Author: preacherpollard

Neal Pollard

Anugrah Kumar, a Christian Post contributor, shares a strange offer from a Southfield, Michigan, attorney. Perhaps Walter Bentley is seeking publicity, but the law professor and Detroit-area lawyer is offering his services for free to the “lucky” couple with the best break up story.  He adds his twist of irony by providing this “gift” on Valentine’s Day, a day so many in our nation use to demonstrate their love for their mate in a special way.  Bentley claims to have had dozens of takers for his offer, and he believes he is providing a big help to some couple.  According to the article, a divorce costs $3,000.  The article ends with this shameful quote from Bentley, who says, “We’re really looking for the most heartwarming, that person who truly deserves it” (http://www.christianpost.com/news/mich-attorney-offers-free-divorce-on-valentines-day-89821/).

How much do you value your marriage and the relationship you have with your spouse?  What are you doing to invest in it and make it better?  Certainly, a nation saturated with sin cannot help but dishonor divine institutions like marriage.  Marriage, God’s way, is about faithfulness, commitment, unselfishness, sacrificial giving, and an active desire to serve and please the other person. Pleasure and satisfaction are produced in the wake of such an approach.  Marriage, man’s way, is disposable and disdained, discardable and destitute of the happiness that only comes in living for Christ and others above self.   Despite a desperate pursuit for fulfillment while remaining self-centered and self-sighted, the one so jealously guarding self’s wants, wishes, and feelings is doomed to misery and unhappiness.

Bible books like Song of Solomon proclaim the utter bliss of marital love.  You will find it lauded in the Proverbs, too.  New Testament passages lift high this heavenly institution (Eph. 5:23; Ti. 2:4-5; Heb. 13:4).  God knows what makes us tick, and so He has provided the means to our happiness. This includes our basic needs of companionship, affection, and intimacy.  How much better off might we be filled with fewer people looking for free divorce and more people willing to invest the time, effort, energy, and money is building a better marriage?

Neal Pollard

No man is an island unto himself. We cannot make it alone (Ecc. 4:9). You will not stand among the redeemed in heaven without having had your many encouragers to uplift you. Nor will you so stand without having lifted up the discouraged yourself.

Amalek was a powerful opponent of Israel at Rephidim. God’s people had just fled mighty Egypt, and they continued to face adversity. Their leader, Moses, went up a hill at Rephidim with God’s staff in his hand. Aaron and Hur accompanied him. As long as Moses held up his hand, Israel was winning the battle. When his fatigued arm drooped, sagged, and dropped, Amalek got the upper hand. Imagine holding your hand up for a protracted period of time. The aching and pain soon compounds. Exodus 17:12 says, “But Moses’ hands were heavy.” Physically, he was at his limit. Thankfully, Moses had an Aaron and a Hur to support his hands, “One on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set” (13). Ultimately and consequently, “Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people” (14).

Look to Aaron and Hur for your example. All around you are people with “heavy hands.” Will they successfully make it to the setting of their sun? Many do not. Many would, if they had someone to encourage them. Our congregation has so many with “heavy hands.” Christian adults without a Christian spouse need us to lift up their hands. So do widows and widowers, whose “help meet” has gone on ahead of them. What about our young people, still in the fledgling stages of their personal battles with peer pressure and identity? Lift up their hands! Elders, burdened with the responsibilities of leadership and shepherding, are not exempt from weariness of spirit in their fight with Satan. Hold up their hands. Young parents, for whom a typical church service can be a twelve round contest with their little one(s), need to be encouraged.

Make up your own list of heavy-handed folks. They may be losing ground to their spiritual enemy, ready to give in and give up the fight. Your overtures and comfort might turn the tide for them. Take Paul’s admonition to heart, and “encourage one another, and build up one another” (1 Thess. 5:11).

Neal Pollard

In Deuteronomy, Moses begins to review the events of the last forty or so years-what happened to cause the wilderness wandering and then what occurred while in it.  In the middle of the first chapter, he talks about the time he implemented his father-in-law Jethro’s plan to handle the numerous issues that were coming up between the Israelites.  These men he called “judges” (as contrasted with the men and women who would wear that title and deliver the people beginning a few generations after Moses) had certain divinely-given qualifications to meet.  Deuteronomy 1:15-17 says, “So I took the heads of your tribes, wise and experienced men, and appointed them heads over you, leaders of thousands and of hundreds, of fifties and of tens, and officers for your tribes. “Then I charged your judges at that time, saying, ‘Hear the cases between your fellow countrymen, and judge righteously between a man and his fellow countryman, or the alien who is with him. ‘You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not fear man, for the judgment is God’s. The case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.'”

They were to be wise.  Verse thirteen adds “understanding” and “knowledgeable.”  Knowledge is the foundation beneath wisdom and understanding is an outgrowth and application of wisdom.  Problem-solving and issue-resolving require wisdom.

They were to be experienced.  “Not novices.”  They were to have demonstrated the ability to judge and discern difficult situations.

They were to possess righteous judgment.  In conflict, everybody feels they are right and the other party is wrong.  How were these leaders to tell?  A mind clear from improper motives and rash judgment would more clearly discern situations.

They were to be impartial.  Favoritism was tantamount to corruption.  Conflicts had to be resolved with utmost fairness.

They were not to ignore “big” or “little” problems.  The “small” and the “great” fell to them to handle, if they could.  If it was too big for them, Moses could be called upon to intervene.  Yet, the design of this system was for these men to handle these matters.  “Big” problems were not to be shied away from for their enormity, neither were “small” problems to be scoffed at in their seeming insignificance.  Those enduring “big” problems needed intervention, and those who had “small” problems no doubt saw them as big in their own eyes.

They were not to fear any man.   They could easily face intimidation, threats, bullying, bribery, ostracism, or the like.  But, God through Moses gives and unqualified and unequivocal command that they stand tall and fearlessly before each situation.

The system set up by God right outside Egypt and before the wilderness journeys is not a direct parallel to God’s pattern for leadership today.  Yet, the text is dripping with principles and application.  These same qualities will help God’s leaders be quality leaders today!

Neal Pollard

From the man who gives the announcements before worship to the man who closes the worship in prayer or song, each has a serious responsibility and a stewardship entrusted to him.  The worshippers each have a personal accountability for worshipping in spirit and truth, but by the very nature and definition of leadership those who lead have even greater accountability.  We expect the preacher to have prepared his sermon in worship.  Should we expect less from the others who lead in that period of worship?  To those who lead us, please pray, put forethought and planning, and maintain an appropriate level of zeal and reverence in carrying us through the various acts of worship.  Please consider the following suggestions, humbly submitted to those men who lead us in worship.

• Be equipped–prepared and ready to lead whatever part of the worship is your task.
• Be enthusiastic, and hopefully your “face will really show it” (Ps. 122:1).
• Be encouraging, remembering to focus on those who are there and not those who are not (Heb. 10:24).
• Be energetic, not frivolous or “over the top,” but alive with passion for praising God (Phil. 3:3).
• Be engaged, knowing not only what you are doing but what you are doing next (1 Cor. 14:15).
• Be earnest, a sincere, heartfelt worship leader whose main objective is to worship God himself (Jn. 4:24).
• Be empathetic, having a fellow-feeling with your fellow-worshippers that causes you to be attuned to them as well as attuned to the joy of worshipping God (Heb. 10:24-25).
• Be edifying in your words, your tone, and your every effort in leading (cf. 1 Cor. 14:15).
• Be educational, knowing that you teach and admonish, too (Col. 3:16).
• Be emotional, not sappy or pseudo-pious, but one whose heart is clearly into leading us in worship (cf. Ps. 42:4).

Each opportunity is precious and God-given.  Each time is an appearance in the very throne room of heaven.  Each moment is directed to the Divine.  Let us lead reflecting that we understand that!

Neal Pollard

Neriah LeBlanc related an interesting story regarding the history of an island nearby his native home.  He says,

In 1715 the French established their rule on a small island state called

Dominica. One of the cultures the French brought to that island was that

when one died, their life would be evaluated by the leaders of the

community. If that person was seen as one who was an ungodly person,

an inscription would be placed on their tomb which read, ‘vous avez

travaille pour rien.’ Translated into English, this means, ‘You have worked for nothing.’

Most people are very concerned about their legacy, what impression and memory they will leave on this world.  Presidents, facing the end of their last term, often think about what their legacy will be. The wealthy may donate millions of dollars to a university to have a building or even the school named after them, a legacy to their generosity.  Actors, athletes, and entertainers may wish to be remembered for something groundbreaking they did in their field.  Average, everyday folks like you and me wish to be remembered as having fulfilled a deeper purpose, too.

How will we know that we have not worked for nothing, that we have not misspent our time, talents, and thoughts?  In His teaching that repelled many of His disciples, Jesus urged, “Do not work for the food which perishes, but the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal” (John 6:27).  In this short statement, Jesus speaks profoundly about living with purpose.

Whether your occupation is in the secular or the spiritual realm, this principle is immovable.  Make sure you leave a measurable, spiritual footprint in all the pathways of your life–job, community, church, family, and wherever else you walk.  Did your example, influence, and words lead people to see and know Jesus? Would people say that when you were around, it was easier for them to be and do good?

The Judgment itself will be a testimony to this principle.  In essence, when we stand before Christ, He will say either “you have worked for nothing” or “you have worked for Me” (cf. Mat. 25:34-45).  Each day, we are building our spiritual legacy. May we labor for that “which endures to eternal life.”

Neal Pollard

I knew something was wrong when Kathy was rustling the blinds in our bedroom, holding our new puppy whose “needs” I thought she had helped address.  In my fog, I asked her what was wrong.  In the hushed tone of concern, she said, “I think somebody is going through our trash cans.”  She explained that when she opened the door to let Chipper out, she heard a clanging noise on the side of the house.  She heard it again, and it sounded too methodical and rhythmic to be an animal (we get the occasional skunk and opossum like anybody else). She stealthily peeked out our front bay window and thinks she saw a dark figure going through the neighbor’s trash cans.

In my groggy state, without the sense to be more afraid than angry, I headed downstairs and then outside with a big stick in hand.  The pilferer was gone, but his handiwork was apparent.  A bag of garbage had been methodically opened and the contents rifled. Perhaps he sought unshredded documents.  Maybe he was hungry.  No one knows, but it makes one feel violated to have a stranger secretly sifting through one’s refuse.

Really, no matter why he was there, his actions were audacious, self-serving, and potentially harmful.  I cannot see the justification.  He chose an hour when he thought he would not be discovered.  He trespassed on our property, thus being an uninvited guest.  He was trying to take possession of that was not rightfully his.

How different was this “refuse rifler” from the gossip and the backbiter?  They both do their work clandestinely, under the cover of “darkness.”  They both enjoy going through other people’s garbage.  They both are trying to get a hold of what does not belong to them.

Like the one enamored with a “different doctrine,” the gossip is afflicted with a “morbid interest” (cf. 1 Tim. 6:4).  Maybe it is in secrets (Prov. 20:19), separating friendships or strife (Prov. 16:28), smudging character (1 Pet. 2:12), or something else, but backbiting is about as noble as rummaging through another person’s rubbish. Peter warned against being a “troublesome meddler” (1 Pet. 4:15; KJV–“a busybody in other men’s matters”).  The next time we are tempted to gossip, let us remember that such makes us the spiritual equivalent of the “dumpster diver.”  Let us all endeavor to mind our own business!

Neal Pollard

The caption above is also the title of a song our family listened to on a vinyl record when I was a boy.  While I enjoyed the melody of that spiritual song, I suppose I may have not dwelled much on the message.  There are some parables in Matthew 13 that may have been the inspiration for the lyrics.

THERE IS THE LITTLE SEED (31-32).  The mustard seed produces a gigantic herb that is virtually tree-like.  That’s the power of Christ’s kingdom.

THERE IS THE LITTLE LEAVEN (33).  Just a little yeast and yet it thoroughly permeates.  That’s like the kingdom of heaven.

THERE IS THE LITTLE PARCEL (44).  Compared to all that he had, one little field wherein the prospector’s treasure was hidden was little.  That’s how great the value of the kingdom is.

THERE IS THE LITTLE PEARL (45-46).  Hold even a huge pearl in your hand, and it fits there.  It’s small.  Yet, the merchant Jesus mentions sells all he has to buy it.  That’s the huge value of the kingdom.

God can do great things through the church, though we do not have the greatest numbers, voice, or power.  God owns His kingdom and it transcends all earth might throw against it.  Do not discount how big the little part you play can be!

Neal Pollard

• He Is Omniscient, Yet Optimistic (Jer. 26:3).
• He Knows Us Better Than We Know Ourselves And Still Is Not Willing That Any Should Perish (2 Pet. 3:9).
• He Sees Our Stingy Tendencies, But He Still Gives Freely (Rom. 8:32; Eph. 1:6).
• He Knows We Can Be Faithless, But He Is Still Faithful (2 Cor. 1:18; 2 Tim. 2:13).
• We Keep Track Of Others’ Wrongs, But God Can Forget (Heb. 10:17).
• We Procrastinate And Delay, But God’s Patience Still Waits (So Far) (1 Pet. 3:20; 2 Pet. 3:15).
• In A World With Too Much Impersonal Care, He Personally Cares (1 Pet. 5:7).
• When We Feel Ignored By Others, He Sees Even Minute Details (Matt. 10:29-31).
• In A World Of Fickle, Fading Love, His Lovingkindnesses Never Cease (Lam. 3:22).
• People Forget The Help, Favors, And Gifts We Give Them, But God Is Not Unjust To Forget Your Work And The Love You Have Shown In His Name (Heb. 6:10).
• Though Others May Abandon You, He’s Coming Back To Claim His Own (John 14:3; 1 Thess. 4:16-18).

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/all-you-mongrels/id594982396

Neal Pollard

Born to a world of sin and woe,

With vile behavior raging,

How many know not how to go?

In iniquity in ignorance engaging.

Why did my path cross Jesus’ way

When others may never know it?

Through grace He changed my night to day

I didn’t deserve for Him to bestow it.

I am convinced of His love for me,

That led me to the Sonlight.

I’m precious to Him, I plainly see

He delivered me from sin’s dark night.

Lord, help me see those many souls

That grope for eternal direction

To lead them toward that upward goal

And experience the joy of election!

Neal Pollard

Several years ago, actor Fisher Stevens produced the movie thriller Awake about a young man who needs a heart transplant amidst all kinds of mayhem.  Stevens was interviewed about how he prepared for his role as a doctor in the motion picture.  He spoke of going into the operating theatre of a certain hospital to watch surgeons do their work.  At first, he said he closed his eyes and felt faint when trying to watch.  Yet, as he made himself watch the inevitable gore and details of these surgeries, he said he got to the point where he could not stop watching.

Whatever embellishment Stevens was doing, he pinpoints normal human nature.  A person, through curiosity, repeated exposure, and familiarity, can come to embrace and long for what once repelled and repulsed him.  A person who has watched television twenty, thirty, or more years may be watching today what would have so completely revolted him in those long ago years.  Those who expose themselves to pornography can find the same net effect in his or her heart, desiring what at one point would have disgusted them.  Even living in a society whose views have moved steadily away from God’s will can find themselves, philosophically and spiritually, embracing what once would have repulsed them. Whenever we allow ourselves to continue to see, hear, or think of things that might at first spiritually offend or outrage us, we will likely grow to the point that we embrace it.

Let us keep our hearts and consciences sharp, pure, and clean.  May we see sin for what it is and stay uncomfortable and bothered by it.  Otherwise, we will eventually come to love what God hates.

Neal Pollard

Everyone who attended last night’s devotional at Bear Valley seems to share the sentiment that it was tremendously uplifting.  The theme was timely, the songs, scriptures, and prayer reinforced it, and the men who led, to the man, did so with apparent passion and skill.  Each moment was “savory” and satisfying.  Everyone surely felt closer and closer to the throne of God with each successive moment.  Yet, there was one moment I want to isolate which I particularly appreciate.  Bob Turner led us in “Will You Not Tell It Today?” and encouraged us to do something “interactive.”  He asked us to stand and face the section across from us (we cordoned off the “north side” so that we all were seated in the center and south section of pews).  Then, he told us to look at each other and sing to one another, especially since this song was a profession of intent written to be spoken to one another.

No doubt for expediency and orderliness, churches more than a century ago adopted pews for a seating arrangement.  Perhaps it facilitates an optimal arrangement for seeing the preacher as he delivers the sermon.  Yet, it has created a few circumstances in our singing that could be deemed unfortunate.  It has isolated us in our singing.  We are typically tunnel-visioned, almost as if with blinders on our faces.  Perhaps we are staring at the back of the heads in front of us and maybe looking at the song leader, but we are not in a position to see one another.  Also, we have buried our faces in the “pages.”  I say that because whether a congregation uses a songbook or projects songs on a screen, we have become conditioned to fixing our gaze on that rather than each other.  That means burying our heads in a book or riveting our focus on the paperless hymnal.  Hasn’t it made us uncomfortable, in many cases, with actually looking into the faces of our brothers and sisters while teaching, admonishing, and encouraging through song?

I am grateful that Bob had this idea.  It is hard to describe the joy and encouragement felt when looking into sincere, smiling faces of fellow Christians in the midst of worshipping our God and also speaking to one another in song. I encourage God’s people to consider incorporating opportunities like this into the worship, to facilitate the command of “speaking to one another” (Eph. 5:19) and “teaching and admonishing one another” (Col. 3:16) “with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.”  The effect may pleasantly surprise you!

Neal Pollard

A poll just released by Harris Interactive shows that employers are less likely to promote a worker who curses.  These bosses gave several reasons why.  Bad language calls a person’s professionalism into question.  Employers see such as a self-control problem.  They also see it as a lack of maturity and a sign of lower intelligence (via PRNewswire and Careerbuilder.com).  The bottom line is that “bad words leave bad impressions” (ibid.).

Certainly, a Christian does not need such a survey and should not be threatened by these findings.  The Bible makes speech a basic building block of good influence for those of us who are ambassadors for Christ.  Being “sound in speech” puts one “beyond reproach” with “opponents” who may be prone to have something “bad to say about us” (Titus 2:8).  Our speech should “always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt” in order to properly “respond to each person” (Colossians 4:6).  No “unwholesome word” should “proceed” from our mouths (Ephesians 4:29).  Jesus warned that “the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart” (Matthew 12:34).

What an opportunity God gives Christians in this world to represent Him to them!  We should not be most concerned with what monetary value there is in keeping our speech pure and clean, but rather consider above all else the spiritual value!  We should not be only concerned with what potentially negative impact bad language may have on a superior, but equally focused on how it impacts peers and subordinates.  For good or bad, our language does make a difference.  It should reflect truth, honorableness, right, purity, loveliness, and good reputation for these should be that upon which we are reflecting (Philippians 4:8).  Whether or not it wins you an earthly promotion, guard your speech out of interest for that spiritual promotion!

Neal Pollard

A preacher, so bold and decisive,

With bluster and confidence speaks

No matter that his words are divisive

Or that no biblical foundation he seeks

He panders to the people’s inclinations

He knows just the buttons to press

For he growls with authoritative intonations

Uses guilt and contempt in excess

He binds without scriptural authority

He calls judgment and expedites sin

With a broad stroke he paints with audacity

In his efforts his own converts to win

Do not look at his practice, hear his preaching

Please don’t search for a chapter or verse

Ask not if he’s consistent in his teaching

He’s got swagger, he’s impressively terse

Consistency’s a jewel he’s discarded

His agenda is what he’s crowned king

Sage counsel he has effortlessly disregarded

Accountability seems to him a bad thing

Lord help me be gentle and humble

And a careful and diligent student

To warn others, knowing full well I stumble

Lord, help me be both spiritual and prudent

For the work of the public proclaimer

As a mere servant of the Most High God

Is promoting His Word with no fear or disclaimer

Mindful of where our own footsteps have trod

For the teacher is held to a much higher standard

The leader must account for those led

Woe to men who with smooth speech have pandered

Or who let the praises of men fill their head

Let the public speaker be filled with godly valor

Letting Scripture be the beacon and guide

Avoiding the extremes of cowardly pallor

And self-centered, unmitigated pride.