DAILY BREAD, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007

MISSED WHEN ABSENT
Neal Pollard

There is a natural crisis developing across our nation, a problem that could have enormous ecological and economical impact. The honey worker bees are disappearing, and nobody knows exactly why. They just know what implications their disappearance has on us all. The disappearance even has a technical name now: "Colony Collapse Disorder" (CCD). The most disturbing aspect is there are no dead bodies anywhere and the hives look normal on the outside. Theories include pesticides, predators, and people (of course), but nothing is apparent. Entomologists and apiologists remind us that bees pollinate one-third of the world's food supply, but who besides them ever gives thought to these quiet, diligent workers?

Think about how many in the church are like the honey bee. They work almost undetectably, behind the scenes and unheralded. Without them, however, much work would go undone. Occasionally, these workers may get discouraged by opposition, unappreciation, and criticism. In some instances, they may be prone to give up and "disappear." Yet, think about what happens to the life and work of a congregation that loses or lacks these quiet workers. Bulletin boards aren't decorated. Kitchens aren't cleaned. Tract racks aren't stocked. Shut-ins and the sick aren't contacted. Cards aren't sent. People aren't encouraged and new Christians and new members aren't exhorted. Visits aren't made. Individually, these workers may not be able to do much, but collectively their impact is huge! There works may be most noticeable when we become aware they cannot or do not do them anymore. To those of you who work like these "honey bees," we give you due honor and recognition (cf. Rom. 12:15). Your work is significant and essential. We know where we would be without you, and we dread the thought. Please do not be weary in well-doing (Gal. 6:9). We notice you, and we need you!

DAILY BREAD, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2007

** Britney Spears & Anna Nicole Smith Update **
Ryan Roark

I'm joking...although, if we really wanted to boost the Food For Thought ratings, it would behoove us to devote these next few decades to following the sagas of these two "news" stories step by step. Am I the only one who has felt the inability to steer clear of these tabloid-esque reports?

Normally, Kelly and I will turn on one of the major networks' morning shows as we're eating breakfast and getting ready for the day. Lately, I had been partial to Today on NBC. However, once their intentions of saturating their air time with Anna Nicole and Britney became apparent, we decided to try the other networks. No luck there either. "Certainly," we thought, "A station such as FOX News will not drive such frivolous stories into the ground." Wrong again. Seems they too are caught up in the sensationalism surrounding these two women. So much for "fair and balanced."

So, we have finally had enough. This morning we watched an episode of This Old House. As we watched these skilled carpenters and plumbers speak in their heavy New England accents, we just knew Norm Abrams or one of his co-workers was going to begin talking about a similar job he did at Britney Spears' house. Thankfully, though, it never came up.

Ours is a nation that has become obsessed with celebrity. This has been the case for some time. However, recent generations have accelerated this infatuation to new levels. The public wants to know as much as is possible about their favorite actors, sports stars, and musicians. Publications such as The National Enquirer sell millions of copies every week to gossip-hungry fans who clamor to read the latest "dirt" in Hollywood.

It used to be the case that those of us who wished to ignore such "junk food news" were required to do little more than pass these publications by at the grocery check-out line. However, today's mainstream media is filling our pages and airwaves with less real news and more frivolous scandal and innuendo. What (if anything) does the Bible say about this matter?

"They learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not." (1 Timothy 5:13, ESV)

Bearing in mind the context in which these words were written (instructions to the church about widows), there is a principle here that applies to the situation at hand. Does anyone actually believe God is glorified or even pleased when we go about contributing to the longevity of celebrity gossip? Does righteous character include gossipping about someone, regardless of whether we know them personally or not? Some of these celebrities have been known to actually manufacture these scandals (many of which involve gross immorality) to "jump-start" a fledgling career. Regardless of the situation, Christian character demands our abstinence from perpetuating gossip and profitless trifles.

The truth of the matter is, we have too much honest and productive work to do to involve ourselves with idle talk. If I find myself with enough time to know what color socks Anna Nicole Smith's mother wore to the courtroom yesterday, it may be the case that I have become an "idler." God expects us to be good stewards of the resources He has given us -- including time.

DAILY BREAD, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2007

WHAT VISION IS
Neal Pollard

It is the ability to see what a thing could be. A carpenter, looking at a tree, sees with a trained eye much more than others can see. With his expert shaping, appropriate tools, and seasoned patience, he can make out of that tree what was once only in his mind. The Lord needs people, from the leadership down, who look at the community, each other, their income, and their abilities and see what could be done. It takes no effort, emotion, or education to say, "It can't be done!" That's what is expected. Vision sees what could be.
It is the ability to not obsess over what a thing has been. Due respect is owed to the labors of the past, and due recognition is owed both its successes and failures. The past, however glorious, will have ample samples of both. Yet, the people, plans, and programs of today and tomorrow should not be shackled and chained exclusively to was has been. Vision is not always settling for being "has beens." "Will be" is what Paul seemed more focused in pursuing (cf. Phil. 3:10-12). Biblical vision recognizes that doctrine cannot change, but methods, technology, tools, and people invariably do. Vision asks how people living in the present time can best reach people living in the present time and prepare them for an endless eternity.
It is the ability to trust in what God can make it be. No plan would succeed without God's hand in it. I love the prayers where brethren plead, "Help us in the things that are right and defeat us in the things that are wrong." Among the Bible's heroes are those who factor God into the plans and say, "We are well able" (Caleb, Num. 13:30). "I can do all things" (Paul, Phil. 4:13), "There is nothing too hard..." (Jeremiah, Jer. 32:17), and "No good thing does He withhold" (the sons of Korah, Psa. 84:11). Our vision can be bold when "our" is God and us! Since God made the sky, the limit exceeds even that! Our giving, our ambitions, our goals, and our sights should be set to reflect our belief in that fact.
Where will we be this time next year? In five or ten years? Vision plays a role in that. Vision attempts to see the unseen, forget the past, and trust the One who holds past, present, and future in His all-powerful hand. With those truths factored in, let us dream big dreams!

DAILY BREAD, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2007

Fistfight In The Operating Room
Neal Pollard

Paul Harvey hears the most interesting news story. This one originates in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, where an appendix operation is not going well for a patient. Apparently, the two doctors performing the appendectomy begin to argue. It escalates until they come to blows, with one doctor getting the worst of it with a split lip and some nasty bruises. An assistant had to step in and fortunately was able to successfully finish the procedure.
Doctors are usually renowned for their professionalism and discipline. The years of medical school and rigorous hours, the intelligence and the high level of skill all combine to paint the picture of control and maturity. That is what makes this story out of eastern Europe so incongruous. Doctors are supposed to be preservers of life. These doctors apparently had the right tools in their hands and were in the appropriate place doing the appropriate things.
Someone has rightly referred to the church as a spiritual hospital. We serve the perfect, Great Physician, but He does His work on earth today through our hands. He has given us the tools, the knowledge, and the rationale for saving spiritual lives. Tragically, we can have the right tools in our hands, be in the right place and be doing some of the right things. Yet, when we cannot master the fundamental and necessary task of working together we are risking success in saving those who are dying without Jesus. When a congregation has cliques or factions that war with one another (cf. Gal. 5:13), they are doing potentially more damage than those reckless doctors in Yugoslavia. When brothers in Christ within our great brotherhood wrangle with each other by splitting hairs and exhibiting extreme pettiness (and do so in forums that can easily involve the world), such harm is done. When we have conflicts between even two individuals in a congregation (see Euodia and Syntyche, Phil. 4:2), it can endanger the peace and unity of the entire body.
Let us remember that there are others watching how we treat one another. Most of all, God is watching. How we treat one another is the litmus test Christ presents for His disciples for how others would know we belong to Him in John 13:34-35. God has given us ways to deal with our inevitable confict and strife, and none of them involves blood-letting, biting and devouring, or character assassination. Let us remember we are in the life-saving business, and that includes the lives of one another.

DAILY BREAD, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2007

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH
Neal Pollard

Ten times, the Holy Spirit through Habakkuk uses the Hebrew term eres in three short chapters. Primarily, the word is translated "earth" although it is also translated "land" a few times in this short prophesy. The significance of its repeated use seems to be as part of God's explanation to Habakkuk for why Judah was being punished by the more wicked Babylonians (1:5-17) because of their national sins as God's people (2:4-19). Habakkuk's vantage point was as one upon the earth who could not see nor fully know heavenly things. God explains to Habakkuk that He alone has a perfect vantage point of both heaven and earth. Being God, He was interacting into the affairs of the earth exactly as He should. Ultimately, Habakkuk recognizes this and glorifies the sovereign God whose ways he trusts and accepts. The contrast between heaven and earth is best seen in the pivotal verse of the book. Habakkuk says, "But the Lord is in His holy temple, let all the earth keep silence before Him" (2:20).
While this is an appropriate call for us to be reverent when we worship God, let us not miss Habakkuk's bigger point here. This is a call for us to have faith in God's will and ways in all aspects of our lives, and through such faith live (cf. 2:4). God made the earth. He rules over the earth. He judges those that live upon the earth. We may not always understand why God wants us to do what He says or live as He has instructed. However puzzling life may be for us in living the Christian life, let us be just and live by faith! God's wisdom, ability, and actions, compared with our own, are the difference between heaven and earth! Then, come what may, we can conclude with Habakkuk, "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength..." (3:18-19a).

DAILY BREAD, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2007

BORN OF ROYALTY
Neal Pollard

Eleanor Morris is a special lady. Though no doubt in her eighties, she exudes beauty, charm, and grace. The more you know about her history, the more you feel you have tangible proof. She has possession of her family coat of arms, handed down through generations of her family. She knows, from genealogical research by her daughter, that she is of Spanish and Grecian blood. The family coat of arms, of the Carrill family, gives more specific insight into from whom she has descended. The first two Carrills of the coat of arms were two counts who went about helping the poor. They were known as Los Carrills (or "The Cheeky Ones"). This relationship also makes her a descendent of Fernando and Isabella, the king and queen of Spain during Christopher Columbus' lifetime. Eleanor's middle name is Leonidas, and further proof from the May 29, 2006, issue of the New American (www.ibs.com) traces her to King Leonidas, king of Sparta. That's pretty hard to top.
However, Eleanor Morris can top her own claims of royal heritage. Eleanor is a sister in Christ and because of that a close relative of the King of kings (cf. 1 Tim. 2:5). This also makes her a child of God (Gal. 3:26-27). She's part of the royal priesthood (1 Pet. 2:5,9). She herself has been made royalty by Christ (Rev. 1:5-6). Far beyond any blood-ties of earth is that her spirit is blood-bought and her sins are covered by the blood of the One who created every person great and small.
Of course if you are a New Testament Christian, you share in her lofty claims. The world makes celebrities of both the worthy and the very unworthy. It recognizes physical power and looks, military strength, material wealth, and human royalty. Yet, Christians, by virtue of Christ, have a heritage that eclipses the greatest sovereign on the globe. Rejoice in the lofty name you wear and live up to the honor it demands!

DAILY BREAD, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2007











Good afternoon! Gratuitous picture of the Alamo that has no bearing on the Bread or Bear Valley. It's neat, though, eh? Here's bread, and then news...

HE FINISHED 18TH, BUT WHAT A FINISH!
Neal Pollard

I had no idea who Clint Bowyer was. I do know enough about NASCAR to know that the Daytona 500 is perhaps the premier event of the whole sport. Yesterday's finish was supposedly the closest in the race's forty-nine-year history, with 1972 and 1978 close behind it. Adding to the excitement were all the wrecks (sort of what fighting is to hockey). None of the fracases was any more dramatic than the one at the very end of the race, which bedlam brings us back to Clint. In the mayhem and tangled metal, Bowyer's car flipped onto its top. Most amazing of all is that he skidded and scraped his way across the finish line in that position. By the time gravity helped him stop, he was back on his wills and the front half of his vehicle was in flames. He was able to walk away unharmed. His finish was as amazing to me as Harvick's win by a nose over Mark Martin. He was able to hang in there to the end and because of that he earned money and avoided a "did not finish" even if it was the hard way.

The spiritual race we are in is grueling and difficult. To say that it can leave everything upside down for us is not an exaggeration. Yet, the goal of the Christian race is to finish. Paul says it is to "finish the course" (2 Tim. 4:7). Some may reach the finish in a little better condition than others. There may be serious emotional scrapes, some spiritual dents incurred along the way, and some physical setbacks. No one will eke or squeak into heaven. Yet, there will be tests and challenges every lap of the narrow road. Those who successfully run it, though, will receive the ultimate reward and victory (2 Tim. 4:8). Keep in the race!

DAILY BREAD, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2007

Now That's Really Staying Together
Neal Pollard

This has been a news story for a few days, but I suppose it is getting "played up" for Valentine's Day. You may have heard about the couple archaeologists dug up in an excavation in Rome. They found the bones of a couple who would have possibly lived before Noah, but how they found them was most unique. The skeletons were found in embrace, suggesting especially to the sentimental the profoundest expression of love and togetherness possible (info taken from today's Rocky Mountain News, News section).
Who knows what it truly means, who they were, and if they were even husband and wife. Yet, I would like to think that they were a couple so close and whose lives were so intertwined that their repose in death was symbolic of how they were to each other throughout life. We certainly need good role models, wherever we can "dig them up."
Society does not do so much to encourage married people staying together. In fact, infidelity and fornication are idolized character traits. Those who stick together through thick and thin are portrayed as foolish or at least boring. Yet, God laid out a blueprint for the whole that includes a bond much stronger than an embrace for couples staying together (cf. Gen. 2:18-24; Mat. 19:3-9; 1 Pet. 3:1-7; etc.). The Lord's church needs men and women who are committed to staying together, to building healthy, happy and close marriages. Societies, to long endure, need such values embraced and encouraged. You, if you are married, need to rededicate yourself to your spouse each day, finding ways to stick close and reasons to stay together.