Help for Today: Support

Text: Acts 16

He, too, was drug through the streets. He, too, was placed in shackles in the area of the jail reserved for the most severe of criminals. He, too, was guilty of nothing, in reality, of more than a committed faith. But, he, too, while shackled in the prison with his brother, was heard singing and praying. He, too, felt the shake of the earthquake and was free to escape. He, too, stayed where he was. He, too, was asked the question, “What must I do to be saved?” He, too, went with the jailer as this man, and his all of his house, were taught the gospel and baptized. His name still never jumps to the front of the page like his partner, Paul. But, ask Paul. Ask Paul about the value of that “wingman.” Never take for granted the role of the supporter, the one by your side, the one that makes the conjunction “and” necessary. Hold the name “Silas” high today. He was quite a brother. By the way, there is a good chance not one of us will ever be an “apostle Paul” but, we can all be a “Silas.”

All the best and I hope this gives you “Help for Today”.

~ Clark Sims

Help for Today: A Good Name        

Text: Proverbs 22:1

Carrot top. Lefty. Shorty. Chunky. Yes, even Sham. These are all nicknames that just the saying of the word gives you a clue who is being described. Proverbs 22:1 tells us…A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. The groom’s great compliment to a bride is the sharing of a name. The bride honors her groom by “giving up” a name to take his name. What thoughts come to the minds of your friends and associates when your name is mentioned? You see, it is that name that identifies you. Your name is a mirrored reflection of the content of your character. Choose today that your name will be a good name. The name of Barnabas, which means, son of encouragement, was given to him because of his manor of life. By the name, the lives of those who share your name are touched by the legacy of your life. Give that some thought. By the way, I remember a number of years ago when I was looking for a job teaching school. I know my dad and mom’s good name in the school system helped me get that job. I also know the day I began to work my conduct and work ethic would reflect on those who gave me my name. It is a very interesting cycle. A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.

All the best and I hope this gives you “Help for Today”

Clark Sims

Help for Today: Today

Text: Luke 9

J. L. Ralston said: "Our most dangerous enemy on this side of the Atlantic is the idea that we have plenty of time." This is equally true in the matter of preparedness for eternity—as well as for our country! Because we know not when we may lose the use of our faculties, because we have no lease of our lives, because we know not when the Lord Jesus will come again, and because the Word commands it, we should act NOW. Jesus addressed the urgency of the decision when He said in Luke 9, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” The chapter goes on to include men who spoke of their intention to follow Jesus, just on their own terms, on their own time. Our Savior made it abundantly clear to them…and to us…If you are not going to follow me now, don’t follow me at all…The rich man in Luke 16 fared sumptuously every day…and then he died. He faced an eternity in torment because of his life “decisions.” On the other hand, thankfully, while there was still time, the prodigal “came to himself” and got up and “went home to the Father.”…while it was still today…

All the best and I hope this gives you “Help for Today”.

Clark Sims

Help for Today: Friendship   

Text: Proverbs 18:24

As we are about to begin working toward our 10^th year of Christian camping at ICYC, I figure I better speak kindly of Bruno as my dependence on him continues. I wish for all of you a true friend like he is to me.

A number of years ago, I sat in the auditorium at the old Northport church of Christ building on main avenue on a Sunday night. As the service moved forward, "Bruno" Bryant Evans stepped in to the pulpit to preach. His topic that night dealt with friendship. I’m sure it was a good lesson. His lessons usually are. But I really don’t remember much about the details. It’s been well over twenty years. (Quick, what did I preach about Sunday night? Gotcha!) While I don’t remember much about the sermon, I do remember something very well that happened later that night. I was “drowning” in a class at the University of Alabama, dealing with computers. When services ended, I went over to Bruno’s home for him to help me get through this class. He gave his night, staying up very late to help me. The sermon he preached that night dealing with friendship has, basically, faded from my memory. The friendship he demonstrated that very same night will stay with me forever. Today. Be a friend.

All the best and I hope this gives you “Help for Today”

Clark Sims

Help for Today: Actions Do Speak Louder than Words

Text: Mark 10

It is pretty common for preachers to make reference to the statement of Jesus in Mark 10. The Son of Man has not come to be served but to serve. You understand He was showing the disciples what true greatness really was. He was calling His disciples, including us, to service. But, then the gathering ended. Jesus and His disciples were back on the road. As they moved forward, they encountered a blind man named Bartimaeus, who was crying out to Jesus. Some tried to “hush him up.” Just know this. While Bartimaeus cried out, Jesus faced a great test. Would His life actions match His words? As you know, He passed the test with flying colors. The heart of Jesus is revealed in the fact He “stood still.” The man in need received His full attention. While we observe the wonder of a blind man being given his sight, perhaps the great lesson from this story for us is the value of our actions matching our words. He absolutely meant what He said. The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. His purpose is my purpose. Today…

All the best and I hope this gives you “Help for Today”

Clark Sims

Help for Today: A “Valentine’s Day” True Picture of Love

She was looked at as a means to an end. The men who drug her to the feet of Jesus, caught in the very act of adultery really had no regard for her. It was Jesus they wanted, and they absolutely were convinced they had Him. With this “means to an end” thrown at His feet, they were sure whatever He said would open the door for an accusation against Him. And so they waited. As the Teacher wrote on the ground they waited. After writing, they witnessed Him get up and make a statement. “He that is without sin among you let him be the first to cast a stone.” As He bent back down to His spot where He had written to continue, they were cut to the heart. Beginning with the oldest, one by one, they left the sight. In their minds He had done the impossible. What He said was perfect. They had to walk away. Jesus was left alone with the “means to an end.” He was left alone with the one “caught in the act.” With the simple phrase, “Go your way and sin no more” He put into life practice a principle of love for humanity He had taught and would continue to teach. See the true value of your fellow man. See the value of the soul they possess. Understand the price that was paid for them. Practice. Love. Today…

All the best and I hope this gives you “Help for Today”

Clark Sims

Help for Today: Giving Up

His name has become a synonym and even the definition of the term. The name Judas and the term traitor are forever linked. Why? Because for thirty pieces of silver, the treasurer of the group walked in to a group of authority figures and said…I’ll give Him to you. One of His own…One who passed out baskets of food to the hungry masses…One who sat in a boat as He walked on water…One who saw, “Lazarus, come forth.” One who walked the streets, who heard Him teach, who saw Him heal, who witnessed Him holding the children in His arms…One of His own…betrayed Him…But, as bad as the actions of Judas Iscariot were, I can not look at him any differently than I do the man in the mirror. While my name has not been etched across the printed page telling my story, I have done what he did. I turned on Him, too. I betrayed Him, too. And yet, as bad as my actions have been, He stands ready to forgive me just like He did the one who, by the fire, said, “I do not know Him!” By the way, just as sure as He forgave the man by the fire and just as sure as He forgives me…He would have forgiven the treasurer, too. Why did he give up? Winston Churchill got it right. Do not give up. The one you “turned on” and betrayed the most wants to forgive you…How much? “He bore our sins in His body on the tree.” Keep going. Do not give up. Today.

All the best and I hope this gives you “Help for Today”.

~ Clark Sims