Big-city leaders take pride in an impressive skyline, that is, the profile of their skyscrapers against the sky. New York had probably the best known skyline with the World Trade Center (WTC), the Empire State Building, and the Chrysler Building. The new WTC no doubt will restore New York to its place of prominence. Chicago has the Willis Tower, San Francisco has the Transamerica Pyramid, and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the world’s tallest building. During the day these buildings stand straight and tall as monuments to humans’ ability to design, finance and build magnificent structures. At night the lights of the buildings form striking images against the dark sky.

Many movies and TV series are set in one or more of the big cities. The movies typically begin with a panoramic view of the city’s skyline. Sometimes there is a closer view of buildings from a helicopter. Then the scene changes dramatically from the high-level, pristine view of glass and steel to the ground-level reality of a street, an alley, or a warehouse where people are busy with all sorts of evildoing. The clean and crisp facade of the skyline gives way to the real view – an inside view – of what the city is really like. Politicians and businessmen prefer that the world see only the attractive mask of the city and not the real city teeming with an endless amount of corruption.

No doubt this approach is a carry-over from the nature of humans. As the highest creation of God, we’re prone to put on a front – a mask – so that we look good. We hope the world won’t look beyond the mask and discover the evil thoughts and imaginations of our hearts. It started with Adam and Eve. They disobeyed God and then hid themselves so that they wouldn’t look bad in the eyes of God. Pastor John is right when he says that few of us would want our secrets to be displayed on a screen for all to see.

For many folks, the cover-up is successful for years. Does that ring a bell? With his good looks, charisma, and $400 haircut, John Edwards—with the help of a few friends—successfully put on a front to hide the truth about his corrupt activities. The Edwards cover-up went on for several years. For others, that approach works for a lifetime and it’s only after death that the truth is revealed. Such deception happens because none of us can read the thoughts of others. We can only observe actions and draw conclusions based on our observations. Only God has the ability to look inside, read thoughts, and determine intent.

After the Lord rejected Saul as king of Israel, He sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse’s sons to be king. When Samuel saw Eliab, he thought Eliab was surely the chosen one. But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (I Samuel 16:7 NIV). God chose David, and when David was brought in, God revealed His choice to Samuel. Paul quoted God saying David was “…a man after My own heart; he will do everything I want him to do” (Acts 13:22 NIV). (Wow! Wouldn’t it be great if that could be said about us? I’m not even close.)

A clean, crisp, and well-kept exterior may deceive the world. But God is not deceived. He has the inside view. He has the ability to identify and deal with man’s innermost sin. The marvelous message is that He has provided a way for us to be cleansed of our sin. Then God won’t have to deal with our sin at the final judgment. Because of God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, we may have forgiveness of sin and cleansing of all corruption. Hallelujah!!

Joe Williams
Thought #138

“There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John.  He came as a witness to testify concerning that Light, so that through Him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true Light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” (John 1:6-9 NIV)

I try my best to see if socks are blue or black before I put them on in the morning.  I hold them under the light and strain my eyes to see which are blue and which are black. (That doesn’t mean I only wear blue or black socks. It’s just that those are the ones I have trouble with.) Some days I get it right; other days I learn the truth when I go outside.

Some time ago I discovered a way to make sure I select the right color. If I take the socks to a window and look at them in daylight instead of lamplight, the difference between black and blue becomes obvious. No doubt that’s because daylight is “truer” light than lamp light.

An incandescent lamp generates light with a filament that glows reddish/white when heated; hence it is more red and less blue than daylight. A fluorescent bulb produces light by ionizing a vapor, which gives off ultraviolet light and causes a coating inside the fluorescent tube to glow. That action generates light that is not as red as incandescent light but still not as “true” as daylight. As good as both of these light sources are, they just can’t duplicate daylight. Now I’m not suggesting we throw out our artificial sources of light. Never would I suggest we go back to the “good old days” of candles and kerosene lamps. I’m simply pointing out the superior quality of God’s creation over the human invention.

The light of God’s creation is without question the superior light, but God provides that light only during the day. On cloudy days and at night, the light of man’s invention is a marvelous asset, one the world can hardly do without. The light of practical instruction by pastors and teachers is extremely valuable in living the Christian life. The financial guidance of learned advisors is very helpful in enlightening us in the ways of good stewardship. The emotional and interpersonal guidance imparted by believer-counselors is particularly useful in shedding light on how to build and maintain solid relationships.

All those other lights notwithstanding, the light that you and I cannot do without is the true Light of God’s Son, Who was with God in the beginning and will be with God throughout eternity. The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the true Light that gives perfect illumination to everyone who will receive it. The true Light is revealed in God’s Word and only in God’s Word. If you haven’t received the unique benefit of the true Light, you’ve not been able to distinguish between sin and salvation. If we’re not using the true Light to light our way, we won’t be able to tell the difference in the shades of gray that Satan so skillfully displays. If you haven’t received the Light of the gospel of Jesus Christ, no other light, no matter how useful it might be, will be of any real benefit. I implore you, if you’ve not already done so, to allow the true Light to shine in your heart.

Thought #137
Joe Williams

The road to physical ruin is kept in good repair by eating the wrong foods, consuming harmful substances, not getting enough sleep and exercise, and indulging in various other poor health habits. Unnecessary illnesses and untimely deaths occur along this road. Travelers pay a comparatively high price to travel here.

The road to mental and emotional ruin is maintained by a lack of spiritual food, an unforgiving spirit, pride, anger, jealousy, and poor thought patterns. Stress, bad attitudes, and emotional breakdowns clutter this road. Travelers here pay an exorbitant repair cost.

The road to financial ruin has more than its share of travelers; poor spending habits, compulsive buying, credit card abuse, and the passion to possess are characteristics of pilgrims on this road. Robbing God of tithes and offerings frequently occurs and only makes matters worse. Travelers on this “freeway” are aware of the terrible “tolls” required.

The ultimate ruin is spiritual; it is terminal and eternal. Travelers on the road to spiritual ruin pay the ultimate price—eternal misery and separation from God and all that’s good and holy. Although this road is easy to follow and is in good repair, it leads to a sudden drop, a bottomless pit from which there is no rescue. You cannot afford to be on this road! My friend, I implore you! Don’t risk paying the price to travel this road! If there is even a remote possibility that you are still traveling the “broad…road that leads to destruction” (Matthew 7:13 NIV), I urge you to ensure that your sins are forgiven and that you are on the “narrow…road that leads to life.” (Matthew 7:14 NIV)

The good news is that none of us has to travel any of these roads to ruin. It’s a matter of choice. Making some adjustments in how we eat, sleep, and care for the bodies with which God has blessed us can make a huge difference in our physical health. Feeding our minds and spirits with spiritual food from God’s Word, overcoming stress and a negative view of everything in sight, and getting victory over an angry, unforgiving spirit will give our mental health an enormous boost. Getting control of where the money goes and following God’s plan for giving out of our abundance can get us on track in the financial realm.

With faith in Christ’s work on the cross and repentance from sin, we can confidently travel the narrow road to everlasting life. Hallelujah! In His strength you and I can do this! “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJB 2000)  On the narrow road there are no toll booths, no road taxes to be paid, and the end of the road transitions smoothly onto streets of gold. Make sure you’re on the right road!

Thought #136
Joe Williams

I remember some strange weather back in the 1990s. Early brown patches on many lawns attested to record high spring temperatures. During June of that year there were severe weather patterns that are usually seen in early spring. During the storminess one evening there were reportedly 600 to 700 lightning strokes per hour. This level of lightning results in an almost continuous rumble of thunder, which is troublesome to humans and animals. In those days we had a cat named Thunder. He was not too happy when that kind of weather was going on. (No, I don’t have any idea why he was named Thunder. He was a gift from the previous owner who named him.)

One night that summer there was a lightning event in our neighborhood. Lightning struck a tree, and it looked as though the tree had exploded. One of our neighbors said the tree did, in fact, explode. He said the intense heat created by lightning super-heats the fluids inside trees and generates steam, which causes them to explode.

Another neighbor witnessed the event from her front porch. She said it was “awesome.” But that word is used to describe less spectacular events, like Pastor John’s performance in the 40-yard dash, for example. So our neighbor thought it appropriate to say of the event, “It was awesome! Selah.” Selah is a term found in a few places in the Bible. It has various applications, but the more common one is to cause the reader to pause and think about what has been said. So our neighbor meant, of course, that the lightning strike was an awe-inspiring event, and one who witnesses or learns about such a happening should pause and think about it.

The psalmist seems to be describing an event like the one our neighbor witnessed: “The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.” (Psalm 29:3-5 NIV)

It’s true!  The voice and power of our God are “awesome! Selah.”

Thought #135
Joe Williams

Anyway, Wayne, Ben and I were in the “everybody else” class. We were hardly anybody’s favorite, and girls didn’t take us seriously. Consequently, we spent a good deal of time together. Wayne and I spent a lot of time working on problems in algebra, geometry and trigonometry. We’ll talk about Ben later, but I’d like to introduce Wayne to you now.

During Wayne’s childhood his father suffered a serious job-related injury and was partially disabled. Consequently, his family had an ongoing financial struggle. But Wayne was determined to go to college. So he signed up for the co-op plan where he would go to college and work during alternating quarters. Wayne and I went to college together. After the first quarter, Wayne transferred to another college, and we went our separate ways. We missed each other at class reunions, so neither of us knew what the other had been doing.

A few years ago we received an invitation from Wayne and Diana to come to their thirtieth wedding anniversary celebration. I knew right away that Wilma and I had to be there barring some emergency. So we went and had a marvelous time of reminiscence and fellowship. Wayne and Diana renewed their vows. The ceremony was conducted by Diana’s brother-in-law, who had only a few months earlier lost his wife to cancer. Many friends and family members attended. Their son was there. Their daughter, however, was in Alaska expecting a baby and could not attend. There was music and a eulogy by their son, who said (among other things) that his parents had given him his most precious possession, his faith. Among the wreckage of so many homes today this landmark celebration was certainly a bright spot.

It became obvious during the day that Wayne and Diana are very close. They have a common faith and share the belief that marriage is a lifetime commitment. Among the songs that were sung at their renewal ceremony was a love song entitled “If”. It’s a Bread* song and some of its lyrics say, “If a man could be two places at one time, I’d be with you.” The song ends with an idea that is admittedly fantasy, but it’s a beautiful fantasy, don’t you think? “If the world should stop revolving, spinning slowly down to die, I’d spend the end with you. And when the world was through, then one by one the stars would all go out, and you and I would simply fly away.”

Thought #134
Joe Williams

*Bread is a musical group that was popular during the 1970s.

More recently, Matt Redman, along with wife Beth, wrote a contemporary praise song with a similar title. It’s called “Blessed be Your Name”, and it has a more complex message than the old Wesley hymn. The former is a simple expression of praise to God for salvation and various good things about being a Christian. The latter does that too, but other words in the song are a commitment to praise God when things aren’t going well.

That is such a great song! Every year on Memorial Day we have a family gathering at our house. We recognize the veterans among us. We light a candle in memory of veterans who have gone on. We pray for each other, for our wonderful country, and for those who continue to serve our country in the armed forces. In addition, we sang this marvelous song last year.

About “Blessed Be Your Name”, Matt says the song “is a declaration of something which we’ve both found to be true in the tough seasons of life. To worship God and trust Him no matter what will always be the best path to take.” (Read about Matt here:  http://www.mattredman.com/bio.) The song encourages us to bless the Lord with equal enthusiasm whether things are going well or not so well. Whether it’s abundance or wilderness, bless His name. Whether it’s sunny or dark, bless His name. And the most striking message is right out of the book of Job: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21 ESV).

Remember the story of Job? He was greatly blessed of God with family and fortune. But God allowed Satan to test Job by taking away most of his family and fortune.

Matt says it’s a choice: “My heart will choose to say, Lord, blessed be Your name” (emphasis added). In the story of Job things were going terribly wrong, and his ‘soul mate’ told him to “curse God and die.” But Job said, (paraphrasing here) “Not gonna do it. Am I gonna take all the good things from God and not expect some bad stuff to happen? I don’t think so.” Job chose to reject the temptation to blame God. Rather, he chose to acknowledge that he brought nothing with him at birth, and he will take nothing with him at death. And he chose to bless the name of the Lord in the midst of his trouble.

Was Job perfect in his response to trouble? No, and that might seem to give us some comfort. He refused to curse God, but he did curse the day he was born. Job, like us, was human, and his humanity caused his response to be slightly flawed. I recently discussed this thought with a Christian brother. He reminded me that Job, like all believers before the day of Pentecost, didn’t have the Holy Spirit. Does that mean Job gets a pass for his minor whining in the face of horrendous trouble? Maybe. What it does mean is that we have a much-needed resource to help us through times of trouble that Job didn’t have. So we don’t get quite as much comfort as we thought by virtue of Job’s wee bit of whining. But if I get a vote, I vote to give Job a pass, all things considered.

A mother was telling me about losing her teenage son in an automobile accident. She said when she has a good time or laughs, she feels guilty because her son is dead. An older and well-meaning mother tried to comfort her by telling her that she should feel better because God lost His only Son. I could be wrong, but that’s mildly irritating to me. I just don’t see how a human mother’s grief in the tragedy of the death of her son can be compared to that of the omnipotent God, Who planned from the beginning to give His Son for the salvation of humans. None of us can know why this mother’s son was taken from her. We can only encourage and pray for her.

A few months ago, we attended a funeral service for the 35-year-old daughter of some friends. The minister knew Julie personally and said that she was a Christian. He told a lot of good things about Julie and rejoiced that she would be reunited with her family at the resurrection. But the minister acknowledged that Julie’s untimely death was extremely difficult for her family to deal with. The minister also acknowledged that neither he nor any other minister can answer why Julie died.

Can Julie’s family members be like Job? Can they sing Matt’s song with enthusiasm? I don’t know. Could I do that in a similar situation? I wonder–I doubt it. We’re humans. Some of us are naturally stronger in the face of adversity. Some of us are more able to appropriate the work of the Holy Spirit when trouble comes. What we must all understand is that trouble is no respecter of persons. God sometimes brings trouble in our lives for His own reasons. Sometimes, as with Job, He allows Satan to test a believer by bringing trouble. As the pastor of Julie’s funeral acknowledged, we can’t be sure what God is doing in the lives of others. May the Holy Spirit teach us how to use all the resources God has provided so that we can say with Matt, “On the road marked with suffering/ Though there’s pain in the offering/ Blessed be Your name.”

Thought #133
Joe Williams

I had not heard the other song, “My Father’s Chair”. This song addresses the songwriter’s father’s chair, the songwriter’s chair as he was a father, and the Heavenly Father’s chair. The song triggered memories of my father’s chair, the times as a child I sat with him in his chair, and the wisdom he shared with me from his chair as I was growing up. Dad didn’t jabber on and on; he was a man of few words. But his words were always wise, thoughtful, and kind. His chair, strikingly empty after his death, sat in Mom’s bedroom in honor of Dad until her death.

The song talks of a father’s chair sitting in a ‘loving’ room. A father’s chair may sit in a living room, family room, study, an office, or on a porch. But no matter where the chair sits physically, it should always be in a ‘loving’ place. That doesn’t mean that only fun times surround a father’s chair. There will be difficult times – times of discipline, times of sorrow and weeping, times of frustration and fear. But in all those experiences the love of the Heavenly Father should be manifest. (Here’s a link to the song if you’d like to read the lyrics:  http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/lyricsdetail.php?lyrics_id=14580)

Some years ago I served on a pastor search committee. We interviewed one pastor who, in my opinion, thought more highly of himself than he should have. He spoke of his chair, his cup, his seat at the table, and his place of prominence as though he were a member of royalty. A father’s chair should not be a place of arrogance. Rather it should be, among other things, a place for rest and meditation, a place for counseling and cuddling his children.

During the first month of this new year I think it’s fitting that men reflect on our past communication. As fathers and husbands, we speak many things to our mates and our children from our chair. Sometimes we say things worthy of note; sometimes we don’t. Sometimes our words stroke others with kindness; sometimes they strike others with harshness. May God remind us to make all of our communication according to this Biblical exhortation: “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person” (Colossians 4:6 NASB).

Thought #132
Joe Williams

I remember one Christmas when James and Audrey sent us a traditional Christmas card in which James had written an encouraging note for the new year. The note said, “God bless your year – In the bright, in the drear, God bless your year!” Think about it! Isn’t that exactly what you and I need for 2012? If we’re going to accomplish anything for God, we must have His blessing. Next year will be dismal indeed if it is not in some manner blessed of God.

James’ note assumes there will be dreary times in our year as well as bright times. That’s a fair assumption; all other years have been like that – 2012 will be no exception. What’s important is how we respond and adjust to both conditions. Little adjustment is required during bright times; it’s a tad more difficult in dreary times. But if there were no dreary times, our faith would become weak; thus we need some dreary times to test and strengthen our faith. (You know how it is – we want some dreary, just not too dreary. It’s like…God, please remind me to do the next right thing, and convict me when I don’t; just don’t hurt me or my family. You haven’t prayed that prayer? I have.)

My friend Mike finally realized he couldn’t solve his own problems and asked God to take over his life. Since that time his faith has been tested numerous times. For example, a family of skunks took up residence under his house and had to be forcibly evicted. A short time later Mike came down with mononucleosis. Then he and his whole family suffered with the flu. On two occasions there was a plumbing malfunction that caused a bedroom to be flooded. The latest report is that the buyer of their former residence stopped making payments. The mortgage is in arrears to the tune of $2,000, which they have to pay since the residence reverts to their ownership now that the buyer has been charged with drug trafficking. Mike sees all these happenings as tests of his new-found faith. He’s determined to exercise his faith in God in all things – as should we.

You surely are aware of a few dreary times from 2011. (That’s a gross understatement for some of us.) And from all accounts 2012 will be quite troublesome. Some of us will experience minimal difficulties, while others will have serious trouble. Will we worry and agonize over their outcome, or will we accept them as opportunities to exercise and strengthen our faith?

In case you haven’t noticed, the longest night has passed for this season. Since the December 22^nd winter solstice, the days have started to lengthen and will continue to do so until the June 21^st summer solstice. Suppose we allow the increasing daily light to remind us to increase and extend our confidence that God will resolve all situations for our good and His glory.

If James were here today, we would surely hear him say, “God bless your year – In the bright, in the drear, God bless your year!”

Thought #131

Joe Williams

A few weeks ago in The Surgery Center waiting room, a lady was telling her story. She said, “I remember one Christmas back in the 1940s. Momma gave my sister and me a dollar each for Christmas. We walked, actually ran, to the country store to see what all we could buy. We bought chewing gum, lipstick, powder, and combs. We even had enough money left to buy a candy bar for our brother.” (That’s remarkable; they actually shared with their brother.)

I remember one Christmas when Wilma and I attended a Messiah sing-along. We had not done that before, so it was something new and different. Several individuals sang the solo parts of the Christmas portions of Messiah. At each chorus the conductor turned around, motioned for the congregation to rise, and led the congregation in singing the chorus. It was great! Wilma and I didn’t know the music for most of the choruses. So we and others like us stood quietly and drank in, if you will, the wonderful singing of others all around us. It was like being in the middle of a 300-member choir, each member singing his or her part. Many of them had obviously done this before. What struck me was that these very-talented folks were not performing for anyone; they were using their singing ability to joyfully glorify God right there in the pew. When it came time for the Hallelujah Chorus, we stood and joined in the singing. It was a marvelous experience!

I’m sure all of us can search our memory banks and come up with at least one memorable Christmas. But there is one Christmas that, even though none of us was on hand, must be declared the most memorable. Even though we were not there, we’ve heard the story so many times, it seems as though we were watching from a distance the remarkable events as they unfolded. It’s as though that special Christmas is as real as any during our lifetime. I can remember the story just as if I were there, can’t you?

I remember one Christmas when a mother, a virgin with a child conceived by the Holy Spirit of God, “brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger.”

I remember one Christmas when unsuspecting shepherds were “abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” As they attended to their routine tasks, “the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.”

I remember one Christmas when an angel made this startling announcement:  “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Then a host of angels joined in a chorus of praise, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

I remember one Christmas when shepherds came to Bethlehem to witness the incredible event which had been told them by the angel. “And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”

I remember one Christmas when the shepherds, who were privileged to learn first hand of the birth of Messiah, could hardly wait to spread the good news. “And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child…And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”

You remember that Christmas, don’t you? Of course, it was the very first Christmas – the event that is recalled and relived around the world every December. Without the memory of that first Christmas, memories of other Christmases would have less meaning. There are many fond memories of family and friends getting together, special gifts given and received, lovers joining in marriage, children being born, carols being sung, etc. The knowledge of that blessed first Christmas causes each new Christmas memory to be folded into the memory of the mother and child, the host of angels, the shepherds, the manger and the witness of the shepherds.

I remember. . .one Christmas. The memory of that first Christmas transcends time, demands a response, and challenges us who believe to spread the Christmas message around the world.

Thought #130

Joe Williams

Back in the ‘90s we had an opportunity to see a Christmas lighting display like none we had seen before. The display was on Highway 69 near Cullman AL at the home of Harold and Ruby Swindle. We talked with Ruby, who said they started the practice more than thirty years ago with one string of lights on a tree in their living room. Their five-year-old daughter, who was born blind, was very excited about the lights even though she couldn’t see them. She expressed the wish that others could see and enjoy the lights. In response to their daughter’s wish, the Swindle’s bought a second string of lights the following year and hung them on a bush near their front door where folks driving by could see them. Every year since then they have added more lights. One year they added a lighted Nativity scene, Ruby said, “So people wouldn’t miss the reason for the celebration.” The Swindles would start in September to put up the lights in trees, on the house, on the fence, in front, in back and on all sides of their very large yard. On the first of December they would throw the switch and turn the power on to some 230,000 lights. Thousands of people came from near and far to see the magnificent display. It’s no wonder; it was a beautiful sight to behold.

God used light in connection with His Son’s birth, that monumental event we celebrate at Christmas. When the angel announced the Holy Birth to the shepherds, the light of “…the glory of the Lord shone around them…” (Luke 2:9 NIV)  Later on, the Magi came to Jerusalem and said, “We saw [the light of] His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:2 NIV)  So it seems only fitting that light would be used in connection with the commemoration of the birth of our Savior.

More importantly, light symbolizes Jesus Himself Who declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NIV)  And God the Father says that He sent His Son into the world to call us “…out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (I Peter 2:9 KJV)

Christmas lights are beautiful to behold, and they help us reflect on that miraculous event that occurred so long ago. Christmas Light, the Light of the Savior and the salvation He provides, is even more beautiful in our sight. The glorious truth is that there are no limitations on that Light. It can be seen by anyone, even by those who are blind from birth. How true and appropriate are these lines from an old hymn:

“The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin;

The Light of the world is Jesus;

Like sunshine at noonday His glory shone in,

The Light of the world is Jesus.

Ye dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes;

The Light of the world is Jesus.

Go, wash at His bidding, and light will arise,

The Light of the world is Jesus.”

Thought #129

Joe Williams