by Terry Laughlin | Nov 19, 2017 | Christian Living Truth's
Dictionary dot com has this definition for Litmus Test, “a crucial and revealing test in which there is one factor.” Meghan McCain wrote, “The Democrats seem to have mastered inclusiveness – whereas Republicans, like a country club, seem to require a litmus test.” Inclusiveness means “including everything concerned.” God’s Word requires Christians to do a litmus test. The Bible says, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.” (2 Corinthians 13:5-6).
One key truth to examining yourself is checking your love for God’s correction, direction and protection. Jesus, the person Christians proclaim to serve said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) The Bible says Jesus is the Word of God made flesh. (John 1:14) “Word” (λόγος logos) meaning divine revelation and declaration. (The Complete Word Study of the New Testament) If you love Jesus Christ and are surrendered to His Holy Spirit’s leading, there will be a hunger and thirst for the written Word so you may know God’s will for you. Christians who are hungry for God’s Word have more noble character than those who are not wanting or willing to do the hard work of study of God’s Word. (Acts 17:11) The Apostle Paul told Timothy “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteous [living].” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Kohl’s Kicking Camps have determined, the kicking specialist who goes the farthest in the place kicking field, are kickers who do the hard work of reading about and studying the place kicking game in football. Kohl’s Training Camps are seen by ESPN as being the best in finding place kicking specialist for college and the NFL. The individual who makes the time to search out and learn what he needs to know so he can do what is right – has noble character.
According to the Bible, Christians are called to be specialist in handling, teaching and living out the whole counsel of God’s Word. (2 Timothy 2:15) The Bible says the person who lives out the written Word of God will be blessed. (James 1:25) The fact is, a person’s love for the Lord grows as he or she reads the Bible. Christians, allow the Holy Spirit of Christ to bring illumination of the Bible and seek His enablement to live out what is revealed to them through the written Word.
To many churches today have become club houses, they gather together miss-appropriating the verse, “meeting together” (Hebrews 10:25) Their church gatherings have become social meetings, talking about themselves, their community events or political views. There is little desire to examine themselves to God’s Word, which says Christians are to “guard their [heart when they go the house of God]. [They] are to draw near to listen” (Ecclesiastes 5:1) to men or woman who possess the Christ appointed gifts for the unifying the Body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:12) True Christians leaders possessing one of the five gifts from Jesus Christ speak spiritual “words” (ta rhemata ) for your spiritual health. The heart of true spiritual leaders reflect the prayer of the Apostle Paul which, “is your perfection [in God’s sight].” (2 Corinthians 13:9)
What is your litmus test to determining if your are a true Christian? Does it line up with the whole counsel of God’s Word?
by Terry Laughlin | Nov 19, 2017 | Christian Living
A Question That Exposes Your Relationship With Christ
A vehicle owner who is inexperience dealing with vehicle tires can be talked into paying top price for tires, not realizing they have purchased a low grade tire. Many vehicle owners think, “Hey, a tire is a tire, right?” They purchase tires expecting to get high mileage and top performance. It is not long the ever changing condition of driving breaks down the tire treads, thus the vehicle owner finds him or herself back in the tire shop purchasing new tires or worse yet unexpectedly setting along the road with a flat tire. In their frustration, they cannot understand, it was ignorance about tires that put them were they are now. You see in purchasing tires – there are different treads, and stronger tire plies, such as four ply, six ply or eight ply and even ten ply tires. Asking a tire specialist is always the high road to take before you purchase tires.
Many believers in God find themselves walking in and out of church shops, if you will, frustrated, because they are inexperienced in the things of God. To them, “Hey, a church is a church, right? Religion is religion, right?” They simply lack what it takes to determine the difference between believing from a world’s view and true belief in the things of the Lord.
I would propose to you there are ten clear differences from someone who claims to be a believer in God and someone who is a Christian. Someone can claim to believe in something, yet never live in a way that indicates they believe what they say they believe in. I spent thirty-two plus years in the farrier trade, the horse shoeing business. I can tell you there are people who claim to love horses, but the do very little to learn about, take care of or make plans to be involved in true horsemanship. You and I can claim we want to do such and such, but when we do very little to learn about, nurture or participate in what we said we would like to do. The results are not living on the high road God wants us to travel on.
Just what are ten clear differences between someone who says they are a believer and someone who expresses true saving faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord? James, the half-brother of Jesus writes, “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even demons believe that – and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?” (James 2:18-20) The answers to James’ challenge begins with:
Worldly Believing vs. True Belief
There is a difference between someone who says they believe and someone who follows Jesus commands. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will obey my commands.” (John 14:15) He also said, “If you keep My commands, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” There are two key words we must grasp here. 1.) True belief and 2.) Abide.
Believe (πιστεύω pisteúō): Meaning to have faith in, causing you to seek the Lord, have hope in – along with an expectation that God is able and will do as He says He will. (Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.)
Abide (μένω ménō): Meaning to remain, dwell in or live in the life Christ lived before God, His father. Means you are in the same heart, mind and will as Jesus Christ. (Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.)
Dictionary.com teaches us to believe is to have such a “confidence in something or someone it causes us to act purposely” Dictionary.com gives another definition: “to suppose or assume or understand.” The practical application is: Christians seek the Lord’s direction, they trust in His sustaining empowerment and they long to enjoy God’s pleasure as they abide in His will for them. Times Square Church felt led of the Lord to purchase a house for women who came out of the life style of prostitution. They wanted to not just tell women it was a sin, but make a practical way for them to come out, be provide for and have a hope for their future. Time Square Church sought the Lord for a way to provide a safe house for these woman and their children along with getting an education for them as well. There are people who understand there is a God, they assume that He is in some kind of control and suppose that someone will do something. However, they do not participate in God’s work nor walk in His will for them.
Life application: Are you a believer with a worldly view point or an obedient Christian like Jesus was to His Father?
Church Attendance vs. Christ-like Participation
Another difference from a believer and a Christian is church attendance verses Christ-like participation. The Bible says, “Now about the gifts of the Spirit, I do not want you to be uniformed. …Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12) Believers in God may very well be in church services every Sunday. Obedient Christians will seek to know their Holy Spirit gifts, they will exercise those gifts through sacrificial love for the good of all they may come in contact with for the glory of God and Jesus Christ His Son. The preachers and teachers of Jesus day were perfect at church attendance. They were so reliable in church attendance, they missed the most important Christian service ever, the death of the Savior of the world on Mt. Calvary.
Life Application: Is our church attendance like that of the religious dead of Jesus’ time or are we exercising Holy Spirit gifts like, encouragement, giving, leading music, teaching God’s Word. The Bible teaches there are at least twenty-one gifts we are to be exercising. The Lord knows our hearts.
Your Response To God’s Word
Another difference from a believer with a worldly influence and a Christian is their heart attitude toward the written or spoken Word of God. When I became a Christian – I had my mother-in-law get me a Bible to read, Bonnie (my wife who passed away) put book markers on the pages so I could find the books of the Bible. I thought – I could look up the passages of Scripture the preacher was teaching on and read it during the church service. In my worldly view, I thought that was the way it is done right?
On October 19, 1987 I receive a hunger and thirst for God’s Word. I had never read anything from the Bible, nor heard any real teaching from it until after I became a Christian. Christians at the very least will have this heart attitude, the Bible is God’s Word and they will have some sort of a reverent respect for the written Word.
This is why: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He [Jesus] was with God in the beginning.” (John 1:1-2) “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) The “Word” (λόγος logos) meaning Divine revelation and declaration. Jesus encompassed all who God is and is the revelation of how we are live for God. The Apostle Paul wrote to Titus and to us as well, “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that [we] can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” (Titus 1:9)
Practical Application: The Word of God does not need some illustration or some kind of flamboyant story. The living Word stands on it own, Christians who grasp the life of Christ has the same heart of Psalmist who wrote these powerful truths, “Blessed are those who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep His statues and seek Him with all their heart.” (Psalm 119:1-2) How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your Word. I will seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to You, Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statues as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your Word” (Psalm 119: 9-16)
Approach To Prayer
Another difference between a believer with worldly influence and a Christian is their attitude in approaching God in prayer. The Bible records the life of a man named Cornelius, he was a “devout man who… prayed continually to God.” (Acts 10:2) Christians are called to “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of this world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive very thought to make it obedient to Christ.” ( 2 Corinthians 10:4-5) Corrie Ten Boom asked, “Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?” The most disciplined people are Christians who stay focused on surrendered prayer. They pray like Christ did, “Not my will but yours be done.” People who believe in God give Him His marching orders, Christians seek the Lord in prayer for their marching orders. Nothing wrong with taking God at His word, let us not use His Word to try to manipulate Him.
The Handling of God’s Word
Another difference between a believer and a Christian is there handling and response to the written Word. Simon Peter warns us to watch out for those who distort Scripture to their own destruction. (2 Peter 3:16) Christians want to know what God’s Word says as it is written within the context it was written in. Peter says people who will twist the Scriptures are ignorant and unstable – meaning they lack Holy Spirit enlightenment and illumination. They may have teaching from the best Bible schools in the world, they just rely upon their own ability to study. This is why there are false teaching in the world today. It is hard to believe that there are denominations who are embracing people in ministry who embrace lifestyles that break the heart of God. The Bible warns us, there will be people who will surround themselves with teachers who will tell them what their itching ears want to hear. (2 Timothy 4:3) Peter tells us, “…There were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They secretly introduce destructive heresies… There is a popular TV series that uses Scripture to promote the lifestyle of having more than one wife. Christians claim the teachings of Jesus, “’Haven’t you read,’ he replied, ‘that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (Matthew 19:4)
Willingness to Suffer for Christ
Another difference between a believer and a Christian is their willingness to suffer for the cause of Christ. The Bible says, “…Those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” (1 Peter 4:19) “Rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the suffering of Christ, so you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of God rest on you.” (1 Peter 4: 13-14)
In an article written by Megan Briggs, titled, Canadian Clergy to Franklin Graham: we read, “The Billy Graham Evangelical Association’s (BGEA) Festival of Hope… in Vancouver, Canada. On the docket is a gospel message to be given by Franklin Graham. Last week, clergy representing 60 percent of the 1 million Christians in the progressive city asked Graham not to come to his own event. On Friday, February 24, 2017, the leaders issued a public letter expressing their concerns over Graham headlining the event. The reason: Evangelical, Catholic and mainline Protestant leaders were already compiling their concerns when the mayor of Vancouver, Gregor Robertson, approached them in February to discuss the security threat Graham represented. According to the letter released by the clergy, Robertson and the Vancouver Police Department perceived Graham’s appearance as potentially inciting violence. In their letter, the clergy articulate the thrust of their concern over Graham’s appearance at the Festival in this way: ‘Our concern is that the contentious and confrontational political and social rhetoric that Mr. Graham has used has the potential to overshadow the message of Jesus and incite hostility in our highly charged social climate.’ And, more pointedly: ‘Regrettably, Franklin Graham’s public comments appear to compromise Jesus’ mission of love and justice for all.”’
Life Application: If we think that this is only a problem in Canada, we need to get on face-book and share God’s view on the issues Americans face today. I am afraid we will see our friends list drop – we will find ourselves blocked by many.
Ownership vs. Biblical Stewardship
Another difference between believers with an worldly influence and Christians is their view on the things they own. Whenever you hear of someone saying “my this” or “my that” you hear the reflection of someone who has no clue about God’s ownership of everything. The worldly view that we own it is proven wrong at the moment people physically die. If it was theirs they would have taken it with them, not leaving it here for someone else to have stewardship over it for a season of their lives. In Acts 17:24 we read that “God made the world and everything in it.” The Psalm of David says, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Christian stewardship entails the responsibility of investing whatever time, talents and possessions God has given them for the purpose for His glory, governed by the fact they will give a full accounting. (AMG Bible Illustrations. (2000). Chattanooga: AMG Publishers) Christians know that their finance are gift from Him, on which there will be an accounting. Christians know that every living creature they have charge over belongs to the Lord, of which there will be an accounting. They know their Spiritual gifts, talents, skills and open door of opportunities are given by His hands, of which they will give an accounting. For example your pets or livestock. Ownership gives you the idea that it is yours, what you do with them is your business, the consequences of your actions will have no effect on you. However, when you approach the tending of God’s creatures and livestock as belonging to Him, you know there will be a day He will demand an accounting and there will be eternal consequences, curses or blessing will be handed out governed by His control. A Biblical view puts a different perspective on things.
Life Application: There will be a day of judgment. The Bibles says, “just as it is appointed to man to die once and after that comes judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27) Do you approach everything you have as being given to you by God? Thus there will be a day of accounting, even the very words you speak, there will be the day of accountability and judgment.
Faithfulness Under the Pressure of Culture
Another difference between a believer and a Christian is their faithfulness to God under the conflict of the pressure of culture. The Bible teaches about three faithful men of God, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were men who would not serve the gods of Nebuchadnezzar nor would they bow and worship his image. When they were called to give an account, their response is worth taking to heart, “…we have no need to answer you in this matter. Our God is able to deliver us out of your burning fiery furnace and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.” (Daniel 3: 17) Which God did – and God did it in such a way that King Nebuchadnezzar saw His deliverance. Listen to the king’s words, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent His angel and rescued His servants. They trusted in Him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.” (Daniel 3: 28) Remember Daniel, he refused the government decree of not praying to His God, he went and prayed openly for all to see. Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den and God rescued him from the mouths of the lions. (Daniel 6) Remember Steven, the New Testament deacon who defied the culture of His day and publicly preached Christ, of which he stoned to death for. The Bible says, “Steven was full of the Holy Spirit, he looked to heaven and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”
Life Application: Sadly there are modern day ministries who have fallen to the pressure of the culture around them. They have chosen to not to speak against certain sins so they can continue to do ministry in certain countries. Do we have the courage of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Daniel and Steven? Will we be seen as a ministry that calls sin, sin and proclaim God’s righteousness as the way we should live by?
The Way You Bear Witness for Christ
Another deference between a believer and a Christian is the way they bear witness of their faith in Christ. Listen carefully to the Great Commission, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, – Please take note of this last part of the commission, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 18-20) Many will speak of their church building, the times of their church services and even the pastor of their church. It is those who speak about the Christ who died for them, the Christ who can deliver sinners from bondage and equip the saints for sacrificial service, they are the ones who are enabled to see their calling for the Lord through to a healthy completion.
Saul, before he became the Apostle Paul, was very committed to the Jewish religion. Saul under the authority of the Sanhedrin persecuted the church of Christ. Once he repented, received Christ and his commission, his focus was not on planting a religious church governed by dead religion, but the church for Jesus Christ filled with people exercising Holy Spirit gifts. His focus was on teaching the truths that Jesus taught, a life walking in step with the Holy Spirit of Christ and a church of which Jesus is changing people for His Fathers glory. A young man sold out for the work God was asked, “Do you love people?” His answer, “I love people so much, I do not want to stay the same, but changed for the Lord’s glory.” Our call is not church membership, but disciples of Christ. A disciple of Christ is a person in whom Christ indwells through the Holy Spirit of Christ.
Knowing About vs. Knowing Christ
Lastly, there is a difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus. The Apostle Paul’s prayer, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.” (Ephesians 1: 17) “I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:16-19)
To know (ginṓskō) the Son, means to strive to live the life Christ lived before God, His Father. Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers. In 1 John we read, “We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands. Whoever says, ‘I know Him,’ but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys His Word, love for God is truly made complete in them. …Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did” (1 John 2:3-6)
Over the many years of working as a master farrier in the Arabian Horse business, I shod horses for Wayne Newton, Meadow Lark Lemon and Kenny Rogers. I knew of them, but I did not know them. I watched a great supper bowl game this year, I know about the quarter-backs, but I did not know them. My wife knows me! She knows when something is not right, when I am upset, depressed, or when I am happy, confident and Biblically Holy Spirit driven. When I am upset, she patiently pries until she gets it out of me. When I am hurting, she does whatever it takes to comfort me. When the Lord is leading me she can just sense it, because she knows me, she asked “I can I do to help?” Pennie knows what upsets me and how I am going to respond in certain situations. I give her full permission to correct me.
Life Application: Do you know when Christ is upset with you? Do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt if is He is going to bless or chastise you for what you have done? Do you make it a point to be aware the presence of His Holy Spirit, surrendering to His will for you? Have you given Him permission to correct you? Are you hungry for the Lord’s presence, guidance, and enablement?
In closing: People who are inexperience in the things of the Lord may think, “Hey, religion is religion, right?” The Bible says we should examine [ourselves] to see whether [we] are in the faith, test [ourselves]. Do we live like Jesus Christ is in [us]? Unless indeed [we] fail to meet the test.” (2 Corinthians 13:5) To be able to say that we past the test enables us to walk in faith that God will never leave us nor forsake us. He will be with us always and we need not continue to listen to the lies of the devil, whose desire is to destroy our faith in Christ. Testing our spiritual hearts with the truths found in this message enables us to drive on the high road God wants us on, riding on good quality tires, spiritual truths to live by in this world’s traffic system.
by Terry Laughlin | Nov 19, 2017 | Obedience to God's Call
Isn’t That A Whale of A Tale
There are many who have called the book of Jonah, nothing but a “Big Fish Story.” Others have said that is just a “Whale of a Tale!” Meaning that the Book of Jonah is no more than a fairy tale, causing many, to miss the truths God wants them to grasp. This folklore myth approach to understanding the Book of Jonah has cause many to distrust the whole concept, there is a God in heaven who can do all things for His purpose and He is the Lord who is “gracious and compassionate… slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” (Jonah 4:2; Exodus 34:6)
Now reason with me, what is the first thing that comes to your mind when someone begins to tell you about his fishing trip – especially, if it was a really good fishing trip. What comes to your mind when someone does a teaching and he begins with this statement, “Let me tell you a fairy tale, a parable or allegory if you will?” All Satan has to do is draw question about the truths in Book of Jonah, just a little, so people can miss out on the foundational truths of God’s redemptive love for those who are bound by the world view they live in.
I would propose to you there are truths in the Book of Jonah that are worth fishing for. Truths that the whole world needs to hear. Truths that should make us faithful to the call God has on our lives.
Just what does God, the original author of the Bible, have for you and me as we live in a world that is influenced and controlled by a philosophy that breaks His heart every day? What is to be our attitude as we live among a people who live a life we know is wrong, which is leading most astray and bringing our nation under the chastisements of God?
What Swallowed Jonah / Point People to God and Jesus Christ
Let us begin with that passage of Scripture that causes people to question the historical authenticity on how God dealt with His disobedient prophet. The Bible says, in the Book of Jonah, “Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights.” When people state a reason for not believing the Bible this passage of Scripture is often brought up. However, Jesus did not see the story of Jonah as being a fairy tale, a parable, or as folklore. When teaching about His death and the length of time His body was going to be in the ground, He referred back to it in saying, “For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish…” (Matthew 12:40)
Jesus takes it seriously we should to. And Christians do not need to be arguing over rather Jonah was swallowed by a fish or whale. This is why, the Hebrew word for fish (דָּג dāg̱) here is a general term and not a particular species. Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament) (electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) The creek word for fish (κῆτος kḗtos) as used by Jesus can refer to any large fish or sea creature, sea monster or whale – this particular word is a common parlance for any kind of aquatic creature. (Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers; Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) (electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.; Newman, B. M., Jr. (1993). A Concise Greek-English dictionary of the New Testament. (p. 100). Stuttgart, Germany: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft; United Bible Societies.; Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 47). New York: United Bible Societies.; Thomas, R. L. (1998). New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek dictionaries : updated edition. Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc.) The conclusion to be drawn from the linguistic data that is available for us, “Both the Hebrew and Greek languages lack the precision to identify with a specific identity of the sea creature that swallowed Jonah.” Lewis writes, “According to the Hebrew “dahg” and the Creek “ketos” words for fish – it was an undefined species.”
One of the arguments made by the world opinion is – the different translations of Bibles give different descriptions of the sea creature that swallowed up Jonah. It is a weak argument causing many to miss the Biblical truth – God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing… that moves about in it, according to their kind.” (Genesis 1:21) People disputing over which Bible translations has the best description is a waste of time and fuels an unbelieving fire that brings doubt on the authenticity of the Bible.
We are called to the highest standard that goes beyond arguing whale, fish, or sea monster to pointing people to the God of heaven and earth who created it and everything in it. (Hebrews 11:3) We are to point people to Jesus Christ who “upholds the universe by the word of His power.” (Hebrews 1:3)
The focus should be on “the Lord provided..” Provided (מְנָא menā) is best translated as “appointed” in the ESV Bible, used four times in the Book of Jonah, always pointing to the Lord’s power to accomplish His will. (Smith, B. K., & Page, F. S. (1995). Amos, Obadiah, Jonah (Vol. 19B, p. 239). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.) We should also point out – the sea creature was an instrument of God’s grace, instead of God letting the sea swallow up disobedient Jonah and take his life – God saves him.
Why God Had to Send A Sea Creature
The Bible says, “Jonah ran away from the Lord… boarded [the ship] and sailed…” away from the place were he was to proclaim God’s message to the Ninevites.
While at sea, on the journey to Tarshish, a great wind and violent storm arose. The Bible says, “all the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god…”
Now Jonah, “had gone down below deck… and fell into a deep sleep. The captain went to [Jonah] and said, ‘How can you sleep. Get up and call on your god! Maybe, he will take notice of us so that we will not perish.'”
“Then the sailors said, ‘Let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.’ …the lot fell on Jonah. So they asked him, ‘Tell us, what have you done…’ He answered, ‘I am a Hebrew, and worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.'”
The Bible says, “This terrified them… they knew that he was running form the Lord, because he had already told them.”
The Bible says the sea got even rougher, the sailors asked Jonah, what should we do? Jonah says, “…throw me into the sea. The Bible says the men did their best to row back to land, “but could not.” …they cried out to the Lord – ‘Please, Lord, do not hold us accountable for killing…'” Jonah.
The Bible says as soon as they threw Jonah overboard, the raging sea grew calm. “At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they …made vows to Him.” (Jonah 1)
Jonah’s honesty led men who prayed to other gods – to make vows to the One True God. Let the Holy Spirit awaken your heart – Can you find and teach the spiritual truths in the fish tale story in the Book of Jonah?
Nineveh One Wicked Town
The opening verse in the Book of Jonah, “The word of the Lord came to Jonah…” (Jonah 1:1 ) The message, “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” (Jonah 1:2) “…forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” (Jonah 3:4)
While all sin is offensive to God, in some instances a nations sin becomes so wicked, the Lord calls a localized judgment – like Sodom and Gomorrah. Archaeology confirms the Biblical witness to the wickedness of the Assyrians. They were well known in the ancient world for brutality and cruelty. Ashurbanipal, the grandson of Sennacherib, was accustomed to tearing off the lips and hands of his victims. Tiglath-Pileser flayed victims alive and made great piles of their skulls. Jonah’s reluctance to travel to Nineveh may have been due to its infamous violence. (Smith, B. K., & Page, F. S. (1995). Amos, Obadiah, Jonah (Vol. 19B, pp. 225–226). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.) The natural man in him wanted justice – not repentance and forgiveness for the Ninevites. (Jonah 4:2)
Let me tell you more about the people in Nineveh: The people were relentless and persistent in their sins, just like some people in America. Their king acknowledged that the people were “evil” and characterized by “violence.” (Jonah 3:8) The people were “carefree” (Zephaniah 2:15) thinking themselves as invincible. The prophet Nahum wrote about their several crimes. (Nahum 3:1, 4, 16) The Ninevites also worship Ishtar, a goddess of love and war. Two aspects of the character of Ishtar were prominent: eroticism and belligerence. She is taunted a being a faithless lover. (Achtemeier, P. J., Harper & Row and Society of Biblical Literature. (1985). In Harper’s Bible dictionary (1st ed., p. 433). San Francisco: Harper & Row.) This goddess of love and war was worshiped with explicit sexual activity. (Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1997). The Nelson Study Bible: New King James Version (Je 44:18). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.)
The name Nineveh struck terror into the hearts of all those living in western Asia in this period. The Assyrian records bear testimony against them. This writing from the annals of Ashur-nasirpal ll says:
“I stormed the mountain peaks and took them. In the midst of the mighty mountains I slaughtered them; with their blood I dyed the mountain red like wool. With the rest of them I darkened the gullies and precipices of the mountains. I carried off their spoil and their possessions. The heads of their warriors I cut off, and I formed them into a pillar over against their city; their young men and their maidens I burned in the fire!… I built a pillar over against the city gates, and I flayed all the chief men who had revolted, and I covered the pillar with their skins; some I walled up within the pillar, some I impaled upon the pillar on stakes, and others I bound to stakes round about the pillar.” – (Smith, J. E. (1994). The Minor Prophets (Jon 1:1–3). Joplin, MO: College Press.)
Let the Holy Spirit do the work of a modern day prophet. Could it be the worship of Ishtar is going on today? Sexuality being use to sell, attract, and draw people in the business world. According to Wikipedia Pornography is a 100 million dollar a year business, soft porn is acceptable.
Could the mindset of the Ninevites be on the heart of many in America? In 2011 the Center for Disease Control 730,322 abortions were reported. When people feel they have been mistreated in some way. The news is filled with violence in the streets. If we can not get our way, lets just get violent!
The question is – What ship has the modern day prophets (Ephesians 4:11-12) gotten on, running from the Lord’s call? – the Lord wants everyone to come to repentance! Jesus said, “…repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed to all nations.” (Luke 24:27)
The Prophet Nahum was sent to talk to the Ninevites, He starts his message with, “God is serious business. He won’t be trifled with. He avenges His foes. He stands against His enemies, fierce and raging. But God doesn’t lose His temper. He’s powerful, but it’s a patient power. Still, no one gets by with anything. Sooner or later, everyone pays. Tornadoes and hurricanes are the wake of His passage. Storm clouds are the dust He shakes off His feet.” (Nahum 1:2-3; Peterson E. H. 2005 The Message: the Bible in contemporary language Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress)
The great news – real men of God are not running from there callings, Baltimore Raven’s Benjamin Watson said, “Obama can’t save us. Mrs. Clinton can’t save us. Mr. Trump can’t save us. The only one who can change the heart of man is the Lord.” Benjamin went on to say, “America can only move forward with a nationwide change of heart. God tells us He alone can do that “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit with in you.” (Ezekiel 36:26) Franklin Graham asked, “Join me in praying for hearts to change across this country as people turn to God for help and put their faith in God’s [one and only] Son, Jesus Christ.”
A Modern Day Message to America
Once we stop arguing over the species of the sea creature that swallowed up Joan, learn to point people to God and Christ, take an honest look at the present state of the Unite States of America, we then can take God’s message to America. That message, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, …The Lord looks down from heaven, He sees all the children of man. …He looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth… The king is not saved by His great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His steadfast love, that He may deliver their soul from death…” (Psalm 33:12 – 18) America is not blessed because of her own efforts, God has blessed this nation.
When Jonah’s warning reached the King of Nineveh, the king issued a proclamation, “Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence.” (Jonah 3:8) The Bible says, When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, He relented and did not bring on them the destruction He had threatened.” (Jonah 3:10)
Here, we see the true heart of a king who has grasped the truth of this teaching, God is able to overthrow a nation that continues to walk in disobedience. This king, unlike the presidents we have seen and the candidates laid before us now – lays down a decree which was to be followed by every individual, produce the fruit of repentance, turn from evil ways and violence. (Smith, B. K., & Page, F. S. (1995). Amos, Obadiah, Jonah (Vol. 19B, p. 267). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.) Prayer without reformation is a mockery of God. (Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 1, p. 686). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) We are to have the heart of the Psalmist who wrote, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer.” (Psalm 66:18-19)
Any nation that has the genuine change of heart like the Ninevites did, the Bible says, “they turned from their evil ways,” can enjoy God’s hand of judgment or chastisements be taken from them. (Smith, J. E. (1994). The Minor Prophets (Jon 3:10). Joplin, MO: College Press)
Do Not Have Jonah’s Heart
We must remember we are only to give the message from the Lord, we are to do it in obedience, and we are certainly not to have the same attitude of heart that Jonah had. Jonah’s heart is revealed to us in Jonah 4:1-3, “…he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, ‘Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” (Jonah 4:1-3)
Are we reading about a prophet of God, that has a disregard for human life or are we seeing a prophet who had no revelation of God’s mercy for all of mankind. Or is Jonah a representation of many Christians today, who miss the joy of being involved in the work of redemption, because they fail to see that it is God’s love for all mankind to save them from their sins, just as he had saved them and intervenes in their lives. We need not be like Jonah, failing to recognize God’s Sovereign plan and not enjoy the situation and circumstance we are in.
There is no doubt in my mind, Jonah would had been trilled to see God do a great redemptive work among the Jewish people, just like we would love to see God do a redemptive work in our families, among our friends and co-workers, and in our country.
In Jonah chapter four we read of God dealing with Jonah’s heart attitude in a unique way. “The Lord God provide a leafy plant and made it grow over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was happy about the plant. But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. When the sun rose, God provide a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint.” The Bible says, [Jonah] wanted to die, and said, ‘It would be better for me to die than to live.” (Jonah 4:5-9)
The Bible says, “But God said to Jonah, ‘Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?'” Let me remind you, God is speaking to Jonah, and Jonah’s response, “..I am so angry, I wish I were dead.” (Jonah 4:9)
As we take a look at God’s response to Jonah, keep in mind the wickedness of the Ninevites, God said to Jonah, “…You have been so concern about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. …Should I not be concerned for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left – and also many animals.” (Jonah 4:10-11
The question God asked was, “Is it right for you?” Jonah’s response was about how he felt – like most responses you would hear today, in the church and the world view. Jonah had grown completely indifferent to the fate of God’s highest creation, human beings and the animals they have been given stewardship over. God has created every human being, and he wanted to extend His hand of mercy to them.
Let the Holy Spirit put your heart right with God’s view of the lost, even those who have committed the most wicked of deeds. What is your heart response to the child molester and killer, the murder, the drunken driver who kills an entire family in a drunken car wreck. What is our heart in regard to nations who do horrible things to good people. Are we willing – if called – to proclaim a message of repentance or face the final judgment to such a wicked society? Rest assured, those who fail to repent will face the God of Justice, and justice will be done. Those who do such crimes will face His justice here and in the here-after.
Nahum spoke to Nineveh about the nature of God when the city returned to its old practices, “Woe to you city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder… many casualties piles of dead bodies… I am against you declares the Lord.” (Nahum 3)
What a whale of a tale – to think of God’s patients, putting up with a disobedient prophet, His grace in sending a message of warning to a city of blood, false worship and brutality, then forgiving wicked, wicked people who produce the fruit of repentance.
God’s call to the watchman, (his church) is, When I say to a wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood.” (Ezekiel 3:18)
There are three heart attitudes that keep us from being a disobedient child of God: 1.) When God gives us message for a people, then deliver the message in a timely manner. 2.) Let God take care and responsibility for the response of the message proclaimed. And 3.) Grasp the heart of God in regard to the people you are sent to proclaim His message to.
by Terry Laughlin | Nov 19, 2017 | Thanksgiving
What The Bible Says About Praise To God
It not Christmas! It is Thanksgiving! This world view has made merchandise of the Gospel and stolen the label Christmas. As soon as the Halloween candy is off the shelves, the stacking of Christmas items are stocked for sale to the average person who has bought the idea — shopping early gets you the best deals. With little to no reminders, promotions or forethought, the heart of thanksgiving is pushed aside to indulge in a pagan observance of getting. Yes, many people love to give at Christmas, unfortunately, in their giving they have left out the reason for the season, Jesus Christ. The Book of Psalms sets the record straight in regard to honoring God.
There are six different Psalms which are called declarative praises. 1.) Praise for the Lord’s strength. The Bible says “No king is saved by the size of his army… A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite its great strength it can not save. But the eyes of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope is in His unfailing love.” (Psalm 33:16-18) 2.) Praise for the Lord’s Deliverance. “I have not hidden your deliverance… nor concealed your great love from the congregation.” (Psalm 40:10) 3.) Praise for the Lord’s Forgiveness. “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them…” (Psalm 32:1-2) 4.) Praise for the Lord’s Goodness. “I will exalt you Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me.” (Psalm 30:1) 5.) Praise for the Lord’s Help. “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me.. He set my feet on solid rock and gave me a firm place to stand…” (Psalm 40:1-2) and 6.) Praise for the Lord’s Awesome Deeds. About the work of God, “Come and see what God has done, His awesome deeds for mankind.” (Psalm 66:5)
There are descriptive psalms which invite you to praise God, (Psalm 105) enjoy God’s wisdom, (Psalm 127:1) teach the pilgrimage of the Lord’s people, (Psalm 120-134) that praise God at His throne, (Psalm 103:19) which admonish our sons, (Psalm 34:11) teach how to bless the Lord, (Psalm 1:1) teach about the importance of the Word of God, (Psalm 119) which share about the contrast of the righteous and wicked, (Psalm 1:6; 49)
The Psalms are so key to the spiritual growth of God’s people. The New Testament quotes the Book Psalms. Jesus referred to the Psalms many times in His teachings. The most popular teachings were Jesus gave reference to the Psalms are the Sermon on the Mount, the Last Supper, and at the cleansing of the temple. After Christ went to be with God, His Father, the Psalms played an important influence on Christian living and in the early New Testament Church, with the Psalms being sung as a regular part of the song service. (Jeremiah, D. (1994). Ten burning questions from psalms: Study guide (p. 102). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
Are you praising God this Thanksgiving?
by Terry Laughlin | Sep 1, 2017 | Labor Day
Rethinking Our Attitude About Work
The Bible says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. – Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.” (Colossians 3:23 – 4:1)
This passage of Scripture is found in Colossians 3:21 placed under a preoccupy, a title if you will, “Living as Those Made Alive in Christ.” The Apostle is teaching a truth to slaves and slave masters – that is just as real for us who are free, people who work for others and/or your an employer with people working for you.
I would propose to you, that living out the truths in this message, will make you and I a witness for the Lord that surpasses the average wage earner, that causes people to take note of the life we live in obedience to the written Word of God. The heart of the average employee is more influenced by a world view rather than having the mind of Christ, as the Bible tells you and me to have. (1 Corinthians 2:10-16)
Just what is God’s attitude towards work? What is to be our motivation? What is our Biblical exhortation?
God’s View Of Work
The Bible has specific teachings about work. Part of one of the ten commandments says, “Six days you shall labor and do your work.” (Exodus 20:9) This command comes from God who sets the example before us as being a worker. The Bible says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) By the end of the sixth day He made the sun and moon, all the living creatures, everything on this earth for Him and us to enjoy. “And God saw that is was all good.” (Genesis 1:25)
I know that there is nothing Pennie (my wife) and I would love to do more than take a long vacation, take a long bike ride – touring and seeing all the great creation our God has made. If every person were a specialist in landscaping, they could not get done what God has created, especially in six days. Even the best doctors and vets cannot create human beings or animals. No matter how smart and gifted they are, they cannot sustain life for eternity. When all is said that can be said, all is done that will be done, this earth as we know it will be burned up. But God will create a new heaven and a new earth. (Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:1)
Have you heard the joke of a world renowned scientist meeting the Lord. In their discussion the scientist said, “We have become so efficient in our work we can even create a human being, just as good as you did, when you first created man. Mankind does not even need you any more, they got us.” God said, “You go and create your human being out of what is yours, and I will continue to created mankind out of what I created.”
The scientist walked off, as he left he reached down and picked up a handful of dirt, on which the God said, “Hey, Hey, you get your won dirt.”
The Book of Psalms says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” (Psalm 19:1) Jesus said, “My Father is always at His work to this very day…” (John 5:17) Dr. Charles Mayo of the famous Mayo Clinic once said, “There is no fun like work.” The writer of the Book of Ecclesiastes wrote, “…there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot…” (Ecclesiastes 3:22)
The key steps to doing our Labor As Unto Christ is to have a thankful enjoyment of God’s gifts, seeing your job as a discharge from God, knowing God is going to bring all things under His judgment, (Ecclesiastes 11:9) and not seeing your job as simply and money seeking opportunity. (Ecclesiastes 5:10-17) The book of Exodus reminds us that is the Lord who gives different abilities to achieve things and perform certain tasks. (Exodus 31:3) The writer of the Book of Thessalonians tells us, “if anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
Your Motivation
Once you get a Biblical perspective about work, then you should make sure your motivation is in good order. Proverbs 10: 4-5 has this truth, “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands brings wealth. He who gather crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 says, ” Make it your ambition… to work… so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
A lesson from the horse business:
I knew of a Christian couple from Atwood, Ks who loved horses, they had good horses. When they took their horses to class “A” Arabian horse shows, they would get the gate and not collect the title or benefits they should had received. The problem was, when it was time for a horse show, they would just pull horses out of the corral, clean them up, and lead them into the arena. This mindset caused them to live with the disappointment of defeat often.
After many years, they developed a listening spirit – the Lord raised up a horse trainer who explained to them how to condition and train their horses. They applied the hard work of conditioning, training, and promotion. Taking the same horses to the same horse shows, they received the first and second place finishes their horses deserved – they were even offered $15,000.00 for one for their western pleasure horses.
This Christian couple learns to plant the seeds of hard work in the proper season, they got themselves prepared to be in the harvest field of success and they no longer brought disgrace to their breeding program.
Another lesson from the horse business:
There was a young married couple from Colorado who trained horses together. They worked hard, they helped each other out, so they can both excel in their fields. They were known for their honesty and their desire to see their clients do well. The trainers who had a large training barns with several grooms and trainers to help them serve many clients, had full respect for this young couple. They rejoiced when they seen this young couple do well at the horse shows. This couple was not dependent upon anyone to help them pay the bills and get ready for the horse shows, they had the respect of everyone.
People respect a church that works hard for the Lord, all are amazed with what the Lord does through them.
Let the Holy Spirit prepare your heart with these questions. How are you seen by the general public as they see you work in the job God has placed you in? Are you seen as diligent, trustworthy, faithful and productive?
Must Do Your Best
Once you have a Biblical motivation for doing your work, you must do your best at what God has you doing. We need to purposely re look at Colossians 3:23. The writer of the Book of Colossians writes, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.” Notice the text says, “Whatever, you do.” Your farming, your job, the things you enjoy, your marriage, raising your kids, work for the church, the care of your pets, time with family, friendships, how you speak to others – whatever, you do!
Notice it says how: “Work at it with all your heart.” Ephesians 6:7 says, “Serve whole heartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good [you] do, whether slave or free.” Anyone can say they will do such and such, or this or that, the problem is the work does not get completed with a right heart, usually not completed on time. However, when the work is being approached from the right heart, the task will be completed with all their strength, with steadfastness, and certainty. Their will be no short cuts, wrong motives, empty excuses. Rather the boss is present and watching or far away, the whole hearted servant strives for perfection.
My wife (first wife Bonnie, died from brain cancer) and I developed a grooming and conditioning program for horses. It involved the hard work of brushing and rubbing, with little time spent on bathing the horse after their workouts.
First: After a workout – a horse should be walked until the animal’s respiration, his breathing is back down to normal. A whole hearted groom takes notice of the horse’s nostrils and breathing, a half hearted groom will walk the horse for only five minutes or so, then think “Awe he’s good.”
Second: If need be a whole hearted groom will stand the horse in front of a fan, to help cool the horse down. Then rinsing the animal off with lukewarm water, not cold, so the blood flow continues to build muscle. A half hearted groom will just grab any water hose and rinse the horse off, with no concern over the water temperature.
Third: Brushing and rubbing the horse. After the horse has dried off, the whole hearted groom brushes the horse with three styles of brushes, then the horse is hand rubbed down – after several months of this grooming practice, the horse has a natural shine, looking like the animal has had an expensive wax job. This grooming process enables the horse to build muscle so hard that the blood veins can be seen under the skin, like a body builder. A half hearted groom rinses the horse off with water, and then gets a spray bottle, adds a little baby oil to water, sprays the horse down with the solution, presenting a unnatural shine. The horses groomed correctly looks a 100% better than the horse that was half heartedly groomed.
Here is a truth worth grasping, no matter was is done, the right wholehearted approach is seen by all and gets the best results in the end.
Notice who we are to be doing our work for, “as working for the Lord, not for men.” The workman must do everything as if he was doing it for Christ. True pleasure comes when our work is not for the pay, for ambition, to satisfy oneself or earthly overseers. Our work is to be done for the glory of Christ. We must remember, that all our works will be tested by fire, everyone will see if our works will be burned up or done for the right reasons. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15) According to our text, employers need to remember, they will be giving an accounting to our Master – Christ, who is in heaven. Therefore, they are to provide in a way that is “right and fair.” The Christian doctrine of work is that employer and employee alike are working for the Lord, and the rewards are from God – as well as chastisements for doing our work wrong. (Barclay, W. (Ed.). (1975). The letters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians (electronic ed., p. 165). Philadelphia: The Westminster John Knox Press.)
In Laboring Unto The Lord, Christians must remember, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 2 Corinthians 5:10 reminds us, “For we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things we have done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
One businessman who understood the Biblical truths found in this message is David Green, founder of Hobby Lobby. By the worlds standard, he is a remarkable success. David is also a great success in the eyes of the Lord as well. David spends thousands each year for the glory of the Lord. He is not ashamed of the Gospel as seen in their stores adds at Christmas and Easter time. It is not uncommon to hear Christian music playing in those stores, the stores are closed on Sundays and he operates his business according to Biblical principals.
David was raised in a spiritually rich Christian home, his father was a pastor and the message displayed in his childhood home was, “only one life to live; twill soon be past. Only that what’s done for Christ will last.” As David progressed in his career as an adult, his mother would continually say, “That is nice David, but what are you doing for the Lord.” David struggled, then he learned that God is just not a Sunday Deity, He understands margins, spreadsheets, competition and profits.
David had a servant’s heart, putting others ahead of himself and the business he was raising up. In 2009 while the retail business world froze wages or even cut back on labor, David raised the wages to his employees. When David saw the Christmas and Easter adds from other businesses were taking away the real meaning of the seasons, David increased the amount of ads he was putting out, with a clear Christian meaning of Christmas and Easter. Hobby Lobby funds hospitals, supports local homeless shelters and continues to print literature about Christ for far away places, all around the world.
The fruit of David’s life and the business he runs is proof that he is one who does his Labor As Unto Christ. God has blessed David Green, his family and Hobby Lobby. The Lord will certainly fulfill His promise to all who will strive to do their work as unto Christ.
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