Watchman

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Tuesday, January 6, 2009

"Time and Chance Happen"

"I have observed something else under the sun.  The fastest runner doesn't always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn't always win the battle.  The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy.  And those who are educated don't always lead successful lives.  It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place right time."  (Ecc. 9:11-- NLT)

I have wrestled with our text all morning.  It is not something religious people like to consider.  Most translations are less blunt-- "Time and chance happen to them all."  No matter.  This is a disturbing passage to life's control freaks. 

Some teach that the Proverbs, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes reflect different "stages" in the journey of Solomon.  Some have said that we need to interpret these passages in light of that journey.  I know that some also say, "this is Old Testament," that we must interpret this passage fulfilled in the New Testament.  Yes, and that is? 

The real "problem" word here is, "chance."  It stares at us down through the centuries.  What can it possibly mean?  To speak of "chance" just does not fit in our predictable theology.  It frightens most to consider there are some things which will occur, and no amount of praying, fasting, "faithing," will change them.  And there may be another humbling ingredient here.  "Chance" stuff was going on long before you and I were here, and if Jesus tarries, will continue after we are gone.  I could labor Hebrew and Latin roots of the word, but essentially they still come back to, "time and chance happen."

This is an unusual devotional, I know, and I hope and pray it does not leave you with despair.  It will not if for this coming year and the remainder of our pilgrimage here, we "run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus," and not despair over "chance" stuff, not try to explain it, understand it, or try to save God's reputation by denying it.  I trust that it is not too simplistic for you to join me in saying with the hymn writer,
     "My faith has found a resting place- not in device or creed:
     I trust the ever-living One- His wounds for me shall plead.
     I need no other argument, I need no other plea;
     It is enough that Jesus died, and that He died for me."

Father, in Jesus' Name, whatever "time and chance" there may be in life, I commit it all to You.  Amen.
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www.anitpasprayerforce.blogspot.com


"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2



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Monday, January 5, 2009

"Abide...Words...Ask...Done"

"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." 
Jesus

I want to highlight a point in our text.  "If you abide in...My words,..you will ask...."  To put it another way, Jesus is saying that abiding in Him is expressed in abiding in the "God-Breathed" Word and prayer.  There is one reason only that people don't pray regularly or read the Word regularly.  They don't believe "it works."  It is that simple.  And time is not the problem.  Belief is the problem.  There are millions of Americans who spend 8-10 hours per day, at least five days per week at their jobs.  Why?  Their jobs produce something------------a pay check.  They spend long hours at their job, because they know "that [their] labor is not in vain."

If you want a suggestion for a New Year's resolution, I have one.  Demonstrate this year that you believe Jesus Christ is a better Rewarder than that job.  Commit to praying through five Psalms each day, pray in the spirit for one half hour each day, and read the Bible for 15 minutes each day (that's all it takes to read through the Bible in a year).  It is not too late to start.  Prove to yourself that you believe Father hears and instructs through prayer and the "God-Breathed" Word.  Enough with talk religion.  Demonstrate that you really do believe Jesus when He said, "Apart from Me you can do nothing."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I need you.  I pray that what I do will confirm what I say.  Amen.
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I will be preaching this month in our CCE meetings, January 17 & 18)


"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2



**************
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Saturday, January 3, 2009

Truth In The News

You will not receive the truth in the US and "foreign" media.  I will try to at least keep you informed from another perspective.  Go to:
Please note the "brainwashing" video from Iran.
If you are a "reader" and interested in more detailed news, let me know.
 
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2



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Friday, January 2, 2009

"You Can't Out Give God"--- But You Can Out Spend Him

"You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance." (Psalm 65:11)
 
Many, many years ago, I heard a man say, "When I was making $5000 a year, it was not enough.  When I was making $8000 a year it was not enough.
Now I am making $12000 a year and it's not enough.  You know, I'm beginning to think it will never be enough."  What prevents the revelation in our text is just that--- "It will never be enough." 
 
People love to repeat, "You can't out give God."  Okay, but most live as though, "You can't out spend God," but you can!  Far too many Believers spend like the proverbial "drunken sailor," then blame God for their indebtedness and go to the "faith" prophets to hear, "Everything will be okay, I'm in control, says the Lord." 
 
The promise, "And my God shall supply all your need...in Christ Jesus," is in the context of, "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content...."  Jesus supplies our need, not our greed.  Allow His contentment to rule in you this year, and on January first of next year you will be singing with the psalmist, "You crown the year with Your goodness, and your paths drip with abundance!"
 
Father, in Jesus' Name, help me to always recognize the difference between what I want and what I need---- and live accordingly.  Amen. 
*******************************
 
 
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2



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