A Dose of the Word
September 25, 2008
I saw a tee-shirt on a youth at the Shawnee Mall. It read: “I believe in God and you are not Him.” I chuckled, but then I thought many people do behave with an idea the universe revolves around them. When the Old Testament prophet Hosea wrote this verse, “For I am God and not man, the Holy One among you.” Hosea 11:9, four things emerged as divine truth.
There is a difference – “For I am God”. There is only one God. He is creator and sustainer of all life. He is above and says My ways are not your ways or my thoughts are not like yours. The great I AM is a statement of His supremacy, only He is God.
There is a depiction – “and not man”. There could be nearly seven billion of us on this planet now! There were not a billion until 1930 on the earth at one time. Perhaps as many as 42 billion have lived since time and creation. But only one God. He made us, “It is He who made us, and we are His…” Psalm 100:3. We see man depicted as made in the image of God, but not portrayed as God.
There is a divinity – “the Holy One”. God is different not only in power, but in character He is holy. God is pure in love, grace, and all His attributes. Through Jesus Christ, He has revealed Himself totally. We sing “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty” because He is distinct in Holiness.
There is a dispersion – “among you”. Not off up there, but right down here among us. On the road, hallway, home, job, where ever we are, He is there with us. God has dispersed His Spirit to walk with us. He is not a spectator, but a participant.
Chaplain Larry Sparks
Saturday, February 28, 2009
For Black History Month 2009
A Dose of the Word
While Look and Life were top selling magazines, a new and different magazine appeared which captured more than a quarter of the Blacks in America as readers. John Johnson, publisher and founder began Ebony in 1945 specifically for World War II veterans. Johnson felt these men who were returning to rebuild their lives needed a wider view of the world and more applied knowledge; besides, people needed to hear stories of successful Blacks.
Believer it or not, Johnson’s first publication was called Negro Digest. Many other business moguls were impressed with his ideas and supplied the capital to progress the work. He asked Eleanor Roosevelt to write a guest article, which made the publication triple in size.
Ebony magazine highlighted famous, yet obscure Black Americans who did great things but were overlooked by White magazines. The big break came when Matthew Henson, a Black explorer, journeyed to the North Pole with Admiral Perry. Zenith began to advertise in Ebony and Negro Digest and the newest magazine Jet. Things really took off and soon there were over 12 million in readership.
Thank God for John Johnson who had faith and courage to do what no one else would do as a Black publisher. Black History Month gives us an opportunity to highlight the contributions of Black America. But remember, in Heaven there’ll be no Whites, Blacks or Hispanic or Asians or Native Americans, just the family of God; “…every tribe, language and people and nation.” Amen!
Chaplain Larry Sparks
While Look and Life were top selling magazines, a new and different magazine appeared which captured more than a quarter of the Blacks in America as readers. John Johnson, publisher and founder began Ebony in 1945 specifically for World War II veterans. Johnson felt these men who were returning to rebuild their lives needed a wider view of the world and more applied knowledge; besides, people needed to hear stories of successful Blacks.
Believer it or not, Johnson’s first publication was called Negro Digest. Many other business moguls were impressed with his ideas and supplied the capital to progress the work. He asked Eleanor Roosevelt to write a guest article, which made the publication triple in size.
Ebony magazine highlighted famous, yet obscure Black Americans who did great things but were overlooked by White magazines. The big break came when Matthew Henson, a Black explorer, journeyed to the North Pole with Admiral Perry. Zenith began to advertise in Ebony and Negro Digest and the newest magazine Jet. Things really took off and soon there were over 12 million in readership.
Thank God for John Johnson who had faith and courage to do what no one else would do as a Black publisher. Black History Month gives us an opportunity to highlight the contributions of Black America. But remember, in Heaven there’ll be no Whites, Blacks or Hispanic or Asians or Native Americans, just the family of God; “…every tribe, language and people and nation.” Amen!
Chaplain Larry Sparks
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
SPIRITUALITY AND POLITICS NOT RELIGION
SPIRITUALITY AND POLITICS
NOT RELIGION
We are not all on the same page with our belief systems, politics, issues, religion and our ethics. I think there is little doubt there are major disagreements in what is important to us and what we understand as basic moral values. Why do you believe what you believe? That’s a loaded and interesting question that actually calls us to make our choices on nearly all matters of life on those tenets of faith we profess. Which then causes us to ask; Do I know what I believe? How important is it to any decision making process? The answer is it is extremely relevant and those choices we make now affect not only us but also our children and generations to follow.
Looking at the polls won’t help much due to the fact they change daily. Our morals and values cannot be determined by popular trends, the loudest voice, slickest delivery and even what’s best for the economy. You see as Christians, believers, people who believe the teachings of the Bible and embrace the truth of God’s character, our opinion is already settled. God’s already taken His poll and we should be on His side even if it is the smaller percentile. Someone said, we vote on issues not personalities that line up with our God given belief system. Our dear old grandparents were not wrong, nor foolish or uneducated farmers that were void of today’s technologies so unable to respond to the problems of their day. Why? To most of them it was already settled and the rest fell to prayer for leaders who had been elected.
I’m writing in the Religion section of the newspaper of Shawnee, Oklahoma, the belt-buckle we say of the Bible Belt. I don’t recall seeing the Hindu, Jewish, Moslem or Buddhist perspective offered. Why? They came from elsewhere and were I in the genesis of their countries, you would not find Christian doctrine expressed there. I am well aware this is dangerous ground I stand on but honestly, with all our freedoms, history and protections, aren’t we still sealed by a higher moral authority?
It is what God says, not Gallup, that dictates my choice. It is the Word of God (already settled forever in Heaven) that inspires me, not political parties. Sure, I’ll have to open my Bible and read, study and pray to arrive but true doctrine will not divide, it will unite us on those matters of morality. This is a spiritual world we live in, always has been. I am faced with the same dilemma that a crowd of doubters and religious folk encountered on a mountain called Carmel. The question put forth was plain, frank and penetrating, “If God be God follow Him?” I Kings 18:21. “How long will you waver between two opinions?” My opinion is not needed but my vote is. My opinion is already stated on the real issues… in the Word of God. So if it sounds fanatical, out-dated, unpopular, fundamental, right wing, etc., so be it. I believe in the teachings of that ancient old book…The Bible. He does not need me to approve His message; He needs me to believe it.
Pastor Larry Sparks
NOT RELIGION
We are not all on the same page with our belief systems, politics, issues, religion and our ethics. I think there is little doubt there are major disagreements in what is important to us and what we understand as basic moral values. Why do you believe what you believe? That’s a loaded and interesting question that actually calls us to make our choices on nearly all matters of life on those tenets of faith we profess. Which then causes us to ask; Do I know what I believe? How important is it to any decision making process? The answer is it is extremely relevant and those choices we make now affect not only us but also our children and generations to follow.
Looking at the polls won’t help much due to the fact they change daily. Our morals and values cannot be determined by popular trends, the loudest voice, slickest delivery and even what’s best for the economy. You see as Christians, believers, people who believe the teachings of the Bible and embrace the truth of God’s character, our opinion is already settled. God’s already taken His poll and we should be on His side even if it is the smaller percentile. Someone said, we vote on issues not personalities that line up with our God given belief system. Our dear old grandparents were not wrong, nor foolish or uneducated farmers that were void of today’s technologies so unable to respond to the problems of their day. Why? To most of them it was already settled and the rest fell to prayer for leaders who had been elected.
I’m writing in the Religion section of the newspaper of Shawnee, Oklahoma, the belt-buckle we say of the Bible Belt. I don’t recall seeing the Hindu, Jewish, Moslem or Buddhist perspective offered. Why? They came from elsewhere and were I in the genesis of their countries, you would not find Christian doctrine expressed there. I am well aware this is dangerous ground I stand on but honestly, with all our freedoms, history and protections, aren’t we still sealed by a higher moral authority?
It is what God says, not Gallup, that dictates my choice. It is the Word of God (already settled forever in Heaven) that inspires me, not political parties. Sure, I’ll have to open my Bible and read, study and pray to arrive but true doctrine will not divide, it will unite us on those matters of morality. This is a spiritual world we live in, always has been. I am faced with the same dilemma that a crowd of doubters and religious folk encountered on a mountain called Carmel. The question put forth was plain, frank and penetrating, “If God be God follow Him?” I Kings 18:21. “How long will you waver between two opinions?” My opinion is not needed but my vote is. My opinion is already stated on the real issues… in the Word of God. So if it sounds fanatical, out-dated, unpopular, fundamental, right wing, etc., so be it. I believe in the teachings of that ancient old book…The Bible. He does not need me to approve His message; He needs me to believe it.
Pastor Larry Sparks
Ministers Corner
Ministers Corner
Have you ever been really hungry? I don’t mean that after school hunger or when the preacher goes over time on Sunday morning. But actually denied food for an extend period of time. With most of us struggling to keep weight off and dieting, it’s difficult to imagine that hungry people live in our small city. But they do exist and their population is growing. Every race, culture and age is affected by lack of food and poor nutrition.
There are over 700 references in the Bible that speak to feeding the hungry or helping the poor. Over three fourths of our world’s population of nearly seven billion will go to bed hungry tonight. Lack of food is caused by a number of factors globally and locally. Drought or too much rain ruins crops, corrupt governments, breakdown in family, drugs, economic collapse, unemployment and other valid reasons create lack of finances and food. Three main areas form relief for these hungry hurting people. Government agencies, Social services set up to meet such needs and churches.
Jesus said in Matthew 25:42 “For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat…” That is a serious indictment, especially for our churches which claim the name of Jesus. We should be at the front ministering food to people. Everyone needs prayer, some need counsel, cooking classes, job search support, a plan to move up, aid to health issues and help with children’s issues. Many of these are available through entities like Salvation Army, Mission Shawnee, Feed the Children, area churches and community support financially through United Way. Volunteers are always welcome and needed.
It seems we have inflation, recession and depression all at the same time. Desperate times cause people to pray, evaluate self and re-adjust priorities. We drop some of the frivolous toys and get down to basics of human needs. People may drive less, buy less, budget more, spend time together, make Christmas gifts and find themselves not only surviving but conquering hard times.
God is still on His Throne. He cares for our needs but He desires we know Him, trust Him and do things His way. If you are a Believer in the Word and the Lord, I challenge you to show up in church somewhere with your family this Sunday. What would happen if everyone in Shawnee went to church this week? There was prayers, worship and fellowship. Some great things can happen again.
Have you ever been really hungry? I don’t mean that after school hunger or when the preacher goes over time on Sunday morning. But actually denied food for an extend period of time. With most of us struggling to keep weight off and dieting, it’s difficult to imagine that hungry people live in our small city. But they do exist and their population is growing. Every race, culture and age is affected by lack of food and poor nutrition.
There are over 700 references in the Bible that speak to feeding the hungry or helping the poor. Over three fourths of our world’s population of nearly seven billion will go to bed hungry tonight. Lack of food is caused by a number of factors globally and locally. Drought or too much rain ruins crops, corrupt governments, breakdown in family, drugs, economic collapse, unemployment and other valid reasons create lack of finances and food. Three main areas form relief for these hungry hurting people. Government agencies, Social services set up to meet such needs and churches.
Jesus said in Matthew 25:42 “For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat…” That is a serious indictment, especially for our churches which claim the name of Jesus. We should be at the front ministering food to people. Everyone needs prayer, some need counsel, cooking classes, job search support, a plan to move up, aid to health issues and help with children’s issues. Many of these are available through entities like Salvation Army, Mission Shawnee, Feed the Children, area churches and community support financially through United Way. Volunteers are always welcome and needed.
It seems we have inflation, recession and depression all at the same time. Desperate times cause people to pray, evaluate self and re-adjust priorities. We drop some of the frivolous toys and get down to basics of human needs. People may drive less, buy less, budget more, spend time together, make Christmas gifts and find themselves not only surviving but conquering hard times.
God is still on His Throne. He cares for our needs but He desires we know Him, trust Him and do things His way. If you are a Believer in the Word and the Lord, I challenge you to show up in church somewhere with your family this Sunday. What would happen if everyone in Shawnee went to church this week? There was prayers, worship and fellowship. Some great things can happen again.
It’s Alright to Believe and Disagree
It’s Alright to Believe and Disagree
My father would say, “Never discuss politics or religion or you’ll offend someone.” Boy was he ever correct, for people are easily offended if you’re not like-minded. If you state your case in either area, someone sharpens his pencil to defend. Well, it makes our paper interesting and often controversial. We should never be ugly, harsh, or mean-spirited with those we disagree. However, we should not be intimidated to alter our convictions because of others offensive responses or defensive words.
We must not suppose that our silence is a contribution to any just cause. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth in his second letter, “I believed, therefore I have spoken.” A quote from Psalm 116:10 but then he goes onto say…”with that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak…” As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and follower of God’s word, we preach, teach and witness. Sometimes people will accuse you of being narrow-minded because you are not like-minded but that’s alright.
The words persuaded, convinced and believed are mentioned frequently in scripture. “I know whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have trusted to Him for that day.” (II Tim. 1:2). There is peace, comfort and genuine encouragement trusting in the authority of God’s word. I remember a precious Bible teacher of children in Chandler when I was a child who shared her faith with many. She was neither shallow nor uneducated or did she blindly adopt her belief system. She knew with conviction where her faith was placed in the Savior.
Many times people aren’t asking to believe something as much as quit believing something. A very radical, controversial person once made a claim…”I am the way the truth and the life…” “If you’ve seen me you’ve seen the Father.” For those words they were offended, they killed Him but He arose from the dead. That pronounced claim offends even more today.
It’s alright to disagree but its okay also to believe and have convictions. I believe, thus I have spoken.
My father would say, “Never discuss politics or religion or you’ll offend someone.” Boy was he ever correct, for people are easily offended if you’re not like-minded. If you state your case in either area, someone sharpens his pencil to defend. Well, it makes our paper interesting and often controversial. We should never be ugly, harsh, or mean-spirited with those we disagree. However, we should not be intimidated to alter our convictions because of others offensive responses or defensive words.
We must not suppose that our silence is a contribution to any just cause. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth in his second letter, “I believed, therefore I have spoken.” A quote from Psalm 116:10 but then he goes onto say…”with that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak…” As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and follower of God’s word, we preach, teach and witness. Sometimes people will accuse you of being narrow-minded because you are not like-minded but that’s alright.
The words persuaded, convinced and believed are mentioned frequently in scripture. “I know whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have trusted to Him for that day.” (II Tim. 1:2). There is peace, comfort and genuine encouragement trusting in the authority of God’s word. I remember a precious Bible teacher of children in Chandler when I was a child who shared her faith with many. She was neither shallow nor uneducated or did she blindly adopt her belief system. She knew with conviction where her faith was placed in the Savior.
Many times people aren’t asking to believe something as much as quit believing something. A very radical, controversial person once made a claim…”I am the way the truth and the life…” “If you’ve seen me you’ve seen the Father.” For those words they were offended, they killed Him but He arose from the dead. That pronounced claim offends even more today.
It’s alright to disagree but its okay also to believe and have convictions. I believe, thus I have spoken.
It’s Alright to Believe and Disagree
It’s Alright to Believe and Disagree
My father would say, “Never discuss politics or religion or you’ll offend someone.” Boy was he ever correct, for people are easily offended if you’re not like-minded. If you state your case in either area, someone sharpens his pencil to defend. Well, it makes our paper interesting and often controversial. We should never be ugly, harsh, or mean-spirited with those we disagree. However, we should not be intimidated to alter our convictions because of others offensive responses or defensive words.
We must not suppose that our silence is a contribution to any just cause. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth in his second letter, “I believed, therefore I have spoken.” A quote from Psalm 116:10 but then he goes onto say…”with that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak…” As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and follower of God’s word, we preach, teach and witness. Sometimes people will accuse you of being narrow-minded because you are not like-minded but that’s alright.
The words persuaded, convinced and believed are mentioned frequently in scripture. “I know whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have trusted to Him for that day.” (II Tim. 1:2). There is peace, comfort and genuine encouragement trusting in the authority of God’s word. I remember a precious Bible teacher of children in Chandler when I was a child who shared her faith with many. She was neither shallow nor uneducated or did she blindly adopt her belief system. She knew with conviction where her faith was placed in the Savior.
Many times people aren’t asking to believe something as much as quit believing something. A very radical, controversial person once made a claim…”I am the way the truth and the life…” “If you’ve seen me you’ve seen the Father.” For those words they were offended, they killed Him but He arose from the dead. That pronounced claim offends even more today.
It’s alright to disagree but its okay also to believe and have convictions. I believe, thus I have spoken.
My father would say, “Never discuss politics or religion or you’ll offend someone.” Boy was he ever correct, for people are easily offended if you’re not like-minded. If you state your case in either area, someone sharpens his pencil to defend. Well, it makes our paper interesting and often controversial. We should never be ugly, harsh, or mean-spirited with those we disagree. However, we should not be intimidated to alter our convictions because of others offensive responses or defensive words.
We must not suppose that our silence is a contribution to any just cause. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth in his second letter, “I believed, therefore I have spoken.” A quote from Psalm 116:10 but then he goes onto say…”with that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak…” As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and follower of God’s word, we preach, teach and witness. Sometimes people will accuse you of being narrow-minded because you are not like-minded but that’s alright.
The words persuaded, convinced and believed are mentioned frequently in scripture. “I know whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have trusted to Him for that day.” (II Tim. 1:2). There is peace, comfort and genuine encouragement trusting in the authority of God’s word. I remember a precious Bible teacher of children in Chandler when I was a child who shared her faith with many. She was neither shallow nor uneducated or did she blindly adopt her belief system. She knew with conviction where her faith was placed in the Savior.
Many times people aren’t asking to believe something as much as quit believing something. A very radical, controversial person once made a claim…”I am the way the truth and the life…” “If you’ve seen me you’ve seen the Father.” For those words they were offended, they killed Him but He arose from the dead. That pronounced claim offends even more today.
It’s alright to disagree but its okay also to believe and have convictions. I believe, thus I have spoken.
GRANDMA’S WORLD AND MINE
GRANDMA’S WORLD AND MINE
We live in a different world than our parents and grandparents lived. We have more to live on but don’t seem to know what to live for. We have more to eat than any other nation on earth and as they struggle for food, we suffer to stay on a diet. New studies show the dangers of smoking but we continue to puff our way to settled nerves while our lungs shrink to dark little pea-pods. Over half our population is on anti-depressants as genuine tears and laughter are only spent on special occasions. We make more but spend more on things we don’t need to impress people we don’t like because our identity is in our possessions not our character. Things have surely changed.
The foolish things our grandparents did by going to church on Sunday and treating the Lord’s Day with respect. Not us! There’s money to be made and products to buy. Imagine sitting on a front porch for two hours or on a fresh mowed lawn just talking with a hand fan slowly moving air around our face. Today we nestle in a lazy boy watching television, video and DVD in an air-conditioned room. We couldn’t be expected to talk to each other? However, let us get in the car and it’s cell phone city at every intersection in town. No, not everything was nostalgic or good but it was simple, predictable and basic decency was the norm. We were embarrassed by certain words, jokes and immodest dress. Nothing shocks us today, we have seen and heard it all.
Can you imagine leaving your doors unlocked at night and the only reason you locked a car was to keep someone from putting squash or tomatoes in it. Today there are alarm systems on our home, automobiles and pepper spray in every purse. We pass through metal detectors at airports, city buildings and some schools because someone will harm us. Every label on a product warns us of some side effect from food to the water we drink. The experts have us as confused as a termite in a yo-yo on what to eat and drink.
We put men in space but not peace in their hearts. Only God can do that, yet, He would need to alter our selfish lives and we couldn’t have that. We continue to be divided over race, religion, sexual genders and politics. I’m thankful these issues are settled forever in Heaven and in the Word of God. There are some good things that are visible on the moral horizon. Abortions have decreased, church attendance is increasing, mission work by laity is at an all time high and Americans continue to out give every country on the planet when help is needed. Some change is good but we cannot sacrifice absolute truth from new philosophies.
I certainly don’t miss the outhouse or the icebox but closeness and community would be wonderful again. Rocking chairs and overalls may make a come back, who knows? I’m not optimistic about getting prayer back in school … just back in church. Things sure have changed. Isn’t it nice to know God never changes nor does His Word, “The grass withers, the flower fades away but the Word of God endures forever.” I Peter 1:24-25. We were given a highlighter not an eraser to embrace God’s truth. It still changes people’s lives through Christ Jesus. Our grandparents were right, simple faith is an unchanging God in a changing world. Hold fast Pilgrim.
Chaplain Larry Sparks
We live in a different world than our parents and grandparents lived. We have more to live on but don’t seem to know what to live for. We have more to eat than any other nation on earth and as they struggle for food, we suffer to stay on a diet. New studies show the dangers of smoking but we continue to puff our way to settled nerves while our lungs shrink to dark little pea-pods. Over half our population is on anti-depressants as genuine tears and laughter are only spent on special occasions. We make more but spend more on things we don’t need to impress people we don’t like because our identity is in our possessions not our character. Things have surely changed.
The foolish things our grandparents did by going to church on Sunday and treating the Lord’s Day with respect. Not us! There’s money to be made and products to buy. Imagine sitting on a front porch for two hours or on a fresh mowed lawn just talking with a hand fan slowly moving air around our face. Today we nestle in a lazy boy watching television, video and DVD in an air-conditioned room. We couldn’t be expected to talk to each other? However, let us get in the car and it’s cell phone city at every intersection in town. No, not everything was nostalgic or good but it was simple, predictable and basic decency was the norm. We were embarrassed by certain words, jokes and immodest dress. Nothing shocks us today, we have seen and heard it all.
Can you imagine leaving your doors unlocked at night and the only reason you locked a car was to keep someone from putting squash or tomatoes in it. Today there are alarm systems on our home, automobiles and pepper spray in every purse. We pass through metal detectors at airports, city buildings and some schools because someone will harm us. Every label on a product warns us of some side effect from food to the water we drink. The experts have us as confused as a termite in a yo-yo on what to eat and drink.
We put men in space but not peace in their hearts. Only God can do that, yet, He would need to alter our selfish lives and we couldn’t have that. We continue to be divided over race, religion, sexual genders and politics. I’m thankful these issues are settled forever in Heaven and in the Word of God. There are some good things that are visible on the moral horizon. Abortions have decreased, church attendance is increasing, mission work by laity is at an all time high and Americans continue to out give every country on the planet when help is needed. Some change is good but we cannot sacrifice absolute truth from new philosophies.
I certainly don’t miss the outhouse or the icebox but closeness and community would be wonderful again. Rocking chairs and overalls may make a come back, who knows? I’m not optimistic about getting prayer back in school … just back in church. Things sure have changed. Isn’t it nice to know God never changes nor does His Word, “The grass withers, the flower fades away but the Word of God endures forever.” I Peter 1:24-25. We were given a highlighter not an eraser to embrace God’s truth. It still changes people’s lives through Christ Jesus. Our grandparents were right, simple faith is an unchanging God in a changing world. Hold fast Pilgrim.
Chaplain Larry Sparks
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)