Tag: attitude

Making The Most Of Difficult Circumstances

Perhaps you are facing a difficult circumstance. It should not be trivialized or minimized. It might be painful and protracted. But it should neither be the source of defeat or an excuse to stop serving the Lord.

Neal Pollard

In Acts 28:16, Luke tells us that when Paul came to Rome he was allowed to stay by himself (in a house he paid for himself, according to verse 30). However, he was guarded by a Roman soldier. Paul again refers to this in Philippians 1:13, 17, and your version probably has either the word “imprisonment” or “bonds.” Many ancient historians tells us that the Romans would chain the prisoner and soldier together in a practice known as “Custodia Militaris.” Polybius, a Roman historian writing more than a 100 years before the first century, wrote, “They kept them bound with a chain to a soldier who was responsible for their custody” (Histories 1.88.8). Seneca and Josephus also record this practice.

Can you imagine what a daily problem this would have been? Consider the invasion of privacy, the unpredictable disposition of your companion, and the potential for scorn and humiliation? Yet, day after day, Paul would be chained to a soldier. The chains were 18-24 inches long (the British Museum has archaeological finds from the period), and the guards were rotated every four to six hours (Vegetius 3.8). Maybe the last guard was a nice guy, but the next was not so much. It could not have been an enjoyable task for the soldier either, and he might be inclined to take that out on the prisoner. 

But, how did Paul respond? Paul implies what he did as one guard came and another went. “my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else” (Phil. 1:13). These praetorian guards were elite Roman soldiers, also known as the imperial guard. This might further explain how the gospel reached members of Caesar’s household (Phil. 4:22). Imprisoned for preaching Jesus and shackled to worldly, hardened men, Paul taught the gospel. He learned to be content in every circumstance (Phil. 4:11), but that didn’t mean idle or self-absorbed.

Perhaps you are facing a difficult circumstance. It should not be trivialized or minimized. It might be painful and protracted. But it should neither be the source of defeat or an excuse to stop serving the Lord. Paul had a captive audience, literally bound to hear the good news from a man enduring what most would deem a bad fate. He transformed his difficulty into opportunity. May we have the will and wisdom to do the same! 

LET IT NOT BE SAID OF ME 

Dale Pollard

Saul is dead. 

David has just been appointed king. 

Who but the leader of Sauls army, Abner, wages war with David at Gibeon. 

It was a fierce battle and many died on both sides. David defeats Abner and the Israelites and at the end of the battle an interesting event unfolds. 

There’s an oddly brief mention of a man named Asahel among the many men in David’s army. 

Not much is really known about the man— expect that he was as quick as a gazelle! He attempts to chase down Abner but Abner spears him through and kills him (2 Sam. 2:18). We don’t know much, but we know he was fast. 

What will we be remembered for above all else? 

The judge, Abimelech (Judges 9), captures the city of Thebez. Inside the city is a strong tower and all the women and children hid inside. Abimelech tried to burn it down but just moments before the fire is lit, a woman drops a millstone on his head. Abimelech calls out to his armor bearer “run me through so that it can’t be said of me that a woman has slain me!” 

To this day It is said of Abimelech— that a woman slew him. 

When we pass from this life, we’ll be remembered for something. Let’s make it something good. Let’s make it something godly!

On the Mountain or on the Plain? A Clear Understanding of Jesus’ Sermons in Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6.20-49.

Brent Pollard

Throughout human history, there are moments when eternity meets time—when the divine voice breaks through earthly noise with clarity that future generations will recognize. One such moment was when Jesus of Nazareth, the Word made flesh, ascended the hills of Galilee to deliver a profoundly transformative sermon.

Picture the scene in first-century Palestine, where a diverse crowd gathers—not only to observe but to seek truth, find solace from the burdens of religious facades, and heal from the pain of Roman oppression and spiritual emptiness. They long for what their scribes and Pharisees cannot provide: genuine hope, fundamental transformation, and a direct message from God.

The Setting: Mountain and Plain as One Theater

Skeptics may view this as a contradiction, while thoughtful believers see it as the intricate beauty of divine revelation through human witnesses. Matthew mentions a mountain, and Luke describes a plain. This illustrates that divine wisdom offers us not a single rigid narrative, but a range of perspectives that together provide a fuller understanding.

Imagine the hill country of Galilee, where the mountains are gentle slopes topped with flat plateaus—ideal natural amphitheaters for a teacher. Jesus, a master communicator, seeks out this setting. He stands with His disciples on level ground, allowing His voice to reach the gathered crowd.

Deeper factors are at play here. It is fitting that the One who connects heaven and earth, making the lofty accessible to the humble, would share His kingdom manifesto from a place that symbolizes both mountain and plain. This setting is not just a coincidence; it is a deliberate symbol. Christ’s message is both elevated—rooted in divine insight—and open to all who wish to listen.

The Message: One Truth, Multiple Tellings

Let’s pause to reflect on an essential aspect of divine revelation. Are we discussing a single sermon or two distinct ones? This question shows our tendency to view God’s revelations as a unified whole. For example, when musicians perform a grand symphony in different concert halls, are they presenting one symphony or separate performances? The answer is both.

Jesus, the most remarkable Teacher in history, recognized that to share a meaningful truth, He must repeat, adapt, and present it anew for each audience. As He spoke to congregations across Galilee, He consistently revisited His core messages, tailoring them to resonate with different hearts and diverse needs in the unique moments of His ministry.

This is a remarkable gift! Matthew addresses Jewish believers by echoing Moses’ proclamation of the law from Mount Sinai, presenting Jesus as the new and greater lawgiver who fulfills sacred promises rather than abolishing them. In contrast, Luke, with his compassionate focus on the marginalized and Gentile readers, highlights God’s unique care for the forgotten and forsaken.

The Heart of Both Accounts: Revolutionary Love

Whether we examine Matthew’s detailed account or Luke’s brief narrative, a common transformative message shines through, resembling the dawn illuminating the hills of Galilee. This is not just a moral lesson or a philosophical debate; it is the proclamation of a kingdom that operates on principles distinctly different from the kingdoms of this world.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,” Jesus proclaims, shaking the foundations of the established order. In a society that values power, achievement, and independence, Christ highlights the significance of a humble spirit. This humility isn’t about material poverty; instead, it’s the fortunate acknowledgment of our deep need for God, which He sees as essential for His kingdom.

“Love your enemies,” He commands, highlighting a tension between divine principles and human justice. This profound truth reveals that loving those who hurt us embodies God’s essence, as He bestows blessings on both the righteous and the unrighteous.

Reflect on the profound reasoning behind this idea. If we only love those who love us back, what value does that hold? Even tax collectors, the most despised individuals in Jesus’ time, practice this fundamental reciprocity. Kingdom love, however, mirrors our heavenly Father; it offers grace to the ungracious, mercy to the unmerciful, and blessings to those who curse us.

The Foundation That Cannot Be Shaken

Jesus masterfully concludes His profound sermon with a timeless image that has both haunted and comforted believers for two millennia: the story of two builders. One builds on solid ground, while the other builds on unstable terrain. When storms inevitably arrive, only one house withstands the test.

Now is the time to show genuine compassion. Many of us have built our lives on seemingly solid foundations—career achievements, personal relationships, financial security, and religious beliefs—only to see them collapse when faced with life’s inevitable challenges. A divorce can shatter our faith in lasting commitment, job loss can expose our reliance on worldly resources, and a health diagnosis reminds us of the fragility of our carefully constructed lives.

The hope presented in this timeless parable is remarkable. There is an unshakable foundation, a rock that withstands any storm—Jesus Christ. His words hold the creative power that formed the universe, and His promises resonate with the weight of eternity.

Living the Great Reversal

Jesus’ teachings from the hillside—whether delivered on one occasion or many, on a mountain or on flat land—reveal the profound transformation of His kingdom. The last will become first, the humble will be lifted, the grieving will find comfort, the hungry will be satisfied, and those who show mercy will receive mercy in return.

This is not merely sound advice; it reflects the reality seen by God, illustrating how things truly are in His kingdom, both now and in the future. Embracing principles like loving our enemies, blessing those who curse us, giving generously, and forgiving freely does not make us unrealistic idealists. Instead, it keeps us practical, aligning our lives with the true nature of existence in God’s universe.

The Call That Echoes Still

The crowds that once gathered on the hillside in Galilee may have faded into dust, but the words of Jesus endure. Each generation faces the same choice: Will we build our lives on the shaky foundations of worldly wisdom, or will we ground ourselves firmly in the solid rock of Christ’s teachings?

The skeptic wrestles with the differences between Matthew’s mountain and Luke’s plain, questioning whether Christ spoke once or multiple times. In contrast, the disciple sees something more profound: the steadfastness of grace, the reliability of truth, and the enduring nature of the One whose words remain timeless.

It’s uncertain whether Jesus conveyed these truths on a single occasion or throughout His ministry. However, this ambiguity enriches our understanding, regardless of whether His teachings are found in one account or multiple instances, their transformative power remains constant.

The exact location of Jesus, whether on a hillside or flat ground, matters less than our openness to listen to His voice and follow His guidance. His kingdom continues to transform the world for all who are willing to believe.

Come now, weary builder. Bring your broken foundations and lost aspirations. The Rock continues to provide a reliable foundation. The Teacher continues to call. The kingdom continues to embrace the downtrodden, offers solace to the grieving, and fulfills the desires of those yearning for justice.

His words endure. His promise remains. His love never gives up.

Build on the Rock.

Don’t Be So Insecure!

Do you ever wrestle with insecurity? What can be done about it? Does the Bible offer practical help to overcome it?

Neal Pollard

Did it cause the Pharisees to “do all their deeds to be noticed by men” (Mat. 23:5)? It may have tempted Jeremiah to be afraid of the faces of those who he had to confront (Jer. 1:8, KJV). It certainly led Peter, Barnabas, and the rest of the Jews in Antioch to stop eating with the Gentiles, “afraid of criticism” (Gal. 2:12-13, NLT). The word “insecure” is not in the Bible, but the idea is there. 

Today, we are not immune to feelings of insecurity. While the cause may be physical appearance, financial status, social status, or the like, the effect very often is a temptation to compromise regarding what is right, conform to worldly behaviors, and cross biblical lines to have the acceptance of people. Do you remember how “many even of the rulers believed in [Jesus], but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God” (John 12:42-43)? Jesus warned against a mindset that sought to “receive glory from one another” instead of the glory that comes from God (John 5:44). 

No one likes to be on the outside looking in. We do not want others to look down on us. The feelings of vulnerability are those which everyone knows at least from time to time. How do we fight insecurity? Consider a few biblical tips:

  • Never forget that you are an image bearer of God (Gen. 1:27).
  • Remember how highly God thinks of you (Job 7:17; Psa. 8:4).
  • Put your focus on serving others and thinking of them (Phil. 2:3; Mark 10:45).
  • Make sure that you are not exclusive or snubbing with others (Rom. 15:7). 
  • Get your satisfaction and sense of identity most from your relationship with God (2 Cor. 6:18; Rev. 5:10). 
  • Do not let the world define or be the measuring stick of success (1 John 2:15-17). 
  • Understand how fleeting and fickle the praise and acceptance of man is (Heb. 11:25-26). 
  • Remember that often the approval of man comes at the expense of God’s approval (Rom. 1:32; 2 Tim. 4:10). 

For our part, we should do what we can to make others feel appreciated, valued, and loved. Such an outward focus goes a long way to a sense of fulfillment and security. But, much of our insecurity will wane and fade the more we will concentrate on self-forgetfulness and sincere service! 

Meek Like Jesus

How can we respond to a world that encourages us to lift ourselves up and put others down? To bristle when corrected or to justify and rationalize our actions rather than to listen and consider? As often is the case, we need to visit with Jesus.

Neal Pollard

Meek Like Jesus

Neal Pollard

We live in an age where we are not conditioned to take correction humbly. Instead, we can quickly become full of defensiveness and self-justification. We may even become indignant at the approach of someone, especially if we find ourselves in some way superior to them. It is also an age where humbling and lowering ourselves for the good and benefit of another is not particularly attractive, especially if it is not wallpapered on a social media platform. We may be quick to let others know our value and importance, but to praise and uphold someone else is undesirable. This can often lead us to be impatient with the perceived shortcomings of people that annoy us and put us out. How many do not know or have forgotten these words, that “pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth” God hates (Prov. 8:13).

In contrast, consider a statement Jesus makes about Himself and a similar statement Paul makes about Jesus. First, think about Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:29: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Look especially at the words “gentle” and “humble.” Gentle, quoting the NASB, is “meek” in the KJV. It is an adjective here, and Paul uses the noun form in 2 Corinthians 10:1. “It is a condition of mind and heart which demonstrates gentleness, not in weakness, but in power. It is a balance born in strength of character” (Zodhiates, WSNTDICT, np). This is one of the beatitudes Jesus calls on us to have (Mat. 5:5; 1 Pet. 3:4). He exhibits it Himself as He enters Jerusalem the last week of His life (Mat. 21:5). Both times it is used of disciples, it is either rewarded or highly esteemed by God. The noun form (gentleness/meekness) gives us a fuller understanding. It is a “gentleness of attitude and behavior, in contrast with harshness in one’s dealings with others” (Louw-Nida, 748).

The second word there in Matthew 11:28 is “humble,” which when used literally spoke of a person who was short in stature. It was the word for the lowly and the poor, one with no social standing. It speaks of insignificance. But, Jesus combines this word with gentle to say that this is how He saw Himself. Paul uses the same word in 2 Corinthians 10:1, when he says he is “meek” when face to face with those Christians.  He was unpretentious in behavior (TDNT). 

The last word, the one Paul uses in 2 Corinthians 10:1 along with Jesus’ word meek (gentle), is “gentleness.” The word suggests “the harmonious disposition of character and frame of mind…” that “becomes, in relation with neighbors, an accommodating attitude, a happy harmony” (Spicq and Ernest, TLNT, np). Consider this explanation of the word. Trench ties this word to God’s grace, retreating from strictness against sinful men, making allowances for our imperfect righteousness, and His refusal to exact extreme penalties when He has every right (cf. Synonyms, 155). It is gracious forbearance, granting clemency or pardon. Paul urged Corinth “by the meekness and gentleness of Christ.”

Let’s put all this together. What Jesus possessed and demonstrated, what we are called to imitate, is a gentleness in attitude and action when dealing with others. This comes from not thinking too highly of ourselves and our talents, intelligence, and influence (Rom. 12:3,16). Out of this we cut people slack and give them the benefit of the doubt. If the perfect Son of God was characterized this way, I need to walk in His footsteps. This will help me when someone corrects me or if I need to correct someone else (2 Tim. 2:24). I look honestly at myself, knowing that I have strengths but I also have weaknesses–just like those I deal with each day. Gentle, humble, meek, and forbearing. That was Jesus. That should be me, too. 

Before You Complain…

Is murmuring and complaining one of those things that only other people do? Is this a sin “good” people commit? If so, does that make it harder to diagnose and destroy? Consider some thoughts on grumbling….

Neal Pollard

  • Think about the spiritual company you would be keeping (Luke 5:30; John 6:41).
  • Think about how it sounds to others (Phil. 2:14-16).
  • Think about how it spreads to others and what it does to others (Num. 14:36).
  • Think about what it does to you (John 6:61).
  • Think about what it does to your heart (Luke 15:2; 19:7).
  • Think about what it does to your soul (Gal. 5:20-21).
  • Think about what it does to our community and world (2 Tim. 3:2).
  • Think about how empty and unproductive it is (Psa. 106:25; Matt. 20:11).
  • Think about your influence (Heb. 13:17;
  • Think about how ungrateful it is (Num. 14:11).
  • Think about how it undoes even the good that you do (1 Pet. 4:9; Phil. 2:14).
  • Think about how God responds to it (Jas. 5:9; 1 Cor. 10:10).

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain” (Philippians 2:14-16).

Self

Gary Pollard

This week we’ll look at three more questions from the list:

Is there anything wrong with being selfish? 

Do we have an obligation to help others? 

If you rob from the rich to give to the poor is that wrong? 

  1. A selfish person cannot or will not prioritize the needs and desires of others over their own. They will do what they want regardless of its impact on others. From a naturalistic perspective, selfishness is beneficial for whoever has the responsibility of providing for their family — why not gain some kind of advantage to help the people you love? For believers, though, “You have to view yourself the same way Christ Jesus viewed himself: He was like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own benefit. Instead, he gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form. During his life as a man, he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross” (Phil 2.5-8). Jesus was selfless to the point of death, and that’s our standard. Therefore, it’s never morally acceptable to prioritize our own needs over others’ when we have an opportunity to help. 
  2. “We must not get tired of doing good things for others. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time. We must not give up. When we have the opportunity to do something good for someone, we should do it. This is especially true for our family of believers” (Gal 6.9-10). Yes, we have an obligation to help others whenever we get the chance. The language in this text describes putting in some serious effort to do meaningful, beneficial things for others with priority going to our Christian family. Just as parents prioritize the well-being of their own children over the well-being of someone’s child on the other side of the world (because we have finite resources and cannot be in multiple places at once), believers prioritize the physical needs of their Christian family. If at all possible, we extend our effort and resources to help non-believers too! 
  3. Yes. Theft is always wrong (I Cor 6.10; Eph 4.28; Mk 10.19). James wrote to some believers who were facing the most extreme circumstances imaginable — they were being taken advantage of by wealthy “employers” who refused to pay their wages, and many of them died because of this (Js 5.4-5). Even in those horrifying conditions God’s expectation is, “Be patient, the Master will return. Hold on until then. Farmers have to be patient while their crops grow, waiting through the first and last rain before they can harvest. You must be patient too — never stop anticipating the Master’s return. Don’t complain against each other. If you always complain against each other, you will be judged guilty. And the Judge is ready to come!” (7-9). Our lives are so short that from our perspective the Master’s return is just a breath away. James encouraged the Christians who were poor and abused to hold on until their deaths because God would give them justice. He had much to say to the wealthy who were abusing them, specifically that their destiny would be horrifying. This is difficult for us to accept, but not if we actually believe that this life is nothing. 

But the government that rules us is in the heavens, and it is from there that we’re waiting for our rescuer, the Master Jesus Christ, to come. He will change our humble bodies and make them like his own glorious body. Christ can do this because of his power, the same power he can use to rule everything (Phil 3.20-21). 

Brothers and sisters, we want you to know about those who have died. We don’t want you to be sad like other people — the ones who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died, but we also believe that he came back to life. So we believe that God will raise to life through Jesus any who have died and bring them together with him when he returns. What we tell you now is the Master’s own message: Those of us who are still living when the Master comes again will join him, but not before those who have already died. The Master himself will come down from the sky with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. And the people who have died and were in Christ will come back to life first. After that, we who are still alive at that time will be gathered up with those who have died. We will be taken up in the clouds and meet the Master in the air. And we will be with him forever. You should encourage each other with these words (I Thess 4.13-18). 

1 Corinthians 13 (Part 2)

Gary Pollard

I Cor 13.1-3 steps on toes. A person could be truly exceptional in qualities most of us would love to have, if just barely. Without love even the most exceptional person is doomed. 

Here are some the powerhouse-qualities that mean nothing without love: 

1. The ability to speak multiple languages, with a working knowledge of the language of cosmic beings. 

This is a person intellectually talented in an extremely difficult discipline, one that requires unlimited dedication. This is someone so dedicated to transcendent words that they pursue even the language of God’s holy ones. 

This is a person who wants to know God’s word so badly that they learn Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic to get an unadulterated look at the scriptures. They may even feel an obligation to spread this knowledge to others, so they learn multiple modern languages to accomplish this. 

If not done because of selfless love, if they don’t care for their enemies, and if they don’t feed and clothe the poor, they’ve wasted their time. 

2. The ability to masterfully teach, understand the times, and give accurate social predictions, all with a genius-level IQ. 

This is a handy person to have around! They can give targeted lessons based on where their culture is and where it’s likely to go. They have an excellent grasp of first principles, and they can give just the right message at just the right time. 

This person might trust in God so completely that they place their lives wholly in his hands. They trust him to take care of them. They trust him to remove all obstacles in their path. 

But they don’t like people — ουθεν ειμι. They are nobody, they are meaningless. Their faith is pointless, their intellectual powers are useless. 

3. The portfolio and conscience compelling them to liquidate all of their assets and distribute them to anyone who needs anything. This is coupled with a martyr’s spirit, so after draining their earthly goods they willingly die gruesome, painful, slow deaths for God’s sake. 

But they don’t like people — so they threw it all away and gained absolutely nothing in return. Still doomed. 

This is difficult! We want to be like this, and we want to emulate these qualities so badly. They’re good qualities, and we can’t be good Christians without them. 

But if love isn’t what drives us to do all of those things, we might as well put our time and energy into something else. Love isn’t necessarily an emotion — we don’t always feel warm and fuzzies about other people. Love is a decision to do good things for all people, to forgive automatically, to put other peoples’ needs and feelings above our own, and to view all people (including our enemies) as being more important than self. The two most important commands are about love: for God and for other people. Without those two supporting everything we do, nothing we do matters. We’ll not get it right all the time. It’s a process that we’ll probably spend the rest of our lives trying to master! God expects us to aim at growth, and his grace takes care of the gaps. 

If God allows, we’ll start looking at the behavioral symptoms of a loving spirit starting next week. 

I was very happy to learn about some of your children. I am happy that they are following the way of truth, just as the Father commanded us. And now, dear lady, I tell you: We should all love each other. This is not a new command. It is the same command we had from the beginning (II Jn 4-5). 

Be Grateful 

Carl Pollard

If you lack gratitude, you will never be satisfied, and you will always blame others for your misfortune. You’ll end up only seeing the negative in everything. A pessimist can hardly wait for the future so he can look back with regret. Did you know that cats can’t taste the flavor of sweetness? It’s like their tongues are color blind to sugar. No wonder cats are so grumpy all the time! They can taste sour, bitter, and saltiness, but not sweetness.

Truth is, we are a lot like cats in our own lives. Blessings come but we don’t see the sweet; all we can taste is the bitter salty things that happen to us. We need to open our eyes to the truth that gratitude isn’t merely a polite response to God’s blessings; it’s a catalyst that transforms our very existence. In a world often filled with grumbling and dissatisfaction, we are called to embrace gratitude as a way to point people to Christ.

Here three important reasons to show gratitude in all things. 

Gratitude Replaces Grumbling

In Philippians 2:14-15, we are reminded, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault.” Grumbling is a thief that robs us of joy and peace, turning our hearts bitter. But gratitude, is the antidote. When we consciously choose to focus on our blessings, we begin to see God’s hand at work in our lives. Think about the Israelites in the wilderness. Despite the miracles they witnessed, they often grumbled against God. Yet, when they showed gratitude, they remembered His faithfulness, and it changed their perspective. As children of God, we need to make gratitude a part of who we are. At our very core we are saved by the blood of Christ, given access to grace and peace, and have an eternity in our future. What’s not to be grateful for? The more you show gratitude, the less bitter you will be. 

Gratitude Restores Gladness 

Psalm 100:4 tells us to “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” 

There is a divine connection between gratitude and gladness. When we express our thankfulness, we open the door to joy. 

Gratitude shifts our focus from our problems to the blessings surrounding us, renewing our strength. When we cultivate a heart of gratitude, we invite joy into our lives, transforming our burdens into blessings.

Turning our trials into wisdom. Our sorrow to gladness. With the story of the ten lepers, Luke emphasizes the rarity of a thankful spirit. Notice Jesus’ final words In Luke 17:15: “One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. And Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give God praise?'” Only one had taken the time to thank the person who had made his recovery possible. Don’t be stingy in your gratitude. Not only does God expect it from the ones He has saved, it’s good for us mentally and physically. 

Gratitude Renews Growth

A ship was wrecked, and the only survivor washed up on a small, uninhabited island. 

He was exhausted. He cried out to God to save him. Every day he scanned the horizon, searching for help. Finally, he managed to build a rough hut and put his few possessions in that hut. One day, coming home from hunting for food, he was stung with grief to see his little hut in flames and a cloud of smoke. The worst had happened. But early the next day, a ship drew in and rescued him. He asked the crew, “How did you know I was here?” They replied, “We saw your smoke signal.” Be grateful because maybe the difficulty you are experiencing now is a smoke signal that will lead to a greater blessing. James tells us to count it all joy when we encounter trials. 

Gratitude renews growth. We become stagnate and discouraged never grateful for the blessings we already have. Colossians 3:15 encourages us to “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Gratitude isn’t just a feeling; it is an action that propels us forward in our spiritual lives. When we acknowledge and thank God for His provisions, we position ourselves for growth. Gratitude opens our eyes to new opportunities, strengthens our faith, and deepens our relationship with our Creator. 

Just as the seeds in a garden grow when nourished, our spiritual health grows in an atmosphere of thankfulness. Be diligent in gratitude so that your faith can grow. 

Encouragement

Travis Harrison

It’s not hard in today’s world to find things that discourage us. There are plenty of things that can bring us down. At times it really does feel like wherever we go, whatever we do, or say, there is something ready to discourage us. Unfortunately, people can be those roadblocks as well. That’s far from what we as Christians are called to do.

It was important in the days of the early church to encourage one another. So important that God commands it. It was important to God then – its important now.  Thankfully we have blessings such as the church and our church family to help us through those discouraging times. How do we go about finding ways to encourage each other? Is it the way we speak or how we live, or is it in our faith? Is it all the above? The fellowship we have with our friends, our family, along with worshipping and singing praises, and studying God’s Word are just a few. These are blessings that we receive when we meet together no doubt, but let’s not contain our encouragements just to the assembly. Our everyday lives are just as important and those around us everywhere need to feel encouraged regularly.  I just want to share briefly a few examples of what the Bible says about encouraging others and ways we can do just that.

Encouraging others is important, it’s necessary, it’s a command. Paul was one, if not the, most influential apostles of the first century church. He was a great teacher, preacher, mentor, and guess what? He was great at encouraging people. At the beginning of most of his letters he would begin with words of praise and thanks. (1 Thess. 1:2-3,) (Phil. 1:3-8,) (1 Cor. 1:4-5) are a few examples. In (Romans 1:12) Paul writes that he longs to be with them so that they can encourage one another in the faith. These types of encouragements were part of his everyday life.

We can’t discuss encouragement without mentioning Barnabas, the “son of encouragement.” He is mentioned several times in the New Testament, but he wasn’t a main character like Paul – he played a smaller, but still very important role.  Paul spent his early life persecuting Christians. The people of the first churches, as well as the disciples feared this man, and rightfully so. After he became a Christian, the disciples didn’t believe he was one of them, so what did Barnabas do? He encouraged Paul by standing up for him in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26-31). He was a fellow missionary with Paul, Mark, Titus, and others. He encouraged those in Antioch to remain faithful in the Lord with steadfast purpose, (Acts 11:23.) Paul and Barnabas visited these churches, they taught, and they lived out their teachings. They encouraged them in their works and through their faith. They instilled hope, strengthening the church’s faith. (1Thessalonians 5:11) – Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. We can all benefit from their examples. 

Let’s face it, life is hard at times. Certain situations bring us discouragement and can distort and change our thinking. Who wouldn’t want to be encouraged and uplifted in these hard times?  It might not seem like a big deal to some, but kind words of encouragement and praise could make all the difference in the world. (Proverbs 16:24) – Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. (Proverbs 12:25) -Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. We shouldn’t be surprised that little things like sending a card or giving a compliment, sending a text message, phone call or email, could make a big difference. How underrated but so appreciated those things can be!  It’s hard not to smile and be filled with some kind of encouragement if someone messages you to say they’ve missed you, and been thinking about you, been praying for you.  Check in on those you haven’t seen recently – Invite someone new to dinner – someone not typically in your crowd or someone new to the church. Practice hospitality as it says in (Romans 12:13.) Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor, (Romans 12:10.) 

When we encourage people we show our love, compassion, understanding, and we give them hope. It helps reset our minds, builds our confidence in each other, and allows us to see God more clearly. More than anything we are showing others how we live our faith just as Paul and Barnabas did. We show we want to be like Christ and people can see God through our actions towards them. Encouragement is powerful! Just remember that sometimes the smallest things can have the biggest impacts. 

Stop Complaining!

Carl Pollard

 Very rarely do people seek out complainers to be their friend. It can be a challenge to spend any length of time around that person who is constantly grumbling and complaining about everything. At the same time, becoming a chronic complainer isn’t all that hard. Our society is filled with discontent people. Everyone has complaints. It seems that the more we are blessed the more we complain. Why are we so quick to complain? It’s human nature, but society still labels this as a negative trait. 

I read a story about a cowboy that was driving down a dirt road, his dog riding in back of the pickup truck, his horse in the trailer behind. He failed to negotiate a curve and had a terrible accident. Sometime later, a highway patrol officer came on the scene.

The officer saw the horse first. Seeing how badly hurt it was, he drew his revolver and put the animal out of his misery. He walked around the accident and found the dog, also hurt critically. He hated to see it in so much pain, so he ended the dog’s suffering as well.

Finally he located the cowboy –who suffered multiple fractures–off in the weeds. “Hey, are you okay?” the cop asked. 

The cowboy took one look at the smoking revolver in the trooper’s hand and quickly replied, “Never felt better!”

Sometimes it’s in our best interest to keep our complaints to ourselves. Mark twain once said, “Don’t complain and talk about all your problems–80 percent of people don’t care; the other 20 percent will think you deserve them.” Problem is, it can be difficult to refrain from complaining. We want sympathy, we desire compassion, often we don’t even realize when we complain. 

I used to think I wasn’t a chronic complainer, which is true to an extent. I made a mental note of how many times I said something negative in a day…and well here’s an article that hopefully will help you as well as me. 

Maybe you struggle with being negative; honestly I believe we all complain to a certain extent. In Philippians 2:14-16 Paul writes this letter as a call for unity in the church at Philippi. Right off the bat he starts talking about how blessed he is…to be in prison. He acknowledges his dire circumstances, but even after being wrongly imprisoned for 4 years, all he talks about is the gift he has been given to suffer for the cause of Christ. 

If anyone had the right to complain, Paul had every right in our eyes. Why does Paul say all of this? 

In chapter 2 he tells us to imitate the mind of Christ. Followed immediately by 14-16, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” 

According to Paul, it is impossible for us to focus on the will of God if all we do is grumble and complain. How can we keep our eye on the example of Christ if all we do is talk about everything that is wrong. 

I know our country is a mess, the church as a whole is divided, and people are more self-centered than ever. But, and I say this kindly, “who cares?” God has given us His Son, the gift of eternal life, and a family. I know there is a lot to complain about, but ultimately God cannot use us if thats all we do. There are a couple of key words mentioned in the text that we need to define. “Grumbling” the Greek word literally means, “utterances made in a low tone of voice.” Context defines whether these are satisfied or dissatisfied grumbles. The way Paul uses it is in a negative light. Also known as “murmuring.” “Complaining” (disputing) is a word that is best translated as arguing or disputing. 

So, Paul tells us to do all things without complaining and arguing. God expects us to be a joyful people. And we have no excuse! Let’s stop complaining.

The Right Way To Complain

Brent Pollard

In the biblical account found in Joshua 17:14-18, the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh approached Joshua with a genuine concern – the land allotted to them was insufficient for their needs. Unlike the previous generation, which perished in the wilderness due to chronic discontent, Ephraim and Manasseh exhibited a more constructive approach to addressing their grievances.

While they voiced complaints, they did not falsely accuse God of unfairness. Instead, they brought their valid concerns to Joshua, the divinely appointed leader guiding them toward their inheritance. This shift in attitude demonstrates a willingness to collaborate openly in seeking resolutions rather than dwelling on discontentment.

Their situation highlights a fundamental societal issue—the insatiable desire for more, whether physical resources or the perceived potential for tremendous success. Despite receiving their fair share, people often seek to expand their holdings, driven by never being fully satisfied. However, Ephraim and Manasseh’s complaints differed from typical expressions of discontent.

Referred to as “instrumental complaints,” their grievances served as a platform for constructive problem-solving rather than merely voicing dissatisfaction. They rationally assessed their circumstances and sought viable solutions to ensure their prosperity and security. Their complaint transcended a mere display of discontent, becoming a crucial step toward safeguarding their legacy.

Rather than rebuking them, Joshua redirected their focus from negatives to positives. He acknowledged their military strength due to their sizable population. He reminded the tribes they had permission to clear the forested areas in their inheritance for agriculture and city construction. Ultimately, the only impediment was not a lack of resources but a deficiency in their resolve to carry out God’s will.

This account provides valuable insights into the appropriate way to voice grievances constructively:

  1. Identify the problem by fully understanding the issue rather than reacting emotionally.
  2. Seek solutions by considering potential improvements or resolutions before complaining.
  3. As Joshua showed Ephraim and Manasseh, be prepared to participate in the solution—solving problems often requires personal effort.

By following this approach of identifying issues, seeking solutions, and contributing to resolutions, we can learn from Ephraim and Manasseh’s example and voice grievances constructively, avoiding the pitfalls of chronic complaining, unproductive venting, and dwelling on discontentment.

…

Bible Land Tour (Mediterranean)(II)

Neal Pollard

Today, we completed our land tour of Rome. I mentioned that there are 56 of us, ranging in age from teenagers to pushing 80. So, we move different speeds and are in different degrees of health. We are often having to go far and somewhat fast, requiring patience on the part of everyone. It has been pretty hot and sunny all weekend, too! Would you believe that everyone has kept such a great attitude and been so pleasant? Of course! We have been with God’s family, who you would expect to act more like Him than anyone else.

This morning, we all piled into our tour bus (packing about 90 bags into the bottom of it) and made our way to meet with the “Chiesa di Cristo” in Rome. This church of about 30, which has two elders, welcomed us with open arms. Some of their brethren led us in worship, some of our group led us in worship, and we sang, prayed, heard the word proclaimed, contributed, and observed the Lord’s Supper together. We sang in Italian, in English, and even in Xhosa (a South African language). We greeted and talked as best as we could with the language barrier and got to know some of each other’s stories. It was emotional.

I thought about what happened to Paul right before he was arrested and wound his way to Rome to appeal to Caesar. Nearing the end of his third missionary journey, he met in Miletus with the elders of the church at Ephesus (a city we’ll visit later this week)(Acts 20:17-38). Paul had worked with them for three years. At their parting, they wept, hugged, and said an emotional goodbye. The next place we know that he stopped was at Tyre (past Cyprus, which we plan to visit next week) in Acts 21:3-6. Paul and his fellow-missionaries were with these Christians just a few days. When they said goodbye, it was still an emotional, heartfelt goodbye.

That was the general feeling as we pulled away from brethren we only knew a couple of hours. Separated by language, culture, and background, we felt the bond of Christ strongly! It was hard to leave. It was wonderful to be there, to be with God’s family. How eternally wise our God was in building the church like He did. We will make some lifelong friendships as we tour so many places where Paul once walked and preached. We will have difficulty saying goodbye to some we’ve known and others we’ve met. But, that’s always the way it is when you’ve been with God’s family! They are the best!

Calling On The Name Of The Lord

Carl Pollard

Growing up our parents had a hard time calling us. I’d be in the living room and dad would say, “Gary-Er Dale-I mean Carl!” This would happen almost every time they would call for us. I don’t think this is a problem unique to our family. This is a problem that almost every parent has, and I know that once our daughter is born I’ll get Rich and Amara mixed up. 

Similar to our parents calling for us, there’s a phrase used in scripture that sounds almost identical. In various texts throughout scripture you’ll come across the phrase, “call on the name of the Lord.” There’s a lot of confusion surrounding this phrase, so let’s take a few moments to figure out what it means, and what it looks like to call on the name of the Lord. 

In Acts 2:21 Peter uses this phrase, but to get a better idea of the context and meaning we need to start in the book of Joel. In this short book there are a few important facts we need to recognize. Not much is said about Joel, but many believe that he ministered to those in Judah. In this prophecy to Israel He speaks of a plague of locusts and tells the people that it represented the coming day of the Lord.

These locust would bring complete and total destruction. The day of the Lord was a time greatly anticipated by Israel because they believed that God would then judge the nations and restore Israel to her former glory. But Joel says that God would punish not only the nations but unfaithful Israel as well. This day of the Lord was going to be like nothing they were expecting. Joel urges everyone to repent, and told of a day when God would “pour out [his] Spirit on all flesh” (2:28). That day arrived on Pentecost (Acts 2:17). In the middle of the book Joel arrives at the peak of his writing and in verse 32 he says this, “And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 

Peter uses this exact quote In his sermon on the day of Pentecost. We read the same phrase in Romans 10:13 when Paul says, “For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” We now know the origin of this phrase, but what does it mean? How do we call on the name of the Lord? Some believe that in order to be saved all you need to do is literally call out the Lords name. Others say that calling on the name of the Lord means praying a certain prayer in order to be saved.

In Acts 2, we can see an example of what it means to call on the name of the Lord.

It Requires a Proper Attitude. The Israelites thought that the Lord was theirs to control. They thought He would bend to their wills and wishes. They wanted the day of the Lord to be a day that would liberate Israel. And so they spun this phrase to fit their narrative, to the point that their meaning for the day of the Lord was the exact opposite of its true meaning. Joel and Peter clear up the air and explain who God really is. He’s not a gene, he’s not our puppet, He has a will of his own that we are to conform to. Calling on the name of the Lord requires a proper attitude. An attitude of submission to God and His will. An attitude of humility, recognizing our failures, and understanding Gods perfection. 

The Israelites had it all wrong, and sadly sometimes we are the same way. We want God to make us happy. To grant every request we bring to him. We go to Him in prayer with everything that is wrong in our lives and say, “Okay God, fix it.” If what we pray for doesn’t happen, we think God didn’t answer. God always answers us, but the answer is sometimes “no.” Jesus in the garden asked God to take away His responsibility of going to the cross, but He was still crucified. Paul asked God to remove the thorn in his flesh, and the answer was no. God knows just what we need, what is best for us in the long term. We should never treat prayer as a gene in a lamp. 

This is not what calling on the name of the Lord means. The Greek word for call is Kaleo, in this context it is the act of calling upon deity. The reason we call upon deity is because we understand our own imperfection. We need help seeing God’s will. Not our own like Israel did. 

Calling on the name of the Lord requires a proper attitude, one of humility and understanding. And now more than ever we need to call on the Lord in order to find salvation.

Resolving Conflict

Gary Pollard

Philippians 2.12 says, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” What does Paul mean by this? He just used Jesus as an example of selflessness, positing him as the ultimate authority. He just told them that they needed to put others above self and correct several issues. So this verse is a warning — if they didn’t work out their problems, they would die spiritually. 

Resolving conflict is not just a good idea, it’s unequivocally necessary. Paul wanted Euodia and Syntyche to appreciate how dangerous their feud was for their spiritual health. They were to be so afraid of eternal consequences that they drop everything to fix the issue. 

2.14-16 has even more imperatives — do everything without complaining about it so you’ll be blameless in God’s eyes. That’s the second time he’s said this, the first was in his prayer in chapter 1. In 2.16, Paul reminds them of how much he invested in them and hopes that he hasn’t wasted his time. 

We’re all familiar with Philippians 3.1, “Rejoice in the lord.” This isn’t a generic, feel-good reminder. This is an imperative! They weren’t finding their purpose in God, so Paul had to demand that they make a change. 

Then he uses three more imperatives in a row — keep an eye out for people who try to undermine your faith. This might seem like a typical ADHD tangent for Paul, but this is where he uses himself as an example of sacrifice and selflessness again. 

This is the heart of confrontation: 3.12-16 — “I don’t mean that I’m exactly what God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal. But I continue trying to reach it and make it mine. That’s what Christ Jesus wants me to do. It is the reason he made me his. Brothers and sisters, I know that I still have a long way to go. But there is one thing I do: I forget what is in the past and try as hard as I can to reach the goal before me. I keep running hard toward the finish line to get the prize that is mine because God has given me a higher calling through Jesus. All of us who have grown to be spiritually mature should think this way too. And if there is any of this that you don’t agree with, God will make it clear to you. But we should continue following the truth we already have.” 

The worst part about confrontation is that our own faults are at the front of our minds. Who are we to correct someone else’s imperfections when we have plenty of our own? Paul addresses that with this section. We’re never going to be perfect, but that shouldn’t keep us from trying. Our own imperfection also shouldn’t keep us from watching out for the spiritual health of our Christian family! 

PRAY RIGHT WITH PROVERBS

Tuesday’s Column: Dale Mail 

APPROACH HIM RIGHT 

Humble Yourself – The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

  • One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. Proverbs 29:23

Respect the Lord – The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33

  • Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity. Proverbs 28:14

MAKE THINGS RIGHT 

Turn Your Lips – Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.  – Proverbs 28:13

Turn Your Life – Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Proverbs 3:7-8

  • One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.  Proverbs 14:16
  • The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life. Proverbs 16:17

HAVE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE 

Pray Confidently – For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; Proverbs 2:6

Pray Humbly – Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding, In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 

  • My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12

Pray Ready – Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce Proverbs 3:9 

MAKE THE RIGHT REQUESTS 

Seek Him – Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely. Proverbs 28:5

Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice. Proverbs 29:26

Speak to Him –  The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29

Make Godly Requests:

“Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die 

  1. Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; 
  2. feed me with the food that is needful for me.” Proverbs30:7-8

Seek His Favor – A good man obtains favor from the LORD – Proverbs 12:2 

Seek His Answers – The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. – Proverbs 16:1 

Dale Pollard

The Lessons Of Peter And Paul At Antioch

Friday’s Column: Brent’s Bent

Brent Pollard

As a free moral agent, Simon Peter had the same capacity for sin as the rest of us. And Peter sinned despite being an apostle. We recall Peter’s most famous blunder on the night of Jesus’ mock trial (Luke 22.60-62). Or perhaps we remember Peter sticking his foot in his mouth on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17.4-6). But there was another occasion on which Peter’s fallibility demonstrated itself. According to Galatians 2.11-14, Peter allowed his fear of the Judaisers rule his heart and stopped associating with Gentile Christians: 

“But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For prior to the coming of some men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and separate himself, fearing those from the circumcision. The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, ‘If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?’ (NASB)” 

Paul labels Peter a hypocrite. Remember how Paul reminded Peter that he lived as a Gentile rather than a Jew, referring to his life in Christ, in whom we make no such distinctions (Galatians 3.28). Indeed, a hypocrite is someone whose true character contrasts with the image he presents to the world. And unfortunately, Peter was guilty of doing such at the moment. Peter didn’t want the Judaisers, a zealous sect of Christians who believed Gentiles should first convert to Judaism before becoming candidates for Christian conversion, to know he had no problem freely associating with Gentile Christians. He preferred instead to maintain the charade of one whose first allegiance was to Moses’ Law.  

When we allow fear to rule our hearts, we make poor decisions. Peter should have considered the role of fear in his past failures. Fear caused Peter to sink instead of walk on water as he had done for a few steps (Matthew 14.28-30). Peter took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the boisterous waves, exacerbating his fear rather than alleviating it. Fear drove Peter to deny the Lord three times before the rooster crow because he feared the consequences of admitting he was the Lord’s disciple rather than accepting the repercussions of that admission (Mark 14.31). But God does not want us to be concerned about what might happen. Instead, he desires that we put our trust in Him, cast our cares on Him, and make decisions that glorify Him. And once we develop perfect love, it casts out such fear (1 John 4.18).  

But did Paul have to rebuke Peter publicly? Yes. Peter had sinned publicly. There was no point in following the guidelines provided by our Lord to take such an erring brother aside privately (Matthew 18.15-16). Plus, Paul knew his judgment sound by having also received the revelation of Jesus Christ. Peter’s sin was spreading itself as cancer among the brethren of Antioch (cf. 1 Corinthians 5.6-7). Had Peter’s choice affected him alone, that would have been one thing. But Peter had a position of influence. He was an apostle. Therefore, he influenced other Jewish Christians to act hypocritically, including Paul’s future missionary journey companion, Barnabas.  

Did Peter resent Paul for so doing? I don’t imagine anyone enjoys having another rebuke him. Though referring to persecution, the Hebrews’ writer nonetheless says discipline can be painful. Despite this, a Christian understands that discipline trains him to become more fruitful (Hebrews 12.11). However, Peter must have known the words of Solomon that the one later favors a rebuker rather than the flatterer (Proverbs 28.23). Peter could, on reflection, appreciate what Paul had done for him. And that Peter bore no ill will for Paul is seen in the fact that Peter refers to Paul as a “beloved brother” in 2 Peter 3.15. 

Thus, Peter teaches us by example both positive lessons worthy of emulation and types of behavior we need to avoid, such as in Galatians 2. We should not allow our fear of what others think or our esteem for others to cause us to deviate from the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. And Paul teaches us that when someone sins publicly, and we know this because of God’s Word, we should nip that error in the bud since sin will act as leaven, permeating the body of Christ.     

An Attitude Of Gratitude

Saturday’s Column: Learning From Lehman

Justin Lohden

Gratefulness is defined as warm and deep appreciation for kindness received; gratitude or thankfulness. Something that my family has to work on continually is an attitude of gratefulness. In today’s world, teaching our children gratefulness can sometimes be challenging not only for them but also for us. Have you ever met individuals who constantly complain and seem ungrateful? More specifically, have you ever met Christians who constantly complain and seem ungrateful? I would dare to say most of us try to avoid certain people because you know they are probably going to be complaining about something. Regarding church, do you ever catch yourself complaining about elders’ decisions, something the preacher might have said, or the temperature in the church building? I know I do sometimes! So, what causes a spirit of complaining or ungratefulness? Could it be a lack of faith? Maybe selfishness? In my opinion, they both can cause ungratefulness. For example, we have several accounts in the Old Testament of the Israelites complaining! In Numbers 21:5 we read, “They spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!” God had just delivered them Egyptian bondage and they still showed a lack of faith and ungratefulness.

Sometimes our selfishness can create an attitude of ungratefulness. We sometimes just want our way or want more and more which can lead to a complaining or ungrateful attitude. There’s no doubt God has blessed our country economically but sometimes that may lead to contentment problems. We have to be careful not to fall in the trap of wanting more and more. Contentment can help produce gratefulness. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:11-12, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” We know that Paul was in prison when he wrote this. Can you imagine being in prison and speaking of contentment? Then what about us? Surely, we can learn to be content and grateful for the things that we have by Paul’s example.

On top of everything else God doesn’t seem to be a big fan of complaining nor did He take it lightly. In Numbers 11:1 we read, “And the people complained in the hearing of the LORD about their misfortunes, and when the LORD heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp.” Grumbling can be a problem. None of us are above the temptation to murmur or complain, but we need to learn from the book of Numbers that this is a serious issue with God. He sent fire to consume some, swallowed up others with the earth, and sent fiery serpents among the people, all because of complaining!

The Bible also has many verses that touch on the subject of gratitude.

  • 1 Chronicles 16:8 says…..Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!
  • Psalm 7:17 says….. I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says….Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
  • Colossians 3:15 says….Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Those are just a few examples, but with having so many verses regarding gratitude there’s no doubt how God feels about it. If anybody in this world should be grateful it should be Christians! God has shown us so much love, grace, and has blessed us both materially and spiritually beyond measure and we should be expressing a spirit of gratitude living as a Christian! We as Christians should being showing gratitude throughout all aspects of our life and let our light shine! If we go around complaining or being ungrateful what kind of example are we setting and how can we expect to evangelize to the lost? They’re response might be, “I don’t want any part of that religion”!

Not only should we show gratitude toward God, we should show gratitude toward our fellow man. Some simple acts of gratitude could be just saying thank you, a thank you card, email, or text. Occasionally, I will receive a thank you note or message from a fellow church member for something that I didn’t think was a big deal but it still meant a lot to receive that.

I would challenge all of us to keep working hard towards a grateful attitude. If you have a moment where you lapse, there are many scriptures to study regarding this subject. Let’s concentrate on the things God has given us not the things we don’t have. Let’s stay focused on the big picture which is our Heavenly home. Having a grateful attitude pleases our Father and is contagious. After all, would you rather fellowship with grateful or ungrateful people? Be careful, as they say misery loves company!

The Age Of Rage

Monday’s Column: Neal At The Cross

Neal Pollard

For the last few years, it has become vogue to refer to the current state of incivility as “the age of rage.” The British newspaper, The Guardian, featured an article in 2019 by Oliver Burkeman, entitled, “The age of rage: are we really living in angrier times?” Janie Watkins wrote the book, “The Age of Rage”: This is a mad, mad world, in 2005. While it’s written in the context of America, it points back to examples like Nebuchadnezzar, Ahab, and other Bible characters, alongside modern dictators and megalomaniacs. At least one source, Science Focus, wisely observes, “The Age Of Rage: Why Social Media Makes Us So Angry…And What You Can Do About It” (3/20). Writers in Australia, Ireland, and other countries are all observing the same disturbing trend of people who disagree being willing to amplify their indignation with intimidation and violence. Outrage has simply become rage.

Any number of current events in the last few years would serve to prove that we’ve gone that far in our society. Civilization depends on civility. More than that, Christianity, as Jesus and His disciples teach it in the New Testament, requires us to “be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” as He sends us out “as sheep in the midst of wolves” (Mat. 10:16). You see, it doesn’t matter how the world acts. God expects us to assuage the rage.

The Bible identifies what qualifies as rage. The main word translated “rage” in modern translations is thumos, and it is found eighteen times in the New Testament. The NASB renders it “rage” (Luke 4:28; Acts 19:28), “indignation” (Rom. 2:8), “angry tempers” (2 Cor. 12:20), “outbursts of anger” (Gal. 5:20), “wrath” (Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8; Heb. 11:27; etc.), and “passion” (Rev. 14:8; 18:3). This word means the “intense expression of the inner self; a state of intense displeasure” (BDAG 461). Louw-Nida says, “an intense, passionate desire of an overwhelming and possibly destructive character” (290). Kittel explains that the verb from which this noun comes originally conveyed “violent movement” and “to boil up” and “smoke” and the noun came to mean what is moved–desire, impulse, disposition, thought, and anger (TDNTA 339). Picture a person’s temperament as a potentially seething volcano. Rather than controlling it, the person allows what’s inside to freely boil over. That is rage!

With intensifying rhetoric from those in the world who threaten harm in expressing their rage, what does God call you and me to do? First, at the basic level, we are not to sin in our anger (Eph. 4:26). Second, never take your own revenge (Rom. 12:19). Third, replace quarrelsomeness with kindness, patience (even when wronged), and gentleness (2 Tim. 2:24-25). Fourth, malign no one, but be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men (Titus 3:2).

Warning: This is not how the world thinks nor what the world will do, in many cases. But in the age of rage, we have a higher law. Simply put, it is, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21). It’s not a matter of what that may or may not do for our personal causes, but what will it do to advance the cause of Christ. It’s why He has us in this age, to help the world see His way. Those who follow it will experience eternal joy, the antithesis and antidote to this age of rage!

Anger Danger

Thursday’s Column: Captain’s Blog

Carl Pollard

When it comes to that angry friend, it doesn’t take 1,000 of them to affect you. It only takes one. 

That one friend that has those anger issues can rub off on you. Their mindset, their reactions, and their sin will all rub off on you and you will learn their ways. The word “learn” is the idea of teach. This friend will teach you his ways and you will become his student. There was a study done on the influence of domestic violence and what it can do to not just the spouse, but to the children. 

The study went on to reveal that almost 70 percent of kids that grew up watching their father beat their mother ended up being abusive to their spouse later on in life. 

We don’t always realize that we are being taught. We don’t recognize that we are a student to something that we never wanted to claim as our teacher. We must be careful of our friendship with this dangerous man, or this concern will become a reality, and we will imitate his actions and ways. 

Proverbs 22:25 says, “…Or you will learn his ways And find a snare for yourself.” If you reject the command and ignore the concern mentioned in the previous verses, you will have to face the consequence. You will find yourself ensnared in anger. Genesis four shows us the consequence of anger. In verses 1-8, we are introduced to Cain and Abel. In this account we read that the anger of Cain caused his face to literally distort. This anger drove Cain to murder his brother. Now there have been times in the past that I’ve been mad at my brothers, but never angry enough to kill them. Cain’s anger had driven him to the point of murder.  As a result, verses 10-14 show us that Cain’s life would never be the same again. Unchecked anger will ruin our lives, but more than that unchecked anger will ruin our soul. 

The Better Health Channel did a study on the physical effects of uncontrolled anger which include: 

  • Increased Anxiety 
  • High blood pressure 
  • Headache
  • Digestion problems, such as abdominal pain
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Skin problems, such as eczema
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke

The Bible has done a study on the spiritual effect of anger, and side effects include

  • Murder
  • Eternal Punishment
  • And the loss of your Soul

The underground trains at airports and subways will run over and over all day. When many of them reach the end of the line you hear a voice that tells you it’s the last stop. Then the train starts all the way back over and does it again. With anger there is no starting over. The things you say and the things you do cannot be erased. Proverbs 28:13 tells us that the fool lets loose his anger causing irrepairable issues. Benjamin Franklin once said, “Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame.” Eskimo wolf hunters use a special technique to kill wolves. First, they coat a knife blade with animal blood and allow it to freeze. Then they stick the knife in the ground with the blade facing up. When a wolf smells the blood it comes over and begins to lick the blade with the frozen blood. The wolf continues to feverishly lick the blade faster and faster until just the bare blade of the knife is showing. The craving for blood is so strong that the wolf doesn’t even realize that his desire is being quenched by its own warm blood. The wolf is found in the morning next to the knife having killed himself because of his lack of self control. If we aren’t careful, the anger of our friend will become our own, and in the end it will cause the loss of our salvation. 

Anger can affect so many areas of our lives. We can be angry at ourselves, we can be angry at others, we can even be angry at God.  And this holds us back from our salvation.

If we are angry at ourselves for a past sin, the circumstances we were raised in, or the quality of our lives because of our own past decisions – this can hold us back from salvation. 

If we are angry at others, a brother or sister at church, our parents or our friends – this can also hold us back from salvation. 

If you’re angry at God, realize that He is the only One that can give you peace and cure you of that spiritual disease.

Don’t focus on the anger in your life, but on the love in Christ. The Love shown as men spit in His face. The Love shown as he was mocked. The Love as He was tied to a post, as He was scourged, as He carried His cross through the street. The Love shown as men drove nails through His hands. As they shoved the crown of thorns on His head…all of this and still He could look up at the Father and say, “Forgive them, they know not what they do.” If anyone had the right to feel anger – it was Him. The Son of God did not go through all of that so anger could eat us up. 

Don’t let anger keep you from the peace and love that Christ has to offer. And don’t let anger strip you of experiencing eternal life with Him.