Old Paths Rediscovered

As we traverse the final chapters of II Kings and later in the 34th chapter of II Chronicles, we discover a boy king that has come to power in Judah, ascending to the throne at the age of eight. Eight years later, he began to earnestly seek the face of the Lord. Shortly there after, he began to purge Judah of what many of his predecessors had failed to do…false worship. The Word describes several kings that please God, yet their desire and fervency never extended to that of young Josiah. By the age of 26, there had been a complete elimination of the markings and tools of idol worship throughout the land.

It is at this time that Josiah sets about the restore the temple of God. In the process of accounting the sums of silver that had been brought to the temple in order to pay the workers for their effort in the restorations, the high priest Hilkiah happens upon an old scroll. Imagine as he wipes away the cobwebs and dust. Imagine as he felt upon its tattered, faded and wrinkled parchment, the questions that must have gone through his mind. How long has this been here? Who has left these old writings in here to waste away? Imagine the shock on his face when he realized what he was holding.

This cylinder of mere paper was not some ordinary record of the temple or some document with a simple register of the temple’s events. It was the Book of the Law; sometimes referred to as the Book of Moses or the Book of the Covenant. This was something that had once been precious. Evidently, even as the priests had been occupied with the business of the temple, it had simply been put on a shelf…designated as a bookend or something of lesser value for the present time. However, there is something magnificent about the Word of God. It has resilience. It has a lasting durability. Even in times where idolaters had occupied the temple, it had not been destroyed. In fact the inspired Word of God had proven to be indestructible.

Things had changed after Solomon built that temple. The protectionism of its entry had been compromised. Alternate beliefs and men of false doctrine had infiltrated and cast a shadow in its doorway. Now that which had once been held in high regard, was cast aside. An item that had shown how to live a life in accordance to the will of God had simply been tossed away. It was replaced with feign worship practices, empty offerings and a rejection of what was held dear…and the keepers of the temple just let it go.

Once Josiah was made aware of the discovery, it wasn’t long before he understood the repercussions. He set out the make things right. He instituted the old paths. He grasped the significance of returning to what had been taught so many generations before. He guided the people of Judah, with the assistance of prophets, back to the letter of the Law. But it was too late. Even Josiah’s humble repentance and realization of what had been lost could not save Judah from the captivity of Babylon.

Jump ahead to present day. The attacks on the church and on the apostolic movement are not too different from what we saw in Jerusalem in the days of Josiah. We now live in era where things that have been precious, things that have been held fast and that which we once held close to our heart are now relegated to a shelf in the back of our mind. They have been replaced with feign worship, empty offerings and a rejection of what was held dear. It was subtle. We didn’t see it coming, yet they have crept into our sanctuaries and occupy our pews. And as watchman, we did not see it. In going through the motions of our church prep, studying our oratory eloquence and making sure we made everybody feel good and comfortable…well, you know…we misplaced book.

The trappings and accoutrements of this world have somehow found their way in the church. They masquerade as love, peace, harmony and acceptance. As they linger, the dust begins to accumulate and the foundation starts to show its cracks. The light doesn’t penetrate the windows like it used too. The baptismal tank’s waters remain still as not to create a stir. The old paths are still in there somewhere. Occasionally, one stumbles upon it, but its words don’t seem too important or relevant. And generations are being lost in the process…but it’s not too late.

There are still watchmen on the wall…still those who realize the great treasure that can be found it the simple texts and writings. Yeah, it is old fashioned. The persons and description of heroes gone by are relics to many, but the watchman gains a realization of the riches that are contained within. The commandments are too stern for some, but the watchman sees its protection. It is offensive because it cuts into the nature of man, but the watchman sees the removal of sin. It calls out that which we have forgotten to hold on to, but the watchman sees to it that we never lose our grip.

Let’s not have to “rediscover” what has been there all the time.

Pentecostal Life & Gambling

Some have asked about the recent article published in the Pentecostal Herald. Here it is:

It is certainly evident that we find ourselves in a time of economic turmoil. Recently, I too have felt the effects of downturns in my particular industry that has led to employment uncertainty. Those of us who place our trust in Jesus Christ find hope, peace, and comfort in these difficult times. However, there are many who find no such serenity in times of stress. Instead of searching for the Jehovah-Jireh, they will look to other avenues to satisfy the questions of their financial insecurity. Inevitably, their pursuit will lead them down roads with devastating consequences. Irrational thinking leads to unwise choices. Reality becomes blurred with the determination to find a quick remedy. Despite odds stacked heavily against their patrons, gambling activities will actually see an increase during periods where economic confidence is low.

The Harvard Medical School on Addictions ran an experiment in a casino environment where the test subjects were monitored with chances of winning, losing, or breaking even. Using neuro-imaging techniques comparable to an MRI, the study concluded that monetary rewards in a gambling type atmosphere produced similar brain activity that has been observed in a cocaine addict after an infusion of the illicit drug. It is therefore no surprise that those who become hooked on this rush have a high probability of falling into the category of a compulsive or pathological gambler.

Although financial problems are an obvious reason someone might plunge into the pitfalls of gambling, there are many other motives that feed the cravings of the gambling addict. The excitement or positive feelings of self-worth, social acceptance, camaraderie, or a way to feel success are often explanations. Other rationales are using gambling as an outlet for anger, rebellion, or to escape anxiety, stress, or emotional pain. The fact for most who have delved deep into this malicious mindset is that when truly honest about their addiction, they will admit that it wasn’t about the money at all. It becomes a need for one or more of the reasons above - a need to be in action at any given time. Many who even manage to defy the odds by winning will admit repeatedly sinking whatever winnings they had back into their habit.

The frame of mind is one of me against the world - what I am doing is of no significance to others. The ramifications are far more reaching than just what affects the individual. Some of the consequences include marital disharmony, divorce, child abuse, substance abuse, and suicide attempts. One study in The Journal of Social Issues found that as gambling increases, there is an increase in “(a) proportion of divorce and separation; (b) disagreement about money matters with one’s spouse; (c) lack of understanding between marital partners; and (d) more reported problems among children of gamblers.”

As a result, because of its very nature, gambling leads to the destruction of the family. The Bible is very clear that we are to provide for our own; especially those in our own house (I Timothy 5:8). It does not matter whether it’s a husband with wife and family, a single mother, or a single young man just starting out on his own. When one takes the grocery money, the mortgage payment, or other provision that would otherwise be used to the benefit of the household and places it into an act of greed, he is worse than an unbeliever. Proverbs 15:27 states, “He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house.” Proper stewardship and a consciousness of the protection of God’s provision would place gambling at the polar opposite of Christian principles as it relates to spiritual health.

Gambling also destroys the work ethic. In Colossians 3:23-24, we are told in “whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Yet gambling mocks disciplined work habits, thrift, prudence, adherence to routine, and the relationship between effort and reward. Gambling replaces those values with greed and selfishness. Rather than depending on hard work, they depend on luck and chance. Compulsive gamblers have serious troubles even holding jobs. Actions like calling in sick, taking off early, or stealing from work are not unusual.

The very act of placing a bet, for any of the numerous reasons mentioned earlier, is a simple denial of the sovereignty of God. If you consider it, taking a gamble because of financial duress, emotional pain, or lack of self-worth, indicates a lack of trust in the Lord’s ability to answer. The world offers many escapes from the daily grind, gambling included. I applaud the efforts of the many “step” programs that are used to help individuals to break free from these type of addictions, but even those try to limit the “higher power” they advocate. The premise is that the addict will never be completely free, but will remain in a constant state of recovery. If only they could reach out and grab onto the revelation of a complete trust in God. I am so glad we serve a God whose work in our lives is not bound by perceived conditions or unjustified limitations. Our salvation is a whole work. Our Savior is a comprehensive God. When we need the God of healing, Jesus is there. When we need the God of provision, Jesus is there. When we need the God of comfort, Jesus is there. Yes, it is true. It is all in Him. His works are never partial. For the gambler, He can restore trust, repair relationships, rebuild confidence, and totally deliver without restriction. While the world takes its chances on uncertain outcomes, unproven schemes, and other vices in search of answers, we can place our faith in Jesus Christ.

Boaz: Redeemer of the Bloodline

I am just warning you that there is nothing new here that most have not heard in this next post. As our church settles into our two months of family focus, I found it interesting and pertinent the account that is told in the book of Ruth.

When we talk about the book of Ruth (one of two books of the Bible named after a woman) we often focus on Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi along with her faithfulness to God. We certainly cannot overlook those observations. When Elimelech moved his family from Bethlehem to Moab, it was during a time of famine; one that was physical in nature and one that was definitely spiritual as well. Israel was in a time of pathetic moral and spiritual apostasy, yet there was still some who remained steadfast in their belief who continued to love and honor God.

It was during this time, that Naomi took under her wing two daughter-in-laws. Such an influence that Naomi had, that even after the death of her husband and two sons, Ruth had such confidence in her that she would not leave her side. Being of the country of Moab, you might consider Ruth a convert of sorts. She was not an Israelite, but the assurance she had in Naomi and what she had learned from her caused Ruth to emphasize that she wanted the people of Naomi to be hers and Naomi’s god to be hers as well. She left behind a family and land that she had known to travel with he mother-in-law. She came out of Moab and into the presence of the children of Israel.

As they return to Bethlehem, Boaz enters the picture as a near relative of Naomi’s dead husband. Boaz’s greetings to his reapers and his treatment of both Ruth and Naomi show the righteousness of him. As the chronicle is told, Ruth worked in his fields and found favor in his sight. This was not a favor as we might think. It was not one of affection because of attraction. Boaz knew who Ruth was, being the daughter-in-law that Naomi had brought back with her. His actions were ones that were thought out through his responsibility to his kin, yet in reality that responsibility did not rest on his shoulders alone.

We find that even after Ruth had placed herself at his feet (an action that signaled Ruth’s desire to become his wife), Boaz realized the importance of tradition and custom that was required in such an instant as this. His respect for his family, his kinsmen and Naomi herself was portrayed in his actions. There was one that the responsibility, that of family redeemer, fell to before him. Yet we see Boaz’s readiness to take on this burden if the one before him refuses. As the story is told, we see that refusal happen, Boaz marries Ruth and they have a son that restores the bloodline of Elimelech.

Theologians make many parallel arguments between Christ and Boaz with due reason. However, there are some differences that should not be ignored. Boaz was not foretold to be this redeemer. He did not know of this calling that would come to him. It was not proclaimed to or about him at birth. We do not see prophetic references to him in prior writings. This did not hinder him though. He sought to do what was righteous anyway. He sought to redeem this bloodline on behalf of his fallen family member. He wanted to restore the land that Naomi was selling to her family line. He may have not known it at the time, but by taking on that responsibility he was ensuring a lineage that would extend to Christ himself. Obed, the son of Boaz and Ruth, eventually became the grandfather of David.

This all causes me to ponder the following question: What am I doing to make sure my family’s spiritual bloodline is to continue? As I watch and see some fall away and some remain faithful, am I doing everything in my power to make a difference? Am I saying to myself, “It’s a decision they have to make. I am not responsible.” Am I ignoring my responsibility when I live far away or other believers live closer? It’s a possibility I am not comfortable ignoring. Boaz…an amazing example of doing what is righteous, what is just and what normal people would just pass on as someone else's obligation.

Gideon's Ephod

Judges 8:27: And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.

Perhaps there are many sermons and messages, even bible studies out there about Gideon’s ephod. However, I can’t recall much preached about this particular subject matter. We are, of course, familiar with the story recorded of Gideon’s battle with the Midianites. We are not unaware of God’s choosing of him, the whittling down of his army and the great victory that was delivered into his hands with the trumpets and pitchers. The 27th verse seems to get looked over though when looking at the life of Gideon.

Of course we can herald the victory that God brought to Gideon. We can even praise Gideon for his refusal of kingship of the Israelites even to the proclaiming of the Lord as the ruler of Israel. But then Gideon makes an odd request. He asks for the men to bring the earrings of their fallen enemies to him. This was not an appeal to carry out a commandment of God. This was an unauthorized act that was being carried out by Gideon himself. I am sure he had good intentions; perhaps as a memorial for the success of the work of God against Midian. In spite of the intentions, the deed was one of idolatry, glorifying the achievements of Israel and Gideon. Eventually all of Israel worshipped it; placing the man and triumph over the power of the one who provided the enemy’s defeat.

The scripture makes special note to mention that this became a snare to Gideon and his family. Something that was planned for God, foolishly carried out without wisdom to see the consequences which may eventually do great damage to the kingdom. The son of a concubine in Shechem, many scholars seem to attribute the rise of Abimelech and the subsequent tragedy of Gideon’s family to Gideon’s polygamy. May I suggest that Gideon’s polygamy was a little further down the mountain in this snowball’s travels? It may have been a part, but perhaps not reason in completeness. It began forty plus years earlier. Even after the conquest of the Midianites and the creation of this ephod, God allowed for a time of peace and quietness in Israel. However, as a result of this transgression, Gideon’s prowess on the battlefield did not translate to success in his home.

Abimelech was after the same thing that was represented in the ephod; respect, power, success and recognition. He openly sought after it in Shechem. Sure it is in our nature. We want to see God work through our ministries. We want to see the Lord’s spirit evident in our family. We like the pats on the back when we speak, write or do something well. We want to be significant. It would be awesome to say we had so many at our special speaking engagement receive the Holy Ghost, get their healing or were delivered from bondage or addiction. As men, we enjoy our ears tickled with the sense of personal satisfaction. But when we exalt our churches, institutions, organizations or men who possess special charisma, ultimately the results will yield spiritual corruption and death.

And so it is with our family. When we pursue or uplift accomplishments within our household without acknowledging the blessings and provisions of God, we cheat our loved ones of so much. I am glad I have a godly wife, but she was gift from God not of my own making. I am glad I have three wonderful children, but they are a blessing provided by the author of my faith. I am joyful that I have been able to provide for them, but those blessings are a direct result of the Lord making miracles happen in my occupational life. I need to be reminded that the victories in BOTH the spiritual and the natural are not because of the accomplishments that I have achieved, but because of what His grace has allowed. When I begin to believe otherwise, I am allowing those that follow me (wife, children, loved ones, saints and sinners) to accept a much lesser power than truly is present in their lives.

Abimelech went on to get the people’s approval and followed it up by destroying seventy of his brothers…seventy sons of Gideon. The youngest one saved went on to foretell of the destruction of the people of Shechem and of Abimelech. What might have had good intentions (though not very well thought out), started another downward spiral and reoccurrence of the cycle we see commonly with Israel. It caused distress in the household of Gideon…all because an ephod placed the victory before the Victor.

I Think I'll Just Stick With It

Fred D. Hartsell
March 3,1941 - July 2, 2009

On Father’s Day of this year, Mom and Dad were in town and we decided to hit one of the local restaurants after Sunday evening service. When we arrived and were seated, we noticed my father-in-law was already there and invited him over to sit with us as well. Pastor, my dad, Fred and I sat at one end of the table discussing the various aspects of the menu among other things. We were unaware that this would be the last time we would have the opportunity to enjoy a meal with Fred.

As conversation turned from one subject to the other, eventually we began to talk about the different aspects of the apostolic movement, things that had “changed”, and the principles that were or were not behind such things. My father reminded me this week as we prepared for the funeral of a simple, yet profound statement that my father-in-law made that evening. Bro. Hartsell said in only the way he could, “I think I will stick with what I have learned and been taught.”

You would have to understand Fred’s life to fully understand the implications of that statement. If Bro. Hartsell had been born and raised in the knowledge of the truth, it may not have been surprising to hear such a word from him. However, Fred received the Holy Ghost and was baptized at the age of 30 in 1971. His parents did not raise him in it; none of his six siblings lived in truth; his ex-wife or children from that marriage were not living for God. Fred walked alone, but that is not to say that he walked without action.

He let it be known to his family about the truth. As years went by, he consistently witnessed to them by word of mouth and by the word of his walk. He never wavered once he received this great message; even in times of turmoil and times when in the humanistic sense he could have said, “I give up.” Oh the joy he must have felt when he received that phone call; when Mary, his sister, called him and told Fred, “I just spoke in tongues!” Finally, someone else in his family had received the truth.

He met his soul mate, Kay, and they married in 1977. A virtuous woman, Kay would be a steadfast rock in Fred’s life. For 25 years they would be inseparable until the day the Lord took Kay home in 2002. Once again a time of turmoil in his life, Fred stood firm. Certainly he was devastated. Surely his heart was torn. But he just stuck with it. He continued to be faithful to “his church.” It was not a statement of greed, but as pastor put in on Monday, it was a loving possessiveness. He loved his church. He loved this faith and he believed beyond every doubt in its message. Now he has gone on to be with his Kay and together they are traveling on the Glory Land Railway (he was also a train enthusiast).

As I went through Fred’s music collection (one that he treasured), I thought I would find it filled with his love for classical and bluegrass gospel. I did find those including some Harvest Time LPs from the early 70’s, but nearly half of the CDs collected were not music at all. It was teaching and preaching. One minister told me on Sunday that Fred was his greatest fan. I am sure that there are many teachers, preachers, evangelists and others who could echo those words. Fred made it a point after you preached to make sure he told you how much he appreciated it; enforcing again his love for the Word. As I went through them I found many names, some known and others not; Jonathan Alvear, Keith Hood, Nathan Reever, Luke Levine, Larry Booker, Travis Miller, Johnny Godair, Stephen Willeford, Winfred Black, Roger Spaugh, Verbal Bean and many more. Others have even said that Fred could recite some of their messages point for point though they had not recently preached those in particular.

About a year after Kay had passed, Fred moved in with us for a couple of years before getting his own apartment. During that time, I would wander by his bedroom door after dinner. Without fail, every time I did, I would hear the sounds of scripture emanating from his CD player as he read along. He was a student of the Word. No, he never preached a Sunday night sermon. No, he never taught a Wednesday night bible study. However, the smile that came across his face when hearing the Word was immeasurable. He ministered to the eyes and ears of those who surrounded him.

Bro. Hartsell made a friend everywhere he went. It mattered not that he had never met you. If you waited on him at Ponderosa, you were his friend. If you were the clerk at Walgreen’s, you were his friend. You were his friend even when you thought you didn’t need one at the time. His physical therapist told us that Fred was the sweetest man she knew, even helping her through a difficult time in her life. Even after his therapy was over, he would stop by just to check in and say “Hi.” Yes, we laughed when he could not come up with the right words he wanted to express himself. I am embarrassed to say that at times we even made fun of him when he misspoke. That was just the charm of the man we knew.

Fred’s legacy will not be known because of a national publication, a great conference message or something recognized by man. Bro. Hartsell preferred it that way. He was about plugging along; one station in life to the next. What many will remember will be the image of a man, one arm lifted straight up, the other outstretched from his body because of a bum shoulder; the image of a man whose battered knees kept him from running but not from walking the aisles of the church.

As I drove through Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery today where Fred is laid to rest with his fellow men in arms, I realize that I should have hugged him more; I should have told him I loved him more often. However, what I can say is that Fred stuck with it just as he said he would. I can only hope that my determination will one day measure up to what you have shown us.

You done good, Fred…you done REAL good.