"I Can't Remember..."

When I was fresh out of college I worked full time as a preacher. It frustrated me to no end when middle-aged and older Christians would tell me "I can't remember scriptures as well as I could when I was younger." I accepted their statements as true.

Now that I have reached middle-age I have observed something about remembering scriptures: USE THEM OR LOSE THEM.

I know, that is no great new revelation. And what it implies about these Christians is not new either.

People don't forget what they use. Teachers USE eye-reading skills looking for the unforgettable "I-don't-get-it" look. Timber cruisers don't forget how to calculate board feet in standing trees. Knitters don't forget their basic patterns. Anyone USING their skills do not forget the fundamentals.

What does that tell us about Christians who forget fundamental passages? Does it imply they are not active? Are they USING soul-saving passages like John 3:16; 15:14; Matt 10:32; Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30; Mark 16:15-16? Are they teaching how to stay free from sin using Rom 6:1-12; 12:1-2; Col 3:5-10? What scriptures do they USE, or make reference to, when someone has died (1 Thess 4:13-18, 2 Tim 4:6-8--my fav)? Are they answering the question "Why does God allow the good to suffer?" with memorized scriptures or stories (from Job)?

I also have noted over these few years how those same people were variations of hard-packed soil, shallow soil, or thorny soil. Nor have these individual tried to keep things fresh in their minds, as you, my faithful readers have. (I frequently thank God for you, whoever you are, wherever you live.)

So as a blog writer, should I concentrate on teaching the fundamentals again or should I, outside this medium, find ways to help Christians to get busy? 

Please tell me your opinion in the comments section.

How Deep Is The Well?

Up till recently, I had spent almost 25 years using a 35-foot deep x 3-foot diameter well. For many years, even with seven of us at home it was sufficient. But a few years ago, supporting two families and a very dry summer, the old well 'went dry' eight times. 

For those readers with a constant supply of 'city' water, let me explain. A 'dry' or 'near-dry' well translates into no showers, only wash cloth bathing. It means carrying the clothes to the coin-operated laundry. Don't wash the car or anything else.

What was the problem with my well? It was too shallow. It had no depth to serve as a reservoir.

There is a direct correlation between my old well and some people Jesus talked about in Mark 4:5-6, 16-17. The correlation is based on depth.

A near-literal translation of the passage finds Jesus telling us of a commonly known fact: Some people are like "ground full of rocks". This section of mankind "do not possess much ground" and their "soil is not deep," the text says. They are like my well, not much there to work with.

At this point I see two possibilities that Mark does not answer. Is Jesus speaking of their intellect? I really do not think so, but can not say for sure. Or is Jesus saying they have not placed the "seed" DEEP "in themselves". This would seem to fit the context. I think Jesus is NOT talking about their ability, but about how people prioritize His seed or word. 

Seed must be planted deep enough to allow the plant enough root to provide plenty of moisture for transpiration, life processes, and reserve. Plant seeds too shallow and the plant will be tortured by the intense heat of the summer sun. Death by drying is certain.

And remember, all plants will face the heat.

Jesus' explanation of the code talk (parables) said these with 'stony ground' interest will "feel the heat" of peer pressure, opposition, tribulation, being 'between a rock and a hard place', or some type of persecution (according to the Greek word). 

Jesus said when these difficult times come, the stony-ground-ers will SKANDALIZO (Transliterated Greek word). (Do we get the English word 'Scandal' from it? Maybe.) They cause a scandal by:

• showing how displeased they are.
• showing how indignantly treated they are.
• showing how they can not be trusted
• promote the distrust of someone who should be trusted and obeyed.

These are worse than the 'hard-hearted' people. They are scandalous because they work against the word.

So who am I? Or, who are you?

PLEASE make sure you plant God's word DEEP. How?

• Read it! Read it! Read it! If you do not read, YOU WILL BE TOO SHALLOW!
• Memorize, memorize, memorize. What did the Psalmist say?
• Think about it. Think about it. Think about it.

What happens when we do? Psa 1:3 says "He shall be like a TREE, PLANTED BY THE RIVERS OF WATER, that brings forth its fruit in its season, WHOSE LEAF WILL NOT WITHER, and whatever he does shall prosper." (NKJV; emphasis mine). 

That makes it worth the struggle!

Once in a Thousand Years

TENTH day of the TENTH month of the TENTH year occurs one time every thousand years. The first time it occurred was two years before Jesus made his first trip to Jerusalem.  In 732 a.d. at Tours, France the Muslims invasion of Europe was halted, but I found nothing on the internet concerning the events of October, 10, 1010.

Consider this question: Is it the historical events of the day that make it important, or the potential of what could happen that makes it special? History is important, but it is the potential that excites us. 

What will make 10-10-10 special this year in particular? It is the only time this day will occur for another 1000 years.

Here are a few things that the Bible says can happen.

• 1 Sam. 10:19. I can reject God 
• Exod. 32:29 I could dedicate, or re-dedicate, myself to God 
• Deut. 6:6  I can put His commands in to my heart. Would memorization be a way? 
• Deut. 29:12 This day, 10-10-10, I can make a make a pack (promise) with God to do what he says. 
• 1 Sam. 11:13  I can watch the Lord accomplishing salvation in the lives of my friends and others. Could it be my day? 
• Heb. 3:7.  This could be the day I start listening to God instead of the devil. 
• Luke 19:9.  Is this the day salvation comes to my house? Your house? A neighbor's? A relative? 
• Luke 23:43. This might be the day I leave this earth and go to Paradise.

Yes, 10-10-10 could be a VERY INCREDIBLE DAY! It will be the only one like it for the next 1000 years. It is the POTENTIAL that makes this date SPECIAL.

Now, consider this question. What is the difference between 10-10-10 and 10-11-10? Or which is the better date, 10-11-10 or 10-13-10?

Isn't it true any of the things the Bible said can happen on 10-10-10 can happen on ANY DATE? It is not the DATE that makes it special, it is what we DO WITH IT that makes ANY DATE special.

Besides, isn't right now the only day like this in recorded history?  Make today, whatever the date, special. It is unique.