A WAR WITHOUT DISCHARGE

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A WAR WITHOUT DISCHARGE

Wheelchair By Ken Blue
“There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war…” Ecclesiastes 8:8.

This war for my life started about three years ago when I was diagnosed with the deadly neurological disease, ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. I thank God for the hundreds of believers who have and are praying for me daily. However, the war goes on and each month I lose some ground. It has now reduced me to a walker, a wheelchair, and it seems it has begun its attack in my throat.

Each night is filled with interrupted sleep caused by back pain and lower body spasms. My own prayers and those of my friends do not appear to lessen the strength of my Enemy. I am not confused; there is no discharge from this war.

However, while there is no discharge, God does send in His comforters to support me. These consist of the excellent doctors and support staff that treats me. My wife assists me in every way she can by helping with my daily needs. Then, there is the knowledge that you are praying for me while I fight this battle. Although there is no discharge, these are God’s gifts of grace for this present war. Even today, I thanked God for the handicap bars in a public bathroom to assist those of us who need them.

If the Lord tarries, I will continue to lose in this battle, but I shall have been blessed because of you. This is not an attempt to seek sympathy, but rather to praise God for His comforters and a thank-you note for all who work to comfort me in this war, from which there is no discharge. Please continue to pray for Joyce, my dear wife and for me. Lord willing, I will keep you updated on this battle.

PREPARING FOR WINTER

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Preparing for the winterPastors should be PREPARING FOR WINTER

By Ken Blue

“There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;” Proverbs 30:24-25.

Ants are considered wise because they plan during the summer months for the coming winter. Since ants cannot read, this passage must have been written for our sakes. The message is simple; wise men prepare for the winter.

Fortunate is the pastor who has leaders in his church that are farsighted and will implement some form of retirement for him. Neither the pastor’s health nor his ministry will endure forever. The time will come when you will be forced to retire. (That time has come for me.) You must ask yourself the question, “Will my wife and I be able to live on Social Security?” You probably cannot.

[pullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The pastor’s health nor his ministry will endure forever.[/pullquote]

I suggest the pastor purchase his own home and have it put in his name. The church is also permitted to give him a housing allowance with which to make the payments. This allowance is also tax free. In addition, a retirement fund should be set up immediately. It may be a small amount at first, depending on the ability of the church. However, it can be increased as funds increase. I do believe Jesus is coming again, but that theology need not interfere with practical wisdom. It is not selfish to prepare for winter. According to Scripture, it is wise to do so. Besides, you should be as wise as an ant. If you are a church member, you should take the initiative to have some retirement plan established for your pastor.

Audio Lesson on Hebrews Chapter 5

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I have added an audio lesson on Hebrews. This is one of a complete series. You may purchase individal lessons or the complete set.
Hebrews Chapter 5 Click underlined text. Please give the buffer time to download.

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GOADS AND NAILS

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GOADS AND NAILS

By Ken Blue

“And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. 10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. 12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” Ecclesiastes 12:10-12.

 Those who minister to God’s people could learn much from Solomon, the Master Preacher. The first thing we discover is that the preacher must be apt to teach and give the people knowledge. Not only must he give heed to the Scriptures, he is also to be observant of people and his surroundings. When Solomon saw a broken or a vine-covered wall, he discovered a practical truth worth teaching.

In addition, he was able to set in order his findings so the mind could assimilate them. The preacher must master this art. Solomon was sure the words he taught were upright and the truth. This assurance gives the preacher confidence and the power needed in the pulpit.

When handled properly, the Word of God becomes goads and nails in the hand of the teaching pastor. A goad was a long stick, sharpened to a point and used to prod the oxen to greater commitment. Sometimes a sharp piece of steel was fastened to the end of a stick. It served as an ox goad and a weapon of war. There are times when the preacher must goad the people to get them moving in the right direction for Christ. 

Nails served two purposes in Scripture; sometime they fastened timbers together to frame a building. The other purpose for nails was to hang something on. Thus the preacher must observe scripture and world events in order to teach and motivate God’s people. Also, his task is to build up the people by rightly dividing the Scriptures and giving correct doctrine for this dispensation. He must know which promises are for the body of Christ and then help others hang their faith on these. Many of God’s people are given false promises which do not belong to the church. This is a great tragedy in preaching.

Although there is no end to the production of good books, the preacher must be careful that he does not neglect the Word of God for the books of men. Study in hard work, and it is the work all pastors are called to do.

A LITTLE BIRD TOLD IT

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A LITTLE BIRD TOLD IT

 little birdBy Ken Blue

“…A bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.” Ecc. 10:20.

There’s no lack of little birds these days waiting to wing the message to willy and willing ears. That ought to put the fear of God in us when tempted to gossip. Rest assured you will be quoted no matter where you are or what you say. Remember, your best friend also has a best friend who also has a best friend and on and on it goes.

There is also a warning to those of you who are eager to hear the latest gossip. You need to be certain when a little bird delivers some juicy tittle-tattle, it wasn’t a cuckoo bird you were entertaining.  You wouldn’t want to destroy someone’s life and reputation by listening to a cuckoo, would you?