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04/09/2020

What Went Wrong Today?

If two or three things go wrong in our day, we may have to pause for a “pity party.” If just a couple of things don’t work out, it can seem like everything is going wrong. That is not a helpful attitude, and can keep us from learning a positive lesson from our adversity.

The life of Esther can help us adjust our attitude. Esther was a beautiful young lady, but many things in life were against her. She was among the captive Jews in the Medo-Persian Empire. She had probably been born in that land which was not her own. Both of her parents were dead, and she was being raised by Mordecai, a relative (Est. 1:5-7). That was a lot going wrong for her. Her future brightened when she became queen of the land (2:17), but she was soon in an awkward and dangerous position. The king unwittingly signed a law which spelled doom for all the Jews in the empire. It is likely that Esther would have been destroyed with her people. Mordecai placed more stress on Esther by asking her to intercede on behalf of her people. Her intercession could well have cost her her life (4:11).

Mordecai sent Esther a message, “If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (4:14).

All those things which seemed to be going wrong, also seem to be God’s way of putting the right person in the right place to save His chosen people. Esther did exactly that. So we need to ask ourselves a question when things go wrong. Who knows whether our troubles might really be God leading us to be the right person in the right place? We may never know! Yet, going forward in faith, against the odds, may open the door to great service. A “pity party” will only keep that door closed.

Rusty Dawson

11/07/2020

Stilwell Church of Christ - Rusty Dawson, Minister

No Shame

We have all done things we regret. That negative feeling of regret is an important part of not repeating those things which cause us shame. The problem we have lies in the fact that our conscience is not a perfect guide. Therefore, we may not regret actions which are truly shameful.

Jeremiah describes that situation in Israel. “Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? They were not even ashamed at all; they did not even know how to blush” (Jer. 6:15). Zephaniah says, “Every morning He brings His justice to light; He does not fail. But the unjust knows no shame” (Zeph. 3:5). That is how Saul of Tarsus was able to persecute the church in all good conscience (cf. Acts 23:1). He thought he was doing God’s will even though he was not.

Ezra was ashamed of his nation because of their rebellion against God, “for our iniquities have risen above our heads, and our guilt has grown even to the heavens” (Ezra 9:6). His plea was for a national repentance in order to reconcile Israel with God. Sin which was once reserved for the shadows because of shame, has risen to special status. In the name of tolerance, our nation promotes, exalts, and even celebrates the flaunting of sin. When there is no regret, there is little hope for repentance.

Those who stand condemned before God and feel a certain pride in their rebellion have no hope if they retain that attitude. II Tim. 4:2 commands those who know the way of the Lord to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” We must be dedicated to teaching the word, so that all may know the way of grace and salvation.

06/06/2020

Stilwell Church of Christ - Rusty Dawson, Minister

Bitterness and Disappointment

A wise saying: If you do not heal from your emotional wounds, you will bleed on those who never harmed you. So many people are angry about so many things that they are a seething caldron ready to erupt in rage and violence. Heb. 12:15 warns us, “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.”

That verse holds up God’s grace as our example in confronting injustice in all its ugly forms. Those who perpetrate injustice, prejudice, persecution, and oppression are not conforming to the love and grace of God. They are showing bitterness in their hearts. Those who react with violence, rioting, looting, and revenge are not conforming to the love and grace of God. They are showing bitterness in their hearts. This negative spiral of evil will continue as long as people are willing to embrace their bitterness, and many will be defiled. Those who lash out in violence and those who respond with a backlash of violence doom us to a pattern of escalating revenge.

That pattern is the opposite of God’s grace. Rom. 5:8 gives us the contrast: “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Christ demonstrated God’s grace on the cross: “and while being reviled, He did not evil in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously” (I Pet. 2:23). As long as people feel they have to return evil for evil, the pattern of violence will not change.

Christ’s example, as He suffered injustice, humiliation, and even death, was “He uttered no threats.” He trusted God to judge righteously. We must do the same.

30/05/2020

Stilwell Church of Christ - Rusty Dawson, Minister

Acceptance or Approval

One of the problems that stands in the way of better communication and understanding is a misunderstanding about the difference between acceptance and approval.

Acceptance is a realization that some perceive and act in certain ways; they just do. For example, we can accept that some are so outraged by the injustice they see in the world, that they lash out in anger and destruction. We can accept that some are overcome by substances and become addicted to them. We can accept that some value their pleasures more than their righteousness and fall into what the Bible defines as sin.

Acceptance, though, is not the same as approval. We can understand the rage that some feel without condoning rioting and looting. We can sympathize with those caught in addiction without turning a blind eye to the destruction of lives which it causes. We can identify with the power of sin in temptation without approving of sin.

Gal. 6:1 speaks of a person who is caught up in a trespass. Some in our society say that we should ignore that behavior because it is none of our business. Others have taken the stance that sin is a bold statement of independence, and we would celebrate those in sin for being true to themselves. The Bible says, “You who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness” (Gal. 6:1). Acceptance does not mean that we stand with those who are doing wrong. It does mean that we try to stand by them in an effort to reconcile them with God. When we have a strong, Bible-based sense of what God approves, we work to restore ourselves and others to His standard, and we are commanded to do that with gentleness.

17/05/2020

Stilwell Church of Christ - Rusty Dawson, Minister

In reading social media comments about the pandemic, I get the feeling that some are saying that if you don’t agree with them, you’re an idiot. If you are not wearing a mask and gloves, then somehow you are an irresponsible person. If you are wearing a mask and gloves, then somehow you are a naive sheep. Perhaps social media just lends itself to regarding others with different ideas as somehow mentally or morally defective.

Of course, these attitudes are not new. On spiritual matters, many have adopted the same idea that those who disagree with them are somehow delusional. You can fill in the doctrinal blank - If you don’t believe in X, then you are lost, sinful, ignorant of the scriptures, tradition bound . . . We do need a firm commitment to God’s truth. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). Prov. 14:12 is an important warning, “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” False doctrine can lead people astray and put their souls in jeopardy.

However, the truth needs to be presented with an attitude of love. “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged” (II Tim. 2:24). When we disagree, we should not be disagreeable. As we contend for the faith, we should not be contentious. II Tim. 2:25-26 says, “with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil.” That passage acknowledges that some are in opposition, they need repentance, they need to come to their senses in order to escape Satan’s evil plan for them and their souls. Our love of God, our love of God’s truth, and our love of souls motivates us to reach out with God’s message of life. Let’s try to do our reaching with respect and gentleness even as try to bring God’s correction.

11/05/2020

Genesis 6:8 says, “Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” The context of that statement puts Noah in contrast to the rest of the world which had turned to evil. Verse 5 tells us that man had become corrupt: “And that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” The sinful state of the world grieved God’s heart, but Noah found favor.

Whenever mankind turns away from God, the result is always a degeneration of morality and righteousness. Genesis 6:11 says, “The earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and the earth was filled with violence.” When people forget that we are all made in God’s image, and that God wants us to love and respect one another, the result usually goes toward violence. Though some desire a liberation from the commandments of God, that kind of freedom does not set us free. The truth of God’s word is the only foundation of true and lasting freedom (Jn. 8:32).

Noah found favor with the Lord because of his attitude of humble obedience. Genesis 7:22 tells us about the actions of Noah after receiving God’s commandments about building the ark. The verse says, “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.” Hebrews 11:7 describes his obedience: “By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household.” When we hold God in reverence, then we act in faith and follow what God has commanded. In this way, like Noah, we find favor in the eyes of the Lord.

02/05/2020

Stilwell Church of Christ - Rusty Dawson, Minister

Testing Positive - For Sin

One of the strategies against the corona virus is to test lots of people. The idea is that health officials can curb the spread of the disease by identifying those who have it and putting them into isolation. Many who have the virus do not have obvious symptoms. They may not seem sick but they are able to pass the sickness on to others. On the other hand, those who test negative today have no assurance they will test negative tomorrow or the next day.

We can also test for the presence of sin. Since, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Rom. 3:23), at one point we have all tested positive. That result means that everyone has had the sentence of death within themselves for “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). Sinners may not look sick, but they are headed toward spiritual destruction. They also have a way of sharing their iniquities with others.

Yet there is a cure. “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). Rom. 8:1 tells us, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” If we are in Christ, we test negative for sin. However, we need the continual cleansing which comes from following Christ and remaining in Him. “If we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (I Jn. 1:7)

25/04/2020

Stilwell Church of Christ - Rusty Dawson, Minister

A Lesson from Job

Job became so frustrated with his illness and afflictions that he became frustrated also with God. He said, “But I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue with God” (Job 13:3). Job loved God, but he did not love what God had allowed. Thus he had a great internal conflict and was heading toward a crisis of faith.

Eliphaz rebuked his friend Job. He said, “Indeed, you do away with reverence, and hinder meditation before God” (Job 15:4). When we reach the point of wanting to argue with God, we are no longer holding the Almighty in reverence and fear. That attitude will never lead to a resolution in our relationship to God. It is a human attempt to meet God on our terms and show Him why He is wrong and we are right. That stance will hinder our meditation and prayers before the Lord.

Since our ways are not His ways (Is. 55:8), we can become confused and even frustrated with the path which God takes and which He sets before us. Since our thoughts are not His thoughts, the wisdom of God sometimes leaves us baffled. I Cor. 1:25 tells us, “The foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” The resolution of our conflicts in faith and understanding is not to be found in calling God to account for Himself. Instead, we must seek the humility and faith which allows us to surrender to His greater and perfect wisdom. Then we will be in a position to trust and obey and receive His blessings.

16/04/2020

Stilwell Church of Christ - Rusty Dawson, Minister

Prov. 14:12 is a disturbing verse. I believe God inspired these words in order to shake us up, at least a little: “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Much of the time our own thoughts seem exactly right. Our plans, our logic, our hopes and dreams, even our thinking patterns have the feeling of correctness within ourselves. Yet, God says, the very thoughts which we approve could be dangerously wrong. Our thoughts can lead us in the way of death.

Of course, that does not automatically condemn a way which seems right to us. It seems right to love our families, to worship God, to work hard and be responsible people. All of these and more are approved by God and lead us in the way of life. Our challenge is that it is difficult for us to sift out those ways which lead us away from God’s purpose. Titus 3:3 says, “For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures.” Sin and sinful thinking trick us into believing we are just and justified in what we do.

“There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” The standard of human wisdom and personal thought is not powerful enough to direct our steps in the way of eternal life. We need God’s wisdom and God’s word and God’s will to lead us down that narrow path which leads to life.

08/04/2020

Stilwell Church of Christ - Rusty Dawson, Minister

I Don’t Know

There are times we pride ourselves on our knowledge. In fact, we may become discouraged when we have to tell someone, “I don’t know!” Yet, we must all admit that our understanding and our information is severely limited. What we don’t know is almost infinite, so let’s admit that. Truly, not knowing exactly what to do in all circumstances can be the perspective that draws us closer to the God of all knowledge.

In the days of King Jehoshaphat, a great multitude of enemies came against the nation of Judah. Jehoshaphat turned to God because the king had no battle plan and no strength sufficient to turn the enemy away. He prayed, “O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You” (II Chr. 20:12).

God answered that prayer by telling the king he would not have to fight that battle. The Bible says that when the nation of Judah went out and began to sing and praise God, their enemies turned upon one another and they destroyed one another (v. 22 - 23). II Chr. 20:24 says, “When Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude; and there were their dead bodies, fallen on the earth. No one had escaped.”

Too often, the storms of life drive us to our own solutions, and our confidence in ourselves can place God in the background. Instead, we must learn to rely on the power and love of God for our remedies. We must learn to remember Rom. 5:6, “When we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”

06/04/2020

Stilwell Church of Christ - Rusty Dawson, Minister

Ps. 139:14 declares, “I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows it very well.” The human body is an amazing testament to the creative power of God. We are indeed wonderfully made! When our health is good, we have multiple intricate systems and parts all working together to deliver to us the breath of life which usually lasts for decades. Even when something like a virus enters our system, our bodies can rally a defense, and usually we can stave off the assault and return to health. For those times when an illness is more than our immune system can handle, God has given us minds which have devised medicine technology to fight our various ailments. Even with this present virus, around ninety-eight percent of those suffering are recovering. We thank God that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Of course, we are still mortal creatures. Ever since sin entered the world, all individuals are marching toward an end of life. God told Adam, “You are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Gen. 3:19). Because of this truth, we need to realize there is also an eternal life, reserved for those who follow God’s will. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies” (Jn. 11:25). One day we will reach our appointed end, and then comes the judgment (Heb. 9:27). Therefore, we need to stand with Christ in this life that we might live with Him eternally in the next life.

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