Harsh Words
(posted 5/27/2009)  

The diagnosis was harsh; cancer, the big C. The future would hold major surgery, radiation, and probably chemotherapy. More harsh words. Each process was unknown and frightening, but with them came the probability of healing and the hope of a cure. The impact is so much greater when it is personal. Suddenly every day is more precious and not to be taken for granted.  

The Bible contains some harsh words:

Romans 3:23 “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”

Isaiah 59:2 “But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you…”

Romans 6:23a “For the wages of sin is death...” 

Unlike the medical diagnosis, there is no need for a second opinion on this spiritual matter. Like the medical position this diagnosis will call for harsh, even radical consequences; repentance, life style changes, an entirely new perspective on every part of our lives. Friends will find the truth which casts doubt on the eternal state of loved ones, who have passed on, very harsh. 

Also, unlike most medical courses of treatment which call for X number of radiation treatments, the life giving “radiation” of God’s word must continue to bombard the mind and heart, purifying, wiping out the last traces of sin throughout the individual’s lifetime. 

Do you think it is easy for the oncologist to pronounce the diagnosis? I suspect it is not. He knows that to ignore the cancer will be even more difficult, for the resulting death would be more harsh and frequently unnecessary. Here is the lesson for us. We have the responsibility of passing on the spiritual diagnosis of the greatest physician of all time (Mt. 9:12). It is a harsh message and we want to shrink back from delivering it, but think of the consequences if we give in to fear. How harsh are the immediate consequences of the life lived in sin? What could be more harsh than an eternity in torment? Both are unnecessary. God has no pleasure in the loss of souls (Ez. 18:23). We must be ready to gently deliver the harsh, but saving words of God (1 Pet. 3:15). 

Joan Rieber

North Carolina

This is a Test
(posted 3/14/2009)

The economy has been bad and in many ways this has created problems. But like the proverb, “It's an ill wind that blows no good,” the financial crisis provides us with a test of our priorities and the depth of our spirituality. Paul endured poverty, imprisonment, and persecutions  and yet wrote about joy (Philippians). If my heart is fixed on things, my faith will be unstable. If my joy is in my relationship with God and His people, it will endure. Paul clearly placed his service to God above all else and thus found the strength, not only to endure, but to rejoice. Jesus said in Matthew 6:24 we cannot serve two masters, one will gain the upper hand. Hard times sweep away pretense and reveal to us which master invokes deeper service. During the great Depression many men who had lost fortunes killed themselves, leaving behind grieving widows and desolate children while other men continued to struggle to feed and comfort families with more meager resources than the suicides had left. One group served ego and mammon, the other showed true love for their families. If you are going through hard times today, ask yourself if these trials have made your relationship with God even more precious or if they have obscured it. People of strong faith can say with Job,”The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” If you cannot honestly say, “Amen” to Job’s words it is time for an attitude adjustment. And that is a good thing to recognize before we meet God in judgment. 

Joan Rieber
North Carolina

Lessons from Sports
(posted 2/9/2009)

Football season is now behind us, yet basketball is still going strong. Just as the inspired men found valuable lessons from 1^st century athletics we can find useful illustrations of spiritual things in modern sports.

How many many times does a receiver begin to think where he will run next and then fumble the ball? He has failed to focus on the catch, the current challenge. On the other hand the focused player can make incredible receptions. We too can achieve more when we are focused on spiritual goals. Philippians 3:13b-14cc, “…forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal…

”I recently watched a Carolina Panther player make 3 more yards while dragging two opposing players with him. Sometimes a quarterback carries the ball himself, making a play out of nothing, and risking his body among opponents who outweigh him by nearly a hundred pounds. Ouch. Serving God also calls for extra effort as illustrated in the life of the apostle Paul as described in Second Corinthians 11.

Great athletes, from Bret Farve to Shawn Johnson, have mental toughness, which allows them to overcome all sorts of adversity. How many ways can you think of that a Christian can use mental toughness?

The sports world shows us the best and the worst of human nature. Some players insist on putting themselves before the team. Part of the success of the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA is their willingness to play as a team and to put the team ahead of personal glory. What a contrast with what we read of Diotrephes in Third John 9-10.

Anyone who follows sports knows that there are special rivalries, so that Texas A&M and the University of Texas play harder against each other than against anyone else. We need to adopt this attitude against our adversary, Satan. This contest is so much more important than any other. If we lose to the devil we lose for eternity, with no chance for a rematch next season. If we best him we gain all the blessings of eternity.

I understand that many kickers are a little different in personality. They do not play many minutes, but their efforts are so crucial that they can win or lose a game. The pressure can be enormous. Most kickers want to be left alone before the kick and the other players comply with their wishes. Isn’t it much the same in local churches? Personalities and contributions can differ greatly, but an atmosphere of respect and acceptance gives us all a chance to do our best (1 Cor. 12 and 13).

While only a few athletes can attain the gold medal, the laurel wreath, or the Heisman trophy, First Corinthians 9:25-27 assures us that “we” plural can be winners if we apply these lessons from the world of sports.

Joan Rieber
North Carolina

Wanted: Ideal Bible Student 
(posted 12/17/2008)

 

Stressed Out Again
(posted 10/21/08)  

Sarah, the wife of Abraham, comforts me. That poor woman moved more than Mayflower, all that upheaval, all those details.
But God called. 

Dorcas must have sewed by flickering lights. Did she weave and dye the cloth too? How many were warmed by her garments and her love?

God was served. 

Lydia worked day after day, in a strange city selling purple. Was she tired going to the river to that place of prayer? There were many excuses not to go. Why it was not even a proper synagogue!
But God was worshipped. 

Phoebe was needed to help the saints. Again. There was always another need, many of them very inconvenient.
But she loved her neighbor as herself. 

Deborah didn’t ask to be a judge. Going out to “her” palm tree every day was too much responsibility, took up too much time, and some of those questions were, well, just silly.
But God’s wisdom was made known. 

Noah’s wife's life was no picnic. For years the neighbors laughed at that building project. There was sawdust everywhere. He preached his heart out, but where were the results? And that was just the beginning, now he says the family is going on a boat with tigers, elephants, skunks, and snakes.
But her family was saved. 

God has not asked great things of us. Our children will not be martyred. Modern technology will keep us connected to those who can support and strengthen. But He has asked us to do small things for a great purpose, to be faithful. Let us remember these examples when we are tempted to make excuses for not doing what we now we should do. 

Joan Rieber

North Carolina