Jehoiada

I had an interesting day today and I want to give God all the appreciation and praise I can because of it.

As I was changing into my work clothes after my brief workout at the gym, I discovered that I had forgotten to pack my dress socks.  Until I was able to buy some, I would need to wear my white gym socks in concert with my dress slacks, shirt and tie.  For several hours later I looked like Bill Cosby’s character in the movie “Uptown Saturday Night.”

As I put on my watch (still in the gym), my watchband broke (again – I had fixed it when it broke the previous morning).  I would now need to buy some socks and a watchband as soon as I could.

The day passed at the office in what I would term as a normal manner – I was able to buy some socks and a new, inexpensive watch (I was unable to find an adequate watchband replacement) and had a fairly productive workday.

I thank God for His goodness, His kindness and His long-suffering love toward me.

Upon arriving at home, I heard a loud hissing coming my trusty mini-van – my right-front tire was deflating rapidly from a two-inch gash in its sidewall. I gingerly, but quickly drove to the tire dealership where I had purchased the tire earlier this year.  The tire dealership employees kindly evaluated my situation.  They determined that my tire had been damaged via a hazardous road condition and would need to be replaced.  Unfortunately, my particular tire had been discontinued and the dealership was in the process of closing.  An employee graciously put on my spare and told me to come back in the morning.

I praise God for His holiness, sovereignty, mercy and provision.

Granted, my predicaments this day were extremely minor compared to countless others the world over, but I addressed them simply to convey that no matter what I or anyone may have faced or is currently facing; God is great!

There is a greatness ascribed to, associated with and attached to God that is so awesome, indescribable and spectacular that just to attempt to adequately address His greatness – the Greatness of God, is totally impossible for me to do!

Nevertheless, as I conclude this submission, I will give it my best shot to briefly honor the One, True and Living God by endeavoring to relate His greatness because His greatness is what I’ve been dwelling on lot lately.

God’s greatness far exceeds all the concerns and issues that may be prominent in the minds of many of my fellow nation and world-folk today – an extensive war, high gas prices, famine and food shortages, injustices, mass cruelty, degradation and deprivation, etc.

God’s greatness way overshadows courts that believe they’re “supreme” enough to make ridiculous rulings that clearly violate His precepts.

God’s greatness truly and undeniably supersedes the understanding and designs of men and women who aspire to incite, influence, govern, lead and/or rule groups and nations of people in numerous parts of the planet; whether for selflessness, selfishness or whatever reason imaginable.

Therefore, no matter what is going on in creation or what is happening in your, mine or the collected lives of mankind; God’s greatness is constant, consistent, prevalent, superlative, unmatched and unparalleled!

Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable (Psalm 145:3 - KJV)!  Let every living creature that possesses spirit, life, breath and animation (Psalm 150:6 - paraphrase: mine) give praise to the Lord…if for no other reason than His greatness!

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

Happy Father’s Day!

Happy Father’s Day especially to all the men who have or have had children and have served and/or do serve as well as humanely/individually possible in the vast, unlimited and uncontainable world of being a “dad.”

Being a dad is one of the most awesome, beneficial, challenging, delightful, enigmatic, frustrating, grand, honorable, interesting, judicious, kinetic, laborious, magnificent, noble, overwhelming, persevering, qualitative, rewarding, satisfying, taxing, un-appreciated, varied, wonderful, xerophilous and zany positions a man can attain to.

By now, you have undoubtedly noticed that I covered the entire alphabet to make my point about what being a dad encompasses.  You’ve also undoubtedly noticed that some words used were of the positive persuasion while others displayed negatives nuances.  That’s because when one is a dad, he can experience good and bad, highs and lows, sweet and sour, ups and downs (you get the picture) during his dad tenure.  As a matter of fact, while I was strolling through Webster’s Dictionary to get my alphabetic descriptions, I realized that I could’ve kept you here reading a good little while by using a positive and negative description for virtually every alphabet - i.e. delightful and difficult, honorable and horrible, taxing and terrific, wonderful and worrisome (again, you get the picture).

On this day before Father’s Day, I’m feeling a little on the down side (just let it be said…tell the truth and shame the devil).  I have two wonderful kids at home.  I love them very dearly and implicitly, would die for them, and if necessary, kill to preserve and protect them.  However, at this time (and for some time recently) they’ve been more difficult than delightful, more taxing than terrific.

So, for my at-this-present-time arrogant, disobedient, disrespectful, insensitive, selfish and wonderfully loving children; I have a Father’s Day gift to present.

On Father’s Day 2008, I will go on a one-day sabbatical, a retreat of sorts…from them.  Included within this gift will be the opportunity for them to not have to give me gifts (which they usually don’t), take me to a restaurant that I would prefer (but they would complain about), or act in a manner towards me that they should be doing every day of their lives (Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:1-3).

This in essence is my Father’s Day gift for 2008.

For all of you dads, Happy Father’s Day and God bless you…for you dads that to-date can identify, I wish the same sentiments and hope you make it to Monday.

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

The storm was powerful and relentless.

The staccato-like sound of the rain hit the exterior walls and windows of our house like machine gun fire concentrated on keeping an enemy force pinned down.  Its repeated pounding upon our roof was reminiscent of a boxer pummeling away at an opponent on the ropes, determined to end the fight there and then.

Then the lights went out.  The electricity stopped working and the basement sump pump (operated by electricity) ceased serving its purpose of pumping excess ground water away from the house…water that accumulated outside during every storm and rain.

At 9:00pm (4 hours after the electricity said goodnight), the water in the sump pump hole was about ten inches below the level of our basement floor.

At 10:00pm, the water level was three inches (or less) away from paying an unwelcome visit to our basement.  Due to the havoc it caused a few years ago when 8 inches of it unceremoniously visited our basement during a similar inclement weather situation (not to mention the really nice damage bill it left us), we definitely weren’t looking for ole’ H2O to become an uninvited basement guest again.

And so, three quarters of the Schneidmill family sprang into action!

Armed with flashlights, several buckets and a hastily implemented plan to defend our “homeland” from the impending onslaught of a wet invasion, my “Treasure,” son, Paul B. and I began bailing water out of the sump pump like a hospital emergency room trauma team determined not to let a dying patient flat-line.

For almost two hours straight, we bailed water out of the sump pump hole in a desperate effort to keep the “river” from rising.  Our fourth family member (the “Amazing Angela”) served as our weather and utilities company status monitor via a battery operated radio.

As we worked, constantly improvising our defensive posture by changing positions and tasks, I prayed to my Savior for three specific things:

Lord, 1) please let it stop raining, 2) please don’t let our basement flood again, and 3) please help the electric company to get the electricity turned back on.

The rain continued.  Regardless of the amount of water we bailed and poured out into the sewer lines (innumerable gallons worth), the water never appeared to recede; but rather appeared to rise.  On top of that, the electricity remained in the off position.

As the effort continued, two thirds of the three quarters of family “bailees,” approached the precipice of exhaustion and frustration.  The final third of the two thirds (I’ll not tell you which one) worked silently and unceasingly; quoting Scripture mentally for self-strengthening, encouragement and hope.

The rain stopped sometime around 11:45pm.  At 11:52pm, the electricity came back on; the sump pump whirred into operation and the three weary warriors watched the threatening water recede into the hole from whence it had risen with triumphant joy.

Later, I was learned one thing and was reminded of another.

The Bible says in Proverbs 17:14 (NASB) that “The beginning of strife is like the letting out water, so abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.”  From our ordeal, I “saw” how our failing to contain the water or “letting” the water to flow “out” into our basement as “strife” (conflict and contention) within our home, just as if we’d engaged in a heated and uncontainable argument.  Be on guard for and against that type of “letting out water” among your family members and with your fellow man.  If and when necessary, we must work hard to “bail” out any anger we may have to contain such dissension before it can overflow - that’s what I learned.

What I was reminded of was that several years ago there was a big hurricane in our area that caused the electricity to be out for days.  Everybody (me included) kept saying “We’ve lost power,” “We don’t have any power,” and “When will they turn the power back on?”  During that time and the night of this water attack, God reminded me that I had never been without “power,” because I had His power at my disposal.  In each of the incidents related, I had simply lost “electricity.”

Had I not tapped into His power, I might not have had the faith to trust and rely on Him for help or the strength to maintain the power He gave me to keep bailing long after my arms went into retirement.

In every instance God’s power, the real, true and only source of actual and living power, is always available to all of mankind, whether that is believed or not.  There are conditions for access and use, but the initial fact remains true.

So remember, dear reader whom I love without measure, contain the water of strife by tapping into and maintaining the power of God.

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

Sunday: Meatloaf, macaroni & cheese, cabbage and iced tea.
Monday: Meatloaf, macaroni & cheese, cabbage and iced tea.
Tuesday: Meatloaf, macaroni & cheese, cabbage and iced tea.
Wednesday: Meatloaf, macaroni & cheese, cabbage and iced tea.
Thursday: Meatloaf, macaroni & cheese, cabbage and iced tea.
Friday: Meatloaf, macaroni & cheese, cabbage and iced tea.

Meatloaf, macaroni & cheese, cabbage and iced tea just happens to be my favorite meal. 

In fact, it is my ideal meal and as a matter of fact, I could eat such a meal every single day.

I would not become bored with it, I would not tire of it, nor would I would not despise it or detest it.  On the contrary, I would eat it constantly, gratefully and joyfully and never become “fed up” with it especially if my “Treasure” was the one who was making it (marital-husband points just earned).

Actually, I would happy as a pig in mud to eat my favorite meal daily, even though it would constitute me eating “The Same Old Thing” over and over, night after night.

However, being involved with, doing and/or hearing “The Same Old Thing” repeatedly can have its positives and negatives; its pros and cons.  The outcome largely depends on the manner in which that “Same Old Thing” is presented (served) and received.

For many years now, I have read through the Bible daily from its first book (Genesis) to the maps near the inside of the Bible’s back cover.  Consequently, I’ve read “The Same Old Thing” over and over annually, but I’ve not become bored or tired with it because the Bible is a “living” Word (Hebrews 4:12).  I find something fresh, new, invigorating and inspiring within it each and every time I read it.

Now, let me share with you a relative contrast.

While leaving a store recently, I met a lady who was a member of a church I used to attend.  After inquiring about my welfare, this dear lady began sharing openly with me that she’d not been to that particular church in “quite a while” herself.  

“Brother Paul” she said, “It seems like every time I’m there, I just keep getting (you guessed it) “The Same Old Thing.”  She concluded that she didn’t feel she was “growing” (spiritually progressing in faith, knowledge and understanding) in God’s Word due to a redundant manner in which the Gospel was being presented to her every Sunday, week after week.

Christian servants called by God to present the Gospel to humanity are equipped by the “Caller” to do so in a manner that will develop and promote spiritual growth within the hearer/recipient.  These unique men and women of God must be constantly learning and seek to be “in tune” with God and their fellow man so their Gospel presentations avoid becoming the boring, lifeless and stale presentations commonly known by many hearers today as “The Same Old Thing.”

I believe mankind needs the Gospel and wants to hear the Gospel.  We who have been entrusted with God’s Word (Titus 1:3) must present it with all the life that is within it (Philippians 2:16).  There’s no requirement to excessively dramatize it or make it a big theatrical production in doing so, but it’s unlimited (2 Timothy 2:9) and can be presented in a manner that it will not be received as “The Same Old Thing.”  King Solomon figured out a great way to do it (Ecclesiastes 12:10).

Therefore, all who serve in capacities as servants and shepherds of Christian flocks must be the salt (savor and seasoning) of the earth (Matthew 5:13), study God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15) and feed the flock of God (1 Peter 5:2) with His life-giving, health-restoring Word (Proverbs 4:22).

If we’ll do that, we’ll avoid becoming sedentary in our proclamation service and not be found guilty of presenting “The Same Old Thing.”  I believe the presentation of God’s powerful, life-changing and hope-filled Word needs to be as flavorful and mouth-watering, tantalizing and zesty as my “Treasure’s” meatloaf meal – the Gospel should be served for consumption like that meal…every time I receive it, it never “tastes” like “The Same Old Thing.”

Which reminds me: at the beginning of this submission I shared with you what I could eat for dinner six days out of a week…I left out Saturday.

Let’s see…this Saturday, I believe it would be great if for dinner I could have some meat loaf, macaroni & cheese…    

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

I have a huuuuuuuge family!  You have no idea how huge…I don’t even know how huge.

I just know that I’m grateful and thankful for them all just as much as I am grateful and thankful to have the privilege of being a part of my family.

No, I’m not talking about my paternal or maternal family, my immediate family or extended family, nor am I referencing in general the family of mankind.

The family I’m addressing is a family that is uniquely distinct from all other families, an amazing family that has sacrificially and unreservedly served our nation (and other nations) for countless years; and will no doubt continue to do so in the exceptional manner in which we’ve done and do until the Lord Jesus Christ returns to the earth (Acts 1:9-11).

My family that I’m speaking of is the United States military.  I’m almost certain you figured that out by now considering our country’s current calendar-period.  One need not be the most colorful crayon in the Crayola box to have figured this out.

On this year’s Memorial Day, I acknowledge my military family, past, present and future – my fellow Army soldiers (Infantrymen, Airborne paratroopers, Drill Instructors and other specialties) my fellow Marines (whom I so enjoyed competing against and working with during my 20+ years of active service), my fellow Navy sailors and personnel, my fellow Airmen and Airwomen, my fellow Coast Guard, Reservists and National Guard members all.  I say to you that you are now and always have been immeasurably and undeniably outstanding…and I’m extremely proud just to be in our “family of heroes.”

As I acknowledge my family with great gratitude and honor, I ask you, the reader, to do something for us.  Just a little something as a way of showing appreciation to us for things we’ve consistently and continually provided and maintained for the U.S. of A. (and others) for years upon years…a little thing called “freedom.”

I ask you simply to “Remember Us.”

As you enjoy the weather, the time off from work, the cookouts, relaxation, shopping and travel opportunities on a day called Memorial Day; just “Remember Us.”

Many of my family members have given everything so many others wouldn’t have to give anything to be who they are and do what they do freely.  So, as you enjoy a hot dog on a leisurely day, a day that’s been designated as a memoriam to my great family, Remember Us – the United States military.

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

The Bible conveys a wellspring of instruction on the benefits, merits and necessity of prayer.

Just to name a few, the Living Word emphatically instructs all of mankind to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), to not neglect the practice of prayer (1 Corinthians 7:5), and to resist becoming weary or disheartened when praying (Luke 18:1).

What exactly is prayer (someone may ask)?  Simply put, prayer is communication with God.

There are no requirements to communicating via prayer with God – there is no preferred or set position or posture more accepted than another (i.e. kneeling, sitting, standing or laying down) and there is no particular form of presentation that’s prerequisite (i.e. verbal or non-verbal).  However, God must be acknowledged and honored for who He is (His authority, persona, sovereignty, etc.) and since it is communication with God, prayer must be understood as dialogue and not a monologue. Finally, sincerity of the heart and a personal relationship with God is highly recommended.

On the evening of Friday, May 16, 2008, five people having a personal relationship with God came to my home with a single, united purpose – they came to pray for my wife, my family and me.

They came humbly and without fanfare.  Their mode of travel did not consist of an impressive and luxurious vehicle; they were not attired in the bright, fancy and flamboyant colors and costumes currently familiar among a great number of well-known televangelists or mega-church monarchs.  They were non-descript people who had aligned themselves in truth with the one, true and living God, who came as previously stated with a single, united purpose – they came to pray.

Like a squad of elite, special-forces warriors, they took up positions in the Schneidmill family room like combat veterans who’d already received and analyzed all available intelligence reports on the location, strength and determined design of the enemy forces they’d come to confront and decisively defeat by communicating with God through prayer.

These gentle, yet determined “prayer soldiers” listened attentively as my wife and I shared details pertinent to the reason they’d come to pray for us.  And at what appeared exactly the right and most opportune times for giving input during our thoughts, they politely gave words of powerful encouragement and valuable insight.  Additionally, their “Squad Leader” (Curtis Terrell*) clearly stated that they had come to pray for us because they’d been “mandated” by God to do.

And so they did…they prayed.

They prayed aggressively and with authority.

They prayed with commitment and confidence.

They prayed with fervor and ferocity.

And they prayed with sincerity and tenacity.

I was then, am now and forever shall be grateful for their actions which essentially were outward and visible expressions of love and obedience to God and love for their fellow man (us).

In bringing this week’s submission to a close, I want to mention one more thing that the Bible says about prayer – that the prayers of those whose lives are pleasing to God, whose characters are in right standing with Him; those prayers bring forth an immeasurable amount of benefit (James 5:16).

If the five people who graced my home that evening were not/are not in right standing with God, many, many people today who profess to know and/or have a relationship with God (myself included) are in dire need of help.

These were indeed and undoubtedly people of God, and when the people of God pray (people who consistently live in loving, obeying and serving God in deed more so than word), God is honored, lives are blessed and situations of all sizes and types do certainly benefit.

So, if you’re a “people” of God, I invite you and remind you to pray.  Our nation and world has a myriad of needs today.

And people of God need to pray to seek Him for His help in all of them.

* Curtis Terrell is the Pastor of the Restore the Breach Fellowship church in Germantown, MD. USA.

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

With Mother’s Day now three days in our rear-view mirror, I apologetically, emphatically and sincerely wish a happy post-Mother’s Day to all mothers worldwide.

For this period’s Jehoiada submission, I’d like to give some acknowledgement and recognition to a most unique person.

I have a friend named Liz.  I normally address her as Miss Liz.  I don’t address her as such because of any recognition of age, seniority or as a sign of concentrated respect…I just call her “Miss Liz” because to me, that’s definitely who she.

Again, for this period’s Jehoiada submission, I’d like to give some acknowledgement and recognition to “Miss Liz”…and talk about her a little behind her back at the same time.

There are people who are concerned about others so much so that they’ll do something demonstrative to show that…then there are folk like Liz who will make you aware of her concern without demonstrating anything.

There are people who are kind and display genuine acts of kindness…then there are folk like Liz whose kindness seeps from her pores like perspiration during a hot summer’s day.

There are people who are noticeably thoughtful and will call you and pray for you and with you when they know you’re in need of it…then there are folk like Liz who will call you when you hope no one will and pray for you and with you without you knowing about it.

There are people who are undeniably good for you and to you, are encouraging and sincerely have your best interest in their heart…then there are folk like Liz whose evident goodness drips from her every word and deed like butter off of a sho-nuff, southern style corn-on-the-cob, whose encouragement can be felt like a warm sweater on cold shoulders; and whose best interest in you always seems to be greater than what the heart can express.

I’m truly, truly appreciative, grateful and thankful for people who are like those I’ve described heretofore…but for folk like Liz (and yes…that’s you too, Miss Liz), there have not yet been words created and incorporated into human language that could aid me in giving you a fitting acknowledgement.

Folk like Liz are extremely rare…and since I was saying these things behind her back…if you see her or someone like her, please tell her (or that like-person) not to change.

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

Anxieties and Concerns, Anxieties and Concerns…we all have them.

There isn’t a day that goes by that each and every one of us doesn’t face circumstances that prompt us to be Anxious or situations that give us reason(s) for Concern.

Before I continue, I want to dispel any assumption that I’m addressing this subject because of the times.

Go with me:

If current gas prices were not high; if the U.S. of A.’s economy wasn’t believed/perceived to be or actually in a recession; if crime (violent or otherwise) wasn’t rampant and becoming more so by the nanosecond; if terrorism was not a top-tier topic; if wars and rumors of wars were not covering and hovering the planet; if healthcare was happening for everyone; education was excellent for all children and political appointees and candidates truly made a priority of serving people, we’d still experience Anxieties and Concerns.

This however, is normal.  It is a human characteristic and tendency.  Were we as human beings incapable or unable of being affected by Anxieties and Concerns, I would be most Concerned about that.

Several months ago, I asked “Jehoiada” readers to pray for my “Treasure” (a reference to my wife – see “My Treasure,” Jehoiada submission, January 13, 2008).  Of those who are or may be reading my periodic attempts at writing (whoever you are), only one person actually inquired as to why I specifically made that request (thank you, John Hall).

With something as minor as that, something that may have simply been an oversight on the part of readers (again, whoever you are), I could have easily experienced Anxieties and Concerns.  In truth, I was Concerned, but had no Anxieties.

I was Concerned because I assume that a significant portion of the Jehoiada site readers are personal friends, people I know personally who genuinely and sincerely care about me and my family.  However, having been blessed with God’s gift of discernment and a substantial understanding of human nature, I didn’t develop any Anxieties because of that…but I did have Concerns.

Due to some preliminary health diagnoses my Treasure received (shortly before the time I requested prayer for her) she has experienced and demonstrated some Anxieties and Concerns.  Though to an extent some of those diagnoses have now been determined to as harmless, there are yet others that remain uncertain, unclear and unresolved. These in turn have developed within her and our children and I as well, more Anxieties and Concerns.

Now, my family and I know God to be the Lord that provides healing for us (Exodus 15:26).

We know God to be the One who is the epitome of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3).

We know Him to have and give peace that surpasses all human reasoning (Philippians 4:7), to have and give love that transcends all human knowledge (Ephesians 3:19), and to possess and issue a pure quality of mercy that lasts forever (Psalm106:1).  On top of that, we are assured and certain that He can do anything and everything exceedingly and abundantly far above all we could ask for or think of (Ephesians 3:20).

We believe Him, trust Him and strive as best as we are able to do to obey Him by His Word (the Bible).  And yet, even with all that totally valid assurance and certainty of who He is and what He is capable of accomplishing on our behalf, we still have deficiencies and shortcomings in the area of believing and trusting Him…maybe you can identify.  At a minimum, we’re definitely like the account of a Dad in the Bible that told Jesus, “Lord, I believe You (what You say and do), but I need you to help me in the area of my life that I recognize pays attention to the devastating effects of doubt that grow from my uncertainty.” (Mark 9:24: extensive paraphrase – mine).

The Bible states that anything that is not of faith – that’s not of complete trust and reliance in God, is sin (Romans 14:23).  Like the Dad in Mark’s Gospel passage, I know I’m guilty of that regularly.  You may be able to identify.

But what I have learned and can say with unprecedented assurance is that we have got to trust God for every area of our lives even when we recognize we’re being attacked by or embracing doubt.  I’ve also found out that doing so often takes great individual effort and work.

So, during those regular and often times of our human existence, we must determine we’re going to trust Him and work toward that end no matter how overwhelming our situation looks or appears to be.

That is because God is the answer, cure, deliverance and solution to everything, even our Anxieties and Concerns.

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

The believed number of people on our planet today is astounding.

I don’t know what that determined amount is to-date (don’t ask me…I barely made it out of Statistics class with a “C”), but I know it’s going to get a whole lot bigger as time continues.

With so many people on our planet having similar abilities, characteristics and qualities, it’s no wonder we are (human beings) are so competitive amongst each other in just about every area one can think of from the global and national level to the corporate and individual entity arena.

There’s a saying I’ve heard in my area of habitation (the National Capital Area of the U.S. of A.) that states, “If you throw a rock in a crowd of people in Washington, D.C., you’re likely to hit someone that has a MBA.” (…that stands for a Masters of Business Administration…I figured you knew that…)

With that analogy in mind, imagine a locale with a significant portion of its population having the same abilities and skill set (that’s not hard to do most places in this day and age).  In that scenario, it would be highly unlikely that all or even the majority of them could find employment in the professions requiring those abilities/skill sets within that locale.

Based on the current competitive nature of business in virtually every profession and walk of life, in the majority of how things usually work out, only those who “stand out” are given an opportunity, hired, picked, selected, etc.  Only those who are determined or viewed as “exceptional” get a chance to advance, be elevated, go forward, shine, etc.

What constitutes being exceptional?  Do you know?  During a recent conversation with my supervisor, he shared with me an article he’d read about two high school students who’d “aced” their SAT’s (…that stands for a Scholastic Aptitude Test…I know you knew that…)  Shortly thereafter, they applied for admission to Harvard and Yale…but their applications and requests for admission were rejected.

“Why?” I asked.

“Because they were not well rounded” he replied.  “They were just real smart.  They had no other characteristics or qualities that the schools saw as admirable or beneficial to them.”

I was shocked.  I would think that if a high school student maxed out his or her SAT that a college would see that person as exceptional and jump at the chance to have them at their school.  But no, my friend, especially in our world today, being exceptional encompasses a myriad of things.

One can be smart and popular, but not be seen as exceptional.  One can be rich and famous, but not be viewed as exceptional.  And because the definition of being exceptional can mean one thing to some and another thing to others, I think it’s important that we all should strive to be “truly exceptional” in all we say and do as a pattern for life.

How is that accomplished?  Here’s my answer to that: We deny ourselves.  We become noticeably and undeniably considerate of our fellow man, put others first and live as selflessly as we can via the example given to mankind by the greatest living person, leader and communicator the world has ever known – the Lord Jesus Christ.

Want to be “truly exceptional?” Learn how by studying under the “Teacher” sent by God (John 3:2).  His everlasting “truly exceptional person” class is now in session!

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

I don’t profess to be immensely intelligent.  Why, I’ll be the first to admit that when it comes to having smarts, I’m not “the sharpest knife in the drawer,” “the fastest car on the track,” or “the brightest bulb in the chandelier.”

As a matter of fact, most of these days when I have to deal mentally with my teenage son, I often feel like I’m the idiot some village has been missing.

Though I may not be very smart in many areas requiring a significantly large capacity of intellectual prowess, I am grateful for the fact that I do not have a “lack of knowledge.”

Now, if what I just said which you just read sounded somewhat contradictory…if what I penned herein appears to be a conundrum or an enigma…if what I, an admittedly “not very smart” individual just confused you via my rhetorical renderings; please know and understand that I did it intentionally…I wanted to get you thinking…

In the Biblical Old Testament book of Hosea, God tells the title prophet that His chosen people (the Israelite nation) “are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6, KJV)

Throughout much of my new life as a Christian, I had heard this particular verse preached and taught from primarily from a perspective that concentrated solely on the word “knowledge.”  In light of this, these preaching and teaching sessions I experienced related that the verse meant that God’s people (today) are in “destroyed” (ruined, in peril, and just in all-around bad shape) because we aren’t smart.

But in my ongoing study of God’s Holy Word, I’ve learned that the word “knowledge” in Hosea 4:6 doesn’t have the same meaning associated with intellect, mental acuity, smarts, etc.  When God tells the prophet that His people are destroyed for “lack of knowledge,” God is actually conveying that His people are completely ruined due to a lack of a relationship with Him.

When the Bible states that “Adam knew his wife…” (Genesis 4:1, KJV) and conveys that Joseph “knew her (Mary) not till she had brought forth her firstborn son (Jesus)…” (Matthew 1:25, KJV), informational awareness and research was not what was being referenced there.  On the contrary, what was being referenced in these passages of Scripture were relationships of intimacy, not mental “knowledge.”  I can identify because when I finally got to “know” my wife, we had kids shortly afterward…

God wants His creation of all mankind to have a relationship with Him.  In the fullness of disclosure, God wants all of mankind to have an intimate relationship with Him.  He wants all to “know” Him in a way that supersedes mere head knowledge.

I’m not implying that He doesn’t want people to know Him with our understanding and intellect by studying His Word, but when we know Him intimately and up close and personal-like, mind-smarts about Him is gravy on the potatoes.

So, God and I invite you to begin and develop a relationship with your Creator.  Get to know Him intimately.

There’s no guarantee you’ll be a whole lot smarter, but you most assuredly will not “be destroyed” because of a “lack of knowledge.”

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved