Crossing the Road to be a Friend

Poet Samuel Foss wrote, “Let me live by the side of the road and be a friend to man” (“The House by the Side of the Road”). That’s what I want to be—a friend of people.  ODB

Weary Travelers –

The Battered and Wronged –

Those with a Wounded and Disillusioned Heart –

Above is a list (May 16, 2017 on ODB) of people who suffer.  The list could be longer and include other problems.  Who could declare freedom from the burden of suffering whether caused by a personal lack of responsibility or someone else’s heartless interference.

Perhaps it would be better to cease the discussion of who suffers or the causes of suffering.   Samuel Foss may have said it best and the Biblical illustration of the Good Samaritian pictures it best Luke 10:25-37.  The Bible says all who were on the same road with the injured man passed by without helping.  Who did Samuel Foss want to be a friend to?  Weary people, battered and wronged people and people with wounded and disillusioned hearts.”

The Bible encourages someone to “stand in the gap.” Nehemiah 4:7  Summarizing:  Each person needs to see others in need and “cross the road” or “be willing to help.” To be more like Jesus our heart must be like His.  If our heart agrees with His then whoever lies beside the road, whatever the reason they be there or what time or resources it takes to help them we “MUST” do the “RIGHT THING!” Be a friend of people!

Integrity Wins Battles

What does the Bible say about integrity? 

So I’m asking that you give me the hill country which the Lord promised me. You will remember that as spies we found the Anakim living there in great, walled cities, but if the Lord is with me I shall drive them out of the land. (Joshua 14:12 , tlb)

The Bible says Caleb and Joshua gave a good report whereas the majority gave a negative report not to enter the land God had pledged.  Forty-five years later he would receive his land.  God was and still is honored.  The people were challenged and saw miracles.  Amazing how God keeping His Word affects the person or persons immediately involved but also those around the work of God also.

“Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful. ” Samuel Johnson

Five characteristics outline Caleb’s life and please remember anyone could be as faithful as Caleb and find a beautiful Christian life.  Before we go further let us examine five characteristics in Caleb’s life.

1.  Right Start – Starting is important but starting right is most important.

2.  Resisted the majority – he believed God.

3.  God promised land and forty-five years later He would deliver.   (Numbers 14:24 ; Deuteronomy 1:34-36 ).

The integrity with which he had boldly contradicted the cowardly advice of the ten spies years before was as strong as ever. Although his inherited land still had giants, Caleb knew the Lord would help him conquer them.

Like Caleb, we must be faithful to God, not only at the start of our walk with him, but through our entire lives. We must never allow ourself to rest on our past accomplishments or reputations.

4.  His faith was seen in:  His Words – “Surely if the Lord is with me.”

5.  His faith was seen in His Works – “If the Lord is with me I will drive them out of the land.”  I will drive them out just as the Lord has said.  His faith of forty-five years had not wavered nor weakened.

Caleb wanted to make his pledge but may have not known all he would face. However, he would face them anyway and simply believe God.  A man of integrity can do nothing else.  Once a child of God has pledged he can not turn to the right or left.

“There is no such thing as a minor lapse of integrity.”  Tom Peters

Finish your course and never turn back.  Your destination has been assigned, you may not know all you would like to know but it has been and is still settled. If your INTEGRITY is as it should be there will be no recourse.

GET GOING FOR GOD!  The Giants may be bigger than us but my friend THEY ARE NOT BIGGER THAN GOD!!!!!!

“Encouragement Through Faithfulness”

 

Sunrise scene

I personally know of no one but occasionally they need encouragement! Members of all denominations need to encourage each other.  In the marketplace, in neighborhoods, on school grounds nationally and internationally.

In the latter days of his life Joshua wanted to encourage his nation.  He knew their weaknesses and their need of encouragement.  He called the people together and gave commands to help where the people were most likely to slip.  Joshua had been faithful and of course God was faithful.  Therefore, Joshua was an illustration of faithfulness and God had never failed His Chosen Nation.  The Nation would be able to see and gain encouragement through faithfulness.

His first command:  Follow the Word of God.  Specifically Joshua commanded them to follow ALL the Book of the Law of Moses “without turning aside!” The first key to encouragement is following ALL (not part, not the easiest and not the popular) but all the Word of God. Oh, if only all pulpits in America were to be faithful to all the Word and not “shirk” responsibilities America could be great again.

Secondly, Do not associate with the Godless nations around them nor worship their pagan gods.  Years ago I received a very powerful statement as how to live in the world yet not become “like those” of the world.  That advice is found in Joshua 24:14.  Paraphrased and stated simply:  We are to live in the World and make every effort to reach our world but do not become and live like the world in direct opposition and disobedience to the instruction in God’s Word!

REMEMBER:  Faithfulness is an encouraging aspect to life!!!!

Thrird, The author influenced  by the Holy Spirit  warns the people to not enter into marriage with the surrounding (none Jewish) people.

Today the New Testament scripture would warn not to enter into a marriage, referred to as an”unequal yoke.” This scripture refers to and warns against one person (saved) and another (unsaved) marrying.  2 Corinthians 6:14  Most certainly a number of things need to be mentioned about  “unequal yokes.” For instance, does this speak only of the saved and unsaved?  Is it referring to marital relationships only?  I personally believe it is good advice to follow in other “unions” also.  We could see the pros and cons of unequal yokes in the workplace (partnerships), friendships and some social endeavors. Lets look briefly (without being critical, being biased  or asserting a negative view of any other peoples of all cultures and beliefs.

Since part of our desire in creating and hopefully improving this site on a daily basis is not to discourage but encourage its readers.  This includes presenting truth and trusting that truth and those who read it to change hearts and thusly and prayerfully see change that brings help soon enough to encourage our children and grandchildren to walk uprightly.

I will continue to add thoughts and instructions related to Encouragement in the near future.  You will find as the page is being built posts that are meant to share the Gospel and produce materials for Christian Growth.  Feel free to share any and all material you find helpful with your family and friends.