How Much Time Do We Have?

About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier:

“A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship.”

“The average age of the world’s greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years. During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the following sequence:

From bondage to spiritual faith;
From spiritual faith to great courage;
From courage to liberty;
From liberty to abundance;
From abundance to complacency;
From complacency to apathy;
From apathy to dependence;
From dependence back into bondage.”

The Big Question?

Will the United States of America dominate the world scene for another hundred years or will internal decay and lack of a common course take it the way of other great empires in the past? Rome, Carthage, Greece, the Soviet Union, and many others who stepped onto the world stage have exited – some in infamy others in ruin.
Those who left Europe, and came to America, found opportunity and religious freedom, and were blessed in their efforts as long as they served God.

Renewal of our country must begin with each individual and spread throughout the homes, communities and cities of our vast nation. We need a return to values that once made America great and a personal, individual commitment made by parents, teachers, leaders everywhere to seek virtue and integrity.

The Fence

Once upon a time two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch. Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.
One morning there was a knock on John’s door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter’s toolbox, “I’m looking for a few days’ work,” he said. “Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?”

“Yes,” said the older brother. “I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That’s my neighbor, in fact, it’s my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I’ll go him one better. See that pole of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence, an 8-foot fence, so I won’t need to see his place or his face anymore.”

The carpenter said, “I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I’ll be able to do a job that pleases you.”

The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, and nailing. About sunset, when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer’s eyes opened wide, his haw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge – a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all – and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming across, his hand outstretched.

“You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I’ve said and done.”

The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other’s hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder.

“No, wait! Stay a few days. I’ve got lots of other projects for you,” said the older brother.

“I’d love to stay on,” the carpenter said. “But, I have many more bridges to build.”

-The Bible Friend June/July 2003

“Wally was nine years old and in the second grade, though he should have been in the fourth. He was big and clumsy, slow in movement and mind, but well liked by the other children in class, all of whom were smaller than he. At times the boys did have trouble hiding their irritation when the uncoordinated Wally would ask to play ball with them. He would stand by – not sulking but hoping – always a helpful boy, willing and smiling, the natural protector of any child he felt was being mistreated.
“As Christmas time approached, plans were made for the annual school pageant. Children were being assigned their parts – angels, shepherds, wisemen, Mary, Joseph. Wally stood by expectantly – then suddenly his joy knew no bounds, for he heard the teacher say, “Wally, I want you to be the Innkeeper.” (Not many lines to learn, she reasoned – and his size would make his refusal of lodging to Joseph more forceful.) Little did that teacher dream the lesson that such a tenderhearted boy would teach to all who would attend that program!

“Then came rehearsals – the crooks and manger, beards, crowns, halos, and a stageful of squeaky voices. Most caught up in the magic of the night was Wally. He would stand in the wings, watch the performance with fascination; his teacher had to make sure he did not wander onstage before his cue.

“Came the long-awaited night, and Wally stood, holding a lantern, by the door of the Inn, watching as the children who portrayed Mary and Joseph came near him. “What do you want?” Wally asked with a brusque gesture. “We seek lodging.” “Seek it elsewhere – the inn is filled.” “Sir, we have asked everywhere in vain. We have traveled far and are very weary.” “There is no room in this inn for you.” Wally looked properly stern.

“Please, good Innkeeper, this is my wife. She is heavy with child and needs a place to rest. Surely you must have some small corner for her. She is so tired.”

“Now, for the first time, the Innkeeper relaxed his stiff stance and looked down at Mary. With that there was a long pause – the audience became a bit tense.

“No! Begone!” the prompter whispered from the wings.

“No! Begone!” Wally repeated automatically.

“Joseph sadly placed his arms around Mary, and Mary laid her head upon her husband’s shoulder, and the two of them started to move away. The Innkeeper did not return inside his Inn, however. Wally stood there in the doorway, watching the forlorn couple. His mouth was open, his brow creased with concern, his eyes filling unmistakably with tears.

“And suddenly this Christmas pageant became different from all the others.

“Don’t go, Joseph.” Wally called out. “Bring Mary back.” And Wally’s face grew into a bright smile. “You can have my room!”

“A burst of laughter – then silence – then tears flowed freely as the message came through to the listeners. Wally, the boy considered ‘slow,’ had made room for Jesus. He could not turn Mary and Joseph away – God’s only begotten Son would be welcomed by him! His tender heart had made room for the Savior.”

Osterhus Pub. House, MPLS, Tract. www.osterhuspub.com

Nobody Cares!
By Charlie Grier

When I see a soul with a solemn face
I often wish that I could trace
The cause for the burden so evident there.
Is it that nobody seems to care?

A kindly word, or a helping hand,
Might have lifted that one from the sinking sand.
But the one he trusted was not there
In his hour of trouble and despair.

His face may be young and his body strong
But something has seemingly gone wrong.
He bravely attempts to hide his pain
But his manly efforts are in vain.

He is hurt too deep for an easy cure –
Things will never be as they were before.
Contentment and peace cannot abide
For he thinks his wrath is justified.

I see a maiden lovely and fair
With never a thought of anxious care,
Until one day there’s an ugly fall –
Now she’s distained and despised by all!

Alone she stands without a friend.
Nothing is offered but deeper sin.
She sinks to a level of deep despair –
When she needed a friend, nobody was there!

A mother has tried, though strength from above
To care for her own through mother love.
Now she is old and those she holds dear
Do little her fainting heart to cheer.

A kindly word – a loving prayer –
Something to show they really care –
Is all that is needed to let her know
That she is loved will set her aglow!

But it is not true that nobody cares.
God loves you and will answer your prayers.
Just pray for the ones who have slighted you
That God will come into their hearts, too.

He will prove His love each day that we live.
If only to Him our hearts we give.
He has promised to be a Companion and Friend
And to comfort us to the very end.

Jesus came to ‘seek and to save that which was lost’ (Luke 19:10). It was God’s incredible love for us that brought us that babe in a manger. John 3:16 tells us that God loves us so much that He gave His only begotten Son for our salvation. Jesus willing gave Himself for mankind. Jesus suffered everything we’ve ever faced in His short life so He understands and cares. When others would give up on us, He never does. He is there with His arms open wide saying,

“Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28 KJV).

Its fun to go to Grandmother’s house
On Happy Thanksgiving Day!
She always seems to understand
Whatever we do, or say.

We romp and play as much as we like -
Thanksgiving’s a day of cheer!
Possibly, Grandmother may be glad
It only comes once a year.

I know there’ll be turkey, and cranberry sauce,
And cookies and cakes galore;
And no matter how much we pile on our plate
We always come back for more!

Then Grandfather reads from the Bible;
In his quaint, old-fashioned way.
We all sing songs of Thanksgiving and Praise!
And find it a pleasure to pray.

Its fun to go to Grandmother’s house -
We always wish we could stay.
A day of joy for each girl, and each boy,
‘TIS HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY!

My wife was as sweet as a wife could be.
The Lord created her just for me.
From the day she consented to be my bride
She stood, ever faithfully, by my side.
A magnificent voice! And the gift to play!
Plus she spent several hours in prayer each day.

She prayed for her friends and she prayed for her foes,
For those who assisted, and those who opposed.
She prayed for me — till that heart-breaking day–
When the Lord decided to take her away.
Does she pray for me now? I believe she does –
The most faithful companion there ever was!

He who taught his Sister
to sing in a 2nd key -
He whose sole ambition was,
To be goofier than me!

He loved the mountains and the streams,
He loved to ride a pony;
He always loved a good clean joke -
Even when it was phony!

His favorite book was Webster -
He studied every word -
Those rare words some find difficult,
He mastered and never slurred.

The girls in his High-School Class,
All had their eyes on him.
He was no longer a big fat kid -
But handsome now! – and slim!

At the Junior High-School Banquet
All had their eyes on John!
But he chose his younger Sister,
And waved the other girls on!

Throughout the years John has stood the test.
He has dared to take his stand;
Against the evil, and for the good;
John has proven to be a man!

The Lord Jesus Christ is his message;
The Bible his daily bread.
He loves to share the Word of God
And to see that the starving are fed!

His heart is fixed on winning souls -
And souls for God he’ll win!
And when that Crowning Day has come,
There’ll be a Crown, for him!

My mother was not an
angel, She didn’t profess to be.
But she was the grandest mother!
God made  her just for me!

She learned it from her mother,
Her mother did the same;
For that’s God’s plan through the ages,
Each family as it  came.

My mother studied the Bible.
God taught her how to live —
So  when I came with my questions
My mother had something to give.

My  mother loved all of her children,
Six in turn were we.
Each was decidedly  different,
But we were her family.

She worked and sacrificed for  us,
We were her pride and joy!
Nothing could shatter her love and  trust
In each darling girl or boy!

She prayed for each of us constantly,
To the God who answers prayer.
She has gone on to  Glory.
But praise the Lord! I hope to meet her there!

In a distant land, on a bygone day,
A little BABE in a manger lay.
But who could tell, as He nestled there,
While Mary and Joseph bowed in prayer,
That here on the hay, with His infant cry,
Lay the Master of ocean, earth, and sky?
And then as He taller and fairer grew –
This lad that all of His neighbors knew
To be pleasant and courteous, brave and strong,
With a cheery smile and a hearty song –
Touched their hearts and troubled their minds,
“Who was this lad so gentle and kind?”
They liked His frank, straightforward ways,
His wisdom and words were beyond His days,
And they paused to watch Him fashion wood
In a manner no other craftsman could –
He impressed them much, as a good boy does
But they never dreamed who He really was!

At last a lock is upon the door –
The Carpenter of Nazareth is no more,
But now, a Man with a “ONE-WAY” sign
Is telling the Truth to all mankind.
He is pointing to that “narrow way”
That leads, at last, to Eternal Day;
And they listen just as they did before
Back in His humble work-shop door,
“Never man spake as he,” they cry –
With new hope gleaming in their eye.
“The strength of Elijah he displays,
But he is unlike him in some ways.
Like Jeremiah, he weeps and warns
While favor from the rich he scorns.
Messiah? — No, he cannot be –
No prophet comes from Galilee!”
And so they turn from Him because
They didn’t know who He really was!

Then He showed His love through mighty deeds:
He healed their sick and supplied their needs.
He cleansed the leper and raised the dead –
The hungry multitudes were fed.
He stilled the storm — the poor He blessed.
He offered pardon, peace, and rest!
His critics cried, “He is too meek –
He tries too hard the lost to seek!
We want a leader strong as steel –
Full of courage, strength, and zeal
To rule the world with an iron rod –
Yet, never once claiming to be God.”
At last united, in Pilate’s Hall
A verdict of “death” was agreed by all.
“Envy” brought charges of trumped-up sin.
“Hatred” shouted, “Away with Him!”
God’s angry earthquake shook the sod!
“Honesty” acknowledged, “This was the Son of God!”

At Christmastide, when men of good will
Seek to worship the Christ child still,
Have you stayed too long in Bethlehem town,
Or, have you followed His steps around
To Jerusalem, and Galilee,
And this angry throng at Calvary?
Have you stood amazed beneath the Cross
And cried, “For ME He suffered loss!
It was for ME He bore disgrace –
Bearing MY sin — taking My place?”
The message of Christmas is more, by far,
Than the angels’ song, or the Wise Men’s star.
Have you stood at the Tomb in ecstasy,
Where nature responded to Deity
And shouted, “Christ is the Victor now
For He conquered DEATH on Calvary’s brow!”
If YOU are not saved, is it not because
You, too, haven’t learned who He really was?

“And Simon Peter answered and said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son on the living God.”

Janet is my Daughter-in-law -
You’d think she were my child;
She never fails to show her love for me.
She sends her gifts far in advance
For every special day -
Birthday, Christmas – what e’re it may be!

I often times neglect her -
Not meaning to, of course,
And then, of course, I try to make excuse.
She never has that problem
For her memory never fails -
Then I feel like a big old silly goose!

I love my little daughter,
She’s as sweet as she can be.
She loves the Lord and serves Him day by day.
I have no gifts to give her,
I have only this to say-

She’ll will always be a jewel -come what may!

When I was a tiny tot
Someone cuddled me a lot;
Used to hold me on his knee -
Enter in my childish glee
And by story, or by song,
Entertain me all day long
He’s my Dad!

Sometimes he would counsel me
‘Bout the man he hoped I’d be.
Now I’m grown and gone my way
Father hasn’t much to say.
Still the question comes to me,
Am I all he hoped I’d be?
He’s my Dad!

Now a little “fuzzy head”
Occupies a trundle bed -
Laughs and coos – I do declare
Couldn’t do without him there!
Never knew before such joy
Could come from so small a boy -
I’m his Dad!

Sometimes I become quite grave -
Will he always have to slave
Like his dad from dyer need,
Or, will he in life succeed?
Most of all, will heaven and earth
Be made richer by his birth?
I’m his Dad!

Listen, somewhere there’s a man
Who has tried as best he can,
For his daughter, or his boy
Who was once his fondest joy,
If he’s still alive today,
Make him happy in some way -
He’s your Dad!

Maybe, in this world of strife,
He has missed some things in life.
Don’t be proud if you have had
Priviledges denied to Dad.
You owe much to him today
Try to show it in some way -
He’s your Dad

Note — Written when John, Sr. was a baby in 1941.

If you have reached the top of the hill
Where sunlight floods your life,
Remember I’m still climbing
And my soul is torn with strife.
The path seems dim — the thorns are sharp –
There’s pitfalls to evade!
My Savior said He’d walk with me
in sunlight or in shade.
But somehow, in my weakness,
I need a human friend
To cheer me, as I climb the hill
And lend a helping hand.

They say there’s valleys past the hill
And hills beyond each valley.
I do not know the dangers
That lurk in each dark alley.
I know there’s One who tred this path
Who’ll walk with me forever –
And though some friends may fail me
He will forsake me never!
He makes the rough road beautiful –
The hard things a delight –
I never walk in darkness
For Jesus is my light!

But still I need YOUR voice of cheer;
Together we are climbing –
We’ll help each other through each cloud
To see the SLIVER LINING.

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” Galatians 6:2