Brandy Webb Brandy Webb

Make a Joyful Noise Together

I know that I have written about music before, but the other day I heard something that I didn’t even know in regards to music. I was driving to town listening to a radio program, and the speaker was listing all the benefits of singing with other people. Studies have shown that group singing benefits our health and well-being. I knew I enjoyed singing, but I didn’t know that there were actually positive health benefits to singing, especially when you sing in a group. 

by Brandy Webb

I know that I have written about music before, but the other day I heard something that I didn’t even know in regards to music. I was driving to town listening to a radio program, and the speaker was listing all the benefits of singing with other people. Studies have shown that group singing benefits our health and well-being. I knew I enjoyed singing, but I didn’t know that there were actually positive health benefits to singing, especially when you sing in a group. 

Now, I haven’t done a lot of research. There are some books out there that shed light on all the various studies done regarding group singing. Two are This is Your Brain on Music by Daniel J. Levitin, and Imperfect Harmony: Finding Happiness Singing with Others by Stacy Horn. I have not read either book. The radio program I was listening to was about the Imperfect Harmony book, and I read about the other book when I got home and was researching what was said on the radio program.

I am not going to write a research paper, but I did want to share some of the health benefits of singing with others. I read that a study done at Bath University found out that singing together creates a feeling of togetherness. Another study, done by University of Gothenburg, found that singing in a choir regulated heart rates. Studies have also shown that group singing reduces stress levels and depression. In fact, I read somewhere—sorry I forgot to bookmark it—that some psychologists prescribe people to sing every weekend at their church with the congregation to help them overcome anxiety. Yes, you can receive these benefits from just singing praises with the congregation at church. You do not have to join a choir.

Other studies have shown that group singing benefited people suffering from Parkinson’s disease and lung cancer, but the biggest surprise for me when I was looking into this was that a study done by Harvard and Yale in 2008 found that it increases life expectancy. I will post some links to the sites that I found this info at the bottom of my blog.

So, you may be saying, well that is great, but what does that have to do with a Christian blog. Well, it affirms what we read about singing in the Bible. I have looked at singing praises to God as a way of expressing my love towards Him and to honor Him. Now, I see that it also benefits us physically and psychologically. Studies also showed that group singing increased endorphins and oxytocin, which some call the “friendship chemical” (NPR article). Maybe that is why we have over a hundred verses in the Bible that tell us to sing.

The neat thing that I did read was that it doesn’t matter if you can sing that well or not. What matters is singing together, period. Make a joyful noise even if it is a little off key. Singing with others draws us closer to each other and closer to God. Therefore, when we come together as a group on our Sabbaths and Holy Days, we should willingly sing together.

I have visited churches that really love to sing, and it revives me. It brings a sense of calm and joy when singing praises to God together. Sometimes I even get goose bumps. I really enjoy when the praise music is sung out with joy from the congregation, regardless if it is all hymns or modern praise music. That is why I wanted to share the benefits of group singing. God loves us so much that He created music, which not only can be used to praise Him, but also to edify each other. Therefore:

1Sing for joy in the Lord, O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming to the upright.
2 Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre;
Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings.
3 Sing to Him a new song;
Play skillfully with a shout of joy. – Psalms 33:1-3

Links: 

  • http://www.npr.org/2013/06/03/188355968/imperfect-harmony-how-chorale-singing-changes-lives

  • http://www.cmuse.org/psychological-and-physical-benefits-of-choral-singing/

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Brandy Webb Brandy Webb

When No One is Watching

The other day my family and I were watching a fun series called Brain Games, and in one episode about lying, it had a study done with children. The premise was to have a group of children sit at a table with this tasty chocolate cake, and an adult would tell them that they were not to have any of the cake. In fact, they could not even touch the cake. Then the adult would leave the room to watch the children behind a two-way mirror. All but one of the kids could not resist the temptation.

by Brandy Webb

The other day my family and I were watching a fun series called Brain Games, and in one episode about lying, it had a study done with children. The premise was to have a group of children sit at a table with this tasty chocolate cake, and an adult would tell them that they were not to have any of the cake. In fact, they could not even touch the cake. Then the adult would leave the room to watch the children behind a two-way mirror. All but one of the kids could not resist the temptation. They just had to at least touch it with the tip of their finger. It was too hard to do the right thing when no one was around.

Well, it got me to thinking about how important it is for us to do the right thing always, especially when “no one” is around. When we know what is right and fail to do it, it is a sin (James 4:17). God wants us to have integrity, and integrity comes when someone can be trusted always. Theodore Roosevelt is quoted as saying, “Knowing what’s right doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right.” I believe doing what is right when no one is watching is a sign of a mature Christian.

It is not always easy. Sometimes temptations can look just as good as a rich chocolate cake. This is why God gives us all a helper within us to resist temptations. The Holy Spirit gives us the wisdom we need in our daily walk. It is what can guide us in situations to discern when we should walk away or stand up and say something. It is what helps us from choosing a path of righteousness instead of a path of selfish ambition. The Holy Spirit is what matures us daily in our walk.

The truth is, though, we are never alone. God sees everything we do. We are to live lives that whatever we find to do we do “with all [our hearts], as working for the Lord, not for men, since [we] know that [we] will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ [we] are serving” (Col 3:23-24). Christ lived a life of righteousness even when faced with temptations. He resisted the Devil when He was physically weak from fasting forty days and nights. He knows what it is like to do the right thing when no human is looking. In fact, He tells us to try to do our good deeds when no one is looking (Matthew 6:1). He is the epitome of true integrity.

Therefore, let us strive to not fall short in doing the right thing all the time. Let our lights shine even if there is “no one” to see it. For the Father sees us always and is willing to reward us when we live righteously, even in secret (Matthew 6:4).

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Brian G. Bettes Brian G. Bettes

PULLING TOGETHER IN THE YOKE

In a recent blog, I talked about “tugging against the leash.” In a comment to that blog, a reader responded with this:

“The more we trust in God, the more we understand that His yoke (leash) really is pretty light.” The comparison of God’s “leash” to His yoke being referenced here is in Matthew 11:29-30 which states:

by Brian G. Bettes

In a recent blog, I talked about “tugging against the leash.” In a comment to that blog, a reader responded with this:

“The more we trust in God, the more we understand that His yoke (leash) really is pretty light.” The comparison of God’s “leash” to His yoke being referenced here is in Matthew 11:29-30 which states:

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (KJV).

The Greek word used for “yoke” in this verse, zugos, means to join or couple together, specifically by a yoke. It also has a literal meaning of being the beam of the balance that connects the scales, or “a pair of balances.” 

I found this rather insightful. A yoke of oxen was used in times past to pull a large plow or a heavy load. Two oxen can pull more than one, thereby making the plow or the load easier to move. But also, when they are yoked together, they will pull together. The yoke keeps them in sync with each other so that one does not pull faster than the other. If they do not pull at the same pace, the load will become off balance and it will not be able to be effectively moved. So the yoke serves the purpose of providing balance, as mentioned in the definition of the word.

Further, Deuteronomy 22:10 states that an ox and an “ass” (mule/donkey) are not to plow together. Why is that? It is commonly known that an ox and a mule are two different species. As a result, they are built differently and as such they have different strengths.

The mule is taller than the ox. Since the ox is built lower to the ground, it will have a shorter stride. The ox also is much stronger than the mule. This all adds up to the two animals pulling against each other instead of pulling with each other. As a result, this combination will, at best, torture the mule, and at worst, it will injure the mule. They just don’t make good pulling partners. Again, the idea behind coupling, or yoking, two animals together is to be able to pull a heavier load, and to do so more efficiently.

So then the question arises: If we are joined together “in the yoke of life” with a pulling partner, who is it that we are yoked together with? Who is our pulling partner? Well, there is actually more than one answer to that question.

First, let’s look at a very important principle that is laid out for us in 2 Corinthians 6:14. Here we are instructed not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. This dovetails perfectly with the concept of not having an ox and a mule pull together in a yoke, because they actually won’t pull together? The spiritually minded person and the carnally (fleshly) minded person, do not have the same values, perspectives, and goals. Therefore, they do not think about the same things (Romans 8:7-9). 

So Paul asks some critical questions to think about with regard to this in 2 Corinthians 6:14-15. There he queries, “For what fellowship does righteousness have with unrighteousness? And what communion does light have with darkness? And what agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what part does a believer have with an unbeliever?” 

If we are working to pull together “in the yoke of life” with someone who does not have the same spiritual values, perspectives, and goals that we do, there is going to be a struggle. They will be pulling in a direction that is based on worldly thinking, which is inspired by the prince of the power of the air, while we will be pulling in a direction based on God’s thinking as inspired by His Word and His Holy Spirit. This automatically sets up a relationship whereby the two will be pulling against each other instead of with each other. 

Tragically, there is a chance that the Christian will get pulled back into the world based on what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:33. In scenarios where Christians do bind themselves “unequally” into relationships, they find that, in order to “make the relationship work,” they have to compromise some of their Godly values. Even if the Christian does not get pulled back into the world, there often will be some level of spiritual injury due to the compromises involved. Realistically, it is almost impossible to avoid since the Christian will be trying to pull toward God, while the unbeliever, even if unknowingly, inevitably will be pulling in a direction that leads away from God. The dynamics of the relationship simply do not work well, which is why God says not to do it. This principle applies to marriage, business relationships, close personal friendships, and any other type of alliance that we might involve ourselves in.  

So, back to our question: Who is our pulling partner? Well, as outlined above, physically speaking, it is anyone with whom we bind ourselves into an intimate personal, marital, or working relationship. The people we spend time sharing our lives with should be chosen very carefully so as to ensure they share the same Godly values as ours. We will then be helping and reinforcing each other as we move in the same direction, pulling together in the yoke of life.

Now, spiritually speaking, the more important answer to this question should be…Jesus Christ. When we were baptized, we put to death the old man, and were resurrected up out of a watery grave (Romans 6:4-6). At that time, we were bound together with Jesus by the Holy Spirit so that He could start living in us (Galatians 2:20). The Holy Spirit is the “yoke” that binds us into a deep, intimate relationship with Him, and He becomes our pulling partner (Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25; 12:2). It is at that point that Jesus becomes our Intercessor, our Advocate, and the Author and Finisher of our faith. 

You see, Christ in us will be pulling in a positive spiritual direction rather than a negative worldly direction. In other words, Christ living in us as our partner, is Him being “in the yoke” with us, pulling with us, toward the Father and His Kingdom. It is then that we can realize the beauty of the verse quoted at the beginning. If we are in sync with Him by being bound together with Him, pulling in the yoke together with Him, we will find rest, our burden will become easier, and our load lighter.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:29-30 KJV).

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Brian G. Bettes Brian G. Bettes

LIVE AND WALK IN THE SPIRIT

We are admonished by the apostle Paul to “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16). I have read this and other verses talking about our spiritual walk for years, but the meaning of the concept never really “clicked” with me like it did during a recent study on the subject.

Paul talks about being led by the Spirit in two ways. First, he says that those who are led by the Spirit, they are the sons of God (Romans 8:14).

by Brian G. Bettes

We are admonished by the apostle Paul to “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16). I have read this and other verses talking about our spiritual walk for years, but the meaning of the concept never really “clicked” with me like it did during a recent study on the subject.

Paul talks about being led by the Spirit in two ways. First, he says that those who are led by the Spirit, they are the sons of God (Romans 8:14). But just before that, he talks about putting to death (mortifying) the deeds of the flesh through the Spirit (Romans 8:12-13). So being led by the Spirit is stated in the context of putting to death the deeds of the flesh.

Second, he says that those who are led by the Spirit, they are not under the law (Galatians 5:18). This statement is given by Paul just before he talks about the works of the flesh, then he repeats the concept after delineating the fruits of the Spirit, but in connection with crucifying the flesh along with its passions and lusts (Galatians 5:24-25).

What I began to notice in this recent study is that the Holy Spirit is a tool that we should be using to overcome the flesh. In other words, there is a partnership that is created between us and God, and the Holy Spirit is the instrument of change that is given to us to help us put away the old man and take on the new.

Having God’s Holy Spirit does not mean we are going to automatically do the right thing. Quite the opposite in fact. There is a struggle, or a war, going on in our flesh that fights against the Spirit (Galatians 5:17). We must be led by His Holy Spirit. That means, when a wrong thought or idea comes into our head (James 1:14-15), and we get that “notion” that we should not follow through on it, instead of blowing past that notion, we should stop and follow it. 

God will, through His Spirit, lead us if we are willing. But we have to be willing to listen to what He is trying to tell us through His Spirit, not push it aside. I think we all understand what I am saying, that the “notion” I am talking about is usually something that is brought to our mind by the Holy Spirit, bringing something to us from the Word of God (John 14:26). 

I am most certainly not talking about some emotional urging, and that we should be led around by our feelings. We all know what I am talking about because it has happened to all of us. Normally, the wrong thought or idea is some emotional impulse that will make us feel good, and the notion is God’s Spirit trying to lead us back toward Him through His Word.

There is a battle going on between our ears for the captivity of our most precious resources—our hearts and our minds (Ephesians 6:12; 2 Corinthians 10:5). These two verses represent the two forces working in our hearts and our minds in the war we are involved in. One is aggressively trying to take over, while the other has to be yielded to for it progressively consume our thinking. One has to be confronted, resisted, and punished (Ephesians 6:11, 13; 2 Corinthians 10:6), while the other has to be allowed to exist and grow within us (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19). Not grieving or quenching the Holy Spirit is a clear confirmation that we must yield to it in order for it to grow and become more dominant in our lives.

This relationship, and our part in it, is perfectly exemplified in James 4:7. It is our responsibility to submit ourselves to God, and it is also our responsibility to resist the devil. Only after we have done our part is the promise from God realized that He alone can make happen—that the devil will flee from us.

It is interesting that the words Paul chose to use in Galatians 5:16 and Galatians 5:25 are different from each other. 

First of all, in verse 16, when he says to “walk in the Spirit,” for the word “walk” he uses a Greek word that means to tread around, or to walk around at large. This gives the flavor of being something that involves everything we do.

Next, in verse 25, when he says, “if we live in the Spirit,” for the word “live” he uses a Greek word that means to live life. Again, this gives the sense of being a part of everything we do.

But what is interesting is, still in verse 25, when he says, “let us also walk in the Spirit,” the translators used the same word “walk” as they used in verse 16. However, the Greek word that Paul used was different from word he used in verse 16 that was also translated into English as “walk.” This would lead the reader to believe that Paul was saying the same thing as in verse 16, when in fact, he was not. 

The Greek word translated “walk” in verse 25 means to march, like in a military rank, and to keep in step. Figuratively it means to conform to a specific value system and walk orderly while doing so. This gives more of the sense that we are to not just follow the lead of the Spirit as we go about our daily lives, but that we are to also do so with focused purpose. It indicates that we are to confront the devil, his evil influences, and the human nature of the old man within us with purpose. It shows that we are to be using the armor of God for protection, and the power of the Holy Spirit as our instrument of change as we let it lead us, marching into battle against these enemies. 

Paul is clearly talking about being ready to both defensively repel an attack, but also going on the offensive and taking the battle to the enemy. This is what it means to mortify, that is aggressively attack, the deeds of the flesh. If we go back and read through all of the writings of the apostles, we will see this theme, one of aggressively going after the devil, his influence, and the nature of the old man that keeps trying to rise up within us, using the Holy Spirit to repel and put them to death as we follow its lead. This is what it means, at least in part, to live and walk in the Spirit.

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Brandy Webb Brandy Webb

Weed of Bitterness

I have written many blogs that mention bitterness, but I have never written about it directly.  Recently, I have noticed a lot of bitterness within people, even within God’s ecclesia.  However, bitterness should never be allowed to grow within us. It is a fleshly weed that must be plucked out.

Bitterness is defined by Google as “anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly; resentment.” 

by Brandy Webb

I have written many blogs that mention bitterness, but I have never written about it directly.  Recently, I have noticed a lot of bitterness within people, even within God’s ecclesia.  However, bitterness should never be allowed to grow within us. It is a fleshly weed that must be plucked out.

Bitterness is defined by Google as “anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly; resentment.” In other words, it is the inability to forgive others that have wronged you, the inability to let go of the hurt because of bad things that have happened in the past, and to harbor resentment and anger for all of it. This resentment and anger then just stews inside you until it becomes full on bitterness. Considering that most of us do not like to eat food that is bitter, I would say that many of us don’t like to hang out with someone that is bitter.

I have realized that those I have encountered that are bitter use it as a crutch to not mature. It is their reason for why their life did not go as planned. It is their reason why they are justified for their poor choices. However, this shows poor sense for “good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11).

We can look at our Bible and see what happens to the people who became bitter. Cain became bitter over Abel’s accepted sacrifice, so he killed him. Joseph’s brothers became bitter over their father’s treatment of Joseph, so they sold him into slavery, and then lied to their father for many years. Saul became bitter over the popularity of David, and he lost the Kingdom of Israel. The Pharisees and Sadducees became bitter over the Messiah, so they crucified Him. I am sure there are many more, but I just wanted to name a few. I really do not want to join this club.

Then on the flip side, we have those that bad things did happen to, but they did not get bitter. They kept the faith. They forgave. They moved on walking down the path of righteousness. Joseph did not become bitter over what his brothers did; in fact, he was wise to see that God worked it all out for good. David did not become bitter in regards to Saul. He actually protected the last living relative of Saul, which meant he protected someone that could try to contend for the kingship. The Messiah did not become bitter in regards to His treatment by those that should have recognized Him for who He was. He did rebuke them, but He still sacrificed himself for everyone, even those that wronged Him. There are definitely many more examples regarding those that didn’t let bad things stop them from living a life full of God’s Spirit of love, forgiveness, peace, etc., because that is what bitterness does; it quenches God’s Spirit. It stops us from growing in the fullness of His Spirit, thus affecting our walk towards His Kingdom.

Paul states that we all are to “strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” (Hebrews 12:14-15, emphasis mine). “Striving for peace with everyone” is a major step in weeding out bitterness. How can one be bitter if they are at peace with everyone? So, how does one strive for peace? You strive to walk in the footsteps of the Messiah by being “kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32). This leads to the most important points for me, if we are bitter we are unforgiving, and if we do not forgive others, then the Father will not forgive us (Matt 6:14-15).

Therefore, we must rid ourselves of any bitterness. It is a stronghold that will keep us from moving in a Godly direction. So let us strive to live as Paul tells us in Colossians 3:12-14:

 12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 

We must remember, all of us will face struggles. Life doesn’t go as planned. And people can be cruel. However, none of these gives us justification for becoming bitter. We have many witnesses that have gone through many trials and betrayals, but they never let that hold them back or stop them from living for Christ. So, let us look to them for strength and wisdom, knowing we are not alone, and let us become witnesses for the next generation.  

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Brandy Webb Brandy Webb

Imperfection

I’m so grateful to have a loving, patient, forgiving, compassionate God because I am imperfect. One of my many imperfections is I sometimes speak before I think and my words runneth over. It is something that I will probably continue to strive to overcome, and I am grateful that God understands. He knows that “we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well” (James 3:2). 

by Brandy Webb

I’m so grateful to have a loving, patient, forgiving, compassionate God because I am imperfect. One of my many imperfections is I sometimes speak before I think and my words runneth over. It is something that I will probably continue to strive to overcome, and I am grateful that God understands. He knows that “we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well” (James 3:2). Wouldn’t it be awesome to fully bridle your tongue, so that nothing foolish and non-edifying ever comes out?

My tongue is only one of my many obstacles that I strive to overcome. The truth is I’m imperfect and sometimes that is rather frustrating. It is really frustrating when I do something that I have to repent for, after the fact. I am so grateful God is God and not human because humans tend to hold grudges. God is willing to forgive and remove our sins as far as the east is from the west when we repent (Psalm 103:12). Also I have the hope that the Holy Spirit is working with me because it definitely shines light on the darkness that is in my carnal flesh. Paul understood the struggle when He points out that it is the flesh within us that desires to do evil (Romans 7:18). However, because of Jesus’ sacrifice and giving of the Holy Spirit, we now have the Comforter to help us serve the law of God.

I think of it as literally having light and darkness inside one vessel. The light is the Holy Spirit speaking words of truth and wisdom and the flesh is the darkness. The flesh “desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh” and they are in conflict with each other (Galatians 5:17). I read a really eye-opening statement that I will paraphrase: We have two lions inside us and the one we feed the most is the one that is the strongest. Jesus is called the lion of Judah and Satan is a roaring lion seeking to devour us, the two lions. I need to make sure I am “feeding” the correct one.

One thing that I know is that my imperfections are what make me humble. It points out that I cannot reach perfection without divine intervention. I need God’s help to overcome sin. I cannot make myself clean. It also shows the awesomeness of God because he purposely calls “the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong…so that no man may boast before God” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

I can read my Bible and see the beautiful imperfect people who put their trust in God. They are my examples of hope that there is a chance for me. Yes, I run this race with fear and trembling. I do stumble sometimes and fall, but if I repent and turn to God, He will help me. Only through Him can I overcome, and one of these days, hopefully, I will be perfected. It won’t happen as long as I am still flesh, but it will eventually happen if I continue to put my trust and hope in Him.

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Brian G. Bettes Brian G. Bettes

TUGGING AGAINST THE LEASH

As I walked with our new puppy, he was having a bit of a rough day. He was jumping, yelping, gyrating, and doing everything he could to get away from this thing that was not letting him go anywhere he wanted to go. It was a leash attached to his collar, which was a new experience for him. He had never been on leash before. The collar was something he was used to by the time we got him, but this leash deal—now that is something entirely different.

by Brian G. Bettes

As I walked with our new puppy, he was having a bit of a rough day. He was jumping, yelping, gyrating, and doing everything he could to get away from this thing that was not letting him go anywhere he wanted to go. It was a leash attached to his collar, which was a new experience for him. He had never been on leash before. The collar was something he was used to by the time we got him, but this leash deal—now that is something entirely different.

It tore at my heart to see him going through all of his antics. I could see that he was going through phases of confusion (why can’t I go where I want to go), frustration, and at times outright anger, throwing a temper tantrum when he wasn’t getting his way. He was biting at the leash and doing everything possible to get away from this thing that was keeping him from “living freely.”

As he tugged against the leash, I worked with him by calling him to me and praising him when he came. Then we would start our walk again with him next to me. This showed him that he can enjoy a walk while next to me. He is getting used to the idea that walking with his new owner, exploring within the limits of the leash, can be enjoyable, and not create the trauma that comes with tugging against the leash.

I know there are people who think that using a leash is cruel to a dog. Those folks are welcome to their opinion. The vast majority of dog owners understand that a leash is something that is both necessary, and a safety measure for their dog. I do not use a leash all the time with our dogs. In fact, on our property, even the new puppy gets to run around under supervision without a leash a lot. However, there are times when a dog needs to be controlled for the sake of other people, other animals, and even the protective safety of the dog itself. 

I have always trained my dogs to know how to behave on a leash. If I am near a roadway or busy street, though my dogs have always learned how to heel and I trust them with that, I have also seen many occasions on a walk where a well-trained dog will get distracted and move “off point.” Just one time of a dog running out into the street chasing another dog, a cat, a rabbit, or even seeing my wife across the street and taking off to see her in its excitement, can be fatal. So, a leash is an instrument of protection for the dog as much as anything else.

All this got me to thinking about us. How do we respond to God’s leash, His Holy Spirit directing us to follow His law? Are we like the puppy, who is used to doing what it wants, when it wants, and is used to “getting its way”? Are we constantly tugging against the leash, testing limits, trying to do what we want, and sometimes throwing a temper tantrum when we don’t get our way? Or have we come to recognize that, walking with our Master, not tugging against Him, can be an enjoyable experience; and in fact, it is the only way to live?

The Bible says that those who are led by the Holy Spirit are the sons of God (Romans 8:14). Do we see God’s boundaries, which includes everything from right next to our Master to the “end of the leash,” as a safe and healthy zone for us to live in? Or are we always wanting to go astray and live outside of His boundaries?

This is something serious to think about because it shows something about our attitude if we are constantly tugging against the leash. It raises questions about whether or not we really repented and made the commitment to come out of and walk away from the world when we were baptized (1 John 2:15-16; Revelation 18:4).

God created and communicated His law through His Word for our good. He gave us this instruction to keep us safe and to purify us (2 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 1:7). He spoke to our forefathers and to us through His prophets, then through Jesus, and finally through the apostles to give us His Word (Hebrews 1:1-2). How do we respond to those words? Do we believe there is safety in them for us? Do we also believe that as the Holy Spirit leads us, we are being led to be more like Him (1 John 3:3)? Or are we like Adam and Eve who thought they could find a better way? Well, I know that is our tendency, but did we repent of that and commit our lives to striving for something different at baptism (Romans 6:1-2)?

Just like it tore at my heart to see my puppy struggle against the leash, I can imagine that it tears at God’s heart to see us pulling against His will to “get what we want.” How often do we have the attitude of, “God, your will be done, but let it be mine”? How often do we, instead of complete surrender to Him leading us, try to “work things out” our own way? I would venture to guess that if every one of us would sit down and take an inventory of our thoughts and actions, we would find that there are areas in our life where we are tugging mightily against the leash. I know I have to repent of that every day!

Many people see the old covenant law as oppressive and abusive. Yet when Jesus came, He did not abolish it. In fact, he expanded the law to include the spirit of the law, which are the mental processes and attitudes behind it. That made it even harder to follow. He actually “tightened the leash” if you will. Through the apostle Paul, he confirmed this approach by telling us to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus (2 Corinthians 10:5). What is our response to these words? Christ said that if we love him, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15; 15:10). Do we love God and want to obey Him with all of our heart and mind and being (Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30)? Or are we like the puppy, constantly tugging against the leash?

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Brian G. Bettes Brian G. Bettes

WHAT IS YOUR SPIRITUAL VOLTAGE?

Most of us are familiar with what a power plant is. It is a place where electricity is generated. There are many different levels of electricity that power plants will produce, but the amount of power that is typically generated by a power plant will be somewhere between 155,000 volts to 786,000 volts depending on the size and type of plant it is. Suffice it to say, even the smaller voltage is a lot of power!

by Brian G. Bettes

Most of us are familiar with what a power plant is. It is a place where electricity is generated. There are many different levels of electricity that power plants will produce, but the amount of power that is typically generated by a power plant will be somewhere between 155,000 volts to 786,000 volts depending on the size and type of plant it is. Suffice it to say, even the smaller voltage is a lot of power!

In simple terms, this power is sent out from the power plant via high capacity power lines and is distributed among several smaller power substations. Substations receive the power from the power plant, which will use a series of transformers to reduce the power it receives to send down the line to smaller substations. These in turn use more transformers to ratchet down the voltage even more in order to feed high volume users, businesses, and housing subdivisions. 

In the neighborhood where you live you will see a transformer, either on a pole (you know, that battery looking thingy), or there will be a box (usually gray or green) out by the curb, which will feed power to several houses. By the time power is fed into that transformer it will have been ratcheted down to 7,200 volts via the above mentioned “transformer feeder system.” 

The power is then transformed down from there even more to feed your house with 240 volts and 120 volts. There is a breaker box, usually in the garage, where this electrical service is introduced into your house. From there it is wired throughout the house to your heating/cooling unit, electric cooking range (if you have one of those), and your clothes dryer with 240 volts; all of your electrical sockets will be wired with 120 volts. We are all familiar with these sockets because that is where we plug in our toasters, microwaves, clocks, stereo systems, televisions, etc. 

But it doesn’t stop there. If you have a device like a laptop computer or a cell phone, you will notice that it has a little “transformer” on it (actually called a power adapter) that looks like a small square “box” with a wire that has one end that plugs into the wall, and the other end that plugs into the device. This little box converts the AC (alternating current) power that is in your wall socket into the DC (direct current) power that your device uses. It transforms power from the wall socket down even further to anywhere between 9 and 12 volts. The reason for this is because, depending on the device, it can only handle so much power. Electricity has to be “trickled” into the device to recharge it. If you didn’t have that miniature transformer there and you were to plug your device directly into the wall socket, it would blow up the device. Maybe not literally blow it up in terms of an explosion (though possible), but it would definitely melt all the electronic circuitry inside the device.

That is a lot of explanation about electrical power in order to ask this simple question: 

WHAT IS YOUR SPIRITUAL VOLTAGE? 

If God is the power plant, the Source, and His Holy Spirit is the electricity that He produces, how much of His power can you “take,” and then pass on to others? Are you the substation that is taking the power directly from God to transform it down, breaking it up into smaller voltages, and distributing it to many smaller sources, passing it on to others in service. Or instead, are we the computer or a cell phone at the end of the line, just living off the trickle? 

How are we doing at that?

If we have been in God’s church for a number of years, are we living and walking in the Spirit as Paul said we should, or are we still fulfilling the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16, 24-25)? How connected to our Father and Elder Brother are we? If we are walking in the Spirit, others should see the fruit in our lives that comes from having an abundance of the Holy Spirit living in us (Galatians 5:22-23). 

Is the Holy Spirit working in our lives such that we are motivated to serve the Body of Christ—all of the Body no matter where they attend services? Reading through 1 Corinthians 12:1-10, we see that each person is given at least one gift by God through the Spirit, but what for. Focus in on 1 Corinthians 12:11-14 for the answer. The gifts are given as God wills to serve the rest of the body, so that it works together in unity. Then He brings it all together with this, “But now God has set the members every one of them in the body, as it pleases Him” (1 Corinthians 12:18, emphasis mine). 

Are we serving the Body with our God-given gift? Or are we just showing up for church, taking, sucking away energy from others, and then going home for the week? Are we going to services just to get filled up, or are we giving, leaving something helpful for others as well? What are we doing to contribute and become a source of strength, energy, support, and love for others? 

Maybe you don’t think you have much to offer, but if you ask God to help you see your gift, He will. For some it is prayer. For others it is providing encouraging fellowship. Some can teach and preach, others offer praise and worship with their musical gifts. Everyone has something to offer the church, and the world around us, EVERY ONE! 

We should be alive! We should be vibrant and filled with God’s power, letting it lead our lives (Romans 8:14). As we fill our lives with His Holy Spirit, letting it transform us into His Children, it should be surging his truth, his love, his hope, and his character throughout our entire being, then out from us for others to partake of; both to those inside and outside of the church. Shouldn’t we be a brilliant beacon lighting the world (Matthew 5:14,16)?

Let’s recognize what we were given in the gift of the Holy Spirit. We were given the very power, the energy, the light, and the divine nature of God to live within us. We are given this power and connected to it at its very Source—the great Power Plant of the universe so to speak. 

What are we doing with what we have been given? Hopefully we are so connected to the Source that we are using it to reach out beyond our own selves and our own lives to serve others. Hopefully we are bearing fruit so as to bring honor to the Father who gave His Son’s life, and the Son who offered up His life, so we can have and share this special gift of His Power, His Holy Spirit with others. Are we using this Power to change our lives and the lives of others?

It’s inventory time my friends. How connected to the Power Plant are we? After years of being in the church, are we a spiritual sub-station? Are we a part of the feeder system, providing spiritual energy for others to see God by? Or are we at the end of the line, barely living off the trickle provided by others? Again, I ask, WHAT IS YOUR SPIRITUAL VOLTAGE?

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Brian G. Bettes Brian G. Bettes

AS A ROARING LION

Chicken carcasses lay everywhere. The smell of fresh death hung heavy in the air. Only six of our 38 chickens were left inside the coupe, huddled in a corner with obvious fear in their little eyes. The scene was heartbreaking. 

Kristin and I had just arrived home from visiting with my cousin. As our custom is, we had let the chickens outside of their large chicken run to free range in the yard for a couple of hours before sundown.

by Brian G. Bettes

Chicken carcasses lay everywhere. The smell of fresh death hung heavy in the air. Only six of our 38 chickens were left inside the coupe, huddled in a corner with obvious fear in their little eyes. The scene was heartbreaking. 

Kristin and I had just arrived home from visiting with my cousin. As our custom is, we had let the chickens outside of their large chicken run to free range in the yard for a couple of hours before sundown. They love to come outside of their fenced-in yard to scratch and peck under the fallen leaves, foraging for all of the little “treasures” they can find.

Chickens are creatures of habit, and, as the sun goes down, they will find their way back into the chicken house to roost. Typically, one of us will go out just before it becomes dark and close the chicken yard, then close up the coupe as well to make sure our flock is safe and sound for the night. On this occasion, we were talking with my cousin, forgot that the chicken yard and house was open and we arrived home about an hour after dark. That was all it took.

A marauder, we think a raccoon, had entered the chicken house, killed two and severely mauled several others inside, then gone on a killing spree outside, killing more in the yard and scattering our flock. After a search the next morning, eight carcasses were found, including our best rooster, and over the next couple of days we would lose a total of 14, either killed outright, or from resultant injuries of the attack. 

Our hearts sank as we realized we had let our little flock down. We were not there to put them away and protect them as we should have been. Our carelessness had caused both our chickens, and us, to pay a deep price. It may sound silly, but, in a very small way we felt a bit like Job. Though Job clearly lost much more than we did, losing children, plus all his herds and flocks, Job had much to lose. Our little flock of chickens that we raised from day-old chicks is all we have, so this was devastating for us. Yes, I realize the comparison is a bit unrealistic, but still, for us it hurt!

The woods and thick underbrush on our property are full of predators. Bobcats, weasels, raccoons, skunks, hawks, and a host of other chicken eating vermin. The Bible tells us we are to be constantly aware of the fact that our adversary, the predator of God’s people, is always lurking in the underbrush of life, waiting to catch us off guard (1 Peter 5:8). It is his sole purpose to perceive when we are at our lowest, weakest, and most vulnerable points in life, and then pounce. 

Like the marauder that attacked our chickens, Satan wants to tear us apart and leave us for dead. We are not only to be vigilant, but we are to actively be facing and resisting his ever present, persistent advances on us through living faith (1 Peter 5:9; Romans 1:17). God’s faith living in us is our lifeline (Galatians 2:20).

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and our Father are not careless managers of Their flock like we were. We can trust their care, their protection, and their desire to keep us safe. But unlike helpless chickens or sheep, we were made in Their image, and we were given something that no other creature on earth was given—the power of intellect (Romans 8:16). We were given the ability to think, solve problems, and create on a limited level, in a similar fashion as our Father and Brother. As such, much more is expected of us than unsuspecting chickens or sheep. We have to take personal responsibility for our spiritual safety and our salvation (Philippians 2:12).

Don’t get me wrong. Our adversary, Satan the devil, is much more powerful, smarter, and by far more cunning than we are (Genesis 3:1). This was proven the in the Garden of Eden. Since he is the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), constantly broadcasting his insidious “signal” of evil and darkness, if we are without the power of the Holy Spirit and protection of our Father through Jesus our Lord and Savior, we don’t stand a chance against him. 

Our Father holds us accountable for being aware of our enemy’s ploys, his tricks, his traps, his “haunts” where he lurks, and the ways he can get to us. It is our responsibility to study His Word, pray fervently, meditate on that Word, fast regularly to draw close to Him, and fellowship with like-minded brethren who can bolster us up and strengthen us, iron sharpening iron. We must work to put on the armor of God and have His protection. This is not a game to God, and it should not be a game to us.

This requires real effort on our part. We cannot just be lazy and sit in front of the television, or watch movies every night and let Satan broadcast to us “right through the front door,” so to speak (Matthew 6:22-23). What we allow to enter our minds through our eyes is critical to our salvation! Do we watch (and actually enjoy) movies that are filled violence, blood, gore, death, “zombies,” sex, adultery, lying, cheating, crude humor, or even witchcraft? We have all done it, haven’t we? 

In an effort to “veg-out” after the long, exhausting day at work, do we watch mind-numbing TV programming every night that automatically focuses our mental brainwaves on the world and its ways? It is easy, isn’t it? There is no thinking involved, which is exactly where our adversary wants us! If all we feed our minds is garbage, how do we think we will produce righteousness? As the old saying goes, “Garbage in, garbage out.”

Through the apostle James, God makes us an iron-clad promise. He says that if we submit ourselves to Him, and we resist the devil, that he (the devil) will flee from us (James 4:7). But we must be willing resist by submitting ourselves to God for the promise to stand. So, the question is, are we willing to make the extra effort to fill our minds at night with the Word of God so it can light our path (Psalm 119:105)? Studies show that, what we put into our minds at night just before we go to bed is vital to having a healthy, safe mental environment to protect our overactive minds from those dark, evil, or bad dreams that lead to restlessness.

The words in 1 Peter 5:8, sober and vigilant, mean “to abstain from wine” (or more to the point, be clear-minded) and “keep awake and be continuously watchful,” respectively. This is the responsibility given to us. That is what God expects of us. If we do that, then we will be protected and be able to stand against the wiles of our adversary, the devil (Ephesians 6:11). 

A lion roars to create fear. He senses the fear reciprocated by his roar, telling him when and where to go in for the kill. That is why it says he is a roaring lion. As a predator, he is searching for fear. Fear in prey is an advantage to him and it leads him to know which prey to pounce upon…the weak, the young, the old, all of whom will project fear. He senses the fear, and then goes into “steal mode” to attack. Satan constantly broadcasts his signal to see where there is vulnerability so he knows where to pounce. 

We do not need to be afraid of his roar if we are sober and vigilant as instructed. If we are resisting him steadfastly, showing God’s power in us and resisting him because we are wearing the armor of God, he will take his roaring fear tactics elsewhere. He will search for easier prey. Let’s not become the prey of our enemy the adversary. Let’s be ever clear-minded, keep awake, and be continuously watchful!

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

 

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Brandy Webb Brandy Webb

Ok, now what?

Do you ever ask yourself what you are supposed to do now that you are a Christian? I do. I know that I can’t rely on someone else to do my Christian walk for me. I know that there is no one in between my Savior and me. I also know that salvation is a gift from God, not something we earn. However, we are to live lives that let our “light shine before others, so that they may see [our] good works and give glory to [our] Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, emphasis mine).

by Brandy Webb

Do you ever ask yourself what you are supposed to do now that you are a Christian? I do. I know that I can’t rely on someone else to do my Christian walk for me. I know that there is no one in between my Savior and me. I also know that salvation is a gift from God, not something we earn. However, we are to live lives that let our “light shine before others, so that they may see [our] good works and give glory to [our] Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, emphasis mine).

Works do not earn us salvation, I know that, but they are important. We reveal our faith by our works (James 2:18). For me it is like this, faith is the substance of things hoped for, while works are the substance of our faith. In the end, our works are what we have built on the foundation of Christ, for He only is our foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11). Whether the works are made of “gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or stubble; each man’s work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man’s work is. If any man’s work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire” (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). So, we can see that we can have salvation without works but we cannot receive our reward without works. This is what it means to build treasures in heaven and not here on earth.

So, what works does God want us to have? One requirement is to work with all our hearts “as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23). Another would be having the fruits that are listed in Galatians 5: 22-23. These are good works. We are to show love to others, even our enemies (Matthew 5:44). We are to live joyful lives where we give God thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We are to live peacefully with all people, no matter what our differences are (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14). This one will require spiritual maturity. Do you realize that the Corinthians were called babies in Christ because of their jealousy, strife, and divisions with each other (1 Corinthians 3:1-4)? We don’t all have to agree on everything. We do not all have to go to the same organization, but we do have to acknowledge that we all make up the Body of Christ, and Christ is not divided. 

We have to stop comparing ourselves with each other. Good works are not supposed to be for the purpose of highlighting ourselves, so that we become puffed up and others become jealous of us. No, true Godly good works are those that put the spotlight on Christ only, those works where we honestly do not want any credit. We always have to be careful not to ever “perform [our] righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If [we] do, [we] will have no reward from [our] Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1).

We also have to work together to sow the fields, so that God has a bountiful harvest. This means we have to work together by planting seeds and by watering the seeds. Some of us may be the ones who plant, while others are the ones who come behind and water, just like Paul and Apollos (1 Corinthians 3:6). But only God can give the increase, so that no one can boast. We all are God’s “farmers” working together to spread the gospel, to show love and forgiveness, to give light in the darkness, and to walk in the footsteps of the Messiah.

I know I didn’t cover all the rest of the fruit of the Spirit, but look it over and realize we use these traits to interact with others. If we are living by the Spirit we will have good works that will please our Father in heaven. We all have a job to do, whether small, as the widow that gave all she had, or large, like risking your life to spread the gospel. Our eyes have been opened and our ears can hear, at least as much as God wants to reveal to us. Therefore, we must live out our faith spreading good works wherever God places us to be.

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Brian G. Bettes Brian G. Bettes

ACCEPTING 100 PERCENT RESPONSIBILITY

My wife and I just returned from a conference where the keynote speaker was Jack Canfield, co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series of books. In the world of authorship, Jack is unique. Most authors would be happy to write one book that hits the New York Times bestseller list and sells one million copies within their writing career. Jack has written 47 books that have hit the New York Times bestseller list, and since writing the first Chicken Soup book, sold well over 500 million books. He is also in The Guinness Book of World Records for having seven books on the New York Times bestseller list at the same time. 

by Brian G. Bettes

My wife and I just returned from a conference where the keynote speaker was Jack Canfield, co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series of books. In the world of authorship, Jack is unique. Most authors would be happy to write one book that hits the New York Times bestseller list and sells one million copies within their writing career. Jack has written 47 books that have hit the New York Times bestseller list, and since writing the first Chicken Soup book, sold well over 500 million books. He is also in The Guinness Book of World Records for having seven books on the New York Times bestseller list at the same time. 

Suffice it to say, when Jack Canfield starts talking about how to write a bestseller, people tend to sit up and listen. As one who is authoring a book, I was there to hear what Jack had to say. I found it both inspiring and refreshing that one of Mr. Canfield’s foremost principles in successful writing is, you must take 100 percent responsibility for your life—no exceptions, no excuses. This ideal in very different than the world in which we live.

Over the past several decades, an insidious cancer has entered our society. It is a way of thinking that has paved the pathway to the concepts of entitlement, political correctness, victimization, self-indulgence, and self-pity. I call it the, “Poor me, it’s not my fault” syndrome. 

Our society has become a very self-centered, self-absorbed, wannie-boohoo, “you owe me,” “I deserve better than this,” “I am going to throw a tempter-tantrum because I didn’t get my way” society. Today many are completely ill-equipped to deal with reality. Reference the reaction of some whose candidate wasn’t elected in the recent U.S. presidential race. This was prophesied to happen long ago by the apostle Paul (2 Timothy 3:1-4).

An entire generation of children have been raised believing that their psyche would be irreparably damaged if they weren’t continuously caudled and pampered. Instead of being taught to face the realities of correction and consequences when they do something wrong, accepting the abrasiveness of a win/lose world, having to work hard and persevere to succeed, or suffering the injustice of the “harsh, cruel world,” they were taught to make excuses or point the finger at someone else. It is the blame game at its best. Nothing is ever their fault so they blame everything bad or difficult on someone else. As a result, they don’t feel the need to take responsibility for any of their actions! This approach is not new. Its roots started growing in a Garden nearly 6,000 years ago (Genesis 3:12).

Can we please get real here for a moment?

Life is hard, unpleasant, and downright harsh at times. I have yet to meet anyone who hasn’t had undeserved injustices happen to them. That is how life works sometimes. Instead of “protecting” their children by insulating them from the harshness of the world, parents should love their children by teaching them this one truth: life is going to hand you a sandwich with completely rotten meat and moldy bread sometimes. The question isn’t whether or not this is going to happen. The question is, what are you going to do when you get one?

Many people seem to think that taking responsibility for your life means bad things shouldn’t happen to you. Sorry, that just isn’t reality! Taking responsibility for your life means, when you have bad things happen, you accept it, take the challenge to do what is right, and rise above the difficulties forced upon you by the situation (1 Peter 2:19-20). Taking responsibility is about keeping your life focused on, and headed in, the right direction no matter what happens (Matthew 6:33). No blaming someone else for your circumstances!

Think of what would have happened if Jesus Christ had decided not to do the right thing? Was He persecuted? Was He derided? Were there those who hated Him unjustly? Did He deserve to die? What if He said to the Father, “This is messed up! Why should I have to take responsibility for humanity’s sin? I didn’t do anything wrong. It’s not my fault they didn’t obey Your word. I don’t want to die for them. Let them suffer the consequences of eternal death for their sins. I deserve better than this.”

Would any of His statements have been true? Think about it. Everything stated above is true. It is messed up and He had to take responsibility for our sin. He didn’t do anything wrong. It wasn’t His fault that we couldn’t obey the Father and therefore earned the penalty of death. Though He proved that He wanted to die for us, because ultimately He did so, the physical part of Him didn’t want to suffer the physical pain and humiliation of hanging on a cross like a piece of meat (Matthew 26:39). We did in fact deserve to die for our own sin, forfeiting eternal life (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Last but not least, He did deserve better than what He got on this earth.

Thankfully, Jesus saw the bigger picture and took 100 percent responsibility for the reason He came here; His role in our future (Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 12:2)! I am so very thankful for that. But just as He accepted 100 percent responsibility for His life’s purpose, are we not to do the same? After all, He is our example, and we are supposed to follow in His footsteps, aren’t we (1 Peter 2:21)?

Or are we like Job who kept proclaiming his righteousness and how none of what he was suffering was his fault (Job 10:1-2, 7)? 

I have heard many sermons over the years talk about how Job was righteous by God’s own standard, therefore he was unjustly tested. They use Job 1:8; 2:3 to uphold this position. Is that what God said, that he was sinless? Yes, Job was righteous in God’s eyes by the “letter of the law,” but can we say that there wasn’t a “spirit of the law” lesson that God wanted to get across to him? 

Job did not take any responsibility for his plight until the very last chapter of the book after He was confronted directly by God (Job 42:1-6). It was only after gaining an understanding of his smallness before God that he understood that he did indeed have responsibility in his circumstances. He was supposed to uphold God above himself; uphold God’s righteousness and judgment higher than his own. God was making clear to Job that only He is righteous, and nothing else makes us righteous.

How about it? When difficult circumstances or trials come up in our lives, do we humble ourselves before our elder Brother and our Father? Do we seek Them to see what we can learn from these situations? Or do we just complain about them? Do we seek repentance and ask for forgiveness where need be, and ask to be able to understand what we can learn? Instead of whining and blaming, do we respond righteously, as Jesus would? Are we accepting 100 percent responsibility for our lives?

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Brandy Webb Brandy Webb

Armstrongism

The other day, I was reading a comment on a blog regarding COGs and it basically grouped them all in the term “Armstrongism.” I have heard the term before, but honestly, I have never really looked into what defined something as being “Armstrongism” until reading some derogatory comments regarding COGs. 

I am not at all easily offended, and I know a lot of people can’t seem to get over the bad things they went through in the past due to Worldwide Church of God and the churches that split off from them. Bitterness is a hard weed to pull out of oneself once it has rooted deeply within one’s soul.

by Brandy Webb

The other day, I was reading a comment on a blog regarding COGs (Church of God churches) and it basically grouped them all in the term “Armstrongism.” I have heard the term before, but honestly, I have never really looked into what defined something as being “Armstrongism” until reading some derogatory comments regarding COGs. 

I am not at all easily offended, and I know a lot of people can’t seem to get over the bad things they went through in the past due to Worldwide Church of God (WCG) and the churches that split off from them. Bitterness is a hard weed to pull out of oneself once it has rooted deeply within one’s soul. However, I never knew that the observance of Sabbath and Holy Days were created by Herbert W. Armstrong. Yes, I am being a little sarcastic here, but seriously, it is considered “Armstrongism” if you believe that we are to observe God’s Holy Days. 

Well, I would like to set the record straight. Armstrong wasn’t alive during creation week when God created the sun, moon, and stars to mark His seasons also known in Hebrew as moed, appointed time, place or meeting (Genesis 1:14). This term is the same term in Leviticus 23 when God tells Moses to teach the Israelites about His appointed times/Holy Days. In addition, Armstrong was not there when the first Sabbath was created and sanctified (Genesis 2:2-3). In fact, I am positive that he was not the first Christian to desire keeping the Sabbath and Holy Days either. I can see from the Bible that the Sabbath and the Holy Days were kept in the New Testament by not only Jesus but also His disciples, after His crucifixion (some references: John 7:1-44; Luke 4:16; Acts 13:4; Acts 17:2; Acts 20:6; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29). Never in all their teachings did they teach that they were done away with either.

Another factoid that I want to set right: I don’t keep these days because I believe that they bring me salvation. As a matter of fact, as far as I can tell, at least as taught in CGI, salvation is a gift from God and cannot be earned by works, and keeping God’s Sabbaths aren’t going to earn you a place in His kingdom. However, just like a kid does what their parents say to show respect, I choose to do what God says to show Him respect.

I know that if I am keeping these days, and I do not have love, then I profit nothing. Just like if I speak in tongues, prophesy, have great faith, etc., but don’t have love, I profit nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). However, if I love Jesus, I will keep His commandments (John 14:15, 21, 23; John 15:10).

So, with all this said, I have questions for those who think that I observe God’s Holy Days and Sabbaths because I am trying to earn my salvation and because of Armstrong. Do mainstream Christians keep their holidays because they feel like it will earn them salvation? If they don’t, then why assume that people who keep God’s Holy Days do it because they are trying to earn something? And, do they keep them because of the Catholic Church? They are the ones that really popularized the holidays.

My point is, I believe that people give Armstrong way too much credit. There are a lot of Sabbath and Holy-Day keepers that never stepped foot in WCG. There are many who do not even go to a COG. This idea of keeping the Sabbath and Holy Days has been around since God created them, not because Mr. Armstrong made them important. I choose to keep days that I can prove from the Bible to honor my Father and my Messiah, and to be honest, I never feel like they are a burden. They are truly a blessing.

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Brandy Webb Brandy Webb

Wonderful

We just had Thanksgiving, and I had one of those “aha” moments. My husband and I hosted Thanksgiving this year for the first time in a long time, mainly because we haven’t had a house large enough to host. So, this year we decided to host since finally we have the space to do so. 

Well, you know the normal questions people ask which usually are “How are things going?” or “How are you doing?”

by Brandy Webb

We just had Thanksgiving, and I had one of those “aha” moments. My husband and I hosted Thanksgiving this year for the first time in a long time, mainly because we haven’t had a house large enough to host. So, this year we decided to host since finally we have the space to do so. 

Well, you know the normal questions people ask which usually are “How are things going?” or “How are you doing?” Usually, the typical response is “Things are going okay” or “I’m doing okay.” I’m trying to figure out what defines as “okay.” I’m thinking it may be life isn’t great, but it isn’t that bad either? 

This Thanksgiving though, I heard a completely different response from my husband when my grandmother asked him how he was doing. He immediately, without skipping a beat, said “I’m doing wonderful!” I was in the kitchen prepping food, when I heard this exchange loud and clear. I don’t know if anyone else was paying attention, but it made me pause. My grandmother responded with “Oh (pause) that is great.” She was even kind of surprised by the response. However, it made me think, why was my grandmother and I surprised by my husband’s answer? When did the statement “I’m doing wonderful” become strange? Why do we just expect the “okay” answer? Aren’t we supposed to rejoice always and be joyful?

Is my husband’s life perfect? No. He has trials just like everyone else. In fact, we had a major mud trial just the day before Thanksgiving prior to everyone’s arrival. He has also experienced really hard trials. We both have. However, my husband looks at life with a different perspective than most people I know, me included. He was being honest when he answered my grandmother. He felt wonderful because he likes to pay attention to the wonderful things in his life. We have a great marriage, two healthy kids, a house big enough to host Thanksgiving, food, friends, family, etc… Life isn’t perfect, but if one doesn’t dwell on the imperfections, one can see the wonderfulness of his or her life. That is my husband’s main point; he chooses to have a more positive perspective. He doesn’t allow himself to dwell on the frustrations of life because, to him, that gives his carnal flesh and Satan power instead of God’s Spirit.

His statement made me analyze my perspective on life. I realize things in life are wonderful; you just have to look for them sometimes. It requires us to work on our attitudes and perspective. We can’t be lazy and let the darkness of stress, worries, and anxieties cover up the positive lights that we have all around us. Right now at this very moment we have many things to praise God for, but we have to choose to notice them. When we choose to do so, we can feel wonderful too.

Psalm 40:5: O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.

 

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Brian G. Bettes Brian G. Bettes

MORE THAN I DESERVE

What am I thankful for? I am thankful that I have been given more than I deserve.

In the United States of America, we just celebrated a national holiday called Thanksgiving. Summarizing the history of the day briefly, it is a day on which, in the fall of 1621 A.D. the Plymouth colonists, the remains of a group of religious separatists from England, hosted a three-day feast with approximately 90 Native Americans.  

by Brian G. Bettes

What am I thankful for? I am thankful that I have been given more than I deserve.

In the United States of America, we just celebrated a national holiday called Thanksgiving. Summarizing the history of the day briefly, it is a day on which, in the fall of 1621 A.D. the Plymouth colonists, the remains of a group of religious separatists from England, hosted a three-day feast with approximately 90 Native Americans.  

At least two of the Native American Indians (and maybe more) had helped the Pilgrims survive in the New World environment in which they found themselves completely unprepared to inhabit. Only 50 of the 102 colonists that left England on the Mayflower survived the harsh, cold winter of 1620 and were still alive to celebrate what we call “the first Thanksgiving.” 

In a brief research of the day, there are clearly differing views of exactly who was there, what occurred, what was eaten, and many of the “facts” surrounding the day. However, it is widely accepted as a matter of history that the event did occur. For the Plymouth colonists at least, a day of Thanksgiving became an annual occurrence from that point forward. 

A day of Thanksgiving was acknowledged by way of proclamation by every President of the United States starting with George Washington until Abraham Lincoln, who made it a continuous annual national holiday in 1863. Traditionally, Thanksgiving has been a time where we give thanks to God for the many blessings of life, abundance, and freedom that we enjoy in this country.

My question is, in all of this giving of thanks, are we thankful to our Father and Jesus Christ for being Them; who They are, what They are doing on this earth, and Their way of life that has been handed down to us through the Word of God? Are we thankful to God for His righteousness, and for revealing that righteousness to us?

Let’s think about that for a moment. Did God have to create mankind? God being who He is, why would he subject Himself to the injustices of a humanity who largely does not acknowledge His existence? Of those who do, they do no keep His commandments, or worship Him in the manner in which He prescribes. Why would God, who has everything without us, do that to Himself? Well, as explained in previous blogs, articles, booklets and other literature, as well as Armor of God internet casts, God has a plan whereby He is reproducing Himself through mankind. God has a plan to expand the God-kind via mankind (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 8:14-17).

Mankind, after cutting himself off from God, realized that of and by himself, he is patently insufficient on his own. Since he rejected God (Genesis 3:3, 5), and God consequently separated Himself from mankind (Genesis 3:22-24), mankind started searching for a replacement for God. Since then, mankind has come up with every possible concept that his feeble imagination could produce to be his god. The problem is, that is exactly what every form of worship, every religious system, every set of beliefs regarding a god, and every ideal about God that man has ever come up with has been; a false god that is not God.

In reality, there only ever has been, is, and will be, one God—the One who calls Himself the Creator of heaven and earth! God makes clear, definitive statements to that effect in the following verses: Isaiah 45:18; 43:10; 44:6. Every other god or belief system that man has devised since leaving the Garden of Eden has been a cheap imitation as a replacement for Him! It was built into man by his Creator to have an inherent need for a power greater than himself to try to make sense of the world around him. By looking at history, he apparently also needed “someone” (besides himself) to blame when things didn’t go the way he wanted them to. What does all this have to do with thankfulness?

Romans 1:21-23 says that mankind at one time knew God, but he did not glorify Him as God, nor was he thankful to God. As a result his heart became foolish and darkened. While claiming to be wise, he became foolish and he transferred the glory of the One True God to mankind and creature likenesses (idols) of every kind. 

Then it says: “For this cause, God also abandoned them to uncleanness through the lusts of their hearts, to disgrace their own bodies between themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie; and they worshiped and served the created thing more than the one Who is Creator, Who is blessed into the ages. Amen” (Romans 1:24-25, emphasis mine).

See, as stated above, there only has ever been One True God. And He alone gets to determine how He is to be worshiped. He is very clear that He will not give His glory to any false god or idol (Isaiah 42:8). As a matter of worshiping Him, He is clear that there is only one path to salvation and an eternal relationship with Him. That is by His forgiveness of our sin, through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ (Acts 4:10-12).

I typed the word “thankful” into my Firefox browser and this is what I found out. Along with the concept of being pleased, grateful, and appreciative, thankfulness also includes an element of relief. [1] The relief is typically associated with an impending problem or difficulty that has been averted, or with one that has been lifted.

So, as a part of our thankfulness to God, do we thank Him for the relief from sin, and its consequence of eternal death, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ? Are we thankful to our Father for providing a path whereby the problem of sin has been resolved so that we can have eternal life instead of eternal death? 

How much do we recognize and acknowledge God in our lives? Or are we like most of mankind who does not glorify Him as the above Scripture so clearly points out? Are we being thankful to Him for His presence in our lives, His grace, His mercy and forgiveness? Do we stand out as different than most of mankind by actually living thankful lives? When we are thankful, are we thankful only for “stuff”? Or are we thankful for being created, for His plan in creating us in His image and what that means for us? Are we thankful for Him being willing to provide the path to salvation and eternal life? And are we thankful to Jesus Christ for being willing to shoulder the mantle that provided that path by His death? Are we thankful to our Father for being faithful in resurrecting Jesus? Or do we take these things for granted after years of being a part of the body of Christ? 

I would encourage each of us to really think about what we are thanking God for on our day of Thanksgiving—which really should be every day. When I think on these things, I am forced to realize that truly I have been given more than I deserve (Psalm 103:10-14)!

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Brandy Webb Brandy Webb

Oh, the world doesn’t revolve around me?

Humans in general can tend to be very selfish and sometimes egocentric.  Some may call it our survival instincts. But usually I believe, we just we like to get our way, and we do not like it when we don’t.  However, I have long figured out that things usually do not go our way, and that people don’t always agree with my opinions either.  In fact, the world does not and will never revolve around me, so I better get over myself if I want to enjoy life in general.

by Brandy Webb

Humans in general can tend to be very selfish and sometimes egocentric.  Some may call it our survival instincts. But usually I believe, we just we like to get our way, and we do not like it when we don’t.  However, I have long figured out that things usually do not go our way, and that people don’t always agree with my opinions either.  In fact, the world does not and will never revolve around me, so I better get over myself if I want to enjoy life in general.

A famous psychologist named Jean Piaget, studied human behavior in children.  He is remembered for developing Cognitive Stages of Development.  What I find interesting is that the egocentric stage of development should actually finally end by around age seven.  Now, he did admit that his ages were approximations, and sometimes people got stuck in a stage.  The description of egocentrism is when one “has difficulty understanding life from any other perspective than his own…[it] is very me myself, and I oriented” (http://www.telacommunications.com/nutshell/stages.htm#note1).  In other words, egocentric people seek their welfare before others, and also think that everyone believes the same things as they do.  They are incapable of seeing the world from another person’s perspective.

Therefore, when I throw a “fit” when things don’t go my way or get angry at someone because they don’t agree with me, I am reverting to a very young adolescent stage of development.  In other words, I am giving into my carnal side rather than listening to God’s Spirit.  I am in direct violation to what the Scriptures teach.  I am wanting to follow Jesus and He tells us “‘If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me”’ (Matthew 16:24).  I can’t “deny myself” if I insist on things going my way.

I am realizing to overcome egocentric behaviors is one way to “resist the devil” (James 4:7).  It is one way to set us apart from the world and stand up and do what is right. It is not our job to change others.  It is our job to change ourselves for the better, so that our example may motivate others to change also.  

So, how do we do this?  Seek the good for others rather than ourselves (1 Corinthians 10:24).  This means that we must not do anything “out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than” ourselves (Philippians 2:3).  Therefore, we must be willing to become others-seeking rather than self-seeking.  This is way different behavior than the worldly behavior.  No more “temper tantrums” when things do not go our way.  We are held at a different standard.

The truth is, to break free from egocentrism requires wisdom, and we all know that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10).  We must chose who we will fear, revere, the Lord or the world.  In the world we see jealousy and selfish ambition reign, which brings “confusion and every evil deed” (James 3:16).  However, “wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).  Therefore, let us all strive to follow after wisdom and grow Godly fruit, and to remember that “the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:18).  In order to make peace, you must be willing to not always get your way.

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Brian G. Bettes Brian G. Bettes

MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN

Having just finished a horrific election cycle in the United States of America, I want to talk about a phrase taken from the campaign of president-elect Donald Trump. Mr. Trump anchored his entire campaign to this concept using the phrase: “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN”. 

This will NOT be a blog about politics, or the carnage we witnessed over the past year and a half during that run for the presidency. I personally would like to remove myself as far as possible from the evil of that race and never think of it again.

by Brian G. Bettes

Having just finished a horrific election cycle in the United States of America, I want to talk about a phrase taken from the campaign of president-elect Donald Trump. Mr. Trump anchored his entire campaign to this concept using the phrase: “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN”. 

This will NOT be a blog about politics, or the carnage we witnessed over the past year and a half during that run for the presidency. I personally would like to remove myself as far as possible from the evil of that race and never think of it again. In the meantime, America has picked yet another “king” who will not be exalting the Great God of Heaven as the foundation for his “leadership”; a statement that would be true no matter which of the two candidates won the election. This blog will attempt to ask, then answer, a single question:

EXACTLY WHAT IS IT THAT WOULD MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN?

As president-elect, Mr. Trump will work to institute various policies: economic, health care, national security, foreign, educational, agricultural, and many more. Mr. Trump believes that the ideals on which he ran his campaign is the best way to return America to its former glory. It is an America where abundance abounded, peace and safety for our citizens existed, and as a nation we were respected around the world. Today, America is viewed by the rest of the world as a faltering, weak, and divided “lumbering giant” of a nation with more problems, fears and foes than it has successes, faith and friends. Why is that?

Through the Psalmist God says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth forever” (Psalm 111:10 KJV). A vital key to note here is, proper fear (reverence) for God brings wisdom, and obedience to His commandments brings understanding. So if we are to gain insight into what is really going on in this country, or any country for that matter, we must go to the Source in reverence, humility, and with an obedient heart. In doing so we will tap into the single central issue He proclaims as the reason for the current downward spiral of America.

Our forefathers founded the United States of America on the solid footing of being a Christian nation. They invoked His name, stating “In God We Trust” and calling us “one nation under God”. As such, America should have learned the lessons of history from ancient Israel, another nation that covenanted with God to be their Leader in their inception (Exodus 19:5-8). But America did not learn. 

Israel strayed from obedience to God, and, after repeated warnings they were punished for their disobedience. God told them over and over what would happen if they rejected His commands (though it is long, read Leviticus 26:14-39 as just one example of these warnings; Deuteronomy 8:10-20 is another). In the end Israel was destroyed and perished as God said they would because of their sinful disobedience. The prophet Daniel chronicled this destruction and the cause of it in his famous prayer of repentance (Daniel 9:3-15).

Unfortunately, America has shadowed the sins of ancient Israel, and as such, God has removed more and more of His blessing from us. Our sins include following after the gods of the nations around us, which God said not to do (Joshua 23:6-7). There has been a systematic effort to bring in and emphasize other religious faiths that are not associated with our Judeo-Christian beliefs or the moral values associated with them. To our shame, we have not stood up and denounced the message of current leaders who have stated that we are no longer a Christian nation. This is a direct rejection of the God who gave us this nation and blessed us because we put Him at the center of our culture and society at our inception. 

We have sinned by allowing the “LGBT” agenda even the slightest entrance into our way of life. God speaks directly against homosexuality and pronounces a curse on those who practice and live that lifestyle (Deuteronomy 18:22; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). We have sinned by murdering unborn children through abortion. We have also sinned by turning a blind eye to adultery (Exodus 20:14), fornication, pornography, and every kind of sexual immorality (Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3), by being negligent toward the corruption of bribery (Amos 5:12; Isaiah 1:23), by accepting lying as a “norm” (Isaiah 59:3-4), by accepting rampant greed as a way of life (Ephesians 4:17-19), and a whole host of other sins that we as a nation participate in. 

Some consider the above list as “political issues”.  Many have deceived themselves into thinking that they get to make the decision as to what is right and what is wrong for themselves. They claim it to be their “right” to decide these “issues” when it comes to how to live. But as seen by the scriptural quotes above, these are sins that God’s Word speaks directly against. Participating in these sins is direct rebellion toward God. 

As a nation we have taken to deciding what parts of His Word are no longer relevant because they don’t fit with our “ideals”, meaning our lusts and desires. Those who insist on rebelling against God’s commands accuse those who point out these sins as bad people. They call them “haters”. They accuse those who want to follow God of spreading hatred against them. Why? Because they don’t want to accept God telling them how to live. The sad thing is that they are actually the ones spreading hate – a hatred of God and His way. True Christians don’t hate the sinner, but we do hate the sin.

As a nation, we have come to believe it is our right to live as we please. At the end of the day, it comes down to the decision on who will run our lives: God or us. So far, we as a nation have overwhelmingly chosen our own way. 

Those are not the ideals and principles our forefathers founded this nation on. They knew, and voiced, that if there was not an overriding adherence to the Word of God, this experiment we call Democracy would fail. They proclaimed us to be a Christian nation. However, through the years Satan has systematically deceived many in our nation into believing that they can reject God and His commandments. Those people will angrily defend their “right” to live in accordance with their own thinking, instead of in obedience to Him. Unfortunately, they are sadly mistaken. It is time that we as a nation “wake up and smell the coffee” as the saying goes.

2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” There are multiple admonitions in scripture where God corrects those who say they are His, and where He even begs and pleads with them to return unto Him (Isaiah 1:16-20). And yet, every time, including in our current day, those people have turned away from Him through sin.

We must go back to not only proclaiming to be, but being a Christian nation. That is the key. Putting God at the forefront of our thoughts and actions, both individually and collectively as a nation, is the only way we will secure God’s blessings, rolling back the curses that we have brought on ourselves by our rebellion to Him. We must learn from the ancient city of Nineveh and repent of this rebellion that says we know how to live better than God does (Jonah 3:5-9).

Making America great again has little to the with policies established by our government, other than those policies must reflect God’s way of governing, based on His Word. What will make America great again will depend solely on a revival that returns us to our Christian values, turning our hearts back toward our Father in heaven and Jesus Christ. It is only through the blessings afforded us as a result of our obedience to Them that will “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN”!

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Brandy Webb Brandy Webb

Don’t Take Life for Granted

Do you ever say, “next year I’m going to do…. Or tomorrow I will do…”?  I do a lot.  I think it is just engraved in us to live forever.  Therefore, we plan, sometimes years in advance, of what we “will do.”  However, life is unexpected.  We honestly have no idea what we are going to do tomorrow, let alone years from now.  I believe that is why James tells us not to say what we are going to do tomorrow because we “do not even know what will happen tomorrow!

by Brandy Webb

Do you ever say, “next year I’m going to do…. Or tomorrow I will do…”?  I do a lot.  I think it is just engraved in us to live forever.  Therefore, we plan, sometimes years in advance, of what we “will do.”  However, life is unexpected.  We honestly have no idea what we are going to do tomorrow, let alone years from now.  I believe that is why James tells us not to say what we are going to do tomorrow because we “do not even know what will happen tomorrow!  What is [our] life?  [We] are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:13-14).  This may seem like a depressing truth statement, but it actually should be eye-opening.  Since we do not know what tomorrow will bring, don’t take today for granted.  

Now, I am not saying don’t make plans.  However, when we do plan we need to say “If the Lord wills” we will do this or that (James 4:15).  My point, though, is that we need to live in today, the present, not in tomorrow and definitely not in yesterday.

I admit I take life for granted.  I waste time on meaningless things.  I will put off responsibilities that I should do today till tomorrow, even when I don’t even know what tomorrow will bring.  I hold off on visiting or calling someone up because the sense of them not being here tomorrow isn’t a reality.  I waste time on fretting about little minor things that in a year from now, God willing I’m still here, will be completely unimportant to the point that I probably won’t even remember what I was worrying about.  And I waste time on being impatient and frustrated when life doesn’t go my way.  

Am I the only one or am I speaking to the crowd?  It is easy to get wrapped up in our little small worlds where the thought of people not being here, health failing, accidents happening, or us not waking up to tomorrow, doesn’t really come to mind.  Now, some may say well it is a good thing because this is what keeps us positive.  I don’t know, it may be what keeps us selfish.  It may also be what makes us take life for granted.

I have met quite a few people that were terminally ill, and the reality for their lives was that they didn’t know if they were going to wake up tomorrow.  These people weren’t depressed, though.  They lived each day to the fullest.  They didn’t “sweat the small stuff.”  They laughed often.  They had brightness about them because they were full of joy for each day they had. They truly lived lives that Paul teaches in Philippians 4:4-7:

    Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be obvious to     everyone. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and     petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which     surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

I want to live each day as if it were my last.  In other words, I want to laugh often, to find the positive in all situations, to pray, to rejoice, to forgive others, and to repent.  I want to make sure that I speak words of kindness, to live in hope, to love, and to give God thanks for everything.  I want to make sure that I don’t waste time on joy stealers.  I want to make sure His light shines through me.  Life is too short to take it for granted.  Give thanks always and live each day to the fullness.

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Brian G. Bettes Brian G. Bettes

WHEN YOUR CUP RUNNETH OVER…FILL SOMEONE ELSE’S CUP

The Psalmist declared that, in His care for him, the Lord provided so much abundance that his cup overflowed (Psalm 23:5). What did David mean by this? In context of the psalm he was writing, he talked about God providing sustenance, even when being chased by his enemies, and healing ointment for his head and body. But is that all this verse is about

by Brian G. Bettes

The Psalmist declared that, in His care for him, the Lord provided so much abundance that his cup overflowed (Psalm 23:5). What did David mean by this? In context of the psalm he was writing, he talked about God providing sustenance, even when being chased by his enemies, and healing ointment for his head and body. But is that all this verse is about?

The entire psalm is a metaphor of how our Lord, the Good Shepherd, cares for his “flock”—us (John 10:14, 16). It shows not only His willingness but also His ability to care for us by providing proper food and water in abundance, and protection in times of danger. It also makes it clear that He provides both our physical and spiritual needs (Psalm 23:3). Jesus is the true and caring Shepherd (Mark 6:34).

With regard to “a cup that runneth over,” several places in the New Testament talk about Jesus Himself being our food and drink (John 6:55). It talks about how we are to gain eternal life by eating His flesh and drinking His blood (John 6:54). And those who do this will have “rivers of living water” (the Holy Spirit) flowing from them (John 7:37-39), water that they can share with others.

Let’s look at Jesus example for a moment. Remember the story of Him and the Samaritan woman at the well. It is an interesting interaction that we should read through from time to time because there is some very important information given there. But what really stands out to me is, again, Jesus started talking to her about Him giving water that “shall be a well…springing up unto eternal life” (John 4:14). What is of note to me is, Jesus was always sharing His spiritual cup with others. Look at all the healings He did. Look at all the miracles, blessings, and gifts He gave to those who sought Him. Jesus was always pouring out of His cup into the cup of others. It occurs to me that, as His disciples, we should be doing the same.

Jesus had a cup that He shared with those around Him during His life and ministry. But He also had a very specific cup that was given to Him by the Father that only He would have to “drink” (Luke 22:20). It was a cup that, if He did not have to drink of it, He pleaded with the Father that He not do so (Matthew 26:39,42). Yet it was His cup, and He did drink of that cup. In so doing, He gave to us the gifts of salvation and eternal life. Jesus poured out His overflowing cup onto us when He gave His blood in sacrifice for us.

Jesus gave us a cup (Luke 22:17). We must drink of that cup as He drank of His (Mark 10:39). In doing so, we then have something to offer others as mentioned previously (John 7:37-39; John 4:14).

In two places it is recorded that Jesus said, “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42). And, “For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward” (Mark 9:41).

We have been given a wonderful gift in receiving the Holy Spirit from the Father (John 15:26). Look at the tremendous blessings we have been given; most of all an understanding of His plan for mankind and His truth. His way of life, living, doing, acting, and being—is it not a blessing for us to know these things? How much are we sharing that with others every day? What example are we setting, being lights to the world (Matthew 5:14-16), by letting that living water bubble up out of us on a daily basis? Are we drawing from His well, then pouring it into the cup of others as we interact with them just as He did? Like the Psalmist, does our cup overflow with thanksgiving, joy, deep appreciation to our Father and Jesus—and others can see that clearly?

In these dark and uncertain times when people so desperately need hope, as we go about our day, let us do as Jesus did. When our cup runneth over…fill someone else’s cup.

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Brandy Webb Brandy Webb

Clarity

Do you ever find yourself asking God to tell you what He wants you to do with your life?  Well, I do a lot.  Especially during those times when I thought I was going in the right direction, but nothing was going well for me.  I started getting confused and started doubting my decisions.  During these times I wish God had a cell phone that He would answer.  I know that we have prayer, but wouldn’t it be nice if He told us exactly what He wants us to do in every situation we face in life?   Wouldn’t it be awesome if we weren’t looking through a dark glass (1 Corinthians 13:12) and instead we had complete clarity? 

by Brandy Webb

Do you ever find yourself asking God to tell you what He wants you to do with your life?  Well, I do a lot.  Especially during those times when I thought I was going in the right direction, but nothing was going well for me.  I started getting confused and started doubting my decisions.  During these times I wish God had a cell phone that He would answer.  I know that we have prayer, but wouldn’t it be nice if He told us exactly what He wants us to do in every situation we face in life?   Wouldn’t it be awesome if we weren’t looking through a dark glass (1 Corinthians 13:12) and instead we had complete clarity?  

I know that we will see clearly in the Kingdom, and right now we have to deal with unclearness in life.  It is just not always easy to do.  I was thinking about this the other day, and I was looking through my Bible study notebook when I came across this quote: “I have never had clarity; what I have always had is trust. So I will pray that you trust God,” Mother Teresa.  Honestly, I have no idea where I saw the quote nor when I jotted it down, but it was eye opening for me.  I also had some points for myself right below it: Are we asking God for clarity, “What should I do” or “Make my path clear”, etc… Or are we saying “I don’t know where I am going, but I will follow You because I trust You.”

It is moments like these that I realize God does talk to us.  Even if He doesn’t answer cell phones or emails, He still has ways to “speak” to us.  I really needed to see these notes because I have been praying for clarity, instead of praying for His peace to aid me in trusting Him.  

There are many individuals in the Bible that didn’t know where God was leading them, but they put their trust in Him.  They trusted Him with all their hearts.  Which is what we are to do and not to “lean on our own understandings” (Proverbs 3:5).  In all our ways we are to acknowledge God, and “He will make our paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6).  This is what Abraham did when he left Ur to go to some unknown land.  It is what he also did when he nearly sacrificed Isaac.  He trusted God with his whole heart.  He had no idea where he was going.  He had no idea why God wanted him to sacrifice his chosen son, but he knew that God was the creator of everything and could do anything.

It is hard to not want to be in the driver seat.  It is hard to not try to plan every step of our lives.  It is hard to acknowledge that sometimes we don’t know where we are heading.  It is also hard to accept that God is in control, not us.  I know God can give us clarity if He wants to, but I have to be honest, in my experience the clarity usually comes after everything works out.  And I’m realizing my life could be so much easier if I would just stop trying to figure it all out and trust God to direct my steps, leading me to the place in which He wants me to go.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee..” Isaiah 26:3

 

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Brandy Webb Brandy Webb

Working Together in Unity

The Body can heal. The Body can work in unity. The Body can show love. The Body of Christ, His people, can actually communicate across organizational lines as long as we are willing to make the effort.

I had the privilege to be a part of a Feast site at Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky this year where three different groups worked together. They were Church of God International, Christian Educational Ministries, and United Church of God.

by Brandy Webb

The Body can heal. The Body can work in unity. The Body can show love. The Body of Christ, His people, can actually communicate across organizational lines as long as we are willing to make the effort.

I had the privilege to be a part of a Feast site at Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky this year where three different groups worked together. They were Church of God International, Christian Educational Ministries, and United Church of God.

It was awesome. Now, I know that Common Faith Network is made up of different groups, and they have successfully held Feast sites in Florida for some years. Therefore, it isn’t new seeing different groups working together, but it is great to see it happening more and more. We need to start working together because we are the Body of Christ. We need to be able to communicate well in order for the body to be healthy, vital, and working in a positive direction.

I realize that one positive that has happened due to all the splits is that it has humbled us. It made us aware that there is not one set group out there that is the only “chosen” ones. It also reveals that just like we have different body parts physically that work together in order for our physical bodies to function correctly, the different groups are also different spiritual body parts, and we need to make sure that the lines of communication stay functioning. Communication is vital for the spiritual body to function correctly. Just like a break in the spinal cord can stop communication between our brain and legs, thus preventing us from walking, a breakdown in communications between God’s people can also prevent the “body” from walking down the path of righteousness.

It is our duty to work together to make sure God’s body doesn’t become paralyzed. We can no longer waste any more time on bitterness over splits, and we can’t use splits to excuse ourselves from working with someone else just because we go to different COGs. Seriously, do you think that Jesus is going to ask us what 501c3 group we belonged to when we face Him in the Kingdom? I don’t think so. I think He may ask us to give an account for how well we loved others despite our differences. 

I am really grateful that bridges are starting to mend. I hope that we all learn how to be the Body of Christ together. I am not saying we all need to go back to one church. I actually enjoy the various groups. It opens my eyes to different ideas. I also think that it may help with spreading the gospel. However, I do like seeing groups getting together for special days like Holy Days. It was nice to not see dividing lines at the Feast, and I hope that more and more groups open up to each other more often as time goes by. For, we all are striving to be Christ’s disciples and in order to do this we must “love one another” (John 13:34-35).

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