What does pamphagous mean?

 

Rescue personnel encounter the scene often: An individual is found
barely clinging to life.  Through their skillful expertise, the EMTs
pull the person back from the brink of death.  They have saved a life.

Another group has focused on a different type of rescue.  There are
words in the English language that are gasping for breath.  Once
commonly used in long-ago generations, these words are virtually
unknown to modern ears.  SaveTheWords.org seeks to make a difference.

"Pamphagous" is one example.  Few of us would know that it refers to a
person who eats or consumes everything.  Do you have an odynometer
lying around your house?  It would come in handy if you need to
measure the level of pain you're feeling.  If you saw an oporopolist
on the street, would you stop and do business?  If you enjoy bananas
or pears, you might, for he has fruit for sale.

English is a living language, used by millions around the globe.
While new words continue to enter our vocabulary (would your
grandmother have known what "Internet" or "voice mail" meant forty
years ago?), old words slowly fade as new generations abandon their
use.  One group, at least, urges us to adopt one of these vanishing
words in an attempt at reviving it.

The changing face of our language is illustrated by some of the
language of the King James Version of the Bible.  This time-honored
translation first appeared in 1611 and has been revered by many.
Today, however, some genuinely struggle to understand these words of
King Balak: "for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he
whom thou cursest is cursed" (Numbers 22:6).  "Wot", by the way, is a
word we have since replace with "know", and we say "you" instead of
"thou".

What we must remember is that the New Testament was recorded in Koine
Greek.  "Koine" means "common", and came to refer to the language
spoken by the common person.  Why did the Lord choose this as the
language of His last revelation to man?  The answer seems obvious.
Translations that speak to the common person of any generation seem to
be the desirable end.

"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature," Jesus
commanded His disciples (Mark 16:15).  Paul's summary of this charge
is stated in 2 Timothy 4:2: "Preach the word! ..."  This "word" is all
that Jesus taught on the subject of salvation and righteous living.
It is a message that is more important than any other.  While some
might abandon this word as their years tick away, those who are wise
will make every effort to save the word and to propagate it.

But let's be honest: this business of saving archaic English words is
not likely to appeal to many.  Why should I make any effort to use a
word like "oporopolist" in my daily conversation?  People will only
respond with blank stares and probably consider me snobbish for using
such words.

Making the ancient word of God part of my life, though, will pay real
and significant dividends in my life.  James put it this way:
"Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and
receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your
souls" (James 1:21).

If using an old word meant saving your life, would you make the effort
to speak it regularly?  Here's a "word" that is sure to save your
eternal soul.  What should stand in our way of making it a part of our
daily "conversation" (a word that once meant "lifestyle"; e.g.
Ephesians 4:22, KJV)?

Come to the light God offers!  Study His word, the Bible.  Worship Him
in spirit and truth (John 4:24).  Get in touch with us if you'd like
to discuss these ideas further.

Timothy D. Hall.

FAMOUS LAST WORDS

Consider these quotes from the past:

"This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication.  The device is inherently of no value to us." --Western Union internal memo, 1876.

"Everything that can be invented has been invented." --Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, U.S. Office of Patents, 1899.

"The wireless music box has no imaginable commercial value.  Who would pay for a message sent to nobody in particular?" --David Sarnoff's associates in response to his urgings for investment in the radio in the 1920s.

"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers." --Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943

"Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons." --Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science, 1949

"I have traveled the length and breadth of this country and talked with the best people, and I can assure you that data processing is a fad that won't last out the year." --The editor in charge of business books for Prentice Hall, 1957

"But what ... is it good for?" --Engineer at the Advanced Computing Systems Division of IBM, 1968, commenting on the microchip.

"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home." --Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977

"640K ought to be enough for anybody." -- Bill Gates, 1981

    It's amazing that we've accomplished so much technologically in this country considering the pessimistic views held by many (even more amazing when you consider that some of the achievements eventually came from people who at one time held the pessimistic views themselves).

    What is your vision for the future?  What would you like to accomplish?  More to the point, what would you like to see God accomplish through you?  There will likely be someone around you ready to tell you that "it can't be done", or "we've tried that before with no success", or "it's too much trouble".

    And they may be right.  Or they may have a "grasshopper complex" like the ten spies in Numbers 13 who were unable to see what God could accomplish because they were looking so intently at the obstacles in their way.

    "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.  Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)

    May the God who can do more than we can even imagine (and I can imagine a lot!) be with you this day.

Alan Smith

Is your Daddy home?

The boss of a big company needed to call one of his employees about an
urgent problem with one of the main computers. He dialed the employee's
home phone number and was greeted with a child whispering, "Hello?"

Feeling put out at the inconvenience of having to talk to a youngster,
the boss asked, "Is your Daddy home?" "Yes", whispered the small voice.

"May I talk with him?", the man asked. To the surprise of the boss,
the small voice whispered, "No."

Wanting to talk with an adult, the boss asked, "Is your Mommy there?"
"Yes", came the answer. "May I talk with her?" Again the small voice
whispered, "No."

Knowing that it was not likely that a young child would be left home
alone, the boss decided he would just leave a message with the person who
should be there watching over the child.

"Is there anyone there besides you?", the boss asked the child. "Yes",
whispered the child, "A policeman."

Wondering what an officer would be doing at his employee's home, the
boss asked, "May I speak with the policeman?" "No, he's busy", whispered
the child. "Busy doing what?", asked the boss. "Talking to Daddy and Mommy
and the fireman", came the whispered answer.

Growing concerned and even worried as he heard a loud noise through the
earpiece on the phone, the boss asked, "What is that noise?"

"A hello-copper", answered the whispering voice. "What is going on
there?", asked the boss, now alarmed.

In an awed voice the child answered, "The search team just landed the
hello-copper!"

Alarmed, concerned and more than just a little frustrated the boss
asked, "Why are they there?"

Still whispering, the young voice replied along with a muffled giggle,
"They're looking for me!"

It reminds me of how we act toward God at times. When we have done
something that we know is wrong, we sometimes, like Adam and Eve in the
garden, try to hide from God. Not physically, of course. But we try to
distance ourselves from God by neglecting worship with God's people, Bible
study, prayer. We try to avoid God, hoping He won't notice.

But like the little boy in the story, we know that God is searching for
us, doing everything in His power to bring us back. And even at times when
I've done something I'm ashamed of, I appreciate that so much.

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does
not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is
lost until he finds it?....Or what woman, having ten coins, if she loses one
coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house and seek diligently until she
finds it?" (Luke 15:4,8)

Is Somebody looking for you today?

Alan Smith

Blame is a common response to trial

  

Trials, inevitable to every individual, nonetheless come in every size and intensity.  Our fellow human beings in Japan are being subjected to an enormous burden that it difficult to imagine bearing.  Not only have thousands been ushered into eternity, but millions have been impacted in life-changing ways.  From threats of danger to subjection to daily privation and hardship, they are being severely tested.  Isn't it amazing to see how bravely and stoically they are responding?

It is hard to know how an individual or even a group will respond to the trials of life.  There are, however, some common reactions to be found.  Consider a few.

Some blame.  In the book of Job, there were several who responded to Job's crisis by turning to blame.  Job's wife blamed God.  Job's friends blamed Job.  Blame is a common response to trial.  One enduring a trial may blame other people and often they blame God.  Since there is hurt, they reason, someone must be to blame.  Yet, this does not solve the problem of trials.  It can lead to bitterness, loss of faith, and self-centeredness.

Some break.  This can take many forms.  It may be rebelliousness and sinful behavior or it may be a lost or damaged faith.  Satan believes that even the most seemingly faithful individuals, like Job, will break when subjected to severe enough trials (cf. Job 1:9-11).  Many do fall beneath the load of trials, lose their way or their trust, and let trials win over them.  It is understandable that trials would tempt us in this way, but this does not resolve the issue either.  It, too, misinterprets the cause and is ultimately hurtful to self and others.

Some bear.  How some bear up under the trials they face amazes me!  If you have seen the stories or footage of the Japanese standing in line for many hours waiting for a pittance of food or witnessed the lack of looting we are accustomed to expecting, you, too, have likely been touched at the brave, strong way a people has responded to the unimaginable circumstances they face.  I think of certain heroes of faith I have seen tackle their trials with unbreakable faith.  Like Job, they must live in the wake of a loss or losses that staggers our imagination to consider having to endure ourselves.  Whether it is recurring health issues, persecution, emotional pain, material loss, or some thorn in the flesh, some "endure."  While these may not understand the trial and while such a response does not solve the problem of trials, this is the way the Bible encourages us to cope with life's tests.  By hanging on and holding on, we, while growing stronger for the journey, are being better fitted for heaven.  Spiritual growth occurs, experience and perspective is obtained, all while strength is supplied by God to handle it all.

I do not relish or welcome trials.  Yet, they will come.  We are, right now, preparing ourselves for how we will respond when trials do come.  Let us ever build on the rock (cf. Mat. 7:24ff)!

Neal Pollard 

 

Seek God's kingdom and His righteousness second

     I am more than a little concerned, and even sometimes literally amazed, at the arrogant, and often times defiant attitude that is displayed by some professing Christians toward God's Word and His church.  For some reason, some think they can "seek His kingdom and His righteousness second," (cf. Matthew 6:33), and still go to Heaven; that they can refuse to faithfully worship Him and still be in compliance with His word;  that they can neglect giving as they have been prospered on the first day of the week (1Corinthians 16:2), ignore the command to repent (Luke 13:5), snub the command to commune with the Heavenly Father by means of the Lord's Supper on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7;  cf.1John 1:3),  neglect to sing praises to God (Ephesians 5:18-19), and refuse to assemble, forgive, and forebear one another -- all these things, and yet they still expect to here Jesus say on Judgment Day, "Well done thou good and faithful servant!" (Matthew 25:21).  

            Which one, or how many, of the above commands can a man ignore and still be said to be "obeying the Gospel?" (2Thessalonians 1:8).

            Evidently, the church, to some, is just an irritant, or at best, an inconvenience that is tolerated to ease their own conscience. Genuine love for the only soul-saving institution in the world is not present in their lives; this is discernable "by their fruits" (Matthew 7:20).

            The business and organization of the only institution which was purchased by the very blood of Jesus Himself (Acts 20:28), is often carried out with very little zeal, commitment, precision or concern. Fortunately, this is not true in every place, but it is true in far too many places.

            It concerns me that people will be baptized, then just set in a church building week after week, for years, and never hear what the preacher is saying. If they do hear it, precious few take it seriously. They want inner peace and spiritual fulfillment, but are unwilling to pay the price and do those things that they must in order to have these cherished characteristics. Preachers frequently mention the importance of attending every possible assembly, but it never happens; we preach on the importance of reading and studying the Bible, but it becomes obvious that the majority of the membership is paying no attention. If a preacher asks a man why he only attends for an hour on Sunday morning, skipping the evening services, as well as Sunday morning and Wednesday evening Bible Classes he becomes an object of scorn and ridicule and told to mind his own business.  Some folks get upset and begin attending a church that won't bother them with such "trivial matters."

            Jesus died on the cross that He might purify unto Himself a special people zealous of good works (Titus 2:14). Is it any wonder that Jesus Himself said there would be "few" that walk the narrow path that leads to eternal life? (Matthew 7:14). Or, as James puts it, "Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22).

                                                                                  Toby Miller

Do you see a man who excels in his work?

Someone noted this similarity between playing bagpipes and throwing a javelin blindfolded, "you don't have to be good to get everyone's attention!"  What kind of person gets your attention?  The Bible tells us the kind of person kings and other prominent people are searching for in proverbs 22: 9, "Do you see a man who excels in his work?  He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men."  Cream rises to the top, and excellence in work and character stands out like a diamond in the mud.  First Timothy 3:13 reveals that God honors deacons who are committed to excellence in their work for Him, "Those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith  which is in Christ Jesus,"  Deacons, as well as other disciples of Jesus, can serve well, or be guilty of serving God in less than excellent ways.  A lack of excellence in our work for God will not please Him.  Jeremiah 48:10 reveals the seriousness of serving God in a shoddy and less than excellent way:  "A curse on him who is lax in doing the Lord's work"  (NIV).  The New American Standard Bible renders this verse, "Cursed be the one who does the LORD'S work negligently."  Elders, preachers, deacons, song leaders, Bible class teachers, yes- every Christian at every position of service to God -  can serve well, or we can serve poorly.  We can excel, or we can be lax and negligent.

Mark 7: 34 says about Jesus, "He has done all things well," revealing that Jesus was committed to excellence in His service to God and to us.  A Lord who did His best for us deserves the best we can do for Him.  A church cannot excel unless the members who make it up are devoted to excellence.  How excellent are you in living, loving, giving, forgiving, attending, worship, praying, teaching, and serving?  John Gardner said something worth considering about excellence, "The society which scorns excellence in plumbing because plumbing is a humble activity, and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is in an exalted activity, will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy.  Neither its pipes nor its theories will hold water" (Leadership magazine, Summer, 1993).  Nor will the notion that we can scorn excellence and tolerate shoddiness in our service to God!  If you want to hear God say, "Well done, good and faithful servant," you must commit yourself to doing well and being faithful and being a servant.  The church excels in service to God when her members do.  Anything less than excellence is less than God deserves.

Dan Gulley

Illegal drug use in the U.S.

Illegal drug use has been a serious problem in the United States for
many years now.  Various efforts have been made to curb the behavior.
In the 1980s a campaign was launched which targeted children.  To help
them refuse offers from others to try some sort of drug, they were
urged to instead "Just say no".  First Lady Nancy Reagan appeared
often on television to press the message.

Some ridiculed the approach as being simplistic.  The reasons for drug
use go much deeper, they argued, and cannot be resolved with mere
slogans.  There is truth in that observation, but it cannot be denied
that "no" has to be the response when a drug is offered.

A bank teller in New Rochelle, New York took the principle to a
different level this week.  When a man at her window slipped her a
note demanding money in a bag, she simply said "no" and then set off
the alarm  The man fled and the bank soon returned to business as
usual.

Police don't advise the kind of response this teller made; some
robbers won't hesitate to use deadly force to get what they're after.
Refusing a criminal's demands not only puts you at risk, but others in
the vicinity as well.  We don't expect this teller to be reprimanded
for her actions, but neither do we think her actions will be urged
upon others in similar situations.

Sometimes "no" is an excellent response.  It can be far more effective
than we imagine.

The Biblical account of Daniel's life in Persia is intriguing.  Taken
from his home in Judah as a teenager, he and other young men were
being groomed for leadership in the Persian Empire.  Daniel saw a
problem, however, in the diet assigned to the young trainees.  Instead
of going along with standard protocol, Daniel decided to say "no".

"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself
with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he
drank ..." (Daniel 1:8).  He asked instead that he and his three
Jewish friends be given only vegetables and water for ten days.  At
the end of the time, judgment could be made on the effectiveness of
the simpler diet.  Ten days later it was obvious - Daniel knew what
was best for his physical well-being.

Later in the book Daniel again confronts a difficult situation.  A new
law had been passed that made it a capital offense to worship any god
other than the Persian king for 30 days.  While most in the nation
apparently bowed down to the king without hesitation, Daniel said
"no".  He continued praying as usual to the God of heaven, and made no
attempt to hide that fact (see Daniel 6:10).  Even a den of hungry
lions could not move Daniel from his convictions.  He knew what was
best for his soul.

Peter wrote to warn Christians against urges that pull us away from
God.  He wrote: "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims,
abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul" (1 Peter 2:11).
A "lust" is a strong urge we feel in our bodies; we want to do it.
Peter counseled, though, that we must say "no" to such urges when God
has shown them to be sinful.

We often want to do what God tells us is wrong.  At such times we must
remember to "just say no".

Timothy D. Hall

There is Peace by Rodger Strader

I ran across a song, a hymn this weekend that speaks to the heart of what we
seek in Jesus. The song is titled, "There is Peace," by Rodger Strader.
Notice some of the words:
"In a world that's wracked by sin and sorrow, there is peace. When you find
no home for your tomorrow, there is peace. When it seems your heavy burden
is much too much to bear, In Jesus there is perfect peace."

There is a powerful passage of hope which is called "a song of joy," found
in Isaiah 26:3-4. Isaiah writes: "You will keep in perfect peace all who
trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the LORD always,
for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock." (NLT)

In general it seems that peace is a hard thing to come by in our world. I
talk with lots of people who have problems, crisis and even disasters with
which they are struggling. Peace is the most desired thing they want, yet it
seems the thing that is just out of their grasp. They, as many of us, cry
and pray and feel lost or hopelessness as they struggle with the
frustrations of this world, yet Isaiah gave us the answer thousands of years
ago. "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose
thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the
eternal Rock."

There have been so many songs written with this theme wrapped up in them.
Songs like, A shelter in the time of storm" with the words, "Oh, Jesus is a
Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land; Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, A Shelter
in the time of storm." Or, Rock of Ages, or Peace perfect peace that reminds
us of: "Peace perfect peace, in this dark world of sin? The blood of Jesus
whispers, peace within."

In Matthew 11:28 Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry
heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." (NLT)

Whatever problem you have, whatever crisis you face, whatever disaster you
experience, Jesus is the place to find peace! Go to him in prayer, pour your
heart out, unburden your soul and find the peace that comes only through
him!

Russ Lawson