Barbara's Banter

Menelik II was an intelligent, dynamic African ruler who lived from 1844 to 1913. He established the nation of Ethiopia and is remembered for preserving the freedom of his people by defeating a major Italian military expedition. He strengthened his kingdom through expansion and modernization.

Legends tell us that Menelik II believed the word of God had curative powers. When he felt ill he would actually eat a few pages of scripture. This seemed to work quite well for him. Then in 1913 he had a stroke and prescribed himself a strict diet of first and second Kings. He survived the stroke but died of a bowel obstruction shortly afterwards – probably caused by excessive amounts of paper in his intestines. If he had read the book of Kings instead of literally eating it, he might have learned something and lived in the process.

Ezekiel and John were given specific instructions from God to literally eat a scroll or two; however, we don’t see any other prophets, disciples or apostles doing the same thing. It would give a whole new meaning to the Last Supper. However, the Bible often uses the image of eating as a metaphor for studying the Bible. Jeremiah said that when God’s word came to him, he “ate” it. (Jeremiah 15:16)

2 Timothy 2:15 commands us to study the Bible. Metaphorically speaking, we should devour it like a healthy meal. In our hearts we know that spiritual food is better than physical food. After all, man wasn’t meant to live by bread alone but by every word of God. (Matthew 4:4) The scriptures were given by inspiration from God to help us understand doctrine, correct us, instruct us, train us, and equip us for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) The Thessalonians were commended for searching the scriptures daily. (Acts 17:11)

We know this, but the sad fact is that most of us don’t even read our Bibles daily, much less study them. However, we rarely go a day without eating because we know our physical bodies cannot survive without physical food. Not only do we eat daily but the health conscious among us strive to eat a balanced diet. Menelik II found out the hard way that too much of the wrong kind of fiber could be hazardous to your health.

One’s spiritual life cannot survive without the spiritual food found in the Bible. Listening to TV preachers, reading devotionals, and attending small group meetings are great but should not be substitutions for daily drinking in God’s Word. Not only should we be “eating” the Bible daily, but in a balanced way. A spiritual diet of all prophecy will not make a healthy Christian.

Here’s some food for thought. If we are what we eat, I recommend you “eat” your Bible. Not the way Menelik II did, because it did not reap a healthy result. “Eat” your Bible the way Jeremiah did. “Thy words were found and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.”

So bon appétit! Let’s enjoy the festive feast the Lord has set before us.

Most of us want to go through life doing the right thing, which is not always the easiest course of action. What is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular. However, when faced with a difficult choice we need to do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.

As Christians, we need to go a step farther. Not only do we need to do the right thing, but we need to do it for the right reason. If we aren’t careful we can slip into doing the right thing for the wrong reason. That’s what happened to the Pharisees. Their motivation was tainted.

The Pharisees knew it was good to give offerings, pray, and do acts of kindness, but they did all of this to be seen by men, sit in the chief seats, and have others consider them righteous (Matthew 23:5-7). God did not like that (Matthew 5:1-5). They had an ulterior motive. They were doing the right things for the wrong reasons. Hopefully our purpose runs deeper than doing acts of kindness or righteousness just so others will see and think highly of us.

Wrong motivation can carry over into our prayer life as well. We all know we need to pray.  But are we coming to God in prayer for what he can do for us or because of what he already has done for us? God isn’t in the business of giving us everything we want. Praise, worship, and thankfulness should be the major part of our prayer time instead of “give-me, give-me, give-me.”  Will we still praise God even if he doesn’t give us what we want or deliver us immediately from a bad situation?

This is a question Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had to ask themselves in Daniel 3. When King Nebuchadnezzar made a huge golden idol of himself and required everyone to bow down to it Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused. They would only bow to the one true God. The king was furious and said if they didn’t bow down he would throw them into a blazing furnace. He said, “Then what God can rescue you from my hand?”

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego could have gotten a little cocky and said, “No problem! We aren’t going to burn up. God won’t allow it!” Instead they said, “We know that the God we worship is able to rescue us, but even if he chooses not to, we still won’t bow down to your idol.”

I love this story. It shows the ultimate belief, trust, and confidence in God regardless of what God chooses to do. After all, God is God and we are not. Isn’t that the whole lesson of the book of Job? If it is God’s will not to deliver us the way we want to be delivered, is it okay with us? Or do we just pray and worship God so he will give us what we want?

What should our motive be? It can be summed up in one word – LOVE. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn’t bow down because they loved and trusted God. We pray and worship God because we love him. We do acts of kindness because we love others. The love chapter (1 Corinthians 13) tells us we can do wondrous works and remarkable unselfish deeds, but if we have not love, it profits nothing.

The motive of love will produce works that glorify God, which is the reason to do the right thing. 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:17 tell us that no matter what we do, it should be done for the glory of God. We do it all for God’s glory – not ours.

The Bible speaks of a good name being better than precious ointment. (Ecclesiastes 7:1) A good name is a person’s reputation. A reputation is built upon being able to believe what someone says. Can we count on them to do what they say they will do?

Proverbs 25:19 tells us that putting confidence in those not true to their word can be painful. How true! Soon we feel these people are not even filled with good intentions. We think they are just lying to us. Cicero said eventually liars are not believed even when they tell the truth.

As Christians, others should be able to depend on our good name. They should count on us to keep our word.

Thirty-five years we lived in Appalachia and wanted to purchase a little land so we could build a house. Farmer Brown had some acreage that caught our eye. When we met he told us he had a special affection for this particular parcel of land because he wanted to give it to his son to build on.

“Uh oh,” we thought. “Is he good or what?” We were city people and used to dealing with cunning sales people. We could feel the price rising even as we spoke.

Then he quoted us some astronomically low amount. He liked us. We were a nice, young couple with two small children and he wanted to help us. We quickly agreed and said we would have a contract drawn up immediately. He found this insulting. He said if we needed a contract the deal was off. His handshake should be a good enough bond for us. We trusted him and shook on it. He was refreshing, honest, and true to his word.

That was many years ago and I’m not sure we would have that kind of confidence in a man’s word today – even in Appalachia. There has been too much media exposure on ways to lie, cheat, and steal and even more glorification of those who do. Politicians, CEOs, salesmen, and almost everyone you meet are adept at twisting words to get what they want. If a “man is as good as his word,” then there are not that many good men left. Yet that doesn’t mean we can’t be one of them.

How good are we at keeping our word? Can we be counted on to do what we say? Can a person rely on us to follow through with our end of the bargain if all we give is a handshake to bind the deal? If we say we will be there to help someone, will we show up? These may seem like little things, but those who are faithful in the little things are faithful in the bigger things. (Luke 16:10)

A good name is very valuable. Believe it or not, it’s more valuable than riches! (Proverbs 22:1)

The Bible speaks about taming our tongues (James 3). Both David and James use the metaphor of bridling our tongues (Psalms 39:1, James 1:26). A bridle is a leather harness and bit placed in a horse’s mouth to control it. That might seem a bit drastic to us, but in all honesty all of us could occasionally benefit from a built in muzzle that clamps over our mouths when we are about to say something we are going to regret. And for some, it doesn’t just happen occasionally. It’s a daily occurrence.

The Bible has many admonitions about taming our tongues. We are cautioned about…

• a flattering tongue (Psalm 5:9)
• a haughty tongue (Psalm 12:2-4)
• a lying tongue (Proverbs 25:18)
• a backbiting tongue (Proverbs 25:23)
• a talebearer’s tongue (Proverbs 18:8)
• a cursing tongue (Romans 3:13, 14)
• a sharp tongue (Proverbs 12:18)
• a gossipy tongue (Romans 1:29)

This is why we must be cautious in what we say to others. Even if we apologize for making careless statements to or about others that does not erase what was said. We cannot strike it from the record or take it back, because people will remember it even if we say we didn’t really mean it. Spoken words don’t just dissolve into the air. They live on and damage is done.

Perhaps the hardest tongue to guard against is one that manifests itself when we least expect it because our tongues speak from the abundance of our hearts (Matthew 12:34).

Unfortunately this seems to happen with those who are closest to us. We say something stupid or hurtful and we don’t even know why. We might think, “I wonder where that came from?” But the heart knows. Someone or something can trigger unresolved issues within us, and we end up regurgitating them on others.

Solomon said to weigh our words carefully (Ecclesiastes 5:2, 3). James said to think before we speak (James 1:19). Jesus said what goes into our mouths is not as important as what we say (Matthew 15:11).

Heartfelt words spoken with kindness, consideration, and love are beautiful (Proverbs 25:11). Careless, thoughtless words can be poisonous (James 3:8). Remember that words have a life of their own. What we say today lives on tomorrow!

There’s not a lot mentioned about Thomas in the Bible, but from what little is said, I think I would like him. Also known as Didymus, meaning “twin,” he was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. He has been given the dubious nickname “Doubting Thomas,” but I often wonder if this wasn’t because he was the guy who said what everyone else was thinking. Here are a few examples of what I mean.

When the disciples got the word that Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus was very ill Jesus decided to go to Judea to visit him. Some disciples tried to convince Jesus this wasn’t a good idea because the Jews there wanted to kill him. However, Thomas said, “Let us also go so we may die with him.” (John 11:16) In other words, “Jesus is determined to go so I guess this is as good a day as any to die. Let’s follow Jesus!”

At the Last Supper Jesus had an intimate discussion with the disciples to give them edification for the future. He spoke of preparing a place for them and said, “Whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” Thomas replied, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5) You can’t convince me all the other disciples fully understood everything, but Thomas had the guts to say, “Hey, I don’t think I’m totally getting this.”

In the evening of the day Christ rose from the dead, Jesus came to the disciples. He showed them his nail scarred hands and his pierced side. Unfortunately, Thomas wasn’t there. (John 20:19-23) When the disciples told Thomas Christ had risen and they had seen him he said, “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (v. 23, 24) Now Jesus had already revealed his scars to the others, but not to Thomas. Personally, I’m not all that sure some of those other disciples wouldn’t have said the same thing if they hadn’t seen Jesus with their own eyes.

Eight days later when all the disciples, including Thomas, were together Jesus came to them again. Jesus told Thomas to touch his scars and “be not faithless, but believe.” Thomas humbly responded with, “My Lord and my God.” In fact, Thomas is the first disciple to refer to Jesus as both Lord and GOD. Jesus replied, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” (v. 24- 29) I don’t think this is a rebuke or disparagement of Thomas’ faith. I see it as Jesus using an opportunity to teach a life lesson, which he so often did.

I sooooo identify with Thomas. He was the guy who said what everyone else was thinking. He may not have always been totally sure what Jesus was talking about, but that didn’t stop him from following him. At times he needed a little more convincing, sometimes he didn’t. I don’t know about you, but that describes my Christian journey. Reading about Thomas gives me great comfort and hope.

What can I say? I like this guy!

Are you a perfectionist? I used to be, but found as I strove for perfection I continually fell short of that goal. I misinterpreted the meaning of Matthew 5:48. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” I actually thought that scripture meant perfection was attainable. However, humans are and will always be imperfect.

Those who struggle with perfection know too well the feeling of never really being good enough. We are like those children learning to write the alphabet for the first time, who tear their papers up the second they see they have malformed a letter. It makes no difference that they made it to the “R” without a problem. If the “S” looks sloppy then in the trash it goes.

Practically perfect people are hard on themselves.

In psychological terms perfectionism is the belief that perfection can and should be attained. When that belief transforms into thinking anything less than perfect is unacceptable, problems set it. Through a perfectionist’s eyes a person’s self-worth is determined by flawlessness. Of course ideas of perfection vary from person to person. Perfectionists set rigid standards of performance for themselves. They never feel they “measure up” and although they won’t readily admit it, they don’t think anyone else “measures up” either.

One of my favorite movie lines comes from Mary Poppins when she crisply says, “We practically perfect people never make mistakes.” And here is the problem in Christian thinking: many Christians link perfection to making mistakes. The word “perfect” in the above scripture is “telios” meaning finished, full grown, mature, lacking nothing, or brought to completeness. It has nothing to do with making mistakes or not being good enough.

Most people think perfection is all about physical characteristics such as being good, successful, sinless, or respected. When God speaks of perfection, he wants us to “be complete” by being spiritually one with his son Jesus Christ. This perfection is not designed to make us look good or perform flawlessly, but to let Christ’s life be manifested through us. Physical perfection is more concerned about actions we perform to a certain level, whereas spiritual perfection is more about becoming totally dependent on God, letting him work through us to perform his will – not ours. It’s not concerned about “self.”

The good news is that we are already perfect in God’s sight. We are reconciled through Jesus Christ and he lives in us. This comes not from our false concepts of trying to attain perfection or being good enough. It is a gift given freely to us. With Christ in us we are brought to completion and we lack nothing. Will we make mistakes? Sure. But remember – the perfection spoken of in this scripture is not about what we do; it’s about what Christ does. His life in us makes us perfect.

Many of us think being a Christian is about striving to be perfect.  Believe it or not, perfection is unattainable.  If that’s our goal, we will always fall short.  God isn’t looking for perfection.  If he were, then the following people would not make it into His kingdom.

• Thomas doubted.
• Rahab was a harlot
• Peter was impulsive.
• Martha worried.
• Elijah feared Jezebel.
• Moses struck the rock in anger.
• Paul killed Christians.

Yet we know from the Bible that these people were considered faithful servants of God.  You see, God isn’t looking for perfection.

It’s only natural to want to improve ourselves, but if we only concentrate on our short comings we miss the glimmer of the Holy Spirit dwelling within.  Some of us look into our spiritual mirrors and see distorted images of ourselves.  This image we see is important.  After all, we are made in God’s image.  (Genesis 1:27)

When I was a kid occasionally we would go to an amusement park.  Amusement parks are full of rides, junk food, and fun!  And one of the “funnest” places to go was the Fun House.  They had these wavy mirrors that made you look fat, tall, skinny, or short.  They distorted your image, which for a kid is pretty funny.

However, as we get older even looking into a normal mirror can be a little disconcerting.  What do we see?  Wrinkles?  Baggy eyes?  Double chins?  Scars?

Did you know that when God looks at us, that’s not what he sees?  God doesn’t look at an outward appearance.  He looks at the heart.  (Proverbs 21:2; 1 Samuel 17:31)  God knows the worst about us but He sees our best.  He sees a reflection of Himself – and God wants us to see what He sees.

2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us there is a transformation taking place in us that reflects the glory of God.

^“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

So do we fall short?  Yes, because we aren’t perfect.  The Christian life is not about perfection; it’s about reflection – reflecting the glory of God.

There are two ways to start a morning.  We can moan and groan saying, “Good Lord!  It’s morning!”  Or we can greet each new day with, “Good morning, Lord!”

I love it when we sing, “This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24)” at church.  However, many think it only applies to the Sabbath day – a day we all come together at church to worship God.  While it’s true that any day we all get together to worship God is a mighty fine day, it’s also true that every day is a day the Lord has made.  Each and every day is a gift from God.  Therefore we should rejoice and be glad in each new day!

How we start each new day can influence how we feel all day long.

In my heart I know this, but I have a confession to make.  I’m not all that cheerful in the morning.  Some people can’t even be approached until they have their first cup of coffee.  For me it takes a little longer because I don’t like coffee.  I don’t bound out of bed facing each new day with a smile on my face and a song in my heart.  And although I’m a firm believer in trying to get some prayer and Bible reading done before I venture out into the world each day, some days are so hectic it seems impossible.

Therefore I’ve devised a little ritual that helps me at least get out of bed with a half way decent attitude.  I whisper, “Good morning, Lord,” and thank Him for something.  Maybe I just thank him for a good night’s sleep, or that I only had to get up to “tinkle” one time that night, or that I can actually get out of bed, or that I’m still breathing.  Even on our darkest days we have something to be thankful for.  After all, with God in our lives we never have to face any day unloved or alone.

Psalm 5:3 says, “My voice you shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You and I will look up.”  In a small way, that’s what I’m trying to do. I want God to hear my voice in the morning – and I want to hear His.  I know God knows that I’m here, but I think it helps to let him know that I know that He knows.  In other words, we can face this new day together.

“Good morning, Lord.  Thank you for this brand new day.  Help me to rejoice and be glad in it!”

Each year scores of immigrants desire to become citizens of the United States of America, a privilege so many of us take for granted.  In order to do this they must pass a test.  Here are just a few of the questions on that exam selected at random.  Let’s see how you do.

1. Who elects the President of the United States?
2. How many stripes are on our flag and what do they represent?
3. What color are the stars on our flag and what do they represent?
4. What is the 4th of July and what does it represent?
5. How many terms can our President serve?
6. What is the Constitution?
7. What do we call a change to the Constitution?
8. How many branches are there in our government and name them?
9. Who makes the laws in the United States?
10. What are the duties of the Supreme Court?
11. How many Supreme Court justices are there and how do they come to office?
12. Who said, “Give me liberty or give me death.”?
13. What countries were our enemies in World War II?
14. According to the Constitution, a person must meet certain requirements in order to be eligible to become President. Name one of these requirements. .
15. What is the national anthem of the United States and who wrote it?
16. What is a minimum voting age in the United States?
17. Who was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence?
18. Who has the power to declare the war?
19. What kind of government does the United States have?
20. What special group advises the President?
21. In what year was the Constitution written?
22. How many times can a Congressman be elected?
23. Whose rights are guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights?
24. What is the introduction to the Constitution called?
25. What is the most important right granted to U.S. citizens?

These are but a few of the questions someone seeking U.S. citizenship must answer.  How did you do?  Be honest!  How much do you know about this great country we live in?  If you had to take a test today in order to keep your citizenship, would you pass?  Perhaps if such tests were mandatory we would appreciate what we have so much more.

It gives us something to think about as we approach Fourth of July which celebrates our Independence Day.  I pray we never become so independent that we aren’t grateful for what we have.  May God bless America and may we never take God or America for granted.

                           Answers

1. The electoral college
2. 13, representing the original 13 states
3. White, one for each state in the Union.
4. Independence Day, celebrating our independence from England
5. 2 – four year terms
6. The supreme law of the land
7. An Amendment
8. 3 – Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary
9. Congress
10. To interpret laws
11. 9, appointed by the President
12. Patrick Henry
13. Japan, Germany, Italy
14. Must be a natural born citizen of the United States; must be at least 35 years old by the time he/she will serve; must have lived in the United States for at least 14 years
15. The Star-Spangled Banner, Francis Scott Key
16. Eighteen (18)
17. Thomas Jefferson
18. The Congress
19. The U.S. is a Republic not a Democracy
20. The Cabinet
21. 1787
22.  There is no limit
23.  Everyone (citizens and non-citizens) living in U.S.
24. The Preamble
25. The right to vote

My last few blogs have been exploring the subject of fear from a spiritual perspective.   We discussed having a healthy fear of God.  We discussed having an unhealthy kind of fear that paralyzes us and keeps us from living life to the fullest.  We discussed God helping us deal with our fears by holding our hands and walking with us through life.  (Isaiah 41:13)

Fear is an emotion we humans struggle with, so it’s only natural God would speak of it so often in the Bible – encouraging us not to fall into its grip.  We should control our fears, not let our fears control us.  Of course this is easier said than done.

Psalm 34:4 tells us that God delivers us from our fears… when we seek him.  Seeking God is a key to overcoming fear.  However, this seeking of God is not just so He will deliver us from our trials or fears.  We seek God so we can place our trust and faith in him.  It’s this faith and trust in God that calms our anxious hearts.

God has to continually remind us that He is with us.

• God commanded Joshua to “be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or discouraged.  For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  (Joshua 1:9 NLT)
• David wrote, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” (Psalm 23:4-6)
• God told Isaiah, “Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Sometimes we forget that God is with us.  Wherever we go, God is with us.  Whatever we encounter, God is with us.  We lose sight of this when our focus turns from God to ourselves.  God is all powerful, omnipotent, sovereign and in control.  We should be extolling God at all times.  (Psalm 34:1)  Our praise for Him should be continually on our lips.  Our goal should be to keep ourselves in a perpetual relationship with God – rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, and thanking God in all circumstances.  (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

If we do this, we won’t have to worry about overcoming fear.  God will do it for us!