Freshly Ground at The Grove

Two Sides To The Story

bobby@poplargrovebaptist.org — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:31:00 GMT

How many times have you heard the story from someone? You couldn’t believe how angry or upset you became. You steamed and stewed over it and even passed the story along to others. Their reaction was the same as yours. Unfortunately, all this emotion was over one side of the story. When you finally heard the other side, and their always tends to be another side, you felt like a fool. The other side changes everything. If only you had known the other side before you became so upset and shared it with others. This is probably the kind of thing Solomon had in mind when he wrote in Proverbs 18:17; “The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him.” Remember, there are always two sides to the story.

Examination or Consideration?

bobby@poplargrovebaptist.org — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:41:00 GMT

In Numbers chapter thirteen we find the very familiar story of the twelve spies. The Israelites reached the boarder of the Promised Land. They had God’s instructions. Before entering the land they decided to send twelve men to spy out the land. Now remember that no one doubted that God had said go take the land. No one doubted that this was the particular land He said to take. No one doubted that He meant for them to enter now. So the question I pose is, was it wrong to send the twelve spies? I believe the answer depends on the intent. God often speaks to us, either through His written word or by the Holy Spirit in our hearts. We know when He speaks to us. We know what He has said. We know how it applies to our life. Yet, we too send out our twelve spies to look into God’s instructions. Our twelve spies may be in our mind; complex thoughts and scenarios we vividly imagine. I believe that if our intent is to examine the will of God in order to wisely proceed, it is acceptable. If the twelve spies were sent in to examine how they would proceed in obeying God’s will then that would have been acceptable and wise. But, if our intent is to consider whether we will obey God, then that is wrong. The twelve spies were not completely open to God’s plan before they entered the land. They were open to any and all reasons for possible failure and applied their own human reasoning into the equation of obedience. We do the very same thing all the time. There is wisdom in examining the will of God for our life, but not in considering the will of God for our life. God has already considered it.

I Used To Like Them

bobby@poplargrovebaptist.org — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:46:00 GMT

People who write movie scripts love to frustrate the audience. One particular plot always works; they pull you into wanting a relationship to work between two main characters. Then, they find some way for things to unravel. Often the plot involves a sinister associate who fabricates some falsehood and drives a wedge of mistrust or anger between the two people you want to see together. What really drives you crazy is that the remedy seems so obvious; they just need to be honest and upfront about the information they’ve heard and discover the truth. We watch in disbelief at how easily they accept inaccurate information as fact. We yell at the screen, “Just ask them about what you heard!” Unfortunately, this happens all too often in our own lives. That is why Proverbs 16:28 says, “…a gossip separates friends.” We need to learn not to believe those little morsels of bad news about our friends so easily. We need to take the time to check the facts before we allow a bit of gossip ruin a good friendship. Before you say, “I used to like them,” make sure you know the truth.

Freedom Is Not Easy

bobby@poplargrovebaptist.org — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:47:00 GMT

In Numbers 13 and 14 we have the story of twelve spies sent into the Promised Land. The children of Israel have just escaped from Egypt where they lived as slaves for 400 years. At last true freedom lies ahead for the taking. God is directing them to go in and possess a land and a new way of life. But this new land and way of life is not going to be easy. Now they must learn to take care of themselves, work together, trust in God’s promises, and fight. Out of the twelve spies all but two, Joshua and Caleb, return with a bad report. The land is already occupied with people who are many, strong, and bigger than the Israelites. Their new found freedom is going to be harder than they imagined. Now they are facing a difficult decision, stand together, fight, being willing to risk utter failure or miraculous victory. Sadly, they cried out for Egypt. It was easier to live in slavery than be free. In Egypt their masters provided them a job, land on which to live, food, and protection from outside forces. I think of this biblical story when I hear people in America cry out to Washington to provide and take care of them. With every new program and benefit which comes from government another piece of freedom disappears. Government becomes the all powerful giver and sustainer, the master of our lives and we become slaves. Remember, freedom is not easy. It is not today nor has it ever been. Freedom requires personal responsibility, hard work, and a willingness to risk failure along the way to success.

Always Stuck

bobby@poplargrovebaptist.org — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:14:00 GMT

Proverbs 15:19 says, “The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway.”

I remember in my earlier years I enjoyed hunting. Actually, I enjoyed being outside with friends, tromping through the woods and shooting my gun. I really didn’t care whether I shot any game. We had just as much fun throwing our hats into the air and filling them full with birdshot. One thing I always avoided on those outings was briar-thickets. I didn’t have a pair of those hunting pants with the special coating on the front that fended off all but the nastiest of thorns. I painfully learned that once you walked into a thorny patch things quickly came to a halt. Scripture says that the speed of a lazy person looks like me in that briar patch. In comparison, the upright, or the person who carries on as they should, moves along as if they were on a four lane highway. We all have bad days, but if you find yourself always behind, always bogged down, and you see life passing you by, maybe, just maybe you might be lazy.

Why We Give

bobby@poplargrovebaptist.org — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:51:00 GMT

This is from Dr. David Jeremiah and I thought I would pass it along in today's blog.

Why We Give

And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's. It is holy to the LORD.
Leviticus 27:30

Recommended Reading
1 Chr. 29:10-17

According to Forbes magazine's March 2009 ranking, Bill Gates, retired co-founder of the Microsoft Corporation, is the world's richest person with a net worth of approximately $40 billion--down from $58 billion in 2008. Suppose you were feeling particularly generous one day and offered Mr. Gates a penny to help with his daily expenses. He might take your penny so as not to offend you, but does he really need it? What is one cent compared to 40 billion dollars?

Comparing America's smallest coin with the world's largest fortune doesn't come close to equaling the disparity between God's wealth and our tithes and offerings. Does the God who owns everything (Job 41:11b; Haggai 2:8) need our money? Of course not. Why, then, do we give? We give a tenth (or more) of everything to the Lord as a reminder that nothing belongs to us--that everything we have comes from Him and belongs to Him. Giving is an obedient act of worship that reveals what we believe about that which we call "ours."

God doesn't need us to give for His sake, but we need to give for ours. Giving is how we remember how much we have been given.

Are you giving God what is right or what is left?
Unknown

Merry Christmas

bobby@poplargrovebaptist.org — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:10:00 GMT

I and my family would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas. We pray that your holiday is filled with love to warm your heart and home. There is no way to express the gratitude we feel for all the cards, gifts, and kind wishes. Most of all we are grateful for our Savior who was born into this world some two thousand years ago. I hope we all remember to share His love to others, especially those less fortunate, during this speacial time of the year. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Charity

bobby@poplargrovebaptist.org — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:46:00 GMT

When God sent his Son into the world it was the greatest act of charity known to mankind. He saw our need and did not wait for us to hold out our hand, but instead He reached out to us. Most of the charity we do as Christians is a response to those who come to us and ask. During this time of year we especially enjoy helping others. It is always a blessing to help those less fortunate and certainly commanded in Scripture. But true Christmas charity is Christ-like. Christ-like charity is seen in the parable of the “good Samaritan” (Luke 10:30-37). The Samaritan did not wait to be asked, but proactively reached out. I encourage all of us, not just during the Christmas season, but throughout the year, to look for those that have been overlooked by so many. Proactively reach out and show true Christian charity.

"Memas"

bobby@poplargrovebaptist.org — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:21:00 GMT

Dr. David Jeremiah once referred to Christmas becoming “Memas.” You know what that is. When we push Jesus out of lives in order to make room for our busy schedules. Our schedules are all about our diets, trips, parties, budgets, and favorite things to do. It easily becomes all about “me” and Christmas becomes Memas. Unfortunately, the more you fill your life with “me” the emptier you feel. The Christ of Christmas is a Savior who gives. He reaches out to those in need. He emptied Himself while being the fullness of everything good. What will this December look like for you? My wish for you is that you have a merry “Christmas.”

Speak With A Heart Of Gratitude

bobby@poplargrovebaptist.org — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:12:00 GMT

In Luke 17 Jesus healed ten lepers but only one returned to thank Him. Not only did he return to thank Jesus but it says he did so loudly glorifying the Lord. Psalm 100:1 tells us to make a joyful shout to the Lord. Having a grateful heart is one of the most dominate subjects in scripture. We are reminded over and over to give thanks and speak with a heart of gratitude. Why do we need so many reminders? We naturally tend to dwell on the negatives, the hurts, the struggles, the discomforts, and disappointments. We must learn to see the many things we have to thank God for everyday and then voice that heart of gratitude. I read that the Pilgrims dug seven times more graves than living quarters. Yet, they set aside a day to give thanks. This week every time you find something about which to complain, ad a “but” to that complaint and find something to say with gratitude. Researchers tell us that gratitude is the healthiest of all emotions. That is just the way God designed us.

HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS

bobby@poplargrovebaptist.org — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:11:00 GMT

HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS

Luke 23:39-43 (New King James Version)

³⁹ Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”
⁴⁰ But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? ⁴¹ And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” ⁴² Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
⁴³ And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

It was 9:00 in the morning. Three men were being executed by the Romans. One man was Jesus Christ; His crimes were religious and political; He claimed to be the Son of God and ruler of God’s kingdom. The two men on either side were admitted thieves. As the crucifixion began these two, as recorded in the other gospels, both began to rail on Jesus. I am sure they had heard the rumors of His miracles and His claims. At 9:00 in the morning they did not believe any of it. He was no different from them and perhaps a bit of jeering and venom would ease some of their own pent up anguish. But as the hours drug by one of those men began to notice something different about Jesus. It was the way He suffered. All they could think about was their personal agony and an overwhelming desire for relief along with volumes of expletives hurled at those who had put them there that day. But not Jesus; He suffered quietly without cursing or accusing. When He did speak His words expressed concern for those who watched Him; “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” “John, take care of my mother as your own.” He began to quote David’s 22^nd psalm, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” That was a psalm written 1,000 years earlier describing in detail the events of that day and the future suffering of the promised One. Perhaps this one thief had learned that psalm as a young boy in synagogue. As he watched Jesus his heart began to turn. He must have compared his own life to the one hanging next to him. He saw an innocent man beside him and new himself not to be. He saw a man exhibiting qualities beyond human which he did not possess. He saw a man who was much more than a mere man. And then, it happened. Somewhere in the recesses of his heart he saw hope for himself; not physical salvation from his execution, but eternal salvation for his soul. It was Jesus who said, “What does it profit a person if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” This life is at best but brief, but eternity is forever. In those last few minutes of life on this earth, in what seemed to be the most hopeless situation, this man found hope; he found Jesus. He did what anyone must do to make this hope a reality; he reached out to Jesus. He asked Jesus to remember him when Jesus entered into His kingdom, thus recognizing Jesus to be both Lord and savior. Jesus responded to this convicted, self-admitted criminal with words of hope; “Today you will be with me in paradise.” There was no time for this man to go back and make amends to those he had hurt. There was no time to prove by his changed life that he was sincere, but it didn’t matter, because Jesus knew his heart. The saddest part of this story of the two thieves is that only one was given that assurance. As far as we know, the other man cursed and railed his way into a Christ-less eternity without hope. Is there hope for us? Yes! As long as we have breath in our lungs and the awareness to see Jesus as the answer to the emptiness we were all born with, there is hope. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” My prayer today is that you too have this hope in Jesus Christ.

Do You Want To Be Made Well?

bobby@poplargrovebaptist.org — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:48:00 GMT

The gospel of John chapter 5 opens with the account of Jesus at the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem. There he finds an invalid man of thirty-eight years. For years he had never been able to get in the waters for healing when an angel moved the waters. Jesus, knowing his plight, asked him what seems to be a ridiculous question; “Do you want to be made well?” In reality, it is a very logical question, and a question we should all ask ourselves. The man answered Jesus with a list of things he had done which were not working. Then Jesus offered the man what he really needed and only He could accomplish, complete and immediate healing. The man accepted and his life changed forever. Of course, the man could have chosen to keep trying his way. He could have stayed with what he had grown familiar. I’m sure he had friends there at the pool. I sure he had learned to get by with donations from others. To accept healing meant his entire life would be different. He would have to accept new challenges and responsibilities. He would have to go to work. He would become a care-giver instead of a care-receiver. There are a lot of us who talk about the things in our life which need to be better, stronger, growing, or even healed. But, when it comes right down to it, we chose what’s familiar and stay with the things that keep us sick, spiritually and physically. I think Jesus’ question is a good one; “Do you want to be made well?”

Conquered

bobby@poplargrovebaptist.org — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:51:00 GMT

I’ve been reading in the book of Ezekiel how the Israelites were conquered by the very nations they went after. God foretold their judgment to be the result of their lust and desire to be like the surrounding cultures. God allowed them to be conquered by those very nations. That reminded me of Paul’s writings to the Roman believers in chapter six. Verse 16 reads, “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” We all follow some group, philosophy, or belief. Because of our humanity we are conquered by whatever we choose to go after. The ironic part about choosing to follow Jesus Christ is that becoming a slave to His righteous brings eternal life and true freedom. Verse 18 says, “And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” Verse 22 says, “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.” Whatever you follow and desire in your life will conquer you. It is just the way you are made. Choose wisely.

Born Again

bobby@poplargrovebaptist.org — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:01:00 GMT

The story of Nicodemus' discussion with Jesus in John chapter 3 is one of the most well known passages of Scripture. It is from this discussion we get the term "born again." Jesus told Nicodemus, "unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." "Born again" can also be translated "born from above." Jesus is explaining that there is a kind of birth, or beginning, which takes place in a person which is quite different from their original physical birth. This second birth brings with it many wonderful things. We have a second beginnng, or a new start. Some might refer to it as new lease on life. We have a second existence centered around the things of God. We have a second chance. I really like this. Wouldn't it be nice if we had a second chance at everything in life? We have a second awareness. Our eyes are opened to new truths and realities which cannot be seen without this new life. We have a second destiny, the kingdom of God, eternal life. Do not confuse the second birth with being religious. Nicodemus had the religious stuff well under control. But he didn't have a chance of entering God's kingdom until he experienced the new birth. Have you been born again?

A Stretch of Faith

bobby@poplargrovebaptist.org — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:08:00 GMT

I recently heard a visiting pastor say, "the further your faith reaches the further God will lead you." I like that. The more I think about it the more examples from both Scripture and my own life come to mind. I also realize that the opposite of faith is doubt and the twin brother of doubt is fear. A good illustration of this is when Jesus walked on the water and Peter asked if he could come to Jesus. Jesus had the power that Peter needed to walk all the way to Him. Peter's faith reached far enough for Jesus to take him way beyond the fearful group of disciples watching from within the boat. When Peter took his attention from Jesus and focused on the waves his faith wavered and fearfully he began to sink. Praise God for a Savior that reached out and took his hand. Faith stretches while fear strinks. Faith stands up while fear stoops down. Faith goes for it while fear gives up. How far is God leading you in your life? Not very far? Could it have something to do with your faith?