The Call

Yesterday I send out a message on the upcoming Bridge Builder fellowship this Sunday night. After the service calls everyone on your call list you get an e-mail summary of the calls made. This month 83 calls were made, 76 were delivered. Of those 76, 49 were live, someone answered, while 27 got the message from there answering machine, 2 of the numbers have been disconnected and 5 the line was busy. For some reason today the verse, “what is man that thou are mindful of him..?” I just studied that section of Job, 7:17, last week. Actually the verse, NKJV, is, “What is man, that you should exalt him, That You should set Your heart on him.” Job in the midst of his misery calls out to God seeking answers.

    Lets see where this is going shall we. God calls to every one of us. His grace is free to everyone who will accept it. He seeks to communicate His love and wants to be a part of our lives. He sends messages via the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us. He seeks to become apart of our life. He wants us to make plans that include Him. So of the 83 calls made 49 where reachable, you heard the message first hand, and made some mental record of the information delivered.  Twenty seven got the message but it was second hand. Quite possible that some of the 27 never even reviewed the message stored for them. Sort of like a sermon preached, or a witness given to the grace of God. Far too often the message never gets the attention of the one it was sent to.  What about the two listed as disconnected? Yes there are some who never get the message for their connection to God has been severed, disconnected. Maybe that one once had a operating phone line. The messages they received over the line they considered unimportant or possibly too hurtful so they choose to be disconnected. The last 5 calls came to the one who was busy with some other call. The beep is heard but the call they are currently involved with is too important. They have no answering machine the call is lost forever. Busy is probably the most destructive of all. Need I say more?

    So what is man that merits God calls in the first place. He created us, we repaid Him with sinning. He sent Jesus to save us and yet many have rejected His sacrifice. So what now? Well just like the 83 calls made everyone on the list will get the call. Some will respond and make plans for the fellowship, some will not. For whatever reasoning man uses one thing is sure, the Caller cares enough to continue making the call. Some will never respond in a positive way to the call. Isn’t life, no aren’t people interesting. the call goes out to as many as will receive it. The offering is free, no charge, just want you to know I love you, and seek fellowship with you. God is love! Don’t tell me you never got the call, maybe your line is just disconnected or maybe you are too busy  with other things to answer the call, or maybe you have just said that’s not for me. Such a shame!

    Well, “I’ve found a friend in Jesus, He’s everything to me. He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul; The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see, all I need to cleanse and make me fully whole. In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay. He tells every care on Him to roll. He’s the Lily of the Valley, my bright and Morning Star, He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.” Oh, friend if you have not answered his call for you I urge you to do so today. He is faithful to call and rest assured when He does He will have answers for your needs. I praise Him for I know it is true!

 

Your friend,

Bill

Charity

From my calendar today, 1 Corinthians 4:13, “Charity suffereth long, and is kind, charity envieth not; charity  vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.” When I go to my Bible I’m currently studying, a New King James version the word charity is replaced with love. Wait a minute I messed up that is 13:4.  Oh, well to the dictionary I go. Charity is defined as, “The providing of help to the poor, spiritual benevolence; brotherly love.” Love is defined as, “A deep devotion or affection for another.” Well I’m in 1 Corinthians 4 now and I can’t get away from it. The fourth chapter of 1 Corinthians is one of the most poetic and beautiful writings in the Bible. It starts out, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I have become a clanging cymbal.” What you do overshadows your words every time.
    How about 4:4, “Love suffers long and is kind, love does not envy, love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked..........hopes all things endures all things.” The Lord has already spoke to me about being provoked and what I said to one that I love. I have found that the statement, “you always hurt the one you love, the one you shouldn’t hurt at all,” is too often true. At that very moment when I said, shut up, I knew I was wrong in what I said. The  one I love dearly was hurt. Love does not seek to harm! Looks like one of those beat up Billy mornings.
    How about 4:8, “Love never fails.” have you had those times when you have tried numerous times to love the situation away. You find yourself beyond your comfort zone, yet you press on trying, wishing that in some way your love will change the heart of that one you love dearly. You see issues, you lovingly provide them support, they don’t change, and you keep on trying. Love can be very frustrating, making demands on you that you would not give time too for yourself, yet because of love you endure.
    What about 4:11, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became a man I put away childish things.” Wow, that one thing could change so many difficult moments in relationships. So often age has little to do with how one acts. Far too many times our childish attitudes carry over into adulthood. Your remarks can hurt or support love. Your actions are often better communicators of what you have in your heart. Where are my steel toed shoes?
    I continue 4:12, “For now we see through a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” I’m convinced that we know so little in His great scheme of things. The why’s, the mysteries, the evil ways man conducts their lives, even my own responses at times, will someday be revealed. While I constantly press on toward the mark I know how far I miss it. My love has yet to reach maturity.  I pray for his guidance and patience.     
    The last verse says, “And now abide faith, hope and love, these three, but the greatest of these is love.” Well my mistake placed me in the scripture I needed today. Sometimes in our quests in life we forget love. I pray that Jesus will continue to be my guide in my pursuit's; He alone is the example. Jesus said, “Greater love has no man then to lay down their life for a friend.” He’s been there, done that, and forever will be our example of perfect love. Thank you Father.

Bill

Unity

 Well the elections are over and now the important part; remembering that even though your vote was on the losing side of the issue, you are still an American, an Ohioan, a citizen of this great country. Now the important part starts. When the election is over and the results in, unity is important. Democrat, Republican, Independent, whatever you might call yourself, we must now determine that we will try to make the best of what the majority of people voted in. For the Christian this can be a stretch but Jesus said, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God’s.” Even though for most part we chose to carry on business as it is, we must all attempt unity with those who see things differently, as we move forward and attempt to turn around our unbridled spending. America is out of control and unity to regain is important, however self interest continues to drive the process and little is accomplished by that.
    Paul calls us to action, Ephesians 4:2-4, “ With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” What is the the Spirit Paul writes about. The Holy Spirit, comes on the day of Pentecost, they are unified and empowered by it.  The world was reached for Christ, by their unity, their commitment to the teachings of Christ. I ask you what is missing in our America today. One, our leaders are not unified, and most are following after their own self interest. Far to much time is spend working on that which will get them elected again.
    It is wonderful to see unity in action. Our church is a good example. As I work with my brothers and sisters in Christ, we are blessed with leadership that fosters development in the things of God. I sometimes question why do some churches grow while others don’t. Is it unity in purpose? Is it the leadership? One does not always know the history of a church. As the past often gets in the way of spiritual growth within the individual, the same can be true for the church. However, I believe unity within the body goes a long way to getting what is wrong righted. Amen! America has been the world’s example of what unity can do, however I fear now at the time of great challenges that many are saying, “ get what you can, every man for themselves.” Greediness doesn’t foster unity!
   Some would say, I have chosen again to write on matters that most would advise to shy away from. You know the advise to never discuss, religion, politics and money; as it will always lead to dissension. Funny how people don’t want to talk about these important issues. Ignoring a sensitive spot only leads to growth of division. Getting recognition of the issues causing problems often helps, but only with unified effort to resolve the issue. Man continue to act like this world is all there is too life. Wow, come on people, you believe in God, know of His love, see the vastness of His creation, and you believe this is all there is. You got to be kidding.
    Well before I lose my focus I have one more thing to write. A good start for the process; Jesus speaking, Matthew 6:31, “ Therefore do not worry saying, what shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or what shall we wear, for after all these the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Unity within the community of man on that principal could solve all the world’s problems. Those of you who are unified around that believe have a great future ahead of you. I thank God for the unity He, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit bring. As Paul writes to the Ephesians, 4:25, “ Therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.”

Bill

Believing

 What is going on? Lord, why do I feel my prayers are not being answered? Why do I feel my life crumbing when I need to be at my best? Why is fear starting to inch into this situation? I have written many times about the faithfulness of God, about the saving power of Jesus, and the support of the Holy Spirit provided us in finding the answers to life. Yet as I attempt to write of God’s strength and blessing I find myself uninspired to do so. Before You get the impression the I Bill Goodin is throwing in the towel, let me say with a hearty voice,”My redeemer lives.” ‘The Lord is not slack in answering our prayers.” We can count on His supporting us during these times of extreme tribulation.
    Knowing Jesus on a personal basis has so many privileges. He knows our difficulties and He is there to help us with our problems. The enemy, satan, will bring unbelievable trial into our lives. He knows how much we love life and those God has blessed our lives with. He will make every attempt to destroy those things dear to us. While we covet the answer to life's problems we often focus on earthly things and earthly answers. There are times in spite of man’s great wisdom we fail to accomplish what we believe is necessary. We pray and yet we look to the things of this world for answers to our problems rather than waiting upon the Lord and accepting His timing. Oh, how shallow our faith is and how often we want the upper hand.
    I know today I will face again the issues surrounding Darlene’s failing health. I know what I want and I want it now and my mind is tired of man’s attempts that seemly amount to nothing. Yesterday the Lord spoke to me while I was in the room with Darlene to lay my hands on her and pray for her healing. I said Lord I am no healer but after several more pushes I went to the bed, laid my hands on my wife and prayed. I rebuked the issues that are causing her problems. I didn’t sense anything happened. What did I expect anyway. I had already said I’m no healer. Therein lies the problem I’m not, He is. Many wonderful prayers have been spoken on her behalf by people I believe to be some of God’s choicest, and yet she remains extremely ill. The doctors who perform miracles everyday have yet to answer my why’s and what’s.  Yet I belief the Lord capable of doing much more than our minds can conceive.
    I remember still the agony I felt at the time of my daughter Annie’s death. All the years of praying seems to have meant nothing as I look at her lifeless body. My hopes at that moment were shattered. The next day while walking through the kitchen bearing the heavy load of my loss I receive a vision of a lovely, healthy young women running through a beautiful field with her hair flowing over her shoulders. She turns and smiles and it is my Annie. At that moment my eyes viewed heavenly things and I realized that what I had prayed to God for had been answered.  He gave me a brief look to assure me that all was Ok. Praise His name. I still miss her, there will never be another quite like her I know. I also know that someday I too will see her again this time free from the shackles of this life.   
    Make no mistake I want my wife to be healed. I want her wonderful presence to continue to be apart of my life. What I don’t know is what the Lord wants from all this. I will wait upon the Lord. I will accept His will for I know He does all things well. I will face this day uncertain as to how it will go. I will also face today with the assurance that Jesus will abide in me if I abide in Him. Whatever comes our way He is exceedingly able to provide us the grace to prevail.
    I pray that what I have written today will not discourage you or give you reason for doubt. God has a plan for us all. How we align with that plan is our choice. If we truly have faith in Him we must seek His will.” In all our ways we must acknowledge Him”,and have faith to believe; “that all things work for the good of them that love the Lord.”” That’s what I’m believing in today. I hope you do too. Praise Him for His faithfulness!

Holding on ,
Bill

Living

 Well I read my Bible and commentaried it. I have read my other devotional materials and my daily Bible verse calendar and have decide that today I’m drawn to the scripture, Galatians 2:20, “ I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Wow what could I add to such truth and wisdom the Paul displays in this verse.
    I ask a question, one we must all answer. What drives your life? Are you still victimized by the never satisfied lust for wealth and the world and its pleasures. Is it me before everyone and everything else. Take time to consider not how I compare to others, but how do I personally operate. Personal reflection must be to no one but Jesus. His motivation, His desire to please was all directed to the the Father and the Father’s will above all else. I have to believe if Jesus was moved by His human side He would not have accomplished what He did. You may believe it is impossible for me to be crucified with Christ, but isn’t that what we have to believe. Jesus represented every person who would believe on Him on the cross. After over 2000 years the blood has not lost one ounce of power and if we believe that He represented me and my sin on the cross then what should that mean to us.   
    I don’t know how He did it, I only know He did it. My faith in that is the key to my spiritual victory, the essence of my now redeemed state in life. What I am, what I believe, my very future is wrapped up in that faith. I believe Jesus did everything well, and I need to believe He expects me to do no less. The Comforter, Holy Spirit, was sent to help me find my way. You see I’m still human but I must follow His will. The ability to recognize His will and the power to walk in the way are all possibilities if my faith is strong to believe that the Spirit will lead me into all truth. This is the way and we must walk in it.
    As is often the case in life we are given choices. The decisions we make are often self centered and that we must overcome. That is only possible when we are lead by His Spirit. As I grow older in age and now retired I have a bit more time to consider such issues. I have learned not to lean on my own understanding for it is human and lacks the direction and depth that only Jesus can provide. I am learning to yield my life, at an every increasing degree, to the Spirits leadership. It can be no other way for as I do this I demonstrate that Christ now lives in Me. Jesus said, “The Father and I are one.” I must declare that Jesus and I are one. That’s just how it works, if it is to work at all.
    So dear friend I leave you with this hope that you will seek the fullness of Christ’s spirit working and changing you into His likeness. You say, I can’t do it. I can’t either but Jesus can.

Live in Christ,
Bill

Exalted

  Exalted; to position God above all others. I was reading Psalms 23 this morning, where David exalts the Lord. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name sake........ David goes on exalting and praising the Lord. What about His son when he was made King. Solomon knowing his inability to perform the task of king seeks the Lord. In fact the Lord came to Him and ask what He could do for him. His reply,1 Kings 3:9, “Therefore give your servant an understanding heart to judge your people, that I might discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great nation of Yours.” Solomon exalted God and the Lord gives Solomon wisdom and understanding.  I believe that when a person, or a nation exalts God they become the recipient of all of God resources. Somewhere in our American history we have come to the point that we are exalting the wrong person. President, Speaker of the House, Governor, they no longer see themselves as public servants; they don’t seek God’s help in solving our problems. If there was every a nation that should glorify God, it is America.
    Exalted, to elevate in rank above all other. Do people really do that anymore, maybe that is our problem. Do those whom we place in office, assign lofty positions, pay large salaries to, recognize  that there is a greater power, a all mighty creator who put the very stars in place. I pick on the leadership but what about you and me. Do we exalt God by the way we live? When things get tough do we seek the Lords help or do we believe the ways of man are best. Somehow man has elevated, exalted himself, to the most important position, self reigns. That is why special interest groups are getting the attention, why our politicians can’t get anything done; they are exalting the wrong persons. Do you get it? One might say, “well if you were in their position you would do no different.” Can you really, truly say that about yourself or about me. Have we gotten so worldly that we no longer try to be Christ like. Do you really believe the government is to be exalted. Do you no longer believe, “that my help comes from the Lord”? Our country declares on our coins, “In God we Trust.” Is it any wonder why some want to remove that statement, because as a nation we no longer believe that. If we do there is more going on behind the scenes than what I’m getting.
    I seek not to denounce our government but I do question as to where they seek direction from. I believe if our leadership would humble themselves before God and man, declare the necessity of God’s leadership, for the decisions they struggle with, that would say something to our Lord, and also to the people. I want leadership that seeks God, and seeks His direction for the decisions they make. Jesus said, “The greatest among you must be a servant.  But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” America if it continues its trend away from God we will be humbled. I’m afraid it is already happening. God will not be mocked!
    My biggest concern for America is that as a whole we no longer exalt God. We have lost our first love. One might read this e-mail and say we are not that bad. Ok, how about lukewarm. What did Jesus say about that? “Because you are luke warn, neither hot or cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” We can’t be everything and truly exalt God. I believe it is He alone we must serve, nothing else. He is Lord and must be exalted, first place in our lives, our actions, our nation, must proclaim that as truth. So we are at a point of decision. “Seek ye this day whom you will serve.” My prayer is, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Oh Lord, may the Holy Spirit direct my path as I endeavor to live that way. Thank you Jesus!

Serving Him,
Bill
   

If

This morning my mind is alive, inspired, energized. Probably a carry over from yesterday evening when I read the book, “Heaven is for Real.” The story of Colton Burpo’s experiences in a near death illness. Thank you Jerry and Phyllis for giving me the book. It was a fabulous read!  Children are so precious, so loved. They hold a special place in most peoples hearts. Jesus often used them as examples of what faith really is. I can only say wow, what a God we serve, what a Savior we have, and he is with me everyday, His Holy Spirit guides me.
    I struggle today as to how I might use this writing to remove some of the IF concerning death. I too have been given a heavenly vision, a peak into the unknown. That vision is imprinted in my mind. I will never forget, I thank God for it. As we struggle through this life we must realize that there a heaven to gain and a hell to shun? The Bible is God’s outline to the were to, and how to, for my life. However, I fear there is an ever increasing host of people who don’t believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God. It is just another book. Some would say that is ridiculous, but often those same people never read it’s pages. When the enemy comes against us the power of it’s words will run him off. I believe the Bible to be God’s roadmap for us. It identifies a loving God, who send His Only begotten Son into a sin sick world, to offer man redemption and eternal life with Him. The resurrected Jesus, who sits at God’s right hand, intercedes for us everyday, and has prepared for us an eternal heavenly home. What if one chooses not the things God has given. There is also a flip side for the one who choose a course away from God and that will be hell. Many people have had a glimpse of both and most who have had a glimpse are never the same. I encourage you to read the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. What have you to lose? What if someday you are asked why did you loose your way; why you did not read His word. God loves you, He wants you to be with Him forever, in a place beyond our wildest dreams. Yes, read the Book, and believe the truth, time is short, decisions that will effect all eternity are before you. Seek Him with your prayers!
     I close with a scripture, ( 1 John 4:18), There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” So it you fear the if’s in life I encourage you to seek the author and finisher of our faith. The same God who created you wants to welcome you home. He loves you beyond understanding, He has prepared a wonderful place for you. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,  nor entered into the heart of man, the things that God has prepared for us.” His love can cast out all the fears you have of death, IF you believe and trust in His Word. Praise His name forever!

Holding fast,
Bill