THE BIBLE

During a
        question and answer session at a recent speaking engagement,
        a university student
        asked me, "Why do you believe that the Bible is the
        inspired word of God?"

Now
        this is a very interesting question, and probably one of the
        most important questions
        any Christian could ask themselves. What is so
        special, so unique about the Bible
        that Christians believe it is literally the inspired word of
        God?

In answering this student's question, I encouraged him to
        consider the following facts about
        the Bible. First, the Bible is not just one singlebook. This is a more
        common misconception than many people realize,
        especially with people who do not
        come from a Judeo-Christian background. Rather than being a single book,
        the Bible is actually a collection of 66 books, which is called the
        canon of scriptures. These 66 books contain a variety of genres:
        history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom, literature, letters, and apocalyptic,
        just to name a few.

Second, these 66 books were written by 40
        different authors. These authors came from a
        variety of backgrounds: shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets,
        and others. And most of these authors neverknew one another
        personally.

Third, these 66 books were written over a period of
        1,500 years. Yet again, this is
        another reminder that many of these authors never knew or collaborated
        with one another in writing these books.

Fourth, the 66 books of
        the Bible were written in 3 different languages. In the Bible we have
        books that were written in the ancient languages of
        Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic; a
        reflection of the historical and cultural
        circumstances in which each of
        these books were written.

And finally, these 66 books were
        written on 3 different continents: Africa , Asia, and Europe . Once
        again, this is a testament to the varied historical and cultural
        circumstances of God's people.

Think about the above realities:
        66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1,500 years, in 3
        different languages, on 3 different continents. What's more, this
        collection of books shares a common storyline - the creation, fall, and
        redemption of God's people; a common theme - God's universal love for
        all of humanity; and a common message - salvation is available to all
        who repent of their sins and commit to following God with all of their
        heart, soul, mind and strength.

In addition to sharing these
        commonalities, these 66 books contain no
        historical errors or
        contradictions. God's word truly is an amazing collection of
        writings!

After I had shared the above facts with this student, I
        offered him the following challenge.
        "If you do not believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, if
        you do not believe that the Bible is of a supernatural origin, then I
        challenge you to a test, I challenge you to go to any library in the
        world, you can choose any library you like, and find 66 books which
        match the characteristics of the 66 books in the Bible. You must choose
        66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1,500 years, in 3
        different languages, written on 3 different continents. However, they
        must share a common storyline, a common theme, and a common message,
        with no historical errors or contradictions." I went on to say, "If you
        can produce such a collection of books, I will admit that the Bible is
        not the inspired word of God."

The student's reply was almost
        instantaneous, he emphatically stated, "But that's
        impossible!"

It truly is impossible, for any collection of human
        writings. However, the Bible passes this test. The Bible contains 66
        books, written by 40 different authors,
        over 1,500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents,
        with no historical errors or contradictions. The entire Bible, from
        Genesis to Revelation, bears the mark of Divine inspiration.

The
        next time you encounter someone who asks you why you believe
        the Bible is the inspired
        word of God, try sharing this challenge with them. Better yet, don't
        wait until you're asked, just go ahead and share this
        challenge with a friend today.
        You don't even have to mention
        the Bible up front, just ask them if they think it would be realistic to
        assemble such a collection of books. After they say, "But that's
        impossible!" you've got a ready-made opportunity for sharing the
        truth!

In God We
        Trust.
       

3 Trees

 

Three Trees

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were  discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree  said, someday 

I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and  everyone would see the beauty. 

 

Then the second tree said, someday I will be a mighty ship. I will 

take Kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of 

the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the   strength of 

my hull.  

      

Finally the third tree said, I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest.  People will   see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens  and God and how close to them I am reaching.  I will be the greatest tree of  all time and people will always remember me.  

 

After a few years of praying that  their dreams would come true, a 

group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the

first tree he said, This looks like a strong tree, I think I  should be 

able to sell the wood to a carpenter, and he began cutting it down.   

The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a  treasure chest.        

 

At the second tree the woodsman said, This looks like a strong tree. 

I should be able to sell it to the shipyard.   The second tree was      

happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.        

 

When the woodsmen came upon the third   tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, 'I don't need anything  special from my tree, I'll take this one, and he cut it  down. 

 

When the first tree arrived at   the carpenters, he was made into a 

feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.

 

The second tree was cut and made into  a small fishing boat. His 

dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. 

 

The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark. 

 

The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.  Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.        

 

Years later, a group of men got  in the fishing boat made from the 

second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it 

was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the  

sleeping man, and He stood and said 'Peace' and the storm

stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

 

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried

through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and  raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified        

on it. 

 

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going 

your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your  trust in Him, God will give you great gifts.  Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.         

 

We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that  His Ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

 

 

Problem Solving

PROBLEM SOLVING

IDENTIFY, RECTIFY, VERIFY

I’m not talking about “car won’t start”, “water heater” is broke, Etc. All though it works for those too.

IDENTIFY- What IS the problem and why do we have it?

          What- Most of the time it is obvious- name some…relationship problems, no job, no home etc.

Why- Many occur due to “The pursuit of unsatisfied desires without regard to cost or consequences” Let’s look at scripture-Romans 8:5-8  Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

I am NOT suggesting that all problems are Sin problems, however many of them are, most show at least a lack of wisdom and the answers are in the BOOK. (BIBLE)

          Pride-  A “My way or the highway” attitude. There is much in the Bible about pride and the problems it creates. Sometimes pride causes us to put on “blinders” because we are the problem or it seems too serious to deal with.

          Ignorance- “Here’s yer sign” Look around. You probably can figure it out if you think about it. Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seems right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

          Deceived- “There’s more than one way to look at things” see text? And we think our way is the only way, this is Self-Justification- the act or instance of making excuses for one’s own behavior. Find out what GOD’s way is.

          Selfish- “I’m all that”> we are told not to think to highly of ourselves. Romans 12:3 for by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

RECTIFY- Repair and maintain, how?  It is sometimes a long process. There is usually no quick fix.

                   Study-   Read GOD’s word to really see what it says, Bible study try the “Discovering God” Bible study. It’s on the AgapePoint website.

                   Learn- “Practice what is preached”. Seek wise counsel. In Proverbs 15:22 we are told; Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

The whole book of Proverbs is great for wisdom! Ask Pastors, Teachers, parents and others you know who have given good advice.

Also from the Military the 6 P’s- Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance!

                    Pray- Don’t forget it is a two way street. Pray just like you are talking to a friend, and wait and listen for his answer in your heart and mind and your Spirit. If you have trouble praying use these examples;

ACTS,

Adoration-(praise)  tell him he is Lord of your life;

Confession- Tell him what you have been doing wrong;

Thanksgiving- Thank him for what he has done; list some of your blessings…;

Supplication – (asking, pleading) tell him what you need help with. Or follow The Lord’s Prayer as found in Matthew 6:9-13 as part of the Sermon on the Mount and Luke 11:2-4 to his disciples.

 

VERIFY- The proof- Let’s look at the Fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance(patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

I recommend you read the entire chapter. Many good Do’s and don’ts s.

                   Relationships- “Takes one to know one” See if maybe others you are in relationship with are showing good “fruit”, even if they are not you are still required to do so. Maybe they are but you just did not see it until you took another look.

                   Ministry- “Living proof” watch and see if what you share with others is better, truer, and more Godly. Showing greater wisdom on your part.

                   Peace of mind- “A good night’s sleep”, I believe this is one thing we all want and need. We are given instructions on how to do this and it is His desire for us to have peace of mind, sometimes this is the most significant verification. “You know in your knower”

                   Testimony-“I’m a believer”. The best testimonies are lived not spoken. Prove by how you live daily. People pay more attention to what you do than what you say.

Verifying that the problem is solved may take some time and can be an ongoing process.

I want to share these words from Christ himself-

 MATTHEW 7:24-27 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

 

I want to leave you with one more verse. Philippians 4:8  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.