CareLines: Volume 5

This doesn’t take much explanation, does it? I have worked with people who are like this. They brag up a storm about how good they are at something when, in fact, they are not good at all. Christians who pretend to be gifted in a certain area when they really aren’t are just like our verse says. They are all show. Be real, young believer. Don’t say you have something that you don’t have. Don’t try to be something that you are not. God wants reality in a world that covers up everything with a false exterior.

Worship

MAT 15:25

Then came she and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, help me.

Matthew 15:25

This lady had a daughter who was possessed with a demon. The distraught mother came to Jesus for help. But before she asked for help she owned Him as Lord. We see her here in our verse in a state of worship. That means that she recognized Jesus for who He was and gave Him His rightful place. Today let’s give the Lord the place that He deserves - the highest place -and spend some time in true worship of the One who gave Himself for us on Calvary’s cross.

Hospitality

GEN 18:8

And [Abraham] took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them . . . and they did eat.

Genesis 18:8

Abraham had some unexpected (and unannounced) visitors. As quickly as he could, he killed and prepared a calf, and he got Sarah to make some rolls. He put a good meal together and gave it to the angelic visitors. Four times in three verses words like “hasted” and “quickly” are used. It’s good to be hospitable - even though it may be much more convenient not to be. As it says in the New Testament, “For thereby many have entertained angels unawares.”

Walk

ROM 13:13

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness.

Romans 13:13

One of the noticeable news items when our local university starts up every fall is the number of teenagers arrested for underage drinking of alcohol. I worked with a young lady who was often “sick” on Mondays because of her incredible drunkenness over the weekend. This is the way of the world. Christians must stay away from it and “walk decently,” being a good example to others.

Creation

ECC 8:17

Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 8:17

People will never find out all the marvels of creation. Every time you read of the characteristics of some animal or plant, or study how various organs of the human body work, any thinking person has to admit that this world and everything in it was created. It did not get here by chance or by accident. No cosmic explosion caused the world to come into being. It was made - down to its incredible, minutest detail.

Old Nature

EPH 4:22

Put off concerning the former [way of life] the old man, which is corrupt.

Ephesians 4:22

A Christian has a war going on inside him all the time. The old nature is constantly battling the new. We are exhorted in this verse to continually practice keeping the old nature under control. And it is SO hard to do. Why? Because the old nature is corrupt. It can do nothing to please God. In fact, it takes us away from Him. We must keep our old nature down so that the new nature will guide and control us. John says in his letter that the new nature CANNOT sin. Which nature would you rather have dominate your life, one that is corrupt or one that cannot do wrong?

Helping the Weak

ROM 15:1

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Romans 15:1

What this verse is saying is that I don’t overpower the conscience of another Christian by forcing my convictions on him. God holds us individually responsible for what we allow in our lives. We should help those that are weak in the faith - not beat them into submission.

Witness

LUK 23:41

This man hath done nothing amiss.

Luke 23:41

What a wonderful witness about the Lord Jesus. As He was hanging on the cross at Calvary, one of the last witnesses said of Him that He had not done anything wrong. Yes, Jesus, God’s only Son, never sinned. He had lived a perfect life, at the end of which He was subjected to terrible torture from the Roman soldiers. Then He was punished by God for our sins in three hours of darkness on the cross. And yet He had never done anything amiss. This is the wonderful story of God, whose love toward us is beyond our comprehension. Do you belong to Him?

Song

REV 5:9

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy.

Revelation 5:9

The millions in heaven will be praising the Lord because of Calvary. “Thou art worthy” will be the eternal theme of the new song in which we will join. He is worthy of praise, worship, honor, power, and anything else that can be given to Him because He was willing to die to put away our sins. We have a wonderful future and a wonderful Savior. Today is a good day to praise Him for what He has done for us.

Preaching

MAT 28:19

Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all nations.

Matthew 28:19 N.K.J.V

This is an instruction to the Lord’s disciples. Their mission was to preach. Preaching is individual work. Often it has been assumed that the assembly preaches the gospel, but the New Testament indicates that gospel work is an individual responsibility. The Lord has given the gift of evangelizing to some and not to others. If you feel that you have that gift, use it -for the Lord’s glory and for the blessing of those that receive the message.

Offending

ROM 14:21

It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

Romans 14:21

We should always be careful of what we do or allow in our lives, if it will cause another Christian to be turned aside from the path. You may be able, with a completely clear conscience, to do something that could be the spiritual ruin of another believer. Consider the effect of what you are about to do on others BEFORE you go ahead. If it will be harmful, don’t do it.

Need

LUK 19:34

And they said, The Lord hath need of him.

Luke 19:34

He wasn’t much. In fact, he wasn’t even full grown. He had never been sat on. He wasn’t trained or broken. But the Lord needed him. He was just a young donkey tied to a post. But the Lord needed him. You may be young, untrained, unskilled, and unknowledgeable in the doctrines of Scripture. But the Lord needs you. He needs you to be willing for Him to use you, to teach you, and to fit you for His service. Are you willing to be used by the Master?

Gift

1PE 4:10

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same to one another.

1 Peter 4:10

God does not expect us to go beyond our level of ability. But whatever gift He has given, He expects us to serve Him, using that gift. If you have been given the “gift” of one-on-one witnessing, do it on a one-on-one level; don’t get up before a great crowd and maybe make a fool of yourself. You have the ability to visit the elderly or sick? Use it and don’t overreach to try and be something that God has not fitted you for. Your gift may grow into something else in time. But for now do just what the Lord has made you good at.

Caring

GAL 6:2

Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

In Isaiah 53 we read in verse 4: “He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.” Jesus bears our burdens. Peter puts it this way: “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” As a Christian, I should be willing and available to help carry other people’s burdens. A broad shoulder, a listening ear, a sympathetic heart will help another person who perhaps has not learned how to leave it all with Jesus. You can help them make it through another day. Be a caring person.

Conquerors

ROM 8:37

In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.

Romans 8:37

What things is the Apostle talking about? Tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, sword. If we can learn to cast ALL our cares on Him, then through His strength in us we can be not only conquerors, but more than conquerors. We can be happy, smiling Christians with a great outlook on life even though we have passed through severe testings. Smile - God really does love you!

No Fault

LUK 23:14

I . . . have found no fault in this man.

Luke 23:14

Pilate had questioned the Lord and he had come to one conclusion - there was not a fault to be found. Jesus could not and therefore did not sin. Pilate was incapable of finding any fault because Jesus was perfect. The religious leaders of the day trumped up a charge against the Lord in order to get rid of Him. But in actual fact, as stated by one of the thieves at Calvary, “This man hath done nothing amiss.” Hallelujah! We have a perfect Savior.

Face to Face

1CO 13:12

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face.

1 Corinthians 13:12 N.K.J.V

At best we are but a dim reflection of Christ. So many things spoil our testimony and our walk for Him. Sin comes so easily. But one day, soon to come, we will be a perfect, brilliant reflection of the Lord because “we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2). So look up, young Christian friend. Soon we shall be perfect - just as He is perfect - when we see Him in heaven.

As for Me

JOS 24:15

But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Joshua 24:15

This was a tremendous decision of Joshua’s. He had seen both sides of life - that lived away from the Lord, and that lived following the Lord. And he chose to dedicate his life in service for God. He made the commitment for his family too. As you mature and perhaps get married and have a family, our prayer is that you too will take sides with the Lord and live for Him.

As for Me

PSA 73:2

But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well-nigh slipped.

Psalm 73:2

Why? What brought this situation to the psalm writer? He was looking at the prosperity and success of the world and comparing it to the apparent lack of success and poverty of the righteous. But when he got into God’s presence and thought about everything in relation to eternity, he realized that wealth and success in this life but an eternity in hell were nothing to be jealous about after all. Then he found peace.

As for Me

PSA 5:7

But as for me, I will come into Thy house . . . in Thy fear will I worship.

Psalm 5:7

David made a decision to go into the house of God to worship Him. It wasn’t habit but a heart responding to the goodness of God. When we get into the Lord’s presence, is it because of habit or because we consciously want to? The Lord doesn’t want puppets as followers, but people who love Him because of His love and who want to be where He is. To worship is a choice.

As for Me

PSA 17:15

As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness.

Psalm 17:15

David had a remarkable sense of spending eternity with the Lord. In this verse David says that one day he would be like the Lord. The Apostle John says the same thing in 1 John 3:2: “We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” Do we enjoy the knowledge that we shall be with the Lord, we shall see Him, and we shall be like Him for all eternity?

As for God

PSA 18:30

As for God, His way is perfect.

Psalm 18:30

Peace comes from recognizing and acknowledging that no matter what happens in our life, God has allowed it and His way is perfect. He knows best. He knows the end from the beginning and doesn’t allow anything in our life except what is for our good and blessing. God never loses control. His way is perfect.

Praise

REV 5:12

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.

Revelation 5:12

What is it that the Lamb is so worthy of?

POWER, RICHES,

WISDOM, STRENGTH,

HONOR, GLORY & BLESSING.

He died for our sins in order to get us into heaven. Let’s spend some time praising our Savior today.

Gift

1CO 14:12

Even so ye . . . seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

1 Corinthians 14:12

The Corinthian saints were very gifted in many areas. But the Apostle reminds them that edifying the members of the body of Christ is most important. We should never want a spiritual gift (whether it be public speaking, faith, knowledge, whatever) unless it is going to be used to encourage and build up the Church or to reach the unsaved. If it is used to bring glory to myself, I will lose a great reward.

Ability

1PE 4:11

If any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth.

1 Peter 4:11

God gives gifts and abilities. He fits us with what He needs to get His work done. Those abilities may overflow into our daily responsibilities too, but mainly they are given for the benefit of the body of Christ. One great lesson to learn is not to overstep our God-given ability and get into an area for which we are not suited. Use what you have as God has given it. He may expand your field of service in the future, but in the mean time be content.

Follow

MAT 19:21-22

Jesus said . . . Come and follow Me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Matthew 19:21, 22

What an unhappy person he must have been. He heard an invitation from the Lord Jesus to follow Him, and then he turned away because he didn’t want to give up his earthly wealth. When Matthew was called by Jesus, he left everything to follow Him. Young Christian, beware of worldly possessions. They can draw you away from the Lord. The attraction of possessions is very subtle and very strong. Follow the Lord Jesus. A great future lies ahead for you.

Good Warfare

1TI 1:18

This charge I commit unto thee . . . that thou . . . mightest war a GOOD WARFARE.

1 Timothy 1:18

All Christians are fighting in a war. It’s a war that will never stop until we reach heaven. The Apostle Paul is encouraging Timothy, a younger person, to war a good warfare. And our desire for each of you is that you will win the personal fights over Satan and his angels that occur on a daily basis in your walk for and with the Lord. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Keep fighting, young Christian, our war is almost over.

Good Conscience

1TI 1:19

Holding faith, and a GOOD CONSCIENCE; which some having put away, concerning faith have made shipwreck.

1 Timothy 1:19

One of the important things in the Christian warfare is to maintain a good conscience. Never let anything come between you and the Lord (and if it does, confess it right away). Perhaps one of the secrets to maintaining a good conscience is to hold the faith. Keep your feet on the Rock and don’t deny the truths of Scripture. Shipwreck is sure to follow if you give up on Jesus.

Good Works

1TI 2:9-10

Women adorn themselves . . . with GOOD WORKS.

1 Timothy 2:9, 10

A kindness, a whispered word of encouragement, a postcard to a friend far away, a visit to someone who is sick, listening to another young person who is in trouble, sharing in the sorrow of one whose heart is breaking - these are some of the things that you, Christian women, can do in your labor of good works. Our verse says that they are to “adorn themselves.” That means that your good works are a part of your daily wardrobe. You are this way all the time. Others will be able to see Christ in you if you live this verse.

Good Behavior

1TI 3:2

A bishop then must be . . . of GOOD BEHAVIOR.

1 Timothy 3:2

A bishop is an overseer, one who watches over those in the assembly and cares for their spiritual needs. In 1 Timothy 3:2-7 we get the Scriptural qualifications needed for the position of oversight in the Church. One of the necessary requirements is that they must be of good behavior. Think about it.

Good Report

1TI 3:7

Moreover [a bishop] must have a GOOD REPORT of them which are without.

1 Timothy 3:7

In order to qualify for a bishop’s position, unsaved people must be able to say nothing but good things about this person’s character and behavior. Put this together with the verse we considered yesterday and what does Scripture teach us? In order to serve in the Church in this special capacity, a man must have the respect of Christians and non-Christians alike. He must act the same before Christians as he does before the world and vice versa.

Good Degree

1TI 3:13

For they that have used the office of a deacon [servant] well purchase to themselves a GOOD DEGREE.

1 Timothy 3:13

One of the greatest “positions” in the Church is that of a servant. Jesus said that he that is greatest is servant of all. We like to think that we are great when we are in the public eye, but God looks at things differently. Be a servant. You’ll earn a good degree in heaven.

Good Minister

1TI 4:6

If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a GOOD MINISTER of Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 4:6

Ministry is important. One of the duties that Timothy was told to do was to remind the saints that there would be those who would leave the truth and start to teach doctrine contrary to the Scriptures. This warning, done in faithfulness, would make Timothy a good minister. Are you a good minister? Am I? Reminding others of spiritual dangers will put us in this category.

Good Doctrine

1TI 4:6

Thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of GOOD DOCTRINE.

1 Timothy 4:6

Good doctrine is that which is according to Scripture. We can get into the habit of teaching one-sided truth because that pleases the audience better. But God is faithful and tells us both sides of the picture in His Word. Let’s get into the habit of teaching good doctrine. Don’t forget, though, that before you can teach it you must learn it!

Good Fight

1TI 6:12

Fight the GOOD FIGHT of faith.

1 Timothy 6:12

The Apostle Paul, reflecting on his Christian life, could say, “I have fought a good fight.” Now he is encouraging Timothy to do the same. And I am encouraging you, young believer, to copy this. We began this series of “GOOD” things with a message about a good warfare. While you fight, fight fairly and with everything you’ve got.

Good Profession

1TI 6:12

Thou . . . hast professed a GOOD PROFESSION before many witnesses.

1 Timothy 6:12

The word “profession” is the same as “confession” in verse 13. Timothy had made a good confession before many witnesses. Confessing the Lord publicly is very hard for many. I find it extremely difficult. But Timothy had this as a commendation of him as a Christian. May the Lord help us individually to not be afraid to confess Him before others.

Good Confession

1TI 6:13

Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a GOOD CONFESSION.

1 Timothy 6:13

The funny thing is that the Lord said very little when He was questioned by Pilate. I wonder if some of His confession was that He accepted the cruel treatment from the soldiers without making a sound. He never fought back. That surely impressed itself on Pilate. And when He did speak, He witnessed to the absolute truth as to who He was and who His Father was. Jesus is our pattern so that we too will witness, by our lives and our tongues, a good confession.

Good Works

1TI 6:17-18

Charge them that are rich in this world . . . that they be rich in GOOD WORKS.

1 Timothy 6:17, 18

It’s fine to be rich financially. But the Scripture tells us that we need to be rich in good works too. The New Testament has a surprising number of exhortations on doing good works. Our way of life today is so busy that we often don’t have time to show kindness to others. If the Lord has given you lots of material things, don’t neglect your responsibilities to be a help to others who are in need.

Good Foundation

1TI 6:19

Laying up in store for themselves a GOOD FOUNDATION against the time to come.

1 Timothy 6:19

We are trained from childhood to “save for a rainy day,” as my mother used to say. In other words, if we have some spare cash, put a little away for the future when we might not have any. We need to do the same in spiritual things. To lay up treasures in heaven we need to give ourselves for the benefit of others. Here is what is required: we need to do good, be rich in good works, generous, and willing to share material things with others. These things will help build a good foundation for our future.

Good Soldier

2TI 2:3

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a GOOD SOLDIER of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2:3

Once again the Apostle is bringing war language into his instruction to Timothy. We have to be strong, to endure hardship. The battle is not easy, and it is long. We will be in it all the way to heaven. The Christian’s life is not promised to be easy. On the contrary, we know ahead of time that things will be tough. But continue in the path, my young friend. The end is in sight. Jesus is coming. And then the troubles and difficulties of this life will be over. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

Friendship

PRO 27:17

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Proverbs 27:17

Fellowship (or contact) with other Christians is a very important aspect of the Christian life. It keeps us well-rounded. Just as when two pieces of rusty metal are rubbed together, the contact surface becomes clean and shiny and smooth, so it is with Christian fellowship. A recluse is a very lopsided person. Never shut yourself away in seclusion, but cherish contact with other believers to help rub off the rough spots in your personality and viewpoint.

Reward

2JO 8

Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

2 John 8

The Apostle John is warning here of the danger of getting off the path of the New Testament teachings, either because we listen to false teachers or because we encourage the promotion of false teaching by being hospitable to those that teach it. Let’s remember to keep our eye on the goal and on the Lord Jesus. There are many deceivers in the world that are attracting millions through their subtle teachings. Beware that you don’t lose your hard-earned reward.

Foundation

LUK 6:48

That house . . . was founded upon a rock.

Luke 6:48

Unless our soul’s foundation is on the solid Rock, the Lord Jesus Christ, then the storms of life that beat on us and buffet us will weaken us to the point of collapse. Satan’s attacks on the people in our world are merciless. He pours out every temptation and wickedness that he can invent and bombards us with them all the time. Make sure your feet are firmly planted on the Lord Jesus. He can never fail and He will uphold all those that trust in Him.

Worship

MAT 2:11

They saw the young child . . . and fell down, and worshipped Him.

Matthew 2:11

Wise men had travelled a long way to find out where “the King of the Jews” had been born. They made diligent search, and when they had found Him, they worshipped. They bowed in the presence of, not just the King of the Jews, but the King of kings, the Son of the living God. We too should feel the awesomeness of being in His presence when we remember Him in His death at Calvary.

The Love of God

ROM 8:39

The love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:39

The love of God has a firm foundation: Jesus, God’s only Son. He died because of His love for us. And now nothing is able to separate us from God’s love for us. There is absolute security in trusting in Jesus. All the forces of nature cannot separate us from the love of God. We may not always enjoy that love but we can’t be broken loose from it. God’s love for you is TOTAL and ALWAYS.

Fornication

COL 3:5

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication.

Colossians 3:5

Fornication heads the list of things that should be abstained from. This is God’s requirement. We can see today, with the spread of infectious diseases like AIDS, that abstinence from fornication is the only preventative. God established the physical relationship between husband and wife as something very special. Fornication spoils this and brings dishonor to God. So, in our world of total freedom and promiscuity, be strong and say “No” to fornication.

Uncleanness

COL 3:5

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth . . . uncleanness.

Colossians 3:5

Many of the jokes on a lot of the TV shows and movies and those made by stand-up comedians have a sexual undertone. The language of many, especially teenagers, is filthy. As a Christian, I need to put to death (that’s what “mortify” means) my unclean thoughts, words and actions, and show by my speech and behavior that I really do belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s be clean Christians.

Vile Passion

COL 3:5

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth . . . inordinate affection.

Colossians 3:5

Inordinate affection is vile passion. Once again, the level of the world’s standard may be practiced by the Christian unless he is diligent before the Lord to keep vile passion in the place of death. The Old Testament states that our heart is “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” That’s our old nature. Once we become saved, we have a new nature that is the complete opposite. Let’s keep our vile passions down and let God’s pure love show instead.

Evil Lust

COL 3:5

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth . . . evil concupiscence.

Colossians 3:5

Concupiscence is a big word that’s not really used any more. It means lust. The dictionary defines it as “the desire for worldly things.” Add the word “evil” to it and you have the desire for evil, worldly things. Pornography is on the increase and is ensnaring many in its evil grasp. Beware of the sexual evils of the world and keep your desire for them in the place of death.

Unbridled Desire

COL 3:5

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth . . . covetousness.

Colossians 3:5

I went coveting over the new 1994 cars the other day. Sadly, my bank account isn’t big enough to afford one. So all I could do was look and wish. But coveting has got this country into a desperate financial situation. God calls covetousness idolatry - the thing that God hates most of all. Covetousness is really unbridled desire. This is what we have to control and keep locked up. The Old Testament says not to covet your neighbor’s house, wife, servant, or anything that is your neighbor’s.

Worship

1CH 29:14

But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort?

1 Chronicles 29:14

Israel’s king David had just received an abundance of gifts to be used in the building of the temple. He was so overcome with a sense of awe that God would allow him to put all this together that he burst forth in praise and worship of the Lord. Then he recognizes his own nothingness in the sight of God. We must always remember who the Lord is and never treat Him in a disrespectful way. Yes, He is our Friend if we have put our trust in Him as our Savior. But He is still our God and we must never forget that. When we approach the Lord in worship, we must come with reverence.

Weeping

LUK 19:41

And when He was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it.

Luke 19:41

In this verse we get a close-up view of the heart of the Lord. He looked out over the holy city Jerusalem and wept. He wept at the cold indifference and unbelief of His own people. He wept because there was no holiness there, just an outward show. He wept because as God He knew what the future held for His earthly people, and terrible times lay ahead. He wept because He knew that they did not know who He was and that they would eventually totally reject Him. We have a Savior who knows what rejection is like. He wept because of it.

Weeping

JOH 11:35

Jesus wept.

John 11:35

A short verse but full of lessons. Here we get another glimpse of the humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ. One of His closest friends had died. Jesus wept. What a sympathetic heart the Lord Jesus has. He understands when you sorrow because a loved one dies. He knows what you are going through when life gets tough and you don’t know how to cope. He cares about you in a very real way. He is touched by the feeling of your infirmity, and He loves you.

Tears

HEB 5:7

Who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers . . . with . . . tears.

Hebrews 5:7

Jesus was a man in the real sense of the word. He wasn’t protected from suffering and death and sorrow and the things about this life that we don’t like. No, He went through them just like we have to, only without sin. And when Calvary loomed up ahead He shrank back and with tears cried to God to save Him from it. He went through with it, of course, because He was totally obedient to His Father. But through the experience He learned the cost of obedience. Now He can sympathize with us when we cannot hold back tears, but have to let them fall.

Tears

HEB 12:17

Afterward . . . [Esau] found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Hebrews 12:17

Here is an entirely different type of person who shed tears, but it didn’t do any good. Esau had sold his birthright (this included all his privileges as the firstborn son), and later he wanted to undo the damage he had done. He had despised that which was rightfully his and exchanged it for something of far less value. No amount of tears could help him then. This is the end of all who reject Christ in this life. No amount of tears and pleading will get anyone out of the lake of fire. You only have this life to make a decision for Jesus. Make sure you accept Him while you still have an opportunity.

Confession

PSA 32:5

I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid.

Psalm 32:5

David practiced keeping short accounts with God. He never tried to hide any wrongdoing but confessed it to the Lord as soon as he realized that he had sinned. This is the way we keep communion with the Lord too. A sin will break that fellowship because God cannot look upon sin. But when “we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Practice this - it makes for a happier Christian life.

Lot

2PE 2:8

For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds.

2 Peter 2:8

You’d never know it from reading the story of Lot in Genesis, but God records twice in this verse that Lot was righteous. Lot was extremely vexed about all the sinful practices going on around him, although he was apparently part of Sodom’s political system. Lot will be in heaven even though his outward life showed otherwise. Don’t be like Lot and hide your light. Let it shine in a world that is fast becoming just like it was in Lot’s day.

Suffering

PSA 88:7

Thy wrath lieth hard upon Me, and Thou hast afflicted Me with all Thy waves.

Psalm 88:7

David wrote a remarkable amount that can be applied to the Lord. It seems to involve David’s personal experiences and yet in it we get the Lord’s feelings as He suffered at the hand of God on account of our sins. God’s waves of judgment passed over the Lord for three hours on the cross where He was punished for our sins. And the Lord Jesus felt every stroke. “ALL Thy waves,” it says here. God’s wrath against sin was fully vented on His Son. We will never have to feel the wrath of God, because the Lord bore it. Instead, we will enjoy God’s love forever.

Compassion

MAT 20:34

So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes.

Matthew 20:34

Jesus was a wonderfully compassionate person. Sickness and suffering were on every side and so many times we see the Lord reach out to those in need and meet that need with a heart of genuine love for His people. Leprosy, blindness, lameness and even death were not an obstacle to the Lord. He could heal them all. And He did it with compassion. What a wonderful Savior we have.

Name

REV 19:16

And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Revelation 19:16

What a sight! The Lord Jesus coming out of heaven leading His armies to establish His long-awaited kingdom on earth. This coming will be in power and great glory and will be witnessed by those on the earth at that time. Too late then to repent. The King of kings will be here to reign in righteousness. Will you see Him come, or will you be with Him when He comes?

Name

PHI 2:9

Wherefore God also hath . . . given Him a name which is above every name.

Philippians 2:9

God has already given His Son a name which is above every name. The name of Jesus is a wonderful name to those of us who know Him as Savior. Those who despise His name will someday be forced to bow to Him and acknowledge Him as Lord. We pray that each of you who read this calendar already own Jesus as your Lord.

Getting Along

PHI 4:2

I beseech ____________, and beseech ____________, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

Philippians 4:2

Imagine this sentence being in a letter that came to the assembly you go to. The letter is read in front of everyone. Suddenly you hear your name mentioned along with the name of someone else in the assembly with whom you have not been getting along lately. It would make you sit up and listen, wouldn’t it? That’s exactly what happened in the church in Philippi. Euodias and Syntyche were admonished publicly by the Apostle Paul to get along. I wonder if they stopped quarrelling? Let’s learn to get along.

Message

JER 37:17

Zedekiah the king sent . . . and . . . asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there any word from the Lord? And Jeremiah said, There is.

Jeremiah 37:17

Jeremiah had been falsely accused and thrown into a dungeon by those who didn’t want to hear what God had to say to them through the prophet. After a long time the king called for him and in a secret meeting asked if there was a message from the Lord. Jeremiah immediately told what would happen. This is just a little lesson that the true servant of God does not need to get down when things go wrong. Instead, maintain communion with the Lord and always be ready to speak His word in faithfulness.

Grace

RUT 2:8-9

Abide here . . . go thou after them . . . drink of that which the young men have drawn.

Ruth 2:8, 9

Read the complete verses here. This is a beautiful example of grace. Ruth even asked Boaz why he was showing grace to her when she was a Gentile. Boaz had heard about Ruth and everything she had done for her widowed mother-in-law and so was rewarding her for her kindness. The wonderful thing about God’s grace is that He shows it even when we have done nothing to deserve it. That’s because God is love.

Death

MAT 27:50

Jesus, when He had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

Matthew 27:50

Jesus was in full control. He didn’t have His life slowly squeezed from Him, but He voluntarily gave it up. He had told His disciples, “I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.” This is just another proof that He was God. And because He wanted you and me to be with Him in heaven, He willingly laid down His life so that, believing, we could go free.

Laborers

PHI 4:3

Those women which labored with me . . . with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers.

Philippians 4:3

Paul had lots of company in his work for the Lord and he makes a special mention here of some of them. He never says what they did but apparently there was work to be done in the gospel and there were sisters who were willing to do it. This is to encourage sisters to work for the Lord. It may be in conjunction with a brother, but if there is a need for you to fill - fill it. There is reward for everything that is done for the Lord.

Your Heart

PRO 23:26

My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

Proverbs 23:26

How often we want to give our heart to having fun, or getting better at sports, or improving our education. The Lord wants our heart more than anything. Where will you permit your affection to rest? On the One who loved you and gave Himself for you, or on the things that last only for a short time?

Loving the World

2TI 4:10

Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world.

2 Timothy 4:10

We talked yesterday of a perfect heart. Today we see another heart, this one still busy loving the things of this world. Demas’s old nature got the best of him and he left Paul for his own interests. We must be on constant alert that Satan doesn’t seduce us away from Christ. Be on guard, young Christian. Satan wants you. Stick close to Jesus. It’s the only safe place to be.

“Friends”

PSA 35:13-15

But as for me, when they were sick . . . I behaved myself as a . . . friend. . . . But in mine adversity they rejoiced.

Psalm 35:13-15

David had shown kindness to others in their troubles. But when he ran into troubles, those he had shown kindness to rejoiced over his calamity. The friendship of the world is fickle at best. The prodigal son in Luke 15 had lots of “friends” as long as his money lasted. But when it was gone, so were they. “No man gave to him.” Make the Lord your trust and don’t expect repaid kindness from others. Be careful who your friends are.

Safety

PSA 4:8

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8

David had peace when he slept because he knew the Lord was with him. Sometimes I have a hard time appreciating the value of this verse. May the Lord help us each to trust Him and have the confidence that while we sleep we are safe in His hands.

Prayer

MAT 6:6

When thou prayest, enter into thy closet.

Matthew 6:6

God doesn’t like show-offs. He cherishes those quiet moments of private prayer by His own. Access to the Lord is available anytime, any place, to anyone who wants to talk to Him. Spend time with the Lord every day - in private with the door closed. It’s just between you and Him.

Worship

1CH 29:20

All the congregation . . . bowed down their heads, and worshipped the Lord.

1 Chronicles 29:20

Solomon had just been crowned king of Israel. There was great rejoicing. David led his people in a time of thanksgiving and worship. Today the King of kings is worthy of our worship because of Calvary. Jesus died in order to set us free. Let’s worship Him today as we remember what it cost Him to save us.

Service

1CH 29:5

Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?

1 Chronicles 29:5

This is quite a question, isn’t it? Are you willing to give yourself to the Lord in service? That’s what He wants. He gave Himself for us. Now He wants us to give ourselves back to Him, first to worship, then to serve.

Samson Looked

JUD 14:1-3

Samson . . . saw a woman in Tim-nath. . . . She pleaseth me well.

Judges 14:1, 3

Samson looked at a woman and wanted her for himself. Samson was a special servant of God but he had a major problem - he kept falling in love with worldly women and it finally got him into a lot of trouble. Be careful who you look at, young brother, young sister. Keep your eyes for the one whom God has for you - someone who is also a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Samson Lusted

JUD 16:1

Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there a harlot, and went in unto her.

Judges 16:1

Yesterday we saw Samson looking at a woman who was not Jewish. Now Samson lusts after a prostitute. The townspeople knew he was with her and planned to kill him in the morning (he was their bitter enemy). Samson escaped, we know, but there’s a lesson here that is explained in the letter by the Apostle James: “When lust has conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin when it is finished brings forth death.” An immoral life-style is contrary to God and will eventually lead to absolute ruin. Live a pure life. Don’t be like Samson.

Samson Loved

JUD 16:4

Afterward . . . [Samson] loved a woman . . . whose name was Delilah.

Judges 16:4

Finally, Samson falls in love with another worldly woman who was the cause of his downfall. Samson told her the secret of his strength. She told the secret to the Philistines who captured Samson, put out his eyes, and made him their slave. Samson finally dies, a blind man. He looked, he lusted, he loved women of the world, and he lost his life because of it. Be warned.

Delight

PSA 16:3

The saints that are in the earth . . . in whom is all My delight.

Psalm 16:3

The Lord delights in His people. He died to save us and now He gets pleasure out of being our Lord and Savior. This should make us want to be careful in what we do so that we don’t displease our Lord Jesus.

Delight

PRO 8:31

My delights were with the sons of men.

Proverbs 8:31

The Lord Jesus created the world and all its wonder, beauty and majesty. And yet His heart of love showered affection on mankind - fallen and sinful. How wonderful that we have a Creator who loves us. Let us not spurn that love.

Suffering

PSA 88:6

Thou hast laid Me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.

Psalm 88:6

Jesus had a real struggle in the face of Calvary. But His deepest hour of need was when God turned His back for three hours. In total, unnatural darkness - for it was the middle of the day - Jesus suffered untold agony at the hand of God as He willingly bore our sins and was punished for them. He really felt that He was in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. What a Savior we have. Let’s thank Him today for what He has done for us.

False Works

MAT 23:5

But all their works they do for to be seen of men.

Matthew 23:5

The Lord had a stern rebuke for those who pretended to be religious just to win the praise of men. The Pharisees were that class of people. Jesus said that all their works were done for men to see. They weren’t doing them to please God. Let us, as Christians, be very careful that we don’t fall into the same trap.

Prayer

PSA 5:3

My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord.

Psalm 5:3

I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish that I didn’t have time to pray.
Problems just tumbled about me, and heavier came each task.
“Why doesn’t God help me?” I wondered. He answered, “You didn’t ask.”
I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on, gray and bleak;
I wondered why God didn’t show me. He said, “You didn’t seek.”
In the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.
I tried to come into God’s presence; I used all my keys at the lock;
God gently and lovingly chided, “My child, you didn’t knock.”
I woke up early this morning, and paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish that I HAD to take time to pray.

[Author unknown]

God Hears

EXO 6:5

I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel.

Exodus 6:5

Yes, God’s ear is opened to the cry of His own. Do you belong to Jesus? Have you accepted Him as your Lord and Savior? Then have no fear - God hears even your groanings. When things get tough and you can’t even pray properly, a groan from a broken heart will be heard in heaven. God really does care for us.

Conversation

PSA 35:28

And my tongue shall speak of Thy righteousness and of Thy praise all the day long.

Psalm 35:28

How the Lord loves to hear His people praise Him. Even in our conversation during the day we must speak well of Christ. David’s heart overflowed in praise to the Lord. He wrote a lot of it down in the Psalms. Let us never forget to praise God for His love and mercy and kindness towards us.

Encouragement

MAT 24:45

Give them meat in due season.

Matthew 24:45

After we are saved, God has a couple of important jobs for us to do. (That’s one reason we’re left here and not taken straight to heaven.) First, we are to witness in the gospel. Second, we are to care for and love other Christians and give them meat (or spiritual food) when they need it. Young Christians, be on the alert to give a word of encouragement and/or warning to other young people - when it is needed.

Redeemed

REV 5:9

Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood.

Revelation 5:9

Redeemed - how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am!

The Doctrine

PSA 19:7

The doctrine of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul.

Psalm 19:7 (margin)

The Lord’s doctrines, whether written in the Old Testament or the New, are perfect. They are for our help and encouragement when we’re down. They restore us when we slip away. They give us strength when we’re weak. They feed us when we’re hungry. They give direction when we’re lost. Read them.

The Testimony

PSA 19:7

The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

Psalm 19:7

Not sure which way to turn? You can be certain that the Lord’s Word will guide you right. Even those who are not academic geniuses can make wise decisions when they are based on the Word of God. It gives light for our pathway and instruction when things are unclear. How often do you read it?

The Statutes

PSA 19:8

The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.

Psalm 19:8

There are so many things that cause sadness in our hearts. There are many injustices in the world and even in Christian circles. But when we get into God’s Word and meditate on His standard for us, we can rejoice. We can rejoice to know that our God is still in charge and soon ALL His plans will be completed.

The Commandment

PSA 19:8

The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Psalm 19:8

The commandment of the Lord for us is to “love one another.” Love is the ingredient that this world is missing and that’s why there is so much violence and so many murders. I heard recently that there are 23,000 murders in the United States in a year - that’s over 5 every two hours. Only the love of God in men’s hearts can stop that. His commandment is pure.

Reverence

PSA 19:9

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever.

Psalm 19:9

Let us never forget that the Lord - He is God. We are His creation. He is our Lord. We MUST show reverence. Always!

The Judgments

PSA 19:9

The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

Psalm 19:9

This is the grand finale of all the couplets that we have been considering. There is no shadow of turning with the Lord. He is completely fair and honest and true and righteous in everything. How good to have our lives in His safe keeping and our future resting on the work of Calvary.

Suffering

PSA 88:7

Thy wrath lieth hard upon Me, and Thou hast afflicted Me with all Thy waves.

Psalm 88:7

The Lord Jesus felt the hand of God upon Him in a very real way. Jesus was punished for our sins by a holy, righteous God. In three hours on the cross Jesus suffered what we would have spent eternity paying for. No wonder His feelings were expressed in this very vivid way by the psalmist.

Blot Me Out

EXO 32:32

Yet now, if Thou wilt forgive their sin - ; and if not, blot me, I pray Thee, out of Thy book which Thou hast written.

Exodus 32:32

Moses was so upset at the people of Israel because they had so quickly turned to idolatry that he appeals to God to blot out or erase his name from God’s book if their sin could not be forgiven. But God’s response was that it would only be those who had sinned who would be erased - not Moses. Moses’ name could not be erased. He had been a faithful believer and follower of God and his future was secure in God’s book.

Seeing

PSA 119:18

Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.

Psalm 119:18

Perhaps this is a prayer we should all pray before sitting down to read the Scriptures. Oh, that we would all want to see beauty in the Lord and His Word; that what we read would be wonderful to us. The Scriptures must be read with the heart open so that God can reveal Himself to us through His Word.

Judgment

MAT 24:39

The flood came, and took them all away.

Matthew 24:39

Judgment of sin comes sooner or later. Jesus bore the judgment for my sin and the sin of any who have believed in Him. But if you have never accepted Him as your personal Lord and Savior, then your eternal judgment is still on your own head. You WILL have to pay it -unless you accept God’s Substitute. Will you accept Jesus today?

Sorry

PSA 38:18

For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.

Psalm 38:18

Here is the way you get right with God so that you will not have to fall under the judgment of God. You recognize that you are a sinner, that you have sinned before God. You repent of your sin (you are sorry for what you have done) and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior. It’s that simple.

God’s Touch

JER 1:9

Then the Lord put forth His hand, and touched my mouth.

Jeremiah 1:9

Jeremiah didn’t feel up to speaking for God. He said he was a child. So the Lord touched his mouth and said, “I have put My words in thy mouth.” Now Jeremiah could speak for God with the confidence that he would be speaking God’s word. Young brother, before you do any public speaking, ask the Lord to touch your mouth so that what you say will be right and with power and expressed in God’s way.

God’s Touch

DAN 10:8-10

I was left alone . . . I retained no strength. . . . And, behold, a hand touched me.

Daniel 10:8-10

Daniel had been fasting for three weeks and saw a vision of a man clothed in fine linen with a golden belt. Daniel was frightened and fell on his face. Then he felt the touch of God’s hand. When we are most afraid, God is there to be with us and help us through our troubles.

Redeemed

1PE 1:18-19

Ye were . . . redeemed . . . with the precious blood of Christ.

1 Peter 1:18, 19

Our redemption was not easy, nor was it cheap. The agony of the cross was very intense and Jesus suffered tremendous mental anguish in anticipation of it. God’s sacrifice was incredibly expensive. It cost Him His only Son. He punished the Lord Jesus for every one of our sins. Immense sacrifice - immense suffering.

Words

PSA 64:2-3

The workers of iniquity: who . . . shoot their arrows, even bitter words.

Psalm 64:2, 3

Bitter words - how they cut and hurt. Remember that bitter words spoken in haste by you to someone else will be just like arrows - sticking in - hurting. Be careful with your words.

Broken Heart

PSA 34:18

The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart.

Psalm 34:18

When everything looks black and no one seems to care; when your heart is breaking - that’s when Jesus comes. Just remember that you, as a child of God, will never be completely alone. Jesus is always there. He knows what sorest trials mean, for He has felt the same.

The Lord’s Touch

MAT 8:15

And He touched her hand.

Matthew 8:15

Jesus touched the hand of Peter’s mother-in-law and her fever went away. When Jesus touches a soul in distress, there is calm. When Jesus touches a breaking heart, there is peace. Let Jesus touch you today and let His love flow through you.

Mouth

PSA 17:3

I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

Psalm 17:3

This is a good verse for each of us. James says that “the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.” How easy it is to sin with our mouth. Unkind words, spoken in haste, bad or foul language when you’re in the crowd at school, no words of thanks for those who are kind to you - these are ways that we can sin with our mouth. Remember to put your heart in gear before you open your mouth.

The Lord’s Touch

MAR 7:33

And [Jesus] took him aside . . . and touched his tongue.

Mark 7:33

Here we have a man who was deaf and with a speech defect. Jesus first separates him from the crowd. Then Jesus puts His fingers into his ears, spits, touches the man’s tongue and he is completely cured. The Lord’s touch on our ears will help us to listen to Him when He speaks to us. His touch on our tongue will help us to speak well of and for Him.

The Lord’s Touch

MAR 10:16

And [Jesus] took [the little children] up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them.

Mark 10:16

Jesus took time to welcome little children, to lift them up, to gently place His hands on them, and to bless them. Jesus cared for children and treated them with utmost kindness. Let’s do the same. There will be harsh punishment for any who abuse children.

Suffering

PSA 88:16

Thy fierce wrath goeth over Me; Thy terrors have cut Me off.

Psalm 88:16

Jesus felt the hand of a holy God as He punished Him for our sins. Many will spend time today remembering Calvary and the Lord’s death there. We can enter into the scene at Calvary to a certain extent. But we cannot imagine the awfulness of the Lord’s suffering when He was alone in those three hours of darkness.

The Lord’s Touch

LUK 7:14

And [Jesus] came and touched the bier.

Luke 7:14

A young man had died. As the funeral procession passed by, Jesus stepped forward and, seeing the grieving mother, who was also a widow, His heart went out to her. He reached out and touched the coffin. Then His command raised the young man back to life. Jesus has power over death. He conquered death Himself when He rose from the dead. Now His touch imparts life to the spiritually dead.

The Lord’s Strength

PSA 71:16

I will go in the strength of the Lord God.

Psalm 71:16

Our strength is but weakness. Our wisdom is foolishness. Our righteousnesses are as filthy rags in His sight. The only source of strength is to recognize our weakness and go in the strength of the Lord. He is all powerful. Nothing can stop His purposes. Let’s make sure that our will is God’s will.

Death

LUK 16:22-23

The beggar died, and was carried by the angels. . . . The rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell . . .

Luke 16:22, 23

Until the Lord comes, we all must face death. After death is the judgment. We will all spend eternity in one of two places - either heaven or hell. To get to heaven you have to do something; to get to hell you don’t need to do anything. To get to heaven you MUST believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Just continue living your life for yourself without a thought of God or eternity and your destiny will be as the rich man in our verse - an awful eternity in the lake of fire. Won’t you accept Jesus today?

The Lord’s Touch

MAT 9:29

Then touched He their eyes.

Matthew 9:29

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

Have you felt the touch of Jesus’ hand on your eyes? When you are unsaved, there is no beauty in Jesus. But after accepting Him as Savior, He is so wonderful. The beggars in our verse today spent much of their life in blind darkness. But Jesus’ touch brought light. The same thing will happen to you if you let Jesus touch your eyes.

The Lord’s Touch

MAT 17:7

And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.

Matthew 17:7

Peter, James, and John had just heard the voice of God from heaven, and they fell down afraid. The next thing they sensed was the touch of the Lord’s hand, and His gentle, loving voice, “Don’t be afraid.” What a calm there is in our hearts if we let Jesus share in our fears and troubles. He alone can bring peace.

Judgment

LUK 17:29

But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.

Luke 17:29

Judgment does come - eventually. The ungodly will be punished for their sin. Here is a reminder of one of God’s most severe judgments against homosexuality. The people of Sodom practiced homosexuality openly and God sent fire from heaven (with no warning) and destroyed them all. Our society is ready for this to happen again. The difference this time, though, is that they have been warned and choose to ignore it.

Sacrifice

1KI 8:63

And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings.

1 Kings 8:63

Did Solomon offer just one animal as a peace offering? NO! 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. Do you realize how many that is? And yet peace was not made with God until the ONE perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It’s an amazing fact that “not all the blood of beasts, on Jewish altars slain, could give the guilty conscience peace, or wash away its stain.” But the sacrifice of Jesus did accomplish those things once and for all.

The Lord’s Touch

LUK 22:51

And He touched his ear, and healed him.

Luke 22:51

In his exuberance to stop the Lord being arrested, Peter used his sword to cut off the ear of the High Priest’s servant. The Lord rebuked Peter. The time had come for Jesus to go to the cross, and nothing could stop Him. In compassion for the injured man, Jesus touches his ear and heals him. Whether He put his ear back on or not it doesn’t say. Maybe He didn’t. And the missing ear would be a reminder to the man for all his life that he was one who helped arrest the Son of God and condemn Him to death on the cross.

The Tongue

PSA 39:1

I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue.

Psalm 39:1

We talked several days ago about this same subject. In the New Testament it says that we all offend with our tongues. It requires immense self-control to hold the tongue, especially if you are prone to a quick temper. Ask the Lord to help you control your temper and your tongue. Our tongue is one of our members that should spontaneously praise the Lord. How often, though, we dishonor Him. Watch your tongue!

Restoration

PSA 69:4

Then I restored that which I took not away.

Psalm 69:4

This is written prophetically of the Lord Jesus. Adam caused separation between man and God. Jesus restored it. Adam caused sin to come upon all mankind. Jesus made it possible to take it away. Man’s loss of fellowship with God was restored by Jesus. Man lost peace with God because of sin. Jesus restored it. A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord! Let’s thank Him together today for restoring to us all the things that were taken away because of sin.

Scripture Knowledge

2TI 3:15

From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures.

2 Timothy 3:15

Many of you reading this calendar have been brought up in a Christian home where you have known the Scriptures from childhood. And yet that doesn’t guarantee a place in heaven. You may be able to memorize and quote chapters in the Bible, but unless you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, all the Scripture knowledge you have is for nothing. Make sure that you not only know the Scriptures but that you know who wrote them - in a personal way.

Youth

PSA 71:17

O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works.

Psalm 71:17

David had had a personal relationship with God since he was young. He truly believed in the Lord and wrote and sang songs about Him. Many Psalms are about God’s power in creation and in intercession for His people. Let’s keep the praises going. No need to stop writing and singing either. God wants freshness and reality. If He’s given you a song to write, write it. If He’s given you a song to sing, sing it.

The Wicked

PSA 7:11

God is angry with the wicked every day.

Psalm 7:11

This is an interesting verse. It seems like the evil people in the world, who are corrupting society with all their open, immoral practices, are getting away with it. But God gets angry with them every day. Some day that anger will burst and pour out on them as God judges this wicked world for all its sin - especially the sin of murdering the Son of God. Aren’t you glad that you’re saved?

Wounded

ZEC 13:6 LUK 24:40

What are these wounds?

Zechariah 13:6

He showed them His hands and His feet.

Luke 24:40

There is one wounded Person in heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will be that way for eternity. Is heaven less than perfect because Jesus has those wounds? No - it is more perfect than ever. Those wounds of Christ prove His perfect love for the Church, and for His people Israel. When He comes for us, the Church, at the rapture, we shall see His side, His hands, and His feet. We shall see Him as He is, wounded, but wonderful. His wounds make heaven praise in wonder. His wounds make me full of praise and wonder. His wounds make Him more wonderful.

The Rock

PSA 61:2

From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee. . . . Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Psalm 61:2

Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I;
Show me the Refuge where I can fly;
Jesus is my Shelter when the storms are near.
Trusting in the Lord I will not fear;
I’ll stay by Him till the storm clouds clear.
Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.

Thoughts

EZE 11:5

I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them.

Ezekiel 11:5

Scary, isn’t it? Jesus knows EVERYTHING that we think about, dream about, wish, and want, whether it is good or bad. We are encouraged by the Apostle Paul to bring all our thoughts under control and to think about Jesus. He is the One we should really be thinking about. Then we will be able to fight against the impure thoughts that the world impresses on our minds. Let’s make a real effort today to think good thoughts.

Eternity

2CO 4:18

We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Cor. 4:18

We look. Christians look at things they cannot see - by faith. How do you do that? “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Read God’s Word, with prayer. Now what are some things in the Bible that are eternal? I get a glimpse into heaven when I read Revelation 4 and 5. I can study the heavenly Jerusalem in Revelation 21. I can see the different companies in heaven when I read Hebrews 12:22-24. I can see what will happen at the rapture when I read 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18. Have you seen anything eternal lately?

Love

EPH 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us.

Ephesians 5:2

Over and over again the New Testament has verses like this that tell us the importance of loving others. The more we see or read or listen to the news, the more it indicates how much hatred people have in their hearts. As a Christian I should be a bright light, shining in a dark world, and the love of Jesus should show in my every action. Our love for other Christians should be especially evident. If it isn’t, there is something seriously wrong in our lives.

The Future

2CO 5:1

We know that, if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2 Corinthians 5:1

We know. We know from God’s eternal Word that we shall have an eternal body - a heavenly, resurrected body that will be like Christ’s. Our present bodies (our earthly house), may die (dissolve), but we will have a perfect resurrection body that we shall have for eternity. For every Christian, the best is yet to come.

Prayer

PSA 55:17

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray.

Psalm 55:17

This is real commitment. Am I as committed as the psalm writer was? Praying to the Lord should be as real to me as walking down the street. If the Lord really is my Shepherd and Friend, then I need to be talking to Him a lot. How about it?

Wounded

ZEC 13:6 LUK 24:40

What are these wounds?

Zechariah 13:6

He showed them His hands.

Luke 24:40

They nailed the hands of Jesus to a cross. For eternity we shall see the print of the nails in His hands. What did those hands do for men, that men would do such a cruel thing to them? Those hands took the children up and blessed them. Those hands touched the leper and healed him. Those hands anointed the eyes of the blind and made them see. Those hands took the loaf and the cup and blessed them with these words, “This do in remembrance of Me.” Those hands built a fire to warm and feed the disciples. What are your hands doing for Him?

Sin

JAM 4:17

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

James 4:17

This verse challenges me to put others first. If I know that someone needs help and I won’t do it because I want to do something for myself or go somewhere pleasing to me, then I have committed sin before God. Jesus never did things to please Himself, but He always did those things that pleased His Father. We should do the same.

Follow

JOH 10:4

He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him.

John 10:4

We’ll never have to go anywhere that the Lord has not gone before if we’re following Him. It’s impossible, because He is leading the way to heaven. He knows what pain and sorrow and loneliness and shame are. He knows what death is like. We don’t need to be afraid when we belong to Him. He goes before and protects our way.

Voice

JOH 10:4

The sheep follow Him: for they know His voice.

John 10:4

Do you really know the Savior’s voice? There are many voices in the world today. Voices are constantly calling to us to come and follow them. But we are only safe when we follow the call of the Lord. He calls us to the green pastures of contentment. He calls us to the quiet waters of total refreshment. He calls us to serve Him. Let’s follow His call.

Groaning

2CO 5:2

For in this [body] we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house [new body] which is from heaven.

2 Corinthians 5:2

We groan. We all have aches, pains, diseases, and various discomforts. This is part of God’s way for us while on earth. This groaning, the result of sin, makes us watch and wait for our wonderful change at the rapture. This groaning makes us sensitive and sympathetic to the many others who are suffering in this world. This groaning leads others to pray for us, and allows God to answer the pleas of His beloved people. Much groaning leads to much grace from God, much glory to God, and much good for man.

Pray

HEB 13:18

Pray for us.

Hebrews 13:18

When the Apostle Paul needed prayer, he was not afraid to ask for it. It shows that he recognized that a person cannot make it on his own without the support from others. He recognized his own weakness and the power of many prayers going up to the throne of grace to ask for help in time of need. Sometimes we seem to be afraid to admit that we are weak or need help in some way. So we struggle along alone. It is a good thing to remember each other in prayer and to ask for prayer from others in certain situations.

Peace

HEB 12:14

Follow peace with all men.

Hebrews 12:14

We constantly hear reports of this or that peace agreement being made or broken. Peace talks between two fighting armies have been renewed or put on hold, or have broken down. Peace is impossible to find since the world as a whole rejected the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ. And peace won’t be a part of this world until the Lord reigns over it as King. But Christians should be one group of people who are at peace among themselves, and with those of the world. The spirit of Christ is the spirit of peace. And we have the spirit of Christ in us. Follow peace with all men.

Wounded

ZEC 13:6 LUK 24:40

What are these wounds?

Zechariah 13:6

He showed them . . . His feet.

Luke 24:40

They nailed the feet of Jesus to a cross. For eternity we shall see the print of the nails in His feet. What did those feet do for men, that men would do such a thing? Those feet went into Samaria to seek and to save a harlot. Those beautiful feet walked to the outer ends of Palestine to find the lost sheep. On the cross, those pierced feet crushed Satan’s head. Where are your feet going for Him?

Holiness

HEB 12:14

Follow . . . holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.

Hebrews 12:14

Here’s another part to the verse we considered the other day. Not only should we follow peace, but we must follow holiness. The corruption and immorality of the world should never be a part of a Christian’s life. Some people think that because God is a God of love He will take everybody to heaven and not send any to hell. This is simply not true. God is a holy, righteous God and cannot let even one sin into His presence. The terribly sinful condition of man has shut him out of God’s presence forever, unless he believes on the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. Then, with a new nature from God, the Christian is able to live a holy life.

Preparation

RUT 3:3

Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee.

Ruth 3:3

Ruth had a special task to perform in order to claim her inheritance - a husband. Her mother-in-law gave her full instructions on what to do, including her preparation for the meeting with Boaz. Besides the obvious lesson - a pattern of behavior when going on a date - there is a spiritual lesson here. When we go to meet with the Lord Jesus, our heavenly Bridegroom, we need to do some preparation first and come into His presence in a respectable way.

Courage

2CO 5:8

We are confident . . . and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:8

We are confident (have courage). Paul is saying that in the face of death we have courage and are willing to die, because it has no sting (our sins are forgiven) and we would immediately be in the wondrous presence of the Lord. We would leave our body of pain to be with our Lord in paradise. That would be “far better,” the Bible says. This is an amazing and wonderful scripture when we stop and think how many are terrified about death. “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory.”

Shadow

PSA 63:7

In the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice.

Psalm 63:7

There is no happier place for the Christian than to be in the shadow of the Lord’s wings. “You mean the Lord has wings?” No. This is just a poetic expression that gives us the picture of the Lord as the One to whom we can go when we’re in trouble, or sad, or alone, and there we can find everything we need to make us happy. He’s never too busy for us, or has run out of room for us to be near Him. “His wings” also helps us see Him as one who will shelter us when the storms of life are almost too much to bear. Are you sheltering under the shadow of the Lord’s wings?

Wings

RUT 2:12

The Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

Ruth 2:12

Here’s another example of the all-encompassing shelter of the Lord’s wings. Ruth was a Gentile, and as such was not eligible for the blessings of God, as were the Jews. But Ruth, because of the witness of her late husband, her father-in-law, and her mother-in-law, had come to believe and trust in the God of Israel as her own God. God showed grace to Ruth and accepted her into His family and she was entered into the lineage of the Lord Jesus Himself. When you trust God, wonderful things can happen.

Onesiphorus

2TI 1:16

Onesiphorus . . . oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain.

2 Timothy 1:16

Onesiphorus was a real friend to the Apostle Paul and often went to where he was and encouraged Paul when he was finding things hard to endure. Onesiphorus was not ashamed to be identified with Paul and what he preached. He made a special effort to find Paul when he was held in prison in Rome and went to visit him. And so the Apostle mentions him in this letter as one to whom the blessing of God would be granted because of his faithfulness to one of the greatest missionaries of the Christian era.

Wounded

ZEC 13:6 JOH 20:27

What are these wounds?

Zechariah 13:6

Reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side.

John 20:27

They pierced the side of Jesus on the cross. For eternity we shall gaze on His wounded side. Out of that open side came the precious blood that cleanses from all sin. In that wounded side I’m reminded of the vicious hatred of men. From that wound I see the victorious love of God. Inside that wound I find the heart of Jesus that was broken by reproach. Through that wounded side I now draw near to God, my Father. Out of that opened side the Father is preparing a companion for His Son forever. What do you think of Him?

Service

PSA 100:2

Serve the Lord with gladness.

Psalm 100:2

This verse is talking about serving the Lord in praise, but we can take it also to refer to everyday service for the Lord Jesus. He wants us to do it gladly. We are to be happy in our work for Him. He gave His life willingly for us on the cross of Calvary. The least we can do is to return His love in happy service. Serving the Lord is a happy thing to do. I’ve never met anyone yet who was miserable and complaining when they were working for the Master from their heart. Martha, a friend of the Lord Jesus, complained when she was serving Him because her sister was sitting listening to the Lord talking. How much better to enjoy where God has placed us and be glad in the work He has given us to do.

Labor

2CO 5:9

Wherefore we labor, that whether present or absent we may be accepted of [agreeable to] Him.

2 Corinthians 5:9

We labor. The Christian life on earth should always keep in view that one day we will be in the glorious presence of the Lord Jesus. We should live and work each day as if we were going to be in His presence that very day. We want all that we do to be agreeable to the Lord Jesus Christ. Whatever is worth doing at all for Christ should be done with our all for Christ.

Mercy

MIC 6:8

What doth the Lord require of thee, but . . . to love mercy?

Micah 6:8

How wonderful it is to find someone who is merciful to others. This means withholding punishment for wrongdoing even though it is deserved. God is that way. He has every right in the world to send man to hell whenever he sins. But God doesn’t. Instead He gives him the opportunity to repent. That’s mercy. And God wants us to be the same way. Instead of being quick to judge, let’s be slow to pass a judgment and give the wrongdoer another chance.

Riches

PSA 62:10

If riches increase, set not your heart upon them.

Psalm 62:10

A friend of mine bought stock in IBM several years ago when they were doing well. It cost him $115 or so a share. Recently IBM has had some major problems and that stock has dropped to less than half of what he paid. You see, riches may not always be there. So don’t set your heart on the increase in riches. Tomorrow they may be gone. The only thing that is safe to trust in is the Lord Jesus and He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He never changes - neither do His love and care for each of us. We will always find Him right beside us even in the toughest circumstances. And His home is our home too.

Humility

MIC 6:8

What doth the Lord require of thee, but . . . to walk humbly with thy God?

Micah 6:8

Ha! So we passed the test on being merciful. We are even gracious and kind. We are compassionate and caring. But boy, do we like to let people know about it! Yes sir. I’m a pretty good Christian and people sure think a lot of me for my kindness to others. And I give a lot of money too! But what is it that the Lord requires of you? To walk HUMBLY; to walk HUMBLY; to walk HUMBLY.

Strength

PSA 60:12

Through God we shall do valiantly.

Psalm 60:12

Confidence in the Lord will make us strong. Confidence in self should make us very nervous. If I have confidence in myself and my abilities, then that shows that I really don’t know what I’m like. Peter was very confident that he would never deny the Lord. But when he was faced with the situation, he denied Jesus with oaths and curses. But we can say, with the Psalmist, “Through God we shall do valiantly.” Yes, God is the unchanging God who made the universe. His strength is our strength. And if we abide in Him, He will abide in us and give us the courage and strength to continue our life here with our heads held high and a light step. “Through God we shall do valiantly.”

The Lord’s Supper

1CO 11:20

The Lord’s Supper.

1 Corinthians 11:20

Take a minute to read 1 Corinthians 11:23-28. The Lord’s Supper is for the Lord’s people. Do you remember the Lord Jesus Christ as He asked you to do just before He died on the cross? Here are four important things to think about at the Lord’s Supper. First, we should briefly examine ourselves to be sure we are there with the right purpose (verses 27-28). Second, we should remember the whole body of Christ, represented by the unbroken loaf (verse 24). Third, we should remember the enormous sufferings of Christ on the cross represented by the broken loaf and cup of wine (verses 24-25). And fourth, we can also think about the Lord’s coming for us in the air (verse 26). This should be enough to fill our hearts for one hour each week.

Judgment

2CO 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body . . . whether it be good or bad.

2 Corinthians 5:10

We must appear. Everyone shall give an account of himself to God. Those that are saved will be rewarded for what they did in the Spirit for the Lord. Those that are lost will be judged according to their evil works and cast into the lake of fire. It is humbling, or should be, to remember that the Lord will go over our entire life.

“Only one life, it will soon be past;
Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Bitterness

HEB 12:15

Lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.

Hebrews 12:15

Bitterness! How it eats away inside you and destroys your happiness, makes you impossible to get along with and eventually destroys the bond of fellowship with those near you. A bitter spirit not only destroys you, but also many others with whom you come in contact. If you have a bitter feeling towards anyone, you need to get it corrected. Go and talk to the one about whom you have bad thoughts. It may only be a tiny root, but, if not dealt with, it will grow into a massive weed that will have dramatic and devastating results.

Looking at Evil

PSA 101:3

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.

Psalm 101:3

Today we are bombarded at every turn with the sexual, perverted filth of the world. Let’s make a real commitment to the Lord that we will set no wicked thing before our eyes. What goes in the eyes will affect the heart. And when the heart gets occupied with things that are contrary to God’s Word, it is so hard to break the habit. Be very careful, young believer, what you watch or look at or read. It could be VERY bad for your health.

The Lord’s Will

JAM 4:15

Ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

James 4:15

A Christian has a motivation that is totally different from the world. An unsaved person makes a plan and attempts to execute that plan in his time and according to his way. But with a believer in the Lord Jesus, our will should be always according to His will. And often we don’t really know what that will is. So rather than making rash statements like, “Wow, this has been a great harvest. I’m going to add a huge storage bin to keep my grain in and retire to Florida,” we should always say, “If it’s the Lord’s will I would like to . . .” Then, if the Lord arranges things differently than what we wanted, we won’t be disappointed or embarrassed.

The World

JOH 3:16

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.

John 3:16

Do you know how many different “worlds” the Christian is involved with? The world of John 3:16 is the world of people. God loves this world (but not the sin of it), and so should we. God desires all men to be saved through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. As ambassadors for Christ, we love this world of people and present to them the gospel of God’s love and grace that they might believe and be saved. This is the world we love. There is a world we live in. There is a world we leave. There is a world we look forward to. What is your “world view”?

The Lord’s Coming

1TH 4:16

The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God.

1 Thessalonians 4:16

When the Lord Jesus comes at the rapture, we will hear three things: a shout, a voice, and a trump. The shout (an assembling shout) will be for His Church, the body of Christ. The Lord Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice.” Every Christian will hear this wonderful shout when we are being assembled together for our entrance into heaven. What exactly the Lord will shout we don’t know, but it will be to each of us and will be wonderful beyond compare. Are you expecting this shout, and are you listening?

Suffering

JON 2:5

The waters compassed me about . . . the weeds were wrapped about my head.

Jonah 2:5

Jonah, the runaway prophet, went through a terrifying experience. First, he was thrown overboard during a terrific storm at sea. Then he was swallowed by a humongous fish and spent three days and three nights inside the fish, heading back to land. But during that experience Jonah said some things that were prophetic of what the Lord Jesus would feel when He suffered at the hand of God during the three hours of darkness on Calvary’s cross. The Lord felt like He was at the bottom of the ocean with the weeds holding Him down. The punishment He endured for you and me was indescribable. Let’s thank Him today very specially for dying for us and being willing to bear the punishment that we deserved.

Service

1CH 29:5

Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?

1 Chronicles 29:5

God wants willing servants. Many times we have made our children do something that they really didn’t want to do, like take out the garbage, or clean the garage, or something like that. I’m sure if we had said with a happy smile, “Now who would like to clean the garage today?” the response would have been, “Huh?” God is asking, “Who would like to work for Me today?” What is your response? Are you willing to do anything, go anywhere for Him. Or do you just say, “Huh?”

Persuasion

2CO 5:11

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.

2 Corinthians 5:11

We persuade. Since we know that all will stand before Christ someday and that He will rightly punish the wicked, we therefore seek to win over people to the Lord. The Lord Jesus is not only the Judge of all men, He is also the Savior of all men who trust Him. We know hell is a terrible place, so we do and say all we can to people we meet to persuade them to believe the gospel and be saved. Have you ever pleaded with someone to receive the Lord? Do you know the Bible well enough to be able to explain it to a person?

Elijah

JAM 5:17

[Elijah] was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly.

James 5:17

Elijah suffered from discouragement, depression, even thoughts of wanting to die. And yet there were dramatic results when he prayed. What was the power that caused his prayers to be answered? First, he prayed earnestly - he really meant it. Second, He claimed promises of God and prayed according to God’s will for the glory of God. Third, he wasn’t seeking his own comfort - the results of his prayer affected his life-style too. Yes, Elijah was very human. He was also very much in touch with God’s will.

Elijah

1KI 19:4

O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

1 Kings 19:4

Here is an example of some of the discouraged feelings that Elijah had. I wonder if some of you have felt this way? Life is just not worth living any more. You feel that you are a failure. Yesterday we talked about Elijah being in tune with God’s will. Here’s a case where he wasn’t. He missed God’s purposes altogether. And it made him a miserable person. Look at everything from God’s viewpoint. It will change the way you feel about yourself, and about life.

The World

1CO 3:21-22 1CO 7:31

All things are yours . . . the world. . . . And they that use this world, as not abusing it.

1 Corinthians 3:21, 22; 7:31

This is a different kind of world for the Christian. This is the world we live in - the biological and physical world. This is the world of animals, plants and minerals, including the multitude of things invented by man. As Christians, we are to be good stewards of God’s resources. We should never wantonly waste or abuse the created world. The Christian should be the best “environmentalist.” With the direction of God’s Word and Spirit, we can have wisdom to work with and in the creation, without wasting it or worshipping it. We possess the earth, but God is the owner, and has loaned it to us for a short time. “A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast.”

The Lord’s Coming

1TH 4:16

The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven . . . with the voice of the archangel.

1 Thessalonians 4:16

The voice of archangel seems to apply to the deceased Old Testament saints among the nation of Israel. In the Bible, the archangel is often associated with the care and protection of believers of Israel (see Daniel 8:16; 9:21). This “voice of the archangel,” therefore, may be intended to awake Old Testament saints like David, Samuel and Elisha. In Hebrews 11:40 it is written, “That they without us [the Church] should not be made perfect.” These Old Testament believers will be raised up with us at the rapture, even though they are not part of the Church.

Risen

MAR 16:6

Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen.

Mark 16:6

What a message! Angels had announced the birth of the Savior at Bethlehem. Now again angels make a dramatic announcement. Jesus is not dead! He is alive! Praise God for the resurrection. Without it we would have no hope.

Prayer

2CO 5:20

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray . . . in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20

We pray. For good results in the work of the gospel, our persuading must be accompanied by our praying. Our preaching without prayer becomes sour preaching without power. We are ambassadors for the Lord Jesus Christ with the most wonderful message in the world for sinners. But it is only the power of God that can reconcile (restore) men to fellowship with God, and that divine power can work through our prayers. Before you left your room this morning, did you take time to pray?

Friendship

PSA 101:4

I will not know a wicked person.

Psalm 101:4

Our friends can really get us into trouble. The Psalmist realized this and made the decision to not be friendly with wicked people. Anyone whose desires and interests are completely opposed to God can be classified as a wicked person. The Old Testament queen Jezebel was a wicked person. She deliberately did things that were against God and His people. Be very careful who you hang around with. Evil can be very subtle and it will catch you in its trap if you are not on constant guard.

God

MIC 7:18

Who is a God like unto Thee?

Micah 7:18

What is so special about our God? He forgives sinners of all of their sin - free of charge. When you forget to take a book back to the library, you have to pay a fine for each day it is overdue. If you are late making a payment on your credit card, you are charged extra. Every “mistake” here has a consequence. But God charges nothing for salvation. Even the worst sinner that ever was can be completely forgiven - when he comes to Jesus and accepts Him as his Lord and Savior. Salvation is free to us - but it cost God everything. No, there is not a god anywhere like our God.

Elijah

1KI 19:10

I have been very jealous for the Lord God . . . and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

1 Kings 19:10

Here’s another example of how a great servant of God can become discouraged when he doesn’t see the complete picture. Elijah was SO discouraged because he thought that he was the only servant of God left. He was afraid for his life. He thought that the rulers of the land were out to get him. But God had plenty of faithful followers who had not given in to idolatry. Young person, never get to the point where you think that you are the only one left. God has plenty of helpers. You may not ever know where they are, but they’re out there somewhere, doing what God wants them to. Don’t look at things from your corner - get the big picture - from God’s viewpoint.

The World

1JO 2:15 JAM 4:4

Love not the world.

1 John 2:15

Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

James 4:4

This is yet another world the Christian is involved with, but is not intimate with. This is the corrupt world system, started by Cain, that is opposed to God and Christ. It is also called Babylon. The Christian has been saved out of this world, then sent back into it, but separated from it, to be a witness for Jesus. This world system has many tentacles that cleverly trap people, such as religion, politics, education, music, art, science, sports, wealth, weapons, power and every conceivable natural pleasure. We have to learn in, work in, and live in this system, but we are not to love it or be a friend to it. This world is not to influence or control the Christian. Rather, like Daniel, we should be influencing it, toward God.

The Lord’s Coming

1TH 4:16 1CO 15:51-52

The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven . . . with the trump of God. We shall all be changed . . . in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump.

1 Thess. 4:16; 1 Cor. 15:51-52

When the Lord comes, the last thing we shall hear is the sound of the trumpet. When this trump of God sounds, the bodies of believers, both dead and alive in Christ, will be instantly changed into glorified bodies like the Lord Jesus. No more death, no more doubts, no more suffering. In the blink of an eye we shall put on immortality and incorruption for eternity. Then we shall all rise up together to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Perhaps today!

Risen

MAT 28:6

He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Matthew 28:6

The disciples at the tomb of Jesus were puzzled that the grave was opened. But the messengers invited them to come in and see that the Lord was indeed gone. The tomb was empty. Jesus was alive again, just as He said He would be. What joyful news. The Messiah was not dead anymore. He had conquered death and won the victory over Satan.

Ministers

2CO 6:4

But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience.

2 Corinthians 6:4

Would you like to be a minister of God? You say, “But I can’t preach.” Another may say, “But I can’t persuade.” But can you show patience? Much patience? Of all the things Paul lists that approve someone as a minister, the very first is “much patience.” The greater the patience, the greater the minister. There is much power and much persuasion in much patience. Genius is only patience, hard at work.

The Voice of God

1KI 19:12

And after the fire a still small voice.

1 Kings 19:12

We sometimes look for God in miraculous occurrences. Elijah, in a discouraged condition, was looking for the Lord. He experienced the strongest wind that must have ever been - so strong that it broke pieces off the rocks. But the Lord was not there. He felt an earthquake, he saw an intense fire, but the Lord was not in those either. Then he heard a still, small voice. Ah! There He was. The Lord had come. And Elijah went out to meet Him. Young person, remember that the Lord may make Himself known to you in a still, small voice. Are you listening?

Handicaps

2CO 12:9

My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Paul had physical disabilities, perhaps, some suggest, bad eyes or a speech impediment. Many of God’s people have what the world might call “handicaps.” But look what these “handicapped” people accomplished! Read Hebrews 11. Don’t let an infirmity discourage you from the Lord’s work. Consider Joni (Erikson) Tata - a complete paraplegic since a diving accident, but dedicated in her service for the Lord. The grace of God is sufficient for you. God has given you the infirmity to show your weakness; He will also give you His grace to show His greatness.

Abraham

HEB 11:8

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out . . . went out.

Hebrews 11:8

By today’s standards, there are many who would consider Abraham incredibly dumb. I mean really. Who would go off on a long journey somewhere, not having the faintest clue where they are going or what they will find when they get there, wherever “there” is? Ah, but you see, Abraham had faith -that inexplicable trust in the living God who DOES know where “there” is and how to get there. When God calls you, even if you don’t know what lies ahead, go forward in simple faith, trusting in the Lord to open up the way and make His purposes plain.

The World

HEB 2:5

The world to come.

Hebrews 2:5

This is the world we look forward to. This “new earth” will begin when the Lord Jesus comes back to the earth at the end of the seven years of tribulation. We, the Church, will be with Him and will reign with Him for 1000 years. This “world to come” will be awesomely different than the present world. Every nation will submit to Christ. There will be world peace. The deserts will blossom as a rose. The mountains will run down and become fertile hills and plains. There will be pure springs and rivers of water everywhere to refresh the earth. The animals will be at peace with one another and with man. Because of all of this, we should “love His appearing.”

The Rapture

GEN 5:22-24

Enoch walked with God . . . three hundred years . . . and he was not, for God took him.

Genesis 5:22-24

Enoch was taken to heaven without dying before the great flood. Enoch is an Old Testament illustration of the New Testament truth that the Church (ALL born-again believers) will be raptured out of the world before the seven-year tribulation period. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:10. Christians will not go through the tribulation. We wait for the Christ of blessing, not the crisis of Babylon. We look for the Lamb of God, not the Lion of Judah. We watch for the Bridegroom, not the Beast.

Offering

1CH 29:9

Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly.

1 Chronicles 29:9

Do you know what the happiest Christian is? A willing Christian. Willing to give, willing to be obedient to God’s call, willing to serve. It not only makes that person happy, but their happiness will rub off on all those around. Instead of us trying to make God conform to our way of thinking, our plans, our wants, let’s make a special effort to make ourselves conform to God’s way of thinking, His plans, and His wants. Then we’ll be happy.

Forsaking

MAR 1:18

And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed Him.

Mark 1:18

A Man, like none other that they had ever met, had just asked them to follow Him. There was something in this Person that was irresistible. He had composure, grace, love, compassion. And yet He had authority too, quite unlike the Jewish leaders. Was He really worth leaving their livelihoods for, to give up their fishing and become disciples of a rejected King? Oh, yes. He was worth it. A thousand times over He was worth it. Have you, young person, forsaken your nets to follow JESUS?

Forsaking

MAT 26:56

Then all the disciples forsook Him, and fled.

Matthew 26:56

Hey, what happened? In our verse yesterday they forsook their nets and followed Jesus. Now we find the same ones running away from Him. Had He changed? No! What went wrong? The disciples had been convinced that Jesus was the Messiah and that He would set up His long-awaited kingdom. Instead of that, He was seized by a band of armed men to be taken away and crucified. The disciples were so afraid of their lives that they forsook the Lord. The sad thing is that a few hours before they had emphatically stated that they would NEVER leave Him. How soon we change when things don’t work out the way we think they should. Be careful of rash promises. Sometimes we are not able to keep them, especially when they are made trusting in our own strength.

Left Behind

JOH 4:28

The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city.

John 4:28

This woman (whose name is not recorded in Scripture) had gone to a well outside town to get water. Why, then, did she leave her waterpot there and go back home without it? Because she had found the source for her eternal satisfaction in this Man who had talked with her. He was indeed the Messiah, and much more than the Messiah. He had filled the emptiness of her heart that had never been filled by anything or anyone else. Jesus totally satisfied the thirsting of her soul and so she left her waterpot where it was and went to spread her glad news to others in the town. “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?”

Doing Good

GAL 6:9

Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Galatians 6:9

Are there frustrations in service for the Lord? Of course there are. One foreign missionary preached for years to the local people and died disappointed because no one had ever gotten saved. What he didn’t know was that one person had gotten saved. And after the missionary’s death, the native convert went out preaching the gospel and hundreds believed on the Lord. Don’t give up, young Christian friend. In due season (when it’s God’s time) we shall reap, if we faint not.

Lessons From Exodus

ROM 15:4

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning.

Romans 15:4

We are going to spend the next few weeks learning lessons from Exodus, Moses and the children of Israel. EXODUS! Get out! Evacuate (from a disaster)! Egypt is a picture of the world. Pharaoh is a picture of Satan. Moses is a picture of the Lord Jesus leading His people out! How much better to belong to God’s people and be led to safety than to stay in the world and face God’s judgment. Whose side are you on? Each of us who write in CARELINES pray for the salvation of each of you who read this little booklet. Decide for Christ today!

Reading and Prayer

EXO 1:6-8

And Joseph died. . . . Now there arose up a new king . . . which knew not Joseph.

Exodus 1:6-8

Governments change and forget the Lord Jesus. New “standards” are brought in - like no more prayer or Bible reading in the schools. What should you do? Read and pray anyway -at home, and with your Christian friends. Ask God for help and deliverance like the Israelites did. He is faithful.

Wisdom

EXO 1:10

Let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply . . . [and] join our enemies and fight against us.

Exodus 1:10

This was said by the Egyptians. The world today does not understand us or our motives. They want to deal “wisely,” but “the world by wisdom knew not God” and, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Where are you looking for your wisdom and guidance?

Slave Drivers!

EXO 1:11

They did set over [the Israelites] taskmasters.

Exodus 1:11

“My mom is a slave driver!” “My teacher is a slave driver!” HEY! Hang on just a minute. Why don’t you ask God to put you in a time warp and take you back a few thousand years to the time when the Israelites were slaves to the Egyptians! Then you’d know what being a slave was all about. Be content with such things as you have.

Pressure

EXO 1:12

But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew.

Exodus 1:12

We should grow under pressure, not shrink! Psalm 4:1 says, “In pressure, Thou hast enlarged me.” Pressure is from God and is healthy for our spiritual well-being. Stress is what we create for ourselves by adding our own plans to God’s plans.

Real Beauty

EXO 1:15

The Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah.

Exodus 1:15

Read verses 15, 17 and 21. Have you ever heard of Shiphrah and Puah? You should go and thank your mother right now for not calling you Puah . . . “Pu” for short! Both of these names mean “beautiful . . . splendid,” from a root word which means “to be bright.” They were faithful to God and acted fearlessly to obey Him. As a result, He blessed their own families. That’s what it means when it says, “He made them houses,” in verse 21.

Obedience

EXO 1:17

But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them.

Exodus 1:17

This is an example of Acts 5:29, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” When man’s laws violate God’s laws, then we have no choice! These women chose not to commit murder and God said, “Way to go!” If the Lord Jesus leaves us here much longer, we will have to make tough decisions like that.

Just Do It!

EXO 2:2-3

SHE saw him . . . SHE hid him . . . SHE could no longer hide him, SHE . . .

Exodus 2:2-3

Those verses sound a little funny with so much chopped out, so get out your Bible and read them completely through, then come back to this place. In Hebrews 11:23 we read about the faith of Moses’ parents in hiding him when he was a baby, but in our verses the emphasis is on Moses’ mother who, with real faith and energy, did what had to be done for God’s glory. She had the courage to act on her faith. And so just as the Nike commercial says, “She just did it!”

Compassion

EXO 2:6

[Pharaoh’s daughter] saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him.

Exodus 2:6

This word compassion means “to pity or to have pity on” someone. But God goes farther than this in Lamentations 3:22 where we are told that “His compassions fail not.” This word compassion also means to “touch or lovingly caress.” So we see that true compassion always leads to action. If you claim to have compassion for your fellow human beings but you never reach out as a Christian to touch their lives and help them, then you do not truly have compassion.

Hidden Sin

EXO 2:12

And Moses looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.

Exodus 2:12

Moses here has tremendous energy for God, but it is wrongly directed! He sins by murdering a man, and hides him in the sand. But the Word of God says, “Be sure your sin will find you out,” and it did! Verse 14 tells us that his fellow Jews saw him. And God sees everything that we do.

Refreshment

EXO 2:15

Moses fled . . . and he sat down by a well.

Exodus 2:15

Moses had made mistakes - he had sinned and he was rejected by his brothers, the Jews. But now he comes to the right place for refreshment! John 4:10-14 tells us that the Lord Jesus is the source of living water. Whoever drinks of the water that Jesus gives will never thirst again. And that water given by Jesus will be in us a well springing up into everlasting life! Don’t give up! Have you made mistakes in your life? Have you been doubted or rejected by your friends and family? God understands! And He still wants you to come back to the Lord Jesus as your source of life and refreshment.

Don’t Quit

EXO 2:17

Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.

Exodus 2:17

Moses has learned his lesson now. He still has tremendous energy and courage to help, but now he has learned to do it in a positive and nondestructive way. Maybe you have tried to do things for God and you made mistakes. Don’t quit! Never give up! Keep using your energy to help God’s people, but learn your lesson and do it in a way that will bring blessing and not disruption. Instead of putting someone down - lift them up!

Mistaken Identity

EXO 2:19

And they said, An Egyptian delivered us.

Exodus 2:19

An Egyptian? Are you kidding? Moses was a Jew, an Israelite, but here he is mistaken for an Egyptian. He does not worry about correcting the mistake of these women. He is simply glad to be obedient without defending his own self-image - his own reputation. John the Baptist said about Jesus: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Sometimes we use up so much energy defending our reputation that we have none left for serving God’s people.

Contentment

EXO 2:21

And Moses was content.

Exodus 2:21

In 1 Timothy 6:6 we read, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Don’t let yourself get influenced by advertising into being constantly discontented with everything. You’ve got Nintendo? Now you have to have Super Nintendo! You’ve got a ten-speed bike? Now you’ve got to have a 15-speed mountain bike! You’ve got a great pair of blue jeans? But you’ve got to have those Calvin Kleins! Your complexion is fantastic? But it’s got to be flawless! You’re 1.3 pounds overweight? Got to lose, man, I’m fat! Satan wants us to be discontented all the time. Remember -Moses was content.

Blessing

EXO 2:21

And he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter [for a wife].

Exodus 2:21

We saw yesterday that Moses was content. Now, guess what? Not only does he get a new friend, but he gets a girlfriend, who becomes his wife! God blesses us if we’re willing to be “content with such things as we have.” You may want a girlfriend or a boyfriend right now. Don’t worry! God wants to give you what’s the very best for you. And He will - in His time!

Strangers

EXO 2:22

And [Zipporah] bare [Moses] a son, and he called his name Gershom.

Exodus 2:22

The meaning of this name is “a stranger here.” Heaven is our home! Let’s keep our focus correct. The Word of God says to set our affection on things above. That means things in heaven. Sometimes it’s really tough to remember that we are really strangers here in this world and that heaven is indeed our home.

Groan!

EXO 2:23-25

Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God . . . and God heard their groaning, and God remembered . . . and God looked . . . and God had respect unto them [or, was concerned].

Exodus 2:23-25

Do you ever feel like these people? Do you feel like sighing and groaning? Well, rather than complaining to everyone else around you, take those groans to God. Yes, He really does care about you. Believe it or not, He wants to hear your groans. In our verse today it said that God listened, heard, remembered, looked, and was concerned. And this led to action on God’s part.

God Speaks

EXO 3:1-4

Moses kept the flock of . . . his father in law . . . and came to the mountain of God . . . and . . . the Lord appeared unto him . . . and . . . God called unto him . . . and said, Moses, Moses.

Exo. 3:1-4

Do you want to hear God speaking to you? Here is a pattern. First, Moses was faithful in family responsibilities - he kept the flock of his father in law. Second, he was in personal communion with God at the mountain of God. Third, the Lord revealed Himself to Moses. Finally, God spoke to Moses. If you are unable to know God’s will, perhaps one of the roots of the problem is bad relationships within your own family. Correct these first if you want to hear God speak to you.

Who's God?

EXO 3:13

What is His name?

Exodus 3:13

Have you ever gotten so far away from God in your life that you have even forgotten His name? I doubt it! But sometimes we forget to talk to Him for long periods of time. Remember, He loves us and wants to hear us speaking to Him in prayer. And He wants to speak to us through His Word.

Surrender

EXO 4:3-4

And [God] said, Cast [the rod] on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent . . . and it became a rod in his hand.

Exodus 4:3-4

Because Moses was a shepherd, his rod would remind us of his training, his job, everything that represented who he really was. In your case it might be your talent, your gift, your college education. Are you willing to submit all of this to the Lord Jesus and allow Him to give it back to you again in the way that He decides is best? This is surrendering our talent to Him. Trust Him! He gave you the talents in the first place. Now He wants you to use them for Him.

Self-Surrender

EXO 4:6-7

And the Lord said . . . unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom . . . and when he took it out . . . his hand was leprous.

Exodus 4:6, 7

Here is real surrender, not just of our talents, but of ourselves! Romans 12:1 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your [intelligent] service.” This is the foundation for God’s blessing in your life.

Blaming God!

EXO 5:22

And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Lord, wherefore hast Thou so evil entreated this people?

Exodus 5:22

He goes on to ask, “Why is it that Thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast Thou delivered Thy people at all.” Moses blamed everything on God. He says basically, “I’ve kept my end of the bargain, why haven’t You?” We should never, never do this. God is faithful and He will always “keep His end of the bargain,” even though He may not do it in the way and the time that we think He should. God is so patient with us - why is it that we get so terribly impatient with Him?

The Lord

EXO 6:2

And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD.

Exodus 6:2

“The LORD” here is really “Jehovah” - a Hebrew word used 6,823 times in the Old Testament. It shows us God’s character as the ever-existing One. It is related to the verb “to be” and used in His revelation of Himself as the “I AM.” This is the same God that cares for you today.

El Shaddai

EXO 6:3

I appeared . . . by the name of God Almighty.

Exodus 6:3

The title “God Almighty” is “El Shaddai.” It comes from a root word meaning “mountain.” Have you ever seen a majestic, snowcapped mountain rising up into the clouds? This would give us a picture of the majesty, the glory, the immovability, the rock-solid character of God. The One who cares for you will never change.

Promises!

EXO 6:4-5

I have also established My covenant. . . . I have also heard the groan-ing. . . . I have remembered.

Exodus 6:4, 5

Here God gives us two reasons why He will bless us. One - He promised! Two - He hears our groanings (prayer). Do you ever wonder if God is really listening when you talk to Him? Does He really care? Does He keep His promises? Is He a God of His word? ABSOLUTELY!

I Will

EXO 6:6

I am the Lord. . . . I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

Exodus 6:6

In Exodus 6:6-8 we have seven “I wills” from God to us. Sometimes we hear men say to their brides on their wedding day, “I will.” That is his promise to be faithful to her. But here God promises seven times over what He will do for us. This first “I will” reminds us of Matthew 11:28: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I WILL give you rest.”

I Will

EXO 6:6

I will rid you out of their bondage.

Exodus 6:6

This is God’s second promise to us, and it reminds us of John 8:32-36: “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. . . . If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” In Christ you have true liberty and you need to stand fast in that liberty.

I Will

EXO 6:6 1PE 1:18-19

I will redeem you with a stretched out arm.

Exodus 6:6

1 Peter 1:18, 19 says, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold . . . but with the precious blood of Christ.”

I Will

EXO 6:7

I will take you to Me for a people.

Exodus 6:7

This shows us so clearly that God wants an intimate relationship with us. He wants closeness. He wants fellowship with us. He wants us in His family. He is not satisfied just to see us “saved.” He wants us close to Himself.

I Will

EXO 6:7

I will be to you a God.

Exodus 6:7

Here again we see that God takes a personal interest in us. He is the Creator of the universe, yet we can claim Him personally as our God. After Jesus rose from the dead, His message to Mary was, “Go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend . . . to My God, and your God.”

I Will

EXO 6:8

I will bring you in unto the land.

Exodus 6:8

The Lord not only saves us, but He carries us safely all the way home to heaven. There is no fear of ever losing our salvation once we have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our own personal Savior. “He will bring us in.”

I Will

EXO 6:8

I will give it you for a heritage.

Exodus 6:8

It’s not that we are only taken to heaven, but it is actually our inheritance. Even better, we can enjoy it right now - before we get there. Ephesians 1:11 says, “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance.” In chapter 2:6 we read, “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”

Power

EXO 7:12

[The magicians] cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.

Exodus 7:12

Here is a classic battle between the power of Satan and the power of God. Make no mistake - Satan does have real power! Do not even experiment with things like Ouija boards and astrology. If you do, you are entering Satan’s realm in direct disobedience to the Word of God. However, remember that the power of God is greater than the power of Satan. “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

Blood

EXO 7:20-21

All the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. And the fish . . . died; and the river stank.

Exodus 7:20-21

This water, instead of being a source of life became that which speaks of death - blood! Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death.” What a contrast to the word of the Lord Jesus Christ in John 4:14, “The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

Sit Still

PRO 27:8

As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

Proverbs 27:8

There is so much going on today, and we are trying to keep up with it all. Such racing around can spoil the joy of everything in life. But life is not all motion and commotion. Learn to sit still and enjoy where you are and what you are. The world may say, “Be there or be square.” Don’t believe it. You can influence people and events more by being in prayer than by “being in there.” So while you are being square, be in prayer. Birds that leave the nest too soon usually die.

Hot or Cold?

REV 3:17

Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.

Revelation 3:17

We live in the Laodicean church age, when so many are miserably lukewarm to the Lord Jesus. As born-again believers in Christ, we should be hot or cold. Jesus said, “I would thou wert cold or hot.” Hot for truth and holiness, cold to falsehood and evil. When things are allowed in the church that are not of God, may we have the courage to stand against them. The rest of what the Lord said to those in the church at Laodicea in verse 17 is: “Thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”

Dead to Sin

ROM 6:14

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Romans 6:14

The Christian is dead to sin. He does not have to practice sin. He has a new nature that cannot sin. He has the sinning nature also, but if he will be subject to the Word of God in the new nature, God will provide His power daily to live for Jesus, serving Him rather than sin. The following outline may help you understand Romans 6. Verse 6: my head - I know I am dead to sin - my position in Christ. Verse 11: my heart - I consider myself dead to sin - my purpose for Christ. Verse 13: my hands - I live like I’m dead to sin - my practice with Christ. Remember, it’s I know, I consider, I live.

The Tongue

PSA 120:2-3 PSA 141:3

Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. . . . What shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue? Set a watch, O Lord before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

Psalm 120:2-3; 141:3

In Christian relationships (and all others too), some things are better said, some things are better read, and some things are better left dead. “There is . . . a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” Ecclesiastes 3:7. One of the first things a doctor will say when giving you a checkup is, “Well, let’s take a look at your tongue.” That’s pretty good spiritual advice also.

Words

PRO 5:3

The words of his mouth were smoother than butter . . . softer than oil. Psalm 55:21

Her mouth is smoother than oil.

Proverbs 5:3

There are some people which at first appear to be so friendly and congenial. They are very skillful articulators in their speech. But upon further and closer observation, you find they are only clever manipulators of words and emotions. Is your friend, who seems so interested in you, a skillful articulator, seeking to spiritually help and edify you? Or is he (she) really an artful manipulator seeking to control you? Be very careful of smooth talkers. See how Saul manipulated a woman in 1 Samuel 28. See how Jonadab manipulated Amnon, who in turn deceived his father David and seduced his sister Tamar in 2 Samuel 13. Then read Proverbs 20:5.

Lessons From David

1SA 17:14-15

David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul. But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.

1 Samuel 17:14-15

David was, first of all, consistent. While his brothers were off seeking the gory glory of war, David was more concerned with the small and unknown work of feeding his father’s sheep. David did not seek for great things - he was content to do little things in a right way. Before honor is humility. Perhaps you know of some small thing you can do for the Lord and His people that only God will see. But if He is the only one to see you, then He is the only one to reward you. Our Father gives great rewards for small works.

CareLines: Volume 5

Table of Contents

Boasting

Worship

Hospitality

Walk

Creation

Old Nature

Helping the Weak

Witness

Song

Preaching

Offending

Need

Gift

Caring

Conquerors

No Fault

Face to Face

As for Me

As for Me

As for Me

As for Me

As for God

Praise

Gift

Ability

Follow

Good Warfare

Good Conscience

Good Works

Good Behavior

Good Report

Good Degree

Good Minister

Good Doctrine

Good Fight

Good Profession

Good Confession

Good Works

Good Foundation

Good Soldier

Friendship

Reward

Foundation

Worship

The Love of God

Fornication

Uncleanness

Vile Passion

Evil Lust

Unbridled Desire

Worship

Weeping

Weeping

Tears

Tears

Confession

Lot

Suffering

Compassion

Name

Name

Getting Along

Message

Grace

Death

Laborers

Your Heart

Loving the World

“Friends”

Safety

Prayer

Worship

Service

Samson Looked

Samson Lusted

Samson Loved

Delight

Delight