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

“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

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

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

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

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.)

You're Not Alone

How would you end this statement: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name ___”? How about, “You better make sure your two buddies don’t have the virus.” Such is how our thinking changes in an epidemic.

Hopefully, you recognized Jesus’ words, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20 NKJV). While those words are reassuring, in these days of stay-at-home lockdowns, individuals may indeed find themselves truly alone. It is possible that you might feel like Psalm 102:7, “I lie awake, and am like a sparrow alone on the housetop.”

Our despair may grow to the point of Psalm 142:4, “Look on my right hand and see, for there is no one who acknowledges me; refuge has failed me; no one cares for my soul.” Think of Jesus’ final hours on the cross . . . “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

I’d like to think that no one is sinking to that level of hopelessness, but you probably know a person or two who depends on social interaction a lot more than others. Even with smartphones and video chats, some are feeling this desperation.

So, what is the remedy for this “forsaken” feeling? In the case of persecution, Jesus said, “Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets” (Luke 6:22-23). Ponder the prophet Jeremiah’s predicament as his enemies let him down with ropes into the cistern where “there was no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank into the mud” (Jer. 38:6 NASV).

As God told Jeremiah when He appointed him, “They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you,” says the Lord, “to deliver you” (Jer. 1:19). “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10). Do you see the key in both of those reassuring verses? Those who are faithful to God need not feel that overwhelming discouragement, “for I am with you”!

If you’re feeling down and out, take God’s hand through prayer and reading His Word. Contact me and I’ll be glad to help you accomplish that (336-969-5498 & southstokescoc@gmail.com). Don’t despair!

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

Stress Relief

Well, how are you holding up, dear reader? When I checked Tuesday morning, there still were no COVID-19 cases in Stokes County, but we all know they’re lurking just across the line in Forsyth and Guilford. Actually, there was not a single case along the northern state border from Ashe County to Person County. And not even one death in our state. Thank you all for being so careful, but we also thank the Lord!

With all that good news, we shouldn’t be feeling any stress, right? On the outside I’m usually a pretty cool, calm and collected guy, but I know when my heart is racing and suddenly my thoughts, instead of being collected, are all willy-nilly. Last week I began to have that out-of-sorts feeling, so I asked myself, “What is the problem, Jeff?”

Do you know what the answer was? It wasn’t worries over the virus, but it is related. Responding with safer habits has caused my daily schedule to change. I went to the nursing home to visit a patient and was turned away. What! I began to notice my reaction to changes in my life about twenty years ago. Those little changes from day to day cause stress in me, and it’s only getting worse.

At first I thought I was unique in this cause of anxiety, but one look at the stock market tells me I’m not. Sure, market watchers must be careful with their investments, but the slightest feeling of uncertainty can cause huge sell-offs. As one financial expert said, the market is more about perception than reality. Toss a little anxiety into the mix and a whole lot of people are going to lose a whole lot of money.

So, what are we to do, who are stressing right now, even if it’s simply over daily schedules? As David expressed in Psalm 142:3a, “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then You knew my path” (NKJV). When life becomes this dark tunnel and we can’t see the light of the other side, trust God because He can.

We get all worked up about trivial matters in this life. That’s why Jesus told His disciples, “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind” (Luke 12:29). How is that possible? “Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you” (Ps. 116:7).

The result of that kind of serene thinking is, “The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever” (Isaiah 32:17). Now that sounds a whole lot better for us. I think I’ll take a nap.

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ. First published in the Stokes News, the local newspaper.

We Are the Answer to the Question

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’” (Matthew 27:46 NKJV). Jesus has already been hanging on the cross for hours when this howl of desperation is heard. I don’t think it’s too hard for us to feel the depth of His misery, but what exactly is the answer to His question?

WE ARE! The agony of the cross was planned “from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). God gave us the right, the freedom, and the liberty to make choices for ourselves. With that, He knew that sooner or later we would make the wrong choices. Enter: a solution, or rather, The Solution (John 14:6)!

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’)” (Galatians 3:13).

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him” (1 John 4:9).

Christ has “borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:4-6).

Did you get all that? God made the Gospel plan and Jesus carried it out to its conclusion on the blood-stained cross FOR US! It’s a load of guilt for us to bear, that God made Jesus “who knew no sin, to be sin for us,” but only if we don’t respond as God hopes. He tells us, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27).

Yes, God forsook Jesus on the cross, because He was bearing OUR SIN. But, dear reader, now that you see all the love God has shown you through His Son, He has a question for you: Are you now living a life that is worthy of Jesus’ wounds, sorrows and death? What’s YOUR answer?

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ (First published in the Stokes News, the local newspaper.)

“In the Shadow of Your Wings I Will Take Refuge”

I like the fresh air. I suppose I’ve spent most of the daylight hours of my life outside. One problem with doing that is the lack of protection from the sun’s rays. My many baseball caps have shielded my eyes, but now my greatest threat is the skin cancer from each eye to its closest ear. Those caps didn’t shade that area much.

It is surprising how much shade can vary the temperature on a hot day. I remember one scorching day when I was 16 – digging post holes and fencing off fifty acres all morning. When we finished, I stretched out under an apple tree for a comfortable nap. My lesson on shade temperatures was really learned while riding a motorcycle. It seemed to be a ten-degree difference when passing under a grove of trees covering the road.
Refreshing!

David, the son of Jesse, needed the protective nature of a different kind of shadow. “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by” (Psalm 57:1 NKJV). The introduction to this Psalm tells us that David was fleeing from King Saul and needed God’s protection. He got it.

David made another request for God’s protection that we all share. “Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins” (Ps. 19:13). That’s always our dilemma – sin is always lurking. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). As God explained the way sin works to Cain, “. . . sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it” (Genesis 4:7).

No one is immune from sin. It’s far worse than the ever-present bacteria on our door handles. Fortunately, along with the ever-present sin and the lurking Satan, we have the omnipresent and omnipotent God! “My defense is of God, Who saves the upright in heart” (Ps. 7:10). We’ll be all right in His safekeeping. He will be merciful. Will you take refuge under His wings?

Jeff Greene. This article was first published in the Stokes News, the local newspaper.