People are so conscious of clean air, clean water, and clean homes, but what about clean lives?

The earth is not our permanent home. We are just visiting as strangers and pilgrims (Hebrews 11:13). Even so, it seems that more people are concerned with chlorofluorocarbons than the church of Christ. Earth Day takes precedence over Sunday, pine trees over praying knees, critters over Christ, and dead water over living water!

Yes, this is our Father’s world (Psalm 24:1) and we ought to take care of it. However, we have something else which belongs to our Father that is far more important than any dog or frog — an eternal soul (Ezekiel 18:4).

It is from the earth in which we have been made. It is where we live, eat, and where our bodies will return at death (Ecclesiastes 12:7). We are earthy people with earthly minds. We do not pretend to comprehend the nature of the heavenly but we all “desire a better country, that is, an heavenly” (Hebrews 11:16, KJV). Yet, that heavenly country sometimes seems so far away.

Some speak of heaven as a diluted dream or a fanciful fairy tale. We might even catch ourselves wondering what it would be like “if we were there.”

Christian, you will be there (Romans 8:1)! Jesus said heaven is prepared and real. If it were not real, he would have told us (John 14:1-3). Jesus is the word, (John 1:1,14) and the word is truth (John 17:17). Do you believe him?

Peter told us of “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4).

Heaven is green. It has been green and will be green long after the earth is gone because nothing defiled or polluted will ever be there. Pollution comes from sin. The green life is one that abstains from the pollutions of the earthly world (Acts 15:20; 2 Peter 2:20), in order to enter the heavenly world.

That is the difference between the earthly man and the heavenly man. Earthly minded individuals focus on what they have done for themselves but heavenly minded individuals focus on what God has done for them (Matthew 7:7-11; James 1:17).

While in the body, we live amidst the crooked, perverse, and profane — Satan’s sinful agents who detect and destroy. It is a tragic reminder of the first earthy man and woman enticed to sin in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2-3). Christians are mere earthy Adam’s dressed in the blood of Christ (Galatians 3:27; Revelation 1:5) with a living hope of bearing Christ’s heavenly image.

The apostle Paul explained it by saying,

“The first man [Adam] is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly” (1 Corinthians 15:47-49).

Thus, our earthy nature will not continue. We all have a dying earthy side and a living spiritual side. The earth and the physical body will not be everlasting (2 Peter 3:10). However, the spirit is eternal (Matthew 25:46). Knowing this, what is really more important–a green earth that will not continue or a “green” spirit that will live forever? Are we focused on the earthy or the heavenly?

Go Green! Clean up your life.

–Derrick Coble @ www.forthright.net

They obeyed their father (Jer. 35:6).  They would not drink the wine Jeremiah poured because of the commandment of their father.  He left a “command” for his family to obey and they obeyed it.

They obeyed their father completely (Jer. 35:8).  They tell Jeremiah, “We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in ALL that he charged us.”  They did not do just what was convenient or what they liked.  They did “all.”

They obeyed their father completely with their whole family (Jer. 35:9).   They imposed their religion on their spouses and children.  They did not give the kids space and the freedom to make their own choices “without parental interference.”  No, they were active in their family’s spiritual life and, like Joshua, chose for their families to obey their father (cf. Josh. 24:15).

They obeyed their father regarding their conduct.  While the point of context was not the Rechabites’ theology, nor were they particularly taking a theological stand on the use of alcohol, there was a reason given for not drinking wine.  It was to make them good neighbors and guests (cf. 35:7).  There are moral overtones in the decision.

The point of Jeremiah finding the Rechabites and test them over the wine was to show that this people was obedient to their earthly father, but Judah was disobedient to their Heavenly Father.  Thus, God would punish Judah for their rebellion (35:17).  As for the Rechabites, because they obeyed their father, “therefore thus [said] the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel:  ‘Jonadab the son of Rechab [should] not lack a man to stand before [God] forever’” (35:19).  God has shown us how He blesses submissive obedience and how He punishes selfish rebellion.  Here, He illustrates the point through the respectful Rechabites.

–Neal Pollard

People find the strangest things to amuse themselves.  Back in the period of the Judges, the Philistines found a deadly means of “amusing themselves.”  It was the Samson Show they all came out to see, the last thing 3,000 of them ever witnessed.  Do you ever wonder what they tried to get Samson to do or why they thought that trotting out the formerly strong, now blinded judge would be amusing?  Their amusement became their annihilation (see Judges 16:25-30).

God created us intelligent beings, and with that endowed us with creativity, inquisitiveness, aesthetic appreciation, ingenuity, and the like.  Put another way, we often enjoy being amused.  It might be a funny comedian or movie, a hobby, books and literature, or any number of similar things.  Amusement can be a great way to cope with the often painful realities of life.

Yet, let us keep something in mind about the ways we amuse ourselves.  God has guidelines that govern such things.  Beware any amusements that pander to the lusts of the flesh and detract from our cultivation of the fruit of the Spirit (cf. Gal. 5:19-23).  If we are amused by the sinful, the smutty, and the suggestive things of life, we are setting ourselves up for a more terrible end than that experienced by Samson’s tormentors.  There is nothing in the world worth our embracing it to the loss of our own soul (cf. Matt. 16:26).  Enjoy life!  Have fun!  But avoid anything that will drive a wedge between you and God because that’s not funny!

–Neal Pollard

GENESIS (24:12-14)–God’s KINDNESS is knowable.

EXODUS (14:4-18)–God’s MATCHLESS HONOR is knowable.

LEVITICUS (23:43)–God’s PROTECTING NATURE is knowable.

NUMBERS (16:28)–God’s SPOKESMEN are knowable.

DEUTERONOMY (4:35)–God’s PREEMINENCE is knowable.

JOSHUA (23:13)–God’s CONDITIONS are knowable.

JUDGES (6:37)–God’s INTERVENTION is knowable.

RUTH (2:12)–God’s REWARD is knowable.

1 SAMUEL (17:46-47)–God’s MEANS OF SALVATION is knowable.

2 SAMUEL (7:18-29)–God’s PROMISES are knowable.

1 KINGS (20:28)–God’s SUPREMACY is knowable.

2 KINGS (19:19)–God’s UNIVERSAL AUTHORITY is knowable.

1 CHRONICLES (28:9)–God’s DIVINE QUALITIES are knowable.

2 CHRONICLES (25:16)–God’s DISAPPROVAL is knowable.

EZRA (7:25)–God’s LAWS are knowable.

NEHEMIAH (9:14)–God’s REVELATION is knowable.

ESTHER (4:14 + rest of book)–God’s USE OF PROVIDENCE is knowable (even if we don’t know what is or isn’t providence).

JOB (19:25)–God’s REDEMPTIVE WORK is knowable.

PSALMS (100:3)–God’s CREATIVE POWER is knowable.

PROVERBS (24:12)–God’s LIMITLESS ABILITY is knowable.

ECCLESIASTES (3:14)–God’s PERFECTION is knowable.

SONG OF SOLOMON–God’s DEVOTION TO MARRIAGE is knowable.

ISAIAH (60:16)–God’s SALVATION & REDEMPTION are knowable.

JEREMIAH (16:21)–God’s NAME & MIGHT are knowable.

LAMENTATIONS–God’s STANDARD FOR PUNISHMENT is knowable.

EZEKIEL (5:13)–God’s ZEALOUS WORD is knowable.

DANIEL (11:32)–God’s STRENGTHENING is knowable.

HOSEA (13:4)–God’s WORSHIP REQUIREMENTS are knowable.

JOEL (2:27)–God’s PRESENCE is knowable.

AMOS (3:2)–God’s HATRED OF INIQUITY is knowable.

OBADIAH–God’s FEELINGS TOWARD PRIDE are knowable.

JONAH (4:2)–God’s GRACIOUSNESS is knowable.

MICAH (6:5)–God’s RIGHTEOUSNESS is knowable.

NAHUM (1)–God’s PROTECTIVE CARE is knowable.

HABAKKUK (2:14)–God’s GLORY is knowable.

ZEPHANIAH (2:3)–God’s DESIRE TO BE SOUGHT is knowable.

HAGGAI–God’s MISSION is knowable.

ZECHARIAH (2:9-13)-God’s PLAN OF SALVATION is knowable.

MALACHI (2:4-5)–God’s COVENANT is knowable.

MATTHEW (22:16)–God’s TEACHINGS are knowable.

MARK (1:24)–God’s HOLINESS is knowable.

LUKE (11:13)–God’s BENEVOLENCE is knowable.

JOHN (17:3)–God’s UNIQUENESS is knowable.

ACTS (2:36-47)–God’s REQUIREMENTS FOR SALVATION are knowable.

ROMANS (8:28)–God’s ASSURANCE TO THOSE WHO LOVE HIM is knowable.

1 CORINTHIANS (2:12)–God’s SPIRITUAL BLESSING OF REVELATION is knowable.

2 CORINTHIANS (8:9)–God’s GRACE is knowable.

GALATIANS (3:7)–God’s HEIRS are knowable.

EPHESIANS (1:17-19)–God’s BESTOWED WISDOM & HOPE are knowable.

PHILIPPIANS (3:8-11)–God’s SON is knowable.

COLOSSIANS (4:1)–God’s MASTERFUL ROLE is knowable.

1 THESSALONIANS (1:4)–God’s MEANS OF ELECTION is knowable.

2 THESSALONIANS (3:7)–God’s GOOD EXAMPLES are knowable.

1 TIMOTHY (3:15)–God’s CODE OF CONDUCT IN THE HIS HOUSEHOLD is knowable.

2 TIMOTHY (3:15-17)–God’s HOLY SCRIPTURES are knowable.

TITUS (1:9-16)–God’s SOUND DOCTRINE is knowable.

PHILEMON–God’s FREEDOM FROM SIN & CALL FOR SERVICE IN CHRIST is knowable.

HEBREWS (8:11-13)–God’s SUPERIOR SALVATION is knowable.

JAMES (2:20)–God’s DEMAND FOR ACTIVE FAITH is knowable.

1 PETER (1:18-19)–God’s INCORRUPTIBLE MEANS OF SALVATION is knowable.

2 PETER (3:17)–God’s FOREWARNINGS are knowable.

1 JOHN (4:2)–God’s SPIRIT is knowable.

2 JOHN 1–God’s TRUTH is knowable.

3 JOHN 12–God’s INSPIRED WRITERS’ TRUTHFUL RECORD is knowable.

JUDE (4-23)–God’s ENEMIES are knowable.

REVELATION (2:10,17)–God’s REWARD is knowable.
This does not begin to exhaust the list of things which the Bible tells us we can know!  God has not left us to grope in the dark.  Neither has He left it up to us to decide to live however we want to live.

–Neal Pollard

Hezekiah appealed to his home in 2 Kings 20:3.  He mentions three qualities of it.  In his house, Hezekiah walked before the Lord in truth.  That suggests that he allowed God’s word to be the standard in his home, whatever the issue.  In his house, Hezekiah had a loyal heart.  Nothing more specific is said in this regard, so this could mean loyalty in any of his relationships.  Certainly, in context, it seems that Hezekiah included in that loyalty to God.  In his house, Hezekiah did what was good in God’s sight.  His morality, judgment, and leadership were aligned with Heavenly sight.
You may remember that, upon hearing this, God grants Hezekiah fifteen more years (2 Kings 20:6).  Unfortunately, he seems to have made mistakes that negatively impacted his home in that intervening period of time.  He allowed the king of Babylon to see the treasures of his house (2 Kings 20:12ff).  He also was too short-sighted to care that this decision would greatly harm his descendents (2 Kings 20:17-18), but all he got from that was superficial comfort in knowing there would be “peace and truth at least in” his days (2 Kings 20:19).

What a reminder that we can never ease up in our homes.  Those in our homes need us doing our part to keep the home like Hezekiah kept his up until the sickness that brought Isaiah to his door.  This is an ideal home.  Someone wrote,

An ideal home cannot be built with compass, rule or square
An ideal home cannot exist without our Jesus there.
An ideal home, where Jesus reigns and all on Him depend,
Alone can save our nation, doomed, from her untimely end.

–Neal Pollard

We’re all on a journey through our lives in this world and it matters not where along the road of life we’ve arrived so far, these thoughts apply to the entire journey. And I think about, and opine, on these thoughts because I think that all of us tend to get caught up in life in general, and in the living of it, and we miss a lot of things along the way. Things that shouldn’t be missed. So, I guess a good way to start off our lesson here is to ask, “What are you missing?”

You know, Christians have to live in this world just like everyone else. In the 15th & 16th verses of John 17, we see where Christ’s disciples are “in the world” but, not “of the world.” In other words, we’re subject to everything about the world, but we’re supposed to avoid being caught up in the snares of it.

I say that because I see something “of the world” that Christians seemingly get caught up in like everyone else and we should be the last people allowing this to happen. The “something” of which I speak is, becoming unmindful, or even blase’ about the wonders of God and His creation. We get so busy in our everyday living that we forget to “smell the roses” and when we do, we forget about God.

A great illustration of how we go through life not paying attention to the beauty and blessings of God that are all around us is an experiment I once read about set up and conducted by the Washington Post newspaper. This experiment was designed to show that society, in general, no longer noticed or paid much attention to the things of beauty found in common settings. Here is what they did….

In a major metro train station in Washington DC a man dressed in casual clothes and wearing a baseball cap, sat down and began playing classical music on a violin. He played six different pieces for about 45 minutes. Now this was during rush hour and literally thousands of people passed through the station and by him as he played.

The results of the experiment was as follows: one middle-aged man stopped for a few seconds and listened and then hurried on his way. A woman, without stopping, passed by and threw a dollar bill in a container. Another man stopped for a minute or so, leaning against a wall listening, but then looked at his watch and walked away. The ones who paid the most attention to the violinist were children who tried to stop and listen, but all of the parents, without exception, forced them to move on. In the 45 minutes he played, only 6 people actually stayed awhile listening. Several gave money, but kept going. He collected $32.00

When he finished playing no one even applauded nor did anyone recognize him. The violinist’s name was Joshua Bell and is reportedly one of the best musicians in the world. He had held a concert 2 days earlier where the tickets cost $100 apiece and it was sold out. Plus, he was playing his music on a violin worth 3.5 million dollars. And six (6) people actually stopped “to smell the roses.”

The conclusion reached by the newspaper was this, and I quote: “If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing.”

In conclusion, here’s a penned thought entitled, “WHISPERS.” (Author unknown)

The man whispered, “God, speak to me” and a meadowlark sang.

But, the man didn’t hear.

So the man yelled, “God, speak to me” and the thunder rolled across the sky.

But, the man didn’t listen.

The man looked around and said, “God, let me see you” and a star shone brightly.

But, the man did not see.

And the man shouted, “God, show me a miracle” and a life was born.

But, the man did not notice.

So, the man cried out in despair, “Touch me God, and let me know you’re here.”                     Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man.

But the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.

Well, maybe I’m wrong, but it just seems to me that Christians should be the most appreciative people in the world when it comes to the things that God has blessed His creation with. That we should strive to take more notice, and to be more aware of those things, and by so doing, be aware of the presence of God all around us. Everywhere and at all times.

One last thought – “roses” come in many disguises. They can appear in the form of a beautiful older person, many views of the sky, mountains, lakes and rivers and any number of scenic views, even the arts. And don’t forget the “critters.” As you go through this new year, just think about the “roses” we’re blessed to have around us and when we actually take the time to see them, to “smell them” as it were, we’re really seeing God. Don’t brush the “butterfly” off when God “touches” you.

Anyway, that’s my thoughts and I’m sticking to them.

Ron Covey

(1) The 30 Second Rule: Most of our guests will make a judgment about us during the first 30 seconds after they enter the building.  Greet others at the door with a handshake and friendly smile even if it’s not your month to be an usher or a greeter. I love how our greeters meet people with a bulletin and a smile!

(2) The Front Door Rule: Help people find their classes or a seat in the auditorium.  If they have trouble, they may not return. If you see someone looking confused ask them if they need assistance, especially if they are looking for the restroom or nursery.

(3) The Ten Foot Rule: Greet anyone with whom you are not familiar that comes within ten feet of you.  Make eye contact; be friendly. Don’t be embarrassed if they are members, we have a large auditorium and we don’t always get to meet every member because of many seats and many exits.

(4) The Five Minute Rule: Take the first five minutes after services to seek out guests and greet them.  Encourage them to return and thank them for being here. Introduce them to the elders, deacons, and ministers if possible.

(5) The Golden Rule: Remember what you like to see when you visit another congregation. Treat others the way you like to be treated.

Our attitude will often determine whether visitors will return or not.  Most often, people will come back when they feel welcomed and appreciated.  Let’s work hard to make sure this always happens! Be a lighthouse! May God use us to reflect His light into the world!!!

–Source unknown

For a number of years, I lived ten miles from Hollywood. There were several times when locals would see a stretch limousine pull up at the curb, and out would come a famous film star to enter some business or restaurant.

The first time it happened to me, it was Larry Hagman of “Dallas” fame. There he was, inside the Malibu pharmacy, good ol’ J.R. Ewing in the flesh!

Funny thing: When he spoke to the clerk, he didn’t have a Texas accent.

It made for great conversation pieces. “Guess who I saw today! Boy, old so-and-so is a lot shorter in person than he seems on film.” Or, “That makeup artist must have performed a miracle on her! She looks much older in person.”

Solomon’s image of a “gold ring” in a “pig’s snout” is startling because it’s so thoroughly out of place.

Beautiful women in ancient times did wear nose rings — Rebekah, Isaac’s bride did (Genesis 24:47) — and I notice the practice is coming back among some of our young women today. But can you imagine a priceless gold ring, shining in the light, placed right on the, er, delicate snout of a pig?

You know why Miss Piggy’s brave efforts to appear glamorous are so funny, right? It’s because she’s a pig!

Hollywood stars are undeniably beautiful, drop-dead gorgeous, in fact. But their lifestyles show no discretion. They cheat and betray, fornicate and get drunk, are self absorbed and thoughtless of others. Most mock and deride Christian teachings on principle. They are no one’s role model.

Their ugly actions and words seem out of place with the beauty they so carefully cultivate. Why do television cameras follow them everywhere? Why do magazines cover them so breathlessly?

Some are air heads, and immoral ones, at that!

Admiring them is as out of place as a gold ring on a pig’s snout!

Stan Mitchell @ www.forthright.net

Probably the best known Biblical illustration I could cite to you is the little parable told by Jesus in His sermon on the mount about the two types of “houses” one can build. In Matt. 7:24-27 he describes these two “houses” as being built by two very different kinds of builders.

The “wise” builder who constructed a “house” that could withstand all of the storms that came along. Versus the “foolish” builder whose “house” collapsed when the testing time came. What made the two builders either “wise” or “foolish” is explained to us in the 24th verse: “whosoever hears and does what I say….” In other words, who built their “house” according to God’s blueprint for a “spiritual house” versus who, for whatever reason, did not. In our parable, which one do you think was the “wise” builder?

In just a moment I’m going to tell you what inspired my thoughts on the building of our “houses” today, but first let me ask you some “thought questions.” These are questions which, by the mere asking of them, are designed to cause you to think about your own “house.”

First question is: What kind of “house” are you building? Keep in mind the type of house we’re referring to here – the one the Bible uses to illustrate a “family” or a “spiritual abode.” And here’s something to also keep in mind – whether you realize it or not, you (each of us) are building a house and it’s a lifetime effort. So, if you’re building a “house” – Where do you get the blueprint for your “house?” And – What care do you take in following said blueprint?

You know, if you were to build a house (structure) today you’d have inspectors checking every little thing that was done to see if you are “following code.” To see if you’re building it properly. Unfortunately, there are no inspectors coming around to see how we’re constructing our “spiritual houses,” are there? No, we’re given a blueprint by God but, as free, moral builders, we have the choice of following it or not. We just have to understand what the consequences are of ignoring it. Remember the “foolish man’s” house on the sand…..

Now let me tell you what inspired these thoughts here. I was reading a little article the other day about a woman that had received a book from a friend entitled The Great Cathedrals of Europe. It was in her commentary of the book that I noted some interesting things about the great cathedrals.

One of those things was that it can’t really be said who the builders were. That they are basically unknown. The thought there is that no one can receive credit or glory from man because we don’t know who the builders are. This was pointed out by the commentary on the book to show that their motivation, their inspiration for their work was the idea that they were building for God.

Let me illustrate their motivation by relating one little legendary story from the book. In this story, a rich man came to visit as the cathedral was being built and was watching a workman carving a tiny, but intricate bird on the inside of one of the beams. He was puzzled and he asked the workman, “Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.” The workman replied, “Because God sees….”

No, there won’t be inspectors coming around checking to see if you’re following “code” in the construction of your “house.” But don’t ever think that the One that issued the blueprint (and there is only one) isn’t paying attention. If you read 1 Cor. 3, verses 9-10 you’ll see that those faithful to following the “Masterbuilder’s” plan are called “God’s building.” IE: Christians.

And, in 1 Pet. 2:5 we read where Christians “like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood…” (ESV) I see that as telling us that if we “build our house” according to God, the “Masterbuilders” blueprint, then our “house” will be “holy.” And, if so constructed, it will stand, metaphorically speaking, in the great final storm to come.

As a closing thought to this lesson, let’s take care to the building of our “house.” Let’s heed the words of the Prophet Jeremiah when he gave this warning to the people of Judah: “Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness….” (Jer. 22:13) It would be sad to think about a person spending their lifelong efforts on the building of their spiritual house in some way opposed to God’s blueprint. I think that when crunch time comes and their “house” falls, they will have fulfilled something said by the Apostle Paul to the Thessalonians: that their “labor be in vain.” (1 Thess. 3:5)

Again – How’s the construction of your “house” coming along?

Ron Covey