The Heaton File

Friday Morning Reflections – Wisdom Literature

He who digs a pit will fall into it, and whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a serpent. He who quarries stones may be hurt by them, and he who splits wood may be endangered by it. If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but wisdom brings success. (Ecclesiastes 10:8-10)

The Agent Of Our Own Destruction

One of the great lessons of life is to learn that often the problems we have are not the result of what others have done to us but what we have done to ourselves. We do not want to admit this proverbial fact but nonetheless we find ourselves in pits we have dug with our own hands. And that just does not sit well with our esteemed character of justice. As we try to tear down the character of a neighbor we find ourselves bitten by the serpent of justice. Truth be told we are kind of dumb; like a dull ax. We act surprised when we swing the ax to split wood and injure ourselves. What did we expect?

As agents of our own destruction it would behoove us to think before deciding to dig a pit for someone else. If we want to tear down someone through gossip we only poison ourselves. In the news recently a man was seriously injured when a snake (cottonmouth) bit him in the mouth and you have to wonder how that happened. If you play with snakes you will be bit. Leaving the snake alone will greatly reduce the possibility of injury (especially a vicious snake like a cottonmouth). When we decide to speak evil of our fellow worker we should not be surprised when we find ourselves in hot water. It comes around to us what we send out and makes us look foolish. Back to the proverb: a man comes along and finds us trapped in a pit. He asked, “Friend, how did you wind up in that pit?” We sheepishly answer, “I was digging it for you but I fell in.” Hmmm. Smart as a dull ax.

Wisdom teaches us the folly of our actions to hurt others when we only hurt ourselves more. As someone said, “It is best to remain silent and thought a fool than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt.” Think how many times in our lives (I speak to myself) that we were agents of our own hurt because we sought to hurt someone else? Silly isn’t it. The Lord gave us two ears and one mouth to listen twice as much as we talk so we will stay out of pits dug by our own hands. Now where did I put that shovel?

Thursday Morning Thankfulness – Epistles of Paul

Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5)

The Abundance Of Joyful Giving

They were special people. Not the ordinary sort of folk who worried about how they were going to do what they had to do. To them it was something to do for the glory of God. It is important to know they did not have a lot of give but you would never know it by the way they gave. Isn’t that a contradictory statement? How can people without anything give so much? When the call came to the churches in Macedonia for a need to be met they never hesitated – they gave what was needed. These are people you want to meet.

Giving has always been a test of character. The greed of the world’s possessions has been the cause of wars, strife, murder and destruction of millions of lives. What is mine is mine and giving it to someone else is not an easy thing to do when the heart is selfish and miserly. From the beginning of time God has tested the hearts of men to see how much they love Him and how much they love their fellow man. The example of the Macedonians was not the amount of their giving but the manner of their giving. Their giving was a trial of affliction yet they gave liberally. Giving to them was not a monetary value but a service to the one who gave His all – Jesus Christ.

The heart of the Macedonians was first given to the Lord and anything after that was small change. They gave themselves to the Lord first! That is where it must start. Often we wonder how much we should give and what is an appropriate number. It is not about a number rather an attitude. How can we compare what we have and need to give with what Jesus had and gave at Golgotha? The song says it well – “I gave my life for you; what have you given?” Humbling.

Giving is not about the clanging of money in a plate. It begins in a heart of giving to others in return for what God has given us. We give liberally when we give our time to serve others and encourage the downtrodden. Liberal giving is when we call a neighbor, fix food for a needy person, share the gospel with friends, mow the widows lawn, take a friend to the grocery store, let every person know how important they are – giving our lives to serve others.

Wednesday Morning Meditation – Psalms

For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face. (Psalm 11:7)

He Loves Righteous Deeds

Remember when you were small and you did something for your mom because you wanted to see her smile when she discovered it? It might be a little thing. She comes in the room unaware but then sees the flowers you picked for her and she glances over smiling. What a wonderful feeling. It may be that you do something for your dad but he can’t make a big fuss you know because men have to be men but a little smile creases the edge of his mouth and you know you hit a homerun. Grand feelings.

The Lord God Jehovah Creator of the world I AM loves to see His children do righteous things. He smiles with the joy of seeing His people loving one another, caring for one another and forgiving one another. Sometimes it may be a small thing or it could be huge. Regardless, He loves to see righteous living, godly attitudes expressed by those who He calls His own.  Adam Clarke said of this psalm, “He loves that which resembles himself.” We look like Him when we live righteous lives.

Today is the middle of the week! Make God smile at you today. Help Him smile all day long. The more you make Him smile the more He showers His love on you.

Tuesday Morning Early Start – Important Doctrines

To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. (Titus 1:15-16)

The Feminist Who Called On God

The discussion was about the rights of women on campuses across the country and how the views of universities have limited the rights of women. One of the experts interviewed for the review was an admitted feminist who had championed the freedoms of women for a number of years in areas such as sexuality and equality. Then a most astonishing thing happened. She ended her presentation with the phrase, “God only knows.” Admittedly I am having difficulty recounting what the discussion was about and what was being said because when I heard this I went blank. Did she really say what she just said? How could a liberal feminist think God had anything to say about what she had said? It amazed me.

There is an ease with which God’s name is used in vain by many people today who have no desire to acknowledge their Creator. We look at the Ten Commandments and remember that His name should never be used in vain. Often we acquaint this with cursing or swearing and that would be a good illustration. But another way of using God’s name in vain is when a person who avows everything against the purity of the will of God with a flippant remark like this will also find themselves in judgment of the Lord.

‘God only knows’ is a valid statement made by those who believe in three things. First there is a God and He is it. No other. None. God is one and He is the Creator of the world. He is not a myth. Second, the ‘only’ part recognizes the authority of God as being absolute. Man is removed from the formula and the ‘God only’ suggests what God says is what matters not man. Third, truth comes from God. The word is truth (Jesus said that). The Bible is the word of God declaring the only truth. It cannot be changed or modified to fit the needs of a feminist society. Expression of sexual freedom is a rejection of the knowledge of God. ‘God only knows’ is exactly right. He is the only one that knows. That is my thought for the day.

Sunday Morning Starters – Worship

Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel. So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month. Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. So Ezra the scribe stood on a platform of wood which they had made for the purpose; and beside him, at his right hand, stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Urijah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah; and at his left hand Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. (Nehemiah 8:1-5)

Respect For The Book

Today is a day of worship. We have been privileged to gather with those of like precious faith on a day commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. A common theme throughout the world will be saints singing songs to one another and lifting up words of thanksgiving to the Father. A solemn yet happy occasion to remember the love of Jesus will highlight our time together. The fellowship of brethren is very special. We get to see our brothers and sisters to share our love for one another. Fantastic. And then there is the preaching. The sit down for a while part. Where we listen to a sermon part. It is what we do. But of all things that we do on this day of worship this one part has undergone a radical change. It has to do with THE BOOK. Alias: THE BIBLE.

The writing of Nehemiah is a time of turmoil. Jerusalem has laid waste for more than 70 years and there is a great need to restore the people of God to faithful service. First to be rebuilt is the Temple and then the walls are restored in a remarkable fifty-two days. Under the leadership of Ezra, Nehemiah, Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Haggai and Zechariah the city was transformed. I believe the reason for this restoration was because of our text today.

THERE WERE TOGETHER AS ONE MAN. Worship to these downtrodden people was a time to unify. Prosperity diffuses this desire and we become complacent. Unity is often found just because we sit on the same pew. What made these folk different was they came together on their own and they wanted something. They wanted the book. Talk about being hungry for the word. Thirsting makes people seek water and they wanted the water of life.

THEY TOLD EZRA TO BRING THE BOOK. They did not ask for opinion or conjecture or what Ezra thought they ought to do. The only thing that could take care of the problem was found in the BOOK. Isn’t that a great statement? “Bring the book,” they cried. If we had that spirit today!!! We are no longer a reading society. Faith comes by hearing and hearing comes from the word of God and that requires reading the BOOK. The education of the church today is pre-Kindergarten is so many places. Ezra was living among people who wanted to learn and wanted to know the book. (And think how many copies of the Bible we all have and how easy it is to get and how much time we spend in it).

WHEN HE OPENED IT, THEY ALL STOOD UP. I am not advocating standing up for the sermon but do you see their attitude? Respect. Honor for THE BOOK. It has crossed my mind to begin the sermon by asking first, “How many have their Bibles with them this morning?” and ask for a show of hands (or Bibles). It is not uncommon for many to sit through a sermon without opening THE BOOK. We should be curious people to see what God’s word says – literally. Brother Louis used to ‘amen’ the reading of scripture while I was in Trenton. Loved it. Miss it. He did not amen what I said; he would amen the word of the Lord.

Three things to think about today: Be united; Call for the book; Respect the book.

Saturday Morning Promises – Great Stories

Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?” (Galatians 2:11-14)

The Humble Pebble

Peter is my favorite character in scripture because I find a lot of Peter’s character flaws in my life. I can relate to him as he puts his foot in his mouth repeatedly and frustrates the Lord with his impetuous zeal gone wrong. Poor Peter. He is a fun study. His early life is on the water learning the trade of fishing. A teacher comes to town that changes his life as nothing he could have imagined. The next thing you know he has left his nets behind and follows Jesus from town to town until that awful day in Jerusalem. He fails his Lord at the most crucial time because he was ashamed to admit he knew Him. Three days later his spirits revive as he sees his risen savior. Life is now filled with preaching the good news of salvation in Christ.

Being an apostle was a wonderful experience. Filled with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost and witnessing the new birth of three thousand souls would have been beyond description. Later suffering for preaching had its own reward. A Hollywood story would have us believe that Peter was on target and all would go well as he ‘rode off into the sunset a hero of the grand story.’ Not so. Then comes Galatians 2.

Paul is the late arrival. He is not one of the original twelve, did not see the miracles Jesus performed nor walk on the water like Peter. Simon has tenure and it would be easy to use that to his advantage. It happened in Antioch. The apostle Paul openly chastised the apostle Peter. Rebuked him right there in front of everyone.

Here is what I LOVE about Peter. He did not react as many today would. He was wrong and he knew it. His position as a ‘first apostle’ did not make him right in what he did. Paul uses the story without telling the end of the story but it is inferred Peter accepted the rebuke of his brother Paul in the spirit it was given. Peter had learned humility. His anger did not charge back at Paul. He accepted criticism and I believe asked for forgiveness for the sinful attitude he manifested toward the Gentiles.

Big men in the church are small. Those who become small are great men. Paul’s challenge to Peter openly displayed before the church must have hurt. But Peter loved his Lord so much he did not let it create hard feelings. I love this story. Isn’t this a great story for all of us?

Thursday Morning Thankfulness – Epistles of Paul

“You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.” (2 Corinthians 3:2-3)

Epistles Of Christ

“Dr. Bob Reccord tells of an experience he learned about while in the business world. A major institution that ranked among the Fortune 500 was working to make an unheard-of-move. They were going to promote a 38 year old vice president to president. The man was an impressive businessman who wooed and awed the board of directors. Upon completing the final interview process, the board broke for lunch, with plans to offer this man the prestigious position of president after they all returned from lunch. This young man went to lunch alone at a cafeteria, but was unintentionally followed by several of the board members, who stood in line behind him. When the young man came to the bread section, he placed two three-cent butters on his tray and covered them up with his napkin. As he checked out he never revealed the hidden six cents’ worth of butter. When everyone returned to the boardroom for what was to be a joyous occasion, the mood had dramatically changed. The promising young man was not only denied the help of the company but was fired from his position as vice president – all because of six cents’ worth of butter.” (Leighton Ford Evangelism Leadership Seminar, 1991)

The true character of our faith is not what we show everyone but what we are to God. It is then our character is shown to everyone that we are people of character. Integrity is a virtue of every child of God. Job said, “Does He not see my ways, and count all my steps? If I have walked with falsehood, or if my foot has hastened to deceit, let me be weighed on honest scales, that God may know my integrity.” (Job 31:4-6)

In a crazy and mixed up world the honest people should be the ones who call Christ their Savior and King. We are the only Bible some may read the song says. The World’s Bible. How do people read us? What do they see in our lives that glorifies God? Are we examples of honesty, truth, nobility, character? Let men read us as citizens of the kingdom of Christ. People of our word. People of our bond. A handshake from us is as good as gold (just not very legally binding anymore). Let’s not take two three cent squares of butter and jeopardize our character. If we allow too much character assassination it may lead to spiritual death and finally eternal death.

“Character is what you are in the dark.” (Dwight L. Moody 1837-1899, Sermon)

Wednesday Morning Meditation – Psalms

O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure! For Your arrows pierce me deeply, and Your hand presses me down. There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your anger, nor any health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me. My wounds are foul and festering because of my foolishness. I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are full of inflammation, and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and severely broken; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart. Lord, all my desire is before You; and my sighing is not hidden from You. My heart pants, my strength fails me; as for the light of my eyes, it also has gone from me. My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague, and my relatives stand afar off. Those also who seek my life lay snares for me; those who seek my hurt speak of destruction, and plan deception all the day long. But I, like a deaf man, do not hear; and I am like a mute who does not open his mouth. Thus I am like a man who does not hear, and in whose mouth is no response. For in You, O LORD, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God. For I said, “Hear me, lest they rejoice over me, lest, when my foot slips, they exalt themselves against me.” For I am ready to fall, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare my iniquity; I will be in anguish over my sin. But my enemies are vigorous, and they are strong; and those who hate me wrongfully have multiplied. Those also who render evil for good, they are my adversaries, because I follow what is good. Do not forsake me, O LORD; O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! (Psalm 38) A Psalm of David. To Bring to Remembrance.

Hope In Difficult Times

The psalms are refreshing to read because they describe so many things in our lives. There are psalms of praise in the wonderful blessings of life and creation. Often the psalmists declare the grandeur of the Lord and how remarkable the grace of God is given to man. There are a few psalms that are a little difficult to read because they share a message of justice. One of the things about the book of Psalms is how it relates to everyday living. In our study for today it seems David is experiencing some very difficult challenges in life regarding his health. We may not realize how often in the Bible the Lord understands our suffering on a personal level and how He tells us to keep the faith in the midst of this kind of toil.

Temptation comes in many forms. Illness and disease is just a potent form of temptation as any other challenge to our faith. The book of Job is a test of faith for a man who lost so much struggling to keep his head above water. David faces a great challenge to his faith but with a sincere hope that God will not fail him. Read the text again and see how vivid David describes his suffering. Then he writes, “Lord, all my desire is before You; and my sighing is not hidden from You.” Remarkable. He does not look at disease as a malady of the flesh without knowing that God loves him and cares for him. The Lord has not left him alone. The ravage of his illness does not diminish his trust in His Creator.

Hope is lost sometimes in the face of disease. One of the cruelest side effects of what the body can do is to destroy faith in God. David understood that life was fleeting and the body flesh. He was not enjoying what was happening to him but he understood that it would all go away one day. It was clear that his faith remained true to the Lord because that was the only hope there was. There were times when his foot slipped and his sorrow got the best of him. The Lord understands that we are flesh. David implores the Lord to stay close to him and help him.

I know that in writing these words there is a disconnect to the real feeling of suffering in the flesh. It is easy to speak of being strong under the weight of a diseased body while not suffering the same. There is a humble spirit of thanksgiving offered to those who endure daily challenges. I pray that when I face the same I will have the faith of David. There are many I know personally that I admire for their courage to face illness with a view of faith that I am not sure I could have. Thank you David for your example and thank those of you who stand for the Lord in bodies wracked with pain and suffering. The day is coming when our God will wipe away all of our tears. Live for that day.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (The apostle Paul)

Tuesday Morning Early Start – Important Doctrines

Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. (Acts 8:1-4)

Spreading The Word

One of the key ingredients to successful evangelism is the united efforts of every Christian to sow the seed. When Saul began persecuting the church it tells us “they” were scattered and “they” were teaching the word to lost souls. The church of the New Testament did not grow because of the efforts of a few but the work of the many. They understood through the efforts of everyone doing their part the church would turn the world upside down.

In Paris a bridge is nearly collapsing because of over 700,000 padlocks are attached to its railings. The weight of the locks is not because of the first couple that placed the padlock on the bridge. It was the efforts of all those that followed that combined in their passion for romance that now endangers the bridge. One of the metal grilles has already fallen into the Seine River. There is a lesson in what can be done when there is unity of purpose. Imagine how much the local congregation would grow if one person brought one person to Christ this year. Just one. Not many, not a few, not the whole world – just one. Got that number. Now take 25 people in the local congregation who decide to bring one person to Christ this year – only one. Did you go get your calculator? You will need it in a minute.

Write down the number of folk in the local congregation you are a part of. Divide it by three. No. Divine it by four. The hope is that 25% of a congregation will be serious about saving souls. Now do the math. If one person brought one person per year to Christ where would you be in one / five / ten / 20 years? Are you sitting down now? You might need a drink of water.

I know that math is not the formula for saving lost souls. Numbers do mean something or the Lord would not have told us how many people obeyed the gospel in the book of Acts. What this means is the power to convince people what should be done in the local work of God. We have gone too long complacent with the status quo of how things are without any serious desire to grow the church through evangelism. Just think what ONE can do when ALL are doing the work like the ONE!!!

We are not trying to take down a bridge in Paris. We are trying to take down the world! It is possible to do so much more than we are doing. Time is running out. Let’s be busy about the ONE this year and give God the glory for the harvest of souls.

The world will not be Christianized but should be evangelized. (Vance Havner)

Sunday Morning Starters – Worship

Praise the LORD! I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation. The works of the LORD are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever. He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant. He has declared to His people the power of His works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. The works of His hands are verity and justice; all His precepts are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: holy and awesome is His name. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever. (Psalm 111)

Praise In Four Part Harmony

Today is a day of worship. As people of God we gather on this day to celebrate and commemorate the wonderful grace of God. When we sing our hymns today in four-part harmony, let us remember why we have assembled.

• The SOPRANO part of our praise is simply that – Praise the LORD! Today is a day we give our whole heart to praise Him with all the saints who gather to worship. There is joy in being part of the congregation of the holy elect. Beloved. Praise the Lord.

• The ALTO part of our praise exalts the works of the Lord. We stand in wonder at His majesty declared by His works. There is beauty with design when we see God’s hand in this word. Opening the word of God we find righteousness filling the pages of His grace. His compassion flows as a gentle stream throughout the message of redemption. Praise the Lord.

• The TENOR part of our praise is thankful for His kind provisions. How can we ever repay the Lord for His providential care of us? He remembers the covenants He has made with His people and how He will never leave them. We see His power. We witness His presence in our lives. Praise the Lord.

• The BASS part of our praise deepens to the knowledge of who He is – Holy and Awesome. Through the tones of majesty the Lord shines forth as the eternal wisdom revealed to man. Honor and praise fill our hearts in honor of our God. Praise the Lord.

Let today be a day of preparation. Set your mind and hearts on what today means. Enjoy the fellowship of saints lifting their voices to Him who loved us and gave us His Son. Reflect on the sacrifice of His Son who died for us. Anxiously long for His return to take us home to be with Him. Then we can PRAISE the Lord throughout eternity. Praise the Lord. Lord come quickly.

We preach not one advent only of Christ, but a second also, far more glorious than the former. For the former gave to view His patience but the latter brings with it the Crown of the divine kingdom. (Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures, 350)