Pickle Heaven Press-James R. Johnson

something to help you laugh and think about life with Christ

Author: pickleheavenpress

I have served as a pastor in East Texas for 32 years and it is my delight to continue my ministry online
honor rolling — January 31, 2024

honor rolling

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General Rommel, also known as the Desert Fox, surrendered his famous German Afrika Corp in WWII.  150,000 men were taken prisoner at that time and transported to the U.S.

The Geneva Convention required that prisoners of war be moved to a climate similar to the one where they were captured.  Somebody figured that the Sahara and Texas have a lot in common – so they shipped them all to the Lone Star State.

There were 200 of them quartered at General Harmon Hospital in Longview, Texas (now the campus of LeTourneau University).  They served there as hospital orderlies.

With only minimal security the prisoners were able to sneak out of camp and wander into the surrounding neighborhood.  Fortunately, the community around the hospital was uncommonly hospitable. 

My friend Jim Armstrong was a child, living in Longview during the war.  This is what he remembers.

A prisoner politely knocked on the door.  The Mrs. appeared and was flabbergasted and intimidated.   The prison garb revealed who the man was and where he belonged. 

He didn’t know English, so he gestured, moving his hand to his mouth several times.  He seemed to be asking for food.   This was puzzling!  He was fed well at the hospital.  In fact, the locals called the place, “The Fritz Ritz.”   

But the man was evidently tired of – all the mess – at the mess hall.  He longed for a tasty, lovingly crafted, homemade meal.  Well, she was a Christian and felt it was her duty to provide it.

So, he was invited in to dine with the family.   After dinner he expressed his appreciation by clicking his heels, bowing, and saying Donke Shoen – and then he left to slip back into camp.

This happened multiple times with a number of Longview families. 

Ironically, most of those families had menfolk who at that very time were risking their lives in Europe to stop the Germans in their world conquest.  Yet the folks back home looked upon those German men with compassion and invited them in. They honored their enemies!  

This reminds me of the words the Lord gave us in 1 Peter 2:17. He said, “Honor all people…”  NET Bible ®

I initially read that, and my mind scrambled to explain it away – because – well, I didn’t like it.    It seemed to say that a Christian is obligated to honor and respect all people.

The problem must be in the translation.  Maybe I should look at the New American Standard.  Hmm it says, “Honor all people.”  What about the NIV, “Show proper respect to everyone.”   Well certainly, the old King James will get it right.  Oops – it says, “Honour all men.”  KJV

Surely this cannot include that guy whose vote cancels out mine on election day!  It must not apply to those whose moral values I question.  I just know it can’t be speaking of those who despise me because of my faith. 

Yes, the Scripture tells me that I am to honor even those.  There is no getting around it.  The believer ought to make every effort to respect and honor every person.

But why? Probably because we are all created in the image of God.  We bear His likeness.  We are interrelated as family – sharing the same divine DNA.

And you know, thinking in terms of family, makes it seem doable. Most of us have learned to tolerate and get along with sullen siblings and combative cousins and such who may challenge us. 

We may disagree on politics, or religion, or schooling philosophy or even our favorite singer on The Voice.  And yet we make a super extra effort to get along and to honor them simply because they are family.

Unfortunately – we dwell in a culture where civility has become a casualty and respect is disrespected!   It hasn’t always been and isn’t fated to always be.  And by God’s grace maybe we can do our part to get the honor rolling!

A PRAYER: Lord this is a tough one.  Help us get tough and do it.

This has been Jim Johnson and pickleheavenpress.com

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

the awkward audition — January 29, 2024

the awkward audition

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I was about to graduate from college. I had a wife, two children, two clunky cars and lofty career expectations – but no job prospects. 

Then a church finally called! They needed an Associate, and they were interested in me. Fantastic! Over the phone, we set a date to visit and then planned our trek to Dorseyville, PA. It would be our formal audition. The pastor followed up with a letter to verify the details.

We arrived at the church building, but there was no welcoming committee.  I found the pastor in his office and introduced myself.  His smile vanished.

This did not instill me with confidence.   He sheepishly introduced himself, and then took my family to the parsonage where we would stay for the weekend.  He introduced us to his wife, and her smile vanished.

Wow!  Was it my breath?

They told us then, that we had arrived a day early and they were not prepared for us.  He had changed the arrival date in his follow-up letter to me, which I probably should have read. 

We felt like a great imposition – which we actually were.  It was a terrible start to the weekend, and yet it went downhill from there.

As I said, we were lodging at the elderly pastor’s home.  That weekend, our 18-month-old son discovered the word “no”!  “K.C we need to change your diaper” – “No!”  “Time for bed.” “No!” “Son, you need to leave all those fragile knick-knacks alone.”  “No!” 

He must have said it a thousand times.  The pastor was alarmed by the rebel in his home, and I was astonished by this new behavior and not quite sure what to do.

At breakfast the kids were served, “All Bran.”  Needless to say, how that went. 

In the evening, we joined them for family devotions.   The pastor read from, “The Upper Room” while my four-year old daughter sat on his wife’s lap tugging at the straggly hairs on the lady’s chin. 

Well, we made it back home, and eventually received a letter saying, “Sorry, we chose someone else.”  And I said to myself, “Duh!” 

I really wanted, even needed that job.  My self-esteem and my bank account were both running on empty even before our PA experience.  But I knew the Bible well enough to know that God is sovereign, that He controls all things and that He allowed the rejection because He was looking out for me and my family.

Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:11, “In Christ we too have been claimed as God’s own possession, since we were predestined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will.”  NETBible ®  There are several things to note here:

– First: We belong to God.  He has claimed us.  Hmm.  I value what I possess.  I have a great guitar and I spare no expense in keeping that thing in tip top shape.  God is even more meticulous and considerate about His precious possessions.  He wants only our best. 

– Second: He has a plan for us.  “We were predestined according to the purpose of His will.”  His plan is a good plan.  It is comprehensive and includes everyone and everything that might touch or affect us.

Third: He brings that plan to pass.   He is the Lord of the universe, Master of all things and people.  He makes sure that we experience His good and perfect plan. 

The Lord eventually opened a door to a ministry in Texas.  We were blessed to serve at a church where we could feel at ease – where our children could be children – and where we would be accepted and even cherished just as we were.

It was a very healthy place for us and our kids grew up loving Jesus and His church. 

This experience reminded me that sometimes things just don’t go my way, but as long as they’re going God’s way – it will be alright. 

A Prayer: Lord thank you for the frequent and sometimes uncomfortable reminders that You are sovereign.

This has been Jim Johnson and pickleheavenpress.com

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.  

manipulated! — January 19, 2024

manipulated!

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Oh Wow! I have been manipulated by a video game. The app is called Royal Match, but it is one of many apps that are similarly designed.

It begins with an enticing drop-down ad featuring lots of happy users.  The download is free and there are no ad interruptions, plus you can play offline.  It’s ideal.  It appears that there are no strings attached. 

So, I download and play. The developer made it so easy that even someone over age 12 can succeed. The gains are lavish. Scores of coins and bonuses are collecting, and the rush of success feels good. No downside, so I play on.

At certain points, they pit me against other players.  Peer pressure pervades.  At other times I’m forced to play against the clock.  The frantic pace keeps me engaged. 

I eventually reach a point where I’m stuck.  I need to spend some actual cash to get that extra boost to beat the next level.  This was not disclosed in the promo.   If I don’t buy, I’m warned that I’ll lose what I already have.  Pressure prompts my purchase. 

When I lose successive times, I’m forced into a 30-minute time-out.  Like a junkie, I keep checking the clock – is it time yet?

When I first picked it up, I could play and set it aside.  But now every unscheduled moment I work the app.  Sometimes I wake up at 3 a.m. and seek my device. 

I have to play – I must.  I’m in too deep to stop.

______________________

Honestly, it’s as if the app developer was the devil himself.  No, there is nothing evil about the game, but the way it manipulates me is so like the devil.

His essential work is to tempt us, by that which draws us away from God.  He is so identified with temptation that Scripture dubs him, “the tempter.”  (Matthew 4:3) 

Those of us that are planted on the rocky soil tend to fall away when tempted.  (Luke 8:13) Those planted in the good soil don’t always fare so well either.

Satan is relentless in his quest.  Consider his attack on Jesus, “When the devil had completed every temptation, he departed from him until a more opportune time.”  (Luke 4:13)  Satan levied one unsuccessful attempt after another, until he punted and waited for a more opportune time.  

Honestly, it is uncanny how the manipulations of a video game, reflect the devil’s methods.

You have heard of William the Conqueror.  Time to meet William the Loser!   He also responded to a drop-down ad – one featuring an alluring young lady.   It wouldn’t hurt to click the image.  His wife didn’t know the password on his phone.  It’s ideal – no strings attached. 

He clicked and considered. She was lovely. He was stirred.  It made him feel good.   And it was so easy – no downside.   So, he chose to play on. 

But now they want money to see more.  If he doesn’t buy, he will lose the discount offer.  The pressure is on, so he makes his purchase. 

William’s wife enters the den.  He shutters the app.  It seems like an eternity as he waits on her exit.

When he saw that first image, he could look, and then set it aside.  But now every unscheduled moment he craves more.  Even at 3 a.m.  His life is unraveling, but he keeps on playing.  He’s in too deep to quit.

OK – with the gaming app, there really isn’t a terrible dark downside.  But with sin, the consequences are devastating. 

We may not struggle with William’s temptation, but the devil also knows our personal weaknesses and relentlessly seeks to exploit them.   So, here’s what we can do to counter his assaults.

1. “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”  (Luke 22:40)

2. “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7)

3. Be careful with gaming apps that train us to give into temptation. 

A PRAYER: Lord it often feels like we are in over our heads.  Deliver us from evil. 

This has been Jim Johnson and pickleheavenpress.com.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Scripture references are from the NETBible

the longest bridge — January 17, 2024

the longest bridge

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The strait between New Brunswick Canada and Prince Edward Island is enormous and it was a big problem to folks in the Great White North.  The strait would freeze in the winter rendering travel by ferry impossible.  So, the Confederation Bridge was built.   

The span is more than 8 miles long and is the longest in the world.  It even has its own zone for the weather forecast.  The bridge is convenient to use but it’s costly.  In 2023 the toll was $50 Canadian per car.   

When it was first opened, they found that 1 out of every 10 drivers would seize up in fear when they tried to cross it because they couldn’t see the end of it.  It disappeared into the horizon.  

It was such a problem that the toll plaza had to provide bridge escorts who took the wheel for jittery motorists.   The driver would just scooch over and relax and let an expert take the wheel.

John Denver led us to believe that West Virginia is almost heaven, but I am thinking Prince Edward Island may be a better comparison.

The strait freezes in the winter and makes passage to the island by boat impossible.  The way to heaven, however, is more than impossible.  Forget trying to earn your way.  Jesus set a very high standard for us.  He said, “So then, be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:48

A perfect balloon will hold air, but one teeny pinhole will explode it and make it useless.  Likewise, one single sin makes one less than perfect.  

But God gave us a bridge.  Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.” – John 14:6   Jesus claimed to be the way, the only way to heaven.   

The fare for the Confederation Bridge is hefty, but the fare to heaven is far greater.   Paul told us that the wages of sin is death. (Romans 3:23)   This is to say that anyone and everyone who has gotten crossways with the ways of God is a sinner and has chosen by default to spend an eternity in hell – to suffer a death that never ends. 

But the apostle John opened the book of Revelation with this tribute to Jesus.  He said, “To the one who loves us and has set us free from our sins at the cost of his own blood.” – Revelation 1:5

What wonderful news.  Jesus, motivated by His love for us, set us free from our sins.  It cost Him His lifeblood, shed on the cross of Calvary.  He died for us and by faith we receive His gift.

But we still need to cross that bridge.  Like the island, we are just not able to see heaven from where we stand.  Though we trust the Lord, some of us still get the jitters as we think about the journey.   

Fortunately, for people like us, an escort has been provided. Again, it is Jesus to the rescue.  He spoke these words of comfort, “I am going away to make ready a place for you. And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too.” John 14:2-3

He promised to return, and to join us.  He will be right there with us when it’s time to make that journey home.  We won’t go it alone.

It is quite amazing!  Jesus became our bridge, paid the toll, and plans to be with us to escort us across. 

It is not an optional journey by the way.  They say 100 out of every 100 people

die.  We either cross that bridge or perish in our sins.  The journey begins with a prayer like this…

A PRAYER: I want to cross over to the other side.  Jesus, please forgive me for my sins, cleanse me and give to me the priceless gift of eternal life.

This has been Jim Johnson and pickleheavenpress.com.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you!

Scripture references are from the NETBible ®

no deductible — January 7, 2024

no deductible

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Sally grilled up some steaks for dinner.  She set a T-bone in front of her husband, but he wasn’t happy to find that a big chunk of it was missing.  “What happened to my steak?” he asked. She said, “Oh I started charging a 20% deductible.”

Don’t you just hate that word – “deductible?”   A deductible is the amount of money that we must pay towards a claim before the insurance company pays their part.

The hospital bill could be $50,000.  The insurer promises to pay $45,000 towards it but not until I kick in that first $5,000.  So, what if I wreck my car?  There’s a deductible again.  If I don’t pay it to the auto body shop when I pick up my car, then I don’t get my car back.

I wonder if heaven could be like that.  What if there is a hidden deductible? 

What if I tap on the gate of heaven one day and say, “I’m here!”   But the angelic gatekeeper says, “OK great, well let’s look at the ledger.  It says here that you gave your life to Christ in 1972 and He paid for your sins when He died for you on the cross.  So that’s all good.  But oh, there is that dreaded deductible.”  “What?” I cry.  “I don’t know anything about that!”

The angel says, “Oh sure, it’s in the fine print of your Bible.  Look up Acts 16:31 and read it for me please.”   “OK, it says, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.” – NETBible®  “And I have done that.  I am trusting Christ and His work at the cross to save me.”

“Yeah, but check out the footnote.  It says, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and tithe, and make it to church 3 out 4 Sundays a month and be nice to your dog and you will be saved.” 

“Well, I have done some of that, but not all.”  “Sorry,” says the angel.  Christ will not pay for your sins until the deductible has been met.”

What a grim day that would be if this were true – but it isn’t. 

With Jesus there is no deductible.  Peter put it this way in 1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”   – NIV

“Once for all…” the apostle said.   Christ died for sins.  He did that one single time, and yet the coverage is comprehensive.  He died for all – all the sins – of all the people – for all of time.

This was how the Righteous One, brought we the unrighteous to God.

Sure, but we need to do something – don’t we?  No – not in order to earn it.  The apostle Paul wrote these words to us in Titus 3:5-7

“He saved us not by works of righteousness that we have done but on the basis of his mercy… and so, since we have been justified by his grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life.” – NETBible ®

Salvation is a generous act of His mercy, and the things that we do or don’t do – do not enter into it.  Our efforts at being self-righteous are as filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6) It’s all about His mercy.  And yet because of what He has done, we have the “confident expectation of eternal life.”

Don’t you love those words?  The “confident expectation of eternal life.”

There is absolutely no deductible with Christ’s plan.  Jesus paid it all.

Now I am going to be straight up with you.  I do tithe, and I make it to church more like 4 out 4 Sundays, and fortunately I do not have a dog to be nice to.

But this is not me paying my deductible.  This is me expressing my gratitude to our merciful Lord for all He has done for me.  

What about your policy?  If it requires a deductible – you need a new one.

A PRAYER: Jesus thank you dying for all the sins of all the people for all of time.  

This has been Jim Johnson and pickleheavenpress.com.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you!

Solve It! — January 3, 2024

Solve It!

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Let’s take the principles in the book of Proverbs and organize them so that we have a broad and yet detailed approach to solving the problems that confront us.  We do this by working through a series of questions.

Q1: Do I see any problems developing (Prov 27:23-24)

Solomon tells the herder to be constantly aware of the condition of his flock because his future prosperity rests on this information.  Likewise, we need to diligently watch over the things and relationships that God has entrusted to us.   A small problem that is caught, doesn’t become a big one.

Q2: What is the problem? (Prov. 22:13a)

The person in the proverb discovered a lion outside.  He decided that it was a problem.   We need to recognize a problem for what it is.  Most problems seem to enjoy making an appearance and aggravating us.  But we tend to procrastinate – and postpone doing anything about them.

Q3: What may happen if the problem is not addressed? (Prov. 22:13)  

This is where you count the potential costs.  The sluggard knew that he would be eaten by the lion if nothing were done about it.   In the same way, we need to ask ourselves, “What could possibly happen if I don’t take care of this problem right now?”   When we count the potential costs – we are borrowing pain from the future which tends to motivate us into action today. (16:26)

Q4: To whom do I go for advice.?  (Prov. 11:14; 20:18)

                        a. Find an advisor who fears the Lord. (Prov. 9:10)

                        b. Find an advisor who is mature. (Prov. 20:29; 23:22)

                        c. Find an advisor who has a good reputation.  (Prov. 22:1)

                        d. Find an advisor who is objective.

                        e. Get more than one opinion (Prov. 11:14)

Q5: What does God’s Word say about it?   (Prov. 30:5)

When the Word does speak to an issue, we want to be very careful to drink up every bit of information we can.  Get yourself a good study Bible, maybe even a topical Bible.  And make sure you have a concordance so you can search out various themes from Proverbs.

Q6: What are the possible approaches to this problem? (Prov. 20:18)

Not every problem in life can be solved but there is a lot we can do with 95% of them.  You need to start with a plan.   Better yet is to create several possible solutions to your problem, which will enable you to compare and contrast and then choose the best one.   Get out a legal pad & create a chart like this & then brainstorm.

First Option  ____________________________________________________________

Strengths                                 Weaknesses

_________________________          ________________________

_________________________          ________________________

_________________________          ________________________

Provide a second and a third option as well, contrasting the strengths (pros) and weaknesses (cons) of each. 

Q7: Have I prayed for wisdom and help?  (Prov. 15:29; James 1:5-6)

Our choices matter to God.  Therefore, we should expect Him to give us the wisdom we need to make a wise one.  Seeking it in prayer is essential.

Q8: Which option do I choose?  (Prov. 19:21)

At some point, you will need to choose.  If we take the information we have gathered and bathe it in prayer –God will make it clear which option to choose. 

Q9: How and when do I start?  (Prov. 20:5)

So, you have a plan now.  You need to decide how and when you will start. Some of us can create a plan but fail to implement it.  The wise person will prioritize the steps and set a hard and fast date on which to tackle the project. 

Q10:  When do I plan to be finished?  (Prov. 26:15)

Some of us are starters, but not finishers.  Something that would help us to overcome this is to set a hard and fast date by which your project will be completed.

The wise person tackles problems as they come, knowing that to ignore them is to multiply the damage. 

CONCLUSION

So now you have a management plan for the problems that come your way.  But what if you implement your plan and you fail to solve the problem?   That’s the beauty of having created 3 original options.  You can go to option number two if you need and then even number three if necessary.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION

1. Which of the problem-solving steps tend to come to you naturally?

2. Which do you tend to ignore?

3. Which simple problem will you being to tackle with this problem solvers worksheet?

Oliver After Christmas — December 26, 2023

Oliver After Christmas

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Here is a video to make you laugh and think featuring Oliver Oglethorpe and his post Christmas plans. 

in the nick of time — December 20, 2023

in the nick of time

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The pastor phoned in an order for a special Christmas banner for the sanctuary.  It was to say, “Unto Mary, Jesus was born!”  He also specified the size.  But the salesman evidently misunderstood him, because the finished banner read, “Unto Mary, Jesus was born – five feet long and three feet wide.”

Wow – that’s a big baby!  

Most homes prepare for the birth of a child.  But did you know that the Father in Heaven also prepared our world for the birth of His Son.

Galatians 4:5 says, “But when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His Son…” * Jesus was sent to us at a precise and perfect time.

It was a time when….

– the world spoke a common language.

Since the tower of Babel, the world had been segmented by a multitude of distinct cultures and languages.  Nations went centuries without being able to talk to each other.   But in the 4th century B.C., Alexander the Great conquered the world and infused the Greek language into it.  By the time of Jesus, Greek was the trade language of every nation.  It became the common bridge through which to speak the Gospel.

– the world was at peace.

 The world had been ruled by rogue empires.  First Egypt, then Assyria, then Babylon and on and on. The constant instability and lawlessness would have made it difficult for the messengers of Christ to do their job.   

But that changed when Rome came into power. For almost 500 years, the Roman legal system protected her people and the Roman Legion kept the peace.  This peace and stability gave the Gospel messengers freedom to journey forth and preach.

– travel was superior.

 Prior to the Romans, roads were narrow dirt paths, often impassable when the weather was bad.  They followed the easiest route – often circuitous paths.  But Rome paved the roads, so well in fact some are still in use today.  Their roads were built with efficiency in mind. 

They went through mountains and over rivers and marshes.  There were 51,000 miles of paved highways in the empire.  People like Paul were enabled to move freely and quickly from place-to-place sharing the gospel – assisted by Roman roads.

– the world was spiritually prepared.

The ancient world was bursting with idols and pagan religions while the truth of the Yahweh was bottled up in Israel.  Several centuries before Christ, Israel was invaded by Assyria and then Babylon.  The Jews were forcibly dispersed throughout the world. 

Consequently, by the first century every major city of the world had a synagogue where faithful Jews would meet for worship on the Sabbath.  These Jewish folks created monotheistic oases in the desert of polytheism.   Through them, the world was finally made aware of the holy God of Israel, and the promise of a Messiah. 

Paul wisely used that network of synagogues across Asia, Europe and the Middle East to proclaim Jesus.

God truly sent His Son in the fullness of time. 

If it had been earlier, the message would have been bottled up and lost.  There would be no common language with which to communicate it, no peace and protection for those who carried the message, no superhighways to facilitate the travel of its messengers, and the spiritual soil would not have been plowed and made ready for the seeds of the Gospel,

On the other hand – had the Father sent His Son much later – the advantages of the first century would have been lost, for after the Fall of the Roman Empire the world reverted into chaos until the modern era.

God’s timing was impeccable – He sent the Lord Jesus in the fullness of time.

Makes me wonder – Since God did such a great job with the timing of the birth of Christ, why we don’t trust Him with the everyday issues of time that affect us? 

A PRAYER: Lord of time, help us to trust you with our schedules.

This has been Jim Johnson and pickleheavenpress.com

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

*Scripture reference is from the New American Stand Version

a second-hand gift — December 13, 2023

a second-hand gift

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My daughter and I had a fun relationship when she was in high school.  (junior high – not so much)  We were once in a thrift store just a week before school started.   I stood in the checkout line with a cart full of used treasures. 

I decided to tease her a little.  So, in an obnoxious, exaggerated, redneck voice, I said, “Girl do you need any of more of them thrifty back to school underwear?”  She smiled and said, “No daddy I’m good.”

Our family has always enjoyed thrifting – looking for used treasures that others have rejected.  I think most of us are OK using used things.

On the other hand, we might be offended to receive a cast off as a Christmas gift.  And yet that’s kinda what God gave to us.  You see… 

– God promised a gift to Israel. 

An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife because the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:20-21

God went Christmas shopping and settled on Jesus.  He chose to send Him to earth to save His people from the consequences of their sins.  He would eventually assume the throne of David and usher in the glorious Kingdom that Israel had forever anticipated.  What a wonderful gift!

– The gift was delivered

 Jesus was born in Bethlehem and nurtured in Nazareth in quiet anonymity.  Then at age 30 or so He removed the wrapping and revealed Himself as the promised Messiah and King.

Many considered His claims.  He offered Himself to the common folk and to the wealthy political/religious leaders of the land. 

They initially asked sincere questions about Jesus, trying to truly determine whether He was the Messiah sent from God. They even witnessed His divinely produced miracles.   But after due consideration…

– God’s gift was rejected

 Jesus wasn’t the right fit for them.  They wanted a Messiah that conformed to their narrow and rigid thinking.  They wished to ignore their sin and focus on politics instead.  So, they declined to receive God’s gift.  When Jesus was tried before Pontius Pilate, the leaders cried, “Crucify him!”  (Matthew 27:21)

– So, God gave His gift to another.

Israel outrightly rejected God’s gift and murdered Jesus for even offering it.  So, God took His precious gift and then offered Him to the gentiles.  The apostle John described it this way, “He came to what was his own, but his own people did not receive him. But to all who have received him—those who believe in his name—he has given the right to become God’s children.” – John 1:11-12

God’s gift to you and me in Jesus Christ was originally intended for another.  Hence, you and I have been offered a second-hand Gift.  It is a wonderful gift, but a second-hand gift none the less.

– So does this mean that this gift is less valuable? 

Not to me.  Two of my favorite guitars were preowned.  I don’t care who had them before me, I am just glad that they are now mine.  And that’s how I feel about Jesus. 

– Does this mean that we are less valuable?    

No, it doesn’t.  Paul once said that God chose us before the earth was formed.” (Ephesians 1:4-5)  So, what appears to be plan B, was actually God’s plan A all along.  He long ago determined that even the gentiles should enjoy His gift.  One more question….  

– Can I refuse the gift if I want?

 I guess you can.  God isn’t going to force Jesus on you.  That’s not how gifts are given.    But why would you want to pass it up? He offers an abundant life now, and a future forever life full of joy. 

God’s second-hand gift is a first rate, priceless, possession!

A prayer: Lord my hands are extended and ready to receive your gift.   

This has been Jim Johnson and pickleheavenpress.com

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you

Scripture passages are from the NETBible ®

from omelets to hair dye — December 8, 2023

from omelets to hair dye

/pickleheavenpress

We were seated at a diner as we looked over the breakfast menu. The Grecian Omelet caught my dad’s eye – only – when he ordered, he absentmindedly asked for a hair product – Grecian Formula. My mom almost fell out of her seat laughing. Fortunately, the waitress brought him an omelet instead of a bowl of hair dye.

Ah, but I am my father’s son, subject to the same silliness.  When I send my order up to God, in prayer, I don’t always know what I am truly asking for.  I may think I do, but maybe I don’t. 

“Is what I seek the best for me?   Is it the right time to have it?  Am I mature enough to receive it? Am I even asking for the right thing?”  So many questions that befuddle me.

Fortunately, God knows me well and Romans 8:26, tells me He provided some help.  It says, “…the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings.” NETBible ®

That’s encouraging!  The third blessed member of the Trinity is aware of how weak we are when it comes to our prayers.  He understands that we may not know how we should specifically pray.  So, He helps us! 

He intercedes so that the need is clearly made known in heaven and is correctly met on earth.  The verbs are in the present tense reminding us that this intercession happens on a 24/7 basis. 

The Holy Spirit is the one who says, “Father, he is asking for hair dye, but what he really wants and needs is some eggs.”

So maybe we should just say, “Well Holy Spirit why don’t you just order for me?”  I suppose He could, but prayer is one of those exercises that draws us near to God who treasures our prayers.

Consider Luke 11:9 where Jesus urges us to pray. He said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.”  NETBible ®

It’s like so many other issues in our walk with God.  We are often expected to take the first steps by faith, and then the Lord steps in and helps us accomplish what we could never complete without Him. 

Prayer is actually an underappreciated privilege.

With the Hindus, only the Brahmins, the highest class, are permitted to pray to their god.   A person could be a billionaire, or a high-powered political leader, but if not a Brahmin, they are forbidden to pray. They must seek a Brahmin, even a boy Brahmin to pray their prayers for them.

Can you imagine that?  Suppose it is the middle of the night, and your infant son has a raging fever, and you desperately want to reach out to heaven for help – but you are not allowed because you are not of the Brahmin caste.

How blessed is the Christian.  Every one of us has full access to the throne of grace.  We have freedom at any time or place to personally approach God in prayer. 

The Muslim may not pray until he learns how to do it in Arabic, for his god hears only prayers offered in what Muslims believe to be the holy language.”    

Can you imagine a new convert to Islam from Latin America.  He won’t be able to pray until he learns Arabic.  He may need to pray for help in order to learn Arabic – so that he can pray in Arabic – but he is stuck.   

How wondrous it is, that all over the world at this very moment, people of every race and culture are praying in their own tongue and our omniscient and gracious God is gathering those prayers in and answering them accordingly. 

God has made praying easy and as rewarding as possible.  So why not pray? 

A Prayer:  Lord I pray that I might pray. Help me to sweep away the self-imposed obstacles that keep me from it.

This has been Jim Johnson and pickleheavenpress.com

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.