Finding an Amazing Treasure

A very interesting story was reported by the Associated Press on Monday (May 17, 2010). The headline reads "$20,000 Found Hidden in Estate Sale Furniture." According to the story "a furniture liquidation business found bundles of cash hidden in the back of an armoire." The store owners returned the money which was desperately needed to pay the medical bills of the armoire's original owner. It turns out that the woman's husband had hidden the money because he did not trust banking institutions.

This real-life story rings of the parables told by Jesus about the hidden treasure (Matthew 13:44). Jesus says, "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." Jesus' instruction here emphasizes the supreme value of the kingdom of heaven. Do we see the great value in being a follower of Christ?

Sometimes we view the cost of discipleship that Jesus often discusses (Matt. 10:37-39; 19:27-29) as being a burden. This man happily gave up everything he had because of the extreme value of the treasure he had found. This man did not look at what he had to "give up" as being a sacrifice. Instead, this man sold everything because he wanted to buy something much greater! As R.T. France observes, "The disciple's 'giving up' is in the context of joy!"

Most of us would be glad to give more than we thought the armoire was worth if we knew $20,000 was secretly stashed inside. We might even "give up" many of our other possessions to raise the money to buy the armoire. Heaven is the greatest treasure of all. How can you put a price tag on eternal life? Let us joyfully give up everything that would hinder us from obtaining this heavenly treasure!

Works Cited:

France, R.T. The Gospel According to Matthew. Eerdmans: Grand Rapids, 1985. Page 229.

Never Give Up

This is an incredible video about never giving up. Even when we think we don't have the strength to go on, as Christians we know that God can do the seemingly impossible. Watch this video and be reminded of that fact (You Tube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agetT6qKpA8).

Protected from Attacker by Jesus

The video below is a powerful example of how we should not fear those who can kill the body. A man tried to rob this elderly woman in a Wal-Mart parking lot, but the faith that she shared with him saved her...and perhaps might save him as well. Watch and be challenged. (For those of you who cannot see the video below, here is the You Tube link: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fj3imy-FCPI). Thanks to Doug Burleson for pointing out this video.

The Ministry of Encouragement

Encouragement. It is the art of helping people believe in themselves. The Bible says that encouragement is a ministry that true disciples should render to others (1 Thes. 5:14). The world is full of things that bring us down and discourage us. Most people tend to be pessimistic about others. Most people were pessimistic about Saul of Tarsus thinking that he really had no potential as a true follower of Christ, considering his past (Acts 9:26). Thankfully, a man named Barnabas believed in Saul and helped Saul believe in himself (Acts 9:27). Thanks to Barnabas' ministry of encouragement, Saul of Tarsus becomes arguably the most powerful preacher of the gospel, second only to Jesus. Saul becomes the Apostle Paul, writing a majority of the books of the New Testament. Much of Saul's success can likely be attributed to the encouragement of Barnabas.

Who have you encouraged lately? Who can you instill confidence in today? The video below is the motivational story of a coach believing in an autistic kid named Jason McElway. Watch the video and be amazed at what a little encouragement can do...

The Edge of Reality

A very interesting news item was presented on the Paul Harvey morning radio program this morning (2/2/09). The GEO600 project in Hanover, Germany has detected a noise in the Universe with their giant wave detector that they cannot explain. This huge measuring device has been searching for gravitational waves--or ripples in space-time caused by things like neutron stars and black holes. But the project has discovered something that they did not expect.

The noise that was detected by the GEO600 project could possibly be the "most important discovery in physics for half a century." Before the discovery, Craig Hogan (pictured left), a physicist at Fermilab in Batavia, Illinois predicted such a discovery. Hogan's explanation is featured in the January issue of New Scientist and has become the most popular news story in the publication's history. You can read the article on their website by clicking here.

According to the article, Hogan is suggesting that the noise is evidence of the place where space-time stops. His conclusion is "If the GEO600 result is what I suspect it is, then we are all living in a giant cosmic hologram." He is suggesting life, as we know it, is being projected by light to recreate a 3D holographic image. The source of the image would be outside of the known Universe. Certainly this hypothesis, if proven, would have huge ramifications in the world of physics. However, would it not also have ramifications theologically?

Paul Harvey Jr. said it well in the broadcast that detailed this discovery. He observed that life as we know it, our very lives themselves, is all being played out on a stage. Meanwhile, what is real is sitting in the darkened theater watching our actions upon the stage of life (cf. Genesis 11:5; Genesis 18:20-21). He then ponders the question, will the audience applaud our performance on the stage or be appalled by us?

Prayer Warrior

Marie Nellums turned 95 years young on December 12. The year that she was born milk cost 8 cents per quart. The same year the first electric home refrigerator was put on the market in Chicago for $900. The Federal Income tax began nine months before her birth. Gasoline was anywhere from 8 cents to 17 cents per gallon (according to the source you look at).

Gas prices are not the only thing that has changed in Spring Hill during Marie's life. There have been big changes to this community all the way from Whitwell's gas station to a Super Target. But there have been changes to the church family that Marie loves so much as well. She has seen the Spring Hill congregation move from Depot Street to its current location on Main. She saw the church bustling with many children from the Orphan's Home when the attendance was 200+ strong every week. She has seen many people move away, friends pass away, and the church grow smaller.

Although Marie regrets that she is unable to attend services regularly, she told me Wednesday afternoon that she is ecstatic about all of the growth, the new families, and especially all the new children at Spring Hill. She is excited that our church is approaching 200 in attendance on Sundays again. Marie told me that she had been praying hard that God would bring young people to Spring Hill again. "I know He has answered my prayer," she said. Marie was overjoyed when her kitchen was full of children and young people (and parents) singing carols to her this Christmas.

But Marie told me that she often wonders why God is letting her live so long. "I can't really do anything anymore," she said (for those of you who don't know Marie, this is coming from a woman who regularly had people in her home for Sunday dinners). "What does God want me to do?" she asked me. I told her to keep doing what she is doing...keep praying. I am confident that much of the spiritual and numerical growth we are experiencing at Spring Hill is the direct result of Marie's prayers, and others like hers.

The Apostle Paul commended Christians who were "helping" the cause of the spread of the kingdom simply by dedicating themselves to prayer (2 Corinthians 1:11). In fact, Paul was convinced that the spread of the gospel was the direct result of diligent prayers: "Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified..." (2 Thessalonians 3:1). Amazing things happen in God's kingdom when faithful people dedicate themselves to prayer.

One of the great works of the kingdom consists of people who have made it their ministry to dedicate themselves to continual prayer. The early church apparently had a "list" of older woman (widows) who dedicated themselves to the ministry of "continuing in entreaties and prayers night and day" (1 Timothy 5:5). Churches need preachers, elders, deacons, Bible class teachers, etc. But churches also need "prayer warriors;" especially saintly older Christians who are ministering in prayer daily for the kingdom.

Marie, you are doing untold good for the Lord and his church. You just keep praying. That's what God wants you to do and that is what we need you to do.

The Power of Jesus' Salvation

A friend sent me a link to this extremely moving video. As I began watching it, I thought it was weird and kind of "cheesie." But as I continued watching it, I was moved to tears. I almost did not post this link for fear that some people would think I am endorsing dramatic performance, dance, or instrumental music in worship. I stand opposed to these things because there is no Scriptural authority for them in our worship. But I felt compelled to share this with you because it is such a powerful ILLUSTRATION of what Jesus has done to save us! Please be patient and watch this entire video, you will be moved to tears because of what Jesus has done for you! (YouTube Link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=FVJqRLU3J0I).

The Transforming Power of Grace

Annie was addicted to prescription medication. She also abused alcohol. She was unreliable, mean-spirited, and even hateful. No one really liked being around her, and most people talked about her behind her back. No one respected Annie, and in reality she did not deserve any respect.

Few people took time to consider the reason behind Annie's problems. She had been raised in a house where she was never given any respect. Her parents always told her she was worthless. Soon she came to believe it. When people told her how wrong she was to be addicted to drugs and abuse alcohol, it made her feel even more worthless and more of a failure. This worthlessness actually fueled her addictions even further. It was a vicious cycle, the more people told her how wrong she was, the more she retreated into her destructive behavior.

One day, however, a kind woman named Tanya met Annie. Tanya treated her with kindness and with love. Tanya never criticized Annie's behavior, and never looked upon her with condescension. Even though Annie deserved no respect, Tanya treated her with respect anyway. Annie's self-esteem began to grow. Soon she began to have a sense of self-worth. Her destructive habits no longer seemed as appealing. Tanya showed grace to Annie, and that grace transformed her life.

Law enslaves but grace transforms. Continually hearing that we are wrong and have violated the law makes us feel worthless and actually fuels further transgression of the law (Rom. 5:20-21). In the New Covenant of Jesus Christ, God extended love toward us even while we were sinners and were undeserving of his mercy (Rom. 5:8). God did not send his Son Jesus to come in order to condemn us, but to offer the grace of God's salvation (John 3:17). By offering grace to those who are worthless, it makes us realize we can really change and become better people. Thanks be to God for the transforming power of his free gift of grace toward us!

God Has Made Everything Beautiful in its Time

A friend e-mailed me this inspiring link to a video depicting a great treasured Scripture of the Old Testament, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 11. There is a season for everything in life, but God has made everything beautiful in its time. (Click on the picture to be navigated to the video).

Praise God with a New Song

"He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God" (Psalm 40:3). The Bible often speaks of us singing a "new song" in praise to our God (Psalm 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1; Isaiah 42:10; Rev. 5:9; 14:3). I often tire of singing the same old songs over and over. Certainly there are some older songs that I treasure and will always love. Songs like "Abide with Me," "Nearer, Still Nearer," "Night with Ebon Pinion," and "I am a Wayfairing Stranger" will always be some of my favorites. But there is definitely something to be said about praising God with new words and new melodies. New words stimulate our minds to really sing with the "spirit and

understanding" (1 Cor. 14:15) instead of simply reciting words with little thought as to their meaning. New melodies stimulate our emotions as our hearts give way to the greatness of God and his relevance in our lives today.

Many of the older songs that we sing (let's really be honest), few of us know what we are singing. For example really listen to the words of a song we often sing in worship, "Drop thy still dews of quiteness, till all our strivings cease, take from our souls the stain and stress, and let our ordered lives confess, the beauty of thy peace." What?! We might as well sing in Latin. I'm not sure I can sing these words in good conscience, not knowing what I'm saying. Well, no wonder the song was written in 1872. When our worship services are filled with songs like this, most Christians between the ages of 18-45 become very discouraged. I can't blame them. We all desire to praise our God and let a meaningful message flow from our hearts up to God in worship. But in order to do this, we must know what we are singing, and be emotionally moved by it.

There are two great a capella CDs out called "praise and harmony" that are designed to teach new songs to congregations. You can listen to some of these songs for free from their website and purchase the CDs. I bought both of these recently at the Freed-Hardeman Lectureship and they are fantastic!

Believing in Yourself

This video is of Paul Potts, a mobile phone salesman from South Wales, who has always dreamed of singing opera. He got his chance to shine on the show "Britain's Got Talent" (the British equivalent to American Idol). He absolutely amazed the crowd with his ability. For everyone who struggles with having strong self esteem, Paul is an amazing example of believing yourself!

God's Smile

My friend and brother in Christ Webb Williams forwarded me this picture with the attached note "one in a million shot!" Notice that the picture is of three birds in flight. But it almost looks as though God is smiling through his creation! How cool!

New Again

My brother sent me this link to a song by Brad Paisley and Sara Evans. I love country music for the sheer fact that it is the only major music genre that seems to consistently be unafraid to speak to matters of faith and family. Middle Tennessee is a great place to live, a place where people both famous and unknown speak about their belief in Jesus Christ. Amen!

When Things Get Under Your Skin

A poem called "The Oyster" has been floating around the Internet. It challanges us to consider the kind of attitudes we have toward life:

The Oyster

There once was an oyster whose story I tell,
who found that some sand had got into his shell.

It was only a grain, but it gave him great pain,
for oysters have feelings although they're so plain.

Now, did he berate the harsh workings of fate
that brought him to such a deplorable state?

Did he curse at the government, cry for election,
and claim that the sea should have given him protection?

No - he said to himself as he lay on a shell,
since I cannot remove it I shall try to improve it.

Now the years have rolled around, as the years always do,
and he came to his ultimate destiny, a stew.

And the small grain of sand that had bothered him so,
was a beautiful pearl all richly aglow.

Now the tale has a moral, for isn't it grand
what an oyster can do with a morsel of sand?

What couldn't we do if we'd only begin,
with some of the things that get under our skin?

Having the right attitude toward life is shown by the attitude Joseph learned to have in Genesis 39:19-21. Even after being thrown in prison for a false accusation, Joseph did not allow his poor circumstances to destroy his relationship with God. Even in prison the LORD was with Joseph. Might this have something to do with Joseph’s attitude toward life (cf. Gen. 50:20)?
We must learn the art of making lemonade when life hands us lemons.

Overcoming Obstacles

Are you having a bad day? Do you feel like the world is falling in around you and there are too many obstacles to overcome? Then take 7 minutes and watch this inspirational story about Patrick Henry Hughes. This story was presented on ESPN and is truly amazing. This story not only demonstrates that we can overcome major obstacles with the right attitude, but it is moving to see the love of a father for a son. Thanks to Darlene Edwards for e-mailing me a link to this video.

Pilgrims in a Strange Land

This is an amazing video that illustrates the journey that Christians are making through this life. We must all realize that we are only pilgrims passing through a strange land on our way home. We must have the same faith as our father Abraham--"By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:8-10).

Angels are Protecting You

Israel certainly knew all about God's protective care. God had actively guarded the nation all those years wandering through the wilderness. In a song of praise to God, Psalm 91 speaks of the care that God provides over his children:

" For you have made the LORD, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent. For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a stone" (Ps 91:9-12).

This is the very passage that Satan used in his effort to tempt Jesus to sin (Matt. 4:6). Likely because Satan certainly misused this passage in his tempting of Christ, we have often missed the wonderful promise that this verse of Scripture is making to God's children. God has promised to protect us, and he uses his angelic host to do so.

God assigns his angelic messengers to the care of his children, to guard and protect us. This is not just a promise made to Old Testament peoples, it is also a promise made to Christians. The writer of Hebrews tells us that angels are "ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation" (1:14).

Although the Bible does not give specifics into the activities of angels in the lives of Christians today, it is nonetheless true that angels are watching over us. How encouraging it is to know that God is using angels to protect and guard Christians today!

Prayer of Children

There is nothing more spiritually moving than to listen to a little child pray to God. Jesus said that we must be converted and become innocent like little children to enter heaven (Matt. 18:3). This video inspires us to consider the prayer of children.

Sunday is a Comin'

Happy Mother's Day!

I have always said that I have the greatest mom in the world (I hope that you think the same thing)! I love my mom's sense of humor. We love to laugh together. Here is a video about mother's day that hopefully will make you think of your mom this weekend!

We certainly don't want dad to feel left out! Here is a more serious and heartwarming video the applies both to moms and dads (click on the link below):

To a child love is spelled T-I-M-E