THE NEW EWE

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'"

Luke 15:4-6

November 13, 2024

LIFE IN THE FOLD

I had an idea of what I wanted to write this week, but was unsure whether or not this was what I needed to do or if God had a better plan. I opened my Bible to read where I had last left off and was amazed at the confirmation! The heading to that section of scripture and those first several verses tied in perfectly with what had been on my heart.

When I opened my Bible to Philippians chapter 2, the title for the first section of scriptures was, "Have the Attitude of Christ."

Paul begins by asking some questions: "Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?"

He then encourages the readers to do something: "Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and one purpose."

Verses 3-5 says, "Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had."

The heading for the next section of scriptures is: "Shine Brightly for Christ."

Again, Paul writes some very important instructions. Verses 14-15 says, "Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people."

With the presidential election last week, emotions have ran high and opinions have been extremely strong. Other issues on the various state ballots caused a lot of opinions and strong feelings. In the upcoming months, change will come and with it there will still be a lot of division and people taking sides and emotions running high.

I stay out of political discussions and don't post my personal beliefs and opinions on social media. Yes, I do believe that there are certain things that christians need to take a stand for unashamedly! But honestly, some of the comments and arguments and opinions that I've seen posted by christians over the past several weeks have made me cringe inside. Some posts and opinions by non-believers have made my heart hurt. It's stirred up division with people taking sides and some feeling ostracized, because they take a different stance. And when people feel as if they are in the minority, they become even more defensive and argumentative.

Here's what's been so strongly on my heart! No politics or presidential election or differences of opinions is worth causing division and separation within families; especially if the majority agree and just a few feel as if they are on the opposing side. It causes people to feel defensive, hurt, angry, alone.... and then that just causes the situation to escalate. Don't let politics split your family or sever your relationship with good friends! Don't let politics and opinions become more important than sharing your love for Jesus.

Whether your Republican or Democrat or who you did or didn't vote for isn't going to get you into heaven! It's the blood of Jesus and repentance and living a life that is without blame.

This is nothing new! Don't think that we are dealing with something that no other generation has ever faced. Politics and government has caused division in families and countries ever since the Old Testament.

David is probably one of the best known kings in Old Testament times. He was only the second king that Israel had ever had. When you hear stories of David, it seems as if he was loved and honored by the people and was a great leader; and he was a powerful military warrior. But not everyone loved him and wanted him to be their king!

In fact, his own son, Absalom, led a rebellion, trying to usurp his father's kingship and take his position. Absalom got permission from his father to go to Hebron to supposedly offer a sacrifice to the Lord and fulfill a vow he had made to Him.

Absalom did go to Hebron, but he sent secret messengers to all the tribes of Israel to stir up a rebellion against King David. People began joining Absalom and the conspiracy gained momentum. He had the people of Israel stirred up!!

A messenger arrived and told David, "All Israel has joined Absalom in a conspiracy against you!" David and his men, his advisors, and many others left at once, so that they wouldn't be there when Absalom arrived, hoping that Jerusalem would be spared from disaster.

David walked up to the road to the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went. His head was covered and his feet were bare as a sign of mourning. The people with him wept as they walk along with their king.

David had a man from one of the villages throw stones and dirt at him and his officers and all the mighty warriors who surrounded him. He was cursing them and shouting at them. They grew weary and tired.

Absalom was given this advice: "Let me choose 12,000 men to start out after David tonight. I will catch up with him while he is weary and discouraged. He and his troops will panic, and everyone will run away. Then I will kill the king, and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride returns to her husband. After all, it is only one man's life that you seek. Then you will be at peace with all the people." This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.

There ended up being a battle between David's warriors and those who were followers of Absalom. But after everything Absalom had done to bring destruction to his father and the country, this is what David commanded his three commanders: "For my sake, deal gently with young Absalom."

During the battle, Absalom happened to come upon some of David's men. He tried to escape on his mule, but as he rode beneath the thick branches of a great tree, his hair got caught in the tree. His mule kept going and left him dangling in the air. Yet one of the commanders and ten of his men chose to disobey David and they killed Absalom and threw his body into a deep pit and piled a great heap of stones over it.

When the messengers came to give a report to David, his first question was, "What about young Absalom? Is he all right?"

When David found out that Absalom was dead, he was overcome with emotion. He went to a room and burst into tears. He cried out, "O my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you! O Absalom, my son, my son." He grieved the death of his son, even after all his son had done to him.

One of his commanders went to him and rebuked him. "We saved your life today and the lives of your sons, your daughters, and your wives and concubines. Yet you act like this, making us feel ashamed of ourselves. You seem to love those who hate you and hate those who love you. It seems that if Absalom had lived and all of us had died, you would be pleased. Go out there and congratulate your troops." So the king did that.

Meanwhile, the Israelites who had supported Absalom fled to their homes. And throughout all the tribes of Israel there was much discussion and argument going on. There ended up being a huge division between the men of Israel and Judah. (You can read the story in it's entirety in 2 Samuel chapters 15-19.

There is much that we can learn from this story of David. He was king... the top leader in all of Israel! He had led the nation in fighting against their enemies and had great success. He made some mistakes, he sinned, yet he never grew too arrogant to humble himself before God and repent. He truly loved the Lord and was committed to worshipping only the one true God. Yet, his own son rose up against him. Absalom not only wanted to take the throne from his father, but wanted him killed.

David mourned as he left Jerusalem; weeping as he walked away. He had someone throwing dirt and stones at him, while shouting curses. He grew weary. His son, who had tried to steal his throne and kingship, was killed.

Yet here was David's responses: When he found out what Absalom was doing, he chose to leave Jerusalem in order to spare the city from disaster. They had taken the Ark of the Covenant with them and offered sacrifices until everyone had passed out of the city. Then the king instructed that the Ark of God be taken back into Jerusalem. David said, "If the Lord sees fit, He will bring me back to see the Ark of the Tabernacle again. But if He is through with me, then let Him do what seems best to Him." When he sent his troops out against those that were with Absalom, he gave orders that his son be dealt with gently and he be spared. After David heard of Absalom's death, he became overcome with emotion and burst into tears; he mourned the death of the very son who had plotted his death and had led a rebellion against him. Then he put aside his mourning in order to lead the people back to Jerusalem and be the king that was needed at that time.

David in this situation is a great example that we, as the church of Jesus Christ.... His body... His representatives.... His bride, could learn from and would be wise to follow. When there is political upheaval and people are taking sides and emotions are running high, we can still love! We can speak with and act with wisdom! We can be kind! We can even weep for those who may have evil intent and are acting with wickedness; praying for the Lord to intervene and leave it in His capable hands. Sometimes we need to walk away, in order to spare and protect those around us from hurt and disaster. There's a time to speak, yet also a time to be silent.

Just because we may be on different political sides doesn't make you my enemy. Just because we may have opposing opinions doesn't mean that we can't still be friends. Our differences don't mean that you aren't welcome in my home and aren't invited to sit at my table. Our commonalities are much greater than whether we are democrat or republican or independent or libertarian. There is much more that we agree on and can discuss and talk about, than the issues that we disagree on. I want to hear about your life, your family, your interest. Let's talk about Jesus and what He's doing in your life. If you're an unbeliever, then we can talk about daily happenings and what's going on with your family. I'll pray for you to have a relationship with God, because that's the most important decision you can ever make; but in the meantime, we can still enjoy friendship.

When Jesus was on earth, He sat at the tables of both the saints and the sinners; and He was criticized for that. He didn't only hang out with those who were like-minded. In fact, the disciples and the other followers didn't always understand or agree with Jesus; yet, Jesus continued loving them and teaching them and being around them. If He hadn't, then how else were they to learn and desire a relationship with Him and grow in their faith?

I've heard comments from time to time that this world is in the worst shape that it's ever been in. I'm not so sure I agree with that. It's in the worst condition that we have ever seen. But read the Bible and you'll find that the world has faced devastation time and time again. Read your history books and you'll see that generations past have suffered and endured hardships and horrible things. When mankind relies on self, rather than God, things become evil and wicked and horrible things occur.

Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 1:9-11, "History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. Sometimes people say, 'Here is something new!' But actually it is old; nothing is ever truly new. We don't remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now."

Let's be the light that shows brightly for Jesus in a world that is hurting and dark and in need of a Savior. Let's strive to have the attitude of Christ, as Paul wrote in Philippians chapter 2 (verses at the beginning of this devotional). Let's not think ourselves above others, but walk in humility and love.

Several years ago there was a big craze in the church world, with jewelry and posters and other things, that said, "WWJD" - What Would Jesus Do. Perhaps we need to ask ourselves that before we speak, act, post on social media, react to others...... "What would Jesus do?" Then we need to do likewise and make it more than just a saying, but a way of life.

JON'S PERSPECTIVE:

Sometimes, the best thing you can say is nothing. We recently had a change in personnel at my job. One employee was going through some things, and it severely impacted his performance. I wish him well, but staying at our workplace was not the right choice for us. At one point, he began voicing all his frustrations, disagreement with being dismissed, and anger at our boss. I stood by our boss, to let him know he wasn't alone, and to take some of the heat. I felt like our former co-worker needed to vent, and I managed to work it so he was venting to me instead of my boss. I said very little. In fact, I said almost nothing.

Sometimes, it's hard to listen to someone who is upset and not say anything. It's tempting to say things like, "Yeah", or "I understand." But in this case, I was sure he would take it as me siding with him. I wish him well, and truly hope he gets his act together, and finds a good job he can put effort into. But I don't agree that he needed a second chance (he had already had dozens). And I didn't agree with most of what he said. So I didn't want to respond like I agreed. So, I simply listened.

Afterward, I visited with our boss, and let him know I understood how rough that was for him, and that the rest of us understood his decision.

Sometimes what someone needs most is to be heard and understood. We don't all need others to agree with us, we just want to feel like we aren't being completely ignored. Our feelings matter, and we don't like others to claim they don't.

So, if someone needs to rant, it's okay to let them rant while disagreeing with them. Be patient, and quiet. And remember that just because you feel differently doesn't mean you have to voice your opinion (or facts), especially while they are voicing theirs.

ON THE MENEWE:

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Preheat oven to 375.

Cut bacon slices into thirds. Wrap each little smokie with bacon. Place in baking dish.

Melt butter and 1 cup of brown sugar. Mix well. Pour over smokies.

Sprinkle remaining cup of brown sugar evenly over smokies.

Bake 15-20 minutes, then turn heat up to 400. Bake 5 additional minutes, or till bacon becomes crispy.

Place in crockpot to keep warm.

THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER:

Take time to make memories! It is worth the effort to do so. Don't allow busyness to hinder you from spending time with family and friends. Plan special dinners, set aside a specific weekend each year to do something together, etc.

Probably 12-13 years ago, I decided to have a yearly Christmas party with the girls in my family -- my sisters, their daughters, daughter-in-laws, and granddaughters. We always have it the second Saturday in November, before everyone gets too busy with holidays. I put up my tree and decorate for Christmas. Everyone brings finger foods. I buy gifts for the younger kids, and the women bring one gift for around $10 and we do a gift exchange. The men and boys go out to eat (well, the younger ones stay here at the house so they can play), then come back to the house for dessert. It's become one of my most favorite days of the year that I always look forward to. Those who attend always enjoy themselves and it's a special time that we get to spend together.

Then the Saturday right before July 4^th, we have a family get together at the family property where my sisters and I grew up. Everyone brings food, we bring lawn chairs and sit outside and visit, while the kids run around the yard and play. By having it the same weekend each year, people can know ahead of time so that they can make plans to come. It's so important to keep that family connection!

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

Your beliefs don't make you a better person; your behavior does. - TobyMac

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU:

We love you!

Loretta & Jon

http://www.graysheep.org