It was a very hot and dry summer Sunday afternoon. We usually had a ball game of some sort in the neighborhood, but it was just too hot. I walked over to my dog pen, across the road, to water my hunting dogs. Just as I got to the pen, several rats ran from under the dog house. A huge maple tree next to the pen, with roots spread out on top of the ground, provided shade for my dogs. I noticed these rats ran into holes in the ground around those roots. After taking a closer look, I saw several holes near the tree trunk. The rats had a den under this tree.
Being a little bored anyway, I got the bright idea of getting rid of the rats once and for all. I went and got my brother, Randy, and my dad. I got a gasoline can and mixed gasoline and diesel fuel together. We started funneling this mixture down the rat holes all around the tree. It took us several minutes. We stepped back admiring our work. The rats were going to be toast in just a few minutes.
I need to describe the area. About 15 yards from the tree was an old farmhouse, converted into a corn crib, feed room, and storage for tools. Also, I think some straw was stored in one of the rooms. On the other side of the farmhouse was a shed where I kept my 4-H calves.
Well the moment we had been anticipating had arrived . We had given enough time for the gas fumes and diesel fuel to penetrate all throughout the rat den. I stood back, struck a match and tossed it on the little gasoline trail I had made away from the tree. It was a good plan. You would had thought we had planned it for weeks.
When the little trail of fire hit those holes, it was like a cannon going off. I thought no rat could live through that explosion. But they did! You remember, I mixed diesel fuel with the gasoline. The rats started coming out of those holes looking for a place to run for relief. The place happened to be the old farm house. Those rats were quick moving balls of fire. If we didn't get to them before they got to the old house, they were going to their fiery grave, with the last laugh, by burning it down.
We were all yelling, screaming, hollering, stomping, chasing, and giving 110 percent of everything we had to keep the burning rats out of the old house. You see, the house burned down would have been a great loss, but the bigger loss would have been our reputation. The farmers would still be laughing. We would had to moved to another state. We could not have gotten jobs, because people would think we were so stupid! Anybody pouring diesel fuel on rats, setting them on fire, and expecting them to stand still, had to be stupid. I sure am glad my dad was in on this one.
Well, with a good father's and sons' effort, we stopped every rat. I can say with pride, we only let a few get close to the house. We had cat reflexes in the end and won the victory over the "burning rats".
Now before you animal lovers get all upset, I have long since repented of my cruelty to rats. I even hate to catch a mouse in a trap. If I can catch them alive, I will take them outdoors and let them go.
Well, we have had our laugh,( I have had a belly laugh. You just had to be there.) and now on a more serious note, let's go to God's word.
Turn in your Bibles to James chapter 1:14-16. James says, "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires, and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." (NKJV) Satan tempts us with the lust of the flesh. Usually, it is a weakness
we have in the flesh. It always begins with a thought.(the rats in their den under that tree) Next, those thoughts get stronger and the desire grows. (the gasoline and diesel fuel on the rats) Then the thoughts of fulfilling the desire reach a breaking point, and all reasonable thinking is set aside.(the flaming match is now tossed toward the rats' den) Full blown, uncontrollable desire has been conceived. (the rats come out of the hole, on fire, going toward the old house) Sin is now full blown and unless stopped will be turned into a habitual sin. If not stopped, it will cause spiritual damage and worse, spiritual death.(If the burning rats are allowed to get into the old house, there will be considerable damage from the fire they cause or even burn the house down completely.)
It is sad to say, this happens daily in our world. I and even you could get caught up in the wrong thinking, which eventually, going unrestrained, can led to our spiritual death or causing pain and suffering to ourselves or others. None of us is immune.( Rom. 3:23)
Any of the stages of temptation can be stopped before they reach spiritual death. The thought has to be overcome before it gets so hot with passion, it ignites. If ignited, it needs to be quickly put out before the real damage is done.
How do we do this? Study God's word each day and pray for wisdom and strength. When we have God's word in our hearts as we have those thoughts, we will not let them dwell in our thinking. If we do fall into sin, we have our Christian brothers and sisters who can come and give us spiritual guidance. If our conscience has been trained with God's truths, Godly sorrow will turn us around. If sin is conceived and we are in spiritual death, we can turn around by going back to God. David did this. (Read Psa.51)
As Christians, if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.(1John 1:9) If you are not a Christian, your living in sin is like us letting those burning rats into the old house setting it on fire and burning it to the ground. But, you and I have a savior that can bury that old man of sin and raise us new men in Christ. (Read Rom 6:1-10)
Satan is very crafty, subtle, and persistent to get us to sin against God. We need to be ever vigilant. He is after us all, but Jesus our savior has overcome satan. He will save us and protect us if we let Him.
Please send comments to me at rhepler52@gmail.com We all need to help each other stomp out the "burning rats" before they get to the old house.
Thank you so much for reading!
Rick Hepler
Monday, August 8, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
I Now Repent Of My Complaining
I talked to a young mother of two young daughters this week. She was in Memphis trying to get medical treatment for hepatitis C. She does not have a job, is presently getting a divorce, and has no money or health insurance. She was a drug user, but says she is now drug free. My understanding is she has found a hospital willing to administer the medication she needs, even though she has no insurance or money. She only wants to live to see her daughters again. They are the only pleasure she presently has. I thought I had problems. I can't imagine how she faces each day. I don't know her well, but I have prayed for her and her daughters the past two nights. I know her grandmother is praying, but I wonder if anyone else has ever mentioned her name to God in prayer. I pray I will have an opportunity to talk to her about the gospel of Christ.
I got up early this morning because I could not sleep. I walked to my office door and saw the sun coming up over the trees. Peeking through the clouds, it was absolutely beautiful. It was at this time, my uncertain approaching day turned into a day of thanksgiving. Notice, I walked to the door. There are people on this earth who would give anything to be able to barely walk. I saw the sunrise. There are many people who would love to see the sunrise with just one eye let alone two. I recognized the sunrise as being beautiful. Some do not have the ability to recognize beauty due to a brain defect. As I am writing, it is raining. I just heard thunder softly rumbling in the distance. Some are born deaf. I have shelter to keep me dry from the rain. There are those homeless. I am not hungry due to the amount of dinner I ate last night. Some are hungry in this world and would love to have our leftovers. I am never lonely because I have a close, loving family. Many feel unloved and very lonely. I have no health problems at the present. Many are sick and in severe pain.
I have said all of this to lead up to what I heard yesterday. I am sure this will upset you as much as it did me.
There was a poll taken in July asking 928 Americans to give God an approval rating of the way He is handling the world. (Go to http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/ and scroll down to July 21, 2011 National Congressional Poll to read it.) The question was: If God exist, do you approve or disapprove of its performance? Notice the words if and it. They used it to not be gender specific. They didn't want to offend anyone. They could care less about offending God. 52% said they approved, 9% disapproved and 40% not sure. (Dumb,Dumber and Dumbest) The commentator I heard this from thought it was ridiculous. Although, he added, "people question God because if He is a loving God why does He let bad things happen to good people." I am furious at this point.
Let me go to God's word to help me explain what I am about to say. In Matthew chapter 8:28-33, Jesus cast demons out of two men. The very important part of this is, the demons cried out saying, "What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come to torment us before the time?" Notice in Matthew chapter 16:15-17, Jesus asked Peter, "who do you say that I am? Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God". Christ went on to say that" flesh and blood did not reveal this to you but My Father Who is in heaven". The demons knew and know Jesus. They recognize Him as the Son of God. They also know that on judgement day they are going to be in torment. They go about getting mankind to deny Christ, and yet they know who He is and confess He is the Son of God. Read also James 2:19 were James says, "You believe there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble. They know better than mankind who God is, and the place He has prepared for them.(Matt. 25:30,41; Rev.20:10) How can we believe the lies of the devil? He knows the truth and the upcoming eternal punishment to him and his angels along with all those who disobey God.
Now, let's answer the age old questions. Why does a loving God let bad things happen to good people and where was God when they were going through their darkest trial? Before I answer, I want you to remember what you have read in Job chapters 38-41 where God questions Job. Remember what God tells Isaiah in Isaiah chapter 55:8. "For my thoughts are are not your thoughts, nor My ways your ways." says the Lord.
Also, you read in 1 Cor. 2:9 "But as it is written: "eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."(NKJV)After the fall of man, it has been God's desire for those who love Him to be with Him again. Those who do not love Him will see His wrath and be cast in outer darkness along with the devil and his angels on judgement day.
Now let's go back to the question. He is a loving God. We were doomed to a devil's hell because of man's sin. God has a plan for us to escape all of our trials, tribulations, tears, heartaches, and what ever else happens to us. He sacrificed Jesus, His only Son, so we could have hope of living with Him in heaven forever and escape the devil's hell of torment forever. This is the answer to the question, "if he is a loving God, why...?" I think this shows with an exclamation point that God loves us. The answer to "were was God when...?" God was right there at Calvary turning His back on His only begotten Son, as He had the sin's of all mankind on Him, dying in our stead. God saw His created mankind, spit upon, mock, beat and crucify His Son. Yes, God still loves us. He never has left us. We have ungratefully left Him through our ignorance.
Do you remember the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:20-25? Do you think for one minute that Lazarus would want to be raised from the dead to go back to life on this earth as the rich man or is he so thankful he was a beggar. I understand now, why Habakkuk says, in Habakkuk 3:17-18, Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock be cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Our salvation is better than anything this world has to offer. If everything was wonderful here in this life, we might not get excited about heaven. I hope we realize what our salvation means to us and want to hang on to it. We need to be so grateful to God , that we want to tell everyone.
Back to the poll. Only someone ignorant of God and His word would even think of such a thing. God does not need our approval on anything. God has shown His longsuffering for them by not striking them down. God used to wink at ignorance, but now commands all men to repent. (Acts 18:30)
Christians, we need the courage to let our light shine brighter and the desire to be the salt of the earth to change mankind on the inside. It is left up to us. (Matt. 28:19-20)
The moment I value my salvation to the price paid for it, my attitude will be greatly adjusted. My devotion and love to God will be given to the fullest of my abilities.
Please, think about what God has said and how much He loves us. Don't ever let the devil deceive you in believing that God does not care about you. The devil already knows how much God loves you. He just does not want you to know.
I am trying to increase the readers of my blog. Please tell your relatives and friends to check it out. www.rick-hepler.blogspot.com Send comments to rhepler52@gmail.com
I hope you have a good weekend.
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
I got up early this morning because I could not sleep. I walked to my office door and saw the sun coming up over the trees. Peeking through the clouds, it was absolutely beautiful. It was at this time, my uncertain approaching day turned into a day of thanksgiving. Notice, I walked to the door. There are people on this earth who would give anything to be able to barely walk. I saw the sunrise. There are many people who would love to see the sunrise with just one eye let alone two. I recognized the sunrise as being beautiful. Some do not have the ability to recognize beauty due to a brain defect. As I am writing, it is raining. I just heard thunder softly rumbling in the distance. Some are born deaf. I have shelter to keep me dry from the rain. There are those homeless. I am not hungry due to the amount of dinner I ate last night. Some are hungry in this world and would love to have our leftovers. I am never lonely because I have a close, loving family. Many feel unloved and very lonely. I have no health problems at the present. Many are sick and in severe pain.
I have said all of this to lead up to what I heard yesterday. I am sure this will upset you as much as it did me.
There was a poll taken in July asking 928 Americans to give God an approval rating of the way He is handling the world. (Go to http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/ and scroll down to July 21, 2011 National Congressional Poll to read it.) The question was: If God exist, do you approve or disapprove of its performance? Notice the words if and it. They used it to not be gender specific. They didn't want to offend anyone. They could care less about offending God. 52% said they approved, 9% disapproved and 40% not sure. (Dumb,Dumber and Dumbest) The commentator I heard this from thought it was ridiculous. Although, he added, "people question God because if He is a loving God why does He let bad things happen to good people." I am furious at this point.
Let me go to God's word to help me explain what I am about to say. In Matthew chapter 8:28-33, Jesus cast demons out of two men. The very important part of this is, the demons cried out saying, "What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come to torment us before the time?" Notice in Matthew chapter 16:15-17, Jesus asked Peter, "who do you say that I am? Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God". Christ went on to say that" flesh and blood did not reveal this to you but My Father Who is in heaven". The demons knew and know Jesus. They recognize Him as the Son of God. They also know that on judgement day they are going to be in torment. They go about getting mankind to deny Christ, and yet they know who He is and confess He is the Son of God. Read also James 2:19 were James says, "You believe there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble. They know better than mankind who God is, and the place He has prepared for them.(Matt. 25:30,41; Rev.20:10) How can we believe the lies of the devil? He knows the truth and the upcoming eternal punishment to him and his angels along with all those who disobey God.
Now, let's answer the age old questions. Why does a loving God let bad things happen to good people and where was God when they were going through their darkest trial? Before I answer, I want you to remember what you have read in Job chapters 38-41 where God questions Job. Remember what God tells Isaiah in Isaiah chapter 55:8. "For my thoughts are are not your thoughts, nor My ways your ways." says the Lord.
Also, you read in 1 Cor. 2:9 "But as it is written: "eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."(NKJV)After the fall of man, it has been God's desire for those who love Him to be with Him again. Those who do not love Him will see His wrath and be cast in outer darkness along with the devil and his angels on judgement day.
Now let's go back to the question. He is a loving God. We were doomed to a devil's hell because of man's sin. God has a plan for us to escape all of our trials, tribulations, tears, heartaches, and what ever else happens to us. He sacrificed Jesus, His only Son, so we could have hope of living with Him in heaven forever and escape the devil's hell of torment forever. This is the answer to the question, "if he is a loving God, why...?" I think this shows with an exclamation point that God loves us. The answer to "were was God when...?" God was right there at Calvary turning His back on His only begotten Son, as He had the sin's of all mankind on Him, dying in our stead. God saw His created mankind, spit upon, mock, beat and crucify His Son. Yes, God still loves us. He never has left us. We have ungratefully left Him through our ignorance.
Do you remember the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:20-25? Do you think for one minute that Lazarus would want to be raised from the dead to go back to life on this earth as the rich man or is he so thankful he was a beggar. I understand now, why Habakkuk says, in Habakkuk 3:17-18, Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock be cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Our salvation is better than anything this world has to offer. If everything was wonderful here in this life, we might not get excited about heaven. I hope we realize what our salvation means to us and want to hang on to it. We need to be so grateful to God , that we want to tell everyone.
Back to the poll. Only someone ignorant of God and His word would even think of such a thing. God does not need our approval on anything. God has shown His longsuffering for them by not striking them down. God used to wink at ignorance, but now commands all men to repent. (Acts 18:30)
Christians, we need the courage to let our light shine brighter and the desire to be the salt of the earth to change mankind on the inside. It is left up to us. (Matt. 28:19-20)
The moment I value my salvation to the price paid for it, my attitude will be greatly adjusted. My devotion and love to God will be given to the fullest of my abilities.
Please, think about what God has said and how much He loves us. Don't ever let the devil deceive you in believing that God does not care about you. The devil already knows how much God loves you. He just does not want you to know.
I am trying to increase the readers of my blog. Please tell your relatives and friends to check it out. www.rick-hepler.blogspot.com Send comments to rhepler52@gmail.com
I hope you have a good weekend.
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
Thursday, August 4, 2011
The Garden Of Our Mind
I enjoy planting a garden in the spring. The smell of the tilled soil reminds me of when I was younger, plowing with a tractor. It is something about planting seeds and watching them break through the ground. As the plants grow, you have to keep the weeds out. When the weather is cool, working in the garden is not a bad job. In August when days and nights are very hot and humid, the job gets harder.
A mid summer, weed free garden is a beautiful sight. If you do not work in the garden every day, the weeds will slowly overtake the plants robbing them of moisture and nutrients. When the days are hot and humid, it is harder to keep the weeds under control. When weeds over take your garden, vegetable production will almost come to a stop.
Weeds hinder vegetable production in the garden just like negative thoughts from the devil hinder the growth of a Christian. Many of us, in our Christian lives, have periods of springtime. We diligently watch our thoughts and our lives as Christians. We seem to be doing fine, then the devil robs us of spiritual nourishment by planting weed seeds to over come us.
Christians think of your mind as a garden. The good thoughts are the vegetables, and the negative thoughts are weeds. Every day we have to hoe this garden to keep the weeds out. What are weed thoughts? Thoughts of doubt, lust, pride, discouragement, cares of this world, fear, and unbelief are some big weeds Satan uses to rob us of our Christian strength. Take notice, all of these are thoughts that can be controlled or weeded out of our mind. There are many others, but let's just discuss these.
First, let's talk about what these thoughts can do to our Christian lives. Doubt can hinder our prayers to God. In James 1:6, James talks about asking God with faith and no doubting.The fall of man was caused by doubt. Read Genesis 3:1-6 and notice how Satan caused Eve to doubt what God said. He said "You will not surely die". She doubted the truth, God told her, and sinned against God by following her own desires.
You notice that before Eve was tempted with the lust of the flesh (saw it was good for food), lust of the eyes (saw it was pleasant to the eyes), and pride of life (a tree desirable to make one wise) Satan placed in her mind what God said not to be truth. She then doubted God, which led to her sin. (Gen. 3:1-6)
In just a moment, lust can cause us to take our focus off God and gratify our desires.Yes, lust is a powerful thought in which the devil tempts us. It is like morning glories in a garden, you have to chop them out every day. They are continually sprouting.
Also, the pride of life gives us a feeling of independence and self reliance leading us away from God. We get into trouble when we live our lives like we don't need God.
Discouragement is another weed of thought that can destroy our faith. Satan uses this to make us give up trying to live the Christian life. Read Rev. 12:10. Satan is our accuser. He wants us to feel so bad in our sins, that we give up hope for God's forgiveness. But John says, "If we confess our sins and repent, He is faithful and just to forgive us". (1John 1:7-9) I have seen many young righteous Christians leave their Christianity because of discouragement.
The cares of this world are weeds of thought Satan uses to keep God from being first in our lives. In Matthew 13:22, Christ says, the cares of this world choke out the word. Daily, failing to read God's word will gradually let these weeds grow into thoughts leading us away from God.
Satan uses fear to destroy our trust in God. When we are praying daily about affairs effecting our lives and God does not answer as we expect we become afraid and our trust in God waivers. Along with this, fear, and the weeds of unbelief start to totally confuse us. If we do not remove these thoughts from our thinking, they will destroy our faith.
Satan puts thoughts in our minds, like these, consistently. Just as we daily weed our garden, we have to be persistent weeding our thoughts, or they will get ahead of us and make us unfruitful.
How do we chop these destructive thoughts out of the garden of our mind? Here are a few scriptures that may help.(Jer. 32:17) Jeremiah says there is nothing too hard for God. We need to believe this. (Mark 10:27) Jesus says," all things are possible with God". Proverbs 3:5 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart. Paul tells us, in Romans 8:39, nothing created can separate us from the love of God. We are to pray without ceasing, 1Thess. 5:17. We are to meditate or study God's word. (2Tim. 2:15) Paul tells us what to think on in Phil. 4:8. We also need the help of one another (1Thess 5:11) and to be with one another. (Hebrews 10:25)
With God's help and the help of other Christians, we can overcome these destructive thoughts Satan introduces to us each day. If we let them, they will grow like weeds in a garden and eventually choke out the good plants, our Christian life. It takes an hourly vigilance.
In today's turmoil and trouble let's help each other have a weed free garden in our minds.
Comments welcomed at rhepler52@gmail.com
Never give up, no matter what the circumstance. God has not and will not leave us. He loves us.
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
A mid summer, weed free garden is a beautiful sight. If you do not work in the garden every day, the weeds will slowly overtake the plants robbing them of moisture and nutrients. When the days are hot and humid, it is harder to keep the weeds under control. When weeds over take your garden, vegetable production will almost come to a stop.
Weeds hinder vegetable production in the garden just like negative thoughts from the devil hinder the growth of a Christian. Many of us, in our Christian lives, have periods of springtime. We diligently watch our thoughts and our lives as Christians. We seem to be doing fine, then the devil robs us of spiritual nourishment by planting weed seeds to over come us.
Christians think of your mind as a garden. The good thoughts are the vegetables, and the negative thoughts are weeds. Every day we have to hoe this garden to keep the weeds out. What are weed thoughts? Thoughts of doubt, lust, pride, discouragement, cares of this world, fear, and unbelief are some big weeds Satan uses to rob us of our Christian strength. Take notice, all of these are thoughts that can be controlled or weeded out of our mind. There are many others, but let's just discuss these.
First, let's talk about what these thoughts can do to our Christian lives. Doubt can hinder our prayers to God. In James 1:6, James talks about asking God with faith and no doubting.The fall of man was caused by doubt. Read Genesis 3:1-6 and notice how Satan caused Eve to doubt what God said. He said "You will not surely die". She doubted the truth, God told her, and sinned against God by following her own desires.
You notice that before Eve was tempted with the lust of the flesh (saw it was good for food), lust of the eyes (saw it was pleasant to the eyes), and pride of life (a tree desirable to make one wise) Satan placed in her mind what God said not to be truth. She then doubted God, which led to her sin. (Gen. 3:1-6)
In just a moment, lust can cause us to take our focus off God and gratify our desires.Yes, lust is a powerful thought in which the devil tempts us. It is like morning glories in a garden, you have to chop them out every day. They are continually sprouting.
Also, the pride of life gives us a feeling of independence and self reliance leading us away from God. We get into trouble when we live our lives like we don't need God.
Discouragement is another weed of thought that can destroy our faith. Satan uses this to make us give up trying to live the Christian life. Read Rev. 12:10. Satan is our accuser. He wants us to feel so bad in our sins, that we give up hope for God's forgiveness. But John says, "If we confess our sins and repent, He is faithful and just to forgive us". (1John 1:7-9) I have seen many young righteous Christians leave their Christianity because of discouragement.
The cares of this world are weeds of thought Satan uses to keep God from being first in our lives. In Matthew 13:22, Christ says, the cares of this world choke out the word. Daily, failing to read God's word will gradually let these weeds grow into thoughts leading us away from God.
Satan uses fear to destroy our trust in God. When we are praying daily about affairs effecting our lives and God does not answer as we expect we become afraid and our trust in God waivers. Along with this, fear, and the weeds of unbelief start to totally confuse us. If we do not remove these thoughts from our thinking, they will destroy our faith.
Satan puts thoughts in our minds, like these, consistently. Just as we daily weed our garden, we have to be persistent weeding our thoughts, or they will get ahead of us and make us unfruitful.
How do we chop these destructive thoughts out of the garden of our mind? Here are a few scriptures that may help.(Jer. 32:17) Jeremiah says there is nothing too hard for God. We need to believe this. (Mark 10:27) Jesus says," all things are possible with God". Proverbs 3:5 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart. Paul tells us, in Romans 8:39, nothing created can separate us from the love of God. We are to pray without ceasing, 1Thess. 5:17. We are to meditate or study God's word. (2Tim. 2:15) Paul tells us what to think on in Phil. 4:8. We also need the help of one another (1Thess 5:11) and to be with one another. (Hebrews 10:25)
With God's help and the help of other Christians, we can overcome these destructive thoughts Satan introduces to us each day. If we let them, they will grow like weeds in a garden and eventually choke out the good plants, our Christian life. It takes an hourly vigilance.
In today's turmoil and trouble let's help each other have a weed free garden in our minds.
Comments welcomed at rhepler52@gmail.com
Never give up, no matter what the circumstance. God has not and will not leave us. He loves us.
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Who Knows Me?
Debbie and I were returning home from a business meeting in Little Rock, AR. We stopped at a convenience store to fill up our car with gas. I noticed the guy next to me starting to laugh. I thought that was a little strange, then he said, "Rick, how are you doing?" Immediately, I tried to remember his name. Was he an old classmate, friend of the family, had I previously met him in one of the meetings I just attended. He could tell by the look on my face that I didn't have a clue who he was. He started rolling with laughter and pointed at the name tag I was still wearing from my meeting. We had a good laugh and went on our way.
In our fast paced culture today, it is special for someone to know our name. I have to admit, sometimes when I meet new people I forget their name before we finish shaking hands. At work, when I call home office, I have to put my advisor number in before they will talk. Social security numbers are a necessity if you are going to do business. We are just a number in many areas of business and health care.
When people call me over the phone I can usually identify if it is a business call, friend calling, or family calling by which name they use. If they ask for James Hepler, I know it is a business call or someone who does not know me. When they ask for Rick, it is mostly my clients or friends that I have made the last 20 years. If they ask for Rickey, it is a family member, a close family friend or someone that has known me since I was a child. We feel comfortable when people know us, when they call our name.
Does God know my name? In the book of Jeremiah chapter 1:5, the Lord tells Jeremiah, " before I formed you in your mother's womb I knew you;" Psalms 139:13-14 David says "For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Yes, I think God knows our name. The key thought is, "do we know Him"? We need to know Him and live our lives pleasing Him.
God loves us so much, He knows our names, but He also wants our names recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life. Read Revelations 20:15 and 21:27. If we are faithful, our names are entered into the Lamb's Book of life. The saddest verse in the Bible is vs. 15 of chapter 20, "And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire". The Book of life is one book that we want our name written.
Many people know my name, but more importantly, God knows it. I need to live like He knows my name. How about you?
Send comments to rhepler52@gmail.com .
Thanks for reading!
Rick Hepler
In our fast paced culture today, it is special for someone to know our name. I have to admit, sometimes when I meet new people I forget their name before we finish shaking hands. At work, when I call home office, I have to put my advisor number in before they will talk. Social security numbers are a necessity if you are going to do business. We are just a number in many areas of business and health care.
When people call me over the phone I can usually identify if it is a business call, friend calling, or family calling by which name they use. If they ask for James Hepler, I know it is a business call or someone who does not know me. When they ask for Rick, it is mostly my clients or friends that I have made the last 20 years. If they ask for Rickey, it is a family member, a close family friend or someone that has known me since I was a child. We feel comfortable when people know us, when they call our name.
Does God know my name? In the book of Jeremiah chapter 1:5, the Lord tells Jeremiah, " before I formed you in your mother's womb I knew you;" Psalms 139:13-14 David says "For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Yes, I think God knows our name. The key thought is, "do we know Him"? We need to know Him and live our lives pleasing Him.
God loves us so much, He knows our names, but He also wants our names recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life. Read Revelations 20:15 and 21:27. If we are faithful, our names are entered into the Lamb's Book of life. The saddest verse in the Bible is vs. 15 of chapter 20, "And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire". The Book of life is one book that we want our name written.
Many people know my name, but more importantly, God knows it. I need to live like He knows my name. How about you?
Send comments to rhepler52@gmail.com .
Thanks for reading!
Rick Hepler
Monday, August 1, 2011
Are We Easy To Approach?
Next door to us, across the barn lot on Mr. Olan Gray's place lived Esau and Annie. They have since died, but my memories of them have not. The time was in the 50's and 60's. Our country was getting ready to undergo some needed changes. You see Esau and Annie were black folk. I had seen Esau, on several occasions being humbly, silent as the other farm hands called him the N word. He just laughed it off as I remained silent. I was young, accepted things as they were, and did not have the courage to do otherwise.
I regret not getting to know him and Annie better. They were good hard working people. They went through hard times. I have seen Annie picking blackberries, gathering polk salad, and catching fish out of the farm pond. I have plowed, cut and raked hay, driven cattle and hogs with Esau. Many days in the summer I worked along side him maybe 10 hours. We never really got beyond small talk. I called Larry Gray today and he told me Esau served as a deacon at the Baptist church, but Annie went to the Methodist church. I had forgotten that he was also a barber on Saturdays.
I went to see Esau shortly before he died. He had lung cancer and finally died at his home. I miss him, but what I really miss, is not acknowledging my respect for him. He was a very humble man and seemed always to have a smile. I could have learned from him how to handle adversity with humility and kindness. I wished I had helped him more and showed him that I really cared about him and Annie.
I wear the name Christian, but sometimes I wonder if I act in a way that people from all walks of life feel comfortable in approaching me. I always felt comfortable around Esau. I believe anyone could.
When Christ walked this earth, he showed kindness and love to all of every walk of life. I would like to point out the impression that Christ gave to those who needed him most. Turn in your Bible to Luke 7:36-50. In reading this I had to ask myself this question. Do people come to me when they have messed up their lives knowing I will be compassionate and forgiving and offer them comfort? Let's read an example of this in God's word.
She was publicly known by the Pharisees as a sinner. Did she approach them for comfort? Remember they were the religious people of the day. But, she had seen this One who had shown so much compassion to the poor and down trodden. He healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out devils, and promised a new way of life. Can you imagine how she was feeling? She was ashamed of her reputation. Up until this time no one had given her any comfort or hope.
Now a Pharisee,Simon, invited Jesus to eat with him. He neither kissed Jesus or offered to wash his feet as was the custom. I believe he just invited Him out of curiosity. When this sinner knew that Jesus sat at the table, she came in and stood behind Him holding a flask of fragrant oil. All Simon could think, if this man is a prophet he should know this woman is a sinner. Did this man care about Jesus or the woman? His religious life was sure not going to attract anyone in need.
We now see her weeping and washing Jesus' feet with her tears.She also anointed his feet with the fragrant oil and wiping them with her hair. Oh, what an impact Jesus had made on her. She was willing to take the risk of being publicly humiliated honoring Jesus at the Pharisees house. In verse 50, Jesus told her, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
How many times have any of you witnessed someone coming into your worship service, off the street, sobbing and crying because of their sins, wanting the forgiveness of God? Was your answer 0?
The church represents Christ's body here on earth. Should we not attract as Christ did? How would we look upon them? Would we act like the Pharisee or Christ?
Unless, we as his body live like Him, believe in Him 100% ourselves, love like He does, forgive like He does, and have the compassion for the lost that He does, we may never see someone off the street coming in, sobbing for their sins, and so grateful for Jesus and what He did for them. We also have to call sin what it is and have no pleasure in sin.
If we build a Christ like reputation for ourselves that the lost world has not seen, they will come. They will come because we see them like us, sinners that needed a savior. Do you think Simon seemed a little self righteous? I now ask myself that same question. I am nothing without Jesus. Where are you? Where are they?
Christ mixed with all to let His Father's light shine on everyone. We, His children, are asked to do the same.
Let's reach out to all walks of life making friends and sharing the Gospel of Christ.
WE HAVE HOPE, LET'S SHARE IT. MAY THOSE IN NEED FEEL COMFORTABLE AROUND US.
Comments welcome at rhepler52@gmail.com
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
I regret not getting to know him and Annie better. They were good hard working people. They went through hard times. I have seen Annie picking blackberries, gathering polk salad, and catching fish out of the farm pond. I have plowed, cut and raked hay, driven cattle and hogs with Esau. Many days in the summer I worked along side him maybe 10 hours. We never really got beyond small talk. I called Larry Gray today and he told me Esau served as a deacon at the Baptist church, but Annie went to the Methodist church. I had forgotten that he was also a barber on Saturdays.
I went to see Esau shortly before he died. He had lung cancer and finally died at his home. I miss him, but what I really miss, is not acknowledging my respect for him. He was a very humble man and seemed always to have a smile. I could have learned from him how to handle adversity with humility and kindness. I wished I had helped him more and showed him that I really cared about him and Annie.
I wear the name Christian, but sometimes I wonder if I act in a way that people from all walks of life feel comfortable in approaching me. I always felt comfortable around Esau. I believe anyone could.
When Christ walked this earth, he showed kindness and love to all of every walk of life. I would like to point out the impression that Christ gave to those who needed him most. Turn in your Bible to Luke 7:36-50. In reading this I had to ask myself this question. Do people come to me when they have messed up their lives knowing I will be compassionate and forgiving and offer them comfort? Let's read an example of this in God's word.
She was publicly known by the Pharisees as a sinner. Did she approach them for comfort? Remember they were the religious people of the day. But, she had seen this One who had shown so much compassion to the poor and down trodden. He healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out devils, and promised a new way of life. Can you imagine how she was feeling? She was ashamed of her reputation. Up until this time no one had given her any comfort or hope.
Now a Pharisee,Simon, invited Jesus to eat with him. He neither kissed Jesus or offered to wash his feet as was the custom. I believe he just invited Him out of curiosity. When this sinner knew that Jesus sat at the table, she came in and stood behind Him holding a flask of fragrant oil. All Simon could think, if this man is a prophet he should know this woman is a sinner. Did this man care about Jesus or the woman? His religious life was sure not going to attract anyone in need.
We now see her weeping and washing Jesus' feet with her tears.She also anointed his feet with the fragrant oil and wiping them with her hair. Oh, what an impact Jesus had made on her. She was willing to take the risk of being publicly humiliated honoring Jesus at the Pharisees house. In verse 50, Jesus told her, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
How many times have any of you witnessed someone coming into your worship service, off the street, sobbing and crying because of their sins, wanting the forgiveness of God? Was your answer 0?
The church represents Christ's body here on earth. Should we not attract as Christ did? How would we look upon them? Would we act like the Pharisee or Christ?
Unless, we as his body live like Him, believe in Him 100% ourselves, love like He does, forgive like He does, and have the compassion for the lost that He does, we may never see someone off the street coming in, sobbing for their sins, and so grateful for Jesus and what He did for them. We also have to call sin what it is and have no pleasure in sin.
If we build a Christ like reputation for ourselves that the lost world has not seen, they will come. They will come because we see them like us, sinners that needed a savior. Do you think Simon seemed a little self righteous? I now ask myself that same question. I am nothing without Jesus. Where are you? Where are they?
Christ mixed with all to let His Father's light shine on everyone. We, His children, are asked to do the same.
Let's reach out to all walks of life making friends and sharing the Gospel of Christ.
WE HAVE HOPE, LET'S SHARE IT. MAY THOSE IN NEED FEEL COMFORTABLE AROUND US.
Comments welcome at rhepler52@gmail.com
Thanks,
Rick Hepler
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
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