Green Pants Worship

“Hey, Mr. Green Jeans!” mocked one kid on the elementary school playground.

“Those ain't jeans,” yelled another kid. “They're pukey green dress pants.”

I looked down at my hand-me-down slacks filled with shame. However, as the mocking grew more intense, I grew more angry! Before I knew it, the joke turned into a fight. After it was all over, those green slacks were torn at both knees and a back pocket.

That night mom lit into me for destroying the slacks that she had given me. Later, we made a trip to the clothing store to buy a replacement pair of pants. Now was my chance to get what I really wanted—a pair of rugged, blue Levi jeans! I had them in my hands when my mom brought up another pair of green slacks!

“We're in luck, Jimmy,” she gushed. “They were the last new pair!”

“Mom, I really want these jeans instead of slacks,” I explained.

“No, Jimmy,” she reasoned. “You'll like these dress slacks much better.”

I went home with a mixture of intense frustration, sadness, and a pair of pukey green pants. How could anyone know what was really on my mind without asking me?

Do we treat the Lord of Heaven and Earth in the same way? How many times have we tried to second guess God with our preferences? Do we really know what is best for God?

Actually, we only know what God desires through His revealed word. Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah, “However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him'—but God has REVEALED it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:9-11, emphasis mine).

Confused at what God requires from us, some have asked, “With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” (Micah 6:6-7). Micah responded, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (6:8).

Why don't we humbly allow God's revealed word to tell us what is on His mind? Can't we say, “not my will, but Thy will be done”? Dare we offer up “pukey green pants worship” to God and say, “You'll really like this much better”?

by Jim Morris

Activity For The Day - Decode The Message

Play Soldiers

The sun scorched the field of battle in 1965 as three soldiers searched for any telltale signs of life. With rifles held aloft and ready for combat, they never slowed their steps. The enemy was hiding somewhere nearby. They were sure of it!


Sergeant John called out in hushed tones, “Over here, Captain.”

Captain Jim stopped in his tracks, quickly scanned the horizon, and locked eyes on his sergeant. He held up one finger to his mouth while he raised his other hand palm down to silence the eager soldier. This was no time to give away their position.


Lieutenant Rick reached the sergeant first. He stood looking down with eyes wide and mouth agape. One of the enemy's victims lay partially hidden by a small outcropping of rock among some shrubs. When the captain arrived he bent down to see how the enemy had taken this life. Two holes on the victim's neck revealed the work of a heartless assassin. The victim never had a chance. He was ambushed just off the trail.

“Watch yourselves, boys!” whispered Captain Jim. “He may be laying a trap for us, too.”
“Over here, Captain!” shouted the sergeant no longer trying to hide his presence. “He's trying to escape down the ravine!”

“Fire soldier!” yelled the captain as he and his lieutenant positioned themselves to block the assassin's getaway. The summer air rung with gunfire yet the enemy miraculously escaped. Even though the soldiers rained down hot lead on the assassin's back it just bounced off his body armor like so many drops of water.


The dreaded assassin was a six foot rattlesnake. The victim was a jack rabbit. The battlefield was my uncle's cattle ranch in Rhome, Texas. We were just kids-- “play soldiers.” Our mighty weapons, BB guns, were no real threat to our enemy. His armor was simply too tough for our feeble weapons.


In the beginning, the true enemy of mankind took the form of a serpent and “was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made” (Genesis 3:1). He seduced Adam and Eve with false promises. His deadly lies struck deep into their hearts like poison glistened fangs, they rebelled against God and sinned. The fatal blow to this treacherous creature would be delivered by a descendant of the first couple (3:15). However, it did not come in the form of BB guns, M-16s or even nuclear weapons. The final blow was delivered to the old serpent by the Son of Man on the cross at Calvary. It was the only weapon that could make that snake writhe in pain.


Today, we dare not go against the old serpent as “play soldiers” with toy weapons. Our weapon is the message of the cross of Christ. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Activity for Today: Skin Deep Religion

By Jim Morris

OBEY, PAY and PRAY

An ongoing question asked by many Christians is: “What exactly do we owe our governing authorities?” Suppose someone is put into office that we have not elected. After all, in America, we have a representative, democratic voting process that allows us to choose who rules us and how we are to be ruled. However, the “majority” rules in a democracy. Someone may ask, “What if the majority of our voters decide to throw away the Biblical principles that have guided America from its beginning?” The mere idea seemed unthinkable to me until recent events. America is losing her way.

First, the apostles commanded Christians to OBEY the governing authorities. Paul said, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience” (Romans 13:1-6). Peter said the same thing as Paul in his first letter to Christians who were scattered throughout different countries and governments (1 Peter 2:13-17).

Second, the apostles commanded Christians to PAY the governing authorities. Paul also said, “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” (Romans 13:6-7). Even Jesus paid taxes to Israel's government (Matthew 17:24-27) and to Rome's government (Matthew 22:15-22).

Finally, the apostles commanded Christians to PRAY for the governing authorities. Paul told Timothy, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4). The truth is that governments need God's word and God's people to guide their decisions. Christians must serve diligently as a moral beacon of faith, hope and love. More than ever, we must “obey, pay and pray” for our governments.

By Jim Morris

Activity For The Day - WORD SHAPES

Article taken from Jim's Archive

Beautiful Shepherd

A friend of mine tried to describe his sisters to me once. He said they all wore glasses, had braces, were skinny, and looked rather plain to him. Besides, all but one of his sisters were too young for me to even consider.

One summer day, after my friend and I graduated from high school, he invited me to a birthday party for his sister Linda. I reluctantly went along expecting to be bored to tears. After all, family events can be rather boring to most teenagers on the go. I told my friend, “You owe me one for going there.” I already began planning how my friend could pay me back.

The party was pretty predictable until this beautiful girl walked in. She was gorgeous! Her eyes sparkled brown and green with flecks of gold. Her long blonde hair glistened in a ray of sunlight as she turned to look at me. I was entranced. I realized that I had stopped breathing when I fumbled for words as I tried to introduce myself. She smiled and said, “Hi! I’m Linda.”

My friend, now brother-in-law, did not describe his sister very well. I had to meet Linda for myself to know her. Thirty years later, I am still entranced by her. She is so much more than words can describe.

As Christians, you cannot truly “know” Christ by merely reading or memorizing facts “about” Him. You must meet Jesus for yourself in everyday life. You will see Him through the eyes of faith. You will meet Him when life seems at its worst, when hope appears distant, when you wonder how you will make it through another day. You will come to know Him as His words on a page become the light in your life guiding your every step. You will know Him when the story of Jesus becomes enmeshed with the story of your own life.

You will see Jesus when you can hear His voice. Jesus calls Himself the “Beautiful shepherd” (John 10:11, 14). Can you hear Him call your name? He promises, “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28). You will have to meet Jesus for yourself to know Him. He is the most beautiful person you will ever meet. You will be entranced. He is so much more than words can describe.

If you meet me and walk away you have lost little. But if you meet Jesus and turn from Him, you have lost everything.

Activity for Today: Click Me To Have Some Heart

By Jim Morris

Copyright © 2003-06 Jim Morris. All Rights Reserved.

Article taken from Jim's Archive

CLEAN WITH CARE

“Why don’t you practice what you preach?” cried out one of the class members from the back of the auditorium. The question stopped me in my tracks. “Surely he’s not talking to me, is he?” I thought to myself. Then the guy repeated the question more slowly as if I did not hear him the first time. That did it! Everyone in the class was waiting for my answer!

Of course, the class knew about my struggles with the huge corporation for whom I worked. It was downsizing, cutting costs, and positioning itself for sale to the highest bidder. In the process it began practicing cutthroat business tactics that may have been mostly legal but were unethical and certainly un-Christian. I had begun looking for another job but jobs were scarce. I couldn’t just quit, could I?

“You tell us to walk by faith,” the class member bellowed again, “And, it seems to me that you need to do the same thing right now! So why don’t you practice what you preach?”
“Okay, brother. You know my situation. You know that my family depends upon me. So how can I walk by faith?” I asked.

“Quit the job that is killing your soul and your family. God will provide you with a better one,” he answered. “Or go back to school to qualify yourself to serve Him in full-time ministry.”
“I’ll think about it,” I said. I mostly wanted to get the class back on track.

All night long the idea of “walking by faith” tortured me. I had no job lined up. I had obligations, responsibilities, and duties to my family. Yet my job was pulling me away from my family and my faith. I prayed, “God help me. I want to do the right thing. I want to serve You.” I then decided to quit my job and “walk by faith.”

I told my manager the next day, “I quit.” He asked me why, and I told him, “I want to go to heaven. If I stay here one more day then I may do something I will regret.”

God blessed me more than I could have imagined. He opened up doors of opportunity one after the other. Are you facing a crisis in your life, too? God understands. He is waiting for your choice. Will you seek his kingdom and righteousness? Or, will you trust only in yourself? Choose the One who wants to bless you.

As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." (Romans 10:11)

By Jim Morris

Activity For The Day - CrossWord Puzzle

Copyright © 2003-06 Jim Morris. All Rights Reserved.
Article taken from Jim's Archive

TOUGH LOVE

Uncle James and Aunt Bertie must have been mortal enemies. At least that was the conclusion I had come to as a first grader. When they fought, it scared me.

It all started when Uncle James got lost somewhere out on the ranch. He had 5,000 acres so I didn't understand what the big deal was about getting lost. Aunt Bertie thought that he was hurt, snake bit or dead. It seemed that half the town went looking for him. When they finally found him he was okay. In his eighties, he just forgot his way home.

That was when Aunt Bertie took away his truck keys. She then hid his tools, sold his tractor and farm equipment, and began selling off all of their cattle. Life seemed to have taken a turn for the worse. And, according to Uncle James, it was all Bertie's fault! Nevertheless, Aunt Bertie loved, and cared for, Uncle James for the rest of her life. On the surface, they seemed to be mortal enemies. However, in their hearts, love burned brighter each day of their lives.

Paul tells us about such tough love. It is the love that Christ has for all people of all times. Even though most live in rebellion to God and His holy ways, He loves us. Even though we act as mortal enemies at times, Jesus loves us. Paul said, “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Copyright © 2003-06 Jim Morris. All Rights Reserve.
Article taken from Devotionals of Jim's Archive

Activity For The Day - Search Me

The POWER OF GOD

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” little children sometimes say in response to abusive taunts from their peers. Actually, that school yard saying is a bold-faced lie. Words are very powerful! They can change the life of an individual, a community or a nation.

For example, a young man “bowled” his motorcycle helmet to his desk at the back of his high school English class. The teacher walked into the class behind him. With a grimace she slammed the door behind her. Immediately, she threw massive assignments on the blackboard. When she turned around to face the class she wore a plastered smile. Then she gave a speech about the supreme importance of her class as she strolled casually down the row of students until she stopped behind the young man with the helmet.

“Some of you will leave this class to make something of yourselves. You will go on to college, make great careers for yourselves, and maybe even become famous,” she promised. “But, some of you will NEVER amount to anything,” she gloated. When she patted the young man on his shoulder the class laughed hysterically but the young man sat quietly in his seat...
Words have the power to make or break a person. That young man began to live down to her words. He began getting in trouble and frequent fights at school. “After all,” he thought. “Why study? I'll never amount to anything anyway.”

Fortunately, there is one who has encouraging words of truth, wisdom and power. His name is Jesus Christ. Jesus said of his words, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63). At that time Jesus had said some hard statements about himself as the bread of life. He said to them in a figurative way that they must eat his flesh and drink his blood. “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 'You do not want to leave too, do you?' Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God'” (John 6:66-69).

Jesus gives us good news in the power of God. His words can transform us from sinner to saint, lost to saved, and death to life.

Paul boldly proclaimed, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the POWER OF GOD for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith'” (Romans 1:16-17). Let the power of God transform you!

Activity for Today: Good News

by Jim Morris

Tools of the Trade

A Farmer's tools enable him to produce more corps with less effort. For example, hand tools are better than using nothing at all. However, who would want to farm by hand when more powerful tools are available? Tractors, backhoes, dump trucks, combines, and such make the job go easier. They are tools of the trade. The right instrument in the hand of a skillful farmer can make all the difference!

A Mechanic's tools enable him to diagnose, repair, or rebuild machinery. Not everything can be fixed with a ball peen hammer! A good mechanic needs electronic tools to diagnose problems identified by onboard computers, electrical systems, etc. He also needs delicate tools to make fine adjustments on tiny components. At the same time he needs powerful tools to remove axles, motors, and transmissions. They are tools of the trade. The right instrument in the hand of a skillful mechanic can make all the difference!

A Preacher's tools enable him to research, write, preach and teach the truths of God's Word. Regardless of what some may think, preachers do not know everything. They have to study long hours with whatever tools they can get their hands on. What was the history, culture and language o fthe people mentioned in the Bible? How are they like us or different? How did the Bible address their problems? How can it address ours? The preacher must study two cultures at the same time—theirs and ours. On the one hand, he must use many tools to access the truths in the world of God's Word—dictionaries, histories, concordances, word studies, etc. On the other hand, he must use more tools to access the world of today—the media, tapes, books, magazines, etc. They are tools of the trade. The right instrument in the hand of a skillful preacher can make all the difference!

What happens if the tools are broken or missing? The farmer is forced to work by hand. The mechanic may not be able to work at all. The preacher is left with a lot of unsolved mysteries.
Almighty God's tools enable Him to bless the world. Christians are tools of God. So what happens when Christians are broken or absent when God needs to use them? He is forced to repair, retrieve or replace His tools. We are the tools of God's trade. The right instrument in the hand of Almighty God can make all the difference!

“Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness” (Romans 6:12-13).

Can God use you as one of His “tools of the trade”? Or must He search for another? You choose!

Activity For The Day - CROSSWORD PUZZLES

by Jim Morris
Copyright © 2003-06 Jim Morris. All Rights Reserved.
Article is taken from online resource Jim's Archive

Seeking the Lost

“Now the tax collectors and ‘sinners’ were all gathering around to hear [Jesus]. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them’” (Luke 15:1-2).

Can you hear the contempt in their grumbling? Ironically, they certainly had no idea of the extent of God’s love for the lost souls made in His own image.

Jesus describes God’s true feelings toward sinners in three parables–The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin and The Lost Son(s). Each parable is similar in that the reason for seeking the lost is the same. Something of great value is lost and has to be found. Only when the lost is found do we see joy and celebration restored.

Each parable differs in that the drama escalates from parable to parable. The thing lost is shown to be more rare and precious than the one before it. The lost sheep is one of a hundred. The lost coin is one of ten. However, the lost son is just one of two.

Each parable also differs in that the reason for becoming lost varies. The sheep is lost because of its nature to drift carelessly away from safety. The coin is lost because of someone else’s carelessness. The son is lost, however, because of his own defiant will.

Perhaps that last parable hits home closest to those leaders of Jesus’ day. In fact, if we look closely enough we may even find ourselves playing out one of the three roles in the parable of the prodigal son (15:11-32).

The young son is shown as a naive FOOL. He had a comfortable home and the fellowship of his father. Yet, he leaves it all to satisfy his desires and to waste his inheritance on wild living. Actually, he loses more than money. He loses his self-respect. He loses it all before he comes to his senses. Haven’t most of us done the same thing at some point in our lives?

The older son is shown as a heartless CRITIC. He is angry at the return of his own brother! All he sees are the favors presented. He is self-righteous, jealous and hateful. Where is his love? Where is his compassion? Where is his forgiveness? Oh, by the way, where is ours?

The father is shown as a loving SEEKER. He sees his son “a long way off” and runs to meet him. He could tell the young son “I told you so” but he does not. Instead, he rejoices at his return. My friends, that is the heart of the Father in heaven. That is the heart that we should have today. That is what this world needs right now! Can you play the role of the Seeker, too?

“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (15:7).

by Jim Morris

Activity For The Day - Prayer