Raising The Standard: Gratefulness Is Paying My Debt Of Love Out Of The Firstfruits Of My Increase

"Humour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall be burst out with new wine." ~ Proverbs 3:9-10

From The Pages Of Scripture:

Grateful praise is a vital, energy-producing power in our lives. However, gratefulness is destroyed by the false assumption that God owes us a full, happy, and healthy life. One day Christ performed a miracle, and out of the contrasting responses to it, we learn how the principle of tithing can protect us from the destruction of an ungrateful spirit. Ingratitude is like a disfiguring blight on the soul. An ungrateful person may be unconcerned because their attitude is often concealed. However, anyone who gives to that person will quickly detect the problem. Who in Scripture demonstrated genuine gratefulness out of the firstfruits of what he received and in so doing gained an even greater gift? The grateful leper.

How Is The Gratefulness Of Firstfruits Illustrated In Scripture?

The kind teacher just stood there for several moments. He marveled at the gift he had just received. Finally, he spoke to the grateful man who had given it to him and asked him a very pointed question. That question caused the man to reflect back over many years. He remembered the horrifying day when he had first noticed that something was wrong. A tiny patch of skin on his cheek had become discolored and soon the pinkish blotch began to spread. Before long, he had lost all feeling in his skin and his eyebrows began to disappear. Spongy tumor-like growths began to cover his face and body. Internal organs also suffered from damaging disease. Marked deformities occurred in his hands and feet as the tissues between his bones deteriorated. The sensory nerve endings in his hands and feet no longer responded to heat or pain. As a result, he became the victim of numerous accidental injuries. People who had once filled his life with joy and fellowship now required him to call out the frightening words, "Unclean, unclean" wherever he approached. When they heard these words, the were filled with fear and pity and scattered. His only companions were foreigners who were afflicted with the same condition. The discouraged invalid soon discovered that those around him were infected with an even greater affliction --- deeply rooted bitterness. Humanly speaking, they all had good reason to be bitter. There was no hope for a cure and their progressive deterioration left them vulnerable to many other ailments. The man who now knelt before the teacher had received total healing of his leprosy. He had discovered the miracle on his way to see the priest. It seemed only proper to use the first portion of his newly acquired healthy and strength to return and give sincere thanks. The gift of gratefulness deeply impressed the one who had healed him. but it also prompted him to ask an important question, "Where are the other nine?" Ten lepers were healed, but only this Samaritan returned to give thanks. His grateful heart earned him an even greater gift from the Lord Jesus --- healing in his soul from the bitterness that would continue to consume his former companions. [from Luke 17:11-19]

Why Did Jesus Tell The Lepers To See The Priests?

When the Lord heard the lepers' pitiful cries, He neither touched them nor said, "You are cured!" Rather, He told them to go in their leprous condition and show themselves to the priests. According to Mosiac Law, priests were to inspect their skin to certify that they were fully healed (see Leviticus 14:1-3). The Lord put their faith to the test by asking them to act as though they had already been healed. As they obeyed His command, so it happened. "... And it came to pass, that as they went, they were cleansed" (Luke 17:14). In addition to fulfilling the Law's command, it is likely that the Lord wanted these men to be a testimony to the priests that they might believe in Him as the Messiah. When He had healed a leper on a previous occasion, He charged him to "... tell no man: but go, and show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them" (Luke 5:14). After the Lord's resurrection, the priests remembered these things, "... and a great company of the priests were obedient of the faith" (Acts 6:7).

Why Did Only One Leper Return To Thank Jesus?

The test states, " ... and he was a Samaritan" (Luke 17:16). The Samaritans were a despised people. One Jewish author spoke of them as "no nation" and as "the foolish people that dwell in Schechem". When the Jews destroyed the Samaritans' temple on the Mount Gerizim about 128 B.C., the breach between the two groups was final. It is an indication of the horror of leprosy that nine Jews would even consent to live with a Samaritan. But Samaritans, like the publicans, harlots, and sinners, were in general more open to the Gospel. The New Testament almost always speaks favorably of them, and they are portrayed as people who responded enthusiastically to Jesus Himself and to the Apostles of the early Church. Apparently, they did not have as much difficulty recognizing their need for salvation.

What Does The Grateful Leper Teach Us About God's Kingdom?

The grateful leper teaches us that faith is the only basis for membership in God's kingdom. This Samaritan was brought into the kingdom because he believed. The nine Jews, who thought they were already in the kingdom, were excluded. Many Jews felt that they deserved salvation because they were the descendants of righteous Abraham. They did not appreciate God's goodness and benefits because they expected them. Although the Jewish lepers recognized their need of healing, they felt no spiritual need. When Jesus told some Jews that being natural descendants of Abraham was not sufficient to merit salvation, they became incensed and said He was born of fornication. They also accused Him of being a Samaritan and of having a devil (see John 8:41, 48). Their pride prevented them from entering into the kingdom. The Samaritan was not proud in spirit, but, rather, he was poor in spirit. To him belonged the promise, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3).

Illustrated In The World Of Nature:

While there are over 900 different varieties of mistletoe, only two are commonly found in the United States: the leafy, or Christmas mistletoe, which is popular Christmas decoration, and the lesser known dwarf mistletoe. Both kinds of mistletoe are parasites. The mistletoe plant grows only one place --- two to three feet in diameter. Dwarf mistletoe is a serious problem in some areas of the southern United States because it grows on commercially produced trees such as fir and pine. Neither kind of mistletoe has roots of its own, and both are dependent on the water and minerals provided by the tree on which they live.

How Is The Need To Avoid Ungrateful People Illustrated In The World Of Nature?

The story that we now have to tell is a lurid one, but it must be told. A group of well-established residents of a forest community decided it was time to warn their young ones of a seductive stranger. She was very attractive in outward appearance, but her fruit was bitter and full of death. The young ones looked up to their elders and listened intently as the older sages of the community drew upon many years of experience to vividly and effectively sound the alarm. "Her pattern is to slip into community undetected and take up residence as though she were one of us. She may wait several years before making her first move, but then she begins to deceptively work her way into the heart of an unsuspecting victim. "She has no roots and is totally unpredictable. From outward appearance she would give no indication of being a threat. However, when the right conditions exist, she attaches herself to her victim and begins sapping him of life-giving strength and vitality. "For many years this delusive stranger has been involved in the occult, taking on the characteristics of darkness. She avoids the light. She is like a cancer in the life of her unsuspecting host and slowly but surely breaks down his defenses with her subtle designs. "only too late will her host realize just how destructive she really is. When life is finally ebbing will he wonder why he did not listen to the warnings of those who have watched her work again and again." "She avoids more mature residents and instead chooses to work her lustful wiles on tender youths. Wherever she goes, she encourages inappropriate conduct by promoting promiscuity." "She is totally selfish, always stealing from her victim to satisfy her own desires. Others will admire her for her beauty and even take what she has to give the, but her fruit will soon poison them. She formerly worked in a hospital, but left only a trail of miser and woe." The wise elders then pointed to a large scar in one of their members and explained to their wide eyed listeners, "Do you see that horrible scar? It will disfigure him for the rest of his life. He is an example of what we are trying to warn you about. She was with him for many years and he could not get rid of her. It took a major catastrophe to free him from her destructive power, and now look at what is left." They concluded their somber message by saying, "Your best hope of escape is to consistently look up to your Creator, to give Him continual praise from a grateful heart, and to pray that He will deliver you from this seductive stranger." These long standing residents are mighty oaks and tall cedars warning the younger trees about the deadly parasite known as mistletoe.

The Characteristics Of The Mistletoe In Scripture:

Scripture abounds with references on the characteristics of the mistletoe. With its parasitic nature and slow destruction of its victim, the mistletoe presents a vivid illustration of the work of evil. This explains its wide use in occult circles. Like the tree in Genesis 3:3-19, the color, shape, and texture of the mistletoe are very attractive, but its fruit is highly poisonous. The seeds of the mistletoe, like temptations, spread to other trees by their own power and through the appetites of those that indulge in them (see James 1:13-15 and 1 Corinthians 15:33). The infection and distorted growth which a mistletoe seed produces in a new victim depict the corrupting force of sin sown in a life. Once a tree is infected by a seed, it will take several years before the growth of the mistletoe plant begins, much like secret sin that its victim attempts to cover up (Galatians 6:7-8). The deceptive camouflage of some mistletoe is a picture of the envoys of Satan who appear as ministers of righteousness to deceive unsuspecting Christians (see 2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

In Memorium: Walt, my beloved Father in Law

God grant you eternity in heaven in His service. We miss you and thank you for your love, kindness and sevice in this world. Thank you for your steadfast love and courage. We miss you. RIP father.

Raising The Standard: Gratefulness Is Giving Expressions Of Appretiation That Will Honor The Design Of God

"For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost though glory, as if thou hadst not received it?" ~ 1 Corinthians 4:7

Gratefulness in giving:

At the heart of all true giving there must be a spirit of genuine gratefulness. Only as we recognize the truth that we have "freely received" will we be able to obey the instruction to "freely give." (See Matthew 10:8) Our first recipient of gratefulness must be the Lord since "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above..." (James 1:17). When God is given His proper praise, we then receive direction from Him on how to effectively express gratefulness to others.

"That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell all my wondrous works." ~ Psalm 26:7

From The Pages Of Scripture:

People will often express their deepest gratefulness by giving you the very gift which they would like to receive. This is not only true among individuals, it is also true between God and people. God's greatest gift to us was the sacrifice of His Son. Therefore, from the beginning of mankind God delighted in the sweet savor of a correctly offered sacrifice. One man who gave such a gift was attacked by another who attempted to use his gift to exalt his own achievements rather than the redemptive work of Christ.

The true worth of a gift can only be measured by the receiver. Therefore, two mites were worth more than costly treasures and obedience preferred over sacrifice. Who in Scripture gave a gift that was highly treasured by the receiver but ended in the death of the giver? Cain and Abel.

An angry man burst into his home. His raging voice shattered the quietness of the dwelling. He had done his best, but had been humiliated. His grieving parents tried to reason with him, but he glared at them with resentment. He refused to listen to their reasoning and stormed out of the house. The parents in sorrow. Their son's irrational outburst served as a painful reminder of their past sin. They quietly recalled the day he had been born. He had been their joy and hope for the future. They had given him special attention and instructed him in the ways of God. However something had gone wrong in his heart. He had become proud and decided to do things in his own way. When his way was not acceptable, he reacted. In the tension of the moment, another member of the household followed him into the fields and firmly but lovingly rebuked the angry young man for his actions and attitudes. His concern and reproof stung the heart of the listener as he recognized the truth contained in each statement. At that critical moment, he had a choice to make. Hundreds of years later a similar scene took place. A Godly prophet stood before a crowd of frustrated people. They had tried to serve the Lord and prosper, but in their own way. God had turned His back on them. The prophet solemnly proclaimed, "Thus says God, "Why do you transgress the commandments of the Lord so that you do not prosper? Because you have forsaken the Lord, He has also forsaken you!" At that moment those who listened to the words of the prophet were confronted with the same choice as the young man in the field. Both made the same decision. The crowd rejected the prophet's admonitions. Infuriated by his rebukes, they rose up and killed him. The young man in the field also rose up against his messenger of truth and slew him. The young man was angry because he had given a gift to God and it was rejected. The one who rebuked him had also given a gift --- a perfect lamb. The lamb foreshadowed the death of Christ and His payment for sin. This sacrifice was accepted by the Lord. The message of that offering and reproof was later praised by Christ Himself as He rebuked the nation of Israel.

"Behold I sent to you prophets so that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom you slew between the temple and the altar."

Cain presented the fruit of the ground as an offering to the Lord --- it was rejected. Abel's offering of a lamb was an expression of gratefulness that honored the design of God's plan of redemption --- it was accepted. [From Genesis 4; 2 Chronicles 24:20; and Matthew 23:34-35]

Why Did Eve Name Her Second Son Abel?

The literal meaning of "Abel" is "breath, vanity, or vapor." Before Adam and Eve sinned, they and their descendants had the potential of living indefinitely. But God warned that on the very day that they sinned, that potential would end. After the Fall God compares life to a vapor "...For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away" (James 4:14). Solomon summed up all of life in the word vanity (see Ecclesiastes 1:2). And Isaiah comments, "Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils..." (Isaiah 2:22). Abel's name was thus a continual reminder of the brevity of life and the need to live each day in the fear of God.

How Did Abel Achieve The Status Of A Prophet?

Old Testament prophets proclaimed God's truth. They vigorously confronted God's people when they turned from God's ways. They were living epistles of God's message and usually suffered persecution and sometimes death. Jesus acknowledged that Abel was such a prophet when He said, "Woe unto you! ... The blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias..." (Luke 11:47, 50-51). A further function of the prophet is to speak with authority about Christ's righteousness and redemptive work. The offering which Abel gave to the Lord so precisely fulfilled the picture of Christ's atonement for sin that his offering is listed with special distinction in Hebrews 11:4. "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh." Abel fulfilled all the functions of a prophet when he sacrificed to the Lord and then talked with Cain in the field. Scripture clearly indicates that Cain's wrath was not toward Abel but to the truth that he lived and spoke.

What Did Abel Have In Common With Jacob?

Both were secondborn. Both had older brothers who forsook the Lord. And both were recognized by God for their efforts to seek Him. These similarities may also indicate that Abel demonstrated characteristics of secondborn children which were so obvious in Jacob. A secondborn child tends to need greater approval and is often more competitive to get it. The secondborn tends to have a greater capacity for loyalty. When Jacob saw that his older brother despised his birthright, he eagerly bought it up. It may be that Abel similarly snatched up the opportunity of the spiritual heritage which Cain despised. Abel like Jacob developed the heart of a shepherd and, with the accompanying qualities, understood more clearly how to give a gift that honored the designs of the chief Shepherd.

Illustrated In The World Of Nature:

Aphids are small pear shaped insects rarely more than one-eighth of an inch long. They come in a variety of colors including yellowish green, dark green, black and brown. Because they pierce the moist tissues of plants and suck them dry, they do considerable damage to cultivated crops, particularly cotton and corn. Amazingly, these feeble creatures migrate incredible distances, perhaps covering sixty miles in a single day. Fortunately, aphids have many enemies which help to keep their numbers in check.

How Is Appreciation That Honors The Design Of God Illustrated In The World Of Nature?

The injured leopard stared nervously into the rain forest. Snarling and pawing the ground, the restless cat frantically tried to escape the hunter's snare. The leopard instinctively sensed that it must flee from an unseen danger. Slowly and methodically the deadly foe approached --- a long column of migrating driver ants,. The determined attackers marched forward, devouring everything in their path. As they advanced, the terrified leopard yanked the steel cable in a final but fruitless effort to escape. Within several hours the once powerful cat had been turned into a pile of bones. The driver ants relentlessly pushed on, not realizing that their next confrontation would be with a much more formidable adversary. Unlike the leopard, a colony of harvester ants had no intentions of fleeing. They would stand their ground and fight to the death. As the aggressive driver ants entered the fields of harvester ants, the battle began. Workers swiftly returned from their food trails to join in the defense of their colony. With jaws open for action, the harvester ants reared up against the vicious invaders. While on harvester ant grabbed a charging enemy by a leg or an antenna, another defender would tear the intruder apart with its powerful jaws. As the brave harvester ants fell, others rushed to take their places. The long column of ruthless aggressors seemed endless. Finally, with sheer numbers, the driver ants overran the community. The courageous harvester ants had not only fought for their own survival. They had also provided protection for a group of fellow workers that had faithfully benefited their colony. Throughout the summer these co-laborers had diligently worked to produce honeydew for the harvester ants. Several pounds of it had already been stored in the ants' nest in preparation for the coming winter. These loyal friends of the harvester ants were aphids. The tiny workers enjoyed an unusual compatibility with the industrious ants. The aphids were not strong in themselves. They depended on the ants for protection. In return, the aphids produced a continual source of sweet honeydew sugar to strengthen the ants for the work they were to accomplish. The ants and the aphids displayed an extraordinary sense of service and appreciation for each other that honored the design of God.

The Characteristics Of The Aphid And Ant In Scripture:

Scripture reveals that the ways of the ant contain valuable lessons for successful living.

"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest" ~ Proverbs 6:6-8

With no guide, overseer, or ruler to force or coerce, the ants' incredible diligence and achievement must come from another motivation --- their mutual interdependence upon one another and upon those that become a part of their community. This is precisely the type of edification that Christ called for in the local church (See Ephesians 4:16). Although not related to the ant, the aphid becomes a part of the ant's community. The interaction between the ant and the aphid gives the clearest explanation of how the ant provides (sets aright, establishes) her meat (feed for the preparation of food) in the summer, and gathers (brings in) her food (edible products and food sources) in the harvest. The aphid is able to multiply rapidly and destroy crops. Thus it is one of those "pestilences" which God uses to judge His people and the wicked when they violate His ways (See 1 Kings 8:35-39).

NPR Big Shot ... "It's not Political, it's anti intellectual... to Muslim Brotherhood of America posers. No Agenda? Think Again.

NPR Cans Ronald Schiller

Posted Tuesday, March 08, 2011 5:34 PM | By David Weigel Update adding part 2... We can shield you and make your donation anonymous: That, from the new statement from NPR's Dana Rehm, is the shoe that took all day to drop. The entire statement, which also clarifies that Schiller decided to leave before the sting occurred:

"The comments contained in the video released today are contrary to everything we stand for, and we completely disavow the views expressed. NPR is fair and open minded about the people we cover. Our reporting reflects those values every single day – in the civility of our programming, the range of opinions we reflect and the diversity of stories we tell. The assertion that NPR and public radio stations would be better off without federal funding does not reflect reality. The elimination of federal funding would significantly damage public broadcasting as a whole."

Prior to the lunch meeting presented in the edited video, Ron Schiller had informed NPR that he was resigning from his position to take a new job. His resignation was announced publicly last week, and he was expected to depart in May. While we review this situation, he has been placed on administrative leave. David Folkenflik has more, including the key detail that the the "administrative leave" is, yes, confirmation that Schiller is gone. Schiller's first day at the Aspen Institute is April 1; I've checked in with the institute just to make sure he's still starting there.

Cut and paste: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/03/08/134358398/in-video-npr-exec-slams-tea-party-questions-need-for-federal-funds?ft=1&f=1001&sc=tw&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Journalistic ethics? Please. That, sadly has become an oxymoron. Follow your conscience people, and check out (yeah another cut an paste, sorry) http://honestreporting.com/media-critiques-resources/

How Can I Say There Is No God, When All Around Me Creation Calls?

I believe, I believe, I believe...(just like a child). Blessings be upon you this day.

Raising The Standard: Contentment Is Rejoicing In The Way That God Made Me

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." ~ Psalm 139.14

From The Pages Of Scripture:

Comparison breeds discontent. For this reason God warns us that we are not wise if we try to compare ourselves among ourselves (See 2 Corinthians 10:12). Instead, God wants us to thank Him for the way that He designed our unchangeable characteristics, such as appearance, family background, or basic mental abilities. If we fail to be thankful, we will develop attitudes of inferiority or superiority. In either case, we will become self centered and will not be able to freely give to others. Instead, we will develop wrong motivations to gain wealth and influence. This is the destructive pattern that developed in the life of a man who had a visible reason to compare himself with others. When a man rejects God's design for his life, he can easily develop an attitude of inferiority. This response often drives a man to concentrate on symbols of status such as wealth, position, and reputation. Who in Scripture learned that personal wealth and physical stature are not important to God? Zacchaeus the Tax Collector.

How Is Contentment With God's Design Illustrated In Scripture?

The bidding became furious as scores of wealthy businessmen shouted out their lucrative offers. Driven by the desire for power and status, a small men in the crowd stepped forward and ultimately submitted the highest bid. After signing the official documents, he triumphantly strutted from the auction hall and began to prepare for this long awaited opportunity to gain great wealth and power. With his newly acquired authority, the new official began to oppress his own countrymen. He soon became the most hated individual in the entire region. People frowned at the mention of his name and fled when they caught a glimpse of him walking down the narrow streets. As the head of the tax and customs bureau, he quickly accumulated an impressive fortune. However the material wealth he acquired failed to satisfy the longing in his soul. His Hebrew name, meaning "the just one" or "benevolent one", mocked him because of his dishonest way of life. Overwhelmed with guilt and bitterness, he desperately sought a solution. One day he did a curious thing for a man in his position. After he did it, he heard someone call out his name. He was surprised, for the voice was filled with understanding, love, and acceptance. The official's heart responded to the gentle words. Many in the crowd began to grumble when their teacher announced that He would be the guest of such a wicked man. The official then amazed his enemies with the statement, "Behold, Lord, I will give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything by false accusation, I will restore him fourfold." With that humble confession the crooked tax collector trusted the Lord Jesus and became content with God's design for his life. By realizing that his physical stature and material wealth were unimportant to God, he began to fulfill the true meaning of his name, Zacchaeus. [From Luke 19:1-10]

What Attracted Zacchaeus To Jesus?

The record simply states, "And he sought to see Jesus who he was ..." (Luke 19:3). He was curious like others in the crowd who pressed in to get a glimpse of the famous Galilean, but his enthusiastic and joyful response to the Lord indicates that more than mere curiosity was at work in the heart of Zacchaeus. He knew he was guilty of cheating his own countrymen. John the Baptist had clearly commanded the tax collectors, "...Exact no more than that which is appointed you" (Luke 3:13). Zacchaeus may have heard about the conversion of Jesus' disciple, Matthew, who had been a tax collector. If those in his own lucrative profession were willing to follow this man, perhaps he should pursue the matter further. At the same time, Jesus was looking for Zacchaeus, "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). The Father was revealing Himself to Zacchaeus who had a receptive heart (See Matthew 16:17). The Father in turn revealed Zacchaeus to His Son, and Zacchaeus was found and saved (See John 6:35-40).

Why Did The Crowd Disapprove Of Christ's Visit With Zacchaeus?

In addition to the expected animosity that the people felt toward Zacchaeus, there was also a religious reason why they were offended by Jesus' association with him. All tax collectors were considered ceremonially unclean because of their continual contact with Gentiles and their custom of working on the Sabbath. Jewish people were taught by the scribes not to eat with anyone who was ritually unclean. Eating with a tax collector was a violation of scribal law. That is why tax collectors, or publicans, were closely associated with sinners and harlots (See Matthew 9:10-11; 11:19; 21:31). The Lord's response to this criticism was, "...They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Mark 2:17).

How Did Zacchaeus Demonstrate His Faith In Christ?

Zacchaeus demonstrated his new faith by repenting of his former sins and making restitution. Jewish custom for those desirous of a reputation for piety was to give one-fifth of one's annual income to the poor. In fact, the Pharisees went to great lengths to publicize their giving (See Matthew 6:1-4). Zacchaeus, however, used this figure to make restitution for everything he had obtained dishonestly (See Exodus 22:1). His spontaneous generosity reflected a drastically changed value system. His treasure, now in heaven, was being stored. "... where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (Matthew 6:20). The Lord did not ask Zacchaeus to give up all his wealth, as He had the rich young ruler, nor to leave his occupation and home, as He had Matthew. Zacchaeus was to continue his vocation as a new man. He was left to initiate local reform in a corrupt tax system and to be salt and light in Jericho.

Illustrated In The World Of Nature:

The turkey vulture is not particularly attractive, swift, or powerful. It is voiceless, except for a few angry grunts and hisses that it makes as it fights with others for a share of a meal. Its scientific name (Cathartes aura) comes from a Greek word meaning "cleanser." It is a bird that greatly benefits man in spite of its appearance and smell.

How Is The Importance Of Contentment With God's Design Illustrated In The World Of Nature?

Leaning against the dried out slats of an old chuck wagon, two trail hands paused for a cool drink of water. As they climbed back into their saddles, they noticed some strange movements in the distance. Just beyond a giant cactus, they caught sight of two turkey vultures fighting over the remains of a jackrabbit. "Aren't they the ugliest birds you ever did see" laughed one of the cowboys. "Yep," answered the old drover, "look at that puny bald head on that big clumsy body." One of the cowboys got off his horse and with a few well aimed rocks easily scared off the scavengers. That evening, the tired cowboys huddled around the campfire to escape the chill of the cool desert night. One by one they curled up in their bedrolls and dozed off to sleep. That night, one of the longhorns broke away from the main herd. Shaken with fever and convulsions, it finally collapsed onto a patch of buffalo grass. Two days later, as the noonday sun began to blister the arid landscape, circling turkey vultures descended and began to devour the decaying carcass. Preoccupied with their meal, the busy vultures failed to sense the presence of another scavenger. Without warning, a hungry coyote lunged at the birds from a nearby ridge. The vultures escaped, leaving only bare bones for the disappointed coyote. Aroused by the commotion, the two trail hands approached the skeleton. The coyote swiftly fled into the desert. The cowboys dismounted and examined the scene. As they stood over the pile of bones they did not realize that the ugly birds that they had mocked and driven away were now responsible for helping to protect them from certain death. By so completely consuming the carcass of the steer, they had removed the threat of the highly contagious disease anthrax from the cowboys and the herd. As the turkey vultures fulfilled God's design for feeding on death, others were given protection in life.

The Characteristics Of The Vulture In Scripture:

Most people are repulsed by the physical appearance and the basic function of the vulture. Despite its reputation, the vulture has been specifically designed and equipped to fulfill God's purposes.

"... There shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate" ~ Isaiah 34:15

The Hebrew word for vulture is 'ayah (ah-yaw) which means "the screamer". Its root meaning may stem from 'ie (ee) and 'owy (o-ee) which mean "one crying woe". The vulture thrives on death, preventing the spread of disease by feeding on the carcasses of the dead. Scripture makes a special mention of the vulture's keen eyesight, equipping the bird with an alertness for death.

"There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen" ~ Job 28:7

The vulture is also a symbol of God's judgment. The wages of sin is death. When a dead body of a person becomes a meal for the vulture, it means that a proper burial has not been provided due to disaster, vengeance, or judgment. When David stood against Goliath, he declared that God would give the giant's body over to the fowls of the air to punish his defiance (See Samuel 17:46). The vulture is specifically identified as unclean meat.

"But these are they of which ye shall not eat ... the glede and the kite, and the vulture after his kind" ~ Deuteronomy 14:12-13

Raising The Standard: Contentment Is Avoiding The Bondage Of Personal Expectations

"My soul, wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is from Him." ~ Psalm 62:5

From The Pages Of Scripture:

Expectations destroy relationships. They compete with the principles of contentment. When God commanded the armies of Israel to conquer an evil and wicked city, He warned the soldiers not to expect personal gain from the battle. They would get their reward at a later time. One man listened to these warnings, but became the willing prisoner of his own expectations. In the course of fulfilling his selfish desires, he brought tragedy to his nation, his family, and himself.

How Is The Bondage Of Wrong Expectations Illustrated In Scripture?

Giving up expectations is not easy. That is why God invites us to transfer them to Him. The Lord assures us that He will fulfill every expectation that will benefit our lives if we are faithful to learn the discipline of contentment. Which man in Scripture lost his life because he decided to disobey God's command so that he could fulfill his own expectations? Achan. Hundreds of supernatural lessons should have prepared him for this crucial test. Previous tests involved the multitudes, but this test he faced alone. Little did he know that the lives of his wife, his children, and all his future generations hung in the balance during this crucial time. As a boy, he had witnessed the moving of the mighty hand of God. He knew how the Lord had provided not only for his needs, but for the needs of the whole nation. There were times when finding sufficient supplies of food and water was humanly impossible. In each instance, God graciously assured the people that He would fulfill their basic needs. Times of waiting taught them important lessons in contentment. How could he have forgotten the day when he and the people had asked God for food? The Lord answered by showering them with bread from heaven that day and for the next forty years! Had he also forgotten how he and the people had cried out to God with parched throats for water? There in the barren desert their leader struck a rock according to God's command causing fresh, cool fountains to miraculously flow forth. And when they had grown tired of bread, had not God filled their camp with flocks of tender quail? Could this man also have lost sight of the fact that the leather soles of his sandals had lasted for over forty years of wandering? These and many other powerful lessons should have caused him to quickly turn away from the objects that now tempted him, but he kept staring at them. The longer he looked, the more he became attached to the forbidden articles. Finally, he scooped them up, nervously hurried off to his tent and buried them. Several days later he quietly stood before the entire nation. At his leader's urging, he confessed how he had violated the command of the Lord. "When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them and took them..." (Joshua 7:21). In one foolish act, he had forsaken the provision of the Lord and relied on himself. By doing so, he entered into bondage of wrong expectations. He and his family were led into the valley. There Achan, his wife and his children were stoned to death. [From Joshua 7]

What Caused Achan To Commit Such A Foolish Sin?

Achan gives the answer in his confession before the assembly. "When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them and took them; and behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it" (Joshua 7:21). Achan's downfall began with a deliberate decision to continue to look at the beautiful garment and the money. He became distracted from his assigned duties as a soldier and soon coveted the forbidden spoil. A battle began in his mind. He was deciding whether or not to yield the members of his body as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin or as instruments of righteousness unto God. (See Romans 6:13) He chose the former and took the prohibited items. The evil look and the evil thought led to the evil deed. Now Achan had to deal with his conscience. He ignored its prompting to repentance. In spite of thirty six deaths. Achan refused to confess his sin until the lot finally fell at his feet. The "innocent" look had started a process of sin which destroyed him.

Why Did Others Have To Suffer For Achan's Sin?

Because of Achan's private sin, thirty six men were killed attempting to capture the city of Ai. Parents lost sons, wives lost husbands, and children lost fathers. The Lord declared to Joshua, "Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen..." (Joshua 7:11). The Lord held the entire assembly responsible for the secret sin of one of its members. This is a principle stated throughout scripture. The Apostle Paul compared God's people to the members of a body. "And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it" (1 Corinthians 12:26). For this reason we are to "... consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together ... but exhorting one another ..." (Hebrews 10:24-25). We are not individual islands unto ourselves; we are a corporate body. We stand or fall together.

Why Was Achan's Punishment So Severe?

Achan was stoned, burned, and buried under a pile of rocks for stealing. God made Achan an example to the nation. The Lord was teaching His people that an act of direct disobedience to His revealed will is worthy of death. (See Numbers 15:30-31) The first man to break the fourth commandment by gathering sticks on the sabbath day was stoned as an example to the others. (See Numbers 15:32-36) The first professing Christians who lied to the Holy Spirit were struck dead as a sobering example to the early Church. (See Acts 5:1-11) Achan's punishment demonstrated the exacting nature of God's forbearance and mercy toward us who deserve the same when we violate God's commands. (See Lamentations 3:22)

Illustrated In The World Of Nature:

In the united States, the oyster catcher resides on the east and west coast beaches. The western species is completely black. The eastern species is black with a white breast. Both species are easily identified by a bright red bill which is twice as long as the head. Oyster catchers are large birds, fifteen to twenty inches tall. Flocks of these birds, contain a large majority of older birds --- some as old as twenty-three years.

How Is The Bondage Of Expectations Illustrated In The World of Nature?

Thunderclouds overshadowed the silent bird as he pointed his scarlet bill into the salty ocean breeze. The tide had just receded, exposing a vast array of shoreline delicacies. Wading into the shallows, the hungry shorebird feasted on oysters, crabs, and mussels while other shorebirds probed the wet sand for worms and cockles. But with the delicacies there were hidden dangers. After devouring all of the available oysters, the bird turned his attention to an abundant supply of limpets. These one-shelled creatures had attached themselves tightly to rocks with a single pad like foot. The confident bird expected each limpet to be relaxed and easy to pry loose with one quick flip of his beak. This was the case well into the afternoon. Gradually, the foamy advances of the tide began to infringe on the busy shoreline. As the swelling surf warned the feeding bird to retreat from shore, he decided that there was time to enjoy one more meal. The agile hunter spotted a delicious looking limpet fastened to a saw-toothed rock. Assuming that the shellfish would be an easy prey, he jabbed his pointed bill between the limpet and the rock. Aroused by the incoming tide, the limpet had already tightened its grip on the reef. The bird tried in vain to pry the limpet loose, and when he attempted to withdraw his bill, he discovered that he was trapped! The frightened bird frantically attempted to free himself from the limpet's vise like grip. Meanwhile the surging tide began to lap against the rock where the bird was hopelessly caught. The struggles of the bird only caused the limpet to increase its hold. Soon, powerful waves broke in alone the shore and splashed over the bird. Suddenly the pinned bird stopped struggling. He folded his wings and just stood still. The limpet responded by loosening its grip for a moment. In that instant the oyster catcher yanked his bill free and flew to safety. Only by surrendering his struggle for freedom was he able to experience it.

The Characteristics Of The Oyster Catcher In Scripture:

The oyster catcher ceases to struggle if initial attempts to free itself are unsuccessful. Similarly, Christians are to stoop striving or contending with others who reject the truth which they give.

"And the servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentile to all men..." ~ 2 Timothy 2:24

Further counsel is given by God for this important point in Scripture:

"Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise and do evil" ~ Psalm 37:8

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger" ~ Proverbs 15:1

When an oyster catcher finds itself in a territorial confrontation with another oyster catcher, it will end the battle by yielding its rights and becoming vulnerable. As Christians, we are told to submit ourselves to the older.

"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject to one another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." ~ 1 Peter 5:5

Hematopus palliatus is the scientific classification assigned to the oyster catcher. The Greek root words mean "blood" and "taking that which is hidden". Christians identify with God by the blood of Christ and grow by daily feeding on the hidden truths of the Word of God.