A
daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and
exhortation.
Friday,
September 24,
2021
Flooded
Donegal Springs Road
"A
Flood Of Dissipation"
Note:
Today's study prompted more exposition and thus the
message is a bit longer than normal.
Listen to this message on your audio player.
"For we
have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will
of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts,
drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable
idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that
you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation,
speaking evil of you. They will give an account to Him who
is ready to judge the living and the dead" (1 Peter
4:3-5).
Yesterday we
had very heavy rains in our area which led to flash floods,
three inches in just a couple of hours. After
our morning chaplain visits when we returned home
on Donegal Springs Road
the roadway was flooded as seen in our lead photo. Although
the large pickup truck ahead of us slowly made it through
and I had a hankering for some adventure my better senses
prevailed and I decided to turn around like the two cards in
front of us. We could easily take another route. I just
didn't care to make the news!
This fresh
experience brought to mind another flood we all deal with
expressed as a
phrase from our daily Scripture text, "flood
of dissipation". I memorized
this text many years ago as a young Christian. At that time
in
my life (late teens) the pull of the world was a persisting
peril. But I have learned that regardless of age, in one way
or another, there's always the pull of the world! As the old
hymn "I Must Tell Jesus" candidly expresses, "O how the
world to evil allures me, O how my heart is tempted to sin".
In our daily
Scripture reference the apostle Peter is writing to a group
of first century believers undergoing persecution. This
passage (1 Peter 4:1-5) was very meaningful to me as a new
Christian teen in the seventies. I had accepted Jesus Christ
as my Savior, but for over a year I lived with nominal
commitment to His cause. I still wanted to have my
associations with the world as I continued to "walk the
fence". What a miserable way to live! I got involved with a
Christian ministry (Campus Crusade for Christ) and a
committed believer sat down with me and boldly shared this
passage and the Holy Spirit did His wonderful work of
enlightening and convicting my heart.
Peter forthrightly tells his initial readers and all who heed the sacred words of Scripture, “For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles” (v.3). However old you are this statement applies; you've spent enough time in living in the worldly ways.
Peter forthrightly tells his initial readers and all who heed the sacred words of Scripture, “For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles” (v.3). However old you are this statement applies; you've spent enough time in living in the worldly ways.
He goes on to
make a list of sinful behavior that sounds very familiar to
what pagans still choose to do in our day.
Let's consider
verse 4 in a bit more detail. (See here for this verse in a variety of
translations.)
1) “In
regard to these" The sick six
from verse 3, "lewdness, lusts,
drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable
idolatries", a veritable sewer of sin often
resulting in headline news after destruction of property
or life while under the influence.
2) "they (your friends from your old way of life) think it strange" CH Spurgeon notes, "How strange this world is! It speaks evil of men because they will not do evil. Yet it has always been so. Those of whom 'the world was not worthy' (Hebrews 11:38) have been the people, like Paul, of whom the worldly said, 'Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!' (Acts 22:22). The world’s verdict concerning Christians is of little value."
Warren
Wiersbe comments, "Unsaved people do not understand the
radical change that their friends experience when they trust
Christ and become children of God. They do not think it
strange when people wreck their bodies, destroy their homes,
and ruin their lives by running from one sin to another! But
let a drunkard become sober, or an immoral person pure, and
the family thinks he has lost his mind!"
3) "that you do not run with them” Genuine transformed believers do not run with, consort or hang out with unbelievers in the same way they once did.
Thanks
to Calvary I am not the man I used to be
Thanks to Calvary things are different than before.
Thanks to Calvary things are different than before.
4)
"in the same flood of dissipation". Dissipation is
probably not a word many of us use regularly! Other versions
translate this, "reckless, wild living" (NIV), "excesses
of debauchery" (NASB), "wild and destructive things"
(NLT). In sum, the picture here is of a large crowd
running together in a mad, wild race—a melee pursuing sin.
5) This
resulted in them (those from your old way of life) "speaking
evil of you" an irony considering the actual evil they
practiced! This is translated from the Greek “blaspheme”.
Indeed the early believers encountered abuse and so do we in
various ways. This abuse may be verbal ridicule from a
fellow worker, the writings of a pagan “intellectual” or for
some of our brethren, physical torture and death.
Peter makes the solemn statement found in the final portion of the daily text: “But they will have to give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead” (1 Peter 4:5). This account will be our final answer and by far it is the most important.
Have you dealt with it yet? The apostle Paul wrote that “At the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10,11). We should greatly rejoice today if we have taken care of this accounting and you can join me in boldly declaring, “Jesus is my final answer.” If you have not made this decision I urge you, please delay no longer.
Here is a sample prayer that expresses belief and commitment to Jesus Christ:
“Jesus, thank
you for loving me. I confess that I am a sinner. I believe
You are the promised Messiah who came to die for my sins.
Please forgive me of my sin and come into my life. I receive
You as my Savior and will follow You as my Lord. Thank You
for hearing my prayer. Amen”.
Jesus is the
answer, for the world today.
Above Him there’s no other, Jesus is the way.
If you have some questions, in the corners of your mind.
Traces of discouragement, and peace you cannot find.
Reflections of your past, seem to face you every day.
But this one thing I do know, Jesus is the way.
Above Him there’s no other, Jesus is the way.
If you have some questions, in the corners of your mind.
Traces of discouragement, and peace you cannot find.
Reflections of your past, seem to face you every day.
But this one thing I do know, Jesus is the way.
Be encouraged today, (Hebrews 3:13)
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Father, we live in a decadent age with
a flood of dissipation, where the hearts of so many
are turned away from the true living God and live
instead by the world’s dictates. But we who have
accepted Christ and have the indwelling Holy Spirit
must continue to build our lives on the foundation
of Jesus Christ as we spread the gospel message,
“Jesus is the first and final answer to all of
life’s problems.” We seek to be directed by Your
Spirit and live in such a way that we honor You even
as scoffers ridicule us. May we show mercy to those
whose faith is wavering and rescue others by
snatching them from the flames of judgment. In the
process of daily living, as we reach out to the lost
and dying, help us not to stumble into the ways of
the world so that on Your appointed day we will be
brought into Your glorious presence.See Jude
V. 23
Today's
Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
"Jesus
Is The Answer" Video Andraé
Crouch
I’ve
attended many large concerts and conventions
over the years such as the “Creation Festival”
held annually in central Pennsylvania. I
specifically recall attending a concert in
Springfield MO as a college student in the
mid-seventies with Andrae Crouch and the
Disciples, a popular band at that time. I recall
the Lord touching my heart as Andrae repeatedly
sang these words, “Jesus Is The Answer” in
response to the stanzas that presented life’s
questions to complex issues every person faces.
That was about 45 years ago but the truth of
that song is just as true and just as vital now!
"Jesus
Is Still The Answer" Video Collingsworth
family
Many
of you are familiar with the game, “Who Wants to
be a Millionaire” where the host typically asks
the contestant, “Is that your final answer?” It
was during the popularity of this weekly game
show that I saw a young man’s t-shirt that read,
“Jesus, that is my final answer.” Now
that very notion is increasingly offensive to
many, but Jesus is still the answer from our
greatest need to our smallest need.
"I
Must Tell Jesus" Video Canton
Junction I sure miss singing this hymn!
"I
Got Saved" Video Selah
"The
Baptism Of Jesse Taylor" Video Gaither Vocal
Band. A colorful story of redemption and a
changed life!
Among
the local taverns they'll be a slack in business
'Cause Jesse's drinkin' came before the groceries and the rent
Among the local women they'll be a slack in cheatin'
'Cause Jesse won't be steppin' out again
Refrain:
'Cause Jesse's drinkin' came before the groceries and the rent
Among the local women they'll be a slack in cheatin'
'Cause Jesse won't be steppin' out again
Refrain:
They
baptized Jesse Taylor in Cedar Creek last Sunday
Jesus gained a soul and Satan lost a good right arm
They all cried, "Hallelujah" when Jesse's head went under
'Cause this time he went under for the Lord
The scars on Jesse's knuckles were more than just respected
The county courthouse records tell all there is to tell
The pockets of the gamblers will soon miss Jesse's money
And the black eye of the law will soon be well
From now on Nancy Taylor can proudly speak to neighbors
Tell them how much Jesse took up with little Jim
Now Jimmy's got a daddy and Jesse's got a family
And Franklin County's got a lot more man
Jesus gained a soul and Satan lost a good right arm
They all cried, "Hallelujah" when Jesse's head went under
'Cause this time he went under for the Lord
The scars on Jesse's knuckles were more than just respected
The county courthouse records tell all there is to tell
The pockets of the gamblers will soon miss Jesse's money
And the black eye of the law will soon be well
From now on Nancy Taylor can proudly speak to neighbors
Tell them how much Jesse took up with little Jim
Now Jimmy's got a daddy and Jesse's got a family
And Franklin County's got a lot more man
"Thanks
To Calvary" Video Dailey and Vincent
This
home along Donegal Springs Road is
inaccessible during periodic flash floods
after heavy rains. This was evident when we
passed at the time the lead photo was taken in
the late morning but when we drove by late
yesterday afternoon the driveway was passable.
Last night I spoke to Rich, a local friend,
who lives in a home with a long driveway
subject to the same flash flooding conditions.
Last
night we attended a banquet at the Shady Maple
for "Blessings of Hope" a food
distribution ministry based here in Lancaster
County. Standing with Aaron Fisher, founder of
Blessings of Hope, are good friends Ron and
Bonnie Hoover who stand behind this ministry
(and many others, including ours!)
"Blessings
Of Hope" was founded by Aaron Fisher, who has an
Amish background. He had a disabled father and
recalls being needy as a child and people
bringing his family boxes of food to survive.
Even as a child he knew in his heart he wanted
to do something to help others in need. In 2006
he started Blessings of Hope.
Blessings Of Hope collects excess food donated by huge corporations and then distributes to food banks and other ministries who do the actual point of contact distribution. They have connections with over 80 food producers and distributors regionally around Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and in other states. It has grown to the point they now receive 12 tractor/trailer loads of food daily.
They presently serve food banks, churches, halfway houses, rescue missions, etc. up and down the east coast and out to the Midwest. This winter they sent tractor/trailer loads to Texas after the deep freeze.
Blessings Of Hope collects excess food donated by huge corporations and then distributes to food banks and other ministries who do the actual point of contact distribution. They have connections with over 80 food producers and distributors regionally around Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and in other states. It has grown to the point they now receive 12 tractor/trailer loads of food daily.
They presently serve food banks, churches, halfway houses, rescue missions, etc. up and down the east coast and out to the Midwest. This winter they sent tractor/trailer loads to Texas after the deep freeze.
They
rely heavily on volunteers and have over 700 who
pack some days pack 7,000 boxes of food. Each
box contains a Gospel of John.
This food is excess to the producer for a
variety of reasons. Aaron pointed out that 40%
of the food produced in America is wasted
somewhere in the process and much ends up in
landfills and otherwise, and his ministry
wants to do something about it. They are
following the example of the Lord, who said,
"Let nothing be wasted" (John 6:12,13).
It
was good to get back to a banquet at the Shady Maple Smorgasbord!
Local readers have all heard of the Shady Maple
and probably more than a few distance readers.
It bills itself as the largest buffet in the
USA. I came across this
interesting video about the history of
the Shady Maple.
Our
photo doesn't really capture the interesting 3
dimensional art work they have on their walls at
the Shady Maple with local rural scenes. They
were created years ago by Abner Zook, an
Amishman. We met his great nephew as we looked
at them after the banquet. Three of these
paintings were sold at auction early this year
for $56,000! Video
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& Brooksyne
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Weber".Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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