Sin Is Like A Wild Turkey

 

wild-turkey-sin 

SIN IS LIKE A WILD TURKEY

Galatians 5:19-23

One day my youngest son, Paul, told me not to thaw the turkey for the next day’s meal; he was going to go turkey hunting. The next morning, before the sun was even awake, he headed out to hunt.

Indeed, he DID bring home a turkey!  I told him I’d cook it when it showed up in my kitchen sink plucked and gutted; mama doesn’t clean game. All smiles, he happily went outside with his hunting knife and the big bird.

An hour later, a scrawny bird carcass lay naked in my kitchen sink. The ‘big’ turkey had been mostly feathers!  I did cook the bird; it was tough, stringy and absolutely inedible. Thankfully, I’d cooked a ham as a ‘side’ dish.

Paul had a great sense of humor; laughing and joking with us about the “lame game.” It was crazy how fabulous that bird had looked compared to how pitiful and tough it was when it was on the plate!

Sin is like a wild turkey. When you first see it, it’s all big, fluffy and tempting. Satan knows that our eyes are easily deceived! (II Corinthians 11:14) But, when you get down to reality; there’s nothing but tough gristle.

When we read the Bible regularly, we are familiar with satan’s tricks and not so easily duped. (II Corinthians 2:11) The Holy Spirit is faithful to whisper warnings to our heart so that even when our eyes are tempted, our heart knows better! (John 16:8-15)

Satan works hard to make us stumble; he hates the relationship we have available through Christ. When we are faithful in Bible study and daily conversation (prayer) with our Lord, we are less likely to yield to temptation. Those (hopefully) rare times we do stumble, God is faithful to help us stand back up. (I John 1:7-10)

The Word says that the works of satan through our flesh are obvious. Make time to read the Bible so even subtle sins like anger and envy are easily recognized.

Galatians 5:19-23  The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Father, help me to realize that sin separates me from your presence and that Jesus died so that sin can be forgiven. Help me to be sensitive to the revealing voice of the Holy Spirit so I recognize what sin is.  Give me the strength to turn away from anything that would harm me or hinder my relationship with you.  I love you and I thank you. Amen

Scripture references: 

II Corinthians 11:14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.

II Corinthians 2:11 –in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

John 16:8-15 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.

I John 1:7-10 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. (click here to return to table of contents)

 

 

 

 

 

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Put On Your Servanthood

turkey-dinnerOne Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I received word of a family in crisis.  Jobs had been lost, there wasn’t going to be a holiday dinner. They had no family nearby, no church to call on. The phone book had provided our church’s number.  As the church secretary, I was in process of locking the office to leave when the phone call came.

My heart was broken for the family in crisis; but, the ministry leaders had already provided for the needy in our church. I couldn’t call and ask for more food to be gathered at the last minute.  The Pastors had all left town to be with their extended families. Only two choices were available, I could shrug and figure, we’d done our part, let somebody else help. OR–

I could take a bit of time and do what was necessary to help this family in need… It sounds so simple but in reality, it really was quite an inconvenience. On the way home, I stopped at the over crowded market and purchased the extra items I needed to cook another dinner, thankful that this year, my family budget could stretch to cover the added cost.

That evening, preparing “identical twin” dishes along with my own feast meal didn’t require a lot of extra work. Only a little extra planning, time and effort were required to double my menu.  My heart was thankful that I’d learned of the need in time to prepare a good holiday meal for the less fortunate family. I asked God to forgive my, “ohhhnoooo, c’mon now!” first response.

Thanksgiving dawned rainy and unseasonably cold. I called the lady and told her I’d bring dinner to her home about noon.  As I was carrying in the food, she criticized every dish, every bowl, every pie. She didn’t like turkey, she hated cranberry salad and she hoped the sweet potatoes were plenty sweet or she would throw them in the trash. Her language was harsh and her criticism hit me like physical blows to my heart.

By the time I’d carried in all the food; I was soaking wet from the cold rain and had been chastised for every dish I’d set on the table.  Tears of frustration, disappointment and confusion  mingled with the rain on my face. Why was I being treated so badly for responding so kindly?

Certainly, I’d not expected praise, nor even a thank you, but I’d not expected harsh criticism either! Sometimes, our only reward is in knowing we have represented Christ, humbled ourselves and put on the garment of a servant. (Phillipians 2:5-8) 

It is human nature to expect some kind of thanks, but the scripture says that a servant does not receive thanks for doing the work of a servant.  Instead, we should have the attitude of Christ; who, himself being God, humbled himself and put on the garment of  servanthood.

Luke 17:7-10  Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’?  Would he not rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do?  So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’ ”  

Prayer:  Father, help me to willingly, in full knowledge, put on the garments of a servant.  I want to respond to the needs of others in selfless abandonment, as Christ did for me. I desire to have a servant’s heart.  I love you, I thank you. Amen.

Scripture reference: Phillipians 2:5-8   In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death- even death on a cross!

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Fire Prevention

 

oven fireWhen I was fixing my first  dinner for some of our friends as a young newlywed, I was pulling the turkey out of the oven. The rack tipped and I dumped the turkey and the drippings into the back of the oven onto the heating element. 

When the grease drippings hit the heat, they burst into flame! My oven instantly became an inferno! Through the glass in the oven door, I could see my poor turkey, consumed by flames.  The sight of my turkey set flambé’ in the inferno of the oven, was both intriguing and frightening.  

Intriguing because in the back of my mind, I knew ‘this’ could happen, yet, I didn’t think it would happen to MY turkey. There was so much to do; my busyness outweighed my concern.  Intent on getting the rest of the meal taken care of, I simply hadn’t taken the time to prepare for the unexpected.   

The event was frightening because there was nothing I could do but watch; helpless to rescue the flaming bird. I’d chosen convenience over sacrifice and now there was nothing I could do to intervene.  It was a culinary lesson that I’ve never forgotten. 

It’s easy to do the same thing with our Christian witness.  We know we are to win souls for Christ.  Perhaps, we’ve even taken evangelism classes. But, life is so busy and witnessing to our friends who don’t know Jesus can be so–inconvenient, even uncomfortable.  We put that timely witness on our list of “things I need to do.”  Let us be thankful for every opportunity to witness—and share the love of Jesus boldly–now. 

Jude 1: 22-23 Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. 

Prayer:  Father, help me to be sensitive to the voice of your Holy Spirit. Show me those who are in need of your salvation love, give me boldness to approach,  words to speak, and compassion to understand.  Thank you. Amen.

 

 


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Wanted: Bears!

After an accident that led to a dental disaster, I was forced to go without two front teeth or a temporary crown for several days. Of course,  since it was my front teeth that were missing. I looked like a jack-o-lantern! 

My little grandson had not seen me since my unfortunate misshap. When I stooped down on the floor eye to eye with him, he got this horrified look on his face!  Putting his hands on my shoulders, facing me, he very solemnly said, “Mamaw, I need to talk to you.” 

He took a deep breath and said, “Mamaw, I want you to know, I’m here for you and it’s gonna be OK!” Taking another deep breath and looking me right in the eye, he solemnly said, “Mamaw, your tooths are gone.” After this pained utterance, he threw himself into my arms, patting me on the back, murmering, “I’m right here, mamaw, I’m right here.” 

Seeing the little guy with those big serious concerned blue eyes and hearing him say “I’m here for you mamaw” touched my heart. His comfort was genuine and heart felt. At the tender age of not quite 4, he was learning to “bear each other’s burdens and fulfill the law of Christ.” 

In the face of a friend or loved ones pain and suffering, sometimes we feel inadequate in our efforts to help. To represent the love and compassion of Christ it is not required that we fix their problems or give some pontific point of advice. Most tragedies in life have no “fix” outside of God. 

Sometimes, the most helpful thing we can do is to simply be available and pray.  If there is any way we can help remedy their need, God will direct, but only if we are quietly there to hold them first. 

 Galatians 6:2 “Bear each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Prayer:  Father, help me to be a steady shoulder to lean on when my friends hurt. Give me words to speak or the wisdom to be silent, as the situation determines the need. I want to represent the love of Christ in all my efforts.  Thank you. Amen.

 

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Got Mercy?

Micah 6:8   He has shown you, oh man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to LOVE mercy and to walk humbly with your God. 

Isn’t it interesting to note that of the three things God expects us to do; two of them involve our relationship with each other?  God cares about our relationships with our family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and the world.  

We are to treat each other fairly, honestly, justly by GOD’S standards, not the world’s standards.  In all our relationships, whether with fellow Christians, or the world, we represent Christ.  Integrity and honesty should be a standard in all of our dealings.  

Mercy is having a natural tendency to be kind, wanting to help and bring relief.  Christians are compassionate people. We ‘do’ mercy.  When somebody has a need, the body of Christ is THERE! 

When there is a death, we bring food, coming with open arms to comfort and help.  We ‘do’ mercy.  At Thanksgiving and Christmas, we buy presents and food for the needy among us. We respond with mercy. 

But, the scripture says to LOVE MERCY:  To take pleasure in helping each other.  We should be actively and eagerly looking for ways to help. We are a very needy people.  God’s Holy Spirit encourages us to meet each other’s needs; to love, take delight in, to enjoy, to do with exuberance— mercy.  

The scripture says when a part of the “body” hurts, we all hurt. (I Corinthians 12:25-26) We should look to the needs of each other, not wait for them to be announced from the pulpit, then jump in there and “do mercy.”  God’s Word says to— LOVE— mercy. 

What does God require of us?  Treat each other fairly, by God’s standards. Look for ways to meet the needs of others, both physically/materially and the need to know Christ.  Walk humbly with God, willing to serve anytime, anyway, in His name. 

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help me to LOVE mercy, not just to–do–mercy. Open my eyes to see those beside me who need a word of encouragement, a hug, or a physical need met. Amen.

Scripture reference:  I Corinthians 12:25-26  so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

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Got Crunchies?

 

Years ago, my mom and I used to love to go to Long John Silver’s Seafood. However, it wasn’t the fish that we loved, it was the crunchies.

In the bottom of each basket of fish was a bed of crunchies; those tiny bits of batter that fall from the fish in the fryer. When the fish was scooped out, those yummy little bits were gathered with the serving and dumped in the bottom of the dish as a “crunchy bed” for the fish to lie on. Many people didn’t even notice them but, oh, my, they were the best part of the whole meal!

When I read my Bible, I love to find special, often unnoticed “crunchie” bits to enjoy. Sometimes, it is those events that can be so easily overlooked that are the little details that reveal the personality of God.

My personal favorites are:

God walked in the Garden of Eden in the cool of the evening. Since Adam and Eve hid and He called out, “Where are you?” I believe God liked to spend time with them (Genesis 3:8-9). A lot of attention is given to the original sin; but hiding in the background is the fact God spent time with his children. Maybe they would sit together, in the grass under the trees, talking, laughing? God created us for relationship with Him; He enjoys spending time with us! ———

God, himself, buried the body of his friend, Moses. (Deuteronomy 34:5-6). Moses is the only person ever said to be a friend of God (Exodus 33:11a.) God’s personal care for his friend’s remains shows the intimacy they shared. Scripture says that the death of God’s saints is precious in His sight (Ps. 116:15). He cares about the everyday events of our life and even the final details of our earthly stay. ———-

Jesus at the wedding in Cana; the first recorded miracle was where he turned the water into wine (John 2:1-11). He could have turned the water into the same wine the guests had been drinking; but, instead, he made the wine into the best wine of all! God so often blesses his children extravagantly, over and above what is necessary (John 10:10).  It’s a “God’s love for his children” thing. ———-

Jesus, in his agony on the cross, made sure his mother’s care was not left to chance. With the sin weight of the world on his shoulders; he made certain his mom would be taken care of after his death (John 19:26-27). Jesus cares about the long term details in our personal lives.

As I read the Bible during my quiet time of daily devotion; I look for the crunchies. Your crunchies may be different than mine. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you those crunchy little bits that will minister to your heart. God wants a personal relationship with you. Relationship is about intimacy; seek Him and you will find Him.

Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Prayer: Father, you created me to have a relationship with you, thank you for wanting me. Help me to realize how much you love me and to always remember to set aside time each day to spend with you. I love you. Amen.

Scripture references:

Genesis 3:8-9 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

Deuteronomy 34:5-6 And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is.

Exodus 33:11a  The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.

Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

John 2:1-11 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there,  and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

“Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.

Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 19:26-27 When Jesus saw his mother(A) there, and the disciple whom he loved(B) standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

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God Keeps a Journal

At church one day, I overheard a young mother admonishing her preschooler that he needed to watch his words because Jesus was listening. 

The little guy threw up his hands and proclaimed, “Yeah, but how come the only time God listens is when I’m not talking nice?”

 Everybody knows that God is always listening to what we say. However, it is odd that whenever we talk about God’s omnipresence, it’s usually to remind us not to say or do anything bad!  The exciting part of God’s omnipresence is that God also keeps track of all the good things we say. 

Every time we speak of Him, it is written down on a scroll or tablet. The Word says that God not only hears every word we speak to each other concerning Him, but he treasures every word that is said!  

Every time we tell somebody we love the Lord or share something God has done in our life, it is written down and put in a special place to be remembered for ever!  Just like we would record loving words spoken to us in our diary, God treasures and makes record of our words when we speak of Him.  Yes, He loves us, you and me, THAT much!

 Malachi 3: 16-18  Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name.

“They will be mine,” says the LORD Almighty, “in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.

Prayer:  Father, help me to think before I speak and to make all my words pleasing to you. I want to encourage and build those around me up, not tear them down.  I love you, my Lord.  Amen.

 

 

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Who Are You Walking With?

Walking is great exercise!  It relieves stress, strengthens your body and, especially when accompanied by a friend, is enjoyable. Walking with a companion makes ‘the walk’ less tiresome.

I love how God’s Word uses every day experiences, like walking, to illustrate spiritual concepts.  Proverbs 13:20 advises, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

The scripture says that we should be careful about friends we choose to walk with. Proverbs 12:26 The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. Proverbs 22:24–25 Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.

When I walk with a friend, my life is influenced by my friend; whether I realize it or not.  If I choose to walk with a person who is not in Christ, that ungodly influence can affect my relationship with my Lord.

When my friend and I are walking with the Spirit, we encourage each other in our walk with Christ.  Walking with a friend gives me encouragement to continue walking even when the path is difficult.

Just as I choose a companion to walk with for exercise, I need to choose to walk daily with God’s Spirit.  Serving God and living the Christ life are daily choices. Like walking with a friend, walking with the Spirit gives me encouragement to keep on walking when the path is rough.

Galatians 5:16-17 says, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”

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Did you read the Fine Print?

fine print

 

Philippians 4:16-19

Always watching for the elusive diet foods that offer taste as well as healthy eating, I bought a bottle of Salad Dressing that stated there were only 2 calories per serving. Sounded great until I continued to read and found that a serving size was one teaspoon! Do you know how small a mere teaspoon of dressing is when dumped on a big leafy green salad?

Everybody knows that the details, sometimes painful details, are in the fine print. Human nature is to zoom in on the good parts and not dig to find the truth; because we know some things are just too good to be true! When we read only what we want to see, we can claim innocence when it comes to consequences, or so we think.

Often, scriptural truth is in the fine print. We read a verse that gives us approval or reinforces what we hope is right and we go no further. A perfect example is Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

This verse is seen on book marks, coffee cups and emblazoned on the walls of prayer rooms everywhere. We do seem to take note that the verse does say needs, not wants, but there’s more to it than the obvious.

We overlook the paragraphs before the verse that talk explicitly about giving to support those who commit their lives to ministry. The verse isn’t a statement of personal provision, it’s an assurance; if you give to the support of missions, THEN God will take responsibility to meet your needs.

Wherever there is a promise in God’s Word, there is a corresponding stipulation. Whether it’s a need for repentance, attention to attitude or an expected response for an action, God’s promises are not without reciprocation.

God has already done His part, (Hebrews 4:3 b.) He waits for us to respond. Receive Christ, ask forgiveness, love without exception, conduct business with integrity, give generously; whatever it is that holds God’s promises at a distance, read the fine print and do your part.  There IS real power in God’s Word; when you read the fine print.

Philippians 4:16-19 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help me to have a generous heart so that I do give abundantly. Help me to always read all your words and not just those that make me feel satisfied or justified. Thank you for your provision and blessing and make me sensitive to the needs of others. Amen.

Hebrews 4:3b —and yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world. 

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Have You Done Your Part?

My grandson, Max, told me that all the kids in his second grade class will have Jesus in their heart now.   

Amazed, I said, you mean all the kids in your class are Christians now?  He shrugged and said, “No—I mean I told them how to have Jesus in their heart; then I prayed with them.  So, I did my part.”  

God’s Holy Spirit directs us to speak, pray and witness to those that are without Christ. We sometimes think we should see the fruit immediately and are discouraged from our witness when our efforts bear no evidence. 

Satan uses our discouragement to convince us that we are not a good witness.  Remember, satan is a liar.  (John 8:42-44)   

Our lifestyle and attitudes should be a constant witness to those around us. We should live with such integrity and compassion for others that our relationship with Christ should be obvious.  (Matthew 7:15-17) 

Sharing Jesus is simply telling our friends and acquaintances about somebody we love. Satan hates for us to share Christ! Realize your discouragement and feelings of inadequacy to witness come from the devil. 

When Christ is an important part of our life, we can’t help but talk about Him!  The Bible says to always be ready to share God’s love.

I Peter 3:15-16 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

 

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