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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.

Neal Pollard

Now that Christmas day has passed, retailers are beckoning potential customers to come in or log on and get what they “really wanted.”  For the next few days and weeks, shoppers will stand in customer service lines with gift receipts (or actual receipts) and either ask to exchange or return their merchandise.  It seems that most businesses have adopted a more generous return policy through the course of time.  But, there is one place whose return policy is unmatched.

Jesus illustrates this “policy” in a beautiful parable in Luke 15:11-32.  We have dubbed this story the parable of the “prodigal” son.  That term means to spend money and other resources recklessly and wastefully.  The son in this story did just that, meaning it was totally his fault.  There came a point when he wanted to return, and Jesus shows us much about the generous father’s “return policy.”

There was no receipt necessary.  The father was not keeping record.  He did not ask the boy to account for his inheritance.  He fully accepted this son on the spot.

There were no questions asked.  He did not have caveats or conditions.  There was nothing to sign.  He was welcomed back with open arms.

There were no time restrictions on when the return could occur.  It is true that the father was anxiously awaiting his return, but he did not turn the boy away for waiting too long.  Truly, if the boy had never returned it would have been too late.  But, the father was not otherwise bound by a calendar or clock.

There was an eagerness for the return to occur.  The father wanted more than anything for the wasteful son to simply come back home.  The son learned that rejection or disallowance was not part of the father’s policy.

The most beautiful thing about our Heavenly Father’s “return policy” is that it concerns that which never breaks, runs down, fades, or becomes outdated (Mt. 6:19-21; Rev. 7:13-17).  What the prodigal son learned, we should learn, too.  It is never too late, we have never gone too far, and  He will never reject the one who comes to Him on His very fair and just terms.  As long as we have life and breath, we have access to this generous return policy.  There are never long lines or hassles.  Nothing is more valuable than what He gives us when we come home.  That’s incredible!

 

Neal Pollard

Sometimes, a “minor” Bible character appears on the stage of inspiration and is immortalized for either good or bad.  Doeg definitely falls into the latter category.  We see him in 1 Samuel 21-22.  He is identified as an Edomite (one of Esau’s descendents), “the chief of Saul’s shepherds” (1 Sam. 21:7). We see him by Saul’s servants (22:9), and by his hand 85 of Israel’s priests, who had sheltered David from Saul’s jealous wrath, are slaughtered (22:18).  Apparently, Doeg already had a bad reputation.  When David hears this devastating news, he laments, “I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul” (22:22).

He was so spiritually wretched that the Holy Spirit through David makes him the subject of infamy in Psalm 52.  It is of Doeg that David speaks when he says, “Your tongue devises destruction…you love evil more than good…you love all devouring words” (2-4). Then, David predicts an awful demise for Doeg (5-7).  He trusted the wrong things and did the wrong things. What ignominy!

Doeg illustrates a few things for us.  First, character matters.  Doeg’s character was deplorable.  He had no respect for God’s priests.  He was willing to sell out others for his own profit.  He had no value for life and specifically the righteous.  Second, there may be temporary reward in behaving badly.  This is implied by David’s words in Psalm 52 about “abundant riches” (7).  Perhaps he was “court pet” of the day.  We can see today that sinners may enjoy wealth and fame…in this life. Finally, wickedness will not ultimately prosper.  Solomon’s words apply to Doeg and all those of his ilk.  “It will not be well for the evil man and he will not lengthen his days like a shadow, because he does not fear God” (Ecc. 8:13).

We can learn great lessons from “positive characters,” but we can learn from those others, too.  Old Testament characters instruct us and give us hope (Rom. 15:4), and that includes “negative characters” (1 Cor. 10:11).  Let us learn from Doeg and build better character than that.

Neal Pollard

I saw this billboard on Interstate 70 near Abilene, Kansas, not long ago.  It was positioned directly in front of an “adult store” called the Lion’s Den.  It seems to me a clever tactical move to give someone hankering to patronize such a place at least a second thought.

Does pornography have a destructive effect upon its consumers? Clinical psychologist Dr. Victor Cline of the University of Utah, whose academic and professional qualifications are unimpeachable, is famed for his “five stages of addiction.”  In order, they are (1) early exposure (seeing pornography at a young age), (2) addiction (it becomes a regular part of your life and you cannot quit), (3) escalation (a continual search for more graphic material and desire for what once would have been repulsive), (4) desensitization (numbness and loss of thrill no matter how graphic the material), and (5) acting out sexually (the dangerous step of moving from fantasy to reality, including rape, molestation, and worse)(information via Gene McConnell, Keith Campbell, focusonthefamily.com).

What Cline says about sexual addiction mirrors addictive behaviors in other realms.  Drug addicts often move from through these same phases, as well as those addicted to gambling, food, and other things that can be addictive.  As you examine those phases, you can see the desperation, guilt, damaged relationships, and danger intrinsically involved.  Pornography leads to objectifying people, desiring what is perverse and even illegal, and experiencing dysfunction on a number of levels.

The good news is the first half of the message on that billboard.  That message is as old as the New Testament itself.  Paul told the Corinthian church, steeped in all kinds of ungodly behavior, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).  That good news extends to those enslaved to pornography, too.  A changed, penitent heart and mind, that longs to be free and exerts the effort and self-control, can be healed and restored.  Pornography, like every other sin, promises freedom and pleasure.  It cannot deliver.  But one can be delivered at any time they desire.  No sin is bigger than Jesus!

Neal Pollard

I was sought out, called out, and occasionally put out by a man unknown to me.  He wrote me challenging the notion that baptism is part of God’s saving plan.  Through several exchanges, he brought up arguments that men have vainly attempted for a very long time.  Some of this man’s views went back as far as John Calvin.  The clear teaching of the Bible on the subject of baptism left him unfazed and unconvinced.  This man is undoubtedly sincere and zealous in his beliefs, but God’s Word shows how insufficient sincerity and zeal alone are.  They are as insufficient as faith alone.

It has often occurred to me that the devil has not had to be in the innovation business.  Certainly, he is adept at adapting to the inventions and changes brought by time and culture and adopting whatever is current and new, but his basic inroads remain the same as they were in the Garden of Eden.  He does not need a new bag of tricks.

• Mankind is still carried away and enticed by their own lust (James 1:16).
• Mankind is still prone to the lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and pride of life (1 Peter 2:16).
• Mankind is still inclined to try and direct their own steps (Jeremiah 10:23).
• Mankind is still open to deluding influences so that they will believe what is false (2 Thessalonians 2:11).
• Mankind is still stubborn (Psalm 78:8).
• Mankind is still self-willed (2 Peter 2:10).
• Mankind is still trying to serve God in their own way on their own terms (Matthew 7:22-23).
• Mankind is still blinded by the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4).

Human nature remains so constant that the devil can stay with his old tricks.  It is truly heartbreaking and tragic. A plethora of compelling arguments and clearly-stated Scriptures can be easily sloughed off by anyone “in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19).  Our task is to sow the seed with patience and love, but it is the job of the hearer to open their hearts to the seed!

Neal Pollard

An elusive criminal has been on a spree, burglarizing cars and houses.  Investigators have dogged his trail, scouring for clues, searching for DNA, cross-checking old files and cold cases.  They are looking for patterns or mistakes, anything that can lead a wanton thief to custody and justice.  Finally, despite his skill, he satisfies them by leaving a fingerprint at a victim’s house.  They check it against the system and find a match.  Officers get an address, rush over and surprise him as he is leaving.  A short chase ensues and near the fence behind an adjacent abandoned factory, he is handcuffed and then hauled downtown.  Another ne’er-do-well is apprehended.

Apprehended is a word we associate with capturing or bringing into custody, usually with the idea of some sort of pursuit.  A similar concept is found in the New Testament, but it is often used in a positive manner.  A pair of words from the same word family are used a few times in scripture to depict apprehending by the senses.  The original idea is to perceive, primarily with the external senses, but it is used in the Bible to speak of spiritual perception and understanding.

In Luke nine, after Jesus healed one with an unclean spirit which the disciples were unable to heal, the Lord proclaimed that He was going to be delivered into the hands of men and the disciples didn’t understand the statement “and it was concealed from them so that they would not perceive it” (45).  Twice, the same word is found in the Septuagint.  In Job’s struggle, he says, “I would learn the words which He would answer, and perceive what He would say to me” (Job 23:5).  He longed to grab a hold of an answer from God for His suffering.  Solomon tells his son to “know” (or perceive) that wisdom is for the soul what honey is for the taste buds (Prov. 24:13-14).  He wanted him to get a grasp of that invaluable truth.

A word from the same family is used in Philippians 1:9, as Paul prays Philippi’s love would abound more and more in knowledge and discernment.  He wanted them to pursue it and come to obtain it because it affected their spiritual standing.  It had been eluding up to that point.

How dedicated are we to taking possession of truth, a relationship with God, wisdom, and spiritual discernment?  Are we willing to investigate, hunt, scour, and move heaven and earth?  Jesus taught, “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Matt. 13:45-46).  These things are there for the taken, if we will stay on the case.  God wants them in our custody.  May we ever stay in hot pursuit!