Sylvan Hills church of Christ

Showing reverence to God is more than a Sunday endeavor. Our daily decisions reflect our response to God’s rule in our lives. One such example is in the area of honoring our parents. In the Bible, honoring aging parents is connected with reverence for God’s holiness (Lev. 19:2,3,32). Young children honor their parents through obedience (Eph. 6:1ff). Adult children honor their parents by holding them in high regard, speaking forth words of gratitude, and assisting them with their needs in old age (1 Tim. 5:4,8).

When adult children walk in the way of wisdom, they bring joy to their parents (Prov. 15:20; 23:22,24,25). Walking in the way of rebellion with self-destructive behavior brings heartache. Every parent wants the best for their child regardless of their age. Some express it better than others, but almost all desire it for their child.

Why not today say, “Thank You!” to your parents? The days are slipping by and one day the opportunity will be gone. A phone call, a card, or better yet a visit will be welcomed.

On one occasion as Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee a fierce storm came upon them. They crossing to the other side because Jesus had suggested the trip and suddenly it had become dangerous. Along with other boats nearby, the one in which Jesus was on board was tossed by the waves and beginning to fill up with water. As the storm howled and water crashed upon the deck, it was noticed that Jesus was asleep on a cushion in the stern. With panic stricken voices, the disciples awoke Jesus and asked, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus quieted the storm and then asked, “Why are you so timid? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mk. 4:35-41 NASB).

When the storms come in our life it is easy to focus on the danger of the wind and the destruction of the waves. We may even become a little seasick and wonder if Jesus is aware of our perilous situation and if He cares. Walking by sight will result in fear and doubt. In contrast, walking by faith infuses confidence and perseverance. Faith believes calmness can be experienced at any moment because Jesus is on board. Faith is based upon knowing ahead of time, He cares.

Maybe today you need to pause from bailing water and make sure Jesus is on board. If He is in your life, the storm can be calmed on His perfect timing. If He is not, invite Him on board today.

Burj Dubai (Arabic for “Dubai Tower”) is now completed. Rising 2,717 feet, the $1.5 billion structure is the tallest in the world. It will have a swimming pool on the 76^{th floor and a mosque on the 158th floor. Builders of the Dubai Tower wanted it to be a monument to the boundless human spirit of their people (ironically, it was designed by a U.S. firm out of Chicago).}

Builders of the original tower of Babel had a similar motive. “Let us make for ourselves a name” (Genesis 11:4). Their intent was to bring glory to themselves and not God. Babel was about the human spirit rather than the Holy Spirit. It was a tribute to the potential of men rather than the possibilities with God.

The ultimate aim for man is not to build monuments to ourselves. Pride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Ultimately, the human spirit is full of potential only as it is full of faith in the Creator. He is the one able to do more than we could ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20). To Him be the glory!

We often speak of the blessings of life such as our families, our health, and opportunities that come our way. Blessings are usually defined as positive events, people, and places which enhance the quality of our life. With the proper perspective, even trials and struggles can be blessings as they refine our character and test our faith. Every soul ought to be interested in the spiritual blessings which are found in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:3) since they are of eternal benefit.

When we respond to the reception of blessings by giving thanks, we in turn bless God. Not in the sense that He receives something which was previously missing in His existence, but in the act of worship. We bless God by giving thanks (Ps. 100:1-5). Whether in song, prayer, or service to others, giving thanks to Him is an act of reverence and adoration. It is an acknowledgement of His lovingkindness, goodness, and faithfulness. It is the softening of a selfish heart in acts which demonstrate appreciation toward a generous God.

While gathered around the Thanksgiving table this year, give a thank offering from the heart. Do more than watch football, bless His holy name.

“How did it happen? He used to be such a good person. I can’t believe he has allowed this addiction to take over his life.” Similar comments are often heard when expressing shock over the discovery of hidden sin in the life of a “godly person.”

Anyone, Christians included, can become comfortable with the continual presence of sinful behavior if the conscience has been dulled. The downward process to self-delusion begins with rationalization. A person excuses their own sin by comparing it to the sins of others which they judge in the jury of their own mind to be far more serious.

The Bible says, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith, examine yourselves!” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Grading of the test is based upon Scripture, not the imperfections of others. The self-deluded person must come face to face with God’s word and be honest with self. Only then will they seek deliverance in Christ.

A man and his family were noticing all of the orange trees while travelling through Florida.  They decided to stop in at the next restaurant and have a glass of fresh orange juice.  Upon ordering their waitress announced, “I can’t bring you orange juice. Our machine is broken.”  Oranges were everywhere! Nevertheless, dependence upon the machine prevented them from enjoying a glass of juice.

In our society we are inundated with biblical resources.  Christian books, CD’s, DVD’s, software, and free research sites on the internet abound.  Most of us have more than one Bible in the home.  Opportunity for spiritual enrichment is everywhere!  Yet, it is so easy to become dependent upon preachers for delivery of God’s message.   Waiting till Sunday to get a 30 minute sip will eventually cause dehydration.  Daily Bible reading and personal study is the answer.

David wrote, “My soul thirsts for Thee… in a dry and weary land where there is no water” (Ps. 63:1b).  He found satisfaction for his thirst in the sweetness of God’s word (Ps. 119:103).  Determine today to set aside a few minutes in the morning to drink from God’s word.  Enjoy the incomparable refreshment!

Question: “Can a Christian firmly state their views but still not want to make or keep everything Christianity preaches against illegal?”

Great question!  Throughout our nation’s history there have been laws that were firmly rooted in our Judeo-Christian history.  Christians have sought to influence lawmakers because they believed “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Prov. 14:34) and that all nations are accountable to God (Dan. 4:32). 

However, submission to the way of Christ is a personal choice based upon an understanding of God’s word, not legal mandates from government.  Transformed living is not about dodging illegal behavior, it’s about following Christ.  Godliness cannot be forced upon people through man made laws.  Even God gives the unbeliever the power to choose. With their citizenship ultimately in heaven (Phil. 3:20), Christians choose to conform to God’s law regardless of civil laws of a moral nature that may or may not be present.  Sin is sin because of God’s standards, not D.C.’s.  We’ll pray for moral leadership among our rulers, but our hope for societal change is in the life changing message of Christ.

Class of 2009 – It’s Your Turn!

Congratulations to the Class of 2009!  You accomplished your goal of High School graduation and now it’s your turn to step out into this world and make a difference.  Think about how much the world has changed over the last 13 years.

When you started Kindergarten only 45 million people worldwide were on the internet (as compared to 1.5 billion today), DVD’s were first marketed in Japan, and Ebay was just getting started.  A man by the name of Bin Laden had moved to Afghanistan and the Clintons were in the White House.

What will life be like 13 years from now?  Your generation has the opportunity to direct the outcome.  Go for your dreams and make a positive impact on this world.  It’s your turn!

A report released April 7th by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (available at http://www.fas.org/irp/eprint/rightwing.pdf) stereotypes those who have spoken up against abortion as part of the “growth in the number of domestic rightwing terrorist and extremist groups.”  Maybe there have been some radical pro-life groups that fit into this group, but most Christians have simply tried to express the biblical basis for their position.

If you are young and are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, theology may not be as convincing an argument for you as other immediate issues.  For example, how will your family and friends react?  Will you be able to continue your education?  How will you or your family pay for expenses?  Flooding your mind at once, the questions can be overwhelming.

Please know there are people who not only have a pro-life position, they have a pro-life practice.  There are people who will help you each step of the way.  You don’t have to choose abortion simply because you feel you have no other choice.  Help is available.  Call.

Divorce – bankruptcy - a doctor’s diagnosis – rejection from a friend – a moral misjudgment on the part of someone in your family – the loss of a job.  On the list goes! Life can change quickly.  When an unexpected blow sends you to the canvass, will you be down for the count?

It’s been said, “When life knocks you down, try to fall on your back because if you can look up, you can get up!”  The key to bouncing back from a potential knock out punch is to look up, make a commitment to get up, and find the strength to stand up.

God “gives strength to the weary and to him who lacks might He increases power… Those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength” (Isaiah 40:29-31).  There is no substitute for faith when it comes to getting back on your feet.  Look up to the Lord.  He’s in your corner.  He’s pulling for you.