WORD From The Woods


Mark 10:46 - 11:11
    “And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.  Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.”
  
    Yesterday we celebrated Palm Sunday, and the beginning of Holy Week. Palm Sunday is the day that we remember the triumphal entry of the Messiah, the Savior and Shepherd-King of His lost sheep. His sheep were lost because they were spiritually blind and unable to see in a dark and sinful world. I think this is why we find the healing of the blind man, Bartimaeus, and the Triumphal Entry of Jesus together in the same context. Jesus had great compassion on those he healed of their various physical problems, and that was part of why he healed them, but the real reason he healed so many people was to demonstrate the fact that he came to heal people's souls! He came to bring us out of spiritual death and darkness, into new life with Him! I love they way Bartimaeus calls to Jesus, "Jesus, have mercy on me," he knew that he didn't deserve healing, both physically or spiritually, but he called on the abundant mercy of the Savior.  When Bartimaeus was told to stop, he persisted even louder! Jesus told him that his faith had made him well, this wasn't some healing power that Bartimaeus discovered within the depths of his own faith, but because he placed his faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone to save him spiritually. I also love his response when Jesus tells him to go his way, he immediately followed Jesus on HIS way! Jesus' way was now Bartimaeus' way! The cry of Bartimaeus was the same cry of the the people of Jerusalem when Jesus entered, the people were crying out "Hosanna," which simply means, "please save us." The people of Jerusalem were so hungry for their long awaited messiah that they called out to him with praise honor and worship, begging for him to save them! They spread out their coats and branches just so Jesus wouldn't have to ride in on the dirty streets, this was a way of honoring Him as King.  I pray that we can learn to have a heart like this toward our Messiah, that we would praise, honor and worship Jesus as our Savior and our Lord, willing to make his way our way! That we would lay everything down at His feet, longing for Him to save us from spiritual blindness! Are we willing to jump up and follow Jesus on his way as Bartimaeus did? Let this awesome account of the Savior-King coming to His people, stay on your heart and mind this week as we prepare to celebrate His death and resurrection this coming weekend.


God bless and have a great week! -Terry-

WORD From The Woods


Philippians 4:2-9
    "I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."


     This passage emphasizes something that I think is really important and very lacking in our "Christian culture" today. It emphasizes the value and the necessity of unity and community amongst the body of Christ. There are going to be disagreements on secondary doctrinal issues, but when it comes to the essentials of Christianity we must stand side by side. We don't know what the issue was between Euodia and Syntyche, but whatever the disagreement was, Paul basically told them to get over it and focus on what was really important, that is the gospel of Christ. Paul challenges and encourages the body of believers at Philippi to stand together in Christ because together their witness to the lost and hurting world will be most effective. When we are busy gossiping and bickering within the church, Satan can just sit back and enjoy the show because we will never be effective in ministry that way. As Paul is closing his letter to the Philippians, he not only charges them to stand together but leaves them with words of encouragement and a list of Christ-like characteristics to emulate. Most important of all he reminded the church that they must constantly be in corporate prayer, bringing all things to God with thanksgiving, and the peace of God which passes all understanding would guard their hearts and minds. These things are so important in our personal lives, but they are just as important in the corporate setting of our gathering together for worship and fellowship each week! As Paul said "practice these things, and may the God of peace be with you"


God bless and have a great week! -Terry-

WORD From The Woods
1 Peter 5
“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”


    This is the final passage in our study through Peter’s letter of exhortation to a group of persecuted Christians. Peter doesn’t spend a lot of time trying to make these folks feel better about the tribulation and persecution that they were facing, he encourages them, tells them to stand firm in the faith, and compares their real but temporary troubles to the eternal glory and dominion of the Kingdom of Christ, that they were partakers of. This is  great reminder to us as we face various trials in our lives today, we are also fellow partakers in this glorious reality if we are indeed followers of Christ! After all the great things we’ve learned from this letter, Peter’s final charge to the readers is to clothe themselves in humility. I love that picture! When we get dressed in the morning, we put on the appropriate clothing for the task we’re heading out to do. That’s the idea behind clothing ourselves in humility. This charge is certainly important for all believers, but  he specifically directs it here to the elders, the spiritual leaders. One of the most important qualities of any Godly leader is true Christ-like humility, and to lead others well, we must put on humility to be rightly equipped for the task. He also gives us the important warning to remember that the enemy is prowling around like a roaring lion, seeking to destroy the work of the Kingdom. I loaded a round of trucks early this morning, and a couple of the drivers saw a mountain lion on the way in. They we’re terrified to turn their back to the darkness, knowing that a lion was prowling around out there and kept on guard as they were throwing their wrappers. It was as great reminder to me that we must always be on guard, watching out so we don’t fall prey to the enemy’s schemes to trap us in sin! I hope this study of 1 Peter has been a good exhortation to you! Peace and grace to you as you go about your life this week, stand firm, declaring the grace of the Lord Christ Jesus to the world around you!


God bless and have a great week! -Terry-

WORD From The Woods 


1 Peter 4:12-19
     “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”


   Last week, we talked a bit about the suffering and sacrifice that comes as a Christian when we resist the worldly passions and pursuits that come at us in this life. In this next passage, Peter really focuses in on the reality of suffering for the sake of Christ. He even goes so far as to say that we should rejoice in suffering for the sake of Christ! Peter is clear, we don’t rejoice when suffering comes as a result of our own sinful actions or just plain stupidity. Christians throughout the ages have purposefully caused their own suffering in various ways to then turn around and misuse this passage to say “oh look, I’m suffering for Christ.” That’s not at all what Peter is talking about here. He’s telling us to make sure that our suffering is not a result of our own sinfulness, but that we should rejoice when we suffer as a result of standing for Christ. He points out the reality that our temporary suffering for Christ in this life, is nothing compared to the eternal suffering that awaits those who will spend eternity in hell! We may simply face ridicule or at some point even violence because of proclaiming the gospel, or maybe just for living a Christ-like life. It may come in the form of losing friends or business deals because we refuse to compromise on biblical ethical standards. Whatever the suffering or persecution looks like, when it legitimately comes as a result of following Christ Jesus, we can stand up and rejoice! Peter tells us that we can do this because Christ suffered more than we could ever imagine, when He took on the sin of the world and left it at the cross! Don’t ever forget that the weight of our own sin is what caused the suffering and death of our Lord and Savior, and our own suffering can’t even begin to compare. The other awesome aspect of suffering for Christ, is that God uses it to shape us into the people He desires for us to be! James taught this clearly when he wrote, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”  The reality of God using trials in our lives for His good purposes, is something that we can take great comfort and joy in! So much more could be said on this subject. I hope that as you go out this week and face various trials, you can face them with a renewed sense of joy in what Christ has done for you on the cross, and what He continues to do as He grows you through it all!


God Bless and have a great week! -Terry-

WORD From The Woods


1 Peter 4:1-11
     “Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self- controlled and sober- minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”


     I think that this passage has a really important message to all believers, but it’s especially important to us who work in the logging industry.  Peter charges his readers to be good stewards of God’s grace. Now, I don’t think anyone understands good stewardship better than those of us who work in the woods. We’ve all see the “cut and run” practices of some timber companies, and we’ve seen good, responsible, sustainable stewardship of other company’s management practices. The timber companies that have invested in good site prep and planting, and maybe a good thinning program will see a huge reward when they get to final harvest. It takes hard work, great investment and a willingness to see the end result and not run for the quick money here and now to have a healthy sustainable forest that will produce for the coming generations. The grace that God has poured out on us is no different, in that it requires good stewardship on our part. If we come to Christ and receive his grace but never tell those around us about it then we are wasting the most precious resource that we have ever been given. If we receive God’s grace but don’t seek after Him and allow Him to work in us and through us so that the world around us sees a difference, then we are taking His grace for granted. In this passage, Peter tells us not to follow the world around us into all kinds of human passions such as drunkenness, lust and idolatry. He says that other people will be surprised when we don’t follow them in these things and they will ridicule us, but we need to remember that they will all give an account to God one day for what they have done. This is exactly why the gospel needs to be shared with the world around us! If we follow the world in various worldly passions, then we cheapen and waste God’s grace. We need to remember that this life is short and what we do now matters for all eternity! As you go out this week and work hard at whatever it is you do, remember that if you have received God’s grace through Jesus Christ, we must work even harder to be good stewards of that grace!


God bless and have a great week! -Terry-

WORD From The Woods


1 Peter 3:8-22


     “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness 'sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him”


      In this passage Peter talks about suffering, this could be physical suffering or spiritual suffering caused by various trials. Peter is looking specifically at suffering for the sake of Christ, not the suffering brought about by our own foolish choices. If you choose to follow Christ and serve Him as His disciple, you will experience this kind of suffering because the world is hostile to God, more so now than we’ve ever seen in our lifetimes. But as Peter says here it's far better to suffer for the sake of Christ than for doing evil! Suffering temporary persecution in this life for sharing the truth of the gospel, is nothing compared to the hope we have in Christ.  We should count it as joy because of the eternal value of the message we have to share. Suffering for unrepentant evil deeds is something that lasts for all eternity if a person never repents and receives the life giving salvation offered through Jesus Christ. This is why Peter tells us to always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in us! When we face trials with other people, it's so easy to get caught up in the fight and forget the eternal weight of the situation. Peter calls us not to repay evil for evil, but to have sympathy, humility, tenderness and brotherly love for those we have conflict with. We're called to a higher standard, not because we're better than anyone but because we are representing Christ. And the hope that we have in Christ is something that everyone around us desperately needs, even if they don't know it. Noah probably faced more persecution than anyone who ever lived while building the ark. He and the other 8 members of his family were the only people on earth that followed God. He remained faithful and followed God's year after year, even when it didn't make any sense at all, God saved him and his family from the waters of the flood. The waters of that flood pointed to the temporary nature of this life and how God offers a new life in Christ for eternity. The flood washed away the evil in the world and gave Noah a new start in life. This was a baptism of the evil world. Baptism in and of itself won't save a person, but it points the the reality of Christ. It points to the reality that, in Christ we have a new life now and for eternity!  When we face suffering and conflict in this life, we must remember that we don't fight against flesh and blood, but that there is a spiritual battle going on. satan is constantly trying to stir up strife and keep us from sharing the hope that is within us. Don't fall for his feeble attempts! The power that we have in Christ by the Holy Spirt is far greater than any arrows satan may through our way. Stay strong and share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ with the world around you!


God bless and have a great week! -Terry-

WORD From The Woods


1 Peter 2:18-3:-7
  “Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.  Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered”


Ephesians 5:22-33
     “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”


    In the first part of this passage, Peter talks about the servant/master relationship, which would apply in todays context to the employee/employer relationship. Even if you boss treats you unfairly, you are still called too to treat him with grace, kindness and respect. The most important job we have is representing Christ to the world around us, and the way we respond especially in unfair and unjust situations can be a much more powerful witness than any words we can say.   Peter, also addresses the marriage relationship, but it’s pretty brief when it comes to the husband’s role. So, I included Paul’s teaching on this subject from his letter to the Ephesian church because he focuses more on the husband’s responsibility. This is one of those passages that doesn't get a lot of attention these days because it is thought to be politically "in-correct." I've never been accused of being politically correct, but this passage is in God's word so it must be important and correct. Since God is the one who created all things, He probably knows what He's talking about. A lot of teachers like to say that Paul is calling for mutual submission within the marriage relationship, but in verse 22 he clearly tells wives to submit to their husbands, as to The Lord, he never calls husbands to submit to their wife. Paul says that husbands are to be the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, and as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husband. Now this may sound quite harsh and overbearing, but Paul is comparing the marriage relationship to Christ and the church, I don't think that any of us as believers would say that Christ is harsh or overbearing. Paul devotes most of this passage to the husbands responsibility as the head or leader of the marriage relationship. Husbands are commanded here to lead and love and cherish his bride as Christ does the church! Husbands are given a tremendous responsibility in this command. Paul tells us, that since we are one flesh with our wife, we must nourish and cherish our wife, because if we don't then we are hurting ourselves! God has clearly called men to be the leader of their household both physically and more important, spiritually. This is not in any way demeaning or disrespectful of women, quite the contrary, this biblical model protects women and honors them with the utmost dignity and respect. Husbands are to love, honor, cherish, respect, provide for, and most importantly, lead their wives and children by exemplifying Christ. If men are doing that, it is a great joy for their wife to respect and come under the leadership of the Godly man that they are married to. I hope that the men that read this will strive become the husbands and fathers that God has commanded us to be. The Godly leadership of biblically masculine men in the home, is so critical to raising up the next generation to fear and honor the Lord! I can’t emphasize this enough!


God bless and have a great week! -Terry-

WORD From The Woods


1 Peter 2:13-17 
    “Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover- up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”


     This is a very important passage for us today. The issue of when and how to obey Government regulations and mandates has been a very common topic of discussion and debate over the last few years regarding certain restrictions about a certain virus. I really don’t want to start a debate through this devotional, but I don’t skip over passages just because they are difficult. We could spend hours talking about this issue, but I’ll attempt to keep this as brief as possible in this format So, here are my thoughts on this passage. Peter tells us plainly here to be subject or to come under the authority of every human institution. Seems pretty simple right? Does that mean that the founders of America were in the wrong when they defied the wicked British tyrants they were being oppressed by? I’ve studied the historical accounts of the men who built our nation, and most of them were Godly Christians who were driven by biblical principles like honor, respect, integrity, and submission to the proper authorities. So, we should take serious pause when we look at their response to tyranny. There is much to learn from the example of many of the great Reformers and Puritans as well. What I have learned from the example of many great and bold  Christian leaders who have gone before us, is that they had an understanding of different spheres of authority. We need to recognize that as well. There is the authority of the household, we’ll get to that in chapter 3, but the husband is called to be the head of that sphere of authority. Then, we have the local church assembly, the elders are the head of that sphere. Then there is the Church proper, the whole of the body of Christ, King Jesus is the head of that sphere. We also have civil magistrates, governors, presidents, dictators, kings, congresses, parliaments, and even dusty old constitutions. All of these forms of civil authority have different levels and spheres of authority.  In this passage from Peter and Paul’s parallel teaching in Romans 13, you have an interesting qualifier that doesn’t appear in the submission teachings on marriage, parental and vocational relationships. In both passages, Peter and Paul say that the civil governmental authorities are to punish evil and praise those who do good. Peter says that we are to live as free men. Paul in Romans 13 even goes so far as to say that the government leaders are God’s servants or deacons to be more true to the greek. We don’t see much good being done by the government these days. I think we need to understand that these passages are prescriptive of how government is supposed to work. They are supposed to do good, not evil! These are not just blind commands to obey every whim that is mandated by the pen of an evil tyrant. We also have to understand that Jesus is seated on his throne and has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt 28:18). And, that we are to render unto caesar the things that are caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s (Matt 22:21). We don’t talk much about the rendering unto God part. All of this has to be taken into context and applied together to get a complete understanding of how we respond to wicked rulers. When the governor issues a mandate that regulates when, where, why, and how we meet for worship, preach the Word of God, partake of the Lord’s supper, or perform baptisms, we can be certain that these are God’s things. With all due honor to those placed in civil authority, when it comes to the things of God, we obey God rather than men. When the laws of our land regulate things like abortion or marriage, in a way that is in violation of God’s law, we obey God rather than men. We also have a constitution and bill of rights in the USA that is supposed to be a supreme authority in our land, we need to look no further than the 1st amendment to see that the church is to be totally protected and free from any government involvement. When our government leaders are almost entirely wicked and mandating and legislating things that are directly in opposition to God’s word, I think we have a duty to live as free men, like Peter, and defy wicked tyranny. We must do this with all honor and respect possible! This doesn’t mean we raise our middle finger, grab our guns and start storming government buildings. First and foremost, it looks like being faithful to the word of God in our homes and churches, and our command to disciple the nations, (Matt 28:19). It means we don’t close our church doors or restrict worship just because the governor says so. It means we understand the battle cry of America’s war for independence, “no king, but King Jesus!” There is a lot more to talk about on the subject, I’m going to have to leave it here for now. These are just some thoughts to get us thinking more biblically. This is a difficult topic, but one we need to get a good biblical understanding on because we are going to face more and more of these issues in the very near future with what’s going on in our world.              


God bless and have a great week! -Terry-

WORD From The Woods


1 Peter 2:1-12
“And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation”




     In this passage, Peter uses a metaphor about the construction of a stone building to illustrate an awesome spiritual truth to his readers. Peter likens Christ to a cornerstone in a great building made with many stones. The cornerstone of a building was the first stone set upon the foundation and all the other stones would be set in reference to the cornerstone. It was the most important stone in the whole building and if it wasn’t set right, the entire building would be out of alignment and could crumble if not centered upon the foundation. The really awesome part of Peter’s illustration is that we, as believers in Christ, are living stones in this building as well! And this building is like the holy temple of God since the Holy Spirit dwells within us as Christians.  As Christians, or “living stones’’ in the temple of God, we are called to seek Christ and to live a Christ-like example before the world. Peter tells us that just as infants seek their mothers milk because it’s good and nourishes them for growth, we should seek Christ if indeed we have tasted His goodness.  And in Him we will grow from spiritual infants into mature Christ followers. We are called to seek Christ and His righteousness because the whole world is watching us as living stones in the temple of God. Peter tells us to put away all malice and deceit, to abstain from all worldly passions and sinfulness because we are Christ’s witness to the watching world. I don’t have to give any examples of worldliness to folks in the timber industry, it’s all around us every day and it’s so easy to fall into. Laying these things down and dying to our own selfish pursuits are the spiritual sacrifices that God desires (Psalm 51). We are the gospel in living form bearing witness to all those we come into contact with. If people read the gospel, spelled out by the testimony of your life, what will they see? Will they see the goodness and character of Christ shining through you and desire to have what you have as an infant desires it’s mothers nourishment?  When we place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, we enter into something so much bigger than ourselves and our own selfish pursuits. As living stones in the temple of God we are an integral part of the greatest building project in all eternity, the Kingdom of God!


God bless and have a great week! -Terry-

WORD From The Woods


1 Peter 1:1-25
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:May grace and peace be multiplied to you. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober- minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for
“All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,
but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And this word is the good news that was preached to you”


    The book of 1 Peter is a letter written to first century Christians who were dispersed throughout the Roman Empire. These believers faced serious persecution and distress and I’m sure they felt very much alone at many times. This letter offers us some awesome truth and direction for our lives as Christians today. The first chapter begins by talking about the various trials that the believers were facing, though they were real and difficult for a time, they were just temporary. Peter reminds us that as believers in Jesus Christ, we have an inheritance that is eternal and imperishable and far greater and more powerful than any trial that we will ever face in this life.  By coming to this world, living the only perfect life, giving His life for us, and raising from the dead, Jesus proved that He is greater than any trial we will ever face! He alone can deal with the problem of our own unrighteousness. Peter talks here about our faith being tested. If our faith is in the perishable, temporary things of this world, they will leave us seriously disappointed. But, if our faith rests in Christ and what He did on the cross, it will stand firm in the midst of various trails. In our industry there are a lot of “self-made men” who have been very successful by working hard and making good business decisions, and it’s easy for us to place our faith in our own success and ability. This past few years have brought a lot of different trials to all of us. But, there is nothing that has happened that God didn’t already know. All the craziness we’ve seen in the world though the “corona years” should remind us of the importance of trusting God in everything and it’s given us a good opportunity to be a Godly example in front of the world around us. I hope that this passage helps remind you to place your faith in the only eternal and imperishable thing it can be placed in, Christ Jesus and what He has done!


God bless and have a great week! -Terry-