Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days

I like to hear heart-warming stories because, just like you, I need my heart warmed every now and then. I get tired of hearing all the negative news and events that beset us on a daily basis. They just seem to beat my spirit down and, like the words of an old Country & Western song, "We need a little good news today."

What's even better is when a story that fits the "good news" category is available to use as an illustration to a spiritual lesson. The first portion of our editorial today will be devoted to this type of lesson. The story is true and, even though it has been embellished somewhat over the years, the principle of the story serves well to illustrate the principle of the above words of Solomon from Ecclesiastes. The boy/doctor of the story was Dr. Howard Kelly who, with three other doctors, founded the famous Johns Hopkins Hospital.

One day, a poor boy was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school and was very hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house, however, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman answered the door.

Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so she brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it very slowly and then asked, "How much do I owe you." "You don't owe me anything," she replied, "my mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness."

He said, "Then I thank you from my heart." As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was stronger also. He had been ready to give up and quit.

Many years later that same young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes.

Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to her case and after a long struggle, the battle was won.

Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was then sent to her. She feared to open it, for she was sure that it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words......

"Paid in full with one glass of milk."

What a great little illustration of the principle seen in Eccl. 11:1. Over the years, that verse has been the basis of an old saying that goes like this: "Bread cast on the water comes back to you. The good you do today may benefit you or someone you love at the least expected time."

I believe that Christians should be the very epitome of "bread casters." Several scriptures tell us this, but I'll just remind you of a few here as we close this thought. Probably the most cited passage along this line is the one found in 2Tim. 3:17 where Paul is writing to Timothy and says the "man of God may be perfect (complete) thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

I particularly like the passage seen in Titus 3:8 where it reads: "This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men."

But, in considering the doing of "good works," or maybe in keeping with the words of Ecclesiastes and "casting our bread," we need to always keep in mind the purpose of all our "good works." That they are done for and to the glory of the Lord and not our own. "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." (Col. 3:17)

For the second part of my thoughts today I'd like to talk for just a moment about "listening to God." What brought this thought to my mind was something I read a while back about Joan of Arc who, at the age of 19, was burned at the stake in 1431. She said that she heard voices and believed that God was speaking to her.

The King, who condemned her to death said, "Why doesn't He speak to me?" She reportedly replied, "He does, but you're not listening."

It's my belief that God speaks to us all the time and in many ways. I further believe that there are many people in this world who are not listening to God in the manner the Apostle Paul talked about in Rom. 1:20. This world and everything in it and about it veritably screams God's name to us and yet, so many aren't listening. I've given you this little story before, but when I read the words spoken by Joan of Arc I was reminded of it. It's simply entitled: WHISPERS.

        The man whispered, "God speak to me" and a meadowlark sang.

            But, the man didn't hear.

        So the man yelled, "God speak to me" and the thunder rolled across the sky.

            But, the man didn't listen.

        The man looked around and said, "God let me see you" and a star shone                      brightly.

            But, the man did not see.

        And the man shouted, "God show me a miracle" and a life was born.

            But, the man didn't notice.

        So, the man cried out in despair, "Touch me God and let me know you're here.

            Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man.

                But the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.

One last little point and this lesson will be over. In the first portion of the editorial I mentioned the "negative news and events" that bombard us constantly. One of those events are the terrible things happening in Egypt, I seriously doubt that anyone in the news media, or the government for that matter, has ever read these words of the Lord. I'll leave them with you to consider as you watch the news broadcasts.

                "And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbor; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom." Isaiah 19:2

Ron Covey

Why people are so evil

We are living in a very difficult time in our world. We live in a world where tolerance is often demanded by those in our society and our government. One definition of tolerance which I read said, that: "Tolerance is being forced to put up with something with which you disagree" .

Recently in California a law was passed saying that if a boy feels that he was really a girl or a girl feels that she is really a boy; that they must be allowed to use whatever dressing room or shower room they desire in the public schools. In other words a boy may join you daughter in the school showers and you daughter may join the boys in their school shower. Also, a law was passed that said that if your son or daughter had these inclinations that you are forbidden (by law) as a parent to seek counseling for them. This is some folk's idea of what tolerance should be like.

As I consider this I think their idea of tolerance is just plain crazy! It's not unlike the Calvin and Hobbes cartoon which was run not long ago.

Calvin and Hobbes are shown walking through the snow. Hobbes asks: "How are you doing on your New Year's resolutions?"

Calvin replies: "I didn't make any. See, in order to improve oneself, one must have some idea of what's 'good.' That implies certain values. But as we all know, values are relative. Every system of belief is equally valid and we need to tolerate diversity. Virtue isn't 'better' than vice. It's just different."

Hobbes replies: "I don't know if I can tolerate that much tolerance."

Calvin response was: "I refuse to be victimized by notions of virtuous behavior."

That in a nutshell is the problem. People demand tolerance of their ideas based upon the concept that there can be no right or wrong, no good or bad. This flies in the face of all of us who were raised with strong moral and ethical values. Yes, I will readily admit that my values are based upon God's Word, the bible, but then to begin with so were most of the laws of our land.

To declare that there is no true right or wrong, no definable good or bad is ludicrous. There have to be constant's by which we can guide our society or it will crumble around us, which is what I am afraid is beginning to happen. It is like declaring a three egg omelet is good, because it only had one bad egg in it. You can say it is good, but that does not make it so.

We see developing in our country a path, a way that is taking us away from everything that made us a great nation. "The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the godly will flourish. There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death." (Proverbs 14:11-12, NLT) Is there truly no right or wrong, no good or bad? God say that there is. Notice what he says in Revelation 21:8 "But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars, their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death, (an eternal separation from God)."

Some today are saying, "Who is this God? He's not real! He is only the remnants of an old mystical teaching. Psalms 14:1, tells us: "Only fools say in their hearts, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good!" You can be tolerant of evil or you can decide that there really is a right way to live. The choice is yours!

 

--Russ Lawson

Kevin Hardy Times Free Press online

In the greatest sermon ever preached, Jesus wrote, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Mat. 5:12-13).  Persecution takes many forms, but if you want to see one form of it simply go to Ridgedale's Facebook page and look at the dozens of examples of tolerance from broad-minded people as they help that congregation face what the world thinks of them.  

 

An article by Kevin Hardy in today's Times Free Press online (http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2013/aug/21/repent-or-leave/), which reflects some basic ignorance of what the Bible teaches about church discipline, unleashed a firestorm of hateful response by readers who are on Facebook and who in turn posted their remarks on the aforementioned page.  My prediction is that things will get worse before they get better for the good people at Ridgedale.  Understanding that we do not have all the facts of the case and would not expect a person in the world to give them to us, what we should do is focus on what is alleged.  A professed lesbian's family that attended Ridgedale was approached by church leaders after the woman's mother publicly supported her daughter as she sought same-sex benefits from the city of Collegedale.  As the family's support of their daughter was public, the church felt compelled by scriptural mandate to ask the family to repent or be subject to church discipline.  The family publicly made their exit and a congregational matter is now being splashed across news outlets.  But, why is this congregation facing such an outcry and disapproval?  The answer will differ from individual to individual, but here are some broad reasons evidenced from people's responses.

 

Ridgedale is getting slammed because of the cultural sickness of subjectivity.   One woman writes, "I think the decision makers of this church will one day pay for their sins..." Another woman writes, "I think the Cooper's will be far better off without a church who punish's them for not turning their back on their child...." Another puts it, "In my world, my God accepts, doesn't judge and loves all his children!" Still another says, "Wow! I guess we know different Gods. My God offers unconditional love and tells me not to judge others...." (misspellings and grammatical errors made by the original writers). Others' subjectivity is more subtly expressed, but here is the common thread.  People think they get to co-opt God and make Him over in their image.

 

Ridgedale is getting slammed because of society's warped view of tolerance.  Certainly, so many who commented on that page are not tolerant of anyone who interprets Scripture literally.  They are not tolerant of this congregation's autonomy. They are not tolerant of the view that homosexuality is a sin.  It is abundantly clear from the comments.  You will read such slurs as "bigot," "hoping the church burns in hell," "Scumbag Church," "group of horrible people," and more.  This is dripping with irony.

 

Ridgedale is getting slammed because the average person does not know the Bible.   People speak of God loving unconditionally, Jesus accepting everyone, and that one's sexuality does not matter.  There is a famine of hearing the words of the Lord in our land (cf. Amos 8:11). Such lack of knowledge will destroy a people (Hosea 4:6).  God's unconditional love does not mean unconditional acceptance if someone lives in rebellion to His will.  Jesus will not accept everyone.  To the majority, He will say, "Depart from Me" (see Mat. 7:13-14, 21-23).  Apparently, one's sexuality does matter (see 1 Cor. 6:9-11). But people are grossly uninformed about the only book that reveals the heart and mind of God.

 

Please pray for Ridgedale.  Encourage them and show them love.  The detractors are popular and validated by a world separated from God.  Let us have the courage to stand by God's people who are willing to stand up for His will.

 

--Neal Pollard

 

Proverbs 22:24-25

"Do not associate with a man given to anger; or go with a hot-tempered man,
or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself" (Proverbs 22:24-25
NASB). We must give attention to the company we keep. This concept is just
as important for adults as it is for kids. We have a tendency to behave in a
way that is "normal." If the company we keep is given to anger, that becomes
normal and we find ourselves becoming more angry. This is why children so
often inherit their parent's habits of yelling and angry outbursts. It has
become normal to them; they think everyone does it. If we are striving to
live for Christ, normal isn't something we want (cf. Romans 12:2). We need
to watch our behavior and consider the value of the friends we make.

Jeremy Sprouse

"Educated Beyond Our Capacity"

by Tom Wacaster "The mind is a terrible thing to waste." It has been four decades since the United Negro College Fund used this catchy little phrase to help emphasize the need to educate men and women of all races. The famous quote remained unchanged for more than thirty years and has come to be a part of the American vernacular used by lay persons and educators alike to drive home the point of the necessity of education. Over the years other phrases and quotes have drawn our attention to the power, and even the danger, of a good education. "The more you learn, the less you know." "A little learning is a dangerous thing." It has been more than four decades since the advent of the personal computer. We used to think those "geeks" who hid themselves in their back rooms and closets had become "educated beyond their capacity." Little did we know that their much learning would lead to the technological advancements we have experienced since those early days of computers. Luke records the arrest and interrogation of Paul in Acts chapters 21-28. Having been arrested on false charges by his fellow Jews, he was interrogated by a chief captain, the Jewish council, Festus, Felix, King Agrippa, and even the high court of Rome, Caesar himself. Of particular interest was Paul's encounter with Festus. Having made his defense before Festus, and following Paul's closing appeal to the resurrection of the dead, the governor responded, "Paul, Thou art mad; thy much learning is turning thee made" (Acts 26:24). In other words, "Paul, you have been educated beyond your capacity." Knowledge can be a dangerous thing. Terrorist groups have some obviously intelligent personal in their organization. I read just last week that such organizations have now produced a liquid explosive. According to the report, clothes are dipped in the liquid, hung out to dry, and presto, you have an explosive that you wear. Light a match, and you literally become a living Roman candle. The proper use of knowledge, however, can be a wonderful blessing, as is evidenced by all the good that has been accomplished in the last two or three centuries. Scientists, medical doctors, astrophysicists, et al. have contributed vastly to the betterment of mankind. But a good working knowledge of God's word far exceeds all the knowledge that man might acquire through much learning in human institutions. I am not criticizing secular education; I am simply saying it must be kept in proper perspective. All the education in the world without a knowledge of God's word leaves one illiterate and uneducated in matters of importance. But a good knowledge of the Bible with only a first grade education will produce wisdom that far exceeds that of the ancient philosophers of Greece or Rome. With these things in mind, let us ask, "How should the Christian use his knowledge of things holy and divine?" Here are some suggestions. First, we should be humbled by this knowledge. Knowledge tends to puff up (1 Cor. 8:1). This does not mean it has to; it just means that it has a propensity to do so. All of us have known the educated fool who thinks he is much better than others simply because he has a degree from some prestigious college or university. A brother in Christ once told me that when I arrived at his level of education I would understand better why he believed a particular (and obviously false) doctrine which he had embraced. We dare not allow our knowledge to produce contempt in our hearts for the less fortunate, those less educated, or even those who have been deceived by false teachers. Second, knowledge should compel us to be more considerate of the less informed. Paul wrote, "But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to the weak" (1 Cor. 8:9). To the Galatians this same apostle penned these words: "For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another" (Gal. 5:13). Knowledge in and of itself, is of no value when it comes to eternal values. If our knowledge of God and His will in our lives does not compel us to share that knowledge with others, then we have missed one of the greatest responsibilities of this God-given gift to man. Third, knowledge will give certainty to our faith. It is tragic that some allow their knowledge to destroy their faith. A good case in point is the increasing number of young people who go off to college only to have the professors destroy their faith in God. One brother observed, "One of the sad casualties of higher education - even for preachers - is loss of faith." Learning, coupled with solid faith in the word of God, is a good thing. A study of archaeology, science, languages, and history will enhance our faith provided we have a healthy attitude toward the scriptures. Fourth, knowledge should produce a willingness to sacrifice some of our personal liberty for the greater good of Christ and His church. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "Wherefore, if meat causeth my brother to stumble, I will eat no flesh for evermore, that I cause not my brother to stumble" (1 Cor. 8:13). Paul was not talking about giving in to every cantankerous troublemaker. He was talking about foregoing our rights for a brother who did not have the knowledge to make reasonable and sound conclusions. It is with such immature, but growing brethren that we forego some of those liberties God has given us in Christ. Guy N. Woods touched on this very point with these words: "This is an example of waiving one's own liberty for the sake of another's conscience - waived, not surrendered! Paul deferred to a weak brother, because he was weak, to keep him from stumbling." Fifth, knowledge should make us grateful. I sometimes wonder why God has blessed me with the wonderful opportunities I have had to study His word. I'm not talking about a casual reading, but the time and circumstances to drink deeply from His word. Words cannot express my appreciation to the Father, and to the brethren, for the support given, and the time provided that are necessary to do what I do. To whatever degree you have time and circumstances to read and study, in all things give thanks to the Father. Finally, knowledge should never be kept to oneself. God never intended for His people to be educated in His word for the sole purpose of knowledge. The Great Commission is evidence of the divine intention. In addition, Paul wrote: "And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2). The founder of Investor's Business Daily, William J. O'Neil, is credited with saying, "People who hope to influence what goes on around them develop the habit of reading great books." I would add one element to that observation: "People who desire that their influence extend beyond this life into eternity, for both themselves and others, make it a habit to read and study the Bible." Only within the pages of the inspired book can be found the knowledge that, once acquired, will educate us, but not educate us beyond capacity!

 

Riley Cooper Philadelphia Eagles

Riley Cooper is a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. In July, Cooper attended a concert where he was denied access backstage. Angered by this, and also a bit drunk, the football star spouted off with a very offensive racial slur at the black guards. What Cooper didn't know at the time was that someone captured his words on a smart phone and soon the video was posted all over the Internet. Like a wild fire, the wide receivers words spread to his teammates, the NFL, fans, and to millions of others through the media. Cooper has received harsh criticism from people all over the United States, as well as a fine from the Eagles.

 

Ever since this became public, Cooper has profusely apologized to his teammates and fans, and is even seeking counseling. He went on to say, "The last few days have been incredibly difficult for me. My actions were inexcusable. The more I think about what I did, the more disgusted I get. I keep trying to figure out how I could have said something so repulsive, and what I can do to make things better" (BleacherReport.com).

 

Obviously Riley Cooper messed up, but thankfully he stepped up and is accepting responsibility for his actions. Whether these were the words of an extreme racist, a one time slip of the tongue, or the "alcohol speaking" (which is a topic for another day), Cooper is going to have to deal with the consequences of his words.

 

This situation is a cold slap of reality about the danger of our words. Our words can do terrible damage to others and ourselves. Certainly this is why Scripture places so much emphasis on our words. We are warned about the general dangers of the tongue (James 3:2-10; Colossians 3:8-10), gossip (Proverbs 26:22-25), words of anger (Matthew 5:22), lies (Colossians 3:9), etc.

 

As Riley Cooper can attest to, just a few poorly chosen words can quickly spread and damage our reputations. People are watching, listening, and sometimes even imitating our words. Let's be all the more careful in what we say and all the more diligent to use our words for good.

 

--Brett Petrillo