Years ago, my wife, Debbie, gave me a bait casting reel for my birthday. I was still fishing and hunting back then, and I couldn't wait to try it out. One day after work, I went to a local pond fishing. I never had a reel like this and thought fishing with it would be easy. I was wrong! Everytime I cast, I would get a tangled mess. Eventually, I might get one out of five cast without messing up. I spent all of my time untangling fishing line. Well, it is setting on a shelf today. I never did take the time to master casting with it nor did I ask anyone to teach me how.
Sometimes our life gets in a tangled mess. We fail several times and just seem to give up and set ourselves on a shelf like I did my fishing reel. Whether the failure is related to spiritual failure, financial failure, health failure or career failure, we just get all tangled up with the failure, and our energy and hope is severely depleted. We lead a life of despair thinking we can never get forgiveness or be useful to anyone.
Well, that is a lie and the devil is the source. Many characters we read about in the Bible had failures, but then they allowed God to step in and mold them for His use.
After we have tangled up our lives in such a mess, can God really use us? Let's go to His word for the answer. In Gen. 1:1-2 it says in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, but look at verse 2. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. Now go to verse 31. Then God saw everything He had made and indeed it was very good. God took the dark, empty, no form earth and created something that was good, but He put the emphasis, "very good". Next turn to Jer. 18:1-6.
God tells Jeremiah , go down to the potter's house and there He would cause him to hear His words. The potter was making a vessel of clay that was ruined in his hand. The potter made it again into another vessel that was good. Then God spoke to Jeremiah saying, "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?" "Look as the clay is in the potter's hand , so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!"
You may be thinking, but I have really sinned against God and have gotten my life in a mess. My sins are so many I am not worthy. Read what God says in Isaiah 1:18. "Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord, "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." In Hebrews 8:12, the Lord says, For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." Does that sound like your case is hopeless?
Another passage that always gives me encouragement on the love and mercy of God is the parable of the lost son. You can read this in Luke 15:11-32. The son had failed terribly by riotous living and lost all of his money. When he came to himself, he decided to go home. Look what happens. His father, which represents God in this parable, runs to meet him. Does he treat him as unworthy? No, he put a ring on his finger, the best robe on him, and sandals on his feet. He also killed the fatted calf. Wow, we are not use to this. Well, that is God. His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
Do not believe Satan's lie, because you have sinned and failed in your past that you can't have godly sorrow, repent and let God mold you into a new life for His purpose. We have to trust in God. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Yes, our lives get in a tangled mess sometimes, but we do not need to give up. God can patiently and lovingly unravel the tangles if we will just trust Him to do it.
Speaking of a tangled mess, I read today something that is really disturbing. I have not seen it on the news and probably will not. On August the 17th there was an academic conference in Baltimore, MD. with a group seeking to normalize pedophilia. They called pedophiles "minor attracted persons" trying to gradually desensitize us of this horrible sin. They are wanting to just call this another lifestyle without criminal consequences. You say they will never do this. When did you first hear the word "gay" used as an alternate lifestyle. The majority remained silent and currently we have the fruit of that silence. Go to yahoo or google and search, academic conference in Baltimore seeks to normalize pedophilia. We do not want our great grand children to say, "Why didn't Christian people do something?" We need to watch this one! Remember, truth in love.
Please send me your comments to rhepler52@gmail.com .
Thanks for reading!
Rick Hepler
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
The Lost Book
On a spring afternoon in 1967, I got off the school bus and hurriedly changed clothes. The Ford tractor with a 3-bottom breaking plow was parked and ready for me to take to the field. I enjoyed breaking ground in the springtime. The smell of freshly plowed ground, and the warming weather always had a calming effect to me. This particular afternoon I needed calming.
I drove to the field, put the right wheels of the tractor in the furrow, and began plowing. I always did a lot of thinking when I was plowing and that afternoon I needed to. I was a freshman at Fulton County High School, and they had handed out report cards. I had my first failing grade, ever. The subject was algebra I. I could not grasp the idea of letters, formulas and numbers, therefore I didn't like studying or getting the home work. I thought I would do enough just to pass. Well, this time the plan didn't work, and I failed that six weeks. As I was plowing, I was trying to figure out how to tell my dad. I came to the conclusion, you can't pass algebra with your book in the locker instead of bringing it home, studying and doing the home work. Dad had the same idea, but put a little more (alot more) emphasis to it.
You could tell by my grade on the report card that I seldom opened my algebra book. You also can tell by some one's life what books he reads and doesn't read. Let's talk about one now.
There was once a book lost in the Old Testament times. You can read about it in 2Kings chapter 22 and 23 and also the same account in 2 Chronicles chapter 34. Josiah was the king, and it was said of him, he did what was right in the sight of the Lord and walked in the ways of his father, David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. In the twelfth year of his reign he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of any type of idols and anything related to idol worship. After this cleansing, he returned to Jerusalem.
In the eighteenth year of his reign when he had purged the land and the temple, he sent Shaphan, Maaseiah, and Joah to repair the house of the Lord his God. When they brought the money for the repairs, they gave it to Hilkiah, the high priest. Then they put it in the hands of the foremen who had oversight of the house of the Lord; and they gave it to the workmen who worked in the house of the Lord, to repair and restore the house. In doing all of this work, Hilkiah the priest found the book of the law of the Lord given by Moses. He gave it to Shaphan the scribe. When Shaphan went to report to the king the workers were doing all they were committed to do, he told him Hilkiah had given him a book. Shaphan then read it before king Josiah. When the king heard the words of the law, he tore his clothes. He had them to go to inquire of the Lord for him concerning the words of the book that was found. He realized how great God's wrath was on them because their father's had not kept the word of the Lord according to all that was in the book.
Hilkiah and the men appointed went to the prophetess Huldah.She told them the Lord was going to bring calamity on this place and its inhabitants, and about all the curses written in the book because they had forsaken their Lord and turned to idols. The king later gathered all the people together. He made a promise to the Lord to follow all of His commandments with all his heart and soul. He made all who were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin take a stand. So they did according to the covenant of God, and Josiah removed all the abominations from all the country that belonged to the children of Israel and made all who was present diligently follow the Lord. All Josiah's days, they did not depart from following the Lord their God of their fathers.
Why did God's people not follow His Laws? They had put His book aside, nor was the book read to them. You could tell they had not read it because of the way they were living. I failed algebra that six weeks because I didn't pay attention to the book. I just pushed it aside every day. By my grades, you would have thought I had lost my book.
Now here comes the question. Do you think by the way people in our country are living today, the book, "God's word" is lost? I would say the majority of Americans have at least one copy of the Bible. We have several at our house. Do we read them? You can tell if Debbie and I read them by the lives we live. I will let you make that call. The king stood up and made a covenant with the Lord to follow all God's commandments with all his heart and soul. I call that commitment. He saw the importance of obeying God and leading the people to obey God. What a king!
Where do you not see a Bible laying today much less being read? From 1958 to 1963, the school I attended probably had a Bible on the majority of teachers' desk. Each morning it was read to the students. Once a year the Gideons would come and give out New Testaments. Did we have sin back then? Yep, but here is the difference. Sin was not glorified and there was no political correctness trying to condone it. You started seeing acceptance of sin and immoral living gradually increasing in the early mid 60's. Look what was going on starting in 1963; Madalyn Murray O'Hair, the hippie generation, later in the 70's Roe vs. Wade.
When the government takes God's word, the Bible, from schools and all government offices, what kind of message does this send our children? They see it as either a bad book or not needed. A minority slipped this in past a majority. Why do they need to eliminate God's word? They want to live any way they want, perform any type of sexual perversion, and have people respect them while they are doing it. Forty years ago did you think homosexuals would be protected by the law and allowed to parade their perversion in the streets of our cities? Give it another ten years and pedophiles will have protection and will be glorified by Hollywood. Does God love these people? Yes, He let his Son die for them and us too. Do I love them? Yes, I do and do not want them to die lost, and I do not want to mistreat them in anyway.
Is your copy of God's word lost? How often do you read it? Does your life reflect the way you read it? Do you think you need to read it? Do you believe what you read? The most important question I can ask you is, do you want to read it?
We let one woman take God's word, the Bible from public life. ONE WOMAN! When our grandchildren get old enough to start asking why we cannot mention God's name in school and government places, and we tell them one woman stopped it. They are probably going to ask us this question. Where were all the Christians? Why didn't someone do something?
Christianity is not a spectator religion. It is a religion of showing God's light, love, wrath and being the salt of the earth. It's doing all of this because you love God, not because you think you can work your way to heaven, because that's not possible. Christ died for us. He paid the price for us. We do these works because we love Him and are grateful for what He has done for us and the place He is now preparing for us.
Again, is God's word lost in your home? Will we do as Josiah and make a covenant before the Lord to follow the Lord and keep His commandments? When will we do this? We are running out of time for the sake of our grandchildren. Remember what was said in Rev. 21:8 "But the cowardly( or fearful).... .
Let us all read God's word, live it, stand up for it, and teach it, in love, to others.
Thanks for reading.
Rick Hepler
Send comments to rhepler52@gmail.com .
I drove to the field, put the right wheels of the tractor in the furrow, and began plowing. I always did a lot of thinking when I was plowing and that afternoon I needed to. I was a freshman at Fulton County High School, and they had handed out report cards. I had my first failing grade, ever. The subject was algebra I. I could not grasp the idea of letters, formulas and numbers, therefore I didn't like studying or getting the home work. I thought I would do enough just to pass. Well, this time the plan didn't work, and I failed that six weeks. As I was plowing, I was trying to figure out how to tell my dad. I came to the conclusion, you can't pass algebra with your book in the locker instead of bringing it home, studying and doing the home work. Dad had the same idea, but put a little more (alot more) emphasis to it.
You could tell by my grade on the report card that I seldom opened my algebra book. You also can tell by some one's life what books he reads and doesn't read. Let's talk about one now.
There was once a book lost in the Old Testament times. You can read about it in 2Kings chapter 22 and 23 and also the same account in 2 Chronicles chapter 34. Josiah was the king, and it was said of him, he did what was right in the sight of the Lord and walked in the ways of his father, David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. In the twelfth year of his reign he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of any type of idols and anything related to idol worship. After this cleansing, he returned to Jerusalem.
In the eighteenth year of his reign when he had purged the land and the temple, he sent Shaphan, Maaseiah, and Joah to repair the house of the Lord his God. When they brought the money for the repairs, they gave it to Hilkiah, the high priest. Then they put it in the hands of the foremen who had oversight of the house of the Lord; and they gave it to the workmen who worked in the house of the Lord, to repair and restore the house. In doing all of this work, Hilkiah the priest found the book of the law of the Lord given by Moses. He gave it to Shaphan the scribe. When Shaphan went to report to the king the workers were doing all they were committed to do, he told him Hilkiah had given him a book. Shaphan then read it before king Josiah. When the king heard the words of the law, he tore his clothes. He had them to go to inquire of the Lord for him concerning the words of the book that was found. He realized how great God's wrath was on them because their father's had not kept the word of the Lord according to all that was in the book.
Hilkiah and the men appointed went to the prophetess Huldah.She told them the Lord was going to bring calamity on this place and its inhabitants, and about all the curses written in the book because they had forsaken their Lord and turned to idols. The king later gathered all the people together. He made a promise to the Lord to follow all of His commandments with all his heart and soul. He made all who were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin take a stand. So they did according to the covenant of God, and Josiah removed all the abominations from all the country that belonged to the children of Israel and made all who was present diligently follow the Lord. All Josiah's days, they did not depart from following the Lord their God of their fathers.
Why did God's people not follow His Laws? They had put His book aside, nor was the book read to them. You could tell they had not read it because of the way they were living. I failed algebra that six weeks because I didn't pay attention to the book. I just pushed it aside every day. By my grades, you would have thought I had lost my book.
Now here comes the question. Do you think by the way people in our country are living today, the book, "God's word" is lost? I would say the majority of Americans have at least one copy of the Bible. We have several at our house. Do we read them? You can tell if Debbie and I read them by the lives we live. I will let you make that call. The king stood up and made a covenant with the Lord to follow all God's commandments with all his heart and soul. I call that commitment. He saw the importance of obeying God and leading the people to obey God. What a king!
Where do you not see a Bible laying today much less being read? From 1958 to 1963, the school I attended probably had a Bible on the majority of teachers' desk. Each morning it was read to the students. Once a year the Gideons would come and give out New Testaments. Did we have sin back then? Yep, but here is the difference. Sin was not glorified and there was no political correctness trying to condone it. You started seeing acceptance of sin and immoral living gradually increasing in the early mid 60's. Look what was going on starting in 1963; Madalyn Murray O'Hair, the hippie generation, later in the 70's Roe vs. Wade.
When the government takes God's word, the Bible, from schools and all government offices, what kind of message does this send our children? They see it as either a bad book or not needed. A minority slipped this in past a majority. Why do they need to eliminate God's word? They want to live any way they want, perform any type of sexual perversion, and have people respect them while they are doing it. Forty years ago did you think homosexuals would be protected by the law and allowed to parade their perversion in the streets of our cities? Give it another ten years and pedophiles will have protection and will be glorified by Hollywood. Does God love these people? Yes, He let his Son die for them and us too. Do I love them? Yes, I do and do not want them to die lost, and I do not want to mistreat them in anyway.
Is your copy of God's word lost? How often do you read it? Does your life reflect the way you read it? Do you think you need to read it? Do you believe what you read? The most important question I can ask you is, do you want to read it?
We let one woman take God's word, the Bible from public life. ONE WOMAN! When our grandchildren get old enough to start asking why we cannot mention God's name in school and government places, and we tell them one woman stopped it. They are probably going to ask us this question. Where were all the Christians? Why didn't someone do something?
Christianity is not a spectator religion. It is a religion of showing God's light, love, wrath and being the salt of the earth. It's doing all of this because you love God, not because you think you can work your way to heaven, because that's not possible. Christ died for us. He paid the price for us. We do these works because we love Him and are grateful for what He has done for us and the place He is now preparing for us.
Again, is God's word lost in your home? Will we do as Josiah and make a covenant before the Lord to follow the Lord and keep His commandments? When will we do this? We are running out of time for the sake of our grandchildren. Remember what was said in Rev. 21:8 "But the cowardly( or fearful).... .
Let us all read God's word, live it, stand up for it, and teach it, in love, to others.
Thanks for reading.
Rick Hepler
Send comments to rhepler52@gmail.com .
Monday, August 22, 2011
Our Mama Was A Point Man
My brother, Randy and I shared a room when we were growing up. Rusty my youngest brother had his own room. I am nine years older than Rusty, so we didn't get in to much trouble growing up as Randy and I did.
During this era of my life, my dad worked the night shift at American Metal in Union City. My mother had the watch over three boys at night, but this wasn't a problem for her. Mama was like a Point Man in the army. If there were any noises or anything else going on, she would check it out quickly to make sure we were not in any harm. She could hear better than any dog on Stateline Road. She could probably out run anyone in the community, and I don't mean running from. I have seen her chase my dad and us boys, but I don't ever remember mama running from anything. Have you ever heard of someone being so tough they could fight a circle saw? I don't know exactly what it means, but if it was after Randy, Rusty and me, mama would fight it.
If you have ever lived on a farm and watched a mother hen protect her chicks, cow protect her calf, or sow protect her pigs, you understand maternal protection. Well, Mama could be meaner than all three put together if it meant protecting her three sons. Let me put it like this, when we went to bed at night were were not afraid.
Living on the farm, we would often have some uninvited guest try to make their winter home in our house. One cool fall night we had all gone to bed, and everything was quiet. Suddenly, we would hear it. We had sliding, hollow, wooden doors for closet doors. You could take a finger nail and just barely scratch it to make a loud noise. Well a mouse got in the closet and started chewing on that closet door. From the sound he was making, you would have thought the house was falling in. Randy started, little girl, screaming, " mama! mouse, mama! mouse." Mama was already at the door with three rolled up towels, a broom and a fly swatter. You see, you would put one towel under the bedroom door, run the mouse out of the closet and put the other two towels under the closet doors. He had no where to escape. He had to face Mama with Randy and me jumping up and down on the bed, like cheerleaders, cheering mama on. Finally, Mama would end his fright with the broom. Everything turned quiet again with one more "mouse killin" experience to tell about.
Mama (Mother) would have given her life for any of her sons. I do not doubt that for a second. She was always strong and still is. She and Dad did a good job raising and protecting us.
As Christians, we need to be strong and of good courage. (Deut. 31:6) I was reading Rev.21:8 the other day and after reading over it a couple of times I realized I had been overlooking the first part of the verse. "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." Did you notice the cowardly is first on the list. Why? The early Christians had to have courage to not deny Christ when threatened with death and death to their families. They had to trust Jesus with His promise of a crown of life, if they were faithful unto death. (Read Rev.2:10) Jesus was preparing them to have courage. As Christians we must remember what Jesus told the rich young ruler in Mark 10:21. "take up your cross and follow me."
What ever trial, heartache, sickness or disappointment is our cross, we must have the courage to take it up and follow Christ. Christ gave up everything on this earth and carried His cross to His death for us. This took courage and love to the highest limit. If we wear His name, we should do no less.
The definition of a "Point Man" in the military is: one who goes ahead of the group and scouts out any danger. (I read a book by Steve Farrar several years ago titled, " Point Man: How a Man Can Lead His Family.") Do you know of any "point men" today in your group of friends, church, or family? One who sees ahead the coming danger of deceptions and lies from the devil, and who is armed with the whole spiritual armor of God, and by no means afraid to use it. Do you know Christians whom are not cowardly but have courage to stand up for the truth of God. Regardless of what anyone says about them? Keeping other Christians from falling is their main concern. They take a moral stand even if it means losing their business, job, or friends. How many people do you know like that?
In 1Samuel 22:1-2, David was running from King Saul and escaped to the cave of Adullam. Joining David was about 400 men who were in distress, broke and discontented, but in 1 Chronicles12:8, these men are described as mighty men of valor. Men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like faces of lions, and were as swift as gazelles on the mountains. David was their captain. These men were fearless. Look what God had made out of those men. They served their King, David, valiantly.
In the new testament we see men like Stephen, Peter, Paul, Silas and others put on God's armour and fight the spiritual battles for their King of kings, Jesus. These men had the courage to carry out Christ's mission of spreading the Gospel all over the world. These men were "point men" warning people of the dangers of sin that lie ahead. Look at the men chosen by Jesus, and what God made out of them. Christ told them in Matthew 16:24-25, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."
Again we see men of courage, not cowardly, giving all they had in carrying out the mission of saving the lost. How concerned were they? They always placed God first in their lives and many died standing for the truth.
So, where does that leave us today? Many say we are a Christian nation. (Pew Poll of 2008 said 78% of Americans were Christian.) Is that in name only? Why would I say a cruel thing like that? Well, I have seen people, who call themselves Christians, vote for politicians that support abortion, and same sex marriages for a start. Some men wanting to get married to each other call themselves Christians. Many Christians go to worship God only at their convenience. We as Christians are to be holy. (1 Peter 1:13-16) A lot of the Christians I know, look like the world, act like the world, think like the world, drink like the world, dress like the world, and do not know the Word of God like the world.
We all have been lost in sin. We have become Christians by burying the old man of sin in baptism and being raised a new man seeking to do God's will. Remember who God has used in the past, Paul helped crucify Christians, and Peter denied Christ, not once but three times. If we humble ourselves before God and repent of our sins, I don't care where we have come from, God will save and make us into mighty men and women of valor to do His good works.
I will remember every day Rev. 21:8, "but the cowardly..." and make sure I am strong and have good courage carrying out the will of my heavenly Father every day no matter the cost. A crown of life is worth the cost.
Can we have spiritual "point men" and men of valor as Christians? Yes. What about you? Are you cowardly in your Christian walk, or do you have good courage? Don't talk about the morals of our country if you are not willing to make the sacrifice to change it the way God wants us to be.
Comments can be sent to rhepler52@gmail.com
Christians, we can make a difference. The mission begins with us.
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
During this era of my life, my dad worked the night shift at American Metal in Union City. My mother had the watch over three boys at night, but this wasn't a problem for her. Mama was like a Point Man in the army. If there were any noises or anything else going on, she would check it out quickly to make sure we were not in any harm. She could hear better than any dog on Stateline Road. She could probably out run anyone in the community, and I don't mean running from. I have seen her chase my dad and us boys, but I don't ever remember mama running from anything. Have you ever heard of someone being so tough they could fight a circle saw? I don't know exactly what it means, but if it was after Randy, Rusty and me, mama would fight it.
If you have ever lived on a farm and watched a mother hen protect her chicks, cow protect her calf, or sow protect her pigs, you understand maternal protection. Well, Mama could be meaner than all three put together if it meant protecting her three sons. Let me put it like this, when we went to bed at night were were not afraid.
Living on the farm, we would often have some uninvited guest try to make their winter home in our house. One cool fall night we had all gone to bed, and everything was quiet. Suddenly, we would hear it. We had sliding, hollow, wooden doors for closet doors. You could take a finger nail and just barely scratch it to make a loud noise. Well a mouse got in the closet and started chewing on that closet door. From the sound he was making, you would have thought the house was falling in. Randy started, little girl, screaming, " mama! mouse, mama! mouse." Mama was already at the door with three rolled up towels, a broom and a fly swatter. You see, you would put one towel under the bedroom door, run the mouse out of the closet and put the other two towels under the closet doors. He had no where to escape. He had to face Mama with Randy and me jumping up and down on the bed, like cheerleaders, cheering mama on. Finally, Mama would end his fright with the broom. Everything turned quiet again with one more "mouse killin" experience to tell about.
Mama (Mother) would have given her life for any of her sons. I do not doubt that for a second. She was always strong and still is. She and Dad did a good job raising and protecting us.
As Christians, we need to be strong and of good courage. (Deut. 31:6) I was reading Rev.21:8 the other day and after reading over it a couple of times I realized I had been overlooking the first part of the verse. "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." Did you notice the cowardly is first on the list. Why? The early Christians had to have courage to not deny Christ when threatened with death and death to their families. They had to trust Jesus with His promise of a crown of life, if they were faithful unto death. (Read Rev.2:10) Jesus was preparing them to have courage. As Christians we must remember what Jesus told the rich young ruler in Mark 10:21. "take up your cross and follow me."
What ever trial, heartache, sickness or disappointment is our cross, we must have the courage to take it up and follow Christ. Christ gave up everything on this earth and carried His cross to His death for us. This took courage and love to the highest limit. If we wear His name, we should do no less.
The definition of a "Point Man" in the military is: one who goes ahead of the group and scouts out any danger. (I read a book by Steve Farrar several years ago titled, " Point Man: How a Man Can Lead His Family.") Do you know of any "point men" today in your group of friends, church, or family? One who sees ahead the coming danger of deceptions and lies from the devil, and who is armed with the whole spiritual armor of God, and by no means afraid to use it. Do you know Christians whom are not cowardly but have courage to stand up for the truth of God. Regardless of what anyone says about them? Keeping other Christians from falling is their main concern. They take a moral stand even if it means losing their business, job, or friends. How many people do you know like that?
In 1Samuel 22:1-2, David was running from King Saul and escaped to the cave of Adullam. Joining David was about 400 men who were in distress, broke and discontented, but in 1 Chronicles12:8, these men are described as mighty men of valor. Men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like faces of lions, and were as swift as gazelles on the mountains. David was their captain. These men were fearless. Look what God had made out of those men. They served their King, David, valiantly.
In the new testament we see men like Stephen, Peter, Paul, Silas and others put on God's armour and fight the spiritual battles for their King of kings, Jesus. These men had the courage to carry out Christ's mission of spreading the Gospel all over the world. These men were "point men" warning people of the dangers of sin that lie ahead. Look at the men chosen by Jesus, and what God made out of them. Christ told them in Matthew 16:24-25, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."
Again we see men of courage, not cowardly, giving all they had in carrying out the mission of saving the lost. How concerned were they? They always placed God first in their lives and many died standing for the truth.
So, where does that leave us today? Many say we are a Christian nation. (Pew Poll of 2008 said 78% of Americans were Christian.) Is that in name only? Why would I say a cruel thing like that? Well, I have seen people, who call themselves Christians, vote for politicians that support abortion, and same sex marriages for a start. Some men wanting to get married to each other call themselves Christians. Many Christians go to worship God only at their convenience. We as Christians are to be holy. (1 Peter 1:13-16) A lot of the Christians I know, look like the world, act like the world, think like the world, drink like the world, dress like the world, and do not know the Word of God like the world.
We all have been lost in sin. We have become Christians by burying the old man of sin in baptism and being raised a new man seeking to do God's will. Remember who God has used in the past, Paul helped crucify Christians, and Peter denied Christ, not once but three times. If we humble ourselves before God and repent of our sins, I don't care where we have come from, God will save and make us into mighty men and women of valor to do His good works.
I will remember every day Rev. 21:8, "but the cowardly..." and make sure I am strong and have good courage carrying out the will of my heavenly Father every day no matter the cost. A crown of life is worth the cost.
Can we have spiritual "point men" and men of valor as Christians? Yes. What about you? Are you cowardly in your Christian walk, or do you have good courage? Don't talk about the morals of our country if you are not willing to make the sacrifice to change it the way God wants us to be.
Comments can be sent to rhepler52@gmail.com
Christians, we can make a difference. The mission begins with us.
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Be Still
Today with the market down, people really concerned about the direction our country is going, global problems with radical Muslims, and many other problems too numerous to mention both worldwide and local, turned out to be a good day. You ask, how?
Well, I went to my in laws for lunch, and after lunch I sat on their front porch. I just wanting to rest from it all. I then began noticing the beautiful red miniature roses. I took a deep breath, looked at the roses and noticed their petals and leaves looked as though they were reaching for the sun. The noonday sun was brigthtly shining and the roses were busy making food from the sun. It's amazing how that works, photosynthesis that is. Then I looked up at the trees with their green leaves standing out against the bright blue sky, swaying back and forth from the gentle breeze. A breeze invisible only to feel and only to see where it had blown.
Off in a distance, I could hear a dove cooing, a robin and a blue jay. Each having it's own distinctive sound. I saw also, a squirrel scurry up a tree. I later went home and walked out to the garden to see if we had any ripe tomatoes. We did, and we had peas ready to pick.
Why do I mention all of this? For just a few minutes, I quit thinking of the problems of the day and was just still. Taking just a few moments to observe the flowers, birds, the garden, the leaves blowing in the wind and the bright blue sky. I regret to say it, but I do not take time to do this often enough. We all take for granted the beauty of creation all around us. Observing the creation can have a calming and strenthening effect on us if we would only let it.
If you are an athiest or evolutionist, this has no meaning to you, but I can see God through His handywork. Just think about it. Can man make a live plant that produces flowers, fruit or even leaves? What about a bird or squirrel? Did the sun just evolve to be the exact distance from earth, not to burn it up or freeze it? Can flowers on their own create photosynthesis to feed themselves from sunlight? A reasonable person can immediately recognize an intelligent designer not self creation.
God tells us in Psalms 46:10, 'Be still and know that I am God; I will be exhalted among the nations, I will be exhalted in the earth!' Get up early before sunrise, get a cup of coffee, and go outside to watch the day awake. Be still and you will see God's intelligence, order, vastness and power. You will realise, YES! HE IS REAL! You can see His wonderful creation, then go to His word and hear Him say, "Be still and know I am God". You can know He is God, if you get all of the worldly distractions out of your mind. When I realized this, there seemed to be a confident peace come over me. Yes there is a God, and He loves you and me very much. The words He has left us in the Bible are true.
When I come home at night, if the lights are on, Debbie's purse is on the table, the tv is on, and I smell food cooking, I know Debbie is home. The same thing when I see the beautiful creation every day, I know God is home.
Let us trust in our heavenly Father. He loves us and will take care of us. He is real. Go to Him in prayer, get close to Him in His word, and let Him dwell in you. The obvious is, God can take care of us. Let's trust, obey and love Him, and believe he will take care of us.
DON'T WORRY. Rejoice that we have a Heavenly Father and a saviour, Jesus Christ.
Remember, BE STILL AND KNOW HE IS GOD!
Go to rhepler52@gmail.com to comment.
Thank you,
Rick Hepler
Well, I went to my in laws for lunch, and after lunch I sat on their front porch. I just wanting to rest from it all. I then began noticing the beautiful red miniature roses. I took a deep breath, looked at the roses and noticed their petals and leaves looked as though they were reaching for the sun. The noonday sun was brigthtly shining and the roses were busy making food from the sun. It's amazing how that works, photosynthesis that is. Then I looked up at the trees with their green leaves standing out against the bright blue sky, swaying back and forth from the gentle breeze. A breeze invisible only to feel and only to see where it had blown.
Off in a distance, I could hear a dove cooing, a robin and a blue jay. Each having it's own distinctive sound. I saw also, a squirrel scurry up a tree. I later went home and walked out to the garden to see if we had any ripe tomatoes. We did, and we had peas ready to pick.
Why do I mention all of this? For just a few minutes, I quit thinking of the problems of the day and was just still. Taking just a few moments to observe the flowers, birds, the garden, the leaves blowing in the wind and the bright blue sky. I regret to say it, but I do not take time to do this often enough. We all take for granted the beauty of creation all around us. Observing the creation can have a calming and strenthening effect on us if we would only let it.
If you are an athiest or evolutionist, this has no meaning to you, but I can see God through His handywork. Just think about it. Can man make a live plant that produces flowers, fruit or even leaves? What about a bird or squirrel? Did the sun just evolve to be the exact distance from earth, not to burn it up or freeze it? Can flowers on their own create photosynthesis to feed themselves from sunlight? A reasonable person can immediately recognize an intelligent designer not self creation.
God tells us in Psalms 46:10, 'Be still and know that I am God; I will be exhalted among the nations, I will be exhalted in the earth!' Get up early before sunrise, get a cup of coffee, and go outside to watch the day awake. Be still and you will see God's intelligence, order, vastness and power. You will realise, YES! HE IS REAL! You can see His wonderful creation, then go to His word and hear Him say, "Be still and know I am God". You can know He is God, if you get all of the worldly distractions out of your mind. When I realized this, there seemed to be a confident peace come over me. Yes there is a God, and He loves you and me very much. The words He has left us in the Bible are true.
When I come home at night, if the lights are on, Debbie's purse is on the table, the tv is on, and I smell food cooking, I know Debbie is home. The same thing when I see the beautiful creation every day, I know God is home.
Let us trust in our heavenly Father. He loves us and will take care of us. He is real. Go to Him in prayer, get close to Him in His word, and let Him dwell in you. The obvious is, God can take care of us. Let's trust, obey and love Him, and believe he will take care of us.
DON'T WORRY. Rejoice that we have a Heavenly Father and a saviour, Jesus Christ.
Remember, BE STILL AND KNOW HE IS GOD!
Go to rhepler52@gmail.com to comment.
Thank you,
Rick Hepler
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Sometimes Repentance is Required
Growing up with two younger brothers, we would occasionally have misunderstandings,and our mother would catch us fighting. She would have us tell each other we were sorry. There was no repentance just sorry we got caught. Randy and I always misbehaved at church in worship. We did it so often, when we got home, we would go in the bathroom, bend over the commode, and wait for dad to give us our licks. Again, sorry we got caught, but no repentance.
Many times growing up, I would do something I shouldn't, and say I was sorry. I am more mature now, and if I do or say something wrong or disrespectful to another, I will sincerely say I am sorry. I back it up with a change of heart(repentance) not wanting to damage the relationship with the person involved.
Even in my marriage, I have said things or acted in a way that I shouldn't toward Debbie. Not only do I tell her I am sincerely sorry, I try my best to repent and never do it again. Why? Because I love her and I do not want to damage our relationship.
Many today, when caught doing wrong, will say they are sorry. It is usually a worldly sorrow. Just sorry they got caught. One time before church services I met with a young man who professed to be a Christian which had the reputation of drinking and partying. I asked him about his behavior, and he admitted his wrong doing and said he would go forward after the sermon to confess and repent of this sin. He did, but he was partying again in a few days. We have all been there sometime in our life.
Repentance is a change of direction in your thinking. Whatever sin you may be involved in, you want to change direction and not continue in that sin. What makes us want to repent? For many, it is a fear of going to hell, and for others it is a desire to go to heaven.
I would like to go to the Bible and read about a few cases of repentance. First, let's go to 1 Samuel 15:22-26. Saul disobeyed God, and his rebellion was as bad as the sin of witchcraft. He later blamed his sin on the people. Saying, he feared them and obeyed their voice. No godly sorrow here, nor do we ever see Saul having a good relationship with God again. Now let's turn to a story we are all familiar. In II Samuel 12:7-13, David was confronted by Nathan about his sin with Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah. David said he had sinned against the Lord, but in Psalms 51 we see his heart flow out to God. He had a heart which did not want to lose the relationship he had with God. Psalms 51 is a beautiful prayer of repentance.
The New Testament gives us the account of Peter, who said he would die for Christ. Instead, he denied Him three times. In Matthew 26:69-75 we see Peter went out and wept bitterly. Why did he do this? He had a relationship with Christ, and it devastated him in knowing he denied Him three times. Later in Acts, we see the great servant of God that Peter became. In Matt.27:3-5, we read were Judas was sorry, but instead of having a change of heart(repentance) went out and hanged himself.
What do we have to do, before we are willing to repent? First, we have to know what sin is,which sin we are committing, and who ultimately we are sinning against. For us to change our hearts and go in a different direction, there has to be a reason. In my life as I get closer to God, when I do something contrary to His will, I repent of the sin seeking His forgiveness. I do not want to loose the relationship I have with Him. I want to be walking in the light and having full fellowship with Him. I had to be taught this. I was taught at an early age about sin, and also the love God has for us. I began to search the scriptures daily to help me grow my Christianity in this life. Can I still sin? Yes I can, but I hope when I do, I will have the same godly sorrow that Peter had and repent.
I have said many times, the people in the United States need to humble themselves before God and repent of their sins, turning to Jesus, and obey the Gospel. I ask you a serious question. What would make them repent? We now have a second generation that does not know God. The only glimpse of God they may have is Christians. Many have tried to take God out of the public life. Others make fun of Christians for standing against sin.They cannot have godly sorrow until they know how much God loves them and how much He abhors sin. Many do not believe in hell. Some think when you die you just die.
Christians, we have an enormous and critical task before us. I myself need to repent of the idea someone else will spread the Gospel of Christ. I need to have a faith as the early Christians had. One that the whip, sword, being thrown to wild animals, or being burned alive could not stop.
Times were terrible in the 1st century. Twelve men full of the Holy Ghost, on a mission for God, preached Christ crucified, shed His blood for the sins of mankind,and raised from the dead. No TV, No Text Messaging, No emailing, No Facebook, not even a copy of the New Testament. Those twelve turned the world upside down. They lived right, obeyed God, did what was right in God's eyes instead of their own eyes, and all were one, speaking the same thing. They knew how much God loved humanity, and they wanted to teach the Gospel to as many as possible. What faith, persistence, and courage they had. Then the early church went on the same mission, teaching the lost.
Christians, I am going to ask some hard questions that may not be easy for you to answer, but I am asking myself first. Do we need to go and repent before we ask someone else to? How does the world and other Christians see us? Do we love unconditionally, and are we forgiving? Do they see us putting God first in our lives? Do they see us as hypocritical or strong in our faith? When they are around us do we show them that we care about them? Do we come across as being humble with the message or self righteous? Most importantly, do they see our relationship with God as one we value so much that we never wish to hurt God by habitually sinning against Him?
When we Christians get our lives on the right tract and others see God's word living in us, the word will attract the world. And yes, they will want to repent from the life that has brought them hardship and no hope. How blessed it will be when we see people repenting and obeying the Gospel of Christ. Seeing the hope of heaven in their eyes will be more of a reward than anything this world can offer.
Christians, we can do this. We have chosen to be Christians and along with this choice there is a mission.
God is good! Let's live like He is!
I am going to have to cut back to writing 3 or 4 post a week. I have started writing a book and need to spend time on it. I haven't decided on the title yet, but it may be: Christians-Can We Talk?
Please send this to family and friends. I am trying to increase the number of readers. Other than here in the good ole USA, I have had people from, Germany, United Kingdom and Australia. Many of you have commented and some have helped in editing. I am very grateful.
Please send comments to rhepler52@gmail.com .
Thanks so much!
Rick Hepler
Many times growing up, I would do something I shouldn't, and say I was sorry. I am more mature now, and if I do or say something wrong or disrespectful to another, I will sincerely say I am sorry. I back it up with a change of heart(repentance) not wanting to damage the relationship with the person involved.
Even in my marriage, I have said things or acted in a way that I shouldn't toward Debbie. Not only do I tell her I am sincerely sorry, I try my best to repent and never do it again. Why? Because I love her and I do not want to damage our relationship.
Many today, when caught doing wrong, will say they are sorry. It is usually a worldly sorrow. Just sorry they got caught. One time before church services I met with a young man who professed to be a Christian which had the reputation of drinking and partying. I asked him about his behavior, and he admitted his wrong doing and said he would go forward after the sermon to confess and repent of this sin. He did, but he was partying again in a few days. We have all been there sometime in our life.
Repentance is a change of direction in your thinking. Whatever sin you may be involved in, you want to change direction and not continue in that sin. What makes us want to repent? For many, it is a fear of going to hell, and for others it is a desire to go to heaven.
I would like to go to the Bible and read about a few cases of repentance. First, let's go to 1 Samuel 15:22-26. Saul disobeyed God, and his rebellion was as bad as the sin of witchcraft. He later blamed his sin on the people. Saying, he feared them and obeyed their voice. No godly sorrow here, nor do we ever see Saul having a good relationship with God again. Now let's turn to a story we are all familiar. In II Samuel 12:7-13, David was confronted by Nathan about his sin with Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah. David said he had sinned against the Lord, but in Psalms 51 we see his heart flow out to God. He had a heart which did not want to lose the relationship he had with God. Psalms 51 is a beautiful prayer of repentance.
The New Testament gives us the account of Peter, who said he would die for Christ. Instead, he denied Him three times. In Matthew 26:69-75 we see Peter went out and wept bitterly. Why did he do this? He had a relationship with Christ, and it devastated him in knowing he denied Him three times. Later in Acts, we see the great servant of God that Peter became. In Matt.27:3-5, we read were Judas was sorry, but instead of having a change of heart(repentance) went out and hanged himself.
What do we have to do, before we are willing to repent? First, we have to know what sin is,which sin we are committing, and who ultimately we are sinning against. For us to change our hearts and go in a different direction, there has to be a reason. In my life as I get closer to God, when I do something contrary to His will, I repent of the sin seeking His forgiveness. I do not want to loose the relationship I have with Him. I want to be walking in the light and having full fellowship with Him. I had to be taught this. I was taught at an early age about sin, and also the love God has for us. I began to search the scriptures daily to help me grow my Christianity in this life. Can I still sin? Yes I can, but I hope when I do, I will have the same godly sorrow that Peter had and repent.
I have said many times, the people in the United States need to humble themselves before God and repent of their sins, turning to Jesus, and obey the Gospel. I ask you a serious question. What would make them repent? We now have a second generation that does not know God. The only glimpse of God they may have is Christians. Many have tried to take God out of the public life. Others make fun of Christians for standing against sin.They cannot have godly sorrow until they know how much God loves them and how much He abhors sin. Many do not believe in hell. Some think when you die you just die.
Christians, we have an enormous and critical task before us. I myself need to repent of the idea someone else will spread the Gospel of Christ. I need to have a faith as the early Christians had. One that the whip, sword, being thrown to wild animals, or being burned alive could not stop.
Times were terrible in the 1st century. Twelve men full of the Holy Ghost, on a mission for God, preached Christ crucified, shed His blood for the sins of mankind,and raised from the dead. No TV, No Text Messaging, No emailing, No Facebook, not even a copy of the New Testament. Those twelve turned the world upside down. They lived right, obeyed God, did what was right in God's eyes instead of their own eyes, and all were one, speaking the same thing. They knew how much God loved humanity, and they wanted to teach the Gospel to as many as possible. What faith, persistence, and courage they had. Then the early church went on the same mission, teaching the lost.
Christians, I am going to ask some hard questions that may not be easy for you to answer, but I am asking myself first. Do we need to go and repent before we ask someone else to? How does the world and other Christians see us? Do we love unconditionally, and are we forgiving? Do they see us putting God first in our lives? Do they see us as hypocritical or strong in our faith? When they are around us do we show them that we care about them? Do we come across as being humble with the message or self righteous? Most importantly, do they see our relationship with God as one we value so much that we never wish to hurt God by habitually sinning against Him?
When we Christians get our lives on the right tract and others see God's word living in us, the word will attract the world. And yes, they will want to repent from the life that has brought them hardship and no hope. How blessed it will be when we see people repenting and obeying the Gospel of Christ. Seeing the hope of heaven in their eyes will be more of a reward than anything this world can offer.
Christians, we can do this. We have chosen to be Christians and along with this choice there is a mission.
God is good! Let's live like He is!
I am going to have to cut back to writing 3 or 4 post a week. I have started writing a book and need to spend time on it. I haven't decided on the title yet, but it may be: Christians-Can We Talk?
Please send this to family and friends. I am trying to increase the number of readers. Other than here in the good ole USA, I have had people from, Germany, United Kingdom and Australia. Many of you have commented and some have helped in editing. I am very grateful.
Please send comments to rhepler52@gmail.com .
Thanks so much!
Rick Hepler
Friday, August 12, 2011
Defeat Worry With Trust
This has been a loaded week. One loaded with encouragement one day, shock another, grieving, stressful, and one filled with hope. In our world of instant communication, if we allow it, we can have outside influences affect our emotions all throughout the day. Sometime I feel my emotions are on a roller coaster ride. I should not let this happen. When I have an up and down day, I use the evening to set it all in perspective. When I've had time to pray and meditate on God's word, the concerns I had in the morning lose some of their strength over me.
At an early age, the culture in which we live instills in us to be successful. We take it to mean success must be every minute of the day. When our view of our daily activities veer from our success plan, we get stressed, worried, and many times just give up. Failure should strengthen us, possibly shift us to another direction, and most importantly build our faith. Think of people you know that have a strong faith. Did they obtain that faith by not having any struggles, or did they obtain it because of the struggles?
Let us go to the Bible and see how Jesus handled life while He was on earth. You may be thinking, well He was the Son of God. He came from Heaven, and He knew God would protect Him. Ask yourself, did he have any problems?
Christ was born in Bethlehem, in a manger.(Luke 2:4-7) Were you, your children or grandchildren born in a manger? After Christ was born, Joseph was warned in a dream by an angel of the Lord saying "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him".(NKJV)(Matt. 2:13) Did your parents have to escape the place of your birth, fearing that you might be killed? After Christ was baptized, He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and Satan came to Him to tempt Him. (Matt: 3:16; 4:1-11) What happened after you were baptized?
Christ had some rewarding days. Christ went about all Galilee teaching and preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom and healing all kinds of disease among the people. His fame went all through Syria, and great multitudes followed Him.(Matt. 4:23-25) But, later, many left Him and followed Him no more. (John 6:66)
How often have you had friends leave you never again to be your friends?
Do you have a nice house to live in? Jesus told someone who wanted to follow Him, "Foxes have holes and birds have nest, but the Son of Man has no where to lay His head."(Luke 9:58) (NJKV) Not having a house did not stop Christ from His mission here on earth.
When they came to get Christ, His disciples fled.(Mark 14 :50) Read John 19:1-34; Mark 14:65,15:16-34.
He was beaten, crucified, and when He was bearing the sins of the world He cried out, "My God, My God why have you forsaken Me?" God turned away when Jesus bore our sins.
If we had experienced all of this and charted our emotions, the lines would have been all over the chart. Christ had a mission from God. Even if it met crucifixion, He was determined to do His Father's will.
As Christians, what is our mission? Is it to have a successful career, have large bank accounts, be highly educated, and have a problem free life? Read Matt. 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18. As Christians, it's OK to have things, as long as they are not our masters and deplete our energy worrying about them. Jesus said you can't have two masters. (Matt 6:24)
Where is Jesus now? (Read Acts 2:22-36) Was Christ life on this earth pleasant? Did He die for you and me? Did He overcome death for us? If He had worried about His circumstances while on this earth, or worried about what people thought about Him, would we have a hope of heaven? We needed a saviour who would trust God and carry out God's mission exactly as He had planned.
You still may be thinking, "He is God's son". Well, think on this question, "who are we?" Read Matt. 12:46-50; Matt. 5:43-45;Matt. 23:9, Matt. 5:16 and Matt. 6:9. God is, also, our Father in heaven. Has He given us the greatest gift? If we are faithful to death what will we receive? (Read 2 Tim. 4:6-8) If God allowed His Son Jesus to be crucified for us, to live in this fallen world, and then set Him on a throne in heaven, why are we sweating the small stuff? Jesus trusted His Father and look where He is today. Let us trust our Father in heaven today and obey Him. He has a place prepared for us for all eternity.
Christ tells us to not worry. (Matt. 6:25-34) He didn't worry. He trusted His Father. If we trust our Father in heaven, should we worry?
Please think about it. After the fall of man in the garden, God never intended for His children to live on this earth forever. Let's be attached to Him, not the things He has blessed us with. Let's displace worrying with trusting in Him.
Thanks and have a good weekend! Send any comments to my email address, rhepler52@yahoo.com or rhepler52@gmail.com .
Rick Hepler
At an early age, the culture in which we live instills in us to be successful. We take it to mean success must be every minute of the day. When our view of our daily activities veer from our success plan, we get stressed, worried, and many times just give up. Failure should strengthen us, possibly shift us to another direction, and most importantly build our faith. Think of people you know that have a strong faith. Did they obtain that faith by not having any struggles, or did they obtain it because of the struggles?
Let us go to the Bible and see how Jesus handled life while He was on earth. You may be thinking, well He was the Son of God. He came from Heaven, and He knew God would protect Him. Ask yourself, did he have any problems?
Christ was born in Bethlehem, in a manger.(Luke 2:4-7) Were you, your children or grandchildren born in a manger? After Christ was born, Joseph was warned in a dream by an angel of the Lord saying "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him".(NKJV)(Matt. 2:13) Did your parents have to escape the place of your birth, fearing that you might be killed? After Christ was baptized, He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and Satan came to Him to tempt Him. (Matt: 3:16; 4:1-11) What happened after you were baptized?
Christ had some rewarding days. Christ went about all Galilee teaching and preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom and healing all kinds of disease among the people. His fame went all through Syria, and great multitudes followed Him.(Matt. 4:23-25) But, later, many left Him and followed Him no more. (John 6:66)
How often have you had friends leave you never again to be your friends?
Do you have a nice house to live in? Jesus told someone who wanted to follow Him, "Foxes have holes and birds have nest, but the Son of Man has no where to lay His head."(Luke 9:58) (NJKV) Not having a house did not stop Christ from His mission here on earth.
When they came to get Christ, His disciples fled.(Mark 14 :50) Read John 19:1-34; Mark 14:65,15:16-34.
He was beaten, crucified, and when He was bearing the sins of the world He cried out, "My God, My God why have you forsaken Me?" God turned away when Jesus bore our sins.
If we had experienced all of this and charted our emotions, the lines would have been all over the chart. Christ had a mission from God. Even if it met crucifixion, He was determined to do His Father's will.
As Christians, what is our mission? Is it to have a successful career, have large bank accounts, be highly educated, and have a problem free life? Read Matt. 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18. As Christians, it's OK to have things, as long as they are not our masters and deplete our energy worrying about them. Jesus said you can't have two masters. (Matt 6:24)
Where is Jesus now? (Read Acts 2:22-36) Was Christ life on this earth pleasant? Did He die for you and me? Did He overcome death for us? If He had worried about His circumstances while on this earth, or worried about what people thought about Him, would we have a hope of heaven? We needed a saviour who would trust God and carry out God's mission exactly as He had planned.
You still may be thinking, "He is God's son". Well, think on this question, "who are we?" Read Matt. 12:46-50; Matt. 5:43-45;Matt. 23:9, Matt. 5:16 and Matt. 6:9. God is, also, our Father in heaven. Has He given us the greatest gift? If we are faithful to death what will we receive? (Read 2 Tim. 4:6-8) If God allowed His Son Jesus to be crucified for us, to live in this fallen world, and then set Him on a throne in heaven, why are we sweating the small stuff? Jesus trusted His Father and look where He is today. Let us trust our Father in heaven today and obey Him. He has a place prepared for us for all eternity.
Christ tells us to not worry. (Matt. 6:25-34) He didn't worry. He trusted His Father. If we trust our Father in heaven, should we worry?
Please think about it. After the fall of man in the garden, God never intended for His children to live on this earth forever. Let's be attached to Him, not the things He has blessed us with. Let's displace worrying with trusting in Him.
Thanks and have a good weekend! Send any comments to my email address, rhepler52@yahoo.com or rhepler52@gmail.com .
Rick Hepler
Monday, August 8, 2011
Rats on Fire!
It was a very hot and dry summer Sunday afternoon. We usually had a ball game of some sort in the neighborhood, but it was just too hot. I walked over to my dog pen, across the road, to water my hunting dogs. Just as I got to the pen, several rats ran from under the dog house. A huge maple tree next to the pen, with roots spread out on top of the ground, provided shade for my dogs. I noticed these rats ran into holes in the ground around those roots. After taking a closer look, I saw several holes near the tree trunk. The rats had a den under this tree.
Being a little bored anyway, I got the bright idea of getting rid of the rats once and for all. I went and got my brother, Randy, and my dad. I got a gasoline can and mixed gasoline and diesel fuel together. We started funneling this mixture down the rat holes all around the tree. It took us several minutes. We stepped back admiring our work. The rats were going to be toast in just a few minutes.
I need to describe the area. About 15 yards from the tree was an old farmhouse, converted into a corn crib, feed room, and storage for tools. Also, I think some straw was stored in one of the rooms. On the other side of the farmhouse was a shed where I kept my 4-H calves.
Well the moment we had been anticipating had arrived . We had given enough time for the gas fumes and diesel fuel to penetrate all throughout the rat den. I stood back, struck a match and tossed it on the little gasoline trail I had made away from the tree. It was a good plan. You would had thought we had planned it for weeks.
When the little trail of fire hit those holes, it was like a cannon going off. I thought no rat could live through that explosion. But they did! You remember, I mixed diesel fuel with the gasoline. The rats started coming out of those holes looking for a place to run for relief. The place happened to be the old farm house. Those rats were quick moving balls of fire. If we didn't get to them before they got to the old house, they were going to their fiery grave, with the last laugh, by burning it down.
We were all yelling, screaming, hollering, stomping, chasing, and giving 110 percent of everything we had to keep the burning rats out of the old house. You see, the house burned down would have been a great loss, but the bigger loss would have been our reputation. The farmers would still be laughing. We would had to moved to another state. We could not have gotten jobs, because people would think we were so stupid! Anybody pouring diesel fuel on rats, setting them on fire, and expecting them to stand still, had to be stupid. I sure am glad my dad was in on this one.
Well, with a good father's and sons' effort, we stopped every rat. I can say with pride, we only let a few get close to the house. We had cat reflexes in the end and won the victory over the "burning rats".
Now before you animal lovers get all upset, I have long since repented of my cruelty to rats. I even hate to catch a mouse in a trap. If I can catch them alive, I will take them outdoors and let them go.
Well, we have had our laugh,( I have had a belly laugh. You just had to be there.) and now on a more serious note, let's go to God's word.
Turn in your Bibles to James chapter 1:14-16. James says, "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires, and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." (NKJV) Satan tempts us with the lust of the flesh. Usually, it is a weakness
we have in the flesh. It always begins with a thought.(the rats in their den under that tree) Next, those thoughts get stronger and the desire grows. (the gasoline and diesel fuel on the rats) Then the thoughts of fulfilling the desire reach a breaking point, and all reasonable thinking is set aside.(the flaming match is now tossed toward the rats' den) Full blown, uncontrollable desire has been conceived. (the rats come out of the hole, on fire, going toward the old house) Sin is now full blown and unless stopped will be turned into a habitual sin. If not stopped, it will cause spiritual damage and worse, spiritual death.(If the burning rats are allowed to get into the old house, there will be considerable damage from the fire they cause or even burn the house down completely.)
It is sad to say, this happens daily in our world. I and even you could get caught up in the wrong thinking, which eventually, going unrestrained, can led to our spiritual death or causing pain and suffering to ourselves or others. None of us is immune.( Rom. 3:23)
Any of the stages of temptation can be stopped before they reach spiritual death. The thought has to be overcome before it gets so hot with passion, it ignites. If ignited, it needs to be quickly put out before the real damage is done.
How do we do this? Study God's word each day and pray for wisdom and strength. When we have God's word in our hearts as we have those thoughts, we will not let them dwell in our thinking. If we do fall into sin, we have our Christian brothers and sisters who can come and give us spiritual guidance. If our conscience has been trained with God's truths, Godly sorrow will turn us around. If sin is conceived and we are in spiritual death, we can turn around by going back to God. David did this. (Read Psa.51)
As Christians, if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.(1John 1:9) If you are not a Christian, your living in sin is like us letting those burning rats into the old house setting it on fire and burning it to the ground. But, you and I have a savior that can bury that old man of sin and raise us new men in Christ. (Read Rom 6:1-10)
Satan is very crafty, subtle, and persistent to get us to sin against God. We need to be ever vigilant. He is after us all, but Jesus our savior has overcome satan. He will save us and protect us if we let Him.
Please send comments to me at rhepler52@gmail.com We all need to help each other stomp out the "burning rats" before they get to the old house.
Thank you so much for reading!
Rick Hepler
Being a little bored anyway, I got the bright idea of getting rid of the rats once and for all. I went and got my brother, Randy, and my dad. I got a gasoline can and mixed gasoline and diesel fuel together. We started funneling this mixture down the rat holes all around the tree. It took us several minutes. We stepped back admiring our work. The rats were going to be toast in just a few minutes.
I need to describe the area. About 15 yards from the tree was an old farmhouse, converted into a corn crib, feed room, and storage for tools. Also, I think some straw was stored in one of the rooms. On the other side of the farmhouse was a shed where I kept my 4-H calves.
Well the moment we had been anticipating had arrived . We had given enough time for the gas fumes and diesel fuel to penetrate all throughout the rat den. I stood back, struck a match and tossed it on the little gasoline trail I had made away from the tree. It was a good plan. You would had thought we had planned it for weeks.
When the little trail of fire hit those holes, it was like a cannon going off. I thought no rat could live through that explosion. But they did! You remember, I mixed diesel fuel with the gasoline. The rats started coming out of those holes looking for a place to run for relief. The place happened to be the old farm house. Those rats were quick moving balls of fire. If we didn't get to them before they got to the old house, they were going to their fiery grave, with the last laugh, by burning it down.
We were all yelling, screaming, hollering, stomping, chasing, and giving 110 percent of everything we had to keep the burning rats out of the old house. You see, the house burned down would have been a great loss, but the bigger loss would have been our reputation. The farmers would still be laughing. We would had to moved to another state. We could not have gotten jobs, because people would think we were so stupid! Anybody pouring diesel fuel on rats, setting them on fire, and expecting them to stand still, had to be stupid. I sure am glad my dad was in on this one.
Well, with a good father's and sons' effort, we stopped every rat. I can say with pride, we only let a few get close to the house. We had cat reflexes in the end and won the victory over the "burning rats".
Now before you animal lovers get all upset, I have long since repented of my cruelty to rats. I even hate to catch a mouse in a trap. If I can catch them alive, I will take them outdoors and let them go.
Well, we have had our laugh,( I have had a belly laugh. You just had to be there.) and now on a more serious note, let's go to God's word.
Turn in your Bibles to James chapter 1:14-16. James says, "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires, and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." (NKJV) Satan tempts us with the lust of the flesh. Usually, it is a weakness
we have in the flesh. It always begins with a thought.(the rats in their den under that tree) Next, those thoughts get stronger and the desire grows. (the gasoline and diesel fuel on the rats) Then the thoughts of fulfilling the desire reach a breaking point, and all reasonable thinking is set aside.(the flaming match is now tossed toward the rats' den) Full blown, uncontrollable desire has been conceived. (the rats come out of the hole, on fire, going toward the old house) Sin is now full blown and unless stopped will be turned into a habitual sin. If not stopped, it will cause spiritual damage and worse, spiritual death.(If the burning rats are allowed to get into the old house, there will be considerable damage from the fire they cause or even burn the house down completely.)
It is sad to say, this happens daily in our world. I and even you could get caught up in the wrong thinking, which eventually, going unrestrained, can led to our spiritual death or causing pain and suffering to ourselves or others. None of us is immune.( Rom. 3:23)
Any of the stages of temptation can be stopped before they reach spiritual death. The thought has to be overcome before it gets so hot with passion, it ignites. If ignited, it needs to be quickly put out before the real damage is done.
How do we do this? Study God's word each day and pray for wisdom and strength. When we have God's word in our hearts as we have those thoughts, we will not let them dwell in our thinking. If we do fall into sin, we have our Christian brothers and sisters who can come and give us spiritual guidance. If our conscience has been trained with God's truths, Godly sorrow will turn us around. If sin is conceived and we are in spiritual death, we can turn around by going back to God. David did this. (Read Psa.51)
As Christians, if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.(1John 1:9) If you are not a Christian, your living in sin is like us letting those burning rats into the old house setting it on fire and burning it to the ground. But, you and I have a savior that can bury that old man of sin and raise us new men in Christ. (Read Rom 6:1-10)
Satan is very crafty, subtle, and persistent to get us to sin against God. We need to be ever vigilant. He is after us all, but Jesus our savior has overcome satan. He will save us and protect us if we let Him.
Please send comments to me at rhepler52@gmail.com We all need to help each other stomp out the "burning rats" before they get to the old house.
Thank you so much for reading!
Rick Hepler
Friday, August 5, 2011
I Now Repent Of My Complaining
I talked to a young mother of two young daughters this week. She was in Memphis trying to get medical treatment for hepatitis C. She does not have a job, is presently getting a divorce, and has no money or health insurance. She was a drug user, but says she is now drug free. My understanding is she has found a hospital willing to administer the medication she needs, even though she has no insurance or money. She only wants to live to see her daughters again. They are the only pleasure she presently has. I thought I had problems. I can't imagine how she faces each day. I don't know her well, but I have prayed for her and her daughters the past two nights. I know her grandmother is praying, but I wonder if anyone else has ever mentioned her name to God in prayer. I pray I will have an opportunity to talk to her about the gospel of Christ.
I got up early this morning because I could not sleep. I walked to my office door and saw the sun coming up over the trees. Peeking through the clouds, it was absolutely beautiful. It was at this time, my uncertain approaching day turned into a day of thanksgiving. Notice, I walked to the door. There are people on this earth who would give anything to be able to barely walk. I saw the sunrise. There are many people who would love to see the sunrise with just one eye let alone two. I recognized the sunrise as being beautiful. Some do not have the ability to recognize beauty due to a brain defect. As I am writing, it is raining. I just heard thunder softly rumbling in the distance. Some are born deaf. I have shelter to keep me dry from the rain. There are those homeless. I am not hungry due to the amount of dinner I ate last night. Some are hungry in this world and would love to have our leftovers. I am never lonely because I have a close, loving family. Many feel unloved and very lonely. I have no health problems at the present. Many are sick and in severe pain.
I have said all of this to lead up to what I heard yesterday. I am sure this will upset you as much as it did me.
There was a poll taken in July asking 928 Americans to give God an approval rating of the way He is handling the world. (Go to http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/ and scroll down to July 21, 2011 National Congressional Poll to read it.) The question was: If God exist, do you approve or disapprove of its performance? Notice the words if and it. They used it to not be gender specific. They didn't want to offend anyone. They could care less about offending God. 52% said they approved, 9% disapproved and 40% not sure. (Dumb,Dumber and Dumbest) The commentator I heard this from thought it was ridiculous. Although, he added, "people question God because if He is a loving God why does He let bad things happen to good people." I am furious at this point.
Let me go to God's word to help me explain what I am about to say. In Matthew chapter 8:28-33, Jesus cast demons out of two men. The very important part of this is, the demons cried out saying, "What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come to torment us before the time?" Notice in Matthew chapter 16:15-17, Jesus asked Peter, "who do you say that I am? Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God". Christ went on to say that" flesh and blood did not reveal this to you but My Father Who is in heaven". The demons knew and know Jesus. They recognize Him as the Son of God. They also know that on judgement day they are going to be in torment. They go about getting mankind to deny Christ, and yet they know who He is and confess He is the Son of God. Read also James 2:19 were James says, "You believe there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble. They know better than mankind who God is, and the place He has prepared for them.(Matt. 25:30,41; Rev.20:10) How can we believe the lies of the devil? He knows the truth and the upcoming eternal punishment to him and his angels along with all those who disobey God.
Now, let's answer the age old questions. Why does a loving God let bad things happen to good people and where was God when they were going through their darkest trial? Before I answer, I want you to remember what you have read in Job chapters 38-41 where God questions Job. Remember what God tells Isaiah in Isaiah chapter 55:8. "For my thoughts are are not your thoughts, nor My ways your ways." says the Lord.
Also, you read in 1 Cor. 2:9 "But as it is written: "eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."(NKJV)After the fall of man, it has been God's desire for those who love Him to be with Him again. Those who do not love Him will see His wrath and be cast in outer darkness along with the devil and his angels on judgement day.
Now let's go back to the question. He is a loving God. We were doomed to a devil's hell because of man's sin. God has a plan for us to escape all of our trials, tribulations, tears, heartaches, and what ever else happens to us. He sacrificed Jesus, His only Son, so we could have hope of living with Him in heaven forever and escape the devil's hell of torment forever. This is the answer to the question, "if he is a loving God, why...?" I think this shows with an exclamation point that God loves us. The answer to "were was God when...?" God was right there at Calvary turning His back on His only begotten Son, as He had the sin's of all mankind on Him, dying in our stead. God saw His created mankind, spit upon, mock, beat and crucify His Son. Yes, God still loves us. He never has left us. We have ungratefully left Him through our ignorance.
Do you remember the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:20-25? Do you think for one minute that Lazarus would want to be raised from the dead to go back to life on this earth as the rich man or is he so thankful he was a beggar. I understand now, why Habakkuk says, in Habakkuk 3:17-18, Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock be cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Our salvation is better than anything this world has to offer. If everything was wonderful here in this life, we might not get excited about heaven. I hope we realize what our salvation means to us and want to hang on to it. We need to be so grateful to God , that we want to tell everyone.
Back to the poll. Only someone ignorant of God and His word would even think of such a thing. God does not need our approval on anything. God has shown His longsuffering for them by not striking them down. God used to wink at ignorance, but now commands all men to repent. (Acts 18:30)
Christians, we need the courage to let our light shine brighter and the desire to be the salt of the earth to change mankind on the inside. It is left up to us. (Matt. 28:19-20)
The moment I value my salvation to the price paid for it, my attitude will be greatly adjusted. My devotion and love to God will be given to the fullest of my abilities.
Please, think about what God has said and how much He loves us. Don't ever let the devil deceive you in believing that God does not care about you. The devil already knows how much God loves you. He just does not want you to know.
I am trying to increase the readers of my blog. Please tell your relatives and friends to check it out. www.rick-hepler.blogspot.com Send comments to rhepler52@gmail.com
I hope you have a good weekend.
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
I got up early this morning because I could not sleep. I walked to my office door and saw the sun coming up over the trees. Peeking through the clouds, it was absolutely beautiful. It was at this time, my uncertain approaching day turned into a day of thanksgiving. Notice, I walked to the door. There are people on this earth who would give anything to be able to barely walk. I saw the sunrise. There are many people who would love to see the sunrise with just one eye let alone two. I recognized the sunrise as being beautiful. Some do not have the ability to recognize beauty due to a brain defect. As I am writing, it is raining. I just heard thunder softly rumbling in the distance. Some are born deaf. I have shelter to keep me dry from the rain. There are those homeless. I am not hungry due to the amount of dinner I ate last night. Some are hungry in this world and would love to have our leftovers. I am never lonely because I have a close, loving family. Many feel unloved and very lonely. I have no health problems at the present. Many are sick and in severe pain.
I have said all of this to lead up to what I heard yesterday. I am sure this will upset you as much as it did me.
There was a poll taken in July asking 928 Americans to give God an approval rating of the way He is handling the world. (Go to http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/ and scroll down to July 21, 2011 National Congressional Poll to read it.) The question was: If God exist, do you approve or disapprove of its performance? Notice the words if and it. They used it to not be gender specific. They didn't want to offend anyone. They could care less about offending God. 52% said they approved, 9% disapproved and 40% not sure. (Dumb,Dumber and Dumbest) The commentator I heard this from thought it was ridiculous. Although, he added, "people question God because if He is a loving God why does He let bad things happen to good people." I am furious at this point.
Let me go to God's word to help me explain what I am about to say. In Matthew chapter 8:28-33, Jesus cast demons out of two men. The very important part of this is, the demons cried out saying, "What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come to torment us before the time?" Notice in Matthew chapter 16:15-17, Jesus asked Peter, "who do you say that I am? Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God". Christ went on to say that" flesh and blood did not reveal this to you but My Father Who is in heaven". The demons knew and know Jesus. They recognize Him as the Son of God. They also know that on judgement day they are going to be in torment. They go about getting mankind to deny Christ, and yet they know who He is and confess He is the Son of God. Read also James 2:19 were James says, "You believe there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble. They know better than mankind who God is, and the place He has prepared for them.(Matt. 25:30,41; Rev.20:10) How can we believe the lies of the devil? He knows the truth and the upcoming eternal punishment to him and his angels along with all those who disobey God.
Now, let's answer the age old questions. Why does a loving God let bad things happen to good people and where was God when they were going through their darkest trial? Before I answer, I want you to remember what you have read in Job chapters 38-41 where God questions Job. Remember what God tells Isaiah in Isaiah chapter 55:8. "For my thoughts are are not your thoughts, nor My ways your ways." says the Lord.
Also, you read in 1 Cor. 2:9 "But as it is written: "eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."(NKJV)After the fall of man, it has been God's desire for those who love Him to be with Him again. Those who do not love Him will see His wrath and be cast in outer darkness along with the devil and his angels on judgement day.
Now let's go back to the question. He is a loving God. We were doomed to a devil's hell because of man's sin. God has a plan for us to escape all of our trials, tribulations, tears, heartaches, and what ever else happens to us. He sacrificed Jesus, His only Son, so we could have hope of living with Him in heaven forever and escape the devil's hell of torment forever. This is the answer to the question, "if he is a loving God, why...?" I think this shows with an exclamation point that God loves us. The answer to "were was God when...?" God was right there at Calvary turning His back on His only begotten Son, as He had the sin's of all mankind on Him, dying in our stead. God saw His created mankind, spit upon, mock, beat and crucify His Son. Yes, God still loves us. He never has left us. We have ungratefully left Him through our ignorance.
Do you remember the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:20-25? Do you think for one minute that Lazarus would want to be raised from the dead to go back to life on this earth as the rich man or is he so thankful he was a beggar. I understand now, why Habakkuk says, in Habakkuk 3:17-18, Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock be cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Our salvation is better than anything this world has to offer. If everything was wonderful here in this life, we might not get excited about heaven. I hope we realize what our salvation means to us and want to hang on to it. We need to be so grateful to God , that we want to tell everyone.
Back to the poll. Only someone ignorant of God and His word would even think of such a thing. God does not need our approval on anything. God has shown His longsuffering for them by not striking them down. God used to wink at ignorance, but now commands all men to repent. (Acts 18:30)
Christians, we need the courage to let our light shine brighter and the desire to be the salt of the earth to change mankind on the inside. It is left up to us. (Matt. 28:19-20)
The moment I value my salvation to the price paid for it, my attitude will be greatly adjusted. My devotion and love to God will be given to the fullest of my abilities.
Please, think about what God has said and how much He loves us. Don't ever let the devil deceive you in believing that God does not care about you. The devil already knows how much God loves you. He just does not want you to know.
I am trying to increase the readers of my blog. Please tell your relatives and friends to check it out. www.rick-hepler.blogspot.com Send comments to rhepler52@gmail.com
I hope you have a good weekend.
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
Thursday, August 4, 2011
The Garden Of Our Mind
I enjoy planting a garden in the spring. The smell of the tilled soil reminds me of when I was younger, plowing with a tractor. It is something about planting seeds and watching them break through the ground. As the plants grow, you have to keep the weeds out. When the weather is cool, working in the garden is not a bad job. In August when days and nights are very hot and humid, the job gets harder.
A mid summer, weed free garden is a beautiful sight. If you do not work in the garden every day, the weeds will slowly overtake the plants robbing them of moisture and nutrients. When the days are hot and humid, it is harder to keep the weeds under control. When weeds over take your garden, vegetable production will almost come to a stop.
Weeds hinder vegetable production in the garden just like negative thoughts from the devil hinder the growth of a Christian. Many of us, in our Christian lives, have periods of springtime. We diligently watch our thoughts and our lives as Christians. We seem to be doing fine, then the devil robs us of spiritual nourishment by planting weed seeds to over come us.
Christians think of your mind as a garden. The good thoughts are the vegetables, and the negative thoughts are weeds. Every day we have to hoe this garden to keep the weeds out. What are weed thoughts? Thoughts of doubt, lust, pride, discouragement, cares of this world, fear, and unbelief are some big weeds Satan uses to rob us of our Christian strength. Take notice, all of these are thoughts that can be controlled or weeded out of our mind. There are many others, but let's just discuss these.
First, let's talk about what these thoughts can do to our Christian lives. Doubt can hinder our prayers to God. In James 1:6, James talks about asking God with faith and no doubting.The fall of man was caused by doubt. Read Genesis 3:1-6 and notice how Satan caused Eve to doubt what God said. He said "You will not surely die". She doubted the truth, God told her, and sinned against God by following her own desires.
You notice that before Eve was tempted with the lust of the flesh (saw it was good for food), lust of the eyes (saw it was pleasant to the eyes), and pride of life (a tree desirable to make one wise) Satan placed in her mind what God said not to be truth. She then doubted God, which led to her sin. (Gen. 3:1-6)
In just a moment, lust can cause us to take our focus off God and gratify our desires.Yes, lust is a powerful thought in which the devil tempts us. It is like morning glories in a garden, you have to chop them out every day. They are continually sprouting.
Also, the pride of life gives us a feeling of independence and self reliance leading us away from God. We get into trouble when we live our lives like we don't need God.
Discouragement is another weed of thought that can destroy our faith. Satan uses this to make us give up trying to live the Christian life. Read Rev. 12:10. Satan is our accuser. He wants us to feel so bad in our sins, that we give up hope for God's forgiveness. But John says, "If we confess our sins and repent, He is faithful and just to forgive us". (1John 1:7-9) I have seen many young righteous Christians leave their Christianity because of discouragement.
The cares of this world are weeds of thought Satan uses to keep God from being first in our lives. In Matthew 13:22, Christ says, the cares of this world choke out the word. Daily, failing to read God's word will gradually let these weeds grow into thoughts leading us away from God.
Satan uses fear to destroy our trust in God. When we are praying daily about affairs effecting our lives and God does not answer as we expect we become afraid and our trust in God waivers. Along with this, fear, and the weeds of unbelief start to totally confuse us. If we do not remove these thoughts from our thinking, they will destroy our faith.
Satan puts thoughts in our minds, like these, consistently. Just as we daily weed our garden, we have to be persistent weeding our thoughts, or they will get ahead of us and make us unfruitful.
How do we chop these destructive thoughts out of the garden of our mind? Here are a few scriptures that may help.(Jer. 32:17) Jeremiah says there is nothing too hard for God. We need to believe this. (Mark 10:27) Jesus says," all things are possible with God". Proverbs 3:5 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart. Paul tells us, in Romans 8:39, nothing created can separate us from the love of God. We are to pray without ceasing, 1Thess. 5:17. We are to meditate or study God's word. (2Tim. 2:15) Paul tells us what to think on in Phil. 4:8. We also need the help of one another (1Thess 5:11) and to be with one another. (Hebrews 10:25)
With God's help and the help of other Christians, we can overcome these destructive thoughts Satan introduces to us each day. If we let them, they will grow like weeds in a garden and eventually choke out the good plants, our Christian life. It takes an hourly vigilance.
In today's turmoil and trouble let's help each other have a weed free garden in our minds.
Comments welcomed at rhepler52@gmail.com
Never give up, no matter what the circumstance. God has not and will not leave us. He loves us.
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
A mid summer, weed free garden is a beautiful sight. If you do not work in the garden every day, the weeds will slowly overtake the plants robbing them of moisture and nutrients. When the days are hot and humid, it is harder to keep the weeds under control. When weeds over take your garden, vegetable production will almost come to a stop.
Weeds hinder vegetable production in the garden just like negative thoughts from the devil hinder the growth of a Christian. Many of us, in our Christian lives, have periods of springtime. We diligently watch our thoughts and our lives as Christians. We seem to be doing fine, then the devil robs us of spiritual nourishment by planting weed seeds to over come us.
Christians think of your mind as a garden. The good thoughts are the vegetables, and the negative thoughts are weeds. Every day we have to hoe this garden to keep the weeds out. What are weed thoughts? Thoughts of doubt, lust, pride, discouragement, cares of this world, fear, and unbelief are some big weeds Satan uses to rob us of our Christian strength. Take notice, all of these are thoughts that can be controlled or weeded out of our mind. There are many others, but let's just discuss these.
First, let's talk about what these thoughts can do to our Christian lives. Doubt can hinder our prayers to God. In James 1:6, James talks about asking God with faith and no doubting.The fall of man was caused by doubt. Read Genesis 3:1-6 and notice how Satan caused Eve to doubt what God said. He said "You will not surely die". She doubted the truth, God told her, and sinned against God by following her own desires.
You notice that before Eve was tempted with the lust of the flesh (saw it was good for food), lust of the eyes (saw it was pleasant to the eyes), and pride of life (a tree desirable to make one wise) Satan placed in her mind what God said not to be truth. She then doubted God, which led to her sin. (Gen. 3:1-6)
In just a moment, lust can cause us to take our focus off God and gratify our desires.Yes, lust is a powerful thought in which the devil tempts us. It is like morning glories in a garden, you have to chop them out every day. They are continually sprouting.
Also, the pride of life gives us a feeling of independence and self reliance leading us away from God. We get into trouble when we live our lives like we don't need God.
Discouragement is another weed of thought that can destroy our faith. Satan uses this to make us give up trying to live the Christian life. Read Rev. 12:10. Satan is our accuser. He wants us to feel so bad in our sins, that we give up hope for God's forgiveness. But John says, "If we confess our sins and repent, He is faithful and just to forgive us". (1John 1:7-9) I have seen many young righteous Christians leave their Christianity because of discouragement.
The cares of this world are weeds of thought Satan uses to keep God from being first in our lives. In Matthew 13:22, Christ says, the cares of this world choke out the word. Daily, failing to read God's word will gradually let these weeds grow into thoughts leading us away from God.
Satan uses fear to destroy our trust in God. When we are praying daily about affairs effecting our lives and God does not answer as we expect we become afraid and our trust in God waivers. Along with this, fear, and the weeds of unbelief start to totally confuse us. If we do not remove these thoughts from our thinking, they will destroy our faith.
Satan puts thoughts in our minds, like these, consistently. Just as we daily weed our garden, we have to be persistent weeding our thoughts, or they will get ahead of us and make us unfruitful.
How do we chop these destructive thoughts out of the garden of our mind? Here are a few scriptures that may help.(Jer. 32:17) Jeremiah says there is nothing too hard for God. We need to believe this. (Mark 10:27) Jesus says," all things are possible with God". Proverbs 3:5 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart. Paul tells us, in Romans 8:39, nothing created can separate us from the love of God. We are to pray without ceasing, 1Thess. 5:17. We are to meditate or study God's word. (2Tim. 2:15) Paul tells us what to think on in Phil. 4:8. We also need the help of one another (1Thess 5:11) and to be with one another. (Hebrews 10:25)
With God's help and the help of other Christians, we can overcome these destructive thoughts Satan introduces to us each day. If we let them, they will grow like weeds in a garden and eventually choke out the good plants, our Christian life. It takes an hourly vigilance.
In today's turmoil and trouble let's help each other have a weed free garden in our minds.
Comments welcomed at rhepler52@gmail.com
Never give up, no matter what the circumstance. God has not and will not leave us. He loves us.
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Who Knows Me?
Debbie and I were returning home from a business meeting in Little Rock, AR. We stopped at a convenience store to fill up our car with gas. I noticed the guy next to me starting to laugh. I thought that was a little strange, then he said, "Rick, how are you doing?" Immediately, I tried to remember his name. Was he an old classmate, friend of the family, had I previously met him in one of the meetings I just attended. He could tell by the look on my face that I didn't have a clue who he was. He started rolling with laughter and pointed at the name tag I was still wearing from my meeting. We had a good laugh and went on our way.
In our fast paced culture today, it is special for someone to know our name. I have to admit, sometimes when I meet new people I forget their name before we finish shaking hands. At work, when I call home office, I have to put my advisor number in before they will talk. Social security numbers are a necessity if you are going to do business. We are just a number in many areas of business and health care.
When people call me over the phone I can usually identify if it is a business call, friend calling, or family calling by which name they use. If they ask for James Hepler, I know it is a business call or someone who does not know me. When they ask for Rick, it is mostly my clients or friends that I have made the last 20 years. If they ask for Rickey, it is a family member, a close family friend or someone that has known me since I was a child. We feel comfortable when people know us, when they call our name.
Does God know my name? In the book of Jeremiah chapter 1:5, the Lord tells Jeremiah, " before I formed you in your mother's womb I knew you;" Psalms 139:13-14 David says "For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Yes, I think God knows our name. The key thought is, "do we know Him"? We need to know Him and live our lives pleasing Him.
God loves us so much, He knows our names, but He also wants our names recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life. Read Revelations 20:15 and 21:27. If we are faithful, our names are entered into the Lamb's Book of life. The saddest verse in the Bible is vs. 15 of chapter 20, "And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire". The Book of life is one book that we want our name written.
Many people know my name, but more importantly, God knows it. I need to live like He knows my name. How about you?
Send comments to rhepler52@gmail.com .
Thanks for reading!
Rick Hepler
In our fast paced culture today, it is special for someone to know our name. I have to admit, sometimes when I meet new people I forget their name before we finish shaking hands. At work, when I call home office, I have to put my advisor number in before they will talk. Social security numbers are a necessity if you are going to do business. We are just a number in many areas of business and health care.
When people call me over the phone I can usually identify if it is a business call, friend calling, or family calling by which name they use. If they ask for James Hepler, I know it is a business call or someone who does not know me. When they ask for Rick, it is mostly my clients or friends that I have made the last 20 years. If they ask for Rickey, it is a family member, a close family friend or someone that has known me since I was a child. We feel comfortable when people know us, when they call our name.
Does God know my name? In the book of Jeremiah chapter 1:5, the Lord tells Jeremiah, " before I formed you in your mother's womb I knew you;" Psalms 139:13-14 David says "For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Yes, I think God knows our name. The key thought is, "do we know Him"? We need to know Him and live our lives pleasing Him.
God loves us so much, He knows our names, but He also wants our names recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life. Read Revelations 20:15 and 21:27. If we are faithful, our names are entered into the Lamb's Book of life. The saddest verse in the Bible is vs. 15 of chapter 20, "And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire". The Book of life is one book that we want our name written.
Many people know my name, but more importantly, God knows it. I need to live like He knows my name. How about you?
Send comments to rhepler52@gmail.com .
Thanks for reading!
Rick Hepler
Monday, August 1, 2011
Are We Easy To Approach?
Next door to us, across the barn lot on Mr. Olan Gray's place lived Esau and Annie. They have since died, but my memories of them have not. The time was in the 50's and 60's. Our country was getting ready to undergo some needed changes. You see Esau and Annie were black folk. I had seen Esau, on several occasions being humbly, silent as the other farm hands called him the N word. He just laughed it off as I remained silent. I was young, accepted things as they were, and did not have the courage to do otherwise.
I regret not getting to know him and Annie better. They were good hard working people. They went through hard times. I have seen Annie picking blackberries, gathering polk salad, and catching fish out of the farm pond. I have plowed, cut and raked hay, driven cattle and hogs with Esau. Many days in the summer I worked along side him maybe 10 hours. We never really got beyond small talk. I called Larry Gray today and he told me Esau served as a deacon at the Baptist church, but Annie went to the Methodist church. I had forgotten that he was also a barber on Saturdays.
I went to see Esau shortly before he died. He had lung cancer and finally died at his home. I miss him, but what I really miss, is not acknowledging my respect for him. He was a very humble man and seemed always to have a smile. I could have learned from him how to handle adversity with humility and kindness. I wished I had helped him more and showed him that I really cared about him and Annie.
I wear the name Christian, but sometimes I wonder if I act in a way that people from all walks of life feel comfortable in approaching me. I always felt comfortable around Esau. I believe anyone could.
When Christ walked this earth, he showed kindness and love to all of every walk of life. I would like to point out the impression that Christ gave to those who needed him most. Turn in your Bible to Luke 7:36-50. In reading this I had to ask myself this question. Do people come to me when they have messed up their lives knowing I will be compassionate and forgiving and offer them comfort? Let's read an example of this in God's word.
She was publicly known by the Pharisees as a sinner. Did she approach them for comfort? Remember they were the religious people of the day. But, she had seen this One who had shown so much compassion to the poor and down trodden. He healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out devils, and promised a new way of life. Can you imagine how she was feeling? She was ashamed of her reputation. Up until this time no one had given her any comfort or hope.
Now a Pharisee,Simon, invited Jesus to eat with him. He neither kissed Jesus or offered to wash his feet as was the custom. I believe he just invited Him out of curiosity. When this sinner knew that Jesus sat at the table, she came in and stood behind Him holding a flask of fragrant oil. All Simon could think, if this man is a prophet he should know this woman is a sinner. Did this man care about Jesus or the woman? His religious life was sure not going to attract anyone in need.
We now see her weeping and washing Jesus' feet with her tears.She also anointed his feet with the fragrant oil and wiping them with her hair. Oh, what an impact Jesus had made on her. She was willing to take the risk of being publicly humiliated honoring Jesus at the Pharisees house. In verse 50, Jesus told her, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
How many times have any of you witnessed someone coming into your worship service, off the street, sobbing and crying because of their sins, wanting the forgiveness of God? Was your answer 0?
The church represents Christ's body here on earth. Should we not attract as Christ did? How would we look upon them? Would we act like the Pharisee or Christ?
Unless, we as his body live like Him, believe in Him 100% ourselves, love like He does, forgive like He does, and have the compassion for the lost that He does, we may never see someone off the street coming in, sobbing for their sins, and so grateful for Jesus and what He did for them. We also have to call sin what it is and have no pleasure in sin.
If we build a Christ like reputation for ourselves that the lost world has not seen, they will come. They will come because we see them like us, sinners that needed a savior. Do you think Simon seemed a little self righteous? I now ask myself that same question. I am nothing without Jesus. Where are you? Where are they?
Christ mixed with all to let His Father's light shine on everyone. We, His children, are asked to do the same.
Let's reach out to all walks of life making friends and sharing the Gospel of Christ.
WE HAVE HOPE, LET'S SHARE IT. MAY THOSE IN NEED FEEL COMFORTABLE AROUND US.
Comments welcome at rhepler52@gmail.com
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
I regret not getting to know him and Annie better. They were good hard working people. They went through hard times. I have seen Annie picking blackberries, gathering polk salad, and catching fish out of the farm pond. I have plowed, cut and raked hay, driven cattle and hogs with Esau. Many days in the summer I worked along side him maybe 10 hours. We never really got beyond small talk. I called Larry Gray today and he told me Esau served as a deacon at the Baptist church, but Annie went to the Methodist church. I had forgotten that he was also a barber on Saturdays.
I went to see Esau shortly before he died. He had lung cancer and finally died at his home. I miss him, but what I really miss, is not acknowledging my respect for him. He was a very humble man and seemed always to have a smile. I could have learned from him how to handle adversity with humility and kindness. I wished I had helped him more and showed him that I really cared about him and Annie.
I wear the name Christian, but sometimes I wonder if I act in a way that people from all walks of life feel comfortable in approaching me. I always felt comfortable around Esau. I believe anyone could.
When Christ walked this earth, he showed kindness and love to all of every walk of life. I would like to point out the impression that Christ gave to those who needed him most. Turn in your Bible to Luke 7:36-50. In reading this I had to ask myself this question. Do people come to me when they have messed up their lives knowing I will be compassionate and forgiving and offer them comfort? Let's read an example of this in God's word.
She was publicly known by the Pharisees as a sinner. Did she approach them for comfort? Remember they were the religious people of the day. But, she had seen this One who had shown so much compassion to the poor and down trodden. He healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out devils, and promised a new way of life. Can you imagine how she was feeling? She was ashamed of her reputation. Up until this time no one had given her any comfort or hope.
Now a Pharisee,Simon, invited Jesus to eat with him. He neither kissed Jesus or offered to wash his feet as was the custom. I believe he just invited Him out of curiosity. When this sinner knew that Jesus sat at the table, she came in and stood behind Him holding a flask of fragrant oil. All Simon could think, if this man is a prophet he should know this woman is a sinner. Did this man care about Jesus or the woman? His religious life was sure not going to attract anyone in need.
We now see her weeping and washing Jesus' feet with her tears.She also anointed his feet with the fragrant oil and wiping them with her hair. Oh, what an impact Jesus had made on her. She was willing to take the risk of being publicly humiliated honoring Jesus at the Pharisees house. In verse 50, Jesus told her, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
How many times have any of you witnessed someone coming into your worship service, off the street, sobbing and crying because of their sins, wanting the forgiveness of God? Was your answer 0?
The church represents Christ's body here on earth. Should we not attract as Christ did? How would we look upon them? Would we act like the Pharisee or Christ?
Unless, we as his body live like Him, believe in Him 100% ourselves, love like He does, forgive like He does, and have the compassion for the lost that He does, we may never see someone off the street coming in, sobbing for their sins, and so grateful for Jesus and what He did for them. We also have to call sin what it is and have no pleasure in sin.
If we build a Christ like reputation for ourselves that the lost world has not seen, they will come. They will come because we see them like us, sinners that needed a savior. Do you think Simon seemed a little self righteous? I now ask myself that same question. I am nothing without Jesus. Where are you? Where are they?
Christ mixed with all to let His Father's light shine on everyone. We, His children, are asked to do the same.
Let's reach out to all walks of life making friends and sharing the Gospel of Christ.
WE HAVE HOPE, LET'S SHARE IT. MAY THOSE IN NEED FEEL COMFORTABLE AROUND US.
Comments welcome at rhepler52@gmail.com
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
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