What Motivates You to Serve?

by Amanda Baker

II Corinthians 5:14-15

“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead; And thathe died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”

Some people may wonder why a missionary would “give up everything to go serve God in another country.” The only answer I have for this type of question is found in II Corinthians 5:14-15.  It is the love of Christ that constrains me or compels me to follow His will for my life.  Notice it doesn’t say that my love for Christ is what compels me to serve Him.  It is His love for me displayed in His sacrificial death on Calvary that compels me to live, not for myself, but for the One Who gave Himself for me!  When we see this Scripture as it is written and understand that God gave everything for me, how can I do anything less than serve Him with my life?  For me, that service involves leaving what is seemingly comfortable and convenient here in the USA to serve the Lord in England where He has called me to serve.  For you, it is probably completely different.  The question is not where you will serve the Lord, but rather, what will motivate, constrain, or compel you to serve the Lord?  Is His love enough to compel you to stop living for yourself and live for Him?  Consider Calvary and His sacrifice the next time you are tempted to live unto yourself!

Devotional Blog for October 13, 2014

Cry Yet!

by John O’Malley

Zechariah 1:17    Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts…   

Many times in the ministry, we encounter an unhearing, unheeding, and unyielding people. Zechariah faced a lazy, listless, and lackadaisical people. His field was full of people who came out of the captivity, laid a foundation to the temple, and stopped working. Their malaise lasted 16 years. During this time, there was no building, no battling, and no blessings for God’s people.   

Zechariah’s contemporary Haggai had been called two months earlier to the same field. Their ministries were similar. Preach to a people who lack the desire to accomplish anything for God. Preach to a people who have strayed and drifted from God’s word, work, and will. They were to preach the people to obedience.   

It is the preamble of this verse that captures my attention as I consider the work of God's people today. God calls upon Zechariah to “Cry yet.” Many a believer has been tempted to end his preaching to a people who seem to have no interest in surrendering, serving or standing for God.    

We can take courage from God’s charge to Zechariah. Have you a field that is full of unhearing, unheeding, and unyielding people? “Cry yet!” Have you a people drifting, discouraged, and defeated? “Cry yet!” Have you a place of service that seems to be forgotten, forsaken, and frustrating? “Cry yet!”   

“Cry yet!” What a challenge for all. We must “Cry yet!” because we have His Call. We must “Cry yet!” because we have His Commission. Simply, we must “Cry yet!” because of His Compassion!   

Difficult days, difficult fields, and difficult experiences do not preclude us from the task before us. Together, let us determine until His return to “Cry yet!”  

Health in a Drink, Part Four

by Jason Tsaddiq

The tea ceremony actually evolved from the act of war – Japan’s history is replete with violence and torturous events and atrocities. The samurai began using tea as a way to show superiority: who ever could properly identify the various teas was the better warrior. Eventually this tea contest of sorts was used to givereason to parley and to negotiate war strategy and armistices. The citizens, from the impecunious to the royal, relished the concept of having an event that momentarily gave way to peace and equanimity.[1]The emphasis on wabi(serenity) and sabi(simplicity), two concepts from Zen Buddhism, pervade the tea rituals.[2]Part of the serious reflection and meditation involved in a oriental tea ceremony comes from the concept ichigo ichiewhich means “one life, one meeting” to signify that this particular meeting, with this particular guest or guests, at this particular season will never happen again in this exact way. One must enjoy the meeting for it is ephemeral.[3]The host of a tearoom or teahouse usually studies under a tea school pedagogue for at least ten years so that he may portray another concept: that of gongfu which means “skill and care, to do things well.”[4]

            Each country has her own details delineating a tea ceremony, using specific utensils delegated for the tea ceremony or making tea in the daily life. Russians use a samovar[5] to heat the water while they usepodstakanniki(under the glass)[6]  from which to drink their tea. The Chinese use a kamato heat the water while they use a tenmokuor chawanfrom which to drink their tea.[7]The utensils used in Korea are often designed to show religious participants: the “Celadon or jade green, ‘punchong,’ or bronze-like weathered patinas for Buddhist tea rituals; the purest of white with faint designs in porcelain for Confucian tea rituals; and coarser porcelains and ash-stone glazes for animist tea rituals, or for export to Japan where they were known as ‘gohan chawan.’”[8]

            Though not considered a “specific utensil,” gunpowder green tea is almost exclusively used in Morocco.[9]“Gunpowder” referring to tea, refers to the tea leaves being rolled into small pellet-shaped balls which unfurl as the boiling water is passed over.

            The actual tea ceremonies practiced in various countries range from simplistic to elaborate though each ceremony is executed with planned attention to detail. The Chinese wedding tea ceremony begins on the wedding day to introduce formally the bride to the groom’s family. (The groom is introduced later to the bride’s family usually after the couple has had time to establish themselves in their new home.) The bride and groom will leave her home before daylight to hold the tea at his parents’ home. Because of the doctrine of respecting one’s elders, a particular order of serving tea is followed: the parents are served first, followed by the grandparents, grand-uncles and aunts, uncles and aunts, elder brothers and sisters, then elder cousins. While the bride is serving the tea, kneeling or standing, she must remember to serve her paternal lineage first, and then to serve her maternal relatives. The groom stands to her left while she greets each elder by using his official title and serves the tea.  If, for some reason, a living relative is not present at the wedding tea ceremony, she will pour a cup of tea in his honor, and the spouse will drink it on his behalf. A deceased spouse or family member has no tea poured for him though another ritual may be performed to show honor. When the participants are finished with their tea, they are expected to leave a gift on the serving tray, usually money (called laissee) or jewelry which is often placed on the bride at the moment of giving. Depending on the family, she may look like a decorated Christmas tree by the ending of the sometimes intimate ceremony. Sometimes here at the wedding tea or at the actual wedding, a gift of tea is appropriate for the symbolism involved: the giver wishes that the happy couple would have as many children as tea leaves in the gift.[10]

            The Moroccan tea ceremony may be simple or sophisticated as needed. The host’s making the tea in front of his guests included his rinsing of any grime from the two teapots and the leaves, adding sugar and tea leaves to the pots and allowing the leaves to steep. Then he will pour from both teapots simultaneously, filling the glasses half full. He will be preparing the next pot of tea while the guests are drinking this first strong tea – he will add more tea leaves, more sugar and mint leaves to the pots. Then more boiling water added to the pot begins the famed mint tea dainty.[11]

Oriental tea ceremonies are overflowing with symbolism thus the attention to detail in every action and decision. Usually the punctilious host will fill the teacup only halfway full to leave room for “friendship and affection.”[12]For a tea held in a private tea room, the host cleans the room and the stone path to it to symbolize that the participant should cleanse himself of all impermanent burdens. The gardens are arranged specifically: the outer garden “is pleasant, with a free and light atmosphere”[13]with flowering trees whereas the inner garden must avoid the flowering trees, facilitating only mosses, ferns and other small plants. Symbolism throughout both gardens reign: “Rocks represent mountains, a pond stands for a[n] ocean, trees symbolize a forest, and a running stream of water reminds people of a river.”[14]Because water is the most prized purifier, “. . . the presence of water, and the wetness of the garden and its structures, is a metaphor for freshness, naturalness and purity.”[15]Each item should portray “serene tranquility and harmony with nature.”[16]Before entering the tea room by bowing through the low doorway (to symbolize humility), the guest will rinse his mouth and wash his hands to symbolize cleanliness and respect for others, as some utensils will be shared during the ceremony.[17]Sometimes, the guests will even remove their shoes and/or change clothes to show their removing all vestiges of chaos and evil.[18]In the alcove of the tearoom, usually a piece of art is displayed to symbolize the unity with nature; the artwork will be very simplistic in design to draw attention to nature yet will be of excellent quality to symbolize respect for the artist. “The striking beauty of ukiyo-e[19]lies in its economy of line and simplicity.”[20]Accompanying the artwork will be a plant, sometimes a single flower in a vase, sometimes a bonzai or some such other plant.[21]

Even though the host may be wealthy enough to purchase the finest porcelain teacups or bowls, usually very crude, almost deformed utensils are used to demonstrate the humility as each participant drinks from the ugly side of the cup. (This bowl portraying “unpretentious beauty” allows the poor to enjoy the ceremonial production.[22]) Using a communal bowl in some ceremonies shows the forbearance and humility of each guest as he must wait for others to drink and then he must ascertain his allowance to save some tea for the others in the group.[23]

Proponents of tea promulgate a myriad of physical benefits: a healthy weight loss, clearer skin, efficient kidneys, among others. Those who follow the ritualistic efforts of preparing tea (even from its planting, harvesting, and processing) usually find a protracted time to be at peace. Though many religious groups declare that one can be in tune with nature during the process of taking tea, one must question the premise on which the goal is based: being one with an inanimate object seems fruitless to say the least. Nonetheless, much can be said for the stopping of the hurry-scurry lifestyle, the deliberate incorporating of healthy habits, the profuse giving of honor and respect, the cultivating of friendships, the negotiating of armistices with an indefatigable enemy, and pausing to reflect on one’s life. A word of caution must be heard: any habit, though considered to be a good one, may develop into a cultish fiend and diminish the original goal. Nothing is sacred, in and of itself, in a tea ceremony, but if one chooses to spend time doing so, he should be reflecting on the orderliness and simplistic beauty of creation’s God and His goodness to allow such beauty in His nature. Many philosophies found in the various tea ceremonies can be found, in part, in the Holy Scriptures; however, the emphasis of the tea ceremony originators has usually been on the individual parts and procedures, completely ignoring the omnipotent God Who gave such beauty, peace, and tranquility. Such an error is frightening and damning.

[1]Steve Green, http://ezinearticles.com/?Tea-Ceremony-Symbolism&id=5141881(accessed April 11, 2013).

[2]Emi Kazuko, Japanese Cooking: the Traditions, Techniques and Recipes(London: Hermes House, 2005), 17        

[3]Ibid.

[4]crazyfortea.com (accessed April 11, 2013).

[5]  “This unique appliance accomplishes its task, [heating of the water] thanks to a tube which is soldered to the body of the samovar and holds smoldering charcoal or wood. The heat from the charcoal boils the water and keeps it hot.”Linda Delaine, http://www.russianlife.com/blog/tea-time-in-russia/ (accessed April 10, 2013).

[6]Podstakannikiare silver heat tempered tea glasses similar to the Turkish coffee cups. Ibid.

[7]http://japanese-tea-ceremony.net/equipment.html (accessed April 10, 2013).

[8]http://dev.laptop.org/pub/content/wp/en/Tea.html (accessed April 10, 2013).

[9]Jon Stout, http://ezinearticles.com/?Moroccan-Mint-Iced-Tea&id=1243470(accessed April 11, 2013).

[10]http://www.chinabridal.com/etiquette/proposal.htm(accessed April 10, 2013).

[11]Christine Benlafquih, http://moroccanfood.about.com/od/moroccanfood101/a/Tea_

Ceremony.htm (accessed April 11, 2013).

[12]The United Kingdom Tea Council.

[13]Dorinne Kondo, Man, “The Way of Tea: A Symbolic Analysis,” vol 20, no 2, (np:Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland), 293.

[14]Bobbie Kalman, Japan, the Culture, (NY: Crabtree Publishing Co, 1989), 7.

[15]Kondo, 294.

[16]Ibid., 293.

[17]Sarah Page, http://stevechurchill.articlealley.com/symbolism-of-tea-ceremony-1783811.html(accessed April 11, 2013).

[18]http://www.english.iup.edu/eaware/overview_of_tea.htm (accessed April 11, 2013).

[19]Ukiyo-e is oriental art in which natural, almost seemingly mundane items are depicted.

[20]Kazuko, 6.

[21]Page, (accessed April 11, 2013). 

[22]http://www.english.iup.edu/eaware/japanese_tea_ceremony.htm (accessed April 11, 2013).

[23]http://www.english.iup.edu/eaware/symbolism_of_tea_bowl.htm (accessed April 11, 2013).

When the General Returned

 by Samuel Hanke

            The car decelerated its already sedated pace as it approached a vine-strangled iron gate. The black Cadillac, unfit to the pitted terrain upon which it traveled, had spent the past twenty minutes bouncing over potholes, sticks, and rocks, and ducking through foliage overhanging the long-abandoned drive. Only one profiled passenger had accompanied the chauffeur on this rugged driving excursion; and upon their arrival, this passenger resolutely exited the vehicle and approached the gate while his driver emptied the trunk of the man’s luggage. While the driver was present, the passenger maintained the self-important composure with which he had learned to conduct himself as a Nazi general. However, after the chauffeur had circumspectly returned down the one-lane dirt drive, the general liberated himself from his rigid composure, assuming one more commonplace. He promptly opened his smaller luggage bag and protracted a well-worn key. This key, he remembered, was the same one with which he had a decade prior given the Nazis access to this once-glorious German manor. A spine-chilling shiver traversed his spine, awakening his spirit from his day-dreaming. He rapidly rallied his emotions and attempted to resume his usual militant composure once more. He deftly slid the key into the lock, swung the gate open enough for him to slide through with his bags, shut the gate, and locked it again—a long-neglected exercise of his now-rusty muscle memories from his middle-teenage years.

He pondered as he pursued the path to the plantation how he had slipped off the property grounds nearly every evening about this same time. Dusk was encroaching him as he pressed on toward the manor. Passing a wooded grove on the right, he recalled that this same field hid dozens of soldiers on that fateful night. He glanced at the field on the left; that was the field where the conflict had climaxed. The flow of these ever-returning memories gnawed at the general’s composure until he began to break. Although he would not admit to being spooked, he increased his pace toward the house, which lay just around the bend and atop the hill. Two minutes of this speed-walking reunited the general with the view of the mansion.

He paused, motionless—breathless—at the sight. All the terrors of war had not prepared him for the emotions which accompanied this reunion. Every haunting horror swarmed him at once; the malice with which he had hated his Jewish adopters, the adrenaline which engulfed his soul as he accompanied the invasion of the mansion by torch-light that awful night, the insurgent thrill he received as he observed his family beaten and bound, the rancorous exhilaration which fed his dark spirit as he watched the flames engulf the wing of his parents’ residence—all these memories served spinal shivers which seemed to strangle his soul. Tears acquainted themselves with the general’s cheeks for the first time since he had bitterly wept himself to sleep in hateful rage throughout the weeks prior to the incident. But tonight, he cried from an overwhelming presence of regret. Five minutes of silence and tears could not suffice to calm his deeply disturbed spirit. Only after the clouds began to tingle his cheeks with tears of their own did he realize that he needed to reach the house before being overcome by a storm. Tripping every few steps from wet conditions and lack of light, the weathered Nazi reached the lawn and crossed the cobblestone path to the hardwood double doors.

He knocked. The thumps seemed to boom throughout the entire dwelling place, returning with hollow resonations signifying the vast store of empty air the mansion now housed. He waited for nearly two minutes, almost deciding to turn back. But he quickly deposed the thought. He knocked again; finally, he heard footsteps from deep inside the mansion. One lonely butler came to the door, cracked it open, and peeked out. His face became white as the moon which futilely battled to pierce its rays through the night’s black clouds. Thoroughly startled at the sight of this long-forgotten fiend and the memories his figure evoked, the butler nearly slammed the door back in his face. Only a piercing sense of curiosity led the butler to expose the entryway enough for the man to penetrate the dwelling once again.

Once the butler returned the door to its repose, he turned again to the general. Neither individual spoke but gazed at each other in a prolonged silent exchange. Nearly another two minutes passed. Finally, the general broke the visual discourse by turning toward the stairway and guiding himself up to an upper bedroom. The butler continued to stare until the general advanced out of sight. Upon reaching the third room on the right, the Nazi hesitated at the doorway. Inhaling deeply, he stepped onto the worn hardwood of the high-ceilinged room. Laying his bags at the foot of the bed, the general reposed on the dusty quilt bed-cover.

The wear on the hardwood, he reminisced, came from the frequent foot-traffic it had accommodated when the house was still occupied. Nearly every week, some refugee Jewish family found sanctuary from the Nazis through this room. Swiftly, his thoughts turned to the fireplace . . . but after a moment’s contemplation, he assessed that he was not emotionally ready to face what lay ahead. Determining to wait until dawn to proceed with his mission, the general employed a candle to accompany the lightning in illuminating the room. Eagerly, he next reprieved his feet of his dampened leather shoes and his body of his restrictive uniform. After addressing necessary preliminaries, the general lay on the bed and attempted to sleep.

But even an attempt at slumber could not seem to relieve him of unsettling thoughts. The thunderous background did not improve his dozing thoughts but reminded him of the gunshots the soldiers fired a decade ago. When he slept, he dreamt of the tumultuous emotions that prompted him to enter the German militia. But by midnight, the general had relaxed into a tranquil slumber lasting until daybreak. 

The sharp sunlight easily punctured the thin glass of the general’s barren bedroom window, awaking him with a keen smile. Two birds greeted the general with a lovely duet—a simple and pleasant contrast from the side of nature which greeted him the night prior. Stretching, attempting to regain full consciousness again, the general noticed a bowl of fruit on the nightstand which had not been there the night prior. Recognizing his growing hunger, he gratefully rummaged the bowl and selected a banana and an orange to eat. Refreshed by the nourishment and fully awakened by the time passed, he now prepared himself for what lay ahead. 

Confidently, he confronted the outstanding brick fireplace. Not many of its type had been constructed, especially since the time that this one was completed. Selecting a brick from the fifth base row, he tugged with significant force. Surely, the mechanism had not been triggered for many years, requiring extra effort on his part. Suddenly, the steel flame-housing at the back of the fireplace slid to the side with serpentine silence, revealing a hidden room behind. Yet another deluge of adrenaline frequented the general’s figure. 

Cautiously, he crawled hands-and-knees through the opening and into the chamber. Although little remained elsewhere in the house, this room was as full as ever with furniture and other living commodities. He stood in the center of the room, momentarily refreshing his vague memories. 

Suddenly distinguishing one object in particular, the general approached the back wall with trembling hands and dislodged a dusty portrait. Now all his emotions swamped him at once, more frantic than ever to gain control of his body. Through oncoming tears, the general tenderly handled the object of his return. This picture of his family was taken a month before that dreadful night when he stimulated their being sentenced to labor camps for housing runaway Jews. Thisthoughtful family had adopted him when he was thirteen. Thisvirtuous family he had learned to hate for their nationality. From this affectionate family he fled to the Nazi militia to escape. Thesepeople he betrayed from arcane malice on that cold evening a decade ago. No longer could he restrain himself: for nearly an hour, he sobbed out over that painting all the emotions he pent up for several years. After witnessing the events of that dreadful night and participating in several like operations, the general had come to appreciate the Jews—their faith, their character, and their determination. Yes, after all these years, the general understood that thiswas the family he had come to love.

--Adapted from “The General’s Return Visit,” a descriptive essay submitted to Mrs. Jennifer Mason, English teacher at Ambassador Baptist College

Health in a Drink, Part Three

by Jason Tsaddiq

The delivery of the tea varies according to the custom of the participant (or according to how much one pays for shipping). At one time, a guest in a Chinese home was always served a cup of tea, even during a financially strained time, though the tea served then was “white tea” – a cup of boiling water.[1]However, at a dinner, the guest must ask for tea for it is not, as a routine, served at a meal[2]though Moroccans always serve their tea with every meal.[3]Still today in some regions of China, going to the tea house is an activity eagerly anticipated by many. Men will deliberate about and solve the world’s problems; the elderly will often bring their caged birds and visit all day long; and even the women, when they can escape from chores, will stay and visit. “Going to the tea house” to some people means settling a rancorous dispute or argument. Even professional groups are hired to perform at teahouses. [4]

            Japanese tearooms are undemanding to the eyes and soul whereas western tearooms are cluttered – “…a Western interior permanently filled with a vast array of pictures, statuary, and bric-a-brac gives the impression of mere vulgar displays of wealth.”[5]Many Japanese wonder how westerners can dine in a room with pictures of dead people (family ancestors) for they believe that “the simplicity of the tea-room and its freedom from vulgarity make it truly a sanctuary from the vexations of the outer world.”[6]

            In the Canton region of China, some teahouse customers will rap their knuckles on the table to indicate thankfulness to the server. The tradition comes from the actions of an emperor’s servant, Zhou Riqing. The Emperor Qian Long (1735-1796) was touring his imperial domain disguised as a regular citizen. He even lowered himself to pour tea for his servant Zhou; this action, of course, was not the mean: the superior is always to be served by the inferior. Zhou, extremely uncomfortable with his master’s serving him, knew that he must honor his master’s wish of not being known to the locals, so he began hitting his knuckles on the table to show his submission and thankfulness to his master. Since the Qing dynasty, this method of showing thanks has permeated South China.[7]

            These teahouses must put a premium on the skill of their servers for attending to the many interminable demands of the tea service is not uncomplicated. Kit Chow explains an event he witnessed: 

I was impressed by the way a young waiter, kettle in one hand and his other balancing a pile of six or seven cups with lids and saucers, shuttled adroitly among the crowded tables with great ease. When pouring, he kept the spout at just the right height so that not a drop of water was spilled and the leaves in the cup turned over the proper number of times.[8]He knew just how much water to put in so that the tea would be the right strength. Experience is required to make every cup of tea look attractive, smell inviting, and taste fresh – even a refill where the leaves have already been brewed once or twice.[9]

            Samuel Johnson, quite the proponent of tea drinking, “for twenty years diluted his meals with only the infusion of the fascinating plant; who with tea amused the evening, with tea solaced the midnight, and with tea welcomed the morning.”[10]  

Though history does not include details about Mr. Johnson’s diurnal rituals concerning his tea, some general features are present at every tea ceremony. “The steps to the ceremony are quite simple:  clean the serving bowls, boil a pot of [limpid] water, serve a sweet treat to guests before the tea, mix powdered bitter green tea (Matcha)and water to make a frothy tea, serve the tea to guests.”[11]During certain tea ceremonies, the guest shows thanks by rapping the table three times with his fingers or knuckles after enjoying the various notes of the aroma of the proffered tea. Then he pours the tea into a drinking cup and smells the empty cup. Etiquette dictates that the tea be finished in three swallows.[12]The three main components of a tea ceremony involve the social aspect (usually a repast is served); the aesthetic aspect (the equipment used, the décor and the dress chosen are specifically chosen); and the religious aspect (though originally Zen Buddhism, other religions encourage many of the same beliefs).[13]One can see cleanliness, respect and peace represented by these three components: the social aspect dictates cleanliness; part of the beauty of a ceremony is the honoring of the most superior or the eldest guest; and the peace come to religious adherents who seek to accept the lessons from the tea to enhance their lives and to those who forsake all evil and chaos for a particular portion of time.

[1]Kit Chow and Ione Kramer, All the Tea in China, http://books.google.com/books/about/

All_Teas_in_China.html?id=NT8J5qDjABIC, 1990, 37.

[2]Ibid, 38.

[3]Jon Stout, http://ezinearticles.com/?Moroccan-Mint-Iced-Tea&id=1243470, (accessed April 11, 2013).

[4]  Chow, 43.

[5]Kakuzo Okakura, The Book of Tea, Serenity Publishers: Rockville, MD, 2009, 48.

[6]Ibid, 50.

[7]Chow, 45.

[8]The turning over of the leaves is called “the agony of the leaves” and is very crucial to the flavor development of the flavor.

[9]Chow, 47.

[10]Okakura, 13-14.

[11]http://www.chinatownconnection.com/japanese-tea-ceremony.htm (accessed April 5, 2013).

[12]The United Kingdom Tea Council, Ltd. http://www.tea.co.uk/page.php?id=142(accessed April 10, 2013).

[13]Ibid.  

Carrying A Rainbow

by Kristen Kelley

The second Sunday in May . . . I have anticipated the onset of labor pains, on Mother’s Day, before.  I have had breakfast brought to me in bed by my loving husband. I have taken photos in the front yard with my daughters.  I have sought refuge in the church parking lot, and wept the tears of grief. 

This Mother’s Day, I am carrying a precious “rainbow” in my womb. We will be 6-months along, tomorrow, and it is still difficult to put this pregnancy into words. Here we are with only about 16 weeks left to go, and I feel like I am finally letting myself start to think, “This baby might be coming home with us!”

So much that is “baby” has had to be pushed away from my heart and mind the last few years, as I coped with the sorrow of miscarriage – even videos and photos of our older girls when they were born  . . . It feels both exciting and incredibly fragile to be looking at maternity clothes, and nursing pillows, and receiving blankets.

We all have circumstances in our lives for which we need to trust the hand of our loving Heavenly Father . . . Since learning of our pregnancy, I have had to cling repeatedly to the truth that God alone is in control of the outcome. 

“In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:10)

I have always written a few letters to our babies, while carrying them in my womb.  The letters to this Little One are so different from those I wrote in years past . . .

“I feel your movements – especially when I’m wearing my seatbelt or a drinking a delicious shake at bedtime – yet, I still long to hear your little heartbeat thumping like a train.  Having a fetal Doppler has greatly helped to allay my natural fears between doctor appointments.  I couldn’t imagine going 2 weeks or more before being reassured of your well-being within my womb.”

“More people asked if we knew your gender, yesterday.  I fought hard to . . . refrain from automatically picturing the traumatic ultrasound where we discovered we’d lost your brother Joshua.”

“I want to be happy – ONLY happy – about the ultrasound, the rainbow baby shirts, the secret Easter egg reveal . . . but my heart is like a pendulum.” 

On a teeter-totter between fear and hope - even today - the Holy Spirit reminds me of Psalm 42:5:

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God . . .” 

Kind church members recently provided a travel bassinet and a travel swing, in anticipation of our new arrival.  When I shared with the girls what we had received, our oldest asked with grave concern, “But why are we getting baby stuff if we don’t even know yet if we’ll be able to keep this baby?”

“Because it’s good to HOPE,” I told her.  “We need to keep hoping that everything WILL be alright this time. And we need to start getting things ready for if we DO get to bring her home. Right?”

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Ps. 27:14)

He can strengthen my heart; the heart of my husband; the hearts of my daughters . . . Each of us have our own worries and concerns.  Our hope must be in nothing else.  Not in“chariots” or “horses” – not in doctors or ultrasounds - but in “the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:7)

HE alone is my Rock amid the swirling “multitude of my thoughts within me”, and His “comforts delight my soul.” (Ps. 94:19)

As the beautiful hymn declares, “When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.”

“I think God gave us this rainbow baby to keep,” our Cheyenne often tells me. I do too, Sweet Girl. Deep down in my heart, I do too.

“Our God whom we serve is able . . .” as the three Hebrew children once said, “ . . . But if not . . .” (Daniel 3:17-18) If not . . . If God chooses another plan – a more difficult road for me - I know with a certainty “. . . his way is perfect . . .” (Ps. 18:30) and “he maketh my way perfect.” (II Sam. 22:33)

This Mother’s Day 2019 “ . . . my flesh also shall rest in hope.” (Ps. 16:9)

https://dinnersintheovendevotional.blogspot.com/2019/05/carrying-rainbow.html

Health in a Drink, Part Two

by Jason Tsaddiq

Oolong tea is semi-fermented, boasts a full-bodied flavor and fragrance and can help the corpulent in a weight loss program. A Chinese study of seventy-five overweight adults showed a significant reduction in subcutaneous fat when they drank an oolong tea mixture twice daily for six weeks.[1]This tea is a favorite among many for it contains only 15% of the caffeine normally found in coffee.[2]The short fermentation allows oolong tea to avoid the grassy flavor of green tea while keeping all the nutrients. [3]Oolong tea leaves are picked on the morning of a clear day. They should be picked in units consisting of one bud and three leaves and exposed to the sun. This is the first stage. The second stage is to dry them indoors to promote fermentation. The most crucial part in the production of oolong tea is when to stop fermentation. As oolong tea is fermented to some extent, it is called semi-fermented tea. Experience is required to identify the best time to stop the fermentation, which is when the leaves are 30% red and 70% green. After this, they are rubbed repeatedly to generate good flavor, aroma, and texture. Then they are dried using charcoal. At the final stage, a tea master grades the quality according to the flavor and characteristics of each batch.[4]

            Some products normally labeled “tea” are not true teas for they are not derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. However, many other plants are naturally bursting with healthy components ready to be extricated by one’s covering the appropriate plant part with hot water and waiting the appropriate time for the reaction to take place. These “non-teas” are labeled tisanes (TEE sahns). For example, red tea, also known as rooibos (ROY-bus) tea, comes from a South African red bush and contains vitamins and minerals. With less than half the tannins of black tea, this naturally caffeine-free drink comes from the "legume family and is often described as being sweet with a slight nutty aftertaste."[5]Another tea-like drink is the mate tisane which may curb the appetite and gives energy without the jitters of coffee while tasting like coffee.[6]  As Hippocrates once said, “Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine food,” many people attempt to alleviate many detrimental health issues with food and drink, specifically “teas.” All-natural adherents claim that a tisane made with lemon balm and lemon verbena will allow the participant to relax while imbibing a drink made from parsley will encourage good kidney health, smooth joint operations, and clean breath. Thyme tisanes will usually impel the disappearance of headaches and coughs. Drinking a sage tisane will often dispel the flu-like symptoms of a bad cold.[7]

            The most interesting aspect of tea is the many traditions surrounding its preparation and its delivery. Many discriminatory purveyors engender great pride in their exemplary ability to feel and smell their way to a delightful blend to please their devout customers. Usually one is hired by (or “attached to”) a tea company and is paid very well, based on his insuperable experience and skill. The average tea drinker should analyze the tea selection process of his chosen tea to discern if it is done according to his own wishes: Is the growing process sustainable? Does the tea have the enticing aroma and the taste he wants? Is the smoothness to his liking? Is the bitterness easy to avoid? Do the dry leaves have a malt smell (the desired aroma) or a musty smell (the undesirable aroma)? Is it fermented to the proper level? 

However, before the tea purveyor even obtains the tea, it must have been planted, tended, deftly harvested and processed according to strict guidelines for each tea type is processed in a pre-determined manner so as to convey the flavor dictated by that type. White tea is harvested, cleaned, and dried. Green tea is steamed immediately after harvest to stop the fermentation process, safeguarding its color and fresh grassy character though it may proceed through a rolling, cutting, or grinding process. Oolong tea is semi-oxidized or fermented after being harvested. Black tea advances through the same fermentation method for much longer, allowing the leaves to turn from blue-green to dark red or black.

            Many tea purists will demand the water be a certain temperature before adding it to the tea leaves. Some teach that one should raise the water temperature until almost boiling then add it to the leaves while others claim the best method is to boil the water for a few minutes, then add the leaves, while yet another group propounds the theory of bringing the water to a boil, then letting it cool for five minutes before adding it to the tea leaves. Experimentation in this process will be charming as one comes to his own conclusion concerning this step.

One should choose his equipment carefully for any sloppy decisions in this early stage of the routine will definitely affect the flavor and thus the enjoyment of the event. Tea drinkers discovered many years ago that a metal teapot will absorb the flavors of the teas previously enjoyed. For this reason, some will not use a metal teapot, yet for this same reason, some will choose a metal teapot. Each with its own benefits and detriments, many options of teapots are available for the contemporary tea drinker: glass, ceramic, metal, pottery among them. One self-professed “tea-snob” claims that the very best [tea pots] . . . are electric, not because they are electric, but because they have temperature gauges that you can program to reach just the right temperature for steeping, depending on the type of tea that you're brewing. Otherwise, it is best to heat the water (preferably filtered) over the stove, remove it from the heat just before boiling and steep. Heating the water in the microwave is okay as long as the water doesn't actually come to a boil.[8] 

Various methods of heating are available – one may use a microwave to heat the water (not for the purist!), an electric teapot, a gas or electric stovetop, or an open fire. Each of the heating methods brings its own advantages and disadvantages. Whichever medium the tea drinker chooses, he must be absolutely sure that each piece of equipment is positively clean and sterile for any spoiled particulates will definitely, at least, change the flavor and at most, poison the drinker.

[1]http://www.oolongtea.org/e/health/04.html (accessed February 11, 2013).

[2]http://www.teavana.com (accessed February 1, 2013).

[3]Ukra, 18.

[4]http://www.oolongtea.org/e/welcome/06.html (accessed February 11, 2013).

[5]Ukra, 21.

[6]http://www.teavana.com (accessed February 1, 13).

[7]Perry, 25.

[8]Alison Kaster, email message to author, February 4, 2013.

“Be Strong” is not Enough

By Samuel Hanke

Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.”

One may hear the phrase “Be strong” spoken to individuals suffering a hardship. “Be strong; you can get through this,” is an idea commonly expressed in attempt to comfort and encourage friends suffering financial impossibilities, relational strains, or physical loss. Yet Paul believes that the strategy conveyed in this condolence is not sufficient; rather, he exhorts thus: “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.”

In Ephesians 6:10, Paul is acknowledging the Christian’s need of strength for the spiritual warfare in which he is engaged. This warfare is a conflict requiring unparalleled power and resiliency from its participants. Paul gives testimony of the nature of the conflict in verse 12: “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” The high spiritual demand placed upon the soldier in this battle prompted his exhortation to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:3: “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

However, Paul is not exhorting in Ephesians 6:10 that the believer simply “Be strong.” It is human nature for one to “hunker down” and attempt to “tough out” a difficulty on his own; something inside a man urges him to resist help until he cannot refuse it. But the type of “strength” displayed in such instances of self-reliance is not what Paul is calling for. Rather, Paul is commanding the believer to consciously re-source his power from himself to God Almighty. “Be strong . . . in the power of His [the Lord’s] might,” he instructs. Paul knows that if he is to succeed in the conflict, a “good soldier of Jesus Christ” must first be conquered, or he will not win any battles. He must defeat himself first, purposefully and consciously subjecting himself once again to his Creator and rightful Lord. (This subordination too cannot be successfully concluded apart from the “power of [God’s] might.”)

If God’s crusade is to meet with any success, the Christian soldier must—and I repeat,must—fight every aspect of the warfare in the power of the God for Whom he is fighting. Furthermore, when he walks in the Spirit and fights his battles by God’s power, a Christian can only be successful, for he fights by the same Might that created everything from nothing, sustains all creation with ease, and saves the vilest soul when he cries for salvation. Exodus 15:6 “Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: Thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.” Therefore, Paul does not exhort the believer to fight in his own strength but instead commands him to fight in God’s might so that this believer may gain the victory in the battles in which he partakes.

A soldier’s need to fight in the power of the Spirit is not as uncommonly recognized as howto fight in the Spirit is. Therefore, the questions are raised, how does one know he is fighting in the power of the flesh? How does one fight in the power of the Spirit? To find answers to the first question, consider this non-exhaustive list of three everyday indications that one is fighting in the power of the flesh. First, when an individual knows that a temptation or a conflict will

arise in the foreseeable future and thinks that he will be able to handle the situation, he is trusting in and preparing to fight in his flesh. One must recognize his insufficiency for every demand placed upon him; after all, even his breath is ultimately not under his control but is granted to him by God. Secondly, when someone shirks quoting or memorizing verses to ward off wicked thoughts, instead responding with the thought, “I won’t think about this if I just try hard to keep my mind busy on other thoughts,” he too is choosing to fight in the power of his flesh. “Thinking hard about other things” does not involve God in the situation; rather, it is an expression of the individual’s self-sufficiency to control his thoughts and overcome the challenge. Thirdly, when a person first resorts to his own wisdom for advice about what decision(s) to make in a hardship instead of first asking for the guidance of God, he is fighting the battle in his flesh. No man can make correct decisions on his own, for his sin nature will always lead him to make decisions that are selfish, self-promoting, and self-aiding.

Now, how does one fight in the power of God’s might? Two weapons of warfare are listed in the armor of God (which is found just a few verses beyond Ephesians 6:10), the Sword of the Spirit and prayer. How may one use the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, to fight? One of the means is to memorize and/or quote scripture applicable to the current conflict. Although quoting one verse will not always ward off the Devil’s attacks immediately, quoting the Word of God is a sure-fire method for occupying one’s mind with Godly thinking and one’s fight with direct-hit blows. Another method of employing the Bible as a weapon is to study it to find therein God’s stated principals applicable to the conflict. God’s Word will never give incorrect instruction for dealing with life’s problems. A third method is to seek for Biblical counsel from those who are trustworthy to give it. Other people, from their third-person viewpoint, may know facts about the situation that a first-person viewer does not. Now for the second weapon—prayer. First, how may one employ the weapon of prayer? He may simply cry out to God and express what is upon his heart. This he must do when he is right with God, having no sin severing his fellowship with God, else God will not heed his prayers. Secondly, when may one employ prayer? He may pray at any moment of life. Concerning temptations and other tests, he may employ the weapon of prayer at the moment of testing and hours beforehand if he foresees it. Thirdly, for whom may one pray? He may pray for anyone—for himself, his friends or his family; Ephesians 6:18 demands his prayer for “all saints.” Fourthly, for what may the soldier pray? Books may be written in answer to this question. Only consider at the moment Paul’s request in the following verses: “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:19-20). The ability to articulate the Gospel and to do so boldly is a vital for any soldier to succeed in the battle.

Two basic battle strategies have been laid before you.
“Be strong; give it all you’ve got, and you can get through.” “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.”

The strategy you choose to employ will determine the outcome of your battles.

Which will you choose?

Health in a Drink, Part One

By Jason Tsaddiq

            Everyone does it - drink tea, that is. From the Asian wedding tea ceremony to the Moroccan shopkeepers greeting their guests to the Oriental apology ceremony to the southern US sweet iced tea with lemon to the northern US unsweet tea, this drink holds a mysterious grip on its cosmopolitan participants. "A Chinese classical pharmaceutical book called the Bencao Shiyi (The Compendium of Materia Medica) mentions clearly about the benefits of tea, 'Drinking tea for a long time soothes the mind, uplifts the spirit, and prevents obesity and aging.' "[1]  Proponents claim that this tea will "increase metabolism . . . decrease appetite . . . [and] help stabilize blood sugar."[2]Opponents declare that the added sugar and naturally occurring caffeine may actually negate the effects of the tea. Searching for the answers to the questions concerning tea can be enlightening and delicious.

            A diligent tea connoisseur revels in discovering the variances between the diverse teas - their preparation, their flavor and their benefits. True tea leaves must come from the plant Camellia sinensiswhich can grow up to thirty feet or more, usually in a mountainous region. "An experienced tea leaf plucker - usually a woman - can pick enough shoots in one day to produce nine pounds of finished tea, equal to 1800 cups of tea, or the annual consumption of a thirsty Englishman."[3]

             The leaves are harvested then processed according to the desired end result which then classifies the tea as to the type.  Black tea,[4]the most common and therefore the cheapest, gives the participant a delicious drink with only 20% of the caffeine normally in coffee.[5]  Most American tea drinkers (87%) usually choose this type which accounts for 75% of the world's tea production. When picked, the leaves are a blue-green hue and must be fermented[6]until black. A hot wok is used as a stop to the fermentation and as a flavor enhancer.[7]

            With very little caffeine, white tea brews to a light color since it is the least processed[8]- the harvested leaves are cleaned and dried without any fermentation. Named for the hao(the little white hair on the bud or baby leaf), this "tea of royals" is the most delicate, though its antioxidant level is high and its heart strengthening powers are well-documented.[9]The amount of the little white or silver hairs or fuzz in the tea dictates the taste and thus the cost. Silver Needles, a white tea made almost completely from the fuzzy buds, is picked during a two-day picking season in the spring. The quality flavor does come at a cost – usually twenty-five dollars for forty to fifty cups (fifty cents per cup)[10]whereas other white teas can cost as little as fourteen cents per cup.[11]Bursting with polyphenols (antioxidants that purportedly fight cancer cells), this delicate tea also carries fluoride as well as other nutrients that boost the body's immunity.[12]

            Green tea, the most popular tea in Asia, helps maintain cholesterol levels and can help in a weight loss program. [13]One doctor is so convinced of green tea's benefits that he avers it  "can block absorption of bad fats by 30%."[14]The leaves of the Camellia sinensisplant are "picked and quickly steamed to preserve their color and fresh character" then dried.[15]Applying the steam shortly after the tea is picked gives a slight grassy flavor and aroma. The dried leaves being ground into a powder produces matcha, the basis for the Japanese tea ceremony.  "AJapanese study found that people who drank at least five cups of green tea per day had stress levels that were 20 percent lower than those who drank less than one cup daily."[16]

[1]http://www.oolongtea.org/e/welcome/index.html (accessed February 1, 2013).

[2]Mark Ukra, The Ultimate Tea Diet, NY:HarperCollins, 2008, xi.

[3]Sara Perry The Tea Book, Chronicle Books: San Francisco, 1993, 13.

[4]What is normally called black teain the western hemisphere is usually referred to as red teain China since the black tea leaves brew into a red color. Ibid., 19.

[5]http://www.teavana.com. (accessed February 1, 2013).

[6]Fermentation in the discipline of tea processing refers to oxidation - exposure to air not the fermentation by yeast or bacteria as in alcoholic beverages. Tea fermentation occurs by rolling the leaves and adding heat and or steam.  Alissa White, http://matchasource.wordpress.com/2009/11/02/what-is-fermentation-in-tea/ (accessed February 1, 2013).

[7]Ukra, 19

[8]teavana.com (accessed February 1, 2013).

[9]Ukra, 16.

[10]Rhonda Parkinson, http://chinesefood.about.com/od/chineseteaandliquor/a/whitetea.htm (accessed February 1, 2013).

[11]http://www.amazon.com/Numi-Spring-White-Full-oose/dp/B000FFIL6K/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8

&qid=1359765027&sr=8-4&keywords=loose+white+tea (accessed February 1, 2013).

[12]Parkinson. 

[13]http://teavana.com (accessed February 1, 2013).

[14]Ukra, 176.

[15]Ukra, 27.

[16]Cynthia Sass, http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/01/30/secret-reason-youre-pigging-out/ (accessed February 1, 2013).

One Banana

By Laura Jean Holt

Date of original journal entry: Sunday January 22, 2017

According to the blood smear on the test strip I’m positive for another case of malaria; my sixth, but whose counting.  We use the CDC recommended prevention of 100mg of Doxycycline every day and we practice common sense precaution, yet none of it is a 100% surety one won’t contract the potentially life-threatening illness. Being caucasian doesn’t help; we don’t have natural immunities the indigenous African has built up over the generations and our cases are typically more severe.

B.R.A.T.T. Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Tea, Toast

This is a simple memory aid for simple foods to help those with diarrhea and vomiting both of which I have quite violently.  Yesterday and Friday this acronym was all I could think about, like a little jingle rolling around my fevered, slightly delirious brain.  Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Tea, Toast — over and over.  Rice and Tea were simply out—they just did not sound good.  At all.  Yes, tea did notsound good to me; I must be sick for sure!  Applesauce and Toast sounded way toogood but there was no way for either of those; applesauce is a rare treat and the only bread we have is what I make.  But, oh, for a simple banana.  I was longing for just one.

Early this morning, while it was still dark, I managed to slug out to the kitchen feeling completely horrid when I noticed a banana peel in the compost bowl on the side of the sink.  Am I still delirious?  A banana?  I nearly accosted Stephen as he was making his coffee.  “Where did you get a banana?” I exclaimed with all the energy I could muster.   “Oh, there’s a bunch of them for you out on the veranda table,” was his casual reply. I told him I had been wanting just one. But as I went out on the veranda I found nearly 50 of them!  They were sent by David Johnny, “For Mummy Laura,” he had said as he stuck the over-flowing basket into the truck when Stephen passed through Tendabu.  

I could only manage to eat one but did it ever taste good!  I wanted just one and here was a table piled with them!  Interestingly, this is the first time David’s done this and he said they were for me.  He didn’t even know I was sick but the Lord did and sent the one thing that sounded good: a banana.  

Post Script:  It may seem odd that obtaining a banana was so difficult in the African jungle village.  Our village of Baomahun is a gold mining center and no one here has care or time to bother with something as lowly and menial as agricultural prospects; they’re all busy trying to strike it rich prospecting for gold so all produce must be trucked in.  The other factor is that we’re literally the end of the road for any vehicles larger than a motorcycle and most of the time the produce has been offloaded at other places. We can go weeks without seeing bananas which only makes this story all the more amazing.  Normally Brother David sells his bananas in markets downline from us where they fetch a higher price.  Incidentally, there were actually 60 bananas — I counted them after writing the above entry.  A generous gift from a poor village farmer.

Soulforce Article Critique, Part 4

By Jordan Tsaddiq

Soulforce Article Critique, Part 4

In this section, he attempts to convince the reader that Leviticus is not “laws” but only a “holiness code.” He even uses the word abominationas a spring board for his squirming around truth by claiming that abominations at this time are “behaviors that people in a certain time and place consider tasteless or offensive.” However, Strongs’ concordance gives this definition of the word abominationas used in Leviticus 18:22: “properly something disgusting(morally), that is, (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatryor (concretely) an idol: - abominable (custom, thing), abomination.” The diligent Bible student would call any sin an abomination – morally disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry. To use Mr. White’s words “tasteless or offensive” would include such actions as belching at the table or passing gas in public. To say that homosexual activity is only “tasteless or offensive” is a pitiful stretch of logic for God did not create human sexuality for that reason. Mr. White says, “To the Jews an abomination was not a law. . .” Strongs, a very often validated Greek and Hebrew source, claims that idolatry fits in the category of abomination. One should note here that any sin, including homosexuality, is idolatry since when choosing to sin, one is claiming that the particular sin is more important that God.

He claims that “Jesus and Paul both said the holiness code in Leviticus does not pertain to Christian believers.” However, a New Testament writer taught that other Scripture was written as an example so a complete dismissal of the Old Testament teachings may not be wise.

On page fourteen, Mr. White says, “. . .let’s talk together about setting sexual standards that please God – standards appropriate. . . based on loving concern, health, and wholeness for ourselves and others.” God did not write His Word for His child to set standards “based on loving concern.” He gave His Word so that His child would “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”[1]

One must question the “loving concern” of an action that is well-known to cause terminal illnesses and raise the risk of suicide.

Mr. White, on page fourteen, uses a red herring – a logical fallacy in which an observation is used to draw attention away from the main issue: he discusses a verse “that was used for centuries to condemn masturbation.” This article is not about masturbation; it is about what the Bible says and doesn’t say about homosexuality. 

In the context of this statement, he uses the expression “For Jewish writers of Scripture. . .” Research shows that these examples he gives (masturbation, interrupting coitus) were not necessarily laws of God written in Scripture – they were Jewish laws. There is a difference between Jewish law and Scripture! 

In passage four, Mr. White commits another incident of stacking the deck – simply ignoring the evidence. He brings up Romans 1:26-27. He then says, “This verse appears to be clear: Paul sees women having sex with women and men having sex with men, and he condemns that practice. But let’s go back 2,000 years and try to understand why.” Knowing the reason for an action that Paul condemns does not justify the sin. It is still sin. Mr. White is ignoring his own statement – “and he condemns that practice.”

On page sixteen, he quotes four paragraphs of Louis B. Smedes’ writings. In three of those paragraphs, Mr. Smedes uses the words “homosexuals I know” twice and the words “homosexual people I know” once. He also says, “Getting to know a lesbian, gay, or bisexual person of faith will help you realize…” Anecdotal episodes do not constitute truth nor does it confirm or deny God’s Word. One’s getting to know a homosexual does not change truth. This practice of a red herring negates his point.

Passages five and six are combined – I Corinthians 6:9 and I Timothy 1:10 – “because they are so similar.” However, this is quite incorrect. I Timothy 1:10 is speaking of the law being appropriate for certain people.[2]I Corinthians 6:9 teaches quite a different truth.[3]

Mr. White also plays the stacking the deck card again: he ignores verse 11: “And such weresome of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”(The emphasis was added.) This verse in and of itself should negate any belief that someone choosing to be actively pursuing the activities listed in the passage is not living the life of “such weresome of you…[being] washed. . .justified…”

            In the explanation of Mr. White’s sixth premise, he contradicts himself. On page eighteen, he claims, “Homosexual orientation wasn’t even known until the 19thcentury.” Yet on page nineteen, he states, “Ulrichs recognized that homosexuals had been around from the beginning of recorded time, . . .” Either this activity was not known until the nineteenth century or it has been around since the beginning of recorded time; it cannot be both.

            Mr. White lowers God to fit his little box when he says, “The authors of the Bible are authorities in matters of faith. They can be trusted when they talk about God. But they should not be considered the final authorities on sexual orientation any more than they are the final authorities on space travel, gravity, or the internet.” If the authors were led by the Holy Spirit (the same one that Mr. White says Christians are to follow), then whatever they wrote was approved by the Holy Spirit. God absolutely would not allow a man to write Scripture incorrectly. How absurd!

            His seventh premise argues that Christians should love one another. Bible-obeying Christians can agree with that statement whole-heartedly. 

            On page twenty-one, he states “Because Christians refused to let their understanding of God’s Word be informed by science, . . .” He again contradicts himself for on several pages, he insisted that believers follow the Bible or the Holy Spirit: p. 3: “. . .I take the Bible seriously!”; he spent “more than 50 years reading, studying, memorizing, preaching, and teaching from the sacred texts”; “I’m convinced the Bible has a powerful message. . .”; p 4: “Often people. . .have never given careful and prayerful attention to what the Bible does or doesn’t say. . .”; “They haven’t read them [verses that reference same-sex behavior], let alone studied them carefully.” 

p. 6: He uses examples from Scripture (Paul, Peter) to prove his point; p. 7: “That’s why we study the Bible prayerfully, seeking the Spirit of Truth. . .” More examples could be given to raise the question: If he wants believers to study the Bible prayerfully, then why does a Christian need science to interpret what God the almighty omniscient Creator has written to mankind?! Mr. White needs to decide if he’ll study Scripture or study science.

            In his eighth premise, Mr. White says, “I love the Bible. I read God’s Word in it and hear God’s Word through it.” Many thesauruses claim that a synonym for the Bibleis “God’s Word.” He cannot read something in the same something. 

            Mr. White is correct in his belief that many Christians have been unkind to people with whom they disagree. Scripture does not give license to be unkind even though it demands that believers maintain Godly standards. 

            Mr. White has broken almost every debate technique in addition to promoting his literary dishonesty in this article. Research has shown that his writings have permeated the internet and as such, he has literally destroyed any educated, intelligent conversation on this topic. The wise person will not even consider what he has to say about individual verses and their meanings because he has twisted every premise in this article and thus he cannot be trusted on anything he claims about God’s holy Word.

Missed Part 3? Get it here: http://baptistwriters.com/blog/2019/4/26/soulforce-article-critique-part-3

[1]Ecclesiastes 12:13b-14.

[2]“Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.”

[3]“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

Is Being Overwhelmed Worth it?

by John O’Malley

Do you know how it feels to be overwhelmed? You know where the weight of your own problems are about to crush you, then one of your kids calls or an aging parent calls and you find out a new level of overwhelm.

Do you realize, God is never overwhelmed. Never once since time began, did God become overwhelmed. Never once before time began was God ever overwhelmed. God does not get overwhelmed. 

When God invites us to cast our cares on Him, we should. The very face the Judge of the whole earth asked me to tell him what overwhelms me should be enough for me to do so.

What overwhelms you? Why manage it yourself? He exchanges your overwhelm for His care.

1 Peter 5:7 “…casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Soulforce Article Critique, Part 3

By Jason Tsaddiq

Soulforce Article Critique, Part 3

On page eight, the last sentence in the first paragraph states, “. . .we must fervently seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance, or we risk being misled by our own prejudices.” Those two actions (seeking Holy Spirit’s guidance and being misled by prejudices) are incompatible – they cannot occur at the same time. If one is seeking guidance, then he is not being led by prejudices.

Mr. White’s fourth premise also commits several fallacies, the first being the fallacy of false dilemma which is basically an oversimplification, a propounding an either/or situation of the issue. His premise claims “The Bible is a book about God – not a book about human sexuality.” His either/or claim is that the Bible cannot be about human sexuality because it is a book about God. Logic demands that he recognize that God made human sexuality and if the Bible is a book about God, then it probably explains what God has given concerning human sexuality. Just as a child peering into her mother’s purse will discover aspects of her mother (her favorite gum, her bank card number, her every day lipstick), a reader of the Bible will discover aspects of God which include the sexuality of His creation. Holding to Mr. White’s premise would dictate that the Bible is a book about God – not a book about creation, the fall of man, the flood, the tower at Babel, Esther, Solomon, prophets, and the disciples.

His second logical fallacy within his fourth premise is dishonesty concerning Leviticus 18:19 which states “Also,thou shalt not approach unto a womanto uncoverher nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness.” Mr. White states, “The Bible forbids a married couple from having sexual intercourse during a woman’s period. If they disobey, both shall be executed.” However, this verse does not make that claim nor does any other verse in the Bible. Mr. White must not twist Scripture to fit his own prejudices - just as he accused others of doing in the aforementioned paragraph.

Mr. White exercises dishonesty when he lists Mark 12:18-27 with these words: “If a man dies childless, his widow is ordered by Biblical law to have intercourse with each of his brothers in turn until she bears her deceased husband a male heir.” As is noted in the endnotes, these verses do not teach this action neither does any other passage.[1]

At the very bottom of page eight, Mr. White says, “I’m certain you don’t agree with these teachings from the Bible about sex.” Here, again, he contradicts himself for earlier in his document, he claims that the Bible is not about human sexuality and yet he says, “teachings from the Bible about sex.” Either the Bible talks about sex or it does not. It cannot do both. 

One must consider another aspect concerning his statement about agreeing with the teachings from the Bible: God does not call upon His child to agree with the teachings; He calls on His child to obey. Obedience will bring understanding and agreement.[2]

Mr. White continues his dishonesty on the next page when he claims all sorts of sexual activity are acceptable. But he fails to give the exact Scripture to prove his point. However, possibly he is correct in one aspect: he list sexual activities that “are all accepted practices in the Scriptures.” This statement is true if one considers the enemies of God and their practices. Scripture does explain some of the customs of nations not pleasing to God so maybe Mr. White is leading his reader to believe that God approved of these practices when in reality, Scripture was delineating evil nations’ customs. Telling half a truth is telling a whole lie.

Mr. White, in his fifth premise, lists six Scripture passages that may or may not discuss human sexuality, the first of which is Genesis 1 and 2. He claims, 

Because the text says it is ‘natural’ that a man and a woman come together to create a new life, some people think this means gay or lesbian couples are ‘unnatural.’ They read this interpretation into the text, even though the text is silent about all kinds of relationships that don’t lead to having children: couples who are unable to have children, couples who are too old to have children, couples who choose not to have children, people who are single. Are these relationships (or lack of relationships) ‘unnatural’? There’s nothing said here that condemns or approves the love that people of the same sex have for each other, including the love I have for my partner, Gary.

In using this claim, Mr. White is guilty of the logical fallacy of non-sequitur, a term that means the conclusion does not follow logically from what preceded it.  This passage is about God creating man and woman and their coming together as one flesh. God is not discussing men and women who are unable or choose not to have children or any of the other circumstances that Mr. White alleged. God is not discussing the love that people have for the same sex – He is discussing man and woman coming to together as one flesh to reproduce. 

Based on Mr. White’s premise, one could complain that “there’s nothing said here that condemns or approves” the drinking of hot chocolate. This passage is not about God approving or condemning homosexual sin. It is about God creating the first home, just like He wanted it.

In his second passage, Genesis 19:1-14, Mr. White commits the logical fallacy of a straw man – a debate technique used to overstate the opponent’s argument in order to be more easily attacked. Mr. White claims that Sodom was not judged by God because the city was engulfed in homosexual activity. It is true that Ezekiel 16:48-49 says what Mr. White says it says.[3]However, Mr. White exaggerates the concepts presented in verses 48 and 49 - the arrogance, the selfishness of the people but he ignores verse 50 which clearly uses the expression “committed abomination before [God].” He claims that Sodom was destroyed due to her pride and arrogance, and he does not consider the definition of “abomination before [God].” 

Homosexuality very well may have been the “abomination before [God]” as seen in the story of Lot, his daughters, the visitors, and the men of city. Lot did not attempt to keep the men of the city away from the visitors because the men of the city were selfish and arrogant. He attempted to keep them away, offering them to his daughters, because of the homosexual activities widely prevalent as intimated by the exact words that Lot used in his conversation with the men of the city. If Mr. White has studied “Hebrew and Greek to gain a better understanding of the original words of the Biblical texts,” as he claims on page three of his article, then he would know the basic meanings of the words Lot used. 
            On page twelve, in conclusion of the discussion of Genesis 19 and Sodom, Mr. White shares the story of Abner Louima, “a young black immigrant from Haiti [who] was assaulted by several police officers. . .” Mr. White finished the story by claiming “this was not a homosexual act. It was about power.” The statement is probably true about the horrendous actions that were inflicted upon Mr. Louima but it is totally irrelevant to the story of Sodom. Reverting to his tactic of using non-sequitur, Mr. White attempts to draw the attention away from his lack of knowing the basic meanings of Hebrew words.

Passage three has to do with “the holiness code.” Mr. White quotes Leviticus 18:6 as “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female.” However, that is not Leviticus 18:6; it is Leviticus 18:22.

Missed Part 2? Get it here: http://baptistwriters.com/blog/2019/4/19/soulforce-article-critique-part-2

[1]“Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave hiswife behind him,and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.  Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise. And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also. In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife. 

And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?  For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven. And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I amthe God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.”

[2]One caveat: “Agreement” must occur for salvation for “agreeing with God about my sin” is the definition of repentance.

[3]“AsI live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters. Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.”

Call to Prayer

by Laura Jean Holt

Date of original journal entry:  Sunday, January 8, 2017

Our village of Baomahun boasts three mosques, two of which have a minaret.  The minaret, or tower, was traditionally used by the muezzin, the man who, in a wailing high tenor falsetto, calls the faithful to mandatory prayer five times a day. But the minarets in West Africa sport incredibly loud P.A. systems with recorded Arab voices to which we are subjected five times a day and even more on Fridays, the Islamic holy day.  By two mosques.  At the same time. But … not quite exactly!  A chaotic sounding overlap is the result.

Since the first call begins roughly at five o’clock in the morning, we try to rise around 3:45 to have one blissful hour of quiet before the mosques begin their morning wail which is often the loudest of the day to rouse the drowsy faithful.  

On this particular morning, following some much needed quiet prayer and completely unaware of the time, I started reading Proverb 8. I suddenly had a most incredible overlay of scripture with this Arabic call bringing into sharp relief the spiritual struggle which we encounter daily in Sierra Leone.  To maintain the incredible effect of this moment, I’ll give you only the Arabic here, just as I would have heard it; the full call to prayer, along with its English translation, is at the end of the post. 

“ Allahu Akbar” [pause]

            Doth not wisdom cry … ?

Completely awe struck by the split-second and improbable timing, I too paused for my own prayer at each phrase.

“Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah” [pause]

            And understanding put forth her voice …  [prayer] 

“Ashadu anna Muhammadan Rasool Allah” [pause]

            She cryeth at the gates, at the entry of the city … [prayer]

“Hayya ‘ala-s-Salah” [pause]

            Unto you, O men I call;

            And my voice is is to the sons of man … [much prayer]

I was so moved to prayer by this stark contrast of light versus dark, understanding versus gross ignorance — willful ignorance, a choosing on the part of the sons of man to remain in the darkness.  Wisdom quite literally cries at the gate of our “city” and puts forth her voice calling, “whosoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17) I will never be able to read Proverb 8 without praying for Muslims around the world to hear and heed the real call to prayer.

This is a translation of the prayer call which we hear five times a day and, as stated, more on Fridays.  During the holy month of Ramadan this call starts at three in the morning!  The final call is at seven, eight, or sometimes nine at night.  Sleep can be difficult at times.

Allahu Akbar

God is Great

(said four times)

Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah

I bear witness that there is no god except the One God.

(said two times)

Ashadu anna Muhammadan Rasool Allah

I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God.

(said two times)

Hayya 'ala-s-Salah

Hurry to the prayer (Rise up for prayer)

(said two times)

Hayya 'ala-l-Falah

Hurry to success (Rise up for Salvation)

(said two times)

As-salatu Khayrun Minan-nawm

Prayer is better than sleep

(said two times)

(said only for predawn [fajr] prayer)

Allahu Akbar

God is Great

(said two times)

La ilaha illa Allah

There is no god except the One God

Read Laura Jean Holt’s Previous Post: Which Department Please

Soulforce Article Critique, Part 2

By Jason Tsaddiq

Soulforce Article Critique, Part 2

Another heinous example of Mr. White’s stacking the deck (ignoring evidence) concerns his example of the September 22, 2000 incident in which Ronald E. Gay fatally shot Danny Overstreet and injured seven other people at a “gay bar.” Mr. White failed to recount, or possibly failed to research, that Mr. Gay had served in Vietnam during a rather troubled time period in American history. He was well-known by his wives (plural), family members, and friends to be a drunk. He even told police after his arrest that this was not a hate crime. According to one source, Mr. Gay’s comment about being “a Christian soldier, working for Lord” was not shouted while he was at the bar, shooting at people as told in Mr. White’s article. Mr. Gay wrote that comment in a letter addressed to the Roanoke Timesafter his arrest.[1]Mr. White took the actions of Mr. Gay out of context, failing to report in his article that, in addition to his Vietnam-induced PTSD, Mr. Gay had been bullied and harassed since elementary school. One must not excuse Mr. Gay for his sin of cold-blooded murder but one must not use his twisted, deficient mind as an example of “Christians” who misinterpret the Scripture.

In Mr. White’s example of Matthew and Tyler Williams, he fails again to tell the whole story and continues to ignore some evidence that contradicts his own beliefs. Benjamin Matthew Williams and James Tyler Williams were both arrested, tried, and convicted for the murder of Mr. Gary Matson and Mr. Winfield Mowder in July 1999. However, the interesting facts that Mr. White leaves out concern their upbringing and their affiliations. It is common knowledge that both brothers were part of a white supremacist group whose targets included Jews, homosexuals, and other minorities. They dabbled in organizations such as Christian Identity[2]and The Church of the Creator (now World Church of the Creator).[3]It is interesting to note also that these two brothers were also arrested, tried, and convicted of burning of synagogues as part of their hateful white supremacist activities. Mr. White leads the reader to believe that Mr. Matson and Mr. Mowder were murdered only because of their sexual orientation. Most assuredly, they were chosen in part because of the sexual orientation but mainly because these two brothers were already steeped in false beliefs which taught that they should hate homosexuals, Jews, and other minorities since these people were below the value of standard white people.[4]

On the top of page six, the example Mr. White gives is about Matthew Shephard’s death in 1998, a brutal murder in Wyoming. According to Mr. White, an pastor wrote an open letter claiming the “Gays are under the death penalty. . . .” Online research fails to produce evidence of this letter other than from Mr. White’s own writings. Surely, an open letter would be somewhat easy to find for verification of facts.

Verification of facts brings up another tidbit of faulty research and deck-stacking: Mr. White, in this article, has not given credit or verification for any of the pictures and/or the anecdotes that he gives as proof. If his facts are all perfectly straight, then he should have no qualms about giving the accurate source of these “facts.” He has eliminated any reference to the fact that some evidence exists that Matthew Shepherd was a sexual partner with one of his murderers.[5]

His second paragraph on page six includes these words: “Most Christians have no idea that the people killing gay and lesbian persons go around quoting those few verses of Scripture as justification.” If this statement is true, then these people (“killing gay and lesbian persons” while quoting Scripture) are in the minority; in their misinterpretation of Scripture, they do not represent Bible-obeying mankind. Being skilled in stacking the deck allows Mr. White to ignore the evidence of this truth.

Mr. White’s third premise commits two logical fallacies, the first being the fallacy of promoting a bandwagon, which advocates the idea that everyone believes or participates in an idea or action and therefore, the reader should also. He begins this premise by stating “Even heroes of the Christian faith have changed their minds about the meaning of various Biblical texts.” Since these “heroes of the faith have changed their minds,” so should the reader. His premise that “We must be open to new truth from Scripture” should raise a red flag of concern – yes, changing one’s mind after studying Scripture may and should occur as a believer learns more about his God. However, the term “new truth” implies that God’s Word changes or has changed since He gave it to holy men so long ago. God is not a god of confusion: He said what He wanted to say; He needs no Bible.2; He needs no second edition or addendums. Allowing for “new truth” should alarm the diligent student of the Word.

He mentions Paul, Peter, Jerry Falwell, and Jim Jones as the “heroes of the faith” mentioned in his first paragraph. For Paul, “It took a blinding light. . .to help the apostle Paul change his mind. . .” However, one must realize that the blinding light did not change Paul’s mind – he already knew Who was getting his attention for he called Him, “Lord.”

In Mr. White’s example of Peter seeing the sheet filled with now-allowed edible animals was not an example of “new truth.” It was an example of God changing His will for a certain time period as He has done several times throughout Scripture. In the example of Jerry Falwell, Mr. White included the idea of black and white segregation in his church. One may call Mr. Falwell an “hero of the faith” if desired, but one must realize that every “hero of the faith” still sins. Possibly the Holy Spirit had been previously prompting Mr. Falwell to repent of his sin of bigotry or his sin of following the worldly crowd instead of Biblical principles and then, when “a black shoeshine man” asked him the question, he was ready to give into the Holy Spirit. Neither God nor Scripture changed or became “new truth.” Mr. Falwell decided to follow what the Bible says about all men being created the same.

Comparing Jim Jones to Paul, Peter, and even Jerry Falwell is just a tad bizarre. Mr. Jones was well-known as being quite Biblically-eccentric, especially after bouncing around from various types of churches to other types of churches, then mingling all the “doctrine” into his own Peoples Temple. Mr. Jones’ actions were very much unbiblical so he should not even be used in this premise (maybe Mr. White needed a red herring inserted here.).

The example of Jim Jones is a segue to Mr. White’s next fallacy: he contradicts himself. In the first paragraph on page seven, he claims that “it’s terribly dangerous to think that our understanding of every Biblical text is also without error.” In the next paragraph, the paragraph about Jim Jones, Mr. White claims that the only people strong enough to avoid cult-like leaders are the ones who “study the texts themselves.” In one sentence, he wants his reader to believer the he, the reader, might make mistakes when interpreting Scripture; in the next sentence, he wants the reader to “study the text” himself. This question must be asked: “Why should one ‘study the texts’ himself if he is inevitably going to come to the incorrect conclusion?” One must wonder if Mr. White believes that a diligent student of the Word can be taught accurately by the Holy Spirit.

Missed Part 1? Get it here: http://baptistwriters.com/blog/2019/4/12/soulforce-article-critique-part-1

[1]Corky McGraw, A “Gay” Hate Crime, http://corkymcg0.tripod.com/crime/gayhatecrime.html, 2001, Accessed June 10, 2017.

[2]“Christian Identity is a unique anti-Semitic and racist theology that rose to a position of commanding influence on the racist right in the 1980s. "Christian" in name only, the movement's relationship with evangelicals and fundamentalists has generally been hostile due to the latter’s belief that the return of Jews to Israel is essential to the fulfillment of end-time prophecy.” Southern Poverty Law Center, https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/ideology/christian-identity, Accessed June 10, 2017.

[3]An excerpt of some of their unscriptural beliefs is as follows: “Christianity is a violent religion. They have killed 1000 fellow Christians down through the years for every Christian that the Romans killed. They do not believe that Jesus existed in the 1stcentury CE. They point to the complete lack of evidence from any non-Jewish source that verifies His existence in Palestine. They reject the principle of loving your enemies. Enemies should be hated. They reject the ethic of reciprocity which is expressed in the Christian golden rule and in many similarstatements in other religions.” B. A. Robinson, Ontario Consultant on Religious Tolerance, http: //www. Religioustolerance.org/wcotc1.htm, Accessed June 10, 2017.

[4]An interesting note must be made here: after several hours of research, this author could not find the original source in which Benjamin Matthew Williams said to his mother, “I had to obey God’s law rather than man’s law.” Only one quite liberal source (salon.com) had a quote very similar to this aforementioned statement but with no credit given to the source.  All other incidents in which this quote appears are actually quoting Mr. White. This situation in addition to other incidences of careless research by Mr. White causes one to wonder as to its veracity.

[5]These two websites will give more details on this controversy: http://nypost.com/2013/10/28/uncomfortable-truth-behind-matthew-shepards-death/    and

http://www.advocate.com/print-issue/current-issue/2013/09/13/have-we-got-matthew-shepard-all-wrong

Digging Out Gems

By Gail Gritts

One way to enjoy Bible study is by choosing a word, looking at its the usages in the Bible, and exploring the word’s original meanings.  You need a Strong’s Concordance for that or a really good website as a resource, but word study helps you discover a wealth of understanding and fall in love with the depth of God’s word.
            In my blog, Beside the Well, I spent two years going through individual words drawing devotional thoughts and applications.  We studied one word each week.  I thought I’d share with you one of the sets of devotions that were not built on one word but used five different words that contained S’s n K’s.

            The first word is Slack.  2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lordis not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”        In one of the Back to the Futurefilms, the headmaster uses the word “slacker” to describe a pupil that is slow or not performing well. The pupil was underperforming due to his lack of intelligence.  However, God is not slack.  He is not slow or lacking in intelligence.  He is not underperforming—especially when it comes to His promises.

            He is not slack, as men think of slackness.  He is tarrying on purpose, and that is the difference.  God is allowing time for men to see their need and come to repentance. We may pray and pray for a loved one and feel God doesn’t seem to be working.  However, the truth is—God is always at work.  We may not see it ourselves, but He is always working toward the goal of drawing men and women to Himself.

            Sometimes we might be tempted to believe God has forgotten where we are, that all of the prophecies we read in His Word are but stories (fables of old) that have been long abandoned.  That is not true, either.  Not one jot or tittle of God’s Word will fail; all will be accomplished, but in His time, under His control.  He will not tarry when that time has come.

            Maybe the truth of the matter is that we are the slackers!  We are the ones who are slow and under-performing.  We are the doubters and scoffers; the ones who lose focus and forget that God is longsuffering.

            Slackers need to repent!

The second word to consider is Stuck. “I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O Lord, put me not to shame.”  (Psalm 119:31)  Stick-to-itiveness is a real virtue.  It demands you adhere consistently to a manner of life, an attitude, outlook, or task until completed or maybe to a belief or hope in someone or something. God’s Word promises to bless those who stick by his Word (Joshua 1:8, Rev. 1:3, Luke 11:28).  The blessings come to those who not only believe God is right but also are striving to live according to God’s direction in His Word.

            Only two other times in God’s Word does this word ‘stuck’ appear.  In 1 Samuel 26:7 Saul’s spear was stuck in the ground as he slept, and in Acts 27:41 a boat became stuck on the shore and was unmoveable.

            We need to plunge ourselves into God’s precepts and stay there, just like the spear (for safekeeping), or as the boat ran aground (being unmoveable). It matches up with 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

            The psalmist wrote in Psalms 119:31, “put me not to shame.”  Don’t let me down, Lord; I’ve put all my eggs in Your basket.  I trust You to honor Your Word. 

            Throughout the Bible faithfulness of God’s Word is declared.  In the Gospels, three times it is written, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away”(Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33).

            God won’t let us down. He will keep His Word.  Our job is to get stuckinto it and leave the rest to Him.  How are you doing?

            You ready for another one?  This time the word is Stink. “For my wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.”  (Psalm 38:5) Psalm 38 is a cry from the heart of a man face to face with the reality of his sinfulness.  His emotions are causing physical reactions; he experiences restlessness, he is heavy, mourning; there is weakness, turmoil of heart, and groaning. Heart palpitations, sorrows and a fear of judgment all paint a desperate picture. 

            He cries out: “Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.”  The reality of sin and the assuredness of chastisement bring about an attitude of repentance.

            He sees his sin, and it stinks. Through his foolishness, he has placed himself in a position of dread, and he is repentant.  Kay Arthur wrote: “Sin is independence from God; …when that true poverty of spirit comes, then righteous mourning will rise up like a wall on its foundation.” Repentance is a scarce commodity today. People seem to have become accustomed to the stink of sin. 

            The word stinkhere is the Hebrew word Ba’ash,which means to be morally offensive, to smell bad, to be abhorred. He knows the odor of his life choices is not a sweet-smelling savor! Verse eighteen states, “For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.”Repentance is absolutely necessary.  Man must come to the knowledge of the stench of his own sinfulness and place himself upon the mercy of God.  Repentance is also necessary for the saint. We are admonished to keep our lives clean and fragrant through confession and repentance of daily sins (1 John 1:9).  

            No Christian should be a stinker. How about you?  Are there any stinky things in your life of which you need to repent?

The next word is one of my favorites, Sink. “Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.”  (Psalm 69:14) “Let me not sink.”  Sometimes, life gets so overpowering we feel we surely cannot face another day with the same pressures and hazards.  Or we recognize the challenges before us and see ourselves as inadequate for the task; we worry the task will consume us.  Whatever the source of the pressure, we feel compelled to cry out for help, “Let me not sink.”

            Crying out is a great thing.  Recognizing our weaknesses or inadequacies is not necessarily detrimental.  From here we reach out to the One who can help us, deliver us, and raise us up once again.

            The psalmist did a lot of crying out and each time recorded the Lord’s deliverance.  Psalm 34:6, “This poor man cried, and the Lordheard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.” Psalm 120:1, “In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me.”

            In this sinful world, we sometimes feel the influence and oppression of the mire trying to pull us under. This is the mire to which the psalmist eluded in Psalm 69, saying it was filthy, full of hate, and running deep.

            Like Pilgrim in the quagmire or Pool of Despond, we also need to be lifted out of the filth of the world unto greater sanctification and holiness of life.  We need our garments cleansed by repentance and separation.

            Cry out!  The Lord will not let you sink!

            And our final word to consider is Strike. “Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.”  (Proverbs 22:26) To strike hands is equivalent to being responsible to another for someone else’s debt.  It is to stake your goods, over which God has given you stewardship, as another’s security.  If your friend defaults, you pay up.

            Matthew Henry comments on this verse, stating that to do this is like cheating the person in need. Instead of simply helping him by your own generous gift, you gamble with your goods.  This places your own prosperity in jeopardy and does not relieve your neighbor of his debt.  He is also now bound to you as well, and if it all goes pear-shaped, the friendship will be damaged.  

            We have all experienced the calamity of the banking industry in recent times.  Bad debt and poor decisions were the basic cause.  Men simply were not dealing with good financial practices.  They were gambling against the economy and predictions of prosperity; however, those were false and eventually collapsed.

            If we practice poor financial management, our lives will similarly collapse.  In this verse, God warns us against co-signing loans.  It would be better to give our neighbor a gift, helping him out of debt than to be bound by this sort of risk.  When we understand and accept that all we have belongs to the Lord and we are only stewards, then surely, we would not want to risk our Lord’s goods!

            Have we heard God’s wisdom?  Or do we continue to gamble?  Are we good stewards, or do we think what we have has come from our own strength?

            I hope you enjoyed this little journey through God’s word, and it challenges you to open your Bible and your concordance to dig out some gems for yourself!

Soulforce Article Critique, Part 1

By Jordan Tsaddiq

Soulforce Article Critique, Part 1

Everyone has an opinion and everyone is legally entitled to hold to that opinion as long as it is not forced upon another citizen. A citizen’s right to his opinion stops at the beginning of another person’s opinion. Usually most Americans understand that concept. However, there are a few people who insist on forcing their agenda on others, often using illogical and slightly unethical methods. Mel White is one of those individuals.

            In his article titled What the Bible Says – and Doesn’t Say – about Homosexuality, Mr. White violates basic elementary logic principles in his attempt to justify the behavior of his homosexuality.

            In accordance with Daniel Wallace’s review,[1]one must concur with some of Mr. White’s ideas, specifically on page three. Sentences such as the following are quite logical and Biblical.

Many good people build their case against homosexuality almost entirely on the Bible. These folks value Scripture, and are serious about seeking its guidance in their lives. . . . We gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Christian take the Bible seriously, too.[2]

One may concur that some “gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Christians” may take the Bible seriously for the tender Christian must acknowledge that some people have not been taught the truth concerning this topic. For example, the story is told of an older male teen who was showing his appreciation for his high school teacher’s kindness and teaching skills by writing a note expressing some homosexual tendencies. When the Christian teacher approached the teen on the tone and suggestions in the note, the teen communicated a little of his life story – a life completely overwhelmed with the homosexual agenda. The boy’s father had used him in homosexual activity with other men since the boy was twelve years old. This young man, still a teen, had no idea that physical intercourse with another man was not normal. This young man had not been taught truth.[3]It is relatively easy to agree that some people, including Christians, have not been taught truth; therefore, in their Scriptural ignorance, they may believe that they “take the Bible seriously.”

Mr. White claims on page three that “the Bible has a powerful message for gay and lesbian Christians – as well as straight Christians.” This statement is true and must be followed only as the student of the Scripture learns the “powerful message” of the Bible and not reads into the Bible his own “powerful message.”

Mr. White, on the first page of his article, obviously uses the logical fallacy of ad misericordiam, the argument being based on an irrelevant appeal to pity or sympathy. He reaches this fallacy by showing a crowd of people, each person holding a large portrait of “murdered lesbian and gay Americans.” When viewing these pictures, one must be sorrowful for any illegal, deliberate taking of a life, especially done in deceit or hatred. However, the fact that some people murdered “lesbian gay Americans” does not prove his point that homosexuality is Biblical. 

In his first premise which starts on page three, Mr. White is guilty of the logical fallacy of ad hominem, the concept of using a personal attack on the opponent rather than using the positive aspects of his own case. This fallacy is shown in the premise itself: “Most people have not carefully and prayerfully researched the biblical texts often used to condemn God’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender children.” Instead of propounding the merits of his case, he attempts to negate his opponents’ merits by claiming his opponents are ignorant of Scripture. His basic principle may be true – that many Christians have not thoroughly studied the proof text inside and out – but to use that concept as an argument in favor of homosexuality is unethical. A beginning nursing student may not know all the chemical reactions that take place in an infection, but she does know to apply antibiotic cream and a dressing. To claim that a Christian cannot know the truth only because he himself has not “spent more than 50 years reading, studying, memorizing, preaching, and teaching from the sacred texts”[4]is quite preposterous. 

As a side note, one should observe this fact: in the world of research, the careful researcher will attempt to quote as close to the original as possible to confirm the authenticity of the material presented. On page three, Mr. White quoted Dr. Peter Gomes’ book called The Good Bookinstead of verifying the statistics himself through the George Barna research polls which discovered those statistics. Mr. White failed to document/give credit to the primary source of his statistics, an action easy to do yet a fatal flaw in any legitimate research project. If he is not careful in scientific and composition research, how can one be assured that he has been careful in Biblical research.

His lack of carefulness in research is shown in his statement of “the Bible’s one million verses” for one must realize that there are only 31,102 verses in the Bible.[5]

His second premise beginning on page four is guilty of the logical fallacy called stacking the deck, an argument in which some or all the evidence is conveniently ignored. Mr. White claims that “historically, people’s misinterpretation of the Bible has left a trail of suffering, bloodshed, and death.”[6]He is ignoring the concept that not everyone who is against a certain thought or action has misinterpreted the Scripture. As an example, he uses “bloody crusades” but fails to mention that, for the most part, the Crusades were not executed by people known for following the literal, traditional interpretation of the Bible. In fact, the people group mostly responsible for the Crusades are quite well-known for changing their mind on their doctrine. Another example is “tragic inquisitions”; he, again, fails to mention the instigator of these inquisitions.  He uses the example “to support slavery” and fails to mention that Scripture does not condemn one working for another (though it condemns being unkind to another). He is almost using “slavery” to mean whatever he wants instead of defining which aspect of slavery he is referencing. His example of “persecuting Jews and other non-Christian people of faith” still is ignoring the fact that not every Christian or Christian-claimer has done these atrocities.  His example of “opposing medical science” ignores the fact that some “medical science” is unbiblical (Learning the definition of abortionwill give proof). Other concepts of “medical science” (genetic tampering, sexual transformations, abortions) are against certain inflexible Biblical principles. 

It is true that many evil deeds have been done in the name of God, but just as he asks his reader to do, (on page four), he should “test all things” to decipher who actually misinterpreted Scripture in order to justify these evil atrocities and not pass judgment on all Christians.

Also, on page four, Mr. White claims that “Jesus says nothing about same sex-behavior.” This statement ignores the fact that Jesus spoke often of the marriage between a man and a woman. Logically, if there were any other definition of marriage, then Jesus would have addressed it. Mr. White belittles himself when falling to this trick of stacking the deck.

[1]Daniel Wallace, Review of Mel White’s Article What the Bible Says – and Doesn’t Say – about Homosexuality, https://bible.org/article/review-mel-white-s-what-bible-says-and-doesn-t-say-about-homosexuality

Accessed 6-4-17

[2]Mel White,What the Bible Says – and Doesn’t Say – about Homosexuality,

[3]Frank Camp, Hermeneutics, class lecture, May 10, 2017.

[4]White, 3.

[5]Camp.

[6]His assuming that the reader is one of those who have misinterpreted the Bible and thus have “left a trail of suffering, bloodshed, and death” is off-putting, to say the least.

Which Department Please

by Laura Jean Holt

Sometimes I’m asked about my role as a missionary wife and I think to myself, “Hmmm . . . it might be difficult to define that role.”   A missionary wife wears many hats but here is a small sampling of my many and diverse functions.

I am an unregistered nurse –  Especially to Stephen when he has been through some very debilitating sicknesses.

I am a unlicensed doctor – I have a book called Where There is No Doctorand with the aid of this book, I have successfully diagnosed and treated Stephen, myself, and others who have come to us seeking medical assistance.  And - I’m quite happy to report - I have never lost a patient!

I am an unlicensed pharmacist – This same book gives suggested medicines and dosages for treatment along with how to substitute if something’s not available.  However, most of what we need is accessible at “pharmacies” - basically on the street.

I am an unlicensed veterinarian – I have treated our own dogs, goats, and chickens as well as other people's animals with the assistance of yet another book: Where There is No Vet

I also have the book Where there is no Dentist but I steadfastly drew the line at Where There is No Midwife. These ladies have been successfully delivering babies for centuries and I decided - they really don’t need my help in that department!

When Stephen is away I am a night security watchman – Armed with a flash light, a machete, and our two dogs, Goodness and Mercy, I must investigate around the compound when the dogs alert me. People need to see and know that we respond.  What exactly I would do with the machete I don’t know but it makes me feel better to have it. 

I am a dietitian – no easy task where our main foods are rice, bulgur wheat, eggs, and dried beans.  If we have bread it’s because I made it. And if I don’t cook it’s fast food such as canned beans, sardines, or some such as there are no other options. Stephen is very understanding those times but I work hard to not do that to him if I can help it. 

 Often I have to be the handyman's assistant but I am also an administrative assistant – I make copies, collate pages, and staple lesson outlines; I gather reference materials for Stephen as he prepares lessons; I develop power point presentations for his classes; I handle all the  correspondence and Field Reports; I do what ever he needs to help ease his burden thereby freeing him for teaching and evangelism whether at home or on the circuit.

I am the house keeping department ~

The Sunday School department ~

The agricultural department ~

The art department...

Sometimes when Stephen asks me to do something I answer him by saying that I will inform the appropriate department.  One day he responded with, “You have more departments than the Pentagon and getting through to the correct person is harder than the IRS.”

Juggling my departments is a daunting task at times.  The dietitian might call in sick and not want to cook.  The house keeper might be in a foul mood (veryfoul).  The art department might have the mistaken notion that they are the only ones with work to do and so nothing else gets done.  Somebody may need the nurse but she just really doesn't feel like seeing anybody at that moment.   I have departmental squabbles and conflicts on a regular basis but I try to keep them all in line and productively employed. Besides . . . I really can't fire any of them anyway.

First and foremost, my function and role is that of wife to my dear husband – which it should be for any wife.  It is difficult for me to adequately communicate to you that Stephen and I are all we have. Due to the vast cultural, spiritual, and intellectual differences, there is not a single person he depends on more than me.  That knowledge is a heavy weight at times.  I know I must do my best to be my best for him at all times and in every way.  I am not very successful in this but with the Lord's help, I’m learning.  

At times I found it difficult to block out what other missionary wives do and listen to the Lord for His direction.  I had the perception that I was expected to do certain things.  That notion was partly my own and partly placed in my mind by talking to people while on deputation.  “This is what a missionary wife is and does,” or,  “You will be having such and such type of ministry, won't you?”  But God is not in a box and each mission work and missionary wife is an individual.  I do not want to imply that we can't learn from the work of others – that would be foolish – but we should not limit ourselves or feel constrained by what others do or expect of us.

The Lord greatly used Stephen to help define my main function in the work we share in Sierra Leone - Illustrated Evangelism.  This role is quite outside the “typical” expectations for a missionary wife as the illustrations fill a need we could not have understood until actually involved in the work.  As the head of the art department, I try to keep my staff of one up to speed with the ever increasing demand for illustrations.  As the work develops and progresses, Stephen and I are continually coming up with new ideas.  One long-term project currently under development is a wordless evangelistic book for the book of John were we will focus on one major teaching from each chapter; something I’m very excited about.

Most likely, if you were to visit our remote mission compound, you’d find me at home or very nearby. I don’t often travel out of our village. So if you need me, just take a number, wait in line, and I’ll direct your request to the correct department - if they’re available!

The Resurrection of Christ, Part 4

By Daniel Brown

The Resurrection of Christ

A Letter Defending the Bodily Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:28

Part Four

G. Question #4: We find a further confimration of the spirit body resurrection in 1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ died once for all time for sins, a righteous person for unrighteous ones, in order to lead you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.” (NWT)

As you already know, I do not believe the New World Translation to be a trustworthy translation of the Bible. The majority of Christian theologians in the world would also agree to this. This passage is yet one more reason why we find the NWT to be unreliable. The passage should read.

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:1 Peter 3:18

The words, “in” (NWT) and “by” (KJV) make a great impact on the meaning of the passage. The NWT has the phrase “in the spirit” because the Watchtower Organization wishes to support its belief in the Spirit-body resurrection of Jesus Christ. This passage is, in reality a supporting passage for the Holy Spirit’s involvement in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Jesus was resurrected from the grave by the Holy Spirit of God. Romans 8:11 agrees:

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Romans 8:11

Now I would like to ask you a few questions. I would appreciate receiving an answer to these questions as well as the others I have posed.

There are many factors of the resurrection of Jesus Christ which we should consider. Already mentioned are the Prophecy Factor and the Pneuma Factor. The prophecies of Jesus’ resurrection (from both Jesus himself and from Old Testament prophets) declare a physical resurrection. The Pneuma Factor explains the difference between Spirit and Spiritual.

We have not yet considered the Persecution Factor. The persecution of Christians since the time of Jesus Christ was based upon one main reason, namely, the claim that Jesus Christ was physically resurrected.

In my study of 1 Corinthians, I also read verses 30-32:

And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

I would like to ask you the questions which the Apostle Paul asked:

• Why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
• What advantageth it me, if the dead rise not?

Christians have suffered under persecution since the time of the New Testament. Among other horrific forms of persecution, they have been stoned, crucified, burned at the stake, drowned, and shot to death. According to history, Peter, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Thaddeus, and Simon the Zelot were crucified. James, the son of Alphaus was stoned. John was exiled to the island of Patmos. According to the historian Josephus, the Apostle Paul was decapitated.

Every Apostle of Jesus Christ was persecuted because of the gospel. The gospel they preached, according to 1 Corinthians 15, was the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, his burial, and his resurrection.

Paul claimed that the reason he was in jeopardy every hour was because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

G., do you really believe that these 12 men, along with a multitude of other unnamed followers of Jesus Christ, were persecuted to the death for believing in the resurrection of Jesus Christ in a spirit-body? Does this make sense to you?

A spirit-body resurrection is not a miracle. Muslims could say that Muhammed resurrected in a spirit-body. Buddhists could claim that Buddha resurrected in a spirit-body. Every false religion could make such claims and have no need to verify their claims. This is the reason why Jesus Christ gave infallible proof of his physical resurrection.

If Jesus Christ rose from the dead in a spirit-body, there is no reason for the persecution of hundreds of thousands of Christians throughout history. However, if Jesus Christ rose physically from the dead, his resurrection is truly a miracle. Such a miracle would confirm the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the only true God and Saviour.

I would like to consider one more factor: The Priest Factor, or The High Priest Factor. Please read 1 Timothy 2:5-6

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

The New World Translation reads as follows:

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all—this is what is to be witnessed to in its own due time.

This passage begs the question, "Is Jesus Christ (the mediator of believers) a man, in this present time (as it is translated in the NTW), or not? “

I would like to refer once again to your statement, “The Bible is enough for me.” If the Bible says that Jesus Christ is presently “man”, and at the same time called “God” and “Lord”, what should we believe?

Jesus Christ’s ministry as Mediator necessitates that He would be a man. If He were not a man, He would not be a reliable High Priest. Jesus is still the “God-man”. He is 100% man and 100% God at the same time.

The following passage gives us the details of the High Priestly ministry:

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16

According to this passage, Jesus Christ is a great high priest because he can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. This describes his earthly life. From His birth to His death on the cross, Jesus experienced everything that a man experiences without one time committing sin. For this reason, we can approach the throne of grace with boldness. We have comfort and boldness before God because we know that Jesus understands us.

We also see in Hebrews 5, that the High Priestly ministry of Jesus Christ began as he was on earth.

As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and

supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
Hebrews 5:6-7

Please read the entire chapter of Hebrews 7, in which Jesus is compared with Melchisedec. Please consider the likenesses between Jesus and Melchisedec.

• Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. (v. 3)

• Could you please explain, neither beginning of days, nor end of life;?

• ... abideth a priest continually... - My understanding of this phrase is, what he began on earth he continued in heaven. How can he be a “Priest” in heaven if He is not a man?

And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
Hebrews 7:15-19

• Thou art a priest for ever - The Lord Jesus Christ is still a priest, and will be a priest forever.

• An angel cannot be a priest, especially the High Priest. This is yet another clarification of the fact, that Jesus Christ is the same today as He will be throughout all eternity. He does not change. He was never an angel, nor will he be an angel.

And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;Hebrews 7:23-26

The Lord Jesus Christ has an unchangeable priesthood because he continueth ever. He is just as much a High Priest today as he was in Gethsemane. He does not change.

Because He is eternal, and our eternal High Priest, he is able to save sinners to the uttermost.

For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.Hebrews 2:16-17

• If Jesus was already an “angel” in the past, why does the Scripture say, he took not on him the nature of angels ?

• If an angel cannot be a merciful and faithful high priest, how can Jesus be the eternal High Priest?

There are a multitude of passages that declare the deity and eternality of Jesus Christ. There are also a plethora of passages which present a physical resurrection. As you know, it has been months since I have promised you an answer to your questions. I could send much more time with this subject, but if you choose to reject the many verses I have offered you in order to support your own belief system, I fear there is nothing else I can do for you. I will continue to pray for you.

Dearest G. I care very much for your soul. I believe God led me to present the true gospel of Jesus Christ to you.

Jesus is the true God. He took upon Himself the form of a servant, so He could pay for your personal sin debt. He resurrected from the dead physically and ascended into Heaven. He is still alive today! He desires to save you from your sin. Call out to Him! Trust in Him! Repent! Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!

Missed Part 3? Find it here: http://baptistwriters.com/blog/2019/3/29/the-resurrection-of-christ-part-3

Health, Wealth, and Happiness

By Gail Gritts

Health, Wealth, and Happiness

            If you had three wishes, what would you wish for:  a new car, a more beautiful home, and new clothes?
            My sister and I used to play this game.  We would wish for two things we wanted—whatever they might be, but we always reserved the third wish for three more wishes.  That way we never ran out!
            Our mother’s three wishes were always, “Health, wealth, and happiness.” We thought she was awfully dull, but she went on to explain, “Is there anything else you would need if you were happy, healthy, and wealthy?”  We’d just look at her and keep on wishing for new toys, private rooms, and stuff like that. But her wisdom remained with us.
            Ask yourself: Is there anything else one would need if they were healthy, wealthy, and happy?

HEALTH

            Proverbs 4:20-22 says,“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.  Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.  For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.”

            God’s word never promises us perfect physical health.  In this word of sin, that is not a promise we can claim. Yet, there is no substitute for good physical health; it is truly a gift of God.  Taking proper care of ourselves maintains our physical health. Since we are temples of the Holy Spirit, we should supply our body’s needs as if we were the caretakers of God’s house. That is all the more the reason for taking proper care of our physical health and needs.  
            There is physical health, mental and emotional health, and spiritual health. All of these are important.  Here in Proverbs, we learn that heeding what God says leads to spiritual health; for His word is life and health.
            Remember, we can have a healthy spiritual heart, and controlled mind and emotions if we attend to His word, even in the midst of poor physical health.

WEALTH

            Honestly, most of us wish we were wealthier.  We may even play with the thought of what great things we would do if we had unlimited resources.  We think we would give to help others, but usually, what we could buy for ourselves quickly replaces that philanthropic thought. I believe our unchecked desire for material things is part of our fallen nature because Adam and Eve were perfectly content before sin entered.
            However, even though we aren’t rich, we spend the majority of our lives accumulating things as if they could buy happiness.  We line our walls with ornaments on shelves, and our cupboards bulge with unused appliances, yet we think we need more.  Our unbridled desires have created a ferocious advertising industry that is persistently trying to convince us of the same.
            True wealth and the ability to acquire it, are gifts from the Lord.  In Deuteronomy 8:18 we are reminded, “But thou shalt remember the Lordthy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth.”
            Job 21:13 says those that forget the One who gives them the means to acquire worldly wealth,“…spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave.”  They lose true wealth, and that is the wealth of heaven. 
            If Christians will heed, God has promised them not only wealth on earth but also an eternal wealth in heaven.  
            I’m not preaching prosperity gospel, but look at Psalm 112:1-3 “Praise ye the Lord, Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.  His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.  Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.”  
            I guess the bottom line is how you define wealth.  Sounds to me like real wealth is intangible!
            

HAPPINESS

            We all pursue happiness and seek it through fun, food, family, friends, etc. But God says happiness comes from wisdom and understanding.  “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding” Proverbs 3:13. 
            It is also gained by work. “For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee” Psalm 128:2. 
            Godly correction is another source. “Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth” Job 5:17.
            The fear of the Lord brings happiness.  “Happy is the man that feareth always” Proverbs 28:14.
            And somehow, suffering holds happiness. “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye” 1 Peter 4:14.
            Being content with such things as ye have, knowing what the Lord expects from you and performing it are also resources of happiness.  “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” John 13:17, and having the hope of glory, “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lordhis God”Psalm 146:5, all of these add to the happiness of the child of God. 
            

            So, health, wealth, and happiness come from the Lord to those who seek Him, according to His word.  They are so much more than a wish!
            Indeed, health, wealth, and happiness in Christ are all any Christian would need, and God has promised them according as we heed His Word.

            So, if I could grant you three wishes, what would be your requests?