The Heaton File

Friday Morning Reflections – Wisdom Literature

To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born,

And a time to die;

A time to plant,

And a time to pluck what is planted;

A time to kill,

And a time to heal;

A time to break down,

And a time to build up;

A time to weep,

And a time to laugh;

A time to mourn,

And a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones,

And a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace,

And a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to gain,

And a time to lose;

A time to keep,

And a time to throw away;

A time to tear,

And a time to sew;

A time to keep silence,

And a time to speak;

A time to love,

And a time to hate;

A time of war,

And a time of peace.

(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

There Is A Time

There is a time for all things. The most important thing that we must take time for is our relationship with God. Take time today to reflect on our passage and make plans to take time for the proper things of life. Life is a vapor. Time will be no more. Take time while there is still time to take.

God hath given to man a short time here upon earth, and yet upon this short time eternity depends. (Jeremy Taylor, Holy Living, 1650)

Thursday Morning Thankfulness – Epistles of Paul

Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. (Colossians 4:1)

A Master In Heaven

With the exception of sleeping, our lives are spent more on the job than anything else. Work is a noble part of man’s duty before God. Even in the garden man was told to tend the garden and take care of it. The Holy Spirit taught the purpose of work was to take care of the family and also to help those in need. Paul was a maker of tents to help support himself. Considering how much time we spend in the work force it should become very apparent that the character of our life will be found on the job.

In his letters to Ephesus and Colosse Paul exhorts the Christians to remember the relationship of slave and master is governed by a higher law. The gospel never condemned slavery but the manner it was carried out. Paul’s letter to Philemon is the relationship of a slave and master. As in our text for today the role of a Christian who was a master of slaves was to be in the character of godliness. Their motives towards the slave was to be one of justice in the sight of God. They were to treat all men fairly. The warning came that if they abused their position God would hold them accountable. They may be a master on the earth but they serve a higher master – Jesus Christ. These exhortations carry over in principle to our relationship in the work force.

We may be in a positon of leadership on our job and the Lord reminds us to be His light to others. Christians are the best employees a company has. Especially in the role of leadership the child of God is always just in his dealings with others and the company. His character at work is one of fairness. The best place to show others the gospel of Christ is to show others the gospel of Christ at the work place. Whether it is flipping hamburgers, working in the factory or running a large corporation the Christian is still in subjection to the law of God.

The final exhortation is clear that we all serve Jesus Christ. When I go to work I remember that I do not work for the man who signs my paycheck or the company that I am employed. The reason I put in honest hours of labor is because I work for the Lord. I don’t steal from the company, I do not offer shoddy work, I treat my fellow employees justly and fairly – because my heavenly boss is watching me (and He sees everything). The work places where Christians are found are places the blessings of God are seen.

Go to work today and go to work today for the Lord!

To lift up the hands in prayer gives God glory, but a man with a dungfork in his hand, a woman with a sloppail, give Him glory too. He is so great that all things give Him glory if you mean they should. So then, my brethren, live. (Gerard Manley Hopkins 1844-1889)

Wednesday Morning Meditation – Psalms

The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face. Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. (Psalm 24 – A Psalm of David)

Clean Hands Saves Lives

At the height of flu season there is increased concern for spreading germs leading to signs all over the hospital exhorting the need for keeping hands clean. Anti-bacterial stations are around every corner. Gloves and mask are worn to limit contact. Understanding the topography of how germs are transmitted has reduced the cases of sickness and death. As I stared at the sign I could not help but think that while germ free hands can save lives, clean hands will save souls. The passage from Psalm 24 came to mind as to who can ascend to the presence of the Almighty.

Allow me the analogy of David’s psalm. Germs are microscopic organism that can bring destruction and sometimes death. Sin is like that. It is not a big elephant with a neon sign hanging from both sides blaring his horn announcing its arrival. Sin is subtle, quiet, and often microscopic. The conclusion David draws of worship to God is a life that is cleansed of the impurities of Satan. Growing up we were never allowed to come to table with dirty hands (or faces). The phrase “cleanliness is next to godliness” is not in the Bible but the ideal of it is. Clean hands are required to approach the Lord.

The only way we can have clean hands is to have a clean heart. Our lives are filled with the washing of God’s word in our minds and hearts to have clean hands. I am reminded of the story of the one complaining about how difficult it was to read the Bible and retain very much. We all struggle with this problem. The answer given was likened to a bucket with holes in it and as we study the Bible it seems to drain out. This can be a frustration because we would like to pour the word of God in our lives and lose nothing. However the advice given was that while it may be difficult to retain as much as we like (as a bucket riddled with holes) at least we have a clean bucket. Clean hands come from clean hearts washed in the word of God.

Spend a little extra time today in the word of God. Wash your spiritual hands a little bit more today. Then when we lift up hands to our Father He will notice how clean they are and invite us to dine with Him at the table of His grace.

Daily hand washing at the basin of God’s Word will prevent us from spreading the deadly germs of sin. (Selected)

Tuesday Morning Early Start – Important Doctrines

If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it– lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. (Luke 14:26-33)

The Doctrine Of Cost

The recruiting signs for disciples of Christ were way beyond the “Looking for a few good men” slogan. The plea to follow Jesus was not sugar coated with promises of a life of pleasure. In the minds of progressive people who want to bring as many people into their fold as possible a negative campaign of recruitment would be the last tactic to use. Jesus made it very plain what He was asking of anyone who wanted to follow Him: there is a cost to be paid and the debt is high.

Consider the FAMILY. We are to honor and love our parents and our family. To be a follower of Christ they cannot be more important than His word. This idea that blood is thicker than water is true only in the sense the blood of Christ is thicker than the transitory relationships of spouse, children and family. The doctrine of cost is first to be willing to put family aside for truth no matter the outcome.

Consider SELF. I am no longer the center of my universe. My will is now the will of God. There is nothing I can do in life that is not governed by Jesus Christ. Living in the kingdom of God is not a democracy but an absolute monarchy. That is hard to remember. What Jesus calls His disciples is total submission to His will.

Consider the SACRIFICE. For modern man the message of a crucifixion is lost. For those in Jesus’ time using crucifixion as a means of sacrifice was vivid. Thousands of people were crucified and everyone knew the horror that went with the death. When Jesus said His followers would have to take up a cross and follow Him it cut to the heart. Our life for Christ is one of sacrifice. Jesus literally bore a cross so we would not have too. But our life is one of sacrifice of cross-bearing.

Consider the COST. Whether it is building a tower or going to war we must understand the promise we made to the Lord is one of accounting. The Lord does not desire for those who follow Him to turn around. Many did but not us. I must be committed to whatever it cost to never turn back. I will overcome. I will not quit. I know the price and I am willing to pay it.

Consider LIFE. The essence of being a follower of Christ is to realize that without forsaking all we cannot live under His grace. This is not a burden but a blessing. We live for Him and Him alone. When I confess Christ I confess my allegiance to the cause and fight of righteousness without reservation. My life is forfeit for everything God asks of me. Nothing is left out. All is given to Him. The doctrine of cost is expensive. It cost the Son of God His place in Heaven and His life on earth so that I could leave this life on earth and be with Him in Heaven.

What our Lord said about cross-bearing and obedience is not in fine type. It is in bold print on the face of the contract. (Vance Havner)

February 23, 2015

Host: Kent Heaton

Guest panelist: Buddy Mills and Steve Peeler

Bible Talk 92.1FM Hear it each Monday night 5:00pm – 6:00pm EST

Visit our websitehttp://www.northvaldostacoc.com to LINK to the radio program or to listen to past programs.

Monday Morning Coffee Break – Life With Jesus

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)

It Is More Blessed To Give

Today’s devotional is about the life of Jesus yet the passage we share today is not in the gospels. Luke is telling Theophilus of something Jesus said that is not recorded in any of the four gospels including his own. John reminds us that if all the words of Jesus were written down the world itself could not contain them all. Paul wrote by inspiration and as he did with the Lord’s proclamation of the supper he would have knowledge of this by the Holy Spirit.

The context of Paul’s use is his exhortation to the shepherds of the Ephesian church. One can only imagine the context Jesus would have said such a thing but what a powerful example of the life of Jesus. The Lord came to give. He came to give His life. Considering not His own place with His father as something to be grasp He left the heavenly abode and gave Himself for those He created. Man rejected His nature, reviled His teaching, mocked His power and cried out to crucify Him. He was spit on, beaten, scorned and mocked, scourged and finally nail to a piece of wood. It was more blessed for Him to give His life than to receive the accolades of men and earthly honor. He came to give Himself so that He could receive honor from His Father.

Because of His humility in giving Himself for you and me the Father exalted Him. When we learn the lesson of giving over the need of receiving we will learn the lesson Jesus died for. The only peace worth having is when we give. True devotion is found in the act of giving. Jesus not only gave Himself – He gave all of Himself. We can do no less.

Monday is a glorious day to think about giving. Plan this week to give. Make opportunities to give of yourself this week by helping others. Give time to those who are shut-in. Give a word of encouragement to someone who needs a good word. Give a hug to a needy shoulder. Give a message of hope by sending a few notes this week the old fashioned way – ‘snail mail.’ Give your spouse an ‘I Love You” moment and tell your children you love them. When you get through all this giving this week and Saturday rolls around – what a week you will have. And then you will understand – It is more blessed to give than to receive.

The finest gifts are given, not after waiting until need has to ask, but by the person whose eye sees, whose heart feels, and whose hand is stretched out even before any request is made. (William Barclay)

Sunday Morning Starters – Worship

Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. (Luke 22:17-20)

Do This In Remembrance Of Me

Luke is the only Gospel writer that mentions Jesus saying, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” Paul confirms this in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25. The Lord’s Supper is not just a part of worship where we drink some juice and eat some bread. A time of remembrance is a memorial to one who has died. When a loved one dies and we assemble to honor them in a memorial all we can think about is who this person is and what they mean to us. The closer our relationship to our loved one the deeper the meaning of the service.

Remembering Jesus implies knowledge. As we grow in Christ and His life becomes clearer to us the memorial takes on greater meaning. It may be said that if the Lord’s supper is not a moving celebration of His death we really do not know Him very well. Jesus wanted us to take the emblems of this feast with a mind that is drawn to His character, His example, His teaching and His love. When we assemble as saints of God today we remember not just the fact of His death but the emotional impact on what the memorial means. He died but He lives again never to die.

Up from the grave He arose; with a mighty triumph over His foes. Remember this.

It was not weakness which made Christ hang on the cross; it was obedience to the law of sacrifice, of love. For how could He save us if He ever saved Himself? (Fulton Sheen, Radio Sermon, April 6, 1941)

Saturday Morning Promises – Great Stories

And when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy. (Acts 23:12-13)

Forty Men Died Of Hunger

Paul was in a lot of trouble with the people of Jerusalem. Almost in fulfillment of what he told the elders from Ephesus he would almost be killed. Coming to Jerusalem he had been arrested under false charges and nearly beaten to death. The Roman Commander rescued the apostle from the mob but Paul begged the commander to allow him to speak to the crowd. This did not go well either and after the crowd grew to an intense frenzy of hysteria the commander ordered Paul to be scourged to find out what was going on. Learning they were about to scourge a Roman citizenship the soldiers withdrew from him.

The next day the commander brought Paul together with the chief priests and council to again sort out the problem. It turned into another riot. This preacher is really causing some uproar in the city. Meanwhile forty men have had enough. They are no longer in the mood to talk. Time has come to put an end to this blasphemer from Tarsus. Meeting in a smoke filled room dimly lit by a flickering candle (you know it was like that) they made a vow to not put a morsel of food in their mouth or take another drink until this Paul was d-e-a-d! Grasping their sweaty hands together a vow was made. Oaths were confirmed. Paul would die.

In an amazing twist (what we call the providence of God) the nephew of Paul overhead the plot and told Paul. The apostle relayed the news to the commander and that night two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearman conducted God’s preacher to Caesarea. My only guess is that forty men must have died from hunger and thirst. I suspect they finally gave in and ate something. Their plan was to no avail. Sadly their oath could not override the power of God. Now that is a great story.

The key to this story is what the Lord told Paul the night after he stood before the Sanhedrin. “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome” (Acts 23:11). This is a great story because of the action and drama. But more importantly it is a great story because we can believe in the providence of God also. We know that God will take care of us in His will. And that is the greatest story of all. Have a great Saturday today. Tomorrow is the Lord’s day. Worship.

The New Testament is the history of the life and the testimony of common men who rallied to the fellowship of Jesus Christ and who by their faith and preaching remade a world that was under the thrall of a Roman army. (Woodrow Wilson, Address, May 1911)

Friday Morning Reflections – Wisdom Literature

Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh, for childhood and youth are vanity. (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10)

Rejoice In Youth

There is a lot that can be said about youth today. Often we focus on the bad and emphasize the character of youth as reckless. However there are many wonderful young people who struggle with the trials of youthfulness and live honorable lives. This time of life can be a time of great joy and the impact of this message is clearly seen in our passage for Friday.

The Lord made man to grow from infancy to adulthood with a fascinating bridge between the two called “youth.” It is a time of curiosity filled with vigor envied by those of older age. Contrary to the belief of many it is not a time of frivolity where youth cannot be spent in the pursuit of a natural course of what God has planned. He wants young people to enjoy the way He has created them with cheerfulness. This time of life should be where young people are allowed to be young people. There will come a day when the more serious tones of life are demanded but let young people be young people with an important lesson from the Lord: learn to sow proper seed in youth so there will not be a harvest of heartache later in life! Young people are not forbidden to enjoy their age but rather they should be taught to make wise decisions for the future.

The vanity of youth is wrapped in the same blanket we all share. Life is vain when we understand that life is not about the here and now. Understanding this goes a long way in how we conduct our lives. Young people – understand that what you do in youth will stay with you in adulthood. Whatever a man sows he will reap one day. Enjoy your life and have fun, learn important lessons, share your vitality with others – and make wise choices that will be carried with you as you grow older. Remember now your Creator and remember why your Creator made you. Let no one despise your youth. Be an example in your youthful spirit. Remind us how to live happy lives for God.

Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man. (Rabindranath Tagore, Stray Birds, 1916)

Thursday Morning Thankfulness – Epistles of Paul

Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11)

Four Parts Of Farewell

As Paul brings to a close his epistle to the Corinthians, he leaves them with an exhortation to be the kind of people God wants them to be. The church at Corinth had a lot of problems. A lot. But Paul had not given up on them writing forceful letters to the saints helping them see how to correct their problems all the while commending them for their faith. His conclusion to 2 Corinthians is a four part harmony of simplicity.

Become complete

Paul wanted the Christians to find perfection or completeness in their lives. Remember the mess of 1 Corinthians? They had matured in the second letter but there was still work to do. Put your lives in order for God is what he is telling them to do. The ESV suggests “aim for restoration” and that is what they needed. Good advice for me. No matter where I find myself on this Thursday my aim is to bring my life more in focus to the will and love of God. Take good aim today.

Be of good comfort.

With all the challenges faced by the Corinthians Paul never gave up on them. He exhorted them to remember the promises of God. One of the great lessons of the letters to the church at Corinth is that we are just like them in our struggles. We may not have a letter written to us by an apostle outlining our faults … but we have them. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is filled with mercy. Be happy in the knowledge that God loves us and cares for us. Rest upon the promises that Christ came to save sinners. It is comforting to know today that God loves me.

Be of one mind.

The division at Corinth is not good – not even close to being good. Their party factions were doing nothing but causing harm to the body of Christ. Paul shamed them in his first letter and encouraged them in his second letter to lay aside those things that destroy unity. In a few days we will gather with our brethren to worship the Father. Do we still have our cliques? Is there someone in the congregation that I have not spoken to or greeted? It is easy to gather for worship and leave without speaking to those I am not familiar with. To be of one mind is to have a singular mind with my brethren. Reach out Sunday and greet someone you do not normally greet. You will be amazed at the feeling you get. Just think what the Lord says to that kind of unity.

Live in peace

Lastly, let your relationships with others be what our heavenly Father wants. There are times when we tell our children to quit fighting and fussing and get along with one another. It disturbs us when our children fight all the time. How does God feel when He sees us fighting with one another? Live in peace with your brethren. Jesus died for them and He died for me and He plans on all of us living together in PEACE where He lives. Forgive and live in peace with one another. Pray for one another and live in peace. Lift ups the hands of the weak and live in peace. Sing praises to God with joyful lips and live in peace. Amen the sermon preached and live in peace. Partake of the supper of Christ and live in peace. Call a needy person and live in peace. Today is Thursday – a day of peace.

Four points with one great message.

What you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing; it also depends on what kind of a person you are. (C. S. Lewis)