Clever Free Methodist

Life is not easy and it is not void of struggle, challenges, pain, sorrow, loss, grief, and suffering. I am sure I can come up with more words than that, but this article would soon blossom to two to three pages in length. I am sure we are familiar with the trials and frustrations of Job in the Old Testament. Some of us might even be familiar with the words of Habakuk in 1:2 , “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?” When things don’t go well or something tragic or unfortunate befalls us, we are faced with the struggles of crying out to God, “why me?” “Why, God, did you let this happen?” Many times, we too, grow frustrated and angry at God, for how He chooses to work within our situations and circumstances. We sure do end up asking God a lot of “why” questions. I believe “why” could be the wrong word to be using. Asking “why” seems to imply a lack of faith, ungratefulness, and, somehow, that we think God owes us an explanation, an answer or reaso...

We’ve probably have all heard the little tune “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” I learned this as a child, but as I grew older over the years, it became more and more apparent that this small jingle is far from the truth. Words can hurt me. Words can be deadly and even life-threatening. I have concluded that the only form of homicide that goes unpunished in the world today is “verbal homicide.” We can use words to “kill” the self-esteem of another person. We can “kill” their potential or "kill" their momentum and ability to grow and learn. All by the words we use. Proverbs 18:20 (NLT) tells us, “Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.” Proverbs 11:9 (NLT) also says “With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous.” We need to seriously consider the choice of words we use when speaking to others. We must formulate in our minds, before speaking, wo...

It says in Hebrews 11:1 , “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” We use faith many times and in many ways throughout our daily routine. In practical ways, we live by faith all the time. We have faith that our doctors are competent. That’s why we let them prescribe medicines and operate on us. When we eat at a restaurant, we trust that the cooks and kitchen staff are fully trained and take all precautionary measure to be healthy, sanitary and clean when handling and preparing the food and beverages. Faith is like that! Faith has a lot to do with confidence and trust. Faith is what allows us to take the evidence that is right before our eyes – evidence of God’s presence, his goodness, and his love – and trust that our Heavenly Father is working things out for our good regardless if what we are experiencing is good, bad, stressful, or joyful. It is a trust that says “I know God won’t abandon me.” Faith is a radical, all-encomp...

During a random conversation on Church service styles, one person referred to the music at their Church as “Praise and Worship.” In response to that, another individual (from a different Church) responded by saying “isn’t saying ‘praise and worship’ redundant since they basically mean the same thing?” Some agreed, but the others said “no” because they understood that praise and worship are not identical. I will agree….they are not the same, but they are directed to the same person (God). When it comes to “praise” and “worship” it must be understood from two totally different acts of expression to God the Father. Let’s take a look: PRAISE : This word appears 248 times throughout 216 verses in the Bible. The word implies boasting and to show commendation. I also like the implication of “to shine” and “to celebrate.” In some uses (Psalms) it also indicates physical attributes such as raising the hands, bowing, and dancing. In the book of Revelation it speaks of honor and enth...

By now, we are familiar with Deuteronomy 6:5-9 , which is known as “The Shema.” That is, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” We’ve heard that many times before. However, there is something different about the “Shema” in the New Testament when Jesus says it. Did you notice? In the Gospels, located in Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27 , we see Jesus stating the “Shema,” but his recitation seems different. Well, it is. Jesus adds an additional phrase. Jesus said we are to ALSO love the Lord, our God, “….with all your mind.” Mind? Huh? What does Jesus mean by that? The word “mind” is the Greek noun “dianoia” that means “understanding,” “imagination” “way of thinking” or “way of feeling.” Its application implies how we exercise our minds. That means, “in English,” how we must choose to protect and manage our “thought life.” I think what Jesus is saying, by adding “all your mind,” is that we must guard our thou...

Potable water will never be drawn from a contaminated well. You would never swim in a pond covered in thick, green algae. Nor would you buy any food product if the safety seal over the top of the jar or bottle has been torn, opened or punctured. The fact remains : a heart full of sin, darkness and carnal, selfish desires will never give rise to anything pure, holy or loving. A heart that has never sought out confession and forgiveness will always be troubled, unsettled, unhappy and ungrateful. These attributes contribute not only to spiritual decay, but to the various moods we struggle with such as anger, depression, sadness and regret. What must we do? We must strive to remove those things in our hearts that block, hinder or hurt our relationship with Jesus. Once those things are removed, then the “side-effects” will also begin to disappear. Sometimes, it is as simple as deciding to no longer listen to certain types of music or determining never to watch certa...

There is something different about the Samaritan man that compelled him into action…something that inspired him unlike the Priest and the Levite who did notice, but chose to keep moving along without rendering any aid. The priest and Levite both "saw" the wounded victim, but (for whatever reason) didn't want to get near him ( Luke 10:31-32 ). Perhaps they thought it was a set-up for them to be robbed as well? Maybe, they were sickened by the sight of blood, panicked and moved along? Or, sadly, I think they just felt no compassion whatsoever and felt they were under no obligation to help. After formulating their “excuse’ to justify their actions, they moved along without stopping. The Samaritan, on the other hand, had no hesitation about getting involved and quickly came near the hurting and injured man. The Samaritan "approached him" ( Luke 10:34 ) and "treated him with compassion" ( Luke 10:37 ).  In fact, he rendered “first aid” and put h...