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Neal Pollard

Locals know that the title indicates the names of three streets, West Yale Avenue running east and west between Wadsworth and Sheridan Boulevards.  The church building is nearly halfway between the boulevards at the corner of South Lamar Street.  I drive that route daily, trying faithfully to observe the 30 MPH speed limit sign that is rigorously monitored by local law enforcement.  The cynic would say this stretch of road is a speed trap.  Those who have been ticketed on said stretch must reflect, ponder, and pray before talking about it.  Today, though, as I saw yet another poor sap pulled over by our men in blue, I thought about a few things.

First, that speed limit sign is clearly posted multiple times down that two mile span of road.  We are accustomed to not only a “speed grace” level, but we often find ourselves trying to drive as quickly as driving conditions will allow.  Those who think this way on Yale between Wadsworth and Sheridan are often surprised at how literally the police take that sign.

Also, despite how regularly Yale is patrolled here, people continue to get livid with you if you drive no more than the speed limit.  You think to yourself, “Don’t they know that Barney might be just behind that sign at the apartment complex!”  You may feel some measure of satisfaction if you’re lucky enough to see the guy in the sports car rip past you and into the waiting arms of the man holding the radar gun.  Despite how well-known this area is for nabbing those criminals going 33 or 34, people continue to be caught on a regular basis (doing 45, 50 or more).

Finally, it is tempting to blame the police officer or the government he serves and the law he seeks to enforce.  It wasn’t the officer breaking the law, it was you (and of course the five other guys going faster than you that the officer totally ignored to give you a ticket).  Never mind that he doesn’t pull over the people who are driving the speed limit (unless their registration is out of date).  He is a symbol of the law.  He’s the messenger.  But, he’s who we can see when we’re waiting for that slip of paper with payment options on it.

How closely that mirrors life!  We know that there is a law in place (Gal. 6:2; Rom. 8:2; Js. 1:25).  It is tempered by grace (Eph. 2:8), but some abuse grace (Rom. 6:1-2; Jude 4).  They refuse to submit to or take Christ’s will seriously.  And, how often will we find ourselves the object of others’ scorn, those mad at us for trying to follow what He says (cf. 1 Pet. 3:16; 4:4)?  Of course, we should not take satisfaction in the thought of the judgment that awaits the lost, but be assured that it will come.  Then, may we never focus our anger at the one who is trying to humbly trying to show us what Christ’s will is.  Such feelings should be reserved for the devil, the world, and ourselves, when we give in to disobedience.  Let us, “Therefore be careful how we walk, not as unwise men but as wise” (Eph. 5:15).

Oh, and watch yourself on Yale between Wadsworth and Sheridan!

Neal Pollard

Have you ever wanted an opportunity for redemption?  Did you ever feel you deserved it?  Brian Banks was a highly recruited football player, heading to USC, when Wanetta Gibson accused Banks of raping her.  Her accusation was a lie, but his lawyer feared his “age, size, and race” would keep him from getting a fair trial.  Also, Gibson convinced him to plead no contest “to a crime he insisted he didn’t commit.” Thus, no trial and no evidence presented.  He received the maximum sentence allowed under the plea deal, but avoided the possibility of 41 years in jail. He was released after five years, and he had to register as a sex offender.  Last year, Gibson sent Banks a friend request on Facebook.  He did not accept, but messaged her asking why should would do that? She said she wanted to reconnect.  Banks slyly asked a family friend who was a private investigator to help him establish his innocence. She would go on to confess on tape that Banks was innocent of both the rape and kidnapping charge.  While she is in huge legal trouble now, Banks was exonerated and the charges against him dropped (via transcript from “Blindsided,” a CBS news feature at http://www.cbsnews.com).

Banks deserved exoneration.  While it might have been that Banks was not totally innocent, he was not guilty of the charges against him.  He had to do time for a crime he did not commit.  It cost him time and the ability to prepare himself for a career that would pay handsomely.  Now, it seems, he will have that chance.  The Atlanta Falcons have invited him to try out for middle linebackers.  Most believe he will make the roster and could eventually start.  He got a second chance.

Our situation is really the opposite.  We were guilty of the charges against us (Rom. 3:23). There were no mitigating circumstances.  The facts in the case are ugly (cf. 1 Jn. 2:15-17; Js. 1:13-15).  We deserved the harshest penalty.  But, Jesus, a totally innocent Man, was put to death for our crimes.  Because He arose, we have the opportunity to be completely pardoned.  Not only that, we stand to gain a fortune too great to count that will endure for eternity (Mt. 25:46).  We have a second chance, not because we were found innocent.  We have a second chance because His blood makes us righteous!  Praise God for second chances.

Neal Pollard

Snapshots serve a fascinating purpose, to show moments of time from the unique perspective of the one taking the pictures.  No more graphic Old Testament pictures are revealed than those found in Isaiah 53.  How many have chosen this passage to read while reflecting on Christ’s great sacrifice during the Lord’s Supper?  Have you ever began your reading further up, at the end of Isaiah 52?  Here are some powerful, additional snapshots of the suffering servant.  In these few verses, there are compelling snapshots of the Savior.

• He would be wise–“behold My Servant shall deal prudently”
• He would be royal–“exalted and extolled and be very high”
• He would be enigmatic–“Many were astonished at [Him]”
• He would be brutalized–“His visage was marred”; “His form more than the sons of men”
• He would be the atonement–“So shall He sprinkle many nations”

From His ministry and warm reception to His horrendous death, Jesus is depicted as the most unique One.  Only He could do what He did because He is the only One of His kind–all God and all man all at once.  Give thought to beginning your reading at Isaiah 52:13 some time when you are reading the poignant prophesy in the following chapter.  This is simply further reinforcement of the great love God has for us in giving Jesus for our sins!

Neal Pollard

Perhaps you have heard the latest flap about “sexist hate speech” that has purportedly gone unpunished by the social media giant Facebook.  Activists and advertisers are teaming up to pressure Facebook into addressing particularly pages that “celebrate violence against women.” Facebook has resoundingly responded with a cadre of new or improved guidelines to eliminate such appalling rhetoric.  While some are crying foul over perceived first amendment trampling, most see the move as desirable and necessary (via CNN online article by Doug Gross, “Under pressure, Facebook targets sexist hate speech”).  This is the world, but even the world gets that there are lines in speech that should not be crossed.

Of course, the Christian has a much higher standard when it comes to what speech is appropriate.  Well before the line that is crossed by talk that glorifies rape and sexual violence there is the line that is set by Christian courtesy, love, meekness, holiness, and several, similar qualities. Sadly, after over four years of having a Facebook page and seeing on my news feed the comments of “friends” that are mostly Christians, I have seen some lines crossed by those who know better.  Let me name some of the worst offenders:

–Chronic Contradictor

–Compulsive Complainer

–Unsolicited Buttinsky

–Chip On-The Shoulder

–Relentless Ranter

–Suggestive Speaker

–Boldfaced Boaster

–Condescending Christian

–Self-Proclaimed Unqualified-Expert

–Worst-Assuming Writer

–Attacker Under-The-Guise-Of-Humor

–Worldliness Glorifier

I am positive that you have other “friends” within your Facebook circle different from the ones I singled out to you.  For ourselves, may we choose the needed, endangered qualities of restraint, forethought, kindness, thoughtfulness, and any similar trait embodied in the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-24).  Facebook feels anonymous, but it is not.  Just because we can type it without looking someone in the face as we say it to them does not make it acceptable.  Let us dedicate ourselves to using every forum of influence we possess to encourage and assist everyone under the “sound” of our “voice.”

Neal Pollard

Jesus said, “Unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3).  Paul preached that there is no spiritual healing unless one is converted (Acts 28:27).  To be converted means literally to twist, turn around, and reverse.  In spiritual application, the word means to leave one thing for another.  In evangelism, the attempt is to turn one from the world to Christ.  However, people have been known to turn from the world to something other than Jesus and His doctrine.  This is unfortunate, but true.  Consider a few deadly alternative to conversion to the Lord.

Some are converted to emotions.  Without question, emotion lies at the heart of a person’s makeup.  Emotion must play a prominent role in both becoming a Christian and living as a Christian.  The people present on Pentecost were pierced to the heart and thus cried out, “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).  Tears are commonplace among godly Christians, contemplating the Lord’s Supper, pleading with the lost, and saying goodbye to another saint who is leaving the area or the realm of time.  Christians are joyful people, quick to smile and laugh.  There should be righteous anger at the display of unrighteousness.  Emotions are essential to Christianity, but some are overly caught up in and enamored with emotion.  They are big on “feeling” something.  They are whimsical, mystical “swooners.”  The paramount gauge of a sermon’s success is if it made them laugh or cry, not if it was true or false.  “Touchy-feely” is preeminent, whether or not it rings true doctrinally.  One converted to emotion in such a way is converted to the wrong thing.

Some are converted to personalities.  The church is composed of people, and frankly some folks are more likable than others.  Each Christian should so live as to be attractive, just as Christ was (cf. Matt. 4:25; 8:1; 12:15; etc.).  Yet, some are converted to people.  Their loyalty is to the preacher, an elder, or some family in the congregation.  When that preacher leaves, they cease coming.  Whatever that family believes or advocates, they blindly follow and mimic.  It is so easy to become blinded to human loyalties, that such overshadows a concern for what is right and biblical.  Multitudes are loyal to false teachers, despite clear, multiplied errors in their teaching.  Paul said to follow him as he followed Jesus (1 Cor. 11:1), but he never wanted anyone to follow him instead of Jesus.  One converted to personality is converted to the wrong thing.

Some are converted to social programs.  Churches need to provide ways to edify their members.  Fellowship is vital, and socializing together and socializing together can make us all stronger.  The first-century church socialized together (Acts 2:46).  Yet, some make a decision with eternal implications based on what that church has “going on.”  Becoming a member of Christ’s church is not the same as choosing a social club, a civic organization, or a health club.  Doctrine does matter.  A church–even the Lord’s church–may scratch a million social itches and not accurately dispense the balm of Gilead to heal the sinsickness of the soul.  One converted to social programs is converted to the wrong thing.

The church must not be or become emotionless.  It should be filled with people whose personalities draw all men to Christ, and are as such magnetic (cf. John 12:32).  Fellowship together, time spent in recreation and socializing together, should characterize us.  Yet, all of these are tools.  When they become the end rather than a means to an end, they have usurped their place.  With Paul, we must faithfully determine “to know nothing except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2).  He is the integral, not the incidental. He is pivotal and not peripheral.  He is essential rather than esoteric.  We must keep the first thing the first thing!  Be converted to the Lord!

Neal Pollard

No, he did not actually say that, but if he could sum up the last 24 hours he probably would put it that way.  By now, you may have heard that he made what has been interpreted as a racial slur against Tiger Woods.  While analysts, black and white, are split as to whether Garcia’s remarks about Woods being served fried chicken are offensive, those remarks have created quite the news story.  Woods reportedly found the remark “wrong, hurtful, and clearly inappropriate.” The occasion for Garcia’s remarks was a lighthearted moment during an awards dinner in Virginia Water, England.   Not only that, but there has been an escalating bout of bad blood between the two golfers that has gone back and forth. Yet, as of this writing, that one remark could possibly cost him his sponsorship from TaylorMade-Adidas.

Certainly, you and I do not find ourselves before an open mic with the world as a stage.  We live out our lives in relative anonymity.  Those of us who preach and teach have a slightly larger audience than other Christians, but there is a whole other group of onlookers and spectators.  They are coworkers, classmates, neighbors, acquaintances, strangers, brethren, family, and God.  The latter keeps a record of what we say (Mat. 12:36-37).  The rest may be drawn to or pushed away from Christ as the result of what we say.  So, both testaments and most Bible books include warnings about the powerful influence of the tongue.  “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Prov. 18:21a).  “In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach…” (Ti. 2:7-8a). “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person” (Col. 4:6).  On and on, in many different ways, Scripture warns us to guard our tongues (cf. Ps. 141:3).  Whether our actual speech or our “virtual” speech, the summation is simply, “Watch your words!”

Neal Pollard

David Shane Gosik.  The name seems innocuous enough, but he was the cause of much local consternation at Bear Valley last evening.  As I was preaching, I looked out at our “full house” to see anywhere from six to twelve men in the foyer rushing back and forth with looks of great concern on their faces.  Only when Dave Chamberlin made an announcement following the invitation song were most of us alerted to the problem.  There was a man, armed and dangerous, on the loose in the area of Hampden and Harlan.  As a crow flies, that is less than a mile from the building.  Police helicopters hovered over the building.  SWAT teams from two counties were looking for the felon.  Shortly after we were dismissed from services, word reached us that Gosik was found in a crawl space outside the Pebble Creek Apartment complex (news via 9news.com).

We live in interesting times.  We are more easily on edge at the thought of armed intruders with potentially evil intent.  We have had Columbine and Aurora to heighten that feeling of vulnerability.  While we are relieved that so many stood ready to protect us from potential harm, we hate to think that there are hardened criminals out there with such little disregard for others’ state of mind or safety.

It is harder for any of us to envision that every time we assemble as God’s people, there is a depraved and most hardened individual who is after each one of us.  Can you imagine if Gosik was trying to break down our doors looking for a specific person last night?  But the Bible speaks of the devil in those exact terms.  He seeks to devour us like a lion seeks his prey (1 Pet. 5:8). He seeks to take advantage of us (2 Cor. 2:11). He seeks to blind the mind (2 Cor. 4:4). He seeks to sway us (1 Jn. 5:19).  It has been said that he attends every worship service, but he certain is a powerful opponent out to get us.  Thankfully, our protection against him is foolproof if utilized (Js. 4:7; Eph. 4:27; Eph. 6:11ff; 1 Pet. 5:9).  But, the first line of defense is to be aware of the danger!  The comfort is that Jesus has already defeated him (Heb. 2:14).

Neal Pollard

A few years ago in Roanoke, Virginia, I heard a local news report about the struggles of a local eating establishment.  Apparently, some patrons saw mice scurrying around the restaurant in Ratatouille fashion.  Health inspectors condemned the eatery, but soon cleared it to reopen.  Strangely, the patrons were not flocking back to dine there.  Go figure.  The owner was interviewed, reassuring the TV audience that it was as safe and clean a place as could be in which to eat.  He likened it to what happens in the wake of an airplane crash.  People stop flying that carrier, though inspections and safety procedures done internally after the crash actually increases safety.  That could be, I guess.  But, I didn’t blame Mr. and Mrs. Consumer.  Rats on the floor and downed airliners get your attention.  You tend to remember the details.

Consider a few names:  Woody Hayes, Gary Hart, John Rocker, Steve Bartman. Milli Vanilli, Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder, George Custer, Mark Sanford, and Dan Quayle (and his “potatoe” spelling feat).  All of these folks except Custer lived beyond their infamous moments, but they are best known for their moment of notoriety.  They may have tried to “exterminate the rats” and “inspect the fleet,” but it did not matter.  They neutralized their influence and in some cases polarized themselves through their comments or actions.  In most cases, these individuals are associated with some gaffe, misbehavior, or foolish choice.

We may not be able to foresee the consequences of our actions when we do them, nor can we choose what the consequences will be.  In dimmer spotlights, average people have harmed their influence for Christ through a few moments of intemperance, dishonesty, rashness, volatility, immorality, or thoughtlessness.  A careless word may permanently alienate us from another.  A moment of indiscretion can cling to us throughout the rest of our lives.  An expression of outrage toward a clerk, store employee, or like professional may keep a soul from Calvary.  May we never lose sight of the power of our influence.  It is powerful, but fragile.  It is eternal, but that can be good or bad depending on how we use it.  If we lose our handle on it, it will drop and shatter.  We can try to clean up, but the stains and remnants may still be visible.  Let us cherish a good name and maintain proper influence.  Without them, we make our job as Christians very difficult.

Neal Pollard

In the book of poems, “Pack Up Your Troubles,” is the following poem, entitled “Cares” and written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning:

The little cares that fretted me, I lost them yesterday
Among the fields above the sea, among the winds at play;
Among the lowing of the herds, the rustling of the trees,
Among the singing of the birds, the humming of the bees.
The foolish fears of what may happen, I cast them all away
Among the clover-scented grass, among the new-mown hay;
Among the husking of the corn where drowsy poppies nod,
Where ill thoughts die and good are born, out in the fields with God (Malone, 215-6)

This Victorian-era, English poet echoes the teaching of Christ in Matthew six.  In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord addresses one of mankind’s most common tendencies.  Worry, whatever we call it–“anxiousness,” “concern,” or “fretting”–is depicted by Jesus as short-sighted (25), senseless (26-30), faithless (30), forbidden (31), pagan (32), improper prioritizing (33), and unproductive (34).

In the midst of His admonition, Jesus points to the birds, lilies, and grass.  Long before Browning’s beautiful poem, Jesus had driven home this idea.  Watch the creation of God.  How carefree they tend to their business, not assured of another moment or another meal.  How provided for they are, even though they are so often helpless and powerless.

But we are made in God’s image (Gen. 1:26-27).  Jesus died for us all (2 Cor. 5:15).  He not only provides for us now, but He is preparing an eternal house for those of us who prepare to inhabit it (Jn. 14:1-4; Ps. 23:6).  Are you wrestling with worry?  Jesus knew you would.  All He says is that it is unnecessary since God knows you have needs, it is untrusting since it shows a lack of confidence in God’s power, and unfruitful since it concerns a tomorrow that is beyond our reach.  Certainly we have cares.  But, as Peter says, cast all of them on the caring Christ (1 Pet. 5:7).

Neal Pollard

I was actually watching when Juan Nicasio, Colorado Rockies’ pitcher, was hit in the head by a line drive off the bat of the Washington Nationals’ Ian Desmond. The impact and fall broke Nicasio’s neck.  In the last few seasons, there have been several similar incidents with equally frightening consequences. Brandon McCarthy, Doug Fister, Hiroki Kuroda, Chris Young, and now J.A. Happ are other pitchers to have been hit in the head by a batted ball from 60 feet, 6 inches away.  It is remarkable that none of them died.  For men who throw the baseball as fast as 100 miles per hour and men with the hand-eye coordination to serve it back with the added momentum of the swing of the bat, the effect is like a launched missile.  Major League pitchers only have a baseball cap, and figuring out how to improve the protection is difficult.  A full-fledged helmet is too unwieldy and likely would add to pitchers’ danger.  Others have suggested Kevlar lining inside the cap.  The debate will likely rage on, and pitchers will remain exposed to this vulnerability.

Spiritually, you and I are also in a vulnerable position.  Our heads are exposed to various dangers on a daily basis!  Whether it be “philosophy and empty deception” (Col. 2:8), destructive distortions (2 Pet. 3:16; Gal. 1:7), “worldly and empty chatter” and false knowledge (1 Tim. 6:20), “empty words” (Eph. 5:6), the basic principles of the world (Gal. 4:3), and other, similar and dangerous ideas, we must protect our heads!  Thankfully, God has given us protection.  Ephesians 6:17 speaks of the helmet of salvation that will help protect us against dark powers and evil spiritual forces.  Paul calls the hope of salvation a helmet in 1 Thessalonians 5:8.  Isn’t it interesting that our salvation is meant to protect our heads from the forces of evil?  Do we maintain strong faith in the sacrifice of Christ? Does it motivate us to resist the world’s deadly enticements? Lose that hope and you could not be in a more vulnerable position!  Hold onto that hope and you are impervious to Satan’s fiery darts!  But, no one will make us wear this helmet!  That’s our own job as individuals.  Yet, let us constantly remind ourselves of what is at stake.  Protect your head!

Neal Pollard

I have fond memories of many preachers, living and dead, but elders have been some of my best friends.  On Friday, I received word that one of the first two elders to shepherd me as a full-time preacher died of a sudden heart attack on Friday, April 26.  He was 91.

Perhaps I have never met a more diverse and interesting man in my life.  He knew John Wayne and was friends with Alvin York.  He did archaeological work, and some of his finds are housed at the University of Tennessee.  He was Tennessee’s middleweight boxing champion in his youth.  He ate lunch with J. Edgar Hoover and assisted him on numerous classified projects.  He was extremely well-read and as good a historian as any I have met.  He was manager of government communications in Washington, D.C., a post that helped him to meet and work with eight presidents (Kennedy-Bush I). He was a veteran of World War II and Korea, serving in both the U.S. and Australian armies in WWII and as a marine in Korea.  He fought in the Pacific theatre and spent time as a prisoner of war. In his career at AT&T, he helped to avert at least one serious international crisis with the Soviet Union.  He authored a book on the history of AT&T.  Truly, this just scratches the surface of his achievements in the world.

But, I did not get to see him in these venues.  He regaled me with story after story the first five years I worked as the preacher for the Cold Harbor Road church of Christ in Virginia, about some of these incidents, but I knew him as my elder, a man for whom and with whom I worked in Christ’s vineyard.  His influence in the community led him to study with a man from whose conversion literally dozens more have come.  I sat in with him on other successful Bible studies.  He had a rare ability to plainly tell Bible truth to people in a way that convicted and persuaded, rather than angered, them.  He knew the flock.  He gently corrected those members in error and led them back home.  He led the congregation to lovingly, consistently practice church discipline.  He counseled with Christians and non-Christians.  He and Ann were as benevolent and giving as any couple I have known–who knows how many people they helped.  They were neither afraid of nor strangers to hard work, from work days to cleaning the baptistry monthly to helping the elderly and the sick.  If he ever missed a major surgery of a member, I cannot recall it.  He had boundless energy which he apparently used non-stop to the very end.  He established congregations in Australia and Virginia, and he was a major force behind the early growth of the Cold Harbor congregation. He served as an elder in at least two congregations.

Russell Young was a Renaissance Man in the noblest sense of the word.  He symbolized what made his the “greatest generation.”  But, he challenges us with his example.  If a country boy from the Sequatchie Valley of Tennessee could achieve so much in a long, full life, what about you and me?  The church can have great and numerous leaders to guide it to great heights, if there is a will within the men among us.  For now, those of us who knew Russell will long for the endless day of reunion with him in heaven!  Praise God for “mighty men” like Russell Young!

Neal Pollard

When Epaphras reported to Paul about the church at Colosse, he must have told him not only of their loving nature but also about a strange, new teaching bothering them.  It claimed to be a philosophy (2:8), had elements that sounded like Judaism (2:11,14,16-17), insisted that certain mystical powers were to be worshipped rather than Christ (2:15,18-19), taught the body is evil and must be abused (2:20-23), but claimed to be Christians (2:3-10). How do you respond to such a complex, multifaceted teaching?

The Holy Spirit though Paul exalts the supremacy of Christ. He taught Jesus as the absolute supreme and sufficient One throughout the epistle (read through and see how many proofs of this you can find in these four short chapters—I found 13 in just the first two chapters).  But I want you to notice seven great works of Christ, found in Colossians one, which point to His matchlessness.

• REVELATION (9). As opposed to the false knowledge of the ones condemned by Paul in this epistle, Paul points them to “the knowledge of His will” (9) for “understanding” (9) and “increasing in the knowledge of God” (10). Such allows us to walk right and bear fruit. The written revelation strengthens us with His might. He did that work through the Spirit (Jn. 14:26; 16:13).
• SALVATION (14). Paul tells us we have redemption and forgiveness in Him! He did that work at Calvary.
• CREATION (16). There was no creative act without Him.  “All things” were created by Him.  That’s exhaustive in nature.
• INCARNATION (19). Though coming in the flesh was not necessarily an act performed by Christ, He did the work of being a human flawlessly.  No one else ever did. In Colossians 2:9, Paul completes the thought implied here, that the fullness of God dwelt in Jesus “bodily.”  It also connects the statement in verse 19 to the thought in the next several verses. This work was completed at Calvary (cf. Jn. 19:30).
• RECONCILIATION (20-22). His death at Calvary, called redemption and forgiveness earlier, also involved bringing mankind back to God. Sin separated us. When we favorably respond to His offer, Jesus brings peace and makes us presentable (22).
• EXPECTATION (27).  What was long a mystery is now known: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” His successful atonement gives us hope in the most hopeless circumstances.
• FORTIFICATION (29). God left us a work to do, nothing more important than the evangelization of the world (cf. 23,28). Jesus strengthens us for that task, causing us to have supreme confidence (cf. Ph. 4:13).

Nobody can compare to Jesus. Not the mystery cults. Not materialism. Not world religions. Not atheism. Jesus is supreme because His work is sublime! May this help us never surrender!

Let Us Praise.

Neal Pollard

Prayer is an area in which all of us can grow.  How beautiful it is to be led in prayer by a godly man who seems obviously seasoned in the practice of prayer!  If we are discerning, we can see some marks of a mature, developed prayer life.  While there are many characteristics of such, one has to be the practice of praising God in prayer.

David was a man who modeled effusive praise in his prayers to God.  The Psalms teach us praise through David’s writings, and at least 25 of the 150 have been catalogued as psalms of praise (or one out of every six)!  Take just one of these, Psalm 40, and notice how David lavishes praise on God as he prays to Him.  The maturity of his prayer here is in stark contrast to some prayers, noted for the abundance of the requests and petitions while notably omitting praise to God.

In Psalm 40, David praises God for deliverance (1-2), bringing joy (3), and His works (5). Though the middle of the Psalm is a petition for help, David cannot help but return to the theme of praise before he concludes his prayer.  I love the ending.  He says, “Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, ‘The Lord be magnified!’ But I am poor and needy; Yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God” (16-17).

May I encourage us, beginning with our personal prayer lives, to give forethought and be intentional in this regard.  Find ways and reasons to praise, exalt, and magnify God. Think of His nature, His power, His love, His concern, His majesty, and His holiness.  Tell Him how great He is!  See yourself in stark contrast to His perfection and sovereignty.  What will flow from that will not be a desire to be helped, but a gratitude that will show up in your prayers.  You will feel the need and desire to thank Him specifically and at length for all He has done, is doing, and will do.

Let us be powerful people of prayer!  Let us praise!

“I’ve Got Something More Important To Do”.

Neal Pollard

In John 4:7, the Bible says that a woman of Samaria came to draw water.  She met Jesus at the well and He taught her in such an incredible way that John 4:28 says, “The woman then left her waterpot” in her excitement to tell her neighbors about Jesus. In John 4:8, Jesus sent His disciples into the city to buy food. When they return with it in John 4:31 and urge Him to eat, Jesus seems to have lost interest in physical food in favor of another kind of food, His father’s will and work (John 4:34).  In both cases, the physical interest was eclipsed by the spiritual need.

How unlike the woman and Jesus we can be sometimes!  A workday, service project, gospel meeting, fellowship activity, or involvement meeting is announced, but we rarely if ever participate.  Instead, we have prioritized earthly things over these.  We let our children miss church services for their sports, homework, job, or other activities, choosing or allowing them to choose the earthly over the spiritual.  Do we ever abandon Jesus for the water pot, the food, or some 21st-Century equivalent?

I am convicted that I have often chosen the earthly over the spiritual when I worry about this world and its distractions, when I neglect prayer and Bible study, when money and material things become too important to me, and when I am not actively seeking ways to serve Christ or save souls.  An occasional shortcoming that does not characterize me is one thing, but I do not want to become like those bread-chasers in John 6.  I do not want to resort to Christ when all else is falling apart in my life.  I want to make Him the priority of my life, letting Him fix what is broken in me and use me as a tool in His hand.  I want to see Christ’s will as most important and say instinctively, “I’ve got something more important to do than ‘work for the food that perishes'” (John 6:27). What about you?