I enjoy planting a garden in the spring. The smell of the tilled soil reminds me of when I was younger, plowing with a tractor. It is something about planting seeds and watching them break through the ground. As the plants grow, you have to keep the weeds out. When the weather is cool, working in the garden is not a bad job. In August when days and nights are very hot and humid, the job gets harder.
A mid summer, weed free garden is a beautiful sight. If you do not work in the garden every day, the weeds will slowly overtake the plants robbing them of moisture and nutrients. When the days are hot and humid, it is harder to keep the weeds under control. When weeds over take your garden, vegetable production will almost come to a stop.
Weeds hinder vegetable production in the garden just like negative thoughts from the devil hinder the growth of a Christian. Many of us, in our Christian lives, have periods of springtime. We diligently watch our thoughts and our lives as Christians. We seem to be doing fine, then the devil robs us of spiritual nourishment by planting weed seeds to over come us.
Christians think of your mind as a garden. The good thoughts are the vegetables, and the negative thoughts are weeds. Every day we have to hoe this garden to keep the weeds out. What are weed thoughts? Thoughts of doubt, lust, pride, discouragement, cares of this world, fear, and unbelief are some big weeds Satan uses to rob us of our Christian strength. Take notice, all of these are thoughts that can be controlled or weeded out of our mind. There are many others, but let's just discuss these.
First, let's talk about what these thoughts can do to our Christian lives. Doubt can hinder our prayers to God. In James 1:6, James talks about asking God with faith and no doubting.The fall of man was caused by doubt. Read Genesis 3:1-6 and notice how Satan caused Eve to doubt what God said. He said "You will not surely die". She doubted the truth, God told her, and sinned against God by following her own desires.
You notice that before Eve was tempted with the lust of the flesh (saw it was good for food), lust of the eyes (saw it was pleasant to the eyes), and pride of life (a tree desirable to make one wise) Satan placed in her mind what God said not to be truth. She then doubted God, which led to her sin. (Gen. 3:1-6)
In just a moment, lust can cause us to take our focus off God and gratify our desires.Yes, lust is a powerful thought in which the devil tempts us. It is like morning glories in a garden, you have to chop them out every day. They are continually sprouting.
Also, the pride of life gives us a feeling of independence and self reliance leading us away from God. We get into trouble when we live our lives like we don't need God.
Discouragement is another weed of thought that can destroy our faith. Satan uses this to make us give up trying to live the Christian life. Read Rev. 12:10. Satan is our accuser. He wants us to feel so bad in our sins, that we give up hope for God's forgiveness. But John says, "If we confess our sins and repent, He is faithful and just to forgive us". (1John 1:7-9) I have seen many young righteous Christians leave their Christianity because of discouragement.
The cares of this world are weeds of thought Satan uses to keep God from being first in our lives. In Matthew 13:22, Christ says, the cares of this world choke out the word. Daily, failing to read God's word will gradually let these weeds grow into thoughts leading us away from God.
Satan uses fear to destroy our trust in God. When we are praying daily about affairs effecting our lives and God does not answer as we expect we become afraid and our trust in God waivers. Along with this, fear, and the weeds of unbelief start to totally confuse us. If we do not remove these thoughts from our thinking, they will destroy our faith.
Satan puts thoughts in our minds, like these, consistently. Just as we daily weed our garden, we have to be persistent weeding our thoughts, or they will get ahead of us and make us unfruitful.
How do we chop these destructive thoughts out of the garden of our mind? Here are a few scriptures that may help.(Jer. 32:17) Jeremiah says there is nothing too hard for God. We need to believe this. (Mark 10:27) Jesus says," all things are possible with God". Proverbs 3:5 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart. Paul tells us, in Romans 8:39, nothing created can separate us from the love of God. We are to pray without ceasing, 1Thess. 5:17. We are to meditate or study God's word. (2Tim. 2:15) Paul tells us what to think on in Phil. 4:8. We also need the help of one another (1Thess 5:11) and to be with one another. (Hebrews 10:25)
With God's help and the help of other Christians, we can overcome these destructive thoughts Satan introduces to us each day. If we let them, they will grow like weeds in a garden and eventually choke out the good plants, our Christian life. It takes an hourly vigilance.
In today's turmoil and trouble let's help each other have a weed free garden in our minds.
Comments welcomed at rhepler52@gmail.com
Never give up, no matter what the circumstance. God has not and will not leave us. He loves us.
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Who Knows Me?
Debbie and I were returning home from a business meeting in Little Rock, AR. We stopped at a convenience store to fill up our car with gas. I noticed the guy next to me starting to laugh. I thought that was a little strange, then he said, "Rick, how are you doing?" Immediately, I tried to remember his name. Was he an old classmate, friend of the family, had I previously met him in one of the meetings I just attended. He could tell by the look on my face that I didn't have a clue who he was. He started rolling with laughter and pointed at the name tag I was still wearing from my meeting. We had a good laugh and went on our way.
In our fast paced culture today, it is special for someone to know our name. I have to admit, sometimes when I meet new people I forget their name before we finish shaking hands. At work, when I call home office, I have to put my advisor number in before they will talk. Social security numbers are a necessity if you are going to do business. We are just a number in many areas of business and health care.
When people call me over the phone I can usually identify if it is a business call, friend calling, or family calling by which name they use. If they ask for James Hepler, I know it is a business call or someone who does not know me. When they ask for Rick, it is mostly my clients or friends that I have made the last 20 years. If they ask for Rickey, it is a family member, a close family friend or someone that has known me since I was a child. We feel comfortable when people know us, when they call our name.
Does God know my name? In the book of Jeremiah chapter 1:5, the Lord tells Jeremiah, " before I formed you in your mother's womb I knew you;" Psalms 139:13-14 David says "For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Yes, I think God knows our name. The key thought is, "do we know Him"? We need to know Him and live our lives pleasing Him.
God loves us so much, He knows our names, but He also wants our names recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life. Read Revelations 20:15 and 21:27. If we are faithful, our names are entered into the Lamb's Book of life. The saddest verse in the Bible is vs. 15 of chapter 20, "And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire". The Book of life is one book that we want our name written.
Many people know my name, but more importantly, God knows it. I need to live like He knows my name. How about you?
Send comments to rhepler52@gmail.com .
Thanks for reading!
Rick Hepler
In our fast paced culture today, it is special for someone to know our name. I have to admit, sometimes when I meet new people I forget their name before we finish shaking hands. At work, when I call home office, I have to put my advisor number in before they will talk. Social security numbers are a necessity if you are going to do business. We are just a number in many areas of business and health care.
When people call me over the phone I can usually identify if it is a business call, friend calling, or family calling by which name they use. If they ask for James Hepler, I know it is a business call or someone who does not know me. When they ask for Rick, it is mostly my clients or friends that I have made the last 20 years. If they ask for Rickey, it is a family member, a close family friend or someone that has known me since I was a child. We feel comfortable when people know us, when they call our name.
Does God know my name? In the book of Jeremiah chapter 1:5, the Lord tells Jeremiah, " before I formed you in your mother's womb I knew you;" Psalms 139:13-14 David says "For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Yes, I think God knows our name. The key thought is, "do we know Him"? We need to know Him and live our lives pleasing Him.
God loves us so much, He knows our names, but He also wants our names recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life. Read Revelations 20:15 and 21:27. If we are faithful, our names are entered into the Lamb's Book of life. The saddest verse in the Bible is vs. 15 of chapter 20, "And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire". The Book of life is one book that we want our name written.
Many people know my name, but more importantly, God knows it. I need to live like He knows my name. How about you?
Send comments to rhepler52@gmail.com .
Thanks for reading!
Rick Hepler
Monday, August 1, 2011
Are We Easy To Approach?
Next door to us, across the barn lot on Mr. Olan Gray's place lived Esau and Annie. They have since died, but my memories of them have not. The time was in the 50's and 60's. Our country was getting ready to undergo some needed changes. You see Esau and Annie were black folk. I had seen Esau, on several occasions being humbly, silent as the other farm hands called him the N word. He just laughed it off as I remained silent. I was young, accepted things as they were, and did not have the courage to do otherwise.
I regret not getting to know him and Annie better. They were good hard working people. They went through hard times. I have seen Annie picking blackberries, gathering polk salad, and catching fish out of the farm pond. I have plowed, cut and raked hay, driven cattle and hogs with Esau. Many days in the summer I worked along side him maybe 10 hours. We never really got beyond small talk. I called Larry Gray today and he told me Esau served as a deacon at the Baptist church, but Annie went to the Methodist church. I had forgotten that he was also a barber on Saturdays.
I went to see Esau shortly before he died. He had lung cancer and finally died at his home. I miss him, but what I really miss, is not acknowledging my respect for him. He was a very humble man and seemed always to have a smile. I could have learned from him how to handle adversity with humility and kindness. I wished I had helped him more and showed him that I really cared about him and Annie.
I wear the name Christian, but sometimes I wonder if I act in a way that people from all walks of life feel comfortable in approaching me. I always felt comfortable around Esau. I believe anyone could.
When Christ walked this earth, he showed kindness and love to all of every walk of life. I would like to point out the impression that Christ gave to those who needed him most. Turn in your Bible to Luke 7:36-50. In reading this I had to ask myself this question. Do people come to me when they have messed up their lives knowing I will be compassionate and forgiving and offer them comfort? Let's read an example of this in God's word.
She was publicly known by the Pharisees as a sinner. Did she approach them for comfort? Remember they were the religious people of the day. But, she had seen this One who had shown so much compassion to the poor and down trodden. He healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out devils, and promised a new way of life. Can you imagine how she was feeling? She was ashamed of her reputation. Up until this time no one had given her any comfort or hope.
Now a Pharisee,Simon, invited Jesus to eat with him. He neither kissed Jesus or offered to wash his feet as was the custom. I believe he just invited Him out of curiosity. When this sinner knew that Jesus sat at the table, she came in and stood behind Him holding a flask of fragrant oil. All Simon could think, if this man is a prophet he should know this woman is a sinner. Did this man care about Jesus or the woman? His religious life was sure not going to attract anyone in need.
We now see her weeping and washing Jesus' feet with her tears.She also anointed his feet with the fragrant oil and wiping them with her hair. Oh, what an impact Jesus had made on her. She was willing to take the risk of being publicly humiliated honoring Jesus at the Pharisees house. In verse 50, Jesus told her, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
How many times have any of you witnessed someone coming into your worship service, off the street, sobbing and crying because of their sins, wanting the forgiveness of God? Was your answer 0?
The church represents Christ's body here on earth. Should we not attract as Christ did? How would we look upon them? Would we act like the Pharisee or Christ?
Unless, we as his body live like Him, believe in Him 100% ourselves, love like He does, forgive like He does, and have the compassion for the lost that He does, we may never see someone off the street coming in, sobbing for their sins, and so grateful for Jesus and what He did for them. We also have to call sin what it is and have no pleasure in sin.
If we build a Christ like reputation for ourselves that the lost world has not seen, they will come. They will come because we see them like us, sinners that needed a savior. Do you think Simon seemed a little self righteous? I now ask myself that same question. I am nothing without Jesus. Where are you? Where are they?
Christ mixed with all to let His Father's light shine on everyone. We, His children, are asked to do the same.
Let's reach out to all walks of life making friends and sharing the Gospel of Christ.
WE HAVE HOPE, LET'S SHARE IT. MAY THOSE IN NEED FEEL COMFORTABLE AROUND US.
Comments welcome at rhepler52@gmail.com
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
I regret not getting to know him and Annie better. They were good hard working people. They went through hard times. I have seen Annie picking blackberries, gathering polk salad, and catching fish out of the farm pond. I have plowed, cut and raked hay, driven cattle and hogs with Esau. Many days in the summer I worked along side him maybe 10 hours. We never really got beyond small talk. I called Larry Gray today and he told me Esau served as a deacon at the Baptist church, but Annie went to the Methodist church. I had forgotten that he was also a barber on Saturdays.
I went to see Esau shortly before he died. He had lung cancer and finally died at his home. I miss him, but what I really miss, is not acknowledging my respect for him. He was a very humble man and seemed always to have a smile. I could have learned from him how to handle adversity with humility and kindness. I wished I had helped him more and showed him that I really cared about him and Annie.
I wear the name Christian, but sometimes I wonder if I act in a way that people from all walks of life feel comfortable in approaching me. I always felt comfortable around Esau. I believe anyone could.
When Christ walked this earth, he showed kindness and love to all of every walk of life. I would like to point out the impression that Christ gave to those who needed him most. Turn in your Bible to Luke 7:36-50. In reading this I had to ask myself this question. Do people come to me when they have messed up their lives knowing I will be compassionate and forgiving and offer them comfort? Let's read an example of this in God's word.
She was publicly known by the Pharisees as a sinner. Did she approach them for comfort? Remember they were the religious people of the day. But, she had seen this One who had shown so much compassion to the poor and down trodden. He healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out devils, and promised a new way of life. Can you imagine how she was feeling? She was ashamed of her reputation. Up until this time no one had given her any comfort or hope.
Now a Pharisee,Simon, invited Jesus to eat with him. He neither kissed Jesus or offered to wash his feet as was the custom. I believe he just invited Him out of curiosity. When this sinner knew that Jesus sat at the table, she came in and stood behind Him holding a flask of fragrant oil. All Simon could think, if this man is a prophet he should know this woman is a sinner. Did this man care about Jesus or the woman? His religious life was sure not going to attract anyone in need.
We now see her weeping and washing Jesus' feet with her tears.She also anointed his feet with the fragrant oil and wiping them with her hair. Oh, what an impact Jesus had made on her. She was willing to take the risk of being publicly humiliated honoring Jesus at the Pharisees house. In verse 50, Jesus told her, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
How many times have any of you witnessed someone coming into your worship service, off the street, sobbing and crying because of their sins, wanting the forgiveness of God? Was your answer 0?
The church represents Christ's body here on earth. Should we not attract as Christ did? How would we look upon them? Would we act like the Pharisee or Christ?
Unless, we as his body live like Him, believe in Him 100% ourselves, love like He does, forgive like He does, and have the compassion for the lost that He does, we may never see someone off the street coming in, sobbing for their sins, and so grateful for Jesus and what He did for them. We also have to call sin what it is and have no pleasure in sin.
If we build a Christ like reputation for ourselves that the lost world has not seen, they will come. They will come because we see them like us, sinners that needed a savior. Do you think Simon seemed a little self righteous? I now ask myself that same question. I am nothing without Jesus. Where are you? Where are they?
Christ mixed with all to let His Father's light shine on everyone. We, His children, are asked to do the same.
Let's reach out to all walks of life making friends and sharing the Gospel of Christ.
WE HAVE HOPE, LET'S SHARE IT. MAY THOSE IN NEED FEEL COMFORTABLE AROUND US.
Comments welcome at rhepler52@gmail.com
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
Friday, July 29, 2011
No Margin For Error
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
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
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
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