In the summer of 1971, I worked at a local meat packing plant, Reelfoot Packing Company, on the night cleanup crew. I helped clean the bacon department and anywhere else I was needed. Looking back I really enjoyed it, even though the work was long hours and sometimes kind of nasty. (I only had to clean the blood pit once.)
The night cleanup crew was responsible for cleaning everything. We had to pick up meat scraps, clean processing machines, and get grease off the floor. Everything had to be clean before they could process meat the next day. USDA inspectors would make sure every machine, floor, and anything that touched meat was clean. If they found any meat from the previous day on the floor or in a machine, they would tag it and no one could begin work until it was cleaned again. Our job was to make sure everything was cleaned right the first time.
Most of my time on the job was holding a large, white, heavy duty water hose. We had to have hot water to cut the grease on the floors and on the stainless steel equipment. Cold water or even warm (lukewarm) would not work. The water had to be almost boiling hot to remove the grease.
Some nights when we came to work the water was cold. All we had to do was tell a maintenance man and he would turn the boiler up to get us hot water. On nights that the water was warm (lukewarm) we would tell them and they may or may not turn the boiler up. They thought if the water was a little warm it was good enough. Well, we needed hot, boiling hot, water.
I worked with a very good friend of my family, Mr. Andrew Gray. He was an older man that had worked for Reelfoot several years. He trained me to do the job I was doing. He had been working there long enough to know "the ropes". I remember the first night the water was just lukewarm. Mr. Gray told a maintenance man that we needed hot water to do our job. Several minutes past. Still no hot water.
So, Mr. Gray goes to the boiler room and checks the gauges. They still were not set to give us hotter water. He turns the heat up. After a few minutes, the water was so hot, steam was coming out of the water hose. The job of cleaning the grease up had just been made easier. All we needed was a good man to turn the heat up. Any time after that if the water was just warm, I would go get Mr. Gray. He would know what to do.
Lukewarm-- moderately warm : lacking conviction: halfhearted (Webster's Dictionary) By this definition, many activities in this life do not need to be attempted lukewarmly.
I am going to use professional football as an example. Players for the NFL did not get on the team by playing halfheartedly.They have to give it their all everyday. In practice they diligently run through every situation that may come up in a game, to the finest detail. Defense and offense have studied the opposing teams down to the minute details.
Why do they do all of this study, practice and preparation for just a game. They want to win!. Also, would fans pay the money for a ticket or purchase souvenirs of halfhearted players? It is big business and they expect the players to be on fire in their playing. We expect it of them.
Now let's make a huge shift in our thinking. We do not tolerate lukewarmness in our entertainment and sports, but we do tolerate it in the most important area of life today, "Christian living".
Can I be the salt of the earth that Christ wants me to be by living a lukewarm Christian life? What does Christ say about being lukewarm? Read Revelations chapter 3:16. Remember, He is talking about Christians. After reading this, I do not want to be lukewarm.
What makes me lukewarm in my Christian walk? The cares of this world, and I have plenty, can consume all of my thinking and attention. Also, being attracted to the material things of this world. Many times I grow weary, and if I am not careful take my eye off the prize.
Sometimes, I need someone to turn the boiler up and get the water hot. Christ is that one. He did not come to this earth to show us how to be lukewarm. Satan does that , and by the way, he is pleased with us if we are in that spiritual position. Christ has shown us how to live and also how to love. Studying God's word and reading His promises should encourage us to be on fire for Him. Praying without ceasing also keeps us focused.
I have to ask these questions. If I live a lukewarm Christian life, will my children and grandchildren do the same? What good will I be to the cause of Christ? Can I fight sin in my life and the world , halfheartedly?
Did our great country become, morally, the way it is today by Christians being lukewarm or on fire?
Remember, lukewarm water will not cut the grease. We need to send someone to turn the boiler up.
Let's live the Christian life to the fullest each day, to win that crown of life. (Jas. 1:12)
Send comments to me at rhepler52@gmail.com .
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
Monday, July 25, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
The Substitute
Substitute: a person or thing that takes the place of another. (Webster's dictionary)
When I was in the eighth grade at Hickman Elementary School, I was on the basketball team. We had a good team and a winning season. We did not lose a game. But, the only time I got to play was when we were way ahead. You see, I was a substitute and was not as good as or tall as the first string players. The coach never put me in a close game, nor did the fans cheer for me as they did the main players. My cousin, Tommy Hepler, was one of our star players. I thought he was our best player. In a critical tournament game, Tommy scored 15 points. The only time I ever received any recognition was a mistake. When our weekly hometown paper came out, it had on the front page, Rickey Hepler scored 15 points in tournament. Everyone was laughing. If I remember correctly, I never got off the bench.
In this life we are bombarded with substitutes. When our favorite players get hurt, a substitute goes in for them. We also have sugar substitutes, substitute teachers, and on and on. You could probably make a long list of substitutes and usually we had rather have the original player, sugar, or even teacher than the "subs".
One substitute needs not only our attention, but we have to have Him. He is the only substitute, that I know of, that is better than the one He is substituting for. We had to have this substitute because God is a just God, and he has a spiritual law in place. Sin will be punished.
If we die in our sins, we will go to the place prepared for the devil and his angels.(Matt. 25:41) Have we sinned? All have sinned. (Rom. 3:23) God didn't even spare the angels that sinned but cast them down to hell. (2Pet. 2:4) We cannot achieve the righteousness which God requires alone.
We have as our substitute, Jesus Christ. He is our High Priest and was tempted as we are, yet without sin.(Heb.4:14-15) Christ died for the ungodly. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He was that perfect, sinless, spotless sacrifice God demanded. A sacrifice we could not give.
Today, the blood that Jesus shed on the cross continually cleanses us, if we walk in His light.( 1John 1:5-7)
I want you to slowly read Hebrews 2:2-3. How can we not obey Christ and neglect such a great salvation?
God's wrath against sin is so horrible that even the the devils tremble at His name. (James 2:19) He created man in His image. Satan and his angels rebelled against God. God has prepared a place for them in everlasting torment and also man, if he dies in his sins. They have no SUBSTITUTE, but man does, Jesus Christ. God loves us so much that he sent His Son to live among us, to overcome the temptations we have, and to die on a cruel cross as our perfect, sinless sacrifice. I want to ask you. How badly does God want to keep us out of hell? Think about it. Would you give your son or daughter as a substitute to die for anyone?
The economy is terrible, and people are afraid of losing everything. The good news is (The Gospel) we have One who died in our stead (Substitute), and He has gone to prepare a better place for us for all eternity. All we have to do is believe in Him and obey His commandments. I do not know of anything in my lifetime I have been offered any better than this. Have you?
Many are in debt today and having a hard time meeting their payments. If someone came and paid all of your debts, how would you feel? God has offered us eternity with Him in Heaven. Remember His Son Jesus, our substitute, paid our debt with His Life. Will you go to church this Sunday and worship Him?
I hope this gives you some encouragement. Where you and I spend eternity is left up to us. I hope Christ did not die in vain for us.
Comments welcomed at rhepler52@gmail.com
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
When I was in the eighth grade at Hickman Elementary School, I was on the basketball team. We had a good team and a winning season. We did not lose a game. But, the only time I got to play was when we were way ahead. You see, I was a substitute and was not as good as or tall as the first string players. The coach never put me in a close game, nor did the fans cheer for me as they did the main players. My cousin, Tommy Hepler, was one of our star players. I thought he was our best player. In a critical tournament game, Tommy scored 15 points. The only time I ever received any recognition was a mistake. When our weekly hometown paper came out, it had on the front page, Rickey Hepler scored 15 points in tournament. Everyone was laughing. If I remember correctly, I never got off the bench.
In this life we are bombarded with substitutes. When our favorite players get hurt, a substitute goes in for them. We also have sugar substitutes, substitute teachers, and on and on. You could probably make a long list of substitutes and usually we had rather have the original player, sugar, or even teacher than the "subs".
One substitute needs not only our attention, but we have to have Him. He is the only substitute, that I know of, that is better than the one He is substituting for. We had to have this substitute because God is a just God, and he has a spiritual law in place. Sin will be punished.
If we die in our sins, we will go to the place prepared for the devil and his angels.(Matt. 25:41) Have we sinned? All have sinned. (Rom. 3:23) God didn't even spare the angels that sinned but cast them down to hell. (2Pet. 2:4) We cannot achieve the righteousness which God requires alone.
We have as our substitute, Jesus Christ. He is our High Priest and was tempted as we are, yet without sin.(Heb.4:14-15) Christ died for the ungodly. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He was that perfect, sinless, spotless sacrifice God demanded. A sacrifice we could not give.
Today, the blood that Jesus shed on the cross continually cleanses us, if we walk in His light.( 1John 1:5-7)
I want you to slowly read Hebrews 2:2-3. How can we not obey Christ and neglect such a great salvation?
God's wrath against sin is so horrible that even the the devils tremble at His name. (James 2:19) He created man in His image. Satan and his angels rebelled against God. God has prepared a place for them in everlasting torment and also man, if he dies in his sins. They have no SUBSTITUTE, but man does, Jesus Christ. God loves us so much that he sent His Son to live among us, to overcome the temptations we have, and to die on a cruel cross as our perfect, sinless sacrifice. I want to ask you. How badly does God want to keep us out of hell? Think about it. Would you give your son or daughter as a substitute to die for anyone?
The economy is terrible, and people are afraid of losing everything. The good news is (The Gospel) we have One who died in our stead (Substitute), and He has gone to prepare a better place for us for all eternity. All we have to do is believe in Him and obey His commandments. I do not know of anything in my lifetime I have been offered any better than this. Have you?
Many are in debt today and having a hard time meeting their payments. If someone came and paid all of your debts, how would you feel? God has offered us eternity with Him in Heaven. Remember His Son Jesus, our substitute, paid our debt with His Life. Will you go to church this Sunday and worship Him?
I hope this gives you some encouragement. Where you and I spend eternity is left up to us. I hope Christ did not die in vain for us.
Comments welcomed at rhepler52@gmail.com
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
Thursday, July 21, 2011
A Fruit Called Kindness
When I was growing up, I could not wait until I could join the 4-H Club. In the 4-H Club you could have projects that would teach you responsibility. For my project each year I chose feeding calves, to show and to sell. In doing so I had to borrow the money to purchase the calves and make a deal with the feed company to purchase my feed on credit, until I sold my calves in the fall. My calves were usually Black Angus steers. They had to be fed and watered twice a day and their general health and well being looked after. This taught me responsibility that I still use today.
In September of each year we would have a show and sale of our calves. The steers weights would range from 750 to 1200 pounds. In order to show and sell them they had to be broke to lead and could not be wild. I was good at breaking them to lead, washing and preparing them for showing and finally leading them in the ring before the judges. I even won a few showmanship awards.
I remember breaking them to lead. I had a certain way I would do this. First, the steers were usually a little wild and would not let me get near them, much less put a halter on them. The way I did it was to show them some kindness from a distance. I had a long pole with a curry comb wired on the end of it. I would get them in the barn and slowly start scratching their backs with that comb.
When they got still enough for me to start scratching their backs, they started liking it. Each day I would get closer and closer to them. Eventually, I could do away with the long pole and just walk up slowly to them with a brush and start brushing them.
Next, I would put a rope halter on them and let them drag the rope. When they stepped on the rope they would have to stop, then later I would tie them to a rail so they would learn that they could not get away when there was resistance on the rope. I was kind and gentle with them and they knew I would not harm them. With their submission, I could wash them, practice grooming them for the show, and do a better job of caring for them.
Sometimes, God shows us kindness from a distance to get close to us. In a world that is so fast paced, we do not slow down long enough to see His kindness. He gives us a beautiful sunrise to start the day. For those who do not rise early, He also gives a beautiful glowing sunset. The smells of spring after a long cold winter are welcomed by us, but we may never thank Him for this. Many may not even acknowledge that He created the beautiful shade trees that we sit under, to cool ourselves, on a summer day.
If we run away from Him, as my calves ran from me at first, we will never experience the peace that he offers that passes all understanding. If we begin to recognize His kindness, we will allow Him to come closer. When we desire to get close to Him, we will submit to His commandments and allow Him to mold us in a way that we can serve Him better. We will then have that peace, even when we are experiencing trials in our lives.
Kindness is included in the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Gal. 5:22 . We can use this kindness to get close to people and in turn get them closer to God. Remember Christ was kind to people. He healed and fed them to get them to see God living in Him.
Do people know you are a Christian? Are you kind to people? More importantly, do you want to be kind to people? Today in our communities people need, more than ever before, to see kindness. I know I need it shown to me. When we are kind to one another, we with God's help can survive any storm Satan may send our way.
Let's, tomorrow, use the fruit of the Spirit, kindness, even if we have to do it from a distance, and see if we can make someone's day brighter.
You, the readers of this blog, are so kind to me. You are patient as I work on improving my writing skills and for that I am very grateful.
Please send any comments to rhepler52@gmail.com .
Thank you,
Rick Hepler
In September of each year we would have a show and sale of our calves. The steers weights would range from 750 to 1200 pounds. In order to show and sell them they had to be broke to lead and could not be wild. I was good at breaking them to lead, washing and preparing them for showing and finally leading them in the ring before the judges. I even won a few showmanship awards.
I remember breaking them to lead. I had a certain way I would do this. First, the steers were usually a little wild and would not let me get near them, much less put a halter on them. The way I did it was to show them some kindness from a distance. I had a long pole with a curry comb wired on the end of it. I would get them in the barn and slowly start scratching their backs with that comb.
When they got still enough for me to start scratching their backs, they started liking it. Each day I would get closer and closer to them. Eventually, I could do away with the long pole and just walk up slowly to them with a brush and start brushing them.
Next, I would put a rope halter on them and let them drag the rope. When they stepped on the rope they would have to stop, then later I would tie them to a rail so they would learn that they could not get away when there was resistance on the rope. I was kind and gentle with them and they knew I would not harm them. With their submission, I could wash them, practice grooming them for the show, and do a better job of caring for them.
Sometimes, God shows us kindness from a distance to get close to us. In a world that is so fast paced, we do not slow down long enough to see His kindness. He gives us a beautiful sunrise to start the day. For those who do not rise early, He also gives a beautiful glowing sunset. The smells of spring after a long cold winter are welcomed by us, but we may never thank Him for this. Many may not even acknowledge that He created the beautiful shade trees that we sit under, to cool ourselves, on a summer day.
If we run away from Him, as my calves ran from me at first, we will never experience the peace that he offers that passes all understanding. If we begin to recognize His kindness, we will allow Him to come closer. When we desire to get close to Him, we will submit to His commandments and allow Him to mold us in a way that we can serve Him better. We will then have that peace, even when we are experiencing trials in our lives.
Kindness is included in the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Gal. 5:22 . We can use this kindness to get close to people and in turn get them closer to God. Remember Christ was kind to people. He healed and fed them to get them to see God living in Him.
Do people know you are a Christian? Are you kind to people? More importantly, do you want to be kind to people? Today in our communities people need, more than ever before, to see kindness. I know I need it shown to me. When we are kind to one another, we with God's help can survive any storm Satan may send our way.
Let's, tomorrow, use the fruit of the Spirit, kindness, even if we have to do it from a distance, and see if we can make someone's day brighter.
You, the readers of this blog, are so kind to me. You are patient as I work on improving my writing skills and for that I am very grateful.
Please send any comments to rhepler52@gmail.com .
Thank you,
Rick Hepler
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Dispelling Darkness
I think the time was in the summer of 1964. My birthday was falling on a weekend and my dad promised to take me camping with all of my friends. My grandfather let us have his old, large, army tent. I had several of my friends coming and we were all excited. We were going to set up camp, at the back of my uncle James' farm, on a cliff over looking Reelfoot Creek.
Of course my little brother, Randy, had to be there also, which wasn't too bad because we did everything together anyway, even though I was four years older. Randy was also friends with most of my friends.
Well, we set up camp and had a fine fire started. I believe we cooked hot dogs. We were all having a good time playing. It was getting late and dad said we needed to get in the tent and start trying to go to sleep. Dad left the tent flap open so the light of the fire would shine in the tent.
Everyone finally got settled down and off to sleep. We were all sleeping next to each other in sleeping bags. The tent had a long pole in the middle holding it up. Randy was sleeping right behind the pole.
After about two hours of sleeping, the wind blew and closed the flap of the tent. It was pitch dark in the tent, and that was ok, until Randy was awaken by the pure darkness. He jumped up screaming, "I can't breathe, I can't breathe". He started running around trying to get out of the tent but kept hitting the pole which caused the tent to shake and he was stepping on everyone. All of us were yelling and screaming like a bunch of little girls. Finally, someone found the opening to the tent and opened it up. Randy saw that light from the fire and he was like a bug hugging a summer night porch light. He ran and sat by the fire gasping for breath. The darkness had just terrified him. He may still be afraid of the dark today. I know he is afraid of mice.
Many people are afraid of the dark. Some will not walk down a dark ally at night. Others do not like to come home and walk into a dark house. Many sleep with night lights. Just a small light can give comfort to those who are afraid. We are conditioned from childhood that bad things can happen in the dark. Also, we can't live in darkness. We have to have light to function as well as plants. They must have light to grow.
Now, let's talk about another light we need. In 1John 1:5 we read that, "God is light and in Him is no darkness at all". That light is a moral goodness, love, and full of purity and truth. In Eph. 5:8 Paul says, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, walk as children of light" and in vs.11 he says, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them". In vs 14 he says that Christ will give us light. Paul says in Phil. 2:14-15, "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world." Christ in His sermon on the mount was preparing His disciples for a great work in a world of darkness. He knew that they would need to have courage and be in obedience to God to carry out their mission. In Matthew 5:14-16 Christ is encouraging them by telling them "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven".(NKJV)
The early Christians had such a strong faith in God that they let their light shine, even in the face of fatal persecution for them and their loved ones. They believed that being a Christian was letting the light of God shine through them to dispel the moral darkness of their world.
Now, let's talk about us. Is there a moral darkness hovering over our land today? Has the tent flap fallen, causing the tent to be pitch dark? Do we in this country kill babies before they are born so the mother can still have her independence or to not have a financial difficulty? Do we spend billions of dollars each year advertising a drink that kills or injures thousands of innocent people each year? Do we teach our children that life evolved without a creator other than being created from a loving God? How many children in our country tonight will go to bed and not have both parents there to tuck them in and kiss them good night?
I am sure you can name other things but this is dark enough. There is NO LIGHT IN THIS. The tent is completely dark and everyone is still asleep.
I say I am a Christian. My light has at times been hidden or weak. Jesus wants me to let it shine. (Remember the song.) Even a candle, if it is not hidden under a basket, dispels some darkness. Just think, if I put my candle with all of your candles, how much darkness together we could dispel. Remember, our light is not a militant light. It does not use force. It uses the love of a Heavenly Father and the fruits of His Spirit.
If I live a Christ like life, and live every day loving God with all my being, and also love my neighbor as my self, I AM GOING TO RUN SOME DARKNESS OUT OF TOWN, because if the world can see God living in me the way He wants to be seen, those living in darkness will be like my brother, Randy, wanting to get out of that dark tent and run to the light.
I am removing my basket and getting a bigger candle. If you think it is a good idea to put our candles together, send me your comments to rhepler52@gmail.com. I know I need to do a better job shining and that is my plan. You may already be shining, but if not, let's shine our lights for God together and in doing so glorify our Father in Heaven.
Have a good day!
Rick Hepler
Of course my little brother, Randy, had to be there also, which wasn't too bad because we did everything together anyway, even though I was four years older. Randy was also friends with most of my friends.
Well, we set up camp and had a fine fire started. I believe we cooked hot dogs. We were all having a good time playing. It was getting late and dad said we needed to get in the tent and start trying to go to sleep. Dad left the tent flap open so the light of the fire would shine in the tent.
Everyone finally got settled down and off to sleep. We were all sleeping next to each other in sleeping bags. The tent had a long pole in the middle holding it up. Randy was sleeping right behind the pole.
After about two hours of sleeping, the wind blew and closed the flap of the tent. It was pitch dark in the tent, and that was ok, until Randy was awaken by the pure darkness. He jumped up screaming, "I can't breathe, I can't breathe". He started running around trying to get out of the tent but kept hitting the pole which caused the tent to shake and he was stepping on everyone. All of us were yelling and screaming like a bunch of little girls. Finally, someone found the opening to the tent and opened it up. Randy saw that light from the fire and he was like a bug hugging a summer night porch light. He ran and sat by the fire gasping for breath. The darkness had just terrified him. He may still be afraid of the dark today. I know he is afraid of mice.
Many people are afraid of the dark. Some will not walk down a dark ally at night. Others do not like to come home and walk into a dark house. Many sleep with night lights. Just a small light can give comfort to those who are afraid. We are conditioned from childhood that bad things can happen in the dark. Also, we can't live in darkness. We have to have light to function as well as plants. They must have light to grow.
Now, let's talk about another light we need. In 1John 1:5 we read that, "God is light and in Him is no darkness at all". That light is a moral goodness, love, and full of purity and truth. In Eph. 5:8 Paul says, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, walk as children of light" and in vs.11 he says, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them". In vs 14 he says that Christ will give us light. Paul says in Phil. 2:14-15, "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world." Christ in His sermon on the mount was preparing His disciples for a great work in a world of darkness. He knew that they would need to have courage and be in obedience to God to carry out their mission. In Matthew 5:14-16 Christ is encouraging them by telling them "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven".(NKJV)
The early Christians had such a strong faith in God that they let their light shine, even in the face of fatal persecution for them and their loved ones. They believed that being a Christian was letting the light of God shine through them to dispel the moral darkness of their world.
Now, let's talk about us. Is there a moral darkness hovering over our land today? Has the tent flap fallen, causing the tent to be pitch dark? Do we in this country kill babies before they are born so the mother can still have her independence or to not have a financial difficulty? Do we spend billions of dollars each year advertising a drink that kills or injures thousands of innocent people each year? Do we teach our children that life evolved without a creator other than being created from a loving God? How many children in our country tonight will go to bed and not have both parents there to tuck them in and kiss them good night?
I am sure you can name other things but this is dark enough. There is NO LIGHT IN THIS. The tent is completely dark and everyone is still asleep.
I say I am a Christian. My light has at times been hidden or weak. Jesus wants me to let it shine. (Remember the song.) Even a candle, if it is not hidden under a basket, dispels some darkness. Just think, if I put my candle with all of your candles, how much darkness together we could dispel. Remember, our light is not a militant light. It does not use force. It uses the love of a Heavenly Father and the fruits of His Spirit.
If I live a Christ like life, and live every day loving God with all my being, and also love my neighbor as my self, I AM GOING TO RUN SOME DARKNESS OUT OF TOWN, because if the world can see God living in me the way He wants to be seen, those living in darkness will be like my brother, Randy, wanting to get out of that dark tent and run to the light.
I am removing my basket and getting a bigger candle. If you think it is a good idea to put our candles together, send me your comments to rhepler52@gmail.com. I know I need to do a better job shining and that is my plan. You may already be shining, but if not, let's shine our lights for God together and in doing so glorify our Father in Heaven.
Have a good day!
Rick Hepler
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
"Blue Mud"
The summer had been very dry and most of the farm ponds had dried up. One late summer afternoon my brother, Randy, and I were trying to find something to do. We decided to walk to one of the farm ponds to see how low the water was. Well this pond was dry. The surface was all cracked and crusted over. We decided, and to this day I do not know why, to walk through the middle of it.
I was the oldest, so I started walking first toward the middle of the pond and as I got closer to the middle I started sinking. I told Randy to stop and turn around and get out. Well, he didn't listen and kept on following me. I finally got out , but Randy got stuck. He could hardly move and every time he did, he would sink a little more. It was that old smelly blue mud, as we used to call it. He was in mud up to his waist and still sinking. I could not think of anything else to do. Randy and I had been in tight spots before, but this one was getting serious. As bad as I dreaded it, I had to go get our dad.
I ran all the way home wondering if Randy would be under the mud when I got back and also what kind of punishment I would be getting for doing something so stupid and dangerous. Well, I was out of breath when I told mother and dad the situation. My dad told me to go get the tractor and bring it to the pond. The tractor was down the road at my uncle's house. I ran as hard as I could and had already kinda started to tear up, because I didn't think I would get back in time. All I could think of was Randy buried under that blue mud.
I got the tractor started and had it going as fast as it would go. Then, with great relief, I saw Randy and dad coming down the road. As I got closer I could see that Randy was alright, but he and my dad had mud all over them. For a split second I started to laugh but then I saw my dad's clothes, all muddy. He had on his church clothes. I had forgotten that it was Wednesday. Instead of being at the pond, we should have been getting ready for church. Looking down at dad's good shoes covered with blue mud made me sick. I knew then I was really going to get it.
I talked to Randy about this today, because I could not remember getting punished for this. He said we didn't. All dad did was take us to the utility room. He made us take our clothes off and washed us down. He said dad was too scared to do anything to us. We both had a good laugh about it. But, I realize if dad hadn't been home, Randy would not be here today and a happy memory we have today could have been a very painful one.
We all, at some point in our life, get stuck in "blue mud". The problems we have tend to grow and make us feel as if we are sinking and can't breath. The help from others is needed, at times, to get us unstuck. We have many in our communities now that are having hard times.
In our country today, we have walked on a dry looking pond like Randy and I did only to start sinking in "blue mud'. We are up to our chest and can't get out by ourselves. Someone, go get our father, our Heavenly Father that is. He will get us out if we let Him.
As a nation, we need to come together as never before. As Christians, we need to pray to our Heavenly Father as never before and also put all of our trust in Him. If we humble ourselves, He will lift us up.
Read: 1Thess. 5:17; Prov. 3:5-6 and Jas. 4:10 . Have a good day!
Please send any comments to rhepler52@gmail.com
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
I was the oldest, so I started walking first toward the middle of the pond and as I got closer to the middle I started sinking. I told Randy to stop and turn around and get out. Well, he didn't listen and kept on following me. I finally got out , but Randy got stuck. He could hardly move and every time he did, he would sink a little more. It was that old smelly blue mud, as we used to call it. He was in mud up to his waist and still sinking. I could not think of anything else to do. Randy and I had been in tight spots before, but this one was getting serious. As bad as I dreaded it, I had to go get our dad.
I ran all the way home wondering if Randy would be under the mud when I got back and also what kind of punishment I would be getting for doing something so stupid and dangerous. Well, I was out of breath when I told mother and dad the situation. My dad told me to go get the tractor and bring it to the pond. The tractor was down the road at my uncle's house. I ran as hard as I could and had already kinda started to tear up, because I didn't think I would get back in time. All I could think of was Randy buried under that blue mud.
I got the tractor started and had it going as fast as it would go. Then, with great relief, I saw Randy and dad coming down the road. As I got closer I could see that Randy was alright, but he and my dad had mud all over them. For a split second I started to laugh but then I saw my dad's clothes, all muddy. He had on his church clothes. I had forgotten that it was Wednesday. Instead of being at the pond, we should have been getting ready for church. Looking down at dad's good shoes covered with blue mud made me sick. I knew then I was really going to get it.
I talked to Randy about this today, because I could not remember getting punished for this. He said we didn't. All dad did was take us to the utility room. He made us take our clothes off and washed us down. He said dad was too scared to do anything to us. We both had a good laugh about it. But, I realize if dad hadn't been home, Randy would not be here today and a happy memory we have today could have been a very painful one.
We all, at some point in our life, get stuck in "blue mud". The problems we have tend to grow and make us feel as if we are sinking and can't breath. The help from others is needed, at times, to get us unstuck. We have many in our communities now that are having hard times.
In our country today, we have walked on a dry looking pond like Randy and I did only to start sinking in "blue mud'. We are up to our chest and can't get out by ourselves. Someone, go get our father, our Heavenly Father that is. He will get us out if we let Him.
As a nation, we need to come together as never before. As Christians, we need to pray to our Heavenly Father as never before and also put all of our trust in Him. If we humble ourselves, He will lift us up.
Read: 1Thess. 5:17; Prov. 3:5-6 and Jas. 4:10 . Have a good day!
Please send any comments to rhepler52@gmail.com
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
Monday, July 18, 2011
The Two Requests
Requests, either receiving them or making them, are a part of everyday life. Count how may times a day your grandchildren make requests to you. When ours are with us, it seems like we get a request to do something every 10 minutes, and usually we request them to do something before we fulfill their request.
Some requests we make are very important and some only small. No matter, how large or small, we would like for them to be fulfilled. Sometimes our livelihood depends on it.
I know of two requests that I have read about,which I hope you, nor I never have to make. Those two requests are recorded in Luke chapter 16:23-31. The first one is for Father Abraham to send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool the tongue of the Rich man that is in torment. Remember, the poor man, Lazarus died and is carried away by angels to Paradise in Hades and the rich man died and is in torments in Hades. The torment is so great that the rich man just wants some relief for just a moment.
Some do not believe when a man dies, outside the life God wants him to live, he will go to a place of torment. In my Bible, Christ strictly warns that it can happen and this is the case of the rich man. You notice in reading that his request is turned down. Father Abraham even tells him a great gulf separates them, and they cannot come to him nor can he go to them. He is in the place of torment forever.
I try to imagine how he feels. The torment would be bad, but the thought of being there with no hope of ever leaving is worse. I tremble to think of it. Knowing how terrible it was, I would definitely not want any of my loved ones joining me. These thoughts also came to the rich man. He remembered that he had five brothers living the same lifestyle as he had lived on earth. He knew they were bound for this same place which caused his second request.
Then he said, "I beg you therefore, father,that you would send him to my father's house, 'for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment." ...(NKJV)
Being in torment was bad enough, but he knew his loved ones would follow. Don't you think he has had many days wishing he had lived the way God wanted and that would have influenced his five brothers to live for the Lord. Imagine you are in torment and you see your adult child or grandchild join you someday. Then knowing for all eternity that YOU were the reason they are there with you. The way you lived your live on earth, they picked up on, and lived the same way.
Now, how do you feel? What do you want to do? The rich man wanted Lazarus to be sent back from the dead and warn his brothers. Abraham said that if they would not hear Moses and the prophets they would not hear one who was raised from the dead. If you were dead, who would your children or grandchildren listen to? Who on this earth now would you want to send to teach them?
Jesus said to his disciples and to us in Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (NKJV) You notice this command was given to His disciples then and now. No one will be coming back from the dead. It is our responsibility, as Christ's disciples, to carry out this great commission. Does Christ's great commission to His disciples have greater meaning to you now?
Who really is the best to teach your children and loved ones the Gospel? Don't you think you might be that person? You make sure you are following Christ and His teachings, and they will see it in your life. Examine what you place first in your life because they probably will do the same. Oh, they may already be doing it. Look at their lives. Are they living Christ like or like today's world? Remember, the rich man's brothers where living as he did. This was what concerned him.
Our places in eternity are decided on how we follow God today. Now, which place are you headed to after this life and who are you carrying with you?
Please, think about this and have a good day. Please pass on to others and also send me a comment. rhepler52@gmail.com All comments will remain private.
Thanks
Rick Hepler
Some requests we make are very important and some only small. No matter, how large or small, we would like for them to be fulfilled. Sometimes our livelihood depends on it.
I know of two requests that I have read about,which I hope you, nor I never have to make. Those two requests are recorded in Luke chapter 16:23-31. The first one is for Father Abraham to send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool the tongue of the Rich man that is in torment. Remember, the poor man, Lazarus died and is carried away by angels to Paradise in Hades and the rich man died and is in torments in Hades. The torment is so great that the rich man just wants some relief for just a moment.
Some do not believe when a man dies, outside the life God wants him to live, he will go to a place of torment. In my Bible, Christ strictly warns that it can happen and this is the case of the rich man. You notice in reading that his request is turned down. Father Abraham even tells him a great gulf separates them, and they cannot come to him nor can he go to them. He is in the place of torment forever.
I try to imagine how he feels. The torment would be bad, but the thought of being there with no hope of ever leaving is worse. I tremble to think of it. Knowing how terrible it was, I would definitely not want any of my loved ones joining me. These thoughts also came to the rich man. He remembered that he had five brothers living the same lifestyle as he had lived on earth. He knew they were bound for this same place which caused his second request.
Then he said, "I beg you therefore, father,that you would send him to my father's house, 'for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment." ...(NKJV)
Being in torment was bad enough, but he knew his loved ones would follow. Don't you think he has had many days wishing he had lived the way God wanted and that would have influenced his five brothers to live for the Lord. Imagine you are in torment and you see your adult child or grandchild join you someday. Then knowing for all eternity that YOU were the reason they are there with you. The way you lived your live on earth, they picked up on, and lived the same way.
Now, how do you feel? What do you want to do? The rich man wanted Lazarus to be sent back from the dead and warn his brothers. Abraham said that if they would not hear Moses and the prophets they would not hear one who was raised from the dead. If you were dead, who would your children or grandchildren listen to? Who on this earth now would you want to send to teach them?
Jesus said to his disciples and to us in Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (NKJV) You notice this command was given to His disciples then and now. No one will be coming back from the dead. It is our responsibility, as Christ's disciples, to carry out this great commission. Does Christ's great commission to His disciples have greater meaning to you now?
Who really is the best to teach your children and loved ones the Gospel? Don't you think you might be that person? You make sure you are following Christ and His teachings, and they will see it in your life. Examine what you place first in your life because they probably will do the same. Oh, they may already be doing it. Look at their lives. Are they living Christ like or like today's world? Remember, the rich man's brothers where living as he did. This was what concerned him.
Our places in eternity are decided on how we follow God today. Now, which place are you headed to after this life and who are you carrying with you?
Please, think about this and have a good day. Please pass on to others and also send me a comment. rhepler52@gmail.com All comments will remain private.
Thanks
Rick Hepler
Friday, July 15, 2011
Greater The Fear - Less The Faith
I have to confess to you. Last night I went to bed at 9:30. I never go to bed that early, usually it is 11:30 or 12:00. This is not what I want to confess. For the first time in a long, long time, I went to bed with fear in my heart. Why? For a moment, I took my focus off of who is really in control and what matters most in this life.
When was mankind introduced to fear? When he took his mind off God and let sin enter the world by his disobedience. In Genesis chapter 3:7-11 God asked Adam, "where are you?" and Adam said, "I heard your voice and was afraid". Why was he afraid? He had sinned and saw himself naked before God.
The only fear that God wants us to have is to fear Him. Ecclesiastes 12:13 " Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all"; Psalms 111:10 " the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"; Isaiah 8:13 "The Lord of host, Him you shall hallow; let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread."; Matthew 10:28 "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."; in verse 31 Christ says ,"Do not fear ..." and in Hebrews 13:6 "So we may boldly say", "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (all verses are taken from the NKJV)
There are many more passages we could look at, but these are enough to make a point. Should we fear anything other than God? Which do Americans fear more today, what's happening to their material possessions or God? I only hear the news media talking about the economy and upcoming election. The only time I hear God mentioned by the news media is in a negative way. No wonder we are having problems.
I remember one time when one of my daughter's was learning how to swim. I told her to jump in the water, and I would catch her. She would not do it because her fear was greater than her faith in me catching her. Remember the story when God tested Abraham in Genesis chapter 22. God told him to take his only son Issac and offer him as a burnt offering to Him. Abraham's faith in God was stronger than the fear he had of losing his son. Not only did God know how strong Abraham's faith was, but Abraham also knew. Then we have in the the book of Luke chapter 22 Peter told Jesus he was ready to go with Him to prison and even to death. Peter thought that he had a strong faith. When they carried Jesus away Peter followed at a distance. He warmed himself in the courtyard by the fires of the world. When they accused Peter of being with Jesus, he denied him three times. Peter's fear of the world was stronger than his faith in his Lord.
God is our creator, He is sovereign, and He is definitely in control. We as Christians need to never forget this. We do not need to dishonour Him by fearing what man can do to us over fearing Him. We please Him when we have faith. (Hebrews 11:6) Satan tries to weaken our faith by increasing our fears.
One very important scripture, that was brought to my attention today, is found in John 17:23, in the later part of the verse, Jesus says to the father, "You have loved them as You have loved Me". Do you realize what He said? God loves you and me just as much as He loves His Son. Does this not make your faith in our heavenly Father greater than any worldly fear you might have today?
We are Christians. Let us not fear. God loves us and I trust that He will also take care of us. God told Joshua in Joshua chapter 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go".
God is stronger and more powerful than anything Satan can do to us. Let us trust Him, get this country respecting and fearing Him again, and sleep good tonight knowing He loves us. May your faith always be stronger than your fear.
I hope this helps you increase your faith and conquer any fears this world may send your way. Please pass on to others and send your comments to rhepler52@gmail.com .
Thanks and have a good day!
Rick Hepler
When was mankind introduced to fear? When he took his mind off God and let sin enter the world by his disobedience. In Genesis chapter 3:7-11 God asked Adam, "where are you?" and Adam said, "I heard your voice and was afraid". Why was he afraid? He had sinned and saw himself naked before God.
The only fear that God wants us to have is to fear Him. Ecclesiastes 12:13 " Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all"; Psalms 111:10 " the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"; Isaiah 8:13 "The Lord of host, Him you shall hallow; let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread."; Matthew 10:28 "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."; in verse 31 Christ says ,"Do not fear ..." and in Hebrews 13:6 "So we may boldly say", "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (all verses are taken from the NKJV)
There are many more passages we could look at, but these are enough to make a point. Should we fear anything other than God? Which do Americans fear more today, what's happening to their material possessions or God? I only hear the news media talking about the economy and upcoming election. The only time I hear God mentioned by the news media is in a negative way. No wonder we are having problems.
I remember one time when one of my daughter's was learning how to swim. I told her to jump in the water, and I would catch her. She would not do it because her fear was greater than her faith in me catching her. Remember the story when God tested Abraham in Genesis chapter 22. God told him to take his only son Issac and offer him as a burnt offering to Him. Abraham's faith in God was stronger than the fear he had of losing his son. Not only did God know how strong Abraham's faith was, but Abraham also knew. Then we have in the the book of Luke chapter 22 Peter told Jesus he was ready to go with Him to prison and even to death. Peter thought that he had a strong faith. When they carried Jesus away Peter followed at a distance. He warmed himself in the courtyard by the fires of the world. When they accused Peter of being with Jesus, he denied him three times. Peter's fear of the world was stronger than his faith in his Lord.
God is our creator, He is sovereign, and He is definitely in control. We as Christians need to never forget this. We do not need to dishonour Him by fearing what man can do to us over fearing Him. We please Him when we have faith. (Hebrews 11:6) Satan tries to weaken our faith by increasing our fears.
One very important scripture, that was brought to my attention today, is found in John 17:23, in the later part of the verse, Jesus says to the father, "You have loved them as You have loved Me". Do you realize what He said? God loves you and me just as much as He loves His Son. Does this not make your faith in our heavenly Father greater than any worldly fear you might have today?
We are Christians. Let us not fear. God loves us and I trust that He will also take care of us. God told Joshua in Joshua chapter 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go".
God is stronger and more powerful than anything Satan can do to us. Let us trust Him, get this country respecting and fearing Him again, and sleep good tonight knowing He loves us. May your faith always be stronger than your fear.
I hope this helps you increase your faith and conquer any fears this world may send your way. Please pass on to others and send your comments to rhepler52@gmail.com .
Thanks and have a good day!
Rick Hepler
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