Biblical Archaeology and the Bible

I posed a question to AI (the internet’s “artificial intelligence”): “Has there ever been any piece of biblical information proven false?” The answer that came back: “Yes—individual biblical claims have been shown to conflict with established historical or scientific evidence, but no scholar claims that all biblical information has been proven false. The picture is mixed: some passages are strongly corroborated by archaeology and external records, while others are contradicted or remain unverified” (COPILOT; 7.3.26).

I pushed back against this answer and said archaeology does not prove anything and, moreover, archaeology is data that must be interpreted. COPILOT accepted this as a reasonable push back: “You’re right to push back here, Ron — and this is exactly the kind of precision you like.”

I want you to notice there is no evidence of the biblical record ever being “proved” false by archaeology. Archaeological data, by its very nature, is limited, because a small spec (or piece) of information is too little to make broad, sweeping claims. When I asked COPILOT about archaeological data disproving the Bible, COPILOT’S answer was in relation to the conquest of Canaan, a historical event that occurred around three thousand five hundred years ago, wherein archaeology is especially sparse. The archaeological data giving evidence of this is limited, but there is evidence. “… archaeology does not show a single, sweeping, rapid military conquest of Canaan, but it does show several specific destructions, burn layers, and cultural shifts that align with parts of Joshua … The evidence is mixed, and the interpretation depends heavily on chronology” (COPILOT 7.8.26).

Three things about this: first, COPILOT offered no direct contradictory evidence of the conquest; second, the data that is available is interpreted by some negatively; third, there is some evidence of destruction that corresponds with the biblical record. This means that assertions of “contradictions!” is factually false, a lie (at worst) or ignorance (at best). A negative interpretation of information/data that is available is not a contradiction, but a presupposed interpretation.

Thus, nothing proven false, only a negative (unbelieving) interpretation given.

There is some good to be said about “modern scholarship,” but one thing that stands out very badly against modern scholarship are its presumptions. In other words, some so-called scholars of today go into the realm of interpreting biblical data with the presupposition the Bible can’t be trusted as a historical record. They judge this through the lens of atheism, skepticism, and unbelief. Rather than let the record of biblical information stand on its own and reserve judgment until more information than is currently available comes to light, they take what little information there is and make sweeping judgments.

Peter warned that as some people do (did) this with the writings of Paul, we are reminded that some people will do the same with the data/information of the Scriptures, attempting to show the biblical record unreliable: “…as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; wherein are some things hard to be understood, which the ignorant and unstedfast wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:16). RT

Yes and No

By Bill Brandstatter

     I grew up in a time when a man made a promise and kept it. Yes meant yes and no meant no. Our times, however, are changing. Man’s promises are not what they should be. Sometimes promises are rashly made and then not kept.
     I am glad that God’s promises are trustworthy. The Bible connects yes and no with the keeping of promises. The apostle Paul tells us that “All the promises of God in him are yes, and in him amen, to the glory of God through us.”(2 Cor. 1:20). God’s promises are sure and faithful. We can rely on Him to keep His word.
     When Jesus said, “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). He meant it. You can count on it. No matter what man says concerning salvation, that is what Jesus said,.
     God promises eternal life to the obedient. Peter tells us that God has give us “exceedingly great and precious promises”(2 Pet. 1:4). In the book of Hebrews, we read about those. The writer tells of some who “died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Heb. 11:13). From that text, we learn that God’s promises can provide assurances that can be embraced.
     Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Heb. 5:8,9). If we obey Him, we have the promise of salvation from our sins and the hope of a home in heaven with Him.

- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/

Treasure!

By Joe Slater

    Maybe you should vacation in the Rockies this summer. Back in 2010 Mr. Forest Fenn, a New Mexico art dealer, hid a chest of gold nuggets and precious jewels worth about $2-million somewhere in the Rockies. He even published a map and poem he said contained all the hints you need to find the treasure. Some 350,000 people have tried to locate it, all to no avail. A few people have died in accidents while searching.
    Mr. Fenn said he hid the cache to promote fishing and other outdoor activities involving families pursuing the riches. “I wanted to give kids something to do. They spend too much time in the game room or playing with their little handheld texting machines.”**
    No doubt our children would be better served by hiking and fishing than by endlessly playing video games! And I understand the attraction of a $2-million stash of gold and jewels! I’m disturbed, however, by the preoccupation with “uncertain riches” (1 Timothy 6:17), contrasted with the evident lack of interest in eternal, spiritual matters.
    Jesus spoke of a treasure hidden in a field; the man who found it sold everything he had to buy the field. It wasn’t money, but God’s kingdom (Matthew 13:44). I’d love to see 350,000 people seeking the kingdom with the intensity they show toward gold and jewels.
    What about us? What are we telling our children when we will move heaven and earth to attend every practice and every game for sports, but casually miss Bible classes and church? We say God is most important, but is He? Really? Think about it.

- Joe Slater serves as minister of the Church of Christ in Justin, TX. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://justinchurchofchrist.com

**https://www.yahoo.com/news/millionaire-hid-treasure-rocky-mountains-134324925.html.

This Ezra

By Jim Faughn

     To some, it may appear as just another one of those long lists of names we find in the Bible. This particular list is at the beginning of the seventh chapter of Ezra. The list begins with Ezra and works his lineage back through sixteen names. The sixteenth name is “…Aaron the chief priest” (v. 5). I guess you could say that this is similar to the lists of “begats” we find in various places in the Bible --- only in reverse.  
     I suppose we would have to have the mind of God to understand all of the reasons why a list like this is in the Bible. Was it included to help to establish the “credentials” of Ezra? After all, if he could trace his lineage all the way back to Aaron, it would help to establish the fact that he did, indeed, have some credibility.
     Were these names included merely to take up space? The obvious answer to that is, of course, an unqualified no!  
     I’d like to mention one thing that comes to my mind when I read the words “this Ezra.” It helps to establish the fact that I am not reading a book of fairy tales, legends, fables, etc. It helps me to know that, when I read the Bible, I’m reading about real people, real places, real events, etc.  
     There is not a passage in my Bible (or yours) that begins, “A long time ago in a land far, far away…” Instead, when I am reading God’s word, I am reading about many people whose names are found in history books. I am reading about events that those same history books verify as having taken place.
     Consider the following passage as just one more example of this: 

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,  Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.  (Luke 3:1-2) 

In these two short verses, there are five governmental officials named. Does the evidence of history tell us that these were real men? Yes! In these same verses, we read about six places (The Roman Empire is implied while the other five are named.) Did these places exist? Yes! In these same two verses, two religious leaders (besides John) are mentioned by name. Did they really live and did they serve in the capacity mentioned in Luke 3:2? Yes!
     If all of this is true, why, then would I doubt that John lived? Why should I deny the evidence he presented about Jesus? 
     Why, in fact, should I deny or question the validity of anything I read in the Bible? 
     Two words --- “this Ezra” --- say to me, "You can trust your Bible."

- Jim Faughn, a retired preacher, serves as an elder for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org

Surrender To Win

 By Clint Patterson

   “Never surrender” is a phrase that has been around for many years.  It has been screamed out by men of war; it has been used to motivate sports teams to victory.  It can be found in entertainment, and it also has been used by many boys pretending to hold off a fierce attack of world-dominating creatures.  This phrase has been a part of almost every person’s life at one point or another.  I can relate to this phrase, for I grew up being one of those boys who had a wild imagination.  Nevertheless, while the world shades this phrase with honor and respect, the truth is that there is more to life than the physical battles we face.  There is a spiritual warfare that is taking place as well, and in order to win, we must surrender to God and fight no more.
   2 Kings 21 is an account of Manasseh’s reign over the southern portion of the divided kingdom of Israel .  Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, who was a devoted man of God, was nothing like his father.  Instead, Manasseh spent his days in absolute rebellion against God and His Law, and if one reads only 2 Kings 21, he would think this is where the story ended.  However, 2 Chronicles 33 fills us in on what 2 Kings leaves out, and there we find a wonderful example of someone surrendering to win.  Due to Manasseh’s sinful ways, God allowed him to be carried away by the hooks of his enemies.  When he arrived in an enemy territory, instead of looking to heaven with a high hand toward God, Manasseh humbled himself and prayed to God.  God heard Manasseh’s prayer and brought him back to his country, where he spent the rest of his life serving God (2 Chronicles 33:10, 17).
   If Manasseh would have lived by the phrase, “Never surrender” with regards to God, he would have died a captive in a foreign land.  Because he surrendered, he was delivered.  In our life we will face battles where we need not surrender, but with God, we must surrender to win!                  

- Clint Patterson, Youth and Family Minister for the Main Street Church of Christ in Milan, TN. Chad Ezelle serves as the congregation's pulpit minister and may be contacted via the church's website: http://www.mscoc.us

 

 

Shipwrecked!

By Ricky Butts and David A. Sargent
     On January 13, 2012, the Costa Concordia, a cruise ship, hit rocks off the coast of island Giglio when it was brought too near to the shore by the captain of the ship, Francesco Schettino. The captain claims he was instructed to venture near the shore in the move called a ‘salute’ by a manager of the ship’s owner.  However, Costa Crociere’s chief executive, Pier Luigi Foschi, put back the blame on the captain claiming that Schettino did not have the approval to change the course and was going too fast at 16 knots to be so close to shore.
     “A ‘salute’ — or ‘sail-by’ as it's also known — loosely refers to taking a cruise ship closer to shore to give passengers and/or land-based onlookers a thrilling view,” explains Chris Gray Faust.  This “salute” turned out to be no thrill at all – the death toll is currently at 15, with 24 people still missing, including seven that have not yet been identified – not to mention the loss of the ship itself.
     Schettino told magistrates that his Costa superiors had insisted on the move, which took Concordia within 150 meters of Giglio, to please passengers and attract publicity, reported Reuters.  Foschi has asserted that Schettino's diversion, which led to the sinking of the ship, was "unauthorized, unapproved and unknown to Costa."
     According to another cruise line, Princess Cruises, “salutes” or “sail-bys” are against policy.  Media relations manager, Karen Candy, stated: “There is a voyage plan that is briefed to Deck and Technical Officers several days before the transit… It is not deviated from to get closer to land or to greet residents." *
     When the Costa Concordia deviated from its course, it brought tragic – even fatal – results.
     The Bible warns: “There is a way that SEEMS right to a man, But its end is the way of DEATH” (Proverbs 14:12).
     But you and I are guilty all-too-often of deviating from the course in order to “salute” and engage in some selfish, sinful desire.  James 1:13-14 describes the process of venturing dangerously close and then into sin and the penalty: DEATH!  We sin and consequently “shipwreck” our lives!
     But God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to come to our rescue!  Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for our sins so that we might be saved from sin and have eternal life (John 3:16; Ephesians 1:7).
     In order to accept God’s offer of salvation and life through Jesus, we must place our faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from our sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).
     Having made wrong choices in the past and thus placed yourself on a “sinking ship,” won’t YOU “take hold” of the Savior’s offer through your trusting obedience?

- Ricky Butts and David A. Sargent; David A. Sargent, minister for the church of Christ at Creekwood in Mobile, Alabama, is also the editor of an electronic devotional entitled Living Water."  To learn more about this excellent resource contact David via their website: http://www.creekwoodcc.org

* Information gleaned from: “How common are cruise ship 'salutes?'” By Chris Gray Faust, Cruise Critic contributor. http://overheadbin.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/26/10237611-how-common-are-cruise-ship-salutes 

Be Of Good Cheer!

By R. W. McAlister
     When problems strike, how do we handle them? Everyone responds differently; some choose to overcome, and others choose to be overcome. I’ve encountered both types during my time in the ministry (indeed, during my lifetime) – those who allow adversity to make them become better, and those who allow it to make them become bitter. For those who have confidence in the Scriptures, Christ provides the answer for how we should deal with adversity. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation …” (John 16:33). Most of us look ahead for good things to come in our futures, but that’s not always the case. How do we deal with unexpected and depressing events?
     No man can know tomorrow, but it’s certain we’ll have unforeseen difficulties that take us by surprise – everyone does. On the surface, some appear to live a fairly problem-free life, but we can’t know what may be happening below the surface in the private parts of their lives. The story has been told of Ludwig Von Beethoven, one of history’s greatest composers, who was also nearing deafness at the age of 32. His condition was pressing upon him so heavily that he considered suicide.
     Thankfully, he didn’t yield to his despair. If he had, the world would have never experienced his impressive musical talent.
     What about the countless “ordinary” people who feel they have nothing of such great value to offer the world? Recall the parable of the talents in Matt. 25. Verse 15 says of the man traveling to a far country: “And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability...” You’ll notice that there was no zero talent man! We may not have some unique genius to offer the world, but that doesn’t mean we have no value! When we face challenges, we may have no special passion from which to draw strength, as did Beethoven. How can we overcome despair?
     The answer is as simple as Jesus Christ. Christ came into the world to save sinners (Romans, 5:8; I Timothy 1:15). What Christians do have is the knowledge of the gospel (John 8:32). Therein lies the Christian’s gift to the world (Romans 1:16). This is his purpose and strength for living! He knows all about the cure for spiritual diseases, far greater than any cure for physical diseases and more important than all the medical knowledge the world over!
    We have a certain strength for living that outweighs any possible unforeseen challenges and discouragements: if we have obeyed the gospel and we are living with sincerity and diligence, with heaven as our primary objective.
     “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33). Our time here is but a vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes away (James 4:14). We can have peace in Christ, and being “in Christ” puts on the winning side! So, be of good cheer!
  - R. W. McAlister preaches for the Anna church of Christ in Anna, IL.He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.annachurchofchrist.com/

“My Help Comes From the Lord”

By Bryan McAlister

     “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
     Finding a companion is a blessing, one to be cherished. If that companion stumbles or is hurt, there is one who is ready to help in time of trouble and need. It is a fitting theme for marriage, but that is a theme fit for another day. For now, with the hearts of many of our brethren hurting and wearied for various reasons, we look to scripture, the source of God’s words to us, for a companion who is eternal and untouched by the troubles of our hearts. We look for a companion stronger than us, wiser than us, and holier than us. We look for a companion who is not burdened by our weakness or our worry. We look for a companion who is able to conquer what we encounter.
     Scripture reveals Who that companion is for us. “I will lift up my eyes to the hills - From whence comes my help” (Psalm 121:1)? A person’s eyes can tell the whole story. In one look you can see pain or pleasure, sorrow or surprise. With one look you can know if a person is distracted, disappointed, or even despondent.
    The eyes are the window to the soul. “My heart pants, my strength fails me; as for the light of my eyes, it also has gone from me” (Psalm 38:10). “I am weary with my crying; my throat is dry; my eyes fail while I wait for my God” (Psalm 69:3). Did you see that? The light of life had been taken from the eyes of the one hurting. The eyes of the hurting had cried so much, their throat had gone dry and the eyes failed, they had no more tears to give. When the heart has reached its breaking point, when it has had all that it can take; when the eyes have cried all the tears they can cry and when there is an emptiness beyond description of words, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills.” Disease, divorce, death, discouragement, debt, disaster; if you stare long enough and intently enough at any one of these, your eyes will be filled with the pain of these moments. “From whence comes my help?” It was rhetorical, because deep down inside, cutting through the pain, was the reminder of truth, “My help comes from the Lord.”
     The transitions our soul will encounter are too numerous to name here. Suffice it to say, whether it is a course of life, a change in season of living, a new year of work, school, or general alteration of any thing, I hope you know, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills - From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord.”

- Bryan McAlister preaches for the Centerville church of Christ, in Centerville, TN.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centervillechurchofchrist.org

Lean On Me

As the road ahead seems rugged
and the path is getting steep,
I feel that I can't make it
so my heart begins to weep.

Then I turn to see who's coming
to join me on my way.
I see it is my Lord
and He slowly turns to say,

"Lean on me.....
when you have no strength to stand.
When you feel you're going under,
hold tighter to my hand.

Lean on me......
when your heart begins to bleed.
When you know I'm all you have,
then you'll find I'm all you need."

Then when I felt that no one cared
if I lived or died,
and no one bothered asking why
I'd go alone to cry.

When the burden got so heavy
I could barely face the day,
I felt His arms around me
as I gently heard Him say,

"Lean on me......
when you have no strength to stand.
When you feel you're going under,
hold tighter to my hand.

Lean on me......
when your heart begins to bleed.
When you come to know I'm all you have,
then you'll find I'm all you need."

- Author Unknown 

Where Could I Go?

By Ron Thomas

The sentiment of “where can I go?” is an important question that each of us must ask and answer. Peter asked and answered it (John 6:68-69*). It is important that we do the same. Contrast this song** of praise to the Lord with those who live and die in this world.following that which cannot save. On “Huckabee” one evening (Fox News, 11-28-09) there was a segment on the role music plays in the lives of our military personnel as they are in high stress situations. We all can appreciate that. We know the role it plays in our lives without the high-stress situations they face. The kind of music listened to does not compare, however, with the joy of the heart toward God when salvation resides deep within. Because of His salvation, what is it that we give to the Lord? That which we offer to the Lord is to be our very best—and our best is to be the totality of our persons (Romans 12:1-2).

*John 6:68-69—“Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of life. And we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

**Chorus to the song, “Where Could I Go?”:

“Where could I go,
O where could I go,
Seeking a refuge for my soul?
Needing a friend to save me in the end,
Where could I go but to the Lord?”

- Ron Thomas serves as preacher and an elder for the Highway church of Christ, Sullivan, IL He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.highwaycofc.com

And God Said No

I asked God to take away all my trials and God said no.
The trials you face on Earth will make you stronger and will help you learn more about the gifts that I have given you. Although I will not take away your trials, I promise that I will always be with you to help you to overcome your trials if you ask me.
I asked God for wealth and God said no.
The gold and silver that you gain here do not compare to the salvation that you can earn through my Son.
I asked God to teach me about Him and God said no.
I have sent you prophets, the Holy Ghost, and even My Son to teach you. Go and learn about Me from them.
I asked God to heal my only child and God said no.
I know your pain for I sacrificed My Son for you, but even as I had a plan for My Son, so have I for yours.
I asked God if He loved me and God said yes.
That is why I let My Son die for you, that is why I have been sending prophets to you, and that is why I will never leave you.
I asked God to help me love others as much as He loves me and God said ...
Ah, you’ve finally got the right idea.

- Author Unknown; via the Lake Hills Letter, weekly bulletin of the Lake Hills church of Christ in Chattanooga, TN. Shane Robinson preaches for the congregation, and he may be contacted through their website at http://www.lakehillschurchofchrist.org/

The "I Must's'' of Jesus

By Dale Jenkins

I once heard a preacher make light of his fellow preachers for tossing around words like "must" and "have to." I didn't agree with him, for the Bible clearly uses such words. But the longer his barb has hung in my mind, the more I think I understand what he meant. We do toss those words around a little too lightly. They are designed to be heavy words.

The word "must" first appears in the New Testament in Matthew 16:21 as Jesus began warning the disciples of His impending crucifixion.

In Luke 4:43 Jesus issues the "must" of responsibility: "I must preach the Kingdom of God to other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose."

Luke also records for us a transaction that lets us know that sometimes the needs of others' "musts" came into His scope: "When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, 'Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house'" (Luke 19:5).

On two occasions Jesus shows us the importance of obedience to the scriptures with the "musts" that He issues (Luke 22:37; 24:44).

And the words of necessity are clear from the lips of the Lord when it comes to worshiping His Father (John 4:24).

In John 9:4 Jesus teaches says: "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work."

Of course we know that greatest question ever asked involves a "must," "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30). But even after that question has been answered and followed correctly, there are still some "musts" for the Christian.

For a culture that prides its "postmodern" self in not accepting being "told" what it has to do, there are "musts" for any person who would be a follower of Christ. Among those things clearly pointed out by Christ involve: denying self and taking up one's cross responsibilities (Luke 4:43), inconveniencing ourselves to meet the needs of others (Luke 19:5), and being involved in the work of God (John 9:4-5).

I didn't ask it lightly: What must you do?

- Dale Jenkins; via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the Calvert City church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. Lance Cordle preaches for the congregation. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

My Help (Psalm 121 Sermon Seeds)

THE SOURCE OF MY HELP - Vs. 1-2-- "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."

THE SLEEPLESSNESS OF MY HELP - Vs. 3-4-- "He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."

THE STRENGTH OF MY HELP - Vs. 5-6-- "The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night."

THE STEADFASTNESS OF MY HELP - Vs. 7-8-"The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore."

- via THE SOWER, a weekly publication of the Arthur church of Christ, Arthur, IL. Ron Bartanen, who serves as minister and editor, may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com

I Can't See Any Harm In It

by Harry Middleton

Consider these guidelines when determining whether a practice is right or wrong.

THE PERSONAL TEST: Will doing this make me a better or worse Christian?

THE SOCIAL TEST: Will doing it influence others to be a better or worse Christian?

THE PRACTICAL TEST: Will the results of my doing it be desireable?

THE UNIVERSAL TEST: If everyone should do this, would it improve or degrade society?

THE SCRIPTURAL TEST: Does the Bible endorse it, or is it expressly forbidden by the Word of God?

THE STEWARDSHIP TEST: Will my doing this constitute a waste of talent God gave me?

THE CHARACTER TEST: What will be the influence of my moral and spiritual stamina?

THE FAMILY TEST: Will it bring discredit and dishonor to my family, and will it embarrass them?

THE PUBLICITY TEST: Would I be willing for friends, fellow Christians, the elders, and the preacher to know about it?

THE COMMON SENSE TEST: Does it agree with just plain, everyday, ordinary common sense?

THE FAIRNESS TEST: Is it honest, and is it practicing the golden rule?

"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearances of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22)

- Harry Middleton serves as one of the ministers for the Lebanon Road church of Christ in Nashville, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation’s website at: http://www.lebanonroadchurchofchrist.org

Now Or Never

By Rick Woodall

I was reading an article in an old magazine that told the story of a man that was totally occupied in his work. He would sometimes stop and imagine what life would be like when he retired. He hoped for morning walks and fishing trips. He looked forward to some time alone where he could reflect on all his blessings. Summer would come and there would be time just to rest and take pleasure in the beauty of the sunset. He would take trips to scenic places and close his eyes in the evening with the relaxing photos still fresh on his mind of all the breathtaking scenery that he took the time to see.

So he continued to toil for his expectations of a deserved future sanctuary of peace, joy and contentment. He never reached the age when all these things were assumed to happen. He died of cancer.

I was in the doctor’s office that day when I stumbled on to this heart-wrenching article. I was in my in my middle thirty’s. The next morning I got up early and watched the sunrise before I went to work. I started taking advantage of all the beautiful parks and recreational areas in the local area. I have to admit it is not like a trip to the some Tropical Island but paradise could be a lot closer than you think if you would just take the time to go there. The reality is this. Take the time now.

“Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a year there, doing business and making money." Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that." - James 4:13-15

My gift reminds me that spending too much time on tomorrow might totally destroy a real nice day. Don’t get so caught up in yourself that you have no time to enjoy today and work on your real destination.

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:” - Phil 3:20

Have a great week.

Love in Christ,

- Rick Woodall is the minister for the Yorktown Road church of Christ in Logansport Indiana. His weekly devotional message, Life Thoughts, can be found through this address: http://mysite.verizon.net/yorktownroadchurchofchrist/

The Patient Sleeps

by J. Randal Matheny

In a darkened room, subdued and quiet,
the patient sleeps his peaceful slumber,
sedated, silent, no dreams to disturb,
while waiting the surgeon's will and call.
The muted halls and misty skies,
the soundless streets of sabbath rest,
pause in wonder, pray for healing,
deliver to God life and death.

- J. Randal Matheny edits and writes UPLift, an inspirational ezine. He
may be contacted here: <http://randalmathenycom/>. When reprinting this
material, please include the following:  Copyright (c) 2009 J. Randal
Matheny. All rights reserved.