Telehelp Publications
Welcome to Chapel Time
Welcome to Chapel Time
MORNING THOUGHTS AND MEDITATIONS
This collection of: "Morning Thoughts and Meditations" copywrite with all rights reserved.
BY: ROBERT A. SEARLES
DEDICATION PAGE:
May God be merciful to me a sinner, and save me for Christ’s sake. Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to
thy cross I cling, trusting only in the blood that was shed, and the life that was given for my redemption.,
Father, look upon me in the light of Jesus Christ, and see his righteousness, and I will look upon the
sufferings of Jesus Christ and see my depravity. Thank you God for not dealing with me according to mine
iniquity, but for showing me grace and forgiveness, and for loving me even when I was cursing you. Help
me by your continued grace to be your faithful servant forever.
I hereby dedicate this book of morning thoughts and meditations to you, dear Lord, and to my loving,
faithful wife Joanne, and members of my family: namely ,my son, Randall; my daughter Mrs. Annette
Berglind and my youngest daughter, Mrs. Kathy Seffinger., and all my grand children and great grand
children yet to come . Amen!
-
January 1
Anyone who is planning to go on a journey is very wise if he or she makes preparation in advance. If he or
she is going to be traveling by automobile, one is smart if he has his engine tuned up and the oil changed,
and the fuel tank full. A prudent person will know where he is going, and how he is going to get there. He
will have acquired road maps, and will have studied them diligently.
So it is with our journey through life, every new day we strike out on a new adventure, not knowing what a
day will bring forth. The sad thing with some of us is that when it comes to our daily trip through the
activities and duties of each new day, we have failed to make adequate preparations.
We who know the Lord Jesus Christ as our savior, need not venture out blindly into a wicked hostile world
without being fortified and strengthened for our journey. We have an open door to God our Father, who, if
we ask anything in the name of his son, will deny us nothing that is good for us.
Before we begin our day, we can rise up a great while before day and find a solitary place and get alone
with God and pray, even as Jesus himself was known to do.
“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out and departed into a solitary place , and
there
prayed.” Mark 1:35
If this was necessary for the very divine son of God to do, how much more is it necessary for us to start our
day? How can we know the direction we should travel if we do not seek the guidance of one who knows?
“Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning, for in thee do I trust, cause me to know the way
wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul unto thee. Deliver me, O Lord from mine enemies, I flee unto
thee to hide me, teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God, thy spirit is good. Lead me into the land of
uprightness.” Psalm 143: 8-10
This collection of “Morning Thoughts and Meditations” is the result of my meeting with the Lord, in a solitary place in the garden of prayer early in the
morning throughout the years. R. A. S.
--
.
This collection of: "Morning Thoughts and Meditations" copywrite with all rights reserved.
BY: ROBERT A. SEARLES
DEDICATION PAGE:
May God be merciful to me a sinner, and save me for Christ’s sake. Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to
thy cross I cling, trusting only in the blood that was shed, and the life that was given for my redemption.,
Father, look upon me in the light of Jesus Christ, and see his righteousness, and I will look upon the
sufferings of Jesus Christ and see my depravity. Thank you God for not dealing with me according to mine
iniquity, but for showing me grace and forgiveness, and for loving me even when I was cursing you. Help
me by your continued grace to be your faithful servant forever.
I hereby dedicate this book of morning thoughts and meditations to you, dear Lord, and to my loving,
faithful wife Joanne, and members of my family: namely ,my son, Randall; my daughter Mrs. Annette
Berglind and my youngest daughter, Mrs. Kathy Seffinger., and all my grand children and great grand
children yet to come . Amen!
-
January 1
Anyone who is planning to go on a journey is very wise if he or she makes preparation in advance. If he or
she is going to be traveling by automobile, one is smart if he has his engine tuned up and the oil changed,
and the fuel tank full. A prudent person will know where he is going, and how he is going to get there. He
will have acquired road maps, and will have studied them diligently.
So it is with our journey through life, every new day we strike out on a new adventure, not knowing what a
day will bring forth. The sad thing with some of us is that when it comes to our daily trip through the
activities and duties of each new day, we have failed to make adequate preparations.
We who know the Lord Jesus Christ as our savior, need not venture out blindly into a wicked hostile world
without being fortified and strengthened for our journey. We have an open door to God our Father, who, if
we ask anything in the name of his son, will deny us nothing that is good for us.
Before we begin our day, we can rise up a great while before day and find a solitary place and get alone
with God and pray, even as Jesus himself was known to do.
“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out and departed into a solitary place , and
there
prayed.” Mark 1:35
If this was necessary for the very divine son of God to do, how much more is it necessary for us to start our
day? How can we know the direction we should travel if we do not seek the guidance of one who knows?
“Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning, for in thee do I trust, cause me to know the way
wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul unto thee. Deliver me, O Lord from mine enemies, I flee unto
thee to hide me, teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God, thy spirit is good. Lead me into the land of
uprightness.” Psalm 143: 8-10
This collection of “Morning Thoughts and Meditations” is the result of my meeting with the Lord, in a solitary place in the garden of prayer early in the
morning throughout the years. R. A. S.
--
.
January 2
DID YOU GO TO THE GARDEN THIS MORNING?
Did you go to the garden this morning
Where Jesus was waiting for you?
Did he greet you there, with your
Burdens and cares, did he bid you
To give them to him?
When you met with the Lord in the garden
Did he tell you that all would be well?
If you only believe, and his love would receive,
And that no one could take you from him?
When you walked in the garden with Jesus
This morn in the cool of the day,
Did he tell you of Heaven, his home up above?
Did he tell you that he was the way?
If you did not go to the garden,
This morn at the breaking of day,
To meet with the Lord who was waiting for you,
To take all your burdens away:
Then you have missed a great blessing
That could have been yours
Had you worshipped at his throne of grace.
He wanted to comfort and give you sweet rest,
And wipe all the tears from your face.
Had you met in the garden with Jesus.
This morn at the breaking of day:
Great peace would be yours,
After hearing his voice, saying
Child you have nothing to fear:
For all will be well if with me you will dwell.
And walk in the garden with me.
I went to the garden this morning,
Where Jesus was waiting for me.
We walked and we talked and we
Fellowshipped there, he showed me
His plan for today.
One day at a time, each moment I’ll find
His guidance sufficient for me:
If I will but trust in his holy word,
And be led by his spirit, you see!
Oh friend won’t you come to the garden,
Each morn at the breaking of day,
Where the roses are fresh
With the dew of the morn,
And the birds sing so sweetly of love?,
To walk with him there,
And so to prepare
To live in his presence above.?
Who then will come to the garden to pray,
Where he patiently waits for you there:
To show you the way,
And show you the depths of his love?
For you see, he’s not willing
for you to be lost
And be cast into eternal hell,
All your sin debt was paid
When he died on the cross,
He carried your guilt all away.
DID YOU GO TO THE GARDEN THIS MORNING?
Did you go to the garden this morning
Where Jesus was waiting for you?
Did he greet you there, with your
Burdens and cares, did he bid you
To give them to him?
When you met with the Lord in the garden
Did he tell you that all would be well?
If you only believe, and his love would receive,
And that no one could take you from him?
When you walked in the garden with Jesus
This morn in the cool of the day,
Did he tell you of Heaven, his home up above?
Did he tell you that he was the way?
If you did not go to the garden,
This morn at the breaking of day,
To meet with the Lord who was waiting for you,
To take all your burdens away:
Then you have missed a great blessing
That could have been yours
Had you worshipped at his throne of grace.
He wanted to comfort and give you sweet rest,
And wipe all the tears from your face.
Had you met in the garden with Jesus.
This morn at the breaking of day:
Great peace would be yours,
After hearing his voice, saying
Child you have nothing to fear:
For all will be well if with me you will dwell.
And walk in the garden with me.
I went to the garden this morning,
Where Jesus was waiting for me.
We walked and we talked and we
Fellowshipped there, he showed me
His plan for today.
One day at a time, each moment I’ll find
His guidance sufficient for me:
If I will but trust in his holy word,
And be led by his spirit, you see!
Oh friend won’t you come to the garden,
Each morn at the breaking of day,
Where the roses are fresh
With the dew of the morn,
And the birds sing so sweetly of love?,
To walk with him there,
And so to prepare
To live in his presence above.?
Who then will come to the garden to pray,
Where he patiently waits for you there:
To show you the way,
And show you the depths of his love?
For you see, he’s not willing
for you to be lost
And be cast into eternal hell,
All your sin debt was paid
When he died on the cross,
He carried your guilt all away.
And when he arose on that first
Easter morn,
How fresh was the breaking of day!
The dew on the rose, and the song
of the birds,
.In the garden they met Jesus there.
Sins debts were paid, death was
destroyed
When Jesus came out of the tomb.
Forever there will be, for you and
for me,
A place by his sanctified throne.
So, why don’t you come this
morning with me
To the beautiful garden of prayer?
To tell him how thankful we are for
his love,
And that we have a home over
there.
With these morning thoughts still
fresh in our hearts
Let us walk with him all through the
day.
As he guides us along and shows us
the way,
Let us but trust and obey.
Easter morn,
How fresh was the breaking of day!
The dew on the rose, and the song
of the birds,
.In the garden they met Jesus there.
Sins debts were paid, death was
destroyed
When Jesus came out of the tomb.
Forever there will be, for you and
for me,
A place by his sanctified throne.
So, why don’t you come this
morning with me
To the beautiful garden of prayer?
To tell him how thankful we are for
his love,
And that we have a home over
there.
With these morning thoughts still
fresh in our hearts
Let us walk with him all through the
day.
As he guides us along and shows us
the way,
Let us but trust and obey.
Then when the shadows of night
come along
And we come to the end of our
day,
We can rejoice and lay down to
sleep
With assurance of eternal day.
come along
And we come to the end of our
day,
We can rejoice and lay down to
sleep
With assurance of eternal day.
January 3
We as Christians ought to hunger and thirst after righteousness. “Blessed are they
which do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled.” Math 5:6
Christ has imputed his righteousness to us if we are saved. He made the first step
toward us by offering his righteousness to all who will receive it. Righteousness is
simply being right in our actions, and thoughts and attitudes toward God. Our Lord
and savior was and still is the only person who could measure up to this requirement.
Righteousness has its’ rewards: Righteousness delivers from death. Proverbs 11:4
By right thoughts and actions toward God, we are not only delivered from spiritual
death, but often we will prolong our life on earth because we will have avoided those
things that can destroy us.
“The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way.” Proverbs 11:5
When our mind and our thoughts are in harmony and agreement with the mind of
God, the Holy Spirit will direct our paths so that we follow a lifestyle that is good for
us.
“The righteousness of the upright shall. Deliver them.” Proverbs 11:6
Being right with God assures our escape from the penalty of sin, and guarantees a
sure place in Heaven because: “Righteousness tendeth to life.” Proverbs 11:19
“The seed of the righteous shall be delivered.” Proverbs 11: 21
Even our children and grandchildren, and future generations will reap the rewards of
our righteousness, but on the other hand, they will also reap the penalties of our
wickedness if we are wicked.
“The desire of the righteous is only good.” Proverbs 11: 23
When we are right with God, when our thoughts and actions toward God are right;
when we seek God with all our heart; then we can trust that the desires of out hearts
are from God. When we delight in the Lord, he gives us the desires of our heart.
“The righteous shall flourish as a branch” Proverbs 11:28 and “”The fruit of the
righteous is a tree of life, and he that winneth souls is wise. Proverbs 11;30. A good
tree grows tall and spreads its’ leaves and branches and provides shade. It provides a
nesting place for birds and other creatures. It provides food and offers protection.
May we each live and have our being as a tree of life in thee, oh Lord, and win
others to thee.
We as Christians ought to hunger and thirst after righteousness. “Blessed are they
which do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled.” Math 5:6
Christ has imputed his righteousness to us if we are saved. He made the first step
toward us by offering his righteousness to all who will receive it. Righteousness is
simply being right in our actions, and thoughts and attitudes toward God. Our Lord
and savior was and still is the only person who could measure up to this requirement.
Righteousness has its’ rewards: Righteousness delivers from death. Proverbs 11:4
By right thoughts and actions toward God, we are not only delivered from spiritual
death, but often we will prolong our life on earth because we will have avoided those
things that can destroy us.
“The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way.” Proverbs 11:5
When our mind and our thoughts are in harmony and agreement with the mind of
God, the Holy Spirit will direct our paths so that we follow a lifestyle that is good for
us.
“The righteousness of the upright shall. Deliver them.” Proverbs 11:6
Being right with God assures our escape from the penalty of sin, and guarantees a
sure place in Heaven because: “Righteousness tendeth to life.” Proverbs 11:19
“The seed of the righteous shall be delivered.” Proverbs 11: 21
Even our children and grandchildren, and future generations will reap the rewards of
our righteousness, but on the other hand, they will also reap the penalties of our
wickedness if we are wicked.
“The desire of the righteous is only good.” Proverbs 11: 23
When we are right with God, when our thoughts and actions toward God are right;
when we seek God with all our heart; then we can trust that the desires of out hearts
are from God. When we delight in the Lord, he gives us the desires of our heart.
“The righteous shall flourish as a branch” Proverbs 11:28 and “”The fruit of the
righteous is a tree of life, and he that winneth souls is wise. Proverbs 11;30. A good
tree grows tall and spreads its’ leaves and branches and provides shade. It provides a
nesting place for birds and other creatures. It provides food and offers protection.
May we each live and have our being as a tree of life in thee, oh Lord, and win
others to thee.
January 4
God’s enemy and our adversary, the devil, goes about seeking whom he may
devour. As he did in the garden with Adam and Eve, so will he do with us, by lying
to us and causing us to doubt and disbelieve God’s word.
Have faith in God, believe and not doubt. God’s word is sure and steadfast and
unmovable.
“The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine
enemies.” Psalm 59:10\
God promises to go before us and clear the way for us, though there be lions in our
pathway, God has promised to break out their great teeth and render them harmless
so that all they can do is to roar at us.
Fear, pain, sickness, poverty, worry, death, low self esteem, all these, our enemies,
will God scatter and break their teeth and power over us as we put our faith and
confidence in him. “Break their teeth, O God in their mouth, break out the great
teeth of the young lions, O Lord , let them melt away as waters which run continually:
when he bendeth his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces Psalm 58:
6-7
As we learn to walk and talk and fellowship with our God our father through our Lord
and saviour Jesus Christ:, our adversary, Satan and all his demons will flee away.
“God will scatter them and bring them down ,O Lord our shield.” Psalm 59:11
“But I will sing of thy power, yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for
thou hast been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble, unto thee oh my
strength will I sing, for God is my defense and the God of my mercy.” Psalm 59: 16-
17
God’s enemy and our adversary, the devil, goes about seeking whom he may
devour. As he did in the garden with Adam and Eve, so will he do with us, by lying
to us and causing us to doubt and disbelieve God’s word.
Have faith in God, believe and not doubt. God’s word is sure and steadfast and
unmovable.
“The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine
enemies.” Psalm 59:10\
God promises to go before us and clear the way for us, though there be lions in our
pathway, God has promised to break out their great teeth and render them harmless
so that all they can do is to roar at us.
Fear, pain, sickness, poverty, worry, death, low self esteem, all these, our enemies,
will God scatter and break their teeth and power over us as we put our faith and
confidence in him. “Break their teeth, O God in their mouth, break out the great
teeth of the young lions, O Lord , let them melt away as waters which run continually:
when he bendeth his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces Psalm 58:
6-7
As we learn to walk and talk and fellowship with our God our father through our Lord
and saviour Jesus Christ:, our adversary, Satan and all his demons will flee away.
“God will scatter them and bring them down ,O Lord our shield.” Psalm 59:11
“But I will sing of thy power, yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for
thou hast been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble, unto thee oh my
strength will I sing, for God is my defense and the God of my mercy.” Psalm 59: 16-
17
Jan 5
There comes a time when babies must stop eating soft food and drinking only milk,
and they must begin to digest solid food. Likewise, there comes a time when
Christians must put aside the milk and soft food of the word of God, and start to
digest and absorb the meat of the word, and to think about, and watch for, and
prepare for the future kingdom of Christ.
We will not always have to put up with corrupt and sinful governments on earth. We
have the promise of God that one day, the righteous God, the king of kings, the Lord
Jesus Christ, will rule from the throne of David with a rod of iron.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon
his shoulders, and his name shall be called wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the
everlasting father, the prince of peace. Of the increase of his government and peace,
there shall be no end, and upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom to order it
and to establish it with judgment, with justice from henceforth and even forever. The
zeal of the Lord f host will perform this” Isaiah 9: 6-7.
“”And the seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven saying, the
kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ: and he
shall reign forever and ever.” Rev 11:123
Let us have our wicks trimmed, and our lamps filled with oil and burning, as it were,
and let us be listening for the sound of the trumpet, and watching for our Lord’s
return for his own, then seven years later for him to return with his own to establish
his kingdom on earth as he has promised.
Jan 6
A child of the King -
Once I was dead in trespasses and sin, but now I am alive forever more. Once I was
blind, but now I see. Because of the richness of God's mercy and grace, I have been
made alive in Christ, and sit with him in Heavenly places, all to the praise of his glory.
I could never buy, nor repay the cost of my redemption and deliverance from the lost
world of iniquity from which I have been delivered.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of
God: not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2: 8,9
It is God who formed my body from the dust of the earth, and it was God who
breathed into this lump of clay the breath of life and caused me to become a living
soul."For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which
God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10
I am no longer a stranger in the household of God, but a fellow citizen with all the
saints and apostles. I have access through Christ into the very presence of God.
God is no respecter of persons. That which he has given to me, he will give to all who
will believe his word and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
If you have not already done so, I invite you to do so today and be born again into
the family of God.
There comes a time when babies must stop eating soft food and drinking only milk,
and they must begin to digest solid food. Likewise, there comes a time when
Christians must put aside the milk and soft food of the word of God, and start to
digest and absorb the meat of the word, and to think about, and watch for, and
prepare for the future kingdom of Christ.
We will not always have to put up with corrupt and sinful governments on earth. We
have the promise of God that one day, the righteous God, the king of kings, the Lord
Jesus Christ, will rule from the throne of David with a rod of iron.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon
his shoulders, and his name shall be called wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the
everlasting father, the prince of peace. Of the increase of his government and peace,
there shall be no end, and upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom to order it
and to establish it with judgment, with justice from henceforth and even forever. The
zeal of the Lord f host will perform this” Isaiah 9: 6-7.
“”And the seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven saying, the
kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ: and he
shall reign forever and ever.” Rev 11:123
Let us have our wicks trimmed, and our lamps filled with oil and burning, as it were,
and let us be listening for the sound of the trumpet, and watching for our Lord’s
return for his own, then seven years later for him to return with his own to establish
his kingdom on earth as he has promised.
Jan 6
A child of the King -
Once I was dead in trespasses and sin, but now I am alive forever more. Once I was
blind, but now I see. Because of the richness of God's mercy and grace, I have been
made alive in Christ, and sit with him in Heavenly places, all to the praise of his glory.
I could never buy, nor repay the cost of my redemption and deliverance from the lost
world of iniquity from which I have been delivered.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of
God: not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2: 8,9
It is God who formed my body from the dust of the earth, and it was God who
breathed into this lump of clay the breath of life and caused me to become a living
soul."For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which
God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10
I am no longer a stranger in the household of God, but a fellow citizen with all the
saints and apostles. I have access through Christ into the very presence of God.
God is no respecter of persons. That which he has given to me, he will give to all who
will believe his word and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
If you have not already done so, I invite you to do so today and be born again into
the family of God.
January 7
Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the Lord bringeth back
the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad." Psalm 14:7.
When the Lord Jesus Christ returns to establish his kingdom and reign as king of
kings and Lord of lords, there will be peace in Israel and the middle east, and in all the
world. Righteousness and truth will prevail, and the whole world will rejoice.
J
Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the Lord bringeth back
the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad." Psalm 14:7.
When the Lord Jesus Christ returns to establish his kingdom and reign as king of
kings and Lord of lords, there will be peace in Israel and the middle east, and in all the
world. Righteousness and truth will prevail, and the whole world will rejoice.
J
January 8
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we
fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst
of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains
shake with the swelling thereof. Selah." Psalm 46: 1,2,3.
"The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah." Psalm 46: 7
"Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be
exalted in the earth. The Lord of host is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge .
Selah. Psalm 46:10,11.
We need to remind ourselves of this truth daily ,and every time we become fearful
and anxious about things over which we have no control. Satan wispers lies in our
ears to try to get us to be fearful and distrust God. He is a liar and we must always be
mindful of that. God cannot lie. He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us and
to be our help and strength in every situation.
Believe God and resist the devil, and the peace of God will fill our hearts, and we will
live joyfully.
January 9
Our record is in heaven.
O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from them that persecute me, and
deliver me: Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to
deliver." Psalm 7; 1,2.
Who is he that would persecute me, and tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces?
He that the scripture says goeth about as a lion seeking whom he may devour: Satan
and his evil demons.
"Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end: but establish the just: for the
righteous God trieth the hearts and reins." Psalm 7: 9.
When our enemy and accuser, Satan goes before God to accuse us and persecute us
as he did with Job of old, can we confidently say that God trieth our hearts, and finds
us right and justified with him? Can we have the assurance that our record is in
heaven and is clean, and that our defence is of God?
"My defense is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. God judgeth the righteous,
and God is angry with the wicked every day. If he turn not, he will whet his sword;
he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. He hath also prepared for him the
instruments of death, he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors." Psalm 7:10-13.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we
fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst
of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains
shake with the swelling thereof. Selah." Psalm 46: 1,2,3.
"The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah." Psalm 46: 7
"Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be
exalted in the earth. The Lord of host is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge .
Selah. Psalm 46:10,11.
We need to remind ourselves of this truth daily ,and every time we become fearful
and anxious about things over which we have no control. Satan wispers lies in our
ears to try to get us to be fearful and distrust God. He is a liar and we must always be
mindful of that. God cannot lie. He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us and
to be our help and strength in every situation.
Believe God and resist the devil, and the peace of God will fill our hearts, and we will
live joyfully.
January 9
Our record is in heaven.
O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from them that persecute me, and
deliver me: Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to
deliver." Psalm 7; 1,2.
Who is he that would persecute me, and tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces?
He that the scripture says goeth about as a lion seeking whom he may devour: Satan
and his evil demons.
"Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end: but establish the just: for the
righteous God trieth the hearts and reins." Psalm 7: 9.
When our enemy and accuser, Satan goes before God to accuse us and persecute us
as he did with Job of old, can we confidently say that God trieth our hearts, and finds
us right and justified with him? Can we have the assurance that our record is in
heaven and is clean, and that our defence is of God?
"My defense is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. God judgeth the righteous,
and God is angry with the wicked every day. If he turn not, he will whet his sword;
he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. He hath also prepared for him the
instruments of death, he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors." Psalm 7:10-13.
January 10
Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?
Sometimes we become boastful of all that we are, and of all that we possess,
forgetting that our lives, our bodies, and all that we have belong to God, and have
been entrusted to us to be used for his glory.
Everything and every living creature belongs to God. He has the sovereign right to do
with it as he wills.
"The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell
therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He
that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity,
nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness
from the God of his salvation". Psalm 24: 1-5.
This disqualifies all of us from ascending into the hill of the Lord and standing in his
holy place; for no one can say that he has clean hands and hath not lifted up his soul
unto vanity, except our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He only is perfectly clean and
righteous, and he only is the door, and through him is the only way to enter in to the
presence and fellowship of God and enjoy heaven.
Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?
Sometimes we become boastful of all that we are, and of all that we possess,
forgetting that our lives, our bodies, and all that we have belong to God, and have
been entrusted to us to be used for his glory.
Everything and every living creature belongs to God. He has the sovereign right to do
with it as he wills.
"The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell
therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He
that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity,
nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness
from the God of his salvation". Psalm 24: 1-5.
This disqualifies all of us from ascending into the hill of the Lord and standing in his
holy place; for no one can say that he has clean hands and hath not lifted up his soul
unto vanity, except our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He only is perfectly clean and
righteous, and he only is the door, and through him is the only way to enter in to the
presence and fellowship of God and enjoy heaven.
January 11
Job said: "I esteem thy word more than my necessary food." Job 23:12
As necessary as food and other things may be for our physical bodies, even more
necessary is the Word of God and fellowship with God for the well being of our
eternal soul.
Our Lord and our God is the center and source of all things, both spiritual and
material. He is the sustaining power and intelligence behind all things, and by which all
creatures live and breath and have their being; therefore, we ought to "pant after God
as the hart panteth after the water brook" and receive his instruction daily
"Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold, for
wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things that may be desired are not to be
compared to it. "Proverbs 8:10,11
January 12
Job said: "I esteem thy word more than my necessary food." Job 23:12
As necessary as food and other things may be for our physical bodies, even more
necessary is the Word of God and fellowship with God for the well being of our
eternal soul.
Our Lord and our God is the center and source of all things, both spiritual and
material. He is the sustaining power and intelligence behind all things, and by which all
creatures live and breath and have their being; therefore, we ought to "pant after God
as the hart panteth after the water brook" and receive his instruction daily
"Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold, for
wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things that may be desired are not to be
compared to it. "Proverbs 8:10,11
January 12
What will you choose, life, or death?
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Christ Jesus came into the world to
save me, and Christ Jesus came into the world to save you. Are you saved? If you
can not say with absolutely certainty that you are saved, and know for sure that you
will go to heaven when you die, then it is absolutely true, according to the teaching
of the holy scriptures, the Holy Bible, that you are still lost, and if you are still lost
when you die, you will spend eternity in hell forever with all its' misery and
torments, and be separated from all that is pure and lovely, and righteous, and apart
from the presence of God forever.
The apostle Paul, writing to Timothy said: "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of
all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am
chief." 1 Timothy 1:15 If the apostle Paul declared himself to be chief of sinners,
where does that leave each of us? That should convince each of us that we also are
lost sinners and need a savior.
We have a savior provided for us if we will believe him and accept him, and believe
his word when he ,through the scriptures ,warns us of our fate if we make the
wrong choice concerning him.
"As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that
understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the
way, they are together become unprofitable: there is none that doeth good, no, not
one." Romans 3: 10-12. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23.
God in his love for us has offered us a remedy for this condition by offering us,
through his mercy and grace, his own righteousness through Christ.
"Therefore by he deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by
the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is
manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. Even the righteousness of
God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe."
Romans 3: 20-22.
Otherwise, if we refuse God's offer of salvation through Christ, then: "The wages of
sin is death. But the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Romans 6:23.
If we choose to receive wages for our works, then, we receive eternal death; but , if
we would rather rely on the free gift of God and denounce our sinful works, and
acknowledge that Christ paid our sin debt with his blood, then we are freely given
life eternal.
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the son of man
be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son
into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be
saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is
condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten
son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men
loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that
doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be
reproved. But he that doeth truth commeth to the light, that his deeds may be made
manifest that they are wrought in God." John 3:14-21. "He that believeth on the son
hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the son shall not see life; but the wrath
of God abideth on him." John 3:36. "If we say we have no sin, we deceive
ourselves, and the truth is not in us." 1 John 1:8. "If we say that we have not sinned,
we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." 1 John 1:10. "If we confess our sins,
he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
How about it? Are you saved? Will you choose life or death? Will you choose
darkness or light? Will you choose Christ or the devil?
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Christ Jesus came into the world to
save me, and Christ Jesus came into the world to save you. Are you saved? If you
can not say with absolutely certainty that you are saved, and know for sure that you
will go to heaven when you die, then it is absolutely true, according to the teaching
of the holy scriptures, the Holy Bible, that you are still lost, and if you are still lost
when you die, you will spend eternity in hell forever with all its' misery and
torments, and be separated from all that is pure and lovely, and righteous, and apart
from the presence of God forever.
The apostle Paul, writing to Timothy said: "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of
all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am
chief." 1 Timothy 1:15 If the apostle Paul declared himself to be chief of sinners,
where does that leave each of us? That should convince each of us that we also are
lost sinners and need a savior.
We have a savior provided for us if we will believe him and accept him, and believe
his word when he ,through the scriptures ,warns us of our fate if we make the
wrong choice concerning him.
"As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that
understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the
way, they are together become unprofitable: there is none that doeth good, no, not
one." Romans 3: 10-12. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23.
God in his love for us has offered us a remedy for this condition by offering us,
through his mercy and grace, his own righteousness through Christ.
"Therefore by he deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by
the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is
manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. Even the righteousness of
God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe."
Romans 3: 20-22.
Otherwise, if we refuse God's offer of salvation through Christ, then: "The wages of
sin is death. But the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Romans 6:23.
If we choose to receive wages for our works, then, we receive eternal death; but , if
we would rather rely on the free gift of God and denounce our sinful works, and
acknowledge that Christ paid our sin debt with his blood, then we are freely given
life eternal.
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the son of man
be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son
into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be
saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is
condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten
son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men
loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that
doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be
reproved. But he that doeth truth commeth to the light, that his deeds may be made
manifest that they are wrought in God." John 3:14-21. "He that believeth on the son
hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the son shall not see life; but the wrath
of God abideth on him." John 3:36. "If we say we have no sin, we deceive
ourselves, and the truth is not in us." 1 John 1:8. "If we say that we have not sinned,
we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." 1 John 1:10. "If we confess our sins,
he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
How about it? Are you saved? Will you choose life or death? Will you choose
darkness or light? Will you choose Christ or the devil?
January 13
A solemn Warning!
The palace of a wicked king shall crumble and fall; but the tent or hut of a righteous
person shall abide forever.
The comedian is very often sad and burdened with a heavy burden, though he
pretend with witty utterances.
"The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle ( tent or hut ) of
the upright shall flourish. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the
end thereof are the ways of death.
Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. The
backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be
satisfied from himself." Proverbs 14: 11-14
A solemn Warning!
The palace of a wicked king shall crumble and fall; but the tent or hut of a righteous
person shall abide forever.
The comedian is very often sad and burdened with a heavy burden, though he
pretend with witty utterances.
"The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle ( tent or hut ) of
the upright shall flourish. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the
end thereof are the ways of death.
Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. The
backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be
satisfied from himself." Proverbs 14: 11-14
January 14
Eternity-What does it mean? Where will we spend it?
I want to share some thoughts with you this morning with a thought provoking
question. Where will we spend eternity?
The bible warns us to seriously consider eternity and what it may hold for each of us.
"Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I
may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as a hand breadth; and
my age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether
vanity. Selah" Psalm 39: 4,5.
We can have a good forever in eternity if we will, God gives us a choice as to where
we will spend eternity, by God's grace, it is up to us.
"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life
and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed
may live." Deut: 30:19
The bible teaches that God has promised to all who have truly accepted Christ and
have been born again - eternal life.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever
believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
The bible also teaches that God has promised to all unbelievers and Christ rejecters -
eternal damnation: "He that believeth on the son hath everlasting life and he that
believeth not the son shall not see life: but the wrath of God abideth on him." John
3:36
Eternity - what does it mean?
I searched several dictionaries to see how they define it. The answer: "endless or
limitless time, where time as we know it does not exist."
"Having no beginning or ending of existence"
"Lasting forever - continuing on without interruption -unchangeable"
To be eternal means to be deathless - cannot die - fadeless - never grows old -
unending, cannot be destroyed.
The word "eternal" is used in two senses in the bible:
1. Figuratively - denoting existence which may have a beginning but will have no
end. For example: angels are created beings - having a beginning but will have no
end. The human soul having been created but will have no end.
2 The literal sense :denoting an existence which has neither beginning nor ending like
that of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
That which we call time has past, present, and future - eternity does not. Eternity is
of infinite duration - without any beginning, or limit - an ever abiding present.
Eternity is always NOW, no past, no future, always TODAY.
Things change, clock hands move, our bodies change, all these changes occur IN
eternity. In the light of eternity, it is today that we are born, and for all practical
purposes, as far as we are concerned, it will be today when we die.
What is eternal? What has no beginning or end, what is deathless, fadeless, and
unending?
The bible says:":While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things
which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal (only temporary -
lasting only a little while): but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Cor 4:18
When you look around, what do you see? You see earth, sky, sun, moon, stars,
trees, birds, fish, animals, buildings, automobiles, planes, people, etc. These are all
temporary - will be all gone some day.
When you look at me what do you see? When you look at me you see a body, you
see the house, or the space suit, if you will, that God has given me to live in while I
am here on earth. It will be gone back to dust someday. You cannot see the REAL
ME because the REAL ME which you cannot see is soul and spirit which is eternal.
When I look at you, I can see the body or house which God has given you to live in
on earth, but I cannot see the real you who lives in that house. No one but God has
ever seen the real spirit and soul of another human being, and the bible says: THAT
WHICH CANNOT BE SEEN IS ETERNAL.
Therefore, all human beings must be eternal creatures, which means that once we
are created or born, our spirit and our soul which is the real us will continue on
endlessly forever.
To think about eternity - just imagine that eternity is a long line of time stretching
out forever and never ending. Let us suppose that you live a very long time on earth
- say perhaps as long as Methuselah who lived nine hundred and sixty years
according to Genesis 5:27, or even longer: compared to the long line of eternity, this
would take up a very small space. Then, after the nine hundred sixty or more year
have come to an end and you die, or leave this body or house in which you live
while here on earth, there is an endless eternity for you to spend forever in.
There are only two places where we can spend eternity. One of those places is
where Jesus is - a place of peace and joy and happiness in the presence of God in
heaven, or a place of suffering, pain, misery, and torment called hell, with the devil
and his angels.
Where we spend eternity is determined by what we do with the Lord Jesus Christ
who has offered himself to be our savior, by the shedding of his blood, and by
taking the blame and punishment of all our sins upon himself. He is willing to forgive
us and cleanse us from all our sins if we will ask him to do so.
God is eternal - God is spirit - cannot be seen with human eyes, but can be spoken
to, and can and does hear our prayers and is aware of us and cares for us and meets
our needs each and every day.
"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall
thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, destroy them." Deut 33:27
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit is one God and God has his
existence in eternity.
"For thus saith the high and holy one that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is holy; I
dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit,
to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." Isaiah
57:15
Jesus, our Lord and saviour who inhabited eternity and who came from his high and
holy place in heaven to seek and to save the lost, created for himself a human body
to live in so he could be just like us while he was here on earth. Not only did Jesus
come to die for us, but he is also the greatest teacher who ever lived, and he came to
teach us about God and our life hereafter in eternity.
Jesus taught in parables. A parable is an earthly story with a spiritual meaning. Jesus
taught about two possible places where a person might spend eternity. Where we
spend eternity is decided by what we do with our life here on earth, and what we do
with Jesus Christ who came to save us.
Jesus told a story of two men, one was a very rich man, who had the best of
everything that money could buy. He had the most expensive clothes to wear, and
the biggest house to live in. His table was filled with ther most delicious food to eat,
and he had a banquet feast every day. He had all the money he could ever spend in
his entire lifetime. He thought that he would never have need of anything or anyone.
He was, in fact, very rich in material or temporary things. Because of his great
riches, he probably did not pay much attention to the condition of his soul.
There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared
sumptuously every day....."Luke 16:19 He was so concerned with the temporary
things of the world, that he gave little thought to the fact that all these riches could
not buy his way into heaven. He thought he was rich in spiritual things as well as in
material things.
At the same time there was another man whose name was Lazarus, who was very
poor, and very sick, he had very few material things to get along with on earth.
Every day he sat by the rich man's door begging, and hoping that someone would
drop him a crumb or two of bread. ".......And there was a certain beggar named
Lazarus, which was laid at his gate full of sores. And desiring to be fed with the
crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover, the dogs came and licked his
sores." Luke 16: 20,21
He knew that he was poor concerning the things of the world, but he also knew that
he was poor in his spirit. He knew that to be poor spiritually was far worse than
being poor materially. He knew that he was a sinner and needed Jesus to forgive his
sins and save him, and even though every day he had to beg for his living, his mind
was on the things of God, and he thought of how good God was, and he was
thankful to God when one little crumbs of bread fell his way.
Jesus said that after a while, Lazarus became sick and weak and died, and when he
died, the angels came from heaven and carried his invisible soul and spirit into the
presence of God in Heaven.
"And it came to pass that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into
Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried." Luke 16:22
Now, there in heaven, Lazarus was no longer a beggar - no longer sick. In Heaven
he was now enjoying all the riches and glory of his father in heaven. He was now in
eternity. He had eternal life.
Jesus said that after a while the rich man died also and was buried. No angels came
to carry him into the presence of God - he went to hell.
Jesus said: "and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torment, and seeing Abraham afar
off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, father Abraham, have mercy
on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my
tongue: for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, son remember that thou
in thy lifetime received thy good thing, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he
is comforted and thou art tormented" luke 16: 23,24,25 God was saying: you
thought only of yourself, you only wanted to enjoy all the things in the world that
you thought would make you happy. You never admitted that you were a sinner and
needed a savior. You were too busy with your riches and toys to pray and seek after
God. You never thought of the needs of others, and you were selfish with all that
you had on earth. You thought that you would never need anything or anyone.
Lazarus had all the bad things happening to him, but even in his poverty and
suffering on earth, he thought of God, and took time to pray, and he admitted that
he was a sinner and asked Jesus to save him. So now, Lazarus is enjoying all the
joys and blessings of heaven, and you are being tormented.
"And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they
which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would
come from thence." Luke 16: 26
God was telling him that between heaven and hell there is a great ocean of space so
that no one can pass from heaven to you, and you can never get out of hell to come
to heaven.
"Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my
father's house: for I have five brethren: that he may testify unto them, lest they also
come into this place of torment. "Luke 16:27,28
God the father said unto him, they have Moses and the prophets. Let them hear
them.
What do you think God meant when he said they have Moses and the prophets? He
meant that they have his word, the bible to read and study. There is no excuse for
anyone being lost and going to hell if they have the word of God to study and
believe.
The rich man said no, father, but if one went to them from the dead they will
repent. And God said if they will not listen to what the bible says, they wil not be
persuaded though one rose from the dead.
Jesus has risen from the dead and yet, there are many who will not believe.
The rich man, the unsaved sinner was now in eternity - in an eternal hell full of
flames and suffering and torments and pain, separated from all that was good, and
separated from God forever,. He was not there because he was rich on earth, but he
was there because he had never been sorry for his sins and asked Jesus to save him.
Those who would hate you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you
for preaching to them and trying to get them saved, will, once they go to hell, beg
and plead with you to go and preach to their brothers and sisters and loved ones.
Both the rich man and Lazarus were now in eternity. Lazarus enjoying himself in
the presence of God and the rich man suffering all the torments of eternal hell.
How about it folks, where will we spend eternity after we die and leave this body of
clay ?Do you realize that by yourself you are poor in spirit and need Jesus to come
into your heart and save you? Are you like Lazarus - poor in spirit and hungry and
long for God to fill you ? Or, are you like the rich man and would rather have all
your fun in this present sinful world now? Whatever you decide will determine
where you will spend eternity.
Remember, I am simply the deliverer of this message from God's word, I cannot
judge you, but God's word is true and all that he says will come to pass.
January 15
Eternity-What does it mean? Where will we spend it?
I want to share some thoughts with you this morning with a thought provoking
question. Where will we spend eternity?
The bible warns us to seriously consider eternity and what it may hold for each of us.
"Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I
may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as a hand breadth; and
my age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether
vanity. Selah" Psalm 39: 4,5.
We can have a good forever in eternity if we will, God gives us a choice as to where
we will spend eternity, by God's grace, it is up to us.
"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life
and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed
may live." Deut: 30:19
The bible teaches that God has promised to all who have truly accepted Christ and
have been born again - eternal life.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever
believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
The bible also teaches that God has promised to all unbelievers and Christ rejecters -
eternal damnation: "He that believeth on the son hath everlasting life and he that
believeth not the son shall not see life: but the wrath of God abideth on him." John
3:36
Eternity - what does it mean?
I searched several dictionaries to see how they define it. The answer: "endless or
limitless time, where time as we know it does not exist."
"Having no beginning or ending of existence"
"Lasting forever - continuing on without interruption -unchangeable"
To be eternal means to be deathless - cannot die - fadeless - never grows old -
unending, cannot be destroyed.
The word "eternal" is used in two senses in the bible:
1. Figuratively - denoting existence which may have a beginning but will have no
end. For example: angels are created beings - having a beginning but will have no
end. The human soul having been created but will have no end.
2 The literal sense :denoting an existence which has neither beginning nor ending like
that of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
That which we call time has past, present, and future - eternity does not. Eternity is
of infinite duration - without any beginning, or limit - an ever abiding present.
Eternity is always NOW, no past, no future, always TODAY.
Things change, clock hands move, our bodies change, all these changes occur IN
eternity. In the light of eternity, it is today that we are born, and for all practical
purposes, as far as we are concerned, it will be today when we die.
What is eternal? What has no beginning or end, what is deathless, fadeless, and
unending?
The bible says:":While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things
which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal (only temporary -
lasting only a little while): but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Cor 4:18
When you look around, what do you see? You see earth, sky, sun, moon, stars,
trees, birds, fish, animals, buildings, automobiles, planes, people, etc. These are all
temporary - will be all gone some day.
When you look at me what do you see? When you look at me you see a body, you
see the house, or the space suit, if you will, that God has given me to live in while I
am here on earth. It will be gone back to dust someday. You cannot see the REAL
ME because the REAL ME which you cannot see is soul and spirit which is eternal.
When I look at you, I can see the body or house which God has given you to live in
on earth, but I cannot see the real you who lives in that house. No one but God has
ever seen the real spirit and soul of another human being, and the bible says: THAT
WHICH CANNOT BE SEEN IS ETERNAL.
Therefore, all human beings must be eternal creatures, which means that once we
are created or born, our spirit and our soul which is the real us will continue on
endlessly forever.
To think about eternity - just imagine that eternity is a long line of time stretching
out forever and never ending. Let us suppose that you live a very long time on earth
- say perhaps as long as Methuselah who lived nine hundred and sixty years
according to Genesis 5:27, or even longer: compared to the long line of eternity, this
would take up a very small space. Then, after the nine hundred sixty or more year
have come to an end and you die, or leave this body or house in which you live
while here on earth, there is an endless eternity for you to spend forever in.
There are only two places where we can spend eternity. One of those places is
where Jesus is - a place of peace and joy and happiness in the presence of God in
heaven, or a place of suffering, pain, misery, and torment called hell, with the devil
and his angels.
Where we spend eternity is determined by what we do with the Lord Jesus Christ
who has offered himself to be our savior, by the shedding of his blood, and by
taking the blame and punishment of all our sins upon himself. He is willing to forgive
us and cleanse us from all our sins if we will ask him to do so.
God is eternal - God is spirit - cannot be seen with human eyes, but can be spoken
to, and can and does hear our prayers and is aware of us and cares for us and meets
our needs each and every day.
"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall
thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, destroy them." Deut 33:27
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit is one God and God has his
existence in eternity.
"For thus saith the high and holy one that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is holy; I
dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit,
to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." Isaiah
57:15
Jesus, our Lord and saviour who inhabited eternity and who came from his high and
holy place in heaven to seek and to save the lost, created for himself a human body
to live in so he could be just like us while he was here on earth. Not only did Jesus
come to die for us, but he is also the greatest teacher who ever lived, and he came to
teach us about God and our life hereafter in eternity.
Jesus taught in parables. A parable is an earthly story with a spiritual meaning. Jesus
taught about two possible places where a person might spend eternity. Where we
spend eternity is decided by what we do with our life here on earth, and what we do
with Jesus Christ who came to save us.
Jesus told a story of two men, one was a very rich man, who had the best of
everything that money could buy. He had the most expensive clothes to wear, and
the biggest house to live in. His table was filled with ther most delicious food to eat,
and he had a banquet feast every day. He had all the money he could ever spend in
his entire lifetime. He thought that he would never have need of anything or anyone.
He was, in fact, very rich in material or temporary things. Because of his great
riches, he probably did not pay much attention to the condition of his soul.
There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared
sumptuously every day....."Luke 16:19 He was so concerned with the temporary
things of the world, that he gave little thought to the fact that all these riches could
not buy his way into heaven. He thought he was rich in spiritual things as well as in
material things.
At the same time there was another man whose name was Lazarus, who was very
poor, and very sick, he had very few material things to get along with on earth.
Every day he sat by the rich man's door begging, and hoping that someone would
drop him a crumb or two of bread. ".......And there was a certain beggar named
Lazarus, which was laid at his gate full of sores. And desiring to be fed with the
crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover, the dogs came and licked his
sores." Luke 16: 20,21
He knew that he was poor concerning the things of the world, but he also knew that
he was poor in his spirit. He knew that to be poor spiritually was far worse than
being poor materially. He knew that he was a sinner and needed Jesus to forgive his
sins and save him, and even though every day he had to beg for his living, his mind
was on the things of God, and he thought of how good God was, and he was
thankful to God when one little crumbs of bread fell his way.
Jesus said that after a while, Lazarus became sick and weak and died, and when he
died, the angels came from heaven and carried his invisible soul and spirit into the
presence of God in Heaven.
"And it came to pass that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into
Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried." Luke 16:22
Now, there in heaven, Lazarus was no longer a beggar - no longer sick. In Heaven
he was now enjoying all the riches and glory of his father in heaven. He was now in
eternity. He had eternal life.
Jesus said that after a while the rich man died also and was buried. No angels came
to carry him into the presence of God - he went to hell.
Jesus said: "and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torment, and seeing Abraham afar
off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, father Abraham, have mercy
on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my
tongue: for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, son remember that thou
in thy lifetime received thy good thing, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he
is comforted and thou art tormented" luke 16: 23,24,25 God was saying: you
thought only of yourself, you only wanted to enjoy all the things in the world that
you thought would make you happy. You never admitted that you were a sinner and
needed a savior. You were too busy with your riches and toys to pray and seek after
God. You never thought of the needs of others, and you were selfish with all that
you had on earth. You thought that you would never need anything or anyone.
Lazarus had all the bad things happening to him, but even in his poverty and
suffering on earth, he thought of God, and took time to pray, and he admitted that
he was a sinner and asked Jesus to save him. So now, Lazarus is enjoying all the
joys and blessings of heaven, and you are being tormented.
"And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they
which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would
come from thence." Luke 16: 26
God was telling him that between heaven and hell there is a great ocean of space so
that no one can pass from heaven to you, and you can never get out of hell to come
to heaven.
"Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my
father's house: for I have five brethren: that he may testify unto them, lest they also
come into this place of torment. "Luke 16:27,28
God the father said unto him, they have Moses and the prophets. Let them hear
them.
What do you think God meant when he said they have Moses and the prophets? He
meant that they have his word, the bible to read and study. There is no excuse for
anyone being lost and going to hell if they have the word of God to study and
believe.
The rich man said no, father, but if one went to them from the dead they will
repent. And God said if they will not listen to what the bible says, they wil not be
persuaded though one rose from the dead.
Jesus has risen from the dead and yet, there are many who will not believe.
The rich man, the unsaved sinner was now in eternity - in an eternal hell full of
flames and suffering and torments and pain, separated from all that was good, and
separated from God forever,. He was not there because he was rich on earth, but he
was there because he had never been sorry for his sins and asked Jesus to save him.
Those who would hate you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you
for preaching to them and trying to get them saved, will, once they go to hell, beg
and plead with you to go and preach to their brothers and sisters and loved ones.
Both the rich man and Lazarus were now in eternity. Lazarus enjoying himself in
the presence of God and the rich man suffering all the torments of eternal hell.
How about it folks, where will we spend eternity after we die and leave this body of
clay ?Do you realize that by yourself you are poor in spirit and need Jesus to come
into your heart and save you? Are you like Lazarus - poor in spirit and hungry and
long for God to fill you ? Or, are you like the rich man and would rather have all
your fun in this present sinful world now? Whatever you decide will determine
where you will spend eternity.
Remember, I am simply the deliverer of this message from God's word, I cannot
judge you, but God's word is true and all that he says will come to pass.
January 15
Teach The Children
Those of us who are parents, grandparents, senior citizens, the old and grey
headed, ought to be speaking from experience, and constantly showing forth to this
present generation, and every one that is to come, the great power and strength, and
righteousness of our Holy God. We ought to show to our young people what it
means to trust in God who is REAL and not just a fantasy, he is the one who
cares, and who is willing and able to meet all our needs, both physical and spiritual.
We know not the number of our days; therefore, every day ought to be precious to
us, and we ought to utilize it wisely to honor God, and with great joy and gladness,
magnify God before this young generation so that they may seek and long after God.
It seems that Satan is out to capture the minds, the souls, and lives of our children
through his many diabolical devices. Satan is not as he is pictured in medieval
literature as a red suited character with horns and pitch fork whose habitation is
hell. No, the bible describes him as an angel of light who goes about seeking whom
he may devour. He uses many seemingly innocent schemes and devices to capture
his prey. He sometimes uses people who know not the God of eternal life and
salvation to promote his programs.
The word of God, the Holy Bible, warns us not to have any fellowship with the
works of darkness: not to seek after the occult, not to seek after familiar spirits. It
tells us to: " sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and
dread."Isaiah 8:13
"And when they shall say unto you, seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and
unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God?
for the living to the dead?" Isaiah 8:19
"There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter
to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an
enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consultant with familiar spirits, or a
wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the
Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out
from before thee." Deuteronomy 18: 10-12 There are many other scripture verses
which warn of the same thing, but there is not room enough here to list them.
The Holy Bible is full of great adventure stories for young children, adolescents,
and even adults. Stories of Moses, Joshua, the children of Israel in the wilderness;
the story of Daniel, of Ruth; stories and predictions of the prophets, and stories of
great kings and kingdoms, and best of all , the stories of Jesus and his great plan of
redemption and salvation.
I have to wonder how many children and young people today in our society, even
among so called Christian families , can relate to us these great adventures, and
how they may apply them to our everyday living.
I also sadly wonder how many parents, or grandparents, including Christians, would
"camp out" at a bookstore or a public library, to hear the stories of these great bible
heroes.
Our world is going to be governed by the upcoming generation ,and generations
following. Who will be in control, Satan or God?. We all know the final answer, the
ultimate victory is God's, but oh! What a price we will pay in the meantime if we do
not teach our children right things.
"My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness, and thy salvation all the day; for I
know not the number thereof. I will go in the strength of the Lord God. I will make
mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only, O God, thou hast brought me
from my youth; and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also, when
I am old and grey headed, O God, forsake me not: until I have shewed thy strength
unto this generation, and thy power to everyone that is to come." Psalm 71: 15-18.
What is most important to you, mom, dad, grandma , grandpa?
How do you teach your children
January 16
Those of us who are parents, grandparents, senior citizens, the old and grey
headed, ought to be speaking from experience, and constantly showing forth to this
present generation, and every one that is to come, the great power and strength, and
righteousness of our Holy God. We ought to show to our young people what it
means to trust in God who is REAL and not just a fantasy, he is the one who
cares, and who is willing and able to meet all our needs, both physical and spiritual.
We know not the number of our days; therefore, every day ought to be precious to
us, and we ought to utilize it wisely to honor God, and with great joy and gladness,
magnify God before this young generation so that they may seek and long after God.
It seems that Satan is out to capture the minds, the souls, and lives of our children
through his many diabolical devices. Satan is not as he is pictured in medieval
literature as a red suited character with horns and pitch fork whose habitation is
hell. No, the bible describes him as an angel of light who goes about seeking whom
he may devour. He uses many seemingly innocent schemes and devices to capture
his prey. He sometimes uses people who know not the God of eternal life and
salvation to promote his programs.
The word of God, the Holy Bible, warns us not to have any fellowship with the
works of darkness: not to seek after the occult, not to seek after familiar spirits. It
tells us to: " sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and
dread."Isaiah 8:13
"And when they shall say unto you, seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and
unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God?
for the living to the dead?" Isaiah 8:19
"There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter
to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an
enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consultant with familiar spirits, or a
wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the
Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out
from before thee." Deuteronomy 18: 10-12 There are many other scripture verses
which warn of the same thing, but there is not room enough here to list them.
The Holy Bible is full of great adventure stories for young children, adolescents,
and even adults. Stories of Moses, Joshua, the children of Israel in the wilderness;
the story of Daniel, of Ruth; stories and predictions of the prophets, and stories of
great kings and kingdoms, and best of all , the stories of Jesus and his great plan of
redemption and salvation.
I have to wonder how many children and young people today in our society, even
among so called Christian families , can relate to us these great adventures, and
how they may apply them to our everyday living.
I also sadly wonder how many parents, or grandparents, including Christians, would
"camp out" at a bookstore or a public library, to hear the stories of these great bible
heroes.
Our world is going to be governed by the upcoming generation ,and generations
following. Who will be in control, Satan or God?. We all know the final answer, the
ultimate victory is God's, but oh! What a price we will pay in the meantime if we do
not teach our children right things.
"My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness, and thy salvation all the day; for I
know not the number thereof. I will go in the strength of the Lord God. I will make
mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only, O God, thou hast brought me
from my youth; and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also, when
I am old and grey headed, O God, forsake me not: until I have shewed thy strength
unto this generation, and thy power to everyone that is to come." Psalm 71: 15-18.
What is most important to you, mom, dad, grandma , grandpa?
How do you teach your children
January 16
Walk with the Lord today.
Our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, is no longer in Jerusalem, no longer walks the
shores of Galilee, no longer in the fisherman's boat; no longer hangs on a cross,
and no longer in the tomb. Our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ has risen and
ascended into heaven as our great high priest, our advocate, our lawyer, inter
ceding for us, and preparing a place in his kingdom, and calling his people. One
day we shall hear the trumpet sound ,and we will be drawn away to meet the
king of kings, and dwell and reign with him forever.
It is a good thing to study history, and remember our beginning and consider our
roots. It is good to remember, and never forget the miracles and the unspotted
,righteous, holy life style of our Lord. It is good to remember that while we were
yet sinners, Christ died for us, took our sins upon himself, and bore our
iniquities: his blood the only cleanser of our sin and guilt.
It is good to reflect and remember, but we must not stay in the past. We must
consider where we are today in our relationship with him. We must be
constantly in communication with him today to know his will and get instruction
for our daily activities.
He has promised that from heaven he will hear our prayers, accept our praise,
and provide for all our spiritual and physical needs.
Let us learn to keep our minds and our hearts stayed and focused on him, and
walk in the spirit, and grow in wisdom and grace. He has promised to keep us in
perfect peace when our minds are stayed on him.
January 17
Our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, is no longer in Jerusalem, no longer walks the
shores of Galilee, no longer in the fisherman's boat; no longer hangs on a cross,
and no longer in the tomb. Our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ has risen and
ascended into heaven as our great high priest, our advocate, our lawyer, inter
ceding for us, and preparing a place in his kingdom, and calling his people. One
day we shall hear the trumpet sound ,and we will be drawn away to meet the
king of kings, and dwell and reign with him forever.
It is a good thing to study history, and remember our beginning and consider our
roots. It is good to remember, and never forget the miracles and the unspotted
,righteous, holy life style of our Lord. It is good to remember that while we were
yet sinners, Christ died for us, took our sins upon himself, and bore our
iniquities: his blood the only cleanser of our sin and guilt.
It is good to reflect and remember, but we must not stay in the past. We must
consider where we are today in our relationship with him. We must be
constantly in communication with him today to know his will and get instruction
for our daily activities.
He has promised that from heaven he will hear our prayers, accept our praise,
and provide for all our spiritual and physical needs.
Let us learn to keep our minds and our hearts stayed and focused on him, and
walk in the spirit, and grow in wisdom and grace. He has promised to keep us in
perfect peace when our minds are stayed on him.
January 17
Prescription for health and well being!
For the prevention of aids, and other sin related diseases transmitted sexually,
the following prescription , prescribed by the great physician God almighty, is
highly recommended:
"My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: That
thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge. For the
lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than
oil: but her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two edged sword. Her feet go
down to death; her steps take hold on hell. Lest thou shouldest ponder the path
of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them. Hear me now
therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Remove
thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: Lest thou give
thine honor unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: Lest strangers be filled
with thy wealth; and thy labors be in the house of a stranger; and thou mourn at
the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, and say, how have I hated
instruction, and my heart despised reproof; and have not obeyed the voice of
my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! I was almost in
all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly. Drink waters out of thine
own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. Let thy fountains be
dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. Let them be only thine
own, and not strangers with thee. Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with
the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her
breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. And
why wilt thou, my son be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the
bosom of a stranger? For the ways of man are before the Lord, and he
pondereth all his goings. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and
he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. He shall die without instruction;
and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray." Proverbs 5
Much misery and anguish would be avoided in our lives if we would just take
heed and obey the word of God.
January 18
For the prevention of aids, and other sin related diseases transmitted sexually,
the following prescription , prescribed by the great physician God almighty, is
highly recommended:
"My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: That
thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge. For the
lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than
oil: but her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two edged sword. Her feet go
down to death; her steps take hold on hell. Lest thou shouldest ponder the path
of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them. Hear me now
therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Remove
thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: Lest thou give
thine honor unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: Lest strangers be filled
with thy wealth; and thy labors be in the house of a stranger; and thou mourn at
the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, and say, how have I hated
instruction, and my heart despised reproof; and have not obeyed the voice of
my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! I was almost in
all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly. Drink waters out of thine
own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. Let thy fountains be
dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. Let them be only thine
own, and not strangers with thee. Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with
the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her
breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. And
why wilt thou, my son be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the
bosom of a stranger? For the ways of man are before the Lord, and he
pondereth all his goings. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and
he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. He shall die without instruction;
and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray." Proverbs 5
Much misery and anguish would be avoided in our lives if we would just take
heed and obey the word of God.
January 18
Blessed are the poor in spirit!
"Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me: for I am poor and needy. Preserve my
soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. Be
merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily." Psalm 86: 1-3.
God loves us and wants to provide for all our needs. We have the privilege of
calling on him and laying our burdens on him; but we must surrender all to him, and
trust him completely, and truly desire his will for our lives. God will not help the
person who is self sufficient, or thinks he is, one who has no need for anything, or
anybody. We must recognize our depravity and sin, and receive Christ as our sin
sacrifice and savior before we can receive God's help and blessing.
January 19
Ours for the asking!
"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money;
come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without
price. wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread, and your labor for
that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good,
and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear,
and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the
sure mercies of David." Isaiah 55: 1-3.
"And he said unto me, it is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the
end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He
that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my
son." Revelation 21: 6,7.
Think of all the things that we work and strive for in this world: The things that we
spend our time and money on in trying to achieve. What energy and time is spent
on pure vanity, while at our finger tips, free of charge, ours for the asking and
taking is the wonderful gift of God, the fountain of life eternal!
Think of what it means that eternal God is our father, and we are his children; heirs
of the promises of God and equal, joint heirs with Christ.
Thank you dear God our father for granting us the privilege to become your
children, and giving us access to your Holy presence. Let us strive to grow in the
grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior that we might become more and more
like him, and be and do what you want us to do and to become.
January 20
"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money;
come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without
price. wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread, and your labor for
that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good,
and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear,
and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the
sure mercies of David." Isaiah 55: 1-3.
"And he said unto me, it is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the
end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He
that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my
son." Revelation 21: 6,7.
Think of all the things that we work and strive for in this world: The things that we
spend our time and money on in trying to achieve. What energy and time is spent
on pure vanity, while at our finger tips, free of charge, ours for the asking and
taking is the wonderful gift of God, the fountain of life eternal!
Think of what it means that eternal God is our father, and we are his children; heirs
of the promises of God and equal, joint heirs with Christ.
Thank you dear God our father for granting us the privilege to become your
children, and giving us access to your Holy presence. Let us strive to grow in the
grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior that we might become more and more
like him, and be and do what you want us to do and to become.
January 20
A privielige to serve Christ!
"And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me
faithful, putting me into the ministry; who was before a blasphemer, and a
persecutor , and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in un
belief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which
is in Christ Jesus. This a a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ
Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." 1 Timothy 1: 12-15.
What a privilege and an honor it is for any one of us who by nature are sinners and
blasphemers of God, to be chosen and called of God, and placed in a ministry for
his honor and glory. To preach or teach the word of almighty God is the highest
calling in the universe, and to assist others to preach or teach the word of God is
equally a high calling of God. Not that we should be puffed up and proud; but that
we should humbly thank God that we can work together for him as his servants, for
his glory.
We can all say with Paul as in verse 15 of 1 Timothy 1: "This is a faithful saying,
and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world t save sinner; of
whom I am chief."
January 21
"And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me
faithful, putting me into the ministry; who was before a blasphemer, and a
persecutor , and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in un
belief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which
is in Christ Jesus. This a a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ
Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." 1 Timothy 1: 12-15.
What a privilege and an honor it is for any one of us who by nature are sinners and
blasphemers of God, to be chosen and called of God, and placed in a ministry for
his honor and glory. To preach or teach the word of almighty God is the highest
calling in the universe, and to assist others to preach or teach the word of God is
equally a high calling of God. Not that we should be puffed up and proud; but that
we should humbly thank God that we can work together for him as his servants, for
his glory.
We can all say with Paul as in verse 15 of 1 Timothy 1: "This is a faithful saying,
and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world t save sinner; of
whom I am chief."
January 21
Why?
Why do we write these things? Why do we preach these things? Why do we plead
with people to take heed to the warning of the word of God? Why are we so
concerned with those who do not really want to hear what we have to say and
what God has to say, and may even resent us and hate us for it?
It is because we, who have, by the grace of God experienced the love of God, and
have been pardoned from our sins, and come to know the fellowship of the Holy
Spirit and have been taught by God through the Lord Jesus Christ, have been
commissioned by him to "speak the truth in love" and warn the wicked.
Who are the wicked? All of us, whether we are now saved, or have not yet come
to the truth, could at one time or other, fall into this category.
What is truth? There is one absolute truth in all the universe, that is, almighty God
and God's word. Who is God? "I am, that I am" God told Moses, the almighty.
There is no other God. "Look unto me and be ye saved all the ends of the earth,
for I am God, and there is none else." Isaiah 45:22. Emmanuel, God with us in
human flesh in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Christ, The Messiah.
God has revealed himself to us in nature, by the things he has made."the heavens
declare the glory of God". He has revealed himself in the Holy Scriptures, The
Holy Bible. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God" holy men of God spoke as
they were moved by the Holy Spirit". God has revealed himself to us through his
living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ is confirmed to be who he said he is and be accepted by God the father by
his resurrection, which is an established fact of history, having shown himself alive
by many infallible proofs, and being seen by over five hundred people at one time
after his resurrection.
Wicked people are all those who will not acknowledge these absolute truths, and
humble themselves before a loving heavenly father and accept his gift of love in the
sacrifice of Christ for their sins.
The fool says in his heart: "no God for me" Psalm 53. This kind of fool is a wicked
person, and God's absolute word tells us in no uncertain terms: "The wicked shall
be cast into hell and all the nations that forget God." Psalm 9: 17
Those of us who claim to be Christians, have been commissioned by our Lord to go
into the world and preach the gospel to every creature and warn the wicked. If we
have little or no concern for the state of the wicked and those who are lost without
Christ, then our Christianity is weak indeed.
We who know the truth have a responsibility to our friends and neighbors for their
safety, whether it be physical or spiritual. If I see my neighbor's house on fire and I
know that he is inside in danger of perishing, then it is my responsibility and duty to
call for help, and to break down every barrier to get to him and snatch him from the
fire. Likewise, when I see my friends and neighbors in danger of hell fire because
of wilful neglect of God's call to them, then it is my duty to do every thing I can to
snatch them from the fires of eternal hell, even if they become angry at me for
doing so. Besides, I have to give an account to God if I neglect to do this.
"If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small, if thou forbear to deliver
them that are drawn unto death and those that are ready to be slain: if thou sayest,
behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he
that keepeth thy soul: doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man
according to his works?" Psalm 24:10-12
If we are truly the children of God who have been born again through our faith in
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, God did not leave us here on earth just to brag,
as it were, of our salvation, and sit in church Sunday after Sunday, and sing hymns
and pat each other on the back and tell each other how wonderful we are, this is
good and something we ought to do, but God has a bigger job for us to do, even as
he told the children of Israel in Ezekiel's day. He has commissioned us to be
watchmen to warn the wicked and the lost of our day so that they might be spared
the judgment of God.
"Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore,
hear the word at my mouth and give them warning from me, when I say unto the
wicked, thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning nor speakest to warn
the wicked from his wicked ways, to save his life: the same wicked man shall die in
his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet, if thou warn the wicked,
and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his
iniquity, but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again when a righteous man doth turn
from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before
him, he shall die: because thou has not given him warning, he shall die in his sins,
and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood
will I require at thine hand, Nevertheless, if thou warn the righteous man, that the
righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live because he is warned: also
thou hast delivered thy soul." Ezekiel 3; 17-20
We do not want to stand before God almighty and give an account for not sharing
our testimony of personal salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. We would like
to see all men and women, boys and girls, turn from their wickedness and seek
God. This is why we write these things, and preach these things, and plead.
God said: "So shall my word be that goeth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto
me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please and it shall prosper in the thing
where to I send it." Isaiah 55:11
January 23
Why do we write these things? Why do we preach these things? Why do we plead
with people to take heed to the warning of the word of God? Why are we so
concerned with those who do not really want to hear what we have to say and
what God has to say, and may even resent us and hate us for it?
It is because we, who have, by the grace of God experienced the love of God, and
have been pardoned from our sins, and come to know the fellowship of the Holy
Spirit and have been taught by God through the Lord Jesus Christ, have been
commissioned by him to "speak the truth in love" and warn the wicked.
Who are the wicked? All of us, whether we are now saved, or have not yet come
to the truth, could at one time or other, fall into this category.
What is truth? There is one absolute truth in all the universe, that is, almighty God
and God's word. Who is God? "I am, that I am" God told Moses, the almighty.
There is no other God. "Look unto me and be ye saved all the ends of the earth,
for I am God, and there is none else." Isaiah 45:22. Emmanuel, God with us in
human flesh in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Christ, The Messiah.
God has revealed himself to us in nature, by the things he has made."the heavens
declare the glory of God". He has revealed himself in the Holy Scriptures, The
Holy Bible. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God" holy men of God spoke as
they were moved by the Holy Spirit". God has revealed himself to us through his
living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ is confirmed to be who he said he is and be accepted by God the father by
his resurrection, which is an established fact of history, having shown himself alive
by many infallible proofs, and being seen by over five hundred people at one time
after his resurrection.
Wicked people are all those who will not acknowledge these absolute truths, and
humble themselves before a loving heavenly father and accept his gift of love in the
sacrifice of Christ for their sins.
The fool says in his heart: "no God for me" Psalm 53. This kind of fool is a wicked
person, and God's absolute word tells us in no uncertain terms: "The wicked shall
be cast into hell and all the nations that forget God." Psalm 9: 17
Those of us who claim to be Christians, have been commissioned by our Lord to go
into the world and preach the gospel to every creature and warn the wicked. If we
have little or no concern for the state of the wicked and those who are lost without
Christ, then our Christianity is weak indeed.
We who know the truth have a responsibility to our friends and neighbors for their
safety, whether it be physical or spiritual. If I see my neighbor's house on fire and I
know that he is inside in danger of perishing, then it is my responsibility and duty to
call for help, and to break down every barrier to get to him and snatch him from the
fire. Likewise, when I see my friends and neighbors in danger of hell fire because
of wilful neglect of God's call to them, then it is my duty to do every thing I can to
snatch them from the fires of eternal hell, even if they become angry at me for
doing so. Besides, I have to give an account to God if I neglect to do this.
"If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small, if thou forbear to deliver
them that are drawn unto death and those that are ready to be slain: if thou sayest,
behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he
that keepeth thy soul: doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man
according to his works?" Psalm 24:10-12
If we are truly the children of God who have been born again through our faith in
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, God did not leave us here on earth just to brag,
as it were, of our salvation, and sit in church Sunday after Sunday, and sing hymns
and pat each other on the back and tell each other how wonderful we are, this is
good and something we ought to do, but God has a bigger job for us to do, even as
he told the children of Israel in Ezekiel's day. He has commissioned us to be
watchmen to warn the wicked and the lost of our day so that they might be spared
the judgment of God.
"Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore,
hear the word at my mouth and give them warning from me, when I say unto the
wicked, thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning nor speakest to warn
the wicked from his wicked ways, to save his life: the same wicked man shall die in
his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet, if thou warn the wicked,
and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his
iniquity, but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again when a righteous man doth turn
from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before
him, he shall die: because thou has not given him warning, he shall die in his sins,
and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood
will I require at thine hand, Nevertheless, if thou warn the righteous man, that the
righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live because he is warned: also
thou hast delivered thy soul." Ezekiel 3; 17-20
We do not want to stand before God almighty and give an account for not sharing
our testimony of personal salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. We would like
to see all men and women, boys and girls, turn from their wickedness and seek
God. This is why we write these things, and preach these things, and plead.
God said: "So shall my word be that goeth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto
me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please and it shall prosper in the thing
where to I send it." Isaiah 55:11
January 23
Blessed is he that considereth the poor!
"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of
trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed
upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The
Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in
his sickness." Psalm 41: 1-3.
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and
Amen." Psalm 41: 13.
If we wish for God to answer our prayers and deliver us in time of trouble, then
we need to cease complaining and being covetous, and realize that there are others
who are far more needy than we; and we need to be willing to share our abundance
with them so that they might be helped. When we meet the needs of others, we are
investing in God's help for us. He will preserve us and keep us alive and protect us
from all our enemies, and lengthen the span of our life, and strengthen us in our
infirmities .
"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of
trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed
upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The
Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in
his sickness." Psalm 41: 1-3.
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and
Amen." Psalm 41: 13.
If we wish for God to answer our prayers and deliver us in time of trouble, then
we need to cease complaining and being covetous, and realize that there are others
who are far more needy than we; and we need to be willing to share our abundance
with them so that they might be helped. When we meet the needs of others, we are
investing in God's help for us. He will preserve us and keep us alive and protect us
from all our enemies, and lengthen the span of our life, and strengthen us in our
infirmities .
January 24
Dwelling on high!
You may say to me that I have my head always in the clouds, in another world, as
it were. Well, why not? A child of God is provided with a private resort where he
can enjoy a perpetual vacation away from the cares and troubles of the world.
"In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. Deliver me
in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape. Incline thine ear unto me, and save
me. Be thou my strong habitation, where unto I may continually resort: thou has
given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress." Psalm
71:1-3.
At what point in our lifetime did we loose ourselves from the hand of God, and take
our own life into our own hands, and worry about ourselves and our welfare?
"Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and thy honor all the day. Cast me not off
in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.." Psalm 71: 8,9.
"But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more. My mouth
shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the
numbers thereof." Psalm 71:14,15.
January 25
Dwelling on high!
You may say to me that I have my head always in the clouds, in another world, as
it were. Well, why not? A child of God is provided with a private resort where he
can enjoy a perpetual vacation away from the cares and troubles of the world.
"In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. Deliver me
in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape. Incline thine ear unto me, and save
me. Be thou my strong habitation, where unto I may continually resort: thou has
given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress." Psalm
71:1-3.
At what point in our lifetime did we loose ourselves from the hand of God, and take
our own life into our own hands, and worry about ourselves and our welfare?
"Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and thy honor all the day. Cast me not off
in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.." Psalm 71: 8,9.
"But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more. My mouth
shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the
numbers thereof." Psalm 71:14,15.
January 25
Is there not a cause?
In 1 Samuel chapter 17, we read how the Philistine giant, Goliath of Gath, enemy
of Israel, stood defying the armies of God. David, the youngest of Jesse's sons, the
keeper of his father's sheep and song writer for God, on an errand to to deliver food
and provision to his brothers who were enlisted in the army of Israel under the
command of Saul, the king, saw the need for someone to stand for God and be
counted faithful to the call of God and his cause. Someone must stand against this
giant who dared to curse God and defy his laws. David cried out: " Who is this
uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God.?"
In our day there are giants who would stand up boldly and defy God, those who
would break God's laws; take away God's ten commandments from public places;
those who would promote perverted lifestyles; divorce, homo sexuality, abortion,
and all forms of immorality contrary to the teaching of the word of God: those who
would like to see all mentions of God erased from the educational system.David
proclaimed: "Is there not a cause?"
David's giant was Goliath.
Is there not a cause today? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine in our time who
defies the living God? Is it the ACLU, the atheists, the world system, perverts, pro
abortionist ?
In this day and age, we truly born again children of God are the armies of the living
God. Why should we cower before the enemy and be ashamed of our heritage?
David trusted God for deliverance, and he was delivered by the power of God. Let
us trust God for his power to deliver us from all the giants in our lives, whether they
be political, personal, or spiritual.
Is there not a cause for us to speak up and be counted for God?
We cannot battle our enemies with the weapons of the world. Our weapons are
spiritual to the breaking down of strong holds. Faith, prayer, and the word of God
will eventually be triumphant over all.
David said to the Philistine giant: "Thou comest to me with sword and with a spear
and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of host, the God of
the armies of Israel whom thou hast defied."
Christ is more than a conqueror, and we in him are more than conquerors with him.
Victory is ours in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
January 26
In 1 Samuel chapter 17, we read how the Philistine giant, Goliath of Gath, enemy
of Israel, stood defying the armies of God. David, the youngest of Jesse's sons, the
keeper of his father's sheep and song writer for God, on an errand to to deliver food
and provision to his brothers who were enlisted in the army of Israel under the
command of Saul, the king, saw the need for someone to stand for God and be
counted faithful to the call of God and his cause. Someone must stand against this
giant who dared to curse God and defy his laws. David cried out: " Who is this
uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God.?"
In our day there are giants who would stand up boldly and defy God, those who
would break God's laws; take away God's ten commandments from public places;
those who would promote perverted lifestyles; divorce, homo sexuality, abortion,
and all forms of immorality contrary to the teaching of the word of God: those who
would like to see all mentions of God erased from the educational system.David
proclaimed: "Is there not a cause?"
David's giant was Goliath.
Is there not a cause today? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine in our time who
defies the living God? Is it the ACLU, the atheists, the world system, perverts, pro
abortionist ?
In this day and age, we truly born again children of God are the armies of the living
God. Why should we cower before the enemy and be ashamed of our heritage?
David trusted God for deliverance, and he was delivered by the power of God. Let
us trust God for his power to deliver us from all the giants in our lives, whether they
be political, personal, or spiritual.
Is there not a cause for us to speak up and be counted for God?
We cannot battle our enemies with the weapons of the world. Our weapons are
spiritual to the breaking down of strong holds. Faith, prayer, and the word of God
will eventually be triumphant over all.
David said to the Philistine giant: "Thou comest to me with sword and with a spear
and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of host, the God of
the armies of Israel whom thou hast defied."
Christ is more than a conqueror, and we in him are more than conquerors with him.
Victory is ours in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
January 26
No Strange Gods!
"Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou will hearken unto
me; there shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange
god. I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy
mouth wide, and I will fill it." Psalm 81:8-10.
May it be said of us that there be no strange Gods in our lives. Let us always
remember it was the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, and the
God of Israel - the father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who saved us. He
called us unto himself and set us to dwell in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Strange gods are not necessarily only the ones we more often think about such as
stone statutes or wooden idols, false religion, humanism; but strange gods can be
little insignificant things that can keep us from meeting with God, and having
fellowship with him, such as comforts of the flesh, petty habits which we refuse to
abandon, things we put our trust and confidence in other than God.
When we cast aside all other objects of worship and leave off the petty things that
rob us of the blessing and fellowship of God ,and wait patiently for the Lord, then
the Lord is faithful to subdue our enemies and feed us with the finest of the wheat,
and with honey out of the rock. If we will open our mouth wide, even as the
young bird in the nest, then the Lord promises to fill us with his blessings.
January 27
"Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou will hearken unto
me; there shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange
god. I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy
mouth wide, and I will fill it." Psalm 81:8-10.
May it be said of us that there be no strange Gods in our lives. Let us always
remember it was the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, and the
God of Israel - the father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who saved us. He
called us unto himself and set us to dwell in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Strange gods are not necessarily only the ones we more often think about such as
stone statutes or wooden idols, false religion, humanism; but strange gods can be
little insignificant things that can keep us from meeting with God, and having
fellowship with him, such as comforts of the flesh, petty habits which we refuse to
abandon, things we put our trust and confidence in other than God.
When we cast aside all other objects of worship and leave off the petty things that
rob us of the blessing and fellowship of God ,and wait patiently for the Lord, then
the Lord is faithful to subdue our enemies and feed us with the finest of the wheat,
and with honey out of the rock. If we will open our mouth wide, even as the
young bird in the nest, then the Lord promises to fill us with his blessings.
January 27
Thy will be done as it is in Heaven!
Jesus taught us, through his disciples, to pray to God our father, and to say: "thy
will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
When we are born again and become the children of God by God's grace, and our
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we not only become the children of God, but we also
become citizens of Heaven. As citizens of Heaven, we are under the jurisdiction
of the king of Heaven. Thus, while we remain on earth, we are , as it were,
strangers in a foreign land, subject to, and responsible for keeping the laws of the
country we are in, but being citizens of America, or whatever country we may be
citizens of, if we find ourselves in trouble in a foreign country, we have a right to
appeal to our home government to assist us in our difficulty.
So it is with our heavenly citizenship: we are told that we sit together in heavenly
places with Christ Jesus. We are citizens of Heaven. When we pray that God's
will be done on earth as it is in heaven, we are appealing to our king that all that
happens in our lives here on earth would be the same as if we were already at home
in Heaven.
When the will of our king of kings and lord of lords is being accomplished in our
lives, then, all that transpires in our lives here on earth is the result of his power and
authority. "The kings heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of waters he
turneth it wither so ever he will."
Would it be God's will for me to be lost forever in Heaven? Would it be God's will
for me to be discouraged if I were in Heaven? Would it be God's will for me to be
unhappy if I were already in Heaven? Would it be God's will for me to be sick and
poverty stricken if I were in Heaven? I don't know the final answer to all these
questions; but I tend to think the answer would be no to all of them. Heaven is a
happy, healthy, wealthy, eternal place where God is. I believe that none of these
situations can coexist in the presence of God, therefore, If God's will is done in us
on earth as it is, or would be if I were already in Heaven, what is the conclusion of
the whole matter? What does God desire, and what is his will for us while here on
earth?
January 29
Jesus taught us, through his disciples, to pray to God our father, and to say: "thy
will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
When we are born again and become the children of God by God's grace, and our
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we not only become the children of God, but we also
become citizens of Heaven. As citizens of Heaven, we are under the jurisdiction
of the king of Heaven. Thus, while we remain on earth, we are , as it were,
strangers in a foreign land, subject to, and responsible for keeping the laws of the
country we are in, but being citizens of America, or whatever country we may be
citizens of, if we find ourselves in trouble in a foreign country, we have a right to
appeal to our home government to assist us in our difficulty.
So it is with our heavenly citizenship: we are told that we sit together in heavenly
places with Christ Jesus. We are citizens of Heaven. When we pray that God's
will be done on earth as it is in heaven, we are appealing to our king that all that
happens in our lives here on earth would be the same as if we were already at home
in Heaven.
When the will of our king of kings and lord of lords is being accomplished in our
lives, then, all that transpires in our lives here on earth is the result of his power and
authority. "The kings heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of waters he
turneth it wither so ever he will."
Would it be God's will for me to be lost forever in Heaven? Would it be God's will
for me to be discouraged if I were in Heaven? Would it be God's will for me to be
unhappy if I were already in Heaven? Would it be God's will for me to be sick and
poverty stricken if I were in Heaven? I don't know the final answer to all these
questions; but I tend to think the answer would be no to all of them. Heaven is a
happy, healthy, wealthy, eternal place where God is. I believe that none of these
situations can coexist in the presence of God, therefore, If God's will is done in us
on earth as it is, or would be if I were already in Heaven, what is the conclusion of
the whole matter? What does God desire, and what is his will for us while here on
earth?
January 29
Create in me a clean heart!
"Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than
snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken
may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in
me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away
from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me, Restore unto me the joy
of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors
thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from blood
guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy
righteousness. O Lord open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy
praise." Psalm 51: 7-15.
Bad odors rise up from a dirty and cluttered basement. Likewise,, bad attitudes and
negative ideas germinate in the depths of the heart of people whose minds have not
been thoroughly purged of the residue of former things that were contrary to the
will of God and not pleasing to him. The bible tells us that we need to have the
inner man, or our heart of hearts, (our sub conscious minds), renewed and washed
daily in order to be rid of the bits of sin that so easily beset us and cause a bad
stench to rise up from within us, and cast a bad reflection on the works of God.
We need to take a bath, as it were, in the word of God daily, and ask God to wash
us with the water of his word and make us clean, and create in us a clean heart.
January 31
"Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than
snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken
may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in
me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away
from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me, Restore unto me the joy
of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors
thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from blood
guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy
righteousness. O Lord open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy
praise." Psalm 51: 7-15.
Bad odors rise up from a dirty and cluttered basement. Likewise,, bad attitudes and
negative ideas germinate in the depths of the heart of people whose minds have not
been thoroughly purged of the residue of former things that were contrary to the
will of God and not pleasing to him. The bible tells us that we need to have the
inner man, or our heart of hearts, (our sub conscious minds), renewed and washed
daily in order to be rid of the bits of sin that so easily beset us and cause a bad
stench to rise up from within us, and cast a bad reflection on the works of God.
We need to take a bath, as it were, in the word of God daily, and ask God to wash
us with the water of his word and make us clean, and create in us a clean heart.
January 31
The secret place.
We put to shame the grace of God when we fail to live and dwell in that secret
place that God has provided for his redeemed children. The secret place of the
most high. "There is a land that is fairer than day", where God dwells, Beulah land.
In Beulah land we are delivered and kept safe from the snare of the fowler, and
from the noise some pestilence.
God in his power and grace has made it possible for us that while our feet are still
on earth, our mind and our soul can be soaring in the heavens. "A higher plain than
I have found, Lord plant my feet on higher ground."
In Beulah land , in the presence of God, there no evil can come upon us, no plague
shall come nigh our dwelling.
February 1
We put to shame the grace of God when we fail to live and dwell in that secret
place that God has provided for his redeemed children. The secret place of the
most high. "There is a land that is fairer than day", where God dwells, Beulah land.
In Beulah land we are delivered and kept safe from the snare of the fowler, and
from the noise some pestilence.
God in his power and grace has made it possible for us that while our feet are still
on earth, our mind and our soul can be soaring in the heavens. "A higher plain than
I have found, Lord plant my feet on higher ground."
In Beulah land , in the presence of God, there no evil can come upon us, no plague
shall come nigh our dwelling.
February 1
They that trust in the Lord shall abide forever!
"They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but
abideth forever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round
about his people from henceforth even for ever. For the rod of the wicked shall not
rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto
iniquity." Psalm 125: 1-3..
Praise be to God! If we are in fact the redeemed of the Lord, we are kept in the
palm of his hand, as it were, and no one or nothing can pluck us out of his hand or
separate us from his love.
"The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad." Psalm 126: 3
Not to be proud and haughty, but grateful:
"So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the
rising of the sun, when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord
shall lift up a standard against him." Isaiah 59:19.
February 2
"They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but
abideth forever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round
about his people from henceforth even for ever. For the rod of the wicked shall not
rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto
iniquity." Psalm 125: 1-3..
Praise be to God! If we are in fact the redeemed of the Lord, we are kept in the
palm of his hand, as it were, and no one or nothing can pluck us out of his hand or
separate us from his love.
"The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad." Psalm 126: 3
Not to be proud and haughty, but grateful:
"So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the
rising of the sun, when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord
shall lift up a standard against him." Isaiah 59:19.
February 2
Are our lamps trimmed and burning, waiting for the Lord's return?
"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their
lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and
five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with
them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom
tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made,
behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins
arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, give us of
your oil, for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, not so; lest
there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for
yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that
were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward
came also the other virgins, saying Lord, Lord, open unto us. But he answered
and said, verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know
neither the day nor the hour wherein the son of man cometh." Matthew 25: 1-13.
I wonder, if Jesus should return suddenly without warning, how many of us
Christians would find no oil in our lamps. Has the fire and enthusiasm, for the
things of the Lord in our lives gone out?
Are we so wrapped up in the things of the world that we fail to keep our spiritual
lamps trimmed, and the spiritual fire burning, and a light shining in the window,
waiting expectantly for the Lord's return? Jesus has told us to keep watching and
waiting, and praying, for we know not the day nor the hour when he shall return
for his bride.
February 3
"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their
lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and
five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with
them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom
tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made,
behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins
arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, give us of
your oil, for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, not so; lest
there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for
yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that
were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward
came also the other virgins, saying Lord, Lord, open unto us. But he answered
and said, verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know
neither the day nor the hour wherein the son of man cometh." Matthew 25: 1-13.
I wonder, if Jesus should return suddenly without warning, how many of us
Christians would find no oil in our lamps. Has the fire and enthusiasm, for the
things of the Lord in our lives gone out?
Are we so wrapped up in the things of the world that we fail to keep our spiritual
lamps trimmed, and the spiritual fire burning, and a light shining in the window,
waiting expectantly for the Lord's return? Jesus has told us to keep watching and
waiting, and praying, for we know not the day nor the hour when he shall return
for his bride.
February 3
God does not hold grudges.
"If thou, Lord shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is
forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul
doth wait, and in his word do I hope." Psalm 130: 3,4,5.
Praise God! He does not hold grudges and hold our sins and wrong doing over
our heads to condemn us; but he is ever ready to hear our confession and self
judgment, and remember our sins no more. If we confess our sins he is faithful
and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness,
otherwise, if this were not the case, who could stand? Who would be able to
serve him? Who would be able to preach and to teach? For none is worthy
unless he accounts them to be worthy through his grace, and mercy and
forgiveness, for:" There is none righteous in himself, no ,not one, for all have
sinned and come short of the glory of God." Therefore, once having brought our
sins before God, and claiming the cleansing power of his shed blood, let us go our
way rejoicing and sin no more.
Each new day he gives us a clean new slate upon which to write the history of our
lives. Beginning today, the first day of the rest of our lives, with the strength of
our forgiven, redeemed lives and resurrected souls, let us be renewed in our mind
and empowered by the Holy Spirit to go forth today to our place of duty and
service and be glad, and do all that God wants us to do for him.
February 4
"If thou, Lord shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is
forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul
doth wait, and in his word do I hope." Psalm 130: 3,4,5.
Praise God! He does not hold grudges and hold our sins and wrong doing over
our heads to condemn us; but he is ever ready to hear our confession and self
judgment, and remember our sins no more. If we confess our sins he is faithful
and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness,
otherwise, if this were not the case, who could stand? Who would be able to
serve him? Who would be able to preach and to teach? For none is worthy
unless he accounts them to be worthy through his grace, and mercy and
forgiveness, for:" There is none righteous in himself, no ,not one, for all have
sinned and come short of the glory of God." Therefore, once having brought our
sins before God, and claiming the cleansing power of his shed blood, let us go our
way rejoicing and sin no more.
Each new day he gives us a clean new slate upon which to write the history of our
lives. Beginning today, the first day of the rest of our lives, with the strength of
our forgiven, redeemed lives and resurrected souls, let us be renewed in our mind
and empowered by the Holy Spirit to go forth today to our place of duty and
service and be glad, and do all that God wants us to do for him.
February 4
Pray for one another!
"To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the
Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve from my
forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee
in my prayers night and day." 2 Timothy 1:2,3.
How should we pray for one another? We ought to pray for each other as Paul
prayed for Timothy: That God would give to our beloved wife, or husband, or
children, or parents, or friends, grace, mercy and peace.
Grace - unearned gifts from God. God's un merited favor, undeserved
forgiveness and pardon, unearned, and undeserved eternal, everlasting life, and
undeserved provision for their moment by moment needs.
Mercy - God's infinite compassion for us, that is, God not pouring out his wrath
and judgments on us when he would be justified and righteous in so doing, also,
God's willingness to come more than half way to meet and great the runaway
prodigal and rebellious child, and welcome him back into the family.
Peace-That peace that only God can give to comfort our hearts when we are in
the center of his will, a sense of well being, and knowing that everything is all right
in our father's house, and so it is well with us who are his children.
May we learn to pray for one another that God would grant his grace, mercy, and
peace Even as Paul prayed for Timothy.
February 5
"To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the
Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve from my
forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee
in my prayers night and day." 2 Timothy 1:2,3.
How should we pray for one another? We ought to pray for each other as Paul
prayed for Timothy: That God would give to our beloved wife, or husband, or
children, or parents, or friends, grace, mercy and peace.
Grace - unearned gifts from God. God's un merited favor, undeserved
forgiveness and pardon, unearned, and undeserved eternal, everlasting life, and
undeserved provision for their moment by moment needs.
Mercy - God's infinite compassion for us, that is, God not pouring out his wrath
and judgments on us when he would be justified and righteous in so doing, also,
God's willingness to come more than half way to meet and great the runaway
prodigal and rebellious child, and welcome him back into the family.
Peace-That peace that only God can give to comfort our hearts when we are in
the center of his will, a sense of well being, and knowing that everything is all right
in our father's house, and so it is well with us who are his children.
May we learn to pray for one another that God would grant his grace, mercy, and
peace Even as Paul prayed for Timothy.
February 5
Why sit in darkness?
"Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful
works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the
hungry soul with goodness. Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
being bound in affliction and iron; because they rebelled against the words of God,
and contemned the counsel of the most high: Therefore he brought down their
heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help. Then they cried
unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. He
brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in
sunder. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his
wonderful works o the children of men! For he hath broken the gates of brass,
and cut the bars of iron in sunder. Fools, because of their transgression, and
because of their iniquities are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat;
and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the Lord in their
trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word and healed
them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh that men would praise the
Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And
let them sacrifice the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and declare his works with
rejoicing. They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters:
these see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. For he
commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depth, their soul is
melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stager like a drunken man,
and are at their wit's end. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he
bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the
waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth
them to their desired haven." Psalm 107:8-30
If we are sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction
and iron, then, we are not in God's perfect will. It is not the will of God for his
redeemed to sit in darkness, and to be fearful of living and dying, and being
shackled, as it were, in irons by our problems. Christ died and rose again to set us
free from our captivity in darkness, and the fear of death, and he took all the bars
away. So, why does the child of God still sit in darkness and in the shadow of
death, and continue to be shackled by worry and cares?
Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of
the most high. When we neglect God, when we fail to seek God and to pray,
when we do not attend to the word of God and obey it, then we find ourselves
sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, and bound in affliction. But, when
we seek the Lord and draw close to him, then he draws close to us and delivers us
out of darkness and the shadow of death, and breaks the bonds which hold us
captive.
February 14
"Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful
works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the
hungry soul with goodness. Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
being bound in affliction and iron; because they rebelled against the words of God,
and contemned the counsel of the most high: Therefore he brought down their
heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help. Then they cried
unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. He
brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in
sunder. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his
wonderful works o the children of men! For he hath broken the gates of brass,
and cut the bars of iron in sunder. Fools, because of their transgression, and
because of their iniquities are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat;
and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the Lord in their
trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word and healed
them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh that men would praise the
Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And
let them sacrifice the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and declare his works with
rejoicing. They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters:
these see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. For he
commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depth, their soul is
melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stager like a drunken man,
and are at their wit's end. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he
bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the
waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth
them to their desired haven." Psalm 107:8-30
If we are sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction
and iron, then, we are not in God's perfect will. It is not the will of God for his
redeemed to sit in darkness, and to be fearful of living and dying, and being
shackled, as it were, in irons by our problems. Christ died and rose again to set us
free from our captivity in darkness, and the fear of death, and he took all the bars
away. So, why does the child of God still sit in darkness and in the shadow of
death, and continue to be shackled by worry and cares?
Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of
the most high. When we neglect God, when we fail to seek God and to pray,
when we do not attend to the word of God and obey it, then we find ourselves
sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, and bound in affliction. But, when
we seek the Lord and draw close to him, then he draws close to us and delivers us
out of darkness and the shadow of death, and breaks the bonds which hold us
captive.
February 14
How Long, Lord?
"How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? For ever? How long wilt thou hide thy
face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my
heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear
me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest mine
enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I
am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing unto the Lord because he hath dealt bountifully with me." Psalm 13
Sometimes when we have problems and trials, it seems that either God has
forgotten us and abandoned us forever, or that he doesn't even exist. Satan, our
enemy, would like to have us believe his lie. We know that God is true, and that
eventually we shall rejoice in our salvation and sing unto the Lord ,because he hath
dealt bountifully with us.
February 15
"How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? For ever? How long wilt thou hide thy
face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my
heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear
me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest mine
enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I
am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing unto the Lord because he hath dealt bountifully with me." Psalm 13
Sometimes when we have problems and trials, it seems that either God has
forgotten us and abandoned us forever, or that he doesn't even exist. Satan, our
enemy, would like to have us believe his lie. We know that God is true, and that
eventually we shall rejoice in our salvation and sing unto the Lord ,because he hath
dealt bountifully with us.
February 15
Exalt the Lord our God!
"The Lord reigneth,; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubim; let the
earth be moved." Psalm 99:1
"Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy." Psalm
99:5.
We must worship God in spirit and in truth. We worship God in our thought life:
by what we think about God. We worship God in our speech: by what we say
about God. We worship God by our actions: in what we do to serve God.
If God is our God, then he deserves our worship. He deserves to be the chief
object of our thought life. He deserves to be the chief subject of our conversation.
He deserves to be the one for whom we work and perform our duties.
"Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy."
Psalm 99: 5.
February 16
"The Lord reigneth,; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubim; let the
earth be moved." Psalm 99:1
"Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy." Psalm
99:5.
We must worship God in spirit and in truth. We worship God in our thought life:
by what we think about God. We worship God in our speech: by what we say
about God. We worship God by our actions: in what we do to serve God.
If God is our God, then he deserves our worship. He deserves to be the chief
object of our thought life. He deserves to be the chief subject of our conversation.
He deserves to be the one for whom we work and perform our duties.
"Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy."
Psalm 99: 5.
February 16
O Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
"O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him all the earth. Say
among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it
shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously." Psalm 96: 9,10.
May the message of our lives to the world be that God is sovereign, and that he
reigneth, and in him alone is salvation. May we be a living testimony to the world
around us of the holiness, grace, mercy, and goodness of God in the lives of all who
will acknowledge him and trust him.
"Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of
the enemy." Psalm 107: 2.
Rejoice because the Lord is coming again as he has promised. He is coming to
judge the earth and bring forth righteousness.
"The heavens declare his righteousness, an all the people shall see his glory." Psalm
97: 6.
"Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his
holiness." Psalm 97: 12.
February 20
"O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him all the earth. Say
among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it
shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously." Psalm 96: 9,10.
May the message of our lives to the world be that God is sovereign, and that he
reigneth, and in him alone is salvation. May we be a living testimony to the world
around us of the holiness, grace, mercy, and goodness of God in the lives of all who
will acknowledge him and trust him.
"Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of
the enemy." Psalm 107: 2.
Rejoice because the Lord is coming again as he has promised. He is coming to
judge the earth and bring forth righteousness.
"The heavens declare his righteousness, an all the people shall see his glory." Psalm
97: 6.
"Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his
holiness." Psalm 97: 12.
February 20
Sweetest name I know!
"Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! sweetest name I know,", as the song writer has said: "fills my
every longing, keeps me singing as I go".
Think of all that Jesus is, and means to us:
He is our God - The creator of us all. "In the beginning was the Word, and the
Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with
God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that
was made." John 1: 1-3.
He is our savior - our sin substitute. He who knew no sin was made sin for us, and
died in our place so that we sinners might be justified and stand righteous before
God.
He is our high priest - He is in the presence of God, the father, always pleading our
cause and offering his own blood on our behalf as a sacrifice for us.
He is our advocate - our lawyer in heaven.
He is our closest relative - our elder brother.
He is our personal physician - "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me,
bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who
forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases. Who redeemeth thy life
from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies: who
satisfieth thy mouth with good things: so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's."
Psalm 103: 1-5.
He is our best friend - A friend that sticketh closer than a brother. A friend in need
is a friend indeed.
He is our comforter in times of trouble, and distress and great need.
He is our tour guide to Heaven. "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man
cometh unto the father but by me," Jesus said.
Jesus is all these things to us and much more. Blessed be his holy name. Could we
ever love him and serve him too much for all that he is, and has done for us? I
think not.
February 21
"Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! sweetest name I know,", as the song writer has said: "fills my
every longing, keeps me singing as I go".
Think of all that Jesus is, and means to us:
He is our God - The creator of us all. "In the beginning was the Word, and the
Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with
God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that
was made." John 1: 1-3.
He is our savior - our sin substitute. He who knew no sin was made sin for us, and
died in our place so that we sinners might be justified and stand righteous before
God.
He is our high priest - He is in the presence of God, the father, always pleading our
cause and offering his own blood on our behalf as a sacrifice for us.
He is our advocate - our lawyer in heaven.
He is our closest relative - our elder brother.
He is our personal physician - "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me,
bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who
forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases. Who redeemeth thy life
from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies: who
satisfieth thy mouth with good things: so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's."
Psalm 103: 1-5.
He is our best friend - A friend that sticketh closer than a brother. A friend in need
is a friend indeed.
He is our comforter in times of trouble, and distress and great need.
He is our tour guide to Heaven. "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man
cometh unto the father but by me," Jesus said.
Jesus is all these things to us and much more. Blessed be his holy name. Could we
ever love him and serve him too much for all that he is, and has done for us? I
think not.
February 21
Rejoice greatly in our salvation.
"The king shall joy in thy strength, O Lord, and in thy salvation how greatly shall he
rejoice!"
We ought to rejoice greatly in our salvation. Let us meditate on the strength and
power of God our father. Consider his holiness ,and think of what it means for us
to be saved from his righteous wrath and judgment. If we were to receive that
which we deserve based upon our own righteousness and merits, we would find
ourselves in the deepest hell. But God loves us from the beginning, and gave
himself for us so that we might escape his judgment, and be given an inheritance in
his household. For this we ought to greatly rejoice.
"Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his
lips." Psalm 21: 2.
Let us also consider our position in the household of God our father. As his
redeemed children, we can come boldly to his throne of grace and make our desires
known to him, and he always gives to us whatever he sees will be best for us, for
our good and his glory. When we ask, we recieve, and he grants the desires of our
heart.
"For thou preventest him with the blessing of goodness: thou set a crown of pure
gold on his head: he asked life of thee, and thou gave it him, even length of days for
ever and ever." Psalm 21:3
God daily goes before us and pours out his blessing upon us in ways that we do not
understand. His mercy is great, and his salvation is free.
For all these reasons we ought always rejoice and give God the praise.
Thank you Lord!
February 22
Does God forget us?
"The king shall joy in thy strength, O Lord, and in thy salvation how greatly shall he
rejoice!"
We ought to rejoice greatly in our salvation. Let us meditate on the strength and
power of God our father. Consider his holiness ,and think of what it means for us
to be saved from his righteous wrath and judgment. If we were to receive that
which we deserve based upon our own righteousness and merits, we would find
ourselves in the deepest hell. But God loves us from the beginning, and gave
himself for us so that we might escape his judgment, and be given an inheritance in
his household. For this we ought to greatly rejoice.
"Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his
lips." Psalm 21: 2.
Let us also consider our position in the household of God our father. As his
redeemed children, we can come boldly to his throne of grace and make our desires
known to him, and he always gives to us whatever he sees will be best for us, for
our good and his glory. When we ask, we recieve, and he grants the desires of our
heart.
"For thou preventest him with the blessing of goodness: thou set a crown of pure
gold on his head: he asked life of thee, and thou gave it him, even length of days for
ever and ever." Psalm 21:3
God daily goes before us and pours out his blessing upon us in ways that we do not
understand. His mercy is great, and his salvation is free.
For all these reasons we ought always rejoice and give God the praise.
Thank you Lord!
February 22
Does God forget us?
Read Psalm 22: 1-31.
"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken Me? Why art thou so far from helping
me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou
hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. But thou art holy, O thou
that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and
thou didst deliver them." Psalm 22: 1-4.
Even as David prayed and wondered why it was that it seemed that God had
forsaken him in his times of great distress, we sometimes pose the same question.
This prayer of David was a forerunner of the prayer of Christ when he was hanging
on the cross. In his humanity he cried out: "My God, My God, why hast thou
forsaken me?".
When we are in pain or troubles, and it seems that no help comes, does it not seem
that God has forsaken us? In these times of darkness and desperation we must keep
trusting and believing God and we shall be delivered.
God delivered David from the hand of Saul and made him a great king, and God
delivered his own son, the Lord Jesus Christ from the power of the grave, and gave
him power over death for all of us. So, even in darkness we must keep our faith in
the promises of God and continue to live in the light of his word, and be assured that
we will be delivered.
February 23
"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken Me? Why art thou so far from helping
me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou
hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. But thou art holy, O thou
that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and
thou didst deliver them." Psalm 22: 1-4.
Even as David prayed and wondered why it was that it seemed that God had
forsaken him in his times of great distress, we sometimes pose the same question.
This prayer of David was a forerunner of the prayer of Christ when he was hanging
on the cross. In his humanity he cried out: "My God, My God, why hast thou
forsaken me?".
When we are in pain or troubles, and it seems that no help comes, does it not seem
that God has forsaken us? In these times of darkness and desperation we must keep
trusting and believing God and we shall be delivered.
God delivered David from the hand of Saul and made him a great king, and God
delivered his own son, the Lord Jesus Christ from the power of the grave, and gave
him power over death for all of us. So, even in darkness we must keep our faith in
the promises of God and continue to live in the light of his word, and be assured that
we will be delivered.
February 23
The Lord is my shepherd.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green
pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me
in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and
thy staff they comfort me. thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine
enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over Surely goodness
and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the
Lord forever." Psalm 23: 1-6.
Sheep. for the most part, are helpless creatures and have no effective defense
against predators and their enemies. Whatever sheep want or have need of they are
provided for by their shepherd. If their shepherd is a good one, the sheep lack
nothing and are content to lie down with confidence that they are being cared for.
David, the psalmist, likens himself to sheep, and praises God that he has the
confidence in God, his shepherd, that even in the midst of war and turmoil and
danger, his shepherd will go before him and prepare a way for him, and spread a
table for him in the presence of his enemies. The good shepherd will find the green
pastures, and the still waters, and the safe places.
We too are God's workmanship and the sheep of his pasture. We are born into a
world of dark shadows. The shadow of death haunts us from the cradle to the
grave. Everywhere we go we see the shadow of death. We see it in the vegetation;
we see it in the animal world; we do not have to go far to see something that has
died, and we are reminded that we too face the same fate. We also are reminded
that our shepherd will see us through from the cradle to the grave, from birth to
death, no matter how soon or how late that may be. If we, his sheep, follow our
shepherd we have no reason to fear either life or death.
Those who have not received Christ as their savior, and follow him as their
shepherd are lost sheep and are wanderers in a hostile world of darkness and the
shadow of death, and unless they bow their knees to him and confess that they, by
nature are lost sinners, and ask him to save them, have every good reason to fear.
The lost as well as the saved walk through the valley of the shadow of death every
day. The saved have the confidence and assurance that their shepherd will lead
them safely home through the valley of the shadow of death, whereas ,the lost will
be swallowed up in death and cast into hell.
Are you saved and a sheep with a shepherd, or are you a lost wandering sheep?
Only you can answer that question.
February 24
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green
pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me
in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and
thy staff they comfort me. thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine
enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over Surely goodness
and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the
Lord forever." Psalm 23: 1-6.
Sheep. for the most part, are helpless creatures and have no effective defense
against predators and their enemies. Whatever sheep want or have need of they are
provided for by their shepherd. If their shepherd is a good one, the sheep lack
nothing and are content to lie down with confidence that they are being cared for.
David, the psalmist, likens himself to sheep, and praises God that he has the
confidence in God, his shepherd, that even in the midst of war and turmoil and
danger, his shepherd will go before him and prepare a way for him, and spread a
table for him in the presence of his enemies. The good shepherd will find the green
pastures, and the still waters, and the safe places.
We too are God's workmanship and the sheep of his pasture. We are born into a
world of dark shadows. The shadow of death haunts us from the cradle to the
grave. Everywhere we go we see the shadow of death. We see it in the vegetation;
we see it in the animal world; we do not have to go far to see something that has
died, and we are reminded that we too face the same fate. We also are reminded
that our shepherd will see us through from the cradle to the grave, from birth to
death, no matter how soon or how late that may be. If we, his sheep, follow our
shepherd we have no reason to fear either life or death.
Those who have not received Christ as their savior, and follow him as their
shepherd are lost sheep and are wanderers in a hostile world of darkness and the
shadow of death, and unless they bow their knees to him and confess that they, by
nature are lost sinners, and ask him to save them, have every good reason to fear.
The lost as well as the saved walk through the valley of the shadow of death every
day. The saved have the confidence and assurance that their shepherd will lead
them safely home through the valley of the shadow of death, whereas ,the lost will
be swallowed up in death and cast into hell.
Are you saved and a sheep with a shepherd, or are you a lost wandering sheep?
Only you can answer that question.
February 24
He will swallow up death in victory!
What a wonderful promise and consolation we have from God our father through
the Lord Jesus Christ that: "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God
will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall be taken
away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it." Isaiah 25: 8-9
The day will come when God will completely fulfill this promise when our Lord and
savior Jesus Christ returns to earth to claim his throne. He is the righteous king to
whom all creation belongs. When he comes, death will be abolished, and the sting
of death swallowed up in victory. There will be no more need for tears, for in his
reign and kingdom there will be no sorrow. His people will no longer be looked
upon as the down trodden and outcast of the earth. On the contrary,they will rule
and reign with him forever.
"And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our
God. We have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord, we have waited
for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation." Isaiah 25:9
Those of us who have called upon the Lord Jesus Christ to save us have the witness
of the Holy Spirit within us which cause us to rejoice in our salvation. We know
that all of God's promises are true. We wait patiently and longingly for the great day
of the Lord to come, and for Jesus to be crowned King of kings and Lord of lords.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
February 27
What a wonderful promise and consolation we have from God our father through
the Lord Jesus Christ that: "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God
will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall be taken
away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it." Isaiah 25: 8-9
The day will come when God will completely fulfill this promise when our Lord and
savior Jesus Christ returns to earth to claim his throne. He is the righteous king to
whom all creation belongs. When he comes, death will be abolished, and the sting
of death swallowed up in victory. There will be no more need for tears, for in his
reign and kingdom there will be no sorrow. His people will no longer be looked
upon as the down trodden and outcast of the earth. On the contrary,they will rule
and reign with him forever.
"And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our
God. We have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord, we have waited
for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation." Isaiah 25:9
Those of us who have called upon the Lord Jesus Christ to save us have the witness
of the Holy Spirit within us which cause us to rejoice in our salvation. We know
that all of God's promises are true. We wait patiently and longingly for the great day
of the Lord to come, and for Jesus to be crowned King of kings and Lord of lords.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
February 27
Wait on the Lord.
"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait I
say on the Lord." Psalm 27: 14.
One of the most difficult lessons we must learn as the children of God is to realize
that God's ways are not our ways, and God's timing is not our timing. We want
things, and we want them now, and even yesterday, if that were possible. God
has told us in his word that whatsoever things we have need of , to ask of him and
he will provide them for us as he sees fit. God knows and sees the end from the
beginning, and the beginning from the end, and he knows what is best for us, and
the right time for answering our petitions.
We know that God will not withhold any good thing from us if it will profit us and
bring glory to himself. When we have learned this lesson to wait patiently for God
to fulfill his purposes in our lives, then we have great peace and contentment in
knowing that however long it takes, God will come to our rescue and meet all our
needs.
February 28
"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait I
say on the Lord." Psalm 27: 14.
One of the most difficult lessons we must learn as the children of God is to realize
that God's ways are not our ways, and God's timing is not our timing. We want
things, and we want them now, and even yesterday, if that were possible. God
has told us in his word that whatsoever things we have need of , to ask of him and
he will provide them for us as he sees fit. God knows and sees the end from the
beginning, and the beginning from the end, and he knows what is best for us, and
the right time for answering our petitions.
We know that God will not withhold any good thing from us if it will profit us and
bring glory to himself. When we have learned this lesson to wait patiently for God
to fulfill his purposes in our lives, then we have great peace and contentment in
knowing that however long it takes, God will come to our rescue and meet all our
needs.
February 28
Have you called unto God this morning?
"Unto thee will I cry, O Lord my rock; be not silent to me, lest, if thou be silent
to me, I become like them that go down into the pit. Hear the voice of my
supplication, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy
oracle. Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity,
which speak peace to their neighbors, but mischief is in their hearts." Psalm 28:
1-3.
We need to hear from God each and every morning so that we might know the
road we should travel on that particular day. If we do not fellowship with God
each morning through prayer and meditation in his word, we tend to be drawn
away with the wicked and workers of iniquity. If we do not hear from God ,we
fall into a pit of despair and depression. When we do not regard the word of God;
when we do not seek him the first thing in the morning, and give him praise and
thanksgiving for all that he does for us, and all the good things in our lives; our
blessings diminish and we become spiritually destitute.
The light is always burning in God's window, as it were, to lead us safely home.
His arms are open wide to welcome and receive us back into fellowship with him,
and give us the assurance of his love and protection for us.
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped:
therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him." Psalm
28: 7.
March 1
"Unto thee will I cry, O Lord my rock; be not silent to me, lest, if thou be silent
to me, I become like them that go down into the pit. Hear the voice of my
supplication, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy
oracle. Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity,
which speak peace to their neighbors, but mischief is in their hearts." Psalm 28:
1-3.
We need to hear from God each and every morning so that we might know the
road we should travel on that particular day. If we do not fellowship with God
each morning through prayer and meditation in his word, we tend to be drawn
away with the wicked and workers of iniquity. If we do not hear from God ,we
fall into a pit of despair and depression. When we do not regard the word of God;
when we do not seek him the first thing in the morning, and give him praise and
thanksgiving for all that he does for us, and all the good things in our lives; our
blessings diminish and we become spiritually destitute.
The light is always burning in God's window, as it were, to lead us safely home.
His arms are open wide to welcome and receive us back into fellowship with him,
and give us the assurance of his love and protection for us.
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped:
therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him." Psalm
28: 7.
March 1
God fixes things!
God,our heavenly father, is a kind, loving father who takes great delight in his
redeemed children whom he has reconciled to himself by the precious blood of his
only begotten, beloved son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
I f we have been fortunate enough to have had a loving, kind earthly father here on
earth, we know that we can run to "daddy", as it were, when we are afraid or in
trouble, and he will rescue us. When our toys are broken, he will fix them. When
we are afraid of the dark night, he will go with us.
Even better than we have ever known on earth, our heavenly father loves us with
an infinite love that cannot be equaled. He who formed us from the dust of the
earth, and breathed into our nostrils his own breath of life, will never forsake us. He
will be there when we slip and fall to lift us up and set us back on our feet again.
He is more than willing to forgive our sins when we acknowledge and confess them
to him and ask for his forgiveness.
We make many mistakes in the course of our lifetime. We commit many sins; we
go down wrong roads. Sometimes our lives are all but destroyed; our hearts are
broken; our bodies are near destructions. But, God our father is there to fix them,
and he does fix all things for us if we will allow him to. He can and will turn our
mourning into dancing and rejoicing for his glory and honor.
"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sack
cloth, and girded me with gladness. to the end that my glory may sing praise to
thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever."
Psalm 30: 11,12
March 5
God,our heavenly father, is a kind, loving father who takes great delight in his
redeemed children whom he has reconciled to himself by the precious blood of his
only begotten, beloved son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
I f we have been fortunate enough to have had a loving, kind earthly father here on
earth, we know that we can run to "daddy", as it were, when we are afraid or in
trouble, and he will rescue us. When our toys are broken, he will fix them. When
we are afraid of the dark night, he will go with us.
Even better than we have ever known on earth, our heavenly father loves us with
an infinite love that cannot be equaled. He who formed us from the dust of the
earth, and breathed into our nostrils his own breath of life, will never forsake us. He
will be there when we slip and fall to lift us up and set us back on our feet again.
He is more than willing to forgive our sins when we acknowledge and confess them
to him and ask for his forgiveness.
We make many mistakes in the course of our lifetime. We commit many sins; we
go down wrong roads. Sometimes our lives are all but destroyed; our hearts are
broken; our bodies are near destructions. But, God our father is there to fix them,
and he does fix all things for us if we will allow him to. He can and will turn our
mourning into dancing and rejoicing for his glory and honor.
"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sack
cloth, and girded me with gladness. to the end that my glory may sing praise to
thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever."
Psalm 30: 11,12
March 5
At all times!
Let his praise be continually in my mouth.
"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalm
34: 1
At all times, when things are going well with us as well as when the times are not so
good; In the valley as well as on the mountaintop; in times of famine, as well as in
times of feasting; let his praise be continually in our mouth. God is always near us
to save and protect, and comfort, and to bring us eventually to our desired safe
haven.
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, and the people whom he hath chosen
for his inheritance." Psalm 33: 12
"Behold the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his
mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine; Our soul
waiteth for the Lord; he is our help and our shield for our heart shall rejoice in him,
because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O Lord be upon us
according as we hope in thee."Psalm 33: 18-22.
March 7
Let his praise be continually in my mouth.
"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalm
34: 1
At all times, when things are going well with us as well as when the times are not so
good; In the valley as well as on the mountaintop; in times of famine, as well as in
times of feasting; let his praise be continually in our mouth. God is always near us
to save and protect, and comfort, and to bring us eventually to our desired safe
haven.
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, and the people whom he hath chosen
for his inheritance." Psalm 33: 12
"Behold the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his
mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine; Our soul
waiteth for the Lord; he is our help and our shield for our heart shall rejoice in him,
because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O Lord be upon us
according as we hope in thee."Psalm 33: 18-22.
March 7
Plead my cause, O Lord!
"Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight
against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help. Draw out
also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I
am thy salvation. Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul;
let them, be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt. Let them be as
the chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the Lord chase them. Let their way be
dark and slippery: and let the angel of the Lord persecute them. For without cause
have they hid for me their net in a pit which without cause they have digged for my
soul. Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid
catch himself in that very destruction let him fall. And my soul shall be joyful in the
Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation." Psalm 35: 1-9
When we have become Christians by being born again into the family of God, we
immediately enter into a spiritual combat zone. We face principalities and powers in
high places, enemies we never had to face before whose commander in chief is Satan.
We must constantly draw from God our father, the strength and help to fight our
enemies. Christ our captain will lead us to victory if we will dedicate ourselves to him
and trust him.
March 8
"Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight
against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help. Draw out
also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I
am thy salvation. Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul;
let them, be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt. Let them be as
the chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the Lord chase them. Let their way be
dark and slippery: and let the angel of the Lord persecute them. For without cause
have they hid for me their net in a pit which without cause they have digged for my
soul. Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid
catch himself in that very destruction let him fall. And my soul shall be joyful in the
Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation." Psalm 35: 1-9
When we have become Christians by being born again into the family of God, we
immediately enter into a spiritual combat zone. We face principalities and powers in
high places, enemies we never had to face before whose commander in chief is Satan.
We must constantly draw from God our father, the strength and help to fight our
enemies. Christ our captain will lead us to victory if we will dedicate ourselves to him
and trust him.
March 8
Cause for rejoicing!
"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath
clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of
righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride
adorneth herself with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the
garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will
cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all nations.: Isaiah 61:10-11
We have good reason to rejoice and to be glad in the Lord. even though we live in
an environment that is evil and corrupted by sin and disobedience to God. God has
provided for his redeemed, born again children a robe of righteousness, and
crowned them with precious jewels while we wait for the long dark winter of sin to
be over, and for God's springtime to come. We are reminded, when we see the
signs of spring on earth; when we see the buds begin to appear on the trees; when
we see the lilies and flowers popping their heads through the soil, that God's
righteousness and praise will spring forth in the earth when our Lord and savior, the
Lord Jesus Christ returns, and God's righteous shall prevail.
March 9
"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath
clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of
righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride
adorneth herself with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the
garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will
cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all nations.: Isaiah 61:10-11
We have good reason to rejoice and to be glad in the Lord. even though we live in
an environment that is evil and corrupted by sin and disobedience to God. God has
provided for his redeemed, born again children a robe of righteousness, and
crowned them with precious jewels while we wait for the long dark winter of sin to
be over, and for God's springtime to come. We are reminded, when we see the
signs of spring on earth; when we see the buds begin to appear on the trees; when
we see the lilies and flowers popping their heads through the soil, that God's
righteousness and praise will spring forth in the earth when our Lord and savior, the
Lord Jesus Christ returns, and God's righteous shall prevail.
March 9
Safety with the Lord!
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow
of the almighty." Psalm 91: 1.
What safety and comfort there is to be found, living continually in the presence,
and fellowship of God, and to be overshadowed by almighty God. Thank God !
this is possible for each of us who have been redeemed by the precious blood of
Christ ,and have been born again as God's own children.
"I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I
trust, Surely he shall deliver me from the snare of the fowler, and from the
noisome, pestilence." Psalm 91:2,3.
The devil is constantly setting traps for God's children, but God keeps us and
delivers us from them all.
"Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most high, thy
habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy
dwelling: For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
Psalm 91: 9,10,11
We need to learn to exercise our right and privilege as the Children of God to dwell
in the habitation of God. When we live and dwell in the presence of the Lord, and
abide with him, then we are safe from all evil.
March 10
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow
of the almighty." Psalm 91: 1.
What safety and comfort there is to be found, living continually in the presence,
and fellowship of God, and to be overshadowed by almighty God. Thank God !
this is possible for each of us who have been redeemed by the precious blood of
Christ ,and have been born again as God's own children.
"I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I
trust, Surely he shall deliver me from the snare of the fowler, and from the
noisome, pestilence." Psalm 91:2,3.
The devil is constantly setting traps for God's children, but God keeps us and
delivers us from them all.
"Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most high, thy
habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy
dwelling: For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
Psalm 91: 9,10,11
We need to learn to exercise our right and privilege as the Children of God to dwell
in the habitation of God. When we live and dwell in the presence of the Lord, and
abide with him, then we are safe from all evil.
March 10
Today! a gift from God!
Each day in our lives is a brand new gift from God. There has never been a day exactly
like it before, and there will never be a day exactly like it again. It is unique in itself. As
someone has aptly said: "This is a brand new day without mistakes, yet. Pray to God
that we can keep it without mistakes.
"This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Let us not ruin today by borrowing from tomorrow's sorrows, or remembering the
mistakes of yesterday. If we at all remember, let us remember the joys and the
happiness, and the good things, and let us throw out with the trash, as it were, the
negative and bad things.
Let us spend this day, this valuable gift that God has given to us, always aware of his
presence and companionship. A day spent in companionship with the Lord is better
than a thousand without him.
If we have received Christ as our savior, then today we have eternal everlasting life, and
have passed from darkness into light and we don't have to look for tomorrow to come
to receive it and enjoy it.
March 13
Each day in our lives is a brand new gift from God. There has never been a day exactly
like it before, and there will never be a day exactly like it again. It is unique in itself. As
someone has aptly said: "This is a brand new day without mistakes, yet. Pray to God
that we can keep it without mistakes.
"This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Let us not ruin today by borrowing from tomorrow's sorrows, or remembering the
mistakes of yesterday. If we at all remember, let us remember the joys and the
happiness, and the good things, and let us throw out with the trash, as it were, the
negative and bad things.
Let us spend this day, this valuable gift that God has given to us, always aware of his
presence and companionship. A day spent in companionship with the Lord is better
than a thousand without him.
If we have received Christ as our savior, then today we have eternal everlasting life, and
have passed from darkness into light and we don't have to look for tomorrow to come
to receive it and enjoy it.
March 13
The Lord hath dealt bountifully with us!
"How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? For ever? How long wilt thou hide thy
face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my
heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear
me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; lest mine
enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I
am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy; and my heart shall rejoice in thy
salvation. I will sing unto the Lord because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
Psalm 13.
Those of us who have experienced the love and salvation of God through our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ can truly say that in spite of the difficulties, suffering, and
trials that God allows us to experience, he hath overall dealt bountifully with us.
By his grace he has given us more good things than we ever deserve; and by his
mercy he has kept from us the consequences of our sins and mistakes, and his
wrath and punishment that we so rightly deserve.
When there are times when we are feeling sorry for ourselves and wonder if God
has forsaken us forever, even as David did, let us look back over the way we have
come thus far, and see how truly God has dealt bountifully with us. Let us rejoice
in our hearts and sing songs of praise to him for his goodness to us
March 15
.
"How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? For ever? How long wilt thou hide thy
face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my
heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear
me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; lest mine
enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I
am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy; and my heart shall rejoice in thy
salvation. I will sing unto the Lord because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
Psalm 13.
Those of us who have experienced the love and salvation of God through our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ can truly say that in spite of the difficulties, suffering, and
trials that God allows us to experience, he hath overall dealt bountifully with us.
By his grace he has given us more good things than we ever deserve; and by his
mercy he has kept from us the consequences of our sins and mistakes, and his
wrath and punishment that we so rightly deserve.
When there are times when we are feeling sorry for ourselves and wonder if God
has forsaken us forever, even as David did, let us look back over the way we have
come thus far, and see how truly God has dealt bountifully with us. Let us rejoice
in our hearts and sing songs of praise to him for his goodness to us
March 15
.
An enemy of our enemies!
"Behold, I send an angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into
the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him
not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him. But if thou
shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then will I be an enemy unto
thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. For mine angel shall go
before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the
Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off. Thou shalt not
bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt
utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images. And ye shall serve the
Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water, and I will take
sickness away from the midst of thee." Exodus 23: 20-25.
God is here speaking to his children, Israel, and making a covenant with them for
their future welfare and well being.
I believe that these promises apply to all God's children everywhere: Those of us
who have been truly born again, and grafted into the commonwealth of Israel, his
people whom he loved, and chose to be the apple of his eye, and the nation through
whom would come the Messiah, our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
God said that he would send an Angel before them to keep them in the way, and to
bring them unto the place which he had prepared for them. The bible says: "The
steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and that he would give his angels
charge over us to keep us in all our ways." Jesus said: " I go to prepare a place for
you", and that he would come again and receive us unto himself so that we would
reach our desired haven.
We are told to be conscious of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and not
to grieve him or provoke him.
Oh! How well off we are when God is the enemy of our enemies: Our spiritual
enemies such as, sin, fear worry, sickness, disease, poverty, depression, failure, and
our final enemy, death. God has promised to bless and prosper us if we will love
and serve him only, and have no other Gods before us.
March 16
"Behold, I send an angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into
the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him
not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him. But if thou
shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then will I be an enemy unto
thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. For mine angel shall go
before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the
Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off. Thou shalt not
bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt
utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images. And ye shall serve the
Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water, and I will take
sickness away from the midst of thee." Exodus 23: 20-25.
God is here speaking to his children, Israel, and making a covenant with them for
their future welfare and well being.
I believe that these promises apply to all God's children everywhere: Those of us
who have been truly born again, and grafted into the commonwealth of Israel, his
people whom he loved, and chose to be the apple of his eye, and the nation through
whom would come the Messiah, our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
God said that he would send an Angel before them to keep them in the way, and to
bring them unto the place which he had prepared for them. The bible says: "The
steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and that he would give his angels
charge over us to keep us in all our ways." Jesus said: " I go to prepare a place for
you", and that he would come again and receive us unto himself so that we would
reach our desired haven.
We are told to be conscious of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and not
to grieve him or provoke him.
Oh! How well off we are when God is the enemy of our enemies: Our spiritual
enemies such as, sin, fear worry, sickness, disease, poverty, depression, failure, and
our final enemy, death. God has promised to bless and prosper us if we will love
and serve him only, and have no other Gods before us.
March 16
Wheat among tares!
The bible says that we who are saved, the born again children of God, and the heirs
of the kingdom of God, are living here on this earth as wheat growing in a field
among tares. That is, we occupy the same earth; the same space; we breath the
same air; bathe in the same sunshine; and enjoy all the benefits of God's love and
mercy as the wicked unbelievers do. The bible says that his rain and his sunshine
and his blessings fall upon the just and the unjust alike. In order for him to water
the wheat, the tares are watered also, until such time as the harvest when the wheat
will be gathered into barns, and the tares cast into the furnace of hell to be burned.
As we live here among the tares, awaiting the harvest of souls, let us, as the wheat,
not allow the tares to choke us and keep us from receiving all the blessings that the
Lord has in store for us. Let us not be as the unbelievers, and the scoffers, ignoring
the warning of God and being disobedient to him. God wants his own redeemed
children, the wheat to be separated and sanctified unto himself.
"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after
their own lusts. And saying, where is the promise of his coming? For since the
fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.
For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of
old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world
that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: but the heavens and the earth
which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto the fire against
the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But beloved, be not ignorant of
this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand
years as one day. The lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count
slackness; but is long suffering to us ward, not willing that any should perish, but
that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in
the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the
elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein
shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what
manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking
for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on
fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless
we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein
dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things,
be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless." 2
Peter: 3-14
"Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also,
being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But
grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To him
be glory both now and for ever. A-men: 2 Peter 3:17,18.
March 17
The bible says that we who are saved, the born again children of God, and the heirs
of the kingdom of God, are living here on this earth as wheat growing in a field
among tares. That is, we occupy the same earth; the same space; we breath the
same air; bathe in the same sunshine; and enjoy all the benefits of God's love and
mercy as the wicked unbelievers do. The bible says that his rain and his sunshine
and his blessings fall upon the just and the unjust alike. In order for him to water
the wheat, the tares are watered also, until such time as the harvest when the wheat
will be gathered into barns, and the tares cast into the furnace of hell to be burned.
As we live here among the tares, awaiting the harvest of souls, let us, as the wheat,
not allow the tares to choke us and keep us from receiving all the blessings that the
Lord has in store for us. Let us not be as the unbelievers, and the scoffers, ignoring
the warning of God and being disobedient to him. God wants his own redeemed
children, the wheat to be separated and sanctified unto himself.
"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after
their own lusts. And saying, where is the promise of his coming? For since the
fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.
For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of
old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world
that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: but the heavens and the earth
which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto the fire against
the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But beloved, be not ignorant of
this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand
years as one day. The lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count
slackness; but is long suffering to us ward, not willing that any should perish, but
that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in
the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the
elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein
shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what
manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking
for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on
fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless
we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein
dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things,
be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless." 2
Peter: 3-14
"Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also,
being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But
grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To him
be glory both now and for ever. A-men: 2 Peter 3:17,18.
March 17
Sowing and reaping!
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing
precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with
him." Psalm 126: 5,6.
There is a principle taught in the word of God, the bible, that teaches that we must
put out before we can gather in. We must sow before we can expect to reap. If
we will give ourselves first to the service of Christ, then our lives, our homes, our
church, and our business will be firmly established and prosper.
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall
be added unto you." Matthew 6:33
"Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord
keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early,
to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep." Psalm
127:1,2
The foundation of every life, every home, every church, and every business must
be Christ. Without him it will not stand nor prosper for long. How firm a
foundation is Jesus Christ our Lord!
March 19
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing
precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with
him." Psalm 126: 5,6.
There is a principle taught in the word of God, the bible, that teaches that we must
put out before we can gather in. We must sow before we can expect to reap. If
we will give ourselves first to the service of Christ, then our lives, our homes, our
church, and our business will be firmly established and prosper.
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall
be added unto you." Matthew 6:33
"Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord
keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early,
to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep." Psalm
127:1,2
The foundation of every life, every home, every church, and every business must
be Christ. Without him it will not stand nor prosper for long. How firm a
foundation is Jesus Christ our Lord!
March 19
Seek wisdom!
"Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity than he that is perverse in his lips
and is a fool. Also that the soul be without knowledge.\, it is not good, and he that
hasteth with his feet sinneth." Proverbs 19: 1,2
The homeless pauper on the street, if he be a man who knows and honors God,
and obeys God, and walks in his integrity, is more honorable before God than he
who has great abundance and is honored by men.
Out of the mouth of the poor man of God comes forth wisdom; but from the
mouth of the rich fool comes foolishness and blasphemy.
Whatever we do, whatever course of action we take in any given situation, we
should not act impulsively. We need to pray and think before we act; pray and
think before we speak. This ought to be the rule of our lives.. When we make
haste with our feet or become careless with our mouth, we are most likely to fall
into sin.
How do we know where we are to go, or what we are to speak? How do we solve
the problems and complex issues of life? Where do we find wisdom? We find
wisdom in every word spoken to us by our heavenly father through the written
word, and delivered to us by the Living Word of God, our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ, which is interpreted for us by the in dwelling Holy Spirit, our guide and
teacher. By obeying the written word of God, the Holy Scriptures we will find
good.
"He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: He that keepeth understanding shall
find good." Proverb 19: 8
March 20
"Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity than he that is perverse in his lips
and is a fool. Also that the soul be without knowledge.\, it is not good, and he that
hasteth with his feet sinneth." Proverbs 19: 1,2
The homeless pauper on the street, if he be a man who knows and honors God,
and obeys God, and walks in his integrity, is more honorable before God than he
who has great abundance and is honored by men.
Out of the mouth of the poor man of God comes forth wisdom; but from the
mouth of the rich fool comes foolishness and blasphemy.
Whatever we do, whatever course of action we take in any given situation, we
should not act impulsively. We need to pray and think before we act; pray and
think before we speak. This ought to be the rule of our lives.. When we make
haste with our feet or become careless with our mouth, we are most likely to fall
into sin.
How do we know where we are to go, or what we are to speak? How do we solve
the problems and complex issues of life? Where do we find wisdom? We find
wisdom in every word spoken to us by our heavenly father through the written
word, and delivered to us by the Living Word of God, our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ, which is interpreted for us by the in dwelling Holy Spirit, our guide and
teacher. By obeying the written word of God, the Holy Scriptures we will find
good.
"He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: He that keepeth understanding shall
find good." Proverb 19: 8
March 20
Expect great things from God!
"I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy
mouth wide and I will fill it." Psalm 81: 10
God has delivered us ,and set us free from the bondage of Satan ,and the market
place of sin and slavery. He has promised to care for us and supply all our needs.
Coming out of Egypt is a picture of being delivered out of a lost condition ,and
becoming saved. God went to great expense to save us and bring us out of bondage
to Satan. He gave his only begotten son , and spilled divine blood. That which he
purchased at great expense will be kept, polished and nurtured , and preserved.
Having been purchased with so great a sacrifice, think it not otherwise, but that the
Lord will keep, polish, nurture and preserve us, his redeemed children unto himself
forever. Therefore, we ought to look for, and expect great things from God.
The wide open mouth of a young bird is in great expectation of it being filled by the
mother bird. It please God greatly when we look to him for all our needs and
expect without shadow of doubt that he will fill our mouths with good things.
March 21
"I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy
mouth wide and I will fill it." Psalm 81: 10
God has delivered us ,and set us free from the bondage of Satan ,and the market
place of sin and slavery. He has promised to care for us and supply all our needs.
Coming out of Egypt is a picture of being delivered out of a lost condition ,and
becoming saved. God went to great expense to save us and bring us out of bondage
to Satan. He gave his only begotten son , and spilled divine blood. That which he
purchased at great expense will be kept, polished and nurtured , and preserved.
Having been purchased with so great a sacrifice, think it not otherwise, but that the
Lord will keep, polish, nurture and preserve us, his redeemed children unto himself
forever. Therefore, we ought to look for, and expect great things from God.
The wide open mouth of a young bird is in great expectation of it being filled by the
mother bird. It please God greatly when we look to him for all our needs and
expect without shadow of doubt that he will fill our mouths with good things.
March 21
Speak to God!
"And David spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord had
delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul: And
he said, the Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; the God of my
rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my high
tower, and my refuge,my savior; thou savest me from violence." 2 Samuel 22: 1-3
David spoke unto the Lord and sang songs of praise and thanksgiving for God's
deliverance from all his enemies, and for all his blessings.
When we speak unto the Lord, what do we say to him? Is he pleased with our
salutation to him? Do we approach him with respect and adoration, acknowledging
his rule and sovereignty over us?
David acknowledged that he had won victories and was delivered from his enemies
because of God's grace and love for him. His prayer and song of praise to God was
in remembrance of all of God's favors and blessings. He recognized that God was
his fortress and strong defense, and he called unto the Lord to tell him so.
No battle is ever won with a multitude of men or horses without God's protection.
No blessing ever comes to us unless God ordains it; and no salvation unless God
chooses to save us,which he did when he sent Christ into the world to lay down his
life for all who would believe. Nothing can harm us unless God allows it.
We ought to speak to God in prayer the first thing in the morning. When we speak
to God, our first words ought to be words of thanksgiving and praise. We ought to
approach God as our father and tell him that we remember when we were yet
sinners, and without hope in the world, and that Christ Jesus came into the world to
save us,. We called upon him and he answered us, and he did save us.
What a great privilege God our father has granted to us that through our Lord and
savior Jesus Christ we have access to his throne of grace to speak with him when
we are happy or, when we arc sad; when we have plenty or, when we are in
want;when we are in danger, or when we are safe; when we are sick or, in good
health.
Let us always remember that God is our rock, our fortress, our high tower, and call
upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised.
"I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine
enemies." 2 Samuel 22 4
March23
"And David spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord had
delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul: And
he said, the Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; the God of my
rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my high
tower, and my refuge,my savior; thou savest me from violence." 2 Samuel 22: 1-3
David spoke unto the Lord and sang songs of praise and thanksgiving for God's
deliverance from all his enemies, and for all his blessings.
When we speak unto the Lord, what do we say to him? Is he pleased with our
salutation to him? Do we approach him with respect and adoration, acknowledging
his rule and sovereignty over us?
David acknowledged that he had won victories and was delivered from his enemies
because of God's grace and love for him. His prayer and song of praise to God was
in remembrance of all of God's favors and blessings. He recognized that God was
his fortress and strong defense, and he called unto the Lord to tell him so.
No battle is ever won with a multitude of men or horses without God's protection.
No blessing ever comes to us unless God ordains it; and no salvation unless God
chooses to save us,which he did when he sent Christ into the world to lay down his
life for all who would believe. Nothing can harm us unless God allows it.
We ought to speak to God in prayer the first thing in the morning. When we speak
to God, our first words ought to be words of thanksgiving and praise. We ought to
approach God as our father and tell him that we remember when we were yet
sinners, and without hope in the world, and that Christ Jesus came into the world to
save us,. We called upon him and he answered us, and he did save us.
What a great privilege God our father has granted to us that through our Lord and
savior Jesus Christ we have access to his throne of grace to speak with him when
we are happy or, when we arc sad; when we have plenty or, when we are in
want;when we are in danger, or when we are safe; when we are sick or, in good
health.
Let us always remember that God is our rock, our fortress, our high tower, and call
upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised.
"I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine
enemies." 2 Samuel 22 4
March23
Tap the mind of God!
"Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto
my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall
withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known
o thee this day, even to thee: Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels
and knowledge, that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth;
that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?"
Proverbs 22:17-21
We are reminded to continually tap the mind of God by diligent search through the
Holy scriptures, prayer and meditation, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Godly
counsel is available to us momentarily if we will avail ourselves of it. The ultimate
solution to all our problems is already available to us in the mind of God, and he is
willing, and invites us to share his wisdom with us, his blood bought children.
March 24
"Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto
my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall
withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known
o thee this day, even to thee: Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels
and knowledge, that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth;
that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?"
Proverbs 22:17-21
We are reminded to continually tap the mind of God by diligent search through the
Holy scriptures, prayer and meditation, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Godly
counsel is available to us momentarily if we will avail ourselves of it. The ultimate
solution to all our problems is already available to us in the mind of God, and he is
willing, and invites us to share his wisdom with us, his blood bought children.
March 24
Home at last!
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ
our Lord." Romans 6:23
Home at last!
Last night as I slept on my pillow,
I dreamed of a city so fair:
The streets were of gold,
the gates were of pearl;
The sea was like pure crystal glass.
No sickness, no pain, no sadness nor grief;
no death ,and no evil was there.
I dreamed I had entered that city,
and walked on those streets of pure gold;
I dreamed I had sailed on that pure crystal sea,
And I heard someone say: Home at last!
Only pure light and endless delight
are found in this city so fair.
Home at last! Home at last! I heard them all say.
We welcome you home from the wars.
Oh! siner, why will you work for the one
who will pay you the wages of sin?
Death is the wages that Satan will pay
For all of your service to him.
When Jesus our savior is offering you
The gift of eternal life.
A place in that city I dreamed of last night;
A place with the father and home
March 26
.
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ
our Lord." Romans 6:23
Home at last!
Last night as I slept on my pillow,
I dreamed of a city so fair:
The streets were of gold,
the gates were of pearl;
The sea was like pure crystal glass.
No sickness, no pain, no sadness nor grief;
no death ,and no evil was there.
I dreamed I had entered that city,
and walked on those streets of pure gold;
I dreamed I had sailed on that pure crystal sea,
And I heard someone say: Home at last!
Only pure light and endless delight
are found in this city so fair.
Home at last! Home at last! I heard them all say.
We welcome you home from the wars.
Oh! siner, why will you work for the one
who will pay you the wages of sin?
Death is the wages that Satan will pay
For all of your service to him.
When Jesus our savior is offering you
The gift of eternal life.
A place in that city I dreamed of last night;
A place with the father and home
March 26
.
The secret place.
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow
of the almighty. I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress, my God;
in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and
from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his
wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be
afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the
pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at
noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it
shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the
reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord which is my refuge, even
the most high, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague
come nigh thy dwelling." Psalm 91: 1-10
We need to teach the generations to come to dwell in the secret place of the most
high God, and to make the Lord their habitation.
When the troubles and afflictions of everyday life come upon us, we do not need to
flee to drugs, or alcohol, or illicit sex to find solace and comfort. God has provided
for us a perpetual vacation resort, a secret place, where we can meet and abide with
him , and find the solutions to all our problems.
March 28
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow
of the almighty. I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress, my God;
in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and
from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his
wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be
afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the
pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at
noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it
shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the
reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord which is my refuge, even
the most high, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague
come nigh thy dwelling." Psalm 91: 1-10
We need to teach the generations to come to dwell in the secret place of the most
high God, and to make the Lord their habitation.
When the troubles and afflictions of everyday life come upon us, we do not need to
flee to drugs, or alcohol, or illicit sex to find solace and comfort. God has provided
for us a perpetual vacation resort, a secret place, where we can meet and abide with
him , and find the solutions to all our problems.
March 28
What would we do?
On the night when Jesus was arrested, the scripture says, according to Luke 22:
54-57: "Then took they him and led him, and brought him into the high priest's
house. And Peter followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst
of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. But a certain
maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, this
man was also with him. and he denied him, saying, woman, I know him not."
When the world earnestly looks upon us as Christians, what will they see? Will
they see us following Christ afar off, with a weak testimony, our lives filled with the
fears and anxieties of this life, fearful of what men or circumstances can do to us?
Do they see us sitting down with them at their fire, willing to be charmed and
warmed by the world's delights, its' things, and its' philosophy? Will they see us
deny him, who would not, and could not deny us, but gave himself fully for us?
When the cock crowed, as Jesus had predicted, Peter looked into the eyes of Jesus,
and realizing what he had done, went out and wept bitterly. This is repentance.
If we should be guilty of this very thing, may God help us to weep bitterly within
our souls and come to repentance.
March 29
On the night when Jesus was arrested, the scripture says, according to Luke 22:
54-57: "Then took they him and led him, and brought him into the high priest's
house. And Peter followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst
of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. But a certain
maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, this
man was also with him. and he denied him, saying, woman, I know him not."
When the world earnestly looks upon us as Christians, what will they see? Will
they see us following Christ afar off, with a weak testimony, our lives filled with the
fears and anxieties of this life, fearful of what men or circumstances can do to us?
Do they see us sitting down with them at their fire, willing to be charmed and
warmed by the world's delights, its' things, and its' philosophy? Will they see us
deny him, who would not, and could not deny us, but gave himself fully for us?
When the cock crowed, as Jesus had predicted, Peter looked into the eyes of Jesus,
and realizing what he had done, went out and wept bitterly. This is repentance.
If we should be guilty of this very thing, may God help us to weep bitterly within
our souls and come to repentance.
March 29
Love God with all our heart!
To love the Lord, our God with all our heart, and all our mind, and all our soul, is
the first and greatest of all the commandments.
God loved us and gave himself completely for us so that we who were born
estranged from God, living under the power and dominion of sin, might be
reconciled to him, and share in all the power and glory of his only begotten son.
Oh! The amazing grace of God that saved a sinful wretch like me, therefore: "I will
love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my
deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of
my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be
praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies." Psalm 18: 1-3
We ought to rise up early in the morning and begin to sing of the power of God,
and continue all the day long, singing the praises and power of God.
"But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for
thou hast been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. Unto thee, O my
strength, will I sing: for God is my defense, and the God of my mercy." Psalm 59:
16-17
March 31
To love the Lord, our God with all our heart, and all our mind, and all our soul, is
the first and greatest of all the commandments.
God loved us and gave himself completely for us so that we who were born
estranged from God, living under the power and dominion of sin, might be
reconciled to him, and share in all the power and glory of his only begotten son.
Oh! The amazing grace of God that saved a sinful wretch like me, therefore: "I will
love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my
deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of
my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be
praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies." Psalm 18: 1-3
We ought to rise up early in the morning and begin to sing of the power of God,
and continue all the day long, singing the praises and power of God.
"But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for
thou hast been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. Unto thee, O my
strength, will I sing: for God is my defense, and the God of my mercy." Psalm 59:
16-17
March 31
Pray for the salvation of others.
"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be
saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to
knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to
establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the
righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every
one that believeth." Romans 10:1-4
Paul's heart's desire and concern for his fellow countrymen, Israel, was that they
might be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth of the way of salvation.
They knew about God, and had heard about God, and they talked about God. They
feared the wrath of God, and had a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
They were trying to establish their own righteousness by their good works and
trying to appease God and give God a reason for saving them, not realizing that the
righteousness of God is so great and far above anything they could ever imagine
and achieve, that no one but God himself could measure up to it. They could not
see that Jesus, the Christ ,was the only person who could and did fulfill all the
requirements of the law of works, and was willing to impute his righteousness to
them if they would only believe, and confess him as their Lord.
Our heart's desire for all our relatives, friends and loved ones is that they might be
saved. Many of our friends, relatives, and loved ones will tell you that they have
heard about God, they know about God, and may believe that God exists and fear
the wrath of God; consequently, they are going about trying as hard as they might
to establish a record of righteousness with God by their own good works that will
please God, and earn them a place in God's heaven.
If we want our friends, relatives, and loved ones to be truly saved and enjoy the
blessings of eternal life in heaven with God, somehow we must reach then with the
true message of salvation. God will not be satisfied with anyone's good works or
good deeds and will not be influenced by them, because none of our good works
and deeds can measure up to his righteousness which is in Christ.
Christ alone could measure up to the righteousness of God and is willing to impute
his righteousness to all who will believe for their salvation. He paid the debt that is
owed to God for our sins, and none of us can , by any amount of good works or
good deeds, pay for our sins, for we are all sinners, both Jew and Gentile alike.
The only way that anyone can be saved is given to us in verse nine of Romans 10:
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shall believe in thine
heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
April 11
God is our refuge.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not
we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the
midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the
mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah".Psalm 46: 1,2,3
This kind of confidence in God our father gives us a peace in our hearts that the
world cannot give, and a peace it cannot take away. To know that God, the Holy
Spirit is constantly abiding with us, and that he is our unfailing companion from the
day that we are born again into the family of God until God takes us home to
Heaven.
"The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge, Selah."
"For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord
our God is in all things that we call upon him for?" Deuteronomy 4: 7
Who could possibly be any better off, or more safe and secure than we who are the
children of God?
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be
exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah." Psalm 46: 10,11
April 12
"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be
saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to
knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to
establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the
righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every
one that believeth." Romans 10:1-4
Paul's heart's desire and concern for his fellow countrymen, Israel, was that they
might be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth of the way of salvation.
They knew about God, and had heard about God, and they talked about God. They
feared the wrath of God, and had a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
They were trying to establish their own righteousness by their good works and
trying to appease God and give God a reason for saving them, not realizing that the
righteousness of God is so great and far above anything they could ever imagine
and achieve, that no one but God himself could measure up to it. They could not
see that Jesus, the Christ ,was the only person who could and did fulfill all the
requirements of the law of works, and was willing to impute his righteousness to
them if they would only believe, and confess him as their Lord.
Our heart's desire for all our relatives, friends and loved ones is that they might be
saved. Many of our friends, relatives, and loved ones will tell you that they have
heard about God, they know about God, and may believe that God exists and fear
the wrath of God; consequently, they are going about trying as hard as they might
to establish a record of righteousness with God by their own good works that will
please God, and earn them a place in God's heaven.
If we want our friends, relatives, and loved ones to be truly saved and enjoy the
blessings of eternal life in heaven with God, somehow we must reach then with the
true message of salvation. God will not be satisfied with anyone's good works or
good deeds and will not be influenced by them, because none of our good works
and deeds can measure up to his righteousness which is in Christ.
Christ alone could measure up to the righteousness of God and is willing to impute
his righteousness to all who will believe for their salvation. He paid the debt that is
owed to God for our sins, and none of us can , by any amount of good works or
good deeds, pay for our sins, for we are all sinners, both Jew and Gentile alike.
The only way that anyone can be saved is given to us in verse nine of Romans 10:
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shall believe in thine
heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
April 11
God is our refuge.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not
we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the
midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the
mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah".Psalm 46: 1,2,3
This kind of confidence in God our father gives us a peace in our hearts that the
world cannot give, and a peace it cannot take away. To know that God, the Holy
Spirit is constantly abiding with us, and that he is our unfailing companion from the
day that we are born again into the family of God until God takes us home to
Heaven.
"The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge, Selah."
"For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord
our God is in all things that we call upon him for?" Deuteronomy 4: 7
Who could possibly be any better off, or more safe and secure than we who are the
children of God?
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be
exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah." Psalm 46: 10,11
April 12
Go in the Strength of the Lord!
"I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy
righteousness, even of thine only." Psalm 71: 16
I will go in the strength of the Lord. In order for us to go in the strength of the
Lord our God, we need to focus our mind upon the Lord the moment we awake
in the morning, and keep our minds stayed upon him throughout the entire day.
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon thee, because he
trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26.3
We need to be ever thankful and always counting the blessings which our Lord
has bestowed upon us. We need to have songs of praise always in our heart.
"I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will
I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel. My lips shall greatly rejoice when
I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed. My tongue also shall
talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are
brought unto shame, that seek my hurt." Psalm 71:21-24
April 13
Does anyone hear our song?
Does anyone hear our song? Can the world hear the voice of singing from our
soul? Does our attitude and life style generate a referential fear and respect for
God in others? We who have been truly saved and born again can say: "He
brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet
upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my
mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the
Lord." Psalm 40: 2,3
When the Lord does a work of regeneration in the heart of man, the result cannot
be hid, but it will be obvious to the world that something has happened; something
has changed in that particular life. When the righteousness of Christ has been
imputed to us and his spirit is implanted in our heart, then his light will shine as a
candle in a dark corner. The goodness and mercy and salvation of God will be
seen through our lives and our song of praise ought to be heard. Does anyone
hear our song?
"I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness
and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy loving kindness and thy truth from the
great congregation."Psalm 40: 10
April 16
"I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy
righteousness, even of thine only." Psalm 71: 16
I will go in the strength of the Lord. In order for us to go in the strength of the
Lord our God, we need to focus our mind upon the Lord the moment we awake
in the morning, and keep our minds stayed upon him throughout the entire day.
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon thee, because he
trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26.3
We need to be ever thankful and always counting the blessings which our Lord
has bestowed upon us. We need to have songs of praise always in our heart.
"I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will
I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel. My lips shall greatly rejoice when
I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed. My tongue also shall
talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are
brought unto shame, that seek my hurt." Psalm 71:21-24
April 13
Does anyone hear our song?
Does anyone hear our song? Can the world hear the voice of singing from our
soul? Does our attitude and life style generate a referential fear and respect for
God in others? We who have been truly saved and born again can say: "He
brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet
upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my
mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the
Lord." Psalm 40: 2,3
When the Lord does a work of regeneration in the heart of man, the result cannot
be hid, but it will be obvious to the world that something has happened; something
has changed in that particular life. When the righteousness of Christ has been
imputed to us and his spirit is implanted in our heart, then his light will shine as a
candle in a dark corner. The goodness and mercy and salvation of God will be
seen through our lives and our song of praise ought to be heard. Does anyone
hear our song?
"I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness
and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy loving kindness and thy truth from the
great congregation."Psalm 40: 10
April 16
Choose Righteousness!
If we must make a choice between riches and righteousness, if we must choose
between mammon and Christ, then Christ and his righteousness must be our choice
if we are truly the "born again" children of God.
"Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his
own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but
transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness. When a wicked man dieth,
his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth. The righteous is
delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead." Proverbs 11: 4-8
If we must live wickedly to obtain riches, then we are fools if we subscribe to riches
because wicked living leads to death; but righteous living in Christ leads to the true
riches, that is: to be joint heirs with Christ forever and enjoy the riches of our
father's house forever.
We do not have to do wicked works to live wickedly. We are wicked from the
beginning. We were born with a wicked nature to do evil. Righteousness is
imputed to us when we by faith receive Christ as our Lord and Savior.
"One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the
house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to
enquire in his temple." Psalm 27: 4
April 17
If we must make a choice between riches and righteousness, if we must choose
between mammon and Christ, then Christ and his righteousness must be our choice
if we are truly the "born again" children of God.
"Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his
own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but
transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness. When a wicked man dieth,
his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth. The righteous is
delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead." Proverbs 11: 4-8
If we must live wickedly to obtain riches, then we are fools if we subscribe to riches
because wicked living leads to death; but righteous living in Christ leads to the true
riches, that is: to be joint heirs with Christ forever and enjoy the riches of our
father's house forever.
We do not have to do wicked works to live wickedly. We are wicked from the
beginning. We were born with a wicked nature to do evil. Righteousness is
imputed to us when we by faith receive Christ as our Lord and Savior.
"One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the
house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to
enquire in his temple." Psalm 27: 4
April 17
A day of all days!
Good Friday, was it just another day, or the most important day in all history? Because of what transpired over two
thousand years ago in a far distant land, I am today ,a free man, a rich man, and a son of a king for which I am eternally
grateful. Christ came into the world to save sinners. Christ died for my sins according to the scriptures, he was buried, and
rose again the third day according to the scriptures. I know that it was the very only begotten son of God who did this for
me because he was declared to be the son of God by his resurrection. How wonderful it is to be saved, to know that God
is your father, and that heaven is your eternal home; but how awful it is to be lost! to be a wandering star forever, without
hope; without direction; without a place of rest; wandering aimlessly through all eternity, suffering the pains and torments of
an endless hell. How awful to be separated forever from all that is good, and pure, and lovely! How awful never to behold
the beauty and the fragrance of a heavenly springtime; never to behold the brightness of God's glory; never to be comforted
by the harmonic strains of the symphony of a holy life. To be forever condemned to the darkness of night where there is
nothing but weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth, where the fire never ceaseth and the worm dieth not, how terrible
that would be!
This need not be the destiny of any person whom God has called to salvation. Salvation is free to all who will believe and
receive it by faith. Yes, my friend, as the songwriter, Mr George Bernard has said one day long ago: "On a hill far away
stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame: and I love that old cross, where the dearest and best, for a
world of lost sinners was slain. In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see; For it was
on that old cross, Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me. So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at
last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown."
But the cross was not the end. Christ the Lord is risen today, Hallelujah! what a savior! The blessed hope of the believer
is that Christ is risen, that he lives on high, and is at the right hand of the father interceding for us, and that he is preparing
a place for us, and will come again to receive us unto himself.
What a day of rejoicing it was for the early apostles when on the first day of the week, upon coming to the sepulcher, they
found it empty, and being informed by the angels that he is not here, but he is risen as he said. What joys, we as believers
have to look forward to when that long awaited day arrives, and the dead in Christ shall arise from their graves and all
believers will be raised and reunited with Christ and our saved loved ones and forever be alive with Christ.
April 18
Good Friday, was it just another day, or the most important day in all history? Because of what transpired over two
thousand years ago in a far distant land, I am today ,a free man, a rich man, and a son of a king for which I am eternally
grateful. Christ came into the world to save sinners. Christ died for my sins according to the scriptures, he was buried, and
rose again the third day according to the scriptures. I know that it was the very only begotten son of God who did this for
me because he was declared to be the son of God by his resurrection. How wonderful it is to be saved, to know that God
is your father, and that heaven is your eternal home; but how awful it is to be lost! to be a wandering star forever, without
hope; without direction; without a place of rest; wandering aimlessly through all eternity, suffering the pains and torments of
an endless hell. How awful to be separated forever from all that is good, and pure, and lovely! How awful never to behold
the beauty and the fragrance of a heavenly springtime; never to behold the brightness of God's glory; never to be comforted
by the harmonic strains of the symphony of a holy life. To be forever condemned to the darkness of night where there is
nothing but weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth, where the fire never ceaseth and the worm dieth not, how terrible
that would be!
This need not be the destiny of any person whom God has called to salvation. Salvation is free to all who will believe and
receive it by faith. Yes, my friend, as the songwriter, Mr George Bernard has said one day long ago: "On a hill far away
stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame: and I love that old cross, where the dearest and best, for a
world of lost sinners was slain. In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see; For it was
on that old cross, Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me. So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at
last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown."
But the cross was not the end. Christ the Lord is risen today, Hallelujah! what a savior! The blessed hope of the believer
is that Christ is risen, that he lives on high, and is at the right hand of the father interceding for us, and that he is preparing
a place for us, and will come again to receive us unto himself.
What a day of rejoicing it was for the early apostles when on the first day of the week, upon coming to the sepulcher, they
found it empty, and being informed by the angels that he is not here, but he is risen as he said. What joys, we as believers
have to look forward to when that long awaited day arrives, and the dead in Christ shall arise from their graves and all
believers will be raised and reunited with Christ and our saved loved ones and forever be alive with Christ.
April 18
Safe and Secure!
Christian, do you have a sense of safety and security that accompanies
you at all times wherever you are or whatever you are doing? If you
are a Christian, a child of God, having been born again into the family of
God by placing your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of
sins, you can have this sense of security because the Lord is your
shepherd, and you are the sheep of his pasture. If you will believe it,
you can go through the day, and lay your head on your pillow at night
with the full assurance that goodness and mercy shall follow you all the
days of your life; and that you will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever." Psalm 23: 6
Once saved, then forever sealed and kept by the holy Spirit so that you
need never again fear being lost and separated from God, although at
times, because of disobedience, you may be out of God's fellowship
because of disregard for God's word. We Like sheep sometimes
wander from the fold, but the faithful shepherd will leave the ninety and
nine and go after the wandering and wayward sheep to return him to the
security of the fold.
You need not be fearful of the prosecuting attorney, your accuser
before the throne of God,(Satan, the devil) for you are passed from
death unto life, and though guilty of sin, you are blameless because
"there is therefore now no condemnation to them that be in Christ
Jesus." Your judgment is past. The penalty for your sins and mine
having been paid by Christ our Lord.
Child of God - redeemed of the Lord - joint heir of Christ, you and I
can declare; I shall not want. "He maketh me to lie down in green
pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he
leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea,
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no
evil: for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. thou
preparest a table before me in the presence ofmine enemies: thou
anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and
mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the
house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23
Christian, do you have a sense of safety and security that accompanies
you at all times wherever you are or whatever you are doing? If you
are a Christian, a child of God, having been born again into the family of
God by placing your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of
sins, you can have this sense of security because the Lord is your
shepherd, and you are the sheep of his pasture. If you will believe it,
you can go through the day, and lay your head on your pillow at night
with the full assurance that goodness and mercy shall follow you all the
days of your life; and that you will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever." Psalm 23: 6
Once saved, then forever sealed and kept by the holy Spirit so that you
need never again fear being lost and separated from God, although at
times, because of disobedience, you may be out of God's fellowship
because of disregard for God's word. We Like sheep sometimes
wander from the fold, but the faithful shepherd will leave the ninety and
nine and go after the wandering and wayward sheep to return him to the
security of the fold.
You need not be fearful of the prosecuting attorney, your accuser
before the throne of God,(Satan, the devil) for you are passed from
death unto life, and though guilty of sin, you are blameless because
"there is therefore now no condemnation to them that be in Christ
Jesus." Your judgment is past. The penalty for your sins and mine
having been paid by Christ our Lord.
Child of God - redeemed of the Lord - joint heir of Christ, you and I
can declare; I shall not want. "He maketh me to lie down in green
pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he
leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea,
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no
evil: for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. thou
preparest a table before me in the presence ofmine enemies: thou
anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and
mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the
house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23
Safe and Secure!
Christian, do you have a sense of safety and security that accompanies you at all
times wherever you are or whatever you are doing? If you are a Christian, a child
of God, having been born again into the family of God by placing your faith and
trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, you can have this sense of security
because the Lord is your shepherd, and you are the sheep of his pasture. If you
will believe it, you can go through the day, and lay your head on your pillow at
night with the full assurance that goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days
of your life; and that you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23: 6
Once saved, then forever sealed and kept by the holy Spirit so that you need never
again fear being lost and separated from God, although at times, because of
disobedience, you may be out of God's fellowship because of disregard for God's
word. We Like sheep sometimes wander from the fold, but the faithful shepherd
will leave the ninety and nine and go after the wandering and wayward sheep to
return him to the security of the fold.
You need not be fearful of the prosecuting attorney, your accuser before the
throne of God,(Satan, the devil) for you are passed from death unto life, and
though guilty of sin, you are blameless because "there is therefore now no
condemnation to them that be in Christ Jesus." Your judgment is past. The
penalty for your sins and mine having been paid by Christ our Lord.
Child of God - redeemed of the Lord - joint heir of Christ, you and I can declare; I
shall not want. "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside
the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
thou preparest a table before me in the presence ofmine enemies: thou anointest
my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow
me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm
23
April 19
Christian, do you have a sense of safety and security that accompanies you at all
times wherever you are or whatever you are doing? If you are a Christian, a child
of God, having been born again into the family of God by placing your faith and
trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, you can have this sense of security
because the Lord is your shepherd, and you are the sheep of his pasture. If you
will believe it, you can go through the day, and lay your head on your pillow at
night with the full assurance that goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days
of your life; and that you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23: 6
Once saved, then forever sealed and kept by the holy Spirit so that you need never
again fear being lost and separated from God, although at times, because of
disobedience, you may be out of God's fellowship because of disregard for God's
word. We Like sheep sometimes wander from the fold, but the faithful shepherd
will leave the ninety and nine and go after the wandering and wayward sheep to
return him to the security of the fold.
You need not be fearful of the prosecuting attorney, your accuser before the
throne of God,(Satan, the devil) for you are passed from death unto life, and
though guilty of sin, you are blameless because "there is therefore now no
condemnation to them that be in Christ Jesus." Your judgment is past. The
penalty for your sins and mine having been paid by Christ our Lord.
Child of God - redeemed of the Lord - joint heir of Christ, you and I can declare; I
shall not want. "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside
the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
thou preparest a table before me in the presence ofmine enemies: thou anointest
my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow
me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm
23
April 19
Grace to All!
“Grace be to you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 1: 2.
Grace, the unmerited favor of God, which God gives to those whom he chooses. Thank
God he has chosen me to be the recipient of his grace. God has poured out his riches upon
me at Christ’s expense, for he paid it all for me on Calvary’s cross. “He was wounded for
my transgression, he was bruised for my iniquities, the chastisement of my peace was upon
him, and with his stripes I am healed.” Isaiah 53
“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should
be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of
children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the
riches of his grace”. Ephesians 1:4-7
Friend, do you have the peace of God ? The peace of God comes as the result of
“redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto
us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in
himself: that in the dispensation of the fullness of time he might gather together in one all
things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him: In whom
we have obtained an inheritance, being ;predestinated according to the purpose of him who
worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: that we should be to the praise of his
glory, who first trusted in Christ”. Ephesians 1: 7-12
Friend, if you are reading these lines, if you have heard the gospel message, you have also
been chosen of God to be a recipient of his grace, to stand blameless before God, redeemed
by his blood. Salvation is free to all who will believe and receive.
April 20
A goodly Heritage!
"The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage."
Psalm 16: 6
In spite of all the difficulties and problems we may face from day to day, how
fortunate we are if we have been the recipient of God's grace and have been saved
and born again into God's family. I thank God for my salvation . I thank God for a
savior who was willing to leave the splendor of Heaven and come to earth to
rescue me. I thank God for Calvary, the old rugged cross, the death, burial and
resurrection of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I thank God for the person of the
Holy Spirit who is my constant companion, my guide and my overseer. I thank
God for the written word of God, which administered by the Holy Spirit, is my
source of nourishment and renewed strength as I feast upon it.
Yes, because of God's amazing grace , I am a fortunate person. I do have a goodly
heritage, the lines are fallen unto me in a pleasant place.
"I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the
night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right
hand, I shall not be moved. therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my
flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell;neither wilt thou
suffer thine holy one to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy
presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
Psalm 16:7-11
April 22
"The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage."
Psalm 16: 6
In spite of all the difficulties and problems we may face from day to day, how
fortunate we are if we have been the recipient of God's grace and have been saved
and born again into God's family. I thank God for my salvation . I thank God for a
savior who was willing to leave the splendor of Heaven and come to earth to
rescue me. I thank God for Calvary, the old rugged cross, the death, burial and
resurrection of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I thank God for the person of the
Holy Spirit who is my constant companion, my guide and my overseer. I thank
God for the written word of God, which administered by the Holy Spirit, is my
source of nourishment and renewed strength as I feast upon it.
Yes, because of God's amazing grace , I am a fortunate person. I do have a goodly
heritage, the lines are fallen unto me in a pleasant place.
"I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the
night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right
hand, I shall not be moved. therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my
flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell;neither wilt thou
suffer thine holy one to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy
presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
Psalm 16:7-11
April 22
Because he Lives!
In the midst of all his troubles and afflictions, Job could say: "I know that my redeemer liveth,
and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though after my skin worms destroy
this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for my self, and mine eye shall
behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me." Job 19: 25-27
This kind of assurance and faith would enable anyone to endure the light afflictions of the
moment, in light of his immortality promised in the word of God to all who are the redeemed of
the Lord. Nothing can hurt, and nothing can destroy that which God has ordained forever.
Christ our Lord came to earth to save sinners. Death could not hold him. He was the first fruits
of all them that sleep.
Through him and by him we have everlasting life. This mortal shall put on immortality. This
corruptible body shall put on incorruption, and we shall be preserved forever in the presence of
our blessed Lord.
Take heart dear Christian friend, some day the clouds will clear away, and the son of God shall
appear. "The dead in Christ shall rise first, and we who are alive and remain on the earth shall be
caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. So shall we ever be with the Lord."
Believe it! receive it! and enjoy it! This is your comfort, your strength, and your joy. That
which God has ordained forever cannot be altered by men, nor time, nor circumstance.
April 21
In the midst of all his troubles and afflictions, Job could say: "I know that my redeemer liveth,
and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though after my skin worms destroy
this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for my self, and mine eye shall
behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me." Job 19: 25-27
This kind of assurance and faith would enable anyone to endure the light afflictions of the
moment, in light of his immortality promised in the word of God to all who are the redeemed of
the Lord. Nothing can hurt, and nothing can destroy that which God has ordained forever.
Christ our Lord came to earth to save sinners. Death could not hold him. He was the first fruits
of all them that sleep.
Through him and by him we have everlasting life. This mortal shall put on immortality. This
corruptible body shall put on incorruption, and we shall be preserved forever in the presence of
our blessed Lord.
Take heart dear Christian friend, some day the clouds will clear away, and the son of God shall
appear. "The dead in Christ shall rise first, and we who are alive and remain on the earth shall be
caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. So shall we ever be with the Lord."
Believe it! receive it! and enjoy it! This is your comfort, your strength, and your joy. That
which God has ordained forever cannot be altered by men, nor time, nor circumstance.
April 21
April 23
All fools's Day!
April 1 is commonly known as all fools day. If you are a fool, this is your special
day.
"The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God..." Psalm 14: 1. No God for me -
no God will direct my life - no God will tell me what to do. I am my own man.
Thou fool, thou knowest not what thou sayest. Know ye not that the only freedom
you really have is the freedom to choose masters? Jesus said: "No man can serve
two masters, either he will love the one and hate the other, or else he will despise
the one and cleave to the other".
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and
instruction." Proverbs 1:7.
Do you despise wisdom and instruction? Then if you do, this is your special day.
"The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools." Proverbs
3:35
What do you have to look forward to,? Shame or glory?
"The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.."
Proverb 10:8
"The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom." Proverbs
10: 21
Will the cause of your death be for want of wisdom?
"It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom."
Proverbs 10: 23
Is your favorite past time that of doing evil and serving the devil?
"Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favor." Proverbs 14: 9.
"A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent."
Proverbs 15: 5.
Will you heed our father's instruction this morning, or will you play the part of the
fool? The father's instruction, to all men and women everywhere is that God is.
He is a rewarder of all those who will seek him. God is spirit and those who
worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Jesus Christ, who is God incarnate, came into the world to save sinners. "Christ
died for our sins according to the scriptures, he was buried and rose again the third
day according to the scriptures".
Our father's instructions warns us that :"There is none righteous, no, not one."
Romans 3: 10. "For all have sinned , and come short of the glory of God.."
Romans 3: 23. "The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through
Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6: 23. "God so loved the world that he gave his
only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life." John 3: 16.
Don't be a fool. don 't take a chance on you eternal destiny. Receive Christ today
as your savior and be sure you have passed from death unto life.
"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise. Redeeming the
time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding
what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5: 15-17.
All fools's Day!
April 1 is commonly known as all fools day. If you are a fool, this is your special
day.
"The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God..." Psalm 14: 1. No God for me -
no God will direct my life - no God will tell me what to do. I am my own man.
Thou fool, thou knowest not what thou sayest. Know ye not that the only freedom
you really have is the freedom to choose masters? Jesus said: "No man can serve
two masters, either he will love the one and hate the other, or else he will despise
the one and cleave to the other".
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and
instruction." Proverbs 1:7.
Do you despise wisdom and instruction? Then if you do, this is your special day.
"The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools." Proverbs
3:35
What do you have to look forward to,? Shame or glory?
"The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.."
Proverb 10:8
"The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom." Proverbs
10: 21
Will the cause of your death be for want of wisdom?
"It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom."
Proverbs 10: 23
Is your favorite past time that of doing evil and serving the devil?
"Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favor." Proverbs 14: 9.
"A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent."
Proverbs 15: 5.
Will you heed our father's instruction this morning, or will you play the part of the
fool? The father's instruction, to all men and women everywhere is that God is.
He is a rewarder of all those who will seek him. God is spirit and those who
worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Jesus Christ, who is God incarnate, came into the world to save sinners. "Christ
died for our sins according to the scriptures, he was buried and rose again the third
day according to the scriptures".
Our father's instructions warns us that :"There is none righteous, no, not one."
Romans 3: 10. "For all have sinned , and come short of the glory of God.."
Romans 3: 23. "The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through
Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6: 23. "God so loved the world that he gave his
only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life." John 3: 16.
Don't be a fool. don 't take a chance on you eternal destiny. Receive Christ today
as your savior and be sure you have passed from death unto life.
"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise. Redeeming the
time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding
what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5: 15-17.
April 24
A Threefold Cord!
My Christian friend, and brother, who can find a virtuous woman? "For her price
is far above rubies." Proverb 31: 10.
If you are blessed of God with a good wife, you ought to treasure her above
everything else under God. "A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she
that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones." Proverbs 12: 4.
"Who so findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the
Lord."Proverb 18: 22
A good wife, my friend , is from the Lord, and if you have a good wife, love her
and care for her, and give yourself for her as Christ hath loved the church and has
given himself for it.
I thank the Lord for my good wife. "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in
her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the
days of her life. She maketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
She is like the merchants ships, she bringeth her food from afar. she riseth also
while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
she considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a
vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and she strengenth her arms. She
perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night, she
layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out
her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not
afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet."
Proverbs 31: 11-21.
My father, I thank you for giving me a virtuous woman to be my life companion.
Help me to be to her as Christ is to the church. May our lives together bear fruit
for your glory, and may we walk together, hand in hand with you, for a threefold
cord is not easily broken. In Jesus name. Amen.
A Threefold Cord!
My Christian friend, and brother, who can find a virtuous woman? "For her price
is far above rubies." Proverb 31: 10.
If you are blessed of God with a good wife, you ought to treasure her above
everything else under God. "A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she
that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones." Proverbs 12: 4.
"Who so findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the
Lord."Proverb 18: 22
A good wife, my friend , is from the Lord, and if you have a good wife, love her
and care for her, and give yourself for her as Christ hath loved the church and has
given himself for it.
I thank the Lord for my good wife. "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in
her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the
days of her life. She maketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
She is like the merchants ships, she bringeth her food from afar. she riseth also
while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
she considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a
vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and she strengenth her arms. She
perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night, she
layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out
her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not
afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet."
Proverbs 31: 11-21.
My father, I thank you for giving me a virtuous woman to be my life companion.
Help me to be to her as Christ is to the church. May our lives together bear fruit
for your glory, and may we walk together, hand in hand with you, for a threefold
cord is not easily broken. In Jesus name. Amen.
April 25
Why Go Back To Egypt?
The children of Israel always had a pull toward Egypt from whence they had so
miraculously been delivered. They so quickly forgot how God had delivered
them from the bondage of Pharaoh, and brought them across the Red Sea, and led
them in the wilderness and how he fought for them and delivered them from their
enemies, and gave them angel;'s food to eat.
Likewise, the Christian is prone to wander away from God, and tends to desire
again the things of the world, the flesh, and the devil. How soon many of us
forget, once we have been delivered, how terrible the bondage and slavery of sin.
Sinful pleasures look attractive to us again, and the deceitfulness of the things
around us seem to draw us back into the very bondage that we have so
miraculously been delivered from by the death, burial, and resurrection of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
God warned his ;people Israel of the danger they were in when they allowed this
to happen, and the same warning is given to Christians today who tend to have
their affections alienated away from their Savior.
"Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me;
and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:
That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen
themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt.
Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh, be your shame, and the trust in the
shadow of Egypt your confusion." Isaiah 30: 1-3.
Why Go Back To Egypt?
The children of Israel always had a pull toward Egypt from whence they had so
miraculously been delivered. They so quickly forgot how God had delivered
them from the bondage of Pharaoh, and brought them across the Red Sea, and led
them in the wilderness and how he fought for them and delivered them from their
enemies, and gave them angel;'s food to eat.
Likewise, the Christian is prone to wander away from God, and tends to desire
again the things of the world, the flesh, and the devil. How soon many of us
forget, once we have been delivered, how terrible the bondage and slavery of sin.
Sinful pleasures look attractive to us again, and the deceitfulness of the things
around us seem to draw us back into the very bondage that we have so
miraculously been delivered from by the death, burial, and resurrection of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
God warned his ;people Israel of the danger they were in when they allowed this
to happen, and the same warning is given to Christians today who tend to have
their affections alienated away from their Savior.
"Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me;
and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:
That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen
themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt.
Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh, be your shame, and the trust in the
shadow of Egypt your confusion." Isaiah 30: 1-3.
April 26
Blessed is he who's sin is forgiven!
"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, who's sin is covered." Psalm 32: 1.
We know when we have done wrong, we know when we are trying to hide from
God. We know our own shortcomings. They bear heavy upon us, and make us
weary, sad, and fearful.
When I kept silence, that is, when I refused to judge myself and admit my sins
and shortcomings: "My bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For
day and night thy hand was heavy upon me....". Psalm 32: 3-4.
Being convicted of sin, and estranged from God our father is not pleasant. I
acknowledged my sin, and agreed with God concerning my condition and received
pardon and forgiveness through Christ my Lord. Then I can know that God is my
hiding place. He shall preserve me from trouble: he shall compass me about with
songs of deliverance.
"I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said , I will
confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my
sin,. Selah". Psalm 32: 5
"Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall
compass him about. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for
joy, all ye that are upright in heart." Psalm 32: 10-11.
Blessed is he who's sin is forgiven!
"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, who's sin is covered." Psalm 32: 1.
We know when we have done wrong, we know when we are trying to hide from
God. We know our own shortcomings. They bear heavy upon us, and make us
weary, sad, and fearful.
When I kept silence, that is, when I refused to judge myself and admit my sins
and shortcomings: "My bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For
day and night thy hand was heavy upon me....". Psalm 32: 3-4.
Being convicted of sin, and estranged from God our father is not pleasant. I
acknowledged my sin, and agreed with God concerning my condition and received
pardon and forgiveness through Christ my Lord. Then I can know that God is my
hiding place. He shall preserve me from trouble: he shall compass me about with
songs of deliverance.
"I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said , I will
confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my
sin,. Selah". Psalm 32: 5
"Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall
compass him about. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for
joy, all ye that are upright in heart." Psalm 32: 10-11.
Today's Extra April 26
WHAT A WAKEUP CALL!
Dear God:
Why didn't you save the school children at ?. ..
Moses Lake , Washington 2/2/96
Bethel , Alaska 2/19/97
Pearl , Mississippi 10/1/97
West Paducah , Kentucky 12/1/97
Stamp, Arkansas 12/15/97
Jonesboro , Arkansas 3/24/98
Edinboro , Pennsylvania 4/24/98
Fayetteville , Tennessee 5/19/98
Springfield , Oregon 5/21/98
Richmond , Virginia 6/15/98
Littleton , Colorado 4/20/99
Taber , Alberta , Canada 5/28/99
Conyers , Georgia 5/20/99
Deming , New Mexico 11/19/99
Fort Gibson , Oklahoma 12/6/99
Santee , California 3/ 5/01
El Cajon , California 3/22/01 and
Blacksburg, VA 4/16/07 ?
Sincerely,
Concerned Student
-----------------------------------------------------
Reply:
Dear Concerned Student:
Sorry,I am not allowed in schools.
Sincerely,
God
----------------------------------------------------------
How did this get started?...
-----------------
Let's see,
I think it started when Madeline Murray O'Hare complained
She didn't want any prayer in our schools.
And we said, OK.
------------------
Then, someone said you better not:
Read the Bible in school;
the Bible that says
"thou shalt not kill,
Thou shalt not steal,
And love your neighbors as yourself,"
And we said, OK...
-----------------
Dr. Benjamin Spock said
We shouldn't spank our children
When they misbehaved
Because their little personalities
Would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem.
And we said,
An expert should know what he's talking about
So we won't spank them anymore..
------------------
Then someone said
Teachers and principals better not
Discipline our children when they misbehave.
And the school administrators said
No faculty member in this school
Better touch a student when they misbehave
Because we don't want any bad publicity,
And we surely don't want to be sued.
And we accepted their reasoning...
------------------
Then someone said,
let's let our daughters have abortions if they want,
And they won't even have to tell their parents.
And we said, that's a grand idea.
------------------
Then some wise school board member said,
Since boys will be boys
And they're going to do it anyway,
let's give our sons all the condoms they want,
So they can have all the fun they desire,
And we won't have to tell their parents they got them at school.
And we said, that's another great idea...
------------------
Then some of our top elected officials said
It doesn't matter what we do in private as long as we do our jobs.
And we said,
It doesn't matter what anybody, including the President,
Does in private as long as we have jobs and the economy is good....
------------------
And someone else took that appreciation a step further
And published pictures of nude children
And then stepped further still by
Making them available on the Internet.
And we said, everyone's entitled to free speech....
------------------
And the entertainment industry said,
let's make TV shows and movies that promote
Profanity, violence and illicit sex...
And let's record music that encourages
Rape, drugs, murder, suicide, and satanic themes...
And we said,
it's just entertainment
And it has no adverse effect
And nobody takes it seriously anyway,
So go right ahead.
------------------
Now we're asking ourselves
Why our children have no conscience,
Why they don't know right from wrong,
And why it doesn't bother them to
Kill strangers, classmates or even themselves.
------------------
Undoubtedly,
If we thought about it long and hard enough,
We could figure it out.
I'm sure it has a great deal to do with...
"WE REAP WHAT WE SOW"
------------------
Why is it our children can not read a Bible in school, but can in Prison?
I received this today by e-mail. Author unknown
I thought it worth passing on to my readers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT A WAKEUP CALL!
Dear God:
Why didn't you save the school children at ?. ..
Moses Lake , Washington 2/2/96
Bethel , Alaska 2/19/97
Pearl , Mississippi 10/1/97
West Paducah , Kentucky 12/1/97
Stamp, Arkansas 12/15/97
Jonesboro , Arkansas 3/24/98
Edinboro , Pennsylvania 4/24/98
Fayetteville , Tennessee 5/19/98
Springfield , Oregon 5/21/98
Richmond , Virginia 6/15/98
Littleton , Colorado 4/20/99
Taber , Alberta , Canada 5/28/99
Conyers , Georgia 5/20/99
Deming , New Mexico 11/19/99
Fort Gibson , Oklahoma 12/6/99
Santee , California 3/ 5/01
El Cajon , California 3/22/01 and
Blacksburg, VA 4/16/07 ?
Sincerely,
Concerned Student
-----------------------------------------------------
Reply:
Dear Concerned Student:
Sorry,I am not allowed in schools.
Sincerely,
God
----------------------------------------------------------
How did this get started?...
-----------------
Let's see,
I think it started when Madeline Murray O'Hare complained
She didn't want any prayer in our schools.
And we said, OK.
------------------
Then, someone said you better not:
Read the Bible in school;
the Bible that says
"thou shalt not kill,
Thou shalt not steal,
And love your neighbors as yourself,"
And we said, OK...
-----------------
Dr. Benjamin Spock said
We shouldn't spank our children
When they misbehaved
Because their little personalities
Would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem.
And we said,
An expert should know what he's talking about
So we won't spank them anymore..
------------------
Then someone said
Teachers and principals better not
Discipline our children when they misbehave.
And the school administrators said
No faculty member in this school
Better touch a student when they misbehave
Because we don't want any bad publicity,
And we surely don't want to be sued.
And we accepted their reasoning...
------------------
Then someone said,
let's let our daughters have abortions if they want,
And they won't even have to tell their parents.
And we said, that's a grand idea.
------------------
Then some wise school board member said,
Since boys will be boys
And they're going to do it anyway,
let's give our sons all the condoms they want,
So they can have all the fun they desire,
And we won't have to tell their parents they got them at school.
And we said, that's another great idea...
------------------
Then some of our top elected officials said
It doesn't matter what we do in private as long as we do our jobs.
And we said,
It doesn't matter what anybody, including the President,
Does in private as long as we have jobs and the economy is good....
------------------
And someone else took that appreciation a step further
And published pictures of nude children
And then stepped further still by
Making them available on the Internet.
And we said, everyone's entitled to free speech....
------------------
And the entertainment industry said,
let's make TV shows and movies that promote
Profanity, violence and illicit sex...
And let's record music that encourages
Rape, drugs, murder, suicide, and satanic themes...
And we said,
it's just entertainment
And it has no adverse effect
And nobody takes it seriously anyway,
So go right ahead.
------------------
Now we're asking ourselves
Why our children have no conscience,
Why they don't know right from wrong,
And why it doesn't bother them to
Kill strangers, classmates or even themselves.
------------------
Undoubtedly,
If we thought about it long and hard enough,
We could figure it out.
I'm sure it has a great deal to do with...
"WE REAP WHAT WE SOW"
------------------
Why is it our children can not read a Bible in school, but can in Prison?
I received this today by e-mail. Author unknown
I thought it worth passing on to my readers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
April 27
In times Like These!
There are times when we as Christians find ourselves in seemingly impossible
situations. It seems that the sea is in front of us, the enemy pursuing behind us,
and barriers on either side of us. We don't know what to do, and it seems that
there is no escape. We think that there is no help for us, that we are lost and
forsaken.
In 2 Chronicles chapter 20, we read that Jehoshaphat king of Judah, found
himself in a similar situation. We are told that : "It came to pass after this also, that
the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the
Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle." 2 Chronicles 20: 1.
The bible says that Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and
proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
"And Jehoshaphat feared and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast
throughout all Judah. and Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the
Lord: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord." 2Chronicles
20: 3-4.Jehsohaphat did the smart thing. He set himself to seek the Lord, and all
Judah committed themselves to prayer and fasting to ask help from the Lord.
My Christian brothers and sisters, we know from the teaching of the word of
God, and from the witness of the Holy Spirit within us, and from the reproofs of
life, that the wisest thing that we can do if we are lost,backslidden, or in any kind
of trouble is to seek the Lord and ask his help, Recognizing that we who by faith
have received the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, God's Love gift to us, are the
born again children of God, and God has promised to care and provide for his
own.
Principles involved here are:
When we know not what to do in any given situation, focus our eyes upon the
Lord: "Casting all your care upon him for he careth for you". 1 Peter 5: 7.
When we, who are the children of God, call upon the Lord for help, he fights our
battles for us, and we shall not need to fight, but stand still and see the salvation of
the Lord.
Before any visible signs of victory are evident, start singing praises to the Lord,
and be thankful for what he will do.
When we believe God, and our praise and thanksgiving begins, God begins to
work in our lives.
Jehoshaphat told his people to start singing and praising the Lord for what he was
about to do for them.
"And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord,
and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army,
and to say, praise the Lord, for his mercy endureth forever. and when they began
to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon,
Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten." 2
Chronicles 20:21-22..
God is present wherever people are truly praising him. He inhabits or lives with
the praises of his people. Wherever God is present, his enemies, and our enemies
flee away and are destroyed.
In times Like These!
There are times when we as Christians find ourselves in seemingly impossible
situations. It seems that the sea is in front of us, the enemy pursuing behind us,
and barriers on either side of us. We don't know what to do, and it seems that
there is no escape. We think that there is no help for us, that we are lost and
forsaken.
In 2 Chronicles chapter 20, we read that Jehoshaphat king of Judah, found
himself in a similar situation. We are told that : "It came to pass after this also, that
the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the
Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle." 2 Chronicles 20: 1.
The bible says that Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and
proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
"And Jehoshaphat feared and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast
throughout all Judah. and Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the
Lord: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord." 2Chronicles
20: 3-4.Jehsohaphat did the smart thing. He set himself to seek the Lord, and all
Judah committed themselves to prayer and fasting to ask help from the Lord.
My Christian brothers and sisters, we know from the teaching of the word of
God, and from the witness of the Holy Spirit within us, and from the reproofs of
life, that the wisest thing that we can do if we are lost,backslidden, or in any kind
of trouble is to seek the Lord and ask his help, Recognizing that we who by faith
have received the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, God's Love gift to us, are the
born again children of God, and God has promised to care and provide for his
own.
Principles involved here are:
When we know not what to do in any given situation, focus our eyes upon the
Lord: "Casting all your care upon him for he careth for you". 1 Peter 5: 7.
When we, who are the children of God, call upon the Lord for help, he fights our
battles for us, and we shall not need to fight, but stand still and see the salvation of
the Lord.
Before any visible signs of victory are evident, start singing praises to the Lord,
and be thankful for what he will do.
When we believe God, and our praise and thanksgiving begins, God begins to
work in our lives.
Jehoshaphat told his people to start singing and praising the Lord for what he was
about to do for them.
"And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord,
and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army,
and to say, praise the Lord, for his mercy endureth forever. and when they began
to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon,
Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten." 2
Chronicles 20:21-22..
God is present wherever people are truly praising him. He inhabits or lives with
the praises of his people. Wherever God is present, his enemies, and our enemies
flee away and are destroyed.
April 28
Is it well with you today?
We want for it to be well with us and with our children forever. This is our
humble prayer to God our father, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. God
has already indicated in his word that this was his will for his chosen people Israel,
and it holds true for us, even today. The promises of God are trustworthy and
reliable. He has said that if we would :"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his
righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6: 23.
"O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all
my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their
children for ever!" Deuteronomy 5: 29.
All the commandments can be summed up in one commandment: "Thou shalt
love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy mind, and with all thy soul,
and thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
"Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I
command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after
thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy
God giveth thee, for ever." Deuteronomy 4: 40.
God our father has provided for us in his only begotten son, the Lord Jesus Christ,
every thing we will ever need for our spiritual and physical well being. He was
offered to the world as a love gift from God, but he must be received by faith by
each individual. Will you , dear reader, receive him as your savior and Lord that
it might be well with thee and thy children forever?
Is it well with you today?
We want for it to be well with us and with our children forever. This is our
humble prayer to God our father, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. God
has already indicated in his word that this was his will for his chosen people Israel,
and it holds true for us, even today. The promises of God are trustworthy and
reliable. He has said that if we would :"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his
righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6: 23.
"O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all
my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their
children for ever!" Deuteronomy 5: 29.
All the commandments can be summed up in one commandment: "Thou shalt
love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy mind, and with all thy soul,
and thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
"Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I
command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after
thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy
God giveth thee, for ever." Deuteronomy 4: 40.
God our father has provided for us in his only begotten son, the Lord Jesus Christ,
every thing we will ever need for our spiritual and physical well being. He was
offered to the world as a love gift from God, but he must be received by faith by
each individual. Will you , dear reader, receive him as your savior and Lord that
it might be well with thee and thy children forever?
April 30
Have now! Pay Later!
Have and enjoy now, but pay later. This seems to be the philosophy of the
modern day world, but is it the wise philosophy? Many are willing to sacrifice all
their future success and happiness on the altar of the present to satisfy their
undisciplined lust and desires. It is possible to beg and plead with God to give us
what we want now without ever sitting down to count the cost and the
consequences of our obtaining our request, and if God does not seem to respond
to our lust, we sometimes kick down doors to make it happen. Blessed are they
who wait upon the Lord and ask for things only in his will. Jesus taught that a
man's life does not consist in the abundance of things possessed, and that man
should not live by bread alone ,but by every word that cometh from God. A
storehouse full of things with the absence of the blessing of God is nothing but
pure misery. On the other hand, a poor beggar who knows God and fellowships
with him is rich indeed.
God was so good to Israel. He miraculously brought them out of Egypt and
caused them to pass dry shod through the Red Sea. He provided water and manna
for them in the wilderness, yet, how they lusted for onions and garlics of Egypt.
"They soon forgot his works; they waited not for his counsel: but lusted
exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. And he gave them
their request, but sent leanness into their soul." Psalm 106: 13-15.
Oh! God forbid! That because of our ill advised importunity and lusting for things
that God would grant our desires against his will, but send leanness unto our souls.
Let us learn to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and, pray only
in his will, and enjoy the fatness of our father's house.
Have now! Pay Later!
Have and enjoy now, but pay later. This seems to be the philosophy of the
modern day world, but is it the wise philosophy? Many are willing to sacrifice all
their future success and happiness on the altar of the present to satisfy their
undisciplined lust and desires. It is possible to beg and plead with God to give us
what we want now without ever sitting down to count the cost and the
consequences of our obtaining our request, and if God does not seem to respond
to our lust, we sometimes kick down doors to make it happen. Blessed are they
who wait upon the Lord and ask for things only in his will. Jesus taught that a
man's life does not consist in the abundance of things possessed, and that man
should not live by bread alone ,but by every word that cometh from God. A
storehouse full of things with the absence of the blessing of God is nothing but
pure misery. On the other hand, a poor beggar who knows God and fellowships
with him is rich indeed.
God was so good to Israel. He miraculously brought them out of Egypt and
caused them to pass dry shod through the Red Sea. He provided water and manna
for them in the wilderness, yet, how they lusted for onions and garlics of Egypt.
"They soon forgot his works; they waited not for his counsel: but lusted
exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. And he gave them
their request, but sent leanness into their soul." Psalm 106: 13-15.
Oh! God forbid! That because of our ill advised importunity and lusting for things
that God would grant our desires against his will, but send leanness unto our souls.
Let us learn to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and, pray only
in his will, and enjoy the fatness of our father's house.
May 1
Bring Forth Good Fruit!
We are not to judge one another. No one is qualified to pluck the mote out of his
brother's eye while he still has a beam protruding from his own; nevertheless,, we
are to be discerning, and we ought to know which fruit comes from which tree.
No one is above his master, but we Christians all ought to desire to be as our
master, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We ought to abide in him, and in his
word even as a branch is attached to the vine so that our fruit might be good fruit.
"For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring
forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do
not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes." Luke 6: 43,44.
In this world of practical things, we ought to be wise as serpents and harmless as
doves. We ought not to associate and derive wisdom and counsel from those
among us who might be likened unto the thorns and bramble bushes, where we
know that we will obtain nothing but sour and poisonous fruit. We ought to first of
all seek our fellowship with our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is the
first fruit of all that is good, and wholesome, and wonderful, and then our earthly
associations and sources of wisdom and counsel ought to be with those who are
attached to him, and abiding with him as the branch is attached to the vine.
We can know when we have found the good fruit, for: "A good man out of the
good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of
the evil treasure of the heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for out of the
abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh." Luke 6: 45.
Bring Forth Good Fruit!
We are not to judge one another. No one is qualified to pluck the mote out of his
brother's eye while he still has a beam protruding from his own; nevertheless,, we
are to be discerning, and we ought to know which fruit comes from which tree.
No one is above his master, but we Christians all ought to desire to be as our
master, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We ought to abide in him, and in his
word even as a branch is attached to the vine so that our fruit might be good fruit.
"For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring
forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do
not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes." Luke 6: 43,44.
In this world of practical things, we ought to be wise as serpents and harmless as
doves. We ought not to associate and derive wisdom and counsel from those
among us who might be likened unto the thorns and bramble bushes, where we
know that we will obtain nothing but sour and poisonous fruit. We ought to first of
all seek our fellowship with our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is the
first fruit of all that is good, and wholesome, and wonderful, and then our earthly
associations and sources of wisdom and counsel ought to be with those who are
attached to him, and abiding with him as the branch is attached to the vine.
We can know when we have found the good fruit, for: "A good man out of the
good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of
the evil treasure of the heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for out of the
abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh." Luke 6: 45.
May 2
Lie not against the truth!
"Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of
a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter
envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This
wisdom decendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where
envying and strife is there is confusion and every evil work." James 3:13-16.
Dear friends, one of the methods that Satan uses to try to destroy us and to ruin our
testimony as a Christian is to cause us to harbor bitter envying and strife in our
heart. Satan knows the effect that bitterness and strife can have on our mind and
our bodies. It can cause an imbalance in the chemical make up in our bodies,
eventually causing breakdown and illness, and it can cause our thinking process to
be irrational and perverted; also, it can cause our thoughts to be turned away from
our blessed Lord and Savior , Jesus Christ. My friend, if there is any trace of
bitterness or strife in your heart this morning as you begin this new day, glory not ,
but confess it to God and lie not against the truth.
Jealousy, envy and covetousness are all grievous sins and displeasing to God our
father who has promised to be generous to his children and to provide for all our
needs. Bitterness, envy, strife, jealousy, and covetousness are the elements which
lead to war.
"From whence come wars and fighting among you? come thy not hence, even of
your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to
have, and can not obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not because ye ask not. Ye
ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your
lusts." James 4:1-3.
Dear friend in Christ, turn to your Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ this morning, and
to the written word which he has given us, and allow the Holy Spirit, through the
word of God, to wash away all this bitterness and to cleanse us and make us fit
vessels for the master's use. Get into the word of God, and by the washing of the
word, be clean.
"For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the
wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be
entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy,
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." James
3:16-18.
"But he giveth more grace, wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth
grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil,and
he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse
your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts , ye double minded. Be afflicted,
and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to
heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
James 4:6-10
Lie not against the truth!
"Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of
a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter
envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This
wisdom decendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where
envying and strife is there is confusion and every evil work." James 3:13-16.
Dear friends, one of the methods that Satan uses to try to destroy us and to ruin our
testimony as a Christian is to cause us to harbor bitter envying and strife in our
heart. Satan knows the effect that bitterness and strife can have on our mind and
our bodies. It can cause an imbalance in the chemical make up in our bodies,
eventually causing breakdown and illness, and it can cause our thinking process to
be irrational and perverted; also, it can cause our thoughts to be turned away from
our blessed Lord and Savior , Jesus Christ. My friend, if there is any trace of
bitterness or strife in your heart this morning as you begin this new day, glory not ,
but confess it to God and lie not against the truth.
Jealousy, envy and covetousness are all grievous sins and displeasing to God our
father who has promised to be generous to his children and to provide for all our
needs. Bitterness, envy, strife, jealousy, and covetousness are the elements which
lead to war.
"From whence come wars and fighting among you? come thy not hence, even of
your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to
have, and can not obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not because ye ask not. Ye
ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your
lusts." James 4:1-3.
Dear friend in Christ, turn to your Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ this morning, and
to the written word which he has given us, and allow the Holy Spirit, through the
word of God, to wash away all this bitterness and to cleanse us and make us fit
vessels for the master's use. Get into the word of God, and by the washing of the
word, be clean.
"For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the
wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be
entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy,
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." James
3:16-18.
"But he giveth more grace, wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth
grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil,and
he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse
your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts , ye double minded. Be afflicted,
and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to
heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
James 4:6-10
May 4
No True Atheists!
There are no true atheist, for all people everywhere believe in something and trust
in something, but they that know not our Christ, and the one true God which he
reveals himself to be are like the Gods which they bow down to. They are dumb
and stupid.
"Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but
they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not
;noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet
have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that
made them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them." Psalm 115:4-8
It is dumb and stupid to trust in things, or ourselves, or other people, or houses and
lands, or riches, yet the world worships at the altar of materialism, and the religion
of secular humanism is the faith of the masses of unsaved heathen. The heathen is
not limited to remote primitive peoples as we have sometimes stereotyped them to
be, but in spite of its' beginning, America today is a heathen nation for the most
part ,for the majority of the people in this country are idol worshipers, worshippers
of false Gods. We have departed from the faith of our fathers and put our faith in
man and man's so called achievements. Men and women are living together in
adultery and whoredom contrary to the teaching of God, and new born babies are
being slaughtered by the millions and few people lift a finger to stop the massacre.
Heathen Americans point their bony,self righteous finger in the face of God and
mock him; but you self proclaimed atheist, who are not really atheist, but
worshippers of false Gods better be aware of the fact that the true God, the God of
Abraham, of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the keeper of Israel, and our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ will bring judgment on all evil doers.
"Wherefore should the heathen say, Whereis now their God? But our God is in the
heaven: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased." Psalm 115:2,3.
You who have a mind with which to think, and not yet completely sold to be a
puppet on Satan's rope: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord:
though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red
like crimson, they shall be as wool,. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat he
good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword:
for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." Isaiah 1: 18-20
No True Atheists!
There are no true atheist, for all people everywhere believe in something and trust
in something, but they that know not our Christ, and the one true God which he
reveals himself to be are like the Gods which they bow down to. They are dumb
and stupid.
"Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but
they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not
;noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet
have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that
made them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them." Psalm 115:4-8
It is dumb and stupid to trust in things, or ourselves, or other people, or houses and
lands, or riches, yet the world worships at the altar of materialism, and the religion
of secular humanism is the faith of the masses of unsaved heathen. The heathen is
not limited to remote primitive peoples as we have sometimes stereotyped them to
be, but in spite of its' beginning, America today is a heathen nation for the most
part ,for the majority of the people in this country are idol worshipers, worshippers
of false Gods. We have departed from the faith of our fathers and put our faith in
man and man's so called achievements. Men and women are living together in
adultery and whoredom contrary to the teaching of God, and new born babies are
being slaughtered by the millions and few people lift a finger to stop the massacre.
Heathen Americans point their bony,self righteous finger in the face of God and
mock him; but you self proclaimed atheist, who are not really atheist, but
worshippers of false Gods better be aware of the fact that the true God, the God of
Abraham, of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the keeper of Israel, and our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ will bring judgment on all evil doers.
"Wherefore should the heathen say, Whereis now their God? But our God is in the
heaven: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased." Psalm 115:2,3.
You who have a mind with which to think, and not yet completely sold to be a
puppet on Satan's rope: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord:
though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red
like crimson, they shall be as wool,. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat he
good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword:
for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." Isaiah 1: 18-20
May 5
Hear counsel and receive instruction!
The word of God tells us to:"Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou
mayest be wise in thy latter end." Psalm 19: 20
Foolish is the person who will not open his ears and his heart to the instruction of
God, and likewise, foolish is the person who does open his ears and his heart to the
counsel and instruction of the foolish. We ought to be very discerning, and try the
spirits, and test any counsel that is given to us by comparison to the word of God.
The fool hath said in his heart there is no God. To follow the wisdom and counsel
of this person is folly and dangerous.
The world is full of worldly wisdom, and there are ways that seem right unto a
man but the end thereof is destruction, but the wisdom that cometh from above is
Godly, and there is safety in walking therein.
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in
the way of sinners, nor siteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the
law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like
a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his
leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are
not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly
shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall
perish." Psalm 1
A wise philosopher once said: I cannot tell who is the most blessed of men, or the
most successful of men until I can see the end of man."
The word of God guarantees that in thy latter end you will be most blessed and
successful if you hear counsel and receive instruction.
"Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth
me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso
findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord. But he that sinneth
against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death." Proverbs 8:
33-36.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may
be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16,17.
Hear counsel and receive instruction!
The word of God tells us to:"Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou
mayest be wise in thy latter end." Psalm 19: 20
Foolish is the person who will not open his ears and his heart to the instruction of
God, and likewise, foolish is the person who does open his ears and his heart to the
counsel and instruction of the foolish. We ought to be very discerning, and try the
spirits, and test any counsel that is given to us by comparison to the word of God.
The fool hath said in his heart there is no God. To follow the wisdom and counsel
of this person is folly and dangerous.
The world is full of worldly wisdom, and there are ways that seem right unto a
man but the end thereof is destruction, but the wisdom that cometh from above is
Godly, and there is safety in walking therein.
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in
the way of sinners, nor siteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the
law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like
a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his
leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are
not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly
shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall
perish." Psalm 1
A wise philosopher once said: I cannot tell who is the most blessed of men, or the
most successful of men until I can see the end of man."
The word of God guarantees that in thy latter end you will be most blessed and
successful if you hear counsel and receive instruction.
"Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth
me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso
findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord. But he that sinneth
against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death." Proverbs 8:
33-36.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may
be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16,17.
May 7
My Soul Cries out for God!
My soul cries out for God! I need thee, Oh how I need thee, every hour I need
thee. When I do not hear from God, I sink in the mire of despair and am
despondent. God has promised that he will never leave me, nor forsake me, so that
I may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto
me.
If I am cut off from God's fellowship it may be that there is un confessed sin in my
life. I may be neglecting to eat the bread of life, the word of God. I may have bitter
envying and strife in my heart. I may have ought against my brother that needs to
be reconciled. Perhaps I had opportunity to do good, and did it not. I may be
insulting God by being anxious and worrisome and not trusting God for my daily
needs. Whatever the sin may be, greater is the remedy , for "where sin abounds,
grace does much more abound," and "if we will confess our sins, he is faithful and
just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Can I doubt the care of God for me for today and tomorrow when he has kept me
and provided for me through all these years? If God has given his best, the Lord
Jesus Christ to be my savior, will he not with him also give me all things freely to
enjoy?
Yes! He will! And he does, and what he will and has done for me, my Christian
brother or sister, he will do for you also if you will trust him.
My Soul Cries out for God!
My soul cries out for God! I need thee, Oh how I need thee, every hour I need
thee. When I do not hear from God, I sink in the mire of despair and am
despondent. God has promised that he will never leave me, nor forsake me, so that
I may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto
me.
If I am cut off from God's fellowship it may be that there is un confessed sin in my
life. I may be neglecting to eat the bread of life, the word of God. I may have bitter
envying and strife in my heart. I may have ought against my brother that needs to
be reconciled. Perhaps I had opportunity to do good, and did it not. I may be
insulting God by being anxious and worrisome and not trusting God for my daily
needs. Whatever the sin may be, greater is the remedy , for "where sin abounds,
grace does much more abound," and "if we will confess our sins, he is faithful and
just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Can I doubt the care of God for me for today and tomorrow when he has kept me
and provided for me through all these years? If God has given his best, the Lord
Jesus Christ to be my savior, will he not with him also give me all things freely to
enjoy?
Yes! He will! And he does, and what he will and has done for me, my Christian
brother or sister, he will do for you also if you will trust him.
May 8
Run with patience the race that is set before us.
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,
and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the
author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured
the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of
God." Hebrews 12: 1,2.
Let us as Christians run the race so that we might receive the crown. We are
called to be saved, and called to loose our life in our Savior so that we might gain
eternal, everlasting life, but we must be willing to walk as he walked, and endure
afflictions as he did, and be a partaker of his reproach and his suffering in this
present world.
Seeing that we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, we as
Christians are in the arena of life and all the host of heaven, the host of hell, all the
saints that have gone on to glory, and those who are yet alive are in the
grandstands to see how we will run the race of life and to cheer us on.
We need to put aside everything in this life, whether it be spiritual or material,
which would tend to weigh us down and hinder us from doing the will of God. We
know that we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ and receive for the
things we have done in our bodies in this life; therefore, we ought to keep our eyes
fixed upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and like him, for the joy
that is set before us, endure the trials and afflictions and minor annoyances of this
life with full assurance that one day when the race is run, we shall share in his
inheritance, behold his glory, and be as he is.
It is better to suffer afflictions with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures
of sin for a moment. We must be diligent lest that for one tiny bit of advantage
or comfort in this life, we do not dishonor God and sell our birthright and loose
our reward and inheritance
Run with patience the race that is set before us.
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,
and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the
author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured
the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of
God." Hebrews 12: 1,2.
Let us as Christians run the race so that we might receive the crown. We are
called to be saved, and called to loose our life in our Savior so that we might gain
eternal, everlasting life, but we must be willing to walk as he walked, and endure
afflictions as he did, and be a partaker of his reproach and his suffering in this
present world.
Seeing that we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, we as
Christians are in the arena of life and all the host of heaven, the host of hell, all the
saints that have gone on to glory, and those who are yet alive are in the
grandstands to see how we will run the race of life and to cheer us on.
We need to put aside everything in this life, whether it be spiritual or material,
which would tend to weigh us down and hinder us from doing the will of God. We
know that we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ and receive for the
things we have done in our bodies in this life; therefore, we ought to keep our eyes
fixed upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and like him, for the joy
that is set before us, endure the trials and afflictions and minor annoyances of this
life with full assurance that one day when the race is run, we shall share in his
inheritance, behold his glory, and be as he is.
It is better to suffer afflictions with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures
of sin for a moment. We must be diligent lest that for one tiny bit of advantage
or comfort in this life, we do not dishonor God and sell our birthright and loose
our reward and inheritance
May 11
Who shall abide in thy tabernacle?
"Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He
that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his
heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor
taketh up a reproach against his neighbor. In whose eyes a vile person is
condemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his
own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor
taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be
moved." Psalm 15.
God cannot fellowship with sin, therefore if we have any vestige of un confessed
sin in our lives, we cannot expect to enjoy the full fellowship of our Lord and
savior Jesus Christ, even though we may be the children of God. We ought to
examine ourselves daily and keep short accounts with God so that we will be able
to abide with God and dwell in his holy hill. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1
John 1:9.
Lets daily ask ourselves these questions, and if we find ourselves guilty, let us
judge ourselves that we be not judged, and ask God's forgiveness: Do I walk
uprightly? Do I the works of righteousness? Do I speak truth in my heart? Do I
back bite with my tongue? Do I do evil to my neighbor? Do I take a reproach
against my neighbor? Do I keep my word even to my own hurt? Do I fear the
Lord and do I honor all them that do fear the Lord?
"He that doeth these things shall never be moved."
Who shall abide in thy tabernacle?
"Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He
that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his
heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor
taketh up a reproach against his neighbor. In whose eyes a vile person is
condemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his
own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor
taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be
moved." Psalm 15.
God cannot fellowship with sin, therefore if we have any vestige of un confessed
sin in our lives, we cannot expect to enjoy the full fellowship of our Lord and
savior Jesus Christ, even though we may be the children of God. We ought to
examine ourselves daily and keep short accounts with God so that we will be able
to abide with God and dwell in his holy hill. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1
John 1:9.
Lets daily ask ourselves these questions, and if we find ourselves guilty, let us
judge ourselves that we be not judged, and ask God's forgiveness: Do I walk
uprightly? Do I the works of righteousness? Do I speak truth in my heart? Do I
back bite with my tongue? Do I do evil to my neighbor? Do I take a reproach
against my neighbor? Do I keep my word even to my own hurt? Do I fear the
Lord and do I honor all them that do fear the Lord?
"He that doeth these things shall never be moved."
May 12
Bless the Lord at all times!
"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name." Psalm
103: 1
We who are Christians and know of the mercies of God ought to spend the
remainder of our lives blessing and praising the Lord for all his goodness to us.
How wonderful to know that he has forgiven us all our iniquities, past, present,
and future, and we will never again come unto condemnation. How wonderful to
know that our once sin sick soul has been healed from the plague of the dominion
and power of sin, and sin has no more power and dominion over us to keep us in
its' prison.
The loving kindness and tender mercies of God has redeemed our life from
destruction. As the mother bird feeds its' young, God daily fills our lives with
good things. All things work together for good to them that love God. I am so
glad that God hath not dealt with me after my sin, nor rewarded me according to
my iniquities, but he sent his only begotten son to die in my place and take my sin
upon himself and pay the penalty for me, and as far as the east is from the west,
so far hath he removed our transgression from us.
My friend, if you are not yet a Christian if you have not yet believed in the only
begotten son of God whom God sent to earth to manifest himself to sinful man,
and offer himself a sacrifice for the sin of the world, I admonish you to receive
him by faith, and ask him to forgive your sin, and come live in your heart and
give you eternal life. Then as millions of others will testify along with the
Psalmist, you wilt have gladness and joy in your heart, and you will have reason
to bless the Lord all the day long with all that is within you.
Bless the Lord at all times!
"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name." Psalm
103: 1
We who are Christians and know of the mercies of God ought to spend the
remainder of our lives blessing and praising the Lord for all his goodness to us.
How wonderful to know that he has forgiven us all our iniquities, past, present,
and future, and we will never again come unto condemnation. How wonderful to
know that our once sin sick soul has been healed from the plague of the dominion
and power of sin, and sin has no more power and dominion over us to keep us in
its' prison.
The loving kindness and tender mercies of God has redeemed our life from
destruction. As the mother bird feeds its' young, God daily fills our lives with
good things. All things work together for good to them that love God. I am so
glad that God hath not dealt with me after my sin, nor rewarded me according to
my iniquities, but he sent his only begotten son to die in my place and take my sin
upon himself and pay the penalty for me, and as far as the east is from the west,
so far hath he removed our transgression from us.
My friend, if you are not yet a Christian if you have not yet believed in the only
begotten son of God whom God sent to earth to manifest himself to sinful man,
and offer himself a sacrifice for the sin of the world, I admonish you to receive
him by faith, and ask him to forgive your sin, and come live in your heart and
give you eternal life. Then as millions of others will testify along with the
Psalmist, you wilt have gladness and joy in your heart, and you will have reason
to bless the Lord all the day long with all that is within you.
May 14
What did Jesus Say?-About Food?
What did Jesus say about mankind's need for food?
Jesus said: "It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that
proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4
Jesus had been in the wilderness and had fasted for forty days and forty nights,
and he knew what it was like to be hungry and physically in need of food. He
could have commanded the stones to produce bread for his physical needs, but
knew if he did, he would be using his divine power selfishly amiss. As the obedient
son of God, he considered it more important to wait upon God and trust his word
and promises.
Mankind needs more than physical food, clothing, and shelter for survival. He
needs to absorb every word of God into his heart and mind. Every word of God is
true and pure, and if obeyed, will bring health, well being, and salvation to both
body and soul.
Let us take Jesus 's advice and esteem the word of God more highly than our
necessary food.
What did Jesus Say?-About Food?
What did Jesus say about mankind's need for food?
Jesus said: "It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that
proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4
Jesus had been in the wilderness and had fasted for forty days and forty nights,
and he knew what it was like to be hungry and physically in need of food. He
could have commanded the stones to produce bread for his physical needs, but
knew if he did, he would be using his divine power selfishly amiss. As the obedient
son of God, he considered it more important to wait upon God and trust his word
and promises.
Mankind needs more than physical food, clothing, and shelter for survival. He
needs to absorb every word of God into his heart and mind. Every word of God is
true and pure, and if obeyed, will bring health, well being, and salvation to both
body and soul.
Let us take Jesus 's advice and esteem the word of God more highly than our
necessary food.
May 15
What did Jesus say? - About tempting God, to Prove him?
What did Jesus say about tempting or trying to prove God?
While Jesus was fasting in the wilderness, he was tempted by the devil to prove
whether or not he was truly the son of God. If he was, in fact God, then it
seemed reasonable to him that he could throw himself down from the pinnacle of
the temple and he would not be harmed, thus proving God's word and promise
that God would keep him from all harm.
Jesus said: "It is written again, thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." Matthew 4:
7.
That which God has told us in his word is true and to be believed, and must be
accepted and taken by faith. We are not to tempt God by trying to prove him.
God cannot be proved by any human effort.
Many times in our daily lives and activities, we have a tendency to want to prove
God and his love for us. We sometimes challenge his authority, and when we do,
we get into deep trouble. God has given to us certain laws which must be obeyed,
both physical and spiritual. When we disobey these laws we must suffer the
consequences.
Let us always remember what Jesus said, that it is written in the word of God that
we are not to tempt or try to prove the Lord our God.
What did Jesus say? - About tempting God, to Prove him?
What did Jesus say about tempting or trying to prove God?
While Jesus was fasting in the wilderness, he was tempted by the devil to prove
whether or not he was truly the son of God. If he was, in fact God, then it
seemed reasonable to him that he could throw himself down from the pinnacle of
the temple and he would not be harmed, thus proving God's word and promise
that God would keep him from all harm.
Jesus said: "It is written again, thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." Matthew 4:
7.
That which God has told us in his word is true and to be believed, and must be
accepted and taken by faith. We are not to tempt God by trying to prove him.
God cannot be proved by any human effort.
Many times in our daily lives and activities, we have a tendency to want to prove
God and his love for us. We sometimes challenge his authority, and when we do,
we get into deep trouble. God has given to us certain laws which must be obeyed,
both physical and spiritual. When we disobey these laws we must suffer the
consequences.
Let us always remember what Jesus said, that it is written in the word of God that
we are not to tempt or try to prove the Lord our God.
May 16
What did Jesus say? - About worship?
Worship - what is worship?
Worship is said to be the act of showing reverence, adoration, to adore; to love;
and to admire.
The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. It was made by him, and was all
his from the beginning, but he temporarily laid aside all that rightly belonged to
him so as to become one of us earthlings, made a little lower than the angels, so
that he could share in our miseries, and pay our sin debt so that we could be like
him.
Many wonderful things that God has made and placed within our reach tempt us
to covet after.
Satan, while tempting Jesus, reminded him of all the kingdoms of the world that
he could rule over if he would just turn his affections away from God the Father,
and worship him, who had gained control of all these things through the fall of the
human race.
Satan said to Jesus: "All these things will I give thee if thou will fall down and
worship me." In other words, Satan was saying, all can be yours if you will
reverence, adore, love and admire me above all else, including God the Father.
What did Jesus say? "Then saith Jesus unto him, get thee hence, Satan, for it is
written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve."
Matthew 4: 10.
This beautiful world that God has made is full of enticements for us to covet after.
Some things are good for us; others are not right for us to have. We are likewise
tempted by our flesh, and by Satan to neglect the worship and service to God to
go after those things, forgetting that God our Father, who gave his only begotten
son to save us, will through him also give us freely all good things to enjoy if we
will dedicate our worship and service to him only.
When we seek material things more that we seek a spiritual relationship with God
our Father, we are falling into Satan's trap to worship him. The result is that we
may have pleasure and comfort for a season, but in the end only misery and
desolation.
Let us be wise as serpents and harmless as doves, and remind ourselves as Jesus
said:"It is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou
serve." Math 4:10
What did Jesus say? - About worship?
Worship - what is worship?
Worship is said to be the act of showing reverence, adoration, to adore; to love;
and to admire.
The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. It was made by him, and was all
his from the beginning, but he temporarily laid aside all that rightly belonged to
him so as to become one of us earthlings, made a little lower than the angels, so
that he could share in our miseries, and pay our sin debt so that we could be like
him.
Many wonderful things that God has made and placed within our reach tempt us
to covet after.
Satan, while tempting Jesus, reminded him of all the kingdoms of the world that
he could rule over if he would just turn his affections away from God the Father,
and worship him, who had gained control of all these things through the fall of the
human race.
Satan said to Jesus: "All these things will I give thee if thou will fall down and
worship me." In other words, Satan was saying, all can be yours if you will
reverence, adore, love and admire me above all else, including God the Father.
What did Jesus say? "Then saith Jesus unto him, get thee hence, Satan, for it is
written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve."
Matthew 4: 10.
This beautiful world that God has made is full of enticements for us to covet after.
Some things are good for us; others are not right for us to have. We are likewise
tempted by our flesh, and by Satan to neglect the worship and service to God to
go after those things, forgetting that God our Father, who gave his only begotten
son to save us, will through him also give us freely all good things to enjoy if we
will dedicate our worship and service to him only.
When we seek material things more that we seek a spiritual relationship with God
our Father, we are falling into Satan's trap to worship him. The result is that we
may have pleasure and comfort for a season, but in the end only misery and
desolation.
Let us be wise as serpents and harmless as doves, and remind ourselves as Jesus
said:"It is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou
serve." Math 4:10
May 18
What did Jesus say? - Repent!
Jesus said: Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 4:17.
Up until the time that Jesus came upon the scene and presented himself to John
the Baptist to be baptized by him as a token of his identification with the human
race, the worship of God was ceremonial, for the most part. People lived pretty
much as they pleased. For the most part people were concerned only for their
own needs and pleasure, religious, strict keepers of the law out of fear, but having
no heart for it. They feared an angry wrathful God, as they thought of him,
whom they thought was more eager to pour out his wrath and punishment, than to
love , show mercy and forgive. An eye for an eye and tooth for tooth mentality
prevailed. People were lying, cheating and killing one another in business as well
as in religious matters.
Jesus came with an all new philosophy. Jesus was the manifestation of God the
Father in human flesh. He came to reveal to the world the true nature of God.
God is love, God is kind, God is merciful, God is more willing to forgive sins than
to pour out his wrath and punishment if people will only confess their sins and ask
for forgiveness.
To repent means to come to a place in our sojourn through life when we stop and
examine ourselves, examine our thinking and attitudes, look into the depth of our
own heart and root out all bitterness, envy, strife, covetousness, and anything that
does not reflect the image and glory of God.
Jesus taught us to repent: to stop and take a good look at ourselves and if we are
going in this direction to turn completely around - repent - and go in the direction
of God; to follow his teaching about God and his love and mercy, and to look
forward to the coming kingdom of God.
We all need to take a good look at our lifestyle. What do we believe? What are
our attitudes? What are our ambitions? Are we on the right road to inherit the
kingdom of God? Have we truly believed and received Christ as our savior? If
not, we need to do as Jesus said: "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Matthew 4:17.
What did Jesus say? - Repent!
Jesus said: Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 4:17.
Up until the time that Jesus came upon the scene and presented himself to John
the Baptist to be baptized by him as a token of his identification with the human
race, the worship of God was ceremonial, for the most part. People lived pretty
much as they pleased. For the most part people were concerned only for their
own needs and pleasure, religious, strict keepers of the law out of fear, but having
no heart for it. They feared an angry wrathful God, as they thought of him,
whom they thought was more eager to pour out his wrath and punishment, than to
love , show mercy and forgive. An eye for an eye and tooth for tooth mentality
prevailed. People were lying, cheating and killing one another in business as well
as in religious matters.
Jesus came with an all new philosophy. Jesus was the manifestation of God the
Father in human flesh. He came to reveal to the world the true nature of God.
God is love, God is kind, God is merciful, God is more willing to forgive sins than
to pour out his wrath and punishment if people will only confess their sins and ask
for forgiveness.
To repent means to come to a place in our sojourn through life when we stop and
examine ourselves, examine our thinking and attitudes, look into the depth of our
own heart and root out all bitterness, envy, strife, covetousness, and anything that
does not reflect the image and glory of God.
Jesus taught us to repent: to stop and take a good look at ourselves and if we are
going in this direction to turn completely around - repent - and go in the direction
of God; to follow his teaching about God and his love and mercy, and to look
forward to the coming kingdom of God.
We all need to take a good look at our lifestyle. What do we believe? What are
our attitudes? What are our ambitions? Are we on the right road to inherit the
kingdom of God? Have we truly believed and received Christ as our savior? If
not, we need to do as Jesus said: "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Matthew 4:17.
May 19
\What did Jesus say? - "Follow Me"
Jesus came into the world to pay the debt owed to God the Father for all the
individual sins of mankind. He offered himself as a sacrifice and a free gift of life
to all who will receive him by faith. Jesus came to lead mankind to God the
Father, and to lead them to Heaven. He came to give us life and that more
abundantly. He came to be the master teacher of all, he who has all knowledge
and wisdom, the way, the truth, and the light. He came to be the light of the
world. To dispel the darkness of ignorance and sin.
Jesus said: "Follow me, and I will make you fisher of men." Matthew 4:19.
Jesus was a fisher of men. He went after the lost souls of the human race. He
promised his disciples, and through them he promised us that if they listened to
him and kept his teaching, and follow in his footsteps, that they too would become
fishers of men. They would draw men and women, boys and girls to him through
their lifestyle and testimony, and many would be saved.
When Jesus left this world to return to the Father in Heaven, he left us with the
great commission to go into the world and preach the gospel to all creatures. He
wants his redeemed people to be fishers of men so that as many as will receive
him can enjoy the blessings of salvation and eternal life.
Follow him faithfully and he will make you to become fishers of men and soul
winners.
\What did Jesus say? - "Follow Me"
Jesus came into the world to pay the debt owed to God the Father for all the
individual sins of mankind. He offered himself as a sacrifice and a free gift of life
to all who will receive him by faith. Jesus came to lead mankind to God the
Father, and to lead them to Heaven. He came to give us life and that more
abundantly. He came to be the master teacher of all, he who has all knowledge
and wisdom, the way, the truth, and the light. He came to be the light of the
world. To dispel the darkness of ignorance and sin.
Jesus said: "Follow me, and I will make you fisher of men." Matthew 4:19.
Jesus was a fisher of men. He went after the lost souls of the human race. He
promised his disciples, and through them he promised us that if they listened to
him and kept his teaching, and follow in his footsteps, that they too would become
fishers of men. They would draw men and women, boys and girls to him through
their lifestyle and testimony, and many would be saved.
When Jesus left this world to return to the Father in Heaven, he left us with the
great commission to go into the world and preach the gospel to all creatures. He
wants his redeemed people to be fishers of men so that as many as will receive
him can enjoy the blessings of salvation and eternal life.
Follow him faithfully and he will make you to become fishers of men and soul
winners.
May 21
What did Jesus say? - About being blessed?
Jesus taught the multitudes that came to hear him preach. He taught them many
things, beginning with a lesson on how to be blessed by God.
He taught that the first requirement that is necessary in order to receive God's
blessing is to acknowledge just how wretched and poor we are in ourselves apart
from God's love and mercy.
Only as we empty ourselves of ourselves can we possess an empty vessel that can
be filled with God's blessing. God wants to bless us, but he cannot give us the
riches of the kingdom of Heaven so long as we are filled with our own good
works, and self righteousness . We must make ourselves poor before God in
spirit so that God can make us rich in spiritual things.
Jesus said: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven."
Matthew 5:3.
If we truly want to be blessed by God and receive an inheritance in the kingdom
of Heaven, we must see ourselves as poor, lost sinners, destined for Hell unless
we come to grips with the truth of God's word that none can be saved by their
own righteousness and good works. We must empty ourselves of any merit of
our own, and plead for that of Christ who paid the debt that we could never pay.
When we are empty, hungry and thirsty for salvation and God's righteousness,
then we will be truly blessed by God and be given an inheritance in the kingdom
of Heaven.
What did Jesus say? - About being blessed?
Jesus taught the multitudes that came to hear him preach. He taught them many
things, beginning with a lesson on how to be blessed by God.
He taught that the first requirement that is necessary in order to receive God's
blessing is to acknowledge just how wretched and poor we are in ourselves apart
from God's love and mercy.
Only as we empty ourselves of ourselves can we possess an empty vessel that can
be filled with God's blessing. God wants to bless us, but he cannot give us the
riches of the kingdom of Heaven so long as we are filled with our own good
works, and self righteousness . We must make ourselves poor before God in
spirit so that God can make us rich in spiritual things.
Jesus said: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven."
Matthew 5:3.
If we truly want to be blessed by God and receive an inheritance in the kingdom
of Heaven, we must see ourselves as poor, lost sinners, destined for Hell unless
we come to grips with the truth of God's word that none can be saved by their
own righteousness and good works. We must empty ourselves of any merit of
our own, and plead for that of Christ who paid the debt that we could never pay.
When we are empty, hungry and thirsty for salvation and God's righteousness,
then we will be truly blessed by God and be given an inheritance in the kingdom
of Heaven.
May 22
What did Jesus say? - About mourning?
To mourn means to feel sorry for..; to grieve for something or someone.
"It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting: for
that is the end of all men, and the living will lay it to his heart." Ecclesiastes 7:2.
We can never be truly happy and blessed while we are feasting with the world in
the pleasures of sin. There is pleasure in sin for a season. The temporary
pleasures of sin come and go and in the end we are left empty and desolate, but
when we come to the place in our life where we realize the consequences of being
forever lost and separated from God, because "The wages of sin is death", we
enter into the house of mourning, as it were, and when we truly feel sorry and
grieve over our sinful condition and separation from God, and ask God's
forgiveness, then we are blessed and comforted.
When we mourn because of our sin, then God is there to lift us up, forgive us, and
comfort us.
Jesus said: "Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted." Matthew
5:4.
What did Jesus say? - About mourning?
To mourn means to feel sorry for..; to grieve for something or someone.
"It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting: for
that is the end of all men, and the living will lay it to his heart." Ecclesiastes 7:2.
We can never be truly happy and blessed while we are feasting with the world in
the pleasures of sin. There is pleasure in sin for a season. The temporary
pleasures of sin come and go and in the end we are left empty and desolate, but
when we come to the place in our life where we realize the consequences of being
forever lost and separated from God, because "The wages of sin is death", we
enter into the house of mourning, as it were, and when we truly feel sorry and
grieve over our sinful condition and separation from God, and ask God's
forgiveness, then we are blessed and comforted.
When we mourn because of our sin, then God is there to lift us up, forgive us, and
comfort us.
Jesus said: "Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted." Matthew
5:4.
May 23
What did Jesus say? - About meekness?
What did Jesus say about meekness? Jesus said: "Blessed are the meek: for they
shall inherit the earth." Matthew 5: 5.
What does it mean to be meek? To be meek means to be submissive; to be
humble; gentle, easily entreated.
In our sin cursed world culture, meekness is sometimes considered weakness,
where the world's philosophy is the survival of the fittest and strongest, and most
aggressive; but Jesus taught otherwise. Jesus taught that meekness is strength and
power, and will result in blessing from God.
Meekness ought to be an outstanding attribute of a true child of God as he follows
the example of Jesus.
"He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is
brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so
he openeth not his mouth." Isaiah 53.7 Jesus said: "Take my yoke upon you and
lean of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest for your
souls." Matthew 21:5
An example of meekness is found in Moses who lead the children of Israel out of
the bondage of Egypt, of whom it was said that he was the meekest man on earth.
"(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men that were upon the face
of the earth)" Numbers 12:3. Another example of meekness is Jesus who
exhibited extreme meekness at his trial and crucifixion, yet he conquered the most
formidable enemy of all, death itself, and is now seated at the right hand of God
the Father, waiting for the signal to come and reclaim the earth and its' inhabitants
for the glory of God as king of kings and Lord of Lords.
Let us pray that we can be more like Jesus because he has told us that the meek
will eventually inherit the earth.
What did Jesus say? - About meekness?
What did Jesus say about meekness? Jesus said: "Blessed are the meek: for they
shall inherit the earth." Matthew 5: 5.
What does it mean to be meek? To be meek means to be submissive; to be
humble; gentle, easily entreated.
In our sin cursed world culture, meekness is sometimes considered weakness,
where the world's philosophy is the survival of the fittest and strongest, and most
aggressive; but Jesus taught otherwise. Jesus taught that meekness is strength and
power, and will result in blessing from God.
Meekness ought to be an outstanding attribute of a true child of God as he follows
the example of Jesus.
"He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is
brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so
he openeth not his mouth." Isaiah 53.7 Jesus said: "Take my yoke upon you and
lean of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest for your
souls." Matthew 21:5
An example of meekness is found in Moses who lead the children of Israel out of
the bondage of Egypt, of whom it was said that he was the meekest man on earth.
"(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men that were upon the face
of the earth)" Numbers 12:3. Another example of meekness is Jesus who
exhibited extreme meekness at his trial and crucifixion, yet he conquered the most
formidable enemy of all, death itself, and is now seated at the right hand of God
the Father, waiting for the signal to come and reclaim the earth and its' inhabitants
for the glory of God as king of kings and Lord of Lords.
Let us pray that we can be more like Jesus because he has told us that the meek
will eventually inherit the earth.
May 24
What did Jesus say? - About hunger?
Jesus said: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for
they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6.
Those of us who have been "born again" into the family of God by the grace of
God, through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, still live in a
heathen world full of sin and corruption. We are in the world, but not of the
world. The banqueting table of this sinful world no longer nourishes us and we
suffer from spiritual malnutrition, because the substance of the world cannot meet
our spiritual needs. Once we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, the
sweetmeats of the world become bitter to us, and does not satisfy. We hunger,
and long, and desire for something better than that which the world has to offer.
We hunger and thirst for the table that God has promised to spread for us in the
wilderness.
Jesus told us that when we truly desire and hunger for the things of God and thirst
for his righteousness we will be blessed and he will fill us. God our father will not
allow his children to suffer spiritual famine if we truly desire to be fed by him.
What did Jesus say? - About hunger?
Jesus said: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for
they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6.
Those of us who have been "born again" into the family of God by the grace of
God, through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, still live in a
heathen world full of sin and corruption. We are in the world, but not of the
world. The banqueting table of this sinful world no longer nourishes us and we
suffer from spiritual malnutrition, because the substance of the world cannot meet
our spiritual needs. Once we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, the
sweetmeats of the world become bitter to us, and does not satisfy. We hunger,
and long, and desire for something better than that which the world has to offer.
We hunger and thirst for the table that God has promised to spread for us in the
wilderness.
Jesus told us that when we truly desire and hunger for the things of God and thirst
for his righteousness we will be blessed and he will fill us. God our father will not
allow his children to suffer spiritual famine if we truly desire to be fed by him.
May 25
What did Jesus say? - About mercy?
The definition of mercy is: a quality of compassion, clemency, a refraining from
the infliction of suffering by one who has the right or power to inflict.
One of the attributes of God is his mercy. God has compassion on all of his
creatures, and is not willing that any should perish. He certainly has the right and
power to inflict suffering to punish evil doers, but God is long suffering and
withholds his wrath from falling upon those of us who deserve it. Instead he
pours out his grace, unmerited favor, favor that we have not earned, and do not
deserve.
Jesus said: "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." Matthew 5:7
In the likeness of God, as his dear children, he expects us also to be like him in
showing mercy. We ought to be concerned for the eternal welfare of those
around us. We ought to love and show mercy to the unlovable. We ought to be
more ready to forgive and pardon than to seek revenge.
God looks upon us as we are merciful to others, and pours out his mercy upon us
accordingly. "Blessed are the merciful for they shalt receive mercy." Math 5:7
What did Jesus say? - About mercy?
The definition of mercy is: a quality of compassion, clemency, a refraining from
the infliction of suffering by one who has the right or power to inflict.
One of the attributes of God is his mercy. God has compassion on all of his
creatures, and is not willing that any should perish. He certainly has the right and
power to inflict suffering to punish evil doers, but God is long suffering and
withholds his wrath from falling upon those of us who deserve it. Instead he
pours out his grace, unmerited favor, favor that we have not earned, and do not
deserve.
Jesus said: "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." Matthew 5:7
In the likeness of God, as his dear children, he expects us also to be like him in
showing mercy. We ought to be concerned for the eternal welfare of those
around us. We ought to love and show mercy to the unlovable. We ought to be
more ready to forgive and pardon than to seek revenge.
God looks upon us as we are merciful to others, and pours out his mercy upon us
accordingly. "Blessed are the merciful for they shalt receive mercy." Math 5:7
May 26
What did Jesus say? - About the condition of the heart?
In its natural state, the heart of man is desperately wicked. Who can know it?
When the bible speaks of the heart, it is not referring to the physical heart, the
pump that circulates the blood through our bodies, but is speaking of the innermost
personality, the mind and the soul.
In the depths of our subconscious mind there are impurities which have been
inherited from our ancestors down through the ages. Until we are changed by being
born again, as it were, by receiving Christ as our savior and allowing the Holy
Spirit to descend into the basement of our mind and soul, and dig out those evil
thoughts and imaginations, and rebellion against God, we cannot expect the Holy
Spirit to feel at home there.
There is no cleaning detergent on earth that can purify our innermost being, our
heart, and soul, except the shed blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
When we have believed, and received him by faith, and allowed him to apply his
blood to our account, his blood washes us and makes us whiter than snow.
When our hearts are pure because of what Christ has accomplished for us, then we
are considered pure in heart, and we can sense the presence of God in our lives,
and we can see God as he wants us to see him.
Jesus said: "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8.
What did Jesus say? - About the condition of the heart?
In its natural state, the heart of man is desperately wicked. Who can know it?
When the bible speaks of the heart, it is not referring to the physical heart, the
pump that circulates the blood through our bodies, but is speaking of the innermost
personality, the mind and the soul.
In the depths of our subconscious mind there are impurities which have been
inherited from our ancestors down through the ages. Until we are changed by being
born again, as it were, by receiving Christ as our savior and allowing the Holy
Spirit to descend into the basement of our mind and soul, and dig out those evil
thoughts and imaginations, and rebellion against God, we cannot expect the Holy
Spirit to feel at home there.
There is no cleaning detergent on earth that can purify our innermost being, our
heart, and soul, except the shed blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
When we have believed, and received him by faith, and allowed him to apply his
blood to our account, his blood washes us and makes us whiter than snow.
When our hearts are pure because of what Christ has accomplished for us, then we
are considered pure in heart, and we can sense the presence of God in our lives,
and we can see God as he wants us to see him.
Jesus said: "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8.
May 28
What did Jesus say? - About peacemakers?
To be at peace with God and with one's self is a great blessing; and to be at peace
with our fellowmen is also a great blessing.
Peace ! Peace ! Wonderful peace that cometh down from the Father above!
Peace, that sense of calm and contentment, knowing all is well between us and
God; that sense of assurance that there is nothing to fear, because God, our loving
heavenly Father is in control.
How wonderful it would be if all men everywhere could be at peace with God
through Jesus Christ, for then, and only then, can they be at peace with one another
throughout the world.
Jesus said: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of
God." Mathew 5: 19.
To be a promoter of peace with God, and peace among men is a calling of God to
all his children.
To point men and women and boys and girls to the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus
Christ, for the forgiveness of sins and salvation is our duty.
"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things
wherewith one may edify another." Romans 14:19.
May we who are the redeemed children of God, strive to be peacemakers so that
we may be blessed of God.
What did Jesus say? - About peacemakers?
To be at peace with God and with one's self is a great blessing; and to be at peace
with our fellowmen is also a great blessing.
Peace ! Peace ! Wonderful peace that cometh down from the Father above!
Peace, that sense of calm and contentment, knowing all is well between us and
God; that sense of assurance that there is nothing to fear, because God, our loving
heavenly Father is in control.
How wonderful it would be if all men everywhere could be at peace with God
through Jesus Christ, for then, and only then, can they be at peace with one another
throughout the world.
Jesus said: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of
God." Mathew 5: 19.
To be a promoter of peace with God, and peace among men is a calling of God to
all his children.
To point men and women and boys and girls to the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus
Christ, for the forgiveness of sins and salvation is our duty.
"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things
wherewith one may edify another." Romans 14:19.
May we who are the redeemed children of God, strive to be peacemakers so that
we may be blessed of God.
May 29
What did Jesus say? - About Persecution?
Many people, down through the centuries, have suffered persecutions for the cause
of Christ, and for the preaching of his gospel.
Jesus warned his disciples, and us, that to follow him would mean persecution and
suffering.
The bible says that Satan is a liar, and cannot tolerate truth, so wherever truth is
lived and preached, Satan will be at work to stop it.
We live in a relatively free country here in America. We have not yet known
religious persecution as some in other countries have; but there are many today in
our country who would suppress any mention of God in public places, particularly,
the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Bible reading and prayer is being
banned from the public school system and sporting events. If we remain steadfast
and remain true to the teaching of the word of God, we stand in line for persecution
from the ungodly world. Who knows to where it might lead? It might lead perhaps
to martyrdom and death.
Only as we derive our strength from a one on one personal relationship with Jesus
Christ can we find the grace and strength to endure such persecution.
Jesus said: "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs
is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5: 10.
If we are being persecuted for the cause of Christ and his righteousness, and bear it
patiently to the end, Jesus said we would be blessed and inherit the kingdom of
heaven.
We must, however, be sure that if we are persecuted, it is not for any misdeeds of
our own, for then we would deserve persecution; but for the cause of Christ, let us
be steadfast and unmovable, trusting him to bring us through trials and difficulties
for his name's sake.
What did Jesus say? - About Persecution?
Many people, down through the centuries, have suffered persecutions for the cause
of Christ, and for the preaching of his gospel.
Jesus warned his disciples, and us, that to follow him would mean persecution and
suffering.
The bible says that Satan is a liar, and cannot tolerate truth, so wherever truth is
lived and preached, Satan will be at work to stop it.
We live in a relatively free country here in America. We have not yet known
religious persecution as some in other countries have; but there are many today in
our country who would suppress any mention of God in public places, particularly,
the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Bible reading and prayer is being
banned from the public school system and sporting events. If we remain steadfast
and remain true to the teaching of the word of God, we stand in line for persecution
from the ungodly world. Who knows to where it might lead? It might lead perhaps
to martyrdom and death.
Only as we derive our strength from a one on one personal relationship with Jesus
Christ can we find the grace and strength to endure such persecution.
Jesus said: "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs
is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5: 10.
If we are being persecuted for the cause of Christ and his righteousness, and bear it
patiently to the end, Jesus said we would be blessed and inherit the kingdom of
heaven.
We must, however, be sure that if we are persecuted, it is not for any misdeeds of
our own, for then we would deserve persecution; but for the cause of Christ, let us
be steadfast and unmovable, trusting him to bring us through trials and difficulties
for his name's sake.
May 30
What did Jesus say? - How should we react to persecution?
No one can out give God.
Jesus said: :Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall
say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding
glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which
were before you." Matthew 5: 11,12.
If, for the cause of Christ we make ourselves vulnerable to be reviled, ridiculed, spit
upon, abused, neglected, and abandoned by even our own familiar family and
friends; even if we suffer physical pain and death, even as the martyrs of old have
done, we should count it all joy because God has great rewards for all those who
endure such things.
If we must face persecution for Christ, we should never be ashamed of him, for we
will be more than conquerors with him in the end. Consider the suffering and
persecution that he suffered for our salvation, and see how God has rewarded him
for his obedience by giving him a name above every name to whom every knee
shall eventually bow.
When we are being persecuted for righteousness sake, we are in good company
with all the prophets which went before us.
What did Jesus say? - How should we react to persecution?
No one can out give God.
Jesus said: :Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall
say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding
glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which
were before you." Matthew 5: 11,12.
If, for the cause of Christ we make ourselves vulnerable to be reviled, ridiculed, spit
upon, abused, neglected, and abandoned by even our own familiar family and
friends; even if we suffer physical pain and death, even as the martyrs of old have
done, we should count it all joy because God has great rewards for all those who
endure such things.
If we must face persecution for Christ, we should never be ashamed of him, for we
will be more than conquerors with him in the end. Consider the suffering and
persecution that he suffered for our salvation, and see how God has rewarded him
for his obedience by giving him a name above every name to whom every knee
shall eventually bow.
When we are being persecuted for righteousness sake, we are in good company
with all the prophets which went before us.
May 31
What did Jesus say? - About the Christian's influence in the world?
What is the role of the Christian in the midst of an ungodly world culture? Jesus
likened the Christian's influence to that of salt.
Salt is an important substance which adds flavor to our food, and acts as a
preservative and an antiseptic healer of wounds. If salt looses its' saltiness, it no
longer adds flavor, and no longer preserves, and no longer heals. It is no better that
the earth on which we walk.
Jesus said: "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith
shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be
trodden under foot of men." Matthew 5: 13.
When a Christian comes in contact with those around him who have no knowledge
or relationship with God, and know little or nothing of God's saving grace, the
ungodly person ought to be able to taste the difference between the holy and unholy
lifestyle. The Christian should be a living testimony to the saving grace of God, and
the ungodly should taste and see what may be missing in their lives. The Christian
ought to act as a preserver of righteousness and right living in his own family circle,
his community, and his nation. The tragedy is that many so called Christians have
lost their saltiness, so to speak, and though they may be saved and retain a form of
godliness, yet, they are no longer the salty influence in their family, community, and
nation as they ought to be. Therefore their influence is at a minimum, and the world
disregards them, and pays little attention to what they say they believe.
How can this ungodly world system be seasoned so as to have a flavor of godliness
and righteousness?
"Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, wherewith will ye season it?
Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another." Mark 9:50.
How does one maintain his saltiness? The answer is: by abiding in Christ; By
having his words constantly flowing through our mind; and by keeping short
accounts with God, confessing our sins daily so that we maintain a continuous walk
in the spirit; and by prayer and meditation.
Let us pray as Christians that we do not loose our spiritual saltiness and continue to
make a difference in the world.
What did Jesus say? - About the Christian's influence in the world?
What is the role of the Christian in the midst of an ungodly world culture? Jesus
likened the Christian's influence to that of salt.
Salt is an important substance which adds flavor to our food, and acts as a
preservative and an antiseptic healer of wounds. If salt looses its' saltiness, it no
longer adds flavor, and no longer preserves, and no longer heals. It is no better that
the earth on which we walk.
Jesus said: "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith
shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be
trodden under foot of men." Matthew 5: 13.
When a Christian comes in contact with those around him who have no knowledge
or relationship with God, and know little or nothing of God's saving grace, the
ungodly person ought to be able to taste the difference between the holy and unholy
lifestyle. The Christian should be a living testimony to the saving grace of God, and
the ungodly should taste and see what may be missing in their lives. The Christian
ought to act as a preserver of righteousness and right living in his own family circle,
his community, and his nation. The tragedy is that many so called Christians have
lost their saltiness, so to speak, and though they may be saved and retain a form of
godliness, yet, they are no longer the salty influence in their family, community, and
nation as they ought to be. Therefore their influence is at a minimum, and the world
disregards them, and pays little attention to what they say they believe.
How can this ungodly world system be seasoned so as to have a flavor of godliness
and righteousness?
"Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, wherewith will ye season it?
Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another." Mark 9:50.
How does one maintain his saltiness? The answer is: by abiding in Christ; By
having his words constantly flowing through our mind; and by keeping short
accounts with God, confessing our sins daily so that we maintain a continuous walk
in the spirit; and by prayer and meditation.
Let us pray as Christians that we do not loose our spiritual saltiness and continue to
make a difference in the world.
June 1
What did Jesus say? - About light?
Up until the time that Jesus was born, the world was in a state of deep spiritual
darkness. There had been no communication from God for four hundred years
since the prophesies of Malachi, silent years in which every man seemed to do that
which was right in his own eyes without any regard for the things of God, much as
it is in the world today.
Isaiah had prophesied that there would come a time that the light would be turned
on through the coming of the Messiah.
"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the
shadow of death, upon them hath the light shinned." Isaiah 9: 2.
Jesus Christ, the light of the world had come to seek and to save that which was
lost and give light unto the world, but even after his coming into the world, the
world was in such gross darkness that even though the light was shinning, it was
necessary for God to send John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness, to declare
that the light had been turned on, and to tell the multitudes to "Behold the Lamb of
God which taketh away the sin of the world."
"In him was life; and the life was the light of men." John 1: 4.
"Then spake Jesus again unto them saying, I am the light of the world: he that
followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12.
We who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and born into his family, have
the light of Christ dwelling in us. We ought to keep our gaze upon him so that we
will reflect his light to the world around us, even as the moon reflects the light of
the sun.
Jesus said: "Ye are the light of the world. a city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it
giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that
they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 5: 14-16
Let us pray that each of us who are his will reflect the light of Christ and his
salvation to give light and hope to a lost and dying world.
What did Jesus say? - About light?
Up until the time that Jesus was born, the world was in a state of deep spiritual
darkness. There had been no communication from God for four hundred years
since the prophesies of Malachi, silent years in which every man seemed to do that
which was right in his own eyes without any regard for the things of God, much as
it is in the world today.
Isaiah had prophesied that there would come a time that the light would be turned
on through the coming of the Messiah.
"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the
shadow of death, upon them hath the light shinned." Isaiah 9: 2.
Jesus Christ, the light of the world had come to seek and to save that which was
lost and give light unto the world, but even after his coming into the world, the
world was in such gross darkness that even though the light was shinning, it was
necessary for God to send John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness, to declare
that the light had been turned on, and to tell the multitudes to "Behold the Lamb of
God which taketh away the sin of the world."
"In him was life; and the life was the light of men." John 1: 4.
"Then spake Jesus again unto them saying, I am the light of the world: he that
followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12.
We who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and born into his family, have
the light of Christ dwelling in us. We ought to keep our gaze upon him so that we
will reflect his light to the world around us, even as the moon reflects the light of
the sun.
Jesus said: "Ye are the light of the world. a city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it
giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that
they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 5: 14-16
Let us pray that each of us who are his will reflect the light of Christ and his
salvation to give light and hope to a lost and dying world.
June 6
What did Jesus say concerning the law?
When almighty God created the universe and all things therein, he established
certain laws by which it would function and continue. He established all the laws
of physics, mathematics, and astronomy, which he has by grace revealed to
mankind; likewise, he established spiritual laws by which mankind was to relate to
him and enjoy his fellowship. He delivered to Moses the ten commandments and
other instructions that were required to be obeyed if one was to have fellowship
with him and inherit his eternal glory.
No one can see God and inherit his glory unless they kept the whole law. If they
failed in one point of the law, all was lost. God knew from the very beginning,
because of the nature of man, what was in man, and the frailty of man, so he
made provision for mankind by sending Jesus Christ into the world, the one and
only person and member of the human race who is one hundred percent man and
at the same time one hundred percent God, who alone was able to obey the whole
law in its' entirety.
God stills holds all mankind responsible for obeying his laws, but warns us that no
one is capable of obeying the law perfectly, therefore unless someone else who is
capable does for us that which we cannot do for ourselves, we are without hope
and lost. But the good news is that Christ Jesus came into the world to save us
from the curse of the law and set us free and place us under the grace or
unmerited favor of God.
Jesus said: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets. I am
not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth
pass, one jot or one tittles shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled.
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these commandments and shall teach men
so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do
and teach them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto
you that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes
and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:
17-20.
Some people may think that because Christians are under grace and not under
law, that the laws and commandments of God no longer apply, but this is not so.
Jesus taught otherwise. The requirements of the law are in effect today as much
as they ever were, but none of us can meet those requirements no matter how
hard we try. Our only hope is to flee to Jesus for forgiveness and ask him to
impute his righteousness to us. Then sin no longer abounds but grace does much
more abound, and we are set free from the curse of breaking God's laws.
What did Jesus say concerning the law?
When almighty God created the universe and all things therein, he established
certain laws by which it would function and continue. He established all the laws
of physics, mathematics, and astronomy, which he has by grace revealed to
mankind; likewise, he established spiritual laws by which mankind was to relate to
him and enjoy his fellowship. He delivered to Moses the ten commandments and
other instructions that were required to be obeyed if one was to have fellowship
with him and inherit his eternal glory.
No one can see God and inherit his glory unless they kept the whole law. If they
failed in one point of the law, all was lost. God knew from the very beginning,
because of the nature of man, what was in man, and the frailty of man, so he
made provision for mankind by sending Jesus Christ into the world, the one and
only person and member of the human race who is one hundred percent man and
at the same time one hundred percent God, who alone was able to obey the whole
law in its' entirety.
God stills holds all mankind responsible for obeying his laws, but warns us that no
one is capable of obeying the law perfectly, therefore unless someone else who is
capable does for us that which we cannot do for ourselves, we are without hope
and lost. But the good news is that Christ Jesus came into the world to save us
from the curse of the law and set us free and place us under the grace or
unmerited favor of God.
Jesus said: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets. I am
not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth
pass, one jot or one tittles shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled.
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these commandments and shall teach men
so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do
and teach them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto
you that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes
and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:
17-20.
Some people may think that because Christians are under grace and not under
law, that the laws and commandments of God no longer apply, but this is not so.
Jesus taught otherwise. The requirements of the law are in effect today as much
as they ever were, but none of us can meet those requirements no matter how
hard we try. Our only hope is to flee to Jesus for forgiveness and ask him to
impute his righteousness to us. Then sin no longer abounds but grace does much
more abound, and we are set free from the curse of breaking God's laws.
June 7
What did Jesus say? About killing?
Only God can create life, therefore only God has the right to place a value on a life
and to terminate a life.
One of the ten commandments says: "Thou shalt not kill". Jesus reminded the
multitude of this commandment, but went beyond the commandment to show that
there are many ways to disobey this commandment and to kill. He pointed out that
if we harbor anger in our hearts against another without cause, we are effectively
disobeying this commandment not to kill, for we are destroying him in our own
thoughts. If we through gossip or false witness say evil things to demean another
we are killing his reputation and esteem.
God will not accept our worship of him so long as we have hatred, resentments,
and bitter envying against our fellowmen. Before we can effectively worship God
and be pleasing to him, we must be in right relationship with others.
Jesus said: "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, thou shalt not kill;
and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: but I say unto you that
whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the
judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother Raca, shall be in danger of the
council: but whosoever shall say , thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Therefore if thou bring thy gift before the altar and there rememberest that thy
brother have ought against thee, leave there thy thy gift before the altar, and go thy
way. First be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Let us take heed to what Jesus has taught us about obeying the commandment not
to kill: not to bring physical harm to another and not to be guilty of destroying him
or causing him harm in any other way.
What did Jesus say? About killing?
Only God can create life, therefore only God has the right to place a value on a life
and to terminate a life.
One of the ten commandments says: "Thou shalt not kill". Jesus reminded the
multitude of this commandment, but went beyond the commandment to show that
there are many ways to disobey this commandment and to kill. He pointed out that
if we harbor anger in our hearts against another without cause, we are effectively
disobeying this commandment not to kill, for we are destroying him in our own
thoughts. If we through gossip or false witness say evil things to demean another
we are killing his reputation and esteem.
God will not accept our worship of him so long as we have hatred, resentments,
and bitter envying against our fellowmen. Before we can effectively worship God
and be pleasing to him, we must be in right relationship with others.
Jesus said: "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, thou shalt not kill;
and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: but I say unto you that
whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the
judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother Raca, shall be in danger of the
council: but whosoever shall say , thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Therefore if thou bring thy gift before the altar and there rememberest that thy
brother have ought against thee, leave there thy thy gift before the altar, and go thy
way. First be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Let us take heed to what Jesus has taught us about obeying the commandment not
to kill: not to bring physical harm to another and not to be guilty of destroying him
or causing him harm in any other way.
June 9
What did Jesus say about adultery?
One man, one woman, joined together in marriage for life: This is God's perfect
plan for the home, and the propagation of children. The marriage relationship
between man and wife here on earth is a picture of a child of God's relationship
with Christ. The redeemed church is considered to be the bride of Christ.
If a man or woman strays from the one to whom he or she has pledged themselves
for life, and has intercourse with another, this is considered adultery in the mind of
God. One of the ten commandments says: "Thou shalt not commit adultery."
Jesus taught his hearers that not only was it possible that one might commit physical
adultery, but more importantly, one is in danger of committing adultery in one's
mind as well.
How many of us can feast our eyes on sexually explicit videos and movies without
committing adultery in our minds? That which the mind conceives, the flesh
achieves. We are all guilty and need to confess so that we might be forgiven.
Is there a redeemed child of God anywhere who has never looked upon the things
of the world in his mind and lusted after them, and been tempted to fall away from
the things of Christ and follow after them? We have all been guilty at times and
need to confess so that we might be forgiven.
The actions of the flesh begin with the thoughts of the mind. We need to keep our
mind on Christ and his word so that we will not be tempted to commit physical or
spiritual adultery. That which the world sees in our marital relationship with our
spouse, is a reflection of our relationship and marriage to Christ. We need to be
careful what kind of a picture we present.
Jesus said: "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, thou shalt not
commit adultery: But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust
after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Matthew 5: 27,28.
"And I say unto you, whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for
fornication, and shall marry another, commiteth adultery, and whoso marrieth her
which is put away doth commit adultery." Matthew 19: 9.
It is indeed sad to behold so many broken homes and families who have strayed
from their marriage vows, and because of the lust of the flesh, have committed
adultery. It is equally sad to behold one who has been redeemed by the blood of
Christ, and has become part of the bride of Christ, to fall back into the sins of the
world and be guilty of committing adultery with the world.
What did Jesus say about adultery?
One man, one woman, joined together in marriage for life: This is God's perfect
plan for the home, and the propagation of children. The marriage relationship
between man and wife here on earth is a picture of a child of God's relationship
with Christ. The redeemed church is considered to be the bride of Christ.
If a man or woman strays from the one to whom he or she has pledged themselves
for life, and has intercourse with another, this is considered adultery in the mind of
God. One of the ten commandments says: "Thou shalt not commit adultery."
Jesus taught his hearers that not only was it possible that one might commit physical
adultery, but more importantly, one is in danger of committing adultery in one's
mind as well.
How many of us can feast our eyes on sexually explicit videos and movies without
committing adultery in our minds? That which the mind conceives, the flesh
achieves. We are all guilty and need to confess so that we might be forgiven.
Is there a redeemed child of God anywhere who has never looked upon the things
of the world in his mind and lusted after them, and been tempted to fall away from
the things of Christ and follow after them? We have all been guilty at times and
need to confess so that we might be forgiven.
The actions of the flesh begin with the thoughts of the mind. We need to keep our
mind on Christ and his word so that we will not be tempted to commit physical or
spiritual adultery. That which the world sees in our marital relationship with our
spouse, is a reflection of our relationship and marriage to Christ. We need to be
careful what kind of a picture we present.
Jesus said: "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, thou shalt not
commit adultery: But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust
after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Matthew 5: 27,28.
"And I say unto you, whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for
fornication, and shall marry another, commiteth adultery, and whoso marrieth her
which is put away doth commit adultery." Matthew 19: 9.
It is indeed sad to behold so many broken homes and families who have strayed
from their marriage vows, and because of the lust of the flesh, have committed
adultery. It is equally sad to behold one who has been redeemed by the blood of
Christ, and has become part of the bride of Christ, to fall back into the sins of the
world and be guilty of committing adultery with the world.
June 11
What did Jesus say about making vows and swearing oaths?
We need to be very careful not to make promises that we do not intend to keep or
have no power to perform. Deliberately breaking a promise or breaking a vow is
sin. We must not make vows to God and then renege on our promise. God will
not hold us guiltless if we do. If we find that we are guilty of making vows to man
or God and forswearing ourselves, we need to go to God and confess, make
restitution if that is possible, so that we might be forgiven.
We really have no right to swear to anything, nor make any promises beyond the
point in time in which we now exist because we have very little or no control over
the future. It is best just to say yes, yes, or no, no, all according to the will of God.
Jesus said: "Again ye have head that it hath been said of them of old time, thou
shalt not forswear thyself, but shall perform unto the Lord thine oaths. But I say
unto you, swear not at all, neither by heaven: for it is God's throne. Nor by the
earth, for it is his footstool; neither by Jerusalem: for it is the city of the great king.
Neither shall thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white
of black. But let your communication be yea, yea, nay, nay,: for whatsoever is
more than these cometh of evil." Matthew 5: 33-37.
What did Jesus say about making vows and swearing oaths?
We need to be very careful not to make promises that we do not intend to keep or
have no power to perform. Deliberately breaking a promise or breaking a vow is
sin. We must not make vows to God and then renege on our promise. God will
not hold us guiltless if we do. If we find that we are guilty of making vows to man
or God and forswearing ourselves, we need to go to God and confess, make
restitution if that is possible, so that we might be forgiven.
We really have no right to swear to anything, nor make any promises beyond the
point in time in which we now exist because we have very little or no control over
the future. It is best just to say yes, yes, or no, no, all according to the will of God.
Jesus said: "Again ye have head that it hath been said of them of old time, thou
shalt not forswear thyself, but shall perform unto the Lord thine oaths. But I say
unto you, swear not at all, neither by heaven: for it is God's throne. Nor by the
earth, for it is his footstool; neither by Jerusalem: for it is the city of the great king.
Neither shall thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white
of black. But let your communication be yea, yea, nay, nay,: for whatsoever is
more than these cometh of evil." Matthew 5: 33-37.
June 12
What did Jesus say about seeking revenge and getting even?
The sinful human nature in mankind seeks revenge and wants to "get even". as it
were, for every little wrong done unto us. The law of the old testament declared
that for every wrong deed done to someone, the wrong doer was to receive the
same thing done to him: an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. If you slap my
face, I will slap yours, if you kill my dog, I will kill yours, etc.. The attitude was
that if I can't have something, I don't want you to have it either, thus: Envy, strife,
and contention.
Unfortunately, this same attitude prevails in the world today, even among some
Christians, I am ashamed to report. We are always complaining like school
children about what is fair, and that which seems to be unfair to us.
When Jesus came, he taught a whole new set of rules and standards that God's
redeemed children ought to adhere to. Instead of revenge and getting even, we
ought to be more ready to forgive and pardon one another, even as God does us
through our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. We ought to have pity and feel sorry
for the one who does us wrong, and if possible bring him into the fold of the
redeemed of God.
Jesus said:"Ye have heard that it hath been said, an eye for an eye, and a tooth
for a tooth: But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite
thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if a man will sue thee at
the law and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also, and whosoever shall
compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh of thee, and
from him that would borrow of thee, turn not thou away." Matthew 5: 38-42.
Why not go the extra mile, and show mercy?
The apostle Paul, speaking to Christians said: "Now therefore there is utterly a
fault among you, because ye go to law one with another, why do ye not rather
take wrong? Why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" 1
Corinthians 6:7
What did Jesus say about seeking revenge and getting even?
The sinful human nature in mankind seeks revenge and wants to "get even". as it
were, for every little wrong done unto us. The law of the old testament declared
that for every wrong deed done to someone, the wrong doer was to receive the
same thing done to him: an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. If you slap my
face, I will slap yours, if you kill my dog, I will kill yours, etc.. The attitude was
that if I can't have something, I don't want you to have it either, thus: Envy, strife,
and contention.
Unfortunately, this same attitude prevails in the world today, even among some
Christians, I am ashamed to report. We are always complaining like school
children about what is fair, and that which seems to be unfair to us.
When Jesus came, he taught a whole new set of rules and standards that God's
redeemed children ought to adhere to. Instead of revenge and getting even, we
ought to be more ready to forgive and pardon one another, even as God does us
through our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. We ought to have pity and feel sorry
for the one who does us wrong, and if possible bring him into the fold of the
redeemed of God.
Jesus said:"Ye have heard that it hath been said, an eye for an eye, and a tooth
for a tooth: But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite
thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if a man will sue thee at
the law and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also, and whosoever shall
compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh of thee, and
from him that would borrow of thee, turn not thou away." Matthew 5: 38-42.
Why not go the extra mile, and show mercy?
The apostle Paul, speaking to Christians said: "Now therefore there is utterly a
fault among you, because ye go to law one with another, why do ye not rather
take wrong? Why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" 1
Corinthians 6:7
June 13
What did Jesus say? About loving our enemies?
It is natural,according to our sinful human nature, that we love those who love us,
but hate those who are our enemies and do us wrong.
When someone abuses us or causes us pain or loss, the natural thing for us is that
we get back at them with revenge and like treatment. It seems to do us good to
get even.
Jesus taught that even if someone causes us a great deal of anguish and pain, we
are, by the grace of God, to love them and forgive them and help them. This
requires a great deal more godliness on our part, and if we do as Jesus taught, will
reflect God's presence living in us. God has promised to greatly reward all those
who do this.
It is not much of a problem to love those who are loveable, our friends, those who
love us and help us; but it requires God's grace to love our enemies, those who
would seek our harm
Jesus's teaching was one hundred and eighty degrees out of phase with the
thinking of his time, and it is so with the thinking of our time today.
Jesus said: "Ye have heard it said, thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine
enemy. But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good
to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute
you: that ye may be the children of your father which is in heaven: for he maketh
his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sendeth rain on the just and on the
unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even
the Publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more
than others? Do not even the Publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect even as your
Father in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5: 43-48
Let us pray that God will, by his grace, instill within us his attribute of loving our
enemies as well as our friends and neighbors so that his light may shine through us
.
What did Jesus say? About loving our enemies?
It is natural,according to our sinful human nature, that we love those who love us,
but hate those who are our enemies and do us wrong.
When someone abuses us or causes us pain or loss, the natural thing for us is that
we get back at them with revenge and like treatment. It seems to do us good to
get even.
Jesus taught that even if someone causes us a great deal of anguish and pain, we
are, by the grace of God, to love them and forgive them and help them. This
requires a great deal more godliness on our part, and if we do as Jesus taught, will
reflect God's presence living in us. God has promised to greatly reward all those
who do this.
It is not much of a problem to love those who are loveable, our friends, those who
love us and help us; but it requires God's grace to love our enemies, those who
would seek our harm
Jesus's teaching was one hundred and eighty degrees out of phase with the
thinking of his time, and it is so with the thinking of our time today.
Jesus said: "Ye have heard it said, thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine
enemy. But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good
to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute
you: that ye may be the children of your father which is in heaven: for he maketh
his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sendeth rain on the just and on the
unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even
the Publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more
than others? Do not even the Publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect even as your
Father in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5: 43-48
Let us pray that God will, by his grace, instill within us his attribute of loving our
enemies as well as our friends and neighbors so that his light may shine through us
.
June 15
What did Jesus say about good works and giving?
Men and women love to be recognized and praised and win medals for their
generosity and good works. To be seen and glorified by their fellowman is the
only motivation of many for their benevolence and charity, even though their
heart is not really in it.
Jesus taught about the hypocrites who love to stand in prominent places and pray
so as to be seen of men, and to be known for their so called spirituality.
Sad to say that there are some do gooders and givers in churches today that want
to be known by what they do and be recognized, and have their names displayed
in prominent places.
God knows all about our hypocrisy and the motives of our heart. If we truly love
God and love our fellowman, all our good works and giving ought to be motivated
by a heart in tune with God, not caring whether anyone knows about it, and not
seeking rewards.
We ought to gladly serve God with our good works and giving out of pure
gratitude for what Christ has done for us by saving us from eternal separation
from God We could never earn God's favor by anything we could give or do. All
the blessings that we receive from God are free gifts of God's grace, unmerited
favor.
Jesus said: "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them:
Otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Wherefore when
thou doest thine alms do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in
the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say
unto you, they have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand
know what thy right hand doeth. That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father
which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:1-4.
What did Jesus say about good works and giving?
Men and women love to be recognized and praised and win medals for their
generosity and good works. To be seen and glorified by their fellowman is the
only motivation of many for their benevolence and charity, even though their
heart is not really in it.
Jesus taught about the hypocrites who love to stand in prominent places and pray
so as to be seen of men, and to be known for their so called spirituality.
Sad to say that there are some do gooders and givers in churches today that want
to be known by what they do and be recognized, and have their names displayed
in prominent places.
God knows all about our hypocrisy and the motives of our heart. If we truly love
God and love our fellowman, all our good works and giving ought to be motivated
by a heart in tune with God, not caring whether anyone knows about it, and not
seeking rewards.
We ought to gladly serve God with our good works and giving out of pure
gratitude for what Christ has done for us by saving us from eternal separation
from God We could never earn God's favor by anything we could give or do. All
the blessings that we receive from God are free gifts of God's grace, unmerited
favor.
Jesus said: "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them:
Otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Wherefore when
thou doest thine alms do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in
the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say
unto you, they have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand
know what thy right hand doeth. That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father
which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:1-4.
June 16
What did Jesus say about prayer?
"And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray,
and not to faint." Luke 18: 1.
As the children of our heavenly Father we ought always be in communication with
him through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
"Pray without ceasing" 1 Thessalonians 5: 17.
What is prayer? Prayer is not just a sentimental poem, memorized or read with an
amen attached at the end. Prayer is not just some ritual performed in a
ceremonial format at some public occasion. Prayer in its' true essence is the spirit
and soul of man reaching out to contact and commune with the spirit of God, the
creator and Father.
Jesus taught that when we pray, we should call to our Father which is in heaven,
and our Father which is in heaven will hear our prayers and answer us; but we
must come to him and enter into his presence with clean hands and a pure heart
which can only be made clean by the shed blood of our savior Jesus Christ.
Jesus taught that there are those who only pretend to know God as Father, and
like to stand in the streets and public places and pray so as to be seen and
commended by men. They read prayers addressed to some unknown God only
to be heard by those standing around and ready to salute them for their piety.
Real prayer, real communication between a child of God and his Father in heaven
is a personal matter between the two communicators. Jesus advised us to go into
the closet where no one can see us and close the door and have a one on one
conversation with God.
Jesus said: "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for
they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets that
they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But
when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray
to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward
thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions as the heathen do: for
they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore
like unto them; for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye
ask him." Matthew 6: 5-8.
What did Jesus say about prayer?
"And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray,
and not to faint." Luke 18: 1.
As the children of our heavenly Father we ought always be in communication with
him through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
"Pray without ceasing" 1 Thessalonians 5: 17.
What is prayer? Prayer is not just a sentimental poem, memorized or read with an
amen attached at the end. Prayer is not just some ritual performed in a
ceremonial format at some public occasion. Prayer in its' true essence is the spirit
and soul of man reaching out to contact and commune with the spirit of God, the
creator and Father.
Jesus taught that when we pray, we should call to our Father which is in heaven,
and our Father which is in heaven will hear our prayers and answer us; but we
must come to him and enter into his presence with clean hands and a pure heart
which can only be made clean by the shed blood of our savior Jesus Christ.
Jesus taught that there are those who only pretend to know God as Father, and
like to stand in the streets and public places and pray so as to be seen and
commended by men. They read prayers addressed to some unknown God only
to be heard by those standing around and ready to salute them for their piety.
Real prayer, real communication between a child of God and his Father in heaven
is a personal matter between the two communicators. Jesus advised us to go into
the closet where no one can see us and close the door and have a one on one
conversation with God.
Jesus said: "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for
they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets that
they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But
when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray
to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward
thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions as the heathen do: for
they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore
like unto them; for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye
ask him." Matthew 6: 5-8.
June 20
What did Jesus say about fasting?
Fasting or abstaining from food and drink, and depriving ourselves from some of
the comforts of everyday life for a season, ought to be a voluntary act on the part
of the Christian. Its' purpose ought to be to purify our body, mind and soul, and
express our humility before God for his goodness to us. Only God needs to be
aware of our fasting. It is not necessary for us to sound a trumpet and broadcast
to the world the fact that we are denying ourselves through fasting to draw nearer
to God. God sees the motives of our heart and he will reward us accordingly. We
do not need to receive recognition from men.
Jesus spoke of some of the hypocritical Pharisees who when they fasted,
disfigured their faces, and went about with a sad countenance in sack cloth and
ashes, so that they would receive recognition of men for their fasting and humility
before God.
Jesus said: "Moreover when ye fast be not as the hypocrites, of a sad
countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast,
verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou when thou fastest anoint
thine head , and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto
thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward
thee openly." Matthew 6: 16-18.
What did Jesus say about fasting?
Fasting or abstaining from food and drink, and depriving ourselves from some of
the comforts of everyday life for a season, ought to be a voluntary act on the part
of the Christian. Its' purpose ought to be to purify our body, mind and soul, and
express our humility before God for his goodness to us. Only God needs to be
aware of our fasting. It is not necessary for us to sound a trumpet and broadcast
to the world the fact that we are denying ourselves through fasting to draw nearer
to God. God sees the motives of our heart and he will reward us accordingly. We
do not need to receive recognition from men.
Jesus spoke of some of the hypocritical Pharisees who when they fasted,
disfigured their faces, and went about with a sad countenance in sack cloth and
ashes, so that they would receive recognition of men for their fasting and humility
before God.
Jesus said: "Moreover when ye fast be not as the hypocrites, of a sad
countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast,
verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou when thou fastest anoint
thine head , and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto
thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward
thee openly." Matthew 6: 16-18.
June 24
What did Jesus say about our treasures?
Where are our treasures? What are those things that we treasure most? Jesus
taught that we tend to keep our heart, mind, and soul focused upon our treasures,
whatever they maybe. Earthly treasures such as gold, silver, precious jewels,
houses and lands, education, esteem of men etc. are corruptible and sooner or
later will wax old and fall into decay or be stolen by thieves. Even our life on
earth is but a vapor and but for a moment and will soon fade away and be gone.
If while on the earth we are consumed with the passion for getting wealth and
accumulating earthly treasure, we will find in the end that they are poor bed
fellows when we are on our sick bed and ready to die.
We ought to live our lives on this earth being content with whatever state we find
ourselves in, counting our many blessings day by day, and living in such a fashion
that we are accumulating heavenly wealth and treasures which we are sending on
ahead of us to be enjoyed forever in the kingdom of God in heaven. If our heart
is focused on those treasures, then we will be constantly in communion with God
our Father and find our joy in serving him.
Jesus said: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust
doth corrupt and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves
treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and where thieves
do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is there will your heart
be also." Matthew 6: 19-21. "No man can serve two masters; for either he will
hate the one and love the other or else he will hold to the one, and despise the
other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6: 24.
What did Jesus say about our treasures?
Where are our treasures? What are those things that we treasure most? Jesus
taught that we tend to keep our heart, mind, and soul focused upon our treasures,
whatever they maybe. Earthly treasures such as gold, silver, precious jewels,
houses and lands, education, esteem of men etc. are corruptible and sooner or
later will wax old and fall into decay or be stolen by thieves. Even our life on
earth is but a vapor and but for a moment and will soon fade away and be gone.
If while on the earth we are consumed with the passion for getting wealth and
accumulating earthly treasure, we will find in the end that they are poor bed
fellows when we are on our sick bed and ready to die.
We ought to live our lives on this earth being content with whatever state we find
ourselves in, counting our many blessings day by day, and living in such a fashion
that we are accumulating heavenly wealth and treasures which we are sending on
ahead of us to be enjoyed forever in the kingdom of God in heaven. If our heart
is focused on those treasures, then we will be constantly in communion with God
our Father and find our joy in serving him.
Jesus said: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust
doth corrupt and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves
treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and where thieves
do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is there will your heart
be also." Matthew 6: 19-21. "No man can serve two masters; for either he will
hate the one and love the other or else he will hold to the one, and despise the
other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6: 24.
June 25
What did Jesus say about cares and worries?
All those who have by faith received the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior, and
have been "born again" into the family of God , can have the assurance that they
are being cared for and provided for by a loving heavenly Father who knows all our
needs.
As the children of our heavenly father, we do not need to be concerned about the
future to the point where we worry and distrust the providence of God. The
scriptures tell us that we are to appear before God as little children in perfect
confidence that we will be clothed and fed, and cared for, even as a little child.
When we observe nature and consider all the fowls of the air; all the beast of the
earth; all the fish of the sea; we do not see them planting gardens and sowing seed,
and worrying about what they will eat or about what tomorrow holds for them.
Instead, they simply live one day at a time. They take it for granted that their food
will be there for them and they just go and find it wherever it has been provided for
them.
Jesus taught that we should not waste valuable time worrying and fretting about the
unknown, but rather we should use our time wisely serving him and trusting that he
will provide all our needs according to his riches in glory.
Jesus said: "Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall
eat or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the
life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for
they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father
feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought,
can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment?
Consider the lilies of the field, how thy grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and
yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of
these. Wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and
tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little
faith? Therefore take no thought saying, what shall we eat? or what shall we drink?
or where withal shall we be clothed?(For after all these things do the gentiles seek:)
for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things,. But seek
ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be
added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow for the morrow shall
take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
Matthew 6:25-31.
What did Jesus say about cares and worries?
All those who have by faith received the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior, and
have been "born again" into the family of God , can have the assurance that they
are being cared for and provided for by a loving heavenly Father who knows all our
needs.
As the children of our heavenly father, we do not need to be concerned about the
future to the point where we worry and distrust the providence of God. The
scriptures tell us that we are to appear before God as little children in perfect
confidence that we will be clothed and fed, and cared for, even as a little child.
When we observe nature and consider all the fowls of the air; all the beast of the
earth; all the fish of the sea; we do not see them planting gardens and sowing seed,
and worrying about what they will eat or about what tomorrow holds for them.
Instead, they simply live one day at a time. They take it for granted that their food
will be there for them and they just go and find it wherever it has been provided for
them.
Jesus taught that we should not waste valuable time worrying and fretting about the
unknown, but rather we should use our time wisely serving him and trusting that he
will provide all our needs according to his riches in glory.
Jesus said: "Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall
eat or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the
life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for
they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father
feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought,
can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment?
Consider the lilies of the field, how thy grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and
yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of
these. Wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and
tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little
faith? Therefore take no thought saying, what shall we eat? or what shall we drink?
or where withal shall we be clothed?(For after all these things do the gentiles seek:)
for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things,. But seek
ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be
added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow for the morrow shall
take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
Matthew 6:25-31.
June 27
What did Jesus say about making judgments?
Only God has the power and authority to look into the depths of man's heart and
judge the motives and intent of the heart. We must make sure that there are no
beams in our own eyes that would hinder us from seeing clearly and making right
judgments. As we judge the motives and intents of others we are judging
ourselves because we are biased by the corruption which is inherent in our own
lives. Jesus only is the pure judge of all.
Jesus said: "Judge not that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge,
ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you
again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but
considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy
brother, let me pull out the mote out of thine eye and behold a beam is in thine
own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then
shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote of thy brother's eyes." Matthew 7: 1-5.
This does not mean that we are not to discern between truth and error; good or
evil;but we cannot see all the reasons and motives of others and the final
consequences of their activities. We all need to look into a spiritual mirror and
see ourselves for what we are, and judge our own motives and actions , and
confess our own faults and seek to please God.
What did Jesus say about making judgments?
Only God has the power and authority to look into the depths of man's heart and
judge the motives and intent of the heart. We must make sure that there are no
beams in our own eyes that would hinder us from seeing clearly and making right
judgments. As we judge the motives and intents of others we are judging
ourselves because we are biased by the corruption which is inherent in our own
lives. Jesus only is the pure judge of all.
Jesus said: "Judge not that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge,
ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you
again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but
considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy
brother, let me pull out the mote out of thine eye and behold a beam is in thine
own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then
shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote of thy brother's eyes." Matthew 7: 1-5.
This does not mean that we are not to discern between truth and error; good or
evil;but we cannot see all the reasons and motives of others and the final
consequences of their activities. We all need to look into a spiritual mirror and
see ourselves for what we are, and judge our own motives and actions , and
confess our own faults and seek to please God.
June 28
What did Jesus say about asking and receiving?
What a great privilege we have as the redeemed children of God to come boldly to
the throne of God in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and make our
request known to him!
Of course, he already knows the things that we need before we ask him, but it
honors him when we come to him and ask in faith. When we approach God our
heavenly Father, we are to picture ourselves as when we were little children
approaching our earthly father, asking for the things that we desired, believing with
all our heart that we would receive that for which we asked , if, in the wisdom of
our earthly father, it would be good for us.
God does not want us to be lazy, helpless children. Sometimes God makes
available to us the things that we ask, but requires us to go seek and gather by the
means which he has already provided. God feeds the sparrows, but they must go
and gather that which God has put there for them. Sometimes God answers our
prayers by leading us to doors upon which we need to knock to take advantage of
all the opportunities which he has provided for us. If we are faithful in reading and
studying God's word and praying, God gives us the wisdom to know how to use all
our earthly means to solve our problems. If God must, he will change the course of
nature to help us
Jesus said: "Ask, and it shall be given you, seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it
shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh
findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you,
whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he
give him a serpent? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your
children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to
them that ask him? Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do
unto you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." Matthew 7:
7-12
What did Jesus say about asking and receiving?
What a great privilege we have as the redeemed children of God to come boldly to
the throne of God in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and make our
request known to him!
Of course, he already knows the things that we need before we ask him, but it
honors him when we come to him and ask in faith. When we approach God our
heavenly Father, we are to picture ourselves as when we were little children
approaching our earthly father, asking for the things that we desired, believing with
all our heart that we would receive that for which we asked , if, in the wisdom of
our earthly father, it would be good for us.
God does not want us to be lazy, helpless children. Sometimes God makes
available to us the things that we ask, but requires us to go seek and gather by the
means which he has already provided. God feeds the sparrows, but they must go
and gather that which God has put there for them. Sometimes God answers our
prayers by leading us to doors upon which we need to knock to take advantage of
all the opportunities which he has provided for us. If we are faithful in reading and
studying God's word and praying, God gives us the wisdom to know how to use all
our earthly means to solve our problems. If God must, he will change the course of
nature to help us
Jesus said: "Ask, and it shall be given you, seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it
shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh
findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you,
whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he
give him a serpent? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your
children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to
them that ask him? Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do
unto you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." Matthew 7:
7-12
June 29
What did Jesus say about entering into fellowship with our heavenly Father?
We have heard that it has been said that there are many ways to approach God
and worship him. There are numerous religious denominations in the world that
believe this concept. Some would try to approach and worship God through ritual
and ceremonial sacrifices. Some believe that their good works will secure for
them God's favor. Some would try to approach God by praying, using different
names, other than his true name which he has revealed to us through the
scriptures.
We are told that we are to be tolerant of other cultures and religions, and respect
and accept their method of worship as being as valid as that which has been
revealed to us in the holy bible. Jesus Christ taught otherwise. Jesus taught that
the only way to approach the one and only true God almighty is a very narrow
path that leads through a very narrow gate, and only a few walk that pathway and
pass through that gate. Many have chosen to walk a very wide road and pass
through a very wide gate which leads to destruction. This pathway and gate
seems easy and convenient to the masses who like to believe that there is no
absolute authority in the universe; truth is only relevant to those who perceive it
to be truth. This is a road where many have tried to invent their own gods who
will agree with their own code of behavior, not having to give an account to
anyone higher than themselves.
Some refer to God as "the man upstairs" or just plain "God" without giving him a
specific name or title. There are many so called "gods", every culture seems to
have its" own set of gods.
The holy bible which is the revealed word of God tells us that there is only one
true God who has a name, and that there is only one way to approach unto God.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him;
and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the
life was the light of men." John 1:1-4. Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and
the life: no man cometh unto the father but by me John 14: 6.
Jesus Christ is the narrow way and the narrow door, the only way that one may
enter into fellowship with God the Father. Jesus said: "Enter ye in at the strait
gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and
many there be that go in thereat: because strait is the gate and narrow is the way
which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it." Mathew 7: 13-14.
What did Jesus say about entering into fellowship with our heavenly Father?
We have heard that it has been said that there are many ways to approach God
and worship him. There are numerous religious denominations in the world that
believe this concept. Some would try to approach and worship God through ritual
and ceremonial sacrifices. Some believe that their good works will secure for
them God's favor. Some would try to approach God by praying, using different
names, other than his true name which he has revealed to us through the
scriptures.
We are told that we are to be tolerant of other cultures and religions, and respect
and accept their method of worship as being as valid as that which has been
revealed to us in the holy bible. Jesus Christ taught otherwise. Jesus taught that
the only way to approach the one and only true God almighty is a very narrow
path that leads through a very narrow gate, and only a few walk that pathway and
pass through that gate. Many have chosen to walk a very wide road and pass
through a very wide gate which leads to destruction. This pathway and gate
seems easy and convenient to the masses who like to believe that there is no
absolute authority in the universe; truth is only relevant to those who perceive it
to be truth. This is a road where many have tried to invent their own gods who
will agree with their own code of behavior, not having to give an account to
anyone higher than themselves.
Some refer to God as "the man upstairs" or just plain "God" without giving him a
specific name or title. There are many so called "gods", every culture seems to
have its" own set of gods.
The holy bible which is the revealed word of God tells us that there is only one
true God who has a name, and that there is only one way to approach unto God.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him;
and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the
life was the light of men." John 1:1-4. Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and
the life: no man cometh unto the father but by me John 14: 6.
Jesus Christ is the narrow way and the narrow door, the only way that one may
enter into fellowship with God the Father. Jesus said: "Enter ye in at the strait
gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and
many there be that go in thereat: because strait is the gate and narrow is the way
which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it." Mathew 7: 13-14.
June 30
What did Jesus say about preachers and prophets?
We are constantly being bombarded with the words of the philosophers of the
world and the so called preachers of religion. Many voices are heard in the
streets. We do not have to go far on the radio or television dial or even the
Internet to come across the teaching of some cult or organization posing itself as a
ministry for Christ. How are we to respond to these voices? We ought to be very
discerning concerning them and their teaching. Even in some of our churches
there are hyprocrites in the pulpits with white collars and black robes appearing to
be shepherds of their flock, but inwardly they are ravening wolves seeking only to
exploit the people whom they pretend to be serving.
Jesus taught that we need to be aware of false prophets. How can we know
which is true and which is false? We cannot make proper judgments of the heart
of any, but we can look to see what kind of fruit they bear. A good tree will bring
forth good fruit, and a corrupt tree will bring forth evil fruit. We need to listen
intently to what they preach and then search the Holy Scriptures diligently to see
if what they preach is true according to the Word of God.
The Holy Bible is our compass to guide us through our life and to bring us to our
desired destination. The Holy Bible is the true Word of God and teaches that
there is only one way of salvation and entrance into heaven, that being by the shed
blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. The good news of the gospel is: "Christ Jesus
came into the world to save sinners". He who was God in human flesh, took
upon himself the punishment for the sins of all individuals who will believe him
and turn to him in repentance and ask for forgiveness of sin.
"Christ died for our sins according to the scripture. He was buried and rose again
the third day according to the scripture, and he ever liveth to intercede for us in
heaven as our great high priest." This is the good news of the gospel. There is no
other hopefor mankind.
"But though we, or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than
that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:8
Jesus said: "Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing, but
inwardly they re ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men
gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistle? Even so, every good tree bringeth forth
good fruit. But a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. a good tree cannot bring
forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that
bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. Wherefore by
their fruits ye shall know them." Matthew 7: 15-20.
What did Jesus say about preachers and prophets?
We are constantly being bombarded with the words of the philosophers of the
world and the so called preachers of religion. Many voices are heard in the
streets. We do not have to go far on the radio or television dial or even the
Internet to come across the teaching of some cult or organization posing itself as a
ministry for Christ. How are we to respond to these voices? We ought to be very
discerning concerning them and their teaching. Even in some of our churches
there are hyprocrites in the pulpits with white collars and black robes appearing to
be shepherds of their flock, but inwardly they are ravening wolves seeking only to
exploit the people whom they pretend to be serving.
Jesus taught that we need to be aware of false prophets. How can we know
which is true and which is false? We cannot make proper judgments of the heart
of any, but we can look to see what kind of fruit they bear. A good tree will bring
forth good fruit, and a corrupt tree will bring forth evil fruit. We need to listen
intently to what they preach and then search the Holy Scriptures diligently to see
if what they preach is true according to the Word of God.
The Holy Bible is our compass to guide us through our life and to bring us to our
desired destination. The Holy Bible is the true Word of God and teaches that
there is only one way of salvation and entrance into heaven, that being by the shed
blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. The good news of the gospel is: "Christ Jesus
came into the world to save sinners". He who was God in human flesh, took
upon himself the punishment for the sins of all individuals who will believe him
and turn to him in repentance and ask for forgiveness of sin.
"Christ died for our sins according to the scripture. He was buried and rose again
the third day according to the scripture, and he ever liveth to intercede for us in
heaven as our great high priest." This is the good news of the gospel. There is no
other hopefor mankind.
"But though we, or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than
that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:8
Jesus said: "Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing, but
inwardly they re ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men
gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistle? Even so, every good tree bringeth forth
good fruit. But a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. a good tree cannot bring
forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that
bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. Wherefore by
their fruits ye shall know them." Matthew 7: 15-20.
July 1
What did Jesus say about those who call him Lord?
How sad and horrifying it would be to come to the end of our days and meet
with God only to hear him say unto us, depart from me for I never knew you!
Many have taught and preached about Jesus Christ, but have never experienced
a personal relationship with him. Many have adhered to his philosophy of good
works and charity and morality, thinking that this is all that is required to enter
heaven. There are many who believe that going through the ritual of baptism
and church membership and sacrificial giving will guarantee their entrance into
heaven. Jesus explained that more is required than all this, yet nothing that we
have or can do will give us access to God's heaven.
Jesus said that they that do the will of God shall enter into heaven. What is the
will of God? The will of God for all people is that they be saved; that they
acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as God in human flesh, and acknowledge
that the only way to God is through him. The will of God for each of us is to
admit that we are sinful, helpless creatures, doomed to eternal hell unless God
pours out his grace and mercy upon us. Jesus said that we must be born again,
that is, become new creatures in Christ, having a personal, one on one,
relationship with him as our Lord and Savior
God has promised that he will save us and apply the blood of Jesus Christ to our
account and make us his children and grant that personal relationship with him if
we will approach him by faith and ask him to save us.
Jesus warned: "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter in to
the kingdom of heaven : but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in
heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied
in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done
many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you:
depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7: 21-23.
What did Jesus say about those who call him Lord?
How sad and horrifying it would be to come to the end of our days and meet
with God only to hear him say unto us, depart from me for I never knew you!
Many have taught and preached about Jesus Christ, but have never experienced
a personal relationship with him. Many have adhered to his philosophy of good
works and charity and morality, thinking that this is all that is required to enter
heaven. There are many who believe that going through the ritual of baptism
and church membership and sacrificial giving will guarantee their entrance into
heaven. Jesus explained that more is required than all this, yet nothing that we
have or can do will give us access to God's heaven.
Jesus said that they that do the will of God shall enter into heaven. What is the
will of God? The will of God for all people is that they be saved; that they
acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as God in human flesh, and acknowledge
that the only way to God is through him. The will of God for each of us is to
admit that we are sinful, helpless creatures, doomed to eternal hell unless God
pours out his grace and mercy upon us. Jesus said that we must be born again,
that is, become new creatures in Christ, having a personal, one on one,
relationship with him as our Lord and Savior
God has promised that he will save us and apply the blood of Jesus Christ to our
account and make us his children and grant that personal relationship with him if
we will approach him by faith and ask him to save us.
Jesus warned: "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter in to
the kingdom of heaven : but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in
heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied
in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done
many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you:
depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7: 21-23.
July 2
What did Jesus say about building our house?
If a house is to withstand all the storms and natural disasters that may come upon
it , it must have a solid foundation, otherwise, it will crumble and fall with the
slightest wind of adversity.
A wise builder will dig down deep into the earth until he comes to the bedrock
upon which he can begin to build. Likewise, unless our spiritual lives are firmly
fixed upon a solid foundation, we will fall into ruin and despair when the winds
blow and the hardships come in to our lives. A wise person will seek to build his
spiritual life and house upon the solid rock. The foolish person will build his
spiritual life and his house on shifting sand, and when the floods come he will be
swept away.
There is one solid rock for all ages and all people upon which we are advised to
begin building our house. That rock is Jesus Christ, he is the solid rock. When
we take heed to the word of God and pay close attention to the teaching of Jesus,
our Lord and Savior, and with his help follow his instructions for our lives, we
are building our house upon him, and as the psalmist has said: "He is my rock
and my fortress." "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build
it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." Psalm 127: 1.
Unbelievers who will not acknowledge the authority of the Word of God have no
spiritual rock upon which they can build their lives and houses. Consequently,
when trouble comes, they fall into ruin because they have built their house upon
the sand.
Jesus said: "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them,
I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock; and the rain
descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house;
and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. and every one that heareth these
sayings of mine and doeth them not shall be likened unto a foolish man which
built his house upon the sand, and the rain descended, and the floods came and
the winds blew and beat upon that house and it fell: and great was the fall of it."
Matthew 7: 24-27.
What did Jesus say about building our house?
If a house is to withstand all the storms and natural disasters that may come upon
it , it must have a solid foundation, otherwise, it will crumble and fall with the
slightest wind of adversity.
A wise builder will dig down deep into the earth until he comes to the bedrock
upon which he can begin to build. Likewise, unless our spiritual lives are firmly
fixed upon a solid foundation, we will fall into ruin and despair when the winds
blow and the hardships come in to our lives. A wise person will seek to build his
spiritual life and house upon the solid rock. The foolish person will build his
spiritual life and his house on shifting sand, and when the floods come he will be
swept away.
There is one solid rock for all ages and all people upon which we are advised to
begin building our house. That rock is Jesus Christ, he is the solid rock. When
we take heed to the word of God and pay close attention to the teaching of Jesus,
our Lord and Savior, and with his help follow his instructions for our lives, we
are building our house upon him, and as the psalmist has said: "He is my rock
and my fortress." "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build
it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." Psalm 127: 1.
Unbelievers who will not acknowledge the authority of the Word of God have no
spiritual rock upon which they can build their lives and houses. Consequently,
when trouble comes, they fall into ruin because they have built their house upon
the sand.
Jesus said: "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them,
I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock; and the rain
descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house;
and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. and every one that heareth these
sayings of mine and doeth them not shall be likened unto a foolish man which
built his house upon the sand, and the rain descended, and the floods came and
the winds blew and beat upon that house and it fell: and great was the fall of it."
Matthew 7: 24-27.
July 4
What do we believe concerning the sayings of Jesus?
After hearing all these sayings of Jesus great multitudes followed him when he
came down from the mountain.
We have listened to his sayings, how do we believe?
A leper approached Jesus and begged him to heal his leprosy. He believed that if
Jesus wanted to, he had the power to heal him and restore him to health.
“And Jesus put forth his hand and touched him, saying, I will be thou clean, and
immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” Matthew 8: 3. A centurion came to Jesus
entreating him for his sick servant, that he might come and heal him. “And Jesus
saith unto him, I will come and heal him.” Matthew 8: 7.
The centurion indicated his faith in the power of Jesus by saying that he need not
come to his house, but that he speak the word only and it would be accomplished.
Jesus commended him for his faith. And said: “Verily I say unto you, I have not
found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, that many shall come
from the east and west and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac, and Jacob in
the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into
outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 8: 10-12.
We have heard Jesus say to us that before we can enter in to the kingdom of
heaven we must be born again and become new creatures in Christ. He said that
he would accomplish this for us if we would believe .him. We heard him say that
he was the way, the truth, and the light, and that he was the narrow gate by
which all men would enter into heaven. He told us that we all are sinners and
cannot save ourselves; that we need to be forgiven and receive pardon from
God. He told us that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin,
and that the divine blood of the Lamb of God,( himself), was the only acceptable
sacrifice given freely to all who will ask. He told us that we can ask and receive,
to knock and it shall be opened unto us, to seek and we shall find. He promised
to forgive our sins and heal our diseases.
All that we receive from the Lord depends upon what we believe.
“And Jesus said unto the centurion, go thy way: and as thou hast believed so be it
done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.” Matthew 8:
13.
What do we believe concerning the sayings of Jesus?
After hearing all these sayings of Jesus great multitudes followed him when he
came down from the mountain.
We have listened to his sayings, how do we believe?
A leper approached Jesus and begged him to heal his leprosy. He believed that if
Jesus wanted to, he had the power to heal him and restore him to health.
“And Jesus put forth his hand and touched him, saying, I will be thou clean, and
immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” Matthew 8: 3. A centurion came to Jesus
entreating him for his sick servant, that he might come and heal him. “And Jesus
saith unto him, I will come and heal him.” Matthew 8: 7.
The centurion indicated his faith in the power of Jesus by saying that he need not
come to his house, but that he speak the word only and it would be accomplished.
Jesus commended him for his faith. And said: “Verily I say unto you, I have not
found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, that many shall come
from the east and west and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac, and Jacob in
the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into
outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 8: 10-12.
We have heard Jesus say to us that before we can enter in to the kingdom of
heaven we must be born again and become new creatures in Christ. He said that
he would accomplish this for us if we would believe .him. We heard him say that
he was the way, the truth, and the light, and that he was the narrow gate by
which all men would enter into heaven. He told us that we all are sinners and
cannot save ourselves; that we need to be forgiven and receive pardon from
God. He told us that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin,
and that the divine blood of the Lamb of God,( himself), was the only acceptable
sacrifice given freely to all who will ask. He told us that we can ask and receive,
to knock and it shall be opened unto us, to seek and we shall find. He promised
to forgive our sins and heal our diseases.
All that we receive from the Lord depends upon what we believe.
“And Jesus said unto the centurion, go thy way: and as thou hast believed so be it
done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.” Matthew 8:
13.
July 5
What manner of man is this?After Jesus had taught the multitudes on the
mountain and they heard his sayings, now he came down from the mountain and
they had opportunity to observe his power, the mighty power of God.
First, he cleansed the leper of his leprosy, then he healed the centurion's servant
by merely speaking the word.
"And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid,
and sick of a fever, and he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose
and ministered unto them. When the even was come they brought unto him
many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word,
and healed all that were sick that it night be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias
the prophet, saying, himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses."
Matthew 8: 14-17.
Jesus had a very busy day, and some of those who witnessed his power wanted
to share in his glory, but Jesus warned them that to follow him would mean self
sacrifice and sometimes hardships.
Jesus said: "The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests; but the son
of man hath not where to lay his head." Matthew 8: 20. Jesus warned that to
follow in his footsteps while here on earth would often times bring persecution
and suffering and even death; but the rewards would be great in heaven.
Jesus was in a ship with his disciples and a storm arose, he was asleep and his
disciples became fearful that they would all be lost. "And his disciples came to
him, and awoke him, saying Lord, save us, we perish. And he saith unto them,
why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose and rebuked the winds and
the sea; and there was a great calm, but the men marvelled saying, what manner
of man is this that even the winds and sea obey him!" Matthew 8: 25-27.
Many times we in our own life's experience have witnessed the power of God to
heal, protect, and to save, yet, at the same time, our faith seems to fail and we
become afraid of the present storm. Jesus would say to us: "Why are ye fearful
O ye of little faith?" We must answer back: "What manner of man is this that
even the wind and sea obey him? This is the person that I want to be my friend,
companion, and savior. How about you?
What manner of man is this?After Jesus had taught the multitudes on the
mountain and they heard his sayings, now he came down from the mountain and
they had opportunity to observe his power, the mighty power of God.
First, he cleansed the leper of his leprosy, then he healed the centurion's servant
by merely speaking the word.
"And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid,
and sick of a fever, and he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose
and ministered unto them. When the even was come they brought unto him
many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word,
and healed all that were sick that it night be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias
the prophet, saying, himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses."
Matthew 8: 14-17.
Jesus had a very busy day, and some of those who witnessed his power wanted
to share in his glory, but Jesus warned them that to follow him would mean self
sacrifice and sometimes hardships.
Jesus said: "The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests; but the son
of man hath not where to lay his head." Matthew 8: 20. Jesus warned that to
follow in his footsteps while here on earth would often times bring persecution
and suffering and even death; but the rewards would be great in heaven.
Jesus was in a ship with his disciples and a storm arose, he was asleep and his
disciples became fearful that they would all be lost. "And his disciples came to
him, and awoke him, saying Lord, save us, we perish. And he saith unto them,
why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose and rebuked the winds and
the sea; and there was a great calm, but the men marvelled saying, what manner
of man is this that even the winds and sea obey him!" Matthew 8: 25-27.
Many times we in our own life's experience have witnessed the power of God to
heal, protect, and to save, yet, at the same time, our faith seems to fail and we
become afraid of the present storm. Jesus would say to us: "Why are ye fearful
O ye of little faith?" We must answer back: "What manner of man is this that
even the wind and sea obey him? This is the person that I want to be my friend,
companion, and savior. How about you?
July 7
Sins forgiven! Health restored!
A man who was sick of the palsy was brought to Jesus, being carried on a bed.
His family and friends, no doubt, had such confidence in Jesus that he could help
and heal him ,that they were willing to carry him a great distance to get to Jesus.
"And behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, laying on a bed; and
Jesus seeing their faith, said unto the sick of the palsy. son be of good cheer; thy
sins be forgiven thee." Matthew 9:2.
Many sickness and diseases in our physical bodies may be the result of sins in
which we have indulged without regard for the laws and commandments of God.
The first step to a healthy mind and healthy body is to have our sins forgiven and
to have a clean conscience with God.
The shed blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ washes away all our sins if
we will ask him for cleansing. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to
forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9.
When the sick man, laying on the bed, received confidence that his sins were
forgiven and he could have a clean conscience with God, he arose from his bed
and walked. Jesus said unto him: "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven
thee." Matthew 9: 1.
God rewards our faith and confidence in him. "A merry heart doeth good like a
medicine." When we know that our sins are forgiven, and we are accepted by
God through Christ, we can be of good cheer and this tends towards good health
for both soul and body.
In spite of what the scribes said, Jesus Christ, the mighty powerful God has
power to forgive sins and heal.
"And behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, this man blasphemeth.
and Jesus knowing their thoughts said, 'wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
For whether is easier to say, thy sins be forgiven thee or to say, arise and walk?
But that ye may know that the son of man hath power on earth to forgive
sins,(then sayeth he to the sick of the palsy,) arise, take up thy bed and go into
thine house. And he arose and departed to his house." Matthew 9: 3-4.
Sins forgiven! Health restored!
A man who was sick of the palsy was brought to Jesus, being carried on a bed.
His family and friends, no doubt, had such confidence in Jesus that he could help
and heal him ,that they were willing to carry him a great distance to get to Jesus.
"And behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, laying on a bed; and
Jesus seeing their faith, said unto the sick of the palsy. son be of good cheer; thy
sins be forgiven thee." Matthew 9:2.
Many sickness and diseases in our physical bodies may be the result of sins in
which we have indulged without regard for the laws and commandments of God.
The first step to a healthy mind and healthy body is to have our sins forgiven and
to have a clean conscience with God.
The shed blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ washes away all our sins if
we will ask him for cleansing. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to
forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9.
When the sick man, laying on the bed, received confidence that his sins were
forgiven and he could have a clean conscience with God, he arose from his bed
and walked. Jesus said unto him: "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven
thee." Matthew 9: 1.
God rewards our faith and confidence in him. "A merry heart doeth good like a
medicine." When we know that our sins are forgiven, and we are accepted by
God through Christ, we can be of good cheer and this tends towards good health
for both soul and body.
In spite of what the scribes said, Jesus Christ, the mighty powerful God has
power to forgive sins and heal.
"And behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, this man blasphemeth.
and Jesus knowing their thoughts said, 'wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
For whether is easier to say, thy sins be forgiven thee or to say, arise and walk?
But that ye may know that the son of man hath power on earth to forgive
sins,(then sayeth he to the sick of the palsy,) arise, take up thy bed and go into
thine house. And he arose and departed to his house." Matthew 9: 3-4.
July 8
Not to call the righteous!
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. When
God the Father saw the lost condition of the human race, he did not want to pour
out his righteous wrath upon us to punish, but he had compassion and revealed
his great love for mankind by giving himself in the person of Jesus Christ as a
ransom for our redemption.
While here on earth, Jesus purposely drew near and associated himself with the
lowest of the low, so that he might save us and lift us up and plant our feet on
higher ground. Jesus, the great physician, realized that a healthy person does not
need a physician, but the sick for whom he came to minister. God who is the
God of love and mercy does not require sacrifice and penance, but rather, offers
as a free gift to all who will receive it, grace and mercy. Jesus did not come to
call the righteous, or those who thought that they were righteous, instead he came
to call the lost, the weak, the sick, the homeless; those who were poor in spirit
and were well aware that they were sinners and needed salvation.
The self righteous scribes and Pharisees could not understand why, if he were
God, Jesus would want to associate and sit down and eat and have fellowship
with such people.
Jesus did not wait until we became righteous through our own good works before
he gave himself for us to save us: but, "while we were yet sinners Christ died for
us." "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his
mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy
Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our savior that being
justified by his grace we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal
life." Titus 3:5-7.
While sitting at the table with the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus discerned their
thoughts: "And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold many
publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when
the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, why eateth your master with
publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, they that
be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what
that meaneth. I will have mercy and not sacrifice; for I am not come to call the
righteous, but sinners to repentance." Matthew 9: 10-13.
Not to call the righteous!
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. When
God the Father saw the lost condition of the human race, he did not want to pour
out his righteous wrath upon us to punish, but he had compassion and revealed
his great love for mankind by giving himself in the person of Jesus Christ as a
ransom for our redemption.
While here on earth, Jesus purposely drew near and associated himself with the
lowest of the low, so that he might save us and lift us up and plant our feet on
higher ground. Jesus, the great physician, realized that a healthy person does not
need a physician, but the sick for whom he came to minister. God who is the
God of love and mercy does not require sacrifice and penance, but rather, offers
as a free gift to all who will receive it, grace and mercy. Jesus did not come to
call the righteous, or those who thought that they were righteous, instead he came
to call the lost, the weak, the sick, the homeless; those who were poor in spirit
and were well aware that they were sinners and needed salvation.
The self righteous scribes and Pharisees could not understand why, if he were
God, Jesus would want to associate and sit down and eat and have fellowship
with such people.
Jesus did not wait until we became righteous through our own good works before
he gave himself for us to save us: but, "while we were yet sinners Christ died for
us." "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his
mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy
Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our savior that being
justified by his grace we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal
life." Titus 3:5-7.
While sitting at the table with the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus discerned their
thoughts: "And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold many
publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when
the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, why eateth your master with
publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, they that
be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what
that meaneth. I will have mercy and not sacrifice; for I am not come to call the
righteous, but sinners to repentance." Matthew 9: 10-13.
July 9
Come, worship the Lord with me.
Come, worship the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
Worshipping the Lord ought to be our first order of business each and every day.
Let us begin our day by reverencing, adoring, loving, and admiring him with our
whole heart. Let us be grateful for his loving kindness and tender mercies that he
bestows upon us momentarily.
"Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come
before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." 1 Chronicles 16: 29. "O
come let us worship and bow down , let us kneel before the Lord our maker."
Psalm 95:6
True worship of the Lord is not to be found in rituals or ceremonies, but is an act
of the will, and the heart. We must worship in spirit and in truth.. True worship
of our Lord is to reverence, adore, love and admire, and be grateful from the
depths of our heart.
"God is spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."
John 4: 24.
Before we can expect God to answer our prayers we must first worship him.
"While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and
worshipped him saying, my daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy
hand upon her and she shall live. And Jesus arose and followed him , and so did
his disciples." Matthew 9: 18,19. This man, before he asked Jesus to raise his
daughter, came and worshipped him.
"And behold, a woman which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years,
came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: for she said within
herself, If I may but touch his garment I shall be whole." Matthew 9: 20,21. The
very thought that this woman had in her mind that if she could just touch his
garment she would be healed was an act of worship in her spirit. Jesus rewarded
her for her faith. "But Jesus turned him about and when he saw her he said:
daughter, be of good comfort, thy faith hath made thee whole. and the woman
was made whole from that hour." Matthew 9: 22.
Come, worship the Lord with me.
Come, worship the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
Worshipping the Lord ought to be our first order of business each and every day.
Let us begin our day by reverencing, adoring, loving, and admiring him with our
whole heart. Let us be grateful for his loving kindness and tender mercies that he
bestows upon us momentarily.
"Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come
before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." 1 Chronicles 16: 29. "O
come let us worship and bow down , let us kneel before the Lord our maker."
Psalm 95:6
True worship of the Lord is not to be found in rituals or ceremonies, but is an act
of the will, and the heart. We must worship in spirit and in truth.. True worship
of our Lord is to reverence, adore, love and admire, and be grateful from the
depths of our heart.
"God is spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."
John 4: 24.
Before we can expect God to answer our prayers we must first worship him.
"While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and
worshipped him saying, my daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy
hand upon her and she shall live. And Jesus arose and followed him , and so did
his disciples." Matthew 9: 18,19. This man, before he asked Jesus to raise his
daughter, came and worshipped him.
"And behold, a woman which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years,
came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: for she said within
herself, If I may but touch his garment I shall be whole." Matthew 9: 20,21. The
very thought that this woman had in her mind that if she could just touch his
garment she would be healed was an act of worship in her spirit. Jesus rewarded
her for her faith. "But Jesus turned him about and when he saw her he said:
daughter, be of good comfort, thy faith hath made thee whole. and the woman
was made whole from that hour." Matthew 9: 22.
July 11
Once I was blind.
Once I was blind, but now I see. From the moment of my physical birth until the
moment of my rebirth as a child of God, my spiritual eyes and understanding were
afflicted with blindness. This is true of all people whether or not they will
acknowledge this truth. In this state of darkness, the Bible says we are "natural"
men.
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God: for they are
foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually
discerned." 1 Corinthians 2: 15.
Jesus said: "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John
3:3.
Unfortunately, there are certain religious leaders today occupying pulpits and
teaching and preaching some form of religion who are blind leaders of the blind.
Jesus said: "Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted
up. Let them alone, they be blind leaders of the blind. and if the blind lead the
blind, both shall fall into the ditch." Matthew 15: 13,14.
These blind leaders have never truly been born again and experienced a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ; therefore, they teach the doctrines of men, a social
gospel of good works, good deeds, the keeping of rules and commandments: more
emphasis placed on tolerance and love, and at the same time neglecting to teach the
penalty of not being forgiven and pardoned by God and having a personal
relationship with Christ.
Praise God! Christ is willing and able to open the blind eyes of all those who will
come to him and ask to receive their sight. In asking we must believe that he is, in
fact, the divine son of God, and is the only way, the truth, and the light. We must
believe that he is the propitiation for our sins: he paid the price of our redemption,
and we are forever saved by his grace. We must believe that he arose from the dead
and ascended into heaven, and is now our great high priest who makes intercession
for us before the throne of God. We must believe that if we will confess our sins, he
is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
When we receive all this truth by faith as a free gift of God's grace, we are
miraculously born again, and then, and only then can we see spiritual things. We
must have the confidence that Jesus can and will do all this for us, and as we believe,
Jesus said, it shall be done unto us.
"And when Jesus departed thence two blind men followed him, crying, and saying,
thou son of David, have mercy on us. And while he was come into the house, the
blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, believe ye that I am able to do
this? They said unto him, yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, according
to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged
them, see that no man know it." Matthew 9: 27-30.
In this case Jesus gave physical sight to physical eyes, and at this time he was not yet
ready for it to be known abroad. Today Jesus will give spiritual sight to spiritual
eyes and he wants all those who have received spiritual eyesight to go into all the
world and preach the gospel.
Once I was blind.
Once I was blind, but now I see. From the moment of my physical birth until the
moment of my rebirth as a child of God, my spiritual eyes and understanding were
afflicted with blindness. This is true of all people whether or not they will
acknowledge this truth. In this state of darkness, the Bible says we are "natural"
men.
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God: for they are
foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually
discerned." 1 Corinthians 2: 15.
Jesus said: "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John
3:3.
Unfortunately, there are certain religious leaders today occupying pulpits and
teaching and preaching some form of religion who are blind leaders of the blind.
Jesus said: "Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted
up. Let them alone, they be blind leaders of the blind. and if the blind lead the
blind, both shall fall into the ditch." Matthew 15: 13,14.
These blind leaders have never truly been born again and experienced a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ; therefore, they teach the doctrines of men, a social
gospel of good works, good deeds, the keeping of rules and commandments: more
emphasis placed on tolerance and love, and at the same time neglecting to teach the
penalty of not being forgiven and pardoned by God and having a personal
relationship with Christ.
Praise God! Christ is willing and able to open the blind eyes of all those who will
come to him and ask to receive their sight. In asking we must believe that he is, in
fact, the divine son of God, and is the only way, the truth, and the light. We must
believe that he is the propitiation for our sins: he paid the price of our redemption,
and we are forever saved by his grace. We must believe that he arose from the dead
and ascended into heaven, and is now our great high priest who makes intercession
for us before the throne of God. We must believe that if we will confess our sins, he
is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
When we receive all this truth by faith as a free gift of God's grace, we are
miraculously born again, and then, and only then can we see spiritual things. We
must have the confidence that Jesus can and will do all this for us, and as we believe,
Jesus said, it shall be done unto us.
"And when Jesus departed thence two blind men followed him, crying, and saying,
thou son of David, have mercy on us. And while he was come into the house, the
blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, believe ye that I am able to do
this? They said unto him, yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, according
to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged
them, see that no man know it." Matthew 9: 27-30.
In this case Jesus gave physical sight to physical eyes, and at this time he was not yet
ready for it to be known abroad. Today Jesus will give spiritual sight to spiritual
eyes and he wants all those who have received spiritual eyesight to go into all the
world and preach the gospel.
July 10
Ripe unto harvest!
"And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching
the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and disease among the people. But
when he saw the multitudes he was moved with compassion on them because they fainted,
and were scattered abroad having no shepherd."Matthew 9: 35,36.
Jesus sees the multitudes that are in the world today who are fainting and scattered abroad ,
and have no shepherd, and are spiritually starving for words of compassion and comfort.
When Jesus ascended into heaven, he gave his disciples the great commission to go into all
the world and preach his gospel of salvation; and to heal the sick; to comfort the weary; and
to bring hope of eternal life to the lost. They, through the word of God, have passed this
great commission down to us today. All who call themselves Christians have been given this
great responsibility to continue the ministry of Jesus here on earth until he returns for his
church.
One only has to look upon the world conditions today to see the multitudes in need of
teaching and spiritual leadership. The harvest is truly white and ready, but who will answer
the call, who will go? The call for laborers has been issued, the need is great, but few are
those who answer the call.
Some one has wisely said: "None of us can do everything, but all of us can do something,
and what we can do we ought to do" all for the glory of God to draw all men and women,
boys and girls to a saving knowledge of Christ.
"Then saith he unto his disciples, the harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few,
pray ye therefore, the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth laborers into his harvest."
Matthew 9: 37,38.
.
Ripe unto harvest!
"And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching
the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and disease among the people. But
when he saw the multitudes he was moved with compassion on them because they fainted,
and were scattered abroad having no shepherd."Matthew 9: 35,36.
Jesus sees the multitudes that are in the world today who are fainting and scattered abroad ,
and have no shepherd, and are spiritually starving for words of compassion and comfort.
When Jesus ascended into heaven, he gave his disciples the great commission to go into all
the world and preach his gospel of salvation; and to heal the sick; to comfort the weary; and
to bring hope of eternal life to the lost. They, through the word of God, have passed this
great commission down to us today. All who call themselves Christians have been given this
great responsibility to continue the ministry of Jesus here on earth until he returns for his
church.
One only has to look upon the world conditions today to see the multitudes in need of
teaching and spiritual leadership. The harvest is truly white and ready, but who will answer
the call, who will go? The call for laborers has been issued, the need is great, but few are
those who answer the call.
Some one has wisely said: "None of us can do everything, but all of us can do something,
and what we can do we ought to do" all for the glory of God to draw all men and women,
boys and girls to a saving knowledge of Christ.
"Then saith he unto his disciples, the harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few,
pray ye therefore, the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth laborers into his harvest."
Matthew 9: 37,38.
.
July 12
Volunteers needed!
God is looking for recruits and volunteers, those who are willing to go where he
sends, and do what he ask them to do to serve him and spread the good news of
the gospel.
No one can do the work of God effectively unless they are called and anointed,
and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Some may presume to do the work of God
in their own strength and power, but will bear little or no fruit for God's glory.
Some may seek to serve God for their own personal gain or glory, and some for
filthy lucre.
In our battle for the Lord we will face all manner of evil and unclean spirits. we
must draw our power from Christ in order to combat this evil and deliver from
the power of Satan.
There are no more apostles today, but we who are born again Christians are all
disciples who are called of God to go to the lost sheep in our own families, and
neighborhoods, and deliver the message of salvation so that sin sick souls can be
delivered from their diseases and be healed.
Christ's commission to us today is no different than it was when he spoke to his
twelve disciples and gave them power to witness for him.
"And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power
against unclean spirits to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all
manner of diseases." Matthew 10:1. "These twelve Jesus sent forth and
commanded them, saying, go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city
of the Samaritans enter ye not, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of
Israel, and as ye go, preach, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the
sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received,
freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses; nor script
for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves for the
workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter,
enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence, and when ye come
into a house salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it:
but if it not be worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not
receive you nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake
off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for the
land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city."
Matthew 10: 5-15.
Volunteers needed!
God is looking for recruits and volunteers, those who are willing to go where he
sends, and do what he ask them to do to serve him and spread the good news of
the gospel.
No one can do the work of God effectively unless they are called and anointed,
and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Some may presume to do the work of God
in their own strength and power, but will bear little or no fruit for God's glory.
Some may seek to serve God for their own personal gain or glory, and some for
filthy lucre.
In our battle for the Lord we will face all manner of evil and unclean spirits. we
must draw our power from Christ in order to combat this evil and deliver from
the power of Satan.
There are no more apostles today, but we who are born again Christians are all
disciples who are called of God to go to the lost sheep in our own families, and
neighborhoods, and deliver the message of salvation so that sin sick souls can be
delivered from their diseases and be healed.
Christ's commission to us today is no different than it was when he spoke to his
twelve disciples and gave them power to witness for him.
"And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power
against unclean spirits to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all
manner of diseases." Matthew 10:1. "These twelve Jesus sent forth and
commanded them, saying, go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city
of the Samaritans enter ye not, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of
Israel, and as ye go, preach, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the
sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received,
freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses; nor script
for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves for the
workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter,
enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence, and when ye come
into a house salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it:
but if it not be worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not
receive you nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake
off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for the
land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city."
Matthew 10: 5-15.
July 13
Facing our enemies!
When we answer the call to be a volunteer in the service of the Lord, we must be
prepared to face enemies that we have never had to face before. We will find
ourselves in a spiritual combat zone. Giants of adversity will constantly be rising
up before us and we will seem to be as sheep among wolves. There are many
wolves in the world who pretend to be fellow sheep and cloth themselves in
sheep's clothing: Of these we must be aware, and when we are among them we
must be wise as servants, but harmless as doves.
Ungodly, wicked men do not appreciate hearing about their wickedness and sin,
and are not gospel friendly. The preaching of the truth of God's word is an
abomination to the wicked, therefore, we must be aware of men for they will
deliver us up to judges, and councils and imprisonment. Sometimes our most
subtle enemies are members of our own household: wives against husbands;
husbands against wives; children against parents; brother against brother.
The world hated Christ and wanted him put away, and we can be sure that those
of us who love him and are soldiers of the cross will be hated also. We must
remain strong and of good courage. We already know, according to the word of
God, the final outcome of this war. We are, and forever will be, more than
conquerors through Christ our Lord and captain of our salvation.
Jesus said: "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye
therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they
will deliver you up to councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues, and
you shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony
against them and the gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought
how or what ye shall speak for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye
shall speak. For it is not ye that speak but the spirit of your Father which
speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the
father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause
them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake;
but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." Matthew 10: 16-22.
Facing our enemies!
When we answer the call to be a volunteer in the service of the Lord, we must be
prepared to face enemies that we have never had to face before. We will find
ourselves in a spiritual combat zone. Giants of adversity will constantly be rising
up before us and we will seem to be as sheep among wolves. There are many
wolves in the world who pretend to be fellow sheep and cloth themselves in
sheep's clothing: Of these we must be aware, and when we are among them we
must be wise as servants, but harmless as doves.
Ungodly, wicked men do not appreciate hearing about their wickedness and sin,
and are not gospel friendly. The preaching of the truth of God's word is an
abomination to the wicked, therefore, we must be aware of men for they will
deliver us up to judges, and councils and imprisonment. Sometimes our most
subtle enemies are members of our own household: wives against husbands;
husbands against wives; children against parents; brother against brother.
The world hated Christ and wanted him put away, and we can be sure that those
of us who love him and are soldiers of the cross will be hated also. We must
remain strong and of good courage. We already know, according to the word of
God, the final outcome of this war. We are, and forever will be, more than
conquerors through Christ our Lord and captain of our salvation.
Jesus said: "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye
therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they
will deliver you up to councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues, and
you shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony
against them and the gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought
how or what ye shall speak for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye
shall speak. For it is not ye that speak but the spirit of your Father which
speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the
father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause
them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake;
but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." Matthew 10: 16-22.
July 15
What is his name?
God forbid that we should be afraid or ashamed to speak the name of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ, and proclaim him as our savior.
The name of Jesus Christ is forbidden to be mentioned in public ceremonies and
places today in our great country which was founded upon the principles of Jesus
Christ and Christianity. At sporting events, commencement exercises and other
public events, those who are called upon to pray are warned not to mention his
Holy name lest they offend unbelievers and disturb their guilty conscience. It is
ok, we are told, to pray to a generic, unknown god: the man upstairs; the divine
power or influence, the god that will satisfy everyone's own individual convictions.
Sad it is to observe that many professed Christians, who claim to be saved and
redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, hesitate to speak his name among
friends and acquaintances. It seems that the only time public prayer is
permissible nowadays in our great country is when our country is in great danger.
Then, we are urged to cry out with a loud voice: "God bless America"; But who
is the God that we want to bless America?
I, for one, will tell you who he is. He is the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten
son of God. There is no other name under heaven among men whereby we must
be saved.
"This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is the head of
the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12.
Jesus said: "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess
also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before
men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 10:
32,33.
What is his name?
God forbid that we should be afraid or ashamed to speak the name of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ, and proclaim him as our savior.
The name of Jesus Christ is forbidden to be mentioned in public ceremonies and
places today in our great country which was founded upon the principles of Jesus
Christ and Christianity. At sporting events, commencement exercises and other
public events, those who are called upon to pray are warned not to mention his
Holy name lest they offend unbelievers and disturb their guilty conscience. It is
ok, we are told, to pray to a generic, unknown god: the man upstairs; the divine
power or influence, the god that will satisfy everyone's own individual convictions.
Sad it is to observe that many professed Christians, who claim to be saved and
redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, hesitate to speak his name among
friends and acquaintances. It seems that the only time public prayer is
permissible nowadays in our great country is when our country is in great danger.
Then, we are urged to cry out with a loud voice: "God bless America"; But who
is the God that we want to bless America?
I, for one, will tell you who he is. He is the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten
son of God. There is no other name under heaven among men whereby we must
be saved.
"This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is the head of
the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12.
Jesus said: "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess
also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before
men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 10:
32,33.
July 16
Prince of peace!
Jesus Christ is known as the Prince of Peace. His mission on earth was to make
peace between God and man. At his birth, the angels proclaimed: "peace on
earth, good will toward men", meaning that God was willing to sacrifice his son,
so that mankind could receive pardon for their sins, and be at peace with God.
Since Adam 's and eve's disobedience to God's word in the garden, mankind had
been cast out of God's paradise, and all people became enemies of God, and
there was war between men and God.
Christ Jesus came into the world as the Prince of Peace to be a mediator between
God and man, and to pay the price for man's sin, which is death or separation
from God forever. Individuals who will acknowledge him as God, and accept
him as their sin sacrifice, will receive pardon and forgiveness, and be reconciled
to God the Father and be at peace with him.
Contrary to popular opinion, Christ did not come into the world to make peace
among nations. In fact, he prophesied that there would be wars and rumors of
wars before his final return and reign on earth. He prophesied that because some
would receive him as savior and some would not, tension and strife would
increase, and brother would be at war with brother, and the members of one';s
own household would be his foes. Family ties are strong and blood is thicker
than water, and we tend to defend our own, but Jesus taught that where God's
word and truth are concerned, if we are truly servants of God, we must love God
more than any others and take our stand for truth and combat falsehood and evil
wherever it may be found.
There is a price to be paid for being a servant of the Lord, if we are to stand on
his truth and righteousness. If we are to find and enjoy life eternal, we must be
willing to lose our life here for his cause.
Jesus said: "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send
peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father,
and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother
in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth
father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and he that taketh not his
cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall
lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." Matthew 10:34-39
.
Prince of peace!
Jesus Christ is known as the Prince of Peace. His mission on earth was to make
peace between God and man. At his birth, the angels proclaimed: "peace on
earth, good will toward men", meaning that God was willing to sacrifice his son,
so that mankind could receive pardon for their sins, and be at peace with God.
Since Adam 's and eve's disobedience to God's word in the garden, mankind had
been cast out of God's paradise, and all people became enemies of God, and
there was war between men and God.
Christ Jesus came into the world as the Prince of Peace to be a mediator between
God and man, and to pay the price for man's sin, which is death or separation
from God forever. Individuals who will acknowledge him as God, and accept
him as their sin sacrifice, will receive pardon and forgiveness, and be reconciled
to God the Father and be at peace with him.
Contrary to popular opinion, Christ did not come into the world to make peace
among nations. In fact, he prophesied that there would be wars and rumors of
wars before his final return and reign on earth. He prophesied that because some
would receive him as savior and some would not, tension and strife would
increase, and brother would be at war with brother, and the members of one';s
own household would be his foes. Family ties are strong and blood is thicker
than water, and we tend to defend our own, but Jesus taught that where God's
word and truth are concerned, if we are truly servants of God, we must love God
more than any others and take our stand for truth and combat falsehood and evil
wherever it may be found.
There is a price to be paid for being a servant of the Lord, if we are to stand on
his truth and righteousness. If we are to find and enjoy life eternal, we must be
willing to lose our life here for his cause.
Jesus said: "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send
peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father,
and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother
in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth
father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and he that taketh not his
cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall
lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." Matthew 10:34-39
.
July 19
Do we look for another?
John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness and baptizing in the Jordan river,
pointed to Jesus and proclaimed: "Behold the lamb of God who taketh away the
sin of the world". Now John, being in prison, has doubts within himself. John
sent two of his disciples to Jesus to ask him plainly: Are you the one or should we
look for another?
Today, we Christians, though we live by faith and believe the word of God, yet,
in trying times it is possible that doubts and fears may creep into our lives,
especially if we are not as close to the Lord as we ought to be, and faithful in
studying God's word and praying. If we are completely honest, we must admit
that down in our hearts we have all asked the question: Is it true? Is the bible
relevant for us today? Is Christ alive? Will he return as he said he would? Is
there life after death? Will God forgive and forget our sins?
John, being in prison and about to be executed, probably was wondering in his
heart: If Jesus was the one, the Lamb of God, the mighty God in human flesh,
why would he allow him to be imprisoned and executed?
We ask very similar questions today: Why am I going through such troubling
times? Why am I sick and afflicted with a terrible disease? Why am I lonely?
Why am I going through financial difficulties? Why am I so afraid?
Jesus's reply to John's disciples was that he examine the evidence: Consider all
that came to Jesus for help. The blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed,
the deaf hear, even the dead are raised.
When Satan whispers in our ears and tries to get us to question as to whether or
not Jesus is real and our faith genuine, then we need to stop and remember the
goodness of God in our lives in times past. Remember when the burden of guilt
was lifted off our shoulders when we first believed. Remember all of our
childhood prayers that were answered. Remember the times that we were afraid
when the Holy Spirit of God was there to calm our fears. Remember when the
Lord healed us when we were sick and came to our assistance when we were
experiencing financial difficulties. Let us carefully examine the scriptures and
hear again the testimony of all the eye witnesses of Christ's resurrection and
ascension into heaven. Let us once again examine all the fulfilled prophecies of
where and when Christ should be born, and the validity of all his miraculous
works.
"Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his
disciples, and said unto him, art thou he that should come, or do we look for
another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those
things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk,
the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor
have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he whosoever shall not be
offended in me." Matthew 11:2-6.
Do we look for another?
John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness and baptizing in the Jordan river,
pointed to Jesus and proclaimed: "Behold the lamb of God who taketh away the
sin of the world". Now John, being in prison, has doubts within himself. John
sent two of his disciples to Jesus to ask him plainly: Are you the one or should we
look for another?
Today, we Christians, though we live by faith and believe the word of God, yet,
in trying times it is possible that doubts and fears may creep into our lives,
especially if we are not as close to the Lord as we ought to be, and faithful in
studying God's word and praying. If we are completely honest, we must admit
that down in our hearts we have all asked the question: Is it true? Is the bible
relevant for us today? Is Christ alive? Will he return as he said he would? Is
there life after death? Will God forgive and forget our sins?
John, being in prison and about to be executed, probably was wondering in his
heart: If Jesus was the one, the Lamb of God, the mighty God in human flesh,
why would he allow him to be imprisoned and executed?
We ask very similar questions today: Why am I going through such troubling
times? Why am I sick and afflicted with a terrible disease? Why am I lonely?
Why am I going through financial difficulties? Why am I so afraid?
Jesus's reply to John's disciples was that he examine the evidence: Consider all
that came to Jesus for help. The blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed,
the deaf hear, even the dead are raised.
When Satan whispers in our ears and tries to get us to question as to whether or
not Jesus is real and our faith genuine, then we need to stop and remember the
goodness of God in our lives in times past. Remember when the burden of guilt
was lifted off our shoulders when we first believed. Remember all of our
childhood prayers that were answered. Remember the times that we were afraid
when the Holy Spirit of God was there to calm our fears. Remember when the
Lord healed us when we were sick and came to our assistance when we were
experiencing financial difficulties. Let us carefully examine the scriptures and
hear again the testimony of all the eye witnesses of Christ's resurrection and
ascension into heaven. Let us once again examine all the fulfilled prophecies of
where and when Christ should be born, and the validity of all his miraculous
works.
"Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his
disciples, and said unto him, art thou he that should come, or do we look for
another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those
things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk,
the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor
have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he whosoever shall not be
offended in me." Matthew 11:2-6.
July 20
Bring your burdens to the Lord.
Jesus extended an invitation to all who are weary and heavy laden to come unto
him, and he would give them rest. He came into the world to be our burden
bearer and our sin bearer.
"Surely he hath borne our grief's, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him
stricken, smitten of God and afflicted." Isaiah 53: 4. "That it might be fulfilled
which was spoken of Esaias the prophet, saying, himself took our infirmities and
bare our sickness." Matthew 8: 17
What burdens lay heavy on our souls today? Is it the burden of un confessed,
unforgiven sin? Is it the burden of doubts and fears, or the burden of sickness
and immanent death? Do we grieve today over the loss of family, friends, or
loved ones? Are we perplexed, not knowing where to turn or what road to take
to solve our problems? Are we overly concerned about how we will meet the
challenges of the future?
Jesus stands ready to make an exchange of burdens. If we are willing to lay all
our cares and burdens upon him, he will bear them for us, but we in exchange
must be willing to put his yoke upon our shoulders and be busy for him. When
we are yoked together with him, he is bearing the heaver part of the load and our
burdens become lighter. We are told to take our burdens to the Lord and leave
them there. Burdens are lifted at Calvary.
Jesus said: "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in
heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. for my yoke is easy, and my burden
is light." Matthew 11: 28-30.
Bring your burdens to the Lord.
Jesus extended an invitation to all who are weary and heavy laden to come unto
him, and he would give them rest. He came into the world to be our burden
bearer and our sin bearer.
"Surely he hath borne our grief's, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him
stricken, smitten of God and afflicted." Isaiah 53: 4. "That it might be fulfilled
which was spoken of Esaias the prophet, saying, himself took our infirmities and
bare our sickness." Matthew 8: 17
What burdens lay heavy on our souls today? Is it the burden of un confessed,
unforgiven sin? Is it the burden of doubts and fears, or the burden of sickness
and immanent death? Do we grieve today over the loss of family, friends, or
loved ones? Are we perplexed, not knowing where to turn or what road to take
to solve our problems? Are we overly concerned about how we will meet the
challenges of the future?
Jesus stands ready to make an exchange of burdens. If we are willing to lay all
our cares and burdens upon him, he will bear them for us, but we in exchange
must be willing to put his yoke upon our shoulders and be busy for him. When
we are yoked together with him, he is bearing the heaver part of the load and our
burdens become lighter. We are told to take our burdens to the Lord and leave
them there. Burdens are lifted at Calvary.
Jesus said: "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in
heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. for my yoke is easy, and my burden
is light." Matthew 11: 28-30.
July 21
Lord of the Sabbath!
Jesus and his disciples were accused by the Pharisees of breaking the law by
picking corn on the Sabbath day. The Pharisees, who were strick keepers of the
law, would condemn anyone for working on the Sabbath day, which according to
law was to be kept holy with no work being done.
Jesus pointed out to them that sometimes necessity requires that God in his
mercy allows us to do certain things that we would not normally do under
different circumstances, as in the case of David when he and his men ate the
shew bread in the temple which was lawful for only the priest to eat. God
poured out his mercy on David and his men by making the shewSbread available
to them to satisfy their hunger. In the case of Jesus and his disciples, God
showed mercy upon them by allowing them to pick the corn and eat on the
Sabbath.
Here in the cornfield with his disciples was one greater than the temple and the
law, the divine Son of God Himself in human flesh. He who was Lord of the
Sabbath wanted all men to know that God is merciful and would rather pour out
his mercy on his creatures than to require sacrifice.
"At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples
were an hungered, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. But when the
Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, behold thy disciples do that which is not
lawful to do upon the Sabbath day. But he said unto them, have ye not read what
David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; how he
entered into the house of God, and did eat the shew bread, which was not lawful
for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or
have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the
temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? But I say unto you, that in this
place is one greater than the temple. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I
will have mercy and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
For the son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day." Matthew 12:1-8.
Lord of the Sabbath!
Jesus and his disciples were accused by the Pharisees of breaking the law by
picking corn on the Sabbath day. The Pharisees, who were strick keepers of the
law, would condemn anyone for working on the Sabbath day, which according to
law was to be kept holy with no work being done.
Jesus pointed out to them that sometimes necessity requires that God in his
mercy allows us to do certain things that we would not normally do under
different circumstances, as in the case of David when he and his men ate the
shew bread in the temple which was lawful for only the priest to eat. God
poured out his mercy on David and his men by making the shewSbread available
to them to satisfy their hunger. In the case of Jesus and his disciples, God
showed mercy upon them by allowing them to pick the corn and eat on the
Sabbath.
Here in the cornfield with his disciples was one greater than the temple and the
law, the divine Son of God Himself in human flesh. He who was Lord of the
Sabbath wanted all men to know that God is merciful and would rather pour out
his mercy on his creatures than to require sacrifice.
"At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples
were an hungered, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. But when the
Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, behold thy disciples do that which is not
lawful to do upon the Sabbath day. But he said unto them, have ye not read what
David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; how he
entered into the house of God, and did eat the shew bread, which was not lawful
for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or
have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the
temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? But I say unto you, that in this
place is one greater than the temple. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I
will have mercy and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
For the son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day." Matthew 12:1-8.
July 22
We are what we speak!
The words that proceed from our mouth echo the thoughts and intentions of our
heart. The heart, or our innermost being, is the place where the Spirit of God
dwells, or the spirit of the devil and evil.
When the spirit of evil dominates the heart, no good thing can come from our
lips, but when the Spirit of God dominates the heart, the words of our mouth
bring forth good things.
As a cesspool when open to the air gives forth foul odors, so the corrupt evil
heart of man sends forth a stench from the mouth which speaks blasphemy, and
dishonors God and pollutes men. Only after the heart of man is cleansed and
purified , and purged of all evil, and the Holy Spirit enters in, by having received
Christ as savior, will the words of our mouth have a sweet fragrance and be
pleasing to God and edify man.
Be careful little tongue what you speak, for God hold us accountable for every
word that proceeds from our lips.
"O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of
the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good
treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil
treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, that every idle word that
men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by
thy words thou shall be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."
Matthew 12: 34-37
We are what we speak!
The words that proceed from our mouth echo the thoughts and intentions of our
heart. The heart, or our innermost being, is the place where the Spirit of God
dwells, or the spirit of the devil and evil.
When the spirit of evil dominates the heart, no good thing can come from our
lips, but when the Spirit of God dominates the heart, the words of our mouth
bring forth good things.
As a cesspool when open to the air gives forth foul odors, so the corrupt evil
heart of man sends forth a stench from the mouth which speaks blasphemy, and
dishonors God and pollutes men. Only after the heart of man is cleansed and
purified , and purged of all evil, and the Holy Spirit enters in, by having received
Christ as savior, will the words of our mouth have a sweet fragrance and be
pleasing to God and edify man.
Be careful little tongue what you speak, for God hold us accountable for every
word that proceeds from our lips.
"O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of
the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good
treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil
treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, that every idle word that
men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by
thy words thou shall be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."
Matthew 12: 34-37
July 25
Christ's Kinsmen!
Who are the brothers and sisters, and kinsmen of Christ? Those who have truly
believed his word, and have accepted him as their Lord and Savior, and by faith
have been born again into the family of God: These are considered to be his
family, his mother, and brothers and sisters.
In order to be his kinsmen, we must have a deep, personal spiritual relationship
with him. We must love him with all our heart and soul, we must eagerly listen to
his word of instruction and obey him, and trust him implicitly.
Those who want the will of God to be done in their lives, and do what God asks
them to do are his kinsmen.
"While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood
without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, behold, thy mother
and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and
said unto him that told him, who is my mother? And who are my brethren? And
he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, behold my mother and
my brethren: For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven,
the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." Matthew 12: 45-50.
Christ's Kinsmen!
Who are the brothers and sisters, and kinsmen of Christ? Those who have truly
believed his word, and have accepted him as their Lord and Savior, and by faith
have been born again into the family of God: These are considered to be his
family, his mother, and brothers and sisters.
In order to be his kinsmen, we must have a deep, personal spiritual relationship
with him. We must love him with all our heart and soul, we must eagerly listen to
his word of instruction and obey him, and trust him implicitly.
Those who want the will of God to be done in their lives, and do what God asks
them to do are his kinsmen.
"While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood
without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, behold, thy mother
and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and
said unto him that told him, who is my mother? And who are my brethren? And
he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, behold my mother and
my brethren: For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven,
the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." Matthew 12: 45-50.
July 26
Keep on sowing!
When we go forth to sow the seed of the word of God, we must expect that not
every single seed that we sow will take root and grow and bring forth fruit for the
glory of God.
Just as when the farmer sows seeds of grain, some seed will fall by the wayside
and be lost, or the birds will devour them. Some seeds fall into rocky places
where there is not much to nurture them ,and they are left for the sun to wither
them away. Some seeds fall among thorns which choke them up and hinder their
growth.
When the word of God falls upon an unsaved person's ears for the first time, If
God has not prepared that person's heart to receive the seed of the word, even as
the farmer has prepared the soil to receive the grain seed, then the seed fall upon
dry ground, and Satan is ever around and ready to snatch away the seed of the
word of God.
Some people have had their hearts stirred by God and are ready to receive God's
truth, and for a little while the seeds spring forth, but before long the heart is dried
up and hardened by trials and tribulations, and no fruit is produced. Then, there
is the seed that has fallen among the thorns. The thorns represent those who at
one time , with joy and gladness , have received the word of God , and for a time
it sprang up in them to produce healthy plants for the Lord and for a season bore
fruit; but because of associations with the wrong kind of people, or associations
with worldly things, the cares and riches of the world, have choked them and
now they no longer grow and bear fruit.
But there is always that small percentage of seed which is sown and falls into
good ground. The good ground is the person who hears the word and
understands it, and in him the word grows and bears fruit.
We who are sowers of the word of God must not become discouraged when
some of our seed falls by the wayside, or upon dry ground, or among thorns,
because some will always fall upon good ground. That which falls upon good
ground will bring forth abundantly for the Lord.
"And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, behold, a sower went
forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls
came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not
much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of
earth: and when the sun was up, they were scorched: and because they had no
root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up,
and choked them. But other fell unto good ground, and brought forth fruit, some
an hundredfold, some sixty fold, some thirty fold. Who hath ears to hear, let him
hear." Matthew 13: 3-9
"Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of
the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth
away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the
way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that
heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself,
but dureth for a while : for when tribulations or persecutions ariseth because of
the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the
thorns is he that heareth the word: and the care of this world, and the
deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that
received seed into good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it,
which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth some an hundredfold, some sixty,
some thirty." Matthew 13: 18-23
Keep on sowing!
When we go forth to sow the seed of the word of God, we must expect that not
every single seed that we sow will take root and grow and bring forth fruit for the
glory of God.
Just as when the farmer sows seeds of grain, some seed will fall by the wayside
and be lost, or the birds will devour them. Some seeds fall into rocky places
where there is not much to nurture them ,and they are left for the sun to wither
them away. Some seeds fall among thorns which choke them up and hinder their
growth.
When the word of God falls upon an unsaved person's ears for the first time, If
God has not prepared that person's heart to receive the seed of the word, even as
the farmer has prepared the soil to receive the grain seed, then the seed fall upon
dry ground, and Satan is ever around and ready to snatch away the seed of the
word of God.
Some people have had their hearts stirred by God and are ready to receive God's
truth, and for a little while the seeds spring forth, but before long the heart is dried
up and hardened by trials and tribulations, and no fruit is produced. Then, there
is the seed that has fallen among the thorns. The thorns represent those who at
one time , with joy and gladness , have received the word of God , and for a time
it sprang up in them to produce healthy plants for the Lord and for a season bore
fruit; but because of associations with the wrong kind of people, or associations
with worldly things, the cares and riches of the world, have choked them and
now they no longer grow and bear fruit.
But there is always that small percentage of seed which is sown and falls into
good ground. The good ground is the person who hears the word and
understands it, and in him the word grows and bears fruit.
We who are sowers of the word of God must not become discouraged when
some of our seed falls by the wayside, or upon dry ground, or among thorns,
because some will always fall upon good ground. That which falls upon good
ground will bring forth abundantly for the Lord.
"And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, behold, a sower went
forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls
came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not
much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of
earth: and when the sun was up, they were scorched: and because they had no
root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up,
and choked them. But other fell unto good ground, and brought forth fruit, some
an hundredfold, some sixty fold, some thirty fold. Who hath ears to hear, let him
hear." Matthew 13: 3-9
"Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of
the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth
away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the
way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that
heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself,
but dureth for a while : for when tribulations or persecutions ariseth because of
the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the
thorns is he that heareth the word: and the care of this world, and the
deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that
received seed into good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it,
which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth some an hundredfold, some sixty,
some thirty." Matthew 13: 18-23
July 28
Almost Persuaded!
If perchance someone may be reading these lines who is not a Christian, and
does not know what it means to be saved, and you do not have the joys of
fellowship with our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, you ought to stop
right where you are and consider the alternatives.
It is possible to have a pearl of great price slip through your fingers and be lost
to you forever, and it is possible to be so close to much treasure, and yet to lose
or neglect it all.
Perhaps a wife or husband; a mother or father; or a son or a daughter has been
praying for your salvation. Perhaps they have very lovingly told you of Jesus
and his power to save. Perhaps they have very patiently and kindly explained to
you God's simple plan of salvation. It may be that at times the Holy Spirit has
tugged at your heart and you have been almost persuaded, almost but not yet,
another time, when I am older, after I have exhausted all the pleasures of a
worldly lifestyle; almost persuaded to believe and trust Jesus , almost, but still
lost.
You, no doubt, have heard the gospel preached at church, or on the radio, or
television, or from literature such as you are now reading, and yet you continue
to neglect your salvation.
My dear friend or relative, whoever you may be, millions throughout the ages
have tried and tested the Word of God and have found it to be sure and
steadfast and trustworthy. The Word of God teaches us that it is appointed
unto man once to die and after this the judgment. All must stand before God
and give an account for what he did with God's greatest gift to man, his only
begotten son, the Lord Jesus Christ: That whosoever should believe on him and
call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
My friend, the only alternative to being saved is to be lost, and to be lost does
not mean cessation of existence or annihilation, but it means to spend eternity in
an eternal hell, separated from God forever.
"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began
to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers
miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?" Hebrews 2: 3,4.
If you have neglected your salvation, won't you reconsider before it is eternally
too late?
Almost Persuaded!
If perchance someone may be reading these lines who is not a Christian, and
does not know what it means to be saved, and you do not have the joys of
fellowship with our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, you ought to stop
right where you are and consider the alternatives.
It is possible to have a pearl of great price slip through your fingers and be lost
to you forever, and it is possible to be so close to much treasure, and yet to lose
or neglect it all.
Perhaps a wife or husband; a mother or father; or a son or a daughter has been
praying for your salvation. Perhaps they have very lovingly told you of Jesus
and his power to save. Perhaps they have very patiently and kindly explained to
you God's simple plan of salvation. It may be that at times the Holy Spirit has
tugged at your heart and you have been almost persuaded, almost but not yet,
another time, when I am older, after I have exhausted all the pleasures of a
worldly lifestyle; almost persuaded to believe and trust Jesus , almost, but still
lost.
You, no doubt, have heard the gospel preached at church, or on the radio, or
television, or from literature such as you are now reading, and yet you continue
to neglect your salvation.
My dear friend or relative, whoever you may be, millions throughout the ages
have tried and tested the Word of God and have found it to be sure and
steadfast and trustworthy. The Word of God teaches us that it is appointed
unto man once to die and after this the judgment. All must stand before God
and give an account for what he did with God's greatest gift to man, his only
begotten son, the Lord Jesus Christ: That whosoever should believe on him and
call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
My friend, the only alternative to being saved is to be lost, and to be lost does
not mean cessation of existence or annihilation, but it means to spend eternity in
an eternal hell, separated from God forever.
"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began
to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers
miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?" Hebrews 2: 3,4.
If you have neglected your salvation, won't you reconsider before it is eternally
too late?
July 30
From the Depths of the heart!
"The heart of man is desperately wicked, who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9 Out of the depths
of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornication, thefts, and every evil thing.
The scribes and Pharisees accused Jesus of transgressing the tradition of the elders by not
washing their hands before eating. These hypocrites, as Jesus called them, were zealous of
outward appearances and the attending to rituals in a pretense of seeming to be Holy before
God; but Jesus was swift to remind them that they were transgressing the laws of God by their
tradition.
Like many people today, they drew near to God with their mouth, but their heart was far from
him, they were careful to give a vane show of worship of God by following the doctrine of
good works of men.
Jesus who examines the heart of all men, and knows our thoughts afar off, and knows the
motives behind every deed, emphasized that it is not what we do, or what we put into our
mouths that matters so much to God, but the thoughts and intents of the heart that produce
either evil or good. If the thoughts and meditations of our heart are pure and pleasing to God,
Then will follow obedience and good works that will be pleasing and honoring to God. Only
God can purify our hearts by the constant indwelling of his Holy Spirit.
"Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, why do thy
disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they wash not their hands when they eat
bread. But he answered and said unto them, why do ye also transgress the commandments of
God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, honor thy father and mother: and , he
that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, whosoever shall say to his
father or his mother, it is a gift, by whatsoever thou might be profited by me; and honor not his
father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none
effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, this people
draweth nigh unto me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship
me, teaching for doctrines the doctrines of men." Matthew 15: 1-9. "And he called the
multitude, and said unto them, hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth
defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." Matthew 15: 10-1
From the Depths of the heart!
"The heart of man is desperately wicked, who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9 Out of the depths
of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornication, thefts, and every evil thing.
The scribes and Pharisees accused Jesus of transgressing the tradition of the elders by not
washing their hands before eating. These hypocrites, as Jesus called them, were zealous of
outward appearances and the attending to rituals in a pretense of seeming to be Holy before
God; but Jesus was swift to remind them that they were transgressing the laws of God by their
tradition.
Like many people today, they drew near to God with their mouth, but their heart was far from
him, they were careful to give a vane show of worship of God by following the doctrine of
good works of men.
Jesus who examines the heart of all men, and knows our thoughts afar off, and knows the
motives behind every deed, emphasized that it is not what we do, or what we put into our
mouths that matters so much to God, but the thoughts and intents of the heart that produce
either evil or good. If the thoughts and meditations of our heart are pure and pleasing to God,
Then will follow obedience and good works that will be pleasing and honoring to God. Only
God can purify our hearts by the constant indwelling of his Holy Spirit.
"Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, why do thy
disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they wash not their hands when they eat
bread. But he answered and said unto them, why do ye also transgress the commandments of
God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, honor thy father and mother: and , he
that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, whosoever shall say to his
father or his mother, it is a gift, by whatsoever thou might be profited by me; and honor not his
father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none
effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, this people
draweth nigh unto me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship
me, teaching for doctrines the doctrines of men." Matthew 15: 1-9. "And he called the
multitude, and said unto them, hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth
defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." Matthew 15: 10-1
July 31
Crumbs From The Table
The spiritual riches of the Gentiles came from the crumbs that fell from the
table of Israel. Christ was sent to teach and to save his people, Israel.
"He came unto his own,and his own received him not, but as many as received
him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that
believe on his name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of man, but
of God." John 1: 11-13.
If Israel had not rejected his teaching, and accepted him as their promised
Messiah, confessing to him their sins and receiving his forgiveness, his kingdom
would have been established on earth at that time; but God also had in mind the
Gentile nations , that they also should be gathered into his kingdom, so it was in
his divine plan to save all kindreds and nations who would believe and call upon
him for salvation. A Gentile woman approached Jesus and cried out to him for
mercy to deliver her daughter from the power of darkness. He reminded her
that his mission was for the lost sheep of Israel, but she replied that she would
be satisfied with just the crumbs that would fall from her master's table. Jesus
commended her for her faith and rewarded her accordingly.
"Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." They that
have faith to believe and receive Christ as savior and Messiah will have an
inheritance in his kingdom.
"Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
And behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto
him, saying: have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is
grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his
disciples, came and besought him, saying, send her away; for she crieth after
us, But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the
house of Israel. Then came she and worshiped him, saying Lord, help me. But
he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it
to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall
from their master's table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman,
great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made
whole from that very hour." Matthew 15: 21-28.
Crumbs From The Table
The spiritual riches of the Gentiles came from the crumbs that fell from the
table of Israel. Christ was sent to teach and to save his people, Israel.
"He came unto his own,and his own received him not, but as many as received
him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that
believe on his name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of man, but
of God." John 1: 11-13.
If Israel had not rejected his teaching, and accepted him as their promised
Messiah, confessing to him their sins and receiving his forgiveness, his kingdom
would have been established on earth at that time; but God also had in mind the
Gentile nations , that they also should be gathered into his kingdom, so it was in
his divine plan to save all kindreds and nations who would believe and call upon
him for salvation. A Gentile woman approached Jesus and cried out to him for
mercy to deliver her daughter from the power of darkness. He reminded her
that his mission was for the lost sheep of Israel, but she replied that she would
be satisfied with just the crumbs that would fall from her master's table. Jesus
commended her for her faith and rewarded her accordingly.
"Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." They that
have faith to believe and receive Christ as savior and Messiah will have an
inheritance in his kingdom.
"Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
And behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto
him, saying: have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is
grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his
disciples, came and besought him, saying, send her away; for she crieth after
us, But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the
house of Israel. Then came she and worshiped him, saying Lord, help me. But
he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it
to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall
from their master's table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman,
great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made
whole from that very hour." Matthew 15: 21-28.
August 1
Faith!
Faith, which is a gift from God, is the ability to believe the seemingly impossible
things which God has promised and is able to do for us. Our faith is not strong
enough to accomplish much for God. Faith comes by praying, fasting, and
hearing the word of God.
God grants the power and faith to expect great things from him and do great
things for his glory when we sincerely draw near unto him, and seek his face
and fellowship.
If we could have genuine faith, even as small as a grain of mustard seed, and if
we are in partnership with God, nothing shall be impossible to us.
"And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man,
kneeling down to him, saying, Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is lunatic,
and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And
I brought him to thy disciples,and they could not cure him. Then Jesus
answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with
you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked
the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very
hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, why could not we cast
him out? And Jesus said unto them, because of your unbelief: for verily I say
unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this
mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove, and nothing shall
be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and
fasting."Matthew 17:14-21
Faith!
Faith, which is a gift from God, is the ability to believe the seemingly impossible
things which God has promised and is able to do for us. Our faith is not strong
enough to accomplish much for God. Faith comes by praying, fasting, and
hearing the word of God.
God grants the power and faith to expect great things from him and do great
things for his glory when we sincerely draw near unto him, and seek his face
and fellowship.
If we could have genuine faith, even as small as a grain of mustard seed, and if
we are in partnership with God, nothing shall be impossible to us.
"And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man,
kneeling down to him, saying, Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is lunatic,
and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And
I brought him to thy disciples,and they could not cure him. Then Jesus
answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with
you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked
the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very
hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, why could not we cast
him out? And Jesus said unto them, because of your unbelief: for verily I say
unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this
mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove, and nothing shall
be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and
fasting."Matthew 17:14-21
August 2
To Know Christ!
To know Christ, whom to know aright is life eternal, and to know the power of
his resurrection; to have an intimate relationship with him should be the desire of
every child of God. Our prayer ought to be: That the God of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto us the spirit of wisdom and revelation
in the knowledge of him.
We are brothers and sisters of Christ, he being our elder brother. Jesus said: "I
ascend unto my Father and your Father, to my God, and your God." Having a
common faith with our Lord makes us brothers and sisters with him.
O, if only the eyes of our understanding might be opened so that we could see
the fabulous riches of Christ and his glory, and to realize that as brothers and
sisters of his, we are joint heirs with him and all that is his is ours. Pray that:
"The eyes of your understanding will be enlightened: that ye may know what is
the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the
saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us ward who believe,
according to the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ, when
he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly
places, far above all principality, and power and might, and dominion, and
every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to
come. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over
all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in
all." Ephesians 1: 18-23.
To Know Christ!
To know Christ, whom to know aright is life eternal, and to know the power of
his resurrection; to have an intimate relationship with him should be the desire of
every child of God. Our prayer ought to be: That the God of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto us the spirit of wisdom and revelation
in the knowledge of him.
We are brothers and sisters of Christ, he being our elder brother. Jesus said: "I
ascend unto my Father and your Father, to my God, and your God." Having a
common faith with our Lord makes us brothers and sisters with him.
O, if only the eyes of our understanding might be opened so that we could see
the fabulous riches of Christ and his glory, and to realize that as brothers and
sisters of his, we are joint heirs with him and all that is his is ours. Pray that:
"The eyes of your understanding will be enlightened: that ye may know what is
the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the
saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us ward who believe,
according to the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ, when
he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly
places, far above all principality, and power and might, and dominion, and
every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to
come. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over
all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in
all." Ephesians 1: 18-23.
August 4
What Good Thing Shall We Do?
What good thing shall we do, that we may have eternal life? If we would enter
into life we must keep and obey all the commandments of God. There has
never been any person on earth who has been able to keep and obey the
commandments of God without fail except the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore,
when God looks upon us, he must declare that : "There is none righteous, no,
not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after
God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable:
there is none that doeth good, no, not one." Romans 3:10-12. All have failed to
keep and obey the commandments of God in one point or another, if not in
deed, then in the thoughts and intents of the heart. Therefore, if left to himself,
mankind cannot inherit eternal life because: "The wages of sin is death; but the
gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23.
Our only hope for salvation is in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, the only
begotten son of God, who kept the laws and commandments of God perfectly
and obeyed the Father in every point of the law. The Lord Jesus, the perfectly
obedient son of God offered himself for us as a sin sacrifice so that we, by
receiving him as our savior and sin sacrifice, could enjoy everlasting life. :For he
hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin that we might be made the
righteousness of God in him." 2 Corinthians 5: 21,. "For God so loved the
world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16.
The only way that we can have eternal life is through our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. No other way can measure up with God.
"And behold, one came and said unto him, good master, what good thing shall I
do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, why callest thou me
good? There is none good but one, that is, God, but if thou wilt enter into life,
keep the commandments. He saith unto him, which? Jesus said, thou shalt do
no murder, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not
bear false witness, honor thy father and thy mother: and thou shall love thy
neighbor as thyself. The young man saith unto him, all these things have I kept
from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, if thou wilt be perfect,
go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in
heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying,
he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.: Matthew 19: 16-22.
What Good Thing Shall We Do?
What good thing shall we do, that we may have eternal life? If we would enter
into life we must keep and obey all the commandments of God. There has
never been any person on earth who has been able to keep and obey the
commandments of God without fail except the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore,
when God looks upon us, he must declare that : "There is none righteous, no,
not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after
God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable:
there is none that doeth good, no, not one." Romans 3:10-12. All have failed to
keep and obey the commandments of God in one point or another, if not in
deed, then in the thoughts and intents of the heart. Therefore, if left to himself,
mankind cannot inherit eternal life because: "The wages of sin is death; but the
gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23.
Our only hope for salvation is in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, the only
begotten son of God, who kept the laws and commandments of God perfectly
and obeyed the Father in every point of the law. The Lord Jesus, the perfectly
obedient son of God offered himself for us as a sin sacrifice so that we, by
receiving him as our savior and sin sacrifice, could enjoy everlasting life. :For he
hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin that we might be made the
righteousness of God in him." 2 Corinthians 5: 21,. "For God so loved the
world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16.
The only way that we can have eternal life is through our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. No other way can measure up with God.
"And behold, one came and said unto him, good master, what good thing shall I
do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, why callest thou me
good? There is none good but one, that is, God, but if thou wilt enter into life,
keep the commandments. He saith unto him, which? Jesus said, thou shalt do
no murder, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not
bear false witness, honor thy father and thy mother: and thou shall love thy
neighbor as thyself. The young man saith unto him, all these things have I kept
from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, if thou wilt be perfect,
go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in
heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying,
he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.: Matthew 19: 16-22.
August 6
Once I was lost!
"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in
times past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the
prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now walketh in the children of
disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the
lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by
nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for
his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins hath
quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved;) and hath raised us
up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in
the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness
toward us through Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2: 1-7.
Once I was lost, but now I am found; once I was blind, but now I can see;
Once I was a slave of Satan, but now I am a willing servant of Christ; once I
had nothing that would endure. Now I am a joint heir with Christ to forever sit
with him in heavenly places and enjoy his wealth and the fatness of his house
forever. All by grace through faith, not of works that I should boast but by his
mercy he saved me.
Thank you Lord!
Once I was lost!
"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in
times past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the
prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now walketh in the children of
disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the
lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by
nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for
his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins hath
quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved;) and hath raised us
up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in
the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness
toward us through Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2: 1-7.
Once I was lost, but now I am found; once I was blind, but now I can see;
Once I was a slave of Satan, but now I am a willing servant of Christ; once I
had nothing that would endure. Now I am a joint heir with Christ to forever sit
with him in heavenly places and enjoy his wealth and the fatness of his house
forever. All by grace through faith, not of works that I should boast but by his
mercy he saved me.
Thank you Lord!
August 7
The Lord Hath Need of You!
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him,
and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the
life was the light of men. And the light shinneth in the darkness; and the darkness
comprehended it not,." John: 1; 1-5.
Jesus and his disciples drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and when they had come as far
as Bethpage, and the mount of olives, Jesus had need of an ass and its' colt, that
he might humbly ride into Jerusalem as prophesied by Zechariah: "Rejoice
greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout O daughter of Jerusalem: behold thy king
cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass,
and upon a colt, the foal of an ass." Zechariah 9:9.
Because of his divine power and knowledge, Jesus knew where to send his
disciples to find the ass, and the colt. He knew where they were, because in his
plan and purpose, he had made them, as he had made all things, and he had
placed them at this particular time and place to be used for this special purpose.
No one disputed his right to use them for his divine purpose because they were
his from the beginning.
Likewise: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10.
Therefore, he has made each of us and has placed us in our particular place and
callings and has a right to use us as he has need of us to fulfill his purpose and
glory.
We ought to be willing to be used by our Lord for anything that he has need of
that will bring glory and honor to him, and ultimate happiness to ourselves.
"And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto
the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, go into the
village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with
her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye
shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. All
this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
tell ye the daughter of Sion, behold, thy king cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting
upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. And the disciples went, and did as
Jesus commanded them." Matthew 21:1-6.
The Lord Hath Need of You!
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him,
and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the
life was the light of men. And the light shinneth in the darkness; and the darkness
comprehended it not,." John: 1; 1-5.
Jesus and his disciples drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and when they had come as far
as Bethpage, and the mount of olives, Jesus had need of an ass and its' colt, that
he might humbly ride into Jerusalem as prophesied by Zechariah: "Rejoice
greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout O daughter of Jerusalem: behold thy king
cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass,
and upon a colt, the foal of an ass." Zechariah 9:9.
Because of his divine power and knowledge, Jesus knew where to send his
disciples to find the ass, and the colt. He knew where they were, because in his
plan and purpose, he had made them, as he had made all things, and he had
placed them at this particular time and place to be used for this special purpose.
No one disputed his right to use them for his divine purpose because they were
his from the beginning.
Likewise: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10.
Therefore, he has made each of us and has placed us in our particular place and
callings and has a right to use us as he has need of us to fulfill his purpose and
glory.
We ought to be willing to be used by our Lord for anything that he has need of
that will bring glory and honor to him, and ultimate happiness to ourselves.
"And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto
the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, go into the
village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with
her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye
shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. All
this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
tell ye the daughter of Sion, behold, thy king cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting
upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. And the disciples went, and did as
Jesus commanded them." Matthew 21:1-6.
August 8
All Of Grace!
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift
of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that
we should walk in them ." Ephesians 2: 8,9,10.
God saved us because he wanted to, not because he had to. He saved us because
he loves us, because he created us for himself unto good works. He saved us
because he is not willing that any should perish. Our salvation is by grace,
through faith alone. He imparted unto us the faith to believe the gospel and to
call upon Christ to save us.
At one time we were without God in the world, having no hope; but while we
were lost, while we were yet sinners, Christ came to save us, as many as will
believe and receive him as Lord and Savior.
"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the
blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken
down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in his flesh the
enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances: for to make in
himself of twain one new man, so making peace: and that he might reconcile both
unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came
and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For
through him we both have access by one spirit unto the Father. Now therefore
ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of
the household of God and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and
prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the
building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord: In whom
ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the spirit." Ephesians
2: 13-22.
Both Jew and gentile are invited by God the Father to partake of his grace, and
receive Christ as Savior, and become part of his one body, the church, and enjoy
his benevolence forever.
All Of Grace!
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift
of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that
we should walk in them ." Ephesians 2: 8,9,10.
God saved us because he wanted to, not because he had to. He saved us because
he loves us, because he created us for himself unto good works. He saved us
because he is not willing that any should perish. Our salvation is by grace,
through faith alone. He imparted unto us the faith to believe the gospel and to
call upon Christ to save us.
At one time we were without God in the world, having no hope; but while we
were lost, while we were yet sinners, Christ came to save us, as many as will
believe and receive him as Lord and Savior.
"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the
blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken
down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in his flesh the
enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances: for to make in
himself of twain one new man, so making peace: and that he might reconcile both
unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came
and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For
through him we both have access by one spirit unto the Father. Now therefore
ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of
the household of God and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and
prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the
building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord: In whom
ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the spirit." Ephesians
2: 13-22.
Both Jew and gentile are invited by God the Father to partake of his grace, and
receive Christ as Savior, and become part of his one body, the church, and enjoy
his benevolence forever.
August 9
Reason to rejoice!
We have good reason to rejoice and be glad in the Lord because, although we live
in an environment that is evil and corrupted by sin, God has given his redeemed a
robe of righteousness and crowned him with jewels, waiting for God's springtime
to come. He has promised us, and we are reminded when we see the first signs
of spring on earth: the buds on the trees; the flowers breaking through the ground;
that God's righteousness will also spring forth in the earth and God's
righteousness will prevail.
"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God: for he hath
clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of
righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride
adorneth herself with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as
the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God
will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all nations." Isaiah 61:
10,11.
Reason to rejoice!
We have good reason to rejoice and be glad in the Lord because, although we live
in an environment that is evil and corrupted by sin, God has given his redeemed a
robe of righteousness and crowned him with jewels, waiting for God's springtime
to come. He has promised us, and we are reminded when we see the first signs
of spring on earth: the buds on the trees; the flowers breaking through the ground;
that God's righteousness will also spring forth in the earth and God's
righteousness will prevail.
"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God: for he hath
clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of
righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride
adorneth herself with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as
the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God
will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all nations." Isaiah 61:
10,11.
August 11
Walk Not As Others!
We Christians who have been saved and enlightened by the Holy Spirit ought not
to walk as others in the world who have not known God. Our lifestyle ought to
be different according to the knowledge of God that has been given to us by the
grace of God, through the Holy Spirit. Our conversation, or lifestyle ought to
become more Christ like every day and less carnal. There ought to be a different
attitude in our heart, a different cadence to our walk, and a different destiny and
purpose for our lives.
"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other
Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind. having the understanding darkened,
being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them,
because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given
themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But
ye have not so learned Christ: If so be that ye have heard him, and have been
taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former
conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. and
be renewed in the spirit of your mind: And that ye put on the new man, which
after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away
lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: For we are members one of
another. Be ye angry, and sin not, let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more; but rather let
him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to
give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your
mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace
unto the hearers. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed
unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor,
and evil speaking, be put away from you with all malice. And be ye kind one to
another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake
hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4: 17-32
Walk Not As Others!
We Christians who have been saved and enlightened by the Holy Spirit ought not
to walk as others in the world who have not known God. Our lifestyle ought to
be different according to the knowledge of God that has been given to us by the
grace of God, through the Holy Spirit. Our conversation, or lifestyle ought to
become more Christ like every day and less carnal. There ought to be a different
attitude in our heart, a different cadence to our walk, and a different destiny and
purpose for our lives.
"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other
Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind. having the understanding darkened,
being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them,
because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given
themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But
ye have not so learned Christ: If so be that ye have heard him, and have been
taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former
conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. and
be renewed in the spirit of your mind: And that ye put on the new man, which
after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away
lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: For we are members one of
another. Be ye angry, and sin not, let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more; but rather let
him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to
give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your
mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace
unto the hearers. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed
unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor,
and evil speaking, be put away from you with all malice. And be ye kind one to
another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake
hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4: 17-32
August 13
What Is Our Besetting Sin?
A child of God ought not to be a fornicator, nor a whore monger, nor have a
mind filled with garbage and unclean thoughts and attitudes; but neither should
he be covetous, nor an idolater. All these sins are grouped together and seem to
carry the same weight of importance with God. One may frown on a person
who has premarital or extra marital sex relations, but that same person may be
given to covetousness and idol worship, and an idol is any thing that occupies the
place in the heart and mind that God ought to occupy.
"But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named
among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting,
which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks." Ephesians 5: 3,4.
You who do not have a mind filled with filthy thoughts, and do not gossip, and do
not tell dirty jokes, and look with contempt on those who do, what does occupy
the place in your mind, that these forbidden things occupy in the mind of others?
Is it covetousness? Is it a longing and desire for things that God has not seen fit
to grant you? Do you spend all your time and energy thinking of the things that
you don't have , but would give anything to possess? Or is your mind occupied
with thoughts of God and his righteousness and his coming kingdom? And are
you busy giving thanks for all the blessings that God has already bestowed upon
you?
"For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man,
who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God."
Ephesians 5: 5.
Beware dear Christian brother or sister, and I speak to myself as well as you,
covetousness and idolatry will bar you from the kingdom of God just as much as
fornication and adultery will.
What Is Our Besetting Sin?
A child of God ought not to be a fornicator, nor a whore monger, nor have a
mind filled with garbage and unclean thoughts and attitudes; but neither should
he be covetous, nor an idolater. All these sins are grouped together and seem to
carry the same weight of importance with God. One may frown on a person
who has premarital or extra marital sex relations, but that same person may be
given to covetousness and idol worship, and an idol is any thing that occupies the
place in the heart and mind that God ought to occupy.
"But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named
among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting,
which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks." Ephesians 5: 3,4.
You who do not have a mind filled with filthy thoughts, and do not gossip, and do
not tell dirty jokes, and look with contempt on those who do, what does occupy
the place in your mind, that these forbidden things occupy in the mind of others?
Is it covetousness? Is it a longing and desire for things that God has not seen fit
to grant you? Do you spend all your time and energy thinking of the things that
you don't have , but would give anything to possess? Or is your mind occupied
with thoughts of God and his righteousness and his coming kingdom? And are
you busy giving thanks for all the blessings that God has already bestowed upon
you?
"For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man,
who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God."
Ephesians 5: 5.
Beware dear Christian brother or sister, and I speak to myself as well as you,
covetousness and idolatry will bar you from the kingdom of God just as much as
fornication and adultery will.
August 14
Are We Ready?
"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their
lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and
five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil in
their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered
and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, behold, the bridegroom
cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their
lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, give us of your oil; for our lamps are
gone out. But the wise answered, saying, not so, lest there be not enough for us
and you: But go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And when
they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and they that were ready went in with
him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other
virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, verily I say
unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the
hour wherein the son of man cometh." Matthew 25:1-13.
Fellow Christians, if Jesus should return suddenly, or we should be called home
without warning, would we find no oil in our lamps? Has the fire of enthusiasm
for the Lord gone out? Are we so wrapped up in the things of the world that we
fail to keep our lamps trimmed and the spiritual fire burning and a light shinning in
the window for the Lord?
The time will come when any further service for the Lord and preparation for his
coming will be too late. the door will be shut, and those who beg to come in will
be told "I know you not". Therefore, we must not let a day go by that we do not
spend quality time in fellowship with the Lord, by reading and studying his word
and praying, etc. Let us keep our lamp trimmed and oil in our lamps lest he come
at an hour when we think not, and we be found not to be ready and the door
close upon us.
Are We Ready?
"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their
lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and
five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil in
their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered
and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, behold, the bridegroom
cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their
lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, give us of your oil; for our lamps are
gone out. But the wise answered, saying, not so, lest there be not enough for us
and you: But go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And when
they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and they that were ready went in with
him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other
virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, verily I say
unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the
hour wherein the son of man cometh." Matthew 25:1-13.
Fellow Christians, if Jesus should return suddenly, or we should be called home
without warning, would we find no oil in our lamps? Has the fire of enthusiasm
for the Lord gone out? Are we so wrapped up in the things of the world that we
fail to keep our lamps trimmed and the spiritual fire burning and a light shinning in
the window for the Lord?
The time will come when any further service for the Lord and preparation for his
coming will be too late. the door will be shut, and those who beg to come in will
be told "I know you not". Therefore, we must not let a day go by that we do not
spend quality time in fellowship with the Lord, by reading and studying his word
and praying, etc. Let us keep our lamp trimmed and oil in our lamps lest he come
at an hour when we think not, and we be found not to be ready and the door
close upon us.
August 15
Take Heed!
Jesus said: "Take heed that no man deceive you." Matthew 24.4.
To take heed means to be careful, to be discerning, to analyze carefully what we
hear from others, to see if what we are hearing is indeed according to truth. we
hear many voices all the time, there are many so called experts in every field of
endeavor offering their seminars of advice, but we need to be very careful when
we listen to the advice of experts in the field of religion and theology lest we be
led away from scriptural truth and be swayed by every word of false doctrines.
Search the scriptures daily to determine if what you are hearing is indeed
scriptural truth. This also applies to any other area of our lives. There are many
counselors in many different areas of life, but be careful of whom you take
advice on any subject.
God's word tells us that: "Blessed is the man who walketh not in the counsel of
the ungodly, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful, nor standeth in the way of
sinners, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, in his law doth he meditate day
and night, he shall be like a tree planted by the river of waters, his leaf shall not
wither and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Psalm 1.
The word of God is a lamp unto our feet, able to guide us, and direct us wherever
we go and whatever we do. Christians have a God given light that others do not
have. Not that we should boast, but that we should be wise as serpents and
harmless as doves and walk in the light of knowledge that we have from God our
Father.
"Let no man deceive you with vain words: For because of these things cometh
the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore
partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in
the Lord: walk as children of light. ( For the fruit of the spirit is in all goodness
and righteousness and truth:) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. and have
no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For
it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But
all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth
make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, awake thou that sleepest and arise
from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk
circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise redeeming the time. Because the days
are evil wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord
is." Ephesians 5: 6-17.
Take Heed!
Jesus said: "Take heed that no man deceive you." Matthew 24.4.
To take heed means to be careful, to be discerning, to analyze carefully what we
hear from others, to see if what we are hearing is indeed according to truth. we
hear many voices all the time, there are many so called experts in every field of
endeavor offering their seminars of advice, but we need to be very careful when
we listen to the advice of experts in the field of religion and theology lest we be
led away from scriptural truth and be swayed by every word of false doctrines.
Search the scriptures daily to determine if what you are hearing is indeed
scriptural truth. This also applies to any other area of our lives. There are many
counselors in many different areas of life, but be careful of whom you take
advice on any subject.
God's word tells us that: "Blessed is the man who walketh not in the counsel of
the ungodly, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful, nor standeth in the way of
sinners, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, in his law doth he meditate day
and night, he shall be like a tree planted by the river of waters, his leaf shall not
wither and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Psalm 1.
The word of God is a lamp unto our feet, able to guide us, and direct us wherever
we go and whatever we do. Christians have a God given light that others do not
have. Not that we should boast, but that we should be wise as serpents and
harmless as doves and walk in the light of knowledge that we have from God our
Father.
"Let no man deceive you with vain words: For because of these things cometh
the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore
partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in
the Lord: walk as children of light. ( For the fruit of the spirit is in all goodness
and righteousness and truth:) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. and have
no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For
it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But
all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth
make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, awake thou that sleepest and arise
from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk
circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise redeeming the time. Because the days
are evil wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord
is." Ephesians 5: 6-17.
August 16
To Serve Him!
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which
God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10.
When God created us his purpose was that we should be instruments in his
hands which he could use to fulfill his purpose, and bring glory to himself.
When we yield ourselves to him to do his bidding, we find great satisfaction, and
our joy and happiness is fulfilled. Though we are all sinners and have come
short of the glory of God, God has provided a way by which we can be forgiven
and reconciled to him by receiving Jesus Christ as our sin bearer and savior.
The word of God teaches us that every saved, born again child of God is given
at least one spiritual gift whereby we can minister as ministering servants so that
we might show forth the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see
the glory of God. We ought to ask God to reveal to us the one or more gifts
which he has assigned to us, and ask God to help us to develop it so that we
might bear fruit for him.
It was always God's will that the gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same
body, and partake of his promise in Christ by the gospel whereof Paul says: "I
was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by
the effectual working of his power. Unto me who am less than the least of all
saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the gentiles the
unsearchable riches of Christ and to make all men see what is the fellowship of
the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who
created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities
and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold
wisdom of God according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ
Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by faith
of him. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulation for you which is
your glory." Ephesians 3:6-13.
It is God's will that those around us in the world hear the gospel so that they
too might see and know of the unsearcable riches of Christ. We are responsible
to God to use the gifts he has given us to make this a reality. With the gift, God
gives the boldness and confidence to utilize it for his glory.
If we will yield ourselves to him: "God is able to do with us, exceeding
abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh
in us." Ephesians 3:20.
Someone said to D L Moody: "It has not yet been seen what God could do
with a man or woman who was totally yielded to him." Moody is reported to
have said: "By God's grace, I want to be that man." Moody went ahead and
won two continents to Christ.
The power that worketh in us is the person of the Holy Spirit, and when one is
willing to yield himself to the guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit, he can
be filled with all the fullness of God. "That he would grant you, according to the
riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man:
That Christ may dwell in your heart by faith; that ye, being rooted and
grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth,
and length, and depth, and height, and to know the love of Christ, which passeth
knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him
that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according
to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ
Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.. Amen" Ephesians 3:16-21.
To Serve Him!
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which
God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10.
When God created us his purpose was that we should be instruments in his
hands which he could use to fulfill his purpose, and bring glory to himself.
When we yield ourselves to him to do his bidding, we find great satisfaction, and
our joy and happiness is fulfilled. Though we are all sinners and have come
short of the glory of God, God has provided a way by which we can be forgiven
and reconciled to him by receiving Jesus Christ as our sin bearer and savior.
The word of God teaches us that every saved, born again child of God is given
at least one spiritual gift whereby we can minister as ministering servants so that
we might show forth the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see
the glory of God. We ought to ask God to reveal to us the one or more gifts
which he has assigned to us, and ask God to help us to develop it so that we
might bear fruit for him.
It was always God's will that the gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same
body, and partake of his promise in Christ by the gospel whereof Paul says: "I
was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by
the effectual working of his power. Unto me who am less than the least of all
saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the gentiles the
unsearchable riches of Christ and to make all men see what is the fellowship of
the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who
created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities
and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold
wisdom of God according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ
Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by faith
of him. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulation for you which is
your glory." Ephesians 3:6-13.
It is God's will that those around us in the world hear the gospel so that they
too might see and know of the unsearcable riches of Christ. We are responsible
to God to use the gifts he has given us to make this a reality. With the gift, God
gives the boldness and confidence to utilize it for his glory.
If we will yield ourselves to him: "God is able to do with us, exceeding
abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh
in us." Ephesians 3:20.
Someone said to D L Moody: "It has not yet been seen what God could do
with a man or woman who was totally yielded to him." Moody is reported to
have said: "By God's grace, I want to be that man." Moody went ahead and
won two continents to Christ.
The power that worketh in us is the person of the Holy Spirit, and when one is
willing to yield himself to the guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit, he can
be filled with all the fullness of God. "That he would grant you, according to the
riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man:
That Christ may dwell in your heart by faith; that ye, being rooted and
grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth,
and length, and depth, and height, and to know the love of Christ, which passeth
knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him
that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according
to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ
Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.. Amen" Ephesians 3:16-21.
August 18
Leaders in the Home!
Christian husbands, you ought to assume full leadership of your home. All
decisions should finally rest upon you as the head of your household as God has
ordained it, and you ought to pray that God will give you wisdom in making
those decisions, because you will be held responsible to God for what becomes
of your wife and family spiritually as well as physically. You ought to love your
wife even as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it.
As the church is the body of Christ on earth, so your wife is part of yourself.
When she hurts, you ought to hurt. Her concerns ought to be your concerns.
Her spiritual and physical welfare ought to be your chief concern next to loving
and serving God.
The one who walks beside you as your life companion; the one who sits at your
table; the one who makes your home comfortable and cheerful for you; The one
who sleeps in your bed, raises your children, and nurses you when you are sick
is a precious gift from God your Father and ought to be honored and treasured
as such.
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands as unto the Lord. For the
husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he
is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let
the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives,
even as Christ also loved the church , and gave himself for it; that he might
sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might
present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such
thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their
wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man
ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord
the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh,and of his bones. For
this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his
wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak
concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular
so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her
husband." Ephesians 5:22-33.
Leaders in the Home!
Christian husbands, you ought to assume full leadership of your home. All
decisions should finally rest upon you as the head of your household as God has
ordained it, and you ought to pray that God will give you wisdom in making
those decisions, because you will be held responsible to God for what becomes
of your wife and family spiritually as well as physically. You ought to love your
wife even as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it.
As the church is the body of Christ on earth, so your wife is part of yourself.
When she hurts, you ought to hurt. Her concerns ought to be your concerns.
Her spiritual and physical welfare ought to be your chief concern next to loving
and serving God.
The one who walks beside you as your life companion; the one who sits at your
table; the one who makes your home comfortable and cheerful for you; The one
who sleeps in your bed, raises your children, and nurses you when you are sick
is a precious gift from God your Father and ought to be honored and treasured
as such.
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands as unto the Lord. For the
husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he
is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let
the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives,
even as Christ also loved the church , and gave himself for it; that he might
sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might
present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such
thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their
wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man
ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord
the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh,and of his bones. For
this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his
wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak
concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular
so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her
husband." Ephesians 5:22-33.
August 20
Go About Doing Good!
As Christ our Lord went about doing good, we Christians ought to be continuing
the work and ministry of our Lord by going about doing good. Christ was in the
world offering salvation to all who would believe and receive him. He gave rest
to the weary and comforted the lonely; he healed the sick and raised the dead,
and brought new hope to the hopeless. We ought to continue doing all that God
will give us the power to do so that Christ's work and ministry might continue
through us. God may not give us the power to heal the sick or raise the dead (he
could if it was his purpose) but he has commissioned us to offer salvation to the
lost through his name and to bear one another's burdens, and to share one
another's sorrows and joys, and to make life easier for those around us. We
ought to be so secure in our own salvation and the love of God that we can forget
ourselves and concentrate on the needs of others .
"With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: knowing that
whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord,
whether he be bond or free." Ephesians 6:7,8.
God will be no man's debtor, we cannot out give or out serve our Lord.
When we go about doing good in the service of the Lord, we will find ourselves
in a combat zone with all the forces of the devil and evil against us. We must put
on the armor and use all the defenses that God has provided for us.
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put
on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the
devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God,
that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand."
Ephesians 6:10-13
.
Go About Doing Good!
As Christ our Lord went about doing good, we Christians ought to be continuing
the work and ministry of our Lord by going about doing good. Christ was in the
world offering salvation to all who would believe and receive him. He gave rest
to the weary and comforted the lonely; he healed the sick and raised the dead,
and brought new hope to the hopeless. We ought to continue doing all that God
will give us the power to do so that Christ's work and ministry might continue
through us. God may not give us the power to heal the sick or raise the dead (he
could if it was his purpose) but he has commissioned us to offer salvation to the
lost through his name and to bear one another's burdens, and to share one
another's sorrows and joys, and to make life easier for those around us. We
ought to be so secure in our own salvation and the love of God that we can forget
ourselves and concentrate on the needs of others .
"With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: knowing that
whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord,
whether he be bond or free." Ephesians 6:7,8.
God will be no man's debtor, we cannot out give or out serve our Lord.
When we go about doing good in the service of the Lord, we will find ourselves
in a combat zone with all the forces of the devil and evil against us. We must put
on the armor and use all the defenses that God has provided for us.
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put
on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the
devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God,
that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand."
Ephesians 6:10-13
.
August 21
Have Faith in God!
"Above all,taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the
fiery darts of the wicked." Ephesians 6:16.
God honors the faith of the believer towards himself. We are justified by faith
and the just shall live by faith. Faith toward God is resting our confidence on him
who is invisible whom we have not seen, but believe that he is, and that he is a
rewarder of all them that diligently seek him. Abraham believed God and it was
counted to him for righteousness. Confidence in the reality of God and his
goodness will enable us to put aside all doubts and fears, and the fiery darts of
the wicked, and give us the strength and power we need to overcome the world.
By faith in God the Red sea was crossed successfully by the Israelites; by faith in
God many victories have been won. By faith in God we who are his children
shall arrive safely on the opposite shore and see Jesus and be reunited with those
who have gone before. Have faith in God, he cannot fail. Have faith dear friend
in God
Have Faith in God!
"Above all,taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the
fiery darts of the wicked." Ephesians 6:16.
God honors the faith of the believer towards himself. We are justified by faith
and the just shall live by faith. Faith toward God is resting our confidence on him
who is invisible whom we have not seen, but believe that he is, and that he is a
rewarder of all them that diligently seek him. Abraham believed God and it was
counted to him for righteousness. Confidence in the reality of God and his
goodness will enable us to put aside all doubts and fears, and the fiery darts of
the wicked, and give us the strength and power we need to overcome the world.
By faith in God the Red sea was crossed successfully by the Israelites; by faith in
God many victories have been won. By faith in God we who are his children
shall arrive safely on the opposite shore and see Jesus and be reunited with those
who have gone before. Have faith in God, he cannot fail. Have faith dear friend
in God
August 22
Jesus Never Fails!
Men will disappoint you, but Jesus never fails. Men will abandon you, but Jesus
will never leave you nor forsake you. "When my father and my mother forsake
me, then the Lord will take me up." Psalm 27:10
Jesus Christ our Lord and savior is one who sticketh closer than a brother.
"If ye love me, keep my commandments and I will pray the Father, and he shall
give you another comforter, that he may abide with you forever: even the spirit of
truth; whom the world cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth
him: but ye know him ;for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." John
14:15-17. "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love
him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." John 14:23.
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you
will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philip 1:6.
Put your confidence and trust in Christ, and not man. Christ is in control of all
men ultimately and all elements of creation must obey him in the end.
Jesus Never Fails!
Men will disappoint you, but Jesus never fails. Men will abandon you, but Jesus
will never leave you nor forsake you. "When my father and my mother forsake
me, then the Lord will take me up." Psalm 27:10
Jesus Christ our Lord and savior is one who sticketh closer than a brother.
"If ye love me, keep my commandments and I will pray the Father, and he shall
give you another comforter, that he may abide with you forever: even the spirit of
truth; whom the world cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth
him: but ye know him ;for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." John
14:15-17. "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love
him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." John 14:23.
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you
will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philip 1:6.
Put your confidence and trust in Christ, and not man. Christ is in control of all
men ultimately and all elements of creation must obey him in the end.
August 23
Lifestyle of Christians!
The life style of all Christians ought to be such as becometh the gospel of Christ.
Our lives ought to be honoring to Christ in every way. The way we think; the
way we speak; the way we act; ought to manifest the life of the Holy Spirit who
dwells within us. All Christians are supernaturally bound together by the
indwelling Holy Spirit, and ought to stand fast with one mind striving together
for the faith of the gospel. Christians ought to expect to be treated by the world
and the enemies of Christ in the same manner as Christ was treated by the
world. If the world did not want to accept the lifestyle of Christ,.then we
cannot expect the world to be engrossed by our lifestyle if indeed Christ lives in
us.
"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether
I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand
fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. And
in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of
perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in
the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me."
Philippians 1:27-30
Lifestyle of Christians!
The life style of all Christians ought to be such as becometh the gospel of Christ.
Our lives ought to be honoring to Christ in every way. The way we think; the
way we speak; the way we act; ought to manifest the life of the Holy Spirit who
dwells within us. All Christians are supernaturally bound together by the
indwelling Holy Spirit, and ought to stand fast with one mind striving together
for the faith of the gospel. Christians ought to expect to be treated by the world
and the enemies of Christ in the same manner as Christ was treated by the
world. If the world did not want to accept the lifestyle of Christ,.then we
cannot expect the world to be engrossed by our lifestyle if indeed Christ lives in
us.
"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether
I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand
fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. And
in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of
perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in
the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me."
Philippians 1:27-30
August 25
Light Up The World!
Let us Christians who love Christ shine as lights in the world, illuminating the
darkness with our presence, and put to shame every evil thing because it is God
who worketh in us to perform his good works. We ought to work for God with
fear and trembling. We work for earthly employers with fear and trembling, fear
of loss of rewards if we fail to perform as we are expected. Much more we ought
to work for God with fear of loss of much greater rewards if we fail to perform
for him as we as Christians are expected. We who are saved need to be diligent
workers for the Lord.
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only,
but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and
trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good
pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be
blameless and harmless, the sons of
God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation among whom
ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in
the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain." Philippians
2:12-16.
Light Up The World!
Let us Christians who love Christ shine as lights in the world, illuminating the
darkness with our presence, and put to shame every evil thing because it is God
who worketh in us to perform his good works. We ought to work for God with
fear and trembling. We work for earthly employers with fear and trembling, fear
of loss of rewards if we fail to perform as we are expected. Much more we ought
to work for God with fear of loss of much greater rewards if we fail to perform
for him as we as Christians are expected. We who are saved need to be diligent
workers for the Lord.
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only,
but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and
trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good
pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be
blameless and harmless, the sons of
God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation among whom
ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in
the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain." Philippians
2:12-16.
August 25
Bonus entry from unknown source:
KNOW THESE FACTS?
I SURE DIDNT TILL NOW
Death is certain but the Bible speaks about untimely death!
Make a personal reflection about this.....
Very interesting, read until the end.....
It is written in the Bible (Galatians 6:7):
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked:
for whatsoever a man soweth,
that shall he also reap.
Here are some men and women
who mocked God :
John Lennon (Singer):
Some years before, during his interview with an American Magazine, he said:
"Christianity will end, it will disappear.
I do not have to argue about
that. I am certain.
Jesus was ok, but his subjects were too simple, Today we are more famous than
Him" (1966).
Lennon, after saying that the Beatles were more famous than Jesus Christ, was
shot six times.
Tancredo Neves (President of Brazil ):
During the Presidential campaign, he said if he got 500,000 votes from his party,
not even God would remove him from Presidency.
Sure he got the votes, but he got sick a day before being made President, then
he died.
Cazuza (Bi-sexual Brazilian composer, singer and poet):
During A show in Canecio (Rio de Janeiro ),
while smoking his cigarette, he puffed out some smoke into the air and said:
"God, that's for you."
He died at the age of 32 of AIDS in a horrible manner.
The man who built the Titanic
After the construction of Titanic, a reporter asked him how safe the Titanic
would be.
With an ironic tone he said:
"Not even God can sink it"
The result: I think you all know what happened to the Titanic .
Marilyn Monroe (Actress)
She was visited by Billy Graham during a presentation of a show.
He said the Spirit of God had sent him to preach to her.
After hearing what the Preacher had to say, she said:
"I don't need your Jesus".
A week later, she was found dead in her apartment .
Bon Scott (Singer)
The ex-vocalist of the AC/DC. On one of his 1979 songs he sang:
"Don't stop me, I'm going down all the way, down the highway to hell".
On the 19th of February 1980, Bon Scott was found dead, he had been choked
by his own vomit.
Campinas (IN 2005)
In Campinas, Brazil a group of friends, drunk, went to pick up a friend.....
The mother accompanied her to the car and was so worried about the
drunkenness of her friends and she said to the daughter holding her hand, who
was already seated in the car:
"My Daughter, Go With God And May He Protect You.."
She responded: "Only If He (God) Travels In The Trunk, Cause Inside
Here.....It's Already Full "
Hours later, news came by that they had been involved in a fatal accident,
everyone had died,
the car could not be recognized what type of car it had been, but surprisingly,
the trunk was intact.
The police said there was no way the trunk could have remained intact. To their
surprise, inside the trunk was a crate of eggs, none was broken .
Christine Hewitt (Jamaican Journalist and entertainer) said the Bible (Word of
God) was the worst book ever written.
In June 2006 she was found burnt beyond recognition in her motor vehicle .
Many more important people have forgotten that there is no other name that
was given so much authority as the name of Jesus.
Many have died, but only Jesus died and rose again, and he is still alive .
"Jesus"
Bonus entry from unknown source:
KNOW THESE FACTS?
I SURE DIDNT TILL NOW
Death is certain but the Bible speaks about untimely death!
Make a personal reflection about this.....
Very interesting, read until the end.....
It is written in the Bible (Galatians 6:7):
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked:
for whatsoever a man soweth,
that shall he also reap.
Here are some men and women
who mocked God :
John Lennon (Singer):
Some years before, during his interview with an American Magazine, he said:
"Christianity will end, it will disappear.
I do not have to argue about
that. I am certain.
Jesus was ok, but his subjects were too simple, Today we are more famous than
Him" (1966).
Lennon, after saying that the Beatles were more famous than Jesus Christ, was
shot six times.
Tancredo Neves (President of Brazil ):
During the Presidential campaign, he said if he got 500,000 votes from his party,
not even God would remove him from Presidency.
Sure he got the votes, but he got sick a day before being made President, then
he died.
Cazuza (Bi-sexual Brazilian composer, singer and poet):
During A show in Canecio (Rio de Janeiro ),
while smoking his cigarette, he puffed out some smoke into the air and said:
"God, that's for you."
He died at the age of 32 of AIDS in a horrible manner.
The man who built the Titanic
After the construction of Titanic, a reporter asked him how safe the Titanic
would be.
With an ironic tone he said:
"Not even God can sink it"
The result: I think you all know what happened to the Titanic .
Marilyn Monroe (Actress)
She was visited by Billy Graham during a presentation of a show.
He said the Spirit of God had sent him to preach to her.
After hearing what the Preacher had to say, she said:
"I don't need your Jesus".
A week later, she was found dead in her apartment .
Bon Scott (Singer)
The ex-vocalist of the AC/DC. On one of his 1979 songs he sang:
"Don't stop me, I'm going down all the way, down the highway to hell".
On the 19th of February 1980, Bon Scott was found dead, he had been choked
by his own vomit.
Campinas (IN 2005)
In Campinas, Brazil a group of friends, drunk, went to pick up a friend.....
The mother accompanied her to the car and was so worried about the
drunkenness of her friends and she said to the daughter holding her hand, who
was already seated in the car:
"My Daughter, Go With God And May He Protect You.."
She responded: "Only If He (God) Travels In The Trunk, Cause Inside
Here.....It's Already Full "
Hours later, news came by that they had been involved in a fatal accident,
everyone had died,
the car could not be recognized what type of car it had been, but surprisingly,
the trunk was intact.
The police said there was no way the trunk could have remained intact. To their
surprise, inside the trunk was a crate of eggs, none was broken .
Christine Hewitt (Jamaican Journalist and entertainer) said the Bible (Word of
God) was the worst book ever written.
In June 2006 she was found burnt beyond recognition in her motor vehicle .
Many more important people have forgotten that there is no other name that
was given so much authority as the name of Jesus.
Many have died, but only Jesus died and rose again, and he is still alive .
"Jesus"
August 28
Press forward!
This is the first day of the rest of our lives. Having come before our Lord this
morning in prayer, and according to his faithfulness to cleanse and forgive,
having received forgiveness and cleansing, let us begin at the place where we are
at this moment, forgetting those things which are behind and reach forward to
those things which are before us. We can do nothing about what has passed
except to ask God to forgive us for our sins and short coming, but by God's
grace and enabling power, we can if we will, take that which we have now and "
Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3: 14.
What is the prize of the high calling of God? The prize of the high calling of
God is : "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the
fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any
means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead." Philippians 3:10. The
prize of the high calling of God is our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ :"Who shall
change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body,
according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto
himself." Philippians 3: 20-21
Press forward!
This is the first day of the rest of our lives. Having come before our Lord this
morning in prayer, and according to his faithfulness to cleanse and forgive,
having received forgiveness and cleansing, let us begin at the place where we are
at this moment, forgetting those things which are behind and reach forward to
those things which are before us. We can do nothing about what has passed
except to ask God to forgive us for our sins and short coming, but by God's
grace and enabling power, we can if we will, take that which we have now and "
Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3: 14.
What is the prize of the high calling of God? The prize of the high calling of
God is : "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the
fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any
means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead." Philippians 3:10. The
prize of the high calling of God is our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ :"Who shall
change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body,
according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto
himself." Philippians 3: 20-21
August 29
May God be Pleased!
Oh ! That we might live in such a way that God would be pleased with us! If
God could say of us:"This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased," as he
said of Jesus our Lord. How wonderful it would be! If everywhere we went,
and in everything we do, we could glorify God, how wonderful it would be!
God is so good to us and his loving kindness and tender mercies are so great
toward us.
"Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay thy vows unto the most high: and call
upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me."
Psalm 50:14,15. "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me:and to him that ordereth
his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God." Psalm 50:23.
May God be Pleased!
Oh ! That we might live in such a way that God would be pleased with us! If
God could say of us:"This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased," as he
said of Jesus our Lord. How wonderful it would be! If everywhere we went,
and in everything we do, we could glorify God, how wonderful it would be!
God is so good to us and his loving kindness and tender mercies are so great
toward us.
"Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay thy vows unto the most high: and call
upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me."
Psalm 50:14,15. "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me:and to him that ordereth
his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God." Psalm 50:23.
August 30
No Blank Pages!
Each new day is a page in the story of our life. God forbid that there should be
one page left blank on which God does not receive honor and praise and glory.
"This is the day which the Lord hath made, let us therefore rejoice and be glad
in it." Give God the glory, for great things he hath done. Without him we could
do nothing, with him we can accomplish great things. We are indeed more than
conquerors through him who loved us. Today let us be grateful for God's
kindness and mercies. Today let us sing forth his praise. Oh Lord help us by
your grace to love you more and worship you more. Help us to grow in wisdom
and the knowledge of Christ so that : "..... we might be filled with the
knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding that ye might
walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and
increasing in the knowledge of God. Strengthened with all might,, according to
his glorious power, unto all patience, and long suffering with joyfulness: giving
thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the
inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of
darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear son: In whom we
have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the
image of the invisible God, the first born of every creature: For by him were all
things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible,
whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities, or powers: all things
were created by him and for him, and he is before all things, and by him all
things consist. Colossians 1:9-17.
No Blank Pages!
Each new day is a page in the story of our life. God forbid that there should be
one page left blank on which God does not receive honor and praise and glory.
"This is the day which the Lord hath made, let us therefore rejoice and be glad
in it." Give God the glory, for great things he hath done. Without him we could
do nothing, with him we can accomplish great things. We are indeed more than
conquerors through him who loved us. Today let us be grateful for God's
kindness and mercies. Today let us sing forth his praise. Oh Lord help us by
your grace to love you more and worship you more. Help us to grow in wisdom
and the knowledge of Christ so that : "..... we might be filled with the
knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding that ye might
walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and
increasing in the knowledge of God. Strengthened with all might,, according to
his glorious power, unto all patience, and long suffering with joyfulness: giving
thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the
inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of
darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear son: In whom we
have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the
image of the invisible God, the first born of every creature: For by him were all
things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible,
whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities, or powers: all things
were created by him and for him, and he is before all things, and by him all
things consist. Colossians 1:9-17.
August 31
To Know God Better!
If I knew God the way that David knew God I could praise him as David did.
Oh! To be a man after God's own heart even as David was said to be: To be
absolutely sure that "The Lord is my shepherd, and that I shall not want, he
maketh me to lie down in green pastures." Psalm 23
Faith to believe is a gift of God, and God gives to every man a measure of this
precious commodity as he sees fit. To walk closely with God, one must be
clean inside and out.
"Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy
place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart who hath not lifted up his
soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing form the
Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation." Psalm 24: 3-5
Jesus Christ , whose blood was shed to be the propitiation for our sins has
imputed to us his righteousness, and we can now stand before God, guilty, but
blameless. This is our access to God the Father and close communion with him.
To Know God Better!
If I knew God the way that David knew God I could praise him as David did.
Oh! To be a man after God's own heart even as David was said to be: To be
absolutely sure that "The Lord is my shepherd, and that I shall not want, he
maketh me to lie down in green pastures." Psalm 23
Faith to believe is a gift of God, and God gives to every man a measure of this
precious commodity as he sees fit. To walk closely with God, one must be
clean inside and out.
"Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy
place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart who hath not lifted up his
soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing form the
Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation." Psalm 24: 3-5
Jesus Christ , whose blood was shed to be the propitiation for our sins has
imputed to us his righteousness, and we can now stand before God, guilty, but
blameless. This is our access to God the Father and close communion with him.
September 3
Have You Heard From God This Morning?
Have you heard from God our Father this morning? Have you spoken to him,
and has he communicated to you his love? Have you stretched forth your hands
unto him? Does your soul thirst after him as a thirsty Land?
Draw near unto God and he will draw near unto you. "Call unto me and I will
answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."
Jeremiah 33:3
In the morning, as soon as we open our eyes from sleep, we ought to
automatically stretch forth our whole being to Jesus our Lord. Our prayer ought
to be like the psalmist who said: "I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul
thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land, Selah. Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit
faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the
pit. Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust:
cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
Deliver me, O Lord from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. Teach me
to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of
uprightness. Quicken me, O Lord, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness
sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies and
destroy all them that afflict my soul for I am thy servant." Psalm 143: 6-12
Have You Heard From God This Morning?
Have you heard from God our Father this morning? Have you spoken to him,
and has he communicated to you his love? Have you stretched forth your hands
unto him? Does your soul thirst after him as a thirsty Land?
Draw near unto God and he will draw near unto you. "Call unto me and I will
answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."
Jeremiah 33:3
In the morning, as soon as we open our eyes from sleep, we ought to
automatically stretch forth our whole being to Jesus our Lord. Our prayer ought
to be like the psalmist who said: "I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul
thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land, Selah. Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit
faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the
pit. Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust:
cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
Deliver me, O Lord from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. Teach me
to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of
uprightness. Quicken me, O Lord, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness
sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies and
destroy all them that afflict my soul for I am thy servant." Psalm 143: 6-12
September 4
An Instrument of Praise!
If God would cause my pen to fly swiftly across the pages of a book, I would
want it to be an instrument of his praise: for who can tell of the majesty and
power, and the glory of God our Father?Oh Holy Spirit who dwells within me, I
pray that thou will glorify our risen Christ with the words that I think, and speak,
and write, and that out of my belly will flow rivers of living waters that might
overflow into the lives of others through the way I live and the way I speak.
Create in me O God a clean heart and a pure mind, and let my meditation be ever
of thee. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be
acceptable to thee, O God my savior.
Whosoever you may be who reads these lines, be it known unto you that : "The
Lord, he is God." "It is he who hath made us and not we ourselves." It is God
who has saved us by the shedding of his blood, and : "There is no other name
under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12. "At the
name of Jesus every knee shall bow , of things in heaven and things in earth, and
things under the earth, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. to
the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:11
Pen, fly swiftly and tell the world of the glory of my God so that he might be
pleased with me and receive me into everlasting habitations.
An Instrument of Praise!
If God would cause my pen to fly swiftly across the pages of a book, I would
want it to be an instrument of his praise: for who can tell of the majesty and
power, and the glory of God our Father?Oh Holy Spirit who dwells within me, I
pray that thou will glorify our risen Christ with the words that I think, and speak,
and write, and that out of my belly will flow rivers of living waters that might
overflow into the lives of others through the way I live and the way I speak.
Create in me O God a clean heart and a pure mind, and let my meditation be ever
of thee. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be
acceptable to thee, O God my savior.
Whosoever you may be who reads these lines, be it known unto you that : "The
Lord, he is God." "It is he who hath made us and not we ourselves." It is God
who has saved us by the shedding of his blood, and : "There is no other name
under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12. "At the
name of Jesus every knee shall bow , of things in heaven and things in earth, and
things under the earth, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. to
the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:11
Pen, fly swiftly and tell the world of the glory of my God so that he might be
pleased with me and receive me into everlasting habitations.
September 5
Blessed is he whose sins are forgiven.
Oh! how blessed is the one whose sins are forgiven, whose iniquities are
remembered no more! How it blesses my heart and soul to know that there is
forgiveness with God! If God should hold grudges, as it were, and mark our
iniquities, who should stand? "There is none righteous, no not one." Romans
3:10 for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God with the exception
of one, and that one person, our blessed Lord and Savior was perfect in all his
ways and he who was sinless himself, bore all our sin and shame on the cross
when he died for us; but praise God! He rose again the third day, proving that he
was God and that God had accepted his sacrifice of himself as the propitiation for
all our sins, for as many as will receive it by faith, there is forgiveness with God
for all our foolishness when we bow before him, acknowledging our folly and ask
for his mercy to be bestowed upon us.
Weary sinner, come to the foot of the cross and see Jesus dying in your place.
Let the drops of his blood fall upon you by faith, and realize that divine blood
was shed for you, And that because of the price that was paid, you are valuable
to God. Then by faith visit the empty tomb and see that it is indeed empty: that
he is not here but was raised for our justification, and because he lives, be sure
that all of us who have put our trust in him shall live also.
Wandering prodigal, far from home, far from the Father's fellowship which you
once knew, come home. There is forgiveness with God. Come back to the fold,
come apart from the world, . Our Father is ready to kill the fatted calf and put a
ring on your finger and clothe you with his righteousness. Oh yes! Thank God,
there is forgiveness with God.
"If thou Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is
forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul
doth wait, and in his word do I hope." Psalm 130: 3-5.
Blessed is he whose sins are forgiven.
Oh! how blessed is the one whose sins are forgiven, whose iniquities are
remembered no more! How it blesses my heart and soul to know that there is
forgiveness with God! If God should hold grudges, as it were, and mark our
iniquities, who should stand? "There is none righteous, no not one." Romans
3:10 for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God with the exception
of one, and that one person, our blessed Lord and Savior was perfect in all his
ways and he who was sinless himself, bore all our sin and shame on the cross
when he died for us; but praise God! He rose again the third day, proving that he
was God and that God had accepted his sacrifice of himself as the propitiation for
all our sins, for as many as will receive it by faith, there is forgiveness with God
for all our foolishness when we bow before him, acknowledging our folly and ask
for his mercy to be bestowed upon us.
Weary sinner, come to the foot of the cross and see Jesus dying in your place.
Let the drops of his blood fall upon you by faith, and realize that divine blood
was shed for you, And that because of the price that was paid, you are valuable
to God. Then by faith visit the empty tomb and see that it is indeed empty: that
he is not here but was raised for our justification, and because he lives, be sure
that all of us who have put our trust in him shall live also.
Wandering prodigal, far from home, far from the Father's fellowship which you
once knew, come home. There is forgiveness with God. Come back to the fold,
come apart from the world, . Our Father is ready to kill the fatted calf and put a
ring on your finger and clothe you with his righteousness. Oh yes! Thank God,
there is forgiveness with God.
"If thou Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is
forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul
doth wait, and in his word do I hope." Psalm 130: 3-5.
September 6
The likeness of Christ!
As Jesus our savior was the image of the invisible God when he was on earth, so
we as Christians ought to bear the image of Christ in our bodies while our Lord is
now back in heaven with the Father. We are to be witnesses of him even as he
was a revelation and a witness of the Father. A witness is one who shows forth
or proclaims to be true that which is, and that which is true.
Someone has said that we tend to become like that which we behold and affix our
thoughts on; then if this is indeed true, we need to be constantly beholding the
Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of he world, and steadfastly fixing our
gaze upon him, let his image be formed in us that the world in which we live and
have to do will see a reflection of the living Christ in us. And by our yielding our
mortal bodies to him they might truly be his holy temple wherein dwelleth the
presence of the Holy and righteous God, established in the faith and resting
securely upon the word of God. If we are to be witnesses, then: "As ye have
therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him. Rooted and built up
in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with
thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit,
after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete
in him, which is the head of all principality and power" Colossians 2: 6-10.
The likeness of Christ!
As Jesus our savior was the image of the invisible God when he was on earth, so
we as Christians ought to bear the image of Christ in our bodies while our Lord is
now back in heaven with the Father. We are to be witnesses of him even as he
was a revelation and a witness of the Father. A witness is one who shows forth
or proclaims to be true that which is, and that which is true.
Someone has said that we tend to become like that which we behold and affix our
thoughts on; then if this is indeed true, we need to be constantly beholding the
Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of he world, and steadfastly fixing our
gaze upon him, let his image be formed in us that the world in which we live and
have to do will see a reflection of the living Christ in us. And by our yielding our
mortal bodies to him they might truly be his holy temple wherein dwelleth the
presence of the Holy and righteous God, established in the faith and resting
securely upon the word of God. If we are to be witnesses, then: "As ye have
therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him. Rooted and built up
in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with
thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit,
after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete
in him, which is the head of all principality and power" Colossians 2: 6-10.
September 8
Alive or Dead?
"Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, he was buried and rose again
the third day according to the scriptures." Christ has risen and conquered death.
Christian, when we were saved, we died, as it were to the world, and the flesh,
but the question is, have we risen with Christ or are we just plain dead to the
things of earth and nothing more? Since we were saved, have we experienced the
resurrection power of our risen Lord, and does his life and vitality flow in us and
through us to bring inspiration and hope not only to ourselves but also to others?
Are we seeking heavenly things, those thing which are above where Christ is? Do
things of the earth look strangely dim in the light of his glorious kingdom?
Where is our treasure? For where our treasure is, there will our heart be also.
When we died to sin, we put off the old man with his evil deeds and vile
affections, but have we truly put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge
after the image of him that has created us?
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ
sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on
things on the earth. for ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in
glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication,
uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is
idolatry: for which things sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of
disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
But now ye also put off all these; anger wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy
communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have
put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is
renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is
neither Greek not Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian,
bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all." Colossians 3: 1-11.
Alive or Dead?
"Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, he was buried and rose again
the third day according to the scriptures." Christ has risen and conquered death.
Christian, when we were saved, we died, as it were to the world, and the flesh,
but the question is, have we risen with Christ or are we just plain dead to the
things of earth and nothing more? Since we were saved, have we experienced the
resurrection power of our risen Lord, and does his life and vitality flow in us and
through us to bring inspiration and hope not only to ourselves but also to others?
Are we seeking heavenly things, those thing which are above where Christ is? Do
things of the earth look strangely dim in the light of his glorious kingdom?
Where is our treasure? For where our treasure is, there will our heart be also.
When we died to sin, we put off the old man with his evil deeds and vile
affections, but have we truly put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge
after the image of him that has created us?
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ
sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on
things on the earth. for ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in
glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication,
uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is
idolatry: for which things sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of
disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
But now ye also put off all these; anger wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy
communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have
put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is
renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is
neither Greek not Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian,
bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all." Colossians 3: 1-11.
September 10
Safe And Secure!
"They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion which cannot be moved, but
abideth forever." Psalm 125: 1.
What a comforting thought this is to the believer. In Christ we are safe and
secure . " No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper. and every tongue
that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of
the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord." Isaiah
54: 17 "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about
his people from henceforth even forever." Psalm 125:2 Oh, how wonderful to
have the assurance that the love and protection of our heavenly Father surrounds
the child of God for whom Christ died and is risen. He has given his angels
charge over us to keep us safe in all our ways, and one day he will guide us to our
desired haven, the city which we seek, wherein dwelleth the holiness and
righteousness of the King of kings and Lord of lords. "The rod of the wicked
shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hand
unto iniquity. " Psalm 125:3. God hath not appointed us, his children, unto
wrath, for our judgment is passed, having been placed on our Savior at Calvary ;
but he has ordained us to life eternal and everlasting in his heavenly kingdom
forever.
O praise the Lord for his goodness, and his mercy to all who will trust in him.
Bless his holy name forever.
Safe And Secure!
"They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion which cannot be moved, but
abideth forever." Psalm 125: 1.
What a comforting thought this is to the believer. In Christ we are safe and
secure . " No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper. and every tongue
that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of
the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord." Isaiah
54: 17 "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about
his people from henceforth even forever." Psalm 125:2 Oh, how wonderful to
have the assurance that the love and protection of our heavenly Father surrounds
the child of God for whom Christ died and is risen. He has given his angels
charge over us to keep us safe in all our ways, and one day he will guide us to our
desired haven, the city which we seek, wherein dwelleth the holiness and
righteousness of the King of kings and Lord of lords. "The rod of the wicked
shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hand
unto iniquity. " Psalm 125:3. God hath not appointed us, his children, unto
wrath, for our judgment is passed, having been placed on our Savior at Calvary ;
but he has ordained us to life eternal and everlasting in his heavenly kingdom
forever.
O praise the Lord for his goodness, and his mercy to all who will trust in him.
Bless his holy name forever.
September 11
A Dream Come True.
Have you ever had a dream come true? Have you ever had something wonderful
happen to you that was beyond your fondest dreams and expectations? If you
are one of us who have been saved and truly born again, you have had this
happen to you. For once God's grace has been poured out to you, and you have
been enabled by faith to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and have received him
as your Lord and savior, and you know that all your sins have been forgiven and
that you are on your way to heaven, your weeping is turned to laughter; your
mourning has been turned to joy; and for the first time in your life you are set
free. When the Lord turned your captivity to freedom, it seemed almost too good
to be true. It seemed like a dream, and oh , the joy that filled your heart, and you
wanted to jump up and shout the glad tidings and tell the whole world.
We are so happy over what has happened to us that we want to go and tell the
whole world. We sorrow for those who remain in captivity to Satan, and we go
out to sow the seed of the good news of the gospel in tears, knowing that by the
grace and the power of God, we shall doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing
our sheaves with us, as we are promised in the word of God.
Oh, what a dream has come true for all of us who have put our trust in Jesus,
that sin and death would have no more power over us, and he has turned our
captivity and made us to be partakers of his glory in his heavenly kingdom.
"When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing, then
said they among the heathen, the Lord hath done great things for them. The
Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Turn again our
captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap
in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth bearing precious seed, shall doubtless
come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Psalm 126 1-6.
A Dream Come True.
Have you ever had a dream come true? Have you ever had something wonderful
happen to you that was beyond your fondest dreams and expectations? If you
are one of us who have been saved and truly born again, you have had this
happen to you. For once God's grace has been poured out to you, and you have
been enabled by faith to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and have received him
as your Lord and savior, and you know that all your sins have been forgiven and
that you are on your way to heaven, your weeping is turned to laughter; your
mourning has been turned to joy; and for the first time in your life you are set
free. When the Lord turned your captivity to freedom, it seemed almost too good
to be true. It seemed like a dream, and oh , the joy that filled your heart, and you
wanted to jump up and shout the glad tidings and tell the whole world.
We are so happy over what has happened to us that we want to go and tell the
whole world. We sorrow for those who remain in captivity to Satan, and we go
out to sow the seed of the good news of the gospel in tears, knowing that by the
grace and the power of God, we shall doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing
our sheaves with us, as we are promised in the word of God.
Oh, what a dream has come true for all of us who have put our trust in Jesus,
that sin and death would have no more power over us, and he has turned our
captivity and made us to be partakers of his glory in his heavenly kingdom.
"When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing, then
said they among the heathen, the Lord hath done great things for them. The
Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Turn again our
captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap
in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth bearing precious seed, shall doubtless
come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Psalm 126 1-6.
September 12
Tribute To A Godly Mother!
Today, my Father of all creation, I want to thank you for causing me to be born
to a Godly mother. Not perfect in all her ways to be sure, for all have sinned and
come short of the Glory of God; but one whom I believe early in life recognized
her need of salvation and to be born again, and reached out by faith to receive
the greatest gift that could be offered to her, the Lord Jesus Christ; his life, his
shed blood, his death and his glorious resurrection, for the propitiation of her sins.
Consequently, these many years that have passed since she left us, I believe she
has been, and is rejoicing in your presence, around your throne with myriads of
angels, singing: "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain."
In life she feared God, obeyed the law, and honored her husband. She made her
home a haven of rest, a sanctuary from all the tumult and strife that is in the
world. She was a friend to all, and her house was like the house by the side of
the road, open to all who needed a meal or a shelter. She had but one son, who
in her lap and at her knee heard of God for the very first time, who was warned
by her to escape hell, that terrible place, and to love and obey God who loves us
all. From a tattered old hymn book she taught me to sing: "I am happy in the
service of the king, I am happy, oh, so happy."
Not until later years did I realize just how happy I could be in the service of the
king, but now my Father, I know that there is no other road to happiness.
I believe that when the trump of God shall sound, when the dead in Christ arise,
when time shall be no more, and when the roll is called up yonder, she will be
there. Thank you my Father for the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for
forgiveness of sins. Thank you for eternal life and the hope of heaven, and thank
you for a Godly mother.
Tribute To A Godly Mother!
Today, my Father of all creation, I want to thank you for causing me to be born
to a Godly mother. Not perfect in all her ways to be sure, for all have sinned and
come short of the Glory of God; but one whom I believe early in life recognized
her need of salvation and to be born again, and reached out by faith to receive
the greatest gift that could be offered to her, the Lord Jesus Christ; his life, his
shed blood, his death and his glorious resurrection, for the propitiation of her sins.
Consequently, these many years that have passed since she left us, I believe she
has been, and is rejoicing in your presence, around your throne with myriads of
angels, singing: "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain."
In life she feared God, obeyed the law, and honored her husband. She made her
home a haven of rest, a sanctuary from all the tumult and strife that is in the
world. She was a friend to all, and her house was like the house by the side of
the road, open to all who needed a meal or a shelter. She had but one son, who
in her lap and at her knee heard of God for the very first time, who was warned
by her to escape hell, that terrible place, and to love and obey God who loves us
all. From a tattered old hymn book she taught me to sing: "I am happy in the
service of the king, I am happy, oh, so happy."
Not until later years did I realize just how happy I could be in the service of the
king, but now my Father, I know that there is no other road to happiness.
I believe that when the trump of God shall sound, when the dead in Christ arise,
when time shall be no more, and when the roll is called up yonder, she will be
there. Thank you my Father for the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for
forgiveness of sins. Thank you for eternal life and the hope of heaven, and thank
you for a Godly mother.
September 13
Pray For Revival!
"Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy
will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive
us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver
us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever,
Amen."
My Father, I pray that thou will rekindle and ignite the fire of revival in my heart.
I pray that thou will cleanse me from all my iniquity. Create in me O God, a
clean heart and pure mind and renew a right spirit within me. I pray that thou
wilt create a new hunger and thirst for thy word, and that I will desire more of thy
fellowship. I pray that I will have a greater love and concern for all the brethren
and children of God. Restore to me, O Lord, the joys of my salvation, and grant
me a greater zeal for soul winning. Let me be all that you have meant for me to
be, and let me approve all things which are excellent which will bring honor and
glory to thy name. Teach me O Lord to pray continually and without ceasing.
Teach me to walk constantly with the blessed Holy Spirit, and open a door of
utterance for me that I might make it manifest as I ought to speak. Help me to
walk in wisdom toward those that are without, redeeming the time. Let my
speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that I may know how I might
answer every man.
Pray For Revival!
"Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy
will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive
us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver
us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever,
Amen."
My Father, I pray that thou will rekindle and ignite the fire of revival in my heart.
I pray that thou will cleanse me from all my iniquity. Create in me O God, a
clean heart and pure mind and renew a right spirit within me. I pray that thou
wilt create a new hunger and thirst for thy word, and that I will desire more of thy
fellowship. I pray that I will have a greater love and concern for all the brethren
and children of God. Restore to me, O Lord, the joys of my salvation, and grant
me a greater zeal for soul winning. Let me be all that you have meant for me to
be, and let me approve all things which are excellent which will bring honor and
glory to thy name. Teach me O Lord to pray continually and without ceasing.
Teach me to walk constantly with the blessed Holy Spirit, and open a door of
utterance for me that I might make it manifest as I ought to speak. Help me to
walk in wisdom toward those that are without, redeeming the time. Let my
speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that I may know how I might
answer every man.
September 14
Ambassadors For Christ!
Life on planet earth is preparatory for the real life in heaven. It is a back porch,
or mud room, as it were where we learn how to behave and cleanse ourselves
before we are allowed into the parlor. It is here that we hear and learn of God. It
is here that God's grace is freely offered to us, and we either receive it or reject
it. It is here that we are saved.
We who are saved have been allowed to remain on planet earth after we were
saved so that we might perform the work and ministry of ambassadors for Christ
so that others might hear the good news of the gospel and be saved. We must all
stand before the judgment seat of Christ some day and give an account of how
we have performed this ministry.
We have all been given the tools to work with, and we have been given
instruction in the use of these tools. "If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God
who giveth liberally and upbraideth not." James 1: 5.
We have all been given talents and abilities, all differing according to the will of
God. Some day we will be asked, where is the talent and ability that was given to
you? According to what we have done, and how we have trusted and obeyed ,
and according to our faithfulness or unfaithfulness we will have to answer to our
Lord.
How wonderful on that day would it be for our Lord to put his hand on our
shoulder and say to us, well done thou good and faithful servant, but how
ashamed we will be if we are found empty handed at that day with no crowns to
place at our savior's feet.
Let each of us , therefore: "Take heed to the ministry which thou hasty received
in the Lord, that thou fulfil it."Colossians 4: 17.
Ambassadors For Christ!
Life on planet earth is preparatory for the real life in heaven. It is a back porch,
or mud room, as it were where we learn how to behave and cleanse ourselves
before we are allowed into the parlor. It is here that we hear and learn of God. It
is here that God's grace is freely offered to us, and we either receive it or reject
it. It is here that we are saved.
We who are saved have been allowed to remain on planet earth after we were
saved so that we might perform the work and ministry of ambassadors for Christ
so that others might hear the good news of the gospel and be saved. We must all
stand before the judgment seat of Christ some day and give an account of how
we have performed this ministry.
We have all been given the tools to work with, and we have been given
instruction in the use of these tools. "If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God
who giveth liberally and upbraideth not." James 1: 5.
We have all been given talents and abilities, all differing according to the will of
God. Some day we will be asked, where is the talent and ability that was given to
you? According to what we have done, and how we have trusted and obeyed ,
and according to our faithfulness or unfaithfulness we will have to answer to our
Lord.
How wonderful on that day would it be for our Lord to put his hand on our
shoulder and say to us, well done thou good and faithful servant, but how
ashamed we will be if we are found empty handed at that day with no crowns to
place at our savior's feet.
Let each of us , therefore: "Take heed to the ministry which thou hasty received
in the Lord, that thou fulfil it."Colossians 4: 17.
September 15
Be not a scoffer!
Proud and haughty man, thou ant! who scorneth the word of God, know you not,
Oh small and insignificant entity in comparison with the whole, that it was the
Word of God that established the heavens and the earth and created you ? At the
command of the Word of God there was light, and the light over came the
darkness.
My dear friend, as an ambassador of Christ on earth, I want to warn you, if you
by chance read these words and your first inclination is to scoff at, and scorn the
Word of God.
According to the very Word of God, you will not be dead a split second before
you will be lamenting the fact that you did not take heed to the Word of God
when it warned you that you, like all men, have sinned and come short of the
glory of God, for all have sinned. There is none righteous, no, not one. The
wages of sin is death, and my friend, you will find at that hour that hell is no joke,
but a very real place as Jesus described it, as a garbage dump, whose fire is
unquenchable, a place which has been prepared for the Devil and his angels and
all who will scoff at the Word of God.
My friend if you will believe and adhere to the Word of God, there is a brighter
and happier side. As "The wages of sin is death" so, "The gift of God is eternal
life " through Jesus Christ his son, our Lord. "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ
and thou shalt be saved" from this day forth and forever.
Be not a scoffer!
Proud and haughty man, thou ant! who scorneth the word of God, know you not,
Oh small and insignificant entity in comparison with the whole, that it was the
Word of God that established the heavens and the earth and created you ? At the
command of the Word of God there was light, and the light over came the
darkness.
My dear friend, as an ambassador of Christ on earth, I want to warn you, if you
by chance read these words and your first inclination is to scoff at, and scorn the
Word of God.
According to the very Word of God, you will not be dead a split second before
you will be lamenting the fact that you did not take heed to the Word of God
when it warned you that you, like all men, have sinned and come short of the
glory of God, for all have sinned. There is none righteous, no, not one. The
wages of sin is death, and my friend, you will find at that hour that hell is no joke,
but a very real place as Jesus described it, as a garbage dump, whose fire is
unquenchable, a place which has been prepared for the Devil and his angels and
all who will scoff at the Word of God.
My friend if you will believe and adhere to the Word of God, there is a brighter
and happier side. As "The wages of sin is death" so, "The gift of God is eternal
life " through Jesus Christ his son, our Lord. "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ
and thou shalt be saved" from this day forth and forever.
September 17
That we might have the mind of God!
Oh, that we might have the mind of God , that we his creatures might think his
thoughts and know his will, and enjoy his wisdom. If we are the born again
children of God, the scriptures tell us that we have been given the mind of Christ
in a measure, and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be enlightened in the
knowledge of God. God has revealed his thoughts to us in the written Word of
God which we have at our disposal to read and to meditate . If we want the mind
of Christ, then first of all we must become the children of God through faith in
the finished work of Christ at Calvary for our redemption, for God does not give
his mind to strangers, who will not believe him."The natural man understandeth
not the things of God, neither can he know them for they are spiritually
discerned."
If we will diligently search the scriptures, and pray and meditate day and night ,
and if we will seek him with the whole heart, then God will reveal to us all that he
wants us to know. Some knowledge is too high for us now while we are mere
earthlings, but when we reach heaven, all things will be shown to us.
"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto
according to thy word." Psalm 119: 9. "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of thy law. I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy
commandments from me." Psalm 119: 18,19.
That we might have the mind of God!
Oh, that we might have the mind of God , that we his creatures might think his
thoughts and know his will, and enjoy his wisdom. If we are the born again
children of God, the scriptures tell us that we have been given the mind of Christ
in a measure, and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be enlightened in the
knowledge of God. God has revealed his thoughts to us in the written Word of
God which we have at our disposal to read and to meditate . If we want the mind
of Christ, then first of all we must become the children of God through faith in
the finished work of Christ at Calvary for our redemption, for God does not give
his mind to strangers, who will not believe him."The natural man understandeth
not the things of God, neither can he know them for they are spiritually
discerned."
If we will diligently search the scriptures, and pray and meditate day and night ,
and if we will seek him with the whole heart, then God will reveal to us all that he
wants us to know. Some knowledge is too high for us now while we are mere
earthlings, but when we reach heaven, all things will be shown to us.
"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto
according to thy word." Psalm 119: 9. "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of thy law. I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy
commandments from me." Psalm 119: 18,19.
September 18
How is your appetite?
Normally when a person looses his appetite and does not desire food consistently
for a period of time, it is generally considered that he or she is ill and medical
attention is sought.
So it is with the Christian when he looses his appetite for the things of God. This
is an indication that something is wrong in the heart of that individual to cause
him to turn away from spiritual things. The Christian who loves God and is in
right fellowship with him has a hunger and thirst for the things of God that cannot
be satisfied until he is spending his time in the word of God, in prayer and
meditation, and in fellowship with God's people.
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be
filled." Matthew 5: 6.
"Woe unto you that are full for ye shall hunger." Luke 6:25
"The full soul loatheth an honeycomb: but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is
sweet." Proverbs 27;7.
How is your appetite?
Normally when a person looses his appetite and does not desire food consistently
for a period of time, it is generally considered that he or she is ill and medical
attention is sought.
So it is with the Christian when he looses his appetite for the things of God. This
is an indication that something is wrong in the heart of that individual to cause
him to turn away from spiritual things. The Christian who loves God and is in
right fellowship with him has a hunger and thirst for the things of God that cannot
be satisfied until he is spending his time in the word of God, in prayer and
meditation, and in fellowship with God's people.
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be
filled." Matthew 5: 6.
"Woe unto you that are full for ye shall hunger." Luke 6:25
"The full soul loatheth an honeycomb: but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is
sweet." Proverbs 27;7.
September 19
What shall we render unto the Lord?
"What shall we render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward us?" Psalm 116:
12. How could we ever hope to repay God for his mercy, his love, his salvation
and every good thing which he has given to us?
When we count our blessings instead of our problems, we are made aware of the
fact that the goodness and mercy of God out weighs all our difficulties. God is
ever ready to hear and answer the faintest supplication when we call upon him in
truth. He is an ever present help in the time of trouble. He is ready, willing, and
able to forgive all our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
The only thing that we can render to God that will be acceptable unto him is a
contrite broken spirit, a heart filled with gratitude and praise, and complete trust in
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We ought to daily and momentarily offer our bodies to the Lord which is our
reasonable service, and "take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the
Lord, and pay our vows unto the Lord in the presence of all his people, and
offer to him the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call upon the name of the Lord."
Psalm 116: 12-17..
Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved
September 20
Serve the Lord with gladness.
Serve the Lord with gladness! We who are saved ought to love to serve the
Lord. To know that we bring joy to the heart of God when we love him and
serve him with a willing spirit ought to make us happy and complete.
What better way to spend a life than to faithfully and joyfully be in the service
of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?
He loved us so much that while we were contemptible sinners, he gave his only
begotten son to die for us, but praise the Lord he arose and is now at the
Father's right hand interceding for us and one day will come again to planet
earth and rule and reign in righteousness.
"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness,
come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is
he that hath made us, and not we ourselves, we are his people, and the sheep of
his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with
Praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. for the Lord is good, his
mercy is everlasting, and his truth endureth to all generations." Psalm 100
September 21
Called to holiness!
"For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." 1
Thessalonians 4: 7. Therefore we should not use the liberty which we as
Christians have in Christ as a license to live carelessly, wallowing again in the
mire of the world, the flesh, and the devil. We ought to seek a higher plateau
of living. We ought to approve of excellence, and we ought to strive to live
godly as our Father would have us to live. For he has told us: "be ye holy as I
am holy".
Not that we need to be arrogant and haughty, spiritually proud Christians
walking around with a chip on our shoulder, for God hates a haughty spirit and
a proud look; but in all meekness and love toward one another, we ought to
always be aware of the great price that was paid for our redemption, and be
always aware of the name we bear, lest we, by our lives blaspheme and disgrace
his Holy name.
Our reasonable service to God is that we yield our bodies to him, and not only
our bodies, but our minds and soul also so that we might truly be his Holy
temple. That he might through us and in us live his life to perfection and that he
might be glorified.
Lord we pray that you will cleanse us from within, help us to be Holy. Sanctify
us and let us live on a plain of life that is fit for a king, in fact, for the King of
Kings, the Lord Jesus Christ. Help us to please thee in all our ways.
September 22
This could be the day.
This could be the day that the Lord will return. At any moment, at any hour of
the day or night, the trumpet could sound and the dead in Christ arise, and we
which are alive and remain would be caught up to meet them in the air, and so
would we ever be with the Lord.
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of
the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first;
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in
the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1
Thessalonians 4: 16, 17.
What a glorious day to look forward to! When Christ shall come for his own;
when we shall see him as he is; when death and sickness and disease and
sorrow will be abolished forever. Loved ones who have gone before us who
have died in Christ we shall see again around the throne of God.
If this should be the day, are we ready? Is there oil in our lamp? Do we have
on a wedding garment? Are we prepared to meet the bridegroom? Are our lives
consecrated to the Lord Jesus?
"Therefore let us not sleep, as do others, but let us watch and be sober." 1
Thessalonians 5; 6.
This could be the day.
This could be the day that the Lord will return. At any moment, at any hour of
the day or night, the trumpet could sound and the dead in Christ arise, and we
which are alive and remain would be caught up to meet them in the air, and so
would we ever be with the Lord.
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of
the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first;
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in
the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1
Thessalonians 4: 16, 17.
What a glorious day to look forward to! When Christ shall come for his own;
when we shall see him as he is; when death and sickness and disease and
sorrow will be abolished forever. Loved ones who have gone before us who
have died in Christ we shall see again around the throne of God.
If this should be the day, are we ready? Is there oil in our lamp? Do we have
on a wedding garment? Are we prepared to meet the bridegroom? Are our lives
consecrated to the Lord Jesus?
"Therefore let us not sleep, as do others, but let us watch and be sober." 1
Thessalonians 5; 6.
September 24
Guilty but blameless!
My Father, the best that I know how as a human being, I love you because you
have first loved me. You have poured out your love and tender mercies upon
me, and while I was yet a sinner, Christ came into the world to save sinners.
Christ died for my sins, he was buried and rose again according to the
scriptures. Now because of your wonderful grace, I am set free from the
burden of sin. I am out of Satan's prison, and I am on my way to heaven to
claim my inheritance as a joint heir with Christ.
No one can bring an accusation against me for : "There is therefore now no
condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." I am guilty but blameless
because you have borne the guilt and the shame of my iniquity upon yourself.
Thank you dear Lord for this wonderful gift of grace, and help me this day to
live for you so that you might receive praise and glory and honor through my
life. Thank you for Jesus, my Savior, my friend, my brother. thank you for the
Holy Spirit, my comforter, constant companion and never failing guide. Thank
you for your Word and your promises which cannot fail.
Guilty but blameless!
My Father, the best that I know how as a human being, I love you because you
have first loved me. You have poured out your love and tender mercies upon
me, and while I was yet a sinner, Christ came into the world to save sinners.
Christ died for my sins, he was buried and rose again according to the
scriptures. Now because of your wonderful grace, I am set free from the
burden of sin. I am out of Satan's prison, and I am on my way to heaven to
claim my inheritance as a joint heir with Christ.
No one can bring an accusation against me for : "There is therefore now no
condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." I am guilty but blameless
because you have borne the guilt and the shame of my iniquity upon yourself.
Thank you dear Lord for this wonderful gift of grace, and help me this day to
live for you so that you might receive praise and glory and honor through my
life. Thank you for Jesus, my Savior, my friend, my brother. thank you for the
Holy Spirit, my comforter, constant companion and never failing guide. Thank
you for your Word and your promises which cannot fail.
September 25
What is your compass?
We are told by men of experience in seamanship and navigation of the
importance of a compass on a dark night or in a dense fog on the high seas.
When upon the ocean billows a ship is floundering in a storm, and the fog is so
thick that you cannot hardly see a hand before you, some times you get to
wonder whether or not you can or should trust your compass. It seems at times
that the needle is pointing in the wrong direction from what you think to be
right; but the wise seaman will have first checked his compass before he
launches out into the unknown. When he is far from home and from land, if he
is wise, he will follow the direction that the compass indicates as its' faithful
needle points to the true north reference point.
My dear friend whoever you may be, we are on a broad uncharted ocean of life,
lost and not having any sense of direction nor knowledge of how to find our
desired haven until we accept the Word of God, which has been tried and
found to be true, as our compass..
Simply by taking the teaching of the Word of God and obeying its' laws and
principles by faith, just because God said it, we must believe it and follow it to
guide us safely home. Our compass tells us that the way home to heaven is by
way of the cross. There is no other way. Broad is the way that leads to
destruction but narrow is the way that leadeth unto life eternal.
"Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the father
but by him."
Weary sailor are you lost in the fog, unhappy, depressed, discouraged,
fearfully tossed on the sea of life, desiring eternal and everlasting life, and
seeking heaven but not knowing where to find it? You have at your disposal a
compass which has been tried and is true, the Holy Bible, the divinely inspired
Word of God. It points to the true reference point for all of life, the Lord Jesus
Christ. It tells us how we are sinners from birth and without hope in the world,
and that we all have sinned against God and are condemned to die, but it also
tells us of how Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. He died for
our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day, all according to the scriptures,
so that we might by faith receive him as our savior, and allow him to lead us
safely home.
September 26
Bodily exercise profiteth little!
"Bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having
promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." 1 Timothy 4:8.
There will not be too much overall profit gained from the attention we give to
our physical bodies, for these bodies are earthly, carnal, and soon to be
returned to the dust from which they came; but with our soul and inner man it
is very profitable to be Godly and grow and mature in him, that we might be the
reflection of him, and that we might attain unto that place of maturity and
perfection whereby we might truly be called the children of God.
Godliness has the promise of an abundant life now, and a great future forever in
the presence of God. To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually
minded is life, joy, and peace.
Oh, Lord, help us to have the right and proper balance between the care of our
bodies and the attention we give to them, and the attention that we give to
becoming God like by yielding our complete being to him and by allowing the
Holy Spirit to fashion us into his divine image.
September 27
Abundantly blessed?
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Are you one of those persons whom
God has blessed over and abundantly more than you could ever expect? Are
you rich in the things of this world? Do you own a large estate? Do you have
houses and lands, and bank accounts at your disposal to do with as you wish?
Have you attained a high degree of education, and do your peers look upon you
with great admiration for your apparent success? I must warn you to take heed
that you do not glorify yourself and pat yourself on the back, as it were, for
having attained these things, because, but for the grace of our living Savior, you
would have nothing and you could become nothing.
The bible says: "Men of corrupt minds and destitute of truth, suppose that gain
is godliness." 1 Timothy 6: 5. But the real truth of the matter is that: "Godliness
with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is
certain we can carry nothing out, and having food and raiment let us be
therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare,
and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and
perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some
coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through
with many sorrows. But thou, o man of God, flee these things; and follow after
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." 1 Timothy 6-11
"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust
in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to
enjoy." 1 Timothy 6: 17
September 28
Study to show thyself approved!
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2: 15.
This is one area where many of us who are Christians are disobedient, and of
course, all disobedience is sin.
The bible commands the believer to search and study the scriptures daily to see
if the things we hear are really true, lest we be led astray and deceived by false
doctrine.
God has given us the written word to be a compass for our lives, to lead us
through uncharted seas. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a guide unto my
pathway." Psalm 119: 105.
Many times we wander out of the will of God because we do not mediate on the
Word of God to know what his will is for us. If we search the scriptures, we
shall find , if we knock, it shall be opened unto us. If we ask in faith, we shall
receive.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God
may be perfect , thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3: 16.17
If any of us have been negligent in this area of our lives and are not actively
engaged in the study of the scriptures, we ought to confess this to God that we
might be forgiven of this sin and get back into the perfect will of God as he
instructs us from his word.
Study to show thyself approved!
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2: 15.
This is one area where many of us who are Christians are disobedient, and of
course, all disobedience is sin.
The bible commands the believer to search and study the scriptures daily to see
if the things we hear are really true, lest we be led astray and deceived by false
doctrine.
God has given us the written word to be a compass for our lives, to lead us
through uncharted seas. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a guide unto my
pathway." Psalm 119: 105.
Many times we wander out of the will of God because we do not mediate on the
Word of God to know what his will is for us. If we search the scriptures, we
shall find , if we knock, it shall be opened unto us. If we ask in faith, we shall
receive.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God
may be perfect , thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3: 16.17
If any of us have been negligent in this area of our lives and are not actively
engaged in the study of the scriptures, we ought to confess this to God that we
might be forgiven of this sin and get back into the perfect will of God as he
instructs us from his word.
October 2
My defense is of God.
My defense is of God which saves the upright in heart. I am glad that God
looks on the heart of man. God knows our hearts, he knows if there has ever
been a time when we, from our hearts, have cried out to him in sorrowful
repentance of our sins and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and received him
into our hearts as Lord and Savior. We can judge no man, for we cannot know
what is deep in the heart of any man, only God can know that , but if we
believe that our own heart is right with God, then we can rightly say that our
defense is of God, and knowing that God's word is sure and steadfast, we can
agree with God that he is angry at the wicked every day.
We ought to be good evangelists and sound forth the warning that all may hear
what God has proclaimed to all: "That God judgeth the righteous, and God is
angry with the wicked every day. If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath
bent his bow, and made it ready. He hath also prepared for him the instruments
of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors." Psalm 7: 11-13.
The arrows of God's judgment, aimed at the wicked, are already set and under
the pressure of a bent bow. Only God's mercy and long suffering prevents the
release of God's arrows of judgment.
God is merciful and kind, not willing to pour out wrath, but to bathe us in love.
We all ought to examine our own heart very carefully to see if we are among the
wicked in heart, or if our hearts are right toward God so that we may say, my
defense is of God.
October 3
Lovers of ourselves.
We are warned from the scriptures: "This know also, that in the last days
perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous,
boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce,
despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasure
more that lovers of God; having a form of Godliness, but denying the power
thereof: from such turn away." 11 Timothy 3: 1-5.
This describes the world in which we live today; but if we are truly Christians,
and in love with Christ, it should not be descriptive of us.
As we examine this passage of scripture, if it can be said that any of these things
are true of us, then it is time that we fall on our knees and repent of our sins
and get right with God. We who have at one time experienced the love and
grace of God being poured out upon us ought to know better.
Child of God, it is expected of us as the dear Children of God that we:
"Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of,
knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast
known the holy scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation
through faith which is in Christ Jesus." Timothy 3: 14, 15.
October 4
Where is our faith?
I am the Lord's and he is mine.
"And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto
his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen" 11 Timothy 4:
18.
Regardless of the afflictions and fiery trials that we must pass through in the
course of our lifetime here on earth, we who believe God's word have the
assurance that we will be delivered from the workers of iniquity and every evil
work, and we will ultimately find ourselves safe and secure in the heavenly
kingdom.
Jesus was in the boat with his disciples, and he commanded them to depart for
the other side of the lake, and though they encountered a storm at sea that all but
overwhelmed them, the die had been cast and the decree had been given to
depart to the other coast. When the disciples, being afraid in the midst of the
storm, awoke our Lord from sleep, he asked them: "Where is your faith?"
Christian brother and sister, let us take a good look at our situation. It may be at
the moment we are almost completely overwhelmed by our "storm at sea", as it
were, our problems, our fears and fiery trials; but where is our faith? We have
the infallible, unfailing word of God which assures us that the Lord will carry us
safely to the other shore.
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help
cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot
to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth
Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy
shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by
night. the Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. the
Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and
even for evermore." Psalm 121.
October 8
Grace, mercy and peace!
To every Christian believer is given grace, mercy, and peace, from God the
Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.
Grace: God pours out upon us his unmerited favor because he loves us. He gives
us all the good things from his storehouse of compassion and love, even though
we deserve none of it. "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten
son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life."
John 3:16. :"For by grace are ye saved through faith ; and that not of yourselves:
it is a gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2: 8,9.
God has promised to make his grace sufficient for us to meet our every need.
"While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us"-this is grace. God is the giver, we
are the receiver of all things freely to enjoy in Christ - this is grace. Though we
have no credentials of our own, even now we sit together in heavenly places in
Christ Jesus - this is grace. We are joint heirs with Christ forever, though by
nature we are outlaws from the kingdom of God - this is grace.
Oh, my friend, when God wraps his arms around the prodigal, and puts a ring on
his finger, and a robe on his back, this is God's amazing grace.
In mercy God shields us and puts a hedge around us to protect us from judgment,
and wrath , and the results of our own folly. God keeps from us, by his mercy,
the things that we deserve. He keeps from us the wages which we have earned.
"The wages of sin is death", but by grace he gives us the gift of life.
What person can ever really fathom the depth of God's love and mercy? How
many of us really know how close we may at any given time have come to
complete disaster except for the mercy of God? Oh Lord, we thank you for your
mercy which has kept from us our just deserts. Oh, the peace of God that
passes all human understanding when our hearts are right with God and in proper
fellowship with him. Peace with God and the peace of God that assures our
hearts that all is well with my soul, and there is nothing between my soul and my
savior.
Thank you dear Lord this day for your grace, mercy, and peace.
October 9
Something to look forward to!
What are we Christians looking forward to today? As we begin this new day
which God has given to us, do we have something to hope for, something that
has been promised to us that we can with assurance look forward to?
We all ought to be looking for Jesus to come. What a glorious morning that will
be when : "the trump shall sound and the dead in Christ shall arise and we who
are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in
the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4: 16,17.
We ought to be diligently scanning the heavens," looking for that blessed hope,
and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; who
gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto
himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Titus 2: 13,14.
Meanwhile, as we wait and watch , and long for his coming, we ought to occupy
until he comes as good soldiers and ambassadors. "Denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present
world." Titus 2: 12.
Let us rejoice and be glad. There is a great day coming when we shall enjoy the
fruits of our labor, but rejoice today for this is the day that the Lord hath made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it because this is the day that we still have
opportunity to labor for the master so that when the bridegroom comes we will
have oil in our lamps, trimmed and ready to meet him .
Something to look forward to!
What are we Christians looking forward to today? As we begin this new day
which God has given to us, do we have something to hope for, something that
has been promised to us that we can with assurance look forward to?
We all ought to be looking for Jesus to come. What a glorious morning that will
be when : "the trump shall sound and the dead in Christ shall arise and we who
are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in
the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4: 16,17.
We ought to be diligently scanning the heavens," looking for that blessed hope,
and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; who
gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto
himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Titus 2: 13,14.
Meanwhile, as we wait and watch , and long for his coming, we ought to occupy
until he comes as good soldiers and ambassadors. "Denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present
world." Titus 2: 12.
Let us rejoice and be glad. There is a great day coming when we shall enjoy the
fruits of our labor, but rejoice today for this is the day that the Lord hath made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it because this is the day that we still have
opportunity to labor for the master so that when the bridegroom comes we will
have oil in our lamps, trimmed and ready to meet him .
October 10
Desire to be like Jesus.
Oh, That we might be like Jesus! What a high and holy and noble calling to be
formed in his likeness , and to be joint heirs with him! To have the mind of
Christ; to have the heart of Christ; and the attitudes of Christ; that we might
know him whom to know aright is eternal and everlasting life.
He who was from before the beginning and is and shall be,let us worship him
and let us desire to cease to be what we are and become what he is. Oh, to be
like Jesus! God hath appointed him heir of all things. Oh, to be like Jesus, the
brightness of God's glory, and the express image of his person. Oh, to be like
Jesus, who being so much better than angels and hath obtained a more excellent
name than they.
We will never attain to the perfection which is in Christ while we are in this
body, but we ought to desire to be made perfect as he is perfect. God looks
upon the heart, and the motives, and honors good desires.
Oh, to be like Jesus! "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake
in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto
us by his son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he hath
made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image
of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had
by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high;
being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a
more excellent name than they." Hebrews 1: 1-4.
Desire to be like Jesus.
Oh, That we might be like Jesus! What a high and holy and noble calling to be
formed in his likeness , and to be joint heirs with him! To have the mind of
Christ; to have the heart of Christ; and the attitudes of Christ; that we might
know him whom to know aright is eternal and everlasting life.
He who was from before the beginning and is and shall be,let us worship him
and let us desire to cease to be what we are and become what he is. Oh, to be
like Jesus! God hath appointed him heir of all things. Oh, to be like Jesus, the
brightness of God's glory, and the express image of his person. Oh, to be like
Jesus, who being so much better than angels and hath obtained a more excellent
name than they.
We will never attain to the perfection which is in Christ while we are in this
body, but we ought to desire to be made perfect as he is perfect. God looks
upon the heart, and the motives, and honors good desires.
Oh, to be like Jesus! "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake
in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto
us by his son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he hath
made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image
of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had
by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high;
being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a
more excellent name than they." Hebrews 1: 1-4.
October 11
God does not lie!
Calling God a liar is a grievous and dangerous sin. God has manifested his word
in the person of his son the Lord Jesus Christ, and he has made known his word
through the printed page and through the foolishness of preaching. He has given
us the prophets and the apostles, more importantly he has given us the witness of
the Holy Spirit.
When we worry, we are doubting the word of God which, if we examine it
carefully, we find gives us full assurance of God's love and care and protection
for us. Doubting the word of God is akin to calling God a liar. this is a grievous
sin and keeps us from enjoying the peace and comfort, and the entering in to
God's rest that he has prepared for all who will believe.
Before we can enjoy the peace and rest of God, we must take the testimony of
the prophets and the apostles, and the witness of the Holy Spirit, and the teaching
and example of our Lord and Savior, and allow the word of God to dwell in our
hearts and be mixed with faith that God gives us to believe, and we need to
encourage ourselves and others in the promise that God said it, I believe it, and
that settles it forever.
"Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of
you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as
well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed
with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as
he said, as I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest although the
works were finished from the foundation of the world." Hebrews 4: 1-3
"Take heed brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in
departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called to
day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are
made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast
unto the end. While it is said, today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your
hearts, as in the provocation." Hebrews 3: 12-15.
God does not lie!
Calling God a liar is a grievous and dangerous sin. God has manifested his word
in the person of his son the Lord Jesus Christ, and he has made known his word
through the printed page and through the foolishness of preaching. He has given
us the prophets and the apostles, more importantly he has given us the witness of
the Holy Spirit.
When we worry, we are doubting the word of God which, if we examine it
carefully, we find gives us full assurance of God's love and care and protection
for us. Doubting the word of God is akin to calling God a liar. this is a grievous
sin and keeps us from enjoying the peace and comfort, and the entering in to
God's rest that he has prepared for all who will believe.
Before we can enjoy the peace and rest of God, we must take the testimony of
the prophets and the apostles, and the witness of the Holy Spirit, and the teaching
and example of our Lord and Savior, and allow the word of God to dwell in our
hearts and be mixed with faith that God gives us to believe, and we need to
encourage ourselves and others in the promise that God said it, I believe it, and
that settles it forever.
"Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of
you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as
well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed
with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as
he said, as I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest although the
works were finished from the foundation of the world." Hebrews 4: 1-3
"Take heed brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in
departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called to
day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are
made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast
unto the end. While it is said, today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your
hearts, as in the provocation." Hebrews 3: 12-15.
October 12
Sharper than a two edged sword!
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged
sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints
and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12.
Perhaps this is why some of us avoid the preaching of the word, and neglect to
read the bible, and deprive our selves of the blessing and fellowship of God our
Father. When we read the bible, or hear the word preached, it tears us apart
and reveals to us all the hidden, secrets of a darkened soul. It shows us how
black the heart of man is without the cleansing of the blood of Christ. It shows
us how we measure up to God when compared to his dear son, the Lord Jesus
Christ.
But, oh what blessings we receive when we allow the word of God to
accomplish its' purpose in us, when we allow the Holy Spirit to take the word of
God and go down into the basement of our lives, as it were, and search out all
the trash and garbage that is there in the depths of our soul, and bring it to our
attention and give us the grace to confess and repent of all the evil that is within
us, and make room for the filling of the Holy Spirit.
Every creature is naked before God. Even if we neglect to listen to God
speaking to us through his word, yet: "Neither is there any creature that is not
manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him
with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest that is
passed into the heavens, Jesus the son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our
infirmities,; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us
therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and
find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4: 13-16.
October 13
If winter comes.
As I gaze through my window on this chilly October morning, I am beholding
the inevitable death of summer. I see the last rose on the bush fading away and
gasping for its' last breath, it seems. Trees and flowers which only a few weeks
ago were in their heyday and ablaze with beauty and glory are losing their
beauty, and soon will lie dormant in the frozen grasp of winter. The leaves are
falling and the cold winds blow and the days grow long and dreary as all the
world seems to be ready to close its' eyes and succumb to the death and sleep of
winter.
Then, my thoughts are turned to myself, and I begin to realize that I too am on
the threshold of that winter sleep called death. Many of my loved ones and
friends have, like the leaves on the trees, fallen to the earth in submission to the
wages of sin, which is death. As I meditate on these things and look at the
bareness of the fields and trees and wish it were spring, then I begin to realize,
soon it will be spring again. After the winter is past, the earth will return in its'
orbit, gentle breezes will blow again, and alas! the buds will spring forth again
on the trees, the flowers will bloom again, and the birds will once again send
forth their sweet song. As someone has already said: "If winter come, can
spring be far behind?"
If a man dies shall he live again? Oh yes! I know, even as Job of old said:" For
I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon
the earth : And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh
shall I see God: Whom I shall see for my self, and mine eyes shall behold, and
not another; though my reins be consumed within me." Job 19: 25-27.
When spring comes again, the bush will have a new rose, the trees will have
new leaves, the fields will burst forth with new life and all will be alive again.
Even though I despair and sorrow now for awhile, I know that I shall rejoice
later. As the songwriter has encouraged us with the words of that beautiful
song: "Some golden daybreak Jesus will come". On that bright spring morning
Christ shall appear and abolish sin and death and spiritual winter forever. I shall
have a new body as do the trees have new leaves.
"Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of
his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life: Weeping
may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30: 4,5.
If winter comes.
As I gaze through my window on this chilly October morning, I am beholding
the inevitable death of summer. I see the last rose on the bush fading away and
gasping for its' last breath, it seems. Trees and flowers which only a few weeks
ago were in their heyday and ablaze with beauty and glory are losing their
beauty, and soon will lie dormant in the frozen grasp of winter. The leaves are
falling and the cold winds blow and the days grow long and dreary as all the
world seems to be ready to close its' eyes and succumb to the death and sleep of
winter.
Then, my thoughts are turned to myself, and I begin to realize that I too am on
the threshold of that winter sleep called death. Many of my loved ones and
friends have, like the leaves on the trees, fallen to the earth in submission to the
wages of sin, which is death. As I meditate on these things and look at the
bareness of the fields and trees and wish it were spring, then I begin to realize,
soon it will be spring again. After the winter is past, the earth will return in its'
orbit, gentle breezes will blow again, and alas! the buds will spring forth again
on the trees, the flowers will bloom again, and the birds will once again send
forth their sweet song. As someone has already said: "If winter come, can
spring be far behind?"
If a man dies shall he live again? Oh yes! I know, even as Job of old said:" For
I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon
the earth : And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh
shall I see God: Whom I shall see for my self, and mine eyes shall behold, and
not another; though my reins be consumed within me." Job 19: 25-27.
When spring comes again, the bush will have a new rose, the trees will have
new leaves, the fields will burst forth with new life and all will be alive again.
Even though I despair and sorrow now for awhile, I know that I shall rejoice
later. As the songwriter has encouraged us with the words of that beautiful
song: "Some golden daybreak Jesus will come". On that bright spring morning
Christ shall appear and abolish sin and death and spiritual winter forever. I shall
have a new body as do the trees have new leaves.
"Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of
his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life: Weeping
may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30: 4,5.
October 15
Made clean from sin!
"Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?" Proverbs
20: 9
Only those who have believed and called upon the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ who came into the world to save us sinners. By believing and having
faith in his word, we can know that all who truly have confessed their need for
salvation and have asked Jesus to save them have been forgiven, and have been
made pure and given a new heart. Not one of us can say, "I have made my
heart clean". Only Jesus can make our hearts clean, and he will if we ask him.
"For God so Loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:
16. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" , which means me , and
you, and all of us. "He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised
for our iniquity, the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his strips
we are healed." Isaiah 53.
The only detergent available to clean our sinful hearts, and make us pure from
our sin is the precious shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you would have a
clean heart and be pure from all sin, call upon the Lord today and ask him to
apply his blood to your account, and impute to you his righteousness.
Made clean from sin!
"Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?" Proverbs
20: 9
Only those who have believed and called upon the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ who came into the world to save us sinners. By believing and having
faith in his word, we can know that all who truly have confessed their need for
salvation and have asked Jesus to save them have been forgiven, and have been
made pure and given a new heart. Not one of us can say, "I have made my
heart clean". Only Jesus can make our hearts clean, and he will if we ask him.
"For God so Loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:
16. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" , which means me , and
you, and all of us. "He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised
for our iniquity, the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his strips
we are healed." Isaiah 53.
The only detergent available to clean our sinful hearts, and make us pure from
our sin is the precious shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you would have a
clean heart and be pure from all sin, call upon the Lord today and ask him to
apply his blood to your account, and impute to you his righteousness.
October 16
Disobedient Children!
Parents, how does it feel to go through the pain and anxiety of child bearing to
bring children into the world, to nurture them through babyhood and adolescence,
only to have them rebel against you and be disobedient and disrespectful?
Think of how it must grieve God when he has gone through the great pain and
expense of saving us and redeeming us, and causing us to be born into his family,
only to see us disrespect him and rebel against his laws and commandments.
It hurts tremendously when the one you love with all your heart slaps you in the
face, as it were, and turns against you. God loves his children with a love that
far surpasses all human understanding; how he must be hurt when we ignore him.
"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken. I have
nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. the ox
knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my
people do not consider." Isaiah 1: 2,3. These words spoken primarily to Israel,
are applicable to us today as well, for we are all guilty of rebelling and disobeying
God our Father. Even dumb animals do not treat their masters the way that we
sometimes treat God.
We attempt to honor God with lip service, so to speak, and with offerings of good
works, but much of the time our hearts are far from him, and he does not
receive from us the love, honor and respect that he deserves.
"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord: I
am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not
in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to appear
before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts?" Isaiah 1:
11,12..
God is not interested in our good works and good deeds, not even in our going to
church until our heart is in love and in tune with him.
Disobedient Children!
Parents, how does it feel to go through the pain and anxiety of child bearing to
bring children into the world, to nurture them through babyhood and adolescence,
only to have them rebel against you and be disobedient and disrespectful?
Think of how it must grieve God when he has gone through the great pain and
expense of saving us and redeeming us, and causing us to be born into his family,
only to see us disrespect him and rebel against his laws and commandments.
It hurts tremendously when the one you love with all your heart slaps you in the
face, as it were, and turns against you. God loves his children with a love that
far surpasses all human understanding; how he must be hurt when we ignore him.
"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken. I have
nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. the ox
knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my
people do not consider." Isaiah 1: 2,3. These words spoken primarily to Israel,
are applicable to us today as well, for we are all guilty of rebelling and disobeying
God our Father. Even dumb animals do not treat their masters the way that we
sometimes treat God.
We attempt to honor God with lip service, so to speak, and with offerings of good
works, but much of the time our hearts are far from him, and he does not
receive from us the love, honor and respect that he deserves.
"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord: I
am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not
in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to appear
before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts?" Isaiah 1:
11,12..
God is not interested in our good works and good deeds, not even in our going to
church until our heart is in love and in tune with him.
October 17
Love Not Sleep!
It is not always the will and intention of God for a person to be in poverty and
be destitute. Sometimes, but not always, poverty and lack of necessities is the
result of our own laziness.
"The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in
harvest, and have nothing." Proverbs 20: 4.
Sometimes God places opportunities before us of which we do not take
advantage . We are prone to making all kinds of excuses for not doing that
which we know we ought to do, whether it be working for a living, or working
for God to win souls for him.
It is sin to try to find excuses for laziness. Sometimes some of us are too lazy to
read and study God's word, and sometimes we are too lazy to communicate
with God through prayer and meditation , for this takes effort on our part.
The end result of our laziness is lack and want. When God gathers his wheat
and separates the tares, ( God's harvest), he who has been lazy will be ashamed
and beg in the time of harvest.
"Love not sleep lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be
satisfied with bread." Proverbs 20:13.
Food is necessary, and sleep is necessary, but we must not over indulge in either
.
Love Not Sleep!
It is not always the will and intention of God for a person to be in poverty and
be destitute. Sometimes, but not always, poverty and lack of necessities is the
result of our own laziness.
"The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in
harvest, and have nothing." Proverbs 20: 4.
Sometimes God places opportunities before us of which we do not take
advantage . We are prone to making all kinds of excuses for not doing that
which we know we ought to do, whether it be working for a living, or working
for God to win souls for him.
It is sin to try to find excuses for laziness. Sometimes some of us are too lazy to
read and study God's word, and sometimes we are too lazy to communicate
with God through prayer and meditation , for this takes effort on our part.
The end result of our laziness is lack and want. When God gathers his wheat
and separates the tares, ( God's harvest), he who has been lazy will be ashamed
and beg in the time of harvest.
"Love not sleep lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be
satisfied with bread." Proverbs 20:13.
Food is necessary, and sleep is necessary, but we must not over indulge in either
.
October 18
Created and Saved To Serve!
We were created and saved so that we might serve God and bring honor and
glory to his name. As we begin this new day, let us ask ourselves, how can I
best serve God today and bring the most honor and glory to his Holy name.?
First, we must acknowledge him as God, the sovereign authority in the universe.
"He that would come to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder
of all them that diligently seek him." We must realize that he is the Holy God
and cannot look upon sin.
We are all sinners by nature and estranged from God , but God in his mercy
provided us with a Savior, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to take our sins
upon himself, and to as many as would believe on him, forgive us and justify us
before God the Father.
Having been given so great salvation, let us love the Lord our God with all our
heart, with all our mind, and with all our soul. Let us seek first the kingdom of
God in all areas of our lives. Let us have a heart filled with gratitude for all the
blessings and good things that God has bestowed upon us. Let us confess all
our known sins, and claim the blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as the
propitiation for our sins. As someone has said, we ought to keep short accounts
with God, and having confessed our sins, let us present our bodies as living
sacrifices to God if perchance he might see fit to use us as channels of his
blessing to someone else or to some noble cause. Lets not blush to name the
name of Jesus our Lord among our comrades while others are blaspheming that
worthy name. Let us be ready always with an answer for those who would
inquire of the hope that we have in Christ.
Let us open wide our lips and praise the Lord with our whole heart.
"I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto
thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving
kindness and for thy truth for thou hast magnified thy word above thy name."
Psalm 138: 1,2.
Created and Saved To Serve!
We were created and saved so that we might serve God and bring honor and
glory to his name. As we begin this new day, let us ask ourselves, how can I
best serve God today and bring the most honor and glory to his Holy name.?
First, we must acknowledge him as God, the sovereign authority in the universe.
"He that would come to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder
of all them that diligently seek him." We must realize that he is the Holy God
and cannot look upon sin.
We are all sinners by nature and estranged from God , but God in his mercy
provided us with a Savior, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to take our sins
upon himself, and to as many as would believe on him, forgive us and justify us
before God the Father.
Having been given so great salvation, let us love the Lord our God with all our
heart, with all our mind, and with all our soul. Let us seek first the kingdom of
God in all areas of our lives. Let us have a heart filled with gratitude for all the
blessings and good things that God has bestowed upon us. Let us confess all
our known sins, and claim the blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as the
propitiation for our sins. As someone has said, we ought to keep short accounts
with God, and having confessed our sins, let us present our bodies as living
sacrifices to God if perchance he might see fit to use us as channels of his
blessing to someone else or to some noble cause. Lets not blush to name the
name of Jesus our Lord among our comrades while others are blaspheming that
worthy name. Let us be ready always with an answer for those who would
inquire of the hope that we have in Christ.
Let us open wide our lips and praise the Lord with our whole heart.
"I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto
thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving
kindness and for thy truth for thou hast magnified thy word above thy name."
Psalm 138: 1,2.
October 19
Wait On The Lord!
"I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land
of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen
thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalm, 27: 13,14.
Oh, the sloughs of despond that we as Christians so often and so easily fall
into when we are anxious for our lives, and have not the patience we need to be
calm, and to wait on God. Oh, how difficult it is to believe that which we
cannot see and touch. This is part of our old carnal nature, but the gift of God
is faith. Faith even as the size of a grain of mustard seed to believe the promises
of God's word, if we exercise it properly, will be as a light in a dark tunnel that
will direct our thoughts and actions toward God, and allow us to perceive the
goodness and providence of God.
Believe God, trust his word, stager not at the promises of God. Even as
Abraham of old, believe God implicitly and God will not fail those who put their
trust in him. Believe to see the goodness of God in the land of the living, and
you will not faint. Many times throughout the scriptures, we see that God does
not seem to be in any hurry to do all that he has planned to do for our good.
We honor God when we determine in our heart to wait for the promise of God's
infallible word. If God has spoken, it shall be done as he has said. Therefore,
"wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait I
say on the Lord." Psalm 27: 14.
Wait On The Lord!
"I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land
of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen
thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalm, 27: 13,14.
Oh, the sloughs of despond that we as Christians so often and so easily fall
into when we are anxious for our lives, and have not the patience we need to be
calm, and to wait on God. Oh, how difficult it is to believe that which we
cannot see and touch. This is part of our old carnal nature, but the gift of God
is faith. Faith even as the size of a grain of mustard seed to believe the promises
of God's word, if we exercise it properly, will be as a light in a dark tunnel that
will direct our thoughts and actions toward God, and allow us to perceive the
goodness and providence of God.
Believe God, trust his word, stager not at the promises of God. Even as
Abraham of old, believe God implicitly and God will not fail those who put their
trust in him. Believe to see the goodness of God in the land of the living, and
you will not faint. Many times throughout the scriptures, we see that God does
not seem to be in any hurry to do all that he has planned to do for our good.
We honor God when we determine in our heart to wait for the promise of God's
infallible word. If God has spoken, it shall be done as he has said. Therefore,
"wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait I
say on the Lord." Psalm 27: 14.
October 22
What Is True Religion?
What is true religion and true service to God? Does God require continual
fasting, continual sacrifice? Does God require us to have a sad countenance,
and to be constantly clothed with sack cloth and ashes, and continually be doing
some sort of penance to atone for our sins? No! We could never pay for nor
atone for our own sins. There has been provided for us a perfect lamb: a perfect
sacrifice which was slain from the foundation of the world. Once and for all the
great transaction is done. Our sin debt is forever paid if we will receive it.
Christ came into the world to save sinners, "Christ died for our sins according
to the scriptures, he was buried and rose again the third day according to the
scriptures." 1 Corinthians 15: 3,4. He ascended into heaven and is now at the
right hand of God interceding for us.
What then does God require of us? God requires us to receive by faith his free
love gift, his son the Lord Jesus Christ as our savior, believing that Christ died
for us, each of us individually, and present our bodies to him for his service, and
allow the Holy Spirit to be in control.
What kind of fasting and sacrifice does the Lord require? "Is not this the fast
that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy
burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it
not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast
out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that
thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?" Isaiah 58: 6,7.
The world is bound in wickedness, we who know the Lord have a message and
a testimony for the world, that if they will accept the truth of the word of God,
the heavy burdens will be lifted and the oppressed will go free.
God's requirement for us is to deal thy bread to the hungry. Feed a man when
he is physically hungry and cannot help himself, but more importantly, feed him
with the bread of life. Tell him of Jesus the mighty to save.
What Is True Religion?
What is true religion and true service to God? Does God require continual
fasting, continual sacrifice? Does God require us to have a sad countenance,
and to be constantly clothed with sack cloth and ashes, and continually be doing
some sort of penance to atone for our sins? No! We could never pay for nor
atone for our own sins. There has been provided for us a perfect lamb: a perfect
sacrifice which was slain from the foundation of the world. Once and for all the
great transaction is done. Our sin debt is forever paid if we will receive it.
Christ came into the world to save sinners, "Christ died for our sins according
to the scriptures, he was buried and rose again the third day according to the
scriptures." 1 Corinthians 15: 3,4. He ascended into heaven and is now at the
right hand of God interceding for us.
What then does God require of us? God requires us to receive by faith his free
love gift, his son the Lord Jesus Christ as our savior, believing that Christ died
for us, each of us individually, and present our bodies to him for his service, and
allow the Holy Spirit to be in control.
What kind of fasting and sacrifice does the Lord require? "Is not this the fast
that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy
burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it
not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast
out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that
thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?" Isaiah 58: 6,7.
The world is bound in wickedness, we who know the Lord have a message and
a testimony for the world, that if they will accept the truth of the word of God,
the heavy burdens will be lifted and the oppressed will go free.
God's requirement for us is to deal thy bread to the hungry. Feed a man when
he is physically hungry and cannot help himself, but more importantly, feed him
with the bread of life. Tell him of Jesus the mighty to save.
October 23
Which Road Will You Take?
There are two roads in life upon which mankind may travel. It is impossible to
travel both roads at the same time, therefore, one must chose which road he
will travel. Both roads start from the same place, and it appears at first that
they both will lead to the same destination, for they seem to run parallel to one
another for quite a distance, but then very subtly they begin to separate and
the distance between them begins to widen, and after a while they have gone in
completely different directions.
Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior has warned us about choosing the wrong road
in life, and he has described these two roads for us. He has pictured one as
being a very broad, well paved, well lighted, easily traveled highway on which it
seems would be the most logical way to travel if one had alternate ways of
reaching the same destination. This is the highway upon which most people
travel. This is the most popular highway for the multitudes, but this road does
not lead eventually to heaven, but it will take you directly to hell. Jesus said:
"Broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be that go in
thereat." Matthew 7: 13.
If one would go to heaven, he must choose the narrow road. This is the
unpopular way according to the multitudes. It is difficult to travel, It has
treacherous curves. It is rocky. It is a road that few people want to travel, but
it is the only road that leads to heaven. "Because strait is the gate and narrow
is the way, which leadeth unto life and few that be that find it." Matthew 7: 14.
"Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you will seek to
enter in, and shall not be able." Luke 13: 24.
My friend, if you want to go to heaven and enjoy the riches of God's glory
forever, then you must choose the right road.
Jesus said, "I am the door". He also said, "I am the way, the truth, and the
life." If you would have life eternal, you must choose to believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ and receive him as your Lord and Savior, and by his grace, walk in
the paths that he has trod.
Which Road Will You Take?
There are two roads in life upon which mankind may travel. It is impossible to
travel both roads at the same time, therefore, one must chose which road he
will travel. Both roads start from the same place, and it appears at first that
they both will lead to the same destination, for they seem to run parallel to one
another for quite a distance, but then very subtly they begin to separate and
the distance between them begins to widen, and after a while they have gone in
completely different directions.
Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior has warned us about choosing the wrong road
in life, and he has described these two roads for us. He has pictured one as
being a very broad, well paved, well lighted, easily traveled highway on which it
seems would be the most logical way to travel if one had alternate ways of
reaching the same destination. This is the highway upon which most people
travel. This is the most popular highway for the multitudes, but this road does
not lead eventually to heaven, but it will take you directly to hell. Jesus said:
"Broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be that go in
thereat." Matthew 7: 13.
If one would go to heaven, he must choose the narrow road. This is the
unpopular way according to the multitudes. It is difficult to travel, It has
treacherous curves. It is rocky. It is a road that few people want to travel, but
it is the only road that leads to heaven. "Because strait is the gate and narrow
is the way, which leadeth unto life and few that be that find it." Matthew 7: 14.
"Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you will seek to
enter in, and shall not be able." Luke 13: 24.
My friend, if you want to go to heaven and enjoy the riches of God's glory
forever, then you must choose the right road.
Jesus said, "I am the door". He also said, "I am the way, the truth, and the
life." If you would have life eternal, you must choose to believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ and receive him as your Lord and Savior, and by his grace, walk in
the paths that he has trod.
October 24
Born of God!
"Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3.
"Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the spirit,
he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is
flesh; and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto
thee, ye must be born again." John 3: 5,6,7.
My friend, if you cannot fully appreciate the word of God, believe its'
promises, and perceive with your heart and mind all the glories, joys, and
happiness of the kingdom of God; If you cannot enjoy the fellowship with God
as a parent -child relationship, and experience the sense of justification and
forgiveness of sins, past, present, and future, perhaps it is because you have
never truly been "born again" into the family of God.
When Adam and Eve our first earthly parents disobeyed God at the very
beginning of creation, they sold their birthright to Satan, and since then every
human being that has ever been born has inherited the sin nature, and comes
into the world already estranged from God. So, when we are born, we are
born in the flesh only. Our spiritual life does not begin at the time of our
physical birth. Although God is the creator of all, he is not the father of all until
his child has been conceived and born. God is spirit, he must be worshipped in
spirit, and to become a child of God, we must be born in the spirit.
"The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are
foolishness unto him; neither can he know them because they are spiritually
discerned." ! Corinthians 2:14.
In order to be born into the family of God, it is totally a work of God's grace.
We must be drawn by God to hear and except the word of God as absolute
truth, and by faith, believe, as it says that: "All scripture is given by inspiration
of God " and that : "Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy
Ghost". One must accept by faith that Jesus Christ is the divine son of God,
and that he died for the sins of each individual person who will receive him, and
that his bodily resurrection was proof that God had accepted his sacrifice in
payment of the sin debt, and for the justification of all who will receive him.
Intellectual knowledge is not enough. The heart must confirm by faith, what
the mind know factually. The world says prove it to me, and I will believe.
God says, believe me, and then I will prove it to you by spiritual discernment.
"God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not
his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him
might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that
believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name
of the only begotten son of God." John 3: 16,17,18. "As many as received
him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them who
believe on his name, which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,
nor of the will of man, but of God" John 1: 12,13,14.
Dear reader, I invite you to believe the Word of God; to believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ and be saved. If God is drawing you to himself, and has implanted
within your heart a grain of faith as minute as the mustard seed, if you are
willing, by receiving the Word of God into your heart, this grain of faith will
become impregnated with the word of God, and cause you to become a child of
God. Then the Holy Spirit will dwell within you and cause you to know God,
enjoy God, and perceive the kingdom of God, and have the assurance of
eternal everlasting life.
Born of God!
"Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3.
"Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the spirit,
he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is
flesh; and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto
thee, ye must be born again." John 3: 5,6,7.
My friend, if you cannot fully appreciate the word of God, believe its'
promises, and perceive with your heart and mind all the glories, joys, and
happiness of the kingdom of God; If you cannot enjoy the fellowship with God
as a parent -child relationship, and experience the sense of justification and
forgiveness of sins, past, present, and future, perhaps it is because you have
never truly been "born again" into the family of God.
When Adam and Eve our first earthly parents disobeyed God at the very
beginning of creation, they sold their birthright to Satan, and since then every
human being that has ever been born has inherited the sin nature, and comes
into the world already estranged from God. So, when we are born, we are
born in the flesh only. Our spiritual life does not begin at the time of our
physical birth. Although God is the creator of all, he is not the father of all until
his child has been conceived and born. God is spirit, he must be worshipped in
spirit, and to become a child of God, we must be born in the spirit.
"The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are
foolishness unto him; neither can he know them because they are spiritually
discerned." ! Corinthians 2:14.
In order to be born into the family of God, it is totally a work of God's grace.
We must be drawn by God to hear and except the word of God as absolute
truth, and by faith, believe, as it says that: "All scripture is given by inspiration
of God " and that : "Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy
Ghost". One must accept by faith that Jesus Christ is the divine son of God,
and that he died for the sins of each individual person who will receive him, and
that his bodily resurrection was proof that God had accepted his sacrifice in
payment of the sin debt, and for the justification of all who will receive him.
Intellectual knowledge is not enough. The heart must confirm by faith, what
the mind know factually. The world says prove it to me, and I will believe.
God says, believe me, and then I will prove it to you by spiritual discernment.
"God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not
his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him
might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that
believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name
of the only begotten son of God." John 3: 16,17,18. "As many as received
him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them who
believe on his name, which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,
nor of the will of man, but of God" John 1: 12,13,14.
Dear reader, I invite you to believe the Word of God; to believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ and be saved. If God is drawing you to himself, and has implanted
within your heart a grain of faith as minute as the mustard seed, if you are
willing, by receiving the Word of God into your heart, this grain of faith will
become impregnated with the word of God, and cause you to become a child of
God. Then the Holy Spirit will dwell within you and cause you to know God,
enjoy God, and perceive the kingdom of God, and have the assurance of
eternal everlasting life.
October 25
Kept Secure in the Love and Care of God!
"O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my down
sitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thoughts afar off. Thou
compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it
altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon
me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If
I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou
art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of
the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If
I say, surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
Yea the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the
darkness and the light are both alike to thee. For thou hast possessed my reins:
thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am
fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are thy works, and that my soul
knoweth right well." Psalm 139: 1-14.
How wonderful and comforting it is to know and have the assurance that we
are always in God's thoughts, and that he is ever mindful of us and is thinking
of us. He knows our down sitting and uprising and knows all our thoughts afar
off.
We cannot escape from God's spirit, nor God's care for us, nor do we want to.
When we awake in the morning he is immediately with us, and when we lay
our head on our pillow at night, we know that all is well for he gives his angels
charge over us and keeps us while we sleep. Because God loves us so much
and takes such good care of us, let us love God with our whole heart and soul
as he gives us the grace to do so, and let us love his word and want to be
obedient to his commandments.
Let us love one another as Christ loves us, and let us care for one another as
God cares for us and meets our needs. Let us hate the things that God hates
and love the things that he loves.
God has a will and plan for each of our lives from the very beginning of our
conception. All aspects of our lives, our personality, and each step that we
would take were contained in the embryo of our beginning in God.
Are we living in the light of God's love and care, and forgiveness, and God's
strength, or are we dwelling in darkness as those that have been long dead?
As we look at ourselves this morning, are we oppressed and burdened by all the
cares and worries of this life. Is it a difficult thing for us to arise this morning
and to face the challenges of a new day? Is the enemie's hand heavy upon us?
Are we cast down in our soul and heavy hearted? It may be that our spirit is
overwhelmed within us. Our hearts may seem to be desolate.
We need to remember all the wonderful works of our God in ages past, and
even in our own lives, how God has come through for us and lifted our spirits
and eased our burdens. God is merciful and kind and an ever present comfort
and help in time of trouble and need. We need to stretch forth our hands unto
God and call out to him , for he is ever ready to hear us and help us if we thirst
after him and his righteousness. He will hear us speedily. All we need to do is
to believe and trust. And he will cause us to hear his loving kindness this, and
every morning. He will, if we will allow him, show us the right road to take to
avoid all the pitfalls and traps of our enemy for his own sake because he loves
us.
"Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust:
cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto
thee. Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me."
Psalm 143: 8,9.
October 26
Sing Unto The Lord!
"O come let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our
salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a
joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and great
King above all gods." Psalm 95: 1-3.
O Lord my God, my Savior, I want you to see my heart and know that as I
read these inspired words of the psalmist, I agree wholeheartedly that I ought to
indeed sing unto you, and make a joyful noise unto you, the rock of my
salvation, because you have been so good to me, and blessed me with so
much. Your own blood has paid the price of my iniquity. Thou hast forgiven
all my sins from the foundation of the universe. Thou hast pulled my feet from
the miry clay and set my feet upon a solid rock and by your grace, you have
caused me to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
I want to come before your presence with singing and with thanksgiving, and
make a joyful noise unto you with psalms and songs of praise.
I confess with the psalmist that thou art the God of all gods, King of all kings,
and Lord of all lords. All things are yours, for you have made all things, and
sustain all things. You alone are worthy of my worship and praise. Therefore,
I want to bow down and kneel before you, and worship you with my whole
heart. You are my God, and I am a sheep in your pasture. Holy Spirit, lead
me in the paths of righteousness for Christ's sake, and give me peace in mind,
body, and soul.
Sing Unto The Lord!
"O come let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our
salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a
joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and great
King above all gods." Psalm 95: 1-3.
O Lord my God, my Savior, I want you to see my heart and know that as I
read these inspired words of the psalmist, I agree wholeheartedly that I ought to
indeed sing unto you, and make a joyful noise unto you, the rock of my
salvation, because you have been so good to me, and blessed me with so
much. Your own blood has paid the price of my iniquity. Thou hast forgiven
all my sins from the foundation of the universe. Thou hast pulled my feet from
the miry clay and set my feet upon a solid rock and by your grace, you have
caused me to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
I want to come before your presence with singing and with thanksgiving, and
make a joyful noise unto you with psalms and songs of praise.
I confess with the psalmist that thou art the God of all gods, King of all kings,
and Lord of all lords. All things are yours, for you have made all things, and
sustain all things. You alone are worthy of my worship and praise. Therefore,
I want to bow down and kneel before you, and worship you with my whole
heart. You are my God, and I am a sheep in your pasture. Holy Spirit, lead
me in the paths of righteousness for Christ's sake, and give me peace in mind,
body, and soul.
October 27
King of Kings!
What would our lives be like today if the Lord Jesus Christ was returned from
exile, and was ruling the earth from his throne in Jerusalem, as he has promised
that someday he will? Oh Lord, hasten the day of your return. I pray that it
might even be during the time of our sojourn on earth. Even so, while you are
yet in heaven, we want you to be the real King of our lives, and we want your
will to be accomplished in our lives, as it would be if we were already in
heaven, of if you were already on earth.
You have told us to pray for thy kingdom to come and for thy will to be done
on earth even as it is in heaven.
We who have been redeemed by your blood are your children, the sheep of
your pasture, the subjects of your kingdom, and part of your inheritance.
I pray that you will help me to allow your minister, the Holy Spirit to sit in the
executive seat of my life and direct my affairs as you see fit. Help me to be
disciplined to allow the Holy Spirit to lead, direct, and command. Help me to
submit every thought for his approval before I allow that thought to become a
part of me; to submit every word for approval before I let it fly from my lips;
and to submit every plan of action before I move in any direction.
If Jesus were ruling on earth today, the law as given by Moses would be strictly
obeyed. There would be an unfeigned love for God the Father; the love of our
neighbor as ourselves; and all that God has created would be loved as well. If
Jesus was now ruling on earth there would be no murder, no stealing, no
adultery, no false witness, no covetousness; parents would be honored, children
would be obedient, there would be no sin, no death, no sickness, no worry nor
anxiety.
"Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done , as in heaven, so on earth." Luke 11: 2.
Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!
King of Kings!
What would our lives be like today if the Lord Jesus Christ was returned from
exile, and was ruling the earth from his throne in Jerusalem, as he has promised
that someday he will? Oh Lord, hasten the day of your return. I pray that it
might even be during the time of our sojourn on earth. Even so, while you are
yet in heaven, we want you to be the real King of our lives, and we want your
will to be accomplished in our lives, as it would be if we were already in
heaven, of if you were already on earth.
You have told us to pray for thy kingdom to come and for thy will to be done
on earth even as it is in heaven.
We who have been redeemed by your blood are your children, the sheep of
your pasture, the subjects of your kingdom, and part of your inheritance.
I pray that you will help me to allow your minister, the Holy Spirit to sit in the
executive seat of my life and direct my affairs as you see fit. Help me to be
disciplined to allow the Holy Spirit to lead, direct, and command. Help me to
submit every thought for his approval before I allow that thought to become a
part of me; to submit every word for approval before I let it fly from my lips;
and to submit every plan of action before I move in any direction.
If Jesus were ruling on earth today, the law as given by Moses would be strictly
obeyed. There would be an unfeigned love for God the Father; the love of our
neighbor as ourselves; and all that God has created would be loved as well. If
Jesus was now ruling on earth there would be no murder, no stealing, no
adultery, no false witness, no covetousness; parents would be honored, children
would be obedient, there would be no sin, no death, no sickness, no worry nor
anxiety.
"Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done , as in heaven, so on earth." Luke 11: 2.
Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!
October 29
Teaching Children The meaning of salvation and Holiness!
I thought it might be profitable to some if I shared with anyone who might be
interested, the following Sunday school lesson which I taught to my sixth grade
class some time ago.
If you are here in church or Sunday School this morning, you are not here by
accident. You are here listening to the Sunday School lesson or the preacher
because God is calling to you, and inviting you to make plans to come and live
with him in his beautiful home in heaven forever, and enjoy all the good things
he has to offer.
God is calling you to himself, and the bible says: "As he which hath called you
is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation ( or behavior); because it is
written, be ye holy as I am holy" 1 Peter 1: 15, 16.
What does it mean to be holy? To be holy means to be spiritually clean - not
soiled or dirtied by sin, or bad thoughts, or bad behavior, disobedience, or
unbelief.
God is holy. God is perfectly clean spiritually, no sin in God's heart or mind.
God has never done anything wrong. Jesus , who is God in human flesh, never
sinned. He is perfectly spiritually clean. God's home in heaven is spotlessly
clean and beautiful. Nothing there is dirty or unclean, and nothing can enter
God's home in heaven that is dirty or unclean.
If we want to someday go and live with God forever in his beautifully clean and
spotless home in heaven, we first must be made holy or clean. This does not
just mean to be clean on the outside of our bodies where everyone can see, but
God sees into our hearts and minds, and when God looks into our hearts and
minds and sees how we might be angry or mean to our brothers and sisters, and
playmates, or if we lie, or steal, or cheat in school, or do those things that we
know we should not do, then he knows that we are not yet clean or holy
enough to live with him in heaven because these things would never be allowed
in heaven.
Lets play a pretend game this morning. Lets just pretend , or make believe that
Linda has a cousin who lives way out in the country on a farm. How many of
you have ever seen or visited a farm? Lets pretend that Linda's cousin's parents
are very wealthy, and Linda's cousin lives in a big beautiful house, and has her
own beautiful room with thick wall to wall carpeting, and beautiful furniture and
fancy curtins, and bedspreads. Lets pretend that Linda has been invited to
come spend the weekend with her cousin in this beautiful clean house. She is to
sleep in her cousin's bed, and walk on the expensive carpet and enjoy every
thing that her cousin has because her cousin called her and invited her.
Now lets pretend that it is also Easter Sunday Morning and both girls are
planning to go to Sunday School and church together, and Lind's parents have
bought Linda an expensive brand new spotless white dress for the occasion.
Linda is all nice and clean and dressed in her pretty white dress when she
arrives at her cousin's farm home.
Now, we know that no farm would be complete without some pigs and a pig
pen. Pigs are by nature, very dirty animals, and they like to bury themselves in
the same muck and mire that they go to the bathroom in, if you know what I
mean. What a mess a pig pen is, and how it smells! If you have ever seen one
or been near one you will know what I mean.
Lets pretend that before Linda goes inside her cousin's home that she meets Joe
S Tempter. The middle initial "S", by the way, stands for Satan. So Mr
Tempter meets Linda before she goes into the house and he says to her, "come
on down by the barn and see the new piglets that have just been born." Of
course, Linda, being a city girl, and not able to see piglets every day, forgets
about her beautiful clean white dress, and that she is going to stay in her
cousin's beautiful home, and runs with Joe Satan Tempter down to the pig pen.
Well, can you guess what happened? Sure enough, while Linda is climbing on
the fence that surrounds the pig pen to get a better look at the pigs, her feet slip
and ku-plunk - splash, right down into that stinking muck and mire with the
pigs, beautiful Linda, pretty white dress, and all. Oh, what a mess! Oh, what a
stink! Now how could she ever go into her cousin's house, and walk on her
carpets, and sleep in her bed as dirty and smelling as badly as she did, she
thought?
Happily, Linda's cousin's mother saw what had happened, and she ran downs
to where f my own daughter's best dresses to wear, even better and prettier and
more expensive than you had on, and then you will be clean again, and you will
again be fit to walk on these beautiful carpets and sleep in this nice clean bed,
and you will no longer smell bad.
What did Linda have to do to be able to stay in her cousin's house, and sleep in
her cousin's bed? She had to agree with her cousin's mother that she was filthy
dirty and smelled bad and needed to be cleaned up and put on different clothes.
Linda accepted what was offered to her and became cleaner and smelled better
even than before,
This is just a pretend story to illustrate in a similar way how God has provided
a way for us to be made clean or holy in his sight, and fit to live in his home in
heaven.
The bible says that while we were yet sinners or stinking and smelling bad
before God because of our sins, Christ died for us on the cross and offered his
own blood to wash us and cleanse us from our filthiness and tear off our old
filthy rags and to be clothed with his righteousness and make us fit to live with
him.
When we have believed in Jesus and asked him to forgive our sins and come
into our hearts and make us clean, then we have become the children of God,
and we need to be very careful to keep ourselves clean and not become dirty
again.
The world in which we live is full of sins and evil, and is like a filthy pig pen as
compared to the holiness of God. We need to ask God to help us to stay away
from all those things that smell bad to him. Satan, the tempter, goes around
seeing who he can trap and cause to fall into the pig pen again, but God is there
to help us if we will obey him.
Some of the things that can make us dirty and smell bad before God are: lying,
cheating, being mean to others, disobeying parents, smoking, drinking alcoholic
beverages, taking drugs, watching bad television shows, going to wrong places,
following bad friends. If we are to be holy as God is holy, we must stay away
from all of these things. We must think of God often, pray often, read his word
often, and ask him to save us. This is what it means for us to be saved and be
holy and clean as he wants us to be.
Is there any one this morning who would like to ask Jesus to save them and
make them clean in his sight so that some day they can be sure to go and live
with him forever in heaven?
Dear Reader, This invitation was given at the end of the lesson to boys and girls
in our Sunday School class. Whatever your age may be, this invitation is
extended to you as well.
Teaching Children The meaning of salvation and Holiness!
I thought it might be profitable to some if I shared with anyone who might be
interested, the following Sunday school lesson which I taught to my sixth grade
class some time ago.
If you are here in church or Sunday School this morning, you are not here by
accident. You are here listening to the Sunday School lesson or the preacher
because God is calling to you, and inviting you to make plans to come and live
with him in his beautiful home in heaven forever, and enjoy all the good things
he has to offer.
God is calling you to himself, and the bible says: "As he which hath called you
is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation ( or behavior); because it is
written, be ye holy as I am holy" 1 Peter 1: 15, 16.
What does it mean to be holy? To be holy means to be spiritually clean - not
soiled or dirtied by sin, or bad thoughts, or bad behavior, disobedience, or
unbelief.
God is holy. God is perfectly clean spiritually, no sin in God's heart or mind.
God has never done anything wrong. Jesus , who is God in human flesh, never
sinned. He is perfectly spiritually clean. God's home in heaven is spotlessly
clean and beautiful. Nothing there is dirty or unclean, and nothing can enter
God's home in heaven that is dirty or unclean.
If we want to someday go and live with God forever in his beautifully clean and
spotless home in heaven, we first must be made holy or clean. This does not
just mean to be clean on the outside of our bodies where everyone can see, but
God sees into our hearts and minds, and when God looks into our hearts and
minds and sees how we might be angry or mean to our brothers and sisters, and
playmates, or if we lie, or steal, or cheat in school, or do those things that we
know we should not do, then he knows that we are not yet clean or holy
enough to live with him in heaven because these things would never be allowed
in heaven.
Lets play a pretend game this morning. Lets just pretend , or make believe that
Linda has a cousin who lives way out in the country on a farm. How many of
you have ever seen or visited a farm? Lets pretend that Linda's cousin's parents
are very wealthy, and Linda's cousin lives in a big beautiful house, and has her
own beautiful room with thick wall to wall carpeting, and beautiful furniture and
fancy curtins, and bedspreads. Lets pretend that Linda has been invited to
come spend the weekend with her cousin in this beautiful clean house. She is to
sleep in her cousin's bed, and walk on the expensive carpet and enjoy every
thing that her cousin has because her cousin called her and invited her.
Now lets pretend that it is also Easter Sunday Morning and both girls are
planning to go to Sunday School and church together, and Lind's parents have
bought Linda an expensive brand new spotless white dress for the occasion.
Linda is all nice and clean and dressed in her pretty white dress when she
arrives at her cousin's farm home.
Now, we know that no farm would be complete without some pigs and a pig
pen. Pigs are by nature, very dirty animals, and they like to bury themselves in
the same muck and mire that they go to the bathroom in, if you know what I
mean. What a mess a pig pen is, and how it smells! If you have ever seen one
or been near one you will know what I mean.
Lets pretend that before Linda goes inside her cousin's home that she meets Joe
S Tempter. The middle initial "S", by the way, stands for Satan. So Mr
Tempter meets Linda before she goes into the house and he says to her, "come
on down by the barn and see the new piglets that have just been born." Of
course, Linda, being a city girl, and not able to see piglets every day, forgets
about her beautiful clean white dress, and that she is going to stay in her
cousin's beautiful home, and runs with Joe Satan Tempter down to the pig pen.
Well, can you guess what happened? Sure enough, while Linda is climbing on
the fence that surrounds the pig pen to get a better look at the pigs, her feet slip
and ku-plunk - splash, right down into that stinking muck and mire with the
pigs, beautiful Linda, pretty white dress, and all. Oh, what a mess! Oh, what a
stink! Now how could she ever go into her cousin's house, and walk on her
carpets, and sleep in her bed as dirty and smelling as badly as she did, she
thought?
Happily, Linda's cousin's mother saw what had happened, and she ran downs
to where f my own daughter's best dresses to wear, even better and prettier and
more expensive than you had on, and then you will be clean again, and you will
again be fit to walk on these beautiful carpets and sleep in this nice clean bed,
and you will no longer smell bad.
What did Linda have to do to be able to stay in her cousin's house, and sleep in
her cousin's bed? She had to agree with her cousin's mother that she was filthy
dirty and smelled bad and needed to be cleaned up and put on different clothes.
Linda accepted what was offered to her and became cleaner and smelled better
even than before,
This is just a pretend story to illustrate in a similar way how God has provided
a way for us to be made clean or holy in his sight, and fit to live in his home in
heaven.
The bible says that while we were yet sinners or stinking and smelling bad
before God because of our sins, Christ died for us on the cross and offered his
own blood to wash us and cleanse us from our filthiness and tear off our old
filthy rags and to be clothed with his righteousness and make us fit to live with
him.
When we have believed in Jesus and asked him to forgive our sins and come
into our hearts and make us clean, then we have become the children of God,
and we need to be very careful to keep ourselves clean and not become dirty
again.
The world in which we live is full of sins and evil, and is like a filthy pig pen as
compared to the holiness of God. We need to ask God to help us to stay away
from all those things that smell bad to him. Satan, the tempter, goes around
seeing who he can trap and cause to fall into the pig pen again, but God is there
to help us if we will obey him.
Some of the things that can make us dirty and smell bad before God are: lying,
cheating, being mean to others, disobeying parents, smoking, drinking alcoholic
beverages, taking drugs, watching bad television shows, going to wrong places,
following bad friends. If we are to be holy as God is holy, we must stay away
from all of these things. We must think of God often, pray often, read his word
often, and ask him to save us. This is what it means for us to be saved and be
holy and clean as he wants us to be.
Is there any one this morning who would like to ask Jesus to save them and
make them clean in his sight so that some day they can be sure to go and live
with him forever in heaven?
Dear Reader, This invitation was given at the end of the lesson to boys and girls
in our Sunday School class. Whatever your age may be, this invitation is
extended to you as well.
October 30
Above Every Name!
Who is the person that is most talked about in the world today? Everywhere
you go, you cannot escape it, where ever you go today you will hear everyone
from all walks of life talking about this person, yet they speak of him in
blasphemous, and dishonoring terms, and use his name in vain, and drag his
name through the mud, and trample his love gift under foot. This person is the
Lord Jesus Christ.
Yet, we Christians, who claim to be the born again, recreated children of God,
shy away from talking directly about the Lord Jesus Christ. In our daily
conversation with other Christians, and the outside world, how often are we
actually talking about the Lord Jesus Christ, and sharing with our friends how
wonderful he is? We talk about our church, and our pastors. We talk about our
Sunday school class. We talk about all kinds of activities, and programs and
service, but it seems to me that the person of the Lord Jesus Christ himself is
terribly neglected.
Jesus never intended for us to separate the sacred from the secular. He wants
to be involved in everything we do. Sometimes we tend to put the Lord Jesus
Christ in a glass case and put him on the shelf and talk about things that pertain
to him, but this is not his proper place. He does not want to be an object of
conversation, he wants to be involved in it.
When we are sitting in our living room the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
should be as common in our conversation as anyone else there. He wants to be
part of our family group. He wants to be our guest for dinner every day. How
we ought to really love the Lord Jesus Christ after all he has done for us! We
ought to praise his name and exalt him in all our doings.
Even when we are eating an apple we can love Jesus because he made all
things and sustains all things and freely gives us all things to enjoy.
So often the church, the activities, and the service programs in which we are
involved take the place of our actual, personal relationship with the person of
the Lord Jesus Christ. All these programs are good and should not be neglected,
but these should come about and be the result of our deep love and gratitude,
and personal relationship with the Lord, not as a substitute for it.
What a wonderful person the Lord Jesus Christ is. How he loves us , and how
we ought to love him in return! "For God so loved the world that he gave his
only begotten son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have
everlasting life." John 3: 16. God did not send the church to die for us. He did
not send angels, he did not send pastors, he did not send activities, and he did
not ordain services to be the propitiations for our sins. No, he sent the person
of the Lord Jesus Christ to die for us and to be raised again for our justification.
He alone is worthy of our praise and worship. He alone is the object of our
love. He ought to be the center of our life and conversation.
Don't just say: "I am happy", but rather say: "The Lord Jesus Christ makes me
happy". Don't just say: "this is a good day", but rather say: "The Lord has given
us another beautiful day". Don't say: "I have a new dress, or a new car, or a
beautiful house, or things", but rather say: "The Lord has showered me with all
these blessings to enjoy." Don't avoid calling him by name by just saying in a
vague way, "Lord," "The Lord," or "God," or "the man upstairs," or "the
creator" , or "the divinity". These are all proper names for him to be sure, but
he wants to be known in a familiar way and known and proclaimed as the Lord
Jesus Christ whom we know and love as our own personal savior.
We sing, O, how I love Jesus, but many times he is grossly neglected and
ignored from our conversation and activities, and from actual involvement in
our lives.
None can proclaim, with honesty, The Lord Jesus Christ as his own personal
savior and Lord, and acquaintance, and object of love unless he has been born
again. Jesus said: "except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of
God". John 3:3. "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into
the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in
heaven." Matthew 7:21. And what is the will of our Father? It is to love the
Lord Jesus Christ with all our heart, all our mind , and all our soul. No man
calleth Jesus Lord except he be led and taught of the Holy Spirit.
October 31
Where Will You Stand?
"And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was
known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high
priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple
which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door,
and brought in Peter. Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, art
not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not. and the servants
and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and
Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.." John 18:15-18.
Some of us Christians are like Peter was. We claim to be Christians, and to be
saved. Down deep in our heart we want to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, but
when the chips are down, and the curtain is raised in front of us, we become
cowardly and back off, and fail to raise our colors to let everyone know where
we really stand. Peter loved the Lord and was interested in the things of the
Lord, but he didn't really want to get involved with, and be identified with the
Lord at this time because it would have cost him something. It might have
even cost him his life. Instead, he made himself comfortable around the
enemy's fire warming himself.
Let us examine ourselves. Are we like Peter? When we are brought to task are
we a little bit afraid to raise our flag and show our true colors and let everyone
know exactly where we stand?
We may find ourselves in a group of two or three people, or perhaps even
more. One person in the group may be taking his stand all alone for the Lord
Jesus Christ and witnessing for him. The rest of the crowd may be scoffing
and ridiculing that person, and calling him fanatic. Where will you choose to
stand? Will you stand beside the one who is giving a positive testimony for the
Lord Jesus Christ, or will you choose to stay where it is comfortable beside the
enemy's fire, and pretend to go along with the crowd, even though down deep
in your heart you know it is driving you crazy?
Some of us want to be secret followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, and we don't
want it to cost us anything. Where will you stand against the issues of known
sin? Will you take a firm positive stand against those things which you
absolutely know are immoral, and sinful, and displeasing and dishonoring to the
Lord, or will you take the road of least resistance. Will you go a little way
down the road of sin with the crowd just so that you do not lose their
friendship and admiration , and you reason that while you are walking with
them you can keep your fingers crossed, as it were, because you don't really
want to go their way, but somehow if you can remain popular with them, you
might win them to your side without it costing you anything?
Jesus said that no man starts to build a tower until he first sits down to count
the cost to see if he has the wherewithal to finish it. And no man is fit for the
kingdom of heaven who having accepted the Lord and started following him,
looks back on the old crowd and the old ways. Fellow Christian, have we
really counted the cost of being a real true Christian and follower of Jesus?
I believe that the maid who kept the door of the palace where Jesus was taken
lost all respect for Peter because he was seeking his own safety. I also believe
that when the world sees us as lukewarm Christians who are afraid to name the
name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and afraid to call sin by its' rightful name, and
afraid to witness for the Lord, and afraid to take a good firm positive stand for
the right against evil, lose respect for us as well
No wonder artists have painted pictures of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings
with lace dresses on him. No wonder the world has the impression that
Christians are a bunch of effeminate sissies who can't make it in reality, and
have to resort to wishful thinking. No wonder the world is losing respect for
our great country which was founded on principles of Christianity.
Christian, where will you stand when you hear someone taking the name of the
Lord in vain and being disrespectful to him? Where do you stand on the
murder (abortion) of millions of innocent babies? Where do you stand on the
break up of the traditional family, and same sex marriages? Where do you
stand on the clear teaching of Romans chapter 1? Where do you stand on the
clear teaching of all the Word of God, the Bible? Will you go along with the
world and comfort yourself by the enemy's fire, or will you stand faithfully by
the side of your Savior? The Lord Jesus Christ himself looses respect for the
cowardly Christian.
"I know thy works, and thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or
hot. So then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot I will spew
thee out of my mouth." Revelation 3:15.
God is not a mealy mouth preacher. Can you imagine God vomiting out
Christians? How would you like to be a food particle in God's mouth, so
distasteful to him that he has to vomit . For this to be true, all you have to do is
to be like Peter was, and seek the comfort and safety of of the enemy's fire
before he eventually came to his senses and repented with weeping,and because
of his testimony that Jesus was the Christ sent from God, Jesus called his
testimony the rock on which his church was built.
If any of us have been fearful of standing for the Lord, Let us repent with
weeping, and turn again to our first love and for all that he stands for.
November 1
Greatly to Be Praised!
Our God is a great God and greatly to be praised. Sometimes we do not give
God enough praise for who he is, and what he is. We do not really worship
God enough. We ought to spend more time in prayer and meditation, not
necessarily asking God for things, (although he has told us to ask and we will
receive), but because he has already given us salvation and eternal life, and
given us an inheritance in his kingdom. He supplies our daily needs and give us
sufficient grace to meet every emergency. We ought to spend much time in
prayer, just loving God, telling him that we love him and thank him for his
great love for us. We can see God's love for us all around us in the things
which he has made and given to us for our comfort and enjoyment. Even
among people who cannot read or write, or who have never heard the word of
God, they can look around them and experience the love of God.
It is very presumptuous for us to enjoy all the benefits and joys and pleasures
that God has given to us without praising him for them. Did you ever think of
how presumptuous it is for us to sink our teeth into a beautiful apple that God
has made and given to us for our welfare and use, and just take this for granted
without any thought of God? Did you ever stop to think how many of God's
creatures have been destroyed and have had to die to support our life here on
earth?
Psalm 19 verse 12 says: " Who can understand his errors?Cleanse me from
secret faults." We begin to have secret faults when our minds wander away
from God to things of ourselves and things of the world. We cannot sin while
our minds are stayed on Jesus. It is when our minds are not focused on Jesus
that we are drawn away into temptation and sin. No matter what we are doing
, or where are, Jesus can always be found standing in the shadow of our
thoughts and mind if we chose to have him there. He has promised to keep us
in perfect peace when our minds are stayed on him,
Psalm 19 verse 14 tells us: "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of
my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."
If our heart is constantly and continually meditating on the Lord Jesus Christ
twenty four hours a day, every day, seven day a week, and if we are in a
continual attitude of prayer and praise, and if our love is constantly and
continually flowing out to him, and his love is flowing back to us, then the
meditation of our heart will be right, and as a result the words of our mouth will
be right and acceptable to him, because out of the abundance of the heart the
mouth speaketh.
Jesus said: "That men ought always to pray and not to faint." Take note of the
word "always". "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit,
and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."
Ephesians 6:18. "Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5: 17.
God is greatly to be praised!
Greatly to Be Praised!
Our God is a great God and greatly to be praised. Sometimes we do not give
God enough praise for who he is, and what he is. We do not really worship
God enough. We ought to spend more time in prayer and meditation, not
necessarily asking God for things, (although he has told us to ask and we will
receive), but because he has already given us salvation and eternal life, and
given us an inheritance in his kingdom. He supplies our daily needs and give us
sufficient grace to meet every emergency. We ought to spend much time in
prayer, just loving God, telling him that we love him and thank him for his
great love for us. We can see God's love for us all around us in the things
which he has made and given to us for our comfort and enjoyment. Even
among people who cannot read or write, or who have never heard the word of
God, they can look around them and experience the love of God.
It is very presumptuous for us to enjoy all the benefits and joys and pleasures
that God has given to us without praising him for them. Did you ever think of
how presumptuous it is for us to sink our teeth into a beautiful apple that God
has made and given to us for our welfare and use, and just take this for granted
without any thought of God? Did you ever stop to think how many of God's
creatures have been destroyed and have had to die to support our life here on
earth?
Psalm 19 verse 12 says: " Who can understand his errors?Cleanse me from
secret faults." We begin to have secret faults when our minds wander away
from God to things of ourselves and things of the world. We cannot sin while
our minds are stayed on Jesus. It is when our minds are not focused on Jesus
that we are drawn away into temptation and sin. No matter what we are doing
, or where are, Jesus can always be found standing in the shadow of our
thoughts and mind if we chose to have him there. He has promised to keep us
in perfect peace when our minds are stayed on him,
Psalm 19 verse 14 tells us: "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of
my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."
If our heart is constantly and continually meditating on the Lord Jesus Christ
twenty four hours a day, every day, seven day a week, and if we are in a
continual attitude of prayer and praise, and if our love is constantly and
continually flowing out to him, and his love is flowing back to us, then the
meditation of our heart will be right, and as a result the words of our mouth will
be right and acceptable to him, because out of the abundance of the heart the
mouth speaketh.
Jesus said: "That men ought always to pray and not to faint." Take note of the
word "always". "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit,
and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."
Ephesians 6:18. "Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5: 17.
God is greatly to be praised!
November 2
Take care of God's business and he will take care of ours.
If we will take care of God's business, he will take care of ours. Jesus said:
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things
shall be added unto you." Matthew 6: 33.
We who are Christians ought to be so wrapped up in the things of God , and
be so busy in our ministry for him that we have no time to be anxious for our
food, or clothing, or any of our needs. As Christians we ought to be living in
complete reverse to the way that most people in the world live. Most people
spend about ninety nine percent of their time seeking for food, clothing, and
shelter, and things that they think will make them happy and comfortable, and
if they have about one percent of their time left, they offer it to God.
This is why there is so much unhappiness and discontent in the world. God's
plan for our lives is for us to spend ninety nine percent of our time in loving
and serving him, and being so wrapped up in heavenly and godly things that
we have very little time to think about our food, clothing and shelter, and the
pursuit of happiness.
I believe that this is one of the most difficult passages of scripture to believe
and obey, and yet it is the secret and key to successful living and power with
God.
Someone related to me some time ago, whether or not it is true I do not
know, that when Thomas Edison was working on some of his great
inventions, he would work in a room without windows and without clocks,
and he would be so engrossed in his work that he would lose all consciousness
of time and forget to eat and sleep for days. It was said that when he got
married, on his wedding day they were missing him during his wedding
reception, and finally they found him locked in his work shop working on one
of his great inventions. As I said earlier, I do not know if this story is true, but
if it is, it is a good illustration as to how we Christians ought to be engrossed in
the business of the Lord.
God wants us to seek him first and put him first to the point that we are so
engrossed in him and the work he has given us to do that we actually forget
about all our needs and lose consciousness of our selves.
When a person becomes a child of God he is baptized with the Holy Spirit and
he becomes a member of the body of Christ, and God gives him a special gift
to be used in his service to enhance his kingdom. It is our responsibility to find
out what that special gift is and develop it and use it, and become engrossed in
it for the furtherance of the kingdom of Christ.
"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether
prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let
us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching, or he that
exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that
ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness." Romans 12:
6-8.
Whatever we do we should do it with all our might and to the glory of God.
When we are so busy doing God's work that we forget about the food we
need, and the clothes we need, and the comforts that we think we need and
and would like , then we are really believing and trusting God's word and
relying on him that our " heavenly Father knoweth that we have need of all
these things". God honors our faith and all our needs will be automatically met
without us having to spend too much time worrying about them, when we
could be spending this time serving God.
If we will diligently take care of God's business, then you can be sure he will
take good care of ours.
Take care of God's business and he will take care of ours.
If we will take care of God's business, he will take care of ours. Jesus said:
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things
shall be added unto you." Matthew 6: 33.
We who are Christians ought to be so wrapped up in the things of God , and
be so busy in our ministry for him that we have no time to be anxious for our
food, or clothing, or any of our needs. As Christians we ought to be living in
complete reverse to the way that most people in the world live. Most people
spend about ninety nine percent of their time seeking for food, clothing, and
shelter, and things that they think will make them happy and comfortable, and
if they have about one percent of their time left, they offer it to God.
This is why there is so much unhappiness and discontent in the world. God's
plan for our lives is for us to spend ninety nine percent of our time in loving
and serving him, and being so wrapped up in heavenly and godly things that
we have very little time to think about our food, clothing and shelter, and the
pursuit of happiness.
I believe that this is one of the most difficult passages of scripture to believe
and obey, and yet it is the secret and key to successful living and power with
God.
Someone related to me some time ago, whether or not it is true I do not
know, that when Thomas Edison was working on some of his great
inventions, he would work in a room without windows and without clocks,
and he would be so engrossed in his work that he would lose all consciousness
of time and forget to eat and sleep for days. It was said that when he got
married, on his wedding day they were missing him during his wedding
reception, and finally they found him locked in his work shop working on one
of his great inventions. As I said earlier, I do not know if this story is true, but
if it is, it is a good illustration as to how we Christians ought to be engrossed in
the business of the Lord.
God wants us to seek him first and put him first to the point that we are so
engrossed in him and the work he has given us to do that we actually forget
about all our needs and lose consciousness of our selves.
When a person becomes a child of God he is baptized with the Holy Spirit and
he becomes a member of the body of Christ, and God gives him a special gift
to be used in his service to enhance his kingdom. It is our responsibility to find
out what that special gift is and develop it and use it, and become engrossed in
it for the furtherance of the kingdom of Christ.
"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether
prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let
us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching, or he that
exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that
ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness." Romans 12:
6-8.
Whatever we do we should do it with all our might and to the glory of God.
When we are so busy doing God's work that we forget about the food we
need, and the clothes we need, and the comforts that we think we need and
and would like , then we are really believing and trusting God's word and
relying on him that our " heavenly Father knoweth that we have need of all
these things". God honors our faith and all our needs will be automatically met
without us having to spend too much time worrying about them, when we
could be spending this time serving God.
If we will diligently take care of God's business, then you can be sure he will
take good care of ours.
November 5
Purposeful Living!
As Christians, what is our purpose for living? Our prime purpose and goal in
life should be to know God and to make him known to others.
Whenever someone asks us what our goal in life is, our answer as Christians
ought to be: to be a perfect child of God as Jesus is, and to be like him.
From the moment we are born into the family of God when we believe on the
Lord Jesus Christ, we begin as little babies, and we start to grow up to
become the mature children of God, and our chief goal ought to be to become
the perfect children of God as Jesus is, though it is impossible to reach a
complete state of sinless perfection on this earth because of all the sin and
corruption all around us.
We should be growing and maturing daily ,and becoming closer to God daily,
and becoming more like him until finally we see him in his glory when our vile
bodies are changed and made like unto his glorious body.
The opportunity to become the children of God is extended to everyone, for
God has said that whosoever will, may come and as many as received him, to
them he gave the power to become the children of God. What a gift has been
given to us! What an opportunity is ours to be made perfect even as Jesus is
perfect.
Once we have been born into God's family, we begin to run a race, and the
object of the race when we reach the finish line is to attain to the perfection of
the Lord Jesus Christ. The finish line is not on this side of the grave, but on
the other side, but the starting line begins on this side. The moment we are
born into the family of God we should no longer, as Jesus taught "lay up for
yourselves treasures upon earth where moth and rust doth corrupt and where
thieves break through and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and where thieves do not break
through nor steal. For where your treasure is , there will your heart be also"
Starting out as new born babies, we ought to feed on the milk of the word. as
new born babies, we ought to "desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye
may grow thereby." 1 Peter 2:2.
The purpose of feeding babies milk is to help them to grow. If babies did not
grow and go on to more solid food, we would be worried about them and
consider them to be retarded. So it is with us as the children of God. We are
to start out on the simple plan of salvation, the milk of the word, as it were,
and gradually advance to more solid food, the meat of the word.
"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach
you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become
such as have need of milk, and not strong meat. For every one that useth milk
is unskillful in the word of righteousness for he is a babe. But strong meat
belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have
their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Hebrews 5:12-14.
We ought to be daily maturing, and growing, and getting closer to the
perfection of Christ. Our strength and our growth ought to come from our
feasting on the meat of the word, and by mature prayer and meditation with
the Lord Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.
Purposeful Living!
As Christians, what is our purpose for living? Our prime purpose and goal in
life should be to know God and to make him known to others.
Whenever someone asks us what our goal in life is, our answer as Christians
ought to be: to be a perfect child of God as Jesus is, and to be like him.
From the moment we are born into the family of God when we believe on the
Lord Jesus Christ, we begin as little babies, and we start to grow up to
become the mature children of God, and our chief goal ought to be to become
the perfect children of God as Jesus is, though it is impossible to reach a
complete state of sinless perfection on this earth because of all the sin and
corruption all around us.
We should be growing and maturing daily ,and becoming closer to God daily,
and becoming more like him until finally we see him in his glory when our vile
bodies are changed and made like unto his glorious body.
The opportunity to become the children of God is extended to everyone, for
God has said that whosoever will, may come and as many as received him, to
them he gave the power to become the children of God. What a gift has been
given to us! What an opportunity is ours to be made perfect even as Jesus is
perfect.
Once we have been born into God's family, we begin to run a race, and the
object of the race when we reach the finish line is to attain to the perfection of
the Lord Jesus Christ. The finish line is not on this side of the grave, but on
the other side, but the starting line begins on this side. The moment we are
born into the family of God we should no longer, as Jesus taught "lay up for
yourselves treasures upon earth where moth and rust doth corrupt and where
thieves break through and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and where thieves do not break
through nor steal. For where your treasure is , there will your heart be also"
Starting out as new born babies, we ought to feed on the milk of the word. as
new born babies, we ought to "desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye
may grow thereby." 1 Peter 2:2.
The purpose of feeding babies milk is to help them to grow. If babies did not
grow and go on to more solid food, we would be worried about them and
consider them to be retarded. So it is with us as the children of God. We are
to start out on the simple plan of salvation, the milk of the word, as it were,
and gradually advance to more solid food, the meat of the word.
"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach
you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become
such as have need of milk, and not strong meat. For every one that useth milk
is unskillful in the word of righteousness for he is a babe. But strong meat
belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have
their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Hebrews 5:12-14.
We ought to be daily maturing, and growing, and getting closer to the
perfection of Christ. Our strength and our growth ought to come from our
feasting on the meat of the word, and by mature prayer and meditation with
the Lord Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.
November 6
Oh, To Be Forgiven!
Have you ever had someone come to you and ask you to forgive them for
something that they had done to you? Have you ever gone to someone else and
asked them to forgive you for something that you have done to them? What
does it mean to forgive? What is forgiveness?
The dictionary says that the word forgive means to grant pardon for, or
remission of something; cease to demand the penalty for; To cease to blame or
feel resentment against. Forgiveness is the act of forgiving or being forgiven.
The Lord Jesus Christ, when he was on earth, taught the importance of
forgiveness; of forgiving others, and in being forgiven by God and others.
I believe that the definition that Jesus had for forgiveness goes much deeper
and beyond what the dictionary says it means to forgive. I believe that to
forgive the way Jesus taught involved love, God's kind of love. God's kind of
love is to be more concerned about the welfare and comfort of others than of
ourselves.
Jesus was more concerned about the welfare and comfort of the human race
than he was of himself. He proved this when he left the glory and comfort of
heaven to come to earth to suffer and die for people - sinners like you and me.
"God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever
believeth on him should not perish but have ever lasting life." John 3:16
Jesus taught that all people are sinners and they need to be forgiven by God.
They need to be forgiven by each other, and they need to forgive others.
When we know that we have sinned against God, or when we know that we
have wronged someone else, we have to carry around in our hearts a heavy
load of guilt. To have a load of guilt in our hearts to carry with us wherever we
go is a terrible thing. It is like trying to climb a mountain, or trying to swim
with a heavy sack of bricks on our back. It tends to drag us down. It clouds
our minds so that we can not think clearly. It sometimes keeps us awake at
night,. It will destroy our mind and our body, and our health, and can cause an
early death. It separates us from God.
God loved us so much with his kind of love that he did not want us to be
miserable and loaded down with a load of sin and guilt and be destroyed and be
separated from him. God wants us to admit to ourselves and to him that we
are sinners and need to be forgiven for sinning against him.
To come to God and ask forgiveness of sins involves faith. God honors our
faith. "And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was
no room to receive them, no not so much as about the door; and he preached
the word unto them. And they come unto him bringing one sick of the palsy,
which was borne of four. And when they could not come unto him for the
press, they uncovered the roof where he was and when they had broken it up,
they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their
faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, son, thy sins be forgiven thee." Mark
2: 2.-5
When Jesus saw that these people had enough faith in his power to heal that
they would go so far as to put a hole in the roof to get in where he was, he
honored their faith and forgave the man's sins and healed him.
God is all powerful. He is omnipotent. God is all knowledge - all wisdom-all
intelligence- all power. God is the source and beginning of all things. All
authority is in his hands. He is every where at all times. He created all things,
and all things are held together by him. Only God has the power and authority
to forgive sins. "But there were certain of the scribes sitting there and
reasoning in their heart, why doth this man speak blasphemies? Who can
forgive sins but God only?" Mark 2: 6,7 We know that Jesus has the power
and authority to forgive sins because he is God.
"But that ye might know that the son of man hath power on earth to forgive
sins (he saith unto the sick of the palsy) I say unto thee, arise and take up thy
bed , and go thy way into thine house." Mark 2: 10,11.
God's word tells us that if we will come to God by faith believing him , and ask
him to forgive us of our sins, he will do just that.
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1: 8,9.
When God forgives us of our sins, he not only forgives, but he also forgets. He
remembers our sin no more. He removes our sin as far as the east is from the
west. God loves us so much that he does not want us to carry the burden and
the load of our guilt because he knows that it would destroy us. So when we
confess and repent of our sins, he takes the burden off our shoulders and he
himself pays the penalty of our sins. He who is not to blame for anything, and
he who is sinless and has no sin, takes all the blame for our sins and suffered
the punishment that we ought to bear. He is willing to do this because he loves
us. We ought to be very grateful and receive his forgiveness with thanksgiving
and gratitude, and give ourselves right back to him for his service.
"Surely he hath borne our grief's, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem
him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our
transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace
was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone
astray, we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on
him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53: 4-6.
Has someone done something to hurt you recently? Has that person come to
you and asked you to forgive them? Are you willing to forgive and to forget.,
and to try not to remember the bad things that were done to you? Do you love
that person the way that God loved each of us, and even if you are not to
blame for the wrong that was done, are you willing to take all the blame and
pay the penalty, and let the one who did you the wrong go free from the
burden of his guilt which otherwise might destroy him if he has to carry it in
his heart and in his mind?
God's word teaches us that if we expect God to forgive us and take the blame
for our sins, that we have to be willing to forgive others and take the blame for
their sins and bear their burdens. The Lord's prayer says: "Forgive us our
debts as we forgive those who trespass against us".
Have you ever borne anyone else's grief? Have you carried their burdens?
Have you ever been wounded for someone else's transgressions? Have you
ever been bruised for another's iniquities? God's word says that if we will
forgive others, he will forgive us.This is what forgiveness means: to pay the
cost , take the blame, bear the shame and embarrassment.
Unless we ask for and receive God's forgiveness, we can never enter heaven.
Unless we forgive others we will not be forgiven.
"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your
Father also which is in heaven may forgive your trespasses, but if ye do not
forgive neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."
Mark 11:25, 26
"Judge not and ye shall not be judged: condemn not and ye shall not be
condemned; forgive and ye shall be forgiven." Luke 6: 37
Only God can forgive sins against him. Only the children of God can truly
know what it means to forgive and be forgiven . If you find it difficult to
forgive someone who has asked your forgiveness, perhaps it is because you are
not really a child of God by faith in Jesus Christ. Perhaps you need to be born
again. Perhaps you need to go to God and confess your sins and seek his
salvation and forgiveness. If you know that there is something in your life that
you ought to ask God to forgive, find a solitary place where you can get alone
with God. Believe that he hears you and is more than willing to forgive all
manner of sins, Tell him that you believe that Jesus is the Christ sent from
God, that he came to pay for our sins with his own blood on the cross, that he
died , was buried, and rose again; that he is alive and will come live in our
hearts if we will invite him.
If you just can't seem to forgive and forget the wrong that someone has done to
you even though they have asked your forgiveness, pray and ask the Lord to
give you the grace to forgive and forget.
When you have truly forgiven others, your own burdens will be lifted. You will
not be full of bad attitudes, and resentments. You will not be trying to get
even. There will be no bitterness in your heart. When your own heart is
cleansed of all these things, then you will experience the true peace of God.
Forgiveness brings peace of mind to the forgiver as well as to the forgiven.
Oh, To Be Forgiven!
Have you ever had someone come to you and ask you to forgive them for
something that they had done to you? Have you ever gone to someone else and
asked them to forgive you for something that you have done to them? What
does it mean to forgive? What is forgiveness?
The dictionary says that the word forgive means to grant pardon for, or
remission of something; cease to demand the penalty for; To cease to blame or
feel resentment against. Forgiveness is the act of forgiving or being forgiven.
The Lord Jesus Christ, when he was on earth, taught the importance of
forgiveness; of forgiving others, and in being forgiven by God and others.
I believe that the definition that Jesus had for forgiveness goes much deeper
and beyond what the dictionary says it means to forgive. I believe that to
forgive the way Jesus taught involved love, God's kind of love. God's kind of
love is to be more concerned about the welfare and comfort of others than of
ourselves.
Jesus was more concerned about the welfare and comfort of the human race
than he was of himself. He proved this when he left the glory and comfort of
heaven to come to earth to suffer and die for people - sinners like you and me.
"God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever
believeth on him should not perish but have ever lasting life." John 3:16
Jesus taught that all people are sinners and they need to be forgiven by God.
They need to be forgiven by each other, and they need to forgive others.
When we know that we have sinned against God, or when we know that we
have wronged someone else, we have to carry around in our hearts a heavy
load of guilt. To have a load of guilt in our hearts to carry with us wherever we
go is a terrible thing. It is like trying to climb a mountain, or trying to swim
with a heavy sack of bricks on our back. It tends to drag us down. It clouds
our minds so that we can not think clearly. It sometimes keeps us awake at
night,. It will destroy our mind and our body, and our health, and can cause an
early death. It separates us from God.
God loved us so much with his kind of love that he did not want us to be
miserable and loaded down with a load of sin and guilt and be destroyed and be
separated from him. God wants us to admit to ourselves and to him that we
are sinners and need to be forgiven for sinning against him.
To come to God and ask forgiveness of sins involves faith. God honors our
faith. "And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was
no room to receive them, no not so much as about the door; and he preached
the word unto them. And they come unto him bringing one sick of the palsy,
which was borne of four. And when they could not come unto him for the
press, they uncovered the roof where he was and when they had broken it up,
they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their
faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, son, thy sins be forgiven thee." Mark
2: 2.-5
When Jesus saw that these people had enough faith in his power to heal that
they would go so far as to put a hole in the roof to get in where he was, he
honored their faith and forgave the man's sins and healed him.
God is all powerful. He is omnipotent. God is all knowledge - all wisdom-all
intelligence- all power. God is the source and beginning of all things. All
authority is in his hands. He is every where at all times. He created all things,
and all things are held together by him. Only God has the power and authority
to forgive sins. "But there were certain of the scribes sitting there and
reasoning in their heart, why doth this man speak blasphemies? Who can
forgive sins but God only?" Mark 2: 6,7 We know that Jesus has the power
and authority to forgive sins because he is God.
"But that ye might know that the son of man hath power on earth to forgive
sins (he saith unto the sick of the palsy) I say unto thee, arise and take up thy
bed , and go thy way into thine house." Mark 2: 10,11.
God's word tells us that if we will come to God by faith believing him , and ask
him to forgive us of our sins, he will do just that.
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1: 8,9.
When God forgives us of our sins, he not only forgives, but he also forgets. He
remembers our sin no more. He removes our sin as far as the east is from the
west. God loves us so much that he does not want us to carry the burden and
the load of our guilt because he knows that it would destroy us. So when we
confess and repent of our sins, he takes the burden off our shoulders and he
himself pays the penalty of our sins. He who is not to blame for anything, and
he who is sinless and has no sin, takes all the blame for our sins and suffered
the punishment that we ought to bear. He is willing to do this because he loves
us. We ought to be very grateful and receive his forgiveness with thanksgiving
and gratitude, and give ourselves right back to him for his service.
"Surely he hath borne our grief's, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem
him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our
transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace
was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone
astray, we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on
him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53: 4-6.
Has someone done something to hurt you recently? Has that person come to
you and asked you to forgive them? Are you willing to forgive and to forget.,
and to try not to remember the bad things that were done to you? Do you love
that person the way that God loved each of us, and even if you are not to
blame for the wrong that was done, are you willing to take all the blame and
pay the penalty, and let the one who did you the wrong go free from the
burden of his guilt which otherwise might destroy him if he has to carry it in
his heart and in his mind?
God's word teaches us that if we expect God to forgive us and take the blame
for our sins, that we have to be willing to forgive others and take the blame for
their sins and bear their burdens. The Lord's prayer says: "Forgive us our
debts as we forgive those who trespass against us".
Have you ever borne anyone else's grief? Have you carried their burdens?
Have you ever been wounded for someone else's transgressions? Have you
ever been bruised for another's iniquities? God's word says that if we will
forgive others, he will forgive us.This is what forgiveness means: to pay the
cost , take the blame, bear the shame and embarrassment.
Unless we ask for and receive God's forgiveness, we can never enter heaven.
Unless we forgive others we will not be forgiven.
"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your
Father also which is in heaven may forgive your trespasses, but if ye do not
forgive neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."
Mark 11:25, 26
"Judge not and ye shall not be judged: condemn not and ye shall not be
condemned; forgive and ye shall be forgiven." Luke 6: 37
Only God can forgive sins against him. Only the children of God can truly
know what it means to forgive and be forgiven . If you find it difficult to
forgive someone who has asked your forgiveness, perhaps it is because you are
not really a child of God by faith in Jesus Christ. Perhaps you need to be born
again. Perhaps you need to go to God and confess your sins and seek his
salvation and forgiveness. If you know that there is something in your life that
you ought to ask God to forgive, find a solitary place where you can get alone
with God. Believe that he hears you and is more than willing to forgive all
manner of sins, Tell him that you believe that Jesus is the Christ sent from
God, that he came to pay for our sins with his own blood on the cross, that he
died , was buried, and rose again; that he is alive and will come live in our
hearts if we will invite him.
If you just can't seem to forgive and forget the wrong that someone has done to
you even though they have asked your forgiveness, pray and ask the Lord to
give you the grace to forgive and forget.
When you have truly forgiven others, your own burdens will be lifted. You will
not be full of bad attitudes, and resentments. You will not be trying to get
even. There will be no bitterness in your heart. When your own heart is
cleansed of all these things, then you will experience the true peace of God.
Forgiveness brings peace of mind to the forgiver as well as to the forgiven.
November 7
Greetings to The newborn Baby!
Dear Brothers and Sisters;
If you are one of those who have just recently received,by faith, the Lord Jesus
Christ as your own personal Lord and Savior, having realized that you needed
to be saved and that you were helpless to save yourself, then you by God's
grace have been "born again" into the family of God and are now a member of
the family of God.
We are rejoicing, along with the angels of heaven, in the birth of a new born
baby in our family, the family of God. "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in
the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Luke 15:10.
Having taken God at his word, and having accepted and received his gift of
love, The Lord Jesus Christ, as your own personal Lord and Savior, you, by
the power of God, have been "born again" into the family of God, and have
become a child of God. The same spirit that raised the Lord Jesus Christ from
the dead has given you eternal life. "But if the spirit of him that raised up Jesus
from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also
quicken your mortal bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you." Romans 8:11 "
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of
God, even to them that believe on his name. "John 1:12.
When an infant is born into the world, his first impulse is to open his mouth,
and with all the power of his brand new lungs announce to the world his arrival.
So it is with the newborn child of God. Until his voice is heard proclaiming his
arrival into the family of God, it is uncertain to relatives, and the world around
him, whether he has been truly born and now lives. "Let the redeemed of the
Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy." Psalm
107:2. "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the
mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:10.
When God saves us, by his grace, and we are 'born again", we ought to
immediately open our mouths with praise and thanksgiving and let the world
around us know that God has performed a miracle in our lives. "For I am not
ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation, to
every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16.
The immediate need of a newborn infant, and the continuing need of the child
and adult is for proper food. A newborn infant is immediately given a formula
for feeding which will meet his nutritional requirements for survival, proper
growth, and development; likewise, the newborn spiritual child of God must
have the proper spiritual food to insure his growth and development as a child
in the family of God. The food for the child of God is the word of God, The
Holy Bible. The Holy Bible is God's book of instruction for his children, the
Bible is God's book, written by the Holy Spirit through chosen men of God.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction , for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God
may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of any private
interpretation. for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but
holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:
20-21.
A newborn infant begins his life on milk; so the newborn child of God ought to
begin his feeding on the milk of God's word, "As newborn babes, desire the
sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby; if so be ye have tasted that
the Lord is gracious." 1 Peter 2:2,3.
A good place to begin to drink the milk of the word is the gospel of John. It is
here that you will become better acquainted with the divine son of God, our
Savior, The Lord Jesus Christ, and learn of his great love for you and all of us
that caused him to lay down his life for our salvation. You ought to read the
gospel of John several times. Pray and ask God to reveal to you by the Holy
Spirit, the truth of its' teaching. When we by faith in the redemptive power of
the shed blood of Christ are saved, we are immediately, the moment we
believe, baptized by the Holy Spirit of God and sealed forever in the family of
God. The Holy Spirit becomes our teacher in things pertaining to God. When
we are saved, the Holy Spirit literally comes to live and dwell in our bodies.
This is what it means to be "born again". As we drink the word of God , as it
were, the Holy Spirit aids us in the digestion and appropriation of its' truths to
our lives, and thereby we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus
Christ.
After having read and studied the gospel of John several times, then it would be
well to read and study all four gospels, beginning with Matthew, then the acts
of the apostles, and the epistles, and then the entire bible from Genesis to
revelation. This is a lifetime project as we walk the rest of our life by faith in
fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Just as a newborn infant upon his birth becomes a member of the human race,
and all mankind is his kin, so a newborn son of God upon his spiritual new birth
becomes a member of the universal family or God, or the body of Christ,
throughout the world; However, as God has ordained that a child born into the
world has a father and mother and immediate family to love him and care for
his needs, and nurture him and help him to grow and to become a useful
citizen, so God has established local church assemblies to be the immediate
family of the Christian. We need each other, no man is an island, no man is
sufficient unto himself, no man lives to himself, and no man dies to himself.
We need the mutual faith and testimony of other Christians to nurture us and to
strengthen us, and to help us to become effective ambassadors for Christ our
Lord and coming king.
It behooves every born again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ to seek out a
strong fundamental local church fellowship where he can join in fellowship with
his brothers and sisters in Christ, to worship God; and to be taught in the word
of God. It is our duty as the children of God to assemble ourselves together in a
local church as a testimony to the world around us that we identify with God,
his word, and his people; as well as to be taught from the word of God, and to
receive the ordinances of believer's baptism and fellowship around the Lord's
table, at which time we call to remembrance, by the bread and the fruit of the
vine, the Lord's broken body and shed blood for the remission our sins. Then,
work together as co-laborers in God's vineyard to win the lost to Christ. "And
let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not
forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but
exhorting one another, and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Hebrews 10: 24,25.
The name of the church or the denomination is unimportant. The important
thing is that the church you attend and join is one that stands upon the
fundamental truths of the word of God. That its' doctrine is sound concerning
the virgin birth; and the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ; the blood atonement,
and the vicarious suffering of Christ for the sins of individuals; eternal security;
the death burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ; his ascension into
heaven, and his immanent return to earth; the work and ministry of the Holy
Spirit in wooing and drawing men and women and boys and girls to a saving
knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ; the sealing and keeping the believer
eternally secure; the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as the other comforter that
Jesus promised to be our teacher and guide; the priesthood of every believer,
and his direct access to the presence and throne of God in the name of Jesus
Christ.
The word of God is the only authority for faith and practice for the child of
God. Try the spirits and see if they be of God. Check everything out by the
light of the word of God, reject the false, hold to the truth as found in the word
of God.
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God;
because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the
spirit of God; Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh
is of God; and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the
flesh is not of God; and this is the spirit of anti-Christ, whereof ye have head
that it should come; and even now already is in the world." 1 John 4: 1,2,3.
"But though we, or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you
than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." Galatians
1:8. :Moreover brethren I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto
you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand: by which also ye are
saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed
in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that
Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures;: and that he was buried,
and rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that he was seen of
Cephas, then of the twelve; after that he was seen of above five hundred
brethren at once: of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some
are fallen asleep.: 1 Corinthians 15: 1-6.
Every newborn child of God ought to be scriptually baptized as soon as
possible after he has accepted the Lord as his Savior and Lord. The Lord
himself went to the river where John was baptizing and requested that he be
baptized. Though he himself was sinless and had no need of baptism, he did so
that he who was God in the flesh, might identify with men and take their sins
and infirmities on himself as their substitute. As Jesus was buried in the waters
of the Jordan river to identify with with men, so we, as an act of obedience and
identification with the Lord ought to be buried in the water of baptism as a
testimony to the world that we have died to the old man and have been buried
with Christ in his death, but as we are brought up out of the water, we testify to
the world that we have been raised to newness of life and have life eternal by
his resurrection from the dead. Water has no power to save. It is the answer of
a good conscience toward God. Salvation is by grace, and grace alone through
faith. "For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is
the gift of God not of works lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2: 8,9.
This message is meant to be a greeting and a welcome to the new born baby
into the family of God, but if you are reading this message and are not yet
spiritually reborn as a child of God, perhaps you cannot understand what you
have read. Please consider this: The bible teaches that the great fundamental
need of all men is the forgiveness of sins and the freedom from guilt. Man
cannot save himself. All men and women, boys and girls need a savior. Thank
God, God has provided a Savior in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ."There
is non righteous, no, not one."Romans 3: 10. "All have sinned and come short
of the glory of God." Romans 3:13. "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of
God is everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord: "God is not willing that
any should perish." "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten
son that whosoever believeth in him should no perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16. What must you do to be saved? "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,
ask him to forgive your sins and save you. If we confess our sins he is just and
faithful to forgive our sins and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all
unrighteousness. If you will do this, you will become a newborn child of God
and be saved forever. Claim the promises of God's word. Believe in your heart
that God has done for you what he said he would do. "Whosoever shall call
upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Jesus said: "As you believe in your
heart so be it done unto you." Go your way rejoicing in the power of God.
Greetings to The newborn Baby!
Dear Brothers and Sisters;
If you are one of those who have just recently received,by faith, the Lord Jesus
Christ as your own personal Lord and Savior, having realized that you needed
to be saved and that you were helpless to save yourself, then you by God's
grace have been "born again" into the family of God and are now a member of
the family of God.
We are rejoicing, along with the angels of heaven, in the birth of a new born
baby in our family, the family of God. "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in
the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Luke 15:10.
Having taken God at his word, and having accepted and received his gift of
love, The Lord Jesus Christ, as your own personal Lord and Savior, you, by
the power of God, have been "born again" into the family of God, and have
become a child of God. The same spirit that raised the Lord Jesus Christ from
the dead has given you eternal life. "But if the spirit of him that raised up Jesus
from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also
quicken your mortal bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you." Romans 8:11 "
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of
God, even to them that believe on his name. "John 1:12.
When an infant is born into the world, his first impulse is to open his mouth,
and with all the power of his brand new lungs announce to the world his arrival.
So it is with the newborn child of God. Until his voice is heard proclaiming his
arrival into the family of God, it is uncertain to relatives, and the world around
him, whether he has been truly born and now lives. "Let the redeemed of the
Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy." Psalm
107:2. "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the
mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:10.
When God saves us, by his grace, and we are 'born again", we ought to
immediately open our mouths with praise and thanksgiving and let the world
around us know that God has performed a miracle in our lives. "For I am not
ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation, to
every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16.
The immediate need of a newborn infant, and the continuing need of the child
and adult is for proper food. A newborn infant is immediately given a formula
for feeding which will meet his nutritional requirements for survival, proper
growth, and development; likewise, the newborn spiritual child of God must
have the proper spiritual food to insure his growth and development as a child
in the family of God. The food for the child of God is the word of God, The
Holy Bible. The Holy Bible is God's book of instruction for his children, the
Bible is God's book, written by the Holy Spirit through chosen men of God.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction , for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God
may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of any private
interpretation. for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but
holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:
20-21.
A newborn infant begins his life on milk; so the newborn child of God ought to
begin his feeding on the milk of God's word, "As newborn babes, desire the
sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby; if so be ye have tasted that
the Lord is gracious." 1 Peter 2:2,3.
A good place to begin to drink the milk of the word is the gospel of John. It is
here that you will become better acquainted with the divine son of God, our
Savior, The Lord Jesus Christ, and learn of his great love for you and all of us
that caused him to lay down his life for our salvation. You ought to read the
gospel of John several times. Pray and ask God to reveal to you by the Holy
Spirit, the truth of its' teaching. When we by faith in the redemptive power of
the shed blood of Christ are saved, we are immediately, the moment we
believe, baptized by the Holy Spirit of God and sealed forever in the family of
God. The Holy Spirit becomes our teacher in things pertaining to God. When
we are saved, the Holy Spirit literally comes to live and dwell in our bodies.
This is what it means to be "born again". As we drink the word of God , as it
were, the Holy Spirit aids us in the digestion and appropriation of its' truths to
our lives, and thereby we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus
Christ.
After having read and studied the gospel of John several times, then it would be
well to read and study all four gospels, beginning with Matthew, then the acts
of the apostles, and the epistles, and then the entire bible from Genesis to
revelation. This is a lifetime project as we walk the rest of our life by faith in
fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Just as a newborn infant upon his birth becomes a member of the human race,
and all mankind is his kin, so a newborn son of God upon his spiritual new birth
becomes a member of the universal family or God, or the body of Christ,
throughout the world; However, as God has ordained that a child born into the
world has a father and mother and immediate family to love him and care for
his needs, and nurture him and help him to grow and to become a useful
citizen, so God has established local church assemblies to be the immediate
family of the Christian. We need each other, no man is an island, no man is
sufficient unto himself, no man lives to himself, and no man dies to himself.
We need the mutual faith and testimony of other Christians to nurture us and to
strengthen us, and to help us to become effective ambassadors for Christ our
Lord and coming king.
It behooves every born again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ to seek out a
strong fundamental local church fellowship where he can join in fellowship with
his brothers and sisters in Christ, to worship God; and to be taught in the word
of God. It is our duty as the children of God to assemble ourselves together in a
local church as a testimony to the world around us that we identify with God,
his word, and his people; as well as to be taught from the word of God, and to
receive the ordinances of believer's baptism and fellowship around the Lord's
table, at which time we call to remembrance, by the bread and the fruit of the
vine, the Lord's broken body and shed blood for the remission our sins. Then,
work together as co-laborers in God's vineyard to win the lost to Christ. "And
let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not
forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but
exhorting one another, and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Hebrews 10: 24,25.
The name of the church or the denomination is unimportant. The important
thing is that the church you attend and join is one that stands upon the
fundamental truths of the word of God. That its' doctrine is sound concerning
the virgin birth; and the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ; the blood atonement,
and the vicarious suffering of Christ for the sins of individuals; eternal security;
the death burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ; his ascension into
heaven, and his immanent return to earth; the work and ministry of the Holy
Spirit in wooing and drawing men and women and boys and girls to a saving
knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ; the sealing and keeping the believer
eternally secure; the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as the other comforter that
Jesus promised to be our teacher and guide; the priesthood of every believer,
and his direct access to the presence and throne of God in the name of Jesus
Christ.
The word of God is the only authority for faith and practice for the child of
God. Try the spirits and see if they be of God. Check everything out by the
light of the word of God, reject the false, hold to the truth as found in the word
of God.
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God;
because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the
spirit of God; Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh
is of God; and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the
flesh is not of God; and this is the spirit of anti-Christ, whereof ye have head
that it should come; and even now already is in the world." 1 John 4: 1,2,3.
"But though we, or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you
than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." Galatians
1:8. :Moreover brethren I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto
you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand: by which also ye are
saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed
in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that
Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures;: and that he was buried,
and rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that he was seen of
Cephas, then of the twelve; after that he was seen of above five hundred
brethren at once: of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some
are fallen asleep.: 1 Corinthians 15: 1-6.
Every newborn child of God ought to be scriptually baptized as soon as
possible after he has accepted the Lord as his Savior and Lord. The Lord
himself went to the river where John was baptizing and requested that he be
baptized. Though he himself was sinless and had no need of baptism, he did so
that he who was God in the flesh, might identify with men and take their sins
and infirmities on himself as their substitute. As Jesus was buried in the waters
of the Jordan river to identify with with men, so we, as an act of obedience and
identification with the Lord ought to be buried in the water of baptism as a
testimony to the world that we have died to the old man and have been buried
with Christ in his death, but as we are brought up out of the water, we testify to
the world that we have been raised to newness of life and have life eternal by
his resurrection from the dead. Water has no power to save. It is the answer of
a good conscience toward God. Salvation is by grace, and grace alone through
faith. "For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is
the gift of God not of works lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2: 8,9.
This message is meant to be a greeting and a welcome to the new born baby
into the family of God, but if you are reading this message and are not yet
spiritually reborn as a child of God, perhaps you cannot understand what you
have read. Please consider this: The bible teaches that the great fundamental
need of all men is the forgiveness of sins and the freedom from guilt. Man
cannot save himself. All men and women, boys and girls need a savior. Thank
God, God has provided a Savior in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ."There
is non righteous, no, not one."Romans 3: 10. "All have sinned and come short
of the glory of God." Romans 3:13. "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of
God is everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord: "God is not willing that
any should perish." "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten
son that whosoever believeth in him should no perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16. What must you do to be saved? "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,
ask him to forgive your sins and save you. If we confess our sins he is just and
faithful to forgive our sins and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all
unrighteousness. If you will do this, you will become a newborn child of God
and be saved forever. Claim the promises of God's word. Believe in your heart
that God has done for you what he said he would do. "Whosoever shall call
upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Jesus said: "As you believe in your
heart so be it done unto you." Go your way rejoicing in the power of God.
November 8
How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord?
"How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? How long wilt thou hide
thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in
my heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider
and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of
death; Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that
trouble me rejoice when I am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy, my
heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath
dealt bountifully with me." Psalm 13.
There are times in all our lives when it seems that the Lord has forgotten us
and hidden his face from us, and abandoned us to the mercies of the world,
the flesh, and the devil. This was true in David's life, a man who was a
chosen vessel unto God, and a man after God's own heart, and it is true also
in our lives as well.
When we are left without the fellowship and nearness of the Lord we are
prone to sorrow, despair, depression, and it seems that the world, the flesh,
and the devil presses in upon us. It seems that our enemy, the devil is exalted
over us.
Sometimes our eyes are blinded to the presence of God by some un confessed
sin in our lives, or the failure on our part to carry out a vow or a promise that
we have made to him. Sometimes it is because we have not read God's
messages to us from his word, or have not been in proper communication
with him through prayer, and have not been listening to the voice of the Holy
Spirit speaking to our hearts. Sometimes, I believe God is testing us to see if
we really believe in him and trust him in times when he obscures himself from
us for a little while.
God always honors our faith in his word when we have nothing else but the
word of his promise, and we just simply believe for no other reason than just
because it is written in God's word. God sees our faith and counts it as
righteousness.
Though David felt far from God, though he felt that God was hiding his face
from him and abandoning him, yet he knew and believed the promises of
God's word that his mercy endureth forever, and that he would never leave
nor forsake him. So, David kept pounding on God's door, as it were, even
though it seemed that God was not at home for a little while.
Even before the joy of David's salvation was returned to him, even before his
fellowship with God was restored, David believed and trusted in the mercy of
God, and he knew that his heart would once again rejoice in the salvation of
the Lord. He said: "I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully
with me."
When we feel that God has forgotten us, and that he is hiding his face from
us, and has abandoned us; when we sense that our enemy, the devil is exalted
over us; lets remember the written promises of the word of God that his
mercy endureth forever, and that he will never leave us nor forsake us. Lets
examine ourselves to see if there be any un confessed sin in our lives. Lets
read God's messages to us through his word over and over to see if we have
missed any important information from God. Lets stay in constant
communication with God through prayer, and lets be constantly on the alert to
hear God speak to our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
Then, at times when it seems that God is not at home., lets keep pounding on
God's door anyway, and even before our fellowship and joy is restored, lets
trust in the mercy of God and rejoice in our renewed fellowship with God,
even before we have it.
This is faith. God honors faith and counts our faith as righteousness.
Lets lift up our hearts and sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt
bountifully with us no matter how we might feel at the moment.
How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord?
"How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? How long wilt thou hide
thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in
my heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider
and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of
death; Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that
trouble me rejoice when I am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy, my
heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath
dealt bountifully with me." Psalm 13.
There are times in all our lives when it seems that the Lord has forgotten us
and hidden his face from us, and abandoned us to the mercies of the world,
the flesh, and the devil. This was true in David's life, a man who was a
chosen vessel unto God, and a man after God's own heart, and it is true also
in our lives as well.
When we are left without the fellowship and nearness of the Lord we are
prone to sorrow, despair, depression, and it seems that the world, the flesh,
and the devil presses in upon us. It seems that our enemy, the devil is exalted
over us.
Sometimes our eyes are blinded to the presence of God by some un confessed
sin in our lives, or the failure on our part to carry out a vow or a promise that
we have made to him. Sometimes it is because we have not read God's
messages to us from his word, or have not been in proper communication
with him through prayer, and have not been listening to the voice of the Holy
Spirit speaking to our hearts. Sometimes, I believe God is testing us to see if
we really believe in him and trust him in times when he obscures himself from
us for a little while.
God always honors our faith in his word when we have nothing else but the
word of his promise, and we just simply believe for no other reason than just
because it is written in God's word. God sees our faith and counts it as
righteousness.
Though David felt far from God, though he felt that God was hiding his face
from him and abandoning him, yet he knew and believed the promises of
God's word that his mercy endureth forever, and that he would never leave
nor forsake him. So, David kept pounding on God's door, as it were, even
though it seemed that God was not at home for a little while.
Even before the joy of David's salvation was returned to him, even before his
fellowship with God was restored, David believed and trusted in the mercy of
God, and he knew that his heart would once again rejoice in the salvation of
the Lord. He said: "I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully
with me."
When we feel that God has forgotten us, and that he is hiding his face from
us, and has abandoned us; when we sense that our enemy, the devil is exalted
over us; lets remember the written promises of the word of God that his
mercy endureth forever, and that he will never leave us nor forsake us. Lets
examine ourselves to see if there be any un confessed sin in our lives. Lets
read God's messages to us through his word over and over to see if we have
missed any important information from God. Lets stay in constant
communication with God through prayer, and lets be constantly on the alert to
hear God speak to our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
Then, at times when it seems that God is not at home., lets keep pounding on
God's door anyway, and even before our fellowship and joy is restored, lets
trust in the mercy of God and rejoice in our renewed fellowship with God,
even before we have it.
This is faith. God honors faith and counts our faith as righteousness.
Lets lift up our hearts and sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt
bountifully with us no matter how we might feel at the moment.
November 10
Christmas Time!
It is only a few more days before Christmas. This is the time for the giving
and receiving of gifts. Who is the most important person on your Christmas
gift list?
We celebrate the advent of the Lord Jesus Christ at Christmas time, but do we
really? Where are our thoughts, and where is our mind and our heart focused,
really, at Christmas time.? We ought to be celebrating the birth of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ, but I wonder if he is at the top of our Christmas
giving and receiving list, or at the middle, or at the end , or is he really there at
all?
As we gather around with our family and friends to celebrate this most festive
of occasions, the first gift that ought to be received with gratitude and
thanksgiving is God's love gift to us, the Lord Jesus Christ. Open his gift first.
Give him gratitude and praise him first for his gift of love.
At Christmas time "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3: 16. At Christmas time God offered us the opportunity to become his
adopted children by grace through faith. "As many as received him to them
gave he the power (or authority) to become the sons of God." At Christmas
time he made it possible for us as the children of God to become heirs of God
and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. At Christmas time, God gave gifts unto men.
"Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive
and gave gifts unto men." Ephesians 4: 8. At Christmas time, God provided
for our salvation.
Salvation is a big package, containing many things. It first of all contains
forgiveness of sins, freedom from guilt, justification with God. It includes
peace and joy and all the fruits of the Spirit. It contains everlasting eternal life.
It guarantees an all expense paid trip to heaven and the right to walk on streets
of gold. It guarantees that there is a mansion prepared and waiting for us in
heaven. Jesus said: "I go to prepare a place for you and if I go I will come
again and receive you unto myself that where I am there you may be also."
John 14. The package of our salvation contains abundant life here on earth,
protection from danger, healing for mind soul and body, and a guaranteed
audience with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It contains all the
provisions available to us in the 23 rd Psalm. It all happened at Christmas, and
what a Christmas gift it is, thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift, the Lord
Jesus Christ. As we gather to receive and give gifts, lets first thank Christ that
while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, the godly for the ungodly and
the righteous for the unrighteous.
Lets covenant with ourselves and with each other that we will not receive any
gift from anyone else this Christmas time until we have received with gratitude
in our heart, the treasure that was given to us at Christmas time. No matter
how abject the poverty, or how small the bank account, or how few the gifts
under the tree, no one has a right to say that they received nothing for
Christmas. God gave us everything he had at Christmas time. Lets covenant
with ourselves that we will not offer to anyone else our meager trinkets or
gifts until we have rededicated our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ and offered
our selves again to him in loving gratitude and service.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present
you bodies, a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your
reasonable service." Romans 12: 1. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his
righteousness." Matthew 6:33.
Every gift that we present to someone else should not be with the attitude of
seeing how much the recipient of our gifts will be pleased with us for having
given them a gift. Instead, every gift that we present to some one else ought to
be a symbol of the gift that was offered to us by Christ coming into the world
and shedding his blood for us. If opportunity presents itself, we ought to first
offer to every one on our giving list, God's plan of salvation. Our first gift
ought to be presented to the Lord Jesus Christ in gratitude for his gift to us.
We ought to present to him our bodies as a living sacrifice which is our
reasonable service. We ought to present to him our complete love and loyalty.
The gift which is acceptable and pleasing to God is to love the Lord with all
our heart, with all our mind, and with all our soul. We ought to keep our
minds clean, and our thoughts pure, and our bodies as the temple of God,
spotless and clean that they may be God's dwelling place, and headquarters on
earth.
If the Lord Jesus Christ is not on the top of our Christmas gift receiving and
giving list, then we are not celebrating the coming of the Lord into the world.
Instead, we will be celebrating a pagan festival of lustful covetousness and self
seeking for vain glory and the esteem of men.
How sad it is that in this so called Christian country of ours, we are told that
in order to be politically correct, we must exclude the word and idea of Christ
from Christmas and celebrate a pagan holiday instead. This is utter
blasphemy. May God have mercy on our souls and on our nation for this
gross sin.
Christmas Time!
It is only a few more days before Christmas. This is the time for the giving
and receiving of gifts. Who is the most important person on your Christmas
gift list?
We celebrate the advent of the Lord Jesus Christ at Christmas time, but do we
really? Where are our thoughts, and where is our mind and our heart focused,
really, at Christmas time.? We ought to be celebrating the birth of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ, but I wonder if he is at the top of our Christmas
giving and receiving list, or at the middle, or at the end , or is he really there at
all?
As we gather around with our family and friends to celebrate this most festive
of occasions, the first gift that ought to be received with gratitude and
thanksgiving is God's love gift to us, the Lord Jesus Christ. Open his gift first.
Give him gratitude and praise him first for his gift of love.
At Christmas time "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3: 16. At Christmas time God offered us the opportunity to become his
adopted children by grace through faith. "As many as received him to them
gave he the power (or authority) to become the sons of God." At Christmas
time he made it possible for us as the children of God to become heirs of God
and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. At Christmas time, God gave gifts unto men.
"Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive
and gave gifts unto men." Ephesians 4: 8. At Christmas time, God provided
for our salvation.
Salvation is a big package, containing many things. It first of all contains
forgiveness of sins, freedom from guilt, justification with God. It includes
peace and joy and all the fruits of the Spirit. It contains everlasting eternal life.
It guarantees an all expense paid trip to heaven and the right to walk on streets
of gold. It guarantees that there is a mansion prepared and waiting for us in
heaven. Jesus said: "I go to prepare a place for you and if I go I will come
again and receive you unto myself that where I am there you may be also."
John 14. The package of our salvation contains abundant life here on earth,
protection from danger, healing for mind soul and body, and a guaranteed
audience with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It contains all the
provisions available to us in the 23 rd Psalm. It all happened at Christmas, and
what a Christmas gift it is, thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift, the Lord
Jesus Christ. As we gather to receive and give gifts, lets first thank Christ that
while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, the godly for the ungodly and
the righteous for the unrighteous.
Lets covenant with ourselves and with each other that we will not receive any
gift from anyone else this Christmas time until we have received with gratitude
in our heart, the treasure that was given to us at Christmas time. No matter
how abject the poverty, or how small the bank account, or how few the gifts
under the tree, no one has a right to say that they received nothing for
Christmas. God gave us everything he had at Christmas time. Lets covenant
with ourselves that we will not offer to anyone else our meager trinkets or
gifts until we have rededicated our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ and offered
our selves again to him in loving gratitude and service.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present
you bodies, a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your
reasonable service." Romans 12: 1. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his
righteousness." Matthew 6:33.
Every gift that we present to someone else should not be with the attitude of
seeing how much the recipient of our gifts will be pleased with us for having
given them a gift. Instead, every gift that we present to some one else ought to
be a symbol of the gift that was offered to us by Christ coming into the world
and shedding his blood for us. If opportunity presents itself, we ought to first
offer to every one on our giving list, God's plan of salvation. Our first gift
ought to be presented to the Lord Jesus Christ in gratitude for his gift to us.
We ought to present to him our bodies as a living sacrifice which is our
reasonable service. We ought to present to him our complete love and loyalty.
The gift which is acceptable and pleasing to God is to love the Lord with all
our heart, with all our mind, and with all our soul. We ought to keep our
minds clean, and our thoughts pure, and our bodies as the temple of God,
spotless and clean that they may be God's dwelling place, and headquarters on
earth.
If the Lord Jesus Christ is not on the top of our Christmas gift receiving and
giving list, then we are not celebrating the coming of the Lord into the world.
Instead, we will be celebrating a pagan festival of lustful covetousness and self
seeking for vain glory and the esteem of men.
How sad it is that in this so called Christian country of ours, we are told that
in order to be politically correct, we must exclude the word and idea of Christ
from Christmas and celebrate a pagan holiday instead. This is utter
blasphemy. May God have mercy on our souls and on our nation for this
gross sin.
November 13
No Light in the window!
There is no one at home tonight at the old home place. No light in the
window, no fire in the hearth, no friendly voices of welcome as in days gone
by.
Once there was a mother's prayer, a father's strong arm and the light of love
and faith, and the aroma of life, where now only barren and void stands the
old homestead, beat upon by the rain of summer, the winds and storms of
winter, and torn by the lashing torrent of the passing of time.
Abandoned and alone it stands like the cast off shell of something that once
was alive, slowly moldering, and decaying, and returning unto the dust, like
the shells of those whose voices once caused its' rooms to vibrate and resound
with laughter.
Where are the former tenants of so forlorn a place? Is there no one to light a
fire in the hearth? Is there no one to put a light in the window? Is there no one
who cares that I have come home from the wars: the battle of good and evil;
of right and wrong; of righteousness and unrighteousness? Is there no one to
welcome me and succor me? No, time was, time has been, time is gone, time
waits for no man. One by one I have watched them go down the valley to
meet the lover of their souls. It is said that life is forever, and there is no end
of love. Ah! what blessed truth! Our Lord and Savior said: "I am the
resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me , though he were dead, yet
shall he live, and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." John
11: 25,26.
They believed and they trusted, and so they occupy stately mansions in a far
off country. Jesus said: "In my Father's house are many mansions. If it were
not so I would have told you." John 14: 2
I shall turn and go forever from the old home place which is abandoned and
alone, and torn by the passing of time. Return to your dust from whence you
came. Never again will a light shine from your windows to light my pathway.
Never again will a fire burn in your hearth to warm my soul, never again will I
hear on earth those voices so dear to me. Fall into your dust ye abandoned
and desolate relic of time and space, for these mortals have put on immortality.
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" 1 Corinthians
15: 55. Know ye not that on the resurrection morning the trumpet of God
shall sound and the dead in Christ shall arise?
In that far off country, in my Father's house there is a light shinning to guide
me home. There is an un extinguishable fire of God's love and mercy burning
on the hearth. There are those who are waiting to welcome me home from the
wars: the battles of good and evil; right and wrong; righteousness and
unrighteousness. When my life's work is over, when I have fought a good
fight, when I have run the race, then I too shall make my way down the valley
to meet the lover of my soul. I shall walk up the lane to my Father's house
and receive the welcome of my Lord. Then, I hope to see the ones I cannot
see tonight.
Father, if you see mother first, tell her that her prayers were not in vain. Tell
her that I love her and I will be coming home from the wars one day soon.
Mother, if you see dad first, tell him that his labors were not in vain. Jesus, tell
those I love that I love you, because you first loved me and gave yourself for
me. Tell them that I want to work for you and serve you a while longer here
on earth so that I might tell the good news of your amazing grace to save the
lost, and bear fruit to your glory, but some day we will meet at the marriage
supper of the Lamb and renew old acquaintances and rejoice forever in the
presence of our Savior in the indestructible mansions on high.
Dedicated to the memory of my father and mother at home with the Lord.
No Light in the window!
There is no one at home tonight at the old home place. No light in the
window, no fire in the hearth, no friendly voices of welcome as in days gone
by.
Once there was a mother's prayer, a father's strong arm and the light of love
and faith, and the aroma of life, where now only barren and void stands the
old homestead, beat upon by the rain of summer, the winds and storms of
winter, and torn by the lashing torrent of the passing of time.
Abandoned and alone it stands like the cast off shell of something that once
was alive, slowly moldering, and decaying, and returning unto the dust, like
the shells of those whose voices once caused its' rooms to vibrate and resound
with laughter.
Where are the former tenants of so forlorn a place? Is there no one to light a
fire in the hearth? Is there no one to put a light in the window? Is there no one
who cares that I have come home from the wars: the battle of good and evil;
of right and wrong; of righteousness and unrighteousness? Is there no one to
welcome me and succor me? No, time was, time has been, time is gone, time
waits for no man. One by one I have watched them go down the valley to
meet the lover of their souls. It is said that life is forever, and there is no end
of love. Ah! what blessed truth! Our Lord and Savior said: "I am the
resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me , though he were dead, yet
shall he live, and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." John
11: 25,26.
They believed and they trusted, and so they occupy stately mansions in a far
off country. Jesus said: "In my Father's house are many mansions. If it were
not so I would have told you." John 14: 2
I shall turn and go forever from the old home place which is abandoned and
alone, and torn by the passing of time. Return to your dust from whence you
came. Never again will a light shine from your windows to light my pathway.
Never again will a fire burn in your hearth to warm my soul, never again will I
hear on earth those voices so dear to me. Fall into your dust ye abandoned
and desolate relic of time and space, for these mortals have put on immortality.
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" 1 Corinthians
15: 55. Know ye not that on the resurrection morning the trumpet of God
shall sound and the dead in Christ shall arise?
In that far off country, in my Father's house there is a light shinning to guide
me home. There is an un extinguishable fire of God's love and mercy burning
on the hearth. There are those who are waiting to welcome me home from the
wars: the battles of good and evil; right and wrong; righteousness and
unrighteousness. When my life's work is over, when I have fought a good
fight, when I have run the race, then I too shall make my way down the valley
to meet the lover of my soul. I shall walk up the lane to my Father's house
and receive the welcome of my Lord. Then, I hope to see the ones I cannot
see tonight.
Father, if you see mother first, tell her that her prayers were not in vain. Tell
her that I love her and I will be coming home from the wars one day soon.
Mother, if you see dad first, tell him that his labors were not in vain. Jesus, tell
those I love that I love you, because you first loved me and gave yourself for
me. Tell them that I want to work for you and serve you a while longer here
on earth so that I might tell the good news of your amazing grace to save the
lost, and bear fruit to your glory, but some day we will meet at the marriage
supper of the Lamb and renew old acquaintances and rejoice forever in the
presence of our Savior in the indestructible mansions on high.
Dedicated to the memory of my father and mother at home with the Lord.
November 14
The Reproof of Life!
"The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise." Proverbs
15: 31.
Reproof is rebuke, censure, or blame directed at a person to chasten him.
Reproof may be mild and friendly, rebuke is sharper, censure is more severe.
Reprimand is formal reproof, as for carelessness or poor judgment. Reproach
expresses personal hurt or displeasure.
God could have made us and put us directly into heaven if he had wanted to,
but he didn't. Instead, God created us and placed us on planet earth to receive
a course of instruction that would enable us to live successfully in Heaven.
Life on earth is our schoolmaster that shows us the contrast between godliness
and ungodliness, righteousness and sin, heaven and hell, truth and falsehood.
God has given us a choice of roads to walk - the broad way that leads to
destruction, or the narrow way that leads to life. Life on earth teaches us of
the grace and mercy of a loving heavenly Father, and teaches us of the all
sufficient grace of God. Life on earth teaches us of the penalties of sin and the
rewards of righteousness.
Like any student in any school, we make many mistakes, but one purpose of
a school is to teach us how to correct our mistakes and not to repeat them.
Life reproves us when we disregard the physical laws of nature. We reap the
results, for example: if we disregard the laws of nature which govern our
health, we get sick and this ought to be a reproof or a lesson to us. We ought
not to have to repeat that same mistake again. Likewise, when we disregard
the spiritual laws of life we reap the results, for example: God is teaching us
that he is the source of our entire being, and when we neglect to come to him
as our source and pray and study his word, we grow weak in faith and power
with God, and we lack wisdom for our lives, and we forfeit the peace and joy
that could be ours.
We ought to profit from our experiences in life. All through our lives, time
after time, God has brought us through perilous times and tribulations, but we
have always been over comers through him who loved us. We ought to learn
that God will not allow his own children to suffer want or go unattended.
God says that if we will learn these lessons from life, he counts us among the
wise.
"The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. He that
refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth
understanding. The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before
honor is humility." Proverbs 15:31,32,33.
The Reproof of Life!
"The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise." Proverbs
15: 31.
Reproof is rebuke, censure, or blame directed at a person to chasten him.
Reproof may be mild and friendly, rebuke is sharper, censure is more severe.
Reprimand is formal reproof, as for carelessness or poor judgment. Reproach
expresses personal hurt or displeasure.
God could have made us and put us directly into heaven if he had wanted to,
but he didn't. Instead, God created us and placed us on planet earth to receive
a course of instruction that would enable us to live successfully in Heaven.
Life on earth is our schoolmaster that shows us the contrast between godliness
and ungodliness, righteousness and sin, heaven and hell, truth and falsehood.
God has given us a choice of roads to walk - the broad way that leads to
destruction, or the narrow way that leads to life. Life on earth teaches us of
the grace and mercy of a loving heavenly Father, and teaches us of the all
sufficient grace of God. Life on earth teaches us of the penalties of sin and the
rewards of righteousness.
Like any student in any school, we make many mistakes, but one purpose of
a school is to teach us how to correct our mistakes and not to repeat them.
Life reproves us when we disregard the physical laws of nature. We reap the
results, for example: if we disregard the laws of nature which govern our
health, we get sick and this ought to be a reproof or a lesson to us. We ought
not to have to repeat that same mistake again. Likewise, when we disregard
the spiritual laws of life we reap the results, for example: God is teaching us
that he is the source of our entire being, and when we neglect to come to him
as our source and pray and study his word, we grow weak in faith and power
with God, and we lack wisdom for our lives, and we forfeit the peace and joy
that could be ours.
We ought to profit from our experiences in life. All through our lives, time
after time, God has brought us through perilous times and tribulations, but we
have always been over comers through him who loved us. We ought to learn
that God will not allow his own children to suffer want or go unattended.
God says that if we will learn these lessons from life, he counts us among the
wise.
"The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. He that
refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth
understanding. The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before
honor is humility." Proverbs 15:31,32,33.
November 16
Not with the wisdom of men, but by the power of God!
"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellence of speech or
of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to
know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was
with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech
and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in
demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in
the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." 1 Corinthians 2: 1-5.
We do not come to know God through education, or the study of philosophy,
or the study of science, or through logical reasoning. We cannot speak of God
and describe God by excellence of speech or worldly wisdom. Only by
yielding , and listening to the invisible, intangible, supernatural Holy Spirit of
God can we know God.
The Holy Spirit reveals to us the hidden secrets and mysteries of God when
we have believed, and received Christ as our own personal Savior, and are
submitted to him and listening to him.
The human eye has not, and will never see the things that God has prepared
for them that love him. The human ear has never heard the voice of God the
Father. The human mind cannot comprehend the things of God. We cannot
learn of God by listening to the profound philosophies of learned men, nor can
we purchase a knowledge of God from any university. "Eye hath not seen,
nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which
God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto
us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of
God.". 1 Corinthians 2: 9.
The love of God is the key that opens the door of our hearts and invites the
Holy Spirit to come in and abide and teach. A deep seated love for the Lord
Jesus Christ, and a deep sense of gratitude for his finished work for our
salvation sets the human spirit free to commune with the Holy Spirit, and we
are carried to lofty heights of knowledge and the revelation of who God is,
and of the things which he has prepared for his children. To be a child of God
is to be born of the Spirit and indwelt by the Spirit of God.
The things that God has prepared for those that love him is revealed unto us
only by his Spirit. "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit
of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the
Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit
which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of
God." 1 Corinthians 2: 11, 12.
No man can speak truly of God in the words of man's wisdom. By excellence
of speech and polished mannerisms can no man declare the true beauty and
excellence and glory of God. No university is capable of teaching a man to
declare the glories of the risen Christ.
We can declare the beauties and truth of a Holy God only as the Holy Spirit
gives us utterance. "Which things also we speak, not in the words which
man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing
spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of
the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know
them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all
things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of
the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." 1
Corinthians 2:13- 16.
Spiritual things are foolishness to natural people. One must be "born again"
and become a spiritual unnatural person to know God. Born again children of
God are capable of knowing the mind of Christ through the Holy Spirit.
The bible says that: "The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God, they are
corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there
were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are
all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one." Psalm
14:1-3.
A man or a woman, or a boy or a girl remains a worldly fool, according to the
word of God, until he realizes the truth of God's word that he is a sinner, and
is eternally lost and without knowledge , until he or she acknowledges that
they have all sinned and come short of the glory of God, and ask for
forgiveness and receive Christ as Savior.
Many educated fools, according to God's description are teaching our children
in the public schools, the theories of evolution, that man is a mutation of some
lower form of life; that man is just an animal, and cannot be held accountable
for any moral standards set by a higher authority. Is it any wonder then, that
our children act and behave like jungle animals, and carry guns and knives to
school and mutilate and murder each other to solve their problems, when they
are brainwashed by these educated ( or non educated) fools?,
We are told that wise men sought him at the stable in Bethlehem. Some wise
men still seek him today in America.
How about you? Are you a fool or a wise man?
Not with the wisdom of men, but by the power of God!
"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellence of speech or
of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to
know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was
with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech
and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in
demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in
the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." 1 Corinthians 2: 1-5.
We do not come to know God through education, or the study of philosophy,
or the study of science, or through logical reasoning. We cannot speak of God
and describe God by excellence of speech or worldly wisdom. Only by
yielding , and listening to the invisible, intangible, supernatural Holy Spirit of
God can we know God.
The Holy Spirit reveals to us the hidden secrets and mysteries of God when
we have believed, and received Christ as our own personal Savior, and are
submitted to him and listening to him.
The human eye has not, and will never see the things that God has prepared
for them that love him. The human ear has never heard the voice of God the
Father. The human mind cannot comprehend the things of God. We cannot
learn of God by listening to the profound philosophies of learned men, nor can
we purchase a knowledge of God from any university. "Eye hath not seen,
nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which
God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto
us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of
God.". 1 Corinthians 2: 9.
The love of God is the key that opens the door of our hearts and invites the
Holy Spirit to come in and abide and teach. A deep seated love for the Lord
Jesus Christ, and a deep sense of gratitude for his finished work for our
salvation sets the human spirit free to commune with the Holy Spirit, and we
are carried to lofty heights of knowledge and the revelation of who God is,
and of the things which he has prepared for his children. To be a child of God
is to be born of the Spirit and indwelt by the Spirit of God.
The things that God has prepared for those that love him is revealed unto us
only by his Spirit. "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit
of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the
Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit
which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of
God." 1 Corinthians 2: 11, 12.
No man can speak truly of God in the words of man's wisdom. By excellence
of speech and polished mannerisms can no man declare the true beauty and
excellence and glory of God. No university is capable of teaching a man to
declare the glories of the risen Christ.
We can declare the beauties and truth of a Holy God only as the Holy Spirit
gives us utterance. "Which things also we speak, not in the words which
man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing
spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of
the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know
them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all
things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of
the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." 1
Corinthians 2:13- 16.
Spiritual things are foolishness to natural people. One must be "born again"
and become a spiritual unnatural person to know God. Born again children of
God are capable of knowing the mind of Christ through the Holy Spirit.
The bible says that: "The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God, they are
corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there
were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are
all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one." Psalm
14:1-3.
A man or a woman, or a boy or a girl remains a worldly fool, according to the
word of God, until he realizes the truth of God's word that he is a sinner, and
is eternally lost and without knowledge , until he or she acknowledges that
they have all sinned and come short of the glory of God, and ask for
forgiveness and receive Christ as Savior.
Many educated fools, according to God's description are teaching our children
in the public schools, the theories of evolution, that man is a mutation of some
lower form of life; that man is just an animal, and cannot be held accountable
for any moral standards set by a higher authority. Is it any wonder then, that
our children act and behave like jungle animals, and carry guns and knives to
school and mutilate and murder each other to solve their problems, when they
are brainwashed by these educated ( or non educated) fools?,
We are told that wise men sought him at the stable in Bethlehem. Some wise
men still seek him today in America.
How about you? Are you a fool or a wise man?
November 17
Eat Your Words!
Would you like to eat your words? Are the words and statements which come
from our mouths food for thought, and edifying to ourselves and others, or are
they poisonous and destructive of ourselves and others? Do the words that
proceed from our mouths add health and vitality and strength for those who
receive them?
The words that come from our mouths are only the aroma , as it were, of the
smell of that which actually dwells within us. If in our heart there is produced
the fruits of the Spirit of God by the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, then
our words which proceed from our mouths will be a sweet savor, or a sweet
smell to the Lord. They will be uplifting to ourselves, positive in nature, and
glorifying and pleasing to God.
Our conversation, and our words paint a picture of that which we actually are
on the inside. The words and statements which come from our mouths, not
only feed ourselves, but others around us as well.
We are and become that which we say we are. We believe that which we say
we believe. We can do that which we say we can do. We have that which we
say we have. Our statements and words determine our success or failure in
life. Our words feed us.
"A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth and with the increase
of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and
they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Proverbs 18: 20,21. "Doth not the
ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat?" Job 12: 11. "But I say unto
you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in
the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words
thou shalt be condemned." Matthew 12: 36,37.
Let us pray that the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart be
acceptable to God our Father who hears every word and knows every thought.
November 19
Fear not man!
"The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be
safe. Many seek the ruler's favor; but every man's judgment cometh from the
Lord." Proverb 29: 25,26.
Some of us have more fear and regard for man than we do for God. This is what
hinders us as Christians from taking the stand that we ought to take for godliness
and immorality in our home, our communities, and our nation.
Some of us are more concerned that we will be "politically correct" and appealing
to men than that we will be grieving the Holy Spirit when we do not speak up
against all that we know to be contrary to the laws and commandments of God.
Some of us have more regard for the creature than we have for the creator. Some
of us would not do some of the things that we know is contrary to the perfect will
of God if it were not for the fact that we don't want people to think that we have
gone off the "deep end" and become fanatics and "odd balls".
The fear of man is bondage and slavery. Obedience to God and trust in him is
true freedom. Why should we care what men do to us, or think about us if we
have the assurance that we can stand alone in our closet and be justified before
God? The fear of man keeps us from giving our all to God, or becoming fanatics,
if you prefer. The fear of man keeps us from taking a firm stand against
immorality, and prevents us from publicly declaring that this is wrong, and that is
right, according to the word of God. The fear of man keeps us from putting God
first in all our thought and deeds.
"The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be
safe." Proverbs 29: 25.
Peter said by inspiration of the Holy Spirit: "We must obey God rather than men."
Jesus said : Fear not him who can destroy the body, but fear him who has the
power to destroy both soul and body in hell."
"Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be
accounted of?" Isaiah 2: 22.
We Christians ought to covenant with God and with each other that we will not
fear men, but we will fear and obey him in all things regardless of what ungodly
men may say or think. Lets preserve ourselves, our homes, our communities, our
churches, and our nation from the so called "politically correct" philosophies of
ungodly men.
Fear not man!
"The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be
safe. Many seek the ruler's favor; but every man's judgment cometh from the
Lord." Proverb 29: 25,26.
Some of us have more fear and regard for man than we do for God. This is what
hinders us as Christians from taking the stand that we ought to take for godliness
and immorality in our home, our communities, and our nation.
Some of us are more concerned that we will be "politically correct" and appealing
to men than that we will be grieving the Holy Spirit when we do not speak up
against all that we know to be contrary to the laws and commandments of God.
Some of us have more regard for the creature than we have for the creator. Some
of us would not do some of the things that we know is contrary to the perfect will
of God if it were not for the fact that we don't want people to think that we have
gone off the "deep end" and become fanatics and "odd balls".
The fear of man is bondage and slavery. Obedience to God and trust in him is
true freedom. Why should we care what men do to us, or think about us if we
have the assurance that we can stand alone in our closet and be justified before
God? The fear of man keeps us from giving our all to God, or becoming fanatics,
if you prefer. The fear of man keeps us from taking a firm stand against
immorality, and prevents us from publicly declaring that this is wrong, and that is
right, according to the word of God. The fear of man keeps us from putting God
first in all our thought and deeds.
"The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be
safe." Proverbs 29: 25.
Peter said by inspiration of the Holy Spirit: "We must obey God rather than men."
Jesus said : Fear not him who can destroy the body, but fear him who has the
power to destroy both soul and body in hell."
"Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be
accounted of?" Isaiah 2: 22.
We Christians ought to covenant with God and with each other that we will not
fear men, but we will fear and obey him in all things regardless of what ungodly
men may say or think. Lets preserve ourselves, our homes, our communities, our
churches, and our nation from the so called "politically correct" philosophies of
ungodly men.
November 24
Danger signals!
The human body is equip with danger signals which serve to alert the senses
when it is in trouble or in danger. For example: If we have an infection or a
disease in our bodies that could cause us to be in danger, the nervous system
sends signals to the brain, in the form of pain or discomfort, to warn us that all
is not right within. When all is safe and secure within our bodies, as a rule, we
are without pain or discomfort, and we are at peace within our bodies.
Likewise, our soul has danger signals which alert our senses to the fact when all
is not well and healthy with our soul. What are some of the symptoms of an
unhealthy soul and spirit? The answer: Lack of peace - uneasiness, frustration,
uneasy or uncomfortable when in the presence of sincere, enthusiastic servants
of God; uncomfortable when in the presence of those who are praising God, or
testifying or praying. If you would prefer to think of more practical things rather
than to think of the spiritual, If you cannot get interested in the things of the
Lord, If you get bored easily when spiritual matters are discussed, and if the talk
of heaven seems morbid, and the fear of bad health or death is always present,
then it is time, if you profess to be a Christian, to check up on the well being of
your soul. When we are afraid to pray or talk to God for fear of his
condemnation, or afraid to speak the name of the Lord Jesus Christ publicly,
these and many others are the danger signals of an unhealthy soul. When we
have any or all of these symptoms we ought to hasten to the great physician and
lover of our souls, the Lord Jesus Christ, and seek healing, pardon and
forgiveness, so that we might be found prospering and in good health.
Generally speaking, the characteristics of a healthy soul is to be always rejoicing
in the Lord, offering continual praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. A healthy
soul is afraid of nothing, and is careful for nothing, but is trusting in the Lord for
all things. The healthy soul is being filled with the peace of God which passes all
understanding. Thoughts of heaven are a delight, and death is thought of as
another stage of life. If we posses a healthy soul we can sing with the
songwriter: "it is well with my soul", and we will love to be with God's people.
We will love to talk to God in prayer. We will love to praise God. We will not
be afraid of God's judgment because we know that the blood of Jesus Christ
cleanses us from all guilt. A healthy soul has an appetite for the things of God,
we like to eat the meat of the word and feed upon the heavenly manna of God.
"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say rejoice. Let your moderation be
known unto all men, the Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing, but in every
thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made
known unto God. and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall
keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:5-7.
November 24
Behold the Lamb of God!
At the very beginning of our Lord's ministry on earth, John the Baptist pointed to
him and cried out, "Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the
world." John 1: 29.
Now the time had arrived when the Lamb of God would be brought to the altar
of sacrifice and be offered up for us all. As the blood of the Passover lamb had to
be sprinkled on the door post and lintel of the houses of the children of Israel to
insure their safety when the angel of death passed over the land of Egypt, so
now, the blood of the Lamb of God must be spilled and applied to the hearts of
men and women, boys and girls to insure their salvation, and to save us from the
penalty of sin and the wrath of God.
There is no escape from the wrath and judgment of God unless God sees the
blood of his perfect Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ received by the sinner as a free
gift of his grace and applied by faith to our hearts.
As the spotless, innocent lamb of the Passover was brought to the attar, a knife
was plunged into its throat, and the blood poured out and caught in a basin and
sprinkled on the doorpost of the houses of the children of Israel. So now, the
innocent spotless Lamb of God is being led to the altar to once and forever offer
up the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the whole world.
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way;
and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all" Isaiah 53: 6
What a terrible night of agony and depression and sorrow in spirit that our Lord
had just gone through in the garden of Gethsemane. The pressure that he was
beginning to experience because of the sins of all people that were being laid on
him, and the agony of the thought that he would be separated from his heavenly
Father caused him such anguish that he already began to shed his blood even
before he was offered up on the altar of the cross.
''And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were,
great drops of blood falling down to the ground." Luke 22:44.
He even cried out to God that if it were possible that God would remove this cup
of suffering from him: "Saying ,Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from
me: nevertheless not my will but thine, be done." Luke 22: 42. He knew that he
was the appointed Lamb of God, and for this purpose he had come into the
world, so he willingly submitted himself to the will and purpose of God.
They came after him with staves and swords lanterns and torches ,and led him
away to Caiaphas, the high priest. "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet
he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep
before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth." Isaiah 53: 7. "When
the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel
against Jesus to put him to death: and when they had bound him, they led him
away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate, the governor." Matthew 27: 1,2. "And
Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him saying, art thou the
king of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, thou sayest. And when he was
accused of the chief priests, and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate
unto him, hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he
answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly."
Matthew 27: 11-14. What did Isaiah prophesy? "As a lamb before her shearers is
dumb, so he openeth not his mouth" .
Pilate could find no fault with Jesus. He wanted to release him. It was the custom
during the passover to release one of the prisoners, so Pilate thought that this
would be a good opportunity to get Jesus released. There was another prisoner
who was being held who was notorious. He was a rebel and murderer, and really
deserved to be in prison. Pilate offered the people a choice, thinking they would
want Jesus to be released. Instead they cried out for Barabbas. "Pilate saith unto
them, what shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto
him, let him be crucified." Matthew 27: 22.
From the very beginning of creation, even way back in the garden of Eden,
people have had to make choices. God ordained it that way because he did not
create robots, but made man in his own image ,and desired that they would have
free choice in making decisions as to whether they would believe and obey him,
and choose good rather than evil.
Here the people had a choice between the lovely; the pure; the kind; the
compassionate; the true; the beautiful; the peaceful; all the goodness and blessing
of God, and they choose the ugly, dirty,mean, sinful, lying, murderous, thieving
Barabbas. If you had been in that crowd that day, what would your choice have
been? The majority of the people in the world today still hate and reject Jesus.
They love the things of this world, the hateful, ugly, murderous, theiving Barabas
type of things. Where do you stand? Do you stand with Jesus or Barabbas?
Suppose you had to make some choices today, for example: You see one of your
Christian friends at school witnessing and speaking for the Lord, and there are ten
of your other friends standing around laughing and mocking at him, whose side
will you choose to be on, the one person who is witnessing for the Lord or the ten
who are laughing?
Suppose all of your friends get together and told you that if you didn't go along
with them and smoke, or drink alcoholic beverages, and try some dope, that they
would no longer be your friends, and you know that as a Christian, your body is
the temple of God and you are to keep it pure, and undefiled, and dedicated to
God's service. What would your choice be, Jesus or Barabbas? If you had your
choice what would it be? Would you rather play a silly game or do something that
made you think about God? Would you rather watch television or read God's
word, or a good book that would improve your mind and make it more useful to
God? Would you rather go to a ball game or to a movie, or some sporting event,
or would you rather go to church or Sunday school and worship God?. Would
you rather be with separated Christians, or would you rather be with the
rebellious crowd? These are just some of the choices we all must make daily. Will
it be Jesus for you or Barabas? The world says crucify Jesus - give us Barabas.
Whose side are you on?
"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:
and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him
not." Isaiah 53:3. Is he despised and rejected by you today, or is he your Lord as
well as your savior?
So they delivered Jesus to be crucified. they stripped him of his clothes and put
on him a scarlet robe to mock him. The robe was a symbol of royalty that a king
would wear. They were mocking him because he said he was king. They put a
crown of thorns on his head. They spit upon him. They scourged him. They beat
him. They hit him on the head. They led him away to a place called Golgotha to
crucify him. They made him carry his cross on his already badly torn back. They
nailed his hands and his feet to the cross - they crucified him, and they parted his
garments among them. They sat down and watched him hang there on the cross.
They wrote an accusation and put it above his head. It said: This is Jesus, the
king of the Jews. In this they told the truth. There were two thieves crucified with
him, one on his left and one on the right. One of the thieves cursed at him but the
other thief recognized him as the Savior, and asked to be saved,. Jesus told him
that today he would be with him in paradise.
"Surely he hath borne our grief's, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him
stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our
transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace
was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53: 4,5.
"About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, Lama, sabac
thani? That is to say, my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Matthew
27: 46. "Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the Ghost
And behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom;
and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; and the graves were opened; and
many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his
resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many." Mathew 27:
50-53.
In the temple there was a veil or a curtain which separated the holy place from
the Holy of Holies where God dwelt. No one was ever allowed into the Holy of
Holies in the presence of God except the high priest who went in once a year to
offer up sacrifices for the people. Now, the perfect Lamb of God's blood had
been shed. Now this veil, or curtain was torn or opened from top to bottom,
signifying that Jesus's sacrifice had been accepted as the perfect sacrifice for the
sin of all people for all time. That he is now our great high priest, and now all of
us who trust in his sacrifice have the privilege of coming directly into Gods
presence with our worship and prayers when we come in the name of the Lord
Jesus Christ.
"And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death because
he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the
Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an
offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure
of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and
shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for
he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul
unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of
many, and made intercession for the transgressors." Isaiah 53: 9-12. Yes, a lot of
blood flowed that day down Calvary's mountain - divine blood, the blood of the
Holy God himself.
Like that night back in Egypt when the Israelites were behind closed and locked
doors, outside was terror and screaming and weeping and wailing and gnashing of
teeth because the death angel was passing over the land to destroy all those who
did not have the blood of the sacrificial lamb on their door rposts. Can't you
imagine a child asking his father, "Oh daddy, I'm afraid, will we all be killed? The
father back in Egypt explained to his child that those who have the blood of the
lamb on the door post will be saved.
Then the child looks up into his father's face and says, "oh, daddy, are you sure
that we are safe? Are you sure that the blood of the Lamb is on the door post of
our house? Oh, daddy go take a look just to make sure. To satisfy his child's
fears and nagging, he opens the door and looks and to his surprise, there is no
blood on his door post. He had neglected or forgotten to apply the blood to the
door post, and he and his whole family were in danger. He hastened to find a
lamb, kill it and put its blood on his door post before the death angel went past his
house. He knew about the blood but just knowing about it was not enough to
keep himself and his family safe. He had to apply it.
Men and women, boys and girls, readers of these lines, are you sure today that all
of your sins have been washed away by the blood of the perfect Lamb of God
that flowed down Calvary's mountain that day? Are you sure beyond a shadow of
doubt that you, by faith, have accepted the blood of Jesus as the sacrifice for all
your sins.? Do you, by faith have his blood sprinkled on the door of your heart?
Why don't you take one more look just to make sure. Just to know about the
blood is not enough. You must receive it personally and apply it. If you cannot
ever remember a time in your life when you felt sorry for your sins, and asked
the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive you and wash them away with his blood and
come into your heart and be your Lord and Savior, you are not safe from the
wrath and judgment of God. You can make sure that you are safe today and have
the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ applied to your heart. Simply by faith believe
that the Lord Jesus Christ died and shed his blood for you. Tell him you are sorry
for your sin and ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.
By the grace of God we can all come to the well of salvation and dip our cup.
"Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation." Isaiah 12;
3. When the cup is drawn up, it is filled to over flowing. "Thou preparest a table
before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my
cup runneth over." Psalm 23: 5/
Anyone can dip his cup in the well of salvation free of charge, its on the house,
God's house. "And he said unto me, it is done, I am Alpha and Omega, the
beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the
water of life freely." Revelation 21:6. "And the Spirit and the bride say come, and
let him that heareth say, come, and let him that is athirst come, and whosoever
will, let him take the water of life freely." Revelation 22: 17. We can dip our cup
freely and enjoy the benefits of salvation. Access to the well of salvation is
expensive, but the admission price has been paid for all of us who have, and
those who will receive it. Consider the price of admission to the well of salvation,
but also consider the gift that is yours by God's grace to draw water from the well
of salvation. "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is everlasting life
through Jesus Christ our Lord." Free to all who will ask, free to all who will take.
Free to use but not abuse. Free to have and enjoy, but not to hoard and keep
from others. It is our responsibility to advertise the gift, but make known the cost.
"Freely ye have received, freely give." Matthew 10: 8
Behold the Lamb of God!
At the very beginning of our Lord's ministry on earth, John the Baptist pointed to
him and cried out, "Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the
world." John 1: 29.
Now the time had arrived when the Lamb of God would be brought to the altar
of sacrifice and be offered up for us all. As the blood of the Passover lamb had to
be sprinkled on the door post and lintel of the houses of the children of Israel to
insure their safety when the angel of death passed over the land of Egypt, so
now, the blood of the Lamb of God must be spilled and applied to the hearts of
men and women, boys and girls to insure their salvation, and to save us from the
penalty of sin and the wrath of God.
There is no escape from the wrath and judgment of God unless God sees the
blood of his perfect Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ received by the sinner as a free
gift of his grace and applied by faith to our hearts.
As the spotless, innocent lamb of the Passover was brought to the attar, a knife
was plunged into its throat, and the blood poured out and caught in a basin and
sprinkled on the doorpost of the houses of the children of Israel. So now, the
innocent spotless Lamb of God is being led to the altar to once and forever offer
up the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the whole world.
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way;
and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all" Isaiah 53: 6
What a terrible night of agony and depression and sorrow in spirit that our Lord
had just gone through in the garden of Gethsemane. The pressure that he was
beginning to experience because of the sins of all people that were being laid on
him, and the agony of the thought that he would be separated from his heavenly
Father caused him such anguish that he already began to shed his blood even
before he was offered up on the altar of the cross.
''And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were,
great drops of blood falling down to the ground." Luke 22:44.
He even cried out to God that if it were possible that God would remove this cup
of suffering from him: "Saying ,Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from
me: nevertheless not my will but thine, be done." Luke 22: 42. He knew that he
was the appointed Lamb of God, and for this purpose he had come into the
world, so he willingly submitted himself to the will and purpose of God.
They came after him with staves and swords lanterns and torches ,and led him
away to Caiaphas, the high priest. "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet
he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep
before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth." Isaiah 53: 7. "When
the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel
against Jesus to put him to death: and when they had bound him, they led him
away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate, the governor." Matthew 27: 1,2. "And
Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him saying, art thou the
king of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, thou sayest. And when he was
accused of the chief priests, and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate
unto him, hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he
answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly."
Matthew 27: 11-14. What did Isaiah prophesy? "As a lamb before her shearers is
dumb, so he openeth not his mouth" .
Pilate could find no fault with Jesus. He wanted to release him. It was the custom
during the passover to release one of the prisoners, so Pilate thought that this
would be a good opportunity to get Jesus released. There was another prisoner
who was being held who was notorious. He was a rebel and murderer, and really
deserved to be in prison. Pilate offered the people a choice, thinking they would
want Jesus to be released. Instead they cried out for Barabbas. "Pilate saith unto
them, what shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto
him, let him be crucified." Matthew 27: 22.
From the very beginning of creation, even way back in the garden of Eden,
people have had to make choices. God ordained it that way because he did not
create robots, but made man in his own image ,and desired that they would have
free choice in making decisions as to whether they would believe and obey him,
and choose good rather than evil.
Here the people had a choice between the lovely; the pure; the kind; the
compassionate; the true; the beautiful; the peaceful; all the goodness and blessing
of God, and they choose the ugly, dirty,mean, sinful, lying, murderous, thieving
Barabbas. If you had been in that crowd that day, what would your choice have
been? The majority of the people in the world today still hate and reject Jesus.
They love the things of this world, the hateful, ugly, murderous, theiving Barabas
type of things. Where do you stand? Do you stand with Jesus or Barabbas?
Suppose you had to make some choices today, for example: You see one of your
Christian friends at school witnessing and speaking for the Lord, and there are ten
of your other friends standing around laughing and mocking at him, whose side
will you choose to be on, the one person who is witnessing for the Lord or the ten
who are laughing?
Suppose all of your friends get together and told you that if you didn't go along
with them and smoke, or drink alcoholic beverages, and try some dope, that they
would no longer be your friends, and you know that as a Christian, your body is
the temple of God and you are to keep it pure, and undefiled, and dedicated to
God's service. What would your choice be, Jesus or Barabbas? If you had your
choice what would it be? Would you rather play a silly game or do something that
made you think about God? Would you rather watch television or read God's
word, or a good book that would improve your mind and make it more useful to
God? Would you rather go to a ball game or to a movie, or some sporting event,
or would you rather go to church or Sunday school and worship God?. Would
you rather be with separated Christians, or would you rather be with the
rebellious crowd? These are just some of the choices we all must make daily. Will
it be Jesus for you or Barabas? The world says crucify Jesus - give us Barabas.
Whose side are you on?
"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:
and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him
not." Isaiah 53:3. Is he despised and rejected by you today, or is he your Lord as
well as your savior?
So they delivered Jesus to be crucified. they stripped him of his clothes and put
on him a scarlet robe to mock him. The robe was a symbol of royalty that a king
would wear. They were mocking him because he said he was king. They put a
crown of thorns on his head. They spit upon him. They scourged him. They beat
him. They hit him on the head. They led him away to a place called Golgotha to
crucify him. They made him carry his cross on his already badly torn back. They
nailed his hands and his feet to the cross - they crucified him, and they parted his
garments among them. They sat down and watched him hang there on the cross.
They wrote an accusation and put it above his head. It said: This is Jesus, the
king of the Jews. In this they told the truth. There were two thieves crucified with
him, one on his left and one on the right. One of the thieves cursed at him but the
other thief recognized him as the Savior, and asked to be saved,. Jesus told him
that today he would be with him in paradise.
"Surely he hath borne our grief's, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him
stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our
transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace
was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53: 4,5.
"About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, Lama, sabac
thani? That is to say, my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Matthew
27: 46. "Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the Ghost
And behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom;
and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; and the graves were opened; and
many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his
resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many." Mathew 27:
50-53.
In the temple there was a veil or a curtain which separated the holy place from
the Holy of Holies where God dwelt. No one was ever allowed into the Holy of
Holies in the presence of God except the high priest who went in once a year to
offer up sacrifices for the people. Now, the perfect Lamb of God's blood had
been shed. Now this veil, or curtain was torn or opened from top to bottom,
signifying that Jesus's sacrifice had been accepted as the perfect sacrifice for the
sin of all people for all time. That he is now our great high priest, and now all of
us who trust in his sacrifice have the privilege of coming directly into Gods
presence with our worship and prayers when we come in the name of the Lord
Jesus Christ.
"And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death because
he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the
Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an
offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure
of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and
shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for
he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul
unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of
many, and made intercession for the transgressors." Isaiah 53: 9-12. Yes, a lot of
blood flowed that day down Calvary's mountain - divine blood, the blood of the
Holy God himself.
Like that night back in Egypt when the Israelites were behind closed and locked
doors, outside was terror and screaming and weeping and wailing and gnashing of
teeth because the death angel was passing over the land to destroy all those who
did not have the blood of the sacrificial lamb on their door rposts. Can't you
imagine a child asking his father, "Oh daddy, I'm afraid, will we all be killed? The
father back in Egypt explained to his child that those who have the blood of the
lamb on the door post will be saved.
Then the child looks up into his father's face and says, "oh, daddy, are you sure
that we are safe? Are you sure that the blood of the Lamb is on the door post of
our house? Oh, daddy go take a look just to make sure. To satisfy his child's
fears and nagging, he opens the door and looks and to his surprise, there is no
blood on his door post. He had neglected or forgotten to apply the blood to the
door post, and he and his whole family were in danger. He hastened to find a
lamb, kill it and put its blood on his door post before the death angel went past his
house. He knew about the blood but just knowing about it was not enough to
keep himself and his family safe. He had to apply it.
Men and women, boys and girls, readers of these lines, are you sure today that all
of your sins have been washed away by the blood of the perfect Lamb of God
that flowed down Calvary's mountain that day? Are you sure beyond a shadow of
doubt that you, by faith, have accepted the blood of Jesus as the sacrifice for all
your sins.? Do you, by faith have his blood sprinkled on the door of your heart?
Why don't you take one more look just to make sure. Just to know about the
blood is not enough. You must receive it personally and apply it. If you cannot
ever remember a time in your life when you felt sorry for your sins, and asked
the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive you and wash them away with his blood and
come into your heart and be your Lord and Savior, you are not safe from the
wrath and judgment of God. You can make sure that you are safe today and have
the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ applied to your heart. Simply by faith believe
that the Lord Jesus Christ died and shed his blood for you. Tell him you are sorry
for your sin and ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.
By the grace of God we can all come to the well of salvation and dip our cup.
"Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation." Isaiah 12;
3. When the cup is drawn up, it is filled to over flowing. "Thou preparest a table
before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my
cup runneth over." Psalm 23: 5/
Anyone can dip his cup in the well of salvation free of charge, its on the house,
God's house. "And he said unto me, it is done, I am Alpha and Omega, the
beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the
water of life freely." Revelation 21:6. "And the Spirit and the bride say come, and
let him that heareth say, come, and let him that is athirst come, and whosoever
will, let him take the water of life freely." Revelation 22: 17. We can dip our cup
freely and enjoy the benefits of salvation. Access to the well of salvation is
expensive, but the admission price has been paid for all of us who have, and
those who will receive it. Consider the price of admission to the well of salvation,
but also consider the gift that is yours by God's grace to draw water from the well
of salvation. "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is everlasting life
through Jesus Christ our Lord." Free to all who will ask, free to all who will take.
Free to use but not abuse. Free to have and enjoy, but not to hoard and keep
from others. It is our responsibility to advertise the gift, but make known the cost.
"Freely ye have received, freely give." Matthew 10: 8
November 26
Have you heard from God this morning?
Have you heard from God this morning? Every day we go to the mail box and
receive letters and information from our loved ones who are separated from us by
time and distance. We rejoice greatly when we have heard from them. How
about the lover of our souls? Have we heard from him this morning? If we do not
hear from God every new day then we are indeed in trouble. We become dry and
barren and unfruitful spiritually.
We were so made and designed by God to be as Jesus said, Like branches from a
tree that draw their life and sustenance from the vine and its roots. If we have not
heard from God today, is it because God has not spoken? No, God has spoken
but we have not listened.
"And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the Lord, and I spake
unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye
answered not...." Jeremiah 7: 13. God was up before we were this morning, rising
up early and speaking. If we have not heard form him it is because we are deaf to
his voice. God speaks in a still small voice of calm, in the stillness of the night,
and the quietness of the morning.
"Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be
exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10. Psalm 23: 2 says: "He leadeth me beside the
still waters." Sheep will not drink where the waters are turbulent. They must
drink from still waters. The good shepherd leads his sheep to still waters. The
great shepherd of our soul leads us to still waters where he can speak to us and
allow us to draw our sustenance from him.
If we have not heard from God this morning, perhaps it is because we have not
followed our shepherd to a place of still waters where we can hear his still small
voice of calm. "There is a place of quiet rest near to the heart of God."
Stop whatever you are doing, sit down or lie down. Believe that: " God is, and
that he is the re warder of all them who diligently seek him." Believe that : "God
is spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" "Enter
his courts with praise and thanksgiving." Come into his courts in the name of his
son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Put everything out of your mind except God and the
glories of his son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Be quiet before him, recall the promises
of his word. God is speaking to you from his written word in the still small voice
of calm by the Holy Spirit. Be quiet and listen, you will hear from God and be
blessed.
November 27
Rest in the Lord.
"Take heed, brethren lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in
departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called
today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. "Hebrews 3:
12, 13.
Unbelief is evil. It is not of God. When we believe not the word of God it is
equivalent to departing from the living God. God has said, "lo I am with you
always. I will never leave you nor forsake you." If we refuse this promise, it is
the same as turning our back on God.
We need to encourage one another daily to believe God. It is so easy, when we
are alone in the world to be deceived by Satan to believe his lies rather than the
truth of God. Therefore, we need to exhort one another daily lest we be hardened
through the deceitfulness of sin. If we would only learn to believe and trust God
in reality and not just in theory, we would truly experience the peace of God
which passes all human understanding.
We are made to be partakers of Christ. God wants us to be overwhelmed with
peace and joy, but we deprive ourselves, and cheat ourselves when we refuse to
believe. To enter into the rest of God for everything from salvation, to our daily
needs, is a tranquil harbor in which to winter; but most of us are tossed to and fro
on the stormy seas of life because we do not enter into his rest because of
unbelief.
"Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of
you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as
well as unto them; but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed
with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as
he said, as I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the
works were finished from the foundation of the world." Hebrews 4:1,2,3.
Rest in the Lord. Trust the everlasting arms of God to hold you up, for
underneath are the everlasting arms. Believe the word of God, first of all for
salvation, then for all the other things that are needful and desirable. As God has
promised to give us freely all things that we have need of: grace for living; grace
for dying; food for the body, as well as food for the soul. He gave us a house
(our body) to live in here on earth, and a mansion in which to dwell in heaven.
He came to earth that we might enjoy a more abundant life here on earth, and
eternal, everlasting lfie in the world to come.
Will not he who first of all gave us his only begotten son to die for us, give us
through him all things that are good and wonderful? We have all these precious
promises of God given to us, but unless we mix these words with faith to believe,
they profit us nothing. Be a believer. Believe not every doctrine that comes along,
but believe the word of God, for the word of God has been tried and tested
throughout the ages. It has been tried in the fire of controversy and has come
forth as pure gold. By mixing the word of God with faith, the word becomes
profitable to us, and by faith and believing we enter into God's eternal life and
enjoy the wonderful bliss that no other creature can know, that of complete
confidence and rest in the knowledge of the love of God for us.
Rest in the Lord.
"Take heed, brethren lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in
departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called
today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. "Hebrews 3:
12, 13.
Unbelief is evil. It is not of God. When we believe not the word of God it is
equivalent to departing from the living God. God has said, "lo I am with you
always. I will never leave you nor forsake you." If we refuse this promise, it is
the same as turning our back on God.
We need to encourage one another daily to believe God. It is so easy, when we
are alone in the world to be deceived by Satan to believe his lies rather than the
truth of God. Therefore, we need to exhort one another daily lest we be hardened
through the deceitfulness of sin. If we would only learn to believe and trust God
in reality and not just in theory, we would truly experience the peace of God
which passes all human understanding.
We are made to be partakers of Christ. God wants us to be overwhelmed with
peace and joy, but we deprive ourselves, and cheat ourselves when we refuse to
believe. To enter into the rest of God for everything from salvation, to our daily
needs, is a tranquil harbor in which to winter; but most of us are tossed to and fro
on the stormy seas of life because we do not enter into his rest because of
unbelief.
"Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of
you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as
well as unto them; but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed
with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as
he said, as I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the
works were finished from the foundation of the world." Hebrews 4:1,2,3.
Rest in the Lord. Trust the everlasting arms of God to hold you up, for
underneath are the everlasting arms. Believe the word of God, first of all for
salvation, then for all the other things that are needful and desirable. As God has
promised to give us freely all things that we have need of: grace for living; grace
for dying; food for the body, as well as food for the soul. He gave us a house
(our body) to live in here on earth, and a mansion in which to dwell in heaven.
He came to earth that we might enjoy a more abundant life here on earth, and
eternal, everlasting lfie in the world to come.
Will not he who first of all gave us his only begotten son to die for us, give us
through him all things that are good and wonderful? We have all these precious
promises of God given to us, but unless we mix these words with faith to believe,
they profit us nothing. Be a believer. Believe not every doctrine that comes along,
but believe the word of God, for the word of God has been tried and tested
throughout the ages. It has been tried in the fire of controversy and has come
forth as pure gold. By mixing the word of God with faith, the word becomes
profitable to us, and by faith and believing we enter into God's eternal life and
enjoy the wonderful bliss that no other creature can know, that of complete
confidence and rest in the knowledge of the love of God for us.
November 30
Invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb of God!
You are cordially invited to attend the banquet of the King, and master of the
universe, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, to be held in heaven at a time and
date known only to God the Father. This banquet known as the marriage supper
of the Lamb will take place at such time as there will be much suffering and
tribulation on planet earth, but those who have responded and accepted the King's
invitation to come and dine will be transported away from planet earth, being
escorted by the King himself, just prior to the beginning of earth's troubles.
There will be a time of great rejoicing and feasting, and reunion with loved ones,
and best of all, you will be eligible to enjoy the splendor and beauty of God's
paradise forever where there is perfect peace and justice - where there is no
sickness, no death, no parting.
You must respond quickly, ASAP, to insure your reservation because time is
short and limited. Today is the accepted time. Tomorrow may be too late. If any
man, woman, boy or girl, will hear his voice and accept his invitation there will be
a place reserved for them at the Lord's table.
This invitation is extended to all races, all clans, all creeds, and all religions;
however, this invitation is not extended to good, self righteous, perfect people,
who are trusting in their riches, or good deeds, or accomplishment, unless they
are willing to acknowledge that they are sinners, imperfect before God, and need
a Savior. Such a person will come to God, believing that he is, and believing the
bible to be the word of God, he will confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only
Lord and Savior, and the perfect sacrifice offered unto God for the forgiveness of
sins.
It is required that you wear a wedding garment when you enter the banquet hall,
but this garment which is the righteousness of Christ, is fitted for you and
provided for you when you accept by faith his invitation to be saved, and born
again as a child of God, and are looking forward to attending this great feast of
the Lord.
The cost of the banquet is extremely high and beyond the means of every mortal
being, but it has been paid for in full by the King himself, the Lord Jesus Christ
with his own blood.
You can confirm your reservation today to attend the marriage supper of the
Lamb, and for an eternal mansion in our Father's house by bowing before the
Lord and confess that you are undone in yourself, that you are a sinner and need
to be saved, and ask him to enter your heart and save you. If you will do this
today, your reservation will be guaranteed and confirmed by the presence of the
Holy Spirit in your life.
I look forward to meeting with you in that celestial city, and together with our
Lord, walking the streets of Gold, passing through the gates of pearl, and gazing
at the walls of Jasper.
Until that day arrives, I wish you the best of joy, and peace, and abundant living
here on earth until our Lord returns to carry us away to begin the festivities at his
banqueting table on high.
Signed:
Only a sinner, saved by grace.
Your ambassador for Christ!
Invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb of God!
You are cordially invited to attend the banquet of the King, and master of the
universe, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, to be held in heaven at a time and
date known only to God the Father. This banquet known as the marriage supper
of the Lamb will take place at such time as there will be much suffering and
tribulation on planet earth, but those who have responded and accepted the King's
invitation to come and dine will be transported away from planet earth, being
escorted by the King himself, just prior to the beginning of earth's troubles.
There will be a time of great rejoicing and feasting, and reunion with loved ones,
and best of all, you will be eligible to enjoy the splendor and beauty of God's
paradise forever where there is perfect peace and justice - where there is no
sickness, no death, no parting.
You must respond quickly, ASAP, to insure your reservation because time is
short and limited. Today is the accepted time. Tomorrow may be too late. If any
man, woman, boy or girl, will hear his voice and accept his invitation there will be
a place reserved for them at the Lord's table.
This invitation is extended to all races, all clans, all creeds, and all religions;
however, this invitation is not extended to good, self righteous, perfect people,
who are trusting in their riches, or good deeds, or accomplishment, unless they
are willing to acknowledge that they are sinners, imperfect before God, and need
a Savior. Such a person will come to God, believing that he is, and believing the
bible to be the word of God, he will confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only
Lord and Savior, and the perfect sacrifice offered unto God for the forgiveness of
sins.
It is required that you wear a wedding garment when you enter the banquet hall,
but this garment which is the righteousness of Christ, is fitted for you and
provided for you when you accept by faith his invitation to be saved, and born
again as a child of God, and are looking forward to attending this great feast of
the Lord.
The cost of the banquet is extremely high and beyond the means of every mortal
being, but it has been paid for in full by the King himself, the Lord Jesus Christ
with his own blood.
You can confirm your reservation today to attend the marriage supper of the
Lamb, and for an eternal mansion in our Father's house by bowing before the
Lord and confess that you are undone in yourself, that you are a sinner and need
to be saved, and ask him to enter your heart and save you. If you will do this
today, your reservation will be guaranteed and confirmed by the presence of the
Holy Spirit in your life.
I look forward to meeting with you in that celestial city, and together with our
Lord, walking the streets of Gold, passing through the gates of pearl, and gazing
at the walls of Jasper.
Until that day arrives, I wish you the best of joy, and peace, and abundant living
here on earth until our Lord returns to carry us away to begin the festivities at his
banqueting table on high.
Signed:
Only a sinner, saved by grace.
Your ambassador for Christ!
December 1
An early diagnosis could save your life.
It is a well known fact that leprosy is a lingering disease of the body that causes
the body to smell and slowly rot away. Once there was no known cure for this
terrible disease, and the victim had to be separated from society, and live a life of
exile, and the only thing in his future was death.
The disease of leprosy in the body is typical of sin in our lives. If leprosy is
allowed to linger in the body, it will spread and spread until the entire body is
under its control, and the body will have a terrible stench and eventually rot away
and be destroyed.
Likewise, if one little bit of sin is allowed to remain in our lives unrecognized and
un confessed, it will fester and spread and cause us to backslide and hide away
from God. Then our lives will began to rot away and be destroyed.
The leper that came to worship Jesus said to him, "if thou wilt thou canst make
me clean." And Jesus put forth his hand and touched him saying, "I will; be thou
clean. and immediately his leprosy was cleansed." First of all this man had
examined himself and discovered that he had leprosy. He sought out the great
physician, namely, Jesus. He recognized that Jesus was able to help him if he was
willing. Jesus answered him that it was his will for him to be made clean from
leprosy and he healed him.
Living in this sinful world, we are constantly exposed to the disease of sin. Even
as Christians it is not beyond the realm of possibility that sin can hibernate and
fester in our lives.
We have the responsibility as Christians to constantly and continually examine our
lives in the light of God's word and prayer daily. If we will judge ourselves we
will not be judged. If, in the light of God's word and prayer daily, we find sin
festering in our lives like leprosy, we need to seek out someone who can help us -
namely, the Lord Jesus Christ
The word of God, the bible tells us that : "If any man sin, we have an advocate
with the Father." "If we confess our sins, he is just and faithful to forgive us our
sins, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
The Lord Jesus Christ is always willing that we be made clean and kept clean
from sin. It is important that we recognize sin in our lives in the very early stages
of its development before it gets a big foothold. An early diagnosis could save our
eternal life.
The only way we can recognize sin early is to keep ourselves separate and
unspotted from the world, and keep our selves constantly in fellowship with the
Lord and walk and live by the light of his word.
An early diagnosis could save your life.
It is a well known fact that leprosy is a lingering disease of the body that causes
the body to smell and slowly rot away. Once there was no known cure for this
terrible disease, and the victim had to be separated from society, and live a life of
exile, and the only thing in his future was death.
The disease of leprosy in the body is typical of sin in our lives. If leprosy is
allowed to linger in the body, it will spread and spread until the entire body is
under its control, and the body will have a terrible stench and eventually rot away
and be destroyed.
Likewise, if one little bit of sin is allowed to remain in our lives unrecognized and
un confessed, it will fester and spread and cause us to backslide and hide away
from God. Then our lives will began to rot away and be destroyed.
The leper that came to worship Jesus said to him, "if thou wilt thou canst make
me clean." And Jesus put forth his hand and touched him saying, "I will; be thou
clean. and immediately his leprosy was cleansed." First of all this man had
examined himself and discovered that he had leprosy. He sought out the great
physician, namely, Jesus. He recognized that Jesus was able to help him if he was
willing. Jesus answered him that it was his will for him to be made clean from
leprosy and he healed him.
Living in this sinful world, we are constantly exposed to the disease of sin. Even
as Christians it is not beyond the realm of possibility that sin can hibernate and
fester in our lives.
We have the responsibility as Christians to constantly and continually examine our
lives in the light of God's word and prayer daily. If we will judge ourselves we
will not be judged. If, in the light of God's word and prayer daily, we find sin
festering in our lives like leprosy, we need to seek out someone who can help us -
namely, the Lord Jesus Christ
The word of God, the bible tells us that : "If any man sin, we have an advocate
with the Father." "If we confess our sins, he is just and faithful to forgive us our
sins, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
The Lord Jesus Christ is always willing that we be made clean and kept clean
from sin. It is important that we recognize sin in our lives in the very early stages
of its development before it gets a big foothold. An early diagnosis could save our
eternal life.
The only way we can recognize sin early is to keep ourselves separate and
unspotted from the world, and keep our selves constantly in fellowship with the
Lord and walk and live by the light of his word.
December 4 2007
From darkness unto light!
Once I walked in spiritual darkness. I was blinded by the night around me. I could
not see, I could not believe, and I had no hope. I was like the vast majority of
people in the world today who walk in spiritual darkness and without any real
purpose for living, and without hope.
How great is that darkness which enshrouds the world in its thick cloud of evil
and hopelessness and despair! How sad it is that so many who profess themselves
to be wise in the wisdom of the world have become fools, and declare that there
is no God! Some of those who are leaders in our government who claim to be
highly educated , and possess great qualities of leadership, are walking in gross
darkness and leading us astray.
"For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them
are destroyed." Isaiah 9: 16.
It seems that the great curtain of night has been drawn on this great land of ours.
There are countless numbers of men and women, boys and girls, and young
people who admittedly have no real joy, no hope, for anything better in their lives
than a mere animal existence. They have been taught from birth to worship the
gods of self, and money, and self esteem.
Spiritual darkness causes many to stumble. "The way of the wicked is as
darkness: they know not at what they stumble." Proverb 4: 19 Those who are
embedded in the darkness stumble over moral issues, and not being able to
discern right from wrong, make wrong decisions concerning pro-choice, resulting
in the murder of millions of unborn babies by abortion. Because of spiritual
darkness, many have abandoned the traditional family values of one man with
one woman united together by God in holy matrimony for life. Because of
spiritual darkness, bible reading and prayer has been abandoned in the
government schools system and replaced with armed guards necessary to prevent
children from trying to solve their problems by killing one another.
How great is that darkness which covers our land when in the name of political
correctness, the name of Jesus Christ is forbidden to be mentioned even on his
own birthday, and our attention directed to some pagan god or goddess to honor
them instead, and call it a happy holiday.
Those who persist to walk in darkness do so because they love the darkness, and
they love all the evil that is present in the darkness. Because of the darkness,
some people would rather spend their time in a dark dingy barroom, crying over
their beer, so to speak, than to be among those who have been snatched out of
darkness and have entered into the light of eternal life.
"But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness, if therefore the
light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!" Matthew 6: 23 "And
this is the condemnation that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness
rather than light because their deeds were evil." John 3:19.
Mankind does not have to dwell in spiritual darkness and remain in the spiritual
eternal night of evil and sin, for light has come into the world. "The people that
walked in darkness have seen a great light. They that dwell in the land of the
shadow of death, upon them hath the light shinned." Isaiah 9: 2. "For unto us a
child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his
shoulder; and his name shall be called wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the
everlasting Father, the Prince of peace." Isaiah 9: 6.
Jesus Christ is the light of the world. "In him was life, and the life was the light of
men." John 1.9.\
Dear reader, if today you are dwelling in the darkness of spiritual night, if you
have no joy, no peace, no hope for an eternal future in heaven with God, reach
out to the one who came into the world to snatch us out of darkness, and receive
by faith the great gift of love he has offered to all who will believe and trust him.
This is what Christmas is all about. When we walk in the light as he is in the light
we have new spiritual sight and we can see things the way he sees them, and we
come to realize that he is not willing for us to remain in darkness, but to live
forever in the glory of his eternal light.
From darkness unto light!
Once I walked in spiritual darkness. I was blinded by the night around me. I could
not see, I could not believe, and I had no hope. I was like the vast majority of
people in the world today who walk in spiritual darkness and without any real
purpose for living, and without hope.
How great is that darkness which enshrouds the world in its thick cloud of evil
and hopelessness and despair! How sad it is that so many who profess themselves
to be wise in the wisdom of the world have become fools, and declare that there
is no God! Some of those who are leaders in our government who claim to be
highly educated , and possess great qualities of leadership, are walking in gross
darkness and leading us astray.
"For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them
are destroyed." Isaiah 9: 16.
It seems that the great curtain of night has been drawn on this great land of ours.
There are countless numbers of men and women, boys and girls, and young
people who admittedly have no real joy, no hope, for anything better in their lives
than a mere animal existence. They have been taught from birth to worship the
gods of self, and money, and self esteem.
Spiritual darkness causes many to stumble. "The way of the wicked is as
darkness: they know not at what they stumble." Proverb 4: 19 Those who are
embedded in the darkness stumble over moral issues, and not being able to
discern right from wrong, make wrong decisions concerning pro-choice, resulting
in the murder of millions of unborn babies by abortion. Because of spiritual
darkness, many have abandoned the traditional family values of one man with
one woman united together by God in holy matrimony for life. Because of
spiritual darkness, bible reading and prayer has been abandoned in the
government schools system and replaced with armed guards necessary to prevent
children from trying to solve their problems by killing one another.
How great is that darkness which covers our land when in the name of political
correctness, the name of Jesus Christ is forbidden to be mentioned even on his
own birthday, and our attention directed to some pagan god or goddess to honor
them instead, and call it a happy holiday.
Those who persist to walk in darkness do so because they love the darkness, and
they love all the evil that is present in the darkness. Because of the darkness,
some people would rather spend their time in a dark dingy barroom, crying over
their beer, so to speak, than to be among those who have been snatched out of
darkness and have entered into the light of eternal life.
"But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness, if therefore the
light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!" Matthew 6: 23 "And
this is the condemnation that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness
rather than light because their deeds were evil." John 3:19.
Mankind does not have to dwell in spiritual darkness and remain in the spiritual
eternal night of evil and sin, for light has come into the world. "The people that
walked in darkness have seen a great light. They that dwell in the land of the
shadow of death, upon them hath the light shinned." Isaiah 9: 2. "For unto us a
child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his
shoulder; and his name shall be called wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the
everlasting Father, the Prince of peace." Isaiah 9: 6.
Jesus Christ is the light of the world. "In him was life, and the life was the light of
men." John 1.9.\
Dear reader, if today you are dwelling in the darkness of spiritual night, if you
have no joy, no peace, no hope for an eternal future in heaven with God, reach
out to the one who came into the world to snatch us out of darkness, and receive
by faith the great gift of love he has offered to all who will believe and trust him.
This is what Christmas is all about. When we walk in the light as he is in the light
we have new spiritual sight and we can see things the way he sees them, and we
come to realize that he is not willing for us to remain in darkness, but to live
forever in the glory of his eternal light.
December 5
New Year's Resolutions!
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth
in the way of sinners, nor siteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in th
law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be
like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;
his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Psalm 1:
1,2,3.
If we truly covert God's blessing on our lives for the coming year, we ought not
walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the
seat of the scornful. If we would have God's blessing on our lives we must delight
ourselves in the law of the Lord and meditate therein day and night.
Our new year's resolution ought to be: Beginning new and fresh today to humble
ourselves before God our creator and redeemer, accept the cleansing of his blood
for forgiveness of our sins, and go forth to let him live his life through us for his
glory and honor. Seek and accept his grace and wisdom so that we are able to
know the difference between godliness and ungodliness. Study to know the
difference between God's ways and man's ways. Shun man's ways, and the
world's ways of thinking and doing things, and go God's way. Accept as the only
absolute truth the word of God, both the written word and the living Word, and
the witness of the Holy Spirit.
In order to know the truth, one must study diligently the written word of God,
and by faith, walk, talk, and fellowship with the living Word, and listen to the still
small voice of calm, the witness of the Holy Spirit.
When we delight in the law of God, and meditate in his laws day and night we
agree with God in what he says and does through his word. It means that we
allow the light of God's truth to shine on us and reveal to us our own short
comings, and reveal to us God's glory, judge ourselves accordingly and correct
the things that we can correct and improve, but leave to God's grace and mercy
the things that only God can change.
Our desire for the coming new year ought to be that we have our roots so deep in
God that no storm of life can tear us from our foundation. Our desire ought to be
that our roots are connected to the source of an infinite supply of wisdom,
understanding, and peace, and love, and life. If this is so there will be no question
of our lifestyle, our eternity, or our prosperity. Our leaf shall prosper, and we will
bring forth fruit. We will grow a little taller spiritually. We will be closer to God,
and closer to home at the end of this new year if God chooses to preserve us on
planet earth for another year.
New Year's Resolutions!
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth
in the way of sinners, nor siteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in th
law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be
like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;
his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Psalm 1:
1,2,3.
If we truly covert God's blessing on our lives for the coming year, we ought not
walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the
seat of the scornful. If we would have God's blessing on our lives we must delight
ourselves in the law of the Lord and meditate therein day and night.
Our new year's resolution ought to be: Beginning new and fresh today to humble
ourselves before God our creator and redeemer, accept the cleansing of his blood
for forgiveness of our sins, and go forth to let him live his life through us for his
glory and honor. Seek and accept his grace and wisdom so that we are able to
know the difference between godliness and ungodliness. Study to know the
difference between God's ways and man's ways. Shun man's ways, and the
world's ways of thinking and doing things, and go God's way. Accept as the only
absolute truth the word of God, both the written word and the living Word, and
the witness of the Holy Spirit.
In order to know the truth, one must study diligently the written word of God,
and by faith, walk, talk, and fellowship with the living Word, and listen to the still
small voice of calm, the witness of the Holy Spirit.
When we delight in the law of God, and meditate in his laws day and night we
agree with God in what he says and does through his word. It means that we
allow the light of God's truth to shine on us and reveal to us our own short
comings, and reveal to us God's glory, judge ourselves accordingly and correct
the things that we can correct and improve, but leave to God's grace and mercy
the things that only God can change.
Our desire for the coming new year ought to be that we have our roots so deep in
God that no storm of life can tear us from our foundation. Our desire ought to be
that our roots are connected to the source of an infinite supply of wisdom,
understanding, and peace, and love, and life. If this is so there will be no question
of our lifestyle, our eternity, or our prosperity. Our leaf shall prosper, and we will
bring forth fruit. We will grow a little taller spiritually. We will be closer to God,
and closer to home at the end of this new year if God chooses to preserve us on
planet earth for another year.
December 6
Who will sit at thy table, Lord?
My Father, and my God, as you have fed me in the past, so feed me today that I
might be strong in thee, and that I might grow to be like thine only begotten son,
The Lord Jesus Christ. You have offered me the bread of life, help me not to
neglect to eat it. You have said: "come and dine". Lord let me sit at thy table
forever and enjoy the fatness of thy house.
Thy table is spread with love; with truth; with mercy and grace. The blood which
was shed for me is in the cup, and I am invited to drink thereof. The bread was
broken on the cross, and Satan's head was crushed unto death, and this bread is
set before me to sustain me forever
Who are they that sit at thy table? They may sit at thy table who will believe that
God is, and is a re warder of all that seek him; those who know that God is spirit
and must be worshiped in spirit and in truth; Those who believe that Jesus is the
Christ, the divine son of God who came into the world to offer his life a ransom
for many who were lost. They will sit at thy table who will confess and agree
with God that they are sinners and need a savior, and by faith receive Christ as
their Savior, believing and confessing that Christ died for their sins, and that he
was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures. This is the
gospel, and all who will believe it and confess it are those who will sit at thy table.
"Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that
he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house,
even of thy holy temple." Psalm 65: 4.
Who will sit at thy table, Lord?
My Father, and my God, as you have fed me in the past, so feed me today that I
might be strong in thee, and that I might grow to be like thine only begotten son,
The Lord Jesus Christ. You have offered me the bread of life, help me not to
neglect to eat it. You have said: "come and dine". Lord let me sit at thy table
forever and enjoy the fatness of thy house.
Thy table is spread with love; with truth; with mercy and grace. The blood which
was shed for me is in the cup, and I am invited to drink thereof. The bread was
broken on the cross, and Satan's head was crushed unto death, and this bread is
set before me to sustain me forever
Who are they that sit at thy table? They may sit at thy table who will believe that
God is, and is a re warder of all that seek him; those who know that God is spirit
and must be worshiped in spirit and in truth; Those who believe that Jesus is the
Christ, the divine son of God who came into the world to offer his life a ransom
for many who were lost. They will sit at thy table who will confess and agree
with God that they are sinners and need a savior, and by faith receive Christ as
their Savior, believing and confessing that Christ died for their sins, and that he
was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures. This is the
gospel, and all who will believe it and confess it are those who will sit at thy table.
"Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that
he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house,
even of thy holy temple." Psalm 65: 4.
December 7
Peace on Earth!
The message of Christmas is peace on earth, good will toward men. Up until the time that Christ
was born, the world was in a state of profound darkness and enmity against God. Because of
unbelief and sin, mankind had been expelled from the presence of God, when in Adam and Eve,
they were driven from the paradise of Eden. From that time forward to the time of Christ, men
knew God only as the higher power, The I am that I am, the tyrant God of the universe whom
they thought poured out his wrath upon all those who could not measure up to his demands for
holiness. Consequently, mankind was afraid and at war with God. Because men and women, boys
and girls, were estranged from God, they became enemies, one with another. Cain slew his brother
Abel because Able's sacrificial offering was accepted by God and his was not. Men began to
murder, steal, lie, and commit adultery, and commit all manner of atrocities against one another
until the world was so filled with such gross darkness that even when the light of the world was
turned on at the appearance of Christ at his first advent, it was necessary for God to send a
messenger in the person of John the Baptist to proclaim that the light had been turned on.
Men have been at war with one another from the beginning of time: man against man, brother
against brother, nation against nation, because all men have been at war with God
The world has cried for peace on earth, but there can be no peace on earth among men until men
and nations are at peace with God. "There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked." Isaiah 48:
22. "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and
dirt. There is no peace saith my God to the wicked. "We looked for peace, but no good came, and
for a time of health, and beheld trouble." Jeremiah 8: 15.
Men have longed and sought for peace on earth, even as they were waging war against God. But
peace on earth will never be a reality until each individual is at peace with God.
This is what Christmas is all about. God in his mercy took the initiative to make peace between
himself and mankind. The message of peace on earth, good will toward men, was that God in his
mercy was willing to take the first step and offer conditions of peace between himself and
individual sinners. God the Father offered to pour out all his wrath for the sins of mankind on an
individual basis, on his only begotten son, if each individual would receive it as God's unspeakable
gift of mercy. "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever
believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3: 16.
Jesus, who is known as the prince of peace, came to earth to make peace between God and
individuals, so that individuals, no longer at war with God because their sins are forgiven, and
consciences cleansed, could have peace with God and one with another, man with man, and nation
with nation.
How about you, my friend, have you accepted God's condition for peace with him.? Are you, by
your reclaimed relationship to God, contributing to peace on earth, or are you still making war with
God and man?
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, the
Prince of peace." Isaiah 9: 6. "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the
glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. and the angel said unto
them, fear not: for behold, I bring you good tiding of great joy, which shall be to all people. For
unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a
sign unto you: ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And
suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, glory
to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men." Luke 2: 8-14. That is: God's good
will toward men that they might be reconciled to him.
The only real peace there can be on earth is when mankind has turned to Christ for salvation and
made him King of Kings, and Lord of Lords in their individual heart.
Some day when the Lord returns to earth, there will be genuine peace on earth, for in that day: "
But with righteousness shall he judge the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth:
and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay
the wicked. and righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf
and the young lion and the fatling together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking
child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on he cockatrice'
den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the
knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." Isaiah 11: 4-9.
We pray that all who read these lines will find peace with God, and have the peace of God abiding
in your heart. We wish you all a very joyous Christmas, looking forward to that great day when
Christ shall reign on earth
.
Peace on Earth!
The message of Christmas is peace on earth, good will toward men. Up until the time that Christ
was born, the world was in a state of profound darkness and enmity against God. Because of
unbelief and sin, mankind had been expelled from the presence of God, when in Adam and Eve,
they were driven from the paradise of Eden. From that time forward to the time of Christ, men
knew God only as the higher power, The I am that I am, the tyrant God of the universe whom
they thought poured out his wrath upon all those who could not measure up to his demands for
holiness. Consequently, mankind was afraid and at war with God. Because men and women, boys
and girls, were estranged from God, they became enemies, one with another. Cain slew his brother
Abel because Able's sacrificial offering was accepted by God and his was not. Men began to
murder, steal, lie, and commit adultery, and commit all manner of atrocities against one another
until the world was so filled with such gross darkness that even when the light of the world was
turned on at the appearance of Christ at his first advent, it was necessary for God to send a
messenger in the person of John the Baptist to proclaim that the light had been turned on.
Men have been at war with one another from the beginning of time: man against man, brother
against brother, nation against nation, because all men have been at war with God
The world has cried for peace on earth, but there can be no peace on earth among men until men
and nations are at peace with God. "There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked." Isaiah 48:
22. "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and
dirt. There is no peace saith my God to the wicked. "We looked for peace, but no good came, and
for a time of health, and beheld trouble." Jeremiah 8: 15.
Men have longed and sought for peace on earth, even as they were waging war against God. But
peace on earth will never be a reality until each individual is at peace with God.
This is what Christmas is all about. God in his mercy took the initiative to make peace between
himself and mankind. The message of peace on earth, good will toward men, was that God in his
mercy was willing to take the first step and offer conditions of peace between himself and
individual sinners. God the Father offered to pour out all his wrath for the sins of mankind on an
individual basis, on his only begotten son, if each individual would receive it as God's unspeakable
gift of mercy. "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever
believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3: 16.
Jesus, who is known as the prince of peace, came to earth to make peace between God and
individuals, so that individuals, no longer at war with God because their sins are forgiven, and
consciences cleansed, could have peace with God and one with another, man with man, and nation
with nation.
How about you, my friend, have you accepted God's condition for peace with him.? Are you, by
your reclaimed relationship to God, contributing to peace on earth, or are you still making war with
God and man?
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, the
Prince of peace." Isaiah 9: 6. "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the
glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. and the angel said unto
them, fear not: for behold, I bring you good tiding of great joy, which shall be to all people. For
unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a
sign unto you: ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And
suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, glory
to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men." Luke 2: 8-14. That is: God's good
will toward men that they might be reconciled to him.
The only real peace there can be on earth is when mankind has turned to Christ for salvation and
made him King of Kings, and Lord of Lords in their individual heart.
Some day when the Lord returns to earth, there will be genuine peace on earth, for in that day: "
But with righteousness shall he judge the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth:
and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay
the wicked. and righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf
and the young lion and the fatling together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking
child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on he cockatrice'
den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the
knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." Isaiah 11: 4-9.
We pray that all who read these lines will find peace with God, and have the peace of God abiding
in your heart. We wish you all a very joyous Christmas, looking forward to that great day when
Christ shall reign on earth
.
December 13
Glory to God in the highest! How great is our God!
Oh pen! Fly swiftly across this page and proclaim to the world the glories of our
great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born in a manger, in a cattle stall, a long time
ago as an obscure peasant child. Wonder of wonders that his birth was
announced by a heavenly host of angels, and shepherds were made to fear and
gaze in amazement as the announcement was made that this was the promised
Messiah, the Christ child whose name would be Jesus who had come to save his
people from their sins.
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping
watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings of
great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of
David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye
shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly
there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and
saying, glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Luke 2: 8 14.
The hymn writer has posed the question, "Who is he in yonder stall, at whose
feet the shepherds fall?" Then he goes on to answer his own question: "Tis the
Lord! oh wondrous story! Tis the Lord the King of glory! At his feet we humbly
fall, crown him, crown him Lord of all!" These are the words of the hymn writer,
Benjamin R Hanby who lived between 1833-1867. Truer words could never be
spoken. He is the king of glory.
We celebrate today with great joy, the birth of this special child ,"in yonder stall",
who though he was the very God of glory, while on earth as a man, he had no
place to lay his head. He grew up and became a man, and though he was deity,
temporarily laid aside his divinity in order that he might identify with all men in
their sufferings and temptation; and take upon himself the sins and condemnation
of all men, and die in their place on a cruel Roman cross. Praise God, the cross
and the tomb was not the end for Jesus, for when the women came to anoint his
body they found the tomb empty because he had risen.
"Until the day in which he was taken up, after that through the Holy Ghost had
given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he
shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of
them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God."
Acts 1:2,3.
What a great God we have, who loved each of us so much that even while we
were yet sinners, he would leave the glories of heaven and condescend to the
level of sinful men!
Today as we gather with family and friends around our Christmas tree or dinner
table and enjoy the gifts, lets just stop and consider what this day is all about.
This is the day we celebrate the advent of our Lord, when "God so loved the
world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should
not perish but have everlasting life." John 3: 16.
There are not enough words in the English language, or any other language for
that matter, to adequately proclaim the majesty and magnificence of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ.
If you do not personally know this person who was born in the Bethlehem stable
so long ago as your Lord and Savior, he is at this moment offering himself to you
as your sin sacrifice. He grew up, became a man,( even though he was God), and
bled and died and suffered and rose again for your salvation and justification.
There is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be
saved. There is no other means of entrance into heaven except by him. He is the
way, the truth and the light. He is the door by which all must enter into heaven
and the presence of God the Father. The word of God says that whosoever will
may come, and whosoever will come to him he will in no wise cast out.
What better time could there be to receive God's unspeakable gift of love, of
forgiveness of all sin, past, present, and future, through his son, the Lord Jesus
Christ? Simply approach him, believing his word with repentant heart, and ask
him to forgive your sins and come into your heart and there abide forever, and he
will.
The shepherds received the glad tidings of Christ's birth with joy and gladness.
Why not receive the glad tidings of God's extended grace to you for your
salvation with joy and gladness and gratitude on this Christmas day?
Glory to God in the highest! How great is our God!
Oh pen! Fly swiftly across this page and proclaim to the world the glories of our
great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born in a manger, in a cattle stall, a long time
ago as an obscure peasant child. Wonder of wonders that his birth was
announced by a heavenly host of angels, and shepherds were made to fear and
gaze in amazement as the announcement was made that this was the promised
Messiah, the Christ child whose name would be Jesus who had come to save his
people from their sins.
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping
watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings of
great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of
David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye
shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly
there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and
saying, glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Luke 2: 8 14.
The hymn writer has posed the question, "Who is he in yonder stall, at whose
feet the shepherds fall?" Then he goes on to answer his own question: "Tis the
Lord! oh wondrous story! Tis the Lord the King of glory! At his feet we humbly
fall, crown him, crown him Lord of all!" These are the words of the hymn writer,
Benjamin R Hanby who lived between 1833-1867. Truer words could never be
spoken. He is the king of glory.
We celebrate today with great joy, the birth of this special child ,"in yonder stall",
who though he was the very God of glory, while on earth as a man, he had no
place to lay his head. He grew up and became a man, and though he was deity,
temporarily laid aside his divinity in order that he might identify with all men in
their sufferings and temptation; and take upon himself the sins and condemnation
of all men, and die in their place on a cruel Roman cross. Praise God, the cross
and the tomb was not the end for Jesus, for when the women came to anoint his
body they found the tomb empty because he had risen.
"Until the day in which he was taken up, after that through the Holy Ghost had
given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he
shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of
them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God."
Acts 1:2,3.
What a great God we have, who loved each of us so much that even while we
were yet sinners, he would leave the glories of heaven and condescend to the
level of sinful men!
Today as we gather with family and friends around our Christmas tree or dinner
table and enjoy the gifts, lets just stop and consider what this day is all about.
This is the day we celebrate the advent of our Lord, when "God so loved the
world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should
not perish but have everlasting life." John 3: 16.
There are not enough words in the English language, or any other language for
that matter, to adequately proclaim the majesty and magnificence of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ.
If you do not personally know this person who was born in the Bethlehem stable
so long ago as your Lord and Savior, he is at this moment offering himself to you
as your sin sacrifice. He grew up, became a man,( even though he was God), and
bled and died and suffered and rose again for your salvation and justification.
There is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be
saved. There is no other means of entrance into heaven except by him. He is the
way, the truth and the light. He is the door by which all must enter into heaven
and the presence of God the Father. The word of God says that whosoever will
may come, and whosoever will come to him he will in no wise cast out.
What better time could there be to receive God's unspeakable gift of love, of
forgiveness of all sin, past, present, and future, through his son, the Lord Jesus
Christ? Simply approach him, believing his word with repentant heart, and ask
him to forgive your sins and come into your heart and there abide forever, and he
will.
The shepherds received the glad tidings of Christ's birth with joy and gladness.
Why not receive the glad tidings of God's extended grace to you for your
salvation with joy and gladness and gratitude on this Christmas day?
December 25
I would rather be poor!
I would rather be wretchedly poor in the eyes of the world and have Jesus than to
be extremely wealthy in the material wealth of the world and not to know him.
For to know him, and know him aright, is life abundant and everlasting.
As the world awakens this Christmas morning, some will awake with great
rejoicing in the knowledge and assurance that the promised Messiah and
redeemer has been born, and lives in their hearts, and lives on high, and loves and
cares for his own Some have vaguely heard of him, but have never seriously
considered why he came to earth as the babe in the manger. Some have been
offered the greatest gift of all time, but as far as they are concerned, that gift
remains unopened and not received by them, and they are not enjoying the great
blessing that was meant for them. Some are so extremely rich in this world's
goods that they have need of nothing, so they think, and the material gifts they
receive are meaningless to them, and the only joy they know is in the things they
can squander on themselves and satisfy the lusts of the flesh. Tomorrow they will
have little or nothing in which to rejoice.
The beggar on the street, if he has Christ in his heart, is richer by far than the
most wealthy king or prince who has no remedy for his sin and guilt, and
consequently , no hope of eternity other than to be confined forever to the
bottomless pit and torment of hell.
There is not enough gold or silver or precious stones or jewelry in the whole
universe that could pay the cost of one drop of blood that Christ shed for the lost
sinner.
I awake this Christmas morning with one thought on my mind, and that is: thanks
be to God for his unspeakable gift of love. I opened that gift first, and though I
am desperately poor by the world's standard, yet I am wealthy because the
precious, priceless blood of the Lord Jesus Christ was shed for me, and I have
received an inheritance in my Father's house that could not be equaled or
compared to anything that the world has to offer.
Yes, my friend, if I have to make a choice, I would choose to be poor and know
him as my Lord and Savior, rather than to have all the wealth, fame and fortune
of the world laid at my feet, and be destitute of a forgiven and clean conscience,
and have the assurance of heaven and eternal life.
How about you, dear reader, what are your choices this Christmas morning? Do
you choose the fame, fortune, and riches of the world, and despise the riches of
Christ, or though you may have many material blessing that God has bestowed
upon you, do you count them as filthy rags in comparison to the unspeakable
riches of Christ? What are you teaching your children.? Christ, while on earth,
had no place to lay his head. Are you grateful this Christmas morning for his
unspeakable gift? Are you willing to follow and serve him?
I would rather be poor!
I would rather be wretchedly poor in the eyes of the world and have Jesus than to
be extremely wealthy in the material wealth of the world and not to know him.
For to know him, and know him aright, is life abundant and everlasting.
As the world awakens this Christmas morning, some will awake with great
rejoicing in the knowledge and assurance that the promised Messiah and
redeemer has been born, and lives in their hearts, and lives on high, and loves and
cares for his own Some have vaguely heard of him, but have never seriously
considered why he came to earth as the babe in the manger. Some have been
offered the greatest gift of all time, but as far as they are concerned, that gift
remains unopened and not received by them, and they are not enjoying the great
blessing that was meant for them. Some are so extremely rich in this world's
goods that they have need of nothing, so they think, and the material gifts they
receive are meaningless to them, and the only joy they know is in the things they
can squander on themselves and satisfy the lusts of the flesh. Tomorrow they will
have little or nothing in which to rejoice.
The beggar on the street, if he has Christ in his heart, is richer by far than the
most wealthy king or prince who has no remedy for his sin and guilt, and
consequently , no hope of eternity other than to be confined forever to the
bottomless pit and torment of hell.
There is not enough gold or silver or precious stones or jewelry in the whole
universe that could pay the cost of one drop of blood that Christ shed for the lost
sinner.
I awake this Christmas morning with one thought on my mind, and that is: thanks
be to God for his unspeakable gift of love. I opened that gift first, and though I
am desperately poor by the world's standard, yet I am wealthy because the
precious, priceless blood of the Lord Jesus Christ was shed for me, and I have
received an inheritance in my Father's house that could not be equaled or
compared to anything that the world has to offer.
Yes, my friend, if I have to make a choice, I would choose to be poor and know
him as my Lord and Savior, rather than to have all the wealth, fame and fortune
of the world laid at my feet, and be destitute of a forgiven and clean conscience,
and have the assurance of heaven and eternal life.
How about you, dear reader, what are your choices this Christmas morning? Do
you choose the fame, fortune, and riches of the world, and despise the riches of
Christ, or though you may have many material blessing that God has bestowed
upon you, do you count them as filthy rags in comparison to the unspeakable
riches of Christ? What are you teaching your children.? Christ, while on earth,
had no place to lay his head. Are you grateful this Christmas morning for his
unspeakable gift? Are you willing to follow and serve him?
December 31
Happy New Year!
Tonight, most likely, the wine and liquor will flow like water. For many,
the sacred vows of marriage will be desecrated. It is likely that many
illegitimate babies will be conceived, only to be aborted later, because
they are really the unwanted accidents of a night of pleasure and sinful
passion. The highways will be crowded with drunks, carelessly taking
the lives of many innocent victims. Satan will have his heyday, for this is
new years eve, the beginning of another year of ungodliness and
selfishness for those who know not God, nor do not care to know him.
These are the lovers of pleasure. They love pleasure more than they
love God, choosing rather to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.
How sad it is to look upon the faces of these pleasure seeking revelers on
the morning after, when the fun is over! The so called friends have
departed, and the filth and confetti in the streets must be cleaned up.
Depression in soul and spirit begins to overcome the heart and soul of
sinners when they come to the realization that there is only pleasure in sin
for a season, but in the end, only sadness and destroyed lives.
Yet, more sad is the fact that many so called Christians will be among
this flock of revelers, with their horns, and bottles, and banners, and
noisemakers, not being distinguishable as Christians from the rest of the
ungodly, worldly crowd, forgetting their covenant with God who has
sacrificed his son to save them.
What better thing could there be for the Christian, the redeemed child of
God by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, than to begin the new year in
fellowship with God's people, in a place of worship, around the Lord's
table, remembering the precious blood and sacrifice that was made for
them?
As Joshua of old has said: "I know not what course others may take, but
as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." To begin the new year
we will be thanking God for the past years blessing and provision for us,
and looking forward to another year, if God will, to remain in fellowship
and communion with him, and be faithful in his service.
This kind of new year's celebration far surpasses anything that the
ungodly world has to offer with its' noise and tumult, rebellion, and
noisemakers. God says: "Be still and know that I am God." Begin the
new year with respect for God and his word. Be thankful for your
salvation. Be ready and willing to serve him wherever he sends and
whatever he asks.
How about it, brother and sister in Christ, what are you doing tonight?
Happy New Year!
Tonight, most likely, the wine and liquor will flow like water. For many,
the sacred vows of marriage will be desecrated. It is likely that many
illegitimate babies will be conceived, only to be aborted later, because
they are really the unwanted accidents of a night of pleasure and sinful
passion. The highways will be crowded with drunks, carelessly taking
the lives of many innocent victims. Satan will have his heyday, for this is
new years eve, the beginning of another year of ungodliness and
selfishness for those who know not God, nor do not care to know him.
These are the lovers of pleasure. They love pleasure more than they
love God, choosing rather to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.
How sad it is to look upon the faces of these pleasure seeking revelers on
the morning after, when the fun is over! The so called friends have
departed, and the filth and confetti in the streets must be cleaned up.
Depression in soul and spirit begins to overcome the heart and soul of
sinners when they come to the realization that there is only pleasure in sin
for a season, but in the end, only sadness and destroyed lives.
Yet, more sad is the fact that many so called Christians will be among
this flock of revelers, with their horns, and bottles, and banners, and
noisemakers, not being distinguishable as Christians from the rest of the
ungodly, worldly crowd, forgetting their covenant with God who has
sacrificed his son to save them.
What better thing could there be for the Christian, the redeemed child of
God by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, than to begin the new year in
fellowship with God's people, in a place of worship, around the Lord's
table, remembering the precious blood and sacrifice that was made for
them?
As Joshua of old has said: "I know not what course others may take, but
as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." To begin the new year
we will be thanking God for the past years blessing and provision for us,
and looking forward to another year, if God will, to remain in fellowship
and communion with him, and be faithful in his service.
This kind of new year's celebration far surpasses anything that the
ungodly world has to offer with its' noise and tumult, rebellion, and
noisemakers. God says: "Be still and know that I am God." Begin the
new year with respect for God and his word. Be thankful for your
salvation. Be ready and willing to serve him wherever he sends and
whatever he asks.
How about it, brother and sister in Christ, what are you doing tonight?
January 29
Wretchedly rich and wretchedly poor!
Why are the rich so wretchedly rich and the poor so wretchedly poor? Each of
these groups are oceans and continents apart from each other. It is not true that
all men are created equal in terms of material wealth and possessions. I believe
that my fourth grade teacher was grossly misinformed when she told her class
so many years ago, that anyone , regardless of race, creed, or color could
become president of his country.
The truth of the matter is that down through the ages, wealthy kings rule, and
poverty stricken peasants serve, the intelligence level of either notwithstanding.
When we see so many impoverished and starving people throughout the world,
and in contrast see so many glutinous, overstuffed, self indulgent individuals, we
are moved to humbly, and respectfully entreat our God and ask why? Why
should any one require an annual salary of multi millions of dollars, regardless of
their ability, talents, or their contribution to society, while others barely earn the
price of bread?
God reminds us through his word that "The rich ruleth over the poor, and the
borrower is servant to the lender." Proverbs 22: 7. One does not have to go far
to see how obvious it is that the rich exploit the poor, and the poor are
subservient to the rich.
What president, elected official, king or queen, or celebrity is worthy of annual
salary's and endowments of millions of dollars, while others must deprive their
children of the necessities of life in order to pay their taxes to support these
people.
If the wealth of planet earth were evenly distributed among all its' inhabitants,
there would be enough for everyone so that no man, woman, or child would be
undernourished or impoverished; but, we live in the real world where sin and
greed, and avarice abound. Men have forgotten that: "The earth is the Lord's
and the fullness thereof." They think it belongs to them: those who are the fittest
and strongest, and most able to prevail. Wealth and prosperity come as the
result of education and self improvement, they say, but what poor child can sit
in the classroom and absorb the principals of mathematics and science when his
attention span may be impaired because of the lack of proper nutrition and
hunger, no breakfast, if you will. Or who can continue on to a higher level of
education after his free education has come to an end? Only those who already
have the wealth and means are able to do so. The rich are advantaged and the
poor are handicapped from birth.
What is better than riches? "A good name is rather to be chosen than great
riches. And loving favor rather than silver and gold. The rich and poor meet
together. the Lord is the maker of them all." Proverbs 22: 1,2. "Riches profit not
in the day of wrath; but righteousness delivereth from death." Proverbs 11:4.
"He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a
branch." Proverbs 11: 28 .
Those of us whom God has blessed with much wealth ought to be very grateful
and realize from whence it came and be considerate of those who have less. It is
not a sin to be wealthy, but it is sinful to be ungrateful to God, and to use our
wealth, influence and gain to exploit the less fortunate.
It is true in some cases where there have been wealthy individuals and
companies who have had hearts of love and compassion, and have distributed
their wealth to the poor and needy, but these have been few and far between.
There is a principle at work which teaches that to be greedy of gain, and to
hoard great riches for one's self without the thought of the needs of others,
results in poverty, and those who become poor by giving, even though they
were rich, become richer still. "There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath
nothing, there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches." Proverb 13: 7.
There was a great person in history who was very very rich, who because of his
love and compassion for the entire human race, laid aside his riches and became
poor so that all others could become rich. His name was Jesus. "For ye know
the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes
he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." 2 Corinthians 8: 9.
He is fabulously rich who has gratefully received from God, God's gift of love
of the forgiveness of sins and an inheritance in heaven through God's son who
was rich but made himself poor . He is wretchedly poor who clings to his wealth
and denies his need of salvation and will spend eternity in hell.
Jesus said: "There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine
linen, and fared sumptuously every day: and there was a certain beggar named
Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the
crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked
his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the
angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in
hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and
Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on
me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool
my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, son, remember
that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil
things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this,
between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass
from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from
thence." St Luke 16:19-26.
Rich or poor, what will be our eternal fate?
February 7.2008
The spirit says write and the spirit says sing.
The spirit says write, but what shall I write? The spirit says sing, but what shall I
sing? The spirit says go, but where shall I go?
If I were a prophet I would prophesy. If I were a virtuoso I would sing. If I were
a traveler I would go. I am not a prophet, so I cannot prophesy. I am not a
virtuoso, so I cannot sing. I have not the means of travel , so I am unable to tour
the world and see for myself all the great wonders of God's creation. What then
must I do to please and appease the spirit within me that says write, speak, sing,
and go?
I must pray and ask God to reveal to me what he wants me to do with the
remainder of my life on earth. I must offer myself as a sacrifice upon the altar of
the Lord at the feet of Jesus, and remember the great sacrifice he made for me
when his hands and feet were pierced and a spear thrust through his side, and
divine blood flowed like a river for me. I must rejoice at the remembrance of his
glorious resurrection and remember that his resurrection foretold my own
someday. I must faithfully use whatever resources and talents that God has
bestowed upon me, all for his honor and glory, and to make a difference in a
world filled with gloom and darkness.
Jesus has told us in his word that we who know him as our Lord and Savior are
the salt and the light of the world. Our presence in the world is to be as seasoning
in a tasteless society which know only the carnal, physical, and sinful aspects of
life on earth and have either never heard , or care less about the celestial and
spiritual realm of a higher existence which is known only to those who will believe
and receive the truth of the word of God. Jesus told his early disciples, and us as
well, to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
When the spirit within me says write, I am compelled to write about Jesus and his
love for me and the whole world. I love to tell the story of Jesus and his love.
When the spirit within me says sing, though I have not the voice of an angel, I
can rejoice in my heart and somehow make a joyful noise unto the Lord with
praise and thanksgiving. When the spirit says go, I can go next door to my
neighbor and offer a cup of cold water and remind him that Jesus saves, and that
he came into the world to save sinners just like me.
I am not a prophet, I am not a virtuoso, I am not a world traveler, but I can do
these small things for the Lord, and I ought to.
February 26
Mary, the mother of Jesus - not to be worshipped, but to be honored.
Who was Mary? She was the mother of Jesus Christ. She is not deity and is not to be
worshiped as such, but she is to be highly honored because she was chosen of God the
Father to bring forth his son into the world to save sinners. By her own confession, she
called Christ her Savior, thus admitting that she, as well of the rest of us needed to be
saved from our sins.
"And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my
Savior. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from
henceforth all generations shall call me blessed." Luke 1: 47-48 .
Many generations have called her blessed and rightly so, but in no wise is she qualified
to occupy the place of divine worship.
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was
espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy
Ghost." Matthew 1:18 . Mary, who was still a virgin, and had had no sexual relations
with any man was told by the angel Gabriel that she was to have a child by the Holy
Ghost. How did she respond? What were some of the characteristics of Mary?
She was submissive to the will of God. When Gabriel announced to her that she was to
have a child conceived by God himself, she yielded herself to the will of God.. She said:
"Behold the handmaiden of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." Luke 1: 38.
She was a woman of faith and piety. Mary believed God and wanted to honor and
please him. Mary said: "For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for
behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath
done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him
from henceforth to all generations. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath
scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from
their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in
remembrance of his mercy; as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed
forever." Luke 1: 48-55
She was a woman who was spiritually minded. She was a person who believed and
meditated in the word of God. In other words, she kept in the forefront of her mind all
things which had been told her by God through his word, and the Angelic messengers
which had been sent to her.
She was a Godly mother with maternal confidence in the ability of her son. She believed
he could do all things. "And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and
the mother of Jesus was there: and both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the
marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, they have
no wine. Jesus saith unto her, woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet
come. His mother saith unto the servants, whatsoever he saith unto you, do it." St John
2: 3-5.
She was a woman who loved her son. Though it must have been a devastating
experience for her, she was there at the cross to witness his crucifixion. "Now there
stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mothers sister, Mary the wife of
Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene." John 19: 25
She was chosen of God. "And the angel said unto her , fear not Mary for thou hast
found favor with God, and behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a
son, and shall call his name Jesus" Luke 1:30,31.
To be chosen of God to accomplish his work on earth is the greatest honor that could
possible be bestowed upon any person , be it man or woman, boy or girl. God is still
looking and searching for those who will believe his word and love him, and be
submissive to his will and purpose for their lives. God has much work yet to be done
here upon earth. He has said that the fields are white unto harvest, but the laborers are
few. Oh, that there would be more women today in our society who were God fearing;
Women like Mary who were devoted to the rearing of their children in the fear of God;
women who would teach their children to believe and honor God's word, and pray for
their salvation. God is calling for men, but he is also calling for godly women and
children to accomplish his purpose on earth. Are you a godly woman? Will you be like
Mary and be willing to answer God's call to serve him?
Who was Mary? She was the mother of Jesus Christ. She is not deity and is not to be
worshiped as such, but she is to be highly honored because she was chosen of God the
Father to bring forth his son into the world to save sinners. By her own confession, she
called Christ her Savior, thus admitting that she, as well of the rest of us needed to be
saved from our sins.
"And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my
Savior. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from
henceforth all generations shall call me blessed." Luke 1: 47-48 .
Many generations have called her blessed and rightly so, but in no wise is she qualified
to occupy the place of divine worship.
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was
espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy
Ghost." Matthew 1:18 . Mary, who was still a virgin, and had had no sexual relations
with any man was told by the angel Gabriel that she was to have a child by the Holy
Ghost. How did she respond? What were some of the characteristics of Mary?
She was submissive to the will of God. When Gabriel announced to her that she was to
have a child conceived by God himself, she yielded herself to the will of God.. She said:
"Behold the handmaiden of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." Luke 1: 38.
She was a woman of faith and piety. Mary believed God and wanted to honor and
please him. Mary said: "For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for
behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath
done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him
from henceforth to all generations. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath
scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from
their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in
remembrance of his mercy; as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed
forever." Luke 1: 48-55
She was a woman who was spiritually minded. She was a person who believed and
meditated in the word of God. In other words, she kept in the forefront of her mind all
things which had been told her by God through his word, and the Angelic messengers
which had been sent to her.
She was a Godly mother with maternal confidence in the ability of her son. She believed
he could do all things. "And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and
the mother of Jesus was there: and both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the
marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, they have
no wine. Jesus saith unto her, woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet
come. His mother saith unto the servants, whatsoever he saith unto you, do it." St John
2: 3-5.
She was a woman who loved her son. Though it must have been a devastating
experience for her, she was there at the cross to witness his crucifixion. "Now there
stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mothers sister, Mary the wife of
Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene." John 19: 25
She was chosen of God. "And the angel said unto her , fear not Mary for thou hast
found favor with God, and behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a
son, and shall call his name Jesus" Luke 1:30,31.
To be chosen of God to accomplish his work on earth is the greatest honor that could
possible be bestowed upon any person , be it man or woman, boy or girl. God is still
looking and searching for those who will believe his word and love him, and be
submissive to his will and purpose for their lives. God has much work yet to be done
here upon earth. He has said that the fields are white unto harvest, but the laborers are
few. Oh, that there would be more women today in our society who were God fearing;
Women like Mary who were devoted to the rearing of their children in the fear of God;
women who would teach their children to believe and honor God's word, and pray for
their salvation. God is calling for men, but he is also calling for godly women and
children to accomplish his purpose on earth. Are you a godly woman? Will you be like
Mary and be willing to answer God's call to serve him?
March 31
The secret place - The safe place!
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow
of the almighty. I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress, my God;
in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler and
from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his
wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be
afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the
pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at
noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but
it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the
reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge,
even the most high, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any
plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to
keep thee in all thy ways. they shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy
foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and
the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me,
therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high because he hath known my
name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and shew him
my salvation." Psalm 91.
The safest place for any of us to be at any time is to be under the shadow of
almighty God our Father. He is our refuge and our stronghold where no enemy
can approach us without his permission and approval.
There are traps and snares that Satan has laid for us to catch us in his net so that
we might fall into his hands and become his bond slaves. God has promised to
keep his children safe from the snares of the evil one and protect us from being
destroyed.
God helps us in our struggles and warfare with sin and evil. He takes hold of
shield and buckler along with us and strengthens us with his arm. Satan tries to
intimidate us and make us afraid, but we need not fear so long as we know that
God is our defense.
All around us we behold death and destruction, and ruined lives, and though we
walk in the midst of turmoil and see thousands fall by the wayside, as long as we
are in the will of God it cannot touch us, as we are delivered from evil and
rejoice in our own safety in the Lord. We behold with our eyes and see the
reward of the wicked, those who will not acknowledge God, and receive his love
and protection. God has offered himself to all who will believe through the Lord
Jesus Christ, for while we were yet sinners, God commended his love toward us
and Christ died in our place to take away our wickedness and our sin and provide
for us an eternal dwelling place in his presence.
When we are dwelling spiritually in the secret place of the most high and when we
keep our mind stayed on Christ: "there no evil shall befall thee, neither shall any
plague come nigh thy dwelling."
God has commanded his angels to watch over us and keep us in right paths of
righteousness where we will find peace and safety.
If we will set our love upon God, and have no other Gods before us; and if we will
call upon him for salvation, he has promised that he will hear us in times of trouble
and deliver us and honor us, even perhaps with long life upon earth, and certainly
everlasting life with him in heaven.
The secret place - The safe place!
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow
of the almighty. I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress, my God;
in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler and
from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his
wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be
afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the
pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at
noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but
it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the
reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge,
even the most high, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any
plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to
keep thee in all thy ways. they shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy
foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and
the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me,
therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high because he hath known my
name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and shew him
my salvation." Psalm 91.
The safest place for any of us to be at any time is to be under the shadow of
almighty God our Father. He is our refuge and our stronghold where no enemy
can approach us without his permission and approval.
There are traps and snares that Satan has laid for us to catch us in his net so that
we might fall into his hands and become his bond slaves. God has promised to
keep his children safe from the snares of the evil one and protect us from being
destroyed.
God helps us in our struggles and warfare with sin and evil. He takes hold of
shield and buckler along with us and strengthens us with his arm. Satan tries to
intimidate us and make us afraid, but we need not fear so long as we know that
God is our defense.
All around us we behold death and destruction, and ruined lives, and though we
walk in the midst of turmoil and see thousands fall by the wayside, as long as we
are in the will of God it cannot touch us, as we are delivered from evil and
rejoice in our own safety in the Lord. We behold with our eyes and see the
reward of the wicked, those who will not acknowledge God, and receive his love
and protection. God has offered himself to all who will believe through the Lord
Jesus Christ, for while we were yet sinners, God commended his love toward us
and Christ died in our place to take away our wickedness and our sin and provide
for us an eternal dwelling place in his presence.
When we are dwelling spiritually in the secret place of the most high and when we
keep our mind stayed on Christ: "there no evil shall befall thee, neither shall any
plague come nigh thy dwelling."
God has commanded his angels to watch over us and keep us in right paths of
righteousness where we will find peace and safety.
If we will set our love upon God, and have no other Gods before us; and if we will
call upon him for salvation, he has promised that he will hear us in times of trouble
and deliver us and honor us, even perhaps with long life upon earth, and certainly
everlasting life with him in heaven.
June 25
The Way; The Truth; The Light;
Jesus Christ is the way; he is the truth; and he is the light. No man can approach
unto God the Father except through him. “:At the name of Jesus, every knee shall
bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
Jesus Christ the only begotten son of God came into the world to save sinners by
paying their sin debt on the cross. Every human being is guilty before God, and
the only way that they can be made clean and enter into the glory of God’s
heaven is by being washed in the blood of Christ by faith, and by being born again
and become a new creation in Christ. Old things in our lives must pass away and
die with Christ and all things must become new and be raised with Christ in
newness of life.
Christ is the incarnate Word of God, and God’s word is absolute truth. Christ not
only came to save, but also to teach and explain to the human race the word of
God and God’s requirement for mankind. If we reject the absolute truth of God’s
word, then there is never any hope of our eternal salvation.
The world was encompassed in darkness and sin, without hope of anything better
until Christ came. He is the light of the world that brings a ray of hope to the
hopeless, and rest for the weary, and salvation to the believer. If you are dwelling
in the darkness and despair of sin, look to Jesus who will save to the uttermost all
who will call upon him.
July 17, 2008
The Empty Tomb
The tomb was empty. Christ had risen. “Mourning had endured for a night, but joy
came in the morning when faithful women discovered the glorious event and ran to
tell others. The earthquake and storms had passed; the veil in the temple had split
from top to bottom; and access to the throne of God for every individual had been
made available.
How glorious and rejoicing was the heavens that morning! The sun rising in the
eastern sky, “coming forth as a bridegroom, ready to meet his bride”, and to tell
the world that a new day had dawned; that death had been abolished and
swallowed up in victory; that redemption had come for all who would believe, and
that Satan’s power over mankind was extinguished for those who would receive
the “only begotten son of God “as their savior and redeemer.
The empty tomb and the resurrection of Jesus Christ is no myth nor fairy tale. It is
a fact of history. “He showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible
proofs”, and he lives today at the right hand of God the Father to make
intercession for his own.
Oh sinner, and slave of Satan, you can be saved and set free from sin and evil if
you will, by believing , and by faith receiving Christ as your sin substitute. “He
died for our sins according to the scripture. He was buried and rose again the third
day according to the scriptures”. He ascended into heaven according to the
scriptures and he has promised to come again to receive his own into everlasting
habitations. Will you believe it and receive it by faith and begin to enjoy the peace
of sins forgiven, and the promise of everlasting life
July 22
And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his
disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was
born blind? Jesus answered, neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that
the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that
sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in
the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9: 1-5.
Sometimes things are the way they are so that God may be magnified , and his name
lifted up. The man was born blind according to the will of God, so that through his
blindness and subsequent healing through the power of Christ, God would be
glorified.
“When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and
he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, go wash in
the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, sent.) He went his way therefore, and
washed, and came seeing“ John 9: 6.
Christ could have instantly restored the man‘s sight by speaking the word, but he
used available meant to accomplish his purpose. Likewise when God performs
miracles in our lives, he sometimes uses people and things available to us already to
accomplish his purpose. We need to have and exercise faith in the supernatural
power of God, but at the same time , take inventory of the means already available to
us to meet our needs.
By whatever way our prayers are answered, and our needs met, we must always
remember to thank God and give him the credit and glory for all.
“The neighbors therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind,
said, is not this he that sat and begged? Some said, this is he; others said, he is like
him: but he said, I am he. Therefore said they unto him, how were thine eyes
opened? He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed
mine eyes, and said unto me, go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and
washed, and I received sight..” John 9: 8-12.
?
The Way; The Truth; The Light;
Jesus Christ is the way; he is the truth; and he is the light. No man can approach
unto God the Father except through him. “:At the name of Jesus, every knee shall
bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
Jesus Christ the only begotten son of God came into the world to save sinners by
paying their sin debt on the cross. Every human being is guilty before God, and
the only way that they can be made clean and enter into the glory of God’s
heaven is by being washed in the blood of Christ by faith, and by being born again
and become a new creation in Christ. Old things in our lives must pass away and
die with Christ and all things must become new and be raised with Christ in
newness of life.
Christ is the incarnate Word of God, and God’s word is absolute truth. Christ not
only came to save, but also to teach and explain to the human race the word of
God and God’s requirement for mankind. If we reject the absolute truth of God’s
word, then there is never any hope of our eternal salvation.
The world was encompassed in darkness and sin, without hope of anything better
until Christ came. He is the light of the world that brings a ray of hope to the
hopeless, and rest for the weary, and salvation to the believer. If you are dwelling
in the darkness and despair of sin, look to Jesus who will save to the uttermost all
who will call upon him.
July 17, 2008
The Empty Tomb
The tomb was empty. Christ had risen. “Mourning had endured for a night, but joy
came in the morning when faithful women discovered the glorious event and ran to
tell others. The earthquake and storms had passed; the veil in the temple had split
from top to bottom; and access to the throne of God for every individual had been
made available.
How glorious and rejoicing was the heavens that morning! The sun rising in the
eastern sky, “coming forth as a bridegroom, ready to meet his bride”, and to tell
the world that a new day had dawned; that death had been abolished and
swallowed up in victory; that redemption had come for all who would believe, and
that Satan’s power over mankind was extinguished for those who would receive
the “only begotten son of God “as their savior and redeemer.
The empty tomb and the resurrection of Jesus Christ is no myth nor fairy tale. It is
a fact of history. “He showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible
proofs”, and he lives today at the right hand of God the Father to make
intercession for his own.
Oh sinner, and slave of Satan, you can be saved and set free from sin and evil if
you will, by believing , and by faith receiving Christ as your sin substitute. “He
died for our sins according to the scripture. He was buried and rose again the third
day according to the scriptures”. He ascended into heaven according to the
scriptures and he has promised to come again to receive his own into everlasting
habitations. Will you believe it and receive it by faith and begin to enjoy the peace
of sins forgiven, and the promise of everlasting life
July 22
And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his
disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was
born blind? Jesus answered, neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that
the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that
sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in
the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9: 1-5.
Sometimes things are the way they are so that God may be magnified , and his name
lifted up. The man was born blind according to the will of God, so that through his
blindness and subsequent healing through the power of Christ, God would be
glorified.
“When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and
he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, go wash in
the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, sent.) He went his way therefore, and
washed, and came seeing“ John 9: 6.
Christ could have instantly restored the man‘s sight by speaking the word, but he
used available meant to accomplish his purpose. Likewise when God performs
miracles in our lives, he sometimes uses people and things available to us already to
accomplish his purpose. We need to have and exercise faith in the supernatural
power of God, but at the same time , take inventory of the means already available to
us to meet our needs.
By whatever way our prayers are answered, and our needs met, we must always
remember to thank God and give him the credit and glory for all.
“The neighbors therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind,
said, is not this he that sat and begged? Some said, this is he; others said, he is like
him: but he said, I am he. Therefore said they unto him, how were thine eyes
opened? He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed
mine eyes, and said unto me, go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and
washed, and I received sight..” John 9: 8-12.
?
How Long, Lord?
"How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? For ever? How long wilt thou hide thy
face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my
heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear
me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest mine
enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I
am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing unto the Lord because he hath dealt bountifully with me." Psalm 13
Sometimes when we have problems and trials, it seems that either God has
forgotten us and abandoned us forever, or that he doesn't even exist. Satan, our
enemy, would like to have us believe his lie. We know that God is true, and that
eventually we shall rejoice in our salvation and sing unto the Lord ,because he hath
dealt bountifully with us.
February 15
"How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? For ever? How long wilt thou hide thy
face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my
heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear
me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest mine
enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I
am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing unto the Lord because he hath dealt bountifully with me." Psalm 13
Sometimes when we have problems and trials, it seems that either God has
forgotten us and abandoned us forever, or that he doesn't even exist. Satan, our
enemy, would like to have us believe his lie. We know that God is true, and that
eventually we shall rejoice in our salvation and sing unto the Lord ,because he hath
dealt bountifully with us.
February 15
How Long, Lord?
"How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? For ever? How long wilt thou hide thy
face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my
heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear
me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest mine
enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I
am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing unto the Lord because he hath dealt bountifully with me." Psalm 13
Sometimes when we have problems and trials, it seems that either God has
forgotten us and abandoned us forever, or that he doesn't even exist. Satan, our
enemy, would like to have us believe his lie. We know that God is true, and that
eventually we shall rejoice in our salvation and sing unto the Lord ,because he hath
dealt bountifully with us.
February 15
"How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? For ever? How long wilt thou hide thy
face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my
heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear
me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest mine
enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I
am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing unto the Lord because he hath dealt bountifully with me." Psalm 13
Sometimes when we have problems and trials, it seems that either God has
forgotten us and abandoned us forever, or that he doesn't even exist. Satan, our
enemy, would like to have us believe his lie. We know that God is true, and that
eventually we shall rejoice in our salvation and sing unto the Lord ,because he hath
dealt bountifully with us.
February 15
How Long, Lord?
"How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? For ever? How long wilt thou hide thy
face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my
heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear
me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest mine
enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I
am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing unto the Lord because he hath dealt bountifully with me." Psalm 13
Sometimes when we have problems and trials, it seems that either God has
forgotten us and abandoned us forever, or that he doesn't even exist. Satan, our
enemy, would like to have us believe his lie. We know that God is true, and that
eventually we shall rejoice in our salvation and sing unto the Lord ,because he hath
dealt bountifully with us.
February 15
"How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? For ever? How long wilt thou hide thy
face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my
heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear
me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest mine
enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I
am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing unto the Lord because he hath dealt bountifully with me." Psalm 13
Sometimes when we have problems and trials, it seems that either God has
forgotten us and abandoned us forever, or that he doesn't even exist. Satan, our
enemy, would like to have us believe his lie. We know that God is true, and that
eventually we shall rejoice in our salvation and sing unto the Lord ,because he hath
dealt bountifully with us.
February 15
