NOTHING BUT LEAVES...

During the week between the "triumphant entry" into Jerusalem and His crucifixion, Jesus never stopped teaching.  He taught me a lesson this week from the Scripture in Mark 11:12-26, where He placed a curse on a fig tree.

I must admit that, after having read this same passage scores of times in my life, my perception has almost always been the same.  Understandably, since Jesus was hungry (verse 12), He would want to satisfy that natural feeling by having a few figs for His early morning breakfast.  In the distance ahead, He saw a fig tree already in leaf and "went to find out if it had any fruit" (verse 13a).

It always puzzled me, however, that He looked for figs although "it wasn't the season for figs" (verse 13b).  Jesus well knew it wasn't the time for harvesting figs, both, because fig trees were very common in His homeland, and, because He made fig trees to begin with (John 1:1-3).  Why, then, did Jesus hope to find figs on the tree to eat?

In my yard I have several fig trees that are between three to twelve years old.  We have a long growing season here in the southeastern United States.  Naturally, those trees have started the "leafing" process this year.  Over the years I have observed that, occasionally, on one or two of the trees a fig or two may start early growth and ripen by the time the leaves have filled out.  Therefore, Jesus may very well have expected to find a fig to eat.

In addition to finding something to eat, it is a normal thing to expect, at this point of early Spring growth, several tiny figs will have appeared already.  A healthy fig tree will start showing the prospects of fruit early on.  There are still figs in my freezer from last year's picking.  By now, if there aren't any tiny figs appearing on my trees, I don't need to expect any harvest this year.

But, what about my lesson?  Actually, this full passage of Scripture has a long list that will do me for many years to come.  Some of those are

• By their fruit you will know them  (See Matthew 7:15-21)  Jesus wasn't looking for grapes on the fig tree.
• His house is to be a house of prayer, not a habitat for profit or show (verse 17).
• Faith in God to answer us when we pray (verses 22-24).
• Forgiveness from us to others (verse 25).
• Forgiveness from God to us (verses 25-26).

Again, what about my lesson this week?  In the latter part of verse 13, Mark wrote, "When He reached it (the fig tree), He found nothing but leaves..."  May God help me!  This is why Jesus cursed the fig tree with these words, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again."  Jesus was teaching His disciples, "and His disciples heard Him say it." (verse 14b).

It was "the chief priests and the teachers of the law" (verse 17) that Jesus spoke about, but it was to the disciples that He taught.

• Don't make "just a show of being fruit bearers."  Nothing but leaves..
• Do something for God.  Even a few figs would have satisfied His hunger.  (verse 12).  Offer your lunch like the lad with the "loaves and fishes" in John 6:1-15.

May my prayer today sincerely not be, "I thank You that I am not like 'the chief priests and the teachers of the law' "  (See Luke 18:11)  May my prayer be, "Lord, let me feed someone today with the "fruit of the Spirit"  (Galatians 5:22-23).  May I be more than a showing of leaves with no fruit.

Join me today in praying that we bear fruit for Jesus' sake.  Join me in witnessing to the lost about a saving Savior.  Join me in sharing His wonderful love and grace--not just this week, but for a lifetime.

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A LIFETIME OF SHARING

Growing up in my family made for a lifetime of sharing.  Several factors were involved that made this, not only a possibility, but an absolute necessity.  However, there was never any resentment toward each other. There was no "having to share."  We just did and, frankly, discovered we were happy when we did.

Some of those factors were

• There were 10 children, nine of whom were boys.
• The time frame was between 1930 and the mid-1950s.
• Close parental (and sibling) supervision, and
• Active participation in church.

I grant you that this was a different era with different life styles.  Nevertheless, may I quickly affirm that, just because there are social changes in customs and morality, Christian (and Biblical) values do not change.  Nor should our teaching and expectations.  Regardless of how the world around us tries to apply unchristian attitudes and actions on us, we should never "conform to the pattern of this world" (Romans 12:2a-NIV).

Let me explain briefly how those factors named above helped our family with sharing.  They worked individually as well as jointly.  The time frame (30's to 50's) was a period of economic depression, with war time shortages, but also with family awareness.  Large families in rural areas were the norm.  We were fortunate to have mostly one gender which made "hand-me-downs" simpler.  (Most parents seem to agree that it is easier to clothe boys than girls.)

Sharing in play time, sleeping arrangements, chores and eating were all affected by each of the factors listed. For example, the younger boys were always thrilled to be with "the big boys"--wearing what they used to wear, playing the games they enjoyed playing and, in general, doing whatever they did.  "The big boys" had the honor of choices.  The little ones were allowed to do what "the big boys" did.  "The big boys" had the experience and were looked up to.  So, in actual experience, sharing helped both to get what they wanted (needed).

Another example is in the active participation in church.  We received the spiritual education we needed  along with practice.  Then, when we were at home, we were closely supervised by our parents (or older, responsible siblings) to keep us accountable.

Don't misunderstand.  We weren't perfect.  Far from it.  We made our allotment of mistakes (and were duly corrected).  My point is this:  SHARING IS IMPORTANT IN OUR LIVES.  However, it is not automatic.  We were all born with a self-centered nature.  Only teaching and training in godly morals and principles from God's Word along with the transformation of the heart by the Holy Spirit will help us develop a lifetime of sharing as Christians.

There are many forms and avenues that may be taken in order to share as Christians.  This venue, in one posting, is not capable of enumerating them all.  But, at the very least, it should be grasped by each of us who are Christ followers that 

• We ought to share the gospel message when, where and with whom we have the opportunity (Matthew 28:18-20).
• We ought to share the gospel message by whatever means we have available (that does not detract from the message.)  (Ephesians 5:16)

A blog such as this is simply another way to share the gospel message.  In fact, if it does not accomplish that, then I pray that God will give me the wisdom to shut it down.  There are three primary reasons for sharing the gospel.

• First and foremost--to bring glory to God.  Secondly,
• For the salvation of non-believers.  Also
• For the building up of the believers.

There are many ways and means for each of us to answer God's call to witness and share His message.  In relation to this blog and its gospel message, I sincerely ask you to share this on any and all of the social networks you use, such as Facebook.  This will reach your friends and contacts, who may do the same with theirs.  Google Plus (g+) is another means to share, whether you do so for all, just specific circles or for specific contacts within circles.  Whether you use a desk top, mobile or email, the hope is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

LIVING IN EVIL DAYS

Paul understood that one's Christian experience and relationship with God must be maintained on a regular basis.  He not only preached to convert sinners but also taught his converts how to live daily.  He was great at a "follow up" ministry--going back to visit to see how they were doing (Acts 15:36).  Also, a large part of the New Testament is made up from Paul's letters to the churches to continue their development as Christians.

One instance of this follow up is the epistle to the Ephesians.  In chapter 5, Paul encourages them to "be imitators of God" (v. 1) and builds up to verses 15 and 16--warning them that "the days are evil."

Anybody that can't see that the days we live in are evil is not awake (see vs. 13 and 14).  Have you watched the news on TV lately?  The world is in a turmoil, with wars, massacres and other threats.  In our own country we are bombarded with robberies, murders and rapes.  And, its not always far away.  Often its in our own state or city.

Politically, we see graft and greed.  Environmentally, we see earthquakes, tornadoes, storms and/or droughts.  Economically, there is homelessness, bankruptcy and financial devastation.  EVERYWHERE THERE IS EVIL!!

How do we live in an evil world?

My sharing today is simple.  Paul said "Wake up", "be careful", and "be wise."  The KJV of verse 16 is translated "redeeming the time, because the days are evil".  (Italics mine).  The New American Standard Bible translation of the same verse is "making the most of your time, because the days are evil."  (Italics mine).  The NIV translated verse 16 as "making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Italics mine).

• Redeem the time
• Make the most of your time
• Make the most of every opportunity.

In each of the three translations we are cautioned "because the days are evil."  Wake up to what's going on around you;  be careful how you live;  be wise in your walk. Take care of your time.  Don't waste it.  Realize that your time provides you with opportunity--opportunity to live your Christian life before others and to share your experience with them.

Father, help me to stay awake and aware of the evil in the world around me. Grant me wisdom to walk before others so You may be glorified.  May I use my time in sharing Your Word and Your Ways.  Amen.

Will you share your life and time with somebody today?

If you will, share this post with your friends and/or contacts.

As always, your comments are appreciated.

REAL FRIENDS ARE FOREVER

As a teenager about to go to college, I was fortunate enough to have a pastor, who became one of my closest friends.  He was a special kind of person-easy to love and always loving in return.  He was a mentor to me before I knew what a mentor was.

This relationship developed into a friend/love situation with his entire family.  His wife was always willing to include me-in meals, in music, in family events.  She made me feel special and always welcome in her home and their lives.

Their children, three daughters and one son, were younger than I.  The daughters sang as a trio, with "perfect pitch" harmony-on the order of the Andrews sisters of the  40's or the White sisters of gospel music fame.

Typically, as a teenager, when I left home (and this relationship) to attend college, my entire life changed.  I went about my life with additional friends, marriage, children, career, etc.  In fact, I rarely saw them anymore.  However, I can honestly say, I never thought of them again without having the warmest possible feelings for friends and family.

The last time I had the occasion to see the husband and wife was approximately thirty years ago.  I was traveling through the city where they lived.  As only friends or family can do, I "dropped by" their home without even calling in advance.

Our visit was as if we had seen each other the week before.  The love for each other was as keen as before I left to continue my education.  Friends are like that--it lasts forever.

The last contact I had with the parents was nearly three years ago.  The wife had gone to the trouble of finding my current address and sending me a note.  This spurred me to the point of calling her to say "hi" after so many years.

Last week, I accidentally "stumbled" upon the envelope she had used to send me that note.  On it, I had made notes of phone numbers and addresses of the family.  In making sure of correct information, I "googled" his name on the internet.  What I found was his obituary from the first of this year.

I immediately began to attempt to call each member of the entire family.  The mother was unable to recognize me since she had lost almost all her hearing.  I was able to reach two of the daughters and the son.  How special those conversations were!

It was certainly sad to learn of my mentor's death.  But the sadness was not because of his death.  He, like Paul, had "run his race" and was at "home with the Lord."  The sadness was only in our missing him.  Even in missing him now, our sadness will turn to joy when we see him again.  And, our conversation then will be as though we had just seen him.

In the process of talking to his children, I also learned that the mother is having a birthday next week.  She'll be 90!!  I'm hoping she has a happy birthday although I'm sure she misses her husband of 68 years!  Some day soon, she will be able to "drop by" to see him and stay.  What a reunion that will be!

REAL FRIENDS ARE FOREVER.  To tell the truth, I'm looking forward to our "catching up" as only real friends can.

Enjoy your friends while you can.
Make certain you can enjoy them forever.

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NOT ABOUT WRITING

For several days I have been praying that God would help me with my writing skills.  I so desperately want to be used to help others with this blog.  It dawned on me, in the middle of last night's sleep, that this endeavor was not to be about capable or excellent writing.

Simply put, the whole idea is that I am just one Christian who is sharing the lessons and the blessings which God gives me.  As I read His Word and strive to live the life He teaches me, my responsibility is to share them in every way and at every opportunity.  Once I have shared, then I must step back and let the Holy Spirit use it as only He can.

In my devotional reading yesterday from the Book of the Acts, chapters two and three, I was again impressed with the phenomenal growth of the early church.  However, last night I was reminded of how this came about.
Read Acts 2:42-47.

1. "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer."
2. "All the believers were together and had everything in common......They gave to anyone as he had need."
3. "They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God..."
4. "And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

The first three above discusses their devotion to the teaching of the Word, their praying, their sharing with others and having fellowship with them, and praising God.

The last of these verses shows the results ..."the Lord added."

When we do our parts and trust God with the results, He is always faithful to do His part, that is, what He wills.

This may (or may not) mean phenomenal growth in numbers.  It may (or may not) mean that the results are what we expected.  But, it will always mean that God is glorified and the church (the fellowship of believers) will be edified.

Lord, keep me devoted to the teaching of Your Word, to praying, to sharing with others, to praising You for Who You are and trusting You to provide for all the results You decide we need.

Join me in sharing what God has done (or is doing) for you.  You can help by sharing this blog with your friends and contacts.

Your comments will be appreciated.  Share them in the space below.  

NO MORE EXCUSES

During the course of the past year there have been an unbelievable number and degree of changes in my life and my family's life style.  Those changes have made continuing this blog difficult, to say the least.  Probably the most difficult is dealing with all the excuses that pop up every where.

• EXCUSES are not reasons.  Excuses are simply our means of justifying our actions.  Read Luke 14:16-24, the parable of the great supper.  The invitees began to "make excuses."  They had no reason not to attend so they made up excuses.  Most of us are adept at making excuses.  They "pop up every where."       Lord, forgive me for becoming so able and willing to make excuses--and even for having actions that need excusing.
• REASONS are realistic, rational grounds of explanation and defense.  Read Romans 12:1.  Paul pleads with the Romans to become "living sacrifices" to God based on His mercies to us.  He explains that doing so is our "reasonable service."  Lord, help me to base my actions on "reasonable service" to You for Your mercies.  I owe all that I have, I am, or I could be, to You, since it all came from You to begin with.                                                                                                          
• It is my solemn obligation to God to share His love in any way and by any means, including this blog, with all who will receive it.
• I sincerely ask that you read these thoughts and share them with your friends, contacts and followers.
• Your comments below are appreciated.
• Your prayers are earnestly coveted.

LET FREEDOM RING

On Monday of this week, we, in the United States, celebrated Independence Day.  This was, and is, a time to recognize (among many features of liberty) a rule of law of, by and for the people.  I thank God for such a freedom from tyranny this brings to us.

Yet, one day later, on Tuesday of this same week, hundreds, thousands, maybe millions of our citizens have become a virtual "lynching mob."  How quickly we forget that we are governed by a system of justice that includes a due process for all.  Yes, for all--the guilty and the innocent.

No, this system is not perfect--primarily because we are not.  Sometimes the guilty go free.  Sometimes the innocent may be punished unjustly.  Occasionally, there are factors, such as politics, money and popularity, that may influence the outcome of this process.  But this fact does not warrant our falling back on mob rule.  As citizens of this great country, we need to recognize both our blessings and our fallibilities.

As Christians (if indeed we claim to be) we must carry our thinking, and our acting, even further.  This world is tainted by sin.  Even under the best systems of justice, or within the country of the greatest freedoms, this world is not our home.  We are truly citizens of another Kingdom.

And, as such, we can rest assured that God, Himself, will mete out perfect justice. The guilty will be punished.  The innocent will be recognized as being not guilty.  The death of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has made redemption possible for all--yes, even those who take the lives of little children.  Nor does God forget or neglect the children themselves.

It is our responsibility to pray for them and to ask God's help for all involved--criminals and victims--whoever they may be.

Join with me in interceding and letting God do the judging.


I welcome your comments below.