Samuel Feldman is the world’s most famous bread vandal. He did $8,000 worth of damage to bread and cookies throughout the Yardley, Pennsylvania area. He was going around “squeezing, smashing, and poking” bags of bread and packages of cookies. Finally, one store, suspecting Feldman, put him under surveillance and caught him in the act three times. He is charged with one count of criminal mischief. Three years of aggravation and loss were caused by an idle person with a mean streak. There is a bread squeezer in any group. The church even sometimes harbors a few bread squeezers. These are those sore tails and nitpickers, the storm clouds who live to rain on others’ parades, those who seem to enjoy causing friction and irritating others, those who hold petty grudges, and general pot-stirrers. They are the busybodies (2 Thessalonians 3:11; 1 Timothy 5:13). Solomon described one as a worthless and wicked person who “soweth discord” (Proverbs 6:14, 19). Paul lamented lovers of controversy because they provoke “envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds” (1 Timothy 6:4-5). Bread squeezers flatten a congregation’s morale, squeeze the worst side out of others, and pick and poke at everyone from the church’s leaders to any other Christian whose name comes into their crosshairs. They taint the productivity, good will, good deeds, attitude and joy of a congregation. They brighten entire rooms just by making an exit. Are you a bread squeezer? How well do you speak of other Christians?

A certain group of teens wanted to “raise awareness” about the plight of the homeless. They decided that for a week they would live like homeless people live. However, the activity was postponed due to weather! Isn’t that ironic? They said they wanted to live like the homeless, but don’t the homeless get rained on when it rains? Most of us are real bargain hunters, aren’t we? Once, after a run-in a lady literally had with me that totaled my beautiful 1992 Dodge Dakota, which I bought for an amazingly low price, I had to spend State Farm’s money to buy a replacement vehicle. I had pretty big expectations. I wanted a pick-up truck, only 4 or 6 cylinders, with good gas mileage, seating for five, and all for the piddling amount allotted me. Eventually, I revised my expectations. I wanted good value, but I was also cost-conscious. As gas prices go up, with all our economic uncertainties, we all do well to think about how much things cost. As good stewards of our finances, we never want to be wasteful (cf. Luke 16:1). In the spiritual realm, we are faced with a price to pay in order to become a Christian, and then to live the Christian life. Luke records Jesus’ teaching about this in Luke 14:26-35. He says, in essence, that when it comes to following Him there is a cost in terms of our earthly relationships (26), personal sacrifices (27), moral and spiritual endurance (28-32), financial resources

Recently, while sitting in my study, I received a phone call from a woman who could be classified as a typical elderly grandmother. She was sweet and sensible. During the course of the conversation, she told me, “I see angels. I’ve seen them all my life. God speaks to me through them.” I asked her to relate one of those experiences. She told of a time when her teenage grandson was three years old. While babysitting him, she became upset that he would not settle down and go to sleep. Going in to admonish him, she lay on the bed with him. It was then, she said, that a “whole angel” appeared, having large wings, longish hair, and a face like Christ. She said he was blinding white and held two round circles over the head of the grandson for what must have been ten minutes. She said she sat perfectly still and quiet, then finally the angel said to the toddler, “I’ve come to take care of you.” Then, she said, he left as gracefully as you could ever imagine. There is no doubt in my mind that this dear lady believes she saw this. Other people have told me angels appear to them. You may have been told similar stories from family members or friends. Sadly, most people (including Christians) know way too little about angels. As a result, cupid-like creatures or winged beings right out of medieval paintings dominate people’s concepts of what angels are. In fact,

According to Richmond’s local newspaper, we have had twelve days in which measurable snow has fallen on our ground this winter. For the uninformed, that is well above average. We have seen many snowfalls since moving to the Old Dominion, including two meteorologists dubbed “blizzards,” and to this point I have refrained from even writing on the subject. Today, that changes. Did you know that the Bible references the word “snow” at least twenty-one times (24 in the KJV)? The considerable majority of these occurrences are in the Old Testament. Several interesting attributes, both literal and figurative, about it are used by the Holy Spirit to teach spiritual lessons. The Bible takes note of the COLOR of snow. It is difficult to imagine snow without thinking of its color. Often implied and occasionally stated outright, the brightness and whiteness of snow is used to depict leprosy (cf. Exodus 4:6) and also the white, clean appearance of the soul brought on by forgiveness (Psalm 51:7; cf. Isaiah 1:18; Daniel 7:9; Matthew 28:3; Mark 9:3; Revelation 1:14). The Bible takes note of the CHALLENGE of snow (2 Samuel 23:20). Try walking, much less running, in deep snow. Having been nearly stranded in a recent winter storm, I regained appreciation for how difficult it is to travel in the white stuff. It was in a snowy pit that Benaiah, one of David’s mighty men, was able to kill a lion. How often has this short story been used, rightly, to illustrate how the

Mother and father are sitting down to a steak dinner. They cut, chew and swallow with ease. Between these young parents sits a baby in a high chair. That baby cannot walk, talk or care for himself. He relies on others for protection, shelter, clothing, warmth and FOOD. Because he must digest for himself, this baby is not expected nor allowed to eat a slab of beef. Everyone knows infants are fed with the lightest food. So, that tiny child will settle for milk or another food easily digested. As he grows, the diet will solidify. New Testament writers describe the spiritual diet of “babes in Christ” as milk. When this word is used in the metaphor, we should recognize the point being made. New converts stand in need of understanding the simple and elementary doctrines of Christianity. The goal of all new creatures is to “go on unto perfection,” and there is not a shortcut to spiritual maturity. The Bible relays three thoughts concerning spiritual milk and the recipients of such. “MILK AND FEEDING.” Paul, to the Corinthian church drowning in the sea of worldly influence, writes, “I have fed you with milk and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able for ye are yet carnal” (1 Corinthians 3:2-3a). Recall the background of the Corinthians: persons with a history of fornication (1 Corinthians 6), incest (5:1-8), idolatry (6:9) and all manner of unrighteous behavior (6:9-10). These sins were washed

Somewhere in the world right now, poll levers are being pulled, votes cast and public offices filled by the winning candidates. It may be a nation’s leader or a city clerk, but people in places of democracy are, at this moment, helping to decide the political fate of individuals vying for a place of public leadership. Those elected may or may not be persons of worth and integrity. Their careers may be starting, extending or ending, depending on the majority’s say. They may gain or lose a place of authority based on their political and social philosophies. After all, public officials are always vulnerable to the fickle feelings of the voter in places where freedom reigns. Everywhere in the world every moment, everyone is casting a vote of a different nature. Only one figurative ballot is used in this worldwide decision. Only two choices appear on the ballot. The issues are paramount in importance. Many times, a righteous minority may be caused to suffer because of the foolish “majority vote” (cf. Proverbs 14:34). When all of life is over, the voting record of every individual will be made public. In fact, all people of all nations for all time will know which choice every individual elected to make in his life. And yet, with this poll, one can change his vote as long as life and opportunity are his. Does the kingdom take primary importance in your life? In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and

Having fallen from grace, Judas soon thereafter fell headlong a corpse and a reminder of the depths to which sin will take an individual (Acts 1:17-20). Though he had a part in the ministry of God the Son, he chose a commission as henchman in the army of perdition. His death, as an apostle, left a void in the ranks of the handpicked, special followers of Jesus (Acts 1:20). By divine guidance (Acts 1:24, 26), the apostles chose a man among men to pick up the armor vacated by the deserter. The man chosen, Matthias, was a great man. This is obvious, for his appointment was based on his spiritual character (Acts 1:21). However, what of the man Barsabas, about whom very little is spoken? Was he not also a great man? He was faithful to Christ (Acts 1:22). Swete explains faithfulness to Christ (as in Revelation 2:10) as proving “…thyself loyal and true, to the extent of being ready to die [for Christ’s sake”] (The Apocalypse of St. John). Faithful suggests reliability and trustworthiness, as well as submissiveness. All of this describes Barsabas. From the ministry of the Baptizer to the ascension of the Savior, Barsabas was numbered among the disciples. Apparently, he withstood even the difficult teachings of Christ (see John 6:66-69). He did not turn away, even after the seeming defeat of Calvary (Acts 1:22). Faithfulness is, in God’s eyes, a sign of greatness. He was recognized as a spiritual leader (Acts 1:23). This is very subjective. The author

A popular saying used especially in the church is, “Majoring in the minors and minoring in the majors.” Properly used, this phrase refers to those who omit or violate some of the broadest, most basic commands while pressing and over stressing what is relatively minor. Sometimes, these “minors” may involve causes or issues that need addressing. Other times, matters of no consequence are ridden without mercy or relief. Jesus was constantly berated and challenged by some religious people who “majored in minors” and “minored in majors.” On them he unleashed one of the stronger condemnations found in Scripture (cf. Matthew 23:23-33). The scribes and the Pharisees were the objects of his righteous anger. Why? First, understand who the Pharisees were. Between the Old Testament and the New Testament, with the remnant of Judah settling into a land they once owned but never would again, they needed to maintain spiritual stability. Nehemiah seems to be the first to organize a permanent authority to preserve and interpret the Law. Ignorance about how to treat the priests, who could be fellowshipped religiously according to the law, who could live in the Temple and other matters naturally disturbed Nehemiah (13:11). Somewhere along the line, those first gathered by Nehemiah began to be known as “The Great Assembly” to preserve the Law. The Great Assembly, soon known as the Sanhedrin, was led by what amounted to a president and vice-president. The famed leaders of the Sanhedrin in Christ’s day were Hillel and Shammai, whose positions

“Where was God when my child was killed by a drunk driver?” “I’ll never forgive brother Jones for that time he… He’s a big hypocrite!” “It’s not fair what they did to me. I hope they get theirs!” Persons raising clenched fists or pointed fingers and growling through gritting teeth epitomize that common, though repulsive, display of bitterness. Sadly, bitterness is not a disease confined to the alien sinner. Christians in crisis, dejected elders and preachers, and offended brethren are not immune to that sourness of spirit. What, exactly, is BITTERNESS? Eadie says, It is a figurative term denoting that fretted and irritable state of mind that keeps a man in perpetual animosity — that inclines him to harsh and uncharitable opinions of men and things — that makes him sour, crabby and repulsive in his general demeanor — that brings a scowl over his face and infuses venom into the words of his tongue (Rienecker, 534). In motion, bitterness is a deadly snake. In result, it stings both predator and prey. In fruit, it is destructive. In category, it is sin! Ephesians 4:31, in part, reads, “Let all bitterness … be put away from you…” One source says of bitterness in this verse, “Bitterness” is the opposite not only of sweetness but of kindness. It is the spite that harbors resentment and keeps a score of wrongs. Aristotle defined those who display it as “hard to be reconciled” (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, 11:65). Paul says such an attitude must