Double Trouble.

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

In one of his sermons, Martin Luther King, Jr. explains “The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?" Every day we are faced with situations that require us to choose between ourselves and our own interests or the needs of others. There is no debate, our own issues are weighty and it takes no effort at all to spend all of our time trying to take care of personal problems. But, as Christians we are summoned by the Bible to the service of others.

In the Old Testament book of Genesis, Cain kills his brother Abel and then when asked where his brother is responds, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The New Testament answers this question over and over again. We are to serve one another (Gal 5:13), forgive one another (Eph 4:32), exhort one another (Heb 3:12), be hospitable to one another (1 Pet 4:8-10); and even put others and their safety above our own as described in detail by Jesus in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). As the Christian understands and begins to live a life of service to others, God’s blessings become a constant reminder that He is pleased with the way we give.

Today, consider someone else and make an effort to lighten their load. Instead of “double trouble” may you experience a double portion of God’s goodness.

Deacon Larry Woodard

Be Yourself.

Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. --Daniel 1:12

There’s a story told about a man who visits a church in Puerto Rico. He does not speak Spanish so he decides to do whatever the man next to him does. The Pastor starts speaking and the man sitting next to him stands so he does too. Everyone laughs. After the service the Pastor comes and asks if he speaks Spanish and the man confirms that he doesn’t. “Good,” the Pastor replies, “I announced that Tia Rosa had a baby and I asked for the father to stand” This humorous story illustrates the danger in following the lead of a person or a crowd as opposed to finding the courage to follow your beliefs.

In our scripture 4 young Hebrew boys – Daniel, Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego have been asked to eat the king’s food --food that according to their religious customs had been defiled. Daniel resists and asks if they can eat their own food for ten days to prove that they will fare as well as the boys eating the king’s food. After the ten days are up, they appear to be healthier and better fed than the others. In our society the pressure to conform is great both for the young and the old. It is easier to follow the crowd and not risk being singled out, ridiculed, branded or ostracized. Trust God to fight your battles and to count your obedience as righteousness. Be yourself in the Lord and don’t let anyone cause you to deny what you know to be right.

Resist the temptation to follow the world. What the world seeks is temporary and meaningless. Set your sights on things eternal and be yourself today.

Deacon Larry Woodard

It's All Good.

“They took him and threw him into the well. The well was empty; there was no water in it. Genesis 37:24

“If it wasn’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all” is the refrain of a popular country song. We sometimes make the mistake, as Christians, of believing we can differentiate between good and bad things in our lives. As we gain a deeper understanding of the scripture and the nature of God, we begin to understand that God has the power to make even those things that are meant for evil turn into blessings.

In the scripture Joseph is thrown into a well by his brothers. Even at this low point in his life, we see the hand of God. In the 18th verse, they were actually plotting to kill him. One of his brothers (Reuben) in an attempt to save him, pleads with the others to throw him into a well. In verse 24, we learn that the well has no water in it. This begins a series of events that we would consider going from bad to worse: He is sold into captivity. From a slave, he becomes a prisoner. All this leads to him become a ruler and saving his family during a great famine. As Christians, the Biblical account of Joseph should be both inspiring and encouraging. As we face obstacle after obstacle which seem to take us deeper and deeper into despair, we should hold tight to the account of Joseph and how he was able to say after the entire ordeal, “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20)

After you have prayed today, believe that whatever happens to you today God intends for it to be for good according to His will for your life.

Deacon Larry Woodard

Come Down.

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house. Luke 19:5

As I kid I often wondered why cats got stuck in trees. After all they are great climbers and they seemed to go up the tree so effortlessly. I researched it and learned that cats have claws that curve the right way to ascend, but the wrong way to come back down if they try it head-first, which is the only way they can think to do it. As Christians, we too easily find our way into situations, but have a difficult time figuring out how to get out.

Zacchaeus climbed a tree to get a better look at Jesus. He had heard about him and wanted to see for himself. Jesus called for Zacchaeus to come out of the tree so he could go to his house. Zacchaeus went up the tree one way but came down another. As Christians, when we find ourselves in situations that we can’t extricate ourselves from, we must also listen for the voice of the Master and heed his instructions. We have to repent. We have to confess our sins. We may have to repay. So how do cats get outof trees? The same way we can get out of trouble: We have to come down looking up.

If you have climbed a tree of sin and find yourself high in its branches today and are afraid , look heavenward and find your way down.

Deacon Larry Woodard

On Earth.

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant, 1 Corinthians 13:4

When someone is not pretentious and is easily approachable, we like to say they are “down to earth”. When someone has achieved more than the average person and can back up their “talk” with their “walk”; we are pleasantly surprised and impressed when we learn they are approachable and self-effacing. When God blesses us with talents, we must learn to keep them in perspective and ourselves in check in order to continue to be useful to God and in touch with His people.

The 13th Chapter of 1 Corinthians is perhaps the most complete description of the qualities of love ever written. It describes love by the characteristics visible to the human eye. It challenges Christians by assuring us that our actions speak louder than our words. It condemns those who insist they love others but fall woefully short when held up to the reflection of true love. It is so simple that you can’t escape its indictment…love is patient; love is kind; love does not envy or boast or puff itself up. Confronted with instructions so simple it is nearly impossible for us to claim ignorance. As the Bible states, we all fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) But they will know we are Christians by our love (John 13:35)

If you have let yourself start to feel superior to others because of gifts God has given you, today would be a good day to come back down to earth.

Deacon Larry Woodard

Which Way?

There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 14:12

Martin Frobisher was an English explorer who sailed to the New World in search of the Northwest Passage. On two of his three trips he found what he believed to be gold ore and carried over 1,550 tons of it back to England. It turned out to be iron pirite, a worthless ore. Headed back to England with the ship’s hull heavy with the insignificant rock, Sir Martin must have been convinced he was soon to be a wealthy man. Instead he became famous for a phrase coined for his folly: Fool’s Gold! How many times do we see something that not only entices us but continues to look good after we use every test we have at our limited disposal? The Christian must be extraordinarily careful to make sure we don’t let our opinions and assessments lead us down the road to destruction.

The writer suggests that our reasoning can be faulty concerning the things of God. Our situational ethics, compromises, willingness to “turn a blind eye” and the clouding of our vision because of emotions all make us poor spiritual navigators for our souls. We must admit that if left to our own devices we will be at the least inconsistent and more than likely at odds with God’s will - - more often than not. The Bible states that we should not depend on our reasoning but instead bring everything before God who will help us be consistent. (Proverbs 3:5,6)

Today as you go about your day remember to include God in your decision making. Ask him for guidance before you decide what you believe you should do. Allow Him to direct your path.

Deacon Larry Woodard

Think Again.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

We live in a world filled with turmoil. There are wars, the threat of terrorism is everywhere and predictions of catastrophic damage to our way of life, our country, even our world abound. Add to that our personal problems, be they physical, financial or emotional and it is understandable why sometimes it is difficult to think positively. It is important for the Christian to understand the power that comes from a positive outlook on life and from keeping our thoughts on the things of God.

In Philippians, Paul exhorts the church at Philippi to be united, joyful and to stay prayerful. He tells them that if they do, the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard their hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. It is in these words that we begin to understand that negative thoughts are divisive and positive thoughts promote unity and only a united church will prosper. Similarly, a Christian with his eyes on good things is invariably pointed in the right direction.

We all have challenges; many of you are experiencing trying times right now. My prayer for you is that you will be able to constantly remind yourself that our God is a God of peace and that His Grace is sufficient to grant you peace even in the midst of the storms of life.

If you start to have negative thoughts today…think again.

Deacon Larry Woodard