In the 70's my dad raised hogs in confinement. He had what is called a farrowing house for the sows to give birth to their pigs. After about 5 or 6 weeks, he would take them away from the sows and move the pigs to another building called a nursery. The pigs would stay in this nursery until they weighted 40 pounds. They were then were sold as feeder pigs. The buyer fed the pigs out and later carried and sold them to a meat packing plants for slaughtering.
Hogs raised in confinement are hard to move. They are born in a small pen then, after 5 weeks, moved to a larger pen. When we would move the pigs from smaller to larger pens, they did not want to go. They wanted to stay in their small pens with less freedom. Most of the time, we had to make it rough on them to get them to move. I would occasionally feed some out on dirt. This meant they lived outside with plenty of food, water, a pond to wallow in, fresh air, and a larger lot to roam around. To get them to go to this freedom we had to almost beat them. We moved them with a stock trailer and almost always loaded them by hand. They didn't want to leave their small pen. Even though nasty and smelly, it was their comfort zone. They wanted to stay, and it took some force to get them to go to a better place. When we unloaded them on dirt, they just stood for a long time afraid to walk. Finally, they became accustomed to their new freedom, but the process getting them there was a hard one.
I hate to compare us to those pigs, but sometimes we are the same way. We will stay in our own place in life, our own little pen, complaining and unhappy. We're afraid to get out of it. We will not do anything about it, just like the pigs would choose their little pens over the big outside, fresh air, feedlot. Why? Fear, complacence, no dreams of a better place, and lack of knowledge will keep us in our little pen all of our life. What will get us out of this? Something the pigs didn't have, courage. We have lost our courage to change. Something has to happen for us to get it back.
Our forefathers came to America because they were not comfortable living in their homeland any longer. Times were hard. The desire to do better overcame their fear of leaving their homes. After arriving in America, our forefathers had to develop courage to remain here. Later, they had to have such a desire for freedom, to fight courageously for it. Was it by the providence of God that they came? Our country has freed more people, protected more people, and has spread Christianity more than any country in the world. We do not need to lose sight of this.
How does the world view us today? They view us by what they see. The politicians, movies, what we allow, media, etc. They do not see us as "Christian America". Why? Because we sit in our chairs and along with the world look at the news, movies, politicians, the ridiculous activities that we allow, and view our country the same way the world does. We sit in our chairs (I did too) complaining about what "they are not doing" and how bad it is.
God is now blessing us with trials. Why? Go to Gen. chapters 37-50. This is a beautiful story of God's providence with Joseph and the children of Israel. God protects His people and moves them to a fertile land where there is plenty of grain. Please read it and then ask yourself this question. What would the outcome of this story been if Joseph was never sold into slavery? How would Jacob and his family survived the famine? Remember, reading Gen. 50:19-21, Joseph told his brothers,..."you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive".
Review your past. Have you ever had a hardship that moved you in a different direction which you are now thankful? There are many examples I could use, but this one comes to mind. Walt Disney was told he was not creative, and I also read where he went bankrupt. But going through this he developed the courage and persistence he needed to make his dreams come true. Have you ever been to Disney World? Would we have it today if Walt Disney hadn't experienced hard times to shift him in a different direction?
Would we have religious freedom in this country today if our forefathers had not experienced hardship? Does God care about us? Do you seek God more,when you are unemployed, sick, broke, have family problems, etc. or when you have a nice job, money in the bank, perfect health, and no problems?
The time is now with no margin for error. When I looked into the eyes of my youngest grandchild today, I realized I needed to open that door of opportunity that God is giving us today. I can only open it by faith in Him and not faith in politicians or anyone else.
You say, "well I am old and retired, I can't do anything". As Christians living in this great country there are many things we can do. First, go to Psalms 51:10-13, humble yourself, and read vs 10 desiring more than anything ever in your life for God to create in you a clean heart. Second, go read verse 13 and have the desire to accomplish what this says, to teach others God's ways.
Next, as Christians let's make it a point for the world to see how Christians are to live. Let's be thankful for the trials we are now experiencing. If we do not act now, the eyes of my little grandson, in thirty years, will not be seeing the freedom to worship God in this country. Some other group will be controlling what is said or done. Freedom will be something he talks about his grandfather having when he was growing up. This does not need to happen!
God is trying to wake this great nation up. God and we can do it, not the world. The world is trying to move us away from God. In Psalms 119:67 "Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep your word"and vs. 68 "You are good, and do good; teach me your statutes". Then in vs. 71, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn your statutes".(NKJV)
God wants us to follow Him. He is giving us this trial to wake us up. Let's wake up, encourage one another, and pray to God like we never have before. Show courage not fear, faith not doubt. If I had not been going through some trying times, I probably never would have started this blog. I do not know if you are enjoying reading this or not,but it has been a great help to me. I hope you are reading the scriptures that I use. They give me hope.
I want to say something that I have mentioned before. People are hurting and we need God. With all the bad news we are having, what am I doing, and what are you doing? Everyone, search for your God given talents and have the courage to us them. We have "No Margin for Error".
I hope this encourages you to have courage and faith. Please let me know your comments at rhepler52@gmail.com or call me 731-796-6414.
I hope you have a good day!
Rick Hepler
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Guaranteed Coon Dog
"Arkansas Straight Cooners" is what the ad said in Field and Stream magazine. When I was a freshman in high school, every day in study hall I would look at the ad and dream about having a good coon dog. I loved "coon huntin". The ad said, for only $40, they would send you the dog that you describes.More importantly, they guaranteed the dog would tree coons. If I was not satisfied with the dog, they would send me another one. The only thing standing in the way of my having a good coon dog was $40. I can't remember exactly where I got the money, but I did. I enthusiastically mailed the money, the ad, and my description of the dog I wanted.
The first thing mother said when I got off the school bus one afternoon was, "They called from the train station in Fulton, your dog is here". I cannot describe how excited I was. Mother, my brothers, and I loaded up in the car headed for Fulton. We were all excited.
She was a healthy Black and Tan coon hound just like I ordered. They had shipped her in a very sturdy wooden crate. We decided to wait until we got back home to remove her out of the crate. We loaded the crate in the back seat of the car and headed home. The one thing that disappointed us was, it cost $37.50 shipping charges, which would come back to haunt me.
The night was perfect. My dad and I got Julie, what I named my coon dog, out of the truck. We were in Neil Roach's woods just down the road from where we lived. We had given Julie a couple of days rest to recuperate from her trip. Boy, she sure was pretty and very healthy looking. After being in the woods for about thirty minutes, we stopped to listen if Julie was on the trail of a coon. I called out to encourage her. I just knew in a few minutes she would be on the trail of a coon. Dad felt something bump his leg. Julie had run into him when he stopped. She had been following us the whole time. My heart sank. What was wrong? She didn't look sick. I told dad that maybe if we shined a coon and carried her to the tree she would start hunting. Well, it wasn't long before dad shined a coon. I coaxed Julie to go to the tree. All she would do was look at me. I told dad to shoot the coon and maybe that would excite her after she saw the coon hit the ground. He did, and we spent the rest of the night looking for Julie, my Arkansas, guaranteed, straight cooner. It was guaranteed, she was gun shy.
We finally got home. I hurriedly looked for my Field and Stream magazine. There it was plain as day "100% guaranteed". If not satisfied we will send you another dog. This was reassuring until I kept reading. The small print that followed, even at my young age, told me I had been taken. The small print read, "Buyer incurs all transportation cost to and from our kennels". I remembered the $37.50. I was stuck with no way of redeeming myself from the laughter of our neighbors and my friends.
I still wanted a coon dog so badly. I talked to some local hunters that I saw every day at Mr. Shaw's store. One sold me his dog, but before I cautiously sealed the deal, he brought his dog over to a tree and said, "Get im". This dog started barking and even tried to climb the tree. This was broad daylight. There was not a coon in the tree, but I liked his enthusiasm. I bought him and carried him out that night. No one ever told me that a coon dog would lie to you. Every tree we came to that lying dog would bark.
I learned, at a young age, some people would deceive you and lie to you.
I am thankful that I do have something that is guaranteed to be true. This is God's word. God has given it to us, and it is the truth because it is impossible for God to lie. (Read Titus1:2 and Hebrews 6:18) God's truth is a truth that will set us free. (John 8:32) God even tells us to use this truth to fight the devil.(Eph.6:14)
God also warns us about the devil and his lies. (John 8:44) He also says Satan himself can transform himself into an angel of light.(2 Cor. 11:13-14)
Everyone of us at sometime or other have been lied to or deceived, which leads us to check the details more closely in our earthly matters. But what about spiritual matters, are we cautious with these also? Remember, Satan can appear as an angel of light. He can deceive us if we don't know the truth. That 's why in Eph. 6:14, we are told to gird our waist with truth.
Yes, the truth can set us free and can also save us money, $77.50 to be exact. As we live God's truth in this life we will still have heartaches and trials, but we have that home in heaven guaranteed and without any shipping charges. Christ has us covered. He paid it all.
Please comment at rhepler52@gmail.com. If you want me to send this to any of your friends and family please email theirs names and e-mail address.
Have a good day!
Rick Hepler
The first thing mother said when I got off the school bus one afternoon was, "They called from the train station in Fulton, your dog is here". I cannot describe how excited I was. Mother, my brothers, and I loaded up in the car headed for Fulton. We were all excited.
She was a healthy Black and Tan coon hound just like I ordered. They had shipped her in a very sturdy wooden crate. We decided to wait until we got back home to remove her out of the crate. We loaded the crate in the back seat of the car and headed home. The one thing that disappointed us was, it cost $37.50 shipping charges, which would come back to haunt me.
The night was perfect. My dad and I got Julie, what I named my coon dog, out of the truck. We were in Neil Roach's woods just down the road from where we lived. We had given Julie a couple of days rest to recuperate from her trip. Boy, she sure was pretty and very healthy looking. After being in the woods for about thirty minutes, we stopped to listen if Julie was on the trail of a coon. I called out to encourage her. I just knew in a few minutes she would be on the trail of a coon. Dad felt something bump his leg. Julie had run into him when he stopped. She had been following us the whole time. My heart sank. What was wrong? She didn't look sick. I told dad that maybe if we shined a coon and carried her to the tree she would start hunting. Well, it wasn't long before dad shined a coon. I coaxed Julie to go to the tree. All she would do was look at me. I told dad to shoot the coon and maybe that would excite her after she saw the coon hit the ground. He did, and we spent the rest of the night looking for Julie, my Arkansas, guaranteed, straight cooner. It was guaranteed, she was gun shy.
We finally got home. I hurriedly looked for my Field and Stream magazine. There it was plain as day "100% guaranteed". If not satisfied we will send you another dog. This was reassuring until I kept reading. The small print that followed, even at my young age, told me I had been taken. The small print read, "Buyer incurs all transportation cost to and from our kennels". I remembered the $37.50. I was stuck with no way of redeeming myself from the laughter of our neighbors and my friends.
I still wanted a coon dog so badly. I talked to some local hunters that I saw every day at Mr. Shaw's store. One sold me his dog, but before I cautiously sealed the deal, he brought his dog over to a tree and said, "Get im". This dog started barking and even tried to climb the tree. This was broad daylight. There was not a coon in the tree, but I liked his enthusiasm. I bought him and carried him out that night. No one ever told me that a coon dog would lie to you. Every tree we came to that lying dog would bark.
I learned, at a young age, some people would deceive you and lie to you.
I am thankful that I do have something that is guaranteed to be true. This is God's word. God has given it to us, and it is the truth because it is impossible for God to lie. (Read Titus1:2 and Hebrews 6:18) God's truth is a truth that will set us free. (John 8:32) God even tells us to use this truth to fight the devil.(Eph.6:14)
God also warns us about the devil and his lies. (John 8:44) He also says Satan himself can transform himself into an angel of light.(2 Cor. 11:13-14)
Everyone of us at sometime or other have been lied to or deceived, which leads us to check the details more closely in our earthly matters. But what about spiritual matters, are we cautious with these also? Remember, Satan can appear as an angel of light. He can deceive us if we don't know the truth. That 's why in Eph. 6:14, we are told to gird our waist with truth.
Yes, the truth can set us free and can also save us money, $77.50 to be exact. As we live God's truth in this life we will still have heartaches and trials, but we have that home in heaven guaranteed and without any shipping charges. Christ has us covered. He paid it all.
Please comment at rhepler52@gmail.com. If you want me to send this to any of your friends and family please email theirs names and e-mail address.
Have a good day!
Rick Hepler
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
A Lesson From Betsy The Cow
My grandfather said he would sell her for $4.00. She was a 3 or 4 day old, half Angus-half Holstein, heifer calf. I paid $2.00 for half, and my brother, Randy paid the other $2.00. We were to feed and care for her until she got big enough to sell. She became a pet and followed us around like a puppy. I named her Betsy. Yes, I know my youngest daughter's name is Betsi, but you noticed the names are spelled differently.
When kids at school found out that Betsi's dad had a cow one time named Betsy, you can imagine the grief she received. I told Betsi I did not name her after a cow and the names were not spelled the same.
Betsy, the cow, was not only a cow she was my friend. She would follow me around just like my dog, Poochy. As a matter of fact when she got big enough to sell, I talked Randy in to keeping her. After Randy lost interest in Betsy, I bought Randy's half. She started producing calves. I would sell the steer calves and keep the heifer calves. From Betsy, I acquired a nice little herd of mixed beef cattle.
In 1975, I had met the girl of my dreams, Debbie. I had ask her to marry me,and she said yes. I wanted to purchase her an engagement ring. I went to the bank where I had borrowed money since I was nine years old, they turned me down for the amount I was asking. They wanted me to buy a cheaper ring. I had already seen the ring I wanted to give my beloved, so left wondering how I was going to get the money for the ring. It occurred to me on the way home that I had 16 head of cattle, which I had plan to sell soon anyway.
Selling Betsy's calves was never a problem, but the reality that she was going to be sold was sad. She had been my friend, and if you can love cows, I guess I loved her. Betsy had done what cows do. They have calves for the purpose of farmers selling them. She fulfilled her purpose better than any cow. She was not just a cow. She was Betsy. (Do you think subconsciously, I did name my daughter after a cow?)
My $2.00 investment from years ago was now going to enable me to put a ring on the finger of a girl I loved. This girl has not only been my wife for thirty five years, but also my friend. Betsy had a purpose, and she fulfilled it.
Did you know we were bought with a price?(1 Cor.6:20 and 1Cor.7:23) What was that price? It was not cheap. Christ died for us while we were yet sinners.(Rom. 5:8) The price was the death of the Son of God.
When we accept Jesus as our saviour, confess Him before men, repent and are buried with Him in baptism, we put on Christ. In doing so, we become Christians. What do we then do as Christians? We live like Christ and glorify God in our body. Read the latter part of 1Cor. 6:20. It says, "therefore glorify God in your body." Read Matt. 5:14-16. Christ calls his disciples,"the light of the world". What do we do with that light? We let it shine before men, so they can see our good works (The works that Christians do) and glorify your Father in heaven. What does that mean? Christ showed us how to live, the Holy Spirit inspired men to write how God wants us to live,and in living like Christ we give people in the world a view of God.
How important is it? Do you think everyone in your community reads God's word before they go to bed at night? I'll agree with you.The answer is no. Are children in homes today taught who God is, and that he is a God of love and mercy? Not many.
So if people are not reading God's word, not teaching their children about Him, and never attend a church service, how are they ever going to know about God? The answer (read slowly), when our main purpose as Christians is to do the works that glorify our Father in heaven. Well Rick, you might say, that is a works based approach. No, it is not. Remember, the price has been paid not by our works but by Christ's death.
Betsy, the cow, did what cows do. In doing so, she fulfilled a purpose for me. If I am a Christian, I do what a Christian does. Betsy didn't just wear the name cow. She did the main thing a cow does. If she didn't have the calves I would never had the money for the ring. Again, she was a very good cow by what she did.
Many in this country wear the name Christian. Do we do what Christians do? Read Gal. 5:22. These are some of the qualities, if we exhibit them in our lives every day, will show God living in us and bring glory to Him.
If I show love to everyone, even my enemies, will I be seen as different? What about living a life of joy, peace, and goodness? Will my co-workers and friends notice? I show long suffering to someone that is having a problem along with kindness and gentleness, in doing so, will I make a difference in their life? Here's a hard one. What would they say if we showed self control in any situation? Don't forget this one, if I forgive as God forgives, will they be encouraged?
God has given each of His children a talent. As His children, He wants us to use our talents to manifest who He is to the world. Do you wear the name? Do your peers see you doing what the name suggest?
Remember cows do what cows do, baseball players do what baseball players do, you fill in...........does what........... do, and Christians do what Christians do.
If I wake up every morning in this fallen world trusting in God and passionately living the Christian life, my light will shine, they will see my good works, and in doing so, I will glorify my Father in heaven.
No matter how bad it gets. Let us all brighten someones life today.
Please send comments to me at rhepler52@gmail.com
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
When kids at school found out that Betsi's dad had a cow one time named Betsy, you can imagine the grief she received. I told Betsi I did not name her after a cow and the names were not spelled the same.
Betsy, the cow, was not only a cow she was my friend. She would follow me around just like my dog, Poochy. As a matter of fact when she got big enough to sell, I talked Randy in to keeping her. After Randy lost interest in Betsy, I bought Randy's half. She started producing calves. I would sell the steer calves and keep the heifer calves. From Betsy, I acquired a nice little herd of mixed beef cattle.
In 1975, I had met the girl of my dreams, Debbie. I had ask her to marry me,and she said yes. I wanted to purchase her an engagement ring. I went to the bank where I had borrowed money since I was nine years old, they turned me down for the amount I was asking. They wanted me to buy a cheaper ring. I had already seen the ring I wanted to give my beloved, so left wondering how I was going to get the money for the ring. It occurred to me on the way home that I had 16 head of cattle, which I had plan to sell soon anyway.
Selling Betsy's calves was never a problem, but the reality that she was going to be sold was sad. She had been my friend, and if you can love cows, I guess I loved her. Betsy had done what cows do. They have calves for the purpose of farmers selling them. She fulfilled her purpose better than any cow. She was not just a cow. She was Betsy. (Do you think subconsciously, I did name my daughter after a cow?)
My $2.00 investment from years ago was now going to enable me to put a ring on the finger of a girl I loved. This girl has not only been my wife for thirty five years, but also my friend. Betsy had a purpose, and she fulfilled it.
Did you know we were bought with a price?(1 Cor.6:20 and 1Cor.7:23) What was that price? It was not cheap. Christ died for us while we were yet sinners.(Rom. 5:8) The price was the death of the Son of God.
When we accept Jesus as our saviour, confess Him before men, repent and are buried with Him in baptism, we put on Christ. In doing so, we become Christians. What do we then do as Christians? We live like Christ and glorify God in our body. Read the latter part of 1Cor. 6:20. It says, "therefore glorify God in your body." Read Matt. 5:14-16. Christ calls his disciples,"the light of the world". What do we do with that light? We let it shine before men, so they can see our good works (The works that Christians do) and glorify your Father in heaven. What does that mean? Christ showed us how to live, the Holy Spirit inspired men to write how God wants us to live,and in living like Christ we give people in the world a view of God.
How important is it? Do you think everyone in your community reads God's word before they go to bed at night? I'll agree with you.The answer is no. Are children in homes today taught who God is, and that he is a God of love and mercy? Not many.
So if people are not reading God's word, not teaching their children about Him, and never attend a church service, how are they ever going to know about God? The answer (read slowly), when our main purpose as Christians is to do the works that glorify our Father in heaven. Well Rick, you might say, that is a works based approach. No, it is not. Remember, the price has been paid not by our works but by Christ's death.
Betsy, the cow, did what cows do. In doing so, she fulfilled a purpose for me. If I am a Christian, I do what a Christian does. Betsy didn't just wear the name cow. She did the main thing a cow does. If she didn't have the calves I would never had the money for the ring. Again, she was a very good cow by what she did.
Many in this country wear the name Christian. Do we do what Christians do? Read Gal. 5:22. These are some of the qualities, if we exhibit them in our lives every day, will show God living in us and bring glory to Him.
If I show love to everyone, even my enemies, will I be seen as different? What about living a life of joy, peace, and goodness? Will my co-workers and friends notice? I show long suffering to someone that is having a problem along with kindness and gentleness, in doing so, will I make a difference in their life? Here's a hard one. What would they say if we showed self control in any situation? Don't forget this one, if I forgive as God forgives, will they be encouraged?
God has given each of His children a talent. As His children, He wants us to use our talents to manifest who He is to the world. Do you wear the name? Do your peers see you doing what the name suggest?
Remember cows do what cows do, baseball players do what baseball players do, you fill in...........does what........... do, and Christians do what Christians do.
If I wake up every morning in this fallen world trusting in God and passionately living the Christian life, my light will shine, they will see my good works, and in doing so, I will glorify my Father in heaven.
No matter how bad it gets. Let us all brighten someones life today.
Please send comments to me at rhepler52@gmail.com
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Unnoticed Love
The older I become, the more I realize that I have let the love shown to me in the past go unnoticed. I guess our present economic conditions and seeing how hard it is now, to make the financial ends meet in raising children, has gotten me to thinking. The new ball glove that I received, the new suit on Easter, the new school clothes all came to me from mother and dad with a sacrifice. I did not see it then, but now I realize mother probably postponed buying her new shoes and dad probably continued wearing the same suit. Mother spent endless hours waiting on me at ball practice. When I was in high school, dad took one of the cars to work, and mother stayed home letting me take the other car to school. We lived in the country, and she was stuck at home all day without a way to go. This is unheard of now.
I understand now, if I went somewhere special, mother or dad probably went without something so I could go. Dad worked at night so mother went to all of my football games. The stress and sleepless nights they endured I only now realize. I wonder what they went without, so we could enjoy a good Christmas every year. I know now they have mentioned my name in prayer over and over throughout the years. Many go a lifetime without anyone ever mentioning their name in prayer.
What was unnoticed as a child is now acknowledged. The love that I have for my children shows me the love mother and dad have for me. Their love hasn't changed, I am just mature enough to see it now. I also can look back at their unnoticed love and cherish it today.
I also see all those years that God's love went unnoticed. The many years I was trying to get everything together with my job, family, and other things, I let God's love for me go unnoticed. I would always question when things got tough where He was, or why was I going through trials in the first place.
When I started counting the blessings He has given me, I began recognizing the unnoticed love of years past. He blessed me with a beautiful wife and two beautiful, healthy daughters. I live in the best country in the world. I have freedom. I have been taught His word. He gave me two loving parents to raise me .
I was not born in a country that does not believe in God, which is a great blessing. No matter what happens in this life I know if I remain faithful to Him, I will one day be with Him in heaven for all eternity.
God demonstrated His love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8) There is not anything created that can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:39) Do we understand what He said? Nothing, nothing, nothing can separate us from the love of God.
Mother and dad sacrificed for me, so I could have a comfortable loving home when I was a child. God has sacrificed His son Jesus, so I can have a comfortable home with Him when I leave this life.
I show my parents my love for them by, living right, helping them without them asking, and calling them every day. It is not a task to do these things for them. I show God that I love Him by keeping His commandments, studying His word, and praying to Him everyday. (Read 1John 5:3) God knows I love Him when I desire to live like Christ.
Today, do you have any unnoticed love in your past? Did you notice this morning the sun is still shining? Do you know God loves you? Did you know that He wants you to be with Him forever, and He has even made a plan for you to obey, to get there? You can be going through all kinds of trials, but He doesn't plan for you to have those trials forever. Remember, and I will too, this life is a second compared to eternity. This life will pass.
As you read this, put everything in your life on a shelf for a moment, and reflect on the unnoticed love you have received from God and loved ones. Now, from this moment forward change it from unnoticed to noticed.
Please send your comments to rhepler52@gmail.com . Believe me, your comments do not go "unnoticed".
Have a great day!
Rick Hepler
I understand now, if I went somewhere special, mother or dad probably went without something so I could go. Dad worked at night so mother went to all of my football games. The stress and sleepless nights they endured I only now realize. I wonder what they went without, so we could enjoy a good Christmas every year. I know now they have mentioned my name in prayer over and over throughout the years. Many go a lifetime without anyone ever mentioning their name in prayer.
What was unnoticed as a child is now acknowledged. The love that I have for my children shows me the love mother and dad have for me. Their love hasn't changed, I am just mature enough to see it now. I also can look back at their unnoticed love and cherish it today.
I also see all those years that God's love went unnoticed. The many years I was trying to get everything together with my job, family, and other things, I let God's love for me go unnoticed. I would always question when things got tough where He was, or why was I going through trials in the first place.
When I started counting the blessings He has given me, I began recognizing the unnoticed love of years past. He blessed me with a beautiful wife and two beautiful, healthy daughters. I live in the best country in the world. I have freedom. I have been taught His word. He gave me two loving parents to raise me .
I was not born in a country that does not believe in God, which is a great blessing. No matter what happens in this life I know if I remain faithful to Him, I will one day be with Him in heaven for all eternity.
God demonstrated His love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8) There is not anything created that can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:39) Do we understand what He said? Nothing, nothing, nothing can separate us from the love of God.
Mother and dad sacrificed for me, so I could have a comfortable loving home when I was a child. God has sacrificed His son Jesus, so I can have a comfortable home with Him when I leave this life.
I show my parents my love for them by, living right, helping them without them asking, and calling them every day. It is not a task to do these things for them. I show God that I love Him by keeping His commandments, studying His word, and praying to Him everyday. (Read 1John 5:3) God knows I love Him when I desire to live like Christ.
Today, do you have any unnoticed love in your past? Did you notice this morning the sun is still shining? Do you know God loves you? Did you know that He wants you to be with Him forever, and He has even made a plan for you to obey, to get there? You can be going through all kinds of trials, but He doesn't plan for you to have those trials forever. Remember, and I will too, this life is a second compared to eternity. This life will pass.
As you read this, put everything in your life on a shelf for a moment, and reflect on the unnoticed love you have received from God and loved ones. Now, from this moment forward change it from unnoticed to noticed.
Please send your comments to rhepler52@gmail.com . Believe me, your comments do not go "unnoticed".
Have a great day!
Rick Hepler
Monday, July 25, 2011
We Needed Hot Water
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
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
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
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