School

By Kingsley Baehr

  September means school!
  And school is way cool!
  So why be a fool?--
  Since you know the rule—
  You must go to school.
  Get out of the pool!
  It’s now time for school,
  'Cause school is way cool!

You have probably guessed that this attempt at poetry was made by a teacher, an old teacher trying to be cool! I doubt that I have succeeded in the “cool” part, but I insist that the message is true. Schooling of one sort or another will always be a part of our lives, absolutely necessary for growth and maturity.

But have you been to God’s school? It also is absolutely necessary for spiritual growth and maturity.

Where is it, you might ask?
ALL THE WORLD-OVER! - John 8:12 – When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

How does one register for it?
APPLY TO JESUS CHRIST! - John 6:37 – [Jesus said,] “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never drive away.”

What are the curricula and textbooks?
ALL IN THE BIBLE! - 2 Timothy 3:15,16,17 – ...The Holy Scriptures... are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in [right living], so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

What is the grading scale?
ALL DEPENDENT ON FAITHFULNESS! - 1 Corinthians 4:2 - ...Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
Matthew 25:21,23 - ...”Well done, good and faithful [student]; ... Come and share your Master’s happiness.”

What about the graduation ceremonies?
OUT OF THIS WORLD! – 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17 – For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

The Fear of the Lord

By Kingsley Baehr

2 Chronicles 20:1-30 It is a fascinating story. You won’t regret spending time on it.

1. The Coalition Comes on. – verses 1,2
2. The Cry Goes Up. – verses 3-12
3. The Confidence Comes Down. – verses 13-17
4. The Choir Goes Out. – verses 18-21
5. The Coalition Comes Apart. – verses 22,23
6. The Collection Goes Well. – verses 24-26
7. The Conquerors Come Home. – verses 27,28
8. .The CONQUEROR Gives Rest. – verses 29,30

[This historical account took place about 840 B.C. Old Testament accounts of battles against physical enemies need to be applied today as battles against our three enemies, Satan, the world system that has set itself against God, and sexual immorality.]

IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD THERE IS STRONG CONFIDENCE – Prov. 14:26

Please notice what the prophet Jahaziel said to King Jehoshaphat and his subjects about the three armies that were threatening them:

"DO NOT BE AFRAID OR DISMAYED [DISCOURAGED],... FOR THE BATTLE IS NOT YOURS, BUT GOD’S."

Why did the prophet of God say this to the King?

1. Because the king and his small army were afraid of the massive host march-ing toward them.
2. Because King Jehoshaphat had prayed

"We have no power against this great multitude;... nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You [God]."

Remember: "Fearing God = Having a reverential awe of Him, trusting Him and loving Him."

As illustrated by this story, what can we learn from the answers to the following questions?

1. When we are afraid of people, circumstances, or spiritual powers, what can we do?
2. When we ask God for His help, what should we expect?
3. How can we show God that we totally trust Him to "win the battle" for us?

Try thinking about these verses along the same lines:

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

"I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.’" – Psalm 91:2

"The [Messenger of the LORD = Jesus] encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them." – Psalm 34:7

GOD IS MORE POWERFUL THAT ANY ENEMY WE WILL EVER FACE.
A WISE RESPONSE? YIELD YOUR LIFE TO HIM,
GO FORWARD, TRUSTING THAT THE VICTORY IS ASSURED.

JULY means CAMP to many people

By Kingsley Baehr

Three meanings for CAMP are:

1. A place...away from urban areas...for recreation or instruction during the summer.
2. A...group engaged in promoting or defending a theory, doctrine, position, or person
3. Military service or life.

If you are in GOD’S CAMP, all three definitions apply to you.

If you are in Satan’s camp, all three definitions apply to you also but in opposite ways.

So you must choose which camp you desire to be in, because if you aren’t in God’s camp, you are in Satan’s camp. There is no neutral ground.

If You Are in GOD’S CAMP You Are Encouraged to Act As Follows:

1. a. Jesus says, “You should not be surprised at My saying, ‘You must be born again [recreated].’” – John 3:7
   b. God says, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” [This will happen one day, whether you like it or not.] – Psalm 46:10
   c. Jesus says, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me...for My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:29,29
2. Jesus says, “...You will be My witnesses [promoters and defenders] ...to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
3. Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” - Ephesians 6:10,11

If You Are In Satan’s Camp, You Are Warned and Challenged As Follows:

1. Now the parable is this: the seed is the Word of God... Then the devil [Satan] comes and takes away the Word out of their hearts. lest they should believe and be saved. – Luke 8:11,12
2. If our [good news] is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age [Satan] has blinded, lest the light of the [good news] of the glory of Christ, Who is the image of God, should shine on them. – 2 Corinthians 4:3,4
3. a. Be sober. Be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil walks about like a roaring lion seek- ing whom he may devour. Resist him... – 1 Peter 5:8,9a
   b. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. – Hebrews 6:10,11

In which camp are you?

Fatherhood

By Kingsley Baehr

“And what is so rare as a day in June?” is the first line of a poem by . James Russell Lowell celebrating this month in which the year is full-grown after the forlorn winter, and the fulsome spring.

And what is so rare as a FULL-GROWN FATHER in American society today?

Fatherhood has been vilified by the media’s portrayal of stupid fathers who are clueless about how to fix things, household products, and child care.

Fatherhood means only being a good provider.

Fatherhood has been reduced to the concept that its only function is to cause unwanted pregnancies in innocent women and then to run from responsibility.

Fatherhood is dead in the lesbian notion that it is unnecessary in raising children successfully.

Fathers’ Day is not nearly as lucrative in the merchandising world as is Mothers’ Day.

Fatherhood has been getting a bum rap for years.

As you read this devotional, let your mind and heart be drawn toward what the Supreme Father of all has to say about the importance of fatherhood:

“Honor your father and your mother...” – Exodus 20:12

“Listen to your father, who gave you life... The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.” – Proverbs 23:22a,24

“Anyone who attacks his father or his mother must be put to death. Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.” – Exodus 21:15,17

“ ‘A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due Me?” says the Lord Almighty.’ ” – Malachi 1:6a,b

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed; He remembers that we are dust.” – Psalm 103:13,14

As we enjoy the full-grown beauty of this month, and as we celebrate Father’s Day, let us remember that the Lord God Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth wants to be your Father. He wants to implant in you the seed of eternal life. He wants to bless you and love you and throw His compassionate arms around you.

He wants to guide you into a future which He has planned out for you.

He wants your obedience and love.

He wants you. Do you want Him?

WHICH ARE YOU IN THE GARDEN OF GOD?

By Kingsley Baehr

 TREES GREENING WITH NEW GROWTH!

 FLOWERS PREENING WITH NEW COLOR!

 GRASS SCREENING THE WINTER LANDSCAPE!

 WEEDS SCREAMING FOR ATTENTION!

Yes, I know that “screaming” does not totally fit the pattern determined by “greening,” “preening,” and “screening,” but neither do weeds fit the pattern determined by “trees,” “flowers,” and “grass.”

The first three must be planted, nourished, and cared for in order to flourish.

 Weeds? We just wish that they would perish.

We love it when the first three take deep root and grow.

 Weeds? We just want them to be uprooted and go!

The first three provide pleasure for all.

 Weeds? They just make us want to bawl!

 WHICH ARE YOU IN THE GARDEN OF GOD?

 A TREE?

Psalm 1:3 – He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth it fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

  FLOWER?

Song of Solomon 2:11,12 – For... the winter is past, the rain is over and gone, the flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come...

 GRASS?

Psalm 72:16 – There will be an abundance of grain in the earth, on the top of the mountains; its fruit shall wave like Lebanon; and those of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.

 A WEED?

Matthew 13:37,38 - He answered them, “He Who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares [weeds] are the sons of the wicked one.

Dear reader, is the heavenly Gardener, the God Who created the world, pleased with you? Do you bring Him pleasure as He looks down upon you? Are you beautiful, flourishing, and fruitful in His eyes? Or will He, one day, use His eternal Weed-Be-Gone upon you and you will be cast out of His sight forever?

Please, while He is patiently waiting, turn yourself over to Him and allow Him to transform you into a productive plant, a perfect fit into His purpose, planted in His plan, and for His pleasure. He has said, “Him who comes to me, I will by no means cast out.” [John 6:37b]

CONSIDER

By Kingsley Baehr

THE FIRST WEEK OF APRIL IS “CONSIDER CHRISTIANITY WEEK.”

If you did not know that, you have a lot of company!

Christianity is not very popular these days, at least in the news media, which, for the most part, ignores it except when something sensational happens such as a minister being murdered by his wife.

However, if you are still reading these words, let me encourage you to consider for yourself some things which the Bible says:

CONSIDER it in your heart, that the LORD, He is God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath; there is no one else. – Deut. 4:39

If your god is not the God of the Bible, then your god is nowhere.

...CONSIDER the wondrous works of God. – Job 37:14

If you are attributing the amazing intricacies of the universe to any other source, you are wrong.

CONSIDER your ways! – Hag. 1:5,7

Have you stopped to seriously consider where your present path in life is taking you? Is it satisfying you beyond the immediate gratification which does not last? Do you have lasting joy and peace?

O that ...[you] would CONSIDER [your] latter end! – Deut. 32:29

Have you ever seriously considered where you will be after your life on earth is over? Do you know without a shadow of doubt that you will be in heaven?

CONSIDER what great things [God] has done for you. – 1 Sam. 12:24

What do you consider to be the greatest thing that God has done for you?

Here is how the Bible answers this question:

CONSIDER Him Who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself... - Heb. 12:3

1. Why would God send His beloved Son to go through rejection, abuse, scourging, shame, crucifixion, untold agony, and separation from His Father, if it were not necessary?
2. If it was necessary, why was it necessary?
3. If there were any other way that we sinners could be brought back into a relationship with a holy God, why in the world would He choose this way of extreme suffering for His Son and Himself?
4. What will happen to you if you choose to reject Jesus Christ, God’s Son, as your Savior, after all that He went through for you?
5. What is keeping you from choosing to accept God’s loving offer of forgiveness through Jesus’ substitutionary death for your sins?

THIS IS THE GREATEST THING GOD HAS DONE FOR YOU!

WHY NOT ACCEPT GOD’S OFFER NOW?

A GOD WHO BEGS?

By Kingsley Baehr

The God of the Bible is portrayed as the all-powerful Creator and Sustainer of the entire universe, Who has no beginning and no end, and Who knows everything and is everywhere.

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.” – Isaiah 40:28

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. Colossians 1:16,17

And yet, [would you believe it?] the Bible presents this same God as a God Who begs or pleads. “No way!” you say. Just look at this.

‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.
Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die...?’ Ezekiel 33:11

“Therefore also now,” says the LORD, “turn to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And tear your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repents of the evil.” Joel 2:12,13

This is what the LORD of hosts says; “Turn to Me,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I will turn to you,” says the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 1:3

“And why should I turn to Him from my own way of life?” you ask.

Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:6,7

But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, patient and abundant in mercy and truth. Psalm 86:15

“I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from [them]. Hosea 14:4

And finally, how is this awesome God able, with justice, to have mercy on us, par-don us, be compassionate and gracious to us, heal our backsliding, love us, and turn His righteous anger away from us? Because He sent Jesus His Son to take our punish-ment upon Himself, to die for us, and to conquer death for us in order to give us eternal life. How will you respond to this God Who is begging you to turn back to Him?

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him [Jesus] the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself a ransom for all... 1 Tim. 2:5,6

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

FEBRUARY, the BIRTHDAY MONTH

By Kingsley Baehr

February is the Big Birthday Month in the Baehr/Hendry families.

My mother-in-law’s, an uncle’s, and a cousin’s are all on the 1st.

My mother’s is on the 2nd. My own is on the 5th.

Two cousins’ and a niece’s are all on the 10th.

Abraham Lincoln’s is on the 12th. One cousin’s is on the 15th.

A grandmother’s was on the 17th. A grandaunt’s was on the 18th.

George Washington’s is on the 22nd.

Charles Lindbergh’s is somewhere in there.

In fact, all great people are born in February! [Spoken like a true Februarian!]

Do you know your birth date?

Of course you do! Almost everybody does! It is an important date in our lives.

It began our physical lives lived separately from our mothers’ wombs.

But do you know your spiritual birth date?

Do you even have one?

Have you been born again?

Was there ever a time when you received a new eternal life,

because you invited the Spirit of God to come to live in you

through faith in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ,

when he died in your place, and rose triumphant over death

so that He could offer you eternal life?

Which birthday is more important?

The one that imparts physical life ending in death?

Or the one that gives spiritual life which never ends?

If you have never had a spiritual birthday, today [in February no less!] would be an excellent day to be born again. (2 Corinthians 6:2) How?

CONFESS that you are a sinner whose sins have offended the holy God Who created you, and that you deserve nothing less than death. (Romans 3:23)

ADMIT that you are helpless to earn your own eternal life because your sins have separated you from the God Who alone gives life. (Isaiah 59:2)

RECEIVE as a gift from God eternal life, which the Lord Jesus Christ paid for and bought with His bloody death in your place as your Substitute. (Romans 6:23)

OLD NEWS—GOOD NEWS!

By Kingsley Baehr

Definition: NEWS = material worthy of being reported
We have just celebrated this old NEWS, first announced by an angel, that is forever good NEWS—

“Do not be afraid! Listen, I bring you glorious NEWS of great joy
which is for all the people. This very day, in David’s town, a SAVIOR has been born for you. He is CHRIST, the LORD.” [Luke 2:10,11]

But is He your personal SAVIOR?
Have you done personal business with JESUS CHRIST or does He mean nothing to you?

“If a man is in CHRIST, he becomes a NEW person altogether the past is finished and gone, everything has become fresh and NEW. All this is GOD’S doing, for He has reconciled us to Himself through JESUS CHRIST.” [2 Corinthians 5:17,18a]

JESUS CHRIST is the only One Who tells you that salvation and eternal life are only by faith; you cannot work your way into favor with GOD by obeying the law.

“... we are free to serve GOD, not in the old obedience to the letter of the Law, but in a NEW way, in the SPIRIT.” [Romans 7:6b]

We live in an old world, corrupted and dying because of the rebellion of the human race against its CREATOR. But that CREATOR has promised that it will not always be this way.

“Then He Who is seated upon the throne said, ‘See, I am making all things NEW!’ And He added, ‘Write this down, for My words are true and to be trusted.’ Then He said to me, ‘I AM ALPHA and OMEGA, the BEGINNING and the END.’” [Revelation 21:5,6a]

Whether you will be part of the “all things NEW” is totally dependent on whether you want to become “a NEW person altogether” in CHRIST. It is up to you.
What will you do with JESUS CHRIST?

Perfect Gift

By Kingsley Baehr

The wages of sin is death,

but the GIFT of GOD is

ETERNAL LIFE

through

JESUS CHRIST our LORD!

In spite of all the attempts these days to substitute “holidays” for "Christmas", we still use these “holidays” to give gifts to each other.

All the mercantile establishments which have banned any and all displays of Christ’s name,

and all schools which have outlawed the use of the “J” word in their “holiday concerts”,

and all government agencies which have removed creches from their property—

all of them are banking on Christmas for boosting gift-giving sales and providing an extended vacation from workdays.

Selfishness and greed are riding high!

What a wonderful society we have become!

IT WAS GOD’S GIFT OF HIS SON JESUS CHRIST,

AND THROUGH HIS SON,

ETERNAL LIFE

which started the whole idea

of a season for gift-giving.

“Every good and perfect GIFT is from above, coming down from the FATHERof the heavenly lights, WHO does not change like shifting shadows. HE chose to give us birth through the WORD OF TRUTH...” – James 1:17,18a

“For it is by grace you have been saved through FAITH—and this [FAITH] is not from yourselves, it is the GIFT of GOD—...” – Ephesians 2:8

[Jesus said] “I GIVE them ETERNAL LIFE, and they shall never perish.” – John 10:28a

When a true gift is given, it is motivated by love, and if it is refused, it is a severe insult to the giver.

Have you accepted GOD’S GIFT of eternal life through HIS SON JESUS CHRIST?

Or are you insulting the GOD who gave you your existence in the first place?

Think!

“Now may the LORD OF PEACE HIMSELF GIVE you peace at all times and in every way. The LORD be with all of you.” - 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Satan is a sniper!

BY KINGSLEY BAEHR

Here is the evidence compiled by Jesus Christ Himself which has posi-tively identified Satan as the sniper who has been the inveterate enemy of the human race from the beginning of history:

1. He is a master of disguise:
   1. As a serpent - Genesis 3:1
   2. As an angel of light - 2 Corinthians 11:14
2. He is a master of deception: Revelation 12:9; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:7,8
3. He has a number of aliases:
   1. Accuser - Rev. 12:10
   2. God of this age - 2 Corinthians 4:4
   3. Prince of the power of the air - Ephesians 2:2
   4. Lucifer - Luke 10:18
4. He is a murderer of people's souls: John 8:44
5. He is like a devouring lion: 1 Peter 5:8
6. He has powerful weapons:
   1. Lies - John 8:44
   2. Fiery arrows - Ephesians 6:16
   3. Clever devices - 2 Corinthians 2:11
   4. Temptations to sin - Genesis 3:1-7
7. He like to think he is God: Isaiah 14:20-20
8. He will be brought to justice and punished forever: Revelation 20:1-3,10

JESUS IS THE SAVIOR! - Read through the Gospel of John and you will discover that:

1. He never used disguises.
2. He is the truth.
3. He has many wonderful titles.
4. He is the Savior of people's souls.
5. He is the Lamb of God Who died for you.
6. His weapons against Satan are invincible.
7. He is God.
8. He will be the Judge of every human being,dead or alive.

Are you allied with Satan or the Savior? There is no neutral ground. If you think there is, Satan has deceived you.

    MAKE YOUR PEACE WITH THE SAVIOR TODAY!

WHATEVER

BY KINGSLEY BAEHR

“Whatever” is a very popular word these days.

 “Are you ever going to clean your room?”

  “Whatever.”

 “What are your plans for today?”

  “Whatever.”

 “Can you do whateveryou feel like?”

  “Yes, whatever.”

 “What do you think about a standard of morality?”

  “Whatever.”

 And more and more these days, when we consider what one believes about God, “whatever” becomes the key word.

 “Does God exist?”

  “Whatever.”

 “Is there life after death?”

  “Whatever.”

 “Does it matter what you believe?”

  “Whatever.”

 If you agree with any of these “whatever” answers, especially those to these last three questions, here are some “whatevers” from the Bible for you to seriously consider.

 Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases Him. Psalm 115:3

 So what do you think He will do with you if your “whatevers” don’t please Him?

 “It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do Whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Galatians. 5:13

 True freedom can only be found in service to Jesus Christ, because He said, “If the Son [referring to Him-self] shall make you free, you shall be free indeed,” John 8:36 and “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” John 15:14

 So “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians. 3:23,24

 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whateveris pure, whatever is lovely,whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

 In closing, remember that “The fool has said in his heart ‘there is no God’” Psalm 14:1 and “…God has made foolish the wisdom of this world.” 1 Corinthians 1:20

 So whose “whatever” will you choose—the world’s or God’s?

9/11/2001!

By Kingsley Baehr

A DAY THAT HAS CAUSED HEARTBURN IN AMERICANS EVER SINCE.

TERRORISTS TOOK AWAY OUR SENSE OF SECURITY PERMANENTLY.

HOW DO WE HANDLE IT? WHAT CAN WE DO?

In Exodus 17:8-16, the Bible records a terrorist attack by Amalekites on Israel as they were traveling through the Sinai Peninsula.

The amazing result was that Israel, although totally unprepared and completely surprised by the attack, won! Why?

Moses = the Praying Man

Aaron and Hur = the Prop Men

Joshua = the Point Man

The Bible is very clear. As long as Moses' arms were raised in prayer, Israel prevailed. When Moses' arms weakened, Amalek started winning. So Aaron and Hur propped up Moses' arms, and Israel defeated Amalek that day.

Joshua's success in battle depended entirely upon the prayers of Moses.

How can America defeat terrorists?

Most of all, we need to pray. Moses knew God personally. He had given his life to God. His greatest desire was to know God better and better each day. So when he prayed, God loved to respond to him. Can the same be said of us?

Are we like Moses?

Secondly, as Aaron and Hur did, we need to believe in and support those who understand that without God, we can do nothing. Who would they be? Our God-fearing President Bush, our God-fearing politicians, and those organizations whose first priority is working under God's direction for the good of the nation.

Are we like Aaron and Hur?

Finally we need point men and women-- those who can and will take the challenge to be on the front lines fighting the enemy. We need Joshuas-- risk-takers for the sake of God and country.

Are we like Joshua?

God has a job suited to each one's personality, abilities, and faith. Is your faith in Him? Have you committed to Him? Is He your Lord and Boss? Then you, too, can have an effective role in the fight against terrorists.

GOLD!

By Kingsley Baehr

A gold medal!

The ultimate reward for excellence in an OLYMPIC CONTEST!

Awarded by the International Olympic Committee

In ancient times, instead of a gold medal, the reward was a perishable crown of olive or laurel leaves

which lasted only a few weeks,

but the honor of having it placed on your head in the presence of thousands of spectators made it worth all the effort.

GOLD!

Golden crowns!

Eternal crowns!

The ultimate awards for excellence in the CONTESTS OF LIFE!

Awarded by God Himself, the Creator, Owner, and King of heaven and earth! - Revelation 4:4

AN INDESTRUCTIBLE CROWN: Awarded for a disciplined, wholehearted devotedness to God – 1 Corinthians 9:25

A CROWN OF LIFE: Awarded for victory over temptation – James 1:12

A CROWN OF REJOICING: Awarded for effectiveness in winning people for Christ – 1 Thessalonians 2:19

A CROWN OF GLORY: Awarded for faithful, caring leadership among God’s people – 1 Peter 5:4

A CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: Awarded for faithful completion of God’s will for us on earth - 1 Timothy 4:8

Toward what kinds of rewards are you devoting your life today? Are they the rewards of this world which are untrustworthy, perish-able, and (after the initial thrill) ultimately unsatisfying?

Do you realize that the

LORD JESUS CHRIST

wore a

CROWN OF THORNS

that you might receive the crowns mentioned above?

Which crowns are more worthy of your life’s occupation? For whom will you live your life, yourself or God? It is your choice.

HEAVENLY CITIZENSHIP

By Kingsley Baehr

On July 28, 1868, the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was proclaimed. It defined U. S. citizenship. A copy of it appears below in small print. As you begin to try to read the legal language in it, if you are like me, you will quickly become discouraged and most likely give up before you reach the end.

Instructions about how to become a citizen of heaven are much easier, and much less restrictive. They are found in the Bible, the final Word from the King of Heaven.

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 3:20

So we see that citizens of heaven have been saved by the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...” – 1 Timothy 1:15
“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
“If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

To be a citizen of heaven, then, you must:
1) Confess to God that you are a sinner.
2) Believe in your heart that citizenship in heaven is a gift from God.
3) Accept the fact that Jesus died for you, was raised from the dead, and must be your Lord.
No restrictions! ~ Open to everyone! ~ A free gift!
A citizen of heaven for all eternity! ~ What could be better!?

Are you a citizen of heaven?

Amendment XIV
Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Section 2. Representatives shall be apportioned among the several states according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each state, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the executive and judicial officers of a state, or the members of the legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such state, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such state.
Section 3. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any state legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any state, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.
Section 4. The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any state shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.
Section 5. The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.

Eternity

By Kingsley Baehr

Jesus, loves you, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Sinful ones to Him belong; they are weak but He is strong!
God loved the world so much, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. - John 3:16

God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Unto Him Who has loved us and washed us from sin—unto Him be the glory forever! Amen!
When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit Whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior... Titus 3:4-6

Not what these hands have done can save this guilty soul; not what this toiling flesh has borne can make my spirit whole. Your work alone, O Savior, can ease this weight of sin; your blood alone, O Lamb of God, can give me peace within.
Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven, given among men, by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

By grace you have been saved through faith; and that faith is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8,9

Eternity! Time soon will end. Its fleeting moments pass away. O sinner, say, where will you spend eternity’s unchanging day? Shall you the hopeless horror see of hell for all eternity? Eternity! Eternity! Where will you spend eternity?
Whoever believes in the Son [Jesus] has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him. John 3:36

I tell you the truth [Jesus said]. Whoever hears My word and believes Him Who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24

May's

By Kingsley Baehr

As we look forward to the summer, our plans are full of “may’s”.

“I may be going to camp this summer, but maybe not.”

 “Maybe we can fit in a week at the shore.”

  “May I go with Bobby and his family to Disneyworld? Please,

   may I, huh? May I? They invited me!”

    “Maybe I’ll go out with you—let me check my calendar.”

     “Well, I don’t know. Maybe.”

See, that is the problem—“I don’t know. I cannot see the future. I
don’t know what tomorrow may bring. I’m not psychic, you know.”

LISTEN TO HOW JESUS TALKS ABOUT THE FUTURE!

“I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU.” – Heb. 13:5

“YOU MAY ASK ME FOR ANYTHING IN MY NAME AND I WILL DO IT.” – John 14:14

“HE WHO LOVES ME WILL BE LOVED BY MY FATHER, AND I TOO WILL LOVE HIM.” – John 14:21

“I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN AND YOU WILL REJOICE, AND NO ONE WILL TAKE AWAY YOUR JOY.” – John 16:22

“I WILL COME BACK AND TAKE YOU TO BE WITH ME.” – John 14:3

HOW CAN HE BE SO SURE ABOUT THINGS?

BECAUSE HE IS GOD!

HE CAN SEE THE END FROM THE BEGINNING!

HE LOOKS AT THE FUTURE AS THOUGH IT IS IN THE PAST!

Will you receive Him as your Savior now and be sure of your eternal future?

WHY DID JESUS DIE?

By Kingsley Baehr

WHY DID JESUS DIE?

Was He a victim, dying for a cause?

No. He could have called 24,000 angels to rescue Him from the cross if He had chosen to do so. - Matt. 26:53

WHY DID JESUS DIE, THEN?

Was He murdered?

No. When He just said the words, "I Am He," His arrestors fell backward to the ground. He voluntarily submitted to them shortly afterward. - John 18:6-8

WELL, WHY DID JESUS DIE, THEN?

Was His death an accident, that was not expected?

No. He informed His followers at least three times that He was going to die, how He was going to die, who would be responsible for His death, and that He was not going to stay dead. - John 3:14; Mk. 8:31; 10:33,34

SO, WHY DID JESUS DIE?

He died as a Sacrifice! - 1 Peter 3:18

A SACRIFICE?! FOR WHOM?

For you. - 2 Corinthians 8:9

FOR ME? WHY? I DON'T NEED A SACRIFICE. I'M A GOOD PERSON.

Have you ever told a lie? Have you ever taken something that did not belong to you without permission? Have you ever lusted after another person?
If you have answered these questions honestly, you are a liar, a thief, and an adulterer, and we haven't even discussed the other 7 commandments! - Exodus 20:1-17
So, are you good enough for a perfect, holy God to allow you to live with Him forever in heaven?

SO WHY DID JESUS DIE?

He died as your Sacrifice, to pay the death penalty for your sins, to give you His righteousness in place of your sinfulness, so you could receive His gift of eternal life with God in heaven. -Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21

THAT IS WHY JESUS SAID, "I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER BUT BY ME." - John 14:6

No other way is good enough. No other sacrifice is good enough. You are not good enough. So,
will you right now accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Sacrifice?

MARCH

By Kingsley Baehr

INFLUENZA		BY-PASS SURGERY
BRONCHITIS		VALVE REPLACEMENTS
PNEUMONIA		ANGIOPLASTIES
ASTHMA		HEART ATTACKS
STROKE		INTERNAL BLEEDING
	DEATH

I don’t know about you, but, recently, all these physical ailments and problems have been a part of the lives of people whom I know and love. Here we are living in the most medically and tech-nologically advanced decade in human history, and it seems as though disease and bodily malfunc-tions are on the increase!

I find it very comforting to remind myself that the few years lived on earth are nothing when compared to eternity. And I know on the authority of the Word of God that none of these problems will ever be experienced where I am going after this life on earth.
Read on:

Romans 8:21-24 (New Living Translation) - All creation anticipates the day when it will join GOD’S CHILDREN in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And even WE CHRISTIANS, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as HIS CHILDREN, including the new bodies He has promised us. Now that we are saved, we eagerly look forward to this freedom...

Revelation 21:3,4 (New Living Translation) - I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, the home of God is now among HIS PEOPLE! He will live with them, and they will be HIS PEOPLE. God Himself will be with them. He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain, for the old world and its evils are gone forever.”

GOD’S CHILDREN = WE CHRISTIANS = HIS PEOPLE = You?

Are you His Child?

Are you a Christian?

Are you one of His People?

Have you, from your heart, confessed to Him your rebellious nature and repented of your sins?

Have you sincerely accepted Christ’s sacrifice of His life on your behalf and applied it to your account?

Have you humbly asked Him to be your Savior and Master?

Then,

you also

are

His Child,

a Christian,

one of His People,

and

you can claim for yourself the promises of the Bible verses above.

But

if you are not His Child, a Christian, one of His People,

then the only verses which apply to you are:

Matthew 13:49-51 (New Living Translation) - That is the way it will be at the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked people from the Godly, throwing the wicked into the fire. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Do you understand?” [Other verses tell us that this punishment will last forever.]

IT IS YOUR CHOICE!

Februus

By Kingsley Baehr

  According to the internet encyclopedia Wikipedia,
 February was named after the Roman god Februus, the god of purification.
Isn’t it ironic, that one of the most impure celebrations of the year—Mardi Gras occurs in February.

    Hedonism before Humilty
    Carnivale before Confession
    Abandonment before Absolution
    Revelry before Righteousness
    Sensualism before Sacrifice
    Debauchery before Devotion

    In other words,
    Self before the Savior

If the Lord Jesus Christ had thought the way we do:
 He would never have left heaven.
  There would have been no crucifixion on a cross.
   We would have had no Savior.
    We would have had no Intercessor.
     We would have no hope of Heaven.
      Our “Mardi Gras” lives would, one day,
       terminate among the ashes [not ofWednesday] of Hell!

Here is what God’s Word, the Bible says:
 “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for
 your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.”
[2 Corinthians 8:9]
 “…For even Christ did not please Himself…” [Romans 15:3]
 “He [Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by
 Him all things were created [including you]: things in heaven and on earth, visible
 and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were
 created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together…
 For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and
 through Himto reconcile to Himself all things… by making peace through His blood
  shed on the cross.” [Colossians 1:15-17,19,20]

     The choice is yours:
    reckless living apart from God
        or
    living Reconciled to God.