God Gives Wisdom
Nature
(1) Today, I think
I'll walk in the woods
to watch the creatures
so wild and free
And look at the trees,
the weeds and streams.
There is a message
for me I know.
I hear Nature's call
in the running of the stream
the chirp of the bird
and the rustle of the leaves
Maybe I will learn a lesson today.
(2) I came to the woods
for a lesson to learn
To learn of the wild
and how things are.
The animals ran to
their homes and stayed
Hoping that soon
I would leave them be.
What right have I
to enter their home?
I am an intruder
and do not belong.
(3) Observe the grass
with blades so small
It binds together
the soil so loose
With roots so many
it holds fast
The life-giving substance
so vital to all.
(4) Man comes and tills the soil
He takes from it and gives
nothing in return.
In a mere few hours
the soil is ready
to be carried away
by the first Spring rain.
In just a very short time
man has destroyed
what has taken Nature
2000 years.
(5) I see the squirrel,
he sees me not.
He runs and plays
and looks about
Then grabs a nut,
and runs for home.
One less tree.
(6) I sit against a tree
so quiet and still,
And see a mouse
just over there.
He seems so free
just running about.
When down sweeps a hawk
from out of nowhere.
Food for one surviving soul.
(7) Man sees only that
which is in front of him.
He should turn a stone,
a log or leaf.
And observe.
(8) Observe the tree
so strong and tall.
It's not there just to stand alone.
The tree is shelter
for Nature's pets.
Home is the tree
for many creatures wild.
(10) Man should observe Nature
if he wishes to survive.
(9) I spent many days
in Nature's home.
She treated me kind,
gave me clothes,
shelter and food.
With all her generosity
she gives and gives
And asks for nothing in return.
If one should want
a friend so dear
Just visit with Nature.
Herbert Smith
Many creatures blend into nature with God-given camouflage to aid their survival. It's natural to fit in and adapt to the environment. But followers of Christ are new creations, born from above and changed from within, with values and life-styles that confront the world and clash with accepted morals. True believers don't blend in very well.
In about A. D. 55, Paul wrote a letter to the church in Corinth. This was not a private letter, and was meant for believers everywhere. The city of Corinth was large and prosperous which made it ripe for all types of sin. There was idolatry, pagan temples, and lots of prostitutes. Corinth's reputation was so bad that prostitutes in other cities were called " Corinthian girls."
The Corinthians had all the spiritual gifts they needed to live as Christians. But instead of using what God had given them, they were arguing over which gifts were more important.
Paul guaranteed the Corinthian believers that God would not blame them when Christ returns. All who believe in Jesus will be considered blameless when Jesus Christ returns. If you have faith in Christ, even if it is weak, you are and will be saved.
Paul founded the church in Corinth on his second visit to that city. Soon after he left, some church members slipped back into immoral life-styles. Paul wrote this letter to address the problems within the church, and to clear up the confusion about right and wrong. The Corinthian church had three preachers, with three different personalities, which in turn, attracted different people. The church was in danger of dividing.
Paul's gift was preaching, and that's what he did. He didn't want the Corinthians to divide Christ. Paul didn't use impressive words, but stressed solid content and practical help for his listeners. He wasn't trying to impress anybody with his speaking ability.
God's way of thinking is not like the world's way. And God offers eternal life, which the world can never give. We must come to the crucified and risen Christ to receive eternal life and to the joy of a personal relationship with our Savior.
Assembled from Corinthians
Floyd H. Smith, Jr.
July 19, 2004
Good Morning!--- My topic for today is persecution.-----
Our salvation is a precious gift from God. –Peter wrote in his first letter that believers would face trials and persecution. –Do you need encouragement?-- Peter offers us hope in times of trouble. – He bases his confidence on what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. – Eternal life begins when we trust Christ and join God's family. – No matter what pain or trial we face in this life, - we know that it is not our final experience. – Eventually we will live with Christ forever. – All believers face trials when they let their light shine into the darkness. – Trials teach us patience, - and helps us grow to be the kind of people God wants. – The imminent return of Christ should motivate us to live for Him. – Are you ready to meet Christ? – We cannot become holy on our own. – God gives us his Holy Spirit to help us obey and to give us power to overcome sin. – Call on God's power to free you from sin's grip. – God is the judge of all the earth. – We dare not ignore him. –
Peter was one of the first to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, - God's Son, - and Jesus gave him a special leadership role in the church. – During Jesus' trial, - Peter denied knowing Jesus. – Peter repented and became a great apostle. –
When Peter talks about trials, - he's not talking about natural disasters, or God's punishments. – He's talking about the response of unbelievers toward the people of faith. – Peter reminds us that everything in this life — possessions, accomplishments, people — will eventually fade away and disappear. – We must stop grasping the temporary. – Only God's will, word, and work are permanent.
Those who stand for Christ will be persecuted. – We must be willing to stand for our faith with the patience, - endurance, - and courage that Peter exhibited.
Taken from the Bible
Herbert Smith
August 7, 2004
Today's subject is one that a lot of people tend to shy away from. – Revelation! – The book of Revelation was written by John. – It tells us of God's plan for the end of the world. – God gave the revelation of his plan to Jesus, - who in turn, - gave it to John. –
You have nothing to fear if you are on the winning side. – John wasn't a psychic, - he was a prophet of God, - and was describing what God had shown him. – When you think about the future, - have confidence that Christ is with you. – Be assured of the fact that God will triumph. – "The time is near," – means to be ready at all times. – Be Prepared! – There will be no second chance to change sides. –
When Jesus comes, - he will conquer evil and judge all people according to their deeds. – Honor the One who is the beginning of all existence, wisdom, and power. – John knew Jesus as a preacher, - and also as the Son of God. – If your faith is not as strong as it should be, - remember that the power available to John is also available to you. – Believers and unbelievers alike will be resurrected, - but believers will attain eternal life with God. – Unbelievers will be punished with a second death; - eternal separation from God. –
Christ is called the morning star, - and he will burst onto the scene, - exposing evil, and bringing his promised reward. –
At the sight of God sitting on the throne, - you will be terrified. – Afraid of facing his judgement. – No one who has rejected God can survive his wrath. – There will be no escape. –
Have you confessed your sins and trusted in Christ to save you? – If so, - you have nothing to fear from God's judgement. – The judge of all the earth is your Savior.
The fiery lake of sulfur is the final destination of the wicked. – Everyone whose name is not recorded in the book of life will be thrown into the lake of fire. – If you have not identified with Christ, - confessing him as Lord, - there will be no hope, - and no second chance.
Taken from the Bible
Herbert Smith
August 9, 2004