Graduation: Looking Ahead

One of the great challenges for young people is to plan ahead to the future – to make decisions based upon wisdom and foresight. Personal growth is stunted when we made decisions based upon today’s feelings or the immediate result alone. Robert Louis Stevenson said, “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” As you make your journey into new phases of life, remember that you are planting seeds for the future.

Where shall you continue your education? Who will you marry? How will you spend and invest money? Where will you live? What habits will you acquire or abandon? How deeply will you allow the Lord into your heart? These are the decisions you make that will steer the course of the rest of your life.

Those are giant questions that require great wisdom – probably more wisdom than you possess. So seek the wisdom you need from those you trust. Talk to your parents about the important issues of life. Look to the elderly mothers and fathers of faith that surround you in the church. Seek their input and thoughts…they’ve been where you are. Vigorously search the Scriptures, because there is light for your path to be found there. Finally, study the teachings of Jesus the Christ. There is nothing more profound in the world.

Congratulations Graduates! You are surrounded today by people who love and support you. We cannot wait to see how God will work in your life.

– John Dobbs

Palm Sunday

 

The next day a large crowd was in Jerusalem for Passover. When they heard that Jesus was coming for the festival, they took palm branches and went out to greet him. They shouted, “Hooray! God bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord! God bless the King of Israel!” Jesus found a donkey and rode on it, just as the Scriptures say, “People of Jerusalem, don’t be afraid! Your King is now coming, and he is riding on a donkey.” At first, Jesus’ disciples did not understand. But after he had been given his glory, they remembered all this. Everything had happened exactly as the Scriptures said it would. A crowd had come to meet Jesus because they had seen him call Lazarus out of the tomb. They kept talking about him and this miracle. But the Pharisees said to each other, “There is nothing that can be done! Everyone in the world is following Jesus.” (John 12:12-19)

In our Restoration Movement heritage, we are not quick to give religious meaning to specific days. Many others in the religious world today will recognize Palm Sunday with a reenactment of the event, with palm fronds being waved as they enter the sanctuary. The name “Palm Sunday” comes from the account above, which is found in all four gospels. This day is regarded by many worldwide as the beginning of holy week – the week leading up to the crucifixion of Christ.

Palm branches were used to lay in the road in front of a victorious leader that is riding into town. This event in the life of Jesus is a bittersweet reminder of several truths.

It is a reminder of the greeting that Jesus always deserved. He truly was the Messiah who deserved to be welcomed into town with a shot of victory and adoration.

It is a reminder of the rejection that Jesus did not deserve, but received. However, the reality is spoken in no uncertain terms in the first chapter of John’s gospel. “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:11-13, CSV)

It is a reminder of God’s foreknowledge, fulfilling the prophecy of long ago. Matthew’s account reminds us that Jesus coming into the city on a colt is a matter of prophecy (Zechariah 9). It was not an accident that the words of Zachariah were fulfilled, bu tit was a demonstration of God’s foreknowledge and dependability.

It is a bitter reminder of the murderous intentions of the Jewish leaders to kill Jesus.

It is a glorious reminder of his resurrection, and the coming that we yet await on that great day!

– John Dobbs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Much Time Do You Have?

Today is the day that Daylight Savings Time begins. Last night you were to ’spring ahead‘ one hour. If you didn’t do that then you found yourself running an hour behind today!

Daylight Savings Time was first observed in 1918 with the Standard Time Act. It was an unpopular idea, even then. In the history of Daylight Savings Time, there have been many changes. Arizona and Hawaii do not recognize the time change, but about 70 countries around the world do. A recent change, beginning in 2007, has daylight time starting on the second Sunday in March and ending on the first Sunday in November.

In the search for the best way to use our time, we can manipulate several things. We can adjust our sleep schedule, our work ours, and some can choose to work from home. We can purchase time saving technological devices to help us get organized. But no matter what we do, there are 24 hours in a day. Arrange them however you like, but you cannot create that 25th hour!

So how are things going in your time management? Have you found time lately to study the Scriptures? Have you felt that you did not have time to pray? Did that important moment when you could have loved and served someone else pass you by? Do you have a long list of things you’d like to do, if only you had time?

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven“.

How much of your time is available for the Lord’s work in your life?

John Dobbs

Endurance

Endurance 

Endurance. I have been learning a bit about endurance over the past month. We have been in the process of completing some renovations in order to accommodate the sale of our Mississippi Gulf Coast home. Those who have experience with this kind of thing all tell the same story. It is a difficult process. It takes time. Mistakes are made. Patience is needed. This is a season to be endured.

I would guess that you know something about endurance. Perhaps you are enduring long term health problems. Maybe you are facing financial struggles with no end in sight. It could be that there are difficult relationships at the workplace that make it a hard environment in which to function. It is possible that people you love are living self-destructive lifestyles that are breaking your heart. Whatever the struggle, endurance can be a challenge.

What I would like to do at this point is share with you some powerful teaching that would give you the strength to sail through any difficulty you face. The truth is, though, that I am still learning. But I do know that if my endurance is going to outlast my problems, my source of strength has to be beyond my own. I need to remember to lean on the everlasting arms of God!
           
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” From this passage I find this pair of strength-building truths that give me endurance:

1. Wholeheartedly Trust God. When I try to address the difficulties of my life on the basis of my own understanding, I generally fail. We will not always understand why things happen the way they do, but we always trust God who can see us through them.

2. Consistently acknowledge God. We not only acknowledge God’s presence and power with our words, but in all our ways! We do not allow the struggles we face to pressure us into ungodly living or perspectives that lack faith. The promise of this passage is that when we remain aware of the presence of God, he will help us to know how to walk through our trials.

We are all enduring a struggle of one kind or another. Let us encourage each other to trust God through our troubles. His arms are strong and His ears are attentive to our prayers. His love is limitless, and His grace is deep!

John Dobbs

Endings & Beginnings

Endings & Beginnings            

In just a few days the last hours and minutes of this year will give birth to a new year. We’ve been here before, haven’t we? We wonder where the past year went. We ponder why our resolutions didn’t last past February. We think how everyone else can look a year older but we look the same. We look at grown up children and it seems that just yesterday they were small children.            

The passing of time can be distressing, as we consider the things are are left undone in our own lives. Proverbs 20:4 reflects on the person who only thinks about what he should do, but never makes an effort. “A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.” In truth, we can look for new results in our lives but those results are not going to be there without new efforts.            

As we end a year, we consider where we’ve been, what we’ve done, and how we’ve grown. As we begin a new year we recognize the innate opportunities that are placed before us by a patient and loving Father. A key question might be stated this way: What do you intend to do differently this year than you did last year?            

           

Franklin Jones said, “Time is a versatile performer. It flies, marches on, heals all wounds, runs out and will tell.” A whole new year is before you. In what ways could you allow God to work through your life to bring more of his glory to those around you? Pray about that. We are in a time of endings and beginnings. Use your time wisely!

John Dobbs

Lights

LIGHTS            

In him was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:3

One of the wonders of the holiday season is discovered at night in the neighborhoods of our community. It always takes my breath away to turn a corner and see a house ablaze in a rainbow of Christmas lights. The colors of the lights are beautiful, and the creativity is often stunning. Bright lights shining out of darkness are lovely reminders of the purpose of Christmas.

The Magi followed a brilliant light in the sky, but it only led them to the light of the world, Jesus. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world (John 1:9). I don’t know about you, but I do not enjoy the darkness. During an evening thunderstorm sometimes the power goes out and we discover the thick darkness of our world. We never think about it, but that darkness lies just beyond the reach of an incandescent bulb. We rejoice when the lights come back on. But that is not what happened when the darkness of sin was confronted with the light of the Son of God. 

Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19). Men not only dwelt in darkness, but it overtook them. Instead of relief and joy, there was recoil at the truth which the light exposed. 

It is not our Christmas hope, but our Christian hope that is to be found in the light of Jesus. He is our only hope. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light… (John 3:21). I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12).

The world is still a dark place. A glance at the daily news will tell you that. The light that gives us guidance, truth, and illuminates our hearts for the journey is Jesus Christ. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light (John 12:36). In giving our life to Jesus, He becomes such a part of our hearts that we become sons of light … bringing His illumination into a world that is trying to find its way through the night of sin. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness (John 12:46).

No one has to walk around in the darkness of sin any longer. Jesus will give them new sight where there was none before. It is this light of Jesus that shines in the world, and outward through our lives, which comes to mind when I see the lights of Christmas. I hope you will experience the true light this season, and share it with others who need it so desperately.                                                

John Dobbs

God’s Intricate Plan

God’s Intricate Plan
Today…a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

 In our familiarity with the record of the birth of the Christ child, it is easy to become a bit blasé about the whole thing. It all sounds so matter-of-fact and the details can become dull to our jaded eyes. Be careful that you do not miss the wonder and majesty of God’s intricate plan as you read these Gospel accounts. This event did not happen in a capricious manner, but as a part of an eternal plan designed to save humans from themselves. 

A simple reading through the genealogy of Jesus’ family tree will reveal the work of God in bringing Him to the human race. Study the prophecies of the coming Messiah. Notice the details about the situation of the times into which Jesus made his appearance. Did you see the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah? What about Anna the prophetess? Simeon who’s only desire was to see the arrival of the Anointed One?  Consider faithful Joseph, engaged to a woman bearing a child that was not his. In the Spirit’s power the impossible becomes a reality as a virgin gives birth.

All of these elements tell us that God has been at work on this project for a very long time. And if God has this beautiful wondrous eternal plan, which is still ongoing, it certainly tells us something.

God’s Intricate Plan Tells Us That He Loves Us. No other explanation will do! God spent such enormous effort and oversight over this process because He cares so deeply for you. Your life matters to Him; your soul matters to Him.

God’s Intricate Plan Tells Us That God Moves Beyond Our Understanding. How mysterious all of this really is! I’m sure Joseph had a list of questions a mile long. Maybe you do, too. Faith is what calls us to believe that which we cannot know on our own. I have a feeling that what we know about the gift of eternal life through Jesus only scratches the surface of what could be known. So when you wonder where God is, never doubt that He is working on your behalf in unknown ways.

God’s Intricate Plan Tells Us That God is Sovereign. He is all-powerful and in control. The path to the manger was only a step away from the journey to Calvary. From Calvary to the Father’s side, Jesus could not be delayed. Upon His return all wrongs will be corrected. God’s plan did not end in Bethlehem or Jerusalem.

God’s plan does not begin or end with the Christmas story. It was, however, a beautiful part of His mysterious and intricate will. 

John Dobbs

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year?

The Most Wonderful Time of The Year?
 There’ll be much mistletoe-ing, And hearts will be glowing, When loved ones are near, It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

 The popular Christmas song tells us that this is the most wonderful time of the year. I believe it! In churches of Christ it is our tradition to downplay the religious overtones of the Christmas season. I’ve always found that quite curious. The virgin birth of the Christ-Child is a key testimony of the deity of Jesus. The numerous prophecies fulfilled, the angelic appearances, and events surrounding the advent of the Messiah all stir the heart and remind us of the faithfulness of God.

In addition, this may be the only time of the year that Jesus takes a prominent role in our community. It is true that we have no obligation in Scripture to recognize a particular day to celebrate His birth. It is also true that anytime we choose to consider any truth from the life of Jesus we do a good thing!

It’s hard to imagine Christmas without Christ….but that’s exactly what many in our country desire. In a recent advertising gaffe, Lowes re-named Christmas trees as “Family Trees”.  They immediately apologized to the Christian community and declared that a mistake had been made. Once common nativity scenes are now barred from public property. The familiar “Merry Christmas” is being replaced by the more generic “Happy Holidays”.  Even the popular song quoted above has little connection to Jesus, but rather the good celebrations of this time of year. While our culture drives itself deeply into secularism, Christians are being asked to tone down all this talk of Jesus.

I would propose that any wonderful time during the year is only wonderful because of Jesus. All of the good things we enjoy in life come from God (James 1:17). There are blessings to be found throughout the calendar year. What makes any time wonderful is the presence of our heavenly Father! Still, it seems that some things happen during the Christmas season that do not happen at any other time. The beautiful decorations, the family gatherings, the lovely carols, and the generous spirit seem to be at their annual heights during this winter observance of the advent of Jesus. 

It is a hard time of year for some. Memories are strong during these shorter days and longer evenings. Let us make this a wonderful time of the year for each other, as we share the love of Christ with those around us. – John Dobbs

Overlooked Thanksgiving

 

Overlooked Thanksgiving
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving ….” Psalm 100:4

I am sure you’ve noticed that the holidays have become seasons. Several weeks before each holiday the stores are stocked with items for celebration. Now that the Halloween items are on clearance shelves, the Thanksgiving decorations have taken their place. On the next aisle all the things we need to celebrate Christmas are awaiting consumers with credit cards. By the time the actual day arrives we’ve been so overexposed to it that we are bored with it and ready to get on to the next holiday.

Maybe Thanksgiving gets overlooked a bit. No one dresses like a turkey and comes to get candy at your door. There’s no Great Turkey who knows if you’ve been naughty or nice. No gobbler is going to leave you gifts if you’re on the nice list. Charlie Brown missed the Great Pumpkin, and we haven’t seen it either. The colors of the season are muted oranges, browns, and rusty reds – a limited palette for sure. It is a time for family. And families just aren’t what they used to be any more. 

Our mobile society has families scattered across the globe. The success and money driven culture expects us to work on holidays and downplays the need for a Sabbath from the madness. The endless entertainment options have our eyes glued to movie screens or planning our shopping excursion on Black Friday. Voracious appetites that have made our bodies plump move us to bake more goodies than we could possibly eat. I won’t complain much about that, but I am asking myself: Does Anyone Stop To Say Thank You Anymore? 

Do we express our gratitude and love for one another? Beyond a prayer before the meal, do we take time in our quiet moments to express our gratitude to God who brought us such blessings as family, food, friends, shelter, and freedom? Maybe Thanksgiving is overlooked because it reminds us how selfish, covetous, and materialistic we’ve become. Couched between a candy-grabbing festival and a big pile up of gifts under a tree, I think Thanksgiving is perfectly positioned to be the reminder we need.

Give thanks, friends. Never overlook Thanksgiving.                                                                                       

John Dobbs

His Stunning Work

His Stunning Work
“….and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine….
He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.” John 2:9, 11

 Jesus chose, for his first miracle, to change water to wine. In comparison to some of his other miracles, this one kind of pales. I don’t mean to be irreverent. All of the miracles of Christ are … well … miraculous…and amazing. Water to wine is just not as dazzling say as healing a man who was born blind…or raising dead Lazarus from the grave.

It was enough, though, to instill faith in the hearts of his disciples. True, they would grow stronger in faith as the next few years went by, but this was real faith. They were able to see beyond the obvious physical work to the glory of the Messiah.

I want to encourage you to see God’s glory in your life. He’s still turning water to wine, you know. He is taking the water of our own righteousness and turning it into the wine of the righteousness of Christ. He is taking the water of our own poor frailties and mistakes and turning it into the wine of working all things into something good. In the water of our weakness He is strengthening us just when we need if it we will let him.

We do not need to be quick to dismiss this, for in doing so we are dismissing his glory. See the glory as you look in the mirror… this is not vanity. It is trust that He really is doing it … He really can … He really wants to. See the glory in your brothers and sisters as they progress in the Kingdom. If we could really see the glory in ourselves and others…what God is really doing…it would be absolutely stunning.

Maybe when Jesus turned water to wine in Cana it was a stunning thing too, when we look beyond the elements to the eternal truth behind it. Let Jesus turn your water to wine today. Believe in his glory. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).                                                     

John Dobbs