by Max Lucado – 1995 - Published by Word Publishing – Used with permission

Yes, I use a lot of Max Lucado’s writings because he is my favorite writer and he’s one of only two that have granted me permission to use from their collection of writings. Occasionally, I’ll receive permission on a selected article by others.

 I’ve tried twice to get permission from F LaGard Smith via his email system with no answer. He spends a certain amount of the year in Murfreesboro then the remainder in England. He also is a good writer so hopefully I’ll receive his permission.

Thanks

Mike  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I’ve been studying and writing on this article for some time. It’s going to be long, so I decided the best thing is to publish it in two parts. The following is part one.

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT

As I look at my life, I’m either productive for God or productive for Satan. It’s impossible to be both at the same time.  As you study Paul’s writings in Galatians 5, he outlines our choices as works of the flesh, Satan’s path or God’s path, the fruits of the Spirit. He writes that these are in conflict with each other. There are decisions and choices we must make. There is implied expectation that we use these gifts for God’s glory. God wants us to grow our relationship with Him by having and using the fruits. Our use of the fruits will influence others with their relationship with God as they watch us. If I’m not allowing the Holy Spirit to produce the fruits in me then I’m being unproductive for God and productive for Satan. God knows that we will not be productive for Him every minute of every day. He understands at times we will be productive for Satan. That’s why He brought Jesus into the world.

Galatians 5:22-25 New International Version (NIV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-25 The Message (MSG)

22-25 But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Galatians 5:22-25 J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

22-25 The Spirit, however, produces in human life fruits such as these: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, fidelity, tolerance and self-control—and no law exists against any of them. Those who belong to Christ have crucified their old nature with all that it loved and lusted for. If our lives are centered in the Spirit, let us be guided by the Spirit.

.

I used different translations to get a better understanding of how the fruits enter our lives and what the they are intended to represent. Each of the translations indicates that the fruits belong to the Holy Spirit. Philips uses the expression: “The Spirit produces in human life” and the MSG uses the expression “when we live God’s way”. You’ve heard people use the expression, “that’s his or her nature” when talking about others. It’s only his or her nature as provided by the Spirit. The point here is that the Holy Spirit maintains control of the fruits.  In order to have these positive characteristics, we must belong to Christ and invite and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. Otherwise how can we have use of these positive attitudes and actions in order to be productive for God?

I’m using three commentators primarily in this study: William Barclay, Albert Barnes and Barton Warren Johnson.

Barnes writes: “But the fruit of the Spirit - That which the Holy Spirit produces. It is not without design, evidently, that the apostle uses the word "Spirit" here, as denoting that these things do not flow from our own nature. The vices* above enumerated are the proper "works" or result of the operations of the human heart; the virtues which he enumerates are produced by a foreign influence - the agency of the Holy Spirit. Hence, Paul does not trace them to our own hearts, even when renewed. He says that they are to be regarded as the proper result of the Spirit's operations on the soul.” * In verses 19-21, Paul lists what he refers to works of the flesh or sins.

Johnson writes: “The fruits named are not our fruits, but the Spirit in us. If we bear these fruits, we show that we have the Spirit.”

Barclay does not make a point that the fruits belong to the Spirit but does use the phrase “of the Spirit” as he writes.

Love – There are four different Greek words for love. The word used here is agape which means a strong and deliberate feeling of benevolence for all people. We must love regardless of how a person has treated us. Our love must be unconditional. Do not expect anything in return. A difficult task at times, yes, but attainable through the Holy Spirit.

As a child, this concept of love was difficult to understand. My thoughts were, “I really don’t like that person so how can I love them?” There is one person in your life that comes to mind that you despise but we are directed in both Romans 12 and Luke 6 to pray for them which is deliberate love.

Many people demonstrated love during my strokes and knee surgery by providing food and cards which Kay and I really appreciated. The words I most appreciated were, “I’m praying for you!” To tell someone that you are spending your time with God asking Him to bless you is one of the finest loves I can imagine.

Joy – The word is used as a basis of joy in being a Christian not that life is going your way or joy of having earthly things but the happiness of being a Christian.  Even though life is often hard and difficult, you find your joy in knowing God is there with you.

The MSG translation uses “exuberance for life” for joy. If we have exuberance for life because we are Christians, others will notice and be influenced in their relationship with Christ. Others do watch us!

Peace – If you have peace in life, then you have tranquility or serenity. It doesn’t mean the lack of troubles, no disappointments or no heartaches in your life. It does mean you are aware of the presence of God in your life and that He has your back.

The MSG translation uses the word “serenity”. David Young, minister at North Boulevard, has a sermon series entitled Peace of Mind. He says that thirty percent of people have an issue with anxiety. Anxiety is the absence of peace. It is manageable by seeking the peace described in Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The following is an excerpt from Allen Jackson’s book, Standing Firm: “We post a photo of our supper on social media and panic when not when not enough “friends” say they “like” it. Some fears are more serious than others, but it is true that fear- both real and imagined - is very real in our society. Thankfully, there is no fear that cannot be overcome with the peace that Jesus gives us. If Jesus said we don’t have to be afraid, we don’t have to be. If Jesus gives me His peace, that’s good enough for me.”

Allen ends each day’s devotion with a prayer: “Heavenly Father, thank You that in this troubled world You provide peace, security, and abundant life through the cross of Jesus Christ. May Your Holy Spirit counsel me daily in Your peace. When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Patience – If you refer to a Thesaurus, you’ll find words like endurance, tolerance, persistence, fortitude, forbearance, etc. Some of these words are used in regard to things or events. The MSG translation uses “willingness to stick with things.” Barclay is fully convinced that Paul’s writing is about patience or tolerance for other people. He writes about God’s patience with our sinning and encourages us to demonstrate the same patience to one another as God does to us.

Allen Jackson has a couple of thoughts on patience. He believes that some people use anger as opposed to patience to manipulate people. He illustrates with Proverbs 16:32: “Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.”

Allen also writes about our patience with God. He says that waiting on God to deliver him from some situation can be trying. “Sometimes God wants us to wait on Him, and continue to call on Him, so that we will know that our deliverance is from Him alone. He hears us and intends to rescue us. When He does, we will have new reasons to praise Him, and others will be able to see what He has done for us.”

Kindness – Barclay writes that the Greek word can be translated as sweetness. Probably, most macho men don’t see sweetness as a strength. The Bible seems to think it is important: Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Matthew 9:13 “Go and learn what this means, he commands I want kindness more than I want animal sacrifices”. Most translations use the word mercy as opposed to kindness, but the words are interchangeable.

You may have kindness but if you don’t use it, that’s not good enough. I pray daily that God will improve my speech. It’s better than it was five years ago, but it still is frustrating for the person I’m speaking with and me.  The Holy Spirit reminds me to express my appreciation for people’s patience with me. When I think to express my appreciation, they often have a look on their face, “somebody noticed my efforts to be kind to them.” They seem to have a sense of accomplishment.

I also pray daily that I will become more aware of my need for the Holy Spirit.  He’s always present but I need a “thump on the head” as a reminder to use one of the fruits.

An example of love and kindness: David Young says that he and another member at North Boulevard often have lunch together. As the server delivers their meal, his friend will say, “We are going to give thanks for our food, is there anything you would like us to pray about?” Most often they say, “no thank you” but at one meal the young lady said “yes” and expressed a need. She sat down with them while he prayed with her.  A great use of the fruits!

Thanks

Mike

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Standing Firm – Finding Courage in the Word Of God written by Allen Jackson – 2018 – Published by Intend Publishing – Used with permission

Quotes from David Young’s sermon series Peace of Mind used with permission