How often do we fail to own up to our behavior? How often do we pass on the responsibility for our actions to someone else? It started in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit. When God confronted them, Adam blamed Eve; Eve blamed the serpent. The beat goes on.

There is a legitimate new name for us, however. Revelation 3:12 declares that the followers of Jesus will have his new name given to them. That matches the new identity we have in him. We are “new creatures” in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

As these new creatures in Christ we learn a number of things. First, we are not evolutionary flukes. We have been made and remade by a Creator. Second, as new creatures, we have a new outlook on life. We see that the world in which we live does not revolve around us. The new outlook shows us that all things are for God and His glory (see Isaiah 43:6-7). God is at the center and we, as His creation serve Him.

A third lesson we learn is that we have the opportunity to restart our lives. We get a refreshed beginning. Rather than an arbitrary change of identity as a criminal may have, we get a new identity in Jesus. God blesses and honors us in Him. The old ways pass away and a brand new life stands before us. What a blessing!

God removes the guilt of sin for us. Sometimes consequences remain. We have to own up to and live with those, but they don’t hold us back. The new identity in Jesus gives us hope for the new life and the new world to come.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

One person described our choice. When pressures hit, we can be like a lump of Play Dough. We can let the impact of the pressure leave its mark on us. Or, we can be like the tennis ball. The pressure causes it to go in for a moment but then it bounces back.

A few years ago Time Magazine published an article in which physicians stated that there are health benefits to religion. They said that people of faith have a higher survival rate than those who are not. People of faith have lower blood pressure than those who are not. People of faith who attend church regularly have less depression than those who do not. In fact, the suicide rate is four times higher among non-church goers.

So, how do we the handle pressures of life? We need biblical answers for this question. John 17 shows us how Jesus handled the pressures he faced. If we can see what he did and apply it to our lives, maybe we feel less pressure and be healthier people.

Remember, Jesus came to give us “abundant life” (John 10.10). That means NOW as well as heaven later.

Keep The Light Burning!

Dr. Perry Greene

It is one thing to stand before an audience and say, “Turn your job into a ministry.” It is another to actually and practically do it. Here is an idea I ran across recently that might be a step in the right direction.

Set up a “piggy bank” (a little box with a slit cut in the top will do). Set it on your desk or another prominent area of your work space. Star putting pocket change in it. If someone asks you about it, you can tell them it is money for a charity (you might even get their help on deciding which one to give to). When you and your fellow workers fill up the bank, send the money to the charity. The start over.

When you make this collection, you have done a service for others and honored God in the process. In addition, you have enabled your coworkers to serve in their contributions, too. Your job has become a place of ministry.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

WHAT IF we change our self-image? If someone asked what you do, you would probably describe your occupation. “I am a doctor, lawyer, Indian chief.”

What would happen if we saw ourselves first and foremost as “Disciples of Jesus the Messiah”? Our occupation, rather than our primary self-description becomes our means of support for our life’s primary goal – following Jesus. Our jobs enable us to not only fill our bellies but also to fill our souls. The job gives us the ability to provide the resources we need to build up our spirits and expand the kingdom of heaven in our time.

The people of Jesus’ time, just like today, worked in various occupations. Jesus was a builder. Peter was a fisherman. Yet, they gave themselves to the study, memorization, and teaching of God’s words.

Imagine the scene in Luke 24. Jesus has been resurrected and appears to the two on the Emmaus Road and to his disciples. He instructs them from the scriptures about himself. Later some of the disciples went fishing (John 21) – what do you think they were talking about? My guess is they were talking about the spiritual issues related to their Master, Jesus.

This conversation would probably have been different from what most fishermen would be talking about. Their language was cleaner. Their topics were more than sports and troubles on the job.

That is the change in perspective. If I change from seeing myself as a plumber, accountant, etc., to a disciple who supports his spirituality with this profession, then perhaps I will see a difference in my life, too.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

This is one of those lost definitions. In the late 18^th Century, saying something was “Macaroni” was like almost saying it is “phat” or “hot” today. Even those words’ meanings are easily lost in time.

When we study the Bible we can discover words or ideas with which we are not familiar. We either pass over them or we make an educated guess to the meaning. We may develop two entirely different views and both are off base. Yet, we will make them a point of contention without knowing the facts.

The Yankee Doodle legend has to do with the shabbily dressed American soldiers facing the immaculately dressed (Macaroni) British. The Americans stopped at a farm before fighting the Brits. The farmer’s daughter saw their attire and decided to help out. She plucked a chicken and gave the Patriots a feather for their hats. Once they placed the feathers in the brims, they called it “Macaroni.”

Studying the scriptures involves many things. It is more than finding a proof text or two to use in winning an argument. It includes understanding the original intentions of the writers. It involves digging into original meanings of words as well.

Study the scriptures. They testify of Jesus, the source of eternal life (John 5.39). He is the One we follow (John 14.6).

Keep The Light Burning!

Dr. Perry Greene

Of course, he was the prime suspect. The suspicion against him increased when the police searched his house for clues. There was no blood. There were no fingerprints. They found newly shampooed carpet and freshly cleaned and pressed drapes. The woodwork had been polished and the bedrooms had new paint.

The police sent their “CSI” unit for further investigation. They used a chemical called “luminal” and discovered where the blood had been splattered throughout the house. The man was found guilty based on the evidence.

Have you ever wondered about “God things”? Is there a God? Did he send his Son? Is his word true? These are all good questions. These are questions that God is not afraid for us to ask. In fact, he welcomes us to ask and explore the evidence.

I want to encourage you to explore God’s word. Learn it, and then do what it says. You will be convicted by investigating the evidence. God IS and his word works. Give him a try!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

The eternal afterlife is a gift from God to all who will follow his Son. It seems in reading the scriptures that this is a given fact. It does not seem to be a dominant incentive to entice people into following Jesus. In fact, as you read through the gospels and the book of Acts, count how many times the speakers use the reward of heaven as a motivation to obey God.

As a Minister, the thought of not being able to use the carrot of eternal life to get people to obey God seems disarming. Yet, as we search the scriptures, we see many people obeying God. Why would they if heaven is treated as a matter of fact and not motivation?

Perhaps we can see that there is a different focus given by the Messiah, Jesus and his disciples. They did preach eternal life, but that life is not just some far off event. The gospel to them was more than fire insurance against hell. The message they preached involved life NOW.

Eternal life begins when we walk with God. Jesus said He is the key to abundant life (John 10:10). Note John’s use of “eternal life” as present, not merely future in 1 John 5:11-13.

¹¹And this is the testimony that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. ¹² Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.  ¹³I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.

What would be the enticement to follow Jesus if we do not emphasize the afterlife? Perhaps we can take a lesson from the Messiah and see that the abundant, eternal life not only begins in our walk with him, it impacts every aspect of our lives. We become transformed people. We see life through a new set of eyes. We do not despair over every little thing. We have a hope that the world does not have and a life worth living NOW as well as in the resurrection (see John 11:24-27).

Maybe instead of asking, “Do you believe in life after death?” we should be asking, “Do you believe in life BEFORE death?”

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Then it hit me. That is EXACTLY what the Founding Fathers intended for our education system. They knew the power of knowledge. They knew that America was established, as Patrick Henry said, “not on religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ.” America was to be a FREE country and it was to be a CHRISTIAN nation. People needed to be able to read so they could study the Bible.

I read that Connecticut once passed a law for their citizens where the authorities would send inspectors to each home in their state. The inspectors would test the children in each household to be sure they could read at the level they were supposed to. If not, the parents were fined. What was their reasoning? They knew that legislators need accountability. They determined that if the people could read, they would be able to read the laws that were being passed by Congress. If those laws did not match the Bible, the people could protest and have the laws removed.

The New England Primer used the Bible to teach children to read and write. It was written in 1690 and used in one form or another until the early twentieth century. The children learned stories and doctrines from the Bible at an early age. Some were so adept at learning that they were able to enter schools like Harvard and Yale (once Christian schools) while in their early teens!

How far from our moorings we have drifted as a nation! How amazing the wisdom of our ancestors! How can WE get back on track?

Beginning where we are, we must make a more concerted effort to learn and to learn. Most importantly, we must learn the word of God from Genesis to Revelation. We must see His hand in the history of the world and our country. America did not happen by accident. Even men like George Washington realized that Providence established the nation, not the military or political skills of the citizens (see also Zechariah 4:6).

Turn off the TV and slow down. Take time to read the Bible daily. In the words of Jesus, “Could you not tarry one hour?” Knowing the Bible will make all the difference on all the levels!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Most Western Christians treat God in this fashion. Typically, we try to “trap” God in his agreement. We legalistically approach him and see that he has made us an offer we really can’t afford to refuse. Then we leap into the agreement. Going through the motions, we try to force God into living up to his side of the deal with little to no real commitment on our part. We reason, “He OWES this to me because I entered into the contract. Does this sound at all familiar?

This gets a little tricky because there are some legal applications to what God offers us. The Bible teaches, though that we cannot earn our salvation or do we deserve it on any level (Ephesians 2:1-10). We cannot earn or receive it from God regardless of what we do to achieve it on a legal level. We violate the “contract” daily but expect exemptions. We cannot simply comply with a few rules or regulations and demand blessings from the Creator of the universe.

We are actually in a covenant relationship with God. While there are legalities within it, there is an emphasis on relationship over law. We see covenants all through the Bible. God made covenant with Adam; by means of Noah; in Abraham; by way of Moses; and especially in and through Jesus. A key to covenants that came by these men is the relationship that God wanted with his people. The covenant expresses contractual obligations but create a relationship between the parties.

In Luke 22:20, Jesus said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” The fullness of the covenant is seen in Jeremiah 31:31-34. Jesus expresses the ultimate aspect of relationship by his willingness to pour out his blood (a sacrifice) for his people. He expresses relationship as well as contract obligations.

Maybe the story of the “loving Father” in Luke 15 can better express this. Both the “prodigal” (i.e., wasteful) son and the older brother treat their father in a legal way. The younger son declares, “Give me what is mine.” He expected his legal rights in the form of his early inheritance, even though this was highly insulting to the father. In essence, the son is saying he wishes his father was dead and that he preferred stuff over his parent. The older brother also winds up with an inheritance. However, as the story unfolds, the father (obviously representing our heavenly Father) expresses a covenant relationship with his sons which supersedes contractual obligation. Because the father loves the sons, he is willing to humiliate himself with both of them and went beyond the law to restore relationship.

This is exactly what the Father has done for us through Jesus. What do we deserve as sinful children? The obvious answer is death (Romans 3:23; 6:23). If God was merely a contract lawyer, that is what we would get. He is, instead, a loving Father. He desires relationship with us (your guess is as good as mine as to why). Therefore, God establishes a covenant with us which is ratified in the blood of his Son. He actually took on the whole legal obligation of the covenant because we cannot (also see Genesis 15 when God ratified the covenant with Abraham by taking the Abraham’s responsibility as well as His own).

Let’s live beyond contractual obligations with God. That is what we want in our homes, why not in God’s household? Even the Torah states we are to LOVE God (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), not just abide by a set of rules. Jesus states it this way in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

I did not change my mind because of stress. I imagine that any of the great Bible characters lived with constant stress and turmoil in their lives. It appears that Moses had (or at least approached) nervous breakdowns on occasion. Daniel had to walk the tightrope with the king and THE King. Every one of those guys was the “cream that rose to the top” but did so in very trying times. But, that’s not my reason.

I changed my mind because I have come to realize that God did not make me a Moses. He already had one. There was already a Samuel and an Elijah, or whoever else you want to name. God makes some of us to do things with high visibility. He makes others of us to do more hidden things (Romans 9:20-24; Isaiah 64; Jeremiah 18). Rather than complain because I am not “an eye” (1 Corinthians 12:14ff) shouldn’t I just be who I am? Isn’t that a greater responsibility than trying to be someone I am not?

The real task of my life is to learn who God had in mind when he made me. Once I have made that discovery I can more aptly live up to HIS expectations of me. A by-product will be a fuller life with a deeper commitment to my God. Is that not what Jesus said the first command involved?

God is not going to condemn me for my lack of Moses-like qualities. He will not criticize me for not being Jeremiah’s equivalent in our day and time (how rough would that be?). He only expects me to be me and live up to his Instructions.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

While watching “Patton,” I thought about one of the great differences between America and so many other nations of the world. History has shown that nations rise and conquer. They subdue the defeated and rule them. Not so with America!

As we marched through North Africa, then into Sicily, then into Italy, we did not fight to rule the citizens, we came to free them. We LIBERATED Europe and Asia in the Second World War. How thrilling it must have been for our service personnel to have driven away the enemy and restored freedom to a town. It must have been sobering to liberate concentration camps and see the absolute epitome of “man’s inhumanity to man.”

We hear about how arrogant America has been in our history. We hear apologies for our role in world history. Certainly we are not perfect, there is only One is. But for all of our shortcomings, we have been a servant to the world.

How many applications are there through our history! Since the USA was founded on biblical principles, it is evident that so much of who we are and what we do comes from the Book. The spiritual qualities of sacrifice and freedom fill its pages.

Think of God bringing deliverance to the Hebrews as they were enslaved in Egypt. Think of Jesus’ coming to lay down his life for his friends and his enemies (John 15:13-15; Romans 5:8). Think of the words of Christ ringing the sound of freedom from spiritual oppression for us (John 8:32). Think of the path of freedom that Jesus has laid out for us (John 14:6)

Freedom comes at a high price. It cost our American Founders their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor.” Our spiritual freedom cost the life of the Son of God.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

So begins Longfellow’s poem of Paul Revere’s famous ride to warn of the coming British. In particular, the Redcoats were after John Hancock and Samuel Adams. Revere’s ride was primarily to warn them. He did so, finding them asleep at the home of Minister, Jonas Clarke, he informed them of the British intentions.

Along the way, he warned other colonists of the British advance. Before the evening was over, there were upwards of forty messengers sounding the alarm. This included William Dawes, who appeared at the Clarke parsonage repeating the same warning.

Revere and other messengers headed for Concord. The British were not easily evaded and three of them were detained. Two escaped, but Revere was interrogated by an officer who held and gun to his head and threatened his life. The next day he was able to escape and went on foot to help Hancock and his family escape.

There are some spiritual lessons for us in this great tale of courage. First, there is the concentration of an important task. This ride may not have seemed that significant to Paul Revere and the others. They may have thought that it was a job that needed to be done and they were willing hands. In retrospect, of course, what Revere, Dawes, Prescott and others did was risky and of great significance to the cause of freedom.

Second, mission is infectious. As the initial riders went through the countryside sounding the alarm of the approaching British, other patriots joined the cause and rode with the same warnings. It is too bad that Al Gore had not yet invented the internet or Bell the telephone. Either would have made things much quicker.

Third, there is the matter of seeing a task completed. Revere was captured, interrogated, intimidated, and escaped. Many of us would have found the quickest way home and gone. Our famous silversmith did the honorable thing. He went back to where he could best serve the cause and helped the people he came to warn.

Jesus lived out these lessons and impacted the believers of the eighteenth century. Jesus came with a job to do – the will of his Father (John 4:34). He intended that we all catch the vision he presented and share the message of both warning and good news (Matthew 28.18-20). He made sure that he completed the task that was set before him (John 19:30).

Paul Revere and the patriots of old are heroes. They risked life and property for the American cause. In doing so, they imitated some of the great qualities of the Son of God. Perhaps a reason that they did so was because they spent great amounts of time coming to know him.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

There is symbolism in the numbers used – 3, 7, 12, etc. There is symbolism in the feasts of Israel such as Passover; Shavuot (Pentecost); Trumpets; Tabernacles; Yom Kippur; etc. These feasts, in some way, point to the work of Jesus, some of which is yet to be fulfilled.

The Tabernacle (and later the Temple) also contains great symbols. I won’t describe all of them here. The Tabernacle was divided into a Holy Place (where only priests could go) and the Most Holy Place, where only the High Priest could go into the very presence of God. In the Most Holy Place there are numbers of symbols. The Ark of the Covenant contained the “Mercy Seat.” This was the “residence” of God.

What strikes me about this is that it is the MERCY seat. Pilate sat on the JUDGMENT seat (Matthew 27:19) and sentenced Jesus (and others) to death. God, in his MERCY, wants to give life.

Our picture of God, especially in the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible), is that he is angry and wanted to condemn the Hebrews (and us). We seem to think that he is lurking in the shadows, watching our every move so that he can pounce on us with, “Aha! Now I’ve got you!” Maybe you had a teacher like that in school, that through his insecurity he could not let you have a good grade. He had to find something wrong with your work so he would not have to give you an “A.” Not so with God.

He sat on the MERCY seat. THEIR view of God was that he was there to HELP them through his instructions/commands and his PRESENCE. While that was an awesome thing, it was a privilege for them. They did fear God in admiration and appreciation of his presence. It was not a burdensome to do his will. It was a privilege that they looked forward to because he is merciful, not vengeful (at least not until pushed to his limit – see Jeremiah).

Jesus has opened the way for us to personally go into the Most Holy Place of heaven today. We may daily come confidently into that place and make our offerings of prayer and worship to our God (see Hebrews 4.14-16). Here we remember that God wants to give us MERCY not JUDGMENT.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

In 2003, Popaditch’s unit helped topple the Saddam Hussein statue in Baghdad’s Firdos Square. He was awarded the Silver Star for combat action in Fallujah after he was hit in the head by a rocket-propelled grenade and blinded in one eye on April 7, 2004, during Operation Vigilant Resolve. The blast left him with only eight percent vision in his other eye. A proud Marine, Popaditch now sports a prosthetic eye emblazoned with the Marine Corps’ eagle, globe and anchor logo.

I have to say that I am impressed with America’s Patriots. Popaditch and others have put themselves in harm’s way for the cause of Freedom and the safety of America. Unlike the Vietnam days, Americans tend to appreciate these veterans and their sacrifices. Maybe we are realizing that the cost of Freedom is high for each generation.

It is too bad that so many of our politicians can’t see what Sgt. Popaditch can in spite of his vision impairments. He knows the value of America to the world. He knows that if America goes down the hope for freedom will be lost to countless peoples all over the world. America has to stay strong. America has to follow its Constitution. America has to resolve to be the people our Founders intended for us to be.

If you read the original writings of the Founders you will see a great emphasis on character. I personally do not believe that they intended for Americans to check their character at the door of the Capitol or the Oval Office and resort to deceptive behavior as our current Administration does.

John Jay, America’s first Supreme Court Chief Justice said, “Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.”

Patrick Henry stated, “Bad men cannot make good citizens. A vitiated state of morals, a corrupted public conscience are incompatible with freedom.”

Thomas Jefferson (yes, Thomas Jefferson) said, “The only foundation for useful education in a republic is to be laid in religion.”

The Founders knew that only GOOD PEOPLE can lead a GOOD NATION.

“Gunny Pop,” good luck in your quest for a Congressional seat. We need dedicated patriots to lead our country. Certainly the Marine Corps (pronounced as ‘core’ not ‘corpse’) emphasizes honor and integrity as they develop quality citizens.

Why leave it up just to “the Corps”? Isn’t this a call for ALL Americans? Shouldn’t we All develop integrity? Shouldn’t we all base our actions on a code that is higher and greater than we? Isn’t this where the word of God impacts our lives and our way of life (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

One person told me that she did not like Jews because they crucified Jesus, or at least initiated it. Another said that he did not like Jews because they still reject Jesus as the Messiah. These ideas set me to thinking about Jewish-Christian relationships.

Without getting too far into Christian atrocities toward the Jews, it seems interesting that Christians have little animosity toward the Italians. Pilate and his Roman Legions had a significant role to play in the death of Jesus. They were just as guilty as Jews in his crucifixion. In addition, there are hosts of Italians who do not believe in the Jesus of the New Testament.

A question comes to mind. Which of the Jews actually wanted Jesus to die? It was not his Jewish disciples – not the 12; not the 120. It was not the Essenes. It was not the Pharisees. It would not have been the Zealots. It was not the working class. The group primarily responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus was the Sadducees.

The Sadducees are noted for their disbelief of the resurrection and angels (they are “Sad, You See”). They did not believe in the Oral Law as did the Pharisees (and Jesus). They were primarily the Priests of the day headed by Annas and Caiaphas. They made a great deal of money trafficking in the religion of the Jews. This was done at the expense of the individual worshiper. Jesus was a threat to them and their financial gain (“It’s the Economy, Stupid!”)

Let’s go another step. Consider this. The priests had some significant duties according to the book of Leviticus. They tended the altar fire. They made the ritual sacrifices of animals. They determined the cleanness of animals and people. They determined leprosy and the healing of leprosy in individuals and mold in the homes. They had a great number of things to do, especially where the tabernacle and temple were concerned. At Passover and Day of Atonement, and daily, they made the animal sacrifices – the blood of the innocent for the cleansing of the guilty. These sacrifices foreshadowed to the death of Jesus as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).

Isn’t it fitting that the Sadducees (priests) would be responsible for the death of Jesus? They were the ones charged with making the sacrifices. They would be the ones to initiate Jesus’ once for all sacrifice (see John 11:49-53). These priests offered up the Lamb of God for the sake of the nation and the world (John 3:16).

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

General Eisenhower did some very good things in this regard. He had the camps and inmates photographed for posterity. He knew that people would deny it had ever happened if there was not photographic evidence as proof. He was right; people are denying it today. He also had his troops bring the nearby townspeople for a tour of the camps so they could see what they had allowed to happen by their passivity.

As I watched the movie’s reenactment of the Franks and others hiding in a relatively nice Amsterdam attic space, I wondered about some things. As Jews, they were required to wear a yellow Star of David on their clothes. You will recall of the Nazi’s contempt for Jews. This was due to a number of issues, but they and others became the “scapegoats” for everything that was wrong with Germany.

The Nazis told the public that the Jews were responsible for the death of Jesus and they wanted everyone to be aware of who was guilty of that atrocity. It is interesting to me that the Italians seem to have had a hand in the death of Jesus with Pilate’s sentencing and the soldiers carrying out the order. Italy was a part of the Axis (Germany, Italy, and Japan), so Hitler could not very well stir up his citizens against them. It had to be the Jews.

What would it be like if I was forced to wear a cross on all of my clothing? This would not be a designer look but something to make me stand out to pagans who did not like Christians. Maybe they would use some kind of excuse regarding the worship of the Earth or the worship of an ungodly President as their reason for turning their ire on Christians. What would I do?

What would I do if that persecution was to the death? Would I stand and take it, or deny my faith? Would I go into hiding and hope for the war to pass? If I went into hiding, could I withstand the daily rigors of the possibility of being caught?

Millions of Jews died during the holocaust simply because they were the descendants of Abraham. Many courageously faced their end with the words of the “Sh’ma” on their lips. “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. . .”

There are real persecutions going on in the world today. People are dying in Oriental and Arabic countries because of their belief in Jesus. What if it happened in the good old USA? “That could never happen!” you say? Why not? If it was to happen here, what would I do?

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Among other things, the Levites had been given an important task of keeping the Tabernacle’s and Temple’s fire going – always. In Leviticus 6:13, God told them, “The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.” They used this fire to burn the morning and evening sacrifices and all the ones in between. In addition, the priests would light the menorah with it and use its coals to burn the incense.

The altar fire was from the Lord. It was intended for HIS use. No other fire was to be used. If the priests brought in unauthorized fire, it was considered “strange fire.” Thus, when Nadab and Abihu brought in their strange fire, it was without God’s authorization.

To American Christians this may seem trivial. Fire is fire, right? What difference does it make where we get it? It all burns and does the required job.

While fire may be fire, God is not just a god. He is supreme and deserves respect and love. Who are we to trivialize ANY of his instructions? Who are we to replace anything he has revealed to us?

God teaches and tests us with his commands. His words carry symbolism as well as practical applications. If we violate one, we violate the other. If we omit a small one, we will likely omit larger ones. It is just a matter of time (Luke 16:10).

Let us keep his fire burning in our lives. That is the fire that comes from him and cannot be replaced by any worldly allure. It is a fire of passion (Jeremiah 20:9). It is a fire of love and respect (Matthew 22.34-40).

Keep The Fire Burning!

Perry Greene

One of the more mundane activities of the Levitical priests was the removal of the ashes of the sacrificial animals from the altar. I read that during the period of the second temple, priests would race to claim the privilege of ash removal. They must have been the younger priests!

What would make those men compete to dispose of these ashes outside of the city? It was a dirty job. It was a tedious job. It was not a sensational job, but it had to be done.

This was a small part of the worship of God. The upper echelon of priests, particularly the High Priest, would be a lot more glamorous to us. Can you imagine our most popular TV evangelists in a foot race to win the privilege of ash removal?

When we consider the instructions of God, we may be tempted to overlook the simple things. We may not want to have a hand in the “small” things God ordains. We may prefer the attention-getting activities over the “lesser” ones. Yet, God teaches that his “small” commands are not to be overlooked.

What would our churches be like if we developed an attitude of accentuating the small? What would it be like to have “competitions” to: fill communion trays; empty the trash; clean the fellowship hall; or teach Jr. High? This attitude has the power to transform a Christian community.

Jesus said, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much” (Luke 16:10). Too often we want the much before we master the little. If we can learn not to overlook the little, God will give us much in due season – “if we faint not.”

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Today I watched her interview with Larry King. She made what may appear to be a profound observation. Her intent was to make fun of people who believe God (Jesus) is interested in their awards; helps them win football games; or assists with three-pointers in basketball. Doesn’t He have more important things?

At first it seems foolish that the God of the universe would care whether or not I win an award or even excel in my craft. Aren’t people hungry? Aren’t there wars? Aren’t America’s own politicians stripping away our God-given freedoms and rights? Aren’t these bigger, more important issues than my petty awards?

Then I remembered the words of Jesus in Matthew 10:29-31 (ESV).

“²⁹Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.³⁰But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

How much does God care about me? He cares down to the minutest of details. That may or may not include awards or athletic heroics. It does include my well-being and my walk with him.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

When God directed the Hebrews to build the tabernacle, he gave them minute details. To a fat and sassy American Christian, this seems a little overdone. Why didn’t God just give them a general plan and let them use their creativity to accomplish it? Maybe at this stage in the history of the nation the people needed exacting details as to how to accomplish what God commanded.

In Exodus 39 and 40, the phrase, “just as the Lord commanded Moses” is used fourteen times. There are seven occurrences in each chapter. The first set of seven has to do with the manufacture of the tabernacle parts. The second set has to do with putting it together. In every detail, the people did exactly as God instructed.

How important is the “minutia”? I heard about two men discussing this very subject. One was frustrated at the commands of God that seem to be so trivial. The second man asked him what would happen if you missed even one dot or letter in an internet address. The answer, of course, is that you would not get to the site you wanted.

God’s ways are not ours. His thoughts are not ours (Isaiah 55:8). What may seem unimportant to me may be of critical importance to God. Why should I consider anything that God tells me of little importance?

God rewards us according to how we handle the little things in life. Jesus said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” (Luke 16:10). Why should God trust me with the big things if he can’t trust me with the small? Why should he expect me to be a great person of faith if I do not do even the little things he instructs me?

Keep The Light Burning!
Perry Greene

Notice that he says we are not to primarily seek earthly treasure but heavenly ones. We know that there is nothing we can do to “earn” salvation. It is a gift based on faith (Ephesians 2, et al). We also know that our earthly possessions are momentary at best (2 Peter 3:10). Jesus says that we can place lasting treasures in heaven. What an interesting possibility!

Jesus also told a rich young ruler, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Matthew 19:21). It seems there are ways that we can “provide for our eternal futures” now.

The scriptures show us numerous ways to do this. It is essentially walking in the ways of God (Deuteronomy 13:5). As he told the rich young ruler, we can care for the poor; we can visit the sick (Genesis 18:1); we can clothe the naked (Genesis 3:21); we can bury the dead (Deuteronomy 34:6); and others. It all boils down to what Jesus cited as the first and second great commandments – to love God completely and our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40).

With this in mind, where should we spend the bulk of our time and energies? I heard a speaker recently talk of the enormous amount of wasted time in front of what my dad used to call “the idiot box” (TV). Consider these statistics. We have generally sixteen waking hours per day. That totals 5840 hours per year. If we watch two hours of TV per night we will watch 730 hours per year. Now it gets ugly. Let’s divide our total TV hours by our waking hours (sixteen). We find that we are spending a conservative 45.6 waking hour days in front of the TV every year. It is likely that we watch more than two hours per day.

One of the great ways we can bless God, and according to Jewish thought to gain treasure in heaven, is by the study of his word. Let’s use the same formula for our Bible study. Fifteen minutes per day for 365 days divided by the sixteen waking hour days gives us a total of 5.7 waking hour days per year of study. We watch TV nearly NINE times more than reading our Bibles every year! Where would you guess your prayer life would fall in this scheme?

Which do you think will matter more in the long run? Will the breath-taking results of “The Bachelor” mean more to us than participating in the Lamb’s wedding? Will finding out the next “American Idol” be as important as practicing the Ten Commandments? Will watching this season’s “Survivor” matter more than surviving by the Beatitudes? Will watching the Super Bowl be more important practicing pure religion (James 1:27)?

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Do you see a problem with that form of measurement? What if your forearm is an inch longer than my forearm? That would mean our cubits were of differing sizes. We could not really cooperate in building because I could not cut the wood to the correct size for your measurements and vice versa. This would promote blatant individuality.

There is an interesting verse at the end of the book of Judges. It reads, “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21.25, ESV). Everyone in those days was essentially measuring his or her own life by his or her own cubit. There was no standard of right and wrong.

There actually was a standard of right and wrong. It was the word of God that had been given to the Hebrews at Mt. Sinai. The trouble with them (thankfully, not us – please note the intentional sarcasm) is that they neglected the standard.

Imagine for a moment modern builders tossing out their rulers and steel tapes. What kind of house would you have? I am sure it would look very odd if each of the men on the work crew took a hand in measuring. Things would not match up and your house would probably slant at best.

Thankfully as time passed, people became aware of the dilemma. Instead of leaving it up to every man to determine his own standard of measurement, a “builder’s cubit” was developed. This was much like our yardstick or ruler. It became the standard by which people built.

God has given us a standard to build our lives. It is the Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus Christ). His whole life is based on the Word of God. John, in fact, tells us that he is the word incarnate (John 1:14).

Notice Jesus’ standard of judgment for us:

⁷If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. ⁴⁸ The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. ⁴⁹For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak (John 12:47-49, ESV).

God requires standards for us to live by. He does not leave us on our own. Our standard is His one and only Son.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

There are similar stories throughout history where an individual of power is hidden as a “regular person.” The myth of the Linden Tree is one of these, where the gods, Zeus and Hermes pretend to be beggars and find only an older couple to be hospitable. This was the reason for the treatment of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14.

There is a legend that Solomon was temporarily deposed as King of Israel. During his time away from the throne, he was unknown to his subjects. He found some were generous and some were stingy. When he regained the throne, he rewarded accordingly.

Jesus describes a judgment scene in Matthew 25. He blesses some and curses others because of their actions toward Him. Both groups want to know when they had encountered Him. He responds that when they acted or failed to act in compassion to the least of His people, they did so to Him.

Jesus went “undercover” in coming into the world. Some encountered but did not recognize Him. The same is true today! Imagine, the God of the universe taking on flesh to live among us, yet we fail to see Him!

One thing is clear: How we act toward His people will determine how He acts toward us. Treat every person as though he is Royalty and see what comes.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

There is a plethora of information available to us (I love using “plethora”). As you may have noticed, some of the information on the “Web” is accurate. Some is not. Snopes.com has become a popular site for discerning minds. Often someone initiates an e-mail with information that seems to be true and then sends it out. Before long, it is forwarded to the masses. Then we find out it is false.

The Enemy of God is much like this. He tends to give us a lot of misinformation, especially about God. Some of that information seems true enough, but when we explore the scriptures we find out that he has lied to us.

He told our parents in the Garden that they would NOT die if they ate the forbidden fruit. They made a bad choice and died. That choice also has consequences to their descendants all these thousands of years later. We DO die.

The Enemy has given the impression that we won’t live. How many people have you heard of who do not believe in an afterlife of any kind? Communism has the worship of man and the denial of God at its very core. It is an atheistic philosophy that says there is nothing after we die. What does the Bible teach? What does the resurrection prove?

Those are just two examples of the Liar. They contradict each other. To those of us with a Western approach to life that seems illogical. However, the Satan is not interested in logic; he is interested in combating God. So, he spins whatever lie he can to deceive us; even when he contradicts what he just said.

The Bible is our “Snopes.” With the surfeit of misinformation about God being handed to us, it is imperative that we know the facts. Check the Book. Listen to what GOD says about God’s things. We can’t go wrong when HE is right.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

The man said, “Years have passed and no one talks much about it anymore, but I still hear that train whistle in my sleep. I can still hear them crying out for help. God, forgive us who called ourselves Christians yet did nothing to intervene. Now, so many years later, I see it happening all over again in America. The response is the same as it was in my country – silence.”

Dietrich Bonheoffer, a Pastor in WWII Germany said, “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil. God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”

Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that there is a time for everything. There is a time to shut up and a time to speak up. In this time of active national Socialism, American Christians are in a unique position to speak up for God and America. If we do not, we are guilty of taking the nation down.

The Hebrew Bible reminds us that silence is consent. A possible translation for Leviticus 19:16 is, “Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor.” God has expected his people to take a stand when necessary. The watchman of Ezekiel 33 would be guilty of the blood of his people if he failed to sound the alarm. His silence was consent to the enemy.

Martin Niemoller was attributed with saying, “First they came for the Communists, but I was not a Communist so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unionists, but I was neither, so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew so I did not speak out. And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me.”

Who will stand up for America if we don’t? Who will stand up for the gospel if we don’t? Who will sound the alarm if not us?

FDR was correct when he said, “Americans would rather die on their feet than live on their knees.” The only one to whom I want to bow the knee is to our God, the Giver of Liberty. Let us stand against those who would seek to take the blessings of God from our children.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Some ideas and questions occur to me as I think about using the oils. First, God made us from the dust of the earth. Wouldn’t he also provide things from the earth to heal and maintain our bodies? Could that be the reason for the Garden of Eden?

Second, man often interferes, replaces, or neglects God’s plans. When we do,  WE suffer. Pollutants, certain manufactured drugs, etc. often lead to trouble.

Moses told Israel that if they listened to and followed God, they would prosper (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). This principle applies to the physical body. It also applies to the spiritual realm that we are part of.

If we reject God’s plans for our health and well being (remember the food laws in Leviticus?), we will suffer for it. If we reject health guidelines (quarantine infectious disease like leprosy), suffer. If we reject his spiritual counsel, our spirits suffer.

God gives direction for our own good. We are to love (Matthew 22:37-40; Deuteronomy 6:4; Leviticus 19:18); have no other gods; be moral people; honor parents; avoid coveting, lying, stealing, and killing (Exodus 20:1-20). Not only do we honor God when we practice what he teaches, we “do ourselves a favor” in the long run.

It is true that we never regret doing the right things. Conversely we will regret the wrongs we do. God still gives us the basic choices – follow his ways or other ways. His ways are the right ways for many reasons (John 14:6)

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Did you know that the US Constitution does not authorize lifetime appointments for Federal Judges? According to Article III, Section 1 they are to” hold their offices during good behavior.” There are accounts of Judges who were impeached for being drunk or using profanity in their courts. These were not examples of good behavior for American citizens.

God does not separate conduct and character. They go hand in hand. Jesus reminds us that it is the heart of a man that makes him unclean, not the foods that go into him (Matthew 15:11).

This is why the “first and greatest commandment” is so important. We are to love God with all of our hearts, soul, and might (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Matthew 22:37). This is not only inward, it is outward.

As we enter this New Year and new decade, let us resolve to work out what is within (Philippians 2:12). Let us resolve to “shine like stars” (Philippians 2:15). Let us resolve to do this, not only through knowledge of the scriptures, but in displaying it in our lives as well.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

The sign’s words are translated to English as, “Work Makes Free.” This was a Nazi lie. It was intended to trick the Jews into thinking that if they just worked hard enough, they would gain their freedom. In the end, most of them perished.

This reminds me of one of Satan’s lies, “Work for Salvation.” He uses any number of ways to get us to believe that if we work hard enough, God will love us more. If we work hard enough, we gain eternal life.

Our God has always been a God of grace. He chose the Israelites and led them out of Egypt through the Sea to Sinai. He gave them the option as to whether or not they would follow Him. When they accepted His invitation, He gave them His conditions and instructions. Obeying God declares one’s love for Him. Thus, if the Hebrews kept the Ten Commandments, they showed their love and had a better life than the pagans who surrounded them.

The same message carries over to the followers of Jesus Christ. He said that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15). The apostle John reminds us that the love of God is keeping His commandments which are not burdensome (see 1 John 5:3). Obeying God is a joy, not a burden.

Why would someone steal the “Arbeit Macht Frei” sign? Maybe they will sell it on Ebay and make some money. Maybe they want the world to forget the atrocities to innocent people. Maybe the Enemy has yet another trick up his sleeve. Be sure you know God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

This is an annual event in which a variety of reenactors turns out. There are “Mountain Men,” Civil War types, Indians, Indian Wars soldiers, and even some Spanish American War soldiers. The community comes out to buy Christmas gifts in the shops and to see demonstrations from the various eras of American history.

This year, the weather surprised us with SNOW and FREEZING temperatures! (Listen closely and you’ll hear my teeth chattering — maybe this years event shoud have been called ‘Christmas at COLD Ft. Concho’). I could not help but think, as I huddled on my bunk in the barracks, of how intelligent and tough our American ancestors had been. They were able to brave the elements and the various hostiles to establish a country “from sea to shining sea.” They did it without the use of modern technology or comforts! I doubt a little cold weather slowed them down.

Then my thoughts turned to our ancestors in the faith. Our brothers and sister of old did a phenomenal thing. They took the gospel to their world in ONE generation! They did not have the communication devices we have. Nor did they did have our advanced transportation. How did they do it? Simply put, one person told another and another and another. Suddenly the gospel filled their world (2 Timothy 2:2; Philippians 1:13; Acts 17:6).

What would it take to get the gospel to our world? It is the same process now as then.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Deeply discouraged, Dr. Rush returned to the Continental Congress, sat down by his friend, Adams, and asked, “John, do you think we can win this war?” Adams’ reply was remarkable. He said, “Yes, if we fear God and repent of our sins.” He put the Revolution on a spiritual level, not merely a physical one.

Our Founders believed that they were establishing a Christian nation. They believed America would be like the “city set on a hill” that would point nations to God. They dedicated themselves to spiritual principles which are found in the pages of the Bible. As a result, we did win the War and America prospered.

You and I face all kinds of battles in our lives. Can we win? Certainly – If we fear God and repent of our sins! What we are engaged in goes beyond church programming. It goes beyond physical concerns. It rests in the spiritual.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Having said that, let me remind us of Jesus statement in John 8:32, “You shall know the TRUTH and the truth shall make you free.” One thing that jumps out at me about this statement is not only the need for truth, but that we must KNOW it. Truth is always there, but if we are unaware of it, it does little good.

Americans are waking up to the anti-American behavior of some of our political leaders. The truth has been there, we just did not see it. Now we do. Now we are acting.

The same is true about our God. He is always here. We may be unaware, but He is here. Once we “get it,” all manner of life changes because we learn His truths and HE frees us.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

The story in Matthew 8:23-27 is a prelude to the exorcism of the demoniac of the Gadarenes. Jesus has explained to the twelve that to follow this rabbi, they had to be committed to him 100%. He takes them on an offensive attack across the Sea of Galilee to a “far country” inhabited by evil.

Symbolically, as they cross the abyss of the Sea, they are assaulted by the “Prince of the Power of the Air” in the storm he sends against them. Jesus is able to instantaneously calm the sea and winds. In actuality, he simultaneously confronts and defeats Satan. He then goes ashore and cast out the legion of demons from the “demoniac.”

Life is filled with conflict. The disciples of Jesus have the “normal” conflicts and then a few more thrown in by the Enemy. He may use the storms of self-doubt or fears of inadequacy. It may be stresses at work or in the family. It may be our time constraints to get “everything” done. These “storms” come as an assault on those who have chosen to follow THE Rabbi.

There is only one place to go when those times come. It is to the one who has power over the one sending the trial. We boldly go to him and seek his aid. With his help, the storms dissipate and life grows calmer. In those times when instant calming does not occur, we have peace in the storm until the sun shines again, because we walk in the dust of THE Rabbi.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

PFC Amber Bahr is an American hero! During the shooting at Ft. Hood, Texas she managed to put a tourniquet on a wounded soldier. She then helped him and others to safety. After caring for some of the shooting victims, she discovered that she also had been shot.

Selfless spirit is one of the most commendable qualities we can see in an individual. This spirit has caused members of our military to act in heroic ways on the battlefield. The results of their actions have saved lives and brought Congressional Medals of Honor. Sometimes the heroes on the battlefield have made the ultimate sacrifice for their “battle buddies” and us.

In John 15:13, Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends.” He certainly laid down his life for his friends (i.e., his disciples). He went even further, Jesus laid down his life for his enemies. This is why he could pray, “Father, forgive them” for the Jews and the Romans as he hung on the cross.

Through Jesus, God went even further than those people who were literally killing his son. Hear Paul, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Before we get too high and mighty, we need to remember that WE are as guilty of crucifying Jesus as Pilate or Caiaphas.

PFC Bahr and others display the same kind of selfless spirit as Jesus. The willingness to put oneself in danger for the sake of others is admirable. Amber showed it at a Cavalry post; Jesus at Calvary.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

To have the abundant, fulfilled life in the present, we must follow Jesus completely. This is reflected in the “Shema” of the Hebrews (Deuteronomy 6.4-9) and repeated by Jesus as “the greatest commandment” (Matthew 22.36-40). We must love God with all of our beings. Every aspect – heart, soul, mind, and body must be under His control.

Jesus’ presence was for the purpose of bringing us into complete harmony with God. He came to give abundant/eternal life. That life is with the Father now and forever. In order to help us achieve this, Jesus healed. Sometimes He healed the body (Matthew 8.1-17). Sometimes He healed the spirit (Mark 5.1-20). Sometimes He healed the soul (Luke 7.36-50). Sometimes He healed the mind (Luke 24.13-35). He came to help us make the necessary corrections to our lives that would produce the abundant life that comes from God.

Jesus did not come merely to heal the bodies of the physically infirm; to raise the dead; or just to forgive sins. He came to give fulfillment (wholeness) to the lives of people. This comes through faithful obedience to the living God (Deuteronomy 4).

To have the abundant life, we must walk with God. This requires faithful obedience. It requires effort and discipline. What do we think about? What do we do with our lives? Do these things honor God or do they diminish His influence?

Keep The Light Burning!
Perry Greene

Today, unless you have a loved one who is or can be in harm’s way, we have little conception of what is going on in Afghanistan or Iraq. We go about our day to day business with little or no thought to our young men and women putting their lives on the line for us. We do not think much about the fact that politicians are even keeping these brave warriors from fighting to win.

Maybe if we felt the pinch of war as a nation we would pull together. Maybe we would demand victory instead of mediocrity. Maybe we would want a quick victory instead of a drawn out conflict.

What is true in the physical world is true in the spiritual, also. Paul reminds us that we have a great struggle as Christians. In fact, he puts it on the level of war. The big difference, however is that we fight against principles, powers, and the unseen (read Ephesians 6:12).

To many Christians, the life of following Jesus is like a shopping trip to the mall. We might start early in the day, window shop for a while, see what we like, buy what we want, and discard the rest. We may even spend a little time at the Food Court to keep our energy up. All the while the war is raging and we are so busy acting like consumers of religion that we inadvertently  become casualties.

Paul refers to Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25); Timothy (2 Timothy 2:1-4); and Archippus (Philemon 1:2) as “soldiers.” What a privilege to be in this Army! Have you enlisted? Have you gone to battle? Remember, we are fighting in a war that involves spiritual conflict. Get into the battle, your fellow citizens need you.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

A list of spiritual lessons can be learned from this event. A key one is that of the danger of coveting. God explicitly states that we are not to “covet” in Exodus 20:17. James shows us that coveting often leads to greater sins in James 4:2. Desiring to have something that belongs to another (Acts 20:33; Joshua 7:21) may not seem all that bad on the surface. The trouble is, it grows to inflict great damage to peoples’ lives.

The Heene family may have coveted the fame or fortune of others. As a result, they tried to shortcut their way to success. In this case deception was used. This deception also led to endangerment of lives as the balloon headed for the local airport’s airspace. The deception involved poor parental example and .

Perhaps someone will grant their wish and give them a television show of their own. Would you watch a “reality” show of people whose word you could not trust? That seems like it would take some of the reality away. Yet another negative impact of a covetous spirit.

Keep The Light Burning!
Perry Greene

 There are a number of ways that the gospel writers point out that Jesus is the Messiah. One of the early thoughts about Messiah was that he would have healing in his “wings” (corners) of his garment (Malachi 4:2). The woman with the blood issue touched his fringes and was healed (Matthew 9:21). He would be a descendant of Abraham (Genesis 12:3) and Matthew (1:2) declares the fulfillment.

Each of the gospels records the feeding of the 5000 as a declaration of Jesus as Messiah. How amazing it would be to have (in their minds) a Messiah who could feed an army by multiplying food! To have a Messiah who could raise dead soldiers from a battle! To have a Messiah who could heal wounds received in a fight! The Romans could not stand against Israel if that were the case.

Perhaps Mark, in his account of the 5000, also gives a subtle affirmation of who Jesus was in Mark 6:39. The text says that Jesus told the people to sit in groups on the GREEN grass. Why is Mark the only one to add the grass’ color? Was it for a little drama? Could it be a reminder of Psalm 23 where the Lord makes us lie down in GREEN pastures? Jews ate in a reclining position. Thus, they were lying down in a green pasture when Jesus, the Lord, provided this feast.

What do we gain by Bible study? Is it just knowledge or is there more? What do you feel in your soul when you recognize that Jesus lived out his life fulfilling the word of God? Does it make you want to follow him more closely?

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Years ago when the Star Trek series aired, Leonard Nimoy searched for something memorable for his character, Mr. Spock. The story goes that he went back to his Jewish background to find his unique contribution. If you have seen the shows, you know that he developed a blessing and a sign that all subsequent “Vulcans” have used.

Spock would say, “Live long and prosper.” As he said these words, he held up his hand with thumb extended and his fingers paired in a split. According to research, this was the way a Levitical priest blessed the people as in Numbers 6:22-27.

We read of blessings through the Bible. Isaac blessed Jacob; Jacob blessed Ephraim and Manasseh; and Jesus blessed his disciples. We know that this was a significant event of a father to son or a greater to a lesser. God (the greater) blessed Abraham (the lesser) in Genesis 12 and told him that he would “be a blessing.”

God has blessed us in Christ with all spiritual blessings! (See Ephesians 1:3-4). Those spiritual blessings are not meant to be hoarded, but shared. We have been blessed to bless.

Take time this week to bless someone. It may be a formal blessing, as a parent to a child. It may be an informal blessing of a cup of cold water in the name of Jesus. In whatever way it is, be a blessing and bless!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Let me ask, do you pray regularly for our leaders? Do you ask God to:

• Strengthen their hearts?
• Give them wisdom?
• Give them courage?
• Bless their families?
• Help them grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ?

If you pray regularly, no doubt you have prayed these and other prayers.

Now, let me ask you a harder question. Do you ever pray to be a better follower? The writer of Hebrews gives us this admonition: “Obey your leaders and act under their authority. They are watching over you, because they are responsible for your souls. Obey them so that they will do this work with joy, not sadness. It will not help you to make their work hard.” (13:17, NCV).

Examine yourself for a moment today. Are you making our leaders’ jobs easier or harder? Are you trying to keep your life free from sin? Are you willing to give them the benefit of the doubt in matters of judgment? OR, are you demanding, complaining, and spiteful?

Remember Abraham Lincoln’s words? “You can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.”

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

During WWII she worked in the Warsaw Ghetto as a plumbing/sewer specialist. She knew of the Nazis’ plans for the Jews so she worked to smuggle infants out in the large tool box she carried. She smuggled older children out in burlap sacks.

She trained a dog to sit in her truck and bark when the soldiers let her in or out of the ghetto. They wanted nothing to do with the dog. The barking covered the children’s noises. She smuggled about 2500 out. In time she was captured and beaten severely.

She kept a record of their names in a jar buried in her yard. After the war she tried to locate surviving parents to reunite families. Most had been executed. The children were placed in foster care or adopted by other families.

She lost the Nobel Prize to Al Gore’s slide show on Global Warming. Does that sound like injustice? God is just (Psalm 9:16). Do you think this is a misguided priority? God sets the proper order (Matthew 22:37-40). Does it sound like we forgot the danger of the Nazi Party, the terror of WWII, and our real heroes? The Lord remembers (Psalm 115:12).

Irena risked life and limb to save the helpless. Jesus gave His all to rescue us (Romans 5:8). Satan would like nothing more than for us to forget. We will not, we will tell THE story.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

When we get the right perspective on discipleship, we become like Jesus – our rabbi, teacher, and leader. He came to benefit others (see Matthew 20:28). This is our ultimate goal, too. We give up ourselves for others.

Hear Jesus:

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it (Matthew 10:39).

For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me (Matthew 25:35,36).

Paul, the apostle, learned this lesson, too. He once pursued the power position in the Jewish Sanhedrin and the prestige of the Pharisees. When he encountered Jesus, his life changed. Read his words in Philippians 2:3-4.

This is not an easy thing to do. Ego often interferes. One man complained, “I want to be considered as a servant, just don’t treat me as one.”

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Please share your response to one of the following:

• As a kid, what did you find difficult to confess to your parents?

• I can explain my life as an animal and that animal is a ___________

Study

Please read Nehemiah 8:18 – 9:5 and share your response to the following:

• Why do you think it is important to confess God’s greatness? What may happen if we don’t?
• Why do you think it is important to confess our own shortcomings? What may happen if we don’t?
• What is the significance of the 3 parts of their worship in this instance? (i.e., Instruction from the Word; Confession of God’s greatness; and confession of sin)
• What is significant to the setting of this account (return from Babylon)?

Apply

• Why do you think confession is so difficult for us?
• Why do we hesitate to praise God for victories in our lives?
• What things can we as a church do to make confessing sin (or praise) easier? How can this group help?
• How does it help you to recount “God’s story” with Israel in regard to confessing His greatness and your weakness?

Jesus was the ultimate example of the correct attitude. He came to serve God – period. Note his teaching on serving in Matthew 20:25-29. A key to following God is not to seek reward but God.

The night of his betrayal and arrest was action-packed. He met with his disciples and ate their final Passover meal. As the meal unfolded, Jesus demonstrated the power of God in the emblems that he would use regarding his death, burial, and resurrection.

During the supper, Jesus also took off his outer robe, put on the towel and washed the FEET of the disciples to demonstrate the right thing in serving one another. He washed the feet of his betrayer. He washed the feet of the one who would vocally deny him. He also washed the feet of the “disciple whom he loved.”

Jesus did not pick and choose. He did not decide to wash John’s feet and then omit Peter and Judas – or the others who fled for their lives. He served them all with no strings attached – either to them or to God. It is always right to do right things. We may not always receive a reward for it, but it is right to do right.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

When the men from the SUVCW met Mr. Cox, we eagerly listened to the stories he told of his father’s exploits. He had marched with Sherman. He had been captured and survived Andersonville!. After the War he brought his family to Oklahoma.

As I reflect on the encounter I think of the term, “Real Son.” Then I think of the privilege we have, not in being a real son or daughter of a Civil War soldier, but of the God of Heaven! Paul says that God treats us as sons (children). When you have time, read some of these key passages: Romans 8:12-17; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Galatians 6:23-29; Galatians 4:1-7; Ephesians 1:3-10; and 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11.

God has given us such a privilege to be his “REAL Sons and Daughters!” How does that impact us? The SUVCW heard Mr. Cox recount tales of his father and the Union Army with pride. Do we Christians tell with pride of our Father? Do we tell of the exploits of His Army?

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

On the road to Emmaus (Luke 24), Jesus displayed his reality to two disciples. He did so, first by using rabbinic questioning – “What things?” As they recounted the events around the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus interjected teachings from the Hebrew Bible regarding the Messiah. All the way through the Bible shows that the Messiah had to do as he had done.

While eating the meal with them, he suddenly and clearly reveals himself. They understood and gained a new insight into who he was. They gained a new insight into who they were.

It is critical that we walk with Jesus. It is more critical that we walk with him even when things do not make sense to us. Life is burdensome. It tends to discourage us. It tends to break our spirits. This is where Jesus steps in. It is in the arena of confusion and discouragement (two of the Enemy’s best tools) where Jesus creates harmony and understanding. Jesus makes sense out of life for us. This is the reason we stay connected to him through reading the bible and prayer.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

 When I was a kid I built model airplanes and ships. I put together the Japanese Zero, the German Stuka dive bomber, the British Spitfire, the American Mustang and others. I would hang the planes from the ceiling in my room and let them have have imaginary dogfights. At one point I even put together a biplane or two.

I discovered that I could put the models together without reading the instructions but they did not look like the picture on the box and I generally had parts left over. When I started following the instructions an amazing thing happened. The models looked like the picture on the box AND, I used all of the pieces.

We typically view the Bible as a “Rule Book.” It contains facts to be believed and commands to be obeyed — like it or not. Too often that translates into a harsh view of God.

What if we changed our perception just a little? What if we saw the Bible as an Instruction Manual instead of a “rule book” or even a “text book” of facts?

There are still facts and commands but the feeling is a little different. Our actions are different. Instead of a drudgery, Bible study becomes a joy. There are remedies for our problems! There is a God who cares deeply that we know Him!

Why do we view the Bible as a harsh set of rules? Perhaps it is because of translation options. We have the ten commandments and the law of Moses (and Christ). Those words could have been translated as “instructions.” By translating as “command” or “law,” we perceive God as a celestial policeman waiting to pounce on us for even the smallest infraction.

However, if we see the words of God as “instructions,” we have a different view of Him. He still has standards. He still is holy and just. However, he is the respected Coach, leading us on to victory. It changes how we perceive God and his will. It is no longer, “I have to obey God.” It becomes, “I get to obey God.”

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

It appears that the traffic lights are set up to stop traffic rather than have it flow safely. Stopping traffic is a good thing. If intersections were wide open, we would be in trouble. It reminds me of the story of the taxi driver in Mexico City. He would run red lights repeatedly. His passengers would scream in fear. He would assure them, “My brother does this all of the time.” Then he came to a green light and stopped. When the passengers asked why, he said, “My brother might be coming.”

Doesn’t there seem to be a better way? Why is it so hard to time the lights so that when you clear one intersection, you don’t have to stop one block later? If the lights were coordinated we would save time, gas, and those evil emissions.

You have been waiting for the application, so here goes. I know a lot of people who are like the “stop lights” and very few people who are like “traffic lights.” Most of us are set up to say, “No” or, “Stop.” Yet, Jesus wants us to “go.”

Jesus wants us to go in our spiritual lives to become who God made us. Sometimes there are “accidents” when we go, but it is never always safe. We have to go and try; then learn from our mistakes.

Jesus wants us to go in our relationship with others. We were not intended to live in isolation. So, we must develop proper people skills.

Jesus wants us to go in our relationship with God. How do you see God? We either see him as a permissive grandparent or as a tyrannical old man. While He has his limits, one of the most encouraging things about Him is that He is FOR US! He wants us to win and has done everything possible to secure that victory (see Romans 5:8; 8:31; John 3:16).

Jesus wants us to go with the good news. One of the reasons that Christians are not fulfilling the “Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-19; Mark 16:15) is because it does not feel like good news. It feels like we have come to yet another stop light.

Maybe we need to change our perception. Instead of following God JUST to cease sin, maybe we need to follow Him for the true life he offers. It is not easy, but it is the life of relational health, freedom from bondage, and fulfillment in service. God is not the “stop light” He is the “traffic light” to keep us going in His direction.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

“Now all has been heard;
       here is the conclusion of the matter:
       Fear God and keep his commandments,
       for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13

Whatever we do, wherever we go, we are to be obedient people. This is one of the key marks of God’s servants. It is essential that we make the right choices in harmony with Him. We must learn to resist the temptation to go our own way and do our own will. God knows best and his instructions give us the best possible lives. When we follow the course he has laid out for us, we are able to run the race and complete the task of sharing the good news that God is gracious.

Hear the apostle, “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace (Acts 20:24). His whole life and his whole person were wrapped up in being God’s man and fulfilling the purpose He had given him. Therefore, Paul was able to demonstrate that it was best (not easy) to follow Jesus and imitate His life.

What has the good news done for you? Of what can you testify? Has your relationship with God been better since you embraced it? Do you know more about who you are and why you are here?

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

P.S. This is my 200th post. Thanks for reading!

If I am seeking to live the life of a servant, I will want to follow the example of THE Servant, Jesus. He came to serve, not to be served (see Mark 10:45). He showed that servant spirit in everything from washing feet at the last supper to healing the sick to raising the dead to sacrificing his life on the cross.

I heard a statement the other day that has caused me to reevaluate myself. The speaker said, “I want to be a servant, I just don’t want to be treated like one.” I can certainly identify. I wear the title, “Minister” (or “servant”), yet often don’t want to get my hands “dirty” with work that is “beneath” my elevated position.

It must be that I am trying to be like the disciples instead of the Master. They argued over greatness. Do you remember what Jesus told them? He said that the greatest would be the servant of all (Matthew 20:25-28).

Here is a scary thought. Sometimes we take on the mantra of a “servant,” not to actually serve, but to gain recognition as a “great one.” The reality is that when we pursue spiritual things with impure motives (i.e., what’s in it for me?), we lose the very thing we try to gain. When we serve from a pure heart we gain everything. Do you think that has something to do with saving and losing our lives (Matthew 10:39)?

I want to encourage us today to be servants. Serve, not in title, not in what we can get out of it, just serve. God deserves it; Jesus is honored by it; and people are better for it.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

I am afraid that too often Christians get so caught up in wanting to go to heaven that we miss out on blessings – now. Jesus said that eternal life is knowing God and His Son (John 17:3). That is now as well as in heaven. John said that we have (present tense) eternal life (1 John 5:13).

Heaven is a reality for the followers of Jesus (John 14:6). However, we need not forget that God is present with us NOW. He wants to walk with us today as well as in heaven. If we are merely enduring life and waiting on heaven, we will fail to practice an active faith. We will miss out on the blessings God has provided in this world.

Jesus came to give us abundant life (John 10:10). Let’s really live. Let’s experience his life in our world – NOW. Don’t hold back!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

How much power can people in agreement have? The answer: the power of life and death. During the brutal reign of Joseph Stalin, who murdered thirty million Russians and bought godless communism to Russia, Stalin, let it be known that he planned to murder the Jews of Russia.

When the believers in England heard this report, they committed themselves to fasting and prayer for the Jews of Russia. Praying in the spirit, they found the Demonic forces that drove Joseph Stalin. Three weeks later, Joseph Stalin had a brain hemorrhage. Sixteen gifted brain surgeons worked on him for eight hours, and still Joseph Stalin stepped into eternity, on March 5, 1953, to meet the son of God, a Jewish rabbi from Bethlehem.

Pray! You can help change the world!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave. As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave. “Hah,” he thought, “What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor.” As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while.

“Lord, forgive me,” prayed the young man. “I had forgotten that in you a spider’s web is stronger than a brick wall.” We all face times of great challenge.

In times of difficulty or danger, we turn to God eagerly.

9.11.01

Origin of the USA

“In God we trust” on our money

Too often we turn away and go back to “business as usual.”

Psalm 20.7-9

Consider Two Lessons for Us:

I.                   A Lesson on Priorities

A.     God First

1.      Sacrifices to God before Battle (Psalm 20.1-6)

Pagans sacrificed to their gods

Faithful Hebrews sacrificed to YHWH and then went to battle

2.       [Polycarp — The bishop of Smyrna was brought before the Roman authorities and told to curse Christ and he would be released. He replied, “Eighty-six years have I served him, and he has done me no wrong: how then can I blaspheme my king who saved me?” The Roman officer replied, “Unless you change your mind, I will have you burnt.” But Polycarp said, “You threaten a fire that burns for an hour, and after a while is quenched; for you are ignorant of the judgment to come and of everlasting punishment reserved for the ungodly. Do what you wish.”

3. Paul – ¹¹ I was chosen to tell that Good News and to be an apostle and a teacher.¹² I am suffering now because I tell the Good News, but I am not ashamed, because I know Jesus, the One in whom I have believed. And I am sure he is able to protect what he has trusted me with until that day. 2 Timothy 1.11-12

4. Us? – Matthew 6:33; 22:37-39; Deuteronomy 6; Leviticus 19; Ecclesiastes 12:13

B.     People (Psalm 20.9)

1. Our King came for PEOPLE – John 3:16; Luke 19:10

2. He Created us in his likeness (Genesis 1:26)

II.                A Lesson on Purpose

A.     The King was to be God’s Representative to the People and the People’s Representative to God (Anointed)

a.      Jesus does that today – Messiah/King

b.      Does Battle for Us

B.     We Are to Be Light in the Dark Places  — God’s Representatives

1. Light of the World (Matthew 5:14-16)

2. Even in the darkness

[Idols – Asia 9′ idol with 38 arms to bring blessings from heavens to the worshipers;

[Animal and human sacrifices among the pagans – even today – jungles of Africa; deserts of Australia (when elderly die, youngest child is sacrificed)

[US has our own darkness – Fed Official – kill a child up to 2 years of age

[Individual areas of darkness

C.     Prodigal Son in Luke 15

1. Went to the Far Country (Decapolis/area with the Gerasenes or Gadarenes)

2. He went with a bad attitude and alone

3. God sent his son to the Far Country, too

a. Heaven to Earth

b. Galilee to Gadarenes (the demon named, “Legion”)

c. He came with the right attitude and accompanied with servants of God – angels at his birth and the 12

4. He came to do the will of God in saving the lost (Luke 19:10) and trusting God (Luke 22:42 – let this cup pas. . . “)

Victory comes for the people of God! Psalm 20:5; 9

On February 19, 1945, Marines landed on the beaches of Iwo Jima, fighting by inches to secure a beachhead. After four days of knock-down-drag-out battle, they finally cleared the southern end of the island, climbed Mount Suribachi, and planted a US flag. The commander wanted a larger presence on Suribachi to encourage the Marines still fighting at the northern end of the island, so he ordered a larger flag raised. It was the raising of that larger flag that Joe Rosenthal caught in a famous photograph honoring the good soldiers who were fighting for victory in the Pacific.

The American Founders believed that each generation should pay its own debts. What a novel idea! “Pay as you go” and “live within your means.” It is unethical and sinful to saddle someone else with our debts.  Their attitude reflected a Christian understanding of scripture and a respect for the Creator.

One of the major differences between Christianity and our political world is the willingness to sacrifice for others.  It is the “Greater love” of which Jesus spoke. Christians would rather suffer now so their children won’t have to suffer later. The ungodly prefer letting the next generation suffer so long as they don’t have to. Their motto is “No Pain, No Pain.”

The thing that those living away from God miss is that “payday” will come. Somebody is going to pay someday. It is just a matter of when (see Ecclesiastes 8:11).

The justice of God demanded payment for sin. Payday came at the cross. Jesus stepped up and made the payment for us. He suffered then so we would not have to suffer later.

What implications do you see for us?

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

• Militarily: The Brilliance of General Washington and the help he got from the French;
• Division in British Army (bickering), and
• Luck -”

Cornwallis chose Yorktown because it was good ground for battle and it was the only place where the James River was narrow enough that if he needed to retreat he could cross.  When he learned that Washington and his troops were coming up from the South, he sent for reinforcements from New York but they were late in coming.

When the battle began, Cornwallis was hammered and knew he needed to retreat.  He thought that during the night he would evacuate his troops across the James River.  The first wave got across then a fierce storm came up and the wind blew so hard that the boats could not get back across the river to rescue any more British troops.

Cornwallis had no recourse but to surrender.  The guide called it ‘Luck’ but George Washington a few days later called it the ‘providence of God.’

¹⁰The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
   he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
¹¹ The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
   the plans of his heart to all generations. Psalm 33.10-11

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

In a desperate attempt to escape, Washington gathered every available vessel, including row boats and began to row his 8000 troops to the mainland.  When morning came, however, there were still large numbers of troops dangerously exposed to the British.

Major Ben Talmage, Washington’s Chief of Intelligence wrote, “At the dawn of the next day, those of us who remained in the trenches became very anxious for our own safety.  At this time, a very dense fog began to rise out of the river and it seemed it seemed to settle in a peculiar manner over both encampments.  I recollect this peculiar providential occurrence perfectly well.  So dense was the atmosphere that I could scarcely discern a man at 6 yards’ distance.”

The fog was so dense that the British could not attack and General Washington was able to evacuate all of his troops.  Never again did the British have such a rare chance to destroy the Continental Army. What a “coincidence!”

Harry Truman probably made as many important decisions regarding our nation’s history as any of the other 42 Presidents.  However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.

Historians have written that the only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence, Missouri.   On top of that, his wife inherited  the house from her Mother.

When he retired from office in 1952, his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a  year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an ‘allowance’ and later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year.

After President  Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by  themselves.  There were no Secret Service agents following  them.

When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, ‘You don’t want me.  You want the office of the President, and that doesn’t belong to me.  It belongs to the American people and it’s not for sale.’

Even later, on May 6, 1971,  when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th  birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, ‘I don’t consider that I  have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise.’

He never owned his own home and as  President he paid for all of his own travel expenses and  food.

Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today,  many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale.

Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, ‘My choices early in life were either to
be a piano player in a whore  house or a politician.  And to tell the truth, there’s hardly any difference.’

I was not there. I do not know the content of his message. I am guessing that he used the Bible to show that homosexuality is a sin (1 Corinthians 6:9). That now constitutes “hate” in the minds of many homosexuals or sympathizers. It has become “politically incorrect” to oppose homosexuality in any form.

Wait a minute! Saying something is a sin does not mean hate. In fact, it means quite the opposite. God so loved the word that he sent his one and only son – to save it (John 3:16-17). In his ministry, Jesus did not hesitate to point out sin. He told the woman caught in adultery to “sin no more” (John 8:11). Did he hate her? No, he loved her. In fact, he loved her so much he told her to stop doing wrong.

Wait another minute! Do you find it interesting that no one speaks out for the adulterers? Who is standing up for the idolaters? Isn’t speaking out against those actions hateful, too? Most Christians would say the actions of Governor Mark Sanford (or President Bill Clinton) were sinful. That is politically correct, especially for his opponents so that one slides by.

I wonder what “hate speech” would look like in other eras. What would have been “politically incorrect” in the Colonies before the Revolution? One probably could not quote 1 Timothy 2.1-7 where Paul urges respect for the King. How about during the Civil War in the North? Ephesians 6:5-9 tells slaves to obey their masters – what would the Abolitionists have done to those preachers? In the South Romans 13:1-2 and submission to ruling powers would not have been popular. In World War II the Nazis would not like to have admitted that Christians are grafted into the same tree as Jews (Romans 11:11-24). Americans may have found it difficult to “love their enemies and pray for them” (Matthew 5:43-48). On and on we can go.

There is a dangerous trend brewing in America. While we certainly do not advocate hate, we need to be very tolerant with our privilege of Free Speech. We need to be very careful to allow people freedom to practice their religious beliefs. Speaking out against sin is far different than condemning a sinner. That is not our right or place (Matthew 7:1). We may recognize sin – and sinners (we only have to look in the mirror) but our mission is to teach, to love, to encourage, to help; not to condemn. You don’t hate me if you warn me about the dangers that lie ahead if I don’t change my course.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

During the first Gulf War, a member of the US Naval Intelligence told of going behind the Iraqi lines with British Commandos. They had the responsibility of destroying Iraqi communications so that our troops would have a better chance of success in the attack. One of the Commandos fell before enemy fire. The other Commandos did not stop to rescue him. As they ran by, they dropped him their extra ammunition.

Stopping to rescue the wounded man would have resulted in the probability that the team would not have accomplished their mission. If they had not accomplished their mission many Allied soldiers would have been killed, wounded or captured. Their lives depended on the Commandos doing their job. By giving the wounded man extra ammunition, they made it possible for him to fend off the enemy longer and ensure the success of the mission. He died fulfilling his duty.

We cannot (or should not) abandon every believer who is wounded in battle. We often have time to help and heal. BUT, the soldier is not more important than the battle. God may sacrifice any of us for the good of his army and those he seeks to save. We are soldiers, not civilians. We are at war in the most important battle of all.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

In the model prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), Jesus reminds us to pray for our daily needs. “Give us THIS DAY our DAILY bread,” he said. Just as the Hebrews in the wilderness received manna on a daily basis, God will provide for us as he did for them. He is not going to “trick” us with false promises and put a “rock” in our sack when we make our requests. He will give us what we need, when we need it.

While we think of our personal needs on a given day, we should also consider others. It may well be that someone with whom we have contact is praying for their daily needs. It may also be that God uses us to meet those needs. Maybe we can provide food, or comfort, or relief. Maybe we become the answer to their prayer. When Jesus sent the twelve out, he gave them power to help those in need. He said, “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). We have the same opportunity.

God promises to give us what we need. He promises not to deceive or mock us in his gifts. He treats us as he would be treated. He expects the same from us. Therefore, ask, receive, and do.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

During the French and Indian war at the Battle of the Monongahela, young Colonel Washington was engaged in a fierce skirmish with the Indians.  An easy target in his bold red coat, he crisscrossed the battlefield as a courier, carrying General Braddock’s orders to the troops.  The Indian warriors later acknowledged that they were targeting all officers–and particularly Washington–in the bright garb.  Yet Washington survived.   There were eighty-six British and American officers involved in the battle; sixty-three of them died.  Colonel Washington was the only officer on horseback who was not killed, and later, the Indians testified that they repeatedly shot at him, and were surprised that he never fell.  They believed he was protected by an invisible power and that no bullet, bayonet, arrow or tomahawk could harm him. 

Years later, the Indian chief sought Washington out in order to tell him what had happened in the battle.  The Chief said, “I am a chief and ruler over my tribes.  I have traveled a long and weary path that I might see the young warrior of the great battle.  [On that day] I called to my men and said, ‘Quick, let your aim be certain, and he dies.’  Our rifles were leveled, rifles which, but for you, knew not how to miss–’twas all in vain, a power mightier far than we, shielded you. I am come to pay homage to the man who is the particular favorite of Heaven, and who can never die in battle.”  

Washington himself later wrote to his brother John, “By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me!”