C A K E

Would you enjoy a slice of moist chocolate cake with a creamy frosting?  I would too, especially if it had a scoop of vanilla ice cream beside it.  I recently witnessed a Christian sharing her faith over a piece of delicious chocolate cake.  She included the cake as part of her conversation about God. I thought what a novel idea?  I could see that the words she shared were touching the heart of the hearer.

This Christian woman used the written word “cake” to bring up some points that she wanted to share about her God. I remember these thoughts. The acronym has been a good reminder to me for my daily life and it is another way to share God. These are the seeds that she planted in the heart of her friend.

                                                C= You can COME to God

                                                A= You can ASK God

                                                K= You can KNOW God

                                                E= You can ENJOY God

C:   Hebrew 7:25 Jesus is able always to save those who come to God though him, because he

       always lives, asking God to help them.  Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and    

       knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you will   

       eat with me.

A:   I John 5:15 And this is the boldness we have in God’s presence; that if we ask God for   

      anything that agrees with what he wants, he hears us.  If we know he hears us every time we   

      ask him, we know we have what we ask from him.

K:   I John 5:20 We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding. So now

       we can know the one who is true, and we live in that true God. We are in his Son, Jesus

       Christ. He is the true God, and he is eternal life.

E:   Psalm 92 Lord, you have made me happy by what you have done; I will sing for joy about

      What your hands have done.

When you have a friend who is lonely you can come to God together in prayer. You can invite a friend to come study the word of God with you.

When you have a question or need guidance, you can ask God. Your friend may be struggling with something and you can offer to ask God for help by praying with them.

We can share our love for God with others. We can show others His love, so that they can experience it and come to know Him.

We can enjoy God as we trust and experience the love he has for us.  We can show others that we enjoy living for Him.

Almighty God, you who call me to prayer, and who offer yourself to all who seek your face, pour out your Holy Spirit upon me today and deliver me from coldness of heart, a wandering mind, and wrongful desire. By the power of your spirit place within me steadfast love and devotion, so that today I may worship and serve you with all of my life; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

Terry Smith  

Stepheville, TX

Drifting

In the book of Hebrews, chapter two, God tells us:

"We  must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?"

Here we are warned of the danger of neglect.  The idea is not that we decide we don't believe anymore.  Or that we deliberately decide to turn back to the world.  As a matter of fact, we don't think at all.

   

We get distracted; we think of other things. Our faith moves further and further to the back of our minds. Since we are thinking of other things and looking at other things, our mission gets foggy and our goals get uncertain.

   

The scripture uses the term, "drift." If a boat is not anchored, it moves with the current or wind . . . it drifts. Even when we are rowing or motoring, we must keep our eye on our goal since other forces such as the current or the wind are at work and will cause us to miss our mark.

   

The scripture teaches us we can unknowingly be lost when we do not pay attention. Since these forces are always influencing us, we must stay focused. The fact that we do not usually think about this or worry about this proves how dangerous drifting is.  We don't even see it happening until, unfortunately, we are a long way from where we know we should be.

Dear Lord,

I praise your name. You are the same yesterday, today and forever. 

I, however, am not. I am all over the place. I want to live by faith, but I am easily distracted and find myself astray. Please forgive me.  Help me to stay focused.

Help me run my race looking to Jesus.  Looking like your son, who was always on point.  Jesus . . .  the way, the truth, and the life.

It is in His name I pray.     Amen

Paul Shero

San Angelo, Texas

Luxury or Necessity?

I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.  I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards.  I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them… I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces… I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure.  My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.  Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 2:3b-5,8a,10,11

A newspaper columnist, in a recent article, lamented the poor money management skills exhibited by many American’s.  The editorial states, “(Americans) Living paycheck to paycheck, spending money as fast as one can make it, is becoming the new norm.”  He contrasts this claim by remembering that Americans formerly planned their household budgets to include sharing with others, insurance safeguards, and preparing for retirement.  Saving money was commonplace.  The shift in thinking is illustrated by a recent NFL draftee becoming an overnight millionaire.  The new norm for individuals in this situation might be to immediately go buy an expensive, fancy new vehicle.  However, this particular NFL rookie has chosen to save his money.  He still drives a borrowed Honda minivan.  Needless to say, he has been the recipient of teasing (ridicule) by his new teammates.  His thriftiness stands out, in their eyes, as odd and curious behavior.

I, too, was made aware of American’s expectations of luxury while traveling internationally.  Yes, there are differences in culture and practices from one country to the next.  However, I was struck by the number of things I considered “necessities” in America, but non-Americans functioned just fine without them.  I suppose human nature causes us to believe that our personal experiences and practices are normal and, therefore, expected in all places at all times.  This narrow sense of entitlement is a just form of selfishness and greed.  We like living happy and satisfied.  Problems arise when my happiness is reliant upon satisfying these selfish expectations.

Children of God must realize the meaninglessness of trying to satisfy selfish desires.  God is pleased with a humble attitude and obedient behavior.  The spiritual man is willing to rethink what is necessary in his life and is willing to change his expectations.  The mature disciple of Christ will have a sacrificial perspective on life.  He will be content with what he has and is able to boldly say “no” to the devil’s schemes.  According to Solomon, nothing is gained by accumulating wealth and luxury.  Rethink your expectations and trust God to provide what is necessary.  

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive our selfish desires to obtain happiness through wealth and accomplishments.  We need to trust you to take care of our needs.  Help us to seek righteousness and develop a mature faith.  In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

Carl Smith

Stephenville, Texas

The Thief

 There were also two criminals led out with Jesus to be put to death. When they came to a place called the Skull, the soldiers crucified Jesus and the criminals—one on his right and the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they don’t know what they are doing.”The soldiers threw lots to decide who would get his clothes. One of the criminals on a cross began to shout insults at Jesus: “Aren’t you the Christ? Then save yourself and us.” But the other criminal stopped him and said, “You should fear God! You are getting the same punishment he is. We are punished justly, getting what  we deserve for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus said to him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Luke 23:32-34, 39-43

As Jesus hangs on the cross between the two criminals this exchange between these three men is recorded for us.   What insights are here?  Why is this story preserved?  I can't help but think an intended view is to see myself as one of the  criminals on the cross. I have no defense. I am guilty. I am being punished for what I deserve.  It is too late and there is no hope for a reprieve.  The sentence is passed and I am condemned to death.  It is finished
for me.

It is from this position on the cross,  condemned to death that I must see myself to grasp what Jesus has really done, understanding He is hanging beside me sufferring for me.   It is from this place, hanging on the cross guilty and without excuse that I must see myself to hear the prayer Jesus prayed for me: "Father forgive him, because he doesn't know what he is doing".  It is from this perspective of utter despair on the cross that I must see myself to hear Jesus speak the words "Today you will be with me in paradise" and realize He has just saved me.

I want to meet the thief in heaven and hear him tell the rest of this story.   I want to hear how he felt when Jesus spoke those words, how it changed the suffering he endured, how it felt to take the first steps in heaven with Jesus beside him, and what it was like when Jesus introduced him to His heavenly Father.   I bet he tells it every day for eternity, each time with disbelief that Jesus would do such a thing for a condemned thief.  Can you imagine such mercy?    Mercy received like this changes you to think and act in a whole new way.

Father your mercy is beyond my comprehension.  Thank you for rescuing me from certain death.   Through Christ my Lord.

Scotty Elston
Shallowater, Texas

Lions are Nearby!

A friend of mine enjoys traveling to Africa and going on safaris.  He has been there many times.  His stories are better than fiction!

I remember him telling about a "close call" several years ago while on a lion safari. Traveling along in a small pickup, the safari guide suddenly smacked the top of the cab signalling the driver to stop.  In a low voice he said, "Lions are nearby."  Though approximately 300 yards away, they could make out the top part of a male lion's head. Talk about an adrenalin rush!  The lion disappeared for a few minutes and then reappeared about 100 yards away.  He stood broadside and roared.  The safari guide rushed the hunter to get into position and take the shot.

Later, the guide apologized for rushing my friend's shot.  The urgency was due to a single fact about lions. From a crouched position a lion can cover a hundred yards in about 4.5 seconds!  Not much time to squeeze off a calm round!

I don't know how much first century Christians knew about lions, but they knew enough to get the message Peter conveyed in 1 Peter 5:8:

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

During the ride back to base camp, the safari guide educated the group about lions. He talked about how keenly they can smell and see.  They can tell if prey has been in an area a good while after it has vacated the area. They can smell a wounded or dying animal from a considerable distance and track it.  Their eyes are large and very capable of spotting prey at night with very little sky light.  They rarely rush their prey.  They stalk them and move into the most advantageous position before making their move.

Peter's imagery is accurate and timely as it describes what is true of life in the spiritual domain.

If this was the only verse on the Accuser of God's people (the Satan) that we had in the New Testament, it would be enough to remind us to be "vigilant."

Peter does not elaborate on how or when he prowls.  He just states it as a fact and exhorts us to stand on alert.

Peter goes on to say, "But resist him firm in your faith." (1 Peter 5:9)

A wildebeest, gazelle, or any other prey that falls under attack by a lion has little to no chance of getting away safely.  This is not true in the spiritual domain!  Our attacker can be resisted.  We are not at his mercy. James says: "7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."

That's a great promise!

We need both reminders.  Temptation, sin, evil - they are real.  Paul said our struggle is not against "flesh and blood but....." (Ephesians 6:12).  The last thing we can afford to be in life is naive about the battle ground we live on every day.  Battles come in many forms.  Staying sharp and alert is first order business.  And, the good news is that whatever Satan brings against us we can resist and defeat through God's help.

Walk this week in strength, peace and wisdom...and pay attention to what's moving in the grass.

Father, give us clarity of mind and heart so that we can be vigilant to the schemes of Satan.  Thank you for providing us with the weapons of truth, wisdom and strength when the evil one comes against us.  Thank you for Jesus who has defeated the reign of evil and death and who lives to make intercession for us.  Amen.

Randy Daugherty
Stephenville, Texas

Comfort for God's People

One of my favorite passages is Isaiah 40:31.  I do love to think about running and not growing weary, walking without fainting, and renewed strength. My daughter tells me I should not run because of my age; that walking is much preferred.

Isaiah 40:30-31

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Earlier in the same chapter, Isaiah is bringing God’s words of comfort to the Israelites who have been in captivity in Babylon for many years. The Israelites have suffered because they forgot their LORD for a time, but have now paid for their sins. The prophet reminds them of God’s covenant; they will return from exile to their promised land. Isaiah also includes in verse 5 a prophecy that the glory of the LORD will be revealed and all people will see it together:

Isaiah 40:1-5 NIV

1 Comfort, comfort my people,
says your God.2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.

3 A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lord,[
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.4 Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,

the rugged places a plain.5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

This poetic language has been made even  more familiar to the world as Part 1of George Frideric Handel's Messiah, written in 1741.  I have enjoyed listening to Handel’s oratorio multiple times during my life but did not recognize the opening section of the piece as these same verses from Isaiah 40. Charles Jennens, a friend of Handel, selected a compilation of verses from the scriptures he believed would tell the story of the Messiah. Within 24 days Handel had composed this beloved music generally performed during the Christmas holiday season.

Excerpt from Handel’s Messiah (based on the KJV):

Messiah, George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
Words compiled from the Holy Scriptures by Charles Jennens (1700-1773)

Part One

1. Sinfonia (Overture)
2. Tenor Recitative. — Isaiah 40:1-3
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
3. Tenor Air — Isaiah 40:4
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low, the crooked straight, and the rough places plain.
4. Chorus — Isaiah 40:5
And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

Here is another interesting item of note.  At the end of his manuscript Handel wrote the letters "SDG"—Soli Deo Gloria, "To God alone the glory.”

Dear God: Help me to remember your comfort in difficult times.  You are never weary; you help me to be strong. To God alone shall be the glory.

Sherilyn Svien

Stephenville, TX

The Gospel That Isn’t Good News

The title of this piece is a contradiction.  It contradicts itself because the word gospel means good news.  If it is a gospel, it is by definition ‘the good news’.  But, when Paul wrote to the Galatians, he spoke of a gospel that was not ‘good’.

Listen to his scathing words in Galatians 1.  

6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and  are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.  8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should  preach a gospel other than one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!  9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!

What was this perversion of the gospel?  Does it still threaten Christians today?  Based on Paul’s statements in Galatians, he was astonished that the Christians were attempting to earn their righteousness before God.  In chapter 2, he writes, 16 We know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.  In chapter 5, he says, 2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by law have been  alienated from Christ; you have  fallen away from grace.

I grew up believing in a gospel of ‘works’.  I believed that my right-standing with God (righteousness) depended upon my ‘doing good’ (doing right).  I based my standing with God upon my performance.  Going to church all the time, not saying bad words, trying not to think bad thoughts (lust) were things I used to measure if I was ‘good enough’ to be accepted by God.  

Finally, I understood the gospel and was set free from my conception of ‘earning’ my righteous status before God.  I came to realize that God looked at me ‘through the blood of Jesus’ and counted me as righteous because of what Jesus did for me.  Now that is really GOOD NEWS!!!  If Christianity for you is a life of earning your righteousness (if you are constantly keeping score—my good deeds vs. my bad deeds), you have badly misunderstood the gospel.  That is not good news.  It is a perversion.  Jesus died and rose to set you free.

Prayer:  Our Father, thank you for the true gospel that gives us freedom.  Thank you for allowing Jesus to purchase our salvation.  Help us to live worthy of Your grace and the forgiveness that is ours in Christ.

Terry Brown

Abilene, Texas