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Inspiring Articles Written by Dr. James W. Blanchard
My Best Friend
by Dr. James W. Blanchard PhD.
The lightening flashed through the panes of my window like a thousand bulbs gasping for breath just before the burst of their very last moment of life. The thunder's roar rattled the windows and brought me up from my reclined position to a quick place of attention. Then, before I could even recover from the startling combination, it was gone. The rain poured down as the Niagara flowed onto our metal roof, producing its own somewhat deafening musical composition in my ears.
As the light of day came upon us, and the Spring storm slid into the distance, I slipped on my shoes to take my first walk of the day. I like to take a brisk 20 minute walk, three times a day. It gets my heart pumping and gives me time away from everything pressing so I can spend a few quiet moments talking to my best friend.
I walked down the now familiar path and into the same clearing that greets me every day. This time however there was something different. There was something new. The air was fresh and every branch of every tree glistened with drops of rain, being held softly by the bright green buds that had sprung forth during the night. They weren't there late yesterday afternoon. I would have noticed them. Yet, here they were, with all the enthusiasm for life, of a toddler on his first trip to zoo.
The storm had raged throughout the night. The lightening was sufficiently sudden to startle even the most hardy, and the thunder had driven all of God's creatures deep into hiding. Even so, these little buds of life had ignored all of those circumstances and gone on with their work. In the midst of the terror being observed by everyone else, new life had triumphed. In the darkest moment, of the darkest night, new life had defiantly declared its presence and undauntedly challenged anyone and anything that would seek to prevent it from keeping its own date with destiny.
I found the whole experience both exhilarating and inspirational. As I stretched the tip of my finger slowly up to one of the newly revealed buds, I touched the clear oval of water that it held and watched as it streamed down my finger and into my palm. Suddenly I found my mind flooded with a river of thoughts that drove me back into my den to record them for whatever degree of posterity they were intended.
Some one thousand, nine hundred, and sixty eight years ago, the thorns on his brow lovingly caressed the glistening drops of blood that flowed from the veins of their creator. He had, without regard for the turmoil of this place, chosen to put on a tent of human flesh, that He could walk among us, experience what we experience, and view life from a perspective that was different to Him. He had kept all that was required of Him, had completed every task, and had fulfilled every "jot and tittle" that had ever been prophesied concerning Him. Now in the terror of the darkest moment this planet has ever experienced, His life had flashed from His earthly tabernacle, and it fell limply against the "tree" to which it was fastened. Certainly the pounding of the nails that held his lifeless form had rumbled down the hillside, shaking the stones of the homes in the village below. Joseph of Arimathaea had lovingly placed the only visible evidence of His existence into a newly hewn tomb. The throngs of people who had once clamored to catch even a glimps of Him had walked away. It was all over. The storm of death had swallowed Him up and in the overwhelming moment of their despair the handlfull of people who had been His companions from the begining had forgotten all about His promise to never leave them, nor forsake them. The truth that He had revealed to them concerning the necessity of Him spending "three days, and three nights, in the heart of the earth," had eluded their minds. It didn't matter. What they thought, remembered, or understood was of little consequence to what was about to take place. In fact, no storm or circumstance, no concentrated effort on behalf of the forces of darkness, and certainly no demon from hell, could do anything to prevent the miracle that was about to take place. As the darkness of night pressed heavily on the stone that covered the entrance of the tomb where His body was hidden away, something quite remarkable made its presence known. New life came forth. That lifeless tabernacle of flesh was reborn through the power of God as life was victorious over death and light truly conquered darkness for the first time since the foundation of the world was laid. He was risen from the dead. He was alive!
He lives today, not just as hero whose name is recorded on the pages of some book, and not just in the hearts of those who hold Him and the story of His life as being dear to them. No, He lives literally, physically, and eternally. In the same way those fresh green buds, weathered the storm to burst forth to fulfill their destinies, He burst forth from that tomb to fulfill His! He entered the very presence of God, with His own blood, to purchase the entire field of the earth that He might obtain the treasure that he had found hidden there. The treasure that He died for, that hidden treasure that He found so valuable, is you, and me. Death has been swallowed up in victory! He did it all, gave it all, conquered all, just so we could escape the pangs of death ourselves as by faith we receive the gift of eternal life that He has obtained for us at such great a cost.
Today I think you need to go for a walk and have a talk with my best friend. Let Him know how much you appreciate the beauty and the miracle that He has secured for you. Ask Him to forgive you for the fear that you have allowed to drive you into hiding, and for Him to come live in you by the power of His Spirit. Jesus is waiting for you. Dont keep Him long.
Early Warning
By Dr. James W. Blanchard PhD.
They could hardly believe it. There wasn't anything left standing. It was all gone. Dazed people stood in the streets. News team helicopters moved slowly over the wreckage of what only hours before had been a thriving community. Some individuals had died in the devastation, and certainly everyone would remember this day forever. It was the day a "killer tornado" had ripped through their town, destroying everything in its path.
The death toll would have been much higher if it hadn't been for the national weather services "early warning" program. Sirens had sounded, only minutes before the "monster" swept in, devouring its victims. Every television channel, every radio program, every scanner, every CB, and all the ham operators who were active had "spread the word" of the coming danger. Cries of warning and pleas for people to take shelter, get out of cars and mobile homes, and "move to a safe place," had echoed through the land. Many people heard the call to take immediate shelter. Some didn't hear, and some who heard had chosen to ignore the warning; thinking after all, "there had been watches and warnings before and nothing had happened." But this time it was different, and for them, this time it was too late to change their mind, pay attention, and take action.
People are strange. Some drive through "red lights." Others pull around the gates at railroad crossings. Still others mix their medications, ignoring the label instructions. Day after day, week after week, news programs carry the "word" of those people whose lives have been lost because they refused to listen. "Face it." Once your dead, the opportunity to "listen" to the warnings given in this world is over. After all, "Once youre dead; youre dead." Right? Wrong!
This life is nothing more than a single "drop" in a sea of eternity. Mankind is eternal. Individuals will live forever. Once youre dead, your new life begins. The question isn't "if you will live again after your death in this world," but "where you will live again after your death in this world." John 5:28-29 declares "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, (29) And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." Since Romans 3:12 clearly states, "there is none that doeth good, no, not one," we all have a very serious problem. There is, however, a solution to that problem. The solution is "Faith in Jesus Christ!" I want to write my first two paragraphs again; this time with a little twist.
They could hardly believe it. There wasn't anything left standing. It was all gone. Dazed people stood in the streets. News team helicopters moved slowly over the wreckage of what only hours before had been a thriving community. Some individuals had died in the devastation, and certainly everyone would remember this day forever. It was the day that Satan had ripped through their town, destroying everything in his path.
The death toll would have been much higher if it hadn't been for the Gospel of Christ's "early warning" program. Christians had sounded the "alarm", only minutes before the "lion" swept in, devouring everything. Television channels, radio programs, scanners, CBs, and ham operators who knew the truth, "spread the word" of the coming danger. Cries of warning and pleas for people to take shelter in Jesus Christ, had echoed through the land. The call for people to "leave their destructive behaviors" and put behind them all their "doubt and unbelief" had gone forth. Many people heard the call to take immediate shelter. Some didn't hear, and some who heard had chosen to ignore the warning, thinking, "after all, there had been watches and warnings before and nothing had happened." But this time it was different, and for them, this time it was too late to change their minds, pay attention, and take action.
There is a time in all of our lives when it will be too late. For some it will be when the warning cries have fallen on their "deaf ears" so many times that they no longer even notice them. For others it will be at their sudden and unexpected deaths. For still others it will be at the "return of Jesus Christ" to "rapture," (gather together) His "Church" from this world. In any of these cases; once the "event" has arrived, it's too late to take action. Dont put it off! Receive Christ as your savior right now! Pray and ask Him to come into your life and forgive your sins. You can take immediate shelter in Him! Tomorrow may be too late. You could be dead. You could get so wrapped up in yourself and your life that the "call" could get lost in the flurry of your existence. Also, this could be the end of the age. The rapture may occur this year. The destruction left in the path of the devils "tornado" will be nothing, compared to the destruction that takes place during the "Great Tribulation." This is the time to take action! Don't put it off. Take shelter in Christ today!
Guaranteed Approval
by Dr. James W. Blanchard PhD.
I collapsed into the couch and turned on the TV just in time to hear that No credit application will be refused
when made at a particular auto sales place. About 7 years ago I made a conscious decision to never take out a
loan again. Spending tomorrow's money today and paying two or even three times the actual cost of an item in
interest just doesnt seem like a good idea to me. Even so, I remain an informed consumer and a somewhat
skeptical observer. I could see right through the HYPE of the auto ad. They did NOT say that they wouldn't
refuse THE LOAN or that you were guaranteed that you could make a purchase there. They only said that they
wouldn't refuse (to receive) the application. That's actually a pretty good bet wherever you go. You can make
an application anywhere. Just don't expect to get the loan if you have problems in your credit history.
Think about it. If you've had problems, where can you go? Im really not talking about an auto loan here. When
you've messed everything up, who can you turn to? Where can you go when your eyes are filled with tears
because the decisions you've made have destroyed some part of your life? Who will listen? Who can you count
on? In truth there is only one person you can count on.
When you go to the bank to get a loan, the first thing you have to do is prove that you really don't need the loan
to begin with. When someone walks in wearing a $1000 suit, with a high income and substantial holdings in the
bank, there isn't much question about their loan application. Fortunately for us, God doesn't work the same
way! Luke 5:31 quotes Jesus saying "...They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick." If an
institution like a hospital or bank really wants to help, it only makes sense that a sick person needs the care of a
doctor and a man who is broke needs the money a bank can provide. Even so, the world only wants to give
money to the wealthy instead of to those who come short in the cash department, and the world provides the
top plastic surgeons for those beauties in Hollywood who hardly need any correction to begin with instead of to
those who could really use a little nip or tuck, not that I personally know anyone in who is in need of such
surgery.
Every day I come short in the righteousness department, and every day Jesus gives me just a little more of
His. Even though He knows I can't possibly pay Him back, and even though He can "see right through me" and
has from the very beginning, He still keeps on giving. Romans 5:8 tells us "But God commendeth his love
toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Thats right! I didn't have to clean myself up
or straighten anything out in order to make my application for His righteousness, not only totally acceptable to
God, but also completely approved for my benefit. In Romans 3:26 Paul speaks of Christ "To declare, I say, at
this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." His
righteousness is the only righteousness that counts. Every day my wretched behavior causes me to get a little
uglier spiritually, only to have the beauty of Christ placed upon me like a garment in the eyes of God. He
doesn't give me His righteousness because I deserve it, or because I have the personal wealth to command it, but
only because I ask Him for it. The great physician skillfully covers every blemish, wart, and unseemly scar on
my soul.
How sad it is to look at the church world only to find that so many people who claim to be Christians are
instead conforming exactly to the picture that the book of the Revelation declares the church will be like just
before the return of Jesus. Revelation 3:17 declares "...thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and
have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:"
Like a homeless person standing in the middle of the street pretending to enter into an imaginary house, people
"playing Christian" pretend in their delusions that they have need of nothing believing themselves to be
righteous and pure, rich and increased while in reality they are poor, blind and naked in the eyes of the LORD.
If you think youre doing all right in this life perhaps you need to take off those blinders and take a good look in
the mirror. Most people who stand naked in the mirror are shocked at the view! An unobstructed look at your
"spiritual nakedness" will probably be equally shocking! You too might find that you are in need of some help
from the only one you can count on when your down and nearly out. Jesus will lift you up. Jesus will change
whatever should be changed. Not only will he receive your application for help, but He will give you exactly
what you need. All you have to do is ask. Your application will be accepted and approved! Just look up to
heaven, or bow your head and say, "Thank you Heavenly Father for the gift of life, love, and forgiveness in
Jesus Christ your son. Forgive my failures and cloth me in His righteousness. In Jesus name I ask it!"
Who Appointed You?
By Dr. James W. Blanchard PhD.
"I don't go to church because the people there think the're so hot. They don't think they need to use "air freshener in their rest rooms. They're nothing more than "goody two shoes," who look down their nose at others. They're a bunch of self righteous jerks!"
If you've never heard someone make a statement similar to this then you probably haven't talked to very many people
outside of the church circle. What's unfortunate is the fact that in far too many cases our churches truly are filled with
self righteous will worshipers. The perceptions of those people who are on the outside of the church world are
honestly based on their actual experiences.
When Jesus walked on this earth he was greatly hated by a large group of people. Most of the church world looks back
upon those who crucified Jesus as vile and disgusting sinners; the scum of the earth. In reality they were the most
religious people of that time period. When Jesus showed up and refused to conform himself to the "list of rules" that
the "religious people" believed to be important, he was rejected, looked upon as a threat to their authority, plotted
against, and eventually killed; all in the name of religious justice.
Not much has changed since those days almost 2000 years ago. The religious world still holds up its list of rules to be
followed and still condemns those who don't conform. In the Bible book of James chapter 2 verse 11, we are told that
even though we don't do something that we feel is particularly bad, we will still turn around and do something else that is wrong in the sight of God. We are still law breakers. That means even though you haven't killed anyone, or had an
abortion, or robbed a bank, or sold drugs, you are still a law breaker. Taking a pen from the bank that wasn't given to
you, running off personal copies on the office copy machine without paying, not reporting all your income on your tax
form, gossiping to your friend about what car was parked in front of your neighbor's house all night, and a host of
other things, make you just as guilty before God as the local prostitute.
As a Christian it is not your job to run around the neighborhood pointing out all the things that you can so easily see as being wrong with everyone else. That is what Jesus was telling everyone in Matthew 7:3 when he asked why we so easily
see the splinter in someone else's eye but don't see the big log that is in our own. As a Christian, your job is letting others see what wonderful change comes to a person who has Jesus Christ as their savior. You are supposed to let others know that God loves them so much that he sent his son into this world to help them have real victory over the trials of life. That in the same way someone might buy you lunch when you couldn't afford to pay, Jesus paid the debt we owe to the almighty God for our lives here in this world. He did that for us so that we could be seen as "debt free" before God. Jesus was punished in our place being declared "guilty" of our failures so that we can be declared "innocent" in the presence of God when that judgment day arrives. That's the essence of the Gospel. That's the good news that should be on the lips of every Christian.
Don't get me wrong. God cares deeply about those evil things we do. They are not at all acceptable in His sight. What a Christian must understand is that bringing about a change in the lives of individuals is the job of the Holy Spirit. When someone comes to Christ for help and the Spirit of God begins to live inside of them they will begin to change. God will work out all those problems they have in their lives from within, doing that which can't be accomplished from without. As Christians our job is to help people come to Jesus Christ, not to try to clean up their earthly performance. God is very capable of taking care of that Himself.
The next time you notice some "dirty rotten sinner" doing something you find disgusting and in need of change, just
stop for a moment, look through what you see on the outside, to the person struggling on the inside. Let them know that everything is going to work out and that God loves them. Ask them to join you for lunch right after church on Sunday. Pick them up and bring them with you. Sure it takes an effort. Yes it will probably interfere with your routine, but from the moment you stop judging others and allow yourself to be used by God to help them find new life in Christ, you will never be the same. Try it. You may find that being a "self righteous hypocrite" wasn't all that it was made out to be.
The Gift
by Dr. James W. Blanchard PhD.
I was 8 years old with visions of sugar plumbs dancing in my head. The year was 1960 and third grade was an exciting experience. The sleepy little town of White Pigeon was nestled in Southern lower Michigan and there were only about 30 students in Miss Naylor's class. Most came from middle income families like my own, but one little boy was obviously different. Every day he came to school in the same tattered clothes. Nothing really fit him. His shoes were old, and too big for his feet and every day he played at his desk with a battered little metal car with only three wheels.
Christmas vacation was less than two weeks away and the time had come for all of us to draw names to determine which classmate we would buy a small gift for, and even more importantly, which classmate would be buying a gift for us. Just whose name was drawn by each of us was always a well guarded secret.
Those last two weeks passed so slowly it was actually painful, but the magic day finally arrived. Not only were we going to get out of school for vacation, but our first Christmas dreams would come true as we held our school party and would get to open our first present of the year. To my dismay, Miss Naylor started the gift procession at the end of the alphabet rather than the beginning with the traditional "A."
My last name began with B. That put me excruciatingly close to the end of the whole process. One by one students walked to the tree and picked up their gifts. I thought it would never end, and besides that, all the big, finely wrapped packages were quickly disappearing from under the tree. Finally it was my turn. I rushed to the tree only to find that the package that was left for me, the one that bore my name, was quite small and wrapped in news paper. I took it back to my desk and sat down to open it. As the tape pulled loose from the paper and the folds of newsprint opened, I found within that small package the second most valuable gift I have ever received. It was a small, battered metal car with only three wheels. The other kids laughed and those final few minutes of class were nearly unbearable as I was teased quite mercilessly, but even at 8 years old I recognized the significance of the gift. The car was certainly old, and yes, it was indeed broken, but it was the only toy that little boy had. It was his most prized possession. He had given me the very best thing
he had to give.
Over fourty years have passed since that Christmas, but every year as we approach the last day of school before Christmas vacation I remember the second greatest gift I have ever received. Why the second you may ask? Because the greatest gift I have ever received came from someone who also sacrificed to give me the very best he had to offer. The greatest gift I have ever received came from God as He gave His best by sending His son, Jesus Christ, into this world nearly two thousand years ago. As the years passed, Jesus grew strong and wise, lived a perfect life, owed nothing to anyone, and yet as an adult he stood before a mob of accusers without saying a word. He allowed himself to be declared guilty, by an earthly magistrate, of crimes he had not committed. He was tortured and beaten and finally crucified on a cross where he once again allowed himself to be declared guilty, this time by a heavenly magistrate, of crimes that he had not committed, my crimes and your crimes. He died on that cross in our place, was buried, and then in three days and three nights later he victoriously rose from the dead. He received the punishment that I deserve, that you deserve, as each one of us has not lived a perfect life, and owe nearly everyone including the almighty God. Jesus paid the price for our failures.
This Christmas as you anticipate the arrival of friends and loved ones and the opening of gifts, don't forget the greatest gift that has ever been offered to you. Don't forget to thank God for sending His Son Jesus into the world. How would you feel if you gave your best to someone and they didn't even bother to thank you. Just look up to heaven, or bow your head and say, "Thank you heavenly Father for the gift of Jesus Christ your son. I know he died for me and came back from the dead. I receive Him as my savior. In Jesus name I pray." Amen." Also, don't forget those people all around you who might receive from you something simple that could make their empty or lonely holiday season brighter, something simple that they may remember for the rest of their lives: A call, a hug, a smile, a kind word, a visit, a card, even a battered little three wheel car.
The Inheritance
By Dr. James W. Blanchard Ph.D.
Her beloved father was dead. She had made it through the visitation. The funeral, and grave
side services were over. The pain however was still there, aching inside. She had truly loved her
dad, even though he was somewhat of a religious fanatic. He had been so kind to her, especially
after her mother had died when she was only 7. How he had managed to become so wealthy was
beyond her comprehension, but the three homes he owned, the cars, the business, and their
comfortable life style were physical proof of his success in this world. Now she sat fidgeting, in the
office of her dad's attorney, the executor of her father's estate.
There were numerous people there with her. The president of a local Christian College, the pastor
of the Bible church her dad seemed to love so much, even though she had stopped going there
since she turned 16, and representatives of several different ministries that her dad had supported
in one way or the other. There was a hush that came over the room as the attorney opened the
folder containing the will in which her beloved father had made his final declaration of love for
her.
Echoing from the grave came the words of his testament. I order that my homes be sold, my
business assets liquidated and the proceeds divided between the college, the church, and the
ministries that I received so much from in my life. And to my dearest daughter, I give my most
valuable possession, my Bible. May you find within its pages the riches that will take you not only
through this world in safety and wellness, but into the world to come in victory through Jesus
Christ.
Her jaw dropped and her face turned red. Anger filled her heart. She stood up abruptly and
declared, Im going to fight this in court! As she started for the door, her father's attorney called
out to her, You forgot this! He reached out to her with her dad's Bible in hand. She walked
back, snatched it from him, and slammed the door on her way out.
Tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees proved to be of no help. The legality of the will was
confirmed.
Over the years, she grew more and more bitter. Her anger caused her great physical deterioration.
She died quite young, a poor, miserable and hurting soul. As her few friends combed through her
small apartment in an effort to dispose of her meager belongings, they came upon a Bible, tucked
away in a trunk in the closet. They knew instantly what it was. She never ceased talking about the
day her beloved father had ruined her life. They tossed the Bible onto a pile of other books, and
as they did that, it fell open. There between the pages was a slip of paper. As they examined the
paper, they noticed that there was a slip of paper between each page throughout the whole Bible,
all 1,330 of them, and they werent just blank slips of paper. Each one was a deposit slip from a
bank account, and each deposit slip was for $100,000! The original deposits totaled 133 million
dollars!
She was rich all along, she just didn't know it. She had everything she needed, she just didn't
recognize it. Her dad had met every need, provided for every possible financial contingency. She
just hadn't taken the time to find out about it. She had dismissed his words that so clearly had told
her that her inheritance was to be found in the pages of his Bible. Now it was too late. The state
took charge of the dispersal of her accounts that now were worth nearly half a billion dollars. She
hadn't even drawn up a will. She never knew she had anything of value to pass on.
So what about you? Yes, Im talking to you! Have you taken the time to find the riches in the pages of your Bible?
Did you know that you have eternal life? Read 1John 5:11-13 and find out!
Did you know that you are a child of God? Read Galatians 3:26-29 and find out!
Did you know that you are an heir of God? Read Romans 8:15-17 and find out!
Did you know that you will judge angels? Read 1Corrinthians 6:3 and find out!
Did you know that you are a King and a Priest? Read Revelation 1:5-6 and find out!
Did you know that God loves you? Read John 3:15-18 and find out!
Did you know that you have nothing to fear? Read Revelation 1:17-18 and find out!
Did you know that you have the right to speak forth your own destiny? Read Proverbs 18:21 and
find out!
Did you know that you have been given power from on high? Read Luke 24:46-49 and find out!
by Dr. James W. Blanchard PhD.
The lightening flashed through the panes of my window like a thousand bulbs gasping for breath just before the burst of their very last moment of life. The thunder's roar rattled the windows and brought me up from my reclined position to a quick place of attention. Then, before I could even recover from the startling combination, it was gone. The rain poured down as the Niagara flowed onto our metal roof, producing its own somewhat deafening musical composition in my ears.
As the light of day came upon us, and the Spring storm slid into the distance, I slipped on my shoes to take my first walk of the day. I like to take a brisk 20 minute walk, three times a day. It gets my heart pumping and gives me time away from everything pressing so I can spend a few quiet moments talking to my best friend.
I walked down the now familiar path and into the same clearing that greets me every day. This time however there was something different. There was something new. The air was fresh and every branch of every tree glistened with drops of rain, being held softly by the bright green buds that had sprung forth during the night. They weren't there late yesterday afternoon. I would have noticed them. Yet, here they were, with all the enthusiasm for life, of a toddler on his first trip to zoo.
The storm had raged throughout the night. The lightening was sufficiently sudden to startle even the most hardy, and the thunder had driven all of God's creatures deep into hiding. Even so, these little buds of life had ignored all of those circumstances and gone on with their work. In the midst of the terror being observed by everyone else, new life had triumphed. In the darkest moment, of the darkest night, new life had defiantly declared its presence and undauntedly challenged anyone and anything that would seek to prevent it from keeping its own date with destiny.
I found the whole experience both exhilarating and inspirational. As I stretched the tip of my finger slowly up to one of the newly revealed buds, I touched the clear oval of water that it held and watched as it streamed down my finger and into my palm. Suddenly I found my mind flooded with a river of thoughts that drove me back into my den to record them for whatever degree of posterity they were intended.
Some one thousand, nine hundred, and sixty eight years ago, the thorns on his brow lovingly caressed the glistening drops of blood that flowed from the veins of their creator. He had, without regard for the turmoil of this place, chosen to put on a tent of human flesh, that He could walk among us, experience what we experience, and view life from a perspective that was different to Him. He had kept all that was required of Him, had completed every task, and had fulfilled every "jot and tittle" that had ever been prophesied concerning Him. Now in the terror of the darkest moment this planet has ever experienced, His life had flashed from His earthly tabernacle, and it fell limply against the "tree" to which it was fastened. Certainly the pounding of the nails that held his lifeless form had rumbled down the hillside, shaking the stones of the homes in the village below. Joseph of Arimathaea had lovingly placed the only visible evidence of His existence into a newly hewn tomb. The throngs of people who had once clamored to catch even a glimps of Him had walked away. It was all over. The storm of death had swallowed Him up and in the overwhelming moment of their despair the handlfull of people who had been His companions from the begining had forgotten all about His promise to never leave them, nor forsake them. The truth that He had revealed to them concerning the necessity of Him spending "three days, and three nights, in the heart of the earth," had eluded their minds. It didn't matter. What they thought, remembered, or understood was of little consequence to what was about to take place. In fact, no storm or circumstance, no concentrated effort on behalf of the forces of darkness, and certainly no demon from hell, could do anything to prevent the miracle that was about to take place. As the darkness of night pressed heavily on the stone that covered the entrance of the tomb where His body was hidden away, something quite remarkable made its presence known. New life came forth. That lifeless tabernacle of flesh was reborn through the power of God as life was victorious over death and light truly conquered darkness for the first time since the foundation of the world was laid. He was risen from the dead. He was alive!
He lives today, not just as hero whose name is recorded on the pages of some book, and not just in the hearts of those who hold Him and the story of His life as being dear to them. No, He lives literally, physically, and eternally. In the same way those fresh green buds, weathered the storm to burst forth to fulfill their destinies, He burst forth from that tomb to fulfill His! He entered the very presence of God, with His own blood, to purchase the entire field of the earth that He might obtain the treasure that he had found hidden there. The treasure that He died for, that hidden treasure that He found so valuable, is you, and me. Death has been swallowed up in victory! He did it all, gave it all, conquered all, just so we could escape the pangs of death ourselves as by faith we receive the gift of eternal life that He has obtained for us at such great a cost.
Today I think you need to go for a walk and have a talk with my best friend. Let Him know how much you appreciate the beauty and the miracle that He has secured for you. Ask Him to forgive you for the fear that you have allowed to drive you into hiding, and for Him to come live in you by the power of His Spirit. Jesus is waiting for you. Dont keep Him long.
Early Warning
By Dr. James W. Blanchard PhD.
They could hardly believe it. There wasn't anything left standing. It was all gone. Dazed people stood in the streets. News team helicopters moved slowly over the wreckage of what only hours before had been a thriving community. Some individuals had died in the devastation, and certainly everyone would remember this day forever. It was the day a "killer tornado" had ripped through their town, destroying everything in its path.
The death toll would have been much higher if it hadn't been for the national weather services "early warning" program. Sirens had sounded, only minutes before the "monster" swept in, devouring its victims. Every television channel, every radio program, every scanner, every CB, and all the ham operators who were active had "spread the word" of the coming danger. Cries of warning and pleas for people to take shelter, get out of cars and mobile homes, and "move to a safe place," had echoed through the land. Many people heard the call to take immediate shelter. Some didn't hear, and some who heard had chosen to ignore the warning; thinking after all, "there had been watches and warnings before and nothing had happened." But this time it was different, and for them, this time it was too late to change their mind, pay attention, and take action.
People are strange. Some drive through "red lights." Others pull around the gates at railroad crossings. Still others mix their medications, ignoring the label instructions. Day after day, week after week, news programs carry the "word" of those people whose lives have been lost because they refused to listen. "Face it." Once your dead, the opportunity to "listen" to the warnings given in this world is over. After all, "Once youre dead; youre dead." Right? Wrong!
This life is nothing more than a single "drop" in a sea of eternity. Mankind is eternal. Individuals will live forever. Once youre dead, your new life begins. The question isn't "if you will live again after your death in this world," but "where you will live again after your death in this world." John 5:28-29 declares "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, (29) And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." Since Romans 3:12 clearly states, "there is none that doeth good, no, not one," we all have a very serious problem. There is, however, a solution to that problem. The solution is "Faith in Jesus Christ!" I want to write my first two paragraphs again; this time with a little twist.
They could hardly believe it. There wasn't anything left standing. It was all gone. Dazed people stood in the streets. News team helicopters moved slowly over the wreckage of what only hours before had been a thriving community. Some individuals had died in the devastation, and certainly everyone would remember this day forever. It was the day that Satan had ripped through their town, destroying everything in his path.
The death toll would have been much higher if it hadn't been for the Gospel of Christ's "early warning" program. Christians had sounded the "alarm", only minutes before the "lion" swept in, devouring everything. Television channels, radio programs, scanners, CBs, and ham operators who knew the truth, "spread the word" of the coming danger. Cries of warning and pleas for people to take shelter in Jesus Christ, had echoed through the land. The call for people to "leave their destructive behaviors" and put behind them all their "doubt and unbelief" had gone forth. Many people heard the call to take immediate shelter. Some didn't hear, and some who heard had chosen to ignore the warning, thinking, "after all, there had been watches and warnings before and nothing had happened." But this time it was different, and for them, this time it was too late to change their minds, pay attention, and take action.
There is a time in all of our lives when it will be too late. For some it will be when the warning cries have fallen on their "deaf ears" so many times that they no longer even notice them. For others it will be at their sudden and unexpected deaths. For still others it will be at the "return of Jesus Christ" to "rapture," (gather together) His "Church" from this world. In any of these cases; once the "event" has arrived, it's too late to take action. Dont put it off! Receive Christ as your savior right now! Pray and ask Him to come into your life and forgive your sins. You can take immediate shelter in Him! Tomorrow may be too late. You could be dead. You could get so wrapped up in yourself and your life that the "call" could get lost in the flurry of your existence. Also, this could be the end of the age. The rapture may occur this year. The destruction left in the path of the devils "tornado" will be nothing, compared to the destruction that takes place during the "Great Tribulation." This is the time to take action! Don't put it off. Take shelter in Christ today!
Guaranteed Approval
by Dr. James W. Blanchard PhD.
I collapsed into the couch and turned on the TV just in time to hear that No credit application will be refused
when made at a particular auto sales place. About 7 years ago I made a conscious decision to never take out a
loan again. Spending tomorrow's money today and paying two or even three times the actual cost of an item in
interest just doesnt seem like a good idea to me. Even so, I remain an informed consumer and a somewhat
skeptical observer. I could see right through the HYPE of the auto ad. They did NOT say that they wouldn't
refuse THE LOAN or that you were guaranteed that you could make a purchase there. They only said that they
wouldn't refuse (to receive) the application. That's actually a pretty good bet wherever you go. You can make
an application anywhere. Just don't expect to get the loan if you have problems in your credit history.
Think about it. If you've had problems, where can you go? Im really not talking about an auto loan here. When
you've messed everything up, who can you turn to? Where can you go when your eyes are filled with tears
because the decisions you've made have destroyed some part of your life? Who will listen? Who can you count
on? In truth there is only one person you can count on.
When you go to the bank to get a loan, the first thing you have to do is prove that you really don't need the loan
to begin with. When someone walks in wearing a $1000 suit, with a high income and substantial holdings in the
bank, there isn't much question about their loan application. Fortunately for us, God doesn't work the same
way! Luke 5:31 quotes Jesus saying "...They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick." If an
institution like a hospital or bank really wants to help, it only makes sense that a sick person needs the care of a
doctor and a man who is broke needs the money a bank can provide. Even so, the world only wants to give
money to the wealthy instead of to those who come short in the cash department, and the world provides the
top plastic surgeons for those beauties in Hollywood who hardly need any correction to begin with instead of to
those who could really use a little nip or tuck, not that I personally know anyone in who is in need of such
surgery.
Every day I come short in the righteousness department, and every day Jesus gives me just a little more of
His. Even though He knows I can't possibly pay Him back, and even though He can "see right through me" and
has from the very beginning, He still keeps on giving. Romans 5:8 tells us "But God commendeth his love
toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Thats right! I didn't have to clean myself up
or straighten anything out in order to make my application for His righteousness, not only totally acceptable to
God, but also completely approved for my benefit. In Romans 3:26 Paul speaks of Christ "To declare, I say, at
this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." His
righteousness is the only righteousness that counts. Every day my wretched behavior causes me to get a little
uglier spiritually, only to have the beauty of Christ placed upon me like a garment in the eyes of God. He
doesn't give me His righteousness because I deserve it, or because I have the personal wealth to command it, but
only because I ask Him for it. The great physician skillfully covers every blemish, wart, and unseemly scar on
my soul.
How sad it is to look at the church world only to find that so many people who claim to be Christians are
instead conforming exactly to the picture that the book of the Revelation declares the church will be like just
before the return of Jesus. Revelation 3:17 declares "...thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and
have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:"
Like a homeless person standing in the middle of the street pretending to enter into an imaginary house, people
"playing Christian" pretend in their delusions that they have need of nothing believing themselves to be
righteous and pure, rich and increased while in reality they are poor, blind and naked in the eyes of the LORD.
If you think youre doing all right in this life perhaps you need to take off those blinders and take a good look in
the mirror. Most people who stand naked in the mirror are shocked at the view! An unobstructed look at your
"spiritual nakedness" will probably be equally shocking! You too might find that you are in need of some help
from the only one you can count on when your down and nearly out. Jesus will lift you up. Jesus will change
whatever should be changed. Not only will he receive your application for help, but He will give you exactly
what you need. All you have to do is ask. Your application will be accepted and approved! Just look up to
heaven, or bow your head and say, "Thank you Heavenly Father for the gift of life, love, and forgiveness in
Jesus Christ your son. Forgive my failures and cloth me in His righteousness. In Jesus name I ask it!"
Who Appointed You?
By Dr. James W. Blanchard PhD.
"I don't go to church because the people there think the're so hot. They don't think they need to use "air freshener in their rest rooms. They're nothing more than "goody two shoes," who look down their nose at others. They're a bunch of self righteous jerks!"
If you've never heard someone make a statement similar to this then you probably haven't talked to very many people
outside of the church circle. What's unfortunate is the fact that in far too many cases our churches truly are filled with
self righteous will worshipers. The perceptions of those people who are on the outside of the church world are
honestly based on their actual experiences.
When Jesus walked on this earth he was greatly hated by a large group of people. Most of the church world looks back
upon those who crucified Jesus as vile and disgusting sinners; the scum of the earth. In reality they were the most
religious people of that time period. When Jesus showed up and refused to conform himself to the "list of rules" that
the "religious people" believed to be important, he was rejected, looked upon as a threat to their authority, plotted
against, and eventually killed; all in the name of religious justice.
Not much has changed since those days almost 2000 years ago. The religious world still holds up its list of rules to be
followed and still condemns those who don't conform. In the Bible book of James chapter 2 verse 11, we are told that
even though we don't do something that we feel is particularly bad, we will still turn around and do something else that is wrong in the sight of God. We are still law breakers. That means even though you haven't killed anyone, or had an
abortion, or robbed a bank, or sold drugs, you are still a law breaker. Taking a pen from the bank that wasn't given to
you, running off personal copies on the office copy machine without paying, not reporting all your income on your tax
form, gossiping to your friend about what car was parked in front of your neighbor's house all night, and a host of
other things, make you just as guilty before God as the local prostitute.
As a Christian it is not your job to run around the neighborhood pointing out all the things that you can so easily see as being wrong with everyone else. That is what Jesus was telling everyone in Matthew 7:3 when he asked why we so easily
see the splinter in someone else's eye but don't see the big log that is in our own. As a Christian, your job is letting others see what wonderful change comes to a person who has Jesus Christ as their savior. You are supposed to let others know that God loves them so much that he sent his son into this world to help them have real victory over the trials of life. That in the same way someone might buy you lunch when you couldn't afford to pay, Jesus paid the debt we owe to the almighty God for our lives here in this world. He did that for us so that we could be seen as "debt free" before God. Jesus was punished in our place being declared "guilty" of our failures so that we can be declared "innocent" in the presence of God when that judgment day arrives. That's the essence of the Gospel. That's the good news that should be on the lips of every Christian.
Don't get me wrong. God cares deeply about those evil things we do. They are not at all acceptable in His sight. What a Christian must understand is that bringing about a change in the lives of individuals is the job of the Holy Spirit. When someone comes to Christ for help and the Spirit of God begins to live inside of them they will begin to change. God will work out all those problems they have in their lives from within, doing that which can't be accomplished from without. As Christians our job is to help people come to Jesus Christ, not to try to clean up their earthly performance. God is very capable of taking care of that Himself.
The next time you notice some "dirty rotten sinner" doing something you find disgusting and in need of change, just
stop for a moment, look through what you see on the outside, to the person struggling on the inside. Let them know that everything is going to work out and that God loves them. Ask them to join you for lunch right after church on Sunday. Pick them up and bring them with you. Sure it takes an effort. Yes it will probably interfere with your routine, but from the moment you stop judging others and allow yourself to be used by God to help them find new life in Christ, you will never be the same. Try it. You may find that being a "self righteous hypocrite" wasn't all that it was made out to be.
The Gift
by Dr. James W. Blanchard PhD.
I was 8 years old with visions of sugar plumbs dancing in my head. The year was 1960 and third grade was an exciting experience. The sleepy little town of White Pigeon was nestled in Southern lower Michigan and there were only about 30 students in Miss Naylor's class. Most came from middle income families like my own, but one little boy was obviously different. Every day he came to school in the same tattered clothes. Nothing really fit him. His shoes were old, and too big for his feet and every day he played at his desk with a battered little metal car with only three wheels.
Christmas vacation was less than two weeks away and the time had come for all of us to draw names to determine which classmate we would buy a small gift for, and even more importantly, which classmate would be buying a gift for us. Just whose name was drawn by each of us was always a well guarded secret.
Those last two weeks passed so slowly it was actually painful, but the magic day finally arrived. Not only were we going to get out of school for vacation, but our first Christmas dreams would come true as we held our school party and would get to open our first present of the year. To my dismay, Miss Naylor started the gift procession at the end of the alphabet rather than the beginning with the traditional "A."
My last name began with B. That put me excruciatingly close to the end of the whole process. One by one students walked to the tree and picked up their gifts. I thought it would never end, and besides that, all the big, finely wrapped packages were quickly disappearing from under the tree. Finally it was my turn. I rushed to the tree only to find that the package that was left for me, the one that bore my name, was quite small and wrapped in news paper. I took it back to my desk and sat down to open it. As the tape pulled loose from the paper and the folds of newsprint opened, I found within that small package the second most valuable gift I have ever received. It was a small, battered metal car with only three wheels. The other kids laughed and those final few minutes of class were nearly unbearable as I was teased quite mercilessly, but even at 8 years old I recognized the significance of the gift. The car was certainly old, and yes, it was indeed broken, but it was the only toy that little boy had. It was his most prized possession. He had given me the very best thing
he had to give.
Over fourty years have passed since that Christmas, but every year as we approach the last day of school before Christmas vacation I remember the second greatest gift I have ever received. Why the second you may ask? Because the greatest gift I have ever received came from someone who also sacrificed to give me the very best he had to offer. The greatest gift I have ever received came from God as He gave His best by sending His son, Jesus Christ, into this world nearly two thousand years ago. As the years passed, Jesus grew strong and wise, lived a perfect life, owed nothing to anyone, and yet as an adult he stood before a mob of accusers without saying a word. He allowed himself to be declared guilty, by an earthly magistrate, of crimes he had not committed. He was tortured and beaten and finally crucified on a cross where he once again allowed himself to be declared guilty, this time by a heavenly magistrate, of crimes that he had not committed, my crimes and your crimes. He died on that cross in our place, was buried, and then in three days and three nights later he victoriously rose from the dead. He received the punishment that I deserve, that you deserve, as each one of us has not lived a perfect life, and owe nearly everyone including the almighty God. Jesus paid the price for our failures.
This Christmas as you anticipate the arrival of friends and loved ones and the opening of gifts, don't forget the greatest gift that has ever been offered to you. Don't forget to thank God for sending His Son Jesus into the world. How would you feel if you gave your best to someone and they didn't even bother to thank you. Just look up to heaven, or bow your head and say, "Thank you heavenly Father for the gift of Jesus Christ your son. I know he died for me and came back from the dead. I receive Him as my savior. In Jesus name I pray." Amen." Also, don't forget those people all around you who might receive from you something simple that could make their empty or lonely holiday season brighter, something simple that they may remember for the rest of their lives: A call, a hug, a smile, a kind word, a visit, a card, even a battered little three wheel car.
The Inheritance
By Dr. James W. Blanchard Ph.D.
Her beloved father was dead. She had made it through the visitation. The funeral, and grave
side services were over. The pain however was still there, aching inside. She had truly loved her
dad, even though he was somewhat of a religious fanatic. He had been so kind to her, especially
after her mother had died when she was only 7. How he had managed to become so wealthy was
beyond her comprehension, but the three homes he owned, the cars, the business, and their
comfortable life style were physical proof of his success in this world. Now she sat fidgeting, in the
office of her dad's attorney, the executor of her father's estate.
There were numerous people there with her. The president of a local Christian College, the pastor
of the Bible church her dad seemed to love so much, even though she had stopped going there
since she turned 16, and representatives of several different ministries that her dad had supported
in one way or the other. There was a hush that came over the room as the attorney opened the
folder containing the will in which her beloved father had made his final declaration of love for
her.
Echoing from the grave came the words of his testament. I order that my homes be sold, my
business assets liquidated and the proceeds divided between the college, the church, and the
ministries that I received so much from in my life. And to my dearest daughter, I give my most
valuable possession, my Bible. May you find within its pages the riches that will take you not only
through this world in safety and wellness, but into the world to come in victory through Jesus
Christ.
Her jaw dropped and her face turned red. Anger filled her heart. She stood up abruptly and
declared, Im going to fight this in court! As she started for the door, her father's attorney called
out to her, You forgot this! He reached out to her with her dad's Bible in hand. She walked
back, snatched it from him, and slammed the door on her way out.
Tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees proved to be of no help. The legality of the will was
confirmed.
Over the years, she grew more and more bitter. Her anger caused her great physical deterioration.
She died quite young, a poor, miserable and hurting soul. As her few friends combed through her
small apartment in an effort to dispose of her meager belongings, they came upon a Bible, tucked
away in a trunk in the closet. They knew instantly what it was. She never ceased talking about the
day her beloved father had ruined her life. They tossed the Bible onto a pile of other books, and
as they did that, it fell open. There between the pages was a slip of paper. As they examined the
paper, they noticed that there was a slip of paper between each page throughout the whole Bible,
all 1,330 of them, and they werent just blank slips of paper. Each one was a deposit slip from a
bank account, and each deposit slip was for $100,000! The original deposits totaled 133 million
dollars!
She was rich all along, she just didn't know it. She had everything she needed, she just didn't
recognize it. Her dad had met every need, provided for every possible financial contingency. She
just hadn't taken the time to find out about it. She had dismissed his words that so clearly had told
her that her inheritance was to be found in the pages of his Bible. Now it was too late. The state
took charge of the dispersal of her accounts that now were worth nearly half a billion dollars. She
hadn't even drawn up a will. She never knew she had anything of value to pass on.
So what about you? Yes, Im talking to you! Have you taken the time to find the riches in the pages of your Bible?
Did you know that you have eternal life? Read 1John 5:11-13 and find out!
Did you know that you are a child of God? Read Galatians 3:26-29 and find out!
Did you know that you are an heir of God? Read Romans 8:15-17 and find out!
Did you know that you will judge angels? Read 1Corrinthians 6:3 and find out!
Did you know that you are a King and a Priest? Read Revelation 1:5-6 and find out!
Did you know that God loves you? Read John 3:15-18 and find out!
Did you know that you have nothing to fear? Read Revelation 1:17-18 and find out!
Did you know that you have the right to speak forth your own destiny? Read Proverbs 18:21 and
find out!
Did you know that you have been given power from on high? Read Luke 24:46-49 and find out!