Knowledge

The human mind is God’s inherent gift comprising the faculty of knowing, and the seat of understanding; the learning process adequately applied produces knowledge. God intends for every person to use this faculty to attain the level of knowledge commensurate with his or her ability.

Alexander Pope, the 18th century English poet wrote: “A little learning is a dangerous thing, drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring; there shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, and drinking largely sobers us again”.

Hosea, God’s 8th century B.C. prophet wrote: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children” (Hosea 4:6).

A lack of Biblical knowledge has stifled God”s people in every generation since Creation. Ancient Israel was scorned with the epitaph: …And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord, nor yet the work which He had done for Israel” (Judges 2:10). Some 1st century Christians were censored for their ignorance of Scripture: “…By this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God” (Heb. 5:12).

A vital ingredient for Christian growth is a knowledge of Scripture and the practical application of it ( II Pet. 1:5-10). Part of the training for Timothy to reach maturity was: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (II Tim. 2:15).

The Church at Rome is described as an acceptable body of believers: “And concerning you, my brethren, I myself am also convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to admonish one another” (Rom. 15:14).

The Apostle Peter sets our standard for excellence in knowledge of Scripture: “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (I Pet. 3:15).

Now, you take it from there!

Thank God for Forgiveness

This year learn more about how to forgive others, and how to forgive yourself. First, know that forgiveness is not a commodity that is bought or sold on the market; nor, is it a free gift of inheritance. It necessitates a lot of pride-swallowing, soul-searching, heart-conditioning and a lot of real hard work – often with bitter tears. Now, perhaps you may think I should seek your forgiveness for making the process sound so complex and difficult, but this is the way it works.

Our message from Jesus is: “When you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive your transgressions” (Mk. 11:25). So, we must have done our own homework, before we can expect grace from above to cleanse us.

Forgiving others who trespass against us is one of our toughest assignments, because we are still to love them, hold them as if no offense has occurred, and wish them well. Forgiveness is forgiveness, without degrees, without reservations, without retaliation; in both Divine and human relations.

Without doubt, it is easier to forgive a friend who has betrayed you, than an enemy who is attempting to destroy you. Jesus must have struggled with this reality when He prayed from the cross: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Lk.23:34); but, He showed us how it is done!

Scripture exhorts each of us: “Be kind to one another, tender- hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32). This means that we must hold ourselves in a forgiving spirit; remembering that God forgives us our deepest sins, freely and completely, when we turn to Him.

Remember also; Joseph forgave his wicked brothers and did them good in return. David forgave Saul who tried to murder him. Stephen forgave his murderers as they were executing him. Our Lord and Master forgave His bitterest enemies. And we must show mercy and forgiveness to everyone; not because they are Christians, but because we are.

In His preaching ministry our Lord said: “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Lk. 6:27,28). This is your sermon for today, and every day. Also remember His supporting words: “My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Mt. 11:30).

Now, you take it from there!

Thank God for Water

Water was created by God on Day One (Gen.1:1,2). On Days Two and Three it was separated into different reservoirs (Gen.1: 9,10). That colorless transparent liquid chemical is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen that freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit and boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit. What a wonderful element of Creation!

This wonderful solution has mystified physical scientist for eons. All of it was spoken into existence by the Creator in His first day of work, and none has been created since. It cannot be destroyed. Boil it and it becomes vapor, to return to liquid when it cools. Freeze it and it becomes solid, to return to liquid when it warms. From this we must conclude that there is never a shortage of water – we just occasionally move excessive quantities of it to other places.

God’s water transportation system is awesome! From reservoirs of earth, the Sun causes evaporation that rises to portable reservoirs in the atmosphere (clouds), and is transported by winds until released by climatic conditions. The cycle continues so that all earth-life is sustained by it. It is life-saving and even life-threatening at times.

Statistics of rainfall are mind-boggling. The following was compiled by our National Weather Service: “One inch of rainfall on one acre of ground (43,560 sq. ft.) equals 6,272,640 cubic inches, equaling 3,630 cubic feet of water, weighing 226,512 pounds. This equals the total of 27,143 gallons of water”. This is an awesome phenomenon that we hold as an ordinary part of God’s Providence over us.

We generally think of water as being used for extinguishing thirst and most fires, but God used water both to save and to destroy. He used the Great Flood to save Noah’s family and to destroy the wicked of earth (Gen. 7 & 8). He used the Red Sea to save Israel and to destroy the Egyptian army (Ex. 14). He used the Jordan River to save Naaman from leprosy (II Kings 5), and John baptized in it for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 3:3). God also requires the water of baptism to reach the blood of Jesus (Rom. 6:1-5).

Water is fun to wade in, swim in and fish in. It is refreshing to bathe in, to cook with and to drink; and possibly thousands of other things. But do remember, it is life-sustaining; both physically and spiritually.

THANK GOD FOR WATER!

Now, you take it from there!

Strawberry Shortcake

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE; OUR GIFT FROM EDEN!

God is so good in providing for His own; beginning in Creation week. So often we enjoy the produce of nature without reflecting upon how it began. Allow the Genesis record to refresh your memory:

“Then God said, ‘Let the earth sprout vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them; and it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit with seed in them, after their kind, and God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:11,12).

“Then the Lord God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden….Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it” (Genesis 2: 8,15).

From that day to the present generation, the process has been perpetuated; yet our method of cultivation has improved mechanically.

The major ingredients of banana pudding, cherry, apple, peach and raisin pie all originated on day three of Creation. So did the major ingredient of strawberry shortcake.

Centuries later, horticulturists and nutritionists have made interesting discoveries. Recently, I read some of the discoveries with amazement. The short article read: “Did you know that the strawberry is part of the rose family? And speaking of family, eight strawberries provide children with 140% of their recommended daily amount of vitamin C. But most interestingly, the strawberry is the only fruit to bear its seed on the outside.”

Now that’s food for thought. “And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1: 12).

So, our caption – “Strawberry Shortcake; Our Gift From Eden”! And is it ever good. Thank you, Lord.

Now, you take it from there!