Archive for the ‘Life’ Category
We’re In A Fixed Fight!
We’re In A Fixed Fight!
I sat in the audience tonight and heard my old friend Timothy Spell sing at the ARC Conference in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. As always, he did amazing.
Between songs tonight, he made some comments that gave much hope to those going through trials. He said this…
“We’re in a fixed fight!
“The outcome of this fight has already been determined.
“Someone may say, if this is a fixed fight. How come I got knocked down?
He said, “To keep the crowd watching.”
“Stay encouraged, we know how the last round is going to turn out!”
Thanks Brother Spell!
Shouldn’t Porn Viewers Be Called Adulterers Too?
Shouldn’t Porn Viewers Be Called Adulterers Too?
God chose to create a helpmate that would be most desirable in the eyes of Adam. He succeeded and did a perfect job in the creation of Eve.
The plan was for man and woman to live together in a bond that was secure from sensual influences outside of the sanctity of their marriage. They each were given power over the others emotions and senses.
1Cor 7:4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
When we step out of the safety of our house to go to work, for example, we no doubt will soon see someone of the opposite gender. For most men, it is a non-event that is completely ignored. No untoward stimuli is involved in their public observations.
For others, the looking is what triggers a chain of events that makes them vulnerable for a horrible downfall. They ogle and allow their mind and their thoughts to join in creating an ungodly fantasy.
When Jesus told His hearers, that when a man looked longingly upon a woman other than his wife, he was guilty of adultery in his heart.
Matt 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Unlike our generation, no one listening to the sermon Jesus preached that day ever heard of the word porn or pornography. They 
understood clearly though that improperly looking upon a woman was not pleasing to God.
Hotel staff members tell me their highest room porn rentals of the year (on the room’s TV) is during men’s conferences and youth conferences. God help!
Today, with all the promotion of books, magazines and the Internet, experiencing adultery in the heart, is at an all time high… even in the privacy of your own home, since you can find online sites as www.snapchatnudes.net that have adult pictures online.
If what Jesus said is applied to the current porn industry, then it is possible to never see the ‘actress’ live and in real life, and yet watch her online and be guilty of adultery in your heart.
Why is it that those who are known to view pornography are not called adulterers? Isn’t that what they are?
If porn viewers are guilty of adultery, then they need to repent for that. Sir, please carefully guard yourself, your home, your relationship with your wife, and your eternal future. It quickly becomes an addiction that may possibly lead to, or accompany your moral failure.
Repentance (confessing) is the first step. Is the spirit of adultery in your heart? It doesn’t have to stay there. Forsaking is the next step you must take. Then, thirdly, I recommend a good old-fashioned praying through! Accountability will help keep you and your wife safe.
- The Repentance,
- Forsaking and a
- Renewing of the Holy Ghost is imperative!
- Make yourself accountable.
The Psalmist prayed, ‘Create in me a clean heart.’ That should be the prayer of every man who desires to make heaven his home, and his home a heaven.
Now, get up from your computer and go spend some time showing attention to that beautiful bride you pledged your ‘I Do’ to!!
You Won’t Be Sorry!
The Lady Buffalo Hunter!
The Lady Buffalo Hunter!
Since the 1800’s, buffalo hunters have always been a special breed, and in a class by themselves. They are independent folks, tough and capable. Such is the story of a real lady whose respectable and proper breeding did not quench her desire to hunt buffalo.
It was common knowledge that she was a better shot than anyone in her family, including her husband and her grown son. One Shot, One Kill was her hunting record.
She had already killed several deer. No one even faintly knew about her considering to hunting buffalo. She never confided that wish to her husband, her friends, her sisters or her children. They only found out about it later when officials published the news of a drawing.
This aspiring lady buffalo hunter was born on the west coast so the climate in Utah where she currently resided was much harsher. She lived in Salt Lake City and braved the winter snows like a trooper.
She was 52, when she went down to the Department of Natural Resources and placed her name in the buffalo hunt drawing. The State of Utah had authorized ten buffalo tags to be issued to control the herd, and over 1,000,000 hunters applied.
The Henry Mountains, Utah. Elevation 11,522 ft.
Her name was one of the ten drawn, and she was ecstatic! She was told that the special license only permitted her to hunt for buffalo in the Henry Mountains. She was the only lady hunter to apply.
The day of the hunt found her over 10,000 feet high on the mountain in a blinding snowstorm. This was to be only a one-day hunt. It would not be canceled because of bad weather. She put on warm boots, gloves and her hunter orange coat. She was serious. She not only was going to hunt for her buffalo, she was going to eat it too. That would be her winter meat.
Forgotten now were her trademark lacy handkerchiefs, her beautiful hairdo and her dressy dresses. She allowed her ‘earthy other side’ to surface… And surface it did.
In the blinding snow at dusk, she stood on the mountainside and finally saw in her scope what made her heart pound. She saw the shadowy forms of buffalo. They were moving rapidly, she made her choice and squeezed the trigger on her Browning Automatic 300 Winchester Mag. One shot was all it took. The buffalo cow went down.
The next morning, her husband loaded her prize buffalo into the bed of their pickup and they headed home. She affectionately named her buffalo cow, “Henrietta” in honor of the Henry Mountains.
Does the lady buffalo hunter have a name? Absolutely!
Some of her close friends like Bro. Verbal Bean, Bro. Roger Evans, and Bro. Robert Cavaness Sr. referred to her as “Buffalo Hunter, Connie.” And now, you can too.
(BTW, the buffalo meat was delicious, and it lasted our whole family for a whole year!)
Lord, What A Lady!!
(Thanks Mom for the memories!)
Content Faith (Connie) Ballestero with her Buffalo ‘Henrietta’
When God Doesn’t Meet Your Expectations.
When God Doesn’t Meet Your Expectations.
Luke 7:23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
- What Happens When God Doesn’t Heal?
- What Happens When God Doesn’t Deliver?
- What Happens When God Doesn’t Answer Your Prayers Like You Wanted Him To?
It’s not uncommon to get a notion in our heads about how we think God should supply specific things that we need, or want. Some have gotten mad at the Lord, and even backslid because a loved one died or was not healed.
Since His ways are not our ways, there will always be times when God doesn’t move or work like we think he should. That can be a major test for our faith.
Sometimes, life doesn’t turn out like we expected. Why? I can’t tell you, because I don’t know for sure either. But this one thing I do know. God is still in control. He has never made a mistake. I must always trust Him.
Naaman – Almost Lost His Miracle When Things Didn’t Meet His Expectations.
2Ki 5:10 And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
2Ki 5:11 But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.
Naaman was a man of high position and ranking in Syria. As Captain of the army, he was always given much respect.
Bottom line, I’m sure, was his disappointment that the Prophet did not personally come out to see him. He had imagined the moment of his healing, and it looked nothing like what had just happened to him. He left the prophet’s home in a huff.
His own servant showed more good sense than he did. Only after being reasoned with, did he finally submit. For Naaman, submission and obedience were the keys to his miracle.
Peter – Denied The Lord When Things Didn’t Meet His Expectations.
When accused by the maid of being a disciple of Christ, Peter replied, “I know not the man!” In a twisted way, Peter was telling the truth.
- The Jesus he knew was a Jesus of miracles.
- The Jesus he knew walked on water.
- The Jesus he knew raised the dead.
- The Jesus he knew turned water in to wine.
- The Jesus he knew fed 5,000 with a few fishes and five loaves of bread.
- The Jesus he knew healed the lepers and opened blinded eyes.
Peter Didn’t Know This Jesus.
- He didn’t know a Jesus of defeat.
- He didn’t know a Jesus of rejection.
- He didn’t know a Jesus of disappointment.
What about the three and a half years he had followed Jesus around? Were those years spent for nothing? Evidently, Peter’s faith had momentarily wavered.
John The Baptist Questioned The Lord When Things Didn’t Meet His Expectations.
Of men born of women, there was none greater than John the Baptist. He was even born with the Holy Ghost. He was a fearless preacher and a chosen forerunner for the Messiah.
- Yet, John finds himself in prison.
- His hopes are dashed.
- His future looks bleak.
- His first cousin, Jesus, is nowhere around.
- He becomes tormented by his worst fears.
- His imagination runs wild.
- He even questioned if Jesus was truly the Messiah.
Luke 7:19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
The Three Hebrew Children – Said, “But If Not…” In Case Things Didn’t Meet Their Expectations.
Dan 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
Dan 3:17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
Dan 3:18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
They proudly stood in front of the pagan king and bragged on their God. They said that their God was able to deliver them. But if He didn’t, they still weren’t going to bow down to an idol.
If the Lord God didn’t deliver them, they were still going to be faithful to Him.
Job – Watched His Mouth When Things Didn’t Meet His Expectations.
Job 1:22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
None of us can imagine the horrible loss Job experienced.
- His family was destroyed.
- His children were dead.
- His vast herds stolen.
- His health was virtually destroyed.
- His wife turned in to an unbelieving nag.
- His friends did nothing but criticize and point fingers at him.
We Love To Quote Job’s Reaction To His Dilemma.
Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
The second part of the verse stands out to me today. Job certified, that though things had not turned out like he wanted, he was going to maintain his ways. He was going to keep on doing what he had always done.
What Do You Do When Things Don’t Turn Out Like You Wanted? Do You Maintain Your Ways? If You Want Your Story To Turn Out Good, Then:
- Keep on coming to church.
- Keep on worshipping.
- Keep on praying.
- Keep on singing
- Keep on loving
- Keep involved in church.
- Keep on shouting.
- Keep on paying your tithes.
- Keeping on testifying about how good God is.
Israel – Believed The Ten Spies When Things Didn’t Meet Their Expectations.
Did Israel want to go over into the Promised Land? Most certainly! The problem was, the majority of the spies saw the enemy and became frightened and faint hearted.
This didn’t look like an easy victory to them. No one paid much attention to Joshua and Caleb’s glowing report. They ignored the huge display of grapes.
Because they responded in unbelief, God allowed all but the young to die in the wilderness. They needlessly spent 40 years of wandering because of how they reacted.
Things hadn’t turned out like they expected, so they said ‘no’ to God. God in return, said ‘no’ to their inheriting the promise and gave it to their children instead.
- Never stop believing.
- Never say ‘no’ to God.
Paul – Lived With A Thorn In His Flesh When Things Didn’t Meet His Expectations.
- Paul prayed more than once for God to take his pain away. God didn’t.
- Paul had just spoken the word, and a man had gone blind for a season.
- A poisonous viper and taken hold of his hand once while he was carrying wood for a fire. He just shook it off, and though bitten, was not harmed.
Yet this thorn he spoke of, wouldn’t go away. God had answered his other prayers, why didn’t He answer this one?
Paul never knew, but he chose instead, to be content to live with his unanswered prayer request.
So, What Is My Life Lesson Here?
What Should I Do When Things Don’t Meet My Expectation?
- Like Naaman – I choose to humbly submit my self and obey the Word of the Lord given to me.
- Like The Three Hebrew Children – I will always believe God is able. But if He doesn’t deliver me… I’m still going to be faithful.
- Like Job – I want to keep my spirit right, and watch my mouth during my trial.
- Like Paul – If God doesn’t take away the pain in my life; I will learn to be content, and trust His will.
Remember God’s Words In The Old Testament When Things Don’t Meet Your Expectations.
KJV: Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
KJV: Isa 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
The Message Bible: I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work. For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think.
Remember God’s Words In The New Testament When Things Don’t Meet Your Expectations.
KJV: Luke 7:23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
NIV: Luke 7:23 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.
ESV: Luke 7:23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
What Do You Do When God Doesn’t Meet Your Expectations?
The Case Of The Dead Bullfighter
The Case Of The Dead Bullfighter
I stood mesmerized in Makielski’s Art Store. This was my second trip in as many days. The high price tags on many of the paintings told me I could only look, but I enjoyed looking.
The first trip I had purchased some art supplies and paints for my air-brush. I then ventured into the room where hundreds of paintings hung on the walls from floor to ceiling. The works of the masters and others hung there. Some paintings I recognized from photographs in books. Most, I did not.
The picture I was fascinated with was very macabre. What was wrong with me? Why was I drawn to this one? It was such a horrible picture of death. Was something wrong with my personality? I didn’t know for sure, so I worried a bit.
Manet ~ Dead Matador, 1865
The picture was of a dead bullfighter. There was no crowd showing in the picture. There was no bull looking down on him victoriously. The only other thing of prominence was a bullfighter’s cape, which was still clutched in the victim’s hand.
This was the second day in a row I had stared for long minutes at this dead man’s picture. Why? Was there a story here? Finally, it came to me like a bolt of lightning!
I put myself into the picture. I felt I could almost feel a bit of the moment captured by the artist. It was like I could see the screaming crowd as they went silent. Mother’s gasped and clutched their babies while trying to cover their tender eyes. Little girls couldn’t look at all. Young boys were mesmerized by the horror. Trained men herded the bull out of the ring and into an open chute, which led it back to a holding pen.
The wife and family of the bullfighter just sat there momentarily stunned. Then, overwhelmed with grief, they convulsed in tears. Their worst nightmare had just come true.
For years he had seemed so invincible. Now this! His death would bring his family pain, on every level, for years to come. Their life as they knew it, was now over.
- He had lived for the crowd’s approval.
- He loved the danger.
- He thrilled at the excitement of a bull’s near misses.
- He always felt he was in control.
- He had bested many bulls over the years.
- He was a professional.
- He loved the prestige.
- His name was on posters and signs.
- His name was well-known.
- He didn’t like his wife and others asking him to quit.
- He’d said he would know when to quit.
- But now he was dead.
- His blood was starting to pool on the ground.
- Death had triumphed.
There he was, a spectacle for all to see.
My mind snapped back to reality. I knew why I was drawn to the picture. I told the clerk I wished to purchase the print. I quickly paid the $42.95 marked on the price tag. The salesman wrapped it carefully in brown paper. I took the print directly to my office at the church and hung it in a place of prominence.
A few weeks later, I had an occasion to counsel with a young man who was struggling living for God. We sat in my office and I listened to his story of worldly involvement.
When he finished, I invited him to look at the dead bullfighter. I said, “Do you know what happened to him?”
I paused for just a moment as his head turned and he looked, not knowing what to say. I really didn’t give him time to answer the question.
“He played with it, until it finally killed him.” I said.
I let that sink in as I watched his face. Then, I finished my thought.
“And, if you keep playing around with sin, it will finally kill you.”
The young man cried.
So did I.
A Private Company
A Private Company
There exists a Private Company that specializes in secrecy, but is daily impacting lives and changing the world.
- This Company specializes in intense Membership training.
- Almost everyone in the Company eventually goes into some area of management.
- No unions are wanted or needed.
- Each local Company is autonomous. There is no Corporate Office.
At first, it is mandatory for every member of the Company to report in daily.
After tenure has been established, Members are encouraged to report in daily, but it is not mandatory.
From the first day in the Company, each Member’s position becomes secure.
Members might be ignored, laughed at, hated, loved, despised, or tolerated by other Team Members, but their position is locked in.
- Each Member is encouraged to recruit a new Member into the Company.
- Random cash bonuses may become available to all.
- Each Team Member has the authority and ability to solve any Company problem of their choosing.
- However, most Team Members create more problems than they ever solve.
Each One In The Company Chooses At What Level They Wish To Participate.
- Yet, if they remain uninvolved, or uncommunicative, they still remain a part of the team.
- Each Member has knowledge of a secret key to build up the Company or destroy it.
The Company is not allowed to go ‘public’ on Wall Street.
The Company never advertises on a billboard, radio, television or newspaper… Yet the growth rate is phenomenal.
Each Member, among their other duties, acts as an official Press Agent for the Company.
The public willingly believes whatever you, as the Company Press Agent, divulge.
- Removal of a Member that has been recruited may take a court order, and is always traumatic.
- Other Team Members may or may not help you on any given project. It’s their call.
- Bankruptcy can’t even put the Company out of business.
- There are never any dues
Occasionally there will be unannounced Staff Meetings, and it is important that all Members be there.
Seldom are these Meetings ever occasions for awards or commendations. They are always dreaded.
Any Member may call for a Staff Meeting.
Everyone knows who the Boss is.
- When the Boss dies, another takes that position without a vote or appointment. No election is ever held.
- Hurt feelings are a serious and common work hazard.
- Bitterness and Anger are the most common enemies of the Company’s existence and almost always brings disaster.
- Every Member has been known to support others on the Team in good times and bad.
Each Company Is Different. Some Are Involved In Activities Like:
- Sports,
- Politics,
- Fitness,
- Religion,
- Food Preparation and Fine Dinning,
- Money Management,
- Travel,
- Recreation,
- Education,
- Decorating,
- Boating,
- Big Game Hunting,
- Child Care
Some welcome visitors, and provide a tour that almost always includes a free luncheon.
Others welcome the public by invitation only.
Security is highly prized in the Company.
Each local Company determines what benefits are desired, and when they should be dispersed.
- The Company can survive and even thrive in capitalism or communism.
- It matters not if it is in a country ruled by a King, a President, or a Dictator.
- It matters not if it is located in an urban setting, rural or even in the ghetto.
- It survives in spite of zoning laws, no parking signs, economic down turns, or holidays.
All Members retain their position for life.
There is no ‘30 and out’ requirement.
There is constant gossip at the water cooler.
Invasive Background Checks are not uncommon.
- Private calls are not frowned on, but rather encouraged.
- While dress codes differ, there are no uniforms or name tags.
- The Company will thrive without advertisement. Its name will never be seen on a billboard, in a commercial or a newspaper.
- The Company’s only means of public awareness is by word of mouth.
What Is This Company?
Where Can I Find One In My Area?
You’re Too Late.
You’ve Found It Already.
You Have Been A Working Member Of A Private Company For Years Already!
Thanks Right!
- I’m talking about your Family.
- Your Family!
- Your Family is what you make it!
- What are you making out of your Family?
One Of The Most Wonderful Gifts A Man Can Give His Children!
One Of The Most Wonderful Gifts A Man Can Give His Children!
It’s not money.
It’s not expensive gifts either.
It’s not giving them all the latest toys and gadgets.
It’s not even giving them a large allowance.
I am not talking about giving your children something that only rich dads can afford. I’m talking about giving your children a gift that every father can give to his children, if only he would.
- The most wonderful gift a man can give his children?
- The answer is simple!
- It’s hanging right there in front of you like the nose on your face!
- You want to know?
- You really want to know?
Love Their Mother!
That’s It! Love Their Mother!
Let your children hear you say something like, “I love you Baby,” to their mom. Then watch them smile approvingly. Let them see you kiss her and hug her. Let them see you brag on her. Kids aren’t dumb. They can tell if you really love their mom.
Let your sons see you be tender with their Mama, and they’ll grow up being tender to their wives too. Let your daughters see how a woman is to be cherished and loved. There not much more you can do to bring peace and comfort to your children, than for them to know they grew up in a love-filled home.
Your house may have cost 100’s of thousands of dollars. But if love was not shown or felt, then all you really have is an expensive daycare center for your children.
Both of my parents have now gone on to be with the Lord. But my father left me many wonderful memories and examples of him openly expressing his love to my mom.
In my mind I can still hear him singing love songs to her that seemed to blurt out of nowhere. Songs like:
- Let Me Call You Sweetheart.
- Sugar In The Morning, Sugar In The Evening, Sugar At Supper Time.
You get the idea. Mom would always smile and walk into his open arms. All of us children would smile and nervously laugh our approval. Sometimes we turned our heads. Sometimes we watched.
Many times I’ve walked into the living room, kitchen or dining room and seen them in a tender embrace. Sure I walked back out, but I saw it! I saw that my dad truly loved my mom. For a little kid or even a big kid, it doesn’t get much better than that.
Do you forget things like that? Absolutely not! You remember it so well, that you do the same things when you get married. Then, you let your children see you be loving and tender to their mother.
If you will do that, you have just increased the odds that your children will grow up knowing the secret of a happy home life. And your grandchildren will grow up in a loving home as well. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
≈≈≈
(Now sir, go tell you wife right now how much you love her, and let your children hear you say it! Wrap your arms around her and give her a big smooch! That’s your homework for tonight. Class dismissed.)
Awaiting The Tide
Awaiting The Tide
The little boat couldn’t move. It sat still in the shallow water. The tide was out. The captain of the little ship was not alarmed.
He did not fall to his knees in despair.- He did not cry about his plight.
- There was nothing much he could do right now for his little boat.
- He did not ask for help.
- What could anyone else do to help him?
- He did not feel defeated.
- He did not feel like a failure as a captain.
- He didn’t even think in those terms.
- It was all just another day in the life of a sailor.
- All he had to do was look around him and recognize what was happening.
- The tide was out.
Because the tide was out, the world hadn’t stopped. This was only a temporary setback. This may even be a good time to see if something needed to be repaired or adjusted on the boat. It may also be a good time to just enjoy his family and friends. Downtime for a sailor, isn’t forever.
The tide will come back in. The little boat will happily sail again. It’s just a matter of time. Time and tide happens to every sailor.
Can You Pass The Hurt Test?
Can You Pass The Hurt Test?
Dave sat on the bar stool, drinking with some buddies from work. His head was feeling a little light. He drank enough beers to loosen up his tongue, and he began to talk. “If it wasn’t for me, they wouldn’t have a decent church building.
“I mowed the grass every week without ever being paid. I replaced all the broken window panes with money out of my own pocket. I never asked to be reimbursed. I hauled off all the trash, free of charge. I was the self-appointed janitor and maintenance man of the church. I did it for years, willingly and without pay.
“Every evening I would stop by the church when I got off work to see if I needed to fix anything. I’ve kept the church building repaired and I’ve kept it clean for years. No one has ever paid me a dime to do anything. Why, even last summer, instead of taking my family on a vacation, I used the money to buy shingles and I roofed the church by myself. I paid for every dime of it too!
“Then two weeks ago, they had a business meeting. They needed to choose another Trustee. My name never even came up. After all I’ve done, no one seemed to appreciate it enough to mention my name.
“What’s a man got to do to get recognized or be a Trustee over there? It must be politics or something. That’s why I’ve quit going to that church.”
Dave backslid because he couldn’t pass the Hurt Test!
Lynn wrote the Pastor a check to purchase 20 beautiful white folding tables and 160 matching folding chairs for the church fellowship hall.
It brought Lynn much joy to be able to buy these. God had blessed her and she wanted to give something back. The pastor had recognized her gift from the pulpit and the congregation clapped their approval. Lynn smiled.
The tables and chairs were ordered and everyone at the church was excited. These were well made and expensive.
Just before they arrived, Lynn had to be out-of-town for three weeks. When she returned and stopped by the church, she didn’t like where the tables and chairs had been stacked. She especially didn’t like how they had been stacked. Her gift to the church was being treated with carelessness, she thought.
These tables and chairs were not cheap, and if the people of this church didn’t appreciate her sacrifice enough to treat it any better than this, then she just could go to another church.
Lynn moved on because she couldn’t pass the Hurt Test!
The Hurt Test, Part 1 – Insults
The Syrophenician woman stood in front of Jesus. She was breaking custom and protocol and she knew it. The Jews had nothing to do with the likes of her. But she had an emergency. Her daughter had an unclean spirit. Her desperation drove her to see this Jesus everyone talked about.
She crumbled and fell at His feet when she came near. With great urgency she begged Him to heal her daughter.
Jesus looked down upon the woman and said, “It is not proper to give the children’s portion to dogs.”
On other days, if a Jew talked to her like that, she might have had a little something to say back. Today was different. Her daughter’s very life was at stake. There was no one else to turn to. She refused to get upset. She chose not to be offended for being called a dog.
She simply said, “Of a truth Lord, but even the dogs get crumbs that fall from the children’s table.”
Jesus marveled at her and instructed her to go home, telling her that her request had been answered. She went home and found her miracle waiting for her there.
The Syrophenician woman easily passed the Hurt Test. She chose not to be offended because of insults!
The Hurt Test, Part 2 – Rejection
King David was a man after God’s own heart. As the King in Israel, he could build anything he wanted. When David told God that he was planning to build Him a house to worship in, God said, “No.”
God told David that he was a bloody man and that building Him a house of worship wouldn’t be appropriate. The Lord said, “I want your son Solomon to build it for me. Solomon hadn’t even thought of building a Temple. He had exhibited neither burden nor passion to do so up to that point. The desire had originally been only David’s.
Rather than pout or get offended because God had rejected his offer, David helped his son, by supplying him with most of the materials needed to build the Temple. If he couldn’t build the Temple, then he was going to help someone else build it.
David easily passed The Hurt Test. He chose not to be offended by God’s rejection of his service, and His choosing another’s.
Extra Credit Test Questions
- If someone else is asked to sing a special. Can you still worship with them and help them sing?
- If someone else is asked to preach. Can you still say amen and help them preach?
- If someone else is asked to lead. Can you joyfully follow?
The Hurt Test, Part 3 – Loss
Job had everything any man could want. He had a relationship with God. He had a wife and wonderful children. He owned vast herds of cattle, camels and sheep. He was no doubt the wealthiest man in the world.
Then the dark day of disaster dawned upon him. In a matter of hours, he lost his children, his herds and all of his wealth.
The second attack upon him was his health. Boils covered his body. He scratched them with shards of broken pottery.
His friends were sure that he had sinned and this was the judgment of God. His wife suggested he curse God and die.
Job told his wife that she was talking like one of the foolish women. He said that if God lets me die, I am going to die trusting Him. I am going to keep on living for Him like I always have.
Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
Job passed The Hurt Test. He chose not to be offended at God because he had lost everything. In the end, God blessed him with double wealth and more children!
Extra Credit Test Questions
- When you lost your job, house, or car, did you also lose your praise too?
- When you were voted out of office or removed from a leadership role, did you show a bad attitude?
The Hurt Test – The Apostle Paul’s Summary
2 Corinthians 11:24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
2 Corinthians 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
2 Corinthians 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
2 Corinthians 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
Even with a permanent “thorn in his side,” Paul passed The Hurt Test! He ignored his problems and encouraged everyone around him to “Rejoice evermore.” He said it again in the same breath, “Rejoice!” He even had Silas rejoice with him in prison and the Lord delivered them and all the prisoners, too.
Getting Help Passing The Hurt Test
Jesus stood and read from Isaiah 61 in the Synagogue. He sat down, looked at them all and said, “This day is the scripture fulfilled in your hearing.”
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Isaiah 61:2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
Besides bringing salvation and healing, the other ministry of our Lord is to heal all hurts and bind up the broken-hearted. He can help you pass The Hurt Test.
*Notice: All Students Failing To Pass The Hurt Test Will Be Required To Retake The Exam.
*Remember, The Teacher Will Remain Silent During The Testing!
What Is Class?
What Is Class?
My father-in-law, Rev. William R. Starr was blessed with five beautiful daughters. He had no sons. He wrote a note to his girls which they have always cherished. He was indeed a wise man. He passed his wisdom on to his daughters.
Pardon me, while I invade family privacy and make public his advice to his children.
Class never runs scared. It is sure-footed and confident in the knowledge that you can meet life head on and handle whatever comes along.
Jacob had it. Esau didn’t. Symbolically, we can look to Jacob’s wrestling match with the angel. Those who have class have wrestled with their own personal angel and won a victory that marks them thereafter.
Class never makes excuses. It takes lumps and learns from past mistakes. Class is considerate of others. It knows that good manners are nothing more than a series of small sacrifices.
Class bespeaks an aristocracy that has nothing to do with ancestors or money. The most affluent blue blood can be totally without class, while the descendant of a Welsh miner may ooze class from every pore.
Class never tries to build itself up by tearing others down. Class is already up and need not strive to look better by making others look worse.
Class can “walk with kings and keep its virtue and talk with crowds and keep the common touch.” Everyone is comfortable with the person who has class because he is comfortable with himself.
If you have class you don’t need much of anything else. If you don’t have it, no matter what else you have, it doesn’t make much difference.
Dad
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