Do You Know The Truth?

 Dr. Mike Murphy

October 7, 2023

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  

How many times have you heard these words spoken?  From the classroom to the courtroom, we have heard these words over and over, and often see these words above the buildings as we enter.  Words that remind us how every free society must be centered in the depths of those words.  That without the truth, the structure of even the greatest of societies will soon collapse, crumbling into the lie that it is left with.

So exactly what is the truth?  The dictionary tells us that truth is “the body of real things, event, and facts; a fundamental statement of reality”.  But despite what the definition might tell us, many look at the truth and proclaim to us there is no reality in it at all.  That truth is nothing more than perception and opinion, not set in absolutes but is only found in conditionalities, partialities, and obscurities. Many today will tell you, with certainty, there can never be an absolute truth.  But in making that statement, do they not prove themselves wrong?  Does not making such a statement requires the very absolute they say does not exist?

The world today has looked to erase the word “absolute” from our very existence, unless that absolute is based in tolerance.  Tolerance, not fact, has now become the standard by which we judge the truth by.  With the world defining anything that makes claims of tolerance as good, while anything that is perceived as intolerant is taught as the very definition of evil.  And anyone in this world who holds tight to an absolute belief, is viewed as filled with intolerance, and mocked as hateful and sinful.  Truth is only seen through eyes that shout to this world to believe whatever you want, just as long as you do not try and impose your beliefs on others.  But in imposing tolerance as the truth, do they not then absolutely become intolerant, by imposing their view on others?  By insisting that all must accept their standard of tolerance, do they not then impose a truth that violates their own standards?

All truth, all views, must be set on a standard of right and wrong.  And the bottom line is, all who try to take that standard away from the truth do so because they do not want to be held accountable for their own actions.  Making right and wrong a standard of perception and opinion, instead of one base on absolute truth.  For the sake of argument, let us play out a standard of truth based on opinion.  If right or wrong is based on personal opinion, anything I deem necessary in my situation could never be denied me.  So right or wrong then becomes conditional and situational, changing constantly by how I might perceive it.  And in doing so, the truth I might claim today, could be the very truth someone else might claim against me tomorrow.  In a world without absolute truth, chaos soon becomes the standard we are left with.

If there is an absolute truth, then there must be an absolute standard of right and wrong that all must live by.  And no matter how hard we might try to deny it, we all must live by and to those standards.  It is those standards that people are rejecting when they refuse to follow or accept an absolute truth.  The truth has to be more than just whatever simply works.  No matter how hard one might try, the ends can never justify the means, as a lie might appear to work at times.  But the truth reveals to us, at the end of the day, you are still left with nothing more than a lie.

Truth is not what makes people feel good, and it is not what the majority might think. The majority of a group are well capable of reaching a wrong decision, and in doing so they do not change the truth of the situation.  Truth cannot be defined by good intentions, as our intentions, no matter how good, can still be wrong.  Truth is not what is publicly proved, as sometimes the truth can stand tall in private.  The truth is not how we know, the truth is found in what we know, and above all, it is found in Who we know.  

Anyone who does not think the truth matters, then let him stand on the receiving end of a lie.  Simply put, this life and the next has consequences for being wrong, for denying the truth, and for not accepting and following what God tells us and shows us the truth is. The Word of God tells us, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness”(Romans 1:18). Without an absolute truth, without us looking to God for that truth, we are only left with the lie that unrighteousness will bring.

Through every aspect of our life, God shows us His absolute truth, and gives us evidence of the existence of that truth.  Our human conscience daily reveals to us His truth. How often does your conscience show you when something is wrong?  When you see and feel love, generosity, compassion, and goodwill, you know the righteousness that is in front of you.  But when you see pain, suffering, anger, and evil, you immediately know the unrighteousness that is there.  Romans 2:14-16 tells us that God has placed the truth of His law inside of each of us, that He has written it on our hearts.  And when our conscience reveals the truth to us, we are constantly being reminded of the absolutes of His law.

All around us each day, we see how God reveals the absolute of His truth to us. When we look at science, God shows us the existence of His absolute truth.  Science is our pursuit and our desire to know more.  But for us to truly know and understand more, there must be realities and certainties in the universe for us to discover.  Without absolutes, what would our pursuit be, and how could anyone know what they discovered was real?  Without the absolutes truths God has given us, science could never be exact.  And when we look at religion, we also see the evidence of God’s absolute truth.  In every religion, we see man’s attempt to define life and to bring meaning to it.  We see in religion a desire for something more than just ourselves.  And in our desire for more, we come to the absolute truth that God has given us.  We see the truth that Christ brought us, we see what separates Christ from all other religions, and we see why Christ came to bring us a relationship with God, not just another religion of rules to follow.  It is through the absolute truth that Christ brought to this world that we are called to turn toward Him, and to accept Him as our Savior(John 14:6-7).  Without that absolute truth, we would be left with just another religion, just the hope we might one day know a little more.

The Word of God tells us, “For we cannot do anything against the truth, only for the truth.”(2 Corinthians 13:8).  Sadly, we have watched as the Church in this nation today has forgotten those words.  We are quickly becoming a Church that allows this world to define truth for us, a Church far more interested in being seen as tolerant than truthful.  Not thinking for a second, that without the truth we can never offer this world true tolerance, or a tomorrow filled with a hope that only the truth can bring. How does this Church expect people who do not know the truth to tell us what the truth is?  How can this Church allow truth to be defined by those who do not believe there is a truth?  

Look where this is leading both this Church and our society.  And do not only look at where it has led our nation today, but look closely at where it will take us tomorrow.  We do not have to look any farther than our own government to see a picture of where a standard without absolutes will lead.  Once in our history, we watched as George Washington proved to this nation he could not tell a lie. Then, we watched as Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton proved to this nation that they could not tell the truth.  Now we watch as a nation of politicians and the media show us each day they do not know the difference between either, giving us a glimpse of what a nation without the absolute truth looks like.  And why are we getting this glimpse?  Because the Church in this nation has abandoned our calling, and allowed this world to define what truth is for us, instead of showing all around us that only God can define the truth.  Abandoning our post on the watchtower, and not warning this nation of the dangers that are rapidly approaching without His truth standing guard.

Let us take a moment, and go back to that original verse we discussed, John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”   Why did Jesus speak these words?  If we look at what He told those listening in the verses that lead up to those words, we begin to understand the power of those words. Christ made it clear, that only those who heard and followed His voice could ever know the truth.  The simple truth is, without God we cannot know the truth.  We can know opinion, we can know self desire, we can know human logic, but we can never know the truth unless we first know God.  Without Christ, we can never know the freedom and liberty that only the truth can offer.  We can only be free from sin, from condemnation, from the horrors that death can bring, if we look to Christ for that truth, not to this world for what they want us to accept and believe as the truth.  And that is a truthful statement this Church seems to have forgotten.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

The Status Of A King, The Duty Of A Servant

Dr. Mike Murphy

September 30, 2023

Compassion and charity!  “How can you look at that situation and not feel compassion?”  “I give to our church, and I think our church is involved in a lot of charity!”  “I pay taxes, and I know my taxes go to charity.”  Words we hear used so often these days, but words that are often said without meaning.  In a world that never sees beyond the next few minutes, these are words that have come to describe our own thoughts rather than seen reflected in our true actions. Words that fill our immediate feel good wants, instead of focusing on the Lord’s life changing needs.  As we hear these words so often spoken, how much do we know exactly what these words mean?  And what does the Bible tell us about each word?

Although both words tug on the heart of man, each word has a distinct meaning.  The Hebrew word for compassion means, “tender mercies".  While the Greek word means, “to feel inwardly”.  From the first word of Genesis, to the last word of Revelation, we see the compassion of the Lord shown.  We see His tender mercy, and His inward love for all mankind. Man, as one who is made in God’s image, is to mirror and demonstrate each of the traits we see in the Lord, including compassion.  The Bible makes it clear, compassion is an attribute of the Lord, and should be an attribute that is found in each of us.  Compassion causes us to stop and look, and draws our attention to a need that the Lord wants us to see.

The Bible describes charity as “an act of compassion”.  Charity is when we put the compassion we feel into actions that will help others.  When we care for those in need, we act on the will of the Lord.  The willingness we show to help those in true need, is a direct reflection of our salvation and of the Holy Spirit at work in each of us.

But with each feeling of compassion, we are not to act without wisdom and discernment. We are not to give blindly to every want, but to seek the Lord’s will for true needs.  We must act as good stewards, making sure our coin, time and talent is being used to fulfill God’s purpose, and to bring glory to His name. We must also never forget, the Lord can call us to charity in many ways. Sometimes our greatest charitable acts can be found in the most unusual of ways. Remember the story of the lame beggar that Peter and John encountered(Acts 3:1-10). Remember Peter’s words to this man, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you:”(Acts 3:6).  What the Lord led Peter to give this man, was greater than any coin could buy!  And the Lord is often leading us the same today.  When we look at all the gifts the Lord gives us, gifts we may use to serve others in need today, we begin to understand the true purpose of these gifts, and just how far the Lord’s love reaches!

When we come to truly understand compassion and charity, we come to understand the role Christ calls us to today.  We come to understand that charity does not draw attention to ourselves, but to the Lord’s desire in the lives of others.  We come to understand that our compassion cannot turn to charity unless we are willing to serve.  Christ tells us, “It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”(Matthew 20:26-28). If our role is to reflect Christ, then His words tells us that we must become a servant.  Just as Christ came to serve, and to give His life, we are to give our lives in service of Him, and to help fulfill His need in the lives of our fellow man.

The word used in the Bible for servant means “slave”.  Although not every servant is a slave, we do know that every slave is a servant.  But like a slave, we must lessen ourselves and be willing to serve at the feet of our Master.  The problem in the Church today, we see way too many who seek to be leaders without first making themselves servants.  Paul said, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”(Philippians 2:3-4).  In other words, in order to serve Christ, we must have a heart to serve others.

So what does it mean to be a servant of Christ?  Let us take a look at what the Bible tells us about such a servant, and what characteristics should be found in each of us.

A servant must be found with a humble heart.  

The word in the Bible for humble means, “lowliness of mind, absence of self”.  Humility is not defined by our outward approach, but by our inward actions.  For a humble heart to be found, pride and selfish ambition must first be destroyed.  The humble hearted servant looks first to the Master, not to himself. Christ’ needs becomes his wants.  He soon comes to realize that what is best for the Master, is best for him.  His obedience leads him to defend the truth and reputation of his Master, not the egos and desires of himself.  The humble hearted servant knows that in true humility is found grace(Proverbs 3:34, 1 Peter 5:5), and that in the humbleness of his heart is found fulfillment and security.

The humble hearted servant is not led to charity, charity is a part of his very being.  He knows that charity allows this world to see Christ  The reflection of his Master is seen in the action he takes, and can be found in the work the Lord calls him to do.  He knows that to share Christ with others, is to show the world the goodness and love of his Master.  A goodness and love that he could not find in his own heart had the Master not chose to first serve him.

A servant must be found with an honest heart.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts.”(Psalm 139:23).  The servant knows that true compassion and charity do not exist in a feeling, but are placed in our heart by the hand of the Master. He knows that for compassion to be made more than mere words it requires a desire of the Spirit.  That charity can not be forced, but must be freely given. Therefore charity can never come from any form of government, but must come willingly from each of us.  The Master has also taught him, charity may starts with compassion, but it must end with accountability.  Compassion may lead us to give the hungry man a fish, but the servant knows that the Master desires us to teach that man how to fish, so that his life will be forever changed.  The servant does not pity those in need, but brings them to the door of the his Master.  He seeks to offer more than a hand out and a handshake, but the daily life sustaining bread that only his Master makes each day.  The servant knows the words his Master gave his fellow servant Peter, telling Peter those who love Him, will tend to His sheep(John 21:15-17).

A servant must be found with an unselfish heart.

"Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great."(Luke 9:48).  The Master has taught his servant that greatness cannot be defined in worldly terms.  He knows that if the Lord was to rank the greatest among us in each of our churches today, His order would surprise us.  He knows that many who pastor our churches would probably find their name way down on the list.  The servant knows that great is not the man who stands at the pulpit, but in the ones who find himself on his knees with the children. The one who gives his time to work with the youth, so that His Hope may be found in their future. The one who finds himself at the door of the sick on the days the church doors are not even open.  The one who is preparing the church an hour before the service starts, so that all may hear His Word.  The servant knows that greatness is not measured on Sunday, but by the man who quietly finds himself cleaning up the mess we have made of the church on Monday.

The servant knows that true charity and compassion can only be found in an unselfish heart.  A heart that ask the Lord what purpose He needs fulfilled, before he tells the Lord the desires of his own heart.  A man whose words and actions point others to Christ, not to himself.

A servant must be found with a giving heart.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”(John 3:16).  The servant does not just know how this verse ends, but how this verse begins.  “For God so loved the world, that He gave...”.  The servant knows that in order to reflect his Master, he must be willing to give as his Master gave.  He must be willing to give all, so that all may know the love of his Master.

The Master has taught the devoted servant of His will to serve His people.  He knows that in order to serve the Master, he must be willing to serve those that belong to his Master. He knows his time and his efforts can achieve so much more when placed in the hands of his Master, than in his own. The servant knows that the Master does not seek Sunday benchwarmers, but those who are willing to give their all, so that His Words may be brought to life each day.

As we look at the role of the servant, we must ask ourselves if in us a servant is found. Does the Church today look to serve Christ, or does it look to be served by Christ?  Does our compassion and charity come from how the world looks to drive us, or does it come from all that the Spirit shows us?  Do we offer our compassion and charity out of obligation, or do we give it freely to serve God’s purpose and plan?

We must again remind ourselves, we can only give what we have first received.  We can only give love, because Christ first showed us love.  We can only serve others, because Christ first served us.  We must again remember just how much charity the Lord has shown to all of us, and we cannot for a second forget all that He has given each of us. What incredible gifts the Lord has laid at our feet, gifts that carry a purpose far greater than this world will ever know. Gifts that call us into action, and affect each of those that Christ brings into our lives. What incredible service these gifts call us to perform, and what amazing promise each brings our way.  Gifts that each day remind us, that for the sake of that call, we must be willing to give our all.  Gifts that will one day cause crowns and titles to be placed at our feet. What a gift each day with Christ brings us.  Each day Christ shows us that we have the status of a king, but the duty of a servant!

Praying each of you will serve Christ!  

The Perfect Day

Dr, Mike Murphy

September 23 ,2023

Recently I asked several people, “What would be your perfect day?” Some of their answers made me smile.  One woman told me that perfection would come if for just one day she could get her husband and her children to actually listen to her.  Another elderly woman told me that her perfect day would be finding a spot close to the door when she went to the local Walmart.  One first grade teacher told me that her perfect day would be not having to use the words ‘be quiet” more than twenty times.  One man told me that his would involve the words “lottery” and “jackpot”.  While another man told me his perfect day would only come when the Marlins again won the World Series.  As a big sports fan, I quickly let him know that his perfect day would first require a miracle!

After hearing many responses, one thing quickly became apparent.  Each had a different definition of perfection.  Some defined perfection in the lives of others, while some saw it only occurring when it involved their own life.  

With this in mind, I looked up the definition of the word perfect.  Merriam-Webster describes perfect as “flawless, to be made complete”.  So by this definition. for someone to experience perfection, one would first have to be made flawless, they would have to be made complete.  So what makes us complete? How can we recognize perfection if we have never seen it?   

Only One who is perfect can show us what perfection looks like.  And only One who is perfect, could ever show us what is needed to stand perfect in His sight.  Each day, Christ shows us a glimpse of that perfection, and gives us a little glimpse of what that perfection could look like in our lives. Each day, Christ shows us the patience that perfection requires.  The patience it takes to understand each of us, and to give us a way to overcome our imperfections. Sometimes, He shows us a glimpse of this perfection in a single moment.  While other times, it requires patience, taking us a lifetime to understand.

To best understand perfection, we need to look no farther than the writings of an imperfect man.  A man by the name of David.  It would be hard to find a more imperfect man than David.  But at times, the Lord gives us a glimpse of perfection as He worked through the life of David.  I often ask myself, why was the Lord so patient with David?  And how did the Lord often achieve such perfection through the life of such an imperfect man?  The answer is quite simple! David knew his imperfection, but he also knew where he could find perfection. David knew that perfection could only be found in the name of the Lord!  

Anyone who may doubt this, need look no farther than David’s own words. They need only to read the twenty-third Psalm.  Let us take a look at the words of David in this psalm, and see the perfection that David describes.

The Lord Is My Shepherd(Perfect Salvation)

Sheep were completely at the mercy of the shepherd.  As a shepherd, David understood this well.  He knew that the very life of the sheep depended on the shepherd.  The shepherd, feed and tended to the sheep.  The fields of ancient Israel were filled with roaming beasts, that would attack the sheep.  It was the shepherd that protected the sheep.  He was willing to lay down his life so that the sheep could live.  The shepherd also knew that sheep were easily frightened, and could easily become confused.  Sheep would often become lost, and could be lead astray by outside distractions.  The shepherd would keep the flock in sight, guiding them to where they needed to be.

It is no mistake that Christ is called the Good Shepherd(John 10:1-18, Hebrew 13:20).  It is Christ who pulls us close, and gave His life so that we may live.  He offers us guidance, and keeps us from the evil of this world.  In Christ we see our Shepherd, and we see our perfect salvation!

Two other words of this verse I want us to also look at.  David writes the word “is”.  Not that the Lord “was” or “will be”, but “is” our Shepherd.  David knew that the Lord was right there, with him every minute, guiding his every step.  Also, look at the word ”my”.  David tells us the Lord is “my” shepherd.  Not that the Lord is the shepherd of the flock, but is a shepherd who looks after each of His sheep. David tells us that God is our ‘personal shepherd”, that His perfect salvation is for each of us.

I Shall Not Want(Perfect Fulfillment)

When the sheep were hungry, the shepherd feed them.  When they were cold, the shepherd found them warmth.  And when the sheep were tired, the shepherd found them a place of peaceful rest.  The shepherd provided for the needs of the sheep.  When we, as believers in Christ, follow our Shepherd, we have the promise that He will provide us with everything we will need(Luke 12:22-30).  The Lord not only provides us with everything we will need to find Him, but to live our life for Him.  In Christ, every need is fulfilled, because He alone is our perfect fulfillment.

He Maketh Me To Lie Down In Green Pastures(Perfect Rest)

When we look at the landscape around Bethlehem, we soon realize that green pastures were not around every corner.  The shepherd would have to lead the sheep through trying terrain so that the sheep could find the nourishment and comfort that the green pastures offered. The same is with us today.  In our hectic world, Christ often has to slow us down, giving us a moment to be fed by His Word(Matthew 4:4), and a time to rest in His Presence(Hebrews 4:9-10).  Only in Christ do we find the nourishment to sustain us, and the perfect rest to replenish and comfort us.

He Leadeth Me Beside The Still Waters(Perfect Peace)

Despite how thirsty they may become, sheep will not drink from moving waters.  So often the shepherd would dam up or block the streams so that the waters would become still, and the sheep would drink.  In Christ, we find our still and living waters(John 4:14), the quiet of His Presence that brings us perfect peace.

He Restoreth My Soul(Perfect Restoration)

When the shepherd had lead the sheep to the lush pastures, and they had been brought to still waters, the sheep would become calm, taking comfort in the situation they found themselves in.  Their life and energy would be restored, preparing them for the next day.  In Christ we find our redeeming grace, the words and waters that replenish and restore us, preparing us for whatever may lie ahead.  In the fields that Christ has lead us, and in the waters that only Christ can offer us, we find our perfect restoration.

He Leadeth Me In The Paths Of Righteousness For His Name’s Sake(Perfect Guidance)

The Hebrew word used here for paths actually means “well traveled paths”.  Sometimes the shepherd would have to lead the sheep great distances in order to find the fields and water they needed.  As he did, the shepherd would take his sheep on proven paths, those that had been traveled many times before. The shepherd knew these paths well, as he had traveled these paths his whole life.  He knew these paths would keep his sheep from dangers, and he knew the trouble that could lie on other paths.

Like the shepherd, Christ guides us down proven paths, paths that steer us away from the dangers of the world around us.  Paths that are safe, the trusted “paths of righteousness”. Our Shepherd knows these paths like the back of His hand, and offers us perfect guidance.

Yea, Though I Walk Through The Valley Of The Shadow Of Death, I Will Fear No Evil(Perfect Shelter)

Sheep often made easy targets for the predators that roamed the area. And when not threatened by predators, sheep could often be their worst enemies. When not watched over constantly, sheep would often wander off on their own. As they did, they would often become fearful and startled, some so frightened it would cause them to have a heart attack, bringing on their own death.  Knowing this, the shepherd would gather the sheep to him, protecting them from the predators that could lie in the darkness.

Our world today is also filled with predators, agents of Satan that lie in the darkness waiting to strike(1 Peter 5:8).   In the protective hands of Christ, evil cannot find a way to attack us, and a way to destroy us.  Through Christ’ perfect shelter, we are safeguarded from the dangers this world would bring our way.

For Thou Art With Me(Perfect Companionship)

Each day, the shepherd would often speak aloud, enabling the sheep to feel secure by hearing his voice.  It reminded the sheep of his presence, and they took comfort that he was always nearby.  The same is with us today.  We can take comfort that Christ is always close, and walks each step we take with us. We hear His voice as He is there to comfort us, to calm our fears, to give us encouragement, and to remind us of His ways.  Each day we hear Him speak, and we know that right besides us stands our perfect companion.

Thy Rod And Thy Staff They Comfort Me(Perfect Comfort)

From the moment a boy began to train to become a shepherd, he carried a rod and a staff.  The rod was used for protection, and could be deadly in the hands of a gifted shepherd. The shepherd would also use the rod for another very important purpose.  As the sheep would pass by, the shepherd would hold the rod over the sheep, using it to help him count each.  This brought his attention to each sheep, ensuring he knew and recognized all as part of his fold.

The staff quickly identified the shepherd.  No other profession has ever had the need to carry a piece of equipment like a staff.  The staff was ideal to care for and manage sheep.  With its’ length, the shepherd would use it to guide the sheep.  Tapping them on the side as they went, keeping each in line.  The hooked end also served a special purpose.  With it the shepherd could gently, but firmly, pull the sheep back to him as it began to stray.  And it enabled the shepherd to lift a young lamb out of danger, placing him back near the comfort of his mother and the other sheep.

In the hands of our skilled Shepherd, the rod and staff protect us the same today.  He uses them to protect us from the evil and dangers around us, and to gentle bring us back into the fold when we begin to stray.  Keeping a count of us, knowing when even one of us are not there.  We find perfect comfort when we look at Christ, and see the rod and the staff He has in His hands.

Thou Preparest A Table Before Me In The Presence Of Mine Enemies(Perfect Provision)

We have seen as David described to us the perfect shepherd, now he shows us the perfect host.  Despite what many may think, the two did go hand in hand.  As people would travel the countryside from city to city, it was often the shepherd who would serve as their host. Offering them the comfort of his house or tent, and the hospitality of his table.  Custom taught that once a man entered your dwelling, he could no longer be viewed as your enemy, but only as your valued guest.  The value of the guest went beyond measure, and the host would protect the guest with his very life.  All the host had was available to the guest; his home, his food, his fellowship, and his protection.

No matter what we may have done, or what we may have said, when we accept the Lord’s invitation and enter His presence, we become His valued guest. As we find ourselves a guest in His house, we soon discover the mercy and the grace of our Host.  His offers us all He has, and gives us all we need.  In His house we lack for nothing, and find that all is provided for us.

Thou Anointest My Head With Oil(Perfect Blessing)

As a guest arrived in your house, one of the greatest honors you could bestow on them would be to anoint their head with oil.  It showed the value you shared for your esteemed guest, and placed them in a position of honor.  It showed your guest that you viewed their presence the same as if your house was being visited by a king or a priest.  

As we, today, accept Christ’ invitation, and enter His house, we too are anointed with oil(1 John 2:20).  We are made to be kingdom priest(Revelation 1:6), and we are given the perfect blessing of knowing that we will reign with Christ forever.

My Cup Runneth Over(Perfect Joy)

As the host sat his guest at his table and welcomed them, he would overflow their cup.  This showed his guest they were welcome to all he had, and could stay as long as they wanted.

As we sit at the Lord’s table, we watch as He overflows our cup.  He offers us all He has in abundance, and assures us that His house is now ours(John 14:3).  We can take joy in the assurance that our cup overflows.

Surely Goodness And Mercy Shall Follow Me All The Days Of My Life(Perfect Care)

As the guest was so graciously welcomed, he would often reply, “Your goodness surrounds me”.  He was telling his host that his act was unselfish, giving of himself so freely showed a goodness that blessed all those around him.

As we find ourselves at the Lord’s table, we cannot help but see and feel His goodness. His mercy and grace so overwhelms our life, that His goodness shows in each of us.  There is no goodness that does not start with the hands of the Lord(James 1:17).  And as a guest at His table, we have the promise of having a place at that table each of our eternal days(John 3:16). We have the promise that the Lords perfect care will always be there, filling each of us with His goodness.

And I Will Dwell In The House Of The Lord Forever(Perfect Future)

As we read this verse, we watch as David took the graciousness of the host to a level no man could know or understand through his own logic.  There was once a famous Greek saying that said, “Guest are like a fish, after three days they begin to stink.”  A guest in the Lord’s house is not just welcome for three days, or three weeks, or even for three years.  We receive an everlasting invitation, we are welcome in His house forever.   Forever is an amount of time most of us can never imagine.  But we have the promise that an eternity as a guest in the Lord’s House will be nothing short of amazing(1 Corinthians 2:9). We have the promise of a perfect future.

No one can read this psalm and not see the true understanding that David had of the Lord’s plan of perfection for each of our lives. The love and desire that David had for the Lord. His yearning to change the imperfect man he knew he was, to the perfect man the Lord knew he would one day be.  The eternal perfection that David knew he would one day experience at the Shepherd’s house. But David’s story should not surprise us.  His story is each of our stories. Each of us see the Lord’s perfection as His hand moves in our lives.  Sometimes we see a glimpse of that perfection in the most peaceful of times, when His perfect rest and His perfect joy envelopes us.  Other times we feel that perfection in the most turbulent of times, when His perfect guidance and His perfect comfort encompasses us.

As we watch the chaos of this world around us, I pray each of you will seek a glimpse of perfection.  That each of you will seek the Lord’s face, and that each of you will find His plan of perfection.  I pray that each of you will accept the invitation that is awaiting you to the Shepherd’s house.  That you will find your way to His table, and smile as your cup overflows. That your eyes will water as His anointing oil runs down your face.  I pray that one day I will share with each of you the joy and experience of a true perfect day!

Praying David’s words will become your words!

His Voice

Dr. Mike Murphy
September 16, 2023

They were filled with grief as they left.  They had known him for years, but the man they now saw was a shell of his former self.  Behind the sores that covered his skin, was a man broken by all this life had recently brought his way. Many a man had claimed to lose everything, but before them stood a man who they thought had lost it all.  Within minutes, he had watched as all his wealth was destroyed in front of him, and all his servants had now abandoned him.  If that news was not devastating enough, a messenger arrived with even more traumatizing news. All three of his daughters, and all seven of his sons, had lost their lives in a sudden disaster.

This would be more than most men could bear, but they would soon learn their friend was no ordinary man.  As his grief and loss filled his mind, boils began to cover his skin.  As the pain from his skin began to smother him, his wife began to chide him.  She mocked his integrity, and told him he should just curse God so he could die.  But he know that all he had he received from God, it was not his. So he praised the Lord through it all.

As his friends came to see him, that sat in grief with him.  For days that sat with him quietly, hoping their presence would comfort him.  They tried to help him get beyond all that now cursed him, everything that haunted him.  They pleaded with him to confess his sins, to turn to God and to make his case before Him.  But with each plea, he professed his innocence, assuming no guilt.  As their pleas became stronger, his stance remained.  One last time they pleaded with him to confess his guilt, warning him that his sins would just cause him greater suffering.  But through it all, he remained unchanged.

As they left him, they wondered if that would be the last they would see of their friend. Whether his guilt would completely consume him.  But as they walked out the door that day, they could still hear him praising the Lord above. And as they last glanced into his eyes, they saw a man who was waiting patiently to hear His voice.

We all know and love the story of Job.  With each word, we read of his devotion and of his patience.  And with each word we learn so much about the nature of our Lord.  Job shows us how little we really know of that nature. Just how limited our mind is to the nature of our Lord, and all the things He is doing for us that is out of our sight.  We have so often heard the age old question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”  Job shows us the answer will never be found in the logic and the understanding of man, but can only be found when we listen to the Lord above.

Job shows us that our life is not a series of chances, not a matter of coincidences. Our life has a purpose, a purpose that is found in His voice.  A purpose that always sees the Lord in control.  A purpose when seen, always brings glory to His name, and always brings fulfillment to His will.  In His purpose we can find a perfection.  A perfection that lead the psalmist to proclaim, “As for God, His ways are perfect”(Psalm 18:30).  If we trust that God is perfect, then we must also trust that whatever God does in our lives must also be perfect. Many days our limited minds only lets us see the flaws, not seeing the beauty that we so easily overlook in the perfection.  But God sees first those perfections, and the purpose that will one day allow each of us to see them also.

Our job is to trust in His purpose, to allow His eyes to show us what we cannot always see.  To trust Him, to obey Him, and to follow His will so we may also see the beauty He sees in the perfection.  When we trust His purpose, we soon find that God is present no matter what this life may throw our way. Whether we are standing on the highest of mountains, or we find ourselves in the deepest of valleys, by our side the Lord is always there.  Standing with us in all the splendor of His glory.  A splendor that would lead Job to proclaim, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; but now my eye sees You”(Job 42:5).

In the midst of the story of Job, we are given a glimpse of God’s purpose, and the perfection that would come from His purpose.  As Job is in the grip of his misery, he asked two amazing questions.  First, Job asks, "Who can bring what is pure from the impure?  No one!?"(Job 14:4).  This is a question from a man who not only knows the perfection of God, but sees the imperfection in each of us.  An imperfection that separates us from the Lord through our sins. But in Job’s question, the answer would one day come in the midst of God’s purpose, as our Lord would place Himself on the Cross so that we may be made perfect in the Lord’s eyes.

A few verses later, Job asks a second question.  “If man dies, will he live again?”(Job 14:14).  In the midst of Job’s greatest struggle, he finds hope that the Lord will restore him.  That death will hold no strength over him.  Again, the answer to Job’s question was found in God’s purpose.  As Christ rose, we have His promise that we will also rise, and that we will live with Him forever(John 14:19).  A promise that is not only the answer to Job’s question, but is the answer to all our questions.  A promise whose purpose holds every answer.

I love reading the story of Job, and often find myself studying it.  With each word, I understand a little more of His purpose, I see a clearer picture of His perfection.  And with a little more clarity I hear His voice.  As so many of you who hear my words already know, I am in the final stages of cancer.  With each day, I feel the grip that cancer has on me strengthening.  And as Job must of often felt, I can slowly feel this life escaping from me. But each day as this body fails me a little more, I hear His voice a little louder.  I see His purpose a little clearer.  And my desire for His will to be seen in my life becomes a little stronger.

Each day, His voice whispers to me that my cancer is not a curse, but a blessing when placed in His hands.  He so lovingly reminds me , my life is not measured by my number of days, but by what I do with each of those days. Each of my days are measured by His will, not by the selfish concerns of my own. Each day is measured by the opportunities He gives me, and what I do with each of those opportunities.  And with each opportunity, I allow His will be to seen, and His glory to be shown.

At the end of each day, His voice softly speaks to me, asking me what I did with the opportunities He gave me that day.  My own answer becomes my measure.  Each day that I follow His purpose and I remember His perfection, I find I cannot wait to hear His voice that night calling to me.  His voice has also taught me that each opportunity He gives me is of equal importance.  He may not be able to use me as often now to speak to hundreds, but He smiles just as wide when He sees me speak to one.  Just like He did with Job, the Lord has shown me that He can change this world just as quickly when we are willing to speak to one, as He can when we are called to speak to many.  Our physical ailments and restrictions are not obstacles in His eyes, nothing more than building blocks that will lay the foundation for His perfect plan, will, and purpose for each of our lives. Just as the Lord showed Job, our limitations are not restrictions of what He can do with us, they are often opportunities in His hands to reach those He so needs to reach.  We are putty in His hands, and whether that putty is soft and pliable, or hardened by what this world has thrown at us, it is still a source of beauty and perfection in the hands of the Master.  A putty that is designed to reflect His will, and show all the world of His purpose.  Putty sculpted into an image so to remind this world of the beauty that is heard in each word of His voice.

I pray that all of you will see the beauty and the purpose in each opportunity the Lord gives you.  Each opportunity is an incredible and an amazing gift, just waiting to be opened and shared with all those around you.  With each opportunity you fulfill, His will and His purpose become a little clearer, and His glory shines a little brighter.  And with each gift you open, I can promise His voice will speak to you a little clearer.  And I can also promise, that you will praise our Lord for the blessing He gives you, allowing you each day to open and share another of his precious gifts.

I will also speak to you the words that I believe Job would say to each of you.  What this world may see as your greatest curse, can be an incredible blessing in His hands. What may bring you to your knees in despair, may be the one thing, in His hands, that keeps you on your knees in praise.  When this world sees you in your weakest or final moments, close your ears to all they are saying, and listen closely for His voice.  He will always be there speaking to you, always glad to share with you the plans and purpose He has for you.  Plans that no matter how weak He may find you, still has opportunities waiting for you.  And when those final moments do come, do not face them with fear and regret. Face them with praise and rejoice, knowing you have made the most of every opportunity He gave you.  That you have opened every gift, and shared each of those gifts with all those around you.  Face that moment knowing that you have the answers to both the questions that Job once asked.  Knowing the purpose and the plans that He will forever have for you. Knowing that in those next moments you will get your first amazing glimpse of the smile that you will forever more see on His face.  And as you take your place in the eternity He has lovingly created for you, take comfort in knowing that you recognize the familiarity of His voice!

Praying each of you will be putty in His hands, and as He sculpts each of you, you will hear the beauty in His voice!

A Field For The Harvest

 Dr. Mike Murphy

September 9, 2023

“Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”

How many times during each of our lives have we heard these words? Despite how often you have heard these words, how many of you know where these words come from? We all know these as words of encouragement, words that tell us the benefit of diligence and hard work.

Most who know a little about these words, will attribute them to Benjamin Franklin, and his publication of Poor Richard’s Almanac.  In the 1735 version of the almanac, most Americans first saw these words in print.  Words that Franklin saw as giving an earnest intent, with an uplifting message that reached the heart of the common man.  But what most do not know, it was not Franklin who first penned these words, nor was he even the second. Franklin was not the originator of this now common phrase, he was just the one that made it popular.

The earliest record of this proverb goes back to a little known publication called The Book Of St. Albans, printed in 1486.  It was a popular phrase among the people, and by no surprise, it soon made its’ way into print.  So popular amongst the people, that in 1639, almost a hundred years before it was seen in Poor Richard’s Almanac, Baptist minister John Clarke made it a part of one of his publication.

So why did this simple phrase so capture the heart of the people?  It might be because it was not first a phrase of the people, but one God gave to them. When we look at the society and the culture of England in the 1400’s, we soon discover that published books were rare. Because the cost to create a book was so high, most of the common people never saw more than a handful during their life.  But one “book” the people did know.  One “book” the people heard the words of often.  And as they heard the words of this “book”, they would often remember the words they had heard, and repeat those words in their own language.  And just what might that “book” be?  The Bible!

The phrase that was popular by the people in the 1400’s, that found its’ way into the heart of American culture, were words that were just as popular when Solomon wrote them over two thousand years earlier.  Proverbs 6”9 tells us, “How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?”.  It was found here, in the words that God led Solomon to write, that the phrase could first be found.

From the days of Solomon, to the people of England in the 1400’s, to Colonial America, the heart of the people could be found in the farmers.  It was the farmers that made up most of society.  The work done in the fields was the glue that held the society together.  Society evolved around the crops found in those fields, the nourishment, products, and profits each of those fields brought. And no crop was closer to the heart of society than wheat.  Wheat was the core crop that all society depended on, and could not survive without.  And to the farmer that raised wheat, the words of this proverb could not hold any greater meaning.  Wheat can be a demanding crop.  One that requires back breaking work, and long, relentless hours in the field. But with each swing of the sickle, and each hour of sweat, the wheat farmer could see the reward for each hour he had tolled..

Many obstacles stood between the farmer and that reward.  Weather often served as a hurdle the farmer would have to carefully clear.  Often requiring him to perform painstaking hours in the fields to make sure the heat, the cold, the wetness, and the dryness, did not destroy his crop.  From grasshoppers, to locust, to stink bugs, insects lined up to feast on his fields.  The farmer would have to constantly watch and take precautions so the insects did not take over. The farmer must also worry and protect his crop from disease, knowing that wheat can be subjected to more diseases than any other grain crop.  From blight, to blotch, to mildew, to yellow rust, the farmer has to keep a constant watch on his fields. Knowing that if disease is to start, then it can spread rapidly. Destroying his fields before much could be done to stop it.  And if all that is not enough, the farmer has to deal with weeds.  When wheat begins to grow, weeds called darnel spring up all through the field. Both the wheat and the darnel look alike, and it is not until the wheat begins to blossom, and the seed head appears, that the two can be told apart.  But by this time the roots of the two have become intertwined, and it becomes impossible to separate the two until it is time to harvest the crop. So the farmer is required to deal with the weeds in order to make sure his crop can come in.

So why would the farmer raise wheat?  Because of the need for the crop, the life sustaining substance that came to the people from his hands.  Because of the smile that would come to his face as he saw his silos full.  And because, at the end of the day, he could see exactly how all his hard work had paid off.

Of all the people of this world, Christians should best understand the job of the farmer. As the farmer is called to tend his fields, the Christians also have a crop we have been called to tend. A crop that requires both our work and our devotion.  A crop, that like the farmer, should have us up early, eager to find ourselves hard at work tending to the fields.  And just as the day will come when the farmer will rejoice in his harvest, Christ has promised us a day would also come when we will rejoice in a harvest as well.

“At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into My barn.”(Matthew 13:30).  A future day will come, when Christ will call on the angels to harvest His field.  To first gather the weeds and burn them.  And then to collect the wheat and bring it to Him.  But that day will not come without hours of work having been spent in the fields first.  Hours and days needed by those of us who He has called to be the laborers, who is needed to work those fields.  Fields that must be nourished, and a crop that must be protected.  A crop that does not just demand the sweat of our attention, but the desire of our devotion.

The field that Christ has is vast, a whole world that will one day be harvested.  But in the vastness of this field, Christ has called the Church in this country to tend an area of that field.  An area of prime and rich land we call America.  And as we look at the area of the field we have been given the responsibility to care for, what we see has to trouble us.  A field that has been left uncultivated, with crops beaten down by the brutal storms.  Stalk after stalk of wheat that is riddled by disease.  Plants covered with insects, with leafs that are being stripped and eaten away.  A field so riddled with weeds, that we can no longer distinguish between the weeds and the wheat that has yet to bloom.  And as we look out on the field, we see vacancy, with only a handful of laborers trying to revive and keep alive what little crop this field has left.

But despite it all, if we will just take the time to walk the field, to put our hands in the ground, we will find that the dirt is still rich.  A ground bursting with fertility, that just needs enough laborers to spend the day at work in it.  A field that still echoes the words that Christ once spoke to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.”(Matthew 9:37).

Church, I plead with you, do not give up and abandon this field!  Do not allow the evil of the insects to ravish and destroy this crop.  Do not give it over to the weeds, but see again the potential in this field that Christ once showed us. The wealth of a harvest that this field could produce, with stalks that stand high and proud.  Stalks of such great stature, that the others fields of this world envy it. That the laborers of those fields turn again to us as an example of what a field should be.

Our neglect of the field may have been great, but the potential reward of this field still stands even greater!  It is time Church.  Time we rolled up our sleeves, picked up the tools that Christ has given us, and got our hands in the dirt.  It is time we awoke from our sleep, got up early, and spent every waking moment of our days hard at work in this field.  Knowing that every minute we spend in the field for Christ will leave us healthy, wealthy, and wise. Eternally healthy, filled with a wealth of grace and hope, and wise in Spirit.  Arise out of bed Church, we have a field to tend!  And with each day in the field we will know, there is a harvest coming soon!

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”(Galatians 6:9)