That ONE

Now many of you out there in cyberspace probably have granddaughters, but you must hear about . . . well, it probably wouldn’t be proper to say she is number one, but there is one thing that is certain–she is far ahead of the granddaughter that is in second place, at least in this grandpa’s heart! She’s the one that sits on the parson’s lap, looks him right in the eyes, and speaks those heart-melting words, “I love you, Grandpa.” And smart? You bet! At four she can say her ABC’s perfectly and can count to 100 with only, that’s right, with only one mistake. And Bible knowledge. Even at three she could tell the story of “Daniel and the Giant.” Now don’t fault her for that one little error; she was only 500 years off with her Bible characters. Oh, well, at four she can tell the story of “Daniel in the Lion’s Den,” detail by detail. And science, this you won’t believe. This beautiful, bright little lady was intently watching her older brother dissect a fish for his biology class–now what do you think about that? Her profound exclamation was, “I can’t wait until you ‘sacrifice’ a frog and a worm!” Now how is that for mixing Bible knowledge with scientific data?

If you’ve been around children exposed to the Word of God as part of their regular diet, you have a few stories to tell yourself. But oh, how sad when they can sing the TV jingles, pop, and country western songs from their junk food diet and cannot sing “Jesus Loves Me” or “Every Day with Jesus.” And how tragic when their heroes are entertainers and sports figures, and they don’t even know the major characters of the Bible. This is why we have parents who themselves know very little about Adam and Eve, Moses, the Apostle Paul, . . . . Even many of those who were sent to Sunday School and know the “basics” have never heard that “Jesus paid it all” and that through HIM alone they can be saved from the bondage of sin, be forgiven, be made a son of God, and have eternal life.

But God! But our God is still rich in mercy, reaching down to those blinded by the wicked one. The gospel is still “the power of God unto salvation.” No doubt the degeneration and disintegration of the very foundation upon which our fair land was established has created a generational ignorance of the Word of God, but it has not changed the power of the Word of God. Oh, yes, the materialistic attitude that has permeated our culture has created a coldness toward the Word of God, but its truth still stands as the only means whereby men might be made free from the power of sin. Truly, the love of many has “waxed cold,” but the inner cry of the human soul for peace with God is loud and clear.


The big question? Who will go and "tell this people"? That one you direct to Christ can reverse the generational descent for one family. The best way to deal with juvenile delinquency is to deal with parental delinquency. The blood of Jesus still changes lives and families!


You remember the old gentleman who was observed by a young man walking on the sea shore. There he was, picking up stranded starfish one by one and throwing them back into the water. With his superb wisdom the young man said, "Old man, what are you doing?" "Why, I’m saving the life of these starfish," he replied, as he picked up another one. The young man skeptically asked, "Does it really make a difference? The beach is full of them." It’s obvious that the old man’s wisdom superceded the young fellow’s as he sailed one more starfish into the water and said, "It made a difference to that one!"
Hmmmm, seems like it’s written somewhere, "the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God."
You can make a difference!


TODAY? PERHAPS!!!


The Parson
(John 9:4)

CHRIST I KNOW

“For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”
But
Nostradamus “I know not.”

Christ Jesus, God in the flesh, not only died for our sins but rose again the third day and is now seated on the right hand of the Father in Heaven interceding for old sinners like this parson. Sinners saved by grace!

Nostradamus is dead (1503-1566).

In answer to Eric M.:

Since all Scripture is inspired and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (II Timothy 3:16), and the Apostle Paul “declared . . . all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) and exhorted Timothy to “preach the word” (II Timothy 3:2), and one fourth of “the word” is prophecy, it only seems logical that this old parson should preach prophecy, “for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” By the grace of God, that he will do until that grand and glorious shout, “Come up hither.”
And
For all those who have been saved by grace through faith in Christ and His blood shed on the cross of Calvary, this parson will see you then.
But
For those who refuse the free gift of eternal salvation in Christ, there shall be “great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world, to this time, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21).
And
Believe this parson, you don’t want to be there! For a description of those seven terrible years, just read the last book of the Bible, the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

TODAY? PERHAPS!!!

The Parson
(II Timothy 4:8)

“Thief in the Night”

As an affirmation that the Lord will come “as a thief in the night,” the parson invites your attention to II Peter 3:10. God says that He will come “as a thief in the night.” My friends, this isn’t “stuff” but the verbally inspired, unadulterated, plenary, immutable, infallible, indestructible Word of the Holy, Sovereign, Omnipotent, Omniscient Creator God of the universe–“the God in whose hand thy breath is” (Daniel 5:23).

Excitingly enough, the Saviour will come as a “thief in the night” at both His “appearing” (the rapture)(I Thessalonians 5:1-2) and seven years later when He comes to earth to reign as King for 1,000 years (II Peter 3:10, Revelation 19:11ff). Between the two comings will be the 7years called the “great tribulation” (Matthew 24:21). This period is understood to be seven years by the prophetical 70th week prophesied by Daniel (Daniel 9:27). The anti-christ will make a covenant with Israel for seven years. In the middle of this “week” (3 ½ years) he will break this covenant. Jesus referred to this passage when instructing Israel to flee at that time (Matthew 24:16-21). Note: There are numerous references to the last 3 ½ years of this 7-year-period:
· Revelation 13:5 (42 months - 3 ½ years)
· Revelation 12:6 (1260 days - 3 ½ years) - This is understood by using the
prophetical year of 360 days.
· Revelation 12:14 (time - 1 year; times - 2 years; half a time - ½ year; - 3 ½ years)
For an indepth study of Daniel’s 70th week, see Things To Come by
D. Pentecost, page 239.

Oh, one more important issue. The parson will not be setting clocks waiting for Christ to come. As a matter of fact, he will lose all track of time singing a new song of praise to the Lamb of God Who has “redeemed us to God by (His) own blood” (Revelation 5:9). Then seven years after those glorious words, “Come up hither,” this old parson will mount a white horse (Can you even imagine that?), Heaven will open, and all the saints of God (including the parson) will follow the Saviour on white horses as He descends, defeats all His enemies, claims His Kingdom, and reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords (Jude 14, Revelation 19:11-16). What a Glooooooooorious time that will be!!!

TODAY? PERHAPS!

The Parson
(Revelation 22:20)

Numero Nueve!

Times are truly exciting for those of us who are anticipating the appearing of our Great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ! As the song writer exhorts: “Keep your eyes upon the eastern sky, lift up your heads, redemption draweth nigh.”

“Wars and rumors of wars” was the quote introducing an article in a recent NewsWeek magazine. A question comes to this parson–Why is the world so interested in a nation whose geographical domain is almost invisible in view of the land inhabited by its surrounding counterparts? (Like a postage stamp on a football field) The world as a whole denies the God of the Bible, but deep down they wonder if the Bible might be true after all.

Even the Arabs, many years ago, secured the Eastern gate to the temple mount by filling it in with stone; and they have even buried their dead outside that gate. You might ask, “Why?” Jan, our tour guide, told us they blocked the gate so Jesus could not get in, and they placed the cemetery between the gate and the Mount of Olives knowing that He wouldn’t defile Himself by going through the dead. Strange, since they don’t believe that He is the God-man, the King of kings. Strange that they think He might just enter that gate.

Look out, ye enemies of the Lord’s chosen. The King IS coming! You are living on borrowed land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and one day–it could be as soon as 7 years from now–the King will come; every knee shall bow, confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord. Then, and then only, will there be peace on earth and good will to men. Jesus will rule with a rod of iron and make implements of war into instruments of agriculture. And Israel? They will occupy some 1500 square miles promised them, from the River of Egypt to the Euphrates.

On August 17, 2006, less than a week following the “cease fire,” a massive influx of Jewish immigrants landed in Tel Aviv. This was the largest number in any one given day in Jewish history. Three plane loads from the U. S., Canada, and England. One elderly man was asked if they were celebrating the victory in Lebanon. Without hesitation he replied that they were celebrating victory over Hitler, Egypt, Medo-Persia, Babylon, and all Israel’s enemies. Victory? Not yet, but one day soon!

The world shudders, fears, and wonders while the blood-bought children of God excitedly watch and wait with great anticipation. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

TODAY? PERHAPS!!!

The Excited Parson.

Tea Time

Little did the parson know that back in the old country, Arkansas that is, the “oltimers” have tea times. There must be British blood there. However, this thing has spread like wildfire. The second morning of the parson’s visit, Big Brother said, “Tea time is at 8:37–Here, you’ll need this cap.” One thing became obvious; the tea was to be served in the sun.

Now in the garage, in its own special little place, was a little car that one must assume was a “tea car,” because this was the mode of transportation to this event. No air conditioning! Two perfectly good automobiles not ten feet away, but one must understand that the mode of travel has to harmonize with the purpose for which you travel. You wouldn’t believe it; this little rig ran without gas, thus you didn’t hear “putt, putt, putt,” but “whirrrrrr.”

Weaving in and out of trees on a narrow blacktop street, it became evident that other little tea cars said “putt, putt, putt.” Significant? Of course. Mind you, no speed limits were being broken; and certainly, there were no wheelies–just a smooth ride down to the “driving range,” which one must assume to be the place where beginner drivers practice. Oh, maybe the parson would have the grand opportunity to drive that cool little rig. Big Brother said some of the guys would be going to the “putting greens.” Now everything began to gel in the old head. Those guys driving the tea cars that said, “putt, putt, putt” must practice down the street on the smaller track. Now that makes sense–less gas per lap.

Then came the tea time. The timing was perfect. Like a well oiled machine, at approximately 8:34 a.m. there was a line of eight tea cars on their way to the tea place. Much to the surprise of the old parson, there were no tables and no tea. One thing had been properly deducted however; it was in the sun!

It was at this location that the learning process took a very unexpected twist. After choosing teams, the first guy went up on top of this small mound with a little white ball and what he called a “club.” After placing that little ball on top of a little stick . . . called a “tee” . . . It was then that things began to come together. Wow, were these guys “teed” off! It’s strange; before they mounted that little grass hill, they seemed pretty calm; but when they clubbed those balls . . . I guess they were holding all of their frustration in until “tea” time, which at that point changed to “tee” time. Obviously, a permissible and acceptable time to express that one is “teed” off. (You know this to be the case because every ball but one landed on the “fairway.”)

Then the “tea” cars became “tee” cars, as four “putt, putt, putted” and “whirrrred” ahead of the other guys. Each guy drove off the blacktop and searched till he found his ball. It took one guy longer to locate his. (It was the same guy who had said that he “sliced” the ball. However, no cuts were visible.) His ball went into the “rough.” One would assume it was hiding there because of the intensity of the clubbing. This guy must have exceeded the ethical limit, seeing his ball did not come to a stop off the “fairway.”

Over and over again this process was repeated until all the balls rested on what was called the “green”–that is, all the balls but the fortunate ones that sank softly out of view in the lake. But even then, another ball would be brought in as a substitute. By the way, some of the balls–as a matter of fact, a lot of them–had a soft landing in the sandbox. (Not being rude or crude, but can you even imagine a parent who would build his child a sandbox around all those teed off guys?)

Back on the green. An astounding thing took place when all four of these guys stepped onto “the green.” (You may be wondering where the other four “clubbers” went. They actually were pretty close behind the first four, just “clubbing” away. That accounts for the abbreviated stops by the first team . . . Out . . . Club . . . In . . . Step on the gas (or volts).

The calm, cool spirit on that green was unbelievable. Every guy gently tapped the ball into a little hole called a “cup.” (It must have been a “tee” cup.) Some of the guys were so gentle that it took them several taps to get their ball into the cup. It seems those who were the most gentle made a “bogie” (haven’t figured that one out), and some of them hit a “birdie” (poor thing–but all of them seemed to have made a safe escape). Oh, yes, sometimes one of the guys would make “par.” (Webster: 1. “the established value of the money of one country in terms of the money of another.) That figured since these guys have British blood in them and it would seem that they probably received some sort of remuneration for their gentleness.

Well, you won’t believe it; the next step of this eventful day was begun on another little hill with all of the guys being teed off again. That isn’t all, this procedure continued for another seventeen times–teed off . . . calm . . . teed off . . . calm . . . ! Now the great thing about this scenario was that eventually all eight tee cars made their way to the “club house.” Now, the name seems to imply another negative, but it really was to the contrary. Everyone left their clubs and were the best of friends. One must deduct that these oldtimers were never really teed off at each other at all. My, what 2 ½ hours of being teed off . . . calm . . . teed off . . . calm . . . did to these guys–mature gentlemen. All names are withheld to protect the next of kin, well, except the parson and his brother, and he was the one who started the whole thing when he said, “‘Tea’ time is at 8:37.”

In all seriousness, if you had been riding “shotgun” in one of those eight rigs, you would have observed what this parson did. What a privilege. These brothers in the Lord:
Ø Took their game of golf seriously with real commitment and yet demonstrated the utmost kindness to one another.
Ø Are well equipped to fulfill their task to the very best of their ability (and they know when and how to use each piece of equipment.
Ø Were always pressing toward their goal; they wanted to win!
Ø Were not discouraged with a game not “up to par” but were always determined to do better the next 18.
Ø Came together in the best of spirits and left with the same.
Ø Accepted and loved a “foreigner” from Texas who was totally ignorant of their pursuit.

Wow, what a reminder. We, as servants of the Lord, are in great competition–not with each other, but with our adversary, the devil. We must take seriously the challenge before us and be “stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” (I Cor. 15:58) As the apostle, we must continue to forget “those things which are behind” and reach forth “unto those things which are before,” always but always pressing toward “the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13-14) We simply cannot get bogged down in defeat. Let us be properly equipped through the blessed Word of God and keep our eyes on our Saviour. Is not the “goal” of our life to bring glory to Him? Should not our focus be on the end of our pilgrimage (life’s race, I Cor. 9:24) when the Saviour will say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”? Oh, the spirit that will be gendered as we allow Christ, Who dwells within us, to be a blessing to those who are about us. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Phil. 2:15)

TODAY? PERHAPS!

The Parson

The Old Country

Well, you probably thought the parson died. Don’t ever believe that, because blood-bought children of God never die; they just get transferred to their long home. Now that’s a promise of God!

At least part of the time away from the “blog spot” the parson spent in “the old country.” It has really changed quite a bit. You hardly ever see the stereotype that characterized the place for so many years of her history. You know, the old barefooted man sitting in a rocking chair, smoking a corncob pipe and whittling. But in all seriousness, there were many God-fearing people in those days. They sat around the fireplace as a family in the evening, read the family Bible, and shared their hearts together. Now, those were the “good old days.” We all enjoy turning the water on in the house, electric lights, and so many other modern-day conveniences; but wasn’t it good when people were not too encumbered with making a living to actually know their neighbors? As a matter of fact, they helped each other build their houses; and if the barn burned down, everyone converged to build it back. And the widows and orphans–folks then had a heart for those so unfortunate. They certainly didn’t have to apply for food stamps. Do you think there was some correlation between the fireside family meetings and the hearts of those folks? Do you reckon they might have read something about neighbors, orphans, and widows from their blessed old KJV Bibles? Now those were the “good old days.”

We have come a looooong way from those days. Technology has replaced simplicity; selfishness has replaced congeniality and sensitivity. We can’t go back, nor should we want to go back. We are here for just such a time as this. Our day provides so many tools that can be used to bring honor and glory to the Savior. Let us use them; but let us never forget others and their needs, especially their need for Christ. He went about doing good, seeking sinners to save, and He always had time for the individual in need–even the outcasts. Remember Bartimaeus? What about Zacchaeus? And the Syro-phenician woman? What about you? We were all outcasts, but He loved us; and He does love us. Remember, He “loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” (The verbs teach us that He continues to love us but washed us from our sins once and for all. Now, that’s goooood!)

Next time: Tea time in the old country.

TODAY? PERHAPS!!!

# 6

Eeeeeeeeeee Ka Boooooooom! The experience is hilarious for all except the one behind the steering wheel with his hand on the starter. Oh, yes, the smoke that pours out from under the hood somewhat darkens the driver from the outside world. Surely his automobile will never be the same! But in reality, all the commotion originates from a device resembling a fire cracker approximately 5/8 of an inch in diameter and 6 inches long. One of the two wires extended from this little red stick of gun powder is to be attached to a spark plug and the other grounded to the car. When the starter is engaged . . . You have it.

Well, the guy played in the high school band. He also played in other ways that were not always appropriate. In this case, the band director’s car was the recipient. Oh, yes, the guy should have learned his lesson when the sister of the bride caught him installing one of these “attention getters” on the get-away car. She really didn’t appreciate some guy with his head under the hood of her nearly new ‘57 Chevy. The lesson? Are you ready? She beat the stuffings out of him! First time he had ever been mastered by a slapping woman with white gloves.

Back to the band director’s car. The concert was to be played for one of the district schools, and there were just a few minutes before the band was to assemble on the gym floor. Just enough time to . . . How was he to know that the band director was looking out the window watching the procedure as he and his accomplices meticulously took care of their pre-concert task? The band was in place, the gymnasium packed with the students, teachers, staff, and probably the janitors. But wait, who were these late arrivals? Why would uniformed police be walking out on the gym floor, directly toward the band, no less? (Mind you, there were no armed guards in schools back then.) How embarrassing! From under the hood to the gym to the squad car to the high school office to the principal to the house for a 3-day suspension. Think of it; those three guys had their privacy invaded by a snooping band director with no sense of humor; and besides all that, they were deprived of a much anticipated concert. Just think, all that would never have happened if there had been an ACLU back then.

You haven’t seen the moral to this story? It’s found in Eccl. 3:1-8: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” Wrong place, wrong time. It is debatable about the wedding (that is, to everyone but that kid-beating woman), but the concert was a different story. The simple truth. These guys represented their high school as does a child of God represent the Lord Jesus Christ. Ambassadors are we, representing the King of kings and Lord of lords. Although a few things should be left in childhood, there is a time to laugh and play; but there is a time when the laughing and playing should cease. Let us ever remember Who we represent, for He is worthy of all glory, honor and praise.

Why, oh why, cannot this parson forget “that” snooping band master? Lord, may we never forget that the Sovereign Heavenly Master is always watching, seeking our worship and our fellowship.

TODAY? PERHAPS!!!

The Parson