Martin the Cobbler

In perhaps his best book, The Shoemaker's Gift, Leo Tolstoy tells of an elderly shoemaker Martin, believing that God has forsaken him after the loss of his family and that he has little to live for. Martin finds new inspiration when a clergyman leaves behind a Bible. His explorations of Bible stories shine a new light in the darkest corners of his heart.

In the book he asks "But how is one to live for God?" The old man answered: "How one may live for God has been shown us by Christ. Can you read? Then buy the Gospels, and read them: there you will see how God would have you live. You have it all there." These words sank deep into Martin's heart, and that same day he went and bought himself a Testament in large print, and began to read.
He came to  Matthew 7:24-27.  He tried his own life by the standard of those words, asking himself:
"Is my house built on the rock, or on sand?

He read Luke 7:44 and thought: "He gave no water for his feet, gave no kiss, his head with oil he did not anoint?" And Martin took off his spectacles once more, laid them on his book, and pondered.
"He must have been like me, that Pharisee. He too thought only of himself ? how to get a cup of tea, how to keep warm and comfortable; never a thought of his guest. He took care of himself, but for his guest he cared nothing at all. Yet who was the guest? The Lord himself! If he came to me, should I behave like that?"

One night Martin then hears the voice of the Lord say to him that he will come and be his guest tomorrow. Martin is expectant to see the Lord throughout the next day but at the end of the day he has not come. But the people that Martin interacts with throughout his day were those that God had sent his way. When I was hungered, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in." "In so much as ye did it to the least of my brethren  you did it to me."

And Martin understood that his dream had come true; and that the Savior had really come to him that day, and he had welcomed him. He who had repaired the soles of shoes, had his own soul repaired that day.
What great lessons we can learn from this story... and we all have a story to tell each day in the situations that we are given.

You can listen to the audio dramatization of this story presented by the Focus on the Family Radio Theater:

http://media.focusonthefamily.com/fotf/mp3/fof_daily_broadcast/ffd_2012/4_oct_nov_dec/ffd_20121224.mp3

God Became Man

Here is an interesting story from Jon Courson:

Imagine that God takes you on a guided tour of the cosmos, and He says, "Look at that planet over there."
And you say, "Hey, that's... " and you zoom in closer. "Wow, a planet that's totally inhabited by dogs.
"No, no. Look closer." And so you look closer. You zoom in a little tighter and you see that that planet, is inhabited by dogs. The dogs all have their fangs bared. Saliva is running down their mouth. They're bloody, and devouring, and fighting constantly, crazily, wild eyes flaming from within them you see.
"Oh Lord, that's terrible. What's the deal?"
"The whole planet", He says to you, "has been infected with rabies."
"Oh Father, wow, that's sad. Wipe them out."
"Well", He says, "you see, I really love those dogs."
"You do?"
"I really do."
"Well, okay. Help them out."
"I want to. I've got medicine for them that will totally and completely heal them."
"Well, give it to them Father!"
"Therein lies the problem", He says to you. "You see, I'm so big and awesome, and holy, and powerful, that they don't even acknowledge me. The only way that I can really speak to them and make this medicine available for them is if I send somebody to live among them and become just like them. That's why I brought you here.
"Let me get this straight," you say. "Those dogs that are sick and bloodied and fighting and devouring each other, you care about? And You have a medicine to help them?"
"Uh- huh."
"And You can't really connect with them because You're so awesome and big?"
"Right."
"And somebody's got to become like them to relate to them and share with them?"
"Uh-huh."
"And that's why You brought me here?"
"Yeah. I want you to become a dog."
"Wow."
"And not just any kind of dog. We're talking Chihuahua."
"You mean, You want me to become a Chihuahua?"
"That's right. Humble and meek, and the lowly of mind. And there's something else. When you talk to them, they're not going to listen to you. In fact, most of them are going to be viscously antagonistic toward you. In fact, they're going to sink their fangs into you and rip you apart and wipe you out."
"I'm going to become a Chihuahua, and tell these dogs that You have medicine for them, that You care about them, but they're going to turn on me. They're going to sink their fangs into me, they're going to shred me... "
"Yes."
"They're going to kill me."
"Yes."
"But, but,... but after that, I will resurrect you from the dead."
"Whew."
"But it's not that simple. You see, you will then be a resurrected, glorified Chihuahua - - forever. You will be resurrected and glorified, but you will remain a dog throughout eternity."

That's what happened to our Lord, our leader, our love, our hero, our king, our friend. Except that - the step Jesus Christ took down, to become like us; to dwell with us and die for us and remain like us, (for He still is totally human. A hundred percent God, yes, but a hundred percent man. He's locked into His humanity). The step that He took down to become like you and me, is a step far, far more radical than if you became a Chihuahua. I can't help then, but say "Lord, what can I do for You? In light of what You did for me, what can I do for You?" That's why Paul said, "It's the love of Christ that compels us,  because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died."

I'm sure it will take an eternity to grasp just how much he loves us and what it cost Him to purchase us.

Audrey Assad- Winter Snow

The Kinsman Redeemer

The book of Ruth is a classic love story of loyalty and devotion, yet it also contains some surprising insights that go far beyond the historical narrative itself.

One of the principal characters is Naomi, a Bethlehemite, who migrates with her husband and two sons to distant Moab because of a famine. The two sons take Moabite women for wives. During the ten years that follow, Naomi's husband and both her two sons pass away, leaving her destitute.

Upon hearing that things have turned for the better in her native Bethlehem, Naomi decides to return home. She encourages the two young girls to make new lives for themselves among their own people.

However, Ruth refuses, insisting upon remaining with Naomi, declaring one of the most famous commitments in the Scriptures:

Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. Ruth 1:16, 17

Upon returning to Bethlehem, Ruth encounters the hero of the tale, the land owner, Boaz. To follow the plot, one must understand the Law of Redemption. In ancient Israel, land wasn't sold as we are used to. Since God was the real landowner, Israel was simply a tenant under conditions of obedience. When land was "sold," the buyer received only the use of the land, not clear title. There were conditions under which a kinsman of the seller could "redeem" the land back to the original family.

The scroll mentioned in Revelation Chapter 5 was written "within and on the backside," which identifies it as a deed subject to redemption. A Kinsman of Adam, in His role as a Kinsman-redeemer, Jesus will take final possession of what He already purchased with His blood as the sacrificial Lamb. He not only purchased the land; he also purchased a Bride. The Kinsman Redeemer needed to be qualified to fulfill the deed and be willing to fulfill it. Christ was qualified because he came to earth as a man and lived a sinless life. Also he was willing to take on our sin and shame, as he subjecting his will to His Father.

In the Book of Ruth, Naomi is viewed by scholars as a type of Israel, exiled from her land; Boaz is her kinsman, who performs the redemption of the land; and Ruth (a Gentile) is also purchased for a wife. It is interesting that Ruth is introduced to Boaz through an unnamed servant (functioning as the Holy Spirit). The Church, as the Gentile "Bride of Christ," is introduced to the ultimate Kinsman-redeemer by the Holy Spirit also. Boaz is not only the "lord of the harvest," he saves the day by performing the role of a  "Kinsman- Redeemer." In Hebrew tradition, a Kinsman Redeemer was a qualified relative, someone who could step into a situation, and assist with restoring property, financial security, and future inheritance.

Boaz and Ruth marry and have a child, ensuring the continuation of the Davidic line. God works through the actions of a widow, a foreigner, and a wealthy farmer to bring about the birth of the grandfather of King David, which ultimately leads to the birth of Jesus.

It is interesting that the field of Boaz is near where the shepherds received the annoucement of Christ's birth. Caves where shepherds “kept watch over their flock” still abound in the area east of Bethlehem. The angel’s good news was not given to the noble or pious, but to workers of low reputation. Jewish literature ranked “shepherds” among the most despised occupations of the time — but Christ was to identify himself with this occupation when he called himself “the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11).

How can we be a Kinsman Redeemer to those in need around us?

1. Notice others. Take a look around you. Who do you see lagging behind?  Someone who has fallen on hard times?

2. Clothe with Comfort & Kindness. Sometimes a big hug or a listening ear is all that one needs. Clothing others with kindness means that we are investing in their desires and care about them.

3. Give. Go out of your way to give. When Boaz noticed Ruth, first he showed compassion to her by listening to her needs. He made sure she was protected by instructing his workers to look after her by giving extra food. Boaz wanted to make sure that no further harm would come to her.  


With the passing of jazz legend Dave Brubeck, here is a musical selection from his last album with his quartet, made 7 years ago at age 84. The other video following is an interview with Dave on World War 2 reflections when he served his country.

Personal Training

 
So another Thanksgiving has come and gone and we are left with fond memories... and excess pounds. Should we feel guilty about this or make a plan to discipline ourselves in matters of physical fitness?

I Timothy 4:8 – “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

Paul writes to Timothy pastoring a church in Ephesus. Ephesus is located across from the Aegean Sea next to Greece – a country that worshiped the body at the expense of the spirit. Paul is trying to help Timothy understand and teach proper priorities in one’s life. So, he says in verse 7, “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” The word “discipline” also means train. In verse 8, Paul says physical exercise has its value as well as the pursuit of spiritual fitness. Paul encourages both types of training to take place, but that godliness should always have a higher priority. Paul challenges us to “run the Christian race” and commit ourselves as an athlete – ultimately that our entire life may glorify God. We are using something that is of some value (sports and recreation) to pursue something of greater value (godliness) as we run for “the crown that will last forever.”

Studies have shown that exercise gives us physical and mental concentration, stronger muscles and bones, helps us sleep better, reduces fatigue, depression, and anxiety, fights heart disease, and generally gives a longer, healthier life.

Jason David Frank, who famously fought villains in his white metallic armor as Tommy the Power Ranger, encourages physical fitness through his martial arts clothing line "Jesus Didn’t Tap".  Frank says, “Jesus is the only one that truly didn’t tap. They say, ‘Oh, he was nailed to the cross so he couldn’t tap.’ Well, you can verbally tap, you can verbally cry, ‘I quit! I give up!’ That’s not what he did. He got crucified for all our sins.”

Let's make exercise a priority – it has some value! It is not a waste of time - it is an investment into your life – your quality of life. Pray and ask God to help you – even if you just start a few times a week to get moving for even just 15 minutes. And then live your life passionately for God – with energy!


Jason David Frank video on Fit TV:

Faith in Action

 By faith, George Mueller overcame huge obstacles and established many orphanages throughout England that fed and housed thousands of orphans. Mr. Mueller believed that faith rested upon the Word of God. He said, “When sight ceases, then faith has a chance to work.” As long as there was any possibility of human success, he felt that faith could accomplish nothing. His motto was “God is able to do this; I cannot.”

These kinds of choices are called faith choices or non-feeling choices. They are choices to believe and trust in God (regardless of how we feel) in the midst of huge obstacles. Faith choices are simply saying, “not my will but Thine,” just like Jesus did in Matthew 26:39.

We must take our eyes off the temporal situations and focus on God’s eternal plan. That’s our hope! That’s our destiny! And that’s our future! Not the temporal things of today. He created us, He called us, and He has instilled that ultimate purpose in our hearts. And the only way it will be realized is when we, by faith, align ourselves with His plan.
 
'I cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers…that ye may know what is the hope of His calling…what is the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of His power towards us who believe'…
— Ephesians 1:16–19

As we pursue lives of faith, we can easy be overwhelmed with all the needs that we see around us, leaving us paralyzed feeling unable to act. Ambassador Tony P. Hall,  had this experience when in India. He had the opportunity to meet Mother Teresa and as they were walking through the streets of Calcutta she stopped to care for people along the side of the road. Tony said to her, “What can I possibly do to help end hunger around the world?  I can’t even help the hungry people on this street!”  After a few minutes she said, “Tony, you just need to do the thing that’s in front of you.  No more, no less.”


Orrin Evans - Faith In Action

 

Transhumanism - The Brave New World

The twenty-first century has  already given us a rapid growth in knowledge, and will continue to be stranger than we can imagine, especially in the areas of science and technology. What was once considered science fiction will soon become science fact. In recent years, the concepts of intelligent machines and computers manipulating a person’s mind have become popular through movies such as Short Circuit, The Matrix, and Star Trek Nemesis which proclaimed that "to be human is to seek self-enhancement."

Widely noticed publications, such as the NSF/DOC-sponsored report “Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance” and the final report of the President’s Council on Bioethics, “Beyond Therapy: Biotechnology and the Pursuit of Happiness,” have given close attention to human enhancement through technology.

Bio-technology’s popular uses shows a long list, among them weight loss, hair growth, birth control, teeth straightening, and sex selection of children. Transhumanism takes human enhancement even further, by changing the vision of a perfect man into a human-machine complex properly called “posthuman.” This is an effort to break every human limitation and redefine personhood. Nick Bostrom, Oxford philosophy professor and co-founder of the World Transhumanism Association, writes that posthumans will realize eternal youth and health, gain complete control over their minds and emotions, and “experience novel states of consciousness” that present human minds cannot imagine. Post-humans may even choose to discard their bodies in favor of life as “information patterns on vast super fast computer networks, or transferring their mind into another body to extend their life. This raises questions that the church needs to consider over will this new "person" have a soul and will they have the ability to receive Christ as their Savior?

As the Bible says in Genesis 11:6, "...now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do."  How long will it be before His patience is once again exhausted?
Some of the more bizarre terrors in the Book of Revelation seem less strange as we peer into the emerging world of biotechnology.  The "iron mixed with miry clay" in the image of the final world empire portrayed in Nebuchadnezzar's dream of Daniel 2 has also puzzled scholars for centuries. "And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay." - Daniel 2:43
To "mingle themselves with seed of men," they have to be something other than the seed of men.  What can they be?  Are they hybrids produced by cloning?  Are they Nephilim produced by fallen angels? (The Restrainer of 2 Thessalonians 2 may be restraining far more than we have any idea.)
It is time to diligently do our homework; the days are getting stranger with every bizarre breakthrough and our time is getting shorter.  There is no priority in our life more urgent than our spiritual preparation.  None of these things is unanticipated in God's plan for you and me.  And there is no way to be ready for what's coming unless you know your Bible...and unless you have a personal relationship with its Author!

The transformation Christians should be seeking is not the physical or psychological enhancement found in science, reason, or technology, but rather the trans-forming work found only in God’s supernatural work through His Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). Romans 12:2 says:
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2
Christians need to be aware of Transhumanism and its various forms, but they need not concern themselves with seeking something they cannot and should not attain—autonomous perfection in a utopian world society. Man’s salvation is found only in the perfect and complete atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and his promise of eternal life, as a free gift, to those who believe in him (Romans 3:23-26; Ephesians 2:8-9).

So where does this leave us in regard to the morality of this? The technology per se is not immoral any more than the Internet or television is immoral. It is Man’s use of it and his motivation that is at issue. However, if we attempt to thwart God’s power for our own personal gain, then the use of genetic engineering cannot be condoned. Also, for whatever reason, if the use of the technology is for eugenic purposes or to create biological weapons, it is clearly immoral.

As Christians, we must be the “Watchmen on the Wall” in regard to the use of this technology. We should question—loudly—technology and techniques that might lead to hasty or untested results. We need to provide a moral compass to assure that the results of genetic engineering do not degrade the integrity of Man nor make a mockery of God’s creation.

Singer/songwriter Sara Groves speaks on bio-ethics:

The Artist's Heart - Part 2

This week we will discuss the artist and emotions. We are made to be emotional beings. However, we are not to be haunted by the "dark side" of our emotions but free to live emotionally healthy, instead of unstable, slaves to untrustworthy feelings.
Jesus said "Blessed are those that mourn for they shall be comforted". King David, who was also a poet and songwriter, was an emotional guy. Would David feel at home in your church today or would he see your church as a place only for those who have "arrived"?

To help in managing emotions here are some helpful tips:

1. Be proactive about pursuing truth. (Phil. 4:8). Speak the truth to yourself and others, as David did in Psalm 51:8. The next time you catch yourself overreacting or assuming the worst of a situation, ask your self if you are basing your reaction on truth or speculation.

2. Be proactive on worshiping God. Make a commitment to regularly set aside time to worship God.
John Piper writes,"Worship must engage your emotions and worship must engage your thought. Truth without emotion produces dead orthodoxy and a church full of unspiritual fighters. Emotion without truth produces empty frenzy and cultivates flaky people who reject the discipline of rigorous thought. True worship comes from people who are deeply emotional and who love deep and sound doctrine."
C.S. Lewis called worship "inner health made audible".
Also, worship music can refresh and restore you as well as reading the Psalms.

3. Seek God's will. In the garden, Jesus knew the cross was before him, and the battle within that He was fighting.  His date with the cross was growing closer and closer, and His human emotions began come out. He became deeply troubled and distressed. He told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death." -Mark 14:32-34. Can you even imagine the thoughts and emotions that must have been going through His mind?  Jesus felt the fear, but He did not allow His emotions to stand in the way of God's will and God's way.

Personal Action Steps:

1. Make a commitment to read a Psalm a day and journal about what you read.
2. Make a commitment to listen to worship music this week during the time that you would normally watch TV.
3. Habakkuk 3:17-18 was written in a farming society. Rewrite this in your own words using your own work profession.

Recommended book:

Warrior Poets of the 21st Century by Robin Mark
http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Poets-21st-Century-Robin/dp/1932307788