What Are You Living For?

What Are You Living For?

By W.H. Wood

 (Obviously written for a high school graduation, but I have no other information on when it was written.)

But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of .John 4:32

Mr. Superintendent, Graduating Class, Parents, and Friends:

Intro:  Happy to be with you; Happy for this opportunity today.

Your achievement in coming to your graduation marks a distinct epoch in your life.  This achievement indicates patience and persistence on your part.  May I urge you to go on with further study and necessary preparation for days ahead. 

Education was considered a luxury for the few.  But now considered a stern necessity for many.  Get knowledge, but remember “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”  Culture that leaves Go out is dangerous.  World is suffering now because knowledge too often has been divorced from any recognition of the will of God.     

I bid you God-speed.  Remember what the old Troy general said to the young man when asked the secret of his winning victories in his campaigns.  He said, “The secret of any and every victory, young man, is in getting a good ready.”  Get a good ready, my friends, for the battles of life are ahead of you.  Great demand will be made upon you.

Now let us think about the hidden reinforcements of life. The thought comes from the words of Jesus as He said, “I have meat to eat that ye know not of.”  Recall the occasion…

Jesus had an open conversation with the woman at the well in Samaria…

Probed her conscience – by bringing to light the guilty secrets of her immoral life.  He forced her to see herself as she really was.  Then He led her to see that He was the long promised Christ. Disciples returned, urged Him to eat, “Master, eat.”  Jesus answered, “I have meat to eat that ye know not of.”  This statement points our mediation and suggests several vital truths for us.

We have spiritual natures which must be fed on spiritual food.  In contrast to spiritual food – physical food.  Soul relates to God and eternal body relates us to seen and temporal. 

Big question then is “What am I living for?”  What is the dominant purpose in my life?  What spurs me on?  Do I live to eat or eat to Live?  What is the meaning of life?  Everyone should ask, “What am I living for?”  Jesus said, “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me and to finish His work.”

Ours is the same if we carry out God’s purpose for our lives.

Have we faced the truth?

Do we understand it?

Are we, then wholeheartedly trying to conform our will to His?  Things of earth cannot satisfy us.  Man descends to level of mere animal if he lives primarily on physical plane.  Think of the life of the debauchee, of the drunkard, of the sensualist, of the mere glutton.  Such do not truly live at all. They merely exist like animals. That type of existence cannot satisfy.  The end is doom.

Augustine was right when he said, “man was made for God and is restless until he rests in God.” 

Story told of Napoleon’s forces crossing the desert being thirsty, thought they saw a lake of water.  Upon arrival it was a mirage in the desert.  Life without God is like that, a mirage in the desert – a delusion. 

No wonder Lord Byron wrote when young as he debauched his life most terribly and perverted it. 

“My days are in the yellow leaf;

            The flowers and fruits of love are gone;

            The worm, the canker, and the grief

            Are mine alone.”

The world cannot satisfy.  We are made for a higher destiny than that. 

Second truth suggested in the battle of life is to keep the soul in ascendancy over the body.  This is a hard battle.  Paul tells of war of spirit against flesh. 

If you could only see with me, and hear the pitiful cries of some men whose lives have been burnt out with strong drink.  He sits, and recounts his story of the downward drift of sin and drink, until he is hopeless in his ability to recover himself and overcome passion for strong drink.

To gain and keep control over the body and its appetites is a battle we need to fight.  The battle of spiritual over physical is the hardest battle we have to fight in this life.  Shall the soul or the body dominate our lives?  That is the issue. 

Fortunately there are certain hidden reinforcements we can draw upon in this conflict between body and soul.  “I have meat to eat that you know not of.” We can say the same.

Reinforcements to draw on:

Fall back on conscience.  Every man is to look well to his own conscience. Education most needed in our land and others is education of conscience. 

Paul said, “I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and man always.

We hear a great deal about crisis.  Greatest crisis is that of character.  If a man trifles with his conscience til he is willing to tell a lie for any amount of money; so that he is willing to turn a sharp corner, marked by trickery and fraud, that’s a crisis.  Yes – a tragedy – in the realm of character. 

We are to see that we do not have a deadened, desensitized, benumbed, paralyzed consciences. 

He must keep his conscience intact.  See to it that it is not diverted, diseased, and doomed.  Conscience must be sensitive, as the needle of compass to magnetic pole. 

Big question not what is pleasant or profitable, or expedient, or customary, but what is right.  For right is might, since God is God, and right the day must win, To doubt would be disloyalty, To falter would be sin.

Think of covenanted engagements broken, laughing at them, calling them scrapes of paper in government.  Think of Honor our legislators have broken and debauched adequate legislature to do away with whiskey.

            Worthy ambition in life. 

                        What are you living for?  Pleasure, riches, popularity, name, power, wisdom, glorify God.

            Unfaltering faith in final triumph of righteousness.

Man can endure ill if he believes in final triumph of righteousness. We are not losing the battle when we do right.  Whatever the cost, I must do right.  I  haven’t’ a friend left, I must do right.  Better to starve than to do wrong.  Man cannot do wrong and not face it and God. 

Faith in final triumph of righteousness is glorious reinforcement to challenge and strengthen us as we go on.

It is reported that Victor Hugo asked, “Was it possible for Napoleon to win at Waterloo?  He answered with great vigor, “No.”  And why? Because of Wellington? No! Because of an allied army? No! Then why?  Victor’s answer was, “Because of God.”  Napoleon had said that right and righteousness did not matter.  God overturned him.  God brought him to defeat and doom.

Christ must reign until He has put all enemies under his feet.  Even death shall be destroyed.  That is my faith.  Is it yours?  I have no question about the final outcome of righteousness. 

            Conscious companionship with Jesus the Divine Savior and Lord. 

“Lo, I am with you always. I’ll be with you in the sixth trouble and I will not forsake you in the seventh.”

These statements guarantee His presence with His friends.  By faith they can see and feel Him standing within the shadows keeping watch over His own.  His presence with His friends is a reality.

            Martin Luther, when storm clouds were all about him said, “Come let us sing Psalm 46.  God is my refuge and strength, a very pleasant help in trouble.”

Do you have an unfaltering faith in triumph of righteousness?

Do you have right ambition?

Do you have right motive?

Do you have right goal in life?

Do you have fellowship and companionship with Jesus Christ?

To whom do you turn in dark and cloudy day? 

Do you with Peter say, “Lord to whom shall we go?  Thou hast the words of eternal life.”

Christ is the one source adequate and sufficient.

My grace is sufficient.  How glorious it is to take God at His word, to obey and to follow where He leads. 

Will you do that? 

Peace

Peace

By Estelle Nazary

Peace is only of God’s giving.  No human can produce it.  The way to peace is to take ourselves and all whom we hold dear…to take all life…and to place them…and ourselves… and it… trustingly in prayer in hands of God.

Peace is inward peace of soul that is grounded in God’s presence and promise.  Matthew 11:28 – Come unto me all ye that labor and heavy laden and I’ll give you rest.

Insomnia – Mind is abnormally active and brain whirls round and round.  Fear grips the heart and all rest is gone.  Both heart and thought are soothed to calm and rest as Jesus stilled the storm in Sea of Galilee. 

Beautiful tranquility comes to him whose soul rests in Jesus for the peace of God keeps watch over his life.  Anxious care is out of place in the Heavenly Father’s presence.  Requests are always placed with Him.  Paul says we must do our part by controlling our minds and thoughts.  

Grandmother's Thoughts

I found this written on a scrap piece of paper by my grandmother and thought it was too good not to share.

The old things are passed away, now, today, I enter into a new life...

Have you ever heard a person say "If only I could live my life over again?" But this is not what anyone really wants. What we really want is a different life, a new life, a new direction now. Let us have no regrets over the past. Let us not long to go back to relive it - Now is the time, Now is our beginning, Now - new life is ready for us. Think of yourself as at the point of beginning again. Do not let the mistakes, the failures, the unhappiness of the past - not even the happiness of the past bind you to yesterday. Let the past go. Live now. Live today in newness of thought, newness of life, newness of purpose. Every day you have a new life to live if you only realize it and this new way of living can be transforming and enriching.

"For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind." Isaiah 65:17

The Way to Happiness or Blessedness

The Way to Happiness or Blessedness

By Estelle Nazary

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish. Psalm 1:1-6

Introduction:

Blessed = Happy

It is a great idea to read some from Psalm and Proverbs every day.  Psalms will how you how to get along with God.  Proverbs will show you how to get along with your fellowman.

People are constantly seeking happiness.  Fun is temporary and dependent on circumstances.  Real happiness is peace within and not dependent on outward circumstances.

The way to blessedness or happiness has 2 requirements:

The first thing is to avoid a negative way of life.  How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!  There is a progression of sin and the position of the sinner.  We must not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, stand in way of sinners (with sin), or sit in the seat of the scornful (bitter & sour).    

The second requirement is to know the right way of life and what to do.  But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. We must delight in the law of the Lord, His commandments.  It is also important to do the will of God which includes the vocational will of God and the daily will of God. 

The reasons why this life brings happiness: 

When we avoid a negative way of life and pursue the right way of life, it makes for a stable life.  He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither;  And in whatever he does, he prospers.  The tree in this verse represents stability with its roots deep.  If we follow the right way, the storms of life may come, but we will stand, the tree will stand. When crisis come, we can remain stable.  The will of God remains eternal. 

The right way of life causes us to amount to something.  What am I amounting to?  If you know Jesus and this is God’s will for you, you will touch people for time and eternity. You are somebody!!

The right way of life produces security in this life. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish.

God is not ignorant of people’s way.  God’s covenant is with his people.  God protects us in every pitfall, every problem of life.  God will take care of you until He gets through with you.  Paul was snake bit, in a shipwreck, and in jail, but all that could not get him – only until God got through with him.

Sinners chaff, but the wind will drive away. The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind drives away. 

There may be an appearance of success or happiness, but wait until the wind comes.  The tree will stand.  The ungodly will be in judgment, but cannot stand.  Christians have been delivered – we are safe and secure. 

Conclusion:

Do you know this blessedness, this happiness?

Do you know Jesus?

As a Christian, do you lack a sense of fulfillment?

Are you doing what God wants you to do?  

First Book

Good morning!  I wanted to share some exciting news.  After years of procrastinating, I finally wrote a book about W.H. Wood. It was launched yesterday on amazon.com.

The link for the paperback edition is:
http://www.amazon.com/Suffering-For-Victory-J-B-Jones/dp/1505327385/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_1

For the Kindle version, the link is:
http://www.amazon.com/Suffering-Victory-J-B-Jones-ebook/dp/B00QKNVIFC/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417711887&sr=1-6&keywords=jb+jones

Lights in the World

Lights in the World

Prepared on October 5, 1945 by W.H. Wood

Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Philippians 2:14-16

The scriptures written many years ago are contemporaneous with events and conditions of today.  They are just as applicable to life today as when written.  Paul lived in a wicked and perverse age.   Crookedness, perversity, and darkness exist today.  Just as lights were needed to shine in the world then, so lights are needed to dispel the world’s darkness today.

The world lay in darkness at the beginning of the Christian era and the darkness was as dense as the blackest night.  It was a disenchanted world into which Christ was born.  Religion had failed.  Governments had failed.  Philosophy could not satisfy the longing of men’s hearts.  Heathendom was rampant.  Slavery was universal.  Colossal wickedness existed everywhere.

We live in a disenchanted and terribly confused era of the world’s history.  It is an entirely different world from what we thought a generation ago it would be today.  Faith in democracy has been shattered; rise of nationalism; racial animosities; wars and rumors of wars, intemperance, gambling, indifference to religion, suicides and divorces are on the increase.  Pessimistic philosophies of life are prevailing everywhere.

Christianity, the Christian church and all Christians have a definite function in this dark age.  We should do all things without murmuring and questioning or complaining and doubting.  We should become blameless and harmless children of light not responsible for this wickedness.  We should be lights in this world.  Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify the Father which is in heaven.”

The University of the Spirit

The University of the Spirit

Prepared on August 30, 1945 by W.H. Wood in the A.M.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

The only entrance requirement:

            Dissatisfaction with present conditions. 

Paul – “I count not myself to have apprehended” – seize or take a mental hold of. 

Isaiah – “I am – unclean”.

Peter – “wept bitterly”.

Freshman year:

            We must learn to conquer failure.  “forgetting those things which are behind”. 

                        Elijah’s hard year.

                        Judas never got past it. 

Sophomore year:

            We must become visionary.   “Reaching forth unto”.

                        Moses – “saw him who is invisible”.

                        Abraham – “looked for a city…”

Junior year:

            We must learn to plod incessantly (continuous).  “I press toward the mark”

Senior year:

            Specialization – “This one thing”.

                        Paul – Had his pride to conquer.

                        Moses – Had his timidity to conquer.

                        The rich young ruler had locked “one thing”.

Diploma:        

            “The prize” 

Automobile Religion

Automobile Religion

Prepared on August 28, 1946 by W.H. Wood

“So run that ye may obtain” 1 Corinthians 9:24

Many rules that govern safe driving also govern us in our Christian life and conduct. 

Perhaps the first quality we demand in an automobile is dependability.  And God requires that His followers be found faithful. 

We need to be careful with our steering.  Careless steering endangers our lives.  We must keep to the right; and watch out for children; keep wide awake and alert at all times; and watch out for danger signs, and detour when necessary.

We must study the road map – The Bible.  Some people may be bound for heaven, as they say, but they are going in the opposite direction.  We must keep on the lookout for evidence that we are on the King’s highway.

We must be prepared for emergencies.  Have plenty of fuel (remember the foolish virgins).  We should have a first-aid outfit (the Good Samaritan). 

We should have good brakes.  Have you habits that you can’t stop?  Many people know how to run a car who can’t stop it properly.  Many people who are Christians lack adequate control of their human natures, their tongues, their wills.

We must keep the battery charged.  Regular visits to God’s service station – the church.  “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength”.  We must avoid the experience of Samson – “He wist not that the Lord departed from him.”

Exciting Find

The newspaper articles of W.H. Wood announcing his candidacy for Constable and his withdrawal from the race.

The Taylorsville Signal

April 9, 1931

W.H. Wood for Constable

Beat Two

            For some time the many friends of W.H. Wood of Rt. 1 have been urging him to become a candidate for Constable of Taylorsville Precinct, Beat 2.  That gentleman has at least decided to accordingly his formal announcement to that effect may be found in the regular announcement column of this issue of the Signal. 

            Mr. Wood having been a resident of this precinct for several years needs no introduction to the voters of this justice district.  He is a sober, honest, hard-working farmer, possessed of every qualification necessary to make him an ideal executive officer of the Justice Court.

            Mr. Wood has always had a good record as a law abiding citizen.  He is a successful farmer and licensed Baptist preacher.  29 year old has been deacon of the Fellowship Baptist Church for several years.  He is qualified both mentally and physically to look after the duties of the office of Constable. 

            It is his purpose to see each voter in person before the primaries, but in the meantime he covets any investigation of his life and character that the public may choose to make.  His candidacy is with the voters for their consideration. 

            He has issued the following card:

To the Voters of Beat Two:

            I take this method of announcing myself as a candidate for Constable for Beat 2.  I have never before asked for any public office.  I have lived in Beat 2 for the past seven years.  It has always been my desire to be of some service to my county and I believe I can fill this office without fear or favor.  I ask your careful investigation of my record as a private citizen and if found worthy of your consideration I shall honor your support by rendering four years of faithful service.  I think if there has ever been a time in the history of our country that we need officers that will rebel against vice and crime it is now and if elected I will make our country a better place in which to live.

            I will make the race fair and impartial holding no prejudice towards my opponent.  I will not forsake the friendship of my fellowman for an office.  I had rather come back defected honestly than to have the office unjust and I will make no effort to win votes that way.  I hope to see every voter before the August primary and present my claim personally. 

            Your vote and influence will be solicited. 

W.H. Wood

Withdrawal from the race:

The Taylorsville Signal

July 16, 1931

To the Voters of Beat 2:

I want to say that some time ago I entered the race for Constable not knowing my future by any means.  I wanted to make Beat 2 an officer if elected that would enforce the laws and make our country a better place in which to live, but I find that God must have first place in the hearts and lives of Christian people.  I have been a licensed Baptist preacher for several years, but very little preaching have I done, being handicapped without a college education.  I have found no opportunity in this great work.  I have been praying and waiting for the opportunity to arrive in which I might enter my studies for the ministry, but little did I know that the time was so near at hand when I entered the race for Constable.  I have made plans and secured a place in Clarke College and will enter this fall if the Lord be willing, therefore I am withdrawing from this race to enter my school work.  I hope no one will be disappointed and I am asking that you choose will in electing your next crop of officers.

Sincerely Your Friend,

W.H. Wood

Ordination

Ordination

Prepared for Estes’ ordination at Brandon Baptist Church on August 19, 1945

By W.H. Wood

The spirit of ministration will always find many opportunities open to it.  The state of mind of a minister should be to – fear God – reverence, honor and respect Him as the God of heaven.

The new enterprise should be undertaken in the spirit of prayerful dependence and self-consecration.  His message should be to proclaim the truth under the supervision of the Holy Spirit.  His purpose should be to avoid iniquity such as all types of unrighteousness, wickedness, evil, injustice, and crime. 

Ordination is an act of brotherhood and recognition of spiritual gifts essential to the ministry.  We believe that according to the scripture your habit should be walking with God.  We also believe that according to the voice of scripture your greatest work will be turning men to God.

Divine grace unites with human judgment and effort.  Teaching the law of God in accordance to the divine grace extended you will be your greatest duty.  Acting as God’s messenger is your commission.

Paul admonished young Timothy to study. 

You must study to show yourself to the world. 

You must study to show yourself approved unto God. 

You must study to be a successful workman.

You must study that you may not be ashamed. 

You must study that you may be able to rightly divide the word of truth. 

You have the message – the green light is on – go forward, hand-in-hand with God and fear no danger so long as you cooperate with God. 

"My covenant was with him, one of life and peace, And I gave them to him that he might fear Me; So he feared Me And was reverent before My name. The law of truth was in his mouth, And injustice was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and equity, And turned many away from iniquity. "For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, And people should seek the law from his mouth; For he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. Malachi 2:5-7

So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. Acts 14:23

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.  For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:9-16

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. As I urged you when I went into Macedonia--remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,  nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm. But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust. 1 Timothy 1:1-11

Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:41-42

What the Bible Teaches About Life After Death

What the Bible Teaches About Life After Death

Prepared on June 21, 1941 By W.H. Wood

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

My message this afternoon will be on “What the Bible says about life after death.” Every normal person wants to know what the Bible teaches about life after death.  My text found in Philippians 1:21 contains four strange words, words hard to believe, seemly contradictory words, and yet true.  Comforting words for every child of God, “to die is gain”.  These words correct our false conception of death.  We have thought of death as being a loss, but it is not for the saved. 

To die is to gain what?

In death, we gain a fuller life existence. Many think death is the cessation of life, but it is not.  Death is not a terminus; it is a train, a thru train to glory or despair.  Death is not an end; it is merely an episode in the ever flowing river of life.  In Luke 16, we read about Lazarus and the rich man.  Lazarus died and lifted his eyes in Abraham’s bosom meaning Heaven.  The rich man died and found himself in conscious torment.  That souls have memory, reasoning power and other faculties of life is proven by the fact that God represented by Abraham appealed to the memory, reasoning power of the rich man.  These truths are taught in many passages among them Revelation 6:9-10 - When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.  And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"

Illustration:  Dr. Moody attending the funeral of his little granddaughter.  He said she is not dead, but lives on in another realm. 

I used to dread death because I thought it meant I would go into a casket and be buried under the cold soil for many centuries, but one day I learned the truths from the Bible and now a fear death no more. 

To die is to gain a new temple for our souls.  These bodies are vehicles of expression for our souls.  They are but tabernacles in which the inner man lives.  Death is the giving away of these earthly houses.  We love these bodies, and it is but natural that we should dread to leave them.  But…thank God, when these bodies do die, our souls are not left homeless to wander in space.  For 2 Corinthians 5:1-11 teaches clearly that God provides another house for our souls when our bodies die. 

For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.  For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked.  For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord.  For we walk by faith, not by sight.  We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.  Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. 2 Corinthians 5:1-11

These passages teach that when our bodies leave this tabernacle of clay, they will go to be in a sure enough house not made with hands.  I don’t know what this body will be like, but I know that it is much better than this present body as a house is better than a tabernacle.  I know it will be some vehicle fit for my soul’s new surrounding and activities. 

To die is to gain a new home in Heaven, where we are to stay when we leave these bodies and get our new temples for the soul.  The Bible answers clearly:  Absent from the body, at home with the Lord.  You remember the souls of the slain saints of Revelation 6:10, 2 Corinthians 5:1-2 says our “house not made with hands is eternal in the heavens.”  Philippians 1:23 says for the saints to depart or die is to be with Christ.  Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled, I go to prepare a place.”

Illustration:  Dr. E.J. Daniel’s father was sick and near death for 3 weeks, but got better.  They sought to make his last days happy by deciding to remodel the old home, but God wanted to give him a better home. 

To die is to gain everlasting fellowship with loved ones gone on before.  The thing that makes life happy is its fellowship with loved ones and friends.  Death is no respecter of these sacred fellowships for it separates mothers and babies.  Jesus tell us in Matthew 8:11 that we will fellowship with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in Heaven.  Thus they are to retain their identity in Heaven or else we could not sit with them and know them. 

Christ's Ministry in the Home

Christ’s Ministry in the Home

Prepared on April 13, 1945 By W.H. Wood

Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him." And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.  Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.  But Simon's wife's mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once.  So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them. Mark 1:27-31

Wherever Jesus went and amongst whomsoever; He took with Him a heart sensitive to the appeal of human need, suffering and sin. He took with Him a hand open to give, stretched out to help and deliver.

The disciples soon reap the reward of their obedience and self-sacrifice.  How readily had they responded to the master’s call, “follow me”!  How readily had they left their boats and fishing nets, their daily occupations and their gains!  Christ often calls upon us for some self-denial and sacrifice; but He never does other than reward a hundredfold, even in this time, those who obey.

Peter learns a lesson of his master’s power and willingness to save.  We know enough of Simon to understand that his nature was very receptive of impression, very responsive to sympathy.  What a lesson for him was this – which the Savior vouchsafed to reach him so early in his discipleship of the compassion and grace of his Lord.  We know that of all the twelve, Peter was, in the course of the Lord’s ministry, the first to confess his Divine dignity and Messiahship.

Christ proves His sympathy with home suffering, and blesses home life.  Let us, like Simon, welcome Christ into our houses and homes.  His ministry was indeed chiefly fulfilled in public; yet in the homes of Simon, of Levi, and of Lazarus, He proved His interest in the domestic life of His friends.  He entered into family feeling, and consecrated family life.  It was sometimes said to Him, “He whom thou lovest is sick.”  It was an appeal to which He was never indifferent. Christ is ever mindful of our family cares, anxieties, sorrows, and joys.  Let Him “abide with us” and He will lighten our dwellings when they are clouded with trouble and grief.  When, like Simon’s household, we “tell Him” of the needs and sorrows of those we love, His help is always near. 

Christ exercises His Divine power to banish disease.  Let us, like this household, tell the Savior of those members of the family who have special need of Him.  He does not stand at a distance and utter words that expels the evil spirits.  Quite the reverse, He takes the sufferer by the hand and raises her up.  I hope we understand that it is not the religion of Christ; it is Christ Himself who saves.  And He ever saves by stretching forth the hand of help, and raising, and elevating, the suppliant and penitent from the prostration and helplessness of sin.  As the fever left this suffering woman, so all spiritual malady is banished at the bidding of a mighty, gracious Savior. 

Affectionate gratitude prompts to personal service and ministration.  If our Lord made this house His home in Capernaum, Peter’s mother-in-law must have had many opportunities of showing her thankfulness and love.  Like many other devoted women, she took pleasure in showing how highly she honored and how gratefully she loved her Lord.  It is a law of moral life that those who are aided, healed, and pardoned, shall love Him to whom they owe so much; and shall show their love by grateful ministrations.  Let us, who are healed and pardoned by Christ’s grace, take every opportunity of showing our gratitude, by engaging in His service; and by ministering to His people.  Let us minster to Him and place all confidence in His power and willingness to save and bless His people.  

The Purpose of the Lamp

The Purpose of the Lamp

Prepared on February 28, 1945 by W.H. Wood

Ye are the light of the world... Matthew 5:14

When Jesus was on earth in the flesh, He said, “I am the light of the world.”  When He had chosen some disciples and taught them, He said to them, “Ye are the light of the world.”  He further said to them, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Physical light is necessary in the world.  All life must have light to live and grow.  As the sun is the source of physical life, so Christ is the source of spiritual life, and just as essential as physical life.  As physical light shines from a lamp so spiritual light from Christ must shine through believers.  Note the following facts about the lamp that will glow with light:

            The lamp must be lighted. 

That which makes light from a lamp comes from without.  The lamp has nothing in itself to shine.  It must have essential contact with the source of light – giving substance.  So the person who would be a light in the world must get spiritual light from Christ.  He is the light of the world.  He will freely give light to true believers. 

            The lamp must be fed.

Oil lamps, acetylene lamps, electric lamps, must all be fed from without if they are to shine continuously.  The lamp that continues to give light must have direct connection with the light-giving substance at all times.  When the source is cutoff, the light goes out.  The soul that would shine constantly for Christ must keep in vital touch with Him.  Christ is the source of spiritual light.  Keep contact with Him. 

            The lamp must be clean.

If a lamp is to give its best light, all dust, dirt, soot, etc. must be removed.  The clear light comes from a clean lamp.  The life that would let the light of Christ shine through it, must be clean.  “The blood of Jesus Christ His son cleanseth us from all sin” 1 John 1:7  If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  He will cleanse the soul of pride, jealously, meanness, malice, selfishness, profanity, and all other forms of sin.  

            The lamp must be placed.

If the lamp with its clear light is to shine to the best advantage, it must be correctly placed.  The light must not be hid under a bushel, but placed where it can shine best where it is needed.  There is need for the bright and shining physical and spiritual light in the home, the school, the church, the store, the street, the shop, the office, and all other places where men go to serve.  Sin loves darkness, but will flee from the light. 

            The lamp must be firmly stationed. 

A lighthouse constantly moving up and down the coast would never direct a ship into port.  It must be stationed.  A flickering, moving light in the operating room would disturb the surgeon and be fatal to the patient.  So the life that will be a light for Christ must be firmly fixed on the great fundamental principles of Christianity in such a way that it cannot be moved.  The life that will be a bright and shining light for Christ must believe the whole truth about Christ and be willing to stand even unto death that truth may live.  

Prepare to Meet God

Prepare to Meet God

Prepared on May 25, 1934 at 10:30 p.m. by W.H. Wood

Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.  Amos 4:12

Amos was pleading with the children of Israel to prepare to meet God.  He had warned them of the many things God had done to arouse the spirit within them; but yet, they were not willing to return to the Lord.  “Preparedness brings confidence and peace and poise and joy.”

“You can’t get insurance on your house when it is in flames; neither can you get into the heavenly feast when the door is shut”.  Jesus taught in the parable of the ten virgins one of the world’s greatest lessons on preparedness. 

      Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.  And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.  They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold , the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.  And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.  But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.  Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.  But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.  Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matthew 25:1-13

There are 4 things found in this parable that we want to discuss at this time:

Character contrasted.  “And five of them were foolish, and five were wise.” In order that the contrast between the two groups of girls may be more fully realized.  Let us first note certain respects in which they were similar.  They all desired to honor the bridegroom and to attend the wedding feast.  They all had lamps.  They all slumbered and slept while the arrival of the bridegroom was delayed.  Not until his approach was announced did the difference between them appear.  Then it was disclosed that the five of them were foolish and five were wise; that five of them had no oil for their lamps and five of them did; that five of them were prepared and five unprepared for the bridegroom’s coming.  Externally, they were alike.  The difference was internal. 

Character revealed in crisis.  Let us remember that the main point Jesus was making was that Christians should be prepared at all times, since the particular time of crisis which is either their death, or His second coming, would thrust upon them was uncertain.  Sooner or later the crisis hour will come to all – that hour which will reveal character and fix destiny.  How we shall meet that hour and stand the test of its disclosures will depend upon previous preparations.  It will be too late then to remedy the neglect of past opportunities.  It should not be difficult to persuade us of this truth as it relates to the spiritual realm because we know that it is true in other realms. 

Who are they who meet the crisis of life successfully?  Well, do we know that it is those who have stored up a reserve supply of physical or mental or moral or spiritual strength upon which they may draw?  When the testing crisis comes, a study of our record in meeting the crisis hours of life will furnish a good index to our characters.

Character is nontransferable.  “Give us of your oil….not so”.  The failing lamp at midnight brought home to the foolish virgins their lack of the one essential to qualify them for the occasion at hand.  To their sorrow, they found that they could not borrow from the wise virgins.   It will be that same say in the kingdom of heaven.  The essential for welcoming the coming of heaven’s bridegroom and the entrance to the joys of His feast will be the brightly burning lamp of an abiding Christian experience.  Faith must be shining still.  Character must have undergone the transforming touch of the Holy Spirit in the new birth and the sustaining and sanctifying influence of His continued presence.  Character is an individual thing.  It is personal.  It cannot be transferred.  The lack of the foolish virgins cannot be supplied by the wise.  Each one shall have to meet the test for himself.  It will then be too late to draw upon the goodness of others.  Neither mother, nor father, nor brother, nor sister, nor pastor, nor loved one, nor saint, nor apostle, nor angel can help us then.  Their examples can and should influence now to see to it that the right sort of spiritual preparation is made that faith in Christ shall become the chief cornerstone in the foundation of our character.  Character is a man’s untransferable possession.  There are some things which can be neither loaned nor borrowed.  Character is one of them.  This is just another way of saying that we must meet the high moral and spiritual tests of life and of death alone. 

Lost opportunities cannot be recalled.  “And the door was shut”.  Agonizingly, the foolish virgins sought to gain entrance to the feast.  Their cries pierced the night.  But they were not admitted.  “Sad, sad, that bitter wail – almost – but lost!”  This truth applies to the opportunities of the here and now.  Once lost, they do not return.  Other opportunities may come, but they are not the same.  The gospel of Christ may be presented to a sinner and he be urged to repent of sin, and accept and confess Christ as his Savior and Lord.  He may reject the offer of salvation.  Perchance ten years may go by and that same sinner may have the same gospel proclaimed to him by the same preacher.  The terms of salvation are announced as just the same and such they are.  But even though, that sinner accepts Christ as his Savior on the latter occasion, he has lost ten years of Christian life and joy and service.  That first opportunity passed never to return in all its fullness.  But death shuts the door finally on all opportunity of becoming a new creature in Christ Jesus.

At the midnight hour, the foolish virgins tried to remedy their lack of preparedness, but it was too late.  He who deliberately or even carelessly postpones his preparation to meet Christ, foolishly hoping that somehow in the crisis hour he can make things right, will in all likelihood find the door shut and himself standing without in the blackness of the night, while the voice of the long neglected savior will say: “Verily, I say unto you, I know you not.”  But less any should have that terrible experience, that same blessed Savior said then, and He says now, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh”.  Oh, that today all would hear His voice and harden not their hearts, as He says, “Watch and pray”, He also says, “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish”; again He says, “Ye must be born again”; Once again He says, “except ye be converted and become as little children ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”  He says again, “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  He says again, “I am the way, the truth and the life:  No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.”  And He says, “Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye thing not the Son of Man cometh.”  Matthew 24:44

For those who are prepared, death is not an enemy, but a friend who swings wide the door to a higher life.  

The Greatness of Our God

The Greatness of Our God

Prepared on May 23, 1946 by W.H. Wood

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  Psalm 46:1

God is first in this text.  He is first in all things.  He was first in creation, and should be given first place and the greatest honor in every life.  The psalmist in this text points us to the one source of every need of the soul.

God is our shelter.  “God is our refuge”

            When trouble overcomes us, and trials baffle us, and sorrows weigh us down, and burdens are too heavy to bear, and dangers are all about us, and doubt is in the soul, and difficulties seem to be too great to be overcome, the Lord is our refuge.  He extends His loving arms and in a gentle voice with pleading petition, He invites us to come to Him for shelter.  Take refuge in God from the fierce storms of life.  He will calm the soul and enrich the life. 

God is our strength.  “God is our strength”

            Man is weak and wayward.  He falters and fails and falls.  Man will doubt and push on into danger.  Man is often helpless and heartless.  There is no need for man to be like this.  The Lord has promised to be the strength of the life of His people.  God is our strength.  He has all the power we will need in our lives.  He promises to use this power for our good and His glory.  We need only to let the Lord be the strength of our life.  He longs for this privilege. 

God is our support.  “God is a very present help in trouble”

            So often, the soul of man comes to the place in life when the closest human being cannot help.  It seems that strength must come from a source higher than man and from a power greater than man.  When help of this kind is needed, the gracious God of the universe is willing and ready to help.  He is very anxious to help in every trial, every temptation, and every trouble.

May we lean on the Lord and let Him help us, and call upon Him and He will abundantly bless us.