“Keeping Yourself in the Love of God” – Manifesting Love in Our Lives

“Keeping Yourself in the Love of God” – 

Manifesting Love in Our Lives

Supplement to “Keeping Yourself in the Love of God” posted Oct. 11, 2021

     I have a dear Australian friend who is also an author. She has taken me under her wing and mentored me more times than I can count.  She sent a generous comment about my last story along with a superb story which provides  a superb exposition of two chapters in 1st Corinthians.  Feast on Eva Peck’s narrative.  She and I are like any other Bible authors ~ ~ we don’t agree on everything but both of us love the Lord with all of our being ~ ~  and we each appreciate and love one another!

“Hello Larry,

     I was meaning to let you know how I enjoyed your latest story.  The Jude 21 verse "Keeping ourselves in the love of God" inspired me to write an article, which I'll share with you below.

     I am still thinking of Jennifer and keeping her in my prayers.

     Sending you love and light,

Eva

“Keeping Yourself in the Love of God” – Manifesting Love in Our Lives

     Jude exhorted fellow believers: “Keep yourselves in God’s love.” (v.21).  How is love manifested in our lives?

     Not long ago, someone mentioned the example of Father Damien.  I hadn’t heard of him before, so I looked him up and for those who wish to know more, here is a Wikipedia link.  He certainly was one of many inspiring Christian/Catholic missionaries that were true servants of God and those who they served, laying down their lives in the literal sense of the word. Mother Teresa, of course, was another one, and she had many equally dedicated assistants and successors, who still carry on her work under to Order of Missionaries of Charity.  Sisters of Mercy is another such group and there are countless others.

     Based on my reading and own experience, people can and do have God’s love in their souls without understanding it or formally praying for it.  Their souls may be yearning for it without their conscious awareness.  I would venture to say that many/most of these dedicated servants of God and humanity are on the Divine Love path, which is being transformed at the heart level by God's Essence.  It is the New Heart, New Birth, becoming a new creation/creature which is a necessary process to enter the Celestial Kingdom.  The actual transformation is more important than the intellectual understanding thereof, because it is happening at the soul level.

     As to the expression/manifestation of love, outwardly there is little or no difference between Divine Love (imparted by the Holy Spirit – Rom. 5:5) and natural love (that we cultivate naturally since birth), and in most instances, we can't distinguish those who are on either path.  However, in all cases, love is manifested through care, service, outgoing concern, kindness, helpfulness, compassion and similar qualities.  The specific expression of love flows from people's gifts.  Some are called and gifted to be missionaries and serve the sick or underprivileged.  Others are gifted in different ways.  The book of First Corinthians is instructive in this way, giving some examples of gifts and service:

1Co 12:4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.  

1Co 12:5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.

1Co 12:6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.  

1Co 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.  

1Co 12:8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,

1Co 12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,

1Co 12:10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

1Co 12:11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

     The purpose of different gifts is to complement and serve each other as the different parts of a body do.  The chapter continues:

1Co 12:12  The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.  So it is with [those who are in] Christ.  

1Co 12:13  For we were all baptized [immersed] by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free — and we were all given the one Spirit [the Holy Spirit imparting Divine Love] to drink.  

1Co 12:14  Now the body is not made up of one part but of many.

1Co 12:15  If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body.

1Co 12:16  And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body.

1Co 12:17  If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?

1Co 12:18  But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.

1Co 12:19  If they were all one part, where would the body be?

1Co 12:20  As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

     So we are all called to express the love in us, whether natural or divine, in serving one another.  This service will depend on our gifts which vary from person to person.  We should use our own unique gifts to the best of our ability and not compare ourselves unwisely with others and want their gifts to the point of feeling jealous or dissatisfied, as these are not emotions of love.  We should however, desire and long for and pray for more and more Love to better express our present gifts and even be given new ones according to God's will.  

     Paul's conclusion in the famous 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians is beautiful and puts everything in perspective. Starting at the end of Ch. 12:

1Co 12:27  Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.  

1Co 12:28  And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.

1Co 12:29  Are all apostles?  Are all prophets?  Are all teachers?  Do all work miracles?

1Co 12:30  Do all have gifts of healing?  Do all speak in tongues?  Do all interpret?

1Co 12:31  But eagerly desire the greater gifts. 

 And now I will show you the most excellent way.

1Co 13:1  If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

1Co 13:2  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

1Co 13:3  If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

1Co 13:4  Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

1Co 13:5  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  

1Co 13:6  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  

1Co 13:7  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  

1Co 13:8  Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

1Co 13:9  For we know in part and we prophesy in part,

1Co 13:10  but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears....

1Co 13:12  Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.  

1Co 13:13  And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love.

     So service, even self-sacrifice, as well as all-encompassing knowledge and great gifts and talents, amount to little if not accompanied and motivated by love.

Other Free Writings From Eva
https://universal-spirituality.net/about/free-publications/

Eva Peck
10-26-2021"

Castaways and Keepsakes

Castaways and Keepsakes

     Mickey Mantle was a switch hitter.  When batting left-handed it took him 3.2 seconds to run to first base.  When batting right handed it took him 3.3.  Ted Williams always hit towards right field to where the opposing team would shift the left fielder and center fielders away from left field and the shortstop behind second base and the third baseman to shortstop position.  Ty Cobb, in practicing for the new season, always ran bases slower than in the previous season because he practiced with a ten-pound weight on each leg.  The pitcher’s mound is 60’ 6” from the tip of home plate.  Ad Liska who pitched 111 games in the Major League completing his 20 years pitching for the Portland Beavers.  He was one of the most unique pitchers ever as he leaned to the right so far that his pitching arm nearly dragged the ground.  This gave him the distinction of having a fast ball that would drop as it approached the batter instead of rising like 99% of pitchers today.

 

 

     My mind is full of these baseball trivia because I loved it so much.  But when I became a Christian my love transferred to Jesus and His holy Bible.  Though I’m pushing 79 I still can remember sections of the Holy Scriptures I learned over 60 years ago but these are not trivia; these are the words of Eternal Life.   “Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’”  (John 6:68, NASB)

     The Lord’s brother (James) guaredly urged: “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.”   (Jude 20, 21, NASB)

     As I’ve tried to “keep myself in the love of God” I’m compelled to say ... I want to say “Thank You” to continuing Christian-faith mentors and  faith warriors.  Plus an especial “Thank You” to the Holy Spirit for the ones who’ve gone on ahead of me because of how they made my Christian walk begin or continue to this point.  Now at age 78 I’m just so appreciative I sometimes recall these faithful loved ones at night and pray about them to the Lord.  Hebrews 13:17 points out that Leaders will give an account of the congregants with which we minister, and or partner in our lifetime, so I pray for them as they meander across the screen of my mind.  Scripture abounds with person after person who mentored others.  One entire chapter, Hebrews 11, is devoted to superb examples.

     Some key mentors for me were: Don Rodda was my girl friend’s minister and urged her to challenge me to be a Christian.  Then he taught me the plan of salvation ~ ~ in a barn.  Don Rodda also urged me to go to Bible College to become a minister.

     Archie Word Sr. taught me several Bible College classes and later took me under his wing of support and encouragement.  When I preached in Missouri, he preached a 4-week revival where 126 new visitors attended.  Brother Word did many things far beyond which I expected and/or hoped for.  Exempli gratia in that Missouri stay he bought me a newer auto (complete surprise).  As life advanced he often dropped into my varied places of employment on his visits into the area.

     As he aged into his 80s many judged him too old to hold anymore Revival meetings.  But the leadership at Sunrise Church in Spokane, WA approved my recommendation to have him preach for us.  It turned out to be his final Revival meeting.  He was tremendously effective to the point that a Spokane Newspaper featured him with a comparison looking picture of Colonel Sanders from KFC with the caption, “Colonel Sanders Look-a-like Aint No Chicken In The Pulpit."  This photo was taken by the daily Spokane, WA newspaper the opening night of the Revival and later became the cover photograph of his heart-touching biography by Victor Knowles:

 

     During those Thanksgiving days the reporter even attended the first night of the Revival and wrote a lengthy, complimentary review.  I received sad notice that back home in Nebraska, Brother Word’s wife had fallen critically ill.  The Leaders made arrangements to fly him back home to be with Mrs. Word.   But, in what was probably the most dramatic moment I’ve ever seen in any church service he listened to the offer and marched to the stage and thundered, “We’re not shutting this meeting down for any reason.  I’m here to preach about eternal life.  Mom has family that will help her.”

     In preparation for his Revival meeting I had asked a local TV station to interview him.  They featured him for 30 minutes during lunch and it increased the audience size.  It has been stated that he never appeared on TV; yet I sat right there as he touched the souls of TV station staff and community-wide viewers.

     His influence impacted many, many people but perhaps for the most part there have been a number of young preachers who benefitted from his charisma.

     Charles Dailey was also on the staff at the Bible College.  He holds my salute as being the teacher of the two best classes I’ve ever taken:  Life of Christ 1 and Life of Christ 2  He also was a master at speaking and writing succinctly.  Joyfully, Charles is still teaching as many people as he can.  In fact here are two comments:

     On July 12, 2012 Charles wrote: “Life is such an ongoing joy.  I awaken each day with slightly improving health and enough memory to realize how wonderful the present truly is.  Thank you Lord.”

     Just a few weeks ago, July 2021, Charles posted this update: “Now, at 90, this is still true.”  This Faith Warrior, though his wife has gone on ahead, still has a keen and analytical mind, clear values, deep faith and tenacity beyond his peers.

     This is a few years back of Charles and Lois Dailey:

 

 

     Warren Bell was another preacher who taught at the Bible School.  I loved his rich, deep voice.  It seemed like the voice was coming from below his knees.  In my God Applause stories Warren Bell is mentioned in: Erasure Danger posted on Jan. 4, 2021.  Along life’s Pilgrim’s Path other significant people positively impacted my life and work for the Lord.  Some of them were: Myron Wells, George Kennedy, Paul Douglas, Faye Ballard, Donald Hunt, Gary Strubhar, and Tom Burgess.

     Here’s a lyric Gospel song that speaks to the hearts of people who are “keeping themselves in the love of God.”

Loving God, Loving Each Other

 

 

Gaithers, Oak Ridge Boys, Gatlins

Please write and ask for spiritual or emotional support

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Finally a book form of God Applause is available 

with more than 150 pages for just $12.95.

God Applause

True Stories Of His Wonders 

 

 

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After my Father tried killing me on my 13th birthday I found a Heavenly Father to whom I have given my whole life to serve. Now as I look back more than 60 years have passed. Many of those years I ministered and counseled trying to heal hurting hearts and mending broken dreams. I’ve lost track of the numbers who responded but know it was in the thousands. A few years ago, my health degenerated to the point I could not continue. I found myself housebound without a way to continue my former work for my Lord. I prayed that the Lord would direct my path to find some new way to still share His gracious love, forgiveness and grace. Nothing happened. I continued praying because His eternal word says, “Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” (Is 40:31, NASB) 

I continued praying for His direction. Please Father help me find a way to still share You with others. More time elapsed. Until – He laid an answer in my soul. Why don’t you do what I told Israel to do? Presto! Then a story I had often read penetrated my dull gray matter. Build a monument. A stone monument. “And Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So, these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.” (Joshua 4:5-7, NIV) 

So, just as the Israelites were told to build a stone monument for future generations, I felt called to do likewise but in a much smaller scale. The Lord spoke to my heart saying, “You’ve seen Me work wondrous miracles for hundreds of people over 60 years. Build a storybook monument. Give Me the credit so that future generations can see what you saw and experienced.” So that is why I’ve written this book.

I felt unworthy to call my work a stone monument. So, I refer to each story as a tiny piece of stone ~ a Pebble. As I began writing these true stories of God’s wondrousness I happened upon Psalms 105: “Go ahead and give God thanks for all the glorious things he has done! Go ahead and worship him! Tell everyone about his wonders! Let’s sing his praises! Sing, and put all of his miracles to music!” (Psalms 105:1-2, TPT) 

Never do I recall reading a book of true stories about God that included songs of praise. But the Holy Spirit led me onward. This gave me an exciting challenge. I spent hours praying over my stories and seeking a song of praise to complement the message each “Pebble” conveyed. As you read these stories please also click on the link to the praise song. Each song has been selected to fit like a glove the message of the story. The mini concert will cement the story to your soul. A third portion of writing this monument of praise pebbles was to use images and or videos to embed the story more deeply. So what you are opening now is a Book full of true stories, with praise songs and occasional pictures all of which are designed to honor our Faithful Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Truly this is a God Applause book. 

Blessings 

Larry Ade Smith 

Feb. 20, 2020

Note: This book is the paperback edition so you'll need to copy the song link to your computer and feast on the individual songs. 

 

1. Print length

   159 pages
2. Language

   English
3. Publication date

   April 24, 2020
4. Dimensions

   6 x 0.36 x 9 inches
5. ISBN-13

   979-8638590642
6. 
   

 

 

 

Most Terrifying Fall Ever

Most Terrifying Fall Ever  

     Acrophobia: The fear of heights ~ ~ ranks in the top five most serious fears of mankind. This fear permeates many scary nightmares, transportation methods, and unsettling activities. The Boeing 737 MAX recently was grounded nearly worldwide because of terrifying crashes seemingly caused by design flaws. Even reading about the deadly-nose-dive crashes terrifies most people, let alone seeing video recreations of it.

     Some roads climb very steep hills or treacherously narrow mountain passes.  Gondolas often ascend eerily almost into the clouds causing heart-pounding nerves.  Oregon has a Dead Man’s Curve, on Highway 6 near milepost 29, as do many other states.  Oregon has recently blasted through the stone providing a safe passage that dodges the treacherous pass. 

     More than 60 million people have visited Seattle’s 605 foot tall Space Needle since it was built in 1962.  Yet a great number of fearful visitors refuse to ride the glass-fronted elevators to the top.

     Interviewing a pilot I was surprised to learn he also had acrophobia.  “How can that be?”

     “I know that I’m in control and I won’t let anything go wrong,” he said.  It was hard to fathom just how that could be.

     Since we’re focusing on horrendously scary falls let’s consider the greatest fall in the past and the worst fall ever that is just ahead.  The Bible both introduces the one who fell and warns us about the worst fall ~ ~ just ahead ~ ~ that awaits Satan and his wicked companions.  The Lord Jesus Christ affirmed this, “And He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning,”(Luke 10:18, NASB)

 

 

 

     The Bible has many dual prophecies.  In regards to the most diabolical, evil, mighty previous archangel … Satan… the Holy Spirit inspired many Bible writers to write prophecy after prophecy in such a way that each prophecy had a fulfillment shortly after it was penned.  But to forewarn us, the Lord’s people, about how horridly, terrifyingly powerful this monster soul killer is the inspired writers’ second fulfillment is clearly the Devil.

     Examples of two lengthy prophecies that are clearly dual are Isaiah 14:8-19 and Ezekiel 28:1-19. In these two dual prophecies a great deal is learned about Satan. Metaphorically these picture Satan’s creation, purpose, appearance and fall from heaven.  These passages describe why Satan fell, but they do not specifically say when he fell.

     Job reveals that all the angels were created before the earth was (Job 38:4-7, NIV).  “Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm.  He said: “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge?  Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.  “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?  Tell me, if you understand.  Who marked off its dimensions?  Surely you know!  Who stretched a measuring line across it?  On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone — while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?”

     Since Genesis identifies the Tempter of Eve as Satan it is clear that the Devil’s fall from Heaven must have occurred after he was created but before the creation of Adam and Eve.

     Revelation the 12th chapter depicts warfare in Heaven between the great dragon and his wicked angels versus God’s archangel and other angels who fought to protect God’s children on the Earth. In describing the Dragon it is obvious that it is the Devil.

     These Old and New Testament verses, as well as others, provide significant clues as to why the Devil was cast out of Heaven:

     1)   Satan was perfectly beautiful from his creation with an appearance as dazzling as many jewels and  he started out as sinless. - - (Ezekiel 28:13-14, NASB)

     2)   Satan was an archangel responsible for being on God’s Holy Mountain - - (Ezekiel 28:14, NASB)

     3)   Satan was anointed by God to be a “Covering Cherub over the Mercy Seat".

     4)   But  then he sinned and ruined God’s plan for him - - (Ezekiel 28:14, NASB)

     5)   Satan tried to usurp God’s sovereign position - -  (Isaiah 14:14, NASB)

     6)   Satan was prideful and detested God’s decisions  - -  (1 Timothy 3:6, NASB)

     7)   Satan was incredibly intelligent and schemed against God - - (Ezekiel 28:3-5, NASB), Isaiah 14:13-14, NASB)

     8)   Satan is so powerful that even the Lord’s Archangels resist fighting him single-handedly. Instead they said, “The Lord rebuke you.” (Jude 9, NASB)

     Hades (Sheol) is eagerly awaiting Satan and mocking his fall. His bed is of maggots crawling with worms - -  (Isaiah 14:11-14, NASB)

     Satan and his followers have a date with eternal destiny:  “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels”  (Matthew 25:41, NASB)

     The Book of Revelation leaves nothing to the imagination about the Devil’s future.  He will be permanently cast into the Lake of fire and brimstone

     WHY HAVE I SPENT THIS STORY TALKING ALL ABOUT SATAN, WHO IS ALSO CALLED THE DEVIL AND THE DRAGON IN SCRIPTURE?   What’s the answer?  Why have you been asked to read all this about Satan?

     As tearfully and sadly as I’ve done this it’s because many doubt his existence.  They joke, “Oh sure you’re one of those old fashioned Hellfire and Brimstone believers aren’t you?  And the sneers, mockery and ridicule cascade off all the walls.

     Dear Reader ~ ~ I beg you ~ ~ ~ take the time to ask yourself some questions.  What if this story is right?  What if there is a Satan?  What if he is trying to grab as many souls as he can?  What if he is going to lead them with him into a lake that burns with fire and brimstone... where there will be darkness, weeping and gnashing of teeth?  Ponder the fact that Jesus uses the exact Greek words for eternity for each Heaven and Hell.  Each is as long as the other.  “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:46, NASB) So - if you believe in a Heaven...Hell is real also.

     There is another terrible fall that I hope you never experience. Once you’ve become a Christian and were refreshed by the awesome grace of God some foolishly walk away as if they’re spitting in their Savior’s face.

     It scares the tar out of me. King David after having taken Uriah’s wife and impregnating her had to have him murdered trying to hide her pregnancy. Then the Lord sent a prophet who pointed his bony finger in David’s face and accused him of the whole messy ungodly acts.  David wept and said, “Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.” (Ps. 51:11, NIV)

     King Saul (1 Samuel 16:14) and Samson (Judges 16:20) had serious matters where losing the Holy Spirit and the Lord’s presence in their lives became reality.

     Ephesians 4:30 warns us not to “grieve the Holy Spirit.”  And 1 Thessalonians 5:19 says that we can “quench the Spirit.”  PLEASE THINK SERIOUSLY ABOUT YOUR SOUL.

     If it is an addiction that has you snagged, get some help.  Addiction is giving up everything for ~one ~ thing.

     Recovery is giving up one thing for everything.

     "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,  keep yourselves in the love of God, looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.” (Jude 20-21, NASB)

Lauren Daigel

You Say

Lauren Daigle - You Say - 49th Annual GMA Dove Awards

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Unsightly Toenails and Elegant Feet

Unsightly Toenails and Elegant Feet

     Mrs. Imelda Marcos, was the 1st Lady of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986 during which time she allegedly acquired more than 1,250 pairs of shoes according to authorities.  Another source claims it was more like 3,000.  Either figure reveals a person whose extravagant needs were not only unreasonable but also excessively expensive to the extreme.

     The Guinness Book of Records credits a man as owning the greatest number of Sneakers.  However he has been outdone by the three Peters sisters, whose father left them 5,000 pairs of the most expensive Sneakers, which he had collected since the early 1980s.  “This inheritance includes thousands of Nike Air Force 1s, Air Jordans and several rare prototypes of sneakers designed for elite athletes and A-list celebrities.”

     Since taking over the collection, the three women have continued to buy and collect even more sneakers and they now estimate the stash is worth more than $2 million.  Recent tabulations put the count at just over 7,000 pairs of Sneakers.

     A television program disclosed that the Peters’ Sisters recently displayed only a portion of the gigantic assortment on a life-size basketball court.  The remainder are hidden from the public in a secret, high-security storage unit.

     In March 2021 the 3 Chics (as they call themselves) began to sell off different assortments making over 1,600% from the purchase price.

     Some years ago my wife and I attended a Young Married’s Church Party.  The game planner said the next game is for the men to go into a side room which had a curtain covering the doorway.  The curtain hung to about12” above the floor.  The men were told we had to take off our socks and shoes and one-by-one come up to the curtain exposing our feet. 

 

    

Our wives were challenged to select their husband by just seeing their feet.  I don’t know about you but it was totally embarrassing for me that my wife won 1st Prize because of how bad my thick and curled- up toenails looked. 

 

    She looked so modest and wholesome. She was the perfect selection for the Praise Team. Her voice was just the right fit for the group. My wife and I knew her Mother and she was so pleased and proud of her daughter. We began to anticipate seeing her as she worshiped the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Then I noticed it. Her feet. Had I really noticed bare feet? Were her feet really without shoes? I asked my wife, after church, had I seen right? Was she indeed shoe less? 

Peggy said, “Yes!” I asked if she knew why. Peggy asked her Mom, “Why does your daughter sing without shoes?” I’ll never forget the answer.

“Because, just like Moses, she was in the presence of the Lord standing on Holy Ground.”

Perhaps you’d differ somewhat on your theology but I’d never seen anyone singing to the Lord shoe less before and somehow it made the whole service more reverent. Sometimes services approach irreverent and the heart that spoke, “I’m not worthy to wear my shoes as I’m in the presence of the Sovereign of the Universe,” spoke to my heart. It was a parallel to kneeling-when-praying experience for me.

     Then I recalled a curious habit of my entire adult life.  I would purchase the lowest-priced-men’s dress shoes and wear them so long they would be scuffed, holes in the soles and heels worn out.  My wife and older kids would say, “Dad You really need some new shoes.”  Still I would go on, perhaps another year or more.  Then when just the right mood hit me I’d go pick out another pair.  But I always checked Goodwill’s used shoes first. But I wasn’t doing it for a noble or spiritual reason.  So I pondered, Does the Bible say anything about shoes?  Impressively designed shoes?  Expensive shoes?

     Then I realized the best advertisement for shoes on the whole planet and for thousands of years.  Over 600 years before the birth of Jesus Isaiah wrote:

“How beautiful on the mountains
     are the feet of those who bring good news,
  who proclaim peace,
     who bring good tidings,
  who proclaim salvation,
     who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”
 

   (Is.52:7, NIV)

     And the Apostle Paul borrowed Isaiah’s thunder when he wrote: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?  And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?  And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?  As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:14-15, NIV)

     This dynamically and convincingly assures all people that the most beautiful feet for all time, everywhere are those preaching the Good News of the Gospel.  So, in reflection, my old, dilapidated shoes were still on beautiful feet.  In spite of my yucky toenails!

     Lenny Smith wrote the song, “Our God Reigns” using wording and the meaning of Isaiah 52 in 1942.  It still thrills my heart to hear congregations sing it.  Here are Studio Musicians singing with the lyrics so you can follow along.

OUR GOD REIGNS

Studio Musicians

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Ed & Jesus Have Special Arrangements

 Ed & Jesus Have Special Arrangements

     In a far away land, long ago missionaries attempted to give new hope to the natives by teaching them how to drastically improve their health.  Calling the elders of the tribe to the mission clinic they showed them microscope slides revealing filthy infected bacteria were present in the town water supply.  Late that night the Clinic lab was broken into and the microscopes were destroyed.

     What would Heaven’s report be about how God’s eternal microscope...the Bible is treated?  Not in a far away land. Not long ago.  But here.  Today.   Why do I ask?  When my Cardiologist did an angiogram and said, “Larry, I’m referring you to a special heart-valve clinic or you’ll be gone in less than six months,” he was serious.  Deadly serious.

     In the weeks full of tests, consultations, considerations, and weakening health I became more occupied with eternity.  Bible passages discussing Heaven … and Hell.  Living a good life and a bad, faith heroes and backsliders became my focus.  Some days my nerves seemed to shake at weird times.  I listened to Gospel music and felt invigorated.  Then I’d tear up at the tiniest little development.

     I’d notice on social media the passing of former friends always reading their “graduation” congratulations acclaimed  by well-meaning friends.  Then it hit me.  Who am I to conjecture anyone’s eternal destiny?  Who is anybody to do so?  Don’t take these wonderings wrongly.  The Scriptures clearly teach the Sovereign of the Universe and time and all Eternity doesn’t want anyone to go to Hell.  However He has established a Judgement bar and a plan of salvation.  Yes, He is the Graduator.  I am not. 

     As my hour glass relinquished sand drops I sensed the doctor was exactly correct about my morbidity.  I began to thank him for his words.  They were a warning.  Just as Jesus’ brother had written: “And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, “Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we’re off to such and such a city for the year.  We’re going to start a business and make a lot of money.”  You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.  You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing.  Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.” (James 4:13-15, MSG)  This passage nudges me to always end all “tomorrow plans” with two words: Lord Willing.

     Having a common name like “Jones” must cause some difficulties at times, especially when you also have a popular first name.  In one street there were two Jones families where the husband was named “Bill.”  The Minister Bill Jones had just passed away.  The businessman Bill Jones, however, went on a business trip to India.  His plane was diverted to a different airport.  He sent a telegram to his wife, but the mail person delivered it to the wrong Mrs. Jones.  It read: “Arrived safely, but not where I thought I was going.  Terribly hot here."

 

     Sometimes a joke about Hell strikes a funny bone or two, but Hell as described by Jesus is the worst of anything imaginable.  Jesus doesn’t only reference hell, he describes it in great detail.  He says it is a place of eternal torment (Luke 16:23), of unquenchable fire (Mark 9:43), where the worm does not die (Mark 9:48), where people will gnash their teeth in anguish and regret (Matt. 13:42), and from which there is no return, even to warn loved ones (Luke 16:19–31).  He calls hell a place of “outer darkness” (Matt. 25:30), comparing it to “Gehenna” (Matt. 10:28), which was a trash dump outside the walls of Jerusalem where rubbish was burned and maggots abounded.  Jesus talks about hell more than he talks about heaven, and describes it more vividly.  There’s no denying that Jesus knew, believed, and warned about the absolute reality of hell.” (L.Schmucker)

     The Apostle Paul, who probably was the best example ever of making a flip flop of his whole belief system, gave a powerful homiletic dictum to a young preacher.

     “I can’t impress this on you too strongly.  God is looking over your shoulder.  Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead.  He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch.  Challenge, warn, and urge your people.  Don’t ever quit.  Just keep it simple."

     You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy.  They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages.  But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant.” (2 Timothy 4:1-5, MSG)

     God’s Holy Spirit Inspired Bible declares:

     “Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.  Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:14-15, NIV)

The Lord’s Special Plan For Just Ed

     Ed was superb with people.  Caring.  Sensitive.  Honest.  He also had a severe lung disease which caused frequent breaks gasping for air.  I grew to admire him for how long he’d tough it out before each “catch my breath moment.”

     The more I knew him, the more I loved him.  My soul ached to present the Lord to him.  But he kept turning down offers to share a meal during which the Gospel would be the dessert.  But then it happened.  Ed had a severe attack and was hospitalized.  He was told he could not work anymore and that he’d be smart to move to a dry climate...for the little bit of time he had left.

     Arizona?  No, Ed, please tell me you’re not moving to Arizona.  But he already had made the arrangements and had paid for his apartment a year in advance.  So when I told my wife I wanted us to make a trip to Arizona it took a little explaining.

     A few months later vacation arrived and we drove to Arizona to see the Grand Canyon and meet with Ed.  The trip was just over 1,200 miles one way.  Ed met us at the restaurant and looked better than before.  He said the climate really had made a difference.  The meal was scrumptious.  Then they served dessert.  I prayed for wisdom and, looking Ed right in the eyes, began sharing the Lord Jesus Christ with him.  He gasped for a fresh lung refill and half raised one hand and said, “No need to go there.  He and I have a special arrangement.”

     I knew Ed wasn’t a Christian as I’d heard him talking with other employees and customers back at the Shop.  I said, “Ed the Lord doesn’t grade on the curve nor does He make “special arrangements” with anyone.  Each and every person will find the Lord is fair and just to the inth degree.  There will not be any who sneak in, or squeak by.

     But Ed’s face pallor turned ashen and he said, “Larry, like I said He and I have special arrangements.”  Then he slid his chair back and courteously said, “Thanks so much for coming to see me.  I’m going to head back to the apartment now.  You and your wife enjoy your vacation now... and be safe.”

Isn’t this what King David imagined also?

     He could adulterate with Bathsheba and murder her husband and get away with it and remain judgemental of others.  After all "I’m the King and I can do whatever I want, take whatever delights my eyes and God will allow it.  No sweat.  After all, God had me anointed King.  Even more, God has often shown me He and I have a special relationship."  O’ foolish man, God was sending Samuel with a message.

     “But God was not at all pleased with what David had done, and sent Nathan to David.  Nathan said to him, “There were two men in the same city—one rich, the other poor.  The rich man had huge flocks of sheep, herds of cattle.  The poor man had nothing but one little female lamb, which he had bought and raised.  It grew up with him and his children as a member of the family.  It ate off his plate and drank from his cup and slept on his bed.  It was like a daughter to him.

     4 “One day a traveler dropped in on the rich man. He was too stingy to take an animal from his own herds or flocks to make a meal for his visitor, so he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared a meal to set before his guest.”

     5-6 David exploded in anger.  “As surely as God lives,” he said to Nathan, “the man who did this ought to be lynched!  He must repay for the lamb four times over for his crime and his stinginess!”

     7-12 “You’re the man!” said Nathan.  “And here’s what God, the God of Israel, has to say to you: I made you king over Israel.  I freed you from the fist of Saul.  I gave you your master’s daughter and other wives to have and to hold.  I gave you both Israel and Judah.  And if that hadn’t been enough, I’d have gladly thrown in much more.  So why have you treated the word of God with brazen contempt, doing this great evil?  You murdered Uriah the Hittite, then took his wife as your wife.  Worse, you killed him with an Ammonite sword!  And now, because you treated God with such contempt and took Uriah the Hittite’s wife as your wife, killing and murder will continually plague your family.  This is God speaking, remember!  I’ll make trouble for you out of your own family.  I’ll take your wives from right out in front of you.  I’ll give them to some neighbor, and he’ll go to bed with them openly.  You did your deed in secret; I’m doing mine with the whole country watching!”  (2 Samuel 12:1-12, MSG)

     Too many people fool-heartedly hazard like Ed and King David:  “See I told you so...I knew God wouldn’t consider my little sin a big deal.  After all, He and I have always had a special relationship.”  That’s a hazard indeed!

Jerry’s Encyclopedias

     When he was exposed for his immorality he kind of chuckled and said, “Nobody is perfect.  I don’t see who got hurt that badly.  No big deal.”

     I led him into my library and said, “Jerry...there are about 20 Encyclopedias on this shelf.  Go ahead and remove the bookend.  Now push against the first book.”

     “If I do that they’ll all fall down just like a row of dominoes.”

     “Go ahead let's see what happens.”

     He pushed and as it leaned the whole row tipped sideways and a couple books slipped off onto the floor.

     “Now stand that  “A” Encyclopedia up like it was.  He did.  “Now Jerry what have you accomplished?”

     “I’ve got the same book standing up.  So I don’t get what you’re trying to show me.”

     “Think a bit deeper and notice what has changed.  You’ve got one book back up but what about the other 19?  This is the desperately sad thing about sin.  The guilty one might repent and receive forgiveness but what about the others who fell because of your sinful behavior?  How do we get them back up?”

     I’m sorry to report that Jerry’s immorality flamed up again.  Then I observed in my Counseling practice a considerable number of Christians came to learn how to overcome addiction.  As my mind pondered helping them I further became aware that immorality was ubiquitous in America and throughout much of the world.

     Worse though was that the Sacred Scriptures put a resounding kibosh on addictive behavior.  Whether it’s gambling, drugs, alcohol, sexual sin, on and on.  Recently I heard the former Cochise County, Arizona Prosecutor plead for Addicts to come clean because: “Methamphetamine is everyone’s mistress but the Devil’s wife.”  Do we, as Christians, want to sell our soul to the Devil because we refuse to use the Holy Spirit’s awesome gift of Self Control?  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatian5:22, NASB) Consider some serious warnings from throughout the Bible.

     “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’  But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.  If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away.  It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.  And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away.  It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” (Matthew 5:27-30, NIV)  Jesus spoke this ominous message in the Sermon on the Mount.

     “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;  idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions  and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-22, NIV)

     “Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” (Revelation 22:15, NIV)  This is in the last chapter in the Bible.

     It is apparent that the Holy Judge on the Great Judgement Day will not accept feeble excuses, lying denials or blaming others.  It is and will be serious business.

     Perhaps you’d respond as one adulterer did, “Oh that’s just your old fashioned opinion.”

     Trying to warn each and everyone is a Bible teacher’s requirement to faithfully discharge his duty to the Lord.  So let’s note an example of how serious this sexual sin behavior is to the Sovereign Lord who created us.

     A minister in the Pacific Northwest preached against marital immorality.  A couple came forward in repentance.  He was startled to see two others come to confess adultery.  But wait.  There were more.  The Praise leader tearfully admitted he was fighting addiction to pornography.

     The leadership held a special meeting midweek because of how many lives had been impacted on Sunday.  An Elder said, “I can’t believe it.  Who would have imagined such a thing in our church?”  The Minister left the meeting feeling really down.  Had he not been preaching faithfully enough?  Then the Holy Spirit spoke to his soul.

     Next Sunday he told his congregation, “The Lord has laid a heavy matter in my heart this week.  He wants me to preach against immorality again today as there are more of you who need to repent of addictive behavior.  And he gave me the text.

     “Flee sexual immorality. Every other sin that a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.  Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought for a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20, NASB)

     The Holy Spirit’s heavy message to the Minister was correct.  Three people confessed they were part of a wife swapping coterie and pledged they’d repent and never participate again.

     The Minister went home and wept ~ ~ so hard ~ ~ he nearly passed out.

Susan Branch writes,

     “Her little girl was late arriving home from school so the Mother began to scold her, but stopped and asked, “Why are you so late?”

     “I had to help another girl. She was in trouble,” replied the daughter.

     “What did you do to help her?”

     “Oh, I sat down and helped her cry.”

 

     The late Jessie Dixon, having read Paul’s dictum, sang a song that came from the Apostle Paul’s 180 degree turn around, “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.  What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.  I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ  and be found in him.”  (Philippians 3:7-10, NIV)

     If each of us could make this song our Christian mantra the world would be enriched.  Then warning them about Hell could save many, many tears.  

“I Lost It All To Find Everything” 

 

 

Please write and ask for spiritual or emotional support

and/or to comment on this article send an email to:

GodApplause@gmail.com