Watch The Context

By Stewart Whittemore

Proverbs 30:6: “Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.” (NKJV)

Recently a writer, in a letter to the editor of our daily newspaper, used verses from the Bible to make his point. Unfortunately, those verses were taken out of context thereby negating his statements altogether.

This may have been due to his lack of understanding of God's word. However, in any case, it is very misleading to quote Scripture without knowing its meaning in the full context of what was written. That is because, for one reason, many people may take what is written by others at face value because they themselves may not even be familiar with the Bible. The devil quoted the Bible out of context in order to tempt Jesus (see Luke 4:9-12), but to no avail. Therefore, if for no other reason, it becomes very important that we should understand and apply God's word to our life, so we also do not fall victim to the enemy of our souls schemes.

As an example of what I mean, let's look at just one instance of quoting the Bible out of context and, hopefully, it will better illustrate this point.

The book of Psalms states: "there is no God.” Taking this phrase out of context one can make a case that the Bible says "there is no God.” But when one looks at the whole verse in its entirety we see that Psalms 14:1 says: "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God .' They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good"' (NKJV-emphasis added )

In Isaiah a stronger point is made about Who is the true God by using this same phrase to declare that there is no (other) God. "Thus says the LORD , the King of Israel, And his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God " (Isaiah 44:6 NKJV-emphasis added )

We may need to read more than one verse or chapter or book or even the whole Bible to see the meaning God is conveying to us. As one apologist once said in summarizing the meaning of the Bible: "The Bible is the greatest love story ever told. It is about a Father looking for a bride for His Son."

Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work " (NKJV-emphasis added )

Stewart Whittemore writes from Grants Pass, Oregon.

Touching The Troubled

By F. Calderone Blake

As a University Junior in the late 1960's, the young Californian had made no specific career plans. Then, Don Hildebrand was asked to council troubled youth. His work with street-tough kids continued for more than two decades past graduation.

After relocating to Medford, Oregon, Hildebrand simultaneously enjoyed a stint in radio on a Top-40 station. "Kids in trouble would call in," he said. Fielding these calls became opportunities to follow up with appointments where he'd lead many kids to Christ. Hildebrand become a frequent guest speaker in Family Living classes mostly in high schools.

In '79, a Johnny Cash Special Fundraiser for Youth For Christ, led the TV station owners to donate daily five-minute segments to YFC for years.

Eleven years ago, Hildebrand began a career serving a mature segment of our society. He's Director of Pastoral Services at Rogue Valley Manor, which he describes as "one of the best retirement communities in the USA, probably the world." He's also performed weddings for residents or staff.

Residents often participate in peer counseling, Bible studies, caregiving training, and volunteering in the community.

When Hildebrand took the job, he expected to counsel aging persons, and their families. Now he spends half his time with residents, and half with Manor employees. When patients pass away, caregivers go through a grief process too. He is just honored to be used by God.
"My view of life and death has changed dramatically," Hildebrand says, as he quotes a passage posted on his wall.

You're on holy ground when someone is born, or when they take a step into eternity. We leave all we know here, and take that big step with ground to stand on, or God will teach us to fly.

Don has spent his life touching the troubled around him with hope. Seems that is all God can ask of any of us.

F. Calderone Blake writes from White City, Oregon.

Time & Money

By Scott Schumacher

My family has declared 2007 “The Year of Simplicity.” We are committed to keeping things simple with both our Time & Money.

I decided to re-read and re-apply the principles of the book “The Prayer of Jabez” by Bruce Wilkinson (#1 New York Times Bestseller). The premise of the book from 1 Chronicles 4:10 is that God has a ton of blessings for us. We don’t experience the blessings for a variety of reasons. For me, I miss out on receiving all His blessing because I simply did not ask or I wasn’t aware of the blessing because I was too busy. I can’t count the number of times I have looked up at the clock to find my day has flown by. The day has come and gone and nothing has changed. I’ll never get that day back or be able to receive the blessings that God had in store for me on that day. Bummer.

So now, I have recommitted to praying “The Prayer of Jabez” for me:
“Dear God, please bless me. And bless me a lot. Please enlarge my territory and those that I can serve. May your hand be upon me as I live this day. Please keep me from evil and temptation and please keep me from causing others pain.”

The last time I committed to this, was five years ago. As a result I was blessed and blessed a lot. Here are just a few of the blessings:
· Deeper relationships with my family and friends
· More margin in my day to have time for those relationships
· More time to serve at my church (a lot more)
· More margin in my finances so I could give more (a lot more)

God blessed me, protected me and helped me to not hurt others just as the little book described. It was the first time I truly experienced God blessing in a huge way. And I mean in a huge way. I’ve experienced God’s blessing before, but this was huge and huge in every way.

So why did God bless me in so many important areas? Why did He give me more Time & Money? Was it to bless me? Was it to bless my family? He did this so I can be more effective at advancing His kingdom. And it worked. As a side effect, or should I say by design, it also blessed me. I am free to serve more, to give more of my time, to give more finances and use the resources He has entrusted me with to advance His kingdom.

But here’s the catch, it’s five years later. I’ve received the many blessings in relationships, fiancés and ministry, however, I’m not quite as focused as I once was. Things are still good, but they are not as HUGE as they have been in the past. One thing that has changed is I have stopped praying the simple prayer and stopped asking for His blessings.

So this year, I’m getting back to simplicity. I’m asking God everyday to bless me and bless me a ton. I’m asking Him everyday to protect me from temptation, to keep me from evil and to help me to serve others and not harm them. I’m praying that you will consider doing the same. Together we will be blessed so we can advance His kingdom!

Scott Schumacher writes from Redding, California.

Suicide Momma

By Marlene K. Yundt

“…be ready always to give an answer to every answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you…”
1 Peter 3:15 KJV

Cybil had been a woman of the streets – tough, rough and rebellious. She smelled filthy. Cybil knew how to handle anyone, anytime, anywhere. When a baby boy entered her womb and her life, she had someone to consider beside herself.

At a later date, I met Cybil at a drugstore counter flipping flapjacks and tossing together ice cream sodas and milkshakes. Her speech was foul. Her demeanor was crude. She did not give a “hoot” what anyone thought about it, either. That was their problem.

“Do you have buckwheat?” I shyly inquired, being the new kid on the block and on the counter stool.

“Buckwheat?!” Cybil bellowed. “Yeah, we have buckwheat n’ Little Rascals! You can find them on TV.” Cybil howled with the support of her captive audience.

I cringed and shrunk a little lower. I wanted to exit – permanently and go find buckwheats somewhere else. In fact, just plain old everyday pancakes looked very welcoming at that moment. Anything but buckwheats! The roar finally subsided and I order “just a pancake, please.” I ate in quiet repose.

Week by week I came back to the counter in spite of my now smaller, humbler self. I began to become acquainted with the “regulars” – the retirees and the working community who patronized this unique gathering place. Most soda fountains were now long gone.

As time passed, I decided to hang around after the crowds left and get to know this mouthy waitress who seemed so tough that nothing could penetrate her darkened soul. Occasionally, she would spend a moment and chat about this and that. I began to take this opportunity to get to know her on a personal level, sharing Christ when I had a moment or two of her attention. She would listen; but, pretended to be busy and have to move on in her work. One of the workers who came at break time attended my same church in this small metropolitan community – a suburb just outside the city; but, very much in the heart of the farmland.

Then one day, Cybil was absent and that was not like her. She opened at 6 am and worked hard until closing – just one of her two or three jobs in the community. Then, the tragic news spread throughout the counter gossip: Cybil’s one and only son – now a married man with a young son – had done the unthinkable. Cybil’s son had committed suicide with a rifle shot to his brain.

Days passed and Cybil returned. She talked and talked and talked about her son, her daughter-in-law and her little grandson. I realized then that we – the soda counter community – we were her family.

“I cannot understand why she is still talking about that suicide! Why can’t she just get over it and get on with her life. She has been talking about it for two weeks now!” One of the regulars – a guy from the working community – seemed thoroughly disgusted with Cybil’s constant babbling about her now dead son.

I was shocked and hurt in my spirit that anyone could be so callous.

“It’s only been two weeks. It was her only son. She will grieve over him a lifetime.” He shrugged and returned to work.

When the crowd dispersed, I would move around to the curved end of the counter – to the very end seat. Little by little Cybil would come down to where I sat; but, only if she and I were alone. When someone entered, she would go back into her work mode.

“Where is my son now?” Cybil searched my eyes.

“Is he is heaven?” she inquired.

“I want to be with my son. Where is he? Can you tell me?

“Cybil, I cannot honestly tell you where he is because I did not know your son. But, if he is in heaven, I can tell you how you can be assured of being there with him forever. Would you like to know how?”

My heart was throbbing and I was silently praying for God’s leading and right words.
“Yes, I would.” Cybil said as she looked at me as a trusting child would.

In that God-given moment with no customers in this ever-busy pharmacy, Cybil met the Savior. She still lives in this suburb of the city. Wherever she is now, Cybil serves Christ and the community. The Christian community feeds her God’s Word.

Marlene K. Yundt writes from Portland, Oregon. marlene.yundt@comcast.net

Fashioned By Grace

By Kathy Hobaugh

What makes a woman beautiful, Mama,
Is it silk, and ribbons, and lace?
A woman who's exceptionally beautiful, dear,
Is a woman fashioned by grace.

Breathtaking is a godly woman,
Who’s inward beauty shines through.
Clothed with gentleness, kindness, and love,
And other fruits of the Spirit, too.

She endeavors to love God and others,
But never works alone.
On bended knee she comes in faith,
For God to make her strong.

Give Jesus your clothes of unrighteousness,
And all of sin’s disgrace.
He will cloth you with His salvation,
And fashion a woman of grace.

Kathy Hobaugh writes from Broomfield, Colorado. khobaugh@msn.com

My God Is The Lord

By Martin A. Recio

In every trial of our faith, there is first a general promise; on the ground of that promise there is a demand. Compliance with the demand is followed by an assurance to our faith. The promise of the Lord God to Israel was, “That if you will hear my voice, I will be your God and you will be my people.

But there were always those who refused to listen. When Ahab and Jezebel became king and queen of Israel, they renounced the Lord God and established Baal Worship as the state religion. They attempted to exterminate the prophets and worshipers of the Lord. And God raised up the prophet Elijah. And Elijah presented to the people of his day the choice of serving the Lord God or Baal. His life was full of the miraculous. Alone and unaided, save for the hand of God, he conquered in the contest and broke the power of Baal in Israel.

Suddenly, Elijah presented himself in Samaria, the Capitol city of Israel. He was dressed in an upper garment of black Camel’s hair, girt about his lions with a leathern girdle. It was startling, bold confrontation of the King and people in luxurious Samaria. His announcement was incredible, for he pronounced the name of the Lord in the sanctuary of Baal. It was the authority and power that he claimed: “Lives the Lord God of Israel, before whose presence I stand…If there be these years dew or rain, except by the word of my mouth.” And just as suddenly, the prophet is gone. During the drought, he was directed to Zarapath, to a poor and almost famished widow.

She was gathering sticks when the prophet met her and Elijah said to her; “Bring me a little water…Bring me a morsel of bread.” And she replied, “As the Lord your God liveth, I have nothing…only a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil in a cruse which I will prepare for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.” Elijah said to her, go and do as you have said, but first make me a little cake of it, and afterward make for yourself and your son. For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, the jar of meal shall not be spend, and the cruse of oil shall not fail, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth. And she went and did as Elijah had asked.

The Promise
This poor widow had a simple childlike trust in God. At the word of the prophet, she gave up her last handful of meal because Elijah had requested it; and because Elijah in the name of the Lord God, had promised her a miraculous supply for the future. The promise of God is always the same: I will be your God. The demand: If you will hear my voice. The assurance to faith: you will be my people and rest under the shadow of my wings.

The first words spoken by Elijah to the king and nation were: “Lives the Lord God, before whose presence I stand.” The promise of our Savior, before whose presence we all stand are precise and clear—the same yesterday, today, and forever. “I will be your Savior and Lord: I will be your faithful high priest and present you faultless before my Father’s throne of grace. I will deliver you in times of trouble; I will be with you in weakness and in strength; and I will give you the Comforter and seal you with the Spirit of promise.

The Demand
When Moses, Elijah, and the Lord Jesus stood on that Holy Mountain, a cloud of glory hung over the mountain top. And a voice was heard out of the cloud: “This is my beloved Son; hear ye him.” The demand was simple: “Hear ye Him.” For not those who call me Lord, Lord shall enter the Kingdom; but those that hear my voice and do the will of my Father. And this is the will of my Father---that you believe on Him whom He hath sent. The widow of Zarapath heard and believed, and was willing to give up her last handful of meal. What a lesson in faith is here taught for us all. Lives, the Lord God of Elijah, and she was willing to venture her all on that.

The Assurance to Faith
The poor widow, heard the promise, the request; she complied with the prophet’s request—then came her assurance: “For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The jar of meal shall not be spend, nor the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth” (I Kings 17:14).

What was not understood by King Ahab, and what appears hidden to the wise, was revealed to this poor woman. And it was also revealed for you and me: Lives the Lord God, before whose presence we stand, and lives our Lord Christ Jesus who stands before our Father’s Presence. And He lives for all who have come to trust under the Shadow of His Wings.

Martin A. Recio writes from Ashland, Oregon. http://webpages.charter.net/martinreciobooks

Book Review: Preparing My Heart For Easter: A Woman's Journey To The Cross and Beyond

By Ann Marie Stewart
AMG, 2007, $14.99, 192 pages
Reviewed by Lydia E. Harris

Although Christ's resurrection demonstrates the power behind the Christian faith, Easter is often overshadowed by Christmas. To discover the deep significance of Easter, consider Stewart's eight-week Bible study, Preparing My Heart for Easter.

The study begins the week of Ash Wednesday and concludes the week after Easter. Taken primarily from the four Gospels, Psalms, and Isaiah, it focuses on Jesus' last week on earth and the women who followed him. These included Mary Magdalene, Mary Mother of Jesus, Mary and Martha (sisters of Lazarus), and others.

The study includes five daily lessons and two weekend devotionals based on Easter hymns. Suitable for personal or group use, it includes a helpful leader's guide.

This well-researched volume comes to life with Stewart's background in drama, script writing, and acting roles in the community passion play. Women who completed the pilot study said Jesus became more personal to them.

Stewart's goal is to encourage women to follow Jesus. Spring is the perfect season to grow spiritually as you study Preparing My Heart for Easter.

Lydia E. Harris is a freelance writer in Seattle, Washington.

If You Ever Doubt God's In Control...

By Lorraine Peterson

One Friday night, when I was at the tail end of recovering from a three-month illness, my phone rang. My friend had called to ask if I would be able to host a table at the Sometimes Miracles Hide luncheon the next day. It seems one of the hostesses could not get to the event due to the recent snowstorms. I decided I felt well enough, so I agreed even though I have never attended a Joni and Friends event before.

The next day I arrived at the church, set my table and waited for the guests to arrive. It seemed that they sat everywhere except at my table. Four ladies eventually joined me and immediately began talking to each other about their children. I began to wonder why I was there. I had nothing in common with the ladies at my table as I have no children, let alone children with disabilities. I wasn’t even needed to serve food as many men welcomed the opportunity to be our servers. In the middle of lunch, I prayed, “God, why am I here? If you want me to be a servant to these ladies, I’ll gladly serve, but I don’t understand why ME?”

My prayer was answered five minutes later when I was tapped on the shoulder and told a lady at another table wanted to talk to me. I went to meet her and learned her four-month old baby daughter has had a tracheotomy since birth. She wanted to meet me because I also have a tracheotomy. I had thyroid cancer 28 years ago and when things didn’t go quite right I wound up having to breathe through a tracheotomy. I’ve had it so long, it’s simply part of me and I don’t think about it. But this new mom, who had a thousand questions, took one look at me and knew that we needed to meet.

Another remarkable part of this encounter is that the Mom called the Chapter on Friday night to see if she could attend the lunch, about an hour after I had agreed to host the table. Was this a coincidence? I don’t think so – I believe it was a “Godincidence”.

Lorraine Peterson writes from Ashland, Oregon.

A Fragrance Model

By Connie Fowler

A “fragrance model”, that’s what they called my job in the mall. Actually, the title glorified the position, which involved walking throughout the department store, demonstrating men’s colognes and after-shaves. I had to dress up and smile a lot, often through serious and repeated rejection. I spent four hours, trying not to get blisters on my high-heeled feet, riding up and down the escalator, clinging to the handrail, woozy from the heavy accumulation of scents that ended up layered on me.

Some of the shoppers actually wanted to experience the product, which I sprayed on a tissue or in the air or on them if they asked. Women, younger men and teenage girls showed the most interest. Older men fled claiming allergic reactions or stating that they had worn Old Spice since 1940-something and that was that.

Often, people reacted to my, “Would you like to try some of our new “Polo?” as if I wasn’t there, teetering on my heels; flashing my sewed-on smile. Was I invisible? Had I accidentally sprayed myself with some disappearing potion?

The job didn’t suit me. Oh, I did make a little spending money, but I never cared for a lot of the fragrances and I don’t like the mall. I'm a terrible salesman. I couldn’t even convert my Old Spice guy husband and my feet couldn’t take being pinched and elevated. I learned a lot, though. I learned to not take the rejection personally, to keep from tripping on the escalator, and to never, never go to the mall the day after Thanksgiving.

Our sense of smell, our olfactory sense, is very keen in most of us. A whiff of something instantly brings back memories of delicious foods, flowers, love interests, good or bad times.
Fragrances, after-shaves or perfumes, are a personal statement. We associate certain people with their scent. It is a part of them and their personality, and it often leaves an impression on us.

If their fragrance is strong and overbearing, we wrinkle our stinging nostrils and involuntarily pull back. We distance ourselves from the person to save our noses. Oh, we try not to let it show, but we really can't help it. Worse yet, if the person shakes our hand or gives us a hug, the smell follows us everywhere until we can wash it off.

But if the scent is subtle, we are drawn to the sweetness or spiciness and so to the person wearing it. Instead of repelling us we want more and moving toward the wearer we ask, “H-m-m, what is that fragrance you are wearing?”

I want to wear the fragrance of Jesus. Subtle, consistent, so that others are drawn, not to me, but to the “perfumer”, the one who fills me up that I emit His fragrance.

Oh that I might be a sweet aroma, the fragrance of the Lord, permeating every corner of the room, filling it with pungent fumes. Potent; heady, tantalizing the sense of others, compelling them to ask, “What is that fragrance you are wearing?” That I might answer, “It is Him in me.”
II Corinthians 2:14-16: “…and through us the aroma of Christ spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.”

LORD: Help me to always be your “Fragrance Model.”

Connie Fowler writes from Jacksonville, Oregon. kawnee@ccountry.net