Saturday Song: Alice Cooper, "School's Out"

June sure does seem to drag by for students. The thought of eight weeks of freedom dominates their minds as they study for tests and sit for exams. On the last day of school, kids rejoice when that final buzzer or bell goes. Alice Cooper said in one interview that the anticipation of school ending for the summer is what inspired him to write the song.

Listen to "School's Out" here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcVEhtojXlc

Whether you know it or not, we believers are in school. We're here to learn how to trust God. The primary school lessons came from the fall of Adam and the patriarchs. The secondary or middle school courses are the law given to Moses and Israel. The high school doctrine is the gospel preached by Christ and his apostles.

As Galatians 3:24 and 25 (KJV) aptly states, "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster."

Unfortunately, there are those rowdy disrupters who oppose good teaching. As Acts 19:9 (BBE) reports, "But because some of the people were hard-hearted and would not give hearing, saying evil words about the Way before the people, he went away from them, and kept the disciples separate, reasoning every day in the school of Tyrannus."

And just as there are certain teachers in schools who teach their own political opinions as course material, so there are false teachers teaching destructive doctrines. As we read in 2 Peter 2:1 (BBE) "But there were false prophets among the people, as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly put forward wrong teachings for your destruction, even turning away from the Lord who gave himself for them; whose destruction will come quickly, and they themselves will be the cause of it."

The best way to avoid these wicked people is to study God's textbook: the Bible. Once you're familiar with what he taught, wrong doctrines will be as obvious as a three-dollar bill.

On Monday, I'll post about Christ's dominion and how we became managers of planet Earth. Psalm 72:8 also was inscribed in Canada's parliament building's foundation.

The Irony of Jericho

How curious that Jericho Hill School for the Deaf and Blind, where I was forced to go from 1964 to 1970, was located above Jericho Beach in Vancouver, British Columbia. In the biblical Jericho, Jesus healed a blind man. Some three-thousand years later, sight-impaired children were sent to a school called Jericho.

We read in Mark 10:46 (BBE) of this man and how he was healed completely. "And they came to Jericho: and when he was going out of Jericho, with his disciples and a great number of people, the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, a blind man, was seated by the wayside, with his hand out for money."

The modern-day place where I was sent for six lonely years wasn't named after Jericho of old but for Jeremiah Rogers. He was a lumber man who had a camp in that area during the 1860s. Jerry's Cove, as the beach was called, soon had its name corrupted into Jericho and the name stuck.

I remember how we used to love the spiritual song about Joshua fighting the battle of Jericho. How we wished we could have Joshua rescue us, burn down the school, and take us to our homes. Our music teacher doubtless wondered why we sung that song with such earnestness.

And Just as we cursed our Jericho, Joshua cursed that city in his time. Joshua 6:26 (BBE) relates, "Then Joshua gave the people orders with an oath, saying, 'Let that man be cursed before the Lord who puts his hand to the building up of this town: with the loss of his first son will he put the first stone of it in place, and with the loss of his youngest son he will put up its doors."

Jericho of old was rebuilt, just as Joshua said. We read in 1 Kings 16:34 (BBE) that, "In his days Hiel made Jericho; he put its base in position at the price of Abiram, his oldest son, and he put its doors in place at the price of his youngest son Segub; even as the Lord had said by Joshua, the son of Nun."

And though some blind folks decry the lack of braille lessons being taught to visually-impaired children in public schools, I'm glad that Jericho was closed in 1992. Three-hundred deaf students and alumni filed a class action suit against the British Columbia government because of sexual molestation which happened in the school for decades.

As far as I know, no children died as a result of the new Jericho School for the Deaf which was built in the neighbouring city of Burnaby, I suspect that more attention is paid to the children and their situation.

I wrote my second memoir, Deliverance from Jericho, about the time I served at that institution and what it was like being there. You can order print copies directly from me through Messenger or by e-mailing me directly.

On Saturday, I'll be posting about the time of the school year which all kids look forward to. I had a special fondness for the end of June because I knew I'd be home for nine wonderful weeks of freedom from supervisors and bullies.

To Make Something Clean, Make Something Else Dirty

I sure wish I knew who came up with this witty and profound statement. The more I think of it, the more I realize this applies in spiritual terms as well. We need to know the person who offers us cleansing from sin.

Jesus is the only one who can cleanse people from wickedness and change their lives for the better. Paul gave the reason for this exchange of spiritual filthiness in 2 Corinthians 5:21 (BBE). "For him who had no knowledge of sin God made to be sin for us; so that we might become the righteousness of God in him."

We all know the story of when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. Those slow-witted men were arguing about which of them would be the greatest. In reference to baptism, Christ said in John 13:10 (BBE), "Jesus said to him, 'He who is bathed has need only to have his feet washed and then he is clean all over: and you, my disciples, are clean, but not all of you." Those last five words refer to Judas Iscariot.

But baptism doesn't make a person holy, as Peter explained with the example of Noah and his family being saved through the flood. We read in 2 Peter 3:21 (BBE), "And baptism, of which this is an image, now gives you salvation, not by washing clean the flesh, but by making you free from the sense of sin before God, through the coming again of Jesus Christ from the dead;"

As for foot washing, we need a spiritual sort since we walk through a filthy world and become soiled with sin. But Paul admonished in 2 Corinthians 7:1 (BBE), "Because God, then, will give us such rewards, dear brothers, let us make ourselves clean from all evil of flesh and spirit, and become completely holy in the fear of God.

So we can see that foot washing was not only the lowest job a first-century person could do but it's a spiritual image of asking for forgiveness from our inevitable lapses of love for Christ. I hope to add this to my next book called You Think You're Going to Heaven? God took sin so seriously that he sent Christ to pay for it on the cross. Shame on us if we don't take rebellion against the Lord seriously.

On Thursday, I'll explain about the ironic naming of a school for the blind and its namesake.

Saturday Song: Chillowack, "Lonesome Mary"

I'm so glad that society is recognizing the devastating effect which chronic depression has on people. While we all get the blues from time to time, clinical depression renders its victims unable to do much of anything. Even feeding and dressing oneself can feel like too big a chore.

Chillowack, a band from a town in British Columbia with the same name, sang about a depressed woman back in 1971. Even she didn't know why she wept all the time.

Here "Lonesome Marry" here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVLqaGNJ2wE

Even in biblical times, people suffered from depression. The psalms are filled with anguished cries to God. As David wrote in Psalms 42:5 (KJV), "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance."

Some Scripture writers had valid reasons to fear and feel downcast. Jeremiah 4:19 (KJV) says, "My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my  very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace,  because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the  alarm of war."

Whatever causes us to feel depressed, we can rest our minds on the truth that God cares for us. Even when the entire world seems to be going sideways, our Lord is still in charge.

So, what do you think of the song and what I wrote? Please leave me your opinion below. But if you'd rather not, have a fun weekend.

On Monday, I'll examine the fact that making something clean dirties something else. Think about it.

Are the Rich as Rich as They Seem?

It's no secret that most people envy the rich. They ride in fancy cars, live in huge mansions, and travel to exclusive vacation destinations. Neither do they need to be frugal like the rest of us.

But many rich people aren't as wealthy as they appear. They have plenty of net worth but they don't have a lot of cash on hand.

One danger of being well off is becoming arrogant. As Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:17 (BBE), "Give orders to those who have money and goods in this life, not to be lifted up in their minds, or to put their hope in the uncertain chances of wealth, but in God who gives us in full measure all things for our use;"

Spiritual riches can't be banked but they increase the more we spread them around. Look at what Paul wrote in Colossians 1:26 and 27 (BBE). "The secret which has been kept from all times and generations, but has now been made clear to his saints, To whom God was pleased to give knowledge of the wealth of the glory of this secret among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:"

As for the wealth of this world, it's highly unstable. The housing bubble and subsequent crash of 2008 demonstrated that fact. As King Solomon wisely noted in Proverbs 23:6 (BBE), "Are your eyes lifted up to it? it is gone: for wealth takes to itself wings, like an eagle in flight up to heaven."

But riches of themselves aren't evil. Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 5:18 and 19 (BBE), "This is what I have seen: it is good and fair for a man to take meat and drink and to have joy in all his work under the sun, all the days of his life which God has given him; that is his reward. Every man to whom God has given money and wealth and the power to have pleasure in it and to do his part and have joy in his work: this is given by God."

We see many wicked people gaining wealth but the Bible says that ill-gotten gain won't last. As Jeremiah 17:11 BBE) says, "Like the partridge, getting eggs together but not producing young, is a man who gets wealth but not by right; before half his days are ended, it will go from him, and at his end he will be foolish."

Of course the best way for us to be is neither wealthy or impoverished. As Proverbs 30:7-9  (BBE) points out, "I have made request to you (God) for two things; do not keep them from me before my death: Put far from me all false and foolish things: do not give me great wealth or let me be in need, but give me only enough food: For fear that if I am full, I may be false to you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' or if I am poor, I may become a thief, using the name of my God wrongly."

I'm presently working on a new book called You Think You're Going to Heaven. In it, I'll explain about the only riches we can transfer to that wonderful place.

On Saturday, I'll post about a song dealing with the subject of chronic depression. It happens even to Christians.

What Does The Bible Say About Wages?

Many new believers don't realize just how much Scripture has to say about wages. Here are just a few examples to ponder.

Firstly, wages must be paid on time. When people were writing the books of the Bible, workers were paid at the end of each day.

The Lord commanded through Moses in Deuteronomy 24:14 and 15 (BBE), "Do not be hard on a servant who is poor and in need, if he is one of your countrymen or a man from another nation living with you in your land. Give him his payment day by day, not keeping it back over night; for he is poor and his living is dependent on it; and if his cry against you comes to the ears of the Lord, it will be judged as sin in you."

And if your employer tries to fiddle with your wages, as Laban did with Jacob's pay, God will give you help. As Jacob told his wives in Genesis 31:7-9 (BBE), "But your father has not kept faith with me, and ten times he has made changes in my payment; but God has kept him from doing me damage. If he said, All those in the flock which have marks are to be yours, then all the flock gave birth to marked young; and if he said, All the banded ones are to be yours, then all the flock had banded young. So God has taken away your father's cattle and has given them to me."

But if you agree to a certain wage and then grumble about it later, God won't be pleased. Jesus told a parable about a farmer hiring labourers at various times of the day to get his harvest in. Matthew 20:9-14 (BBE) says, "And when those men came who had gone to work at the eleventh hour, they were given every man a penny (a day's wage). Then those who came first had the idea that they would get more; and they, like the rest, were given a penny. And when they got it, they made a protest against the master of the house, Saying, 'These last have done only one hour's work, and you have made them equal to us, who have undergone the hard work of the day and the burning heat.' But he in answer said to one of them, 'Friend, I do you no wrong: did you not make an agreement with me for a penny? Take what is yours, and go away; it is my pleasure to give to this last, even as to you.'"

When Jesus sent his disciples out, he told them to accept whatever hospitality people offered them. Luke 10:7 (BBE) says, "And keep in that same house, taking what food and drink they give you: for the worker has a right to his reward. Do not go from house to house."

John the Baptist also had a thing or three to say about wages. Luke 3:12-14 )BBE) reads, "Then tax-farmers came to him for baptism and said to him, 'Master, what have we to do?' And he said to them, 'Do not make an attempt to get more money than the right amount.' And men of the army put questions to him, saying, 'And what have we to do?' And he said to them, 'Do no violent acts to any man, and do not take anything without right, and let your payment be enough for you.'"

Of course there are spiritual wages mentioned as well. Romans 6:23 (KJV) explains, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

So we can tell that it's the attitude one has toward wages which is important. They must be paid promptly and according to an agreed amount. And if one works wickedness, they're paid with eternal damnation.

I'll be writing about those spiritual wages in my next book called You Think You're Going to Heaven? So many folks assume they'll go to paradise when they die but they'll be paid according to their wickedness. The worst form of sin is continually rejecting Christ's magnanimous offer of forgiveness.

On Thursday, I'll be posting about the wealthy and how poor some of them are. That sounds contradictory but I'll explain why it isn't.

Saturday Song: Cher, "Half breed"

I certainly can identify with Cher's song, even though my ancestors were all Europeans. Being partially sighted, I don't fit in with the fully-sighted or blind communities. People with good vision are confused that I can see but I'm classed by the government as legally blind. Some blind people hate us partially-sighted folks because we can see a bit and can't relate to total blindness. That's what I've been told by certain friends.

Listen to Cher's poignant song here:

This sounds strange but we Christians are half breeds. We are in fact royal children of Christ. Look at what Romans 8:15 (BBE) says. "For you did not get the spirit of servants again to put you in fear, but the spirit of sons was given to you, by which we say, Abba, Father."

As adopted children of the King of Kings, we must behave in a way that won't make him ashamed of us. Look at what 1 Peter 2:11(BBE)  says. "My loved ones, I make this request with all my heart, that, as those for whom this world is a strange country, you will keep yourselves from the desires of the flesh which make war against the soul;"

We also are citizens of Christ's kingdom. Ephesians 2:19 (BBE) clearly states, "So then you are no longer as those who have no part or place in the kingdom of God, but you are numbered among the saints, and of the family of God..."

Jesus knew that we would be left in this world. He prayed in John 17:15 (BBE), "My prayer is not that you will take them out of the world, but that you will keep them from the Evil One."

What a wonderful privilege we have to be adopted and cared for by the greatest king in the universe. And what a pity that our unsaved friends refuse such a magnanimous offer.

On Monday, I'll be posting about The Lord's take on wages and what our attitude should be about them.