I have been a fan of
Science Fiction most of my life. I like the ability it gives me to dream of
places I will never see and imagine things that are greater than our world. It
allows me to travel in space in my mind and participate in heroic adventures.

One of the concepts that has been used more in the past few
years is the concept of an element called "Unobtanium". You can
actually find the word in the dictionary and it is defined in this way: "Since the late 1950s, aerospace engineers have used the term
"unobtainium" when
referring to unusual or costly materials, or when theoretically considering a
material perfect for their needs in all respects, except that it does not
exist." Laughingly "Unobtainium is described as being stronger than helium
and lighter than airium". The term came more to the forefront of thought
by its use to describe the element they were mining in the movie
"Avatar".

To many people God is like Unobtanium. The idea of someone
loving them for who they are with no reservations is like Unobtanium. The idea
of having all of the bad things they have done in their lives erased and
starting with a clean slate is much like Unobtanium, something which just does
not exist.

We
are not alone when we struggle with that problem. Even the Apostle Paul
struggled with this issue in his life. Notice what he says in Romans 7:24: "What a
wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?"

Isn't that the same things we want to know? Who will rescue
us from this body that is subject to death?"

Paul continues in verse 25a with the answer to the problem. He tells
us how to find the Unobtaniam. He writes: "Thanks be
to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord."

We sing a song in our churches that says: "He is able to deliver me!" But far
too often we really don't believe it. God's word says that if we serve him,
when we die, we are going to heaven! Do you really believe that, or are you one
of those who say, "I hope I am." Heaven is not unobtainable, it is a
free gift, a promise to those who love God and obey his word.

Let me share one last verse that is so very hard for some to
really, really believe. John says in 1 John 5:13: "I
write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you
may know that you have eternal life!" Like the old fellow
said, "God said it, I believe it and that settles it!"

How would you like to get your share of Unobtainium? It's
there waiting for you to Obey God and serve him.

The Theologian Said...

I was reading an article yesterday about some of the current
social turmoil in our country regarding same sex marriage, in which the
headline said (in part) "The Theologian said". Now according to my
dictionary, a "theologian" is a person who is an expert in religious
faith and practices, or an expert in understanding God.

Well, I guess I am not a Theologian according to the world's
standards. The reason being is that this "Theologian" who was quoted
in this national publication, said that God nowhere condemns certain lifestyle
choices. She even quoted out of context a few Old Testament passages, while
completely ignoring clear statements to the contrary throughout God's Word in
both the Old and New Testaments.

Our world likes titles! It loves people who have letters
behind their names, supposedly proving they have achieved some higher level of
understanding. That is the problem we see when we begin to heap respect and
recognition on men and women because they have a title of some kind. The words
they utter, the stances they take are accepted by many, just because they claim
to be an "expert" is some area (perhaps a theologian). Many say,
"Everyone has a right to their own beliefs," and that's true, as long
as you are willing to accept the consequences of your decisions.

Jesus had some very clear words for people like this in Luke 11:52: "What
sorrow awaits you experts in religious law! For you remove the key to knowledge
from the people. You don't enter the Kingdom yourselves, and you prevent others
from entering."

Now I don't claim to be an expert, but I have read my bible
through from front to back every year for over 25 years. I do put a fair amount
of study into trying to understand God's will for us today. What that makes me
is a disciple of Christ, an ongoing learner, one who walks by faith and accepts
God Word as true even if it different from what is "Socially
accepted," or "politically correct. It makes me a Christian who says
that God is in charge telling our world what is right or what is wrong. It
makes me one who believes that "God judges the living and the dead," (1 Peter 4:5),
and that we are all accountable to Him for our choices here on this earth.

Yes, people in our world want to believe what they want is
right and nothing else matters. That's not a new desire, the thought was
planted in the mind of Eve in the Garden of Eden by Satan in the very beginning
and he continues to spread the same lie. Jesus however did not agree, in fact
he condemned the idea in Matthew 7:21. Notice his words (another clear
proclamation of Jesus which the many "theologians" reject). "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,'
will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my
Father who is in heaven."

You may not agree with my thoughts and that's your privilege
to disagree. After all I'm no Theologian, I'm just an old country preacher who
keeps on reading his bible and listening to God and trying his best to do
"the will of my Father who is in heaven".  

Out of the frying pan

Have you ever heard the saying: "Out of the frying pan and into the fire"?

The Italian author Laurentius
Abstemius wrote a collection of
100 fables. Abstemius' fable 20, concerns some fish thrown live into a frying
pan of boiling fat. One of them urges its fellows to save their lives by
jumping out, but when they do so they fall into the burning coals and curse its
bad advice.

The fabulist concludes: 'This
fable warns us that when we are avoiding present dangers, we should not fall
into even worse peril.' Is there a spiritual
application to this? I believe there is!

To start with
Solomon tells us in Proverbs 27:12 "A prudent person foresees danger and takes
precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences."

What is a phrase we might uses to explain this thought to
someone: "Look before you leap" or "You wouldn’t jump off a
cliff, just because your friends do, would you?"

The question we might ask is "What are spiritual cliffs
that folks jump off of today?"

Sometimes they involve sin, sometimes they involve
relationships, sometimes they just involve making bad decisions and sometimes
our cliffs involve facing challenges…Sometimes your life challenge feels like
you have gone from the frying pan into the fire……

So what has been your cliff, your challenge? Is it physically
or spiritually, and how do you handle it?

Let me make a suggestion for handling difficult things in
your life. One of my favorite passages is Romans 8:28: Paul
writes there: “And we know that God causes everything to
work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to
His purpose for them.”

Let me give you the “Russ Revised Version” of is verse: "Do your best to serve God, love him and no matter how badly
you mess things up,  God will be able to
make something good come from it." Even if you don’t see it
or understand it, God has the power to work it to the good!

So it may seem that you have gone from the frying pan into
the fire, but don’t forget to trust in Him, Our God and King.

That's why Psalm 23:1-6
is so dear to so many of us. It reminds us of who is in control of our world
and our life. David wrote: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in
green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he
leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I
walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff
they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine
enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness
and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in   the house of the LORD for ever."

So face life's challenges trusting in God!

GOD IS STILL ON HIS THRONE

 

A friend, Larry, and I were talking the other day and he
shared a thought about our human condition and God. The bottom line is that no
matter what happens in our world and our life, God is still on his throne. Another
friend and I have often commented to one another that God still rules in this
world. It really doesn't matter if the world denies that fact, it is still
true.

All through the scripture it gives us insight into that
concept. When Abraham left his home and faced challenges, God was still on his
throne and caused good to happen. When Joseph was sold in to slavery, God was
still on his throne and caused good to happen. When the Children of Israel were
fleeing from the Egyptians and backed up to the sea, God was still on his
throne and caused good to happen. When the Children of Israel were carried off
into Babylonian Captivity, God was still on his throne. When three young men
were thrown into a "Fiery Furnace," God was still on his throne. The
list could go on and on, but you get the idea.

We forget far too often that God IS the most powerful being
in all creation. We forget far too often that he doesn't have to consult us
before he makes his plans. We forget that God doesn't have to let us know how
he plans to use us in this life. We forget that God's ways (thoughts) are far
beyond our understanding. And mostly we forget far too often that God is on his
throne. He always has been; he always will be!

One of the most important things we forget is that when
Jesus was hanging on a cross, God was still on his throne and good things
happened. We would not have understood that if we had been there and many still
don't, but nevertheless, it is true.

In Revelation 15:3-4
we see people in heaven who had won their fight against Satan singing the
following song. (The words are important, they speak of our God.)

"Great
and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty. Just and true are Your
ways, O King of the nations. Who will not fear You, Lord, and glorify Your
name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for
Your righteous deeds have been revealed."

In Revelation 19:4 we read: "Then
the twenty four elders and the four living beings fell down and worshiped God,
who was sitting on the throne. They cried out, 'Amen! Praise the LORD!'"

No
matter what happens in our world or in your life, God is sitting on his throne!
Amen! Praise the Lord!

Jiving in your car

I was driving to work about 7 in the morning the other day
and stopped at a traffic light. In front of me was a young woman who was
obviously enjoying her morning more that I was. By observation I would say she
was listening to her radio and "jiving" to the music. She was
twisting and turning, bobbing her head and moving back and forth.

I thought about that and wondered why she should be having a
better morning than I was.  Was it just
that I was having an off day? Perhaps it was, but I know I don't rejoice as much
as I should. It's not that I dislike mornings, in fact I love to see the
sunrise. The Psalmist said of God in Psalm 65:8 "Those
who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the
sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy."

Of course you're familiar with Paul's encouragement to
"rejoice in the Lord always," (Philippians 4:4), so the idea is not new. However, we, being human,
we need to be reminded and reminded often. You see I do rejoice, but not enough
and possibly not exuberantly enough. In fact it seems that lately I have been
too busy dealing with the everyday concerns of life to remember to rejoice.

Satan does a really good job of distracting me. He works his
way into my world and my life, not necessarily to drag me into some terrible or
sinful behavior, but to distract me from what is really important. It's who he
is, the father of lies. Revelation 12:9
describes him this way: "that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan,
which deceives the whole world."

How can we overcome Satan's power? First, if you haven't
already done so, become a Christian or if you have left your first love, return
to God. Second, spend time in God's Word; it reminds you of what is really important.
Third, spend time talking to God about those things that trouble you; it helps
to unload your problems on someone who truly cares. Fourth, spend time with
God's people in worship and if fellowship. You can't be part of the army
fighting to protect one another and fight Satan if you don't show up at boot
camp or for training. You can't fight and protect yourself and others if you
aren’t watching out for others and participating in the battles.

I may not "jive in my car," but I can still
rejoice in my Lord and all he does for me and gives to me. I don't know that I
will try a little "seat dancing" this morning on my way to work, but what
I do know is that "I can do all things through him that gives me
strength," (Romans 8:28). I
know I need to count my blessings and rejoice more. Maybe you should try it!

How are you doing?

The other morning at my workplace someone asked one of the
men, "How are you doing?" He responded: "I'm alive, awake and
God loves me, you can't do better than that!" I loved how he responded! I
just wish I could claim to have said it first. What a positive attitude that
man had. Does that mean he doesn't have any problem? No, of course not, but he
is keeping them in perspective.

Right this minute how would you respond to a question like
that? Be honest, can you be as positive and upbeat as that all of the time; honestly,
not many of us can be. Don't you wish you could be like the apostle Paul and
say, "I've learned to be content what ever situation I get into."
Again, honestly, I have had limited success in doing that. Limited how? Limited
in my mind because I always expect more of myself, I am my own worst critic. Limited
sometimes, because I just flat mess up even when I'm trying to do my best.

Do you know what that makes me? Human! You may not
appreciate that fact and others may not appreciate that fact, but the best we
can be is flawed human beings. We mess up! We sin! And if you don't think so,
then you don't understand who we are.

I met
a man one time that told me, "I never sin." "Since I became a
Christian it's not possible for me to sin." I asked him to turn in his
bible to 1 John1:8-10 and read it
with me. It reads, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive
ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just to forgive us our
sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not
sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

I
asked him what those verses meant, he responded: "I don't know, but they
don't mean what they say." He didn't have much to say about Romans 3:23 either, which read, "For
all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."

So,
knowing that we all sin and struggle with problem of this world, how can we
possibly remain upbeat and positive? We do it because we know, as the man said,
"I'm alive, awake and God loves me." Paul also said in " Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

So
how are you doing? Could it be time to put a little more trust, a little more
faith in what our God can do for you, in you and through you? Think about it,
you will never find perfection in yourself, but only through your relationship
to God.

Shaving the Cat

A friend, Daryl, shared this story with
me and it got me to thinking about other applications.

Daryl has a real problem with
allergies, especially to hair cat. When he was a youngster he often
visited his best friend who had a cat. Daryl was hesitant to visit,
because of the cat. One day his friend told him he had solved the
problem and Daryl should come on over for a visit. He didn't know
what to expect, but when he got there he was confronted by a extremly
bald and unhappy cat. His friend had shaved the cat for Daryl. Of
course the young man then had to deal with the consequences with his
parents, but can you imagine what he had to go through to shave a
cat? Would you have been committed enough to a friend to do that?

In our world we are constantly
challenged to step up and come to the aid of others. Every day we are
bombarded with advertisments about donating to organizations that
help others. Those are great and needful, but the majority of the
time it requires only the gift of money, not a presonal commitment.
We don't put ourselves at risk, we are not required to become
personally involved.

The question we need to ask ourselves
is who we would be willing to shave the cat for? Do you have friends
and family that are struggling in some way? Maybe someone that you
have just heard of that could use some help that you could supply.
Could it be that your church needs something that only you can
supply.

So the question is, what cat are you
going to have to shave for the benefit of someone else? I would
imagine that shaving a cat has its draw back, cats have claws and
teeth. There is pain involved and it takes more than just a casual
commitment to get the job done. You can't just throw money at the cat
and hope it goes bald. You have to grab hold of it and perhaps suffer
someone else's benefit.

The thing I want you to remember is
that the young man in the story was willing to suffer for the benefit
of his friend. Could it be that you have a friend that needs the
peace and security that only comes from having a relationship with
Christ? Are you willing to shave the cat (so to speak), to give them
what they really need. To face the pain and possible rejection just
because you care for them?

The scripture tells us that: “God so
loved the world that he gave his only son”, (John 3:16). He is not
asking us to do that, but it is our example of what real love is
like. What are you willing to do?