“Without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
In this great chapter on Spiritual fruit bearing, Jesus tells His disciples that He is the vine and that they are the branches. Only by abiding in Him can they bear fruit.
Branches on a grape vine can bear fruit only as they are attached to the vine. Sever the branch from the vine and there will be no grapes.
The Bible tells us that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith (or faithfulness), meekness and temperance. (Galatians 5:22-23)
All of our religious efforts come to naught and our “good” deeds are in the energy of the flesh, unless we abide in Jesus through prayer, the reading of His word, worship and coming to Him for strength. Otherwise, we will not bear fruit, just something counterfeit that somewhat resembles fruit.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Monday, January 30, 2017
Don’t be Deceived
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1)
For the past several months several small towns in the Commonwealth of Kentucky have been deceived and led astray by the liquor industry and those pushing for the privilege of selling alcohol in previously “dry” areas. They have used as their argument in their push for alcohol sales, “we can stop the bootlegger,” and “we can receive the tax revenue that is now going to places that have legal sales and use that in our town or county.”
Having lived where alcohol flows freely, I can say that one is being very naive if he thinks selling more alcohol will stop the bootlegger. Legal sales just make it easier for the bootlegger to get alcohol for resale. The second truth is that the clean up from the alcohol induced mess far out-weighs any incoming revenue that comes from alcohol sales.
Third, even if there were a windfall of money, the end does not justify the means. Using the argument of gaining more revenue from tax money on alcohol sales, one could just as easily say, “Let’s legalize and tax prostitution and use that money on education and health care.” May God have mercy on us. Don’t be deceived by beverage alcohol or the beverage alcohol industry.
For the past several months several small towns in the Commonwealth of Kentucky have been deceived and led astray by the liquor industry and those pushing for the privilege of selling alcohol in previously “dry” areas. They have used as their argument in their push for alcohol sales, “we can stop the bootlegger,” and “we can receive the tax revenue that is now going to places that have legal sales and use that in our town or county.”
Having lived where alcohol flows freely, I can say that one is being very naive if he thinks selling more alcohol will stop the bootlegger. Legal sales just make it easier for the bootlegger to get alcohol for resale. The second truth is that the clean up from the alcohol induced mess far out-weighs any incoming revenue that comes from alcohol sales.
Third, even if there were a windfall of money, the end does not justify the means. Using the argument of gaining more revenue from tax money on alcohol sales, one could just as easily say, “Let’s legalize and tax prostitution and use that money on education and health care.” May God have mercy on us. Don’t be deceived by beverage alcohol or the beverage alcohol industry.
Sunday, January 29, 2017
God’s Chastisement Indicates His Love for Us
“The LORD hath chastened me sore: but He hath not given me over unto death.”
(Psalm 118:18)
Praise God for His chastening hand. I know that He desires the very best from me and if I am acting like a misbehaving child He corrects me.
Only those who are His and are objects of His love receive chastisement from Him. Chastisement for a child of God is very similar to chastisement for a child of earthly parents. I have never chastened or spanked another parent’s child, but I have corrected and sometimes punished my children. God doesn’t chasten the devil’s children.
The psalmist acknowledged that he had been severely chastened. But the chastisement did not kill him and ignoring bad behavior could have been the same as giving him over to death. The Bible says, “Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” (Proverbs 19:18)
Thank you, God, for loving me enough to chasten and correct me even when it hurts.
(Psalm 118:18)
Praise God for His chastening hand. I know that He desires the very best from me and if I am acting like a misbehaving child He corrects me.
Only those who are His and are objects of His love receive chastisement from Him. Chastisement for a child of God is very similar to chastisement for a child of earthly parents. I have never chastened or spanked another parent’s child, but I have corrected and sometimes punished my children. God doesn’t chasten the devil’s children.
The psalmist acknowledged that he had been severely chastened. But the chastisement did not kill him and ignoring bad behavior could have been the same as giving him over to death. The Bible says, “Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” (Proverbs 19:18)
Thank you, God, for loving me enough to chasten and correct me even when it hurts.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Trust in the Lord
“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” (Psalm 118:8-9)
There were many people in Jerusalem who believed in Jesus when they saw the miracles which He did. But He did not commit Himself to them because He knew all men and had no confidence in them. (John 2:23-25) He had no confidence in Judas Iscariot, one of his followers because He knew that he would betray Him. He had no confidence in Pilate, this vacillating, untrustworthy leader in the Roman Empire because He knew that he was a pawn in the hands of both the Romans and the Jews.
We face some of the same kinds of people today. That is why God warns us that mankind in general and princes in particular cannot be trusted as the Lord is trusted. You and I have very private and personal things that we cannot, and must not, talk over with mankind because we cannot put confidence in man. But we can “talk it over with Jesus.”
The Bible encourages us to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) Trust Him for eternal life, for leadership through the troubles and trials of life and for your daily provision of both spiritual and physical needs.
There were many people in Jerusalem who believed in Jesus when they saw the miracles which He did. But He did not commit Himself to them because He knew all men and had no confidence in them. (John 2:23-25) He had no confidence in Judas Iscariot, one of his followers because He knew that he would betray Him. He had no confidence in Pilate, this vacillating, untrustworthy leader in the Roman Empire because He knew that he was a pawn in the hands of both the Romans and the Jews.
We face some of the same kinds of people today. That is why God warns us that mankind in general and princes in particular cannot be trusted as the Lord is trusted. You and I have very private and personal things that we cannot, and must not, talk over with mankind because we cannot put confidence in man. But we can “talk it over with Jesus.”
The Bible encourages us to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) Trust Him for eternal life, for leadership through the troubles and trials of life and for your daily provision of both spiritual and physical needs.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Our Immutable God
“Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.” (Psalm 102:25-27)
John saw in his vision recorded in Revelation “a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” Peter wrote of the present heaven and earth being on fire and melting with fervent heat in the end times. He said that we are looking for a new heaven and a new earth. But God never changes.
Our God, the Creator, is immutable. His creation will pass away but He is always the same. He is changeless. Garments fade, rot, get old and wear out, a description of God’s creation. But God never changes. You and I can depend on God.
John saw in his vision recorded in Revelation “a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” Peter wrote of the present heaven and earth being on fire and melting with fervent heat in the end times. He said that we are looking for a new heaven and a new earth. But God never changes.
Our God, the Creator, is immutable. His creation will pass away but He is always the same. He is changeless. Garments fade, rot, get old and wear out, a description of God’s creation. But God never changes. You and I can depend on God.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Frail Children of Dust
“For he knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:14)
We build houses of bricks, blocks, stone, wood, concrete and steel. We have seen houses and other buildings made of these materials devastated by floods, tornadoes and fire.
The first man was made of dust which God had gathered together, Then God breathed into the nostrils of that frail being made of the flimsiest material and man became a living soul. His word tells us that this “house,” or tent, groans and travails in pain. We are living in temporary “housing” which will go back to the dust of the earth.
God knows more about us than we know about ourselves. He knows our frailties and weaknesses. He has not forgotten that we are dust. He sees our strutting about and hears our prideful boasting. But he keeps on tenderly caring for us, even when we do not have a clue of how totally helpless these bodies of clay dust really are.
It would do us good to remember that we are helpless and dependent on our Creator and to remember that even though we are made of dust we can, “do all things through Him that strengthens us.” (Philippians 4:13)
We build houses of bricks, blocks, stone, wood, concrete and steel. We have seen houses and other buildings made of these materials devastated by floods, tornadoes and fire.
The first man was made of dust which God had gathered together, Then God breathed into the nostrils of that frail being made of the flimsiest material and man became a living soul. His word tells us that this “house,” or tent, groans and travails in pain. We are living in temporary “housing” which will go back to the dust of the earth.
God knows more about us than we know about ourselves. He knows our frailties and weaknesses. He has not forgotten that we are dust. He sees our strutting about and hears our prideful boasting. But he keeps on tenderly caring for us, even when we do not have a clue of how totally helpless these bodies of clay dust really are.
It would do us good to remember that we are helpless and dependent on our Creator and to remember that even though we are made of dust we can, “do all things through Him that strengthens us.” (Philippians 4:13)
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
THE LOVE OF GOD
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
No greater love has ever been known, nor has greater love been shown to man than the love that prompted Almighty God to send His Son into the world to live among sinners and to die a cruel death at the hands of sinners while nailed to the cross between sinners all for the purpose of saving sinners.
There is enough Gospel in our text to save the entire world from hell if sinners would just believe. However, everlasting life is a gift and a gift must be received.
Have you received the gift of everlasting life?
No greater love has ever been known, nor has greater love been shown to man than the love that prompted Almighty God to send His Son into the world to live among sinners and to die a cruel death at the hands of sinners while nailed to the cross between sinners all for the purpose of saving sinners.
There is enough Gospel in our text to save the entire world from hell if sinners would just believe. However, everlasting life is a gift and a gift must be received.
Have you received the gift of everlasting life?
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Ask for the Old Ways
“Thus saith the LORD, ‘Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.’ But they said, ‘We will not walk therein.’” (Jeremiah 6:16)
If Judah had repented of their sins, turned back to God and had walked in His ways they would not have endured seventy years of judgment in Babylonian captivity.
It has been said that when evangelist, Billy Graham was doing his tent crusade in Los Angeles, California in 1949 that some of the religious leaders complained that “Graham will set Christianity back fifty years.”
When the evangelist was told of that remark and asked to respond, he said, “I don’t want to set it back fifty years. I want to set it back two-thousand years.”
If Judah had repented of their sins, turned back to God and had walked in His ways they would not have endured seventy years of judgment in Babylonian captivity.
It has been said that when evangelist, Billy Graham was doing his tent crusade in Los Angeles, California in 1949 that some of the religious leaders complained that “Graham will set Christianity back fifty years.”
When the evangelist was told of that remark and asked to respond, he said, “I don’t want to set it back fifty years. I want to set it back two-thousand years.”
Monday, January 23, 2017
Comforting Words
“Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (I Thessalonians 4:18)
If you have ever engaged someone in conversation who has just given up a loved one in death you realize how difficult it can be to say just the right thing. You don’t want to sound trite, uncaring or flippant. If the person you are seeking to comfort was a believer and the deceased was a believer, the words in I Thessalonians 4:13-17 can be of profound help. Paul the Apostle in his letter to the Thessalonians was telling his readers how to comfort one another.
It need not sound like a theological dissertation. Put the passage in you words. You may wish to make more than one visit using this passage. God bless you as you comfort someone.
If you have ever engaged someone in conversation who has just given up a loved one in death you realize how difficult it can be to say just the right thing. You don’t want to sound trite, uncaring or flippant. If the person you are seeking to comfort was a believer and the deceased was a believer, the words in I Thessalonians 4:13-17 can be of profound help. Paul the Apostle in his letter to the Thessalonians was telling his readers how to comfort one another.
- When Jesus returns He will bring your loved one and the thousands like your loved one with Him. Today they are absent from the body and present with the Lord.
- The Bible assures us that the bodies of those who have gone on will be raised at the resurrection when Jesus comes and receive a new body, free from the pain they may have known in this life.
- Those believers that are alive and remain until Jesus returns will be caught up, or raptured, immediately after the resurrection of the dead in Christ.
- We shall be changed and they and we will receive new, glorified bodies like the resurrected body of Jesus.
- We will forever be with the Lord and our loved one.
It need not sound like a theological dissertation. Put the passage in you words. You may wish to make more than one visit using this passage. God bless you as you comfort someone.
Sunday, January 22, 2017
God Established Civil Government for the Good of All
“In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”(Judges 21:25)
God established the home, civil government, worship and the church. When men ignore the pattern which God laid down for each of these there is disorder, chaos, confusion and anarchy. The Bible says, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes…” (Proverbs 21:2) We cannot both straddle the center line on the highway while one of us is going north and the other is going south, moving toward each other at 70 miles per hour.
When people in society act as if there is no restraining law there comes that which we have witnessed lately: burning, looting, breaking in, stealing and general vandalism. That is anarchy.
Government cannot allow every man to do only that which is right in his own eyes without violating the rights of others. If people will not restrain themselves they must be restrained by the laws of the land.
God established the home, civil government, worship and the church. When men ignore the pattern which God laid down for each of these there is disorder, chaos, confusion and anarchy. The Bible says, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes…” (Proverbs 21:2) We cannot both straddle the center line on the highway while one of us is going north and the other is going south, moving toward each other at 70 miles per hour.
When people in society act as if there is no restraining law there comes that which we have witnessed lately: burning, looting, breaking in, stealing and general vandalism. That is anarchy.
Government cannot allow every man to do only that which is right in his own eyes without violating the rights of others. If people will not restrain themselves they must be restrained by the laws of the land.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
The Inspired Word of God
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (II Timothy 3:16)
The Bible is the “God breathed book. Peter wrote, “…holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (II Peter 1:21)
The word “inspiration” in our text is not speaking of someone being “inspired” by a flower to write a lovely poem. Or, as Robert Burns was inspired to write his, “Ode to a Louse,” upon seeing a louse moving about on a lady’s fur collar as he sat behind her at church.
Biblical inspiration means that God told men what to write and they wrote it. Someone objected saying, “I believe it is inspired in some places such as John 3:16.” The response was, “Oh, you believe it is inspired in spots and that you are inspired to spot the spots.”
If it is inspired, or breathed out by God, and penned by holy men of God, then it is the Word of God and you and I do well to heed what it says.
The Bible is the “God breathed book. Peter wrote, “…holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (II Peter 1:21)
The word “inspiration” in our text is not speaking of someone being “inspired” by a flower to write a lovely poem. Or, as Robert Burns was inspired to write his, “Ode to a Louse,” upon seeing a louse moving about on a lady’s fur collar as he sat behind her at church.
Biblical inspiration means that God told men what to write and they wrote it. Someone objected saying, “I believe it is inspired in some places such as John 3:16.” The response was, “Oh, you believe it is inspired in spots and that you are inspired to spot the spots.”
If it is inspired, or breathed out by God, and penned by holy men of God, then it is the Word of God and you and I do well to heed what it says.
Friday, January 20, 2017
Pray for our Leaders
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings , and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (I Timothy 2:1-4)
Today is “Inauguration Day” in the United States of America. The nation went to the polls in November, 2016 and through the ballot chose a man to the highest office in the land.
According to the Bible Christian people have a duty and responsibility to support all people in authority with our prayers, including people one may or may not like.
Let us join our hearts and lives in prayer, not only for our President but also the Vice President, the cabinet members, senators, representatives, governors of the states, policemen, our military and all others who have been given assignments to lead, protect and govern this great country.
Today is “Inauguration Day” in the United States of America. The nation went to the polls in November, 2016 and through the ballot chose a man to the highest office in the land.
According to the Bible Christian people have a duty and responsibility to support all people in authority with our prayers, including people one may or may not like.
Let us join our hearts and lives in prayer, not only for our President but also the Vice President, the cabinet members, senators, representatives, governors of the states, policemen, our military and all others who have been given assignments to lead, protect and govern this great country.
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Who is this Man Jesus?
“…whom say ye that I am?” (Matthew 16:15)
This was Jesus’ first question to his disciples upon arriving at Caesarea Philippi.
How one answers that question concerning the person of Jesus will determine his eternal destiny as well as how he lives his life on earth.
Who do they say He is today in this “sophisticated,” “educated” society? A major religion of our day says Jesus really existed but that He was a wonderful prophet on an equal par with their prophet and that He did not die on the cross because He was rescued from crucifixion. Since there was no crucifixion, there was no death and consequently no resurrection. Beloved, that also means no salvation.
Some folks recognize Him as a great miracle worker, a great preacher, a great teacher, or a wonderful example of perfection. Some will even say He is “a” savior or that He is “the” savior but not “my” Savior.
It doesn’t matter what others say about Him or think about Him. Who do you say He is? Can you confess as Peter did that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God?
This was Jesus’ first question to his disciples upon arriving at Caesarea Philippi.
How one answers that question concerning the person of Jesus will determine his eternal destiny as well as how he lives his life on earth.
Who do they say He is today in this “sophisticated,” “educated” society? A major religion of our day says Jesus really existed but that He was a wonderful prophet on an equal par with their prophet and that He did not die on the cross because He was rescued from crucifixion. Since there was no crucifixion, there was no death and consequently no resurrection. Beloved, that also means no salvation.
Some folks recognize Him as a great miracle worker, a great preacher, a great teacher, or a wonderful example of perfection. Some will even say He is “a” savior or that He is “the” savior but not “my” Savior.
It doesn’t matter what others say about Him or think about Him. Who do you say He is? Can you confess as Peter did that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God?
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
The Half has not Been Told
Jesus said, “The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.” (Matthew 12:42)
We find the record of the visit of the queen of Sheba to Solomon in I Kings 10:1-13 and also in I Chronicles 9:1-12. She came to observe, to ask hard questions and discover the secret of the king’s success. She was so overwhelmed that she exclaimed, “…I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me…” (I Kings 10:7)
Jesus said that a greater than Solomon is here, referring to Himself. He is greater than Solomon in wisdom. He has wisdom to impart to us. He is greater than Solomon in wealth. Solomon had gold, silver, horses, chariots, stables and many sheep and cows. Jesus owns the whole universe including earth and all that is in it. He is greater in works. Jesus is the creator of all things. He is greater in wonders. No one can duplicate His wonders of a glorious sunrise or beautiful sunset, of life on earth or eternal life in the beautiful place He has gone to prepare for His children.
One day, if you are saved, we will stand in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ and declare, “The half was not told me.”
We find the record of the visit of the queen of Sheba to Solomon in I Kings 10:1-13 and also in I Chronicles 9:1-12. She came to observe, to ask hard questions and discover the secret of the king’s success. She was so overwhelmed that she exclaimed, “…I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me…” (I Kings 10:7)
Jesus said that a greater than Solomon is here, referring to Himself. He is greater than Solomon in wisdom. He has wisdom to impart to us. He is greater than Solomon in wealth. Solomon had gold, silver, horses, chariots, stables and many sheep and cows. Jesus owns the whole universe including earth and all that is in it. He is greater in works. Jesus is the creator of all things. He is greater in wonders. No one can duplicate His wonders of a glorious sunrise or beautiful sunset, of life on earth or eternal life in the beautiful place He has gone to prepare for His children.
One day, if you are saved, we will stand in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ and declare, “The half was not told me.”
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Pleasing God in the Small Things
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, Oh LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
Jesus said that we would give an account of even our idle words in the day of judgment. When we’re just chatting about our lawn, talking about the weather or discussing a ball game it is important to use words that are acceptable to God.
Not only our idle words but also what we think about, that which no one else knows about is important. We are told that we should keep our heart with all diligence. The psalmist said that the blessed or happy man is the one who meditates on God’s word day and night.
(Psalm 1:2)
Knowing these things, our prayer should be that our words and thoughts would be acceptable in God’s sight. Indeed, He is our Lord, our strength and our redeemer. It should be our desire, therefore, to please Him even in the smallest things.
Jesus said that we would give an account of even our idle words in the day of judgment. When we’re just chatting about our lawn, talking about the weather or discussing a ball game it is important to use words that are acceptable to God.
Not only our idle words but also what we think about, that which no one else knows about is important. We are told that we should keep our heart with all diligence. The psalmist said that the blessed or happy man is the one who meditates on God’s word day and night.
(Psalm 1:2)
Knowing these things, our prayer should be that our words and thoughts would be acceptable in God’s sight. Indeed, He is our Lord, our strength and our redeemer. It should be our desire, therefore, to please Him even in the smallest things.
Monday, January 16, 2017
Search the Scriptures Daily
“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11)
Paul, when facing insurmountable opposition in Thessalonica, moved on to Berea. The Berean Christians had a wholesome view of the Word of God, unlike the folks in Thessalonica.
You and I would be wise not to resist the Sunday Sermon at church, but to receive it and let it feed our souls.
We should search the scriptures every day, praying over them and allowing the Holy Spirit time to give us the message God has for us from God’s Word. Searching the scriptures is a very rewarding exercise. The Psalmist said, “I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.” (Psalm 119:162) Searching the scripture is like hunting for and finding buried treasure.
Paul, when facing insurmountable opposition in Thessalonica, moved on to Berea. The Berean Christians had a wholesome view of the Word of God, unlike the folks in Thessalonica.
You and I would be wise not to resist the Sunday Sermon at church, but to receive it and let it feed our souls.
We should search the scriptures every day, praying over them and allowing the Holy Spirit time to give us the message God has for us from God’s Word. Searching the scriptures is a very rewarding exercise. The Psalmist said, “I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.” (Psalm 119:162) Searching the scripture is like hunting for and finding buried treasure.
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Satan Hinders Us
“Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.” (I Thessalonians 2:18)
Paul had desired to go to Thessalonica time after time to assist the young church there in their doctrinal and moral issues. But, the devil had hindered him.
Satan hinders God’s people and their service for the Lord in so many ways and so many times. He hinders us by casting doubts on God’s Word as he did Eve in the Garden of Eden. He hinders our prayer time by getting us off focus and thinking about the concerns of the day. He hinders us as he did our Savior by throwing temptation in our path. He hinders churches by substituting things that keep us from keeping the main thing the main thing. When we plan to share the gospel with an acquaintance in a private visit or conversation Satan will hinder you in a host of ways: he will make the phone ring, someone will knock on the front door, a cat and dog will get in a fight in the next room, a baby will cry or even a car wreck on the street in front of the house where you are visiting.
He will hinder you from going to church and taking the children, but he won’t hinder you from going to the lake on Sunday or going over to visit folks in a distant city.
We must exercise vigilance, diligence and prayer to keep Satan from hindering our Christian walk. The Bible says we are to, “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God.” (Ephesians 6:10, 11)
Paul had desired to go to Thessalonica time after time to assist the young church there in their doctrinal and moral issues. But, the devil had hindered him.
Satan hinders God’s people and their service for the Lord in so many ways and so many times. He hinders us by casting doubts on God’s Word as he did Eve in the Garden of Eden. He hinders our prayer time by getting us off focus and thinking about the concerns of the day. He hinders us as he did our Savior by throwing temptation in our path. He hinders churches by substituting things that keep us from keeping the main thing the main thing. When we plan to share the gospel with an acquaintance in a private visit or conversation Satan will hinder you in a host of ways: he will make the phone ring, someone will knock on the front door, a cat and dog will get in a fight in the next room, a baby will cry or even a car wreck on the street in front of the house where you are visiting.
He will hinder you from going to church and taking the children, but he won’t hinder you from going to the lake on Sunday or going over to visit folks in a distant city.
We must exercise vigilance, diligence and prayer to keep Satan from hindering our Christian walk. The Bible says we are to, “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God.” (Ephesians 6:10, 11)
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Just As I Am
“…as it is written, ‘There is none righteous, no not one.’” (Romans 3:10)
A business man approached a poor farmer living in a little run down shack. It needed paint, there were boards missing, the picket fence had lost some slats and some of the windows were replaced with cardboard. The businessman wanted to buy the poor man’s house and surroundings and asked him to name a price. When he named the price, without hesitation the wealthy businessman agreed and gave the poor farmer some “earnest money,” a down payment and said, “I will give you the rest when I come to take possession.”
During the following days, the poor man, now feeling he had “taken” the “green-horn” businessman, decided he ought to fix up the place. So he painted and fixed up the place, making needed repairs. He would pay for the work when he got the full payment.
A month passed and the gentleman came to take possession. After the deal was complete, from around the bend, there came trucks with bulldozers, track hoes and other earth moving equipment and started uprooting the trees, pushing down the old house and leveling the outbuildings. The farmer stood and looked astonished and asked, “What’s going on? I fixed up this old place to make you proud.” The businessman said, “I did not want it for what it was or for what you could make it. I wanted it for what I can make of it.”
When you come to Christ he doesn’t want you for what you are now or what you used to be or for what you can make yourself become. He wants you for what He can do for you and for what He can make you to become. When you repent and place your faith in Him He gives you the “earnest” of the Holy Spirit to live inside you. Come to Him, just as you are. Let Him make you over.
A business man approached a poor farmer living in a little run down shack. It needed paint, there were boards missing, the picket fence had lost some slats and some of the windows were replaced with cardboard. The businessman wanted to buy the poor man’s house and surroundings and asked him to name a price. When he named the price, without hesitation the wealthy businessman agreed and gave the poor farmer some “earnest money,” a down payment and said, “I will give you the rest when I come to take possession.”
During the following days, the poor man, now feeling he had “taken” the “green-horn” businessman, decided he ought to fix up the place. So he painted and fixed up the place, making needed repairs. He would pay for the work when he got the full payment.
A month passed and the gentleman came to take possession. After the deal was complete, from around the bend, there came trucks with bulldozers, track hoes and other earth moving equipment and started uprooting the trees, pushing down the old house and leveling the outbuildings. The farmer stood and looked astonished and asked, “What’s going on? I fixed up this old place to make you proud.” The businessman said, “I did not want it for what it was or for what you could make it. I wanted it for what I can make of it.”
When you come to Christ he doesn’t want you for what you are now or what you used to be or for what you can make yourself become. He wants you for what He can do for you and for what He can make you to become. When you repent and place your faith in Him He gives you the “earnest” of the Holy Spirit to live inside you. Come to Him, just as you are. Let Him make you over.
Friday, January 13, 2017
When We See Jesus
“…And they shall see His face…” (Revelation 22:4)
Christians have for ages longed to see the face of Jesus. We want to behold the face of this One who came into the world as a little baby, who lived a holy sinless life, who was rejected by His own people and who was crucified on a cross.
We want to behold the face whose cheeks were hot with His tears at the tomb of His friend Lazarus. We want to see where they beat Him with open-handed slaps and hit Him with their fists.
Peter tells us in his first epistle, “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory…” (I Peter 1:18)
John, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, in Revelation 21 and 22 is giving us a description of heaven. However, no description of heaven would be complete without seeing the face of Jesus.
In a song are these words: “One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase: so bravely run the race, ‘til we see Him.”
Christians have for ages longed to see the face of Jesus. We want to behold the face of this One who came into the world as a little baby, who lived a holy sinless life, who was rejected by His own people and who was crucified on a cross.
We want to behold the face whose cheeks were hot with His tears at the tomb of His friend Lazarus. We want to see where they beat Him with open-handed slaps and hit Him with their fists.
Peter tells us in his first epistle, “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory…” (I Peter 1:18)
John, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, in Revelation 21 and 22 is giving us a description of heaven. However, no description of heaven would be complete without seeing the face of Jesus.
In a song are these words: “One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase: so bravely run the race, ‘til we see Him.”
Thursday, January 12, 2017
I Believe God
“Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” (Acts 27:25)
The context of our verse is in the midst of a storm on the Mediterranean Sea. Paul the Apostle is one of 276 on board a ship on the way to Rome where Paul was to appear before Caesar. Men feared for their lives. An angel of God appeared to Paul telling him to be of good cheer because he and all on board will reach shore safely.
Here are some observations from this verse and its context:
The context of our verse is in the midst of a storm on the Mediterranean Sea. Paul the Apostle is one of 276 on board a ship on the way to Rome where Paul was to appear before Caesar. Men feared for their lives. An angel of God appeared to Paul telling him to be of good cheer because he and all on board will reach shore safely.
Here are some observations from this verse and its context:
- I believe I belong to God. I am His child and His servant. Verse 23 says, “…God, whose I am, and whom I serve.”
- I believe God’s Word. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
- I believe God will see me through the storms of life. We have the advantage of looking at verse 44, “And so it came to pass that they escaped all safe to land.”
- I believe God will deliver me safe home. (see Acts 28:30)
- One man with faith in God can deliver a boatload, a household, a church, a community, a city or nation.
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
The World’s Greatest Question
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30)
I was told of a young man who asked that question of the pastor of the church where he was attending only to be told, “Son, that’s not a pertinent question.” If that is not a pertinent question what is that man doing in the ministry?
It is a legitimate question. It is universal. It is ageless. It is a question that must be answered. It is a question that has been answered.
Paul and Silas gave that man the right answer to the question saying, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shall be saved.” (Acts 16:31)
I was told of a young man who asked that question of the pastor of the church where he was attending only to be told, “Son, that’s not a pertinent question.” If that is not a pertinent question what is that man doing in the ministry?
It is a legitimate question. It is universal. It is ageless. It is a question that must be answered. It is a question that has been answered.
Paul and Silas gave that man the right answer to the question saying, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shall be saved.” (Acts 16:31)
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
No Tears in Heaven
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
Very seldom is there a funeral in which there are no tears or sorrow. When we visit a nursing home it is common to hear someone calling out for help or just groaning. One expects to find pain in many of the patients in a hospital. Tombstones and cemeteries are constant reminders of death.
All of these things are here on earth. But they are not seen and heard in heaven. They are passed away, thanks to God’s love and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. The empty tomb where Jesus lay is a foretaste of the joys of heaven.
Jesus said to His disciples, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
Trust Him for salvation from hell and for a beautiful eternity in heaven with Him.
Very seldom is there a funeral in which there are no tears or sorrow. When we visit a nursing home it is common to hear someone calling out for help or just groaning. One expects to find pain in many of the patients in a hospital. Tombstones and cemeteries are constant reminders of death.
All of these things are here on earth. But they are not seen and heard in heaven. They are passed away, thanks to God’s love and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. The empty tomb where Jesus lay is a foretaste of the joys of heaven.
Jesus said to His disciples, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
Trust Him for salvation from hell and for a beautiful eternity in heaven with Him.
Monday, January 9, 2017
Ready
“For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.”
(Hebrews 10:37)
Life is swiftly passing and it seems that those many years ago in childhood were just yesterday. When the old country preachers spoke of the second coming of Christ they spoke as though He might return before we could get home from church. That’s the way the subject of the second coming of Christ is to be declared.
Our text says that in a little while He will come again. He is emphatic in His language. He that “SHALL” come will come. Jesus is coming again. But Jesus said that the only one who knows “when” He is coming is God the Father. Our part is to be ready and get as many people ready as we can by declaring the saving gospel of Jesus Christ to them. Patiently work and wait.
He is coming again. Are you ready?
(Hebrews 10:37)
Life is swiftly passing and it seems that those many years ago in childhood were just yesterday. When the old country preachers spoke of the second coming of Christ they spoke as though He might return before we could get home from church. That’s the way the subject of the second coming of Christ is to be declared.
Our text says that in a little while He will come again. He is emphatic in His language. He that “SHALL” come will come. Jesus is coming again. But Jesus said that the only one who knows “when” He is coming is God the Father. Our part is to be ready and get as many people ready as we can by declaring the saving gospel of Jesus Christ to them. Patiently work and wait.
He is coming again. Are you ready?
Sunday, January 8, 2017
The Importance of Church Attendance
“…and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is: but exhorting one another: and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.”(Hebrews 10:24-25)
Much of my childhood was spent living in old houses with a fireplace and a grate. We sat before a good warm fire in the winter time and with no television or electronic gadgets, we watched the fire burn.
A hot, glowing coal of fire would sometimes fall out on the hearth. Soon it was cold to the touch and was neither contributing to the other coals nor were they contributing to it. We would pick it up and place it back on the glowing coals. It would start glowing with the others and contributing to the fire.
Many Christians are forsaking the assembling of themselves with other believers. Consequently they are useless to the kingdom of God, to the church and to themselves. They have become cold. Perhaps they never realized how much they were contributing to the church by their attendance. Probably they never recognized the help they were receiving from the rest of the church.
Christian, you need the rest of the church and they need you. If you have dropped out of your church allow the Lord Jesus to place you back among the “coals.”
Much of my childhood was spent living in old houses with a fireplace and a grate. We sat before a good warm fire in the winter time and with no television or electronic gadgets, we watched the fire burn.
A hot, glowing coal of fire would sometimes fall out on the hearth. Soon it was cold to the touch and was neither contributing to the other coals nor were they contributing to it. We would pick it up and place it back on the glowing coals. It would start glowing with the others and contributing to the fire.
Many Christians are forsaking the assembling of themselves with other believers. Consequently they are useless to the kingdom of God, to the church and to themselves. They have become cold. Perhaps they never realized how much they were contributing to the church by their attendance. Probably they never recognized the help they were receiving from the rest of the church.
Christian, you need the rest of the church and they need you. If you have dropped out of your church allow the Lord Jesus to place you back among the “coals.”
Saturday, January 7, 2017
Safe in Jesus
“…and the Lord shut him in.” (Genesis 7:16)
Noah’s ark is an excellent picture of salvation in Jesus Christ. God told Noah to build the ark because He was sending a flood upon the earth, a flood of judgment.
Noah and his family and two of every kind of “unclean” creature and seven of every kind of “clean” animal were to be on board. Every living thing on the ark survived the flood, and all mankind and living creature not on the ark drowned.
When the last animal was on board and all of Noah’s family were inside, the Bible says, “and the Lord shut him in.” He was not hanging on to a peg outside the ark neither was he treading water beside the ark or following the ark’s example of floating. No; the Lord shut him in.
When we place our faith in Jesus the Savior He “shuts us in.” He is our “Ark of Salvation.” We are safe in Jesus. Praise the Lord.
Noah’s ark is an excellent picture of salvation in Jesus Christ. God told Noah to build the ark because He was sending a flood upon the earth, a flood of judgment.
Noah and his family and two of every kind of “unclean” creature and seven of every kind of “clean” animal were to be on board. Every living thing on the ark survived the flood, and all mankind and living creature not on the ark drowned.
When the last animal was on board and all of Noah’s family were inside, the Bible says, “and the Lord shut him in.” He was not hanging on to a peg outside the ark neither was he treading water beside the ark or following the ark’s example of floating. No; the Lord shut him in.
When we place our faith in Jesus the Savior He “shuts us in.” He is our “Ark of Salvation.” We are safe in Jesus. Praise the Lord.
Friday, January 6, 2017
Prepare for the Inevitable
“…and he died.” (Genesis 5:5,8,11,14,17, 20,27,31)
I have seen a picture of a tombstone with this engraving:
“Dear Friend Remember as you pass by,
As you are now, so once was I.
As I am now, so you shall be;
Prepare for Death, and follow me.”
Throughout the history of man’s existence on earth only two have escaped death. They were Enoch, the father of Methuselah, and Elijah, the prophet of God. Even though Methuselah lived to be 969 years of age, the oldest man that ever lived, he died. The death rate remains at one per capita.
God has prepared us for the inevitable by sending His Son, Jesus to die on the cross for our sins and by raising Him from the grave in resurrection power to give us eternal life.
No Christian on his death bed has ever complained that he trusted Christ as his Savior. If you will receive Him by faith you will be glad you did.
I have seen a picture of a tombstone with this engraving:
“Dear Friend Remember as you pass by,
As you are now, so once was I.
As I am now, so you shall be;
Prepare for Death, and follow me.”
Throughout the history of man’s existence on earth only two have escaped death. They were Enoch, the father of Methuselah, and Elijah, the prophet of God. Even though Methuselah lived to be 969 years of age, the oldest man that ever lived, he died. The death rate remains at one per capita.
God has prepared us for the inevitable by sending His Son, Jesus to die on the cross for our sins and by raising Him from the grave in resurrection power to give us eternal life.
No Christian on his death bed has ever complained that he trusted Christ as his Savior. If you will receive Him by faith you will be glad you did.
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Numbered with the Transgressors
“… because He hath poured out His soul unto death: and He was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors. (Isaiah 53:12)
That Jesus the Son of God would be numbered with transgressors is beyond comprehension. But, it is a fact. When He was born He was given the name, Emmanuel, which means, “God with us.” He was called the “Word.” The Bible says the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. We are the “us.” We are sinners, transgressors. He was numbered with us, the transgressors.
The primary meaning in our text is a reference to Christ going to the cross. All four of the Gospel writers make reference to Jesus being crucified between two thieves. Mark says, “And with Him they crucify two thieves; the one on His right hand, and the other on His left. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’”
It was part of the plan of God that His Son would be crucified between two thieves because the sins of the whole world, including my sins and your sins were upon Him. The Jews and the Romans and all who had part in His crucifixion were treating him as a common transgressor. God was treating Him as the only perfect sacrifice for our sins.
Will you believe on Him and trust Him to be your Savior?
That Jesus the Son of God would be numbered with transgressors is beyond comprehension. But, it is a fact. When He was born He was given the name, Emmanuel, which means, “God with us.” He was called the “Word.” The Bible says the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. We are the “us.” We are sinners, transgressors. He was numbered with us, the transgressors.
The primary meaning in our text is a reference to Christ going to the cross. All four of the Gospel writers make reference to Jesus being crucified between two thieves. Mark says, “And with Him they crucify two thieves; the one on His right hand, and the other on His left. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’”
It was part of the plan of God that His Son would be crucified between two thieves because the sins of the whole world, including my sins and your sins were upon Him. The Jews and the Romans and all who had part in His crucifixion were treating him as a common transgressor. God was treating Him as the only perfect sacrifice for our sins.
Will you believe on Him and trust Him to be your Savior?
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
The Christian’s Intercessor
“…and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:2)
The Patriarch, Job, lamented that in his day and during his difficulties and trials there was not a “daysman betwixt us that might lay His hand upon us both.” (Job 9:33) However, the Christian has such a one today. “It is Christ that died and is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34)
Jesus is our High Priest at the right hand of God. Even when you and I do not realize it, He is making intercession for us.
When Satan, the accuser, goes before God with his accusations against the believer, Jesus is there pleading our case before God. He is the Savior and High Priest whom you can trust to plead your case before God. The picture is that of a court room. God is the Judge of all the earth. Satan is the prosecuting attorney who comes before the Judge with his accusations and true charges against us. We’re helpless unless… Jesus is the Defense Attorney and the Son of the Judge. Jesus holds up His nail pierced hands and pulls back His robe so the spear print in His side may be seen and says to his Father, the Judge, “Yes, Father, he broke the law but I have paid his fine with the nails, the spear and the blood.” “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous…”(I John 2:1) Case closed.
You must first trust Him to be your Savior and Lord before He will be your High Priest. Will you trust Him if you have not?
The Patriarch, Job, lamented that in his day and during his difficulties and trials there was not a “daysman betwixt us that might lay His hand upon us both.” (Job 9:33) However, the Christian has such a one today. “It is Christ that died and is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34)
Jesus is our High Priest at the right hand of God. Even when you and I do not realize it, He is making intercession for us.
When Satan, the accuser, goes before God with his accusations against the believer, Jesus is there pleading our case before God. He is the Savior and High Priest whom you can trust to plead your case before God. The picture is that of a court room. God is the Judge of all the earth. Satan is the prosecuting attorney who comes before the Judge with his accusations and true charges against us. We’re helpless unless… Jesus is the Defense Attorney and the Son of the Judge. Jesus holds up His nail pierced hands and pulls back His robe so the spear print in His side may be seen and says to his Father, the Judge, “Yes, Father, he broke the law but I have paid his fine with the nails, the spear and the blood.” “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous…”(I John 2:1) Case closed.
You must first trust Him to be your Savior and Lord before He will be your High Priest. Will you trust Him if you have not?
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Absent from the Body; Present with the Lord
“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” (II Corinthians 5:8)
Two of my good Christian friends have recently died from cancer. One had known of his cancer for years and had undergone much treatment and over the years had spent much time in hospitals. The other learned of his cancer less that a month before he died.
In sharing God’s word with their survivors it seemed the most comforting truth was our text for today. What could be better than going from this house of clay, this tabernacle or tent, this fleshly body, racked with pain into the very presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.
When my precious parents and later two brothers were struggling with sickness I concluded that I would not want them back here in their sick bodies, ravaged with pain. When Paul the apostle wrote to the Philippian Church he said he had a desire to depart and to be with Christ.
Before one can make such a statement they should be sure they know the Lord as Savior. Do you know the Lord?
Two of my good Christian friends have recently died from cancer. One had known of his cancer for years and had undergone much treatment and over the years had spent much time in hospitals. The other learned of his cancer less that a month before he died.
In sharing God’s word with their survivors it seemed the most comforting truth was our text for today. What could be better than going from this house of clay, this tabernacle or tent, this fleshly body, racked with pain into the very presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.
When my precious parents and later two brothers were struggling with sickness I concluded that I would not want them back here in their sick bodies, ravaged with pain. When Paul the apostle wrote to the Philippian Church he said he had a desire to depart and to be with Christ.
Before one can make such a statement they should be sure they know the Lord as Savior. Do you know the Lord?
Monday, January 2, 2017
From Useless to Useful by the Hand of God
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
The great Apostle Paul declared that before he was saved he was a blasphemer, a persecutor and injurious. He did what he could against Christ and His followers. He gave his approval for Stephen to be stoned to death. Stephen became the first Christian martyr. Paul called himself the chiefest of sinners. When the Lord saved him on the Damascus road He changed him.
When we are saved we are the “workmanship” of Christ Jesus. The idea is that of a skilled craftsman who has taken a pile of junk and made a thing of beauty and usefulness from it.
The late, John Philips, in his Commentary Series on Ephesians and Philippians said, “Good works are part of God’s plan. They are not the price of salvation, but the proof of salvation. The believer is not saved as a result of good works; good works are the result of salvation. They are the result of God’s working in the believer’s heart. They are the evidence that he is alive from the dead.”
If you have not done so, will you allow the Master Craftsman to make you over into a useful servant of Christ?
The great Apostle Paul declared that before he was saved he was a blasphemer, a persecutor and injurious. He did what he could against Christ and His followers. He gave his approval for Stephen to be stoned to death. Stephen became the first Christian martyr. Paul called himself the chiefest of sinners. When the Lord saved him on the Damascus road He changed him.
When we are saved we are the “workmanship” of Christ Jesus. The idea is that of a skilled craftsman who has taken a pile of junk and made a thing of beauty and usefulness from it.
The late, John Philips, in his Commentary Series on Ephesians and Philippians said, “Good works are part of God’s plan. They are not the price of salvation, but the proof of salvation. The believer is not saved as a result of good works; good works are the result of salvation. They are the result of God’s working in the believer’s heart. They are the evidence that he is alive from the dead.”
If you have not done so, will you allow the Master Craftsman to make you over into a useful servant of Christ?
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Trophies of God’s Grace
“…that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:7)
Schools often have trophy cases in which are kept the trophies of athletic and sports victories. Future generations of students see those trophies and determine to excel in their sports activities. Past generations see and remember the winning of those trophies with great pride.
Sinners who have been saved from a life of drunkenness, drugs, adultery, theft, lying, lostness, hopelessness and a host of unmentionable sins were saved and changed by the grace of God. In heaven we shall be the “trophies of God’s grace.”
In the ages (plural) to come when we are in the presence of the Lord and someone looks at us they will see a trophy of His grace, not one who deserved to be in heaven. If we could look at ourselves in a mirror when we get to heaven we would see, not our good works and deeds, but a trophy of God’s grace.
Schools often have trophy cases in which are kept the trophies of athletic and sports victories. Future generations of students see those trophies and determine to excel in their sports activities. Past generations see and remember the winning of those trophies with great pride.
Sinners who have been saved from a life of drunkenness, drugs, adultery, theft, lying, lostness, hopelessness and a host of unmentionable sins were saved and changed by the grace of God. In heaven we shall be the “trophies of God’s grace.”
In the ages (plural) to come when we are in the presence of the Lord and someone looks at us they will see a trophy of His grace, not one who deserved to be in heaven. If we could look at ourselves in a mirror when we get to heaven we would see, not our good works and deeds, but a trophy of God’s grace.
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