Built-in Mirrors

Dress-up occasions. Did you ever attend an event where you need to look especially formal, with a nice suit or classy dress, and wonder when you arrive if everything looks right? As a preacher, this happens all the time. And then I’ll start thinking, “Is my tie straight? Did I cut myself shaving and not stop the bleeding?” I worry about that stuff because, over the decades, it has happened many times.

Earlier this week, I woke up in the night, and as I did in the total darkness, I could see eyes looking back at me. This has happened before and I don’t know if it is a reflection off the insides of my eyelids, or if my brain is just trying to accustom me to wakefulness. But, in any case, I think it would be helpful to have automatic mirrors so I could see myself, especially in those formal situations.

God also wants us to be constantly aware of ourselves; not so much our physical appearance, but what really matters: how do we look to God – our spiritual appearance. Remember, He can see to the very core of our souls (Psalm 139)!

God gives us plenty of warning about checking ourselves out.

“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV). You mean we can be disqualified! Now that’s attention getting.

“For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load” (Galatians 6:3-5). We can, indeed, be fooling ourselves.

“Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it” (Hebrews 4:1). Coming just short of God’s finish line is the worst of tragedies.

You might be wondering exactly how you can examine yourself, so the above horrible results don’t happen to you. Where is this spiritual mirror we can use?

God gives us one, His message to us: the Bible. “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:22-25).

How do you look?

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

The Great Keeper

The last three years of my mailman career were spent in northeast Ohio. We had record snowfalls all three years, each surpassing the former. I have a sort of romantic love of snow, like I’m living out a scene from It’s a Wonderful Life, but after walking through a foot of it all day, the legs become rubbery, and I would end up stumbling into my house and immediately falling into my bed. “Just pull my boots off and let me sleep!”

Most of us know that feeling of just stumbling around seemingly aimlessly, either because we’re tired or maybe because we are sick. That was always a tale tell sign of our kids’ lack of wellbeing. They may have wanted to play with their friends, but if they could barely stand up, we knew something was wrong.

At times, God’s people were found to be stumbling through life, not due to the weather, but their own sin (Hosea 5:5). Isaiah draws a well-known comparison, “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31 NKJV). It’s an interesting paradox. The young, who are supposed to have all the vim and vigor, are weary and falling; while those who wait on the Lord are overflowing with spiritual vitality. Notice there is no age limit on these godly ones!

So, what brings on this surprising strength? Like Isaiah, Jude informs us, “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 24). It is a heart-inspiring thought that God is right there with us during circumstances, that would bring others down, we can survive with His great energy!

It reminds me of those giant offensive linemen in football. The quarterback tries to sneak the ball over the goal line, but just as he is falling down short of it, his teammates grab him and push through for the score.

But we have a role in this as well. As God keeps us from stumbling, He says, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life” (Jude 20-21). God keeps us as we strive to keep ourselves in His love. Beautiful and lifesaving!

We conclude as Jude did, “To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.” Are you stumbling, or strutting your strength right now?

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

Stress Relief

What bank have you deposited your money in? When the news of failing banks first appeared, I wasn’t too concerned. They are far away. No problem for me. But then I saw an article this morning about other banks that were starting to have trouble and, lo and behold, there mine was. No!!! Instant stress. What do we do?

Stress, anxiety and worries are a part of life. It’s not all bad, and can motivate us to make good changes in our lives. However, we know they can actually take over and be detrimental to our health.

I had an anxiety lesson the other day when I was driving my car. I have a hybrid with all those mpg indicators on the dashboard, but as I was going along the road I realized I didn’t need to think about them anymore. I instantly felt more relaxed, and I was amazed. No more fretting about getting one more mile, per gallon of gas. I’m free and it feels great!

There are two main things we can do to decrease our anxiety. First involves our own minds. We need to rearrange the priorities of our lives. Jesus said in Matthew 6:25, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (NKJV).

Sometimes what we think is most important, plainly shouldn’t be. Isn’t life more than stuff? Jesus pounds home the point by noting that some of the things we are anxious about can’t be changed, anyway. “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (6:27). It makes us look rather foolish, doesn’t it?

The second thing we can do to relieve anxiety is to involve God. Matthew 11:28-30 is well known, but the truth spoken by Jesus here is quite interesting. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” We see the rest Jesus offers from our worrisome burdens, but it comes from adding more burdens. Say what!

Taking on Jesus’ light burdens helps decrease our own, perhaps most of all, by drawing our attention away from our own selfishness, again to a much higher priority: our relationship to God and His service. Nifty!

Though we might not be able to explain how this exactly happens, we know we can trust God’s almighty power to help us. “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). It’s important to remember that God actually wants to help us. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Do you want peace of mind?

 Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

The Gonfalonier

Gonfalonier, now there’s a word that has fallen out of use. Literally, it means a standard bearer – one who carries a flag or banner, for example. It later evolved into a prestigious position in hierarchical circles. Back in the days of more hand-to-hand combat, the soldiers would stay close to the gonfalonier in combat, and of course the raised flag would make him much easier to see. From thus comes the old battle cry, “Rally ‘round the flag boys!”

We’re in the midst of our country’s most patriotic season, what with Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day. We’ll see a lot of our flag. It still has great meaning!

In Numbers 2, we are told that each of the twelve tribes of Israel had their own banner or standard. Psalm 20:5 informs us, “We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners!” (NKJV).

The term is also used metaphorically. “Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner” (Exodus 17:15). Psalm 60:4 speaks similarly, “You have given a banner to those who fear You, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.”

Isaiah 11:10 foretells, “And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious.” Jesus says of Himself, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself” (John 12:32).

I’ve often wondered at the extra bit of courage a soldier needed to become the flag-bearer. The enemy is fast approaching with guns and swords and all he would have is a pole with a flag on it. I’m sure many wanted to do it because of the honor of bearing the flag, but how many died for that honor.

We quickly observe in the scriptures that The-Lord-Is-My-Banner, though an excellent statement about our relationship with God, was not a guarantee of the defense of our earthly lives. In fact, many “had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held” (Revelation 6:9). It is still happening in our evil world.

In fact, it falls on all Christians to hold up our Banner, Jesus, for all in this evil world to see. Yes, it takes great courage sometimes, but that is why Jesus said, in warning Christians of the approaching life-threating situations, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10b).

What is your level of honor in wearing the name of Christ? Do you have the faith and courage to face any threatening occasion that may come your way because of the One whose name we are lifting up? Are you a faithful gonfalonier?

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

Get Back in the Nest! Join us for our 50th Anniversary Homecoming and Friends Day May 15th!

Spring is the season of new life. The flowers are blooming, and the gardens will be producing a new crop. If you stop and listen for a moment, you’ll hear the constant commotion of the birds as they trumpet spring’s arrival. If I had to live outside all winter, I would be doing some extra celebrating of spring, too.

Our little winged friends are amazing! Isaiah 16:2 speaks of “a wandering bird thrown out of the nest,” and while the thought of mother birds gleefully tossing their young overboard sticks in our minds, the meaning of the verse hinges on the word “wandering.” The NASB likely comes closer to the real meaning, “Then, like fleeing birds or scattered nestlings, the daughters of Moab will be at the fords of the Arnon.” It does bring to mind, however, the tactics that birds use to get the youngsters out on their own. Doves, for instance, are known to simply stop feeding them when they are old enough to leave the nest. What a shock that would be to the little ones. “I thought it would be this way for the rest of my life!”

If you’ve been outside much at this time of year, you’ve probably encountered dead baby birds. More than likely, it was because they were blown out in a storm. Nevertheless, I’ve always had this urge when I saw a baby bird “wandering” away to say, “Get back in the nest!”

God compares the nest to a home with Him in His temple in Psalm 84:1-4. We are very fortunate to always have this spiritual home available to us. Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches” (Matthew 13:31-32 NKJV). God wants us to make our home with Him. You won’t find a more comfortable and secure place!

The South Stokes Church of Christ invites you to join them May 15 for our fiftieth anniversary Homecoming and Friends Day. God doesn’t want you to be aimlessly wandering through life. Get back in the nest! You’ll be glad you did.

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

How about Some Consistency?

Have you flown any kites yet? As we know, ‘tis the season. When I was walking into the church office a couple days ago, the wind was surging across the back of the building. There were a few leaves piled up in the corners and so I thought I would get a broom and loosen the leaves up and let the wind do the rest. In those few short minutes, however, when I opened the door again with the broom in hand, the wind had completely changed direction and would not achieve my desired goal. Foiled again!

I doubt if any of you are surprised by this. That’s what the wind does. It’s unpredictable and inconsistent. While that inconsistency is okay in nature, God considers it a flaw in His followers. Last Wednesday night in our adult Bible class we were studying about the church in Laodicea. Jesus uses some strong words in reprimanding them, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16 NKJV). It was remarked that at least they weren’t cold, so why is Jesus so angry with them? Point: inconsistency. God hates it.

James reaffirms this in his remarks about prayer, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:6-8). Are you unstable because you can’t make up your mind about your relationship with God? God hopes you’ll figure that out sooner rather than later.

One of the goals God has in mind in the organization of the church, the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23), is “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ — from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Eph. 4:14-16). If we would truly grasp the unity to be had in Christ, the inconsistency would end, and we could accomplish so much more for the Lord.

We can do that! “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). Not only does this benefit God, it gives us all peace of mind and confidence in our lives. Will you be strong against Satan’s winds of doubt?

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

“I Will Run the Course of Your Commandments”

I love the 800 meters race. It is the perfect mix of tactics required in a long-distance event and the sprint speed needed for the final “kick.” There have been a few runners over the years who have tried to run it as a sprint, but when they get to the last stretch, the “kickers” catch up and win.

Why is this? Much like a NASCAR race, they have been running as fast as they can, but then there’s not enough gas in the tank to finish. Memories of this from my younger days still literally burn in my memory. I would always try to finish any race strong, but while doing this, my chest would feel like it was on fire, and I would cross the line gulping the air down as quickly as possible.

In the great chapter of the Bible completely dedicated to God’s word and all things connected to it, Psalm 119, we get a taste of our spiritual race. “I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart” (119:32 NKJV).

We understand that when we make obedience to God’s commands our goal, that is a tremendous and worthwhile effort! Yes, there will be huge challenges along the way, when you don’t feel that you can make it, but that is where God “enlarges your heart.” You can do it!

Hebrews chapter 11 gives us several examples of great men and women of faith. They obeyed God, even if they were severely persecuted or even killed. Then they are considered as witnesses to our race of faith and obedience in chapter 12:1, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

It's all in there: 1) We run the course of His commands. 2) Sin hinders us from doing that, so we set it aside. 3) We are determined to have the endurance to finish faithfully. 4) God enlarges our hearts by providing the example of His Son, Jesus, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:2).

So, how is your race going? Are sin’s temptations slowing you down because you haven’t completely rid them from your life. Does your life seem difficult due to the day-in-day-out responsibilities? Are you trusting too much in yourself and not enough in the Father and Son? Join us at the South Stokes Church of Christ as we run together to be rewarded with the “crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). Victory will be oh so sweet!

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

A New Low

I got some bad news at the doctor’s last week. No, I’m not dying of cancer; the nurse said I measured five feet, ten and a quarter inches. 5’10.25”! I used to be six feet tall. What happened? I suppose my thirty plus years carrying a mail satchel should get the most blame, but still, only 5’10, what a disappointment! Can I get the doc to inject some of that artificial cartilage into my backbones?

We all know that getting older offers its challenges, but sometimes my prayer to God is, “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails” (Psalm 71:9 NKJV).

Another negative about the passing of time is the general deterioration of spirituality among the masses. The Apostle Paul told Timothy, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come” (2 Tim. 3:1), and “But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” (3:13).

Those are not very encouraging truths to dwell on, but all is not lost for the child of God. One key to lifting ourselves up above the physical and spiritual decline is Psalm 73:25-26, “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Of course, we’re not doing the lifting, we’re relying on God to be our strength.

In Paul’s comments on the physical part of Christianity, what he calls “earthen vessels,” he says, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed — always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body” (2 Corinthians 4:7-10).

That’s a whole lot of heavy burdens that faithful Christians deal with, but he concludes with this encouraging thought, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (4:16-18).

So, if you’re an inch shorter than what you were at age twenty, fear not! Look to our Almighty God. Whom do we have in Heaven but Him! By the way, that works for you if you’re not twenty and still growing.

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

Hero, Don't Go!

I was watching a documentary on the painter, Norman Rockwell, the other day and my feelings were stirred at his amazing power to bring inspirational images of everyday life to his canvases. Though his works ranged from the serious to the humorous, almost all of them moved me to appreciate life as it should be in these United States.

Unfortunately, Mr. Rockwell died over forty years ago. As my mind pondered that, a deepening sadness overtook me. Has any artist replaced him? Hero, don’t go!

So many of our heroes have come and gone, even in my short lifetime. We think of those who were known nationally or even around the world. Then when we add in our personal heroes, it seems like their leaving means our lives will never be the same again. I’ve had the privilege to be in many a hospital with families of departing loved ones. Hearing, “Daddy, don’t go,” is no surprise. I’ve felt the same way a number of times.

When the biblical patriarch, Jacob, died in Egypt, even the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days, and when his family carried his body back to Canaan for burial, they mourned “with a great and very solemn lamentation” an extra seven days (Genesis 50 NKJV). A similar scene is repeated with Israel’s good kings, and, of course, with Jesus. Why do you think Peter was so adamant, when Jesus was foretelling His death, and Peter said, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” (Matthew 16:22 NKJV)? Hero, don’t go!

We understand the brevity of life on earth. King Hezekiah put it this way, “My life span is gone, taken from me like a shepherd's tent” (Isaiah 38:12). Here today, gone tomorrow, is the way it goes.

Our heroes do go, except for one. As Moses concluded his 120 years, he said to what I’m sure was an anxious Israel, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). Christians are reassured with the same words in Hebrews 13:5.

I’ve thought a lot about reasons to believe over the last forty-plus years, but as I write this article, it’s really coming home to me. Everything (James 5:1-3) and everyone we put our trust in will go from our lives. It’s all like autumn’s falling leaves, blown away and never to return. Then there is only one left standing there, Almighty God. He is my never-go Hero. How about yours?

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

Zelophehad, Passover and You

Is God fair? Obviously, we should be concerned about the answer to that question, and many are, even in Bible times (Ezekiel 18:25).

When we consider the law that God dictated to Moses for the Hebrews (Exodus 20 – Deuteronomy 34), unfairness may rise in our minds. Why did God have His own chosen people back then? Why was the law for them so strict? For example, why couldn’t they wear clothes made of different fabrics (Deut. 22:11)? The “law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2), for all mankind since Christ’s death, isn’t nearly so particular.

However, even in the Mosaic Law we constantly see the true justice of God. When Moses gave the order of how the Promised Land was to be divided among the twelve tribes of Israel, each tribe (the family descended from one of Israel’s [Jacob’s] twelve sons) received an area of land that was to be further divided amongst the current fathers of that tribe. There was a problem, though, a man named Zelophehad only had daughters. Were they to receive nothing to have for the future generations of their father? We see God’s fairness when Moses consulted with Him on this matter (Numbers 27:1-11; Joshua 17:1-6) and special provision was made for them.

Another incident arose concerning the Passover feast. All Israel was to gather for it on the fourteenth day of their first month. But there were some men who were “unclean” because of a dead body they apparently touched and were unable to partake of the feast. These men didn’t understand why they could not participate, so Moses again consulted with God, and special provision was made for them to celebrate the Passover in the second month (Numbers 9:6-13).

In case you haven’t noticed, people are getting more and more proud and self-righteous, even to the point of questioning God’s authority, and further, His existence. This may be having a negative impact on Christians in light of the fact that a final Judgment Day is coming for all. “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books” (Revelation 20:11-12 NKJV)”

Should we feel anxious about that moment? Does God know what He is doing? Faithful Christians should feel completely at ease in trusting the power and wisdom of God’s judgment. The only anxiety we should feel is if we are not faithful. Are you?

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

A Delicious Delicacy

Have you tried dry land fish? A ginseng-hunting friend of mine in Tennessee was always going on about this tasty treat. Dry land fish, otherwise known as morchella (or morels), a genus of the fungus family, are mushroom-colored and remind me of tiny pale pine trees.

I seldom eat mushrooms by themselves, but they augment burgers and steaks very nicely. Though my old buddy always raved about dry land fish, I think they tasted pretty much like most other mushrooms.

What is a delicacy, anyway? Relative to food, it’s something that tastes very good, but also has the meaning of being rare, hard to find. As I’m writing this, a bowl of mixed nuts is open at my desk. There are a few pistachios mingled among the rest of the nuts. Are they a delicacy because they taste good, but I must dig through the container to find them?

Is the Bible a delicacy? It, after all, is the message from the One and Only True and Living God. It also is declared to be figuratively delicious. “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103 NKJV).

However, in terms of rareness, over one hundred million copies of it are sold every year. A complete copy, containing the old and new testaments can be purchased brand new for a couple of dollars. I have had a hand in giving away thousands in foreign countries and our own prisons.

We’re always told how wonderfully delicious caviar is, but when I see a picture of the dark goop made from fish eggs, I’m not so sure. Isn’t taste like beauty, in the eyes of the beholder? How many places in our little town of King can you buy a hamburger? At least ten? Why so many? It’s the old supply and demand principle. Demand means desire, desire, desire

Desire is the key in utilizing the grand gift from God of His word. It is said of those words, “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold” (Ps. 19:10). “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps. 119:97). The righteous man’s “delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Ps. 1:2).

If modern polls are right, people may be buying Bibles, but they’re not reading them. What gives? Is just having a Bible, your ticket into Heaven? Can we add to the excuses people will give to God when He bars them at the gate, “But Lord, I own a Bible!”?

Again, desire is the key. Immerse yourself into the pages of the awe-inspiring word that can save your soul (Romans 1:16). Delight in it completely. It’s not just the double burger; it’s the ice cream dessert, too.

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

The Wrong Way on the Right Way

A traffic accident that is particularly tragic is when someone travels on the interstate in the wrong direction. They are likely going to be involved in a head-on collision which will increase the chance of serious injury or even death, and also there will be innocent victims in the other vehicle.

Add to that the frustration of figuring out how the whole scenario occurred. Did they go down the on ramp and turn left? Were they unfamiliar with the traffic pattern and thought the exit ramp was actually the entrance ramp? We would say that was impossible, but out in the rural areas at night with little traffic, it’s easy to do.

The great shame for a driver in that situation is he thinks he is going the right way when suddenly he faces death.

Did you know that Jesus calls Himself the Way and that the kingdom He established, the church, is also referred to as the Way (John 14:6; Acts 9:2; 19:9,23; 22:4; 24:14,22)? Yes, we all want to “come to the Father” through the only Way, Jesus, and spend eternity in their presence.

However, Jesus warns us, “narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:14 NKJV). Peter acknowledges the reality of some who found it too difficult, “They have forsaken the right way and gone astray” (2 P. 2:15a).

As a matter of fact, much of the content of the letters of the New Testament is directed at keeping those who are already Christians on the right road to Heaven. There is only one way!

Don’t you love it when your GPS says, “Make a “U” turn”? You have wandered off the most direct route and it will say that over and over again till you get back on course. That sounds a whole lot like the prophets of the Old Testament, trying to redirect wayward Israel. “Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go. Oh, that you had heeded My commandments!’” (Isaiah 48:17-18a).

Christians know they’re on the right way when they follow the inspired directions of the New Testament. I love 1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” I would think that I could preach that one verse every week and all Christians would stay on that right road. Unfortunately, the surrounding verses remind us of the reality that many so-called Christians “walk in darkness.”

The moral of this story: Read and obey Christ’s roadmap!

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

Pray for Forgetful Squirrels

Have you been looking out your windows lately? Lots of things are going on as we transition to winter. As I have been told many times over the years by fellow Christians, “Watch out, Jeff, the squirrels are gathering nuts for the winter.”

God has given squirrels amazing talents. I have been observing them checking out some black walnuts I dumped in the yard a few weeks ago. It seems that after just a few sniffs, some they take and others they leave, and there are still a couple laying there. We see the same activity from humans in the produce section of the grocery store. I still can’t figure out what differentiates a good cantaloupe from a bad one, and I used to work in the produce department.

Squirrels are an excellent example of the symbiotic world God created. Like bees spreading pollen, they spread the nuts, and don’t always dig them up, and thus we have more trees. I don’t know how often they forget. I’ve seen them digging through six inches of snow for a buried nut. How’d they know where to dig? If you want more hardwoods, pray for forgetful squirrels.

If you think about it, God created one incredible universe. Psalm 104 elaborates on this in some detail and sums it all up with verse 24a, “O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all” (NKJV).

Not only did our Almighty God make it all, but there is one more important detail brought forth in His Holy Word. “Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep; O Lord, You preserve man and beast” (Ps. 36:6). God keeps all this going. Not only is He the Great Creator, He is also the Great Sustainer of life! Isn’t it amazing that he created squirrels to save up nuts for future use?

We must remember this in those critical times when we get anxious about the future. Did your favorite politicians win? Are the COVID numbers going up? Are you worrying? How much toilet paper is in your closet?

We will be all right. Remember Jesus’ words, “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7).

When Jesus addressed these earthly anxieties in the Sermon on the Mount, he emphasized priorities, “Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:31-33). All I can add is, “Go and do likewise!”

 Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

Watch Out for the Waves

The first wave is over. You might be thinking I’m talking about COVID-19, but actually it’s my yard, which is surrounded by poplar trees. The huge leaves have finally stopped falling. However, I can’t rest yet; the dozen or so Bradford pears are just beginning to turn red and pretty soon they’ll be blowing over my way, too. Another wave of work!

Funny thing about those waves: we tend not to be ready for the next one. In the two times I have fished in the ocean’s surf, I’ve had the same shock. I like to stand out in it almost waist deep, but the last time at Cape Hatteras, even though it was a relatively calm day, I was bowled completely over a couple of times. Too busy casting to watch out for the waves.

The one-chapter poetical book of Jude offers us another theme of waves. Jude thoroughly points out the vast corruption of the “ungodly” by stating they are “raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame” (v.13 NKJV). Yes, sin keeps on coming, doesn’t it?

Pity the “young man devoid of understanding” as he encounters the harlot in Proverbs 7. He wasn’t even able to fend off this first wave of sexual temptation and suffered “as an ox goes to the slaughter.” Yet that is not the end of this one Bible book’s warnings about this type of temptation. Why? Because the waves keep on coming!

Jesus tells a parable of an “unclean spirit” going out of a man seeking a place to “rest” elsewhere, but finding none. He decides to return to the man and finding the man’s “house” “swept and in order,” and “takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26). While there is much conjecture about Jesus’ actual meaning, we see one thing missing from this man succumbing to further waves of evil. He did not improve his defenses against future evil.

A long time ago I was on the job in my old mail Jeep, when I pulled out at an intersection in front of a motorcycle. I screeched to a halt just in time, but I did what most all of us would do: I made a mental note to take a moment longer to look out for those small vehicles. We all must constantly be watching out for evil. As Peter said, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 P. 5:8). You may have fought off Satan’s first wave. Be ready for the next!

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

Snow Angel Security

When I was a young boy, my friend and I were making angels in the newly fallen snow. Of course, our competitive natures arose and we decided to have a war and the one with the most angels on his side would obviously win. It wasn’t long before all the waving of the arms resulted in some worn out angel producers.

Have you seen any angels lately? It won’t be long before the store shelves will be packed with hosts of them. We like the decorative angels all around because it reminds us of the security of what God says about real angels in the Bible.

Two key verses come to our minds: Hebrews 1:14 (NKJV) says, “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” and Matthew 18:10, “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” When we are troubled by the circumstances of life, the thought of angels gives us some reassurance.

One thing that perplexes us about angels is their mystery. “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (Heb. 13:2). How do we know that an angel is actually watching over us?

The book of Acts tells of the events of the Church in its first days and years. There are numerous occasions of angels assisting preachers of the Gospel, however, in Acts 12 an angel saves Peter, but earlier in the chapter James is killed with a sword. Where was the help from angels for James?

This leads us to the broader help God promises. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). What is the “good” that Paul is talking about? Is it more money, physical strength and good looks? While God is concerned about our physical well-being, He is far more concerned about our spiritual health (1 Timothy 4:8). So, when God promised, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13), we see the assistance He really has in mind.

Sometimes we are tempted to relax a little bit with any kind of help, even God’s. Remember the verse before 10:13, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” Does your security plan include “taking heed”? Are you combining your alertness with complete trust in God’s faithfulness? He hopes so!

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

Are You Pumping the Brakes of Life?

Oh, the serene countryside. Such were my thoughts on my way to making a visit a while back. I was just taking my time and enjoying the ride . . . till I wanted to slow down for a curve and my brake pedal went clear to the floor. Talk about a change in emotions – from cool and calm to wildly frantic in less than a second! A few pumps on them enabled me to arrive at the destination and fortunately they had some brake fluid to top off my reservoir.

Did you know that God wants us to pump the brakes of our lives, from a few perspectives?

First, to check that they’re working. This is a constant theme throughout the Bible. “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV).

Second, we pump our brakes to build the pressure back up in them. “They work; I’ll be okay.” If you “test yourself” and find things aren’t so good, you can take yourself to the throne of the Great Physician through prayer and attention to His precepts. Solutions will be found aplenty to get you back on “the way which leads to life” (Matthew 7:14).

Third, we just need to slow down. I am convinced by experience that most folks, even Christians, don’t value God’s instructions about self-control enough. In the Apostle Paul’s comparison of the Christian life to sports, he says, “And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable” (1 Cor. 9:25-26 NASB).

We are a nation of indulgers. “If it feels good, do it” has become our theme. We have problems with obesity, drugs, alcohol, entertainment, sexual activity outside of marriage, greed, and on and on. What does this all come back to? A lack of self-control. We refuse to pump the brakes on our physical and emotional desires.

We try to justify ourselves by saying, “Well, I’m not as bad as the inmates at the jail,” but we’re still heading for the giant rock in the next bend. 1 Cor. 6:9-10 NKJV states, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.”

We can indulge in all sorts of sins that we won’t go to jail for, but we will go to hell for. So how about pumping your brakes right now. Drive safely!

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

Are Your Closest Friends Found on TV?

Have you been out much lately? Just when we thought the word “quarantine” was moving to the disused column of our vocabulary, here it is again. My four siblings and I, like all children of forty or more years ago, were all carrier monkeys of chicken pox, measles, mumps, scarlet fever and other diseases. My parents would count the days after interaction with a sick friend to see if I was infected and . . . voila! The red bumps would appear. It seemed next to impossible to isolate us to prevent the rest of the siblings from being infected, especially since my three brothers and I always shared the same bedroom.

With today’s social distancing, most of us are becoming experts at the old joke, “He’s so ugly I wouldn’t touch him with a ten-foot pole.” Substitute “infected” for “ugly.” Actually, with this issue, that has developed in recent decades, many have already become more distant than before. Electronic media has led to the growth in the number of folks who rely more on communication through some modern means than on face-to-face contact. At first, society said, “What’s the difference?” but now we are seeing its effects on the socially immature; and there are a lot of them.

For example, think of what the ability to criticize, or even threaten, others online anonymously, has done to our society. You can’t “face your accusers” because you don’t know who they are! What are the results of that?

Truth is, we all need good friends; and friendship is nurtured by spending real time with others. If non-verbal communication makes up 70% of our relationships, many of us are missing out on something from our acquaintances!

Consider Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (NKJV).

The closest and most meaningful friendships can be found in “the general assembly and church of the Firstborn” (Hebrews 12:23). Christians “help” each other “up” simply by following God’s directive, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:24-25).

Sure, the ability to do that has been harmed in recent months, but we dare not forget the very practical benefits of getting together to worship our heavenly Father, to study from His word, and even just to enjoy our common bond in His Son. We all could use some stirring up to love and good works.

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

Chicken of Change?

Did you know that Reynolds Wrap, originally owned by Richard S. Reynolds, Sr., was connected to the cigarette manufacturing of R. J. Reynolds? The special aluminum wrap was designed to keep the cigarettes dry. Richard was RJ’s nephew.

Reynolds Wrap originally was made (or based) in Louisville, KY, then New York City, then Richmond, VA; and now, back in Louisville. However, after being part of the Alcoa company, it is now owned by a company based in New Zealand. New Zealand!

Changes are interesting, aren’t they? But if I was an employee for Reynolds Wrap in Richmond in 2008 and was told they were closing the plant and moving its operation to Louisville, I don’t think I would call it “interesting.”

Changes can be very hard. A few years ago, a young mother was telling me about her husband accepting an offer for his engineering skills . . . in China. They packed up and moved there, but even though he was well paid, after a few short weeks, she couldn’t handle the cultural transition any more. They were back in the States by the end of the year.

We’ve all heard, “Change is a part of life,” but how should we handle it? “Just roll with it,” we’ve been told, but what if the change isn’t our choice? What if the change is even caused by tragedy?

The classic words of “The Preacher” in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven,” are summed up with the fact that God “has made everything beautiful in its time” (3:11 NKJV). Therein lies the solution to our anxieties about change. “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

In Hebrews 11 we have an overview of some amazing, godly people and their lives. A common thread that connects them all is how they responded to change. Over and over in that chapter we are reminded of the solution: “By faith.” “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going” (11:8).

Did you catch that? “He went out, not knowing where he was going”! That sounds like life. We like to think we have it all figured out, but we don’t. The only way to achieve success and peace of mind is to completely trust our “Helper.” Will you?

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

How Do You Look?

Do you sneak a peek? At a mirror at your friend’s house or maybe in a store window, you see your reflection and can’t help thinking, “I’m looking good today!”

Sometimes that extra long look will get us into trouble. The football receiver breaks free and is sprinting toward the end zone and looks up at the scoreboard screen and . . . would like to do a little pose. After all, it’s his big moment. What actually happens is he gets tackled at the five-yard-line because he slowed down – to look at himself.

We’ve been using this video conferencing at South Stokes for our worship services and Bible classes during the virus shut-down. One neat thing is I can see myself and actually tell if my tie is straight or not. However, if I am showing visual aids during the sermon, the video of me speaking is on the side of my screen. Do you know what is impossible to do? Shoot a glance at myself and not have everyone notice I’m not looking at the camera lens.

This natural interest we have in ourselves (Ephesians 5:29) can be damaging, which sounds paradoxical. After all, aren’t we supposed to be paying attention to ourselves to see how we’re doing?

One of the basic tenets of Christ’s teachings is unselfishness. “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” (Luke 14:26 NKJV). Challenging stuff, right, but when you consider the greatest commandments, they involve diverting attention from ourselves to others. “Jesus answered him, ‘The first of all the commandments is: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’” (Mark 12:29-31).

We soon find that we’re having a hard time living for Christ, if we’re absorbed in ourselves. “But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17). We not only shut up our hearts to those who need us, but sometimes we’re not even seeing their needs, because our focus is in the mirror. (Isn’t that the cause of rudeness, too?)

So, let’s allow Jesus to motivate us. “For the love of Christ compels us . . . and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). That’s powerful. Can we live up to it?

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

I Got the Last One!

 Surely this has happened to you lately, due to the Corona frenzy: My wife asked me to pick up some saltine crackers at the store a couple weeks ago. I was shocked to see the cracker aisle decimated. (Were they keeping toilet paper there?) On closer examination, though, I found one box left in the back of the bottom shelf.

Victory is mine! I felt like doing a Snoopy dance on Schroeder’s piano right there in the aisle. Then, a week later it happened again, but with sunflower seeds. The last one is all mine! Yes!

But I wonder if folks in communist countries, with shelfs barely stalked all of the time, feel the same. While I’m feeling like I just won the Super Bowl, are they ecstatic just to have some food of any kind? Most of us can’t imagine going to sleep at night with the worry of finding food for our families. That’s true with any kind of need. “Can I get some help here?”

Jesus’ answer to that question is always “Yes.” He said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NKJV). Notice His invitation to assist is to “all.” It wasn’t on a first-come, first-served situation.

I was on a medical mission trip to Jamaica a few years ago. We had doctors and nurses to help with the locals’ eyes, teeth and general health. At the end of each day, do you think we still had people needing help? For sure – bunches.

There are no such limitations with Jesus. He was pondering over Jerusalem’s citizens in Luke 13:34 and said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!”

His “wings” were wide enough to protect and aid both Jerusalem, and all of the world (John 3:16). This isn’t a come-sit-on-Santa’s-lap-from-three-till-five situation. He’s ready to help always!

Did you see the real limitation at the end of 13:34? “You were not willing!” Jesus can help anytime and anywhere, but how many millions limit His help because they’re just like the Jerusalem folk. You can be overwhelmed with anxiety at this very moment, when right there in front of you is the Savior Who can give “rest for your souls” (Mt. 11:29).

Open your Bibles and read how you can come to Him. Open your hearts and ask for His assistance. Contact me and I’ll help you get connected with Him. But rest assured, you won’t be the last one.

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ. (This article was first published in the Stokes News, the local newspaper.)