An Upside-Down World

We live in an "upside-down" confused world, a world that doesn't seem to know right from wrong.

In his six woes on Israel, Isaiah said in one of them, "Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter."(Isaiah 5:20) One is reminded of the confused cook who put sugar in the salt shakers and salt in the sugar bowl."

Some pranksters spent the night in a shopping mall going from store to store changing all the price tags on the merchandise in the windows. The next morning plastic toy cars had a price tag of $5,000 while a fur coat in another window had a price posted of $2.98.  Designer hand bags could be bought for $5.00 each while a box of Cracker Jacks was listed at $200.00.

The devil has pulled a trick on our world, getting the people to ignore the undeniable teaching of God's Word while following the teachings and example of a world gone mad.

Light is still light, dark is still dark, bitter is still bitter and sweet is still sweet, good is still good and evil is still evil.  Don't be duped. Turn to Jesus and follow Him. 

What to Do with Your Sin

"He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy." (Proverbs 28:13)

From the days of the sin of Adam and Eve when they sewed fig leaves together in an attempt to cover their sin, mankind has been making similar attempts to hide his sin from God. No such attempt is ever successful. Many people are suffering mental and emotional problems from trying to hide some sin of the past from God.

The Bible instructs us to do two things instead of trying to hide from the all-seeing eye of God.  First, confess our sins. Confession means that we agree with the facts that God already knows. Second, Forsake our sins. Another word for the word forsake is the word repent.  Someone described repentance as, "Halt! About Face! Forward, March!"  If one continues down the path of a known sin, even if he has confessed, he has not repented or forsaken his sin.

We are promised mercy when we follow the path of confession and repentance. The hymn says, "Mercy there was great and grace was free: pardon there was multiplied to me: There my burdened soul found liberty at Calvary." 

Give Thanks after Thanksgiving

On the day after Thanksgiving Day it is O.K. to still be thankful.  It is not required that you have a bundle of money to spend on "Black Friday" bargains.

 A prescription for misery is to "spend money you don't have to buy things you don't need to impress people you don't even know."
 

The Bible says, "Let your conversation (conduct) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: For He has said, 'I will never leave you, nor forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5)
 

It is a good thing to be content with what we have and to be thankful for it. Yesterday's blessings are appropriate to spark a word of thanksgiving to God even in the middle of the year. We should not wait until November, 2015 to be thankful again.

Where are the Others?

Ten men with the dreaded disease, leprosy, met Jesus at the entrance of a village.  They all cried out for mercy from the Master and Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priests.  As they went they were all cleansed. One man, when he saw that he was healed, turned back to Jesus and with a loud voice glorified God and fell down on his face at Jesus' feet giving the Lord thanks. Jesus said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?" (Luke 17:11-19)

That's a good question.  Many people on our church rolls have made professions of faith in Christ and have been baptized.  But nobody ever sees them. The FBI couldn't find some of them. I wonder if this cleansed leper was thankful the next day and the next and the months and years to come.

The lost sinner is in much worse condition than someone with leprosy. There is but one cure for the lost soul.  That cure is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us.

This is not "Turkey Day."  It is Thanksgiving Day. It is not just a day to eat, to watch ball games or go shopping for bargains for Christmas. On this Thanksgiving Day pause before the Lord and give Him thanks for salvation and the many other gifts He has given you. And if you have not yet received Him as your Savior, why not do that now?

Pray with Thanksgiving

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

Worry is like a rocking chair; there's a whole lot of movement, but you get nowhere.  In the above verse the apostle is not suggesting that we just ignore our problems.  The word, "careful" suggests anxiety.  It is, "to be filled with care."  He is saying "Don't worry." 

He then tells us what to do with the things that can cause care, anxiety and worry.  Tell God about it, all the while being thankful that God will hear you.

Peace of God does not come as a result of fretting and worrying over how you're going to work things out, but in talking to Him and trusting Him in the middle of the problem.  Keep praying and keep on being thankful. Faith, not worry, honors God.  As the old hymn says, "Take your burden to the Lord, and leave it there." 

Thanks to God for the Bible

"At midnight will I rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments." (Psalm 119:62)

What would get you out of bed at midnight if you had been asleep for a while? Perhaps the cry of a sick child would get you out of bed at midnight. Jesus spoke a parable about a man who was awakened at midnight by a neighbor friend who needed some bread to give a visitor. (Luke 11:5-8) Maybe a strange sound in the other part of the house would get you up at midnight.  Worry might do it.

John Phillips points out that the Jewish families in that day went to bed early and midnight would truly be the middle of the night.

The word, "judgments" is used as a reference to the Bible 18 times in this 119th Psalm. The Psalmist is saying that he gets up at midnight to express thanks for the Word of God.  We do not know if this was something he did every night. The fact is, he was thankful for the Word of God. At this thanksgiving season especially, let us express sincere thanks to God for His precious Word.

The Unspeakable Gift of God

A beautiful sunset is hard to describe.  The brilliant colors, the shades of light and dark and before you can call someone to enjoy it with you it's gone.  Beautiful leaves on the trees adorning a hillside are another indescribable scene.  And, even though it's a terrible inconvenience, snow has its own beauty. If we try to describe these rare scenes in nature we are at a loss for words.

During this Thanksgiving season as we think about things for which to be thankful I am reminded of Paul the Apostle's statement, "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift."  (II Corinthians 9:15)  Other translations use the word, "indescribable" instead of unspeakable. 

And, just what is this indescribable gift from God?  The Bible tells us that "the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) This gift from God is indescribable, unspeakable. John tells us in his first epistle that eternal life is in God's Son and he that has the Son has life and he that does not have the Son does not have life. (I John 5:11-12)

Can you paint a picture of Jesus whom you have never seen?  We can't describe Him with our limited understanding. It is much more difficult than describing a rose in full bloom to a blind person.

Receive the gift.  Enjoy the gift. Be thankful to God for the gift. 

Give Thanks in Everything

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (I Thessalonians 5:18)

An example of being thankful in difficult situations is Daniel, the prophet of God, who found himself about to be thrown into a den of hungry lions. Darius the king of the Medes had been tricked into signing a decree that if someone was found petitioning anyone other than Darius he would be thrown into a den of lions. Daniel did not have to think it over.  The Bible says that when he knew the decree had been signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he had done before. (Daniel 6:4-15) 

The verse above in I Thessalonians says, "In" everything not "for" everything give thanks." Daniel was giving thanks "IN" everything.

The tricksters brought their charges to Darius and Daniel was indeed thrown into the den of lions. But Daniel was delivered. God closed the mouths of the lions.

What difficult situation are you facing? It may be a health problem, financial problem, family problem, school or vocational decision you must make.  In everything give thanks. God has promised not to leave nor forsake you.  Be thankful.

Give Thanks unto the LORD

'It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High." (Psalm 92:1)

For many years there has been a proclamation that a day would be set aside as a time of national thanksgiving. With or without such a proclamation the Psalmist reminds us that it is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord.

I am reminded of the two little boys who were neighbors. One invited the other to his house for supper. When they were all seated the guest bowed his head and waited for someone to say a prayer. The host family started eating immediately. A little embarrassed, the father said, "We don't say a blessing before we eat." The little guest, not meaning to be unkind, said, "Oh, that's the way my dog eats. He just starts right in." A hog under an oak tree eats acorns without ever looking up to see where they came from.

Let us thank Him for all things, the large and the small. Let us thank Him for our freedoms, for our security, His protection, His unfailing promises, for His great love, mercy and grace because, "it is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord."

God Bless America Again

"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." (Proverbs 14:34)

In the early days of this great nation there were no sinless people, but there were people who knew right from wrong.  They knew about the righteous path that leads individuals, families, communities, states and the nation to greatness. They knew how to lead their children to walk with God.  They knew that church and holiness of character were worthy of attention.  They feared God.  The nation walked a road to greatness.

In more recent days the blight of sin has fallen like a dirty, filthy shroud over our nation.  It seems that whatever God promotes, there is an element that says, "That's not for us."  On the other hand, if God prohibits a lifestyle or an action and if that prohibition is plainly spelled out in the Bible, that same element says, "No one, not even God, can stop us. We will have complete freedom." 

Righteousness builds up.  Sin tears down and destroys.  Just look at Israel in the Old Testament.  May God bless America again.

Discover the Light

Have you ever gone into a dimly lighted restaurant and almost stumbled over chairs and tables as you try to keep up with the hostess taking you to your table?  The dark is overwhelming. However, after a few minutes your eyes have adjusted to the dark and now you can see to read your menu without a flashlight.

Sinful people, sinful churches, sinful nations find it very easy to get used to the darkness of this world. The world embraces its own sinful ways. Jesus said, "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." (John 3:19)  Roaches and bugs of every sort hide in dark places in your house: behind cups and saucers in your cabinets, behind the cabinet drawers.  When the light is turned on they scurry to find cover and protection from the light. Jesus further said, "For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved." (John 3:20) For the sinful person, accustomed to the dark, turning on the light of God's word and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is like suddenly turning on the lights in a dark theater or having someone turn on the lights in your bedroom after you have fallen asleep.

"But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." (John 3:21) Saved people, Christian people, followers of Christ who have come to the Light of the World for salvation, love the light.  They enjoy being around other people who have discovered the Light.  Are you one of them? 

Looking for the Lord's Return

"Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and to me only, but unto all them that love His appearing."   (2 Timothy 4:8)

I believe, as many others do, that there are rewards to be given to the Christian at the Judgment Seat of Christ after our Lord's second coming. I believe one of those rewards is the Crown of Righteousness which is to be given to those living righteous lives in anticipation of the Lord's return, for loving His appearing.

The caretaker of an estate was keeping the grounds immaculately for his master who was gone on a long trip for an extended time. The grass was neat, no weeds, all fence rows were clean and free of unwanted vegetation. The barns and outbuildings were well kept. Someone stopped by and was admiring the rare beauty. "Is this your property?" "No," the caretaker said. "It belongs to my master, who is gone on a long trip." The visitor said, "You keep it as though he is coming back tomorrow." The caretaker said, "I am keeping it, not as though he might come back tomorrow, sir, but, as though he might come back today."

A strong belief in the second coming of Christ will affect the way one lives. Live as though you are expecting Him to return at any moment. 

In the Fullness of Time

"But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." (Galatians 4:4-5)

Preparations for Christmas are being made everywhere. In the stores we have seen Christmas decorations for a month or more. Menus are being planned and recipes are being sought for a wonderful Christmas meal. Gifts are being purchased. Church choirs are practicing their Christmas music for their cantata presentations.

God had been making preparations for that first Christmas for four thousand years. And now, everything was right for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem of Judea, fulfilling the prophecy of Micah 5:2. It was in the fullness of time that He came.

Another event is anticipated by believers around the world that will happen when the "fullness of the time is come." The second coming of Jesus will be when God says the time is right. Since you and I do not know when the time will be right for God, we must be ready at all times. Are you ready?

The Dash on the Tombstone

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:  and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Someone said after passing through a cemetery that he observed a tombstone that gave the name of the deceased on one line and on the second line it gave the date of his birth followed by a dash and then the date of his death. The conclusion of his observation was that the man's entire life was summed up in a dash. 

Paul the apostle would certainly have more than a dash on his tombstone. He sums up his own life by telling us he fought a good fight. We too, have a fight to fight. How are you and I doing in the fight for the things of God? He tells us he has finished his course.  One of the problems many of us have is not finishing our course.  We give up before the race is over.  He tells us he has kept the faith. Are you keeping the faith, as Jude calls it, "Faith which was once delivered to the saints."  (Jude1:3)

The death date on our tombstones is not the last occurrence of our being. Beyond the grave is the Judgment Seat of Christ where the child of God receives his rewards, followed by heaven. The saddest reality of all beyond the death date is the prospect of eternal hell for the non-believer. While you are between the two dates on your tombstone give your heart and life to Jesus.

Set Your House in Order

"For I am now ready to be offered, the time of my departure is at hand." (2 Timothy 4:6)

Paul, the teacher, the mentor, the example for Timothy, had given some "last minute" instructions to his young friend in previous verses.  He now tells him why he had done this. Paul knew the time had come for his execution.  He was "being poured out as a drink offering," one translation says.  Paul has given instruction because he knows he won't be around to give it later. This is good advice for the rest of us.

Paul knew his time was near.  Just because we do not know the time of our departure does not mean that we will not leave.  We may not suffer a martyr's death as Paul did, but we will die one day. It could be the result of an accident, natural causes, such as stroke or heart attack, or any number of ways.

We would be wise to heed the words of Isaiah to King Hezekiah of Judah when he said, "Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live." (2 Kings 20:1)  Part of "setting your house in order," is first, becoming a child of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Setting your house in order  includes forgiving others, apologizing to others,  telling your friends and family about how to be saved,  and a host of things that if you knew you would die tonight you would take care of today.  

Keep On Keeping On

"But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an
evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." (2 Timothy 4:5)

The Bible gives warning of the time coming when folks will not listen to
sound doctrine. Because of their desire to hear something new and different
they will have a multitude of teachers and they will be turned to fables.
(2Timothy 4:3-4)

So, what are Bible believers, pastors and other ministers to do? In verse 5
Paul tells Timothy, "But watch thou..." is the way the King James Version
reads. Another translation reads, "As for you, watch." Whatever others may
do, no matter how far astray they may go, as for you, you can't always help
what others do, but you can be watchful for yourself. You can be faithful
even when others are not.

Then the writer adds. Endure afflictions. There will always be afflictions
in this world, even for Christians who are living holy lives, and sometimes,
especially Christians. Keep evangelizing. Paul witnessed and led people to
faith in Christ even while in prison. Continue to do your ministry. What is
your ministry? It may not be on a foreign mission field. It may be simply
encouraging a young, or weak or discouraged Christian. It may be tithing
and giving. Or, it could be teaching a Bible class or pastoring. Make
yourself totally His.

How to Become Heresy Proof

"I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."    (2 Timothy 4:1-4)

In verse one, what is the word "therefore" there for?  Well, it links what was said before to that which follows after.  Because of the times mentioned in 2 Tim. 3: 1-7 and 13, and because the Word equips us and molds us, Timothy and all preachers are instructed to "Preach the Word." 

These verses let us know that the Word of God is "primary."  It is what we preachers, pastors and evangelists must preach from the pulpits around the world, not a lecture on the latest fad outlined in the newest best seller. And, being primary, the Word of God is what the folks who hear the preaching of the word are to practice in their lives.  The Bible says, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." (James 1:22)  A good steady diet of the preaching of the Word of God and studying the Bible at home will make you "heresy proof."

Read the Instructions

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect (complete), thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Have you ever found yourself trying to put a new appliance or tool together, or attempted to operate a new gadget and discovered that you had left the instructions in the box it came in? That's happened to most of us.  In frustration you get out the instructions and start over.  Now, everything works. As someone said, "When all else fails, read the instructions."

God has given us a book of instructions on how to live here and prepare for eternity.  In the two verses above we are told that these instructions are "God Breathed," or given by inspiration of God.  This book gives us sound doctrine and what we should believe.  It expresses disapproval when our actions are in error.  It corrects us and sets us on a good path.  It states as its purpose that we might be complete and prepared to do good works.

If your life is out of control with no meaning and everything is falling apart, I strongly encourage you to read, believe and practice the instructions the Lord and Master has given us.  After all, God the Creator made us.  He knows what's best for us.

Teach the Children

"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:15)

When the apostle was writing his last letter to Timothy, he mentioned Timothy's "unfeigned" faith which had been prominent in the young man's grandmother Lois and in his mother Eunice.      (2 Timothy 1:5)  He encourages Timothy to continue in the things he has been taught and reminds him that from childhood he has known the scriptures.  In all likelihood the source of that knowledge of scripture was Lois and Eunice. 

What a blessing to have godly parents and grandparents.  What a responsibility on parents and grandparents to teach the young ones in the things of God.  Someone has suggested that "A family altar will alter a family."  It will take changed lives to change families.  It will take changed families to change a nation back to the ways of God. 

Our Mercy Seat

"And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (I John 2:2)

In the days of the Tabernacle first and then of the Temple there was the holy place where there was an altar of incense, a table of showbread, and a golden lampstand. Joining the Holy place and separated by a large, thick curtain was the Holy of Holies.  The only piece of furniture in the Holy of Holies was the Ark of the Covenant.  It was a chest overlaid with a lid made of pure gold, with a golden cherubim on either end, with each one facing the other one.  The High Priest could go into the Holy of Holies one day each year on the Day of Atonement and make an offering of blood sprinkled on the Mercy Seat.

The New Testament word "Propitiation" used here in I John 2:2 is the equivalent of the Old Testament Word, "Mercy Seat."  Jesus is the believer's "Mercy Seat" or place of mercy.  He is the "atoning sacrifice" for our sins and the sins of the whole world.  But, not just on one day per year.    When Jesus died on the cross, God tore the veil of the temple in two which had divided the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, giving us access to His mercy every hour of every day.  Have I reminded you lately that believers have a complete Savior?

If Any Man Sin

"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not, And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (I John 2:1)

The “little children” referred to here are new Christians, babes in Christ if you will.  John is providing instruction on the things of God not only to these young Christians, but also to all Christians who read these words. 

The desire of all preachers and pastors who faithfully declare God's precious Word is that the people before whom the preacher stands will not sin.  However, the reality is that our people will sin regardless of our best efforts to preach the Word boldly. "If any man sin..."  God has made provision for us through His Son who is our advocate with the Father.

God is the judge.  Satan is the prosecuting attorney. Jesus is the defense attorney. When we sin, Satan, the prosecuting attorney brings his charges against us demanding justice.  "Throw the sinful soul into hell," demands the devil to the Father, the judge of all.  Our Defense attorney and High Priest, Jesus, who is the Son of the Judge, is at the right hand of God pleading our case, interceding for us. He has been doing that ever since He ascended into heaven forty days after His resurrection.  Our Defense Attorney assures the Father that He has paid for the believer's sins.

Beloved Christian, He is your complete Savior, "ever living to make intercession for us." (Hebrews 7:25).  Don’t sin.  But if you do, take your case to Jesus.

Christ Died For Sinners

"For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:7-8)

Someone might offer his life in behalf of another, as in the case of a young, strong, professional football player with two healthy kidneys offering one of them to his brother with a serious kidney disease that would soon take his life unless a proper donor came forward very soon. The brother was a perfect match. In an interview the donor brother said that he would give the kidney even if it meant his own death.

However, most of us would not give our body or any portion of it to save a murderer, a rapist, a thief or other vicious sinner. But, that is what God did when He gave His one and only Son to die as a sacrifice for us. He did not wait until we got better, improved or "got some things worked out," before He sent Jesus to the cross. One of the strongest statements in the

Bible on the love of God is this one that says, "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Christ Died for You

"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:6)

Since the days of Genesis chapter three, one indisputable fact has been well established and that is that man is a sinner.  If you have ever looked in a mirror you saw a sinner looking back at you.  Sinful man has no ability to eradicate his sin or to save himself from the consequences of sin. 

But, the debt of sin must be paid. The Bible says, "The wages of sin is death." (Romans 6:23) Sin requires death as its payment.  It will require an eternity in hell for us to pay it. But the Bible says that in due time, or just the right time, Christ died for the ungodly.  You and I are the ungodly.  This means that Christ died for us.  He took your place and mine when He died on the cross. 

The debt has been paid.  Believe on Him. Trust what He did at the cross.  He paid the debt and now He is alive, having risen from the dead.

An Excellent Sandwich

A sandwich can turn out to be a pretty good, wholesome meal.  One can make a sandwich out of almost anything.  Dagwood Bumstead makes sandwiches out of everything imaginable.

God has made a sandwich of three verses of Scripture which are found in John's First Epistle, written to Christians.  The first verse is I John 1:8 which says, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."  That verse is like the bottom piece of bread.  It answers the claim that some people have when they say they have no sin.  The second verse is like the top piece of bread.  It says, "If we say we have not sinned, we make Him (God) a liar, and His Word is not in us." (I John 1:10)  That verse answers the claim of the person who says, "Well, maybe I could have sinned, but I never have." 

  

Now, we need something to go in the middle to finish the sandwich.  I call this the Christian's "bar of soap."  It is verse nine, right between verses eight and ten.  It says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."   The word "confess" means I agree with the facts.  God most assuredly knows the facts of our lives and our every deed.  When we agree with Him, or confess, He forgives us.  The word "forgive" means to wipe it clean, or to erase. Forgiveness includes "cleansing."

I believe that's a pretty good sandwich God has prepared for believers and for the unsaved person, also. Try it.  It will help you. 

Be Wise with What Has Been Given to You

"Yea, I hated all my labor which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.  And who knows whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? Yet shall he have rule over all my labor wherein I have labored, and wherein I have showed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity." (Ecclesiastes 2:18-19)

A very successful automobile dealership was inherited by the son of the man who had built the business through hard work and wise decisions.  It wasn't long until the business went under because of the foolish decisions and "playboy" attitude of the son.

In our scripture verses Solomon knew that the time would come when he would pass from the scene and someone would inherit all the labor of his hands. He did not know whether the heir would be a wise man or a fool.

When Solomon died, his son, Rehoboam inherited the kingdom and almost immediately through bad and foolish decisions divided the kingdom, with Jeroboam taking ten tribes, becoming known as Israel, and leaving Rehoboam with two tribes, becoming known as Judah.  In time both kingdoms went into captivity because of the Godless ways of each. 

At the close of the Constitutional Convention in September, 1787, Benjamin Franklin said in response to a lady's question, "We have given you a republic, if you can keep it." Are we wise stewards of that which we have inherited?

Don't Neglect

"My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, and that ye should minister unto Him, and burn incense." (2 Chronicles 29:11)

In my lifetime I have seen old barns and houses in a run-down condition as a result of neglect.  More seriously, we all have seen, or perhaps even experienced, the result of neglected health issues.  Neglect can be a very serious thing.

When Hezekiah, one of the few good kings of Judah came to the throne, the house of God had been neglected and it was in a very "run-down" condition. The bad condition of the place of worship was a result of the negligent attitude of the people toward God.  Hezekiah called together the priests and Levites and told them to sanctify themselves and the House of God and to carry the filthiness that had accumulated out of the holy place.

The king reminded them that the wrath of God was upon Judah and Jerusalem as a result of the people’s backslidden condition. It was the result of negligence on the part of the people. He called on the people to repent of their negligence in the things of God

May I suggest some areas that we must not neglect.  First, don't neglect the salvation of your soul.  Second, don't neglect the Savior's fellowship. Third, don't neglect your separation from the world.  Fourth, don't neglect your service for the Master.  And finally, don't neglect sharing your testimony.

You Will Find Jesus in the Bible

"Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus" (Acts8:35)

To say that the Bible is an amazing book would be an understatement. God had moved Philip the evangelist from a very successful ministry in Samaria to join himself to one man in a chariot in the desert of Gaza.  That one man was a Eunuch from Ethiopia where he was a servant for Candace, queen of the Ethiopians.  He had been to Jerusalem to worship.  On his way back home, he was reading in the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah concerning the crucifixion of Jesus. When Philip asked him if he understood what he was reading, he replied, "How can I except some man should guide me?"  Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same Scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

The Eunuch was saved that day, was baptized and went on his way rejoicing. 

What is so amazing about the Bible is that one can begin at any Scripture and find Jesus.  We find Him in Genesis as the creator.  In Exodus He is the Passover Lamb. In Ruth He is the Kinsman Redeemer. In the Kings, He is the King of Kings.  And one can go on from one book to another, from one chapter to another and from one verse to another. Jesus is the central theme of the Bible.  Look for Him there and you will find Him.  Trust Him as your Savior and allow Him to be the Lord of your life.

Trust in the Lord with All your Heart

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Many years ago I was privileged to be the pastor of an elderly lady who had crippling arthritis.  In addition, she had been in a very serious automobile accident that, even without the arthritis, would have left her confined to her wheel chair and bed.

Her ailments were not the major part of her makeup.  She had a glowing spirit about her and was able to handle her pain and disability better than could be imagined.

Her favorite passage of Scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6.  Before her passage from this life to the next, she requested that when the time came I use those verses in her funeral message. Her sweet spirit, as a result of allowing those verses to be her comfort and strength, has been a source of inspiration for me and many others as well.

Let me encourage you to allow those verses to guide you through the many trials and burdens of this life.

Let your Christianity be Real

"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof."  (II Timothy 3:5)

I saw a big empty shell of a locust which was stuck to tree.  He was stuck there with feet that no longer had life in them. He had wings but could not fly.  It had antenna that could not sense and feel. He was just a shell.

The Bible gives a description of lifeless professing Christianity that will exist in the last days.  It will have a "form" of godliness, but with no power. They will have denied the "Gospel, the power of God unto salvation." (Romans 1:16)  They will do religious things in the energy of the flesh but without having the power of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8) They will operate without the power of the Word. (Hebrews 1:8) They will do nothing for which they would need God or His power. All the while they will be adding new, ingenious man-made programs while denying the power of God available to minister. It will have all the appearance of life but it will be just an empty shell of the real thing. It will be religion without life. 

May we not be guilty of such pretense.

A Call for Revival

"Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord."  (Lamentations 3:40)

The late, Dr. Vance Havner, when speaking of revival said, "Most folk's idea of revival is the gathering in of more of the same kind of people most churches already have too many of."  That is not the best English, but sadly it is an accurate statement.

Revival is not for the world, it is for God's people.  We must do as Jeremiah called on God's people to do:  Search our ways,   try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.  Failing to follow that counsel will leave us in an even bigger mess than we now find ourselves.