Bulletin Articles - 2021
Peace Through The Plan
- Neal Thurman
- 10 Oct 2021
Anxiety is a real issue. For some people, it can be quite debilitating. It can be crippling to most anyone who allows it to rise up and exist in their daily lives or during efforts to complete a task. Anxiety creates problems before the problems exist. It promotes doubt, destroys confidence, and exaggerates challenges. It encourages person to find all the reasons why they or an effort is going to fail. Consider what Moses said when God called him to deliver Israel out of Egypt. “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” (Exodus 4:10) Now the scriptures do not say that Moses was anxious, but we see the doubt in self. Moses continued this pleading for someone else to be called until he kindled the anger of God, (Exodus 4:12-17). Humility is a good thing, but failure to believe in oneself to be used as a tool of God is not. This attitude can defeat us before we ever get started. Rather than trying to determine how to best deal with our anxiety. Let’s see if maybe we can learn to avoid it all together. I recently watched a video that included an interview with the chief engineer of the new James Webb Space Telescope. The telescope is too large to simply be launched into space. It will have to be sent up in pieces and actually assembled in space. The telescope is massive in size, but it will have to be extremely precise in reassembly for it work properly. Considering all the things that have to go right for this engineering marvel to properly operate in a special orbit approximately five times further from the earth than the moon, the host asked the chief engineer, “You must be worried?”. The man’s answer was amazing. He said, “No, I don’t worry because we have a great plan.” He went on to explain how uncontrollable variables could wreck the whole project, but emphasized that their planning took into account all of the known contingencies. As soon as I heard this, I thought about Christians, like me, who worry about all sorts of things that are outside of our control. This man in charge of a multibillion dollar project basically said to get a great plan, execute said plan precisely, and do not worry about what you do not know or what cannot control. We, as Christians, already have a great plan. We do not need to draw together all of our brightest and best to determine the most effective coarse of action. We have the marvelous benefit of having our plan developed with divine knowledge. So, all that we really need to do is trust in the plan developer and execute the plan that has been provided. When we actually do this, we can be confident that the outcome will be good because the plan is good. Trust the plan! Follow the plan! Success! Anything beyond this is counter productive. So, why do we worry? I am afraid that sometimes we worry because we know we have not executed the great plan and have become anxious about how that will work out. In the end, it would always be better to just follow the plan and live with the results of that plan. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Resistance to Instruction
- Neal Thurman
- 3 Oct 2021
At least a few times each day, I take our little dog for a walk in our neighborhood. Sometimes the determination of who is walking who is brought into question, but since he weighs about six pounds, my directional choices almost always rule the day. This is not to say that he always moves along in full cooperation. In fact, some days this could not be further from the truth. As he has become a little, old dog, these days have seemed to occur with greater frequency. I have begun to notice that he offers some resistance to almost every course correction, nudge to move along, or restraint from entering an area. Last weekend, I paid particular attention to what he was doing and found that he offered at least some resistance even when encouraged to go along in the way he was already going. This observation set me to considering other creatures who have a need to accept course corrections and restraint, human being. Sometimes we are not so different from that little, old dog that pulls against the leash regardless of its direction. We excuse ourselves by stating that we do not like to be told what to do. And we validate such thoughts by considering the fact that many other people are the same way. Obviously, this makes is okay. Right? The story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5 offers us an example of this manner. Remember the scripture says in verse 10, “And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.” In the immediate, Naaman was resistant. He did not approve of the fact that Elisha did not come out of his house and perform some majestic or inspirational ceremony. Naaman resisted the choice of the Jordan River. He sought to apply his reasoning and determination of the quality of rivers to the situation. He was resisting the means of healing for which he had sought out Elisha in order to receive. It is easy for us to read the ancient story in 2 Kings 5 and say, “Naaman, why don’t you just do what the man of God has told you to do?” But do we follow our own advice? Could not someone ask some of us, “Why don’t you just do what the Son of God has told you to do?” This question is at the core of human resistance to God. He keeps tugging and we often keep digging our heels in to avoid submission or full obedience. When considering a proper course we must ask ourselves. Who set the pathway that leads to heaven? Was it not Jesus? “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps…” (1 Peter 2:21). And our Good Shepherd calls us, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life,” (John 10:27,28). So, why are we so resistant to His instructions and corrections. Jesus, Himself, asked, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).The instructions are not hard to understand. Admittedly, sometimes it is hard to actually follow, because we are in the world and the world does not follow the Lord’s course. Yet, just imagine how much easier our lives of faithfulness would be if we were not constantly offering resistance to Lord’s guidance and instruction.
The Challenge of Conviction
- Neal Thurman
- 26 Sep 2021
It is easy to stand for a cause when the crowd stands with us. There is not much challenge in speaking our mind when those in power are in full agreement with what is being said. Little courage is needed to wave the banner of freedom when those who seek to decide who gets to be free are standing on our side. The challenge of conviction does not rise when those things we hold dear are the excepted norm of the masses. Conviction shows its colors when its precepts fall outside the accepted or proclaimed principles of the majority or perceived authority. The challenge of conviction is holding true when the consequences become significant and difficult. May we suggest that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were men of principle and conviction throughout their lives, but how do we know that those convictions ran deep in their faith to God? They chose to be thrown into a burning fiery furnace rather than bow down before the golden image as King Nebuchadnezzar had commanded, (Daniel 3:16-18). We draw similar conclusions about Daniel, who had diligently served King Darius with distinction as a governor. In fact, the scriptures tell us that Darius gave thought to putting Daniel over the whole realm, (Daniel 6:3). Yet, when Darius signed a decree criminalizing prayer to the One True God, Daniel’s conviction led him to open his windows toward Jerusalem and give thanks to God as he had done consistently since his early days (Daniel 6:10). Simon Peter allows us to see both sides of this coin in one individual. Peter boldly proclaimed how he would never be made to deny Jesus Christ, even if none of the other disciples stood with him and even if it cost him his life, (Matthew 26:33,35). This all sounds good. Maybe we have even heard Christians speak with such boldness when surrounded by other Christians. Yet when Jesus was taken by the mob, Peter follow from a far (Luke 22:54). He was recognized and questioned if he had been with Jesus and he denied knowing Jesus, even to the point of swearing an oath (Matthew 26:69-75). Later, we find this same Peter having changed from a man of strong words to a man of true conviction. For we find Peter, with John, being threatened by the Sanhedrin and commanded to stop preaching the name of Jesus, Peter and John said, “we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard,” Acts 4:20. This is the same man, but he now accepted the challenge of conviction. What about you and me? Will we wave the banner of freedom, even when they say we have no right? Will we boldly proclaim the name of Jesus, even when they tell us to “Sit down and shut up,” or they will throw us into the den of lions? Will we stand up on the word of God, even when they tell us to bow down to their gods or be thrown into the burning fiery furnace? It matters how we answer these questions. It is likely that our challenges to conviction will often be more subtle, but the challenge will be made nonetheless. The devil always has the bully as his servant to press us and make us afraid, but the Lamb that was slain and rose again has given us the complete power to say to the bully, “We will not bow down!”
Making The Sweet Nectar of Truth Available
- Neal Thurman
- 19 Sep 2021
For the last several years, Tracy and I have maintained hummingbird feeders for our diminutive feathered friends to enjoy as they make their way through our region in the summer months. We used to regularly have a good crowd of buzzing wings. We have enjoyed the their arial acrobatics, and we have laughed at their attempts to look big in order to intimidate their counterparts and lay claim to the individual feeders. Yet, the last few years have seen the crowds dwindled. In fact, last year we had almost no hummers at all. The last ten to twelve months have been a bit crazy and sometimes difficult for our family. So, I just did not have the motivation to keep fresh nectar in the hummingbird feeders. I did not even clean up the empty feeders and put them away. They just hung there like relics of a joyful time long passed and maybe forgotten. I know, it is not a pretty picture. Then something happened Thursday afternoon. After walking the dog, I was straightening up a few things in the den when a flash across the window caught my attention. It was a hummingbird. We have a string of colored lights hanging on the patio, and this tiny bird was moving along that string of lights touching each red bulb with its needle-like beak. I was moved with compassion and honestly shame. It was hungry and I had provided no nourishment. So, I rushed outside and gathered the hanging relics. I quickly washed them and mixed up the sweet nectar that I had seen swarmed in years past. As I rehung the feeders, a sense of satisfaction came over me and I audibly said, “At least that one will not go hungry.” I walked inside hoping the tiny seeker would return. Saturday morning, Tracy walked in the kitchen to start her coffee and then rushed back, calling me with a sense of urgency. She said, “You’ve got to come see this. There are 20 or 30 thirty hummingbirds flying all around the patio.” We were treated to breakfast with the hummingbirds both Saturday and Sunday morning. In the end, I fed one and many came. That sweet nectar will definitely be available until the hummers leave in autumn. I’m afraid that sometimes we fail to keep the sweetness of God’s truth available in our everyday lives. Maybe we just hang in our place but the nourishment of spiritual knowledge and grace has run dry. I know we preach the truth on Sunday and teach God’s word on Wednesday. But are we individual vessels of truth and righteous understanding? If someone is seeking the nectar of truth, can they find it when they come in contact with you or me? Or are we about as nourishing as a brightly colored lightbulb? What would a seeker of truth find in us? What will we do if we find them seeking? Many hummingbirds are being fed at my house because I noticed the one seeker. I still believe that there are seekers of truth who are wandering about trying whatever they can find, but I do not necessarily know how to find them. Let me challenge us all to open our eyes and be keenly award of those around us. Just maybe we can notice someone looking for truth in places where they can find none. If we see them, we need to spring into action. We need to make sure an effective source of truth is made readily available to them. You may think you are not prepared or able to offer that sustenance, but we all know someone who can. Ask that seeker if they would like to have their hunger for understanding filled. Then put the seeker in contact with a resource. We have people willing and able to share the truth with anyone who is willing to listen. We have people who will go wherever they need to go at whatever time is necessary to share the gospel with someone willing to listen. We have people aching for the opportunity share the Word that is able to save souls (James 1:21). We have the sweet nectar of God’s holy word! So let us make sure that we make it available in the receptacle that is you and me! Let’s make sure that one does not go hungry. Who knows, if we make ourselves available to one, maybe a hungry crowd will gather to share in the feast.
Standing Up For The Most Helpless
- Neal Thurman
- 12 Sep 2021
When speaking or writing for the church, I generally try to steer clear of what would be considered political issues. I do this in an effort to keep the vitriol of political animus out of discussions of faith and service. Yet, I fully recognize that stating a viewpoint on issues of morality, no matter how powerfully supported by scriptural evidence, can result in stirred political emotions. Though this is true, we cannot allow a desire for peaceful conversation to restrict considerations of truth. For in doing so, we would damage our peace with God. Many unsettling precepts are being propagated in our culture today and some are truly disturbing. From teaching certain school children that they should feel guilty based on the color of their skin to being vilified for even questioning an accepted or proclaimed conclusion to determining that truth or facts are not near as important as how something makes one feel, perhaps we could agree these are troubled times. Yet, in spite of all these things, an issue that should stir the thoughts of every moral person has come to the forefront as it has not in many years. A few states, with Texas in the lead, have taken up the effort to restrict the slaughter of the most helpless beings on the planet, unborn children. I do not care were you may stand on taxes, appropriate size of government, or entitlement programs. I do not care what you think of the current president or his predecessor. At this moment, I am not even concerned about how you feel about the constitution of the United States, except for our freedom to worship God without molestation from the government. But if you are a person who fears God and call yourself a Christian, you ought to be motivated, compelled, and willing to stand up for those who are most helpless. With all do respect, if you are not moved in this manner, maybe you take a deep, hard look at the person you are (2 Corinthians 13:5). For the first time in a longtime, we may have an opportunity to sway the laws and statutes of our land in favor of the unborn. Votes and support are powers we have been given to affect the way we are governed. We need to use whatever is available to protect the truly innocent. Consider what the law of Moses had to say: “If men fight, and hurt a woman with child, so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no harm follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly as the woman’s husband imposes on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. 23 But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. God’s law recognized the unborn child separate from the life or body of the mother. The psalmist David wrote, “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13) God said to Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you;” (Jeremiah 1:5). Mary, carrying the unborn Jesus, visited Zacharias and Elizabeth and the scripture says, “And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb;” (Luke 1:41). Elizabeth did not prompt the child (John) she carried to leap. He did that on his own. There are obviously many who proclaim that, “It is a woman’s body and no one has a right to tell her what to do with her own body.” Isn’t it interesting that only a few weeks after conception a heartbeat can be detected that is beating 50 to 70 more beats per minute than that of the mother. This would suggest that this heartbeat does not belong to her body. Along the process of development, movements will begin that are outside the control of the mother’s brain. Some of these movements may become quite uncomfortable to the mother, but she cannot cause or quiet them. This would suggest that these movement do not belong to her body. Previous to conception, a woman has every right to never allow a growing gift of God to take up residence in her body, but the fact that the tiny resident in dependent on her for existence does not give her the right to extinguish his existence. Because that body belongs to the baby, not the mother. Let us pray to God for His strength and might to help in this time of need. And let us do all that is within our power to stand up for the most helpless!
“I Must Be In The Front Row”
- Neal Thurman
- 5 Sep 2021
As a curious soul, I often spend time pondering over the “Why” of human behavior in a particular situation or circumstance. It is no secret that we are creatures of habit. So, the answer to “Why” is often, “This is what I always do.” Understanding then requires us to look back to the origin of the behavior or pattern for an explanation or reason for why we do or do not do… That explanation may offer insight into our mindset, our intentions, and sometimes maybe even our character. Many years ago, baseball personality Bob Uecker starred in a commercial where he was being removed from someone’s seat in a baseball stadium. As he was led away, he said to the other patrons, “I must be in the front row.” This was to imply that he was being elevated in importance. Just think, if money or availability were of no barrier, where would the baseball fan want to sit. If we use pricing as a standard, while eliminating luxury suites, the front row seats behind the batter must be the best. Courtside seats are the most expensive at basketball games. Football and soccer are a bit different because of a need for field of vision, but with most sporting events, being closer to the action is more expensive. The very front row of music concerts, plays, or musicals may not be the most desirable, but they will not be far behind. Image an event that you really wanted to attend and having a broad field of vision was not an issue and you can have any seat that you want, where would you sit? Of course, then we come to Sunday and everything changes. Once again, we are creatures of habit. We sit where we have always sat. While writing this, I realized that in four to the five congregations where I have preached, I have sat a few rows from the front with my left shoulder to the center aisle. The fifth building did not have a center aisle. So, I get it, but why is the front third of so many of our buildings empty? It must be like the “Splash Zone” at a Sea World. I’m sorry, I do not understand. I have been to general admission sporting events and shows where people push and shove and hop over barriers just to get to the best seats. They are quite rude, but they certainly show signs that they want to be at the event. Please do not misunderstand me. I am not trying to link row number with faithfulness in worship. I am simply asking why we do things the way we do. And I wonder if we have considered what our habits or intentions might be teaching our children. I do not have the answer, but I think we should maybe remember to ask the question. For we need to make sure that our babes, both physical and spiritual, see in us: I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1
The King Was Always Focused on His Kingdom
- David Sproule
- 29 Aug 2021
Do you know anyone who always talks about the same things in every conversation? It gives you clear insight into what is most important to that person. What would you say that Jesus talked about continually and was most important to Him? It is not hard to figure out. After Jesus was baptized, the Bible indicates that He went out working miracles and “preaching the gospel of the kingdom” (Matt. 4:23), telling the multitude, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent” (Luke 4:43). He talked to Nicodemus about the only entrance available into “the kingdom of God” (John 3:3-5). The Sermon on the Mount gave repeated attention to attitudes, conduct and conditions related to “the kingdom of heaven”; (Matt.5:3, 10, 19, 20; 6:10, 13, 33; 7:21). Jesus told parable after parable describing the nature of His coming kingdom (Matt. 13:1-52; 18:23-35; 20:1-16; 22:2-14; 25:1-30). He sent out the twelve apostles (Matt. 10:7; Luke 9:2) and the seventy disciples (Luke 10:9) to preach about the coming kingdom. Jesus told His followers that the kingdom was coming. From the early days of His ministry, He proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 4:17). He promised to “build” His church and to “give…the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 16:18-19). To further pinpoint the timing, Jesus announced that “there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom” (Matt. 16:28) and “see the kingdom of God present with power” (Mark 9:1). He went on to explain to His apostles that such would happen “in the city of Jerusalem” (Luke 24:49), “not many days from now” (Acts 1:5). When one reads through Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, he will read the word “kingdom” 127 times. That’s nearly one-and-a-half times in every chapter. Does that tell you how important the subject was to Jesus? Then, consider that Jesus spentDo you know anyone who always talks about the same things in every conversation? It gives you clear insight into what is most important to that person. What would you say that Jesus talked about continually and was most important to Him? It is not hard to figure out. After Jesus was baptized, the Bible indicates that He went out working miracles and “preaching the gospel of the kingdom” (Matt. 4:23), telling the multitude, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent” (Luke 4:43). He talked to Nicodemus about the only entrance available into “the kingdom of God” (John 3:3-5). The Sermon on the Mount gave repeated attention to attitudes, conduct and conditions related to “the kingdom of heaven”; (Matt.5:3, 10, 19, 20; 6:10, 13, 33; 7:21). Jesus told parable after parable describing the nature of His coming kingdom (Matt. 13:1-52; 18:23-35; 20:1-16; 22:2-14; 25:1-30). He sent out the twelve apostles (Matt. 10:7; Luke 9:2) and the seventy disciples (Luke 10:9) to preach about the coming kingdom. Jesus told His followers that the kingdom was coming. From the early days of His ministry, He proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 4:17). He promised to “build” His church and to “give…the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 16:18-19). To further pinpoint the timing, Jesus announced that “there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom” (Matt. 16:28) and “see the kingdom of God present with power” (Mark 9:1). He went on to explain to His apostles that such would happen “in the city of Jerusalem” (Luke 24:49), “not many days from now” (Acts 1:5). When one reads through Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, he will read the word “kingdom” 127 times. That’s nearly one-and-a-half times in every chapter. Does that tell you how important the subject was to Jesus? Then, consider that Jesus spent 40 days on the earth after His resurrection. These were His “last 40 days” to say whatever He wanted to say and to prepare His disciples for His departure. So, what did He spend 40 days talking to them about? “The things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). The kingdom was vitally important to Christ! It was His reason for coming! It was His reason for dying! That’s why His followers continued in the book of Acts to preach, reason and persuade “concerning the kingdom of God” (Acts 8:12; 19:8; 28:23-31). This begs the question: How important is the kingdom to us? Do we talk about it? Is it our reason for living?
Examine Yourselves
- Neal Thurman
- 22 Aug 2021
From time to time, we must endure certain types of physical examinations. Some of these are recommended to occur on a regular or scheduled basis, while others are performed only when believed necessary. The frequency of most, if not all, of these tests increases as we grow older. These examinations are meant to measure health and wellness of a body system, or expose current or potential future problems that may require treatment either immediately or not long in the future. Discovery of unmanifested issues is very important because early detection is often the key to effective or successful treatment. The purpose of this “Preventative Medicine” is meant to keep things under control and head off catastrophe. The helpful nature of these test or examinations does not change the fact that some of them are less than comfortable. Some test require physical exertion, while others demand foreign chemicals to be injected into our bodies. Many test require blood to be drawn, and others call for special medical devices that explore inside our bodies. It is not the sort of thing that we would line up for a holiday, but the results are helpful and often necessary. We understand all of this, but what about examinations that would look into the health and wellbeing of our spiritual lives? What are we doing to make sure that an unrevealed issue is not lurking in the spiritual shadows? Paul wrote: 5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. 6 But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified. (2 Corinthians 13:5-6) “Examine yourselves…” is a call to take an active approach toward testing our spiritual condition. Just as our bodies do not always reveal physical issues until they are serious, we can get very comfortable with our spiritual habits and loose sight of what may be lacking. From time to time, we need to examine what is flowing through our Christian lives. Is the uncontaminated life blood of God’s holy word coursing through our veins? There is not appropriate substitute for this life giving truth. We need to take a close look at how our faith responds when faced with a challenge. Is our faith able to exert itself when the pressure of a trial rises? Do we stand or capitulate when something foreign to the truth is endorsed by the majority around us? Sometimes, we need to probe our inner being to discovery what is really on the inside. Is our heart full of healthy love and mercy, or has bitterness, selfishness, and pride planted fertile seeds within us? Is there something brewing that, if left unchecked, will overwhelm the spiritual body? Understand that these examinations may not be comfortable. Sometimes it is quite painful to take a deep, honest look at our true self. Yet, this is vitally important to maintaining a healthy spirit. It is true that these test may reveal a need for further treatment, but isn’t that what we would want to do to be healthy? Let us aspire to truly examine ourselves because we dearly desire to be “in the faith!”
I Don’t Think...
- Neal Thurman
- 15 Aug 2021
The response of some people to teaching or preaching on matters of faith, service, or obedience is often quite interesting. The challenge for all of us who receive teaching or instruction is to open our minds to the accuracy, validity, and relevance of the message without corrupting the reception with the precepts of our previously held opinion or understanding. This is actually necessary for learning to take place. Yet, we can often be guilty of dismissing a message because it does not follow the pathway of our own thinking. Thus, messages that could provide valuable information are not even allowed an audience on the floor of our consideration. We simply dismiss it with a self-assured, “I don’t think…” or something of like measure. Yes, we each have a right to our opinion, but, as I heard it said, we do not have a right to our own facts. Our thinking, one way or the other, does not change the facts of the truth. For instance, traveling north out of New Summerfield on Hwy 110 a reduced speed limit of 55 extends well outside of what most would consider town. I do not know why it extends out so far. In fact, I don’t think it would hurt anything to drive 70 mph well before the small bridge that is where the current 70 mph zone begins. Yet, though my thinking has not changed, I drive 55 mph there because I have seen a lot of motorist having unintended conversations with a highway patrolman in this area. I’m just guessing, but the conversation is likely not lingering on, “Officer, I don’t think this lower speed zone should be here.” On a much more serious note, consider the actions of Peter and the response of Jesus in Matthew 16:21-23: 21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” 23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” Did Peter not just tell Jesus, “I don’t think you know what you are talking about. I don’t think you should go to Jerusalem,”? And Jesus called Peter an offense. I’m sure Peter was expressing his true opinion. But did Jesus really care about what Peter thought the Father’s plan ought to be? He did not say to Peter, “No My will, but your will be done.” Brethren, when it comes to matters of faith, we truly need to ask what God wants and follow that. We can think that God’s way is not the best way. We can think it really should not matter. We can think it is not necessary. But we would be much better off obeying the whole will of God. Because if our thinking is wrong, the consequences are eternally bad. I think I will obey God!
Challenge of Communication
- Neal Thurman
- 8 Aug 2021
One of the greatest abilities that we have been blessed with is our ability to communicate. We have the power to extend loving kindness as well as anger and disappointment. We can share compassion and impart knowledge. We can offer approval and encouragement as well as instruction and correction. Communication can be a great power, and it comes with great responsibility. We are to express the gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15), which is able to save souls (James 1:21). We are to effectively share the love of God that brings salvation (1 John 4:11), while also clearly warning the sinful of the danger of wickedness (Ezekiel 33:7-8). We need to assure the faithful that the Lord will give them a crown (2 Timothy 4:8), but also call them to maintain that faithfulness even in the face of death (Revelation 2:10). We are supposed to impart grace with our words (Ephesian 4:29) and cut hearts with our teaching (Acts 2:37). This is the real challenge of our spiritual communication. We must comfort and challenge in all that we do. There is not one of us, even the very best, that is truly righteous or good by our own means (Romans 3:10-12). Communicating this fact could leave us, especially the conscientious, with thoughts of hopelessness and discouragement. This is why it is so important to understand that though we are sinners (Romans 3:23) we are justified by His grace and our weaknesses are born by His righteousness (Romans 3:24-25). So all of our weaknesses and shortcomings will be covered by the glory of our Lord. Our faith should lead us to be comforted by the constant support of our Lord. Yet, as we find comfort in God’s wondrous grace, we must avoid the temptation of thinking that our eternity is set, regardless of our behavior and there are no expectations placed upon us. Though we may feel completely comfortable, we are not paying attention to what the Lord has said to us. The Lord, Himself, has stated clearly that two gates open to two different ways that lead to two different destinations (Matthew 7:13-14). He also said that entrance into the kingdom of heaven requires obedience to the will of the heavenly Father and performing other acts in the name of Jesus will not eliminate this necessity (Matthew 7:21-23). Let us therefore accept the challenge of using the great gift of communication to share the powerful message of Christ and celebrate the riches of God’s saving grace, while making sure to encourage all believers to be obedient to our God!
A Tale of Two Servants
- Neal Thurman
- 25 Jul 2021
In 2 Kings 5, we read the story of Naaman, a commander of the army of Syria. The scriptures tell of this man being a mighty man of valor, though he bore the scourge of leprosy. This story also includes a man of God, the prophet Elisha. We know how the story goes. The leprous commander sought healing of his dreaded disease. The great prophet simply sends the commander a message instructing him of what he must do to be cleansed. The manner and content of the message exasperated and angered the commander and he turned away. Yet with wise counsel, the commander eventually followed the instructions and was made clean. Naaman would return and offer Elisha a gift, but it was refused. These two men are the prominent characters in this narrative, but a couple of other men are mentioned. Each of these mighty men had servants. Gehazi was the servant of Elisha and Naaman had multiple servants with him. These servants have very differing images within this story. The servants of Naaman courageously acted on behalf of their master. The scriptures tell us that Naaman “turned and went away in a rage,” (2 Kings 5:12). This could not have been the most comfortable time to point out to the master that he was being foolish and was going to allow his pride to condemn him to a leper’s death. Yet, he servants delicately counseled Naaman to reconsider his rash actions of rejection. Except for care and consideration of their master, these servants had nothing personally to gain. They were simply acting on behalf of another. We are not told of the reaction of Naaman toward his servants, but they are namelessly acknowledged in the pages of holy writ for all of time. Gehazi, on the other hand, had a different goal in mind. He was not satisfied with his master not receiving the gift that the Syrian commander was more than willing to give, (2 Kings 5:20). He judged in his own mind that someone should be rewarded for the cleansing of this leper. He also decided that this someone may as well be himself. Gehazi was not thinking about using the gift to care for his master or some struggling individual. He was not thinking of making an offering or sacrifice to God. He was simply thinking of himself. Gehazi, of course, would end up receiving much more than he could ever have imagined when he chased after the Syrian’s chariot. When considering the service of our lives, we should always soberly consider, are we truly serving others or self?
Sometimes You Can’t Do Both
- Neal Thurman
- 18 Jul 2021
Interestingly, we traveled over 500 miles away from home only to find out that some of our camp family was only about 40 miles away us on a family vacation. I think Tracy already knew they were going to be there, but she always knows things before I do. All joking aside, Tracy had been in regular conversation with the matriarch of this family because of the serious decline in her mother’s health. She has been her mother’s primary caregiver for some time, taking on the lion-share of her mother’s needs, though she has four siblings. But, to put it bluntly, her mother was dying, with days rather than weeks to live. This lady, who is very precious to us and especially Tracy, was faced with a less-than-appealing choice to make. Send the three-generation family off on vacation without her and make sure to be present or close by when her godly mother draws her last. Or go on the family trip delighting the grandchildren and risk her mother passing while she is away. The reader is welcome to hold an opinion as to which is the proper decision to make, though each of us should be very cautious about passing judgment on anyone who might choose differently then ourselves. What cannot be chosen is doing both! Tracy, perhaps providentially, happened to be sitting and visiting with her friend and sister when word came that her faithful mother had be called home. As they walked and talked, our sister expressed how she had chosen poorly, but is that actually the case. I know vacations and family trips pale in comparison to life and death, but being a loving and supportive grandmother does not. Touching the lives of those who will live life tomorrow does not. And from what I know, her mother would have had her make the same choice. She had given her whole self to caring for a mother that would not ask for one more moment. Right? Proper? Best? You can be the judge, but be careful of any protruding planks (Matthew 7:3). The truth is, sometimes we have to make tough choices that are not about righteous vs evil, obedient vs sinful, or godly vs man-made doctrine. Acts 15:38 tells us that “Paul insisted” that John Mark would not be taken on the next missionary journey because he had left them in Pamphylia (Acts 13:13). This was not a slight disagreement. It was serious enough for Paul and Barnabas to separate and carry the Lord’s work to two different places (Acts 15:39-41). Which of the two great missionaries was right? Who made the proper call? Who did the best thing? I cannot say. We know Paul’s opinion of Mark changed (2 Timothy 4:11), but would Mark have been the man “useful” for Paul “for ministry” had he again served with the driven and zealous Paul rather than the gentle, encouraging Barnabas? Who is to say? One thing we do know, Paul could not both take Mark and not take Mark at the same time. A choice had to be made. I would suggest that this choice may not have been an easy one, but it had to be made. Paul did not sin against Mark. Nor did Barnabas sin against Paul. The choice was made and the work of the Lord went forward. Today, you may be faced with a choice or decision that offers no easy or clear option. First, make sure God can be pleased with your choice. Second, make the best choice that you can without the heavy weight of being concerned about the ungodly judgments of others. Then, live with the choice you have made to glory of God! Because sometimes you can’t do both.
Wrong Target
- Neal Thurman
- 11 Jul 2021
The scriptures clearly express warnings against seeking vengeance against those who wrong or hurt us. Romans 12:19 “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” Perhaps we wonder why we are halted in taking action that seems to be just, at least in our minds. First, we are told that these actions belong to God. Our God, who is perfectly just, having perfect knowledge of all things, the ultimate power to render judgment upon any and all who reject Him, and all authority to execute His own will, is better equipped to take proper vengeance than we could ever be. Second, seeking vengeance is in opposition to the instructions that we are given by our Lord and Master. “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,” (Matthew 5:44). Third, we would give that person a reason to despise or reject the Lord and His church because we, as representatives, have harmed them. We certainly have not brought them closer to God by answering their evil with evil (Romans 12:17). These truths alone should be quite sufficient to discourage us from seeking vengeance, but may we offer one more reason that may get overlooked. Since we are not perfect beings, with perfect justice and complete knowledge, we often hit the wrong target or at least more targets than we intended. Whether we take action toward the wrong person or our actions expand beyond the intended range, the wrong people get hurt. Consider the actions of Esau in Genesis 28:8-9 “Also Esau saw that the daughters of Canaan did not please his father Isaac. 9 So Esau went to Ishmael and took Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife in addition to the wives he had.” We all know that Esau had be wronged by his brother who, along with their mother, had taken advantage of their father’s blindness to steal away the blessing that rightfully belonged to Esau. Since Esau could not follow his plan to kill Jacob, he takes action that hurts or at least displeased his father. Isaac bore no guilt in the trickery of Jacob, but that is who Esau hurt. I wonder if this reality ever haunted him later. This is something that can happen to us. We are hurt and our natural reaction is to lash out and hurt someone, but often times the wrong target get hit. They are hurt and later we feel the guilt of hurting an innocent person. So now, we have been hurt by the original wrong, which is then compounded by the guilt of committing a wrong ourselves. Doesn’t this leave us in great shape? The answer, follow the guidelines of the scriptures. Do good to all (Galatians 6:10), even those who wrong us (Luke 6:27-28), and leave all vengeance to our perfectly equipped God.
Rescuing the Stranded
- Neal Thurman
- 4 Jul 2021
Recently, Tracy and I went on a bit of an adventure with purpose. Our brethren found themselves in a difficult circumstance. They were a long way from home and little bit of everything started to fall apart. One of those things was a total breakdown of their vehicle. Other circumstances kept them from being able to fly home. The fun of their trip had run out. The opportunity for adventure begins and so did the interesting circumstance on our end. Things did not go just right at home. So, we got off later than intend. The van developed a vibration in the front end. We stopped to have it checked with a need to hurry because of the long drive ahead. We went to three different places and learned that we could wait three, four, or five hours respectfully. By happenstance or maybe providence a technician from the last place walked by as I was examining and asked if I had I problem. I explain the vibration, he looked at the right front tire and said, “That tread is separated. It is going to blow out anytime.” So, we mounted the spare (after we found the hidden tools). The problem was solved, but we lost valuable time. Further along the journey, we had issues at two different restaurants where we stopped for lunch. We ended up spending almost an hour and did not get anything to eat. We continued on thinking, “It’s just one of those days.” It wasn’t done either. The heavens opened and it seemed that all the rain in sky was falling on us. The wind arose and buffeted the side of the van. It was all sorts of fun. A few hours later, a wreck backup the interstate for a few miles. It gave us time to take in our surroundings. We finally reached our destination. We had successfully turned a nine hour trip into twelve and half hours, but we made it. As we picked up our stranded brethren, I pondered over the anecdotal nature of the previous days trip. This led me to consider how similar this could be to attempting to rescue a brother who is stranded spiritually. There may be difficulties along the way. The devil, himself, will place stumbling blocks in our way. He simply wants us to give up, and when frustrations pile on top of one another, that exactly how we can feel. But we must not give in to temptation. We must reach our destination and give our brother the opportunity to let us take him home. Perhaps this is why Paul said in regard to one overtaken in a trespass, “...you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness…” (Galatians 6:1). Paul knew that a genuinely, spiritual person would not only reach out in gentleness but they would make sure not to defeated by frustration or the temptation to give up. Our ability to stay focused on the task and keep pressing on has a lot to do with our attitude. If we give frustrations too much weight, they will overpower us. If we stay focus on the destination, we can overcome the obstacles. We the need the attitude of the apostles, (1 Corinthians 4:12-13) “Being reviled, we bless, being persecuted, we endure, being defamed, we entreat.” People like that will embrace the challenge of the rescue mission. People like that will not be held back or defeated. People like that will see the bumps in the road as part of the adventure of a life well lived. So, if those you love are stranded, just go get them!
Expectation for Ability
- Neal Thurman
- 27 Jun 2021
Earlier this week, Tracy was working on some things for coming school year and I started asking “Why” questions about a particular principle that she was working on. Because that is who I am. Though it may be hard for you to imagine, I had an opinion and willingly shared said opinion. The more we talked the more I became frustrated with the official stance of our educational system. We seem to be doing a lot things backward and upside down. Honestly, I’m becoming concerned that this way of thinking is finding its way into our spiritual lives and thinking. We are all familiar with the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. Jesus speaks of a man distributing talents (large measure of money) to his servants according to each servant’s ability (Matthew 25:15). We know how two of the servants used the money and doubled their lord’s wealth, while the other buried his in the ground. I have become persuaded that if this story was controlled by our culture and education system, the servants would only be allowed to use one talent to do business ,because that is the only fair thing to do since the one-talent man only had one to use. Then when the two faithful servants doubled the money they were allowed to use, the five-talent man, who now has six, would be required to give two talents to the one-talent man, who has done nothing but bury his talent, so the one-talent man can feel good about himself and have as much or almost as much as everyone else. And big bonus, the lord will now be happy with everyone except the five-talent man who now has less than he was given. Before you shake you head, laugh, or think I have lost my mind, recognize that the 80-20 rule is present in many of our congregations across the brotherhood. In some places, 80-20 may be very generous. Brethren, some of us are burying what God has given us, while expecting the work of the church to get done without a hitch. Such brethren are fully expecting the Lord to be pleased with the work of the church, which includes He being pleased with them as nonparticipating participants. Unfortunately for these folks, our Lord does not work that way. First, the scriptures tell us, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” Luke 12:48 And, “it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.” 2 Corinthians 8:12. So, with ability and opportunity come like expectations. Second, we will face the Lord to be judged for the life we have lived in the flesh, individually, (2 Corinthians 5:10). The Lord will not be pleased with one who does nothing because he did not have what others have. In the parable, the “wicked and lazy” one-talent man was cast “into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:30 So our Lord has expectations based on individual ability, and will reward accordingly.
Exciting and Frightening
- Neal Thurman
- 20 Jun 2021
Here we are only a few days until Fathers Day, and my son is at the hospital supporting his wife and awaiting the birth of his first child. I am sure this is very exciting for him. He is going to be a dad! He will become the most important man in a little girls life. And she will make him more than what he was before. In fact, she will change his life in ways that he has yet to even imagine. The birth of a child is a blessing from God. Psalm 127:3-5 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. 5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them… Of course, this is the way we should always think about them. God has blessed us with life, with a future. Children take a part of us and carry it forward, while also carry the image of God. Furthermore, God has placed this precious gift into our care. What an exciting prospect! Yet, I suspect that my son is having some other feelings as well. The idea of bringing a child into this world and being responsible for her care and well being is really quite daunting. This little precious being will be completely helpless to care for herself. Though she will run the show for some time, she will be completely dependent on others for her survival. Her very existence will be in the hands of her parents. Unfortunately, she will not come with an instruction manual. No matter what my son is told by his mother, myself, or any other parent, he will have to learn his lessons by experience. It will all be new. It is really quite frightening when we stop to think about it. Yes, God has given a precious gift to parents, but He has expectations about her care, teaching and training. Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up…” Today, a major change will take place for my firstborn son. Though he has had responsibilities to his parents and family, and though he has a covenant relationship to nurture with his wife, today he will become truly responsible for life of another human being. It is exciting! And it is frightening! It is what it means to be a godly father! Happy Fathers Day!
Embracing Instruction or Skirting the Edge
- Neal Thurman
- 13 Jun 2021
Psalm 40:8 I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart. Psalm 112:1 Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments. Psalm 119;11,16,35,47,92 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. 16 I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word...35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it... 47 And I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love...92 Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction... 143 Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, Yet Your commandments are my delights... 174 I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and Your law is my delight. Jeremiah 15:16 Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts. Each year at church camp I am reminded that some people are always going press the edges of whatever rules are put in place. Rules are often established for our safety and protection, as well as, protecting those around us from our actions. The camp setting is primarily filled with kids who do what they are asked to do without complaint, but there are always a few, they just have to skirt the edge. I am afraid that far too many Christians in the real world are this way about God commandments (rules). These do not willfully yield their will as bondservants of Jesus Christ our Lord and Master. They begin to measure which commands the Lord is willing to have disobeyed. We find them offering self-justified statements like “I don’t think God would really send someone to hell for…” If asked about the authority for such a conclusion, we hear things like, “It just makes sense,” or “Everybody agrees with that.” Just imagine standing before Almighty God, the Creator of all things, in judgment and explaining to Him why your way made more sense than His way or that you got together with friends and decided to change His commandments. I am not sure that this is going to go well. These ideas seem to be very different from what the biblical writers had to say about the laws, commands, or rules of God. The inspired writers speak of delighting in God’s law. They consumed it to make it a part of themselves. They embrace spiritual instruction that is able to save their soul, (James 1:21). They love God’s commandments! A rule-skirting camper who steps over the line may end up cleaning a restroom or picking up trash. Those who step over the line established by God could very well be facing eternal consequences. So, please do not be a rule skirter. Rather, be the child of God that embraces, consumes, and delights in His commandments!
Removing Contacts
- Neal Thurman
- 30 May 2021
One day last week, while looking for someone’s number in my phone, I noticed that I had a lot of numbers for contacts that I no longer use. I considered just leaving the whole list intact because it really was not hurting anything, but then I decided to update the list and remove those which I would never use again. The first group to be removed was the easiest to identify, but were not necessarily the easiest to remove. These were family members, brethren, and friends who had either passed away or have been constricted to living facilities where they do not have personal phone lines. It was rather emotional removing these contacts, many of which were enhanced by photographs. Yet, their phone numbers being saved in my phone did not bring me any closer to communicating with them. Thankfully, most of these were folks whose deaths were precious in sight of God, (Psalm 116:15). The second group took much less thought and consideration. These were business contacts away from the church that I no longer have a reason to use. These were football officials and administrators that I communicated with while I was officiating, but were not the guys that I built relationships with. These just needed to be identified away from the others and removed. The third group that was brought into consideration for removal was most definitely the most challenging. These are family members and brethren who for reasons of choice by one of us, we do not have a current active relationship. These have wondered away from the church. A few are those who have pulled away from me because of a stance I have taken on a moral or spiritual issue that they are not willing to tolerate. Or I have removed myself from their lives based on what Paul has to say about not keeping “companying with one named brother” who persist in sinful behavior, (1Corinthians 5:11). I really struggled with these names. I have carry some of these numbers around for several years without ever dialing them or seeing their name on caller ID. Some of these names caused my heart to ache and stirred quieted memories of difficult conversations and angry looks. A few of them brought great feelings of sorrow and filled my eyes with tears. I set the phone down and bowed my head in prayer, seeking greater understanding. At “Amen”, I reached over and closed my contact list. I do not need the space, and who knows maybe someday instead of, what would appear to be, a random number that person’s name will appear on my phone. And just maybe they will be looking for someone to help them get home. And perhaps I will rejoice that my brother who was dead will be alive again and my brother who was lost will be found, (Luke 15:21). I think I will just keep them on the list.
Appropriate, But Uncomfortable Measures
- Neal Thurman
- 16 May 2021
I have always found Joshua 7 to be a very sobering text. Within its verses we can find the sinful actions of one person can have severe impact on the lives of others who were in no way connected to the sin, (Joshua 7:4-5). We can also learn of how serious the consequences of defying the commands of God can be, (Joshua 7:24-25). For our purposes, we want to focus on a statement of God found in Joshua 7:13, “Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, because thus says the Lord God of Israel: “There is an accursed thing in your midst, O Israel; you cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the accursed thing from among you.” The sin of Achan had not only caused the death of his brethren, and was not only going to cost the lives of his family; but his sin had rendered Israel weak and defenseless. As long as the remanent of Achan’s sin was in the camp, God would not go before them. Imagine the magnitude of a sinful deed that crippled a nation. Now consider the actions that would be to be taken in order to relieve this situation. It would be reasonable to consider that this is going to get uncomfortable. There is no, “If I offended anyone, I’m sorry.” There is no, “I don’t think it’s a big deal.” There is not even room for, “We will just put it behind us and move on.” No, God said that until Israel removed the accursed thing they could not stand against their enemy. We have all know someone who has been forced to deal with losing a part of the body in order to be healthy by means of removing a cancer. We ache for those who must make such unappealing choices, but we recognize the necessity. They cannot simply move ahead and pretend everything is okay. They must rid themselves of the accursed thing. It is interesting that within three verses Jesus says twice, “I tell you, no; but unless you repeat, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3,5) Unless you turn away from sin, unless you rid yourself of the sin that has separated you from God, (Isaiah 59:1-2), you will die in your sin, which is to be eternally lost. Joshua faced the uncomfortable circumstance of troubling Achan (Joshua 7:25). I would strongly suggest that this was less than appealing to Joshua, but it was necessary to purify the people. Brethren, if there is lingering sin in your life, if will have a similar impact. It will hurt others that did not participate in the action. Ultimately, the consequence for you and perhaps those you loved will be severe. And until you get rid of it, your journey to the promised land will always be hindered. So today, do what has to be done to be right with God!
What We Can, When We Can
- Neal Thurman
- 2 May 2021
Life is filled with situations and circumstances that are beyond our control to affect. These can leave us feeling helpless and drawing the conclusion that our efforts were and are a waste of time and energy. Yet, let us consider the worth of doing good regardless of the circumstance. Is there value in trying to affect a situation in a positive way but then turns out to be beyond our ability or reach? Does the effort mean anything or should we just throw our hands up and yield to our limitations? Brethren, doing good always has value! Regardless of the outcome, doing good is good. Things may not always go the way we expected or desired them to go. In fact, sometimes when we set out with the intention of doing good, the opportunity to help, serve, comfort, or edify is no longer available. Please, do not think of this effort as a waste. The Apostle Paul was thankful for the loving care of the Philippian brethren who wanted to help him. He wrote, “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.” (Philippians 4:10) The fact that they tried to help mattered to Paul. Their efforts may not have alleviated Paul’s immediate physical needs, but Paul lets us know that their care did encourage him. Paul also gives us a strong statement about this truth when serving God. 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” We all know that sometimes working for the Lord does not result in the earthly goals that we desire. Paul instructed Timothy to “Preach the word!” (2 Timothy 4:2). Obviously, the goal we have when obeying this command is for people to obey the gospel and save their own souls. Yet, in that same passage of Paul’s letter to Timothy, he warned his young protégé, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine...and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables,” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). The truth of some folks’ hardheartedness was never to diminish the value of preaching the truth of God’s word that is able to save the soul, (James 1:21). The point is, we can only do what we can do, when we can do it. Lamenting over what we cannot do or opportunities we do not have does not profit anyone. So, let us commit to do what we can when the opportunities present themselves. Then let us praise the Lord for these opportunities, and pray without doubt that He can and will take care of all the rest!
Go Ahead and Do It Now
- Neal Thurman
- 25 Apr 2021
I mowed our lawn last Tuesday and surprisingly the grass was very dry and the soil was very dusty. I felt like I was mowing in July because I moved along in a cloud of dust. As I completed the backyard, I concluded that there was not enough daylight left to do all of the weed-eating, so I decided to complete the job on Thursday evening. As I moved to store the lawn mower, I noticed that I had left a four foot swath of dust, clippings, and debris on the driveway. I could have engaged the blades and ran the mower down the driveway and have cleared most of the debris. But I didn’t. I could have used the blower to effectively clear the whole driveway (my wife would suggest such for the front walkway as well). But I didn’t. I could have used the push broom and quickly removed at least the larger pieces of debris. But I didn’t. Rather, I concluded that I would just mess it up again by weed-eating on Thursday, so of course, I waited to clean it then. I was glad to have a plan. Does anyone remember what happened on Thursday? Yes, it rained! And then it rained some more. But did it wash the driveway clear of the mess I left behind? No. The rain turned my path of dust and debris into chunky mud that sticks to shoes and little dog feet. Now I have a real mess, and without question it is all my fault! I wonder how many of us make similar mistakes in our spiritual lives by means of procrastination or neglect. I am not talking about neglecting sin in our lives. That is an entirely different lesson. The original mess on my driveway was not bad in and of itself, the job just needed to be finished. In like manner, we sometimes leave things undone or incomplete, and this opens the door for evil to come into our lives. We build a house in Christ that provides us with the warmth of righteousness and shields us from the bitter cold of evil, but we fail to install a door that can be closed to keep out the devil. The opening itself is not the enemy, but it provides him a means of entrance. We look at the open doorway and think, “I have plenty of time to install a door later. It will be fine for now.” But is this what the scriptures teach? James 4:13-14 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Therefore brethren, let us sweep up the dust while it is dry and easy to move. And let us finish the construction of our house built on the rock, so we can close it to the evil that will come. Remember, that it is much easier to finish the job than to remove muck and mire from our lives, later!
Together Without Fear
- Neal Thurman
- 18 Apr 2021
I recently had a conversation with Brother Robert Johnson, minster of the Longview church of Christ, about our worship gatherings and Bible classes. He was curious about what sister congregation were doing about various efforts to spread the gospel and edify the brethren in midst of our current COVID-19 situation. He said, “I’m tired of us walking around in fear of our own brethren.” I had to respond, “Amen to that!” Yet, what do we do? Do we have any example of how we ought to proceed? I am not referring to anything in regard to the governing bodies that rule over us in our land, (Romans 13:1-5). I am talking about how we ought to proceed with one another. Brother Dalton showed me an article intitled “Early Christians and the Plague” from “Action!” magazine May, 2020, Vol. 84:3. I thought it was something we should all consider in light of our own circumstance. Early Christians and the Plague The church historian Eusebius (A.D. 260-340) relayed a report by Dionysius (A.D. 200-265), a bishop of Alexandria, saying in part: Most of our brethren showed love and loyalty in not sparing themselves while helping one another, tending to the sick with no thought of danger and gladly departing this life with them after becoming infected with their disease. Many who nursed others to health died themselves. The best of our own brothers lost their lives in this way—some presbyters, deacons, and layman—a form of death based on strong faith and piety that seems in every way equal to martyrdom. All things are filled with tears, all are mourning, and on account of the multitudes already dead and still dying, groans are daily heard throughout the city...There is not a house in which there is not one dead…[Despite afflictions] we [Christians] rejoiced in the peace of Christ which He gave to us alone...Most of our brethren by their exceeding great love and affection, not sparing themselves and adhering to one another, were constantly superintending the sick, ministering to their wants without fear and cessation, and healing them in Christ. I do not wish to offer anyone advise about what they should do in regard to COVID or any other health concern. That is their personal business and should be shaped by medical professionals. Yet, I do want to remind us of the responsibilities that we have toward one another in Christ in spite of sickness or danger. Evidently, these early day Christians were significantly more interested in caring for their brethren than they were for looking out for themselves. Though our current environment is quite different from that of the Third Century, the principle of caring for our brethren is very much the same!
I Don’t Want To Hear It
- Neal Thurman
- 11 Apr 2021
Sometimes in life, we have to be told things that we really do not want to hear. It is basically inevitable. These things can cover the expanse of life from a mother telling us that it is time to go to bed all the way to a doctor delivering information that reveals the truth of our mortality. These things can be news that saddens our hearts because of the deterioration of health whether physical or spiritual. Some news can make us angry or agitated and call us to action. This is especially true when we learn that those we being are being harmed, mistreated, or threatened. Still other information may cause us to feel ashamed or remorseful. This is when we have acted or spoken in the wrong manner and someone has told us the truth. Obviously, other things we do not want to hear could be added to these, but consider these few and think of how we should respond to what we do not want to hear. When sad news comes of a loved ones health or circumstances we are often helpless to remedy or alleviate what ever is causing the situation. At this point, we should concentrate on comfort, support, and prayer. We must remember to “weep with those who weep,” (Romans 12:15), and that “the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much,” (James 5:16). This will not stop the heart from aching, but it is the most effective thing we can do in such a situation. For the news that makes us angry, we must consider why the news makes us angry and what appropriate action is to be taken. We must remember that even when strong action is called for, we are still bound by the principle of “be angry, and sin not,” (Ephesians 4:26). The wrong, even sinful, deeds of others do NOT give us a license to sin in response. When the unwanted words of another make us ashamed of ourselves, we must fight the urge to start defending our actions. Of course the manner of the one delivering the message can go a long way toward acceptance. Yet, if honest words lovingly offered make us feel remorseful, we need to be moved with godly sorrow that will lead to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). It will not be comfortable. In fact, hearing the truth may hurt a lot, but at least then we can do something productive about it. This is much better than wondering around with a guilty conscience, hoping no one ever learns the truth. Sometimes the things we do not want to hear are exactly the things we need to hear. Especially when our souls are in danger of being lost. We need to see it is a blessing to receive what we do not want to hear.
Whose Savior Is He?
- Neal Thurman
- 4 Apr 2021
Even with all of the teaching and talk regarding Jesus Christ, many people still to have a lack of understanding regarding our Lord and Savior. Part of that misunderstanding can come from even saying that He is our Savior. Whose Savior is He? Some view Him as the Savior of the world and thus everyone in the world is saved by Him. Of course, some do not believe in Jesus at all, so they believe He is the Savior of no one. Others believe that there are certain limitations or qualifications for those who would be saved by Jesus. They consider such in varying degrees. Fortunately, we do not have to trust in what folks may believe. We can go to the God-breathed word to determine the answer to this important question. This writing will certainly not be exhaustive of scriptural teaching, but hopefully it will offer some foundational principles. Let’s begin with a very common passage. “ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 In this passage that leads many to think everyone is saved, Jesus says, “whoever believes…” From the very onset, we find a qualification for a person being saved. Those that believe have everlasting life, so what do those have who do not believe? Not everlasting life. Paul writes in Ephesians 5:23 “For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.” If we carry Paul’s analogy forward, a husband is not the head of all women, but rather his own wife that he is to love as Christ loved the church, (Ephesians 5:25). In comparison, Paul says that Christ “is the Savior of the body.” This does a few things for our discussion. It again eliminates the idea of all the world, and it gives us parameters for understanding who is to be saved by Jesus. What is this body for which Jesus will be the Savior? Once again, let us allow the Bible to give the answer. Ephesians 1:22-23 “...and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body...” Colossians 1:18 “And He is the head of the body, the church…” Paul tells both the Ephesian and Colossian Christians that the body is the church and the church is the body. So if we simply accept what the Bible says, Jesus is the Savior of those in His body, which is His church. One more, Hebrews 5:9 “He became the author of eternal salvation (Savior) to all who obey Him…” The Hebrews writer offers another distinction of those for whom Jesus is Savior. All through the New Testament, we are told that obedience to Christ and the Father is the mark of love. Jesus said in John 14:23 “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” Paul then states about those who do not obey, “ in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (2 Thessalonians 1:8). That does not sound like Jesus will be their Savior. Would you agree with me that the Bible says that Jesus is the Savior of those who believe in Him, who are in His church, and who obey Him? I believe this is what the Word of God teaches. But who can believe, be in the church, and obey Him? Penitent sinners. “For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Matthew 9:13) “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28).
Obedient, Courageous, Wise, & Honest
- Neal Thurman
- 28 Mar 2021
What could we surmise about the prophet Nathan if all we had to read was 2 Samuel 12. We know that the previous chapter is full of King David wallowing in a pit of wickedness. Then verse 1 tells us, “Then the Lord sent Nathan to David. And he came to him…” (2 Samuel 12:1). First, we can observe that Nathan is obedient to God. The Father told Nathan to go, so he went. We know through the scriptures that obedience to God is loving God, (1 John 5:3). Thus, we can conclude from his actions that Nathan was a man who loved God. Second, Nathan knew, evidently by miraculous means, that David had initiated the murder of Uriah in an effort to cover up his own wickedness. Nathan knew what evil the king was capable of committing. He also knew the power the king possessed over the lives of others. Yet, Nathan went to David with a message of rebuke from God, Himself. The willingness of this act testifies to the courage of the prophet. Of course, we could conclude that Nathan feared God more than he feared David. This would be a valid argument, but it does not diminish the courage of carring words of rebuke to a man with the power of death lingering on but the words of his mouth. Nathan was courageous. This is fitting of a man of God when we consider what God said to Joshua, (Joshua 1:7,9) and Paul exhortation to the saints in Corinth, (1 Corinthians 16:13). Third, going to David, Nathan did not barge into the king’s hall and pronounce him a sinner in need of repentance. No, Nathan used a story and allowed David to see the depth of wickedness, be moved by compassion for the victim, and become highly motivated to set these things right (2 Samuel 12:1-6). Nathan was wise to see that David needed to come to the understanding of the vileness of such action on his own. Nathan’s wisdom allowed David to convict himself of sin. Nathan moved David from being sorry the situation did go as he had hoped into godly sorrow that would produce repentance within him, (2 Corinthians 7:10). Finally, when it came time to deliver the core of God’s message, Nathan was clear and blatantly honest, (2 Samuel 12:7-12). Nathan did not beat around-the-bush with his words in an effort to sooth David’s feelings or even protect himself. He had allowed David to conclude what should be done and then he delivered the irrefutable truth about the matter. Nathan’s honesty prompted David to either act out of righteousness and repent, or continue in sin and face the wrath of God. Nathan’s honesty left little room for indecision. What an epitaph if it could be said of us, “He was obedient, courageous, wise, and honest.” Well done!
Would You Climb A Tree?
- Neal Thurman
- 14 Mar 2021
What would you do to see Jesus? If Jesus Christ set out of a world wide tour making stops in all major cities, what would you do in order to get a glimpse of Him as He passed through your region? Would you be willing to pay the ticket price of a championship game or the hottest Broadway musical? Would you show up hours early to get a good place on the route as for a major parade? Would you climb a tree just so you see over the crowd? Luke 19:1-4 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. If Jesus came to town, what would you be will to do to personally meet Him or shake His hand? Would stand in line for hours like is done for the newest amusement park ride? Would you camp out in the parking lot of the venue just to assure yourself a ticket like has been done for the most popular of music concerts? Would you endure the physical abuse necessary to push your way through the crowd? Would you cut a hole in the roof just to get to Jesus? Mark 2:3-4 Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. 4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. Most of us would agree to do any or all of these things if it meant getting to see or be with Jesus Christ. We would agree to take extraordinary measures in order to see Him in person. The questions actually start when we ask what we are willing to do to praise and obey Him. Will you adjust the schedule of your life events the day before worshipping God in order to be rested so you can present the Lord the best of yourself? Will you wake up or prepare early enough to arrive at the Lord’s worship ready offer Him the sacrifice of praise and the fruit of your lips (Hebrews 13:15) from the very beginning? Will you leave the world and all of its distraction outside as you joyfully enter the house of the Lord (Psalm 122:1)? Will you set your mind on the things above (Colossians 3:1-2) and examine yourself to communion with the Lord in His supper.
Who or What Controls Your Life?
- Neal Thurman
- 7 Mar 2021
Who or what controls your life? Many will be quick to say that they control their own life and do not need anyone telling them how to live. Of course, this should not be the answer of a Christian. Remember what Paul had to say about Jesus, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) This answer is also errant for the nonbeliever. Though these people are so sure that they do what they want when they want, the truth is they are often greatly influenced by others, whether positively or negatively. It is true that Eve chose to pluck the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge, but why did she even think about doing so, (Genesis 3:4-7)? Why did King Saul want kill his most faithful servant? Was it not because David was too popular or appreciated too much among the people, (1 Samuel 18:5-11)? Why did the mighty Samson reveal the stipulation of his remarkable strength? Was it not the weeping and moaning of a conniving harlot who enticed him for her own profit (Judges 16:4-20)? Why did rulers in the synagogue refuse to confess Jesus even after they believed in him? The scripture tell us that “they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God,” (John 12:43). Why did those around Paul forsake him at his first defense? Was it not for fear of their own well being (2 Timothy 4:16)? Perhaps all to these folks would have thought they were just making their own decisions, which to an extent is true. Yet, when we take a deeper look, we find that they have yielded their free will to the control of someone or something else. The same can be said of those like Joseph, Joshua, and Daniel who made choices of righteousness. These also yielded their free will to the will of another. Paul asked, “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16) Paul suggest that we will yield our will to someone. He makes it clear that our actions, good or evil, are the result of being influenced by wickedness or righteousness. So, all of us who think we are free thinkers, uninfluenced by anything on anyone other than our own will, need to take heed and recognize that we are someone’s servant. Our one true, personal choice is who will we serve. This choice we all need to make with soberness of mind and conviction of heart. Because this choice will determine the quality of this life and the one to come.
Don’t Fight The Help
- Neal Thurman
- 28 Feb 2021
Last week’s weather certainly led to some interesting challenges, but it also led some us into interesting opportunities. While walking the dog last Tuesday, Tracy and I noticed a truck that had slid off of our street and looked to be stuck. We first thought the truck had been abandoned because the motor was not running and it was a about 9º. I approached the truck and peered into the ice-covered window and to my surprise, there quietly sat an older gentleman with his arms crossed across his chest. He opened his door and I asked him if he would like me to try and pull him back on the road. He agreed to my proposition, and I headed off to get the truck. I hooked up the two trucks and told the old gentleman that I would pull him up to the top of the hill so he could get going again. He shook his head. After noticing he had not, I returned to suggest he start his truck so we could move together. I first tried to ease up the hill as to not jerk the old fellow. That did nothing. So, I backed up and got a little momentum on the second try. We hit harder, but I just threw snow and ice all over the place. The third try had me sliding sideways and headed for the same mud he was in. We had only moved about a foot and a half. I got out to evaluate the situation and a woman, evidently a relative, had appeared. She said, “I don’t think he has it in drive. His tires aren’t spinning.” She opened his door and to give firm instruction. She then said with what seem like exasperation, “You’ve still got the emergency brake on! No wonder!” After repositioning our truck, we pulled the old fellow and his truck to the top of the hill without much drama. They both expressed much gratitude for our assistance. I was more than happy to help, but being in Park with the E-brake engaged sure did make helping a whole lot tougher. It was not his intention, but he was fighting against my help. I am afraid many of us have the same problem in our spiritual lives. We loose our grip on the path of righteousness and slide off in the ditch of despair and helplessness, while being stricken by the bite of sin. A brother or sister recognizes our situation and has the means and will to draw us back on the path. We say we want help, but then we dig our heals into our new found surroundings and fight against every effort to move us. I believe it is safe to say that the folks of Jerusalem wanted a messiah, a deliverer, a savior. But the Messiah, Deliverer, Savior said as He wept over their city, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37). Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” (1 Corinthians 3:2-3). It would certainly be best if we would stay out of the ditch. It would be better to stay on the pathway and walk in that light that is from above (1 John 1:7). But reality shows that at least some of us will not be so fortunate. Thus, we will likely need a little help from time to time to get back to where we are supposed to be. So, let me plead with you brethren, don’t fight the help! When the loving help comes, release the brake and put your spiritual life in gear. Then you can see success and you just might lift up your helper, too.
Seeking A Real Answer
- Neal Thurman
- 14 Feb 2021
Like many others in our culture, I regularly greet people with a “How are you doing?” or “How ya doin’?” to be more accurate. It is unfortunate that we have taken what should actually be an important question and turned it into casual greeting that really means nothing. We generally are not truly asking “How are you doing?” because we are concerned about your well being or your countenance. In fact, many of us really do not want to hear about how you are actually doing. For example, I remember a set of twins that were a year behind me in college. They were really smart, but let’s say they were rather eccentric in their manner. One day, as the twins passed by our table in the cafeteria, a friend said to me, “What ever you do, do not ask them how they are doing because they will stop and tell you in great detail.” I laughed then, but now I am not sure that it is such a laughing matter. Why do we ask a question that we do not wish to have answered, honestly? Of course, we have adapted to the habit of these empty questions by supplying answers that are just as empty. “Fine.” “Good.” “Livin’ a dream.” These answers are about as revealing as the question is caring. Before anyone gets defensive, I do recognize that some folks ask the question “How are you doing?” with a sincere desire to know the answer. This is especially true around the church. Yet, does this not actually unveil part of the problem with our cultural norm. You ask me, “How are you doing?” with a genuine concern for my well being, but before I take the time and energy to decipher your tone and body language, I blurt out “Fine,” regardless of how I am actually feeling. You have asked a question seeking a real answer, but I have misread this as a cordial greeting and have given an accepted response that moves things along without added drama. Can we see the problem? Brethren, I do not pretend to think that noting these problems are going to change a cultural norm. I do not even know if I get myself to stop doing it. That is not the reason for this writing. Rather, I want to encourage us to start seeking real answers about the well being of one another. We need to start wondering and caring about how our brethren are really doing physically, emotionally, and especially spiritually. We need to be asking the right questions with hearts that desire to know the real answer. I was soundly humbled when I spoke with one of our sweet ladies who told me how she regularly asked her family members, “How are you doing, spiritually?” Wow! I was shaken by the fact that I had not asked my brother, sister, cousin, or friend such a probing, direct, and awesome question, especially with the intent of receiving an answer. But I should have. We often speak about our need for compassion and a desire to act on that compassion when someone is in need, but how are supposed to do that if we never ask questions that are seeking real answers. We cannot simply know the heart of a brother like Jesus did, but we can ask him a real question and wait hoping for a real answer. So beloved, I want to commit my best effort to you to only ask you, “How are you doing?” when I am seeking a real answer, which I am gladly willing to hear. I would like you to think about doing the same for me.
Why Did He Do It?
- Neal Thurman
- 7 Feb 2021
Mark 6:30-44 provides us with the story of Jesus feeding the multitude of 5,000. While we should be amazed at the miraculous power that allowed such a great number to be fed to the point of satisfaction with five loaves of bread and two fish, have we ever stopped to ask, “Why did He do it?” This is a monumental tasks. Just imagine how much food would be necessary to adequately feed 5,000 people. His disciples certainly understood the dilemma. Look at what they said to Jesus when the day was growing late. When the day was now far spent, His disciples came to Him and said, “This is a deserted place, and already the hour is late. 36 Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy themselves bread; for they have nothing to eat.” 37 But He answered and said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?” Mark 6:35-37. Perhaps the simplest reason that Jesus fed all of these people is because He could. He is God and He has power that far exceeds the limitations of this physical world. So, He used this power to meet the presented need. Throughout the scriptures, we, as children of God, are called to do what we can. The Father does not expect us to do that which is beyond our abilities, but He does expect us to use whatever He has blessed us with to its full extent. The most powerful reason for His action is wrapped up in the compassion He felt for the people. Mark 6:34 tells us that Jesus “was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd.” He saw their great need for a shepherd, so He began to teach them. Matthew 14:14 tells us that He healed their sick. He first gave them what they needed most, which was His teaching; but He also met their physical needs by healing their sick and giving them food to eat. He cared for them. They did not understand just how much He cared or what He was willing to do for them, but we can know that His care and compassion was a strong motivating factor for why He served them in this miraculous feast. In so doing, He leaves us an example about how compassion should move us to service. We also must not forget that these actions also provide evidence to His true identity and position. He is the Son of God and He is to be Lord of our lives. Of course, the Apostle John tells us, “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:30-31 The 5,000 quenched appetites and the twelve baskets of remaining food stand in testament to truth of the Son of God. That’s why!
Not In A Vacuum
- Neal Thurman
- 31 Jan 2021
Perhaps we have all heard a person say something to the affect, “It’s my life and I can live it how ever I want.” Of course, there are several fronts on which disagreement to this statement could be offered, especially if we allow God into the discussion. This writing will only focus on the fact that none of us live in a vacuum, so our actions, particularly our foolishness, has an impact on others folks. This impact can be devastating. An event last weekend started me thinking this way. About 8:30 last Saturday evening, I was driving out of Whitehouse when I notice a couple of kids, dressed in dark clothing, walking across the darkened four-lane street. I commented to Tracy about the wisdom of walking around on the road at night in dark cloths. At that moment, I glanced back toward the middle of the street as my headlights illuminated two more kids, also in dark clothing, sitting on the yellow line between the opposing lanes. One child, he could not have much more than 12, smiled and waved at me as we passed by. My heart raced as I thought, “If I had been in the other lane, I could have ran over and killed those kids!” I recognize that this act of utter stupidity probably started with a dare or braggadocious statement, but they could have been killed and my life could have been shaken forever. Having done nothing wrong, I could have been cursed with perceived guilt for a lifetime. I’m sure they thought this was thrilling and funny, but they must not have given any thought to what their foolishness could do to someone else. In some ways, we can do these same things spiritually. Our foolishness toward God and the condition of our spirit can cause great harm to others, particularly those who love us the most. I know a man who once served as an elder whose educationally brilliant daughter went away to a very prestigious university and achieved impressive advanced degrees in scientific research and then declared to her parents that she now knew far too much to believe in God. I do not know that this is the reason that the father is not an elder today, but I do know he was devasted by his daughters rejection of God. I would guess that he spent many sleepless nights considering what he could have done differently to save his little girl. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 11:28 of his “deep concern for all the churches.” He wrote in Philippians 3:16, “holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” The great apostle was concerned that those he had taught might return to sin. When a person chooses to again become entangled in the world of sin, those who taught and trained them can become very discouraged and at times maybe even start to question their own faith and conviction. This is because consciences people often take responsibility for failure even when it is not their own. What are you doing to or for the loving parents who bought you up in the Lord or the supportive teachers who taught you the truth? Are you leaving them searching their hearts for what they might have done different so that you would have remained faithful? If so, shame on you! You do not live in a vacuum and your foolishness can hurt those who love you gravely. So, stand up and fly right! Get yourself out of the middle of the street where you can be seriously maimed or killed! Get back to doing what you know and have been taught to be right with God. For in so doing, you will lift up those folks who have loved you and taught you. Rather than dragging them down into doubt and despair, you will lift them up with the joy of the Lord!
Not Only In Death
- Neal Thurman
- 24 Jan 2021
Each time I officiate the funeral services for one of God’s faithful saints, I reflect on the privilege of sharing a life lived in faith with those who have gathered in honor of a life well lived. I almost always learn something new about the one who has fallen asleep and I hope to I present their life in a manner that encourages family, friends, and loved ones to follow in the footsteps of the faithful. In this way, the Lord’s faithful servants continue to proclaim His glorious truth even beyond the grave. I have stated often that we ought to strive with all of our ability to make the job of the preacher officiating our funeral an easy task. Having been that preacher when this was the case and that preacher when it was not, I will continue to make that plea. This is not even to mention the comfort that comes to those who love us most when they can trust in our heavenly abode for eternity. My thoughts on this matter remain firm, yet I had a few extended thoughts as I prepared some memorial thoughts this week. It is perhaps the same call, but what about the things that people would say of us while we are yet alive? What will people say of us when there are no mourners whose feelings need to be soothed? What will friends and co-workers say when there is no feeling guilt for speaking ill of the dead? We all know that sometimes funeral words are chosen very carefully to only offer the most pleasant view of a person’s life. Perhaps you, as I have, have found yourself considering whether you inadvertently entered the wrong funeral service because you are unfamiliar with the person that the preacher is describing. Of course, the flattering words of a funeral are often very much true, but what would be said of us in life rather than in death? Is it not amazing to our thoughts that when Daniel’s enemies wanted to tear him down they concluded, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” (Daniel 6:5) What must that life look like, when those driven by envy and hate can only find that a child of God can only be guilty if faithfulness to God was made illegal. What a standard it would be to how even an enemy or opponent describe us as righteous or godly. My point with all this brethren is to encourage us to live in such way that we do not need to wait for the flattering words of a funeral, but rather to motivate those we encounter to have such thoughts and words of us in life and not only in death.
Remember What Is Promised
- Neal Thurman
- 17 Jan 2021
Hebrews 13:5 tells us, ‘For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”’ This promise should give us hope for today and tomorrow, even in the most difficult of times. This is because God our Father always keeps His promises, and He always provides a way of escape that allows for the salvation of our souls regardless of our surroundings or circumstances (1 Corinthians 10:13). We need to trust in these truths (Proverbs 3:5) even when we do not understand everything that is happening. God has promised us life! Some, maybe most, of us have allowed ourselves to conclude that this means God will make sure that everything is right and fair around us. This is not what has been promised in scripture. In fact, Jesus warned His apostles that the world would actually hate them (John 15:18-19). Jesus warned that the saints of Smyrna were about to be troubled and thrown into prison (Revelation 2:10) and called for them to be faithful unto death. Jesus promised a crown, but did not remove the affliction. The Lord recognized that the saints in Pergamos dwelt “where Satan’s throne is,” (Revelation 2:13). They were commended for holding fast to the Lord’s name, but were told to repent for compromising with false doctrine. Jesus made no promises for fixing the environment in which these Christians lived. We have enjoyed the foundational principles of freedom in our great land for many generations. The greatest stone in this freedom foundation is the right of speech and expression. Included within this principle pillar is the freedom of religious expression. For generations, we have lauded our nation for protecting these precious freedoms, and we have lamented the fact that many around the world do not enjoy such freedoms. It is no secret that the stability of our cultural norms today is not what it once was. For the first time in my life, I am hearing or reading about people or groups who are being told or shown that their thoughts and words are not welcome in the public conversation, so it will be remove from consideration. I admit that it is frightening and unsettling to consider freedom of speech becoming free to speak when in agreement with the prescribed way of thinking. It does not take a wild imagination to theorize that those of us seeking to serve God faithfully will be negatively impacted by this shift, hopefully not significantly. Yet, brethren, we must remember that the Father did not promise us nations full of freedom. He did not promise us protection under the law of the land. He has certainly not promised us sympathetic leadership. Still, our call to faithfulness and godliness remains the same. There may be bumpy roads ahead, but do not despair. Remember what we have been promised. He will never forsake His faithful. His Son is continuing to cleanse our sins (1John 1:7), and one day He will come to call us home (1Thessalonians 4:16-17). If we remember what we have been promised, this may indeed be our hour to shine. Even the smallest light shines brightest in true darkness. Do not despair. Do not sulk or mourn. And do not meet the vitriol of those who oppose our Lord with similar disdain. But rather, be kind and gentle. Be uplifting and compassionate. Be loving because we have a promised future!
Striving Together
- Neal Thurman
- 10 Jan 2021
Acts 4:32-35 paints a beautiful word image of brethren truly striving together. 32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common...34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them...and they distributed to each as anyone had need. These brethren were absolutely bound together. They were not only cooperating, they were looking out for one another’s needs. This requires a sacrifice of self-interest for the advancement of the whole. Perhaps these Christians understood that life for them individually would be enhanced when they worked together to make life better collectively. This, of course, is not the natural way of thinking for most of mankind. We are much more likely to think about personal reward and individual advancement. This is the old, “Gotta look out for #1” philosophy of life. This often leads to a very narcissistic lifestyle that views most, if not all, circumstances or efforts in the light of the direct benefits or affect to self. Unfortunately, this can also lead to a sense of paranoia about someone else receiving what one has expected for self. Consider what happens to King Saul in 1 Samuel 18. David, who had killed the giant of Gath, served Saul faithfully. “So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely.” (1 Samuel 18:5) Yet, as David returns from victory over the Philistines, women sing: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” (1 Samuel 18:7) This evidently threatened Saul’s self-image because David was being exalted higher. But who was David serving when he was slaying his ten thousands? Yes, Saul! Saul was being benefited by the labors and success of David, but he evidently was not satisfied with the level of credit he was receiving or not receiving. Because ‘he said, “I will pin David to the wall!”’ (1 Samuel 18:11) Following this event, Saul will expend significant time, energy, and resources attempting to hunt down and kill his faithful servant who had neither spoken a word or taken any action against the king. Ultimately, David’s offense was being too successful performing the tasks that King Saul had given him to do. Brethren, if we set out to do the Lord’s work while having a self-center attitude, we are in danger of being confused like Saul. So, let us strive together for the benefit of all those who love the Lord. In the end, we will each be richly blessed!