Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Colossians 2:8
I awoke this morning with the words to a song from my childhood going through my mind. I remember singing this hymn as a child and just knowing that Jesus could come at any moment.
What a beautiful day for the Lord to come again
What a beautiful day for him to take his children home
How I long to see his face, and to touch his nail scarred hands
What a beautiful day for the Lord to come again
The Apostles believed that Jesus would come in their day. They didn't understand that many of the things He taught them were for a future time period. When members of the first century greeted one another it was with this salutation, "The Lord cometh". The Apostle Paul so believed it that he signed his letter to the Corinthians with the word Maranatha which means The Lord is Coming. Every generation since that time has preached that the Lord Jesus is coming soon. If we are not careful it would be easy to just dismiss it as a fairy tale. That is exactly what the enemy of our souls wants us to do.
Paul warned us in Colosians not to be spoiled through philosophy and vain deceit. Just because the coming of the Lord has not happened yet does not mean that it will not happen. We can open the scriptures and see that prophecy has been and is being fulfilled at an alarming rate before our very eyes. America and the world is on a collision course with the judgment of God. Yet most people, including many who call themselves Christians, scoff at such ideas. If they Lord were coming back he would have done so by now is the cry of the day.
Our nation has forgotten that there is a reckoning day when all must give account to God for the things done in the body. It is evident in the laws being passed that ideas about God's word are considered old fashioned and out of date. I would like to join the Apostle Paul in reminding us that the Lord is coming. I can not predict when he will come. Jesus himself did not attempt to do that. It was for the Heavenly Father alone to know the day and hour. I would be a fool to even try. Yet He is coming.
I believe that we can look at the prophecies of scripture and know that he is coming soon. This world can not hold out much longer without answering to the judgment of God. The spirit of the anti-Christ has arisen in our world again in a way that the world has not seen since WWII. Surely we are in the countdown.
Whether or not the end will be while I am alive on the earth I can not say. One thing I can say is that there will be an end. If I see it, wonderful. I am ready to be with Jesus. If I don't, my life will surely come to an end and then I will have to answer to him. Either way I heed the words of Paul, "Don't be deceived by philosophies and vain deceit."
Man's philosophies of greatness and enlightenment might deceive many. They may believe that the Bible is just a collection of stories or that it is not literal. Yet I will not allow myself to be deceived by the spirit of the age.
To all who will listen I sound and alarm. The Lord is coming. Are you ready?
Watchfully,
Sullivan Jones
6/27/13
6/25/13
The Value of the Ministry
II Corinthians 6: 4,10
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God .....as poor, yet making many rich.
Recently our church set up a booth at a market day in Clinton. During the course of the afternoon I struck up a conversation with a minister from another church in town. When he found out we had a booth he asked what we were selling. I told him that we weren't selling anything. He responded, "I know. You're giving away salvation." I had to answer that in the negative. You see, I can't give away salvation because it is not mine to give. What I can do is introduce men to Jesus and he is the one who can grant eternal life. It is his to give because he purchased it on Calvary. Though it is free to us it was not free to him.
The greatest joy of my life is that God called me to preach the gospel. Though I can not grant salvation to anyone I get to help in the process by telling people how to be saved. I count it a privilege that he would trust me to deliver his word to his people. For me it not an occupation, a career, or even just a calling. It is my life.
In II Corinthians chapter 6 Paul writes to us about the ministry. He is open and forthright about both its joys and struggles. It is not always an easy path but it is worth it. Some have said that ministers are supposed to take a vow of poverty. Although I don't adhere to that, there is something to be said in not getting attached to the things of the world. Even though I may never be rich and most certainly will never be famous, my joy is complete. I may be poor in earthly goods but I am making many rich by introducing them to Jesus through the preaching of the gospel.
There are many get rich quick schemes in this but this is not one of them. I am not promising anyone that they can make a hundred thousand dollars in the next six months. In fact, what we preach tells people they must be willing to give up everything to gain eternal life. But like the children of Israel we have found greater riches than the treasures in Egypt. We may have to travel through the desert to get it but any struggles we may encounter are worth the prize.
What we are offering can not be bought with a million dollars. It is free to us because it was purchased a long time ago on Calvary with the precious blood of our redeeming Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. I am content that though I may never be rich or well-known my life's work is the most important of all. I am bringing people to Jesus and there is not any earthly value that can be attached to that.
Joyfully Yours,
Sullivan Jones
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God .....as poor, yet making many rich.
Recently our church set up a booth at a market day in Clinton. During the course of the afternoon I struck up a conversation with a minister from another church in town. When he found out we had a booth he asked what we were selling. I told him that we weren't selling anything. He responded, "I know. You're giving away salvation." I had to answer that in the negative. You see, I can't give away salvation because it is not mine to give. What I can do is introduce men to Jesus and he is the one who can grant eternal life. It is his to give because he purchased it on Calvary. Though it is free to us it was not free to him.
The greatest joy of my life is that God called me to preach the gospel. Though I can not grant salvation to anyone I get to help in the process by telling people how to be saved. I count it a privilege that he would trust me to deliver his word to his people. For me it not an occupation, a career, or even just a calling. It is my life.
In II Corinthians chapter 6 Paul writes to us about the ministry. He is open and forthright about both its joys and struggles. It is not always an easy path but it is worth it. Some have said that ministers are supposed to take a vow of poverty. Although I don't adhere to that, there is something to be said in not getting attached to the things of the world. Even though I may never be rich and most certainly will never be famous, my joy is complete. I may be poor in earthly goods but I am making many rich by introducing them to Jesus through the preaching of the gospel.
There are many get rich quick schemes in this but this is not one of them. I am not promising anyone that they can make a hundred thousand dollars in the next six months. In fact, what we preach tells people they must be willing to give up everything to gain eternal life. But like the children of Israel we have found greater riches than the treasures in Egypt. We may have to travel through the desert to get it but any struggles we may encounter are worth the prize.
What we are offering can not be bought with a million dollars. It is free to us because it was purchased a long time ago on Calvary with the precious blood of our redeeming Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. I am content that though I may never be rich or well-known my life's work is the most important of all. I am bringing people to Jesus and there is not any earthly value that can be attached to that.
Joyfully Yours,
Sullivan Jones
6/24/13
We Persuade Men
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men. II Corinthians 5:10-11
I remember as a child hearing fiery hell fire and brimstone messages. They were the kind of messages that caused me want to run to the altar and make sure everything was alright between me and God. I admit that I have rarely preached messages like that. I can really only remember two or three. I would much rather preach something about faith or blessing. Who wouldn't rather hear a message on God's love than on judgment. Yet both messages are necessary and the latter is sorely lacking in our day. It seems that the "old-fashioned " salvation messages have been replaced with pep talks on how to be a better person and how to love oneself. Although these "pep talks" aren't entirely wrong, they are not salvational. My job as a minister is to help people see the way to salvation through the cross of Calvary.
I once asked an older minister why no one wanted to preach on hell now days. His answer has stuck with me. "It takes a certain consecration to preach on hell. If the lifestyle isn't consistent with the message then the message seems hollow. Sadly, not many people are willing to live the kind of consecrated life it takes to convict people." Since that time my prayer has often been, "Lord, don't let my messages sound hollow. Help me to live what I preach."
I am thankful for God's mercy and his grace. Without his willingness to forgive we would all be lost. Yet there is a day of judgment coming and I want to be ready for it. I have dedicated my life to preaching the gospel so that others will be ready as well. Hell is a real place and we can't even begin to imagine its horrors. I echo the words of the Apostle Paul: Because I know God's judgment I must do everything I can to persuade men (and women) to get right with God while there is time.
No sacrifice is too great. No missions offering too big. No price is too much to pay to save a soul from hell. I am not pessimistic. I don't preach a gospel of doom and gloom. I believe God wants to bless his people with abundant life, good health, and prosperity. But I also realize that all of these things are for naught if we are not ready for that final day of judgment. None of us would want to see a dog burn forever. I don't want see my worst enemy go to hell.
God help me to save as many as I can. Eternity is a long, long time.
Prayerfully Yours,
Sullivan Jones
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men. II Corinthians 5:10-11
I remember as a child hearing fiery hell fire and brimstone messages. They were the kind of messages that caused me want to run to the altar and make sure everything was alright between me and God. I admit that I have rarely preached messages like that. I can really only remember two or three. I would much rather preach something about faith or blessing. Who wouldn't rather hear a message on God's love than on judgment. Yet both messages are necessary and the latter is sorely lacking in our day. It seems that the "old-fashioned " salvation messages have been replaced with pep talks on how to be a better person and how to love oneself. Although these "pep talks" aren't entirely wrong, they are not salvational. My job as a minister is to help people see the way to salvation through the cross of Calvary.
I once asked an older minister why no one wanted to preach on hell now days. His answer has stuck with me. "It takes a certain consecration to preach on hell. If the lifestyle isn't consistent with the message then the message seems hollow. Sadly, not many people are willing to live the kind of consecrated life it takes to convict people." Since that time my prayer has often been, "Lord, don't let my messages sound hollow. Help me to live what I preach."
I am thankful for God's mercy and his grace. Without his willingness to forgive we would all be lost. Yet there is a day of judgment coming and I want to be ready for it. I have dedicated my life to preaching the gospel so that others will be ready as well. Hell is a real place and we can't even begin to imagine its horrors. I echo the words of the Apostle Paul: Because I know God's judgment I must do everything I can to persuade men (and women) to get right with God while there is time.
No sacrifice is too great. No missions offering too big. No price is too much to pay to save a soul from hell. I am not pessimistic. I don't preach a gospel of doom and gloom. I believe God wants to bless his people with abundant life, good health, and prosperity. But I also realize that all of these things are for naught if we are not ready for that final day of judgment. None of us would want to see a dog burn forever. I don't want see my worst enemy go to hell.
God help me to save as many as I can. Eternity is a long, long time.
Prayerfully Yours,
Sullivan Jones
6/20/13
Made in the Image of God
Genesis 9:6 - Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
The daily papers are full of crime of every sort. It seems there is no end to the mischief men can think to do to one another. The most horrible of these is probably murder. Yet murder has become so common that most of us think almost nothing of it when we read about it in the news unless it happens close to home. It seems that television has helped us to become immune to the harsh reality of murder.
The last few weeks/months the papers have been full of the highly publicized murder of a young man by his ex-girlfriend. I cringed as I read how that most of the jurors wanted the death penalty. As I was contemplating this it seemed I could hear the Holy Ghost whisper the scripture from Genesis into my spirit. "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed."
Without going into an argument about the death penalty, I would say this. Anyone that could take the life of someone else doesn't realize how precious life is. We are not just physical beings but the scripture states that we are made in the image of God. When someone attacks another, they are attacking the very image of God. That is why God mandated that anyone who takes a human life receive such a stiff sentence as giving his life in return. He wanted us to understand how serious he takes it.
Most of us would never physically take another life yet we think nothing of murdering someone's reputation with our tongues. If we truly understood how God looks at us we wouldn't so carelessly attack our brothers and sisters. I am just as guilty as the next person of sharing a bit of workplace gossip. But I have to stop myself and ask, "Would I want someone to say the same thing about me?" More importantly, would I say the same thing about God? In effect that is what I am doing when I attack a brother or sister with my tongue? I am attacking the image of God.
God help me to be more careful about what I say and listen to. If it is slander against someone's character, help me not participate in it. Let me realize that all people, born again or not, were originally made in the image of God. Help me to look beyond the faults of the people in my life and see some attribute of God in each one. Then perhaps I can help them to discover it for themselves and develop.
I want to be like Jesus and I want to help everyone around me be like him as well. Don't you?
Yours Truly,
Sullivan Jones
The daily papers are full of crime of every sort. It seems there is no end to the mischief men can think to do to one another. The most horrible of these is probably murder. Yet murder has become so common that most of us think almost nothing of it when we read about it in the news unless it happens close to home. It seems that television has helped us to become immune to the harsh reality of murder.
The last few weeks/months the papers have been full of the highly publicized murder of a young man by his ex-girlfriend. I cringed as I read how that most of the jurors wanted the death penalty. As I was contemplating this it seemed I could hear the Holy Ghost whisper the scripture from Genesis into my spirit. "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed."
Without going into an argument about the death penalty, I would say this. Anyone that could take the life of someone else doesn't realize how precious life is. We are not just physical beings but the scripture states that we are made in the image of God. When someone attacks another, they are attacking the very image of God. That is why God mandated that anyone who takes a human life receive such a stiff sentence as giving his life in return. He wanted us to understand how serious he takes it.
Most of us would never physically take another life yet we think nothing of murdering someone's reputation with our tongues. If we truly understood how God looks at us we wouldn't so carelessly attack our brothers and sisters. I am just as guilty as the next person of sharing a bit of workplace gossip. But I have to stop myself and ask, "Would I want someone to say the same thing about me?" More importantly, would I say the same thing about God? In effect that is what I am doing when I attack a brother or sister with my tongue? I am attacking the image of God.
God help me to be more careful about what I say and listen to. If it is slander against someone's character, help me not participate in it. Let me realize that all people, born again or not, were originally made in the image of God. Help me to look beyond the faults of the people in my life and see some attribute of God in each one. Then perhaps I can help them to discover it for themselves and develop.
I want to be like Jesus and I want to help everyone around me be like him as well. Don't you?
Yours Truly,
Sullivan Jones
6/19/13
The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth
The meek shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5
Jesus had some strange teachings. At least they are strange to the normal way of thinking. The world teaches us that to get ahead we have to be all we can be. We have to look out for ourselves because no one else is going to look our for us. Some would go so far as to say that we must step on others or be stepped on. Jesus taught the complete opposite of this. He taught that meekness (humility) was the way to great riches. In fact, he went so far as to say that they the meek would be given the earth as an inheritance.
Most find this concept hard to grasp because we tend to think of meekness as weakness. Meekness is not so much weakness as it is gentleness. It is having great power yet knowing how to control it. This is the picture of Jesus. The same man who could walk on the sea and calm storms also took children in his lap and healed them.
Judith Bentley, a schoolteacher who did mission work in the former USSR tells about a man who had confused weakness with meekness. She had been teaching an educational seminar and at the end she opened it up for questions. The man asked this question: In teaching our children to be like Jesus are we not teaching them to be weak? In the end, will we all be crucified as he was? I find part of her answer to be very relevant. She said, " Your question implies that Jesus was a weak person. I have always tried to follow Jesus' teachings and to be like him and I have never thought of myself as a weak person."
I can identify with Judith. I have always strived to be like Jesus though naturally I have a long way to go. I want it to be said of me, as it was of the apostles, that I have been with Jesus. This means that sometimes I will have to choose to do something he asks me to do even if it does not fit with what I wanted to do. I have to give my will to another. But in doing so I gain far more than I will ever give up. And who knows? One day I just might inherit the earth.
Prayerfully,
Sullivan Jones
Jesus had some strange teachings. At least they are strange to the normal way of thinking. The world teaches us that to get ahead we have to be all we can be. We have to look out for ourselves because no one else is going to look our for us. Some would go so far as to say that we must step on others or be stepped on. Jesus taught the complete opposite of this. He taught that meekness (humility) was the way to great riches. In fact, he went so far as to say that they the meek would be given the earth as an inheritance.
Most find this concept hard to grasp because we tend to think of meekness as weakness. Meekness is not so much weakness as it is gentleness. It is having great power yet knowing how to control it. This is the picture of Jesus. The same man who could walk on the sea and calm storms also took children in his lap and healed them.
Judith Bentley, a schoolteacher who did mission work in the former USSR tells about a man who had confused weakness with meekness. She had been teaching an educational seminar and at the end she opened it up for questions. The man asked this question: In teaching our children to be like Jesus are we not teaching them to be weak? In the end, will we all be crucified as he was? I find part of her answer to be very relevant. She said, " Your question implies that Jesus was a weak person. I have always tried to follow Jesus' teachings and to be like him and I have never thought of myself as a weak person."
I can identify with Judith. I have always strived to be like Jesus though naturally I have a long way to go. I want it to be said of me, as it was of the apostles, that I have been with Jesus. This means that sometimes I will have to choose to do something he asks me to do even if it does not fit with what I wanted to do. I have to give my will to another. But in doing so I gain far more than I will ever give up. And who knows? One day I just might inherit the earth.
Prayerfully,
Sullivan Jones
6/18/13
The Righteous and The Wicked
For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Proverbs 24:16
Have you ever contemplated the difference between a righteous man and an unrighteous man? Just what is it that makes the righteous man righteous and the unrighteous man unrighteous? Is it the deeds that they do? Although actions are very important I believe attitude has more to do with righteousness than actions.
The scripture tells us that a righteous man falls seven times and gets right back up. Therein lies the secret to righteous living. A righteous man does not make excuses when he falls. He desires to do what is right so he gets up again. The wicked, however, fall into mischief (or sin) and stay there. No effort is made to avoid the sin the next time.
Although we have been born again spiritually we must still contend with our fleshly desire on a daily basis. Because of this, some have adopted the idea that we must all sin a little every day and it is alright that we do. This attitude is what separates the righteous from the wicked more than anything else. The righteous man has purposed in his heart to do what is right. If he falls, he repents, and gets up again. The wicked makes excuses for what he has done. He excuses himself with phrases such as "I'm just a sinner saved by grace." As reborn believers in Christ we should not think this way. We should constantly remind ourselves that we are being remade into the image of God. If we fall along the way (and we will) so be it. The answer is not to make excuses for why we did fall but to get back up again.
I am thankful for God's amazing mercy and grace. Without his grace all of us would be lost. But the words of the Apostle Peter echo in my ears: "Do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil." In other words, when we fall, get up, repent, and go forward.
Yours in Christ,
Sullivan Jones
Have you ever contemplated the difference between a righteous man and an unrighteous man? Just what is it that makes the righteous man righteous and the unrighteous man unrighteous? Is it the deeds that they do? Although actions are very important I believe attitude has more to do with righteousness than actions.
The scripture tells us that a righteous man falls seven times and gets right back up. Therein lies the secret to righteous living. A righteous man does not make excuses when he falls. He desires to do what is right so he gets up again. The wicked, however, fall into mischief (or sin) and stay there. No effort is made to avoid the sin the next time.
Although we have been born again spiritually we must still contend with our fleshly desire on a daily basis. Because of this, some have adopted the idea that we must all sin a little every day and it is alright that we do. This attitude is what separates the righteous from the wicked more than anything else. The righteous man has purposed in his heart to do what is right. If he falls, he repents, and gets up again. The wicked makes excuses for what he has done. He excuses himself with phrases such as "I'm just a sinner saved by grace." As reborn believers in Christ we should not think this way. We should constantly remind ourselves that we are being remade into the image of God. If we fall along the way (and we will) so be it. The answer is not to make excuses for why we did fall but to get back up again.
I am thankful for God's amazing mercy and grace. Without his grace all of us would be lost. But the words of the Apostle Peter echo in my ears: "Do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil." In other words, when we fall, get up, repent, and go forward.
Yours in Christ,
Sullivan Jones
6/17/13
Superfluity of naughtiness
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21
The Apostle James uses the phrase superfluity of naughtiness to describe the condition of his world. This is a good 17th century phrase for overabundance of wickedness. If there ever was an age that could lay claim to this statement it is the present one.
Today we are bombarded by lewdness from every side. From billboards to television programs, nudity and sexually explicit images abound. Advertisements for alcohol are on every corner. At times even the newspapers contain questionable material. And that's not even mentioning the internet; One can not even go to Facebook or yahoo mail without having to avert one's eyes. Truly there is a "superfluity of naughtiness." If one wants to be involved in evil surely there is the opportunity.
How should the Christian respond to this onslaught of evil? Do we retreat into a shell and shut ourselves off from the world. This is not only impractical but dangerous as well. If we as Christians shut ourselves off from the world we cease to be an effective witness. We have no chance to influence those around us with Godly ideas. We have no impact upon decisions that affect our destiny. In Matthew 5:16 Jesus instructs to let our lives shine before men so that by seeing our good works they will glorify God. In order to do this we must function in this world no matter how wicked it becomes.
How can we do this and still remain Holy? Paul gives us the answer in Romans 12:2. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." The secret is in constantly renewing our minds. We do this through prayer, reading the word of God, listening to Christian music and preaching, etc. We must counteract the onslaught of evil by purposefully feeding on the word of God.
It is so easy to get caught up in the entertainment of this world. Our flesh likes to be entertained and there is an overabundance of entertainment available, most of it extremely ungodly. It takes a disciplined mind and lifestyle to set aside the entertainment and fill our minds with wholesome things such as Christian music, preaching, etc. For the mature Christian a daily intake of the word of God is not only beneficial but necessary in order to counteract the onslaught of wickedness in our world.
Truly there is an overabundance of wickedness in our world but we are promised that where sin abounds grace will abound even more. (Romans 5:21) We can live victorious Christians lives no matter how wicked the world is. As the world grows increasingly more wicked the church should shine increasingly brighter.
Let's light our world for Jesus. After all, we are the light of the world.
God Bless,
Sullivan Jones
The Apostle James uses the phrase superfluity of naughtiness to describe the condition of his world. This is a good 17th century phrase for overabundance of wickedness. If there ever was an age that could lay claim to this statement it is the present one.
Today we are bombarded by lewdness from every side. From billboards to television programs, nudity and sexually explicit images abound. Advertisements for alcohol are on every corner. At times even the newspapers contain questionable material. And that's not even mentioning the internet; One can not even go to Facebook or yahoo mail without having to avert one's eyes. Truly there is a "superfluity of naughtiness." If one wants to be involved in evil surely there is the opportunity.
How should the Christian respond to this onslaught of evil? Do we retreat into a shell and shut ourselves off from the world. This is not only impractical but dangerous as well. If we as Christians shut ourselves off from the world we cease to be an effective witness. We have no chance to influence those around us with Godly ideas. We have no impact upon decisions that affect our destiny. In Matthew 5:16 Jesus instructs to let our lives shine before men so that by seeing our good works they will glorify God. In order to do this we must function in this world no matter how wicked it becomes.
How can we do this and still remain Holy? Paul gives us the answer in Romans 12:2. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." The secret is in constantly renewing our minds. We do this through prayer, reading the word of God, listening to Christian music and preaching, etc. We must counteract the onslaught of evil by purposefully feeding on the word of God.
It is so easy to get caught up in the entertainment of this world. Our flesh likes to be entertained and there is an overabundance of entertainment available, most of it extremely ungodly. It takes a disciplined mind and lifestyle to set aside the entertainment and fill our minds with wholesome things such as Christian music, preaching, etc. For the mature Christian a daily intake of the word of God is not only beneficial but necessary in order to counteract the onslaught of wickedness in our world.
Truly there is an overabundance of wickedness in our world but we are promised that where sin abounds grace will abound even more. (Romans 5:21) We can live victorious Christians lives no matter how wicked the world is. As the world grows increasingly more wicked the church should shine increasingly brighter.
Let's light our world for Jesus. After all, we are the light of the world.
God Bless,
Sullivan Jones
6/15/13
A woman's work is never done
A man works from sun to sun but a woman's work is never done. Proverb - Author Unknown
Cooking, cleaning, taking care of a house and kids. These are tasks that normally fall to a woman although there are exceptions. Truthfully, although I might be classified as a traitor, these are things that most men take for granted. I must admit that I am one of those men who don't usually stop to appreciate what all my wife does for me.
Over the past several years my wife has suffered from sever arthritis that eventually caused her to need both knees replaced and has left her with a badly misaligned left elbow. The doctors have been amazed at what all she has continued to do despite her pain. There are times when a good dose of hardheadedness is wonderful. She had refused to let her condition keep her from doing everything she physically could do even as her condition deteriorated.
Thankfully she just had her second knee replaced and we are trusting God that it will be the last. As I have washed clothes, cooked, cleaned house, and shopped for groceries over the last couple of days I have found myself asking God to forgive me. For what? For taking my wife for granted. She is certainly the stabilizing force in my life. She helps keep me balanced in so many ways. It makes me feel ridiculous to realize I don't know what bill is due when because she keeps everything organized.
Forgive my rambling, but I just wanted to take a moment to thank God for the wonderful woman he put in my life. For the men who read this, take more time to help your wife with the things that need doing around the house. For the women who read this, show this to your husband and let him be mad at me.
God Bless,
Sullivan Jones
Cooking, cleaning, taking care of a house and kids. These are tasks that normally fall to a woman although there are exceptions. Truthfully, although I might be classified as a traitor, these are things that most men take for granted. I must admit that I am one of those men who don't usually stop to appreciate what all my wife does for me.
Over the past several years my wife has suffered from sever arthritis that eventually caused her to need both knees replaced and has left her with a badly misaligned left elbow. The doctors have been amazed at what all she has continued to do despite her pain. There are times when a good dose of hardheadedness is wonderful. She had refused to let her condition keep her from doing everything she physically could do even as her condition deteriorated.
Thankfully she just had her second knee replaced and we are trusting God that it will be the last. As I have washed clothes, cooked, cleaned house, and shopped for groceries over the last couple of days I have found myself asking God to forgive me. For what? For taking my wife for granted. She is certainly the stabilizing force in my life. She helps keep me balanced in so many ways. It makes me feel ridiculous to realize I don't know what bill is due when because she keeps everything organized.
Forgive my rambling, but I just wanted to take a moment to thank God for the wonderful woman he put in my life. For the men who read this, take more time to help your wife with the things that need doing around the house. For the women who read this, show this to your husband and let him be mad at me.
God Bless,
Sullivan Jones
6/10/13
The Rainbow - God's Promise
This morning right before I awoke I was dreaming about a rainbow. It was a great big double rainbow with vibrant, brilliant colors. Now I don't know what caused me to dream about a rainbow. It might have been something I had seen or read. But when I awoke I was thinking about the promises of God.
The rainbow represents God's grace to humanity. We are all familiar with the story of Noah; God told him to build a big boat and then he sent a flood and destroyed everyone on the earth except Noah and his family. After the flood God gave Noah a rainbow as a promise that he would never again destroy the earth in a flood. Every time we see a rainbow after a storm it is God's way of telling us how much he loves us. He is telling us that there is always grace and strength for tomorrow. I like to think of it as God's way of reminding me that he hasn't forgotten about me. He knows where I am and what I need.
Are you in need of God's grace today? Are there struggles in your life that threaten to overwhelm you? Don't know how you are going to make it? Has God made some promises to you that you haven't seen the fulfillment of yet? Don't be discouraged! Just look at a rainbow and remember, God hasn't forgotten. He knows exactly where you are. He is as close as the mention of his name. As the song says, "Just whisper his name, Jesus, and he will run to you.
Thankfully,
Sullivan Jones
The rainbow represents God's grace to humanity. We are all familiar with the story of Noah; God told him to build a big boat and then he sent a flood and destroyed everyone on the earth except Noah and his family. After the flood God gave Noah a rainbow as a promise that he would never again destroy the earth in a flood. Every time we see a rainbow after a storm it is God's way of telling us how much he loves us. He is telling us that there is always grace and strength for tomorrow. I like to think of it as God's way of reminding me that he hasn't forgotten about me. He knows where I am and what I need.
Are you in need of God's grace today? Are there struggles in your life that threaten to overwhelm you? Don't know how you are going to make it? Has God made some promises to you that you haven't seen the fulfillment of yet? Don't be discouraged! Just look at a rainbow and remember, God hasn't forgotten. He knows exactly where you are. He is as close as the mention of his name. As the song says, "Just whisper his name, Jesus, and he will run to you.
Thankfully,
Sullivan Jones
6/6/13
Don't worry, be happy!
The scripture tells us in Matthew 6:34, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." One modern translation put it like this: "Why don't you let today's own trouble be enough for today?"
Worrying is one of the worst things we can do for our health. Worry can cause loss of sleep, weight loss, weight gain, overeating, heart attack, stroke, stomach ulcers, and just about every other physical ailment known to man. It is just not good for our health to worry. On the other hand, optimism can truly be the key to a healthy life. Those who spend less time worrying and more time enjoying life have much less stress and accomplish much more on a daily and long term basis.
I was discussing physical therapy recently with a registered nurse. She told me that medicine is 10% what the doctor says and 90% what the patient does. Time and time again doctors have been amazed at the incredible odds their patients have overcome. It seems that some people, when faced with a life-threatening or debilitating illness, will simply give up while others will be determined to defy the odds. It all has to do with attitude.
In the study of psychology I learned about different personality types. I have learned to recognize (if you put stock in such things) that I am a melancholy personality. Simply put, that means I am more inclined to see the glass half empty than half full. Melancholies are known to be dramatic, woeful, and consumed with their thoughts; we are also know to be easily depressed. We are also know to be creative, musically and artistically inclined, etc. We love deep and have fierce loyalty to something we deem to be a just cause.
Now I could dwell on the negative aspects of my personality if I wanted to but I am determined to prove the statistics wrong. I am determined to be all the good things that a melancholy is, and leave all the bad things for someone else to be. I can be thoughtful without being moody and temperamental. I can be loyal without being argumentative. I can be expressive without filling my life with drama. You get the picture; it all has to do with my attitude.
And if I don't succeed today, I'll just try again tomorrow. After all, there are a thousand tomorrows. I'll take them one day at a time and let God give me grace for each day as it comes. It's a great way to live - without all the ulcers, heart attacks and stress.
Don't worry, be happy.
Yours Truly,
Sullivan Jones
Worrying is one of the worst things we can do for our health. Worry can cause loss of sleep, weight loss, weight gain, overeating, heart attack, stroke, stomach ulcers, and just about every other physical ailment known to man. It is just not good for our health to worry. On the other hand, optimism can truly be the key to a healthy life. Those who spend less time worrying and more time enjoying life have much less stress and accomplish much more on a daily and long term basis.
I was discussing physical therapy recently with a registered nurse. She told me that medicine is 10% what the doctor says and 90% what the patient does. Time and time again doctors have been amazed at the incredible odds their patients have overcome. It seems that some people, when faced with a life-threatening or debilitating illness, will simply give up while others will be determined to defy the odds. It all has to do with attitude.
In the study of psychology I learned about different personality types. I have learned to recognize (if you put stock in such things) that I am a melancholy personality. Simply put, that means I am more inclined to see the glass half empty than half full. Melancholies are known to be dramatic, woeful, and consumed with their thoughts; we are also know to be easily depressed. We are also know to be creative, musically and artistically inclined, etc. We love deep and have fierce loyalty to something we deem to be a just cause.
Now I could dwell on the negative aspects of my personality if I wanted to but I am determined to prove the statistics wrong. I am determined to be all the good things that a melancholy is, and leave all the bad things for someone else to be. I can be thoughtful without being moody and temperamental. I can be loyal without being argumentative. I can be expressive without filling my life with drama. You get the picture; it all has to do with my attitude.
And if I don't succeed today, I'll just try again tomorrow. After all, there are a thousand tomorrows. I'll take them one day at a time and let God give me grace for each day as it comes. It's a great way to live - without all the ulcers, heart attacks and stress.
Don't worry, be happy.
Yours Truly,
Sullivan Jones
6/5/13
Spreading the Word of God
Last Friday I was in a thrift store in Ocean Springs, MS with some friends. As usual, I decided to glance through the section of used books. I happened to notice a copy of the French Bible. I do not speak much French but I like languages and, since it was only $1, I bought it.
As I held this little Bible in my hands I was once again overwhelmed with thankfulness for God's word. I am thankful that God has chosen to communicate with mankind in such a detailed, intimate way. I am thankful for the many copies of the Bible I have in my home in several different versions. And I'm thankful that the Bible is available to so many people in their own unique languages.
I think about the task of Bible translators. As someone who works with languages I understand how difficult the task can be. I work mainly with Spanish speakers and they have had the Bible in their own language since before the King James was translated into English. But what about those who work with Eskimos, Native Americans or Native African tribes? Isn't is just as important that they have the word of God available to them.
I am thankful that someone chose to translate the Bible into English so that I can understand it. But I don't want to be selfish. I want to support those who are working tirelessly to bring the precious, life-giving word of God to every man, woman, boy and girl around the world. If you are going to give a gift, why not give the word of God? The next time you are in the Christian book store buy one of those Bible that are being sent to a soldier or an orphanage. You won't miss the five dollars it will cost you and the rewards are eternal.
There is an organization called "Faith comes by hearing" that has put the Bible into audio format for many of the world's languages. The audio is available on a radio -like device called a proclaimer. The proclaimer can be charged by electricity, solar power, or crank. It is loud enough to be used in group Bible study for people who can't read which is common in poorer countries. A proclaimer can be bought for $100 and will bring the word of God to an entire village.
At the risk of sounding like a commercial, I am personally making a commitment to help bring the word of God to more people. For the price of a 20 oz Coke a day I can buy 6 proclaimers a year? Can we do our best to spread the word of God? Whether it be buying a cheap copy of the scripture and sending it to someone in jail or supporting a Bible translation society, the possibilities are endless. Will you join me? The effort may be small but the rewards are eternal.
In Christ's Service,
Sullivan Jones
As I held this little Bible in my hands I was once again overwhelmed with thankfulness for God's word. I am thankful that God has chosen to communicate with mankind in such a detailed, intimate way. I am thankful for the many copies of the Bible I have in my home in several different versions. And I'm thankful that the Bible is available to so many people in their own unique languages.
I think about the task of Bible translators. As someone who works with languages I understand how difficult the task can be. I work mainly with Spanish speakers and they have had the Bible in their own language since before the King James was translated into English. But what about those who work with Eskimos, Native Americans or Native African tribes? Isn't is just as important that they have the word of God available to them.
I am thankful that someone chose to translate the Bible into English so that I can understand it. But I don't want to be selfish. I want to support those who are working tirelessly to bring the precious, life-giving word of God to every man, woman, boy and girl around the world. If you are going to give a gift, why not give the word of God? The next time you are in the Christian book store buy one of those Bible that are being sent to a soldier or an orphanage. You won't miss the five dollars it will cost you and the rewards are eternal.
There is an organization called "Faith comes by hearing" that has put the Bible into audio format for many of the world's languages. The audio is available on a radio -like device called a proclaimer. The proclaimer can be charged by electricity, solar power, or crank. It is loud enough to be used in group Bible study for people who can't read which is common in poorer countries. A proclaimer can be bought for $100 and will bring the word of God to an entire village.
At the risk of sounding like a commercial, I am personally making a commitment to help bring the word of God to more people. For the price of a 20 oz Coke a day I can buy 6 proclaimers a year? Can we do our best to spread the word of God? Whether it be buying a cheap copy of the scripture and sending it to someone in jail or supporting a Bible translation society, the possibilities are endless. Will you join me? The effort may be small but the rewards are eternal.
In Christ's Service,
Sullivan Jones
6/4/13
The Broken Window
Romans 5:6 - For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Imagine with me that two boys are throwing a football in a parking lot crowded with cars. They have been told not to throw the ball around vehicles but boys will be boys. Then a dreaded thing happens. One of the boys hits the rear window of a brand new Lamborghini and the window shatters. The boys are frightened. They know they have been disobedient. What will they do now? Will they run, hide and pretend they don't know what happened to the window? Uh oh, it's too late. Someone has seen them and he is sure to tell Dad.
What does Dad do when he finds out? Does he disown his sons because they broke a window? Of course not. They are still his sons. He will have to pay for the window. He may make his sons work to pay him back, not because he needs the money, but to teach them responsibility. In the end they are still his sons. In time all will be forgiven and most likely forgotten.
Now think back with me to the beginning of human existence. God put two of his children in a garden. They were told not to eat from a certain tree. We know what happened; they ate from it anyway. God saw it. They were punished.
Banned from the garden.
Condemned to a life of weary, back-breaking labor.
But they were not disowned or forgotten ...
He covered their shame with skins. They were no longer in innocence but they were spared the humility and disgrace of forever going naked. They were punished but they were still God's children. And last, but not least, God sent them a promise. He would send a future savior to crush the head of the serpent. They had hope that they would not always be under the curse. (Genesis 3:15)
There are many who have a faulty misconception of God's anger. They don't understand how a loving God could punish anyone. Why would a God of compassion and mercy send anyone to hell? The answer is simple. God in his very essence is Holy. No sin can enter his presence. The existence of rebellion separates us from God, not by his choice, but of necessity. His holiness demands judgment on sin. If we were to stay in his unguarded presence with sin in our lives we would be destroyed. His mercy separates us from him.
But thankfully, like the boys and the broken window, we are not disowned because of sin. He has the means to fix our mistakes. This time it is more severe than a broken window. Adam and Eve broke the sacred law of God that says, if we sin we die. There is no going around it. It can not be undone. It is the law.
For this reason God robed himself in flesh, came to earth, and died for us. He was in effect paying for the broken window. The debt was so high we could not pay it. But he could. He paid the ultimate price with his life to cover our sins. If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive them. He can and wants to fix the broken place in our lives. But we must stop making excuses. We must not blame others. We must admit, yes I did it. I played ball in the parking lot when I was told not to. But God, you are still my Dad and I know you can fix it. I trust you too. Please help.
And he will. This is the very meaning of salvation, that Dad can fix it. Just ask, He is always glad to help.
Thoughtfully Yours,
Sullivan Jones
Imagine with me that two boys are throwing a football in a parking lot crowded with cars. They have been told not to throw the ball around vehicles but boys will be boys. Then a dreaded thing happens. One of the boys hits the rear window of a brand new Lamborghini and the window shatters. The boys are frightened. They know they have been disobedient. What will they do now? Will they run, hide and pretend they don't know what happened to the window? Uh oh, it's too late. Someone has seen them and he is sure to tell Dad.
What does Dad do when he finds out? Does he disown his sons because they broke a window? Of course not. They are still his sons. He will have to pay for the window. He may make his sons work to pay him back, not because he needs the money, but to teach them responsibility. In the end they are still his sons. In time all will be forgiven and most likely forgotten.
Now think back with me to the beginning of human existence. God put two of his children in a garden. They were told not to eat from a certain tree. We know what happened; they ate from it anyway. God saw it. They were punished.
Banned from the garden.
Condemned to a life of weary, back-breaking labor.
But they were not disowned or forgotten ...
He covered their shame with skins. They were no longer in innocence but they were spared the humility and disgrace of forever going naked. They were punished but they were still God's children. And last, but not least, God sent them a promise. He would send a future savior to crush the head of the serpent. They had hope that they would not always be under the curse. (Genesis 3:15)
There are many who have a faulty misconception of God's anger. They don't understand how a loving God could punish anyone. Why would a God of compassion and mercy send anyone to hell? The answer is simple. God in his very essence is Holy. No sin can enter his presence. The existence of rebellion separates us from God, not by his choice, but of necessity. His holiness demands judgment on sin. If we were to stay in his unguarded presence with sin in our lives we would be destroyed. His mercy separates us from him.
But thankfully, like the boys and the broken window, we are not disowned because of sin. He has the means to fix our mistakes. This time it is more severe than a broken window. Adam and Eve broke the sacred law of God that says, if we sin we die. There is no going around it. It can not be undone. It is the law.
For this reason God robed himself in flesh, came to earth, and died for us. He was in effect paying for the broken window. The debt was so high we could not pay it. But he could. He paid the ultimate price with his life to cover our sins. If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive them. He can and wants to fix the broken place in our lives. But we must stop making excuses. We must not blame others. We must admit, yes I did it. I played ball in the parking lot when I was told not to. But God, you are still my Dad and I know you can fix it. I trust you too. Please help.
And he will. This is the very meaning of salvation, that Dad can fix it. Just ask, He is always glad to help.
Thoughtfully Yours,
Sullivan Jones
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