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.
--
.
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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 person
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 person