CareLines: Volume 6

What a great way to start the new year, with a reminder that our God is extremely merciful. If the Lord got angry with us as fast as we do with others, we would have been gone long ago. But He is wonderfully kind and gracious. And when we fail, He gives us another chance, and another, and another. May we be the same towards others who wrong us and always remember how merciful the Lord is to us.

Abraham

JAM 2:23

Abraham . . . the friend of God.

James 2:23

The New Testament often brings out some details of the lives of Old Testament characters that we don’t get from reading the Old Testament account. Here in James we find that Abraham was considered God’s friend. Abraham often talked with God and was always obedient to Him when he was told to do something. He spoke with God “face to face.” What a privilege to be considered the friend of God and to be able to talk to Him as a friend, face to face.

Mountains of Scripture

EXO 19:18

And Mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke.

Exodus 19:18

Israel camped at the foot of this mountain while Moses was receiving the law from God. (They actually stayed here for almost a year.) When Moses came down from Sinai with the law written on two slabs of stone, he saw that the children of Israel had turned to idolatry and thus had already broken the first commandment. He threw down and broke the tables of stone and had to return to Sinai to receive the law a second time. When he returned again, the Israelites discovered that the law was exactly as it had been the first time. God’s standards don’t change just because we do.

Doing Well

1:16-17

Cease to do evil; learn to do well.

Isaiah 1:16-17

Almost sounds like the New Testament, doesn’t it? I wonder if that’s because the same thing is happening to God’s people today as it did in the Old Testament. That is, we become so occupied with making our place in society that we become corrupted and forget that God’s purpose in leaving us here after we become Christians is to spread the gospel message and to do kind things for others. As the Apostle Paul wrote in one of his epistles, “let us not be weary in well doing.”

Love

SOS 8:7

Many waters cannot quench love.

Song of Solomon 8:7

True love cannot be extinguished. Human love fails sometimes because of our weaknesses. But God’s love was so great that He willingly gave His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to be the Savior of the world. And Jesus was willing to lay down His life while we were enemies so that, by believing in Him, we could have our sins washed away and be made fit for heaven. The love of Jesus for us was and is indeed unquenchable.

Prayer

MAT 6:7

When ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do.

Matthew 6:7

God wants reality and devotedness from His people. But you say, “I don’t know what to pray for or how to pray.” That’s okay. Just get on your knees and pour out your heart to God. One of the Spirit’s functions is to take even our groans and make them acceptable prayers to God. Try and be yourself when you pray and don’t try to imitate someone else. Talk to the Lord as you would to your best friend.

Peter

MAT 16:16

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Matthew 16:16

Peter was one of the Lord’s closest disciples. Peter was always one of three chosen for special missions. He was forthright and was never afraid to offer comment or opinion. He was overconfident and had to learn the hard way that in our own boasting we can do nothing. Peter turned into a powerful preacher and many became Christians through his preaching. Peter spent most of his energy in preaching to and exhorting the Jews and Jewish believers. It is recorded in history that Peter was crucified upside down and that his wife was also martyred with him.

Praise

SOS 5:10

My beloved is . . . the chiefest among ten thousand.

Song of Solomon 5:10

The Apostle John, when he saw the vision of the future and wrote about it in Revelation, says that in heaven he saw “ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.” (Revelation 5:11-12.) John here is seeing what Solomon wrote about so many years before. We, too, who have trusted in the Lord Jesus as Savior will soon be with the multitudes in heaven praising the One who is “chiefest among ten thousand.”

Bribery

PRO 28:21

To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

Proverbs 28:21

The Scripture is quite clear that bribery and favoritism are wrong. Unfortunately, a lot of politics consists of just that - you do me a favor now and I will do one for you after I’m elected. Honest decisions cannot be made when money or friendships get in the way. James, in his letter, warns against showing favoritism in the assembly. Let’s be careful to treat everyone the same.

Remember

LUK 17:32

Remember Lot’s wife.

Luke 17:32

She had no name except “Lot’s wife”;
She didn’t want to leave;
She turned around for one last look;
She died for disbelief.
She wouldn’t listen to God’s word;
And so she lost her life;
So when you think the world is best,
Remember poor Lot’s wife.

Deliverance

2TH 3:1-2

Pray for us . . . that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

This is a great prayer to pray for all our Christian friends and for ourselves that we would be delivered from wicked people. Satan is stepping up his attacks by destroying everything that God has established as good and right. All God’s standards are being given up, and evil and wickedness are more open and more accepted. Let’s pray as never before that we would be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men.

The Test

1CO 3:13

Every man’s work . . . shall be revealed by fire.

1 Corinthians 3:13

There is nothing like fire to prove the durability of an object. God is going to use fire on our works to see what comes through it. If we have worked for the glory of the Lord Jesus, our works will make it through the fire test. If we did things for our own glory, these will be burned up. We may have a lot to show down here, but will it pass the fire test? Only you can control that.

Revenge

1CO 4:12 MAT 5:44

Being reviled, we bless.

1 Corinthians 4:12

Bless them that curse you.

Matthew 5:44

The Apostle Paul put into practice what the Lord has asked each of us to do - that is, to ignore the taunts and jeers of those that hate and despise Christianity and to pray for them instead. When we do this, we really show what God’s love is all about. Anyone can get mad and get even. It takes a real Christian to “turn the other cheek.”

Adultery

HEB 13:4

Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery.

Mark 10:11

Adulterers God will judge.

Hebrews 13:4

America, as a nation, has ignored God’s warning on remarriage. We often trade our cars in on a newer model. God never intended for us to do that with our wife or husband. When you marry, God sees it as permanent. Therefore, don’t hurry into marriage unless you know from the Lord that you have met the right one. When God brings two people together, He will help them stay together.

Sinless

1PE 2:21-22

Christ . . . who did no sin.

1 Peter 2:21-22

The perfection of the Lord Jesus is carefully recorded in Scripture. Here is one record of the fact that Jesus, the only Son of God, did not commit any sinful act nor could He ever sin. And yet God made Him to be sin by laying all our sins upon Him, and then punished Him for our sins. And now we are justified - as if we had never sinned. God’s plan of salvation is wonderful. We have a wonderful Savior - one who NEVER sinned.

The Lord

ISA 5:25

For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is outstretched still.

Isaiah 5:25

Five times in three chapters this statement is made. What a lesson for us. God became angry with His people because of their disobedience and waywardness. But He was always reaching out to draw them to Himself and restore communion. We often break communion with Him because of our selfishness and sinfulness. Sometimes He has to chasten us to make us pay attention. But He is love by nature and treats us with love all the time. And so for us, as with His Old Testament people, His hand is lovingly outstretched still.

Faithfulness

1CO 4:2

It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

1 Corinthians 4:2

Sometimes a company’s most trusted employee is found to be embezzling money. Sometimes an employee of the government is caught selling secrets to a foreign government. These are unfaithful stewards. God wants us to be faithful (trustworthy). Our employer should be able to trust us implicitly in all aspects of our jobs. The Lord too should be able to trust us to do for Him what He wants us to do. Don’t try to cheat on the Lord.

Forgiving

COL 3:13

Forgiving one another . . . even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Colossians 3:13

How did Christ forgive us? TOTALLY! He forgave us ALL our sins. Now we should forgive others who hurt us, don’t like us, say unkind things about us or embarrass us. One reason that maybe there is lack of power in an assembly of Christians is because there is someone there who is unforgiving. And so the Spirit is hindered from working properly. Do they have to ask to be forgiven? NO! Did the people that crucified Jesus ask His forgiveness? No they didn’t. But what did Jesus say? “Father, forgive them.” That should be our motto too.

Witness

ACT 6:15

And all that sat in the council . . . saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

Acts 6:15

I wonder how Stephen looked. Maybe he looked peaceful. I expect there was a look of joy, perhaps even a smile on his face. There was no hint of hatred or regret or bitterness. What a wonderful example for us to follow. Let’s ask ourselves the question: If I was falsely accused, as was Stephen in this passage, and lies were told about me, would those looking at me at that time recognize in my face the face of angel? This is a high standard for us, but one that can be reached.

Future

1CO 13:12

Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face.

1 Corinthians 13:12

How I long sometimes to actually see the Lord and be with Him. We see Him only by faith at the moment and sometimes our faith is so small. We can’t see Him clearly or understand Him fully. But when we are raised incorruptible at the last trump, we will see Him face to face. We’ll actually be there in that place of perfection that He has prepared for us. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Future

1CO 13:12

Now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

1 Corinthians 13:12

Jesus knows everything about us, even better than we do ourselves. I know only a little of the things of God, about heaven, about the events on earth in a coming day. But when I am called to heaven at the rapture of the saints, I will get a new body. And then I will know all things. I will understand why things happened here as they did. I will look back and see and understand how my all-wise Creator directed every one of my steps. But best of all I will understand and enjoy all the wonders of heaven.

Promotion

ACT 2:36

God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Acts 2:36

Jesus has been promoted - to the highest position in the universe. He has been made Lord and Christ. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. His name is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. But before his promotion He took the lowest place. He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. We have a wonderful Savior. Let’s praise and thank Him today for Calvary.

Family Relations

EPH 5:25 1PE 3:7

Husbands, love your wives.

Ephesians 5:25

Giving honor unto the wife.

1 Peter 3:7

The first responsibility in a normal family relationship is that the husband must (1) love his wife just the same as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it, and (2) he must give honor to the wife. In other words, she is to be treated with kindness and respect and caring. She is not to be treated as a slave. Young brother, when you get a wife of your own, never be afraid to show your love for your wife and never mistreat her. Children will not be growing up in the loving, Christian, “normal” home they need, if the husband doesn’t love and treat his wife properly.

Family Relations

TIT 2:4 EPH 5:22

Young women . . . love their husbands.

Titus 2:4

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands.

Ephesians 5:22

The second most important family responsibility for a “normal,” healthy family is that the wife love her husband, and that she not grovel at his feet with abject dread, but that she respect the position that God has placed her husband in as head of the household. When a mother is the dominant player in family affairs, this is abnormal by God’s standards and you can’t expect to have God’s full blessing in your family. Respect your husband’s position and completely support him in it.

Family Relations

TIT 2:4

Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath.

Ephesians 6:4

Young women . . . love their children.

Titus 2:4

Love - not spoil. Discipline - not crush. One reason that America is going downhill is that there is no discipline at home, and discipline is forbidden in the schools. There is a difference between discipline and provoking. A father who corrects his child in love because he wants his child to live right before the Lord is vastly different from a dictatorial, unbending, unkind, sometimes cruel disciplinarian. Fathers be careful. Remember your child’s feelings. Mothers be careful. Children can become discouraged. Love them.

Family Relations

EPH 6:1

Children, obey your parents in the Lord.

Ephesians 6:1

The last important principle in normal family relationships is that the children are obedient to their father and mother, as long as it does not require going against the Lord and the Scriptures. If you don’t learn obedience at home, you will have a hard time obeying school and government authority. And you will have a hard time obeying God. And you will be unhappy.

Searching the Scriptures

ACT 17:11

[The Bereans] . . . searched the Scriptures daily.

Acts 17:11

A new preacher had come to town. His name was Paul. He was teaching some new doctrines that maybe had not been heard before. The Bereans wanted to make sure that, before they followed the teachings of Paul, he was teaching what was of God. So they searched the Scriptures every day and compared what Paul taught to what the Old Testament teachers taught, and what those who had been with Jesus during His ministry taught. It all fit together. But Paul was an apostle. He had to be right - didn’t he? The Bereans wanted to make sure he was a true follower of the Lord and not just out to get a following for himself. Let’s be equally careful.

Exhortation

JOH 5:39

Search the Scriptures. . . . They are they which testify of Me.

John 5:39

This was the Lord’s challenge to the Jews. The Scriptures were interwoven with messages about God’s provision of His Son as the Savior. The intricacies of the Old Testament offerings and feasts spoke of Jesus. And yet the Jews did not and would not recognize their Messiah when He came. This word of the Lord is also to us today. Let us never forget to search the Scriptures because they do indeed testify of Him.

Friendship

PSA 119:63

I am a companion of all them that fear Thee.

Psalm 119:63

What are you going to be doing today? Hanging around with a bunch of kids from school or with other Christians who love and honor the Lord Jesus? Friendships are very important to each of us. Who our friends are can either make us or destroy us. As a Christian, make your friendship with other Christians. You can help each other to grow into Christian adults who are strong for their Lord.

Hate

JOH 5:16

Therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay Him.

John 5:16

The Jews, for the most part, had a real problem with this teacher Jesus. He said things that really bothered their conscience and in order to get rest from a bad conscience they tried to come up with ways to kill Him. What a wicked heart man has. Even one of the most devoutly religious groups of people on the earth could not tolerate the Son of God. They still are responsible for their hatred and crucifixion of the Lord and they will suffer a great judgment because of it. Hate turns into murder. Don’t harbor hate in your heart.

Hate

JOH 5:18

Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill Him, because He . . . said . . . that God was His Father.

John 5:18

But God was the Lord’s Father! Right! But hatred had blinded the Jews’ hearts and minds and they couldn’t see who Jesus was. Hatred hid the truth. Another lesson for each of us is never to hate another. This world is full of hatred and bitterness and violence. If you have feelings of hate growing inside you, go and talk to a close Christian friend or trusted brother in the assembly where you meet. Hate is part of our old nature. But to not be able to get rid of it or keep it under control is a time bomb. Get counseling before hate gets you into trouble.

Gaius

ROM 16:23

Gaius mine host.

Romans 16:23

Gaius was a Christian from Corinth who had been baptized by the Apostle Paul. He is mentioned here as Paul’s host and the host of the whole church. Paul often mentioned individuals by name with a commendation of some kind. One of the characteristics that God views with pleasure is that of being hospitable. When we open our homes to other Christians, we can be assured that we are doing God’s service. At a men’s conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, last summer where almost 62,000 men came together to praise the Lord, several Christians in the city opened their homes for visitors to the conference to have a place to stay as all the motels were full. That’s being a Gaius.

Continuing

ACT 14:22

Continue in the faith.

Acts 14:22

We are almost home! Heaven is just around the corner. Satan is doing everything he can to make us give up. We would encourage you all to continue in the faith. Each year it seems that many of the “standards” that used to be characteristic of this nation are being given up - and being replaced by looseness and immorality. Homosexuals are now open in their life-style and are not afraid to take a public stand for what they want. We MUST continue in the faith. The judgment of this world is very close. Continue in the faith.

Silence

ACT 22:46

And no man was able to answer Him a word.

Matthew 22:46

Jesus had such a manner about Him and could ask questions in such a way that those who were opposed to Him were simply unable to say anything. It wasn’t that He was an obnoxious, overbearing man but that His glory showed who He was and tongues were silenced. Similarly, we find in Romans 3:19 that, at the coming judgment day, every mouth will be stopped, and all the world will become guilty before God. No one will have any excuses at the great white throne. Make sure that you won’t be there.

Happiness

PRO 15:13

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.

Proverbs 15:13

It’s a chain reaction. It starts in my heart, spreads to my face, and then on to someone else’s heart. Then their happiness spreads to another. And so on it goes. See if you can make a difference in someone’s life by being happy yourself. As a Christian, you have every reason to be happy. Unsaved people can be witnessed to silently by our happy spirit. Let’s make a difference today.

Tongue

MAR 7:33

He . . . touched his tongue.

Mark 7:33

Today is a special day for many Christians as they meet together to remember the Lord’s death. May our prayer be that He touch each of our tongues so that we may praise Him for His love in going to Calvary. May we sing praise to the Lord today in an acceptable way. May we speak well of Him. Let Jesus touch your tongue.

Hand

MAT 8:15

He touched her hand.

Matthew 8:15

After our day of praise and worship yesterday, today would be a good day to do something for Jesus. Let Him touch your hand today so that you may do those things that are pleasing to Him; so that you may reach out and touch someone in trouble or distress and be able to help them; so that you may do a little kindness here and there in the name of the Lord. Feel the touch of the Master’s hand on your hand today leading you to work for Him.

Ear

LUK 22:51

He touched his ear.

Luke 22:51

The Lord’s touch on our ear will help us hear the things of God more clearly. We can listen to His voice and learn His ways with us. May the Lord touch our spiritual ears today so that we can learn of Him and recognize, in times of hurry, His still, small voice talking to us.

Eyes

MAT 20:34

Jesus . . . touched their eyes.

Matthew 20:34

“Open our eyes, Lord. We want to see Jesus.” That song is such a beautiful prayer. May it be true of each of us who love the Lord Jesus that we want to see Him more and more; that the eyes of faith can reach up into heaven and see Him there. Let Jesus touch your eyes today, and then look up.

Death

LUK 7:14

[Jesus] . . . touched the [coffin.]

Luke 7:14

What a day for this poor lonely widow. Her only son had died. On the way to the funeral Jesus touched the coffin, spoke a word, and her dead son was brought back to life. In a spiritual sense, if we have “died” through worldliness or indifference, let the Lord touch our coffin today so that we might revive. Let us pray for a great spiritual revival in our country so that the forces of evil will be suppressed until the Lord comes.

What a Man!

MAT 8:27

What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him!

Matthew 8:27

What kind of man was He, this Jesus? He was God’s Son. He was the Creator of the universe. He had made the sea and everything in it. He created the winds and “gathers them in His fists.” No wonder He could call out, “Peace, be still,” and there was a great calm. This power is still here. Today He can quiet the storms in our lives and bring a great calm. When troubles get tough and too much to bear, turn to Jesus and let Him call out to you, “Peace, be still.”

Mount Pisgah

NUM 21:20

The top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon.

Numbers 21:20

This mountain is on the east side of the Jordan River. In Deuteronomy 34 we read of Moses going up to the top of Pisgah and from there God showed him the promised land. Sadly, after 40 years of wandering in the desert leading God’s people, Moses was forbidden to enter the promised land because he had, in a fit of temper, disobeyed God. Moses was buried by God and no one ever found his grave site.

The Lamb

JOH 1:36

Behold the Lamb of God!

John 1:36

Five words - spoken with conviction and feeling and admiration. Five words is all it took for two of his disciples to leave John the Baptist and follow the Lamb of God. But with those five words John introduces the Son of God to this world and finishes the work that God had prepared him for. John now steps aside and Jesus starts His public ministry. I had rather, the Apostle Paul said, speak five words with my understanding, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. What an effect five words can have. Make them count!

Andrew

JOH 1:40

One of the two which heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew.

John 1:40

Andrew was Peter’s brother. He followed Jesus first and then went and brought Peter to the Lord. Andrew was the disciple who borrowed a small boy’s lunch and gave it to Jesus, who then multiplied it into enough to feed thousands of people. Andrew was first a disciple of John the Baptist. But when John said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Andrew immediately left John and became one of the Lord’s disciples. History records that Andrew served the Lord in Scythia, Greece and Asia Minor, and that he died a martyr on a cross in Achaia.

Service

ACT 11:29-30

The disciples . . . determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea: which also they did.

Acts 11:29-30

The service of giving can be individual or collective. In our verse today the disciples as a group wanted to help their brethren in Judea who were going through hard times financially. So they sent money to them. But don’t forget to be willing to give as an individual when you hear of someone who is in need. Anything given with a heart of love to others who are less fortunate than yourself will be noticed by the Lord and rewarded by Him. Don’t forget to give.

Foundations

1CO 3:12-13

Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones . . . every man’s work shall be made manifest.

1 Corinthians 3:12-13

This is the first of two categories of foundations on which we can build. What the Apostle is saying is that the things we do for the Lord must be done with His glory in view. When that occurs, then we are building on a foundation that is solid and will pass the review at the Lord’s judgment seat. We will see our labors rewarded. Gold, silver and precious stones are beautiful and lasting. Let’s build on a beautiful foundation - the Lord Jesus Himself.

Foundations

1CO 3:12-13

Now if any man build upon this foundation . . . wood, hay, stubble; every man’s work shall be made manifest.

1 Corinthians 3:12-13

Here is the second foundation. What happens when you put a match to wood, or hay, or stubble? It burns and disappears. So, too, when our works are reviewed by the Lord and they go through the fire test, if they were done for our own glory instead of the Lord’s, then they will get burned up and there will be no reward. Choose the gold, silver and precious stones as your foundation. It will last forever.

God’s Ways

JON 4:6-8

The Lord God prepared a gourd . . . a worm . . . a vehement east wind.

Jonah 4:6-8

Jonah had run away from God and God sent a violent storm at sea to get his attention. Now Jonah’s mission was done and he was sulking because the city he preached to had repented and turned to God and God had spared the judgment that He was going to send on the city. This bothered Jonah, and so God again introduced various things into Jonah’s life to try and teach him that God’s ways are not our ways. He does things sometimes that to us don’t make sense. Don’t try to second guess God. Just trust Him and be obedient. Jonah was a very unhappy man. Learn from Jonah.

Salvation

ISA 6:8

Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send Me.

Isaiah 6:8

God needed someone to go to earth to redeem man. The Lord Jesus volunteered to go. He fully knew that the result of His stay here would be death on a cross. He also knew that God would have to punish Him for our sins. But He was willing to come anyway. That’s love in perfection. We have a perfect Savior whose love knows no bounds.

Savior

ISA 7:14

A virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

No one can say that the Old Testament had hidden messages about the coming of the Messiah. I wonder if the wise men from the east had read this passage and it spoke to their hearts so that they were willing to travel hundreds of miles to find the Messiah. There were some that were looking for the coming of the Messiah, but many rejected Him because of the humble circumstances into which He was born. But He “made Himself of no reputation.” What a great Savior we have.

Kindness

PRO 25:21

If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat.

Proverbs 25:21

It’s hard to be kind to someone who doesn’t like you. But we need to forget ourselves and our personal feelings and do what the Lord would have done. He was kind toward those who rejected Him. He was merciful and gracious. He wants us to show His love by being kind to those around us even if they are our enemy.

Confession

MAR 5:33

But the woman . . . came . . . and told [Jesus] all the truth.

Mark 5:33

This woman thought that no one would ever know that she had touched the hem of Jesus’ garment so that her sickness would be cured. But Jesus knew. He felt her touch Him. Since she was found out, she came and told Jesus everything. Let’s be the same way. The Lord doesn’t want us to come to Him with only the big problems or a sort of generic-type prayer. He wants us to tell Him all the truth, confess our sins if we have sinned, and feel the love and communion that He wants to share with us. Don’t hold anything back from Him.

Peace

ISA 57:20-21

The wicked are like the troubled sea. . . . There is no peace . . . to the wicked.

Isaiah 57:20-21

Even on a calm day the sea is never really still. There are tides and currents that are constantly at work moving the great mass of water. So for the unsaved, even though on the surface there appears to be calm, underneath there is no peace. The conscience is still at work convicting of sin. If you have a bad conscience - no peace in your heart - it can only be caused by one of two things. Either you’re a sinner and need to be saved, or you’re a Christian who has sinned and you need to confess it to God. There is no peace to the wicked.

Peace

PSA 37:39

The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: He is their strength in the time of trouble.

Psalm 37:39

Yesterday we considered the fact that there is no real peace to those who are not saved. Our verse today reminds us of the strength that the Lord has and its sufficiency for our every need. Even when there is trouble, the Christian can rest on the strength of the Lord and be in peace. Often we are not - but the resource is there. It’s just our mistrust that stops us enjoying full peace even in the time of trouble.

Pilate

MAT 27:22

What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?

Matthew 27:22

I heard him say, “What shall I do
With Jesus called the Christ?”
They cried, “We will not have this man;
Let Him be crucified.”
So Pilate gave them their desire
And set Barabbas free;
I saw them lead my Savior to
A place called Calvary.
The day my Savior died, heaven’s door was opened wide.
Now I can go inside, because my Savior died.

The Crucifixion

MAT 27:35

And they crucified Him.

Matthew 27:35

I saw them nail Him to a cross
With nails so long and cruel;
But Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive;
They know not what they do.”
I saw the sun grow dark, and then
My Savior cried again.
I know that in those long dark hours
He suffered for my sin.
The day my Savior died, heaven’s door was opened wide.
Now I can go inside, because my Savior died.

The Lord’s Death

MAT 27:50

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

Matthew 27:50

And when the sun shone out again,
A soldier pierced His side.
The blood that flowed down Calvary
Has made God satisfied.
The price for sin was paid that day,
And Jesus won His bride.
My sins were nailed to Calvary,
The day my Savior died.
The day my Savior died, heaven’s door was opened wide.
Now I can go inside, because my Savior died.

New

REV 21:1

I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.

Revelation 21:1

The earth and heavens as we know them will be destroyed by fire at the hand of God and He will make a new one. And here at last there will be peace and prosperity and righteousness. Man has spoiled everything that God has created through sin. God will have to remove every evidence of sin and start over. We are at the very edge of eternity. Are you excited? Are you ready?

Sharing

GAL 6:2

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

Galatians 6:2

Sometimes the pressures of life get to be too much for some people to bear. They become depressed and unhappy. This is where we should be available to listen to their troubles and try to help them. Read the Scriptures with them, pray with them. Bear their burden with them and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Words

LUK 4:22

The gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth.

Luke 4:22

What else could we expect to come from the Lord’s mouth but words of grace and kindness, love and compassion? The Lord has set an example for us in every way. One is that husbands are to love their wives just as the Lord loved the Church and gave Himself for it. Another example is that He never fought back when He was taken and falsely accused. And in our verse today is a third example for us to follow. When we speak, do people notice that we speak with grace and love? This is a real challenge. Let’s be more like the Lord in everything we do.

Happiness

PRO 15:30

The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart.

Proverbs 15:30

Another way to say this is: A cheerful look brings joy to the heart. When I have a cheerful look, it obviously won’t cheer me unless I stand in front of a mirror all day long. No, my look of happiness will affect those who see my face. So you can spread happiness simply by the look on your face. People are often judged as to their personality, or what mood they are in, by the look on their face. If we are truly saved and ready for heaven, we should have the happiest look in the world. Let’s spread some happiness today.

Time Out

EXO 14:13-15

Stand still. . . . The Lord shall fight for you . . . go forward.

Exodus 14:13-15

Moses told the children of Israel to stand still. God told them to move on. There’s a lesson here for us. When life gets crazy and time isn’t available anymore, maybe it’s time to stand still and wait to hear the Lord’s command, “Go forward.” In the Psalms we read, “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning.” “Be still, and know that I am God.” Take time out once in a while for a private talk with the Lord.

Bible Cities

LUK 2:15

Let us now go even unto Bethlehem.

Luke 2:15

Bethlehem is just a small town about 6 miles south of Jerusalem. Rachel, Jacob’s wife, was buried there. Ruth the Moabitess lived there. David was probably born, there because that’s where he was anointed, and it is called the city of David. The Lord Jesus, God’s only Son, was born there to Mary in a stable because there was no room for them in the inn. Bethlehem means “house of bread.” Jesus said that He was the bread of life who came down from heaven. How thankful we should be that He did come, and that He died, and rose again, and is now back in heaven waiting to take us there.

Salvation

HEB 7:25

He is able . . . to save.

Hebrews 7:25

This is the great message of salvation - that Jesus is able to save. The reason? He paid the price for our sins and after dying He was raised back to life through the power of the Spirit. Many disciples saw Jesus ascend up into heaven. Angels told His followers that He would come again just the same way -that is, in the clouds of heaven. So our Lord Jesus has gone into death on account of our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day. Through His power He conquered the power of sin and therefore is able to save all those who come unto God through Him. Are you saved?

Keeping

JUD 24

Him that is able to keep.

Jude 24

If Jesus is able to save, then He surely must also be able to keep us throughout our life until we get to heaven. He has trodden life’s path before us and knows its dangers, trials and temptations. He knows what it’s like to be tired, hungry and thirsty. He knows what it’s like to be sad and alone. He knows what it’s like to have all your friends leave you just when you need them the most. Jesus is indeed able to keep us, care for us, and provide for us until He comes. We have a wonderful Savior.

Covetousness

PRO 28:16

He that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

Proverbs 28:16

We have spoken many times in these pages on the dangers of covetousness - of wanting something that you can’t afford or because someone else has it. Another reason we covet and go beyond our means sometimes (especially in buying cars, guys) is that the other kids at school will think we are really cool if we have a particular car. We will suddenly become popular and have lots of “friends.” Remember the prodigal son in Luke 15? He had lots of friends too, and held many wild parties - until his money was gone. And then so were they. Beware of coveting something or someone just because you’ll become popular.

Safety

ISA 4:6

There shall be a tabernacle for a shadow . . . a place of refuge, and for a covert.

Isaiah 4:6

There is only one true place of safety. That’s trusting in the Lord Jesus and having Him as your “place of refuge.” We mentioned a few days ago that Jesus has conquered the power of death. Through His resurrection He also conquered the power of Satan. So when troubles come and there’s no place to go - don’t forget that there IS a tabernacle for a shadow, a place of refuge and a covert, and it is found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Danger

ACT 27:40-41

They . . . made toward shore. And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground.

Acts 27:40-41

Whether they ran the ship aground on purpose or accidently doesn’t matter. The fact is that they were not in the harbor but were in the middle of a tremendous storm at sea - and stuck on a sand bar. In the storms of life we often get to a place where two seas meet. You may find yourself caught in the middle of a spiritual struggle. You just don’t know what to do. Let the Spirit of God lead you (and He always will lead you according to the Scriptures, because God cannot deny Himself) and leave the results to the Lord. You may have to swim to shore on a broken piece of the ship - alone - but with God’s help you’ll make it and be able to stand up and not be ashamed.

Provoking

HEB 10:24

Let us consider one another to provoke. . .

Hebrews 10:24

Hey, neato! I’ve found a verse that says that I can bug you to pieces! Ha, ha! Whoa. Wait a minute. Let’s see how dangerous it is to pull a verse completely out of context. I missed the most important part - to make a point. Sorry but you can’t start putting spiders down the back of your pesky little sister’s sweater. The verse says that we are to provoke one another unto LOVE and GOOD WORKS. That changes things, doesn’t it? How can we do this? By being loving and kind. Don’t ever forget it.

Salvation

HEB 9:12

By His own blood He entered in once into the holy place.

Hebrews 9:12

Only one person was allowed into the holy place inside the temple and that was the high priest. And even then he had to bring blood with him or else he would die. The Jewish high priest always brought the blood of another - a lamb or a young goat. But our High Priest, the Lord Jesus, brought His own precious, perfect, sinless blood into the holiest of all. And by this He opened the way for us to go in too. We also have to carry the blood of another - the blood that the Lord shed on Calvary. But now we can go into the holy place and be at peace with God. Our salvation cost Jesus everything.

Nearness

HEB 10:22 GEN 45:4

Let us draw near.

Hebrews 10:22

Come near to me.

Genesis 45:4

Nearness to man is something that God has always wanted. He walked and talked with Adam and Eve each day until sin spoiled it and caused a rift between God and man. There are a few who lived lives of faithfulness to God and had close fellowship with Him. But for the most part man was at a distance. Since Jesus died and shed His blood on the cross, the way into God’s presence has been opened and once again God and man can come together in close fellowship. But it is only possible through the work of Calvary. Let’s remember today, as we spend some time thinking about the cross and the Lord’s death there, that the Lord’s death has reestablished communion between God and man. What a Savior we have.

Lost Love

REV 2:4

I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Revelation 2:4

The Ephesian Christians were on fire for the Lord. They had turned from idolatry to worship and love the one true God. They showed by their living that they belonged to the Lord Jesus Christ. And then things changed. Things of the world crept into their lives and the things of God took a secondary place. God noticed it and held it against them. He wants first place in our lives. Do we give it to Him? Don’t let your love for Christ grow cool. Fan the flame all the time and keep yourself in tune with God’s will.

Perfection

MAT 19:21

If thou wilt be perfect, go . . . sell . . . give . . . and come and follow Me.

Matthew 19:21

A young man posed a question to the Lord that ended up in the response that is in our verse today. It wasn’t what the young man wanted to hear. We read that he went away sorrowful, because he was very rich and didn’t want to lose it. His riches meant more to him than the Lord did and he could not be happy. Put the Lord first in your life. You’ll always be glad that you did.

Friendships

1CO 15:33

Evil communications corrupt good manners.

1 Corinthians 15:33

Another way of saying this is, “Bad company corrupts good character.” In other words, by hanging around with the wrong crowd you can get into all kinds of trouble. Be very careful who your friends are. They may not be all that bad in themselves. But when you are around unsaved people, their lack of Christian moral standards can have a degrading effect on the way you view things. Eventually things that used to be wrong to you don’t seem so bad after all and you will allow things in your life that are not right for a Christian to practice. Ask the Lord to help you find Christians to be friends with.

Peer Pressure

JOH 21:3

I go a fishing. . . . We also go with thee.

John 21:3

Peer pressure (or how your actions are affected by those around you) can come from other Christians. In our verse Peter decided that, seeing the Lord wasn’t with them anymore like He used to be, now would be a good time to go back to the old life of fishing. His decision affected several of the other disciples and they all went back to what they had done before they met the Lord. This wasn’t wrong in itself, but the Lord was left out. And He had to come and show them in a dramatic way that they needed to put Him first. Be careful of Christian peer pressure. It’s not always right.

Peer Pressure

2PE 3:17

Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.

2 Peter 3:17

The lowering of the world’s standards affects the Christian, and, unless we are very careful, our standard of what is right and wrong will change along with the world. There was a time when divorce was unheard of for the Christian. Now it’s commonplace. There was a time when women did not speak in churches. Now there are many denominations that have women preachers. Let’s be careful in our personal lives to make sure that we don’t let the world affect our thinking so that we turn a blind eye to sin. God still hates it and we should too.

Comfort

2CO 7:6

God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus.

2 Corinthians 7:6

Paul knew what it was like to be depressed. He was “cast down.” The pressures of life had got to him and God sent Titus to him to help cheer him up. God is a God of comfort and He loves to comfort those that are discouraged. He may do it with a verse from the Scriptures. He may use the visit of another Christian to help you in your struggles. He may do it by giving you the sense that He is right there beside you. Don’t be discouraged. God cares.

Salvation

ROM 5:6

When we were yet without strength . . . Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 5:6

We were without strength - we could not do anything for ourselves. We had no ability to get close to God. We were sinners, far from God. It was then that Christ died for us so that we might come to the Father in the name of the Son. The Lord said, when He was here, that He did not come to call the righteous to repentance (because they thought that they didn’t need it). He came to call sinners to Himself. Let’s thank the Lord today for being willing to die for us so that we could come to God.

Service

1CO 16:15

The house of Stephanas . . . have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.

1 Corinthians 16:15

This was great service! A whole family was involved in something that required no gift -just a large heart. The household of this brother Stephanas did everything they could for the good and blessing and comfort of the other Christians in their area. They were VERY hospitable. We too can do service like this for the Lord. Many others do not have all the blessings that we have. Let’s be willing to share with others of the Christian family.

Help

ECC 4:9

Two are better than one.

Ecclesiastes 4:9

Being by yourself for anything (except a private time with the Lord) can be very difficult. The Scripture teaches the benefit of being with another. Two brothers together can be a very effective team in the Lord’s service. Two can hold each other up in times of difficulty. Two can hold each other accountable for their actions or words. God said in Genesis that it was not good for the man to be alone. So He made him a wife. In spiritual things, too, it is not good for a person to be alone.

Pride

PRO 28:26

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool.

Proverbs 28:26

We sometimes think of ourselves as stronger (spiritually) than we actually are. We are basically trusting in our own heart. One clear example of this was Peter who, trusting in his own heart, vowed that he would never deny the Lord. A short time later he actually said that he never knew who Jesus was! See what happens when you trust in yourself? The Scripture says to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. This is the safe way.

Fellowship

2CH 9:1

And when the queen of Sheba . . . was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.

2 Chronicles 9:1

The queen of Sheba had traveled to Israel to visit with king Solomon and to find out for herself if the reports of his great kingdom and wisdom were true. We find her here visiting with Solomon and telling him everything that was on her heart. I wonder what they talked about. Our Lord Jesus likes us to talk to Him like that too. Do we tell Him everything that is on our heart? He wants to hear all our troubles, our heartaches, our joys and our praise. Don’t forget to spend time each day talking with the Lord.

Self-Control

PRO 29:11

A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

Proverbs 29:11

Some people have a real problem in tongue control. Have you ever noticed that? No matter what, they always have to say something, even if it’s stupid. Sometimes we tend to make a quick, rash decision and state our viewpoint before we prayerfully think things over. We need to remember to always put our brain in gear before we use our tongue.

Bible Mountains

PSA 133:3

As the dew of Hermon.

Psalm 133:3

Hermon, a fairly high mountain on the northeast border of Palestine, is almost always snowcapped. The dew of Hermon is used as a simile to show how wonderful it is when brothers and sisters in Christ get along in peace. Hard rain can cause damage; dew is gentle and disturbs nothing. What a great lesson!

Praise

EZR 3:11

They sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because He is good.

Ezra 3:11

When we consider the Lord’s love in being willing to go to Calvary and bear the punishment for our sins, we should overflow in praise and giving thanks. Today is a good day to spend some time in singing to and praising the Lord for His love and goodness.

Giving

1CH 21:23

I give it all.

1 Chronicles 21:23

David had sinned and God had sent a plague on Israel. To appease the Lord, David had to offer a sacrifice of repentance. He asked a man called Ornan if he could buy what he needed to build an altar and offer a burnt offering on it. Ornan, who respected David as his king, said, “I give it all.” He didn’t want any money for the articles needed. David did pay for them, but the thought of Ornan to give everything is a great example for us. Are we willing to give everything we have in the service of our Lord Jesus?

End Times

2TI 3:2-3

For men shall be . . . without natural affection.

2 Timothy 3:2-3

One of the signs that we are near the coming of the Lord is that people will be without natural affection, or without love. I have never known a time when people hate each other as much as they do now. Happy family relationships are disappearing due to broken homes. One of my sons is in 11th grade. Another boy at his school was stunned that our son still had the same parents - that we had been together all of his life! Nationalities show bitter hatred for certain other nationals. And the homosexual life-style is the furthest from natural affection that anyone can get. The end times are certainly here.

End Times

2TI 3:2-3

For men shall be . . . truce-breakers.

2 Timothy 3:2-3

Divorce, strikes and lawsuits to get out of contracts are all done by people who are truce-breakers. A cease-fire is signed in a warring country. Within a short time, fighting breaks out again. Another truce is broken. And so it goes on. No one can trust anyone else’s word. As a Christian, I need to be sure that others can trust my word and rely on me to keep my promises. Another sign of the end times is truce-breaking.

End Times

2TI 3:2-4

For men shall be . . . lovers of pleasures.

2 Timothy 3:2-4

Lovers of pleasures - entertainment, sports, relaxation, money - abound in this and other developed nations. God is far from people’s thoughts. In fact, they will become so occupied with everything that is pleasing to them that when God judges the world with severe judgments in the tribulation, men will curse God rather than repent. We are indeed in the last times.

Discipline

PRO 29:17

Correct thy son . . . ; he shall give delight unto thy soul.

Proverbs 29:17

I know most of you reading this are not married nor do you have children. But one day the Lord may make both of these things happen. One of the biggest problems in America today is the total lack of correct discipline in the home, in school and in the law courts. Discipline begins at home. Why I am writing this is to encourage each of you young people to never despise any discipline that may be meted out to you (even though you may not like it) but to try to learn lessons from it that God would have you learn. And if you ever have children of your own, make them learn obedience and respect through loving, God-directed discipline. A well-disciplined child will be a delight.

Salvation

ISA 61:10

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord . . . for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation.

Isaiah 61:10

Where did the “garments of salvation” come from? They were made available through the Lord’s death on the cross of Calvary and His resurrection from the dead three days later. Those of us who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ are clothed in perfect garments, fit for heaven. God sees no spot of sin in us, because our sins have all been washed away in the blood of the Lamb. Our salvation is perfect.

Worship

1CH 16:29

Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name.

1 Chronicles 16:29

Today is a special day for praise and worship and remembering. We give glory to the Lord when we thank Him for dying for us at Calvary. God wants us to exalt and honor His Son. What better way than by spending a few moments today remembering the Lord’s suffering and partaking of the loaf and the cup in remembrance of Him? Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name.

Disobedience

1CH 10:13

Saul died for his transgression . . . , the word of the Lord, which he kept not.

1 Chronicles 10:13

The Lord had given specific instructions to Saul. Saul chose to disobey. God gave specific instructions to Adam and Eve. They chose to disobey. God has now commanded all men everywhere to repent. Many choose not to. They, like Saul, will die for their transgression - not keeping the word of the Lord. They will be separated from God for all eternity. Don’t be one of them.

Witchcraft

1CH 10:13

Saul died for his transgression . . . , for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit.

1 Chronicles 10:13

More and more we see signs in house windows -“Palm Reader.” Famous entertainment people have started a telephone service that allows you to get in touch with a “psychic.” Man is delving ever deeper into the spirit world that is controlled and instigated by Satan himself. Saul died for asking counsel of a “psychic.” Leave Satan’s world alone. He is extremely powerful and cunning and will do anything to get you to leave God out of your life. Ask counsel of the Lord. He alone can give you a truthful and loving answer.

Forsaken

2TI 4:16

All men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

2 Timothy 4:16

Paul, the Apostle, practiced forgiving others. Even though those that forsook him did not return and ask forgiveness, he was willing to be just like the Lord and ask his heavenly Father to forgive what they had done. Let’s be like Paul. Let’s practice the Christian, God-given characteristic of being able to forgive those that wrong us. The world is full of hate and bitterness and holding grudges. It’s so refreshing to be able to forgive and forget, and go on.

Faithfulness

HEB 3:5

Moses . . . was faithful in all his house, as a servant.

Hebrews 3:5

Moses was an incredible person and left us a great example to follow. He was faithful to God no matter what. His brother Aaron, who had been Moses’ mouthpiece for God in the presence of Pharaoh, was persuaded by the Israelites to make a calf for them to worship because Moses had been gone so long up the mountain and they didn’t think he was ever coming back. Moses was tested, suffered the complaining and backbiting of the people for forty years, and yet he was faithful to the Lord. Be a Moses.

End Times

2TI 4:3-4

The time will come when . . . they shall turn away their ears from the truth.

2 Timothy 4:3-4

Two years ago we were stunned to watch and read about the Branch Davidian cult in Waco, Texas, that ended in the violent deaths of most of its members. In the fall of 1994, in Switzerland, another religious cult ended in the deaths of its adherents. There have been many others, and there will be more. The end times are upon us, and people are refusing to listen to the truth as presented in the Bible and are listening instead to self-appointed leaders who teach evil doctrine, deceiving their followers and leading them into destruction. Read and study the Scriptures. They speak of Christ, who is the truth.

Slavery

REV 13:17

No man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark.

Revelation 13:17

In a few years this world will be in slavery like they have never experienced before. The new world leader, under the power of Satan, will force his identification mark on all humans so that they can’t even buy groceries without that mark on their hand or forehead. What a terrible time for the unsaved in that day. Not only are they enslaved to Satan, but they are doomed to an eternity in the lake of fire. The only means of escape is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, now while you still have opportunity, before Jesus comes again.

Perfection

SOS 4:7

Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.

Song of Solomon 4:7

Absolutely perfect. That’s how God sees us -because of Calvary. Jesus, God’s only Son, gave His life at Calvary and bore in His body the punishment for our sins. His blood was shed on the cross and now, washed white in that blood, we are spotless. Let’s thank Him today for His willing sacrifice on the cross.

Persecution

ACT 21:30-31

They took Paul . . . to kill him.

Acts 21:30-31

The Jews hated Paul and his gospel preaching and his outreach to the Gentiles so much that all they could think about was to get rid of him. The Apostle Paul was protected in a very special way by God and survived all attempts on his life. But he knew what persecution was, and he was willing to endure it because his love for the Lord was so great. Don’t be surprised if the world hates you too.

Persecution

ACT 7:57-58

They . . . ran upon [Stephen] . . . and cast him out . . . and stoned him.

Acts 7:57-58

Here’s another example of one who was willing to suffer persecution for the gospel’s sake. Stephen had preached a solid gospel and made the Jews so mad that they actually stoned him to death. His martyrdom was watched by Saul, who later, after he became a Christian, was renamed Paul. When he endured persecution, as we considered yesterday, I wonder if he thought back to this day when he gave consent to the death of Stephen. Are we willing to give our lives for the Lord, as Stephen did?

Philosophy

COL 2:8

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy.

Colossians 2:8

Philosophy is defined as “the love and pursuit of wisdom by intellectual means.” Man loves a mental challenge. Colleges churn out thousands of people who have spent a good deal of time in the pursuit of wisdom by intellectual means. NEVER use this approach to spiritual things. Godly wisdom is only obtained directly from God, through prayer and reading His Word. Be very careful of philosophy. It can get you into all kinds of difficulty.

Salvation

GAL 2:21

If righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Galatians 2:21

If it were possible to keep the law perfectly (ignoring the fact that we are all born sinners), then the Lord Jesus went to Calvary for nothing. If it is possible to become acceptable to God through keeping the law, then it was not necessary for the Son of God to give His life for us, because we could have made it to heaven on our own. But we all know that from childhood we have sinned. We have broken the law before we knew enough to keep it. Praise God that He has provided the only and best way of salvation -through faith in Jesus. Have you put your trust in Him?

Luke

COL 4:14

Luke, the beloved physician.

Colossians 4:14

Although Luke, a doctor, wrote both the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts, he is only mentioned three times in the New Testament, and each time it is by Paul as he wrote to others. Luke hid himself so that the working of the Spirit through others might be shown. He was Paul’s travel companion and was also with Paul during Paul’s second imprisonment. Other helpers forsook the Apostle but Luke remained. What an encouragement for us to see one who would be willing to be in the background and yet remain one in whom the Apostle could have complete confidence.

Prayer

LUK 9:28

[Jesus] took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

Luke 9:28

The Lord spent much time in prayer to His Father in heaven. Just before He selected His twelve disciples, He spent all night in prayer. We, also, have access to God by prayer. We can pray anytime, anywhere. But there is something special about getting away from everything and everybody and spending time alone with God. There is also something really special about getting together with one or two others for united prayer about a certain topic or concern. Don’t neglect your prayer life. Daily life is very busy, and if you’re not careful your prayer life will suffer.

Dedication

SOS 3:4

I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go.

Song of Solomon 3:4

Oh, to hold onto the Lord Jesus and never let Him go! Is our love that strong? Do we want to be with Him that much? He gave His life for us. Our heart’s response should be what the bride said in our verse today. One day soon we will be with and like Him, and then we will never be away from Him. But while we wait for His return, it is good for us to come together in His presence and remember Him, and His work at Calvary.

On Being Nosey

ECC 7:21

Take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee.

Ecclesiastes 7:21

Some people spend a lot of time hanging around hallways and walking slowly past open doors to try and hear everything that is going on. Having a nosey person around is very frustrating to most people. Being nosey sometimes backfires and you hear people saying things about you that you wish that you hadn’t heard. Don’t stick your nose into other people’s business. It’s warned against several times in Scripture.

Wives

PRO 19:14

A prudent wife is from the Lord.

Proverbs 19:14

“Prudent” is defined as “wise in handling practical matters; careful about one’s conduct; discreet.” Girls, if you want to be the best helpmeet that you can be for your future husband, learn to be prudent. God intends a marriage relationship to be sound and happy. A domineering wife upsets God’s plan. While you are young and single, start being wise, careful and discreet.

Working

LAM 3:27

It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.

Lamentations 3:27

A great danger today is for a young person to get an education and after graduation to expect to get a job at the top of a company. You will develop into an employee with sound judgment and one whom others in the company will respect if you start at the bottom and work your way up. Then when disputes occur, you will know how to deal with them because you have been in that position yourself.

Riches

PRO 23:4

Labor not to be rich.

Proverbs 23:4

The Old and the New Testaments have warnings in them of the dangers involved in devotedness to riches. True riches are what God gives inside your heart, not what you get for yourself and show off outside. Many a man has spent ceaseless hours, months, years of labor to be rich and come home to find his family in shambles. Give your energy, instead, to the Lord and His work, and to your family.

Mount Hor

NUM 20:22

The whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh, and came unto mount Hor.

Numbers 20:22

Mount Hor is between the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Akaba. Here Aaron, Moses’ older brother, died because God would not let him go into the promised land. The view from mount Hor is said to be majestic. Perhaps the deaths of Aaron and, later, Moses at the top of another mountain would be a small picture of our distance, spiritually, from the world. Death for the Christian is just a transformation from one high level to another where we will have a majestic view of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Calm

MAT 8:27

The men marveled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Matthew 8:27

There is a calm in the midst of storm. Jesus can bring calm into your heart when things get tough. When you are alone and don’t know what to do, Jesus can give peace to your troubled soul. Just as He could stand at the edge of the boat and say to the waves, “Peace, be still,” so He can breath the same words to us when everything around is confusion and chaos. Let the Lord calm the troubled seas of your life and bring peace to you.

Delight

MAT 3:17

A voice from heaven . . . This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Matthew 3:17

Early in the Lord’s public ministry, God proclaims His delight in His Son with a voice from heaven. Here was One who was altogether pleasing to God. Jesus had volunteered to come to earth to redeem man. And God was well-pleased with Him. That’s what makes the story of the cross so remarkable. God, who proclaimed more than once His pleasure in His Son, actually punished Him for our sins, even though He had never sinned Himself. Some things are too deep for us to comprehend, but we can remember His death today as He asked us to.

Real Christianity

EPH 4:32

Be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God . . . hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32

Kindness in a world that is self-centered is a real blessing. Being kind does not require a spiritual gift in order to be able to do it. It just requires that Christ is active in our lives. A kind act, a kind gesture, a kind word, a kind thought expressed in sending a card or a bouquet of flowers - these are things that we can all do. And if another has a quarrel against us, be tenderhearted and forgiving. Just remember how much God has forgiven us.

Example

2TH 3:7

Ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you.

2 Thessalonians 3:7

The Apostle Paul was a good example for believers to emulate. He acted as a Christian should act. He conducted himself in such a way that his life-style would not stumble another believer. In another epistle Paul says, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” That way it was “safe” for Christians to imitate Paul because everything he did spoke of Christ. He didn’t do anything for himself. Let’s try, also, to be a good example of a believer.

The Son

JOH 5:22 GEN 25:5

Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac.

Genesis 25:5

The Father ... ..hath committed all judgment unto the Son.

John 5:22

Abraham loved Isaac more than anything else in the world. Towards the end of his life, he gave everything that he had to Isaac. This speaks so much of God the Father giving everything to His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Never was there a son like Him. He always did everything to please His Father. He willingly gave His life according to the Father’s plan so that we could be freed from sin. Well could God say from heaven: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I have found My delight.”

Self

ROM 7:18

For I know that in me . . . dwelleth no good thing.

Romans 7:18

Paul recognized that he was his own worst enemy, as the expression is. We must all come to that same realization. In ourselves is nothing good. In myself I am sinful and nothing I do is for God and His glory. On the other hand, when I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I now have a nature that is directly from God, one in which there is no sin. As a son of God I am perfect, but as a natural man I have no good in me. Do you see why we struggle in our Christian lives? It’s the old nature against the new all the time. Let’s make sure that our old nature is kept in the place of death and that the new one is allowed to operate.

The Word

PRO 6:23-24

The commandment is a lamp . . . to keep thee from the evil woman.

Proverbs 6:23-24

The only sure source of light for our Christian walk is found in the Scriptures. There are many instructions in Proverbs for young men to help you live a pure life before the Lord. Satan clutters up your path with temptations of every kind. Some you will fall for, some you may not. But the devil will try to make you fail. Keep reading the Word of God. Follow the instructions in it and keep yourself pure.

Stay Still

PSA 46:10

Be still, and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10

I was talking to a business associate the other day who remarked how crazy everything is in the computer industry. Customers want everything NOW. They can’t wait more than a few minutes to get a problem fixed. Instant response, instant fix, instant information. Rush, rush, rush. What does God say? Be still, and know that I am God. You can’t rush God. You can only get to know Him by being still and enjoying His presence. Have you spent time alone with God lately?

Worship

PSA 92:1

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises.

Psalm 92:1

Yesterday we talked about the speed of life. Today let’s try to take a little time to worship and praise the Lord. You can’t do that in a hurry. He is worthy of all our praise and worship. He gave His all. Let us give Him some time today to give our hearts to Him and to worship Him for who He is and what He has done.

Mountains of Scripture

1KI 18:19

Gather to me all Israel unto Mount Carmel.

1 Kings 18:19

This mountain range is some 12 miles long. One part, towards the east end, is still called “a place of burning,” the traditional spot where Elijah challenged the priests of the idol Baal to prove who was the true God. Elijah won! Fire came out of heaven in answer to Elijah’s prayer and consumed not only the sacrifice but the altar of stones as well. No one questions our God’s greatness!

Friendships

2CO 6:14

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.

2 Corinthians 6:14

Scripture is very clear. In connection with contractual relationships, such as marriage or business, it is wrong to do so with an unbeliever. The two do not mix. A Christian’s standard is God’s standard, which is the opposite of Satan’s. If your friendships are with unsaved people and you are a Christian, you may have to compromise the truth in order to maintain a friendly relationship. The Bible says, “What communion has light with darkness?” The answer is obvious. Make sure your permanent friendships are with other Christians.

Study

1TI 4:15

Meditate . . . ; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

1 Timothy 4:15

What the Apostle Paul is encouraging Timothy to do is to study the Scriptures. Without adequate study in schoolwork, your grades are not very good. Without adequate study of and meditation over the Scriptures, your ability to instruct others will be limited or non-existent. Let’s be like Timothy and study the Scriptures so that others may see and benefit by our spiritual growth.

The Rapture

1CO 15:52

The twinkling of an eye.

1 Corinthians 15:52

There is one clear message here: when Jesus comes, there will be no chance for us Christians to clean up our act and be better Christians. There will be no chance for any unsaved person to finally make that decision that they have always said that they were going to make one day. The twinkling of an eye is so fast that it will be over without anyone knowing that it happened -except afterward - and then everyone’s eternal destiny will be sealed and unchangeable. Are you ready?

Judgment

ECC 12:14

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing . . . good, or . . . evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:14

After the rapture that we talked about yesterday, there will be a judgment for the believer. But the judgment will be of our works, since we are saved. (Our sins can never be judged because they were judged and finished with by Jesus on Calvary.) God will reward anything done with self hidden and for the honor and glory of the Lord. Anything else will be burned up. For the unsaved at the great white throne, everything that you have ever done, said or thought will be exposed to God’s all-seeing eye and there will be nothing found of any value. Accept Jesus as your Savior today and know with assurance that you will NEVER have to come under God’s judgment.

Answers

2CH 9:2

And Solomon told her all her questions.

2 Chronicles 9:2

The queen of Sheba had traveled a long way to ply this wise king Solomon with question after question. Nothing that she asked went unanswered. Solomon answered all her questions. So too, our Solomon, the Lord Jesus Christ, has answers to all our questions. He may not answer them all now, but when we get to heaven we will know as we are known and then we will know and understand the whys and the wherefores of this life. How good to rest in the knowledge that our God knows everything and has all things under control.

Sacrifice

ROM 8:32

He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all.

Romans 8:32

We often think of the Lord’s part in the salvation story - how He gave His life at Calvary so that we might go free. But there’s another side to the story - God’s side. The Father gave His only Son. He chose to give the dearest object of His heart. This is the ultimate sacrifice. God was willing, because of His love towards us, to give His own Son as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.

Inheritance

ROM 8:32

He that spared not His own Son . . . how shall He not . . . freely give us all things?

Romans 8:32

God did not stop with the gift of His Son. In addition to that, He now gives us all things. We have a wonderful inheritance to enjoy in hope now, and to enjoy in reality for all eternity. God’s grace and love goes far beyond our comprehension. And to think that all we have to do is believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and all is ours. We have a wonderful Savior and a wonderful, heavenly Father.

Evil Speaking

1PE 2:1 EPH 4:31

Laying aside . . . all evil speakings.

1 Peter 2:1

Let all . . . evil speaking, be put away from you.

Ephesians 4:31

Speaking evil of someone else (often called character assassination) is something that should be foreign to every child of God. We should always speak well of others, or not speak about them at all. There is no profit in making someone else look bad. All we are doing is trying to make ourselves look good. Let’s be more and more like the Lord Jesus who always spoke kindly to others. We never read of Him ever saying anything derogatory about His disciples. Watch your tongue.

Secret

HEB 4:13

All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

Hebrews 4:13

So you did something secretly and thought no one knew? God did! Nothing escapes His eye. Everything you do, everything you say, every place you go, and everything you think is noticed by God and recorded in His book. Anything not up to His standard will have to be accounted for. The only way to cover it up so that even God can’t see it is with the precious blood of Christ. Are your sins covered?

Prayer

HEB 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

There is only one throne of grace and that is the throne of God. Through the name of Jesus we have access to that throne and we can come without fear. When we come to God in prayer, we find, first, mercy from an all-loving, merciful God. Second, we find that He is also gracious and willing to help us in our difficulty. Are you having a problem which seems to have no solution? Come to the throne of grace and leave it with God.

Choice

1KI 3:9

Give . . . Thy servant an understanding heart.

1 Kings 3:9

Solomon had a choice to make. God had told him to ask anything that he wanted. Solomon’s choice was to ask God for an understanding heart. The reason? So that he would be able to make wise decisions and govern his people properly. This is a good prayer for each of us. Let’s ask the Lord to give us an understanding heart so that the decisions we make will be for the blessing of others.

Counsel

PSA 1:1

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly.

Psalm 1:1

The world has many counseling services. But all the counsel of every wise man in the world will not bring blessing unless it is based on the Word of God. Make sure that, should you need counsel for any reason, your counselor is a believer in the Lord and can give you good, godly counsel that is founded on the solid rock of the Scriptures.

Affliction

LAM 3:1

I am the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of His wrath.

Lamentations 3:1

No one felt affliction like Jesus did. Even though He was the Son of God, He left heaven, became a man and gave His life on the cross of Calvary. There He felt the unrestrained wrath of God when He was punished for our sins. And because the Lord bore the wrath of a holy, sin-hating God, those of us who have believed in Him will never have to feel it. All we will feel will be the kindness and love of God. Let us spend a few moments today remembering the One who saw affliction by the rod of God’s wrath.

Speech

COL 4:6

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt.

Colossians 4:6

Sometimes we speak quickly, without thinking, and, instead of saying something kind, we are sharp and cause offense and hurt. The Lord spoke sharply at times but only at the hard-hearted rejection of the leaders of Israel. He only spoke with kindness and love to those around Him. We should do the same.

Witness

MAT 5:14

Ye are the light of the world.

Matthew 5:14

The only light that the world has is the light of Christianity. Christ was the only person who could dispel the darkness of the world and His reflection should show in our lives. Just as a lighthouse shows ships where there are hidden dangers and gives direction for the pilot, so the light of the Christian should give direction for the unsaved and warn them of the hidden dangers in going on in their sinful ways. How’s our light doing?

Communion

REV 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.

Revelation 3:20

There is something so sad about this verse. The Lord is standing outside a closed door and asking for admittance. The sad thing is that the door that is closed is the door to a Christian’s heart. Is it you, or me? Am I so busy with all my daily routine that the Lord Jesus is shut out of my life? Jesus longs for full fellowship with each of us. It’s our responsibility to let Him into our life and enjoy His loving presence. Let’s keep our hearts open to Him at all times so that He won’t have to knock to let us know that He’s there.

Riches

REV 2:9

I know thy . . . poverty, (but thou art rich).

Revelation 2:9

The Lord sees riches completely differently than most of us do. Here He views many of His own who were totally destitute and yet He tells them that they were rich. How can that be? Because by being the children of God they were rich - in spiritual things on earth and eternal things in heaven. You see, God sees everything in the light of eternity. And these souls, although poor in this world, had heavenly, eternal riches that could never be taken away from them. We have this too. We need to spend more time appreciating our heavenly riches and less time trying to accumulate worldly possessions.

Riches

REV 3:17

Thou sayest, I am rich . . . and knowest not that thou art . . . poor.

Revelation 3:17

What a contrast from yesterday’s “rich” folk. In our verse today, the church had become so self-satisfied, so materialistic, and so spiritually proud that they actually went around bragging about it and saying that they didn’t need anything. And all the time God looked at them and said that they were poor and didn’t even know it. They were spiritually poor, bad witnesses to the grace of God, self-contented. May our hearts not become so self-satisfied that we leave God out of our lives.

Name-Calling

MAT 5:22

Whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Matthew 5:22

This is pretty strong! Jesus is telling His followers to be really careful about name-calling. The word fool here actually means a “godless, moral reprobate.” Perhaps we don’t mean it in that sense when we call someone a fool, but this verse has always made me very careful what I call someone. Names of ridicule should never come from our lips about anyone else. I know, it’s hard at times, especially when you are picked on by someone at school. But ask the Lord to help you to say kind things about and to others.

The Lord’s Death

ISA 53:12

He hath poured out His soul unto death.

Isaiah 53:12

This statement creates a picture in our minds of a jug of water being poured out. It was full, now it is empty. That’s what Jesus did when He went to the cross. He “emptied” Himself and became obedient unto death, the Apostle Paul says, even the death of the cross. Jesus gave everything. He gave Himself, His life, His all. And He did it for you and me. Let’s praise Him today for Calvary and the giving of His life there.

Service

ACT 9:6

Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?

Acts 9:6

Saul, the man who was determined to stamp out Christianity, had just met the Lord. He was convicted and turned to Jesus. Now he asks the question in our verse today. His first reaction after meeting Jesus was to want to serve Him. The Lord has plenty for us to do. He’s just waiting for us to volunteer ourselves to be His servants. Be in prayer before the Lord about what He has for you to do. The harvest is almost complete. Be a part of it.

Report

ACT 16:1-2

Timothy . . . well reported of by the brethren.

Acts 16:1-2

When you apply for a job, you often have to give references - that is, people who can be contacted to be asked about you, if you are honest, hardworking, etc. Timothy, one of Paul’s faithful helpers, was well reported of by the brethren. They could recommend him because he lived as a Christian should. This should be the desire of each of us, that those in the assembly where we meet can recommend us to others as living a blameless life.

Faithfulness

DAN 3:18

We will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image.

Daniel 3:18

Daniel’s three friends had a decision to make that was probably the most difficult that they had to face in their lives. The king, who was an absolute dictator, had announced that, when the band started to play, everyone had to bow to the idol he had built. The three friends would not do it because of their love for God. In the face of death they refused to bow to the idol. The king had them thrown in a furnace for punishment. Imagine his surprise when he saw the Son of God in there with them and they came out totally unharmed. God rewards faithfulness.

Holiness

HAB 1:13

Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity.

Habakkuk 1:13

God cannot tolerate sin. By our standards, taking a cookie from the cookie jar after being told not to is just a little sin. But God hates even the little sins. No sin can ever come into God’s presence. That’s why Jesus had to die, to take away our sin so that we could be received into heaven. When we trust in Jesus as our Savior, all our sins are removed and we can come with boldness into God’s presence. Now His instruction to us is to be holy, as He is holy. Ask the Lord today to help you live a holy life.

Violence

GEN 6:13

The earth is filled with violence.

Genesis 6:13

Things don’t seem to have changed much, do they? At the beginning of man’s history on earth, violence soon became commonplace. The second sin (that we read about) that man committed was murder. Violent crime today is so bad in America that even teenagers are killing each other. In Noah’s time God looked down and repented that He had made man. What must He think today? This world is ready for judgment. God is going to destroy the earth one more time, this time by fire. Are you ready for God’s final judgment and eternity?

Good Cheer

ACT 27:22

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer.

Acts 27:22

Paul and those with him on the ship were in the middle of a most violent storm at sea. It was so bad that no one thought they would make it. But during the night the Lord spoke to Paul and encouraged him. The next day Paul exhorts those with him “to be of good cheer.” Yes, Jesus is with us in the storms of life. Nothing should break that peace of heart that all believers should have knowing that the Almighty is with us in our distresses.

Suffering

PSA 88:7

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

Psalm 88:7

We will never fully understand the depth of the suffering of the Lord Jesus on the cross. For three hours, in total darkness, Jesus bore the wrath of God against our sins. It was so awful that He cried out, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” It was our sins that caused God to turn His back. We will never know what that was like because God will never forsake us. Jesus bore that for us. Remember today to spend some time thinking about the Lord and what He suffered on account of our sins.

Service

1CH 29:5

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

1 Chronicles 29:5

The Lord wants willing workers. The challenge for each of us is to present ourselves to Him as willing servants. We can always seem to find time to do many things for our own pleasure. How much better to create a time for service for the Lord that will bring glory to Him and eternal blessing to others. Are you willing today to consecrate yourself to Him?

Titus

2CO 8:23

Titus . . . my . . . fellow helper.

2 Corinthians 8:23

Titus was a Greek, converted through Paul’s preaching. He became Paul’s helper and on one occasion was sent to the believers at Corinth. From there he reported to Paul the effect that his first letter had had on them. He was employed by Paul to prepare the collection for the poor saints in Judea. Later Paul left him in Crete to set things in order, and to ordain elders in every city. What a privilege to work for the Apostle, but how much better to know that he was, in turn, working for the Lord Himself.

The Lord

PSA 103:8

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

Psalm 103:8

The Lord does not like to bring us under discipline. Sometimes it is necessary because we have a lesson to learn that cannot be learned any other way. But the Lord is so merciful. He loves to shower us with blessings and kindness. The many things that are part of daily living, like food and clothes, are a result of His goodness to us. Let us praise the Lord for His goodness and His wonderful works to the children of men.

Dependence

MAT 6:9-11

Our Father . . . give us this day our daily bread.

Matthew 6:9-11

A popular theme of modern-day educators is that you can do anything that you set your mind to do. One thing they forget is that, for the Christian, the direction of our lives is controlled by God, not ourselves. Even our daily food is a gift from Him. We must always recognize that without Him we would have nothing and we can become nothing. If you do well (in your career), it is only because the Lord helped you to get to that particular position. God is our life. Everything comes from Him and we should always remember that we are totally dependent on Him for everything - even for our daily bread.

Hopelessness

MAR 5:39

Why make ye this ado, and weep?

Mark 5:39

Have you ever felt that everything has completely disintegrated, that there is no hope, that nothing can bring joy into your life anymore? Does it feel like the only thing left to do is to cry and feel sorry for yourself? Listen to the voice of Jesus: “Why make ye this ado, and weep?” He’s saying, “Don’t give up. I’m here. I can give life, and joy, and hope, and happiness. Just trust Me. Don’t cry any more. I will comfort and help you.”

Submission

ROM 6:13

Yield yourselves unto God.

Romans 6:13

I seem to be writing a lot lately about submission. When you go into the classrooms of our schools and have to deal with kids that refuse to submit to your authority as a teacher, it makes you realize just how far from God this country has gone. God expects submission to Him, that we yield ourselves to His requests, that we obey Him. I challenge you, as a Christian young person, to let your faith in Christ show by being submissive, not just to God but to anyone in authority. Anarchy is on its way. Christians should beware and avoid it.

Salvation

LUK 5:32

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luke 5:32

The Jewish leaders could never figure the Lord out. They could not understand why He spent time and socialized with the down-and-outers. Jesus’ response was simple. It’s our verse today. The Lord’s heart went out to those in need, to the poor, to the sick, to those who were spiritually starving. And He met that need, just as He meets it today by bringing hope to the hopeless, and joy to those who are cast down. Come to Jesus. You’ll never be the same again.

Care

1PE 5:7

Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

1 Peter 5:7

We have not only a wonderful Savior who has given us eternal life, but we also have a compassionate friend who longs to carry our burden and help us through each day. The Lord doesn’t merely want to help us carry our burden; He wants us to give it to Him to carry for us. How much we need to learn that lesson, to leave it all with Him, and know that He will help us through.

Life

DEU 11:11

But the land . . . is a land of hills and valleys.

Deuteronomy 11:11

Our life is not always smooth sailing. But if we spend time with the Lord on the mountaintop and get our heart filled with Him and His love, then when we find ourselves in one of the valleys, through which we often pass, the sense of His presence and the remembrance of the mountaintop experience will help us through the difficulties. Then, after the valley, we will find the sun shining brightly once again.

Mountains of Scripture

LUK 22:39

And He came out, and went . . . to the mount of Olives.

Luke 22:39

The Mount of Olives is a range on the east side of Jerusalem where Jesus often went. The Lord sat on the Mount of Olives when He spoke to His disciples about future events. Jesus ascended to heaven from here and will return to the same spot when He comes to set up His earthly kingdom. Zechariah tells us that, when the Lord comes in power and glory and His feet touch the Mount of Olives, it will split in two and “there shall be a very great valley.” What a day when Jesus comes as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Witness

JOS 2:21

And [Rahab] sent them away . . . and she bound the scarlet line in the window.

Joshua 2:21

In this simple act of faith by Rahab we can learn two lessons. First, by binding the scarlet line in the window, she shows to the Lord and the messengers from Israel that she believed their word and accepted by faith that what they said was true. Second, she shows to the world that she is a believer. She is covered by the blood. Are you? Do others know? May we each show by the way we live and the things we say that we belong to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Leading

MAR 8:23

He took the blind man by the hand.

Mark 8:23

The Lord loves to lead us by the hand. We often pull and tug to go our way, but His hand, ever gentle, leads us along in His way. This is the path of blessing - to be led by Him. We cannot always see the way or know what is around the next corner. But as long as Jesus is leading us, it doesn’t matter. He is always there to help us through the rough spots, to keep danger away, and to lead us into eternal blessing.

Hold on

HEB 6:18-19

Lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul.

Hebrews 6:18-19

Christian hope is quite different from worldly hope. Our hope is one of certainty. We know it is going to happen. With this in mind, we can hold on to the hope of the Lord’s coming, knowing that, because He said that He would come again, we can be certain that He will - and, we believe, very soon. Nothing should shake our hope, which is an anchor for our souls. We can be absolutely sure that our future is secure and rest for all eternity on the work of Christ on the cross. What a hope.

Remembering

1CO 5:8

Let us keep the feast.

1 Corinthians 5:8

The Lord Jesus introduced His disciples to a completely new feast that they were to keep instead of the Old Testament feast of the Passover. The new feast was the remembrance of Jesus’ death on the cross. On the last evening with His disciples He asked them to “do this in remembrance of Me.” Now, almost 2000 years later, many Christians still remember the Lord’s death just as the disciples did on the night when Jesus was betrayed. May we always have that desire to remember the Lord’s death until He comes.

Fear and Freedom

2TI 1:7

God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

Many of the world’s religions keep their adherents in check through fear and threatening. Not so Christianity. When you become a Christian by trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, fear is gone. He is now our Lord and Master, and He keeps us following through His great love, not by wielding threats over us. If you are still fearful, then maybe you don’t fully realize the wonderful position that Christ has brought you into. You ARE free! Christ has set you free. There should be no more fear.

Respect

ECC 10:20

Curse not the king, no not in thy thought.

Ecclesiastes 10:20

Here’s another verse that would encourage Christians to show respect for those in authority. How many times have we thought and maybe even said nasty things about the President or the Prime Minister of our country? Let’s remember that even though we may not like them as a person, or like what they are doing, they have been put in that position by God and we must respect them in that position. In other words, we should submit to their authority, as long as it doesn’t contradict the Scriptures.

Reward

1CO 4:5

Then shall every man have praise of God.

1 Corinthians 4:5

This is the day that all Christians should be waiting for - the day when we shall be with the Lord Jesus in heaven. Then all those in heaven will have praise of God. He will reward us for using the faith that He gave us to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. That’s one of the wonderful things about our God. He gives us the faith and then rewards us for using it. Do you know anyone else who would do that?

Stone Hearts

ZEC 7:12

They made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law.

Zechariah 7:12

God’s earthly people, for the most part, refused to accept Jesus as Messiah. They refused to listen to His Word and see that He was the fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies about their Messiah. Let’s learn a lesson from them and be careful that we don’t become so self-satisfied in our position that we no longer listen to the Lord when He speaks to us. Keep your heart tender.

Wisdom

PRO 8:11

For wisdom is better than rubies.

Proverbs 8:11

Many people spend all their time and energy in obtaining as much wealth and possessions as they can. But Solomon maintained that wisdom was worth more than any precious jewel. This wisdom, obtained only from God, cannot be compared to worldly wealth. May each of us be more concerned to have wisdom than riches. Wisdom we will take to heaven with us; riches will be left behind.

The Rapture

SOS 2:10

Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

Song of Solomon 2:10

This is the message of love from the bridegroom to the bride in Solomon’s love song. How it speaks of the words of love that our heavenly bridegroom will say to us at the rapture. Soon we will be called into His presence to spend eternity with the one whom we love. He first loved us even unto death. Soon He will come for us and we will meet Him in the air. Are you ready and watching?

Worship

1CH 16:29

Bring an offering.

1 Chronicles 16:29

What do we have to bring? Our hearts! Not just empty and cold, but full of love for Jesus who was willing to die for us. If we really appreciate what it cost the Lord Jesus to give Himself for our sins we will bring an offering of praise to Him when we come to worship. Christ’s offering of Himself to God was a perfect, spotless sacrifice which fully paid for our sins. Now we can bring our offering of praise to Him for what He has done.

Service

HEB 4:11

Let us labor.

Hebrews 4:11

We worshipped yesterday. Today we can serve. Let us labor for the Master in whatever capacity He has fitted us for. Each of us has a work to do for Him. It may be through our normal, daily responsibilities. Or it may be that the Lord wants you to go overseas and work in the mission fields. But whatever it is, give it your best. The Lord is worthy of everything that we can do for Him.

Hold on

HEB 10:23

Let us hold fast.

Hebrews 10:23

Today is marked by people giving up. The struggle is too much. There’s too much pressure from our peers. Satan’s world is too attractive. Don’t forget that there’s no prize until you get to the end of the race. Bonnie Blair, an American gold medalist at last year’s winter games, didn’t give up a race halfway through because the others were too close behind her. She gave it all she had - and won the gold - several of them. We should do the same in the Christian race of life.

Foundation

EPH 3:17

Being rooted and grounded in love.

Ephesians 3:17

Many times we get the impression that to be deeply knowledgeable in the doctrines and explanations of the Scriptures is more important than anything else. The Apostle Paul’s ministry emphasized the tremendous importance of love. Without love we are nothing. His exhortation to the Ephesian Christians was that they should be rooted and grounded in love. He says in another place, “Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

The Scripture

JER 15:16

Thy words were found, and I did eat them.

Jeremiah 15:16

Jeremiah appreciated the words of the Lord. He thought about them. He assimilated them for himself. And then he was able to give them out to others. That’s what we need to do too. If we want our exhortations on the Scriptures to be effective and beneficial for those that hear us, then we need first to make them good to ourselves. That’s what eating the Scriptures means.

Show

MAT 6:17

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face.

Matthew 6:17

The Pharisees of the Lord ’s Day loved to show off their piety. They showed publicly that they were fasting, or praying, or giving to the poor. As a Christian I am to do these things in secret, just between me and the Lord. The rest of the world should have no idea what I am doing. My happy spirit should be one of the things that characterizes me as a Christian, not the fact that I give to the poor, or pray, or whatever. Man looks for public recognition. Christians should bring glory to the Lord by a meek, humble and quiet spirit.

Salvation

ACT 16:30

Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

Acts 16:30

A desperate man was about to commit suicide. But the Apostle Paul called out to him and he came and fell at Paul and Silas’s feet and asked the question in our verse today. The end of everything often brings a soul to God. There’s nothing else in the world that can help. Life is hopeless and there is no point in continuing! But wait! God is wanting you to come to Him and to hear the answer to the question: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. It’s that simple. Won’t you trust Him today?

Breaking of Bread

ACT 20:7

Upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread . . .

Acts 20:7

Here we have an example for us to follow. It’s good to get together on Lord’s Day and spend a little time thinking about the cross and the death of the Lord Jesus there. This is a day that is fast becoming just like any other day - a day of pleasure and relaxation. Let’s treat this day differently. It’s the Lord’s Day and He should be the center of it. When was the last time you remembered the Lord’s death? He has asked us to do it as often as we can until He comes. I encourage you to do so. It is a very special time.

Service

LUK 19:33-34

Why loose ye the colt? . . . The Lord hath need of him.

Luke 19:33-34

There’s a favorite Sunday School song about this wild little donkey that the Lord needed to ride to Jerusalem on. He was young, and would probably spend his entire life carrying loads around on his back. But Jesus needed him. Jesus needs you too. You may think that you don’t have much to offer, but Jesus needs you. Are you willing to be used by the Master?

Self-Confidence

PRO 14:16

A wise man fears, and departs from evil; but the fool rages and is self-confident.

Proverbs 14:16 N.K.J.V

Godly wisdom will help us to be careful and cautious before we step forward. If something comes into our life that is not of God, we can anticipate the result and avoid it. But someone who does not put God foremost in their life goes on in self-confidence, not confidence in God, and falls into all kinds of trouble. Jesus said for us to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves. We need to ask for godly wisdom each day of our life.

Chosen

JOH 15:19

Ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.

John 15:19

Since Jesus has saved us, we no longer belong to this world. Instead, our citizenship is in heaven. Why did the Lord choose me? Just because He wanted to, that’s all. That’s grace. So having been chosen and separated out of the world, why do I still want the things of the world? Because my old nature is still in me and is very easily activated. We need to ask the Lord to help us keep the world and its pleasures in the place of death and be more devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Eternal Life

HEB 9:11-12

But Christ . . . obtained eternal redemption for us.

Hebrews 9:11-12

What peace this gives! ETERNAL redemption! We have it now and it is ours for eternity. But what a cost for the Lord Jesus to obtain this for us. He gave His life that we might live, He died to do us good. Let’s thank Him today for our eternal redemption.

The Lord

PSA 144:1

Blessed be the Lord . . .

Psalm 144:1

my strength . . .

my goodness . . .

my fortress . . .

my high tower . . .

my deliverer . . .

my shield . . .

He in whom I trust.

Suffering

LUK 22:43

There appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him.

Luke 22:43

Here we see the Man, Christ Jesus, in anticipation of what He would have to suffer at Calvary, needing the strengthening support of an angel to help Him through. Jesus suffered untold agony of body, soul and spirit when He went to the cross. He suffered to set us free.

Follow

JOH 21:22

Follow thou Me.

John 21:22

The Lord’s instruction to Peter was a very simple “follow Me.” But as with most of us, Peter wanted to know what someone else was going to do. The Lord really says to Him, “It doesn’t matter what others are doing, or will do, Peter. I want you to follow Me.” This is still the Lord’s desire for each of us today. He wants us to follow Him in the path that He has chosen for us. There is no other way for full blessing.

Earthquakes

MAT 24:7

There shall be . . . earthquakes, in [various] places.

Matthew 24:7

This is one of the signs of the approach of the Lord’s second coming. There have been several major earthquakes in the last year or so in the U.S., Japan and Colombia. God is speaking through earthquakes, as He has before, to get man’s attention. And yet they still won’t listen. Man, in general, is shutting God out of his life. Soon there will be one final, massive earthquake when Jesus comes back to earth as King of kings and Lord of lords. Will you be here quaking in fear? Or will you be with Jesus, rejoicing in His power and majesty? It’s your choice to make. Do it now.

Covetousness

LUK 12:15

Take heed, and beware of covetousness.

Luke 12:15

The Lord goes on to say that a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions, and yet how many of us try to get as many possessions as we can. But there’s not one thing of this world, no matter how beautiful it may be, that will be good enough for heaven. All those entering that place will receive a completely new set of clothes before going in. Everything of this life will be left behind. So, is it really worthwhile trying to accumulate something we can’t keep for eternity? Let’s devote more time and energy to being like the Lord. That’s worthwhile.

Dedication

PSA 119:10

With my whole heart have I sought Thee.

Psalm 119:10

How many of us can honestly say this? Satan constantly bombards us with all kinds of temptations and distractions to try and gain a piece of our heart. It takes real dedication and dependence to overcome these temptings of Satan and seek the Lord with our whole heart. Jesus gave Himself for us. We should give ourselves back to Him.

Respect

ROM 11:20 PRO 28:14

Be not high-minded, but fear.

Romans 11:20

Happy is the man that feareth always.

Proverbs 28:14

A Christian never has to be afraid of the Lord. What these verses are talking about is the need to respect and reverence the Lord. When we keep the Lord Jesus in His rightful place as our Lord and Master and do not class Him on the same level as man, then we will be happy. As soon as we reduce the Lord to our level, then we will become proud (high-minded in our verse) and there can be no blessing in our life. Remember to always honor the Lord for who He is and what He has done.

Happiness

PRO 18:14

The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?

Proverbs 18:14 N.K.J.V

Many times I have heard of those who have visited a sick Christian in the hospital in order to cheer them up only to come away from the visit being the one who got the cheering. And we all know what it’s like to be around someone who is depressed and complaining even though there may be nothing physically wrong with them. What’s the difference? One has a close walk with God, and sickness doesn’t spoil it. The other has no communion with God, and so nothing is right. Which are you?

Peace

COL 1:20

Having made peace through the blood of His cross.

Colossians 1:20

Jesus made peace with God for us when His blood was shed on Calvary. Just as the lamb’s blood applied to the door posts and lintel in the Old Testament protected those inside the house and gave them peace, so the Lord’s blood has made our peace with God. But this is only good if it is applied to me, personally. In other words, I must accept the Lord’s death on Calvary as being for me. I must believe that He died to put away my sin. Only then will I have peace with God.

Satisfied

ISA 53:11

He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied.

Isaiah 53:11

This is a most marvelous verse. The Lord of glory suffered untold agony at the hand of man. Then He suffered for our sins at the hand of God in three hours of darkness on the cross. But, when He looks around at the vast crowd of blood-bought saints with Him in heaven, He will say, “It was worth it.” He will be satisfied with us. Isn’t that great?

Faith

MAR 9:22-24

If thou canst do anything . . .

If thou canst believe . . .

Lord, I believe.

Mark 9:22-24

The father of an epileptic boy wasn’t quite sure if Jesus would be able to help him. But he soon found out that it wasn’t a question of the Lord’s ability to help, but a question of the father’s ability to believe. Once again, it was a matter of faith, and God loves to reward faith. How much blessing there is when there is faith. How much is lost when there is no faith. May we all pray this man’s prayer, “Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.”

Willing

LUK 5:12-13

Lord, if thou wilt . . .

I will, be thou clean.

Luke 5:12-13

Here’s a slightly different view of the Lord from yesterday. In today’s verse the leper had faith in Jesus as Lord and that He was capable of healing him. But he just didn’t know if the Lord wanted to. Jesus wasted no time in letting this poor man know that He was not only willing but it was done. And the leper was cleansed immediately. Never forget, young Christian, that Jesus wants to help us. All we have to do is ask.

Salvation

ACT 16:17

These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation.

Acts 16:17

Paul and Silas were being followed by a demon-possessed girl who kept making the statement in our verse today. It just shows that even the demons know the real truth. They know who Jesus is. They believe in God, but they tremble because they know the awful judgment that will be theirs because of their rejection of God. Finally, Paul could stand the harassment no longer, and he commanded the demon to leave the girl. Then she and Paul and Silas had peace. What was and is “the way of salvation”? The answer is in one word - JESUS. Do you believe in Him as your personal Lord and Savior?

Associations

PRO 24:1

Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

Proverbs 24:1

I heard recently of a college fraternity whose entrance requirements included that the applicant spend a night in a motel with a girl before he would be admitted to the fraternity. These are the kinds of associations that are destructive to Christians and must be left alone. Don’t be envious of the unsaved. They may appear to have more fun, but remember that they will spend eternity separated from God paying for their “fun.”

Prayer

EZR 9:5

At the evening sacrifice . . . I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the Lord my God.

Ezra 9:5

The Scriptures record so many who were faithful in their prayer life. Ezra was one, and here we find him, with hands outstretched, praying. Does God hear from you? Make it a part of your daily routine. It is so necessary for a healthy Christian walk.

Praise

1KI 10:10

There came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.

1 Kings 10:10

Praise from the heart will fill the house of God. God delights when we praise His Son. The scene we have here, of the queen of Sheba giving abundance of spices to the king, is just a picture of the abundance of odors that ascend to God when we come together to praise the Lord Jesus. Remember the one in John’s gospel who anointed the Lord’s feet with an ointment? It says in chapter 12:3, “The house was filled with the odor of the ointment.” So, too, our praise of Jesus will fill the house and be acceptable to God.

New Life

MAR 2:22

No man putteth new wine into old bottles.

Mark 2:22

When a person is saved, God does not just patch them up and make them presentable and ready for heaven. He starts over with a brand new creation. The Lord explains that if new wine is put into old wineskins (which were used for wine storage in Bible times), the wineskins would break and the wine would be lost. So God, through the Holy Spirit, indwells a believer and he becomes a brand new creation - one that is able to live and honor the Lord Jesus.

Witness

1SA 18:28

And Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David.

1 Samuel 18:28

It is of tremendous encouragement to each of us who belong to the Lord Jesus to know that He is with us. Saul was not a child of God, but he could see and know in his heart that the Lord was with David and not with him. The world should also be able to see by our faces, by our attitude, by our love and by our joy that the Lord is with us. There cannot be a worse witness than a miserable Christian. It’s not that we should be bubbly and laughing all the time. But just a quiet, happy, contented spirit can give witness to the fact that we are Christians.

Shepherd

EZR 10:1

Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed . . .

Ezra 10:1

The work of a real shepherd is to take the burden, sin and heartache of another onto himself and confess it to God as if it were his own. You say, “But, isn’t that what Jesus did at Calvary?” Exactly. He was the good Shepherd that gave His life for the sheep. We, too, can bear the burden of another to the Lord and be used to help those of the flock who are going through hard times.

Moses

ACT 7:23

It came into his heart to visit his brethren.

Acts 7:23

This verse refers to Moses who, after 40 years in Pharaoh’s palace as the adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter, somehow discovered that he was actually the son of a Hebrew slave. So Moses, with thoughts of delivering the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt, went to visit his brethren. Good thought! Bad timing! He went with his own plans for deliverance. God’s schedule was different, and Moses had to wait another 40 years before God sent him back to deliver His people.

Lost

LUK 15:8

What woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not . . . sweep . . . and seek diligently till she find it?

Luke 15:8

The eastern woman received a headband of silver as part of her wedding dowry. On that headband were ten pieces of silver. It was very precious to her. No wonder, then, that when she lost one of the pieces, she made diligent search until she found it. It would be like today’s bride losing her diamond. The Lord, when telling this story, was illustrating just how much God searches for a sinner and rejoices over the lost soul that gets saved.

Repentance

LUK 15:12-21

Father, give me . . .

Father, I have sinned.

Luke 15:12-21

The son was selfish. He had pleasure in mind. He took his share of the inheritance and spent it on himself. Then, when hard times hit, he finally started thinking about home and how wrong he had been. He repented and returned to his father. The first words he spoke to his father after the months of sinful living were, “I have sinned.” Repentance is to turn around and admit that you were wrong. Young Christian, if you have slipped into a sinful life-style, turn around today and come back to God, your Father. He’s watching for you and waiting to take you back.

Praise

1PE 2:9

Show forth the praises of Him who hath called you.

1 Peter 2:9

This is what God wants - our praise of His Son. There is nothing that pleases the Father like our praise of Jesus. The Lord Jesus Christ gave up His glory in heaven and became a man in order to go to Calvary and die for our sins. Today we can spend a few minutes thinking about what He suffered for us. When we consider the awfulness of what He suffered, it should fill our hearts with praise.

Praise the Savior, ye who know Him,
Who can tell how much we owe Him?
Gladly let us render to Him
All we have and are.

Giving

LUK 21:4

She . . . hath cast in all the living that she had.

Luke 21:4

The Lord was noticing those that were putting money in the temple collection box. One widow woman threw in two very small coins. In the eyes of man it didn’t seem worthwhile giving such a small amount. But in the eyes of the Son of God it was worth more than all the wealth of the rich people because she gave everything she had. What a lesson for us. Are we willing to give everything we have and are to the Lord? He gave His life for us. We should be willing to give our lives back to Him.

Riches

MAR 10:24

How hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

Mark 10:24

It is impossible to use wealth, riches and influence to get into the kingdom of God. Faith is the only key that unlocks the door to that spiritual kingdom. Have you used it?

Language

COL 3:8

Put off . . . filthy communication out of your mouth.

Colossians 3:8

One of the things that is so easy to get caught up in at school is dirty, vulgar talk. As a Christian, you can be a real witness to those who are not saved or to other Christians who have slipped into this mode of speech by never letting any foul or filthy words escape your lips. Ask the Lord to help you to speak well of Christ and of others and to not talk dirty like others do.

Lying

COL 3:9

Lie not one to another.

Colossians 3:9

Here’s another thing that’s easy to get into if you are not careful. I was busy the other day at work and asked my assistant (who is not a Christian) to take a phone call for me. Her answer to the caller was, “Paul is not at his desk at the moment. Can I help you?” - and I was sitting right there. I let her know that I did not want her to tell untruths like that. Be careful, young believer. Christians should always be truthful.

Covetousness

EPH 5:5

No . . . covetous man . . . hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Ephesians 5:5

Wow, this is pretty heavy, isn’t it? God does not like covetousness. Why? Because it means that we crave something that is not of God. If He wants us to have a particular thing, then He will make sure we get it. But beware if you covet. It will get you into all kinds of financial difficulty.

Eternal Life

JOH 10:28

They shall never perish.

John 10:28

These were Jesus’ words to His disciples. We can keep them as an anchor for ourselves too. There is no question about the security of the believer. Jesus said that they shall NEVER perish. Our eternal destiny is absolutely secure. Nothing can shake it. No one can take it away. We cannot lose it. Praise the Lord!

Despised

ISA 53:3

He is despised and rejected of men.

Isaiah 53:3

Why doesn’t the verse say, “He was despised and rejected of men”? Because the Bible is a living book and the Lord Jesus Christ is just as much despised today as He was when He was here. Unregenerate man hates God and Christ. Men’s hearts have never changed. Only the love of God shed abroad in our hearts has caused us to love and revere the Lord. Unsaved man cannot. Jesus is indeed despised and rejected.

Obedience

JOH 9:7

Go, wash in the pool of Siloam. . . . He went . . . and washed, and came seeing.

John 9:7

What a tremendous miracle. Jesus smeared clay on the eyes of a man who had been blind from birth. He was then told to go and wash in a particular place, and when he did, the blind man was cured. Obedience was the key here. The man did exactly as Jesus had said. That is so true of anything in our lives. If we obey the Lord explicitly, there will be blessing in our lives.

Rich and Poor

LUK 16:19-20

There was a certain rich man . . . and there was a certain beggar.

Luke 16:19-20

The rich man lived well; the beggar was sick and hungry. They lived within a few yards of each other, but the rich man ignored the poor man. The rich man had plenty to eat; the beggar wanted to eat the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. The rich man died and was buried; the beggar died and went to heaven. What was the difference? Faith. Actually they both had faith. The beggar had faith in God and lived for eternity. The rich man had faith in himself and lost everything. Which one are you?

Confession

JOH 9:11 JOH 9:17 JOH 9:38

A man . . . a prophet . . . Lord.

John 9:11,17,38

A blind man received his sight through a miracle by the Lord Jesus. At the beginning of the experience he calls Jesus “a man.” As his experience grows, Jesus becomes “a prophet” to him. But when he meets Jesus face to face, he worships Him and calls Him “Lord.” This is the confession needed for salvation - the statement of your faith in Jesus as your Lord. Have you done it?

Intercession

LUK 22:32

I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.

Luke 22:32

Peter enjoyed the knowledge that the Lord Jesus had prayed for him. He had interceded to God on Peter’s behalf because Peter was about to be tested like he had never been tested before. And Peter’s faith didn’t fail. Peter was a great servant of the Lord with a strong faith in the saving power of the Lord. Just remember, young Christian, when things get tough, Jesus is praying for you.

Rejection

2TH 2:10

They received not the love of the truth.

2 Thessalonians 2:10

There are millions in the world today who have not received the love of the truth. In other words, they have not accepted the gospel message and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. How vitally important it is to believe on the Lord Jesus. There is coming a day when it will be too late to believe. It is too dangerous to put off this question any longer. Don’t reject Jesus. Accept Him today as your Savior.

Faithfulness

JOS 14:14

Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb . . . because that he wholly followed the Lord God.

Joshua 14:14

Caleb received a great inheritance because he had been faithful to the Lord all through the wilderness experience. God always rewards faithfulness on our part. How fully do each of us follow the Lord? That’s a searching question, isn’t it? There are many things in our lives that are clutter. They just get in the way of being able to wholly follow Christ. May He help each of us to get rid of these things, clean out the garbage and diligently follow Him.

Praise

1PE 2:5

Ye are . . . a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices.

1 Peter 2:5

All believers in the Lord Jesus, whether male or female, are priests. In other words, we have been given the privilege of being able to come into the Lord’s presence to offer sacrifices of praise to Him. We can all do that. It requires no gift. Only certain ones of the Jewish religion were allowed to offer sacrifices to God. But in Christianity we can ALL do it - because of the work of Christ on the cross. Let’s praise Him today.

Giving

2CO 9:7

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give.

2 Corinthians 9:7

Giving is an integral part of being saved. Jesus gave Himself for us. We give ourselves to Him. But there is another aspect of giving that is important. It is the giving of money to others who have needs. It may be a poor person who is genuinely destitute. It may be someone who has just had a major hospital expense. They may be Christians; they may not be. But we need to give. Don’t neglect this side of our faith in action.

Forgiving

COL 3:13

Even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Colossians 3:13

How did Christ forgive us? Freely and completely. So now, when someone wrongs me, I must forgive them the same way - freely and completely. Hard to do, isn’t it? That’s the old nature kicking into gear. It is hateful, revengeful and holds grudges. The new nature is loving and kind and forgiving. Let’s make sure that the new nature is the one that acts - not the old.

Satan

LUK 22:31

Simon, Simon. . . . Satan hath desired to have you.

Luke 22:31

This is scary. If Satan had the desire to have Peter with a view to making him fail, how much more does he want each one of us for the same purpose. The comfort is that Satan can do nothing without the Lord’s permission. Satan is the accuser of the brethren. He wants to tempt us in order to get us to fail. We need to ask for the Lord’s protection each day, so that we will not sin against Him.

Love

JOS 23:11

Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the Lord your God.

Joshua 23:11

What a great word for us today! Life is so busy that often the Lord’s things get pushed into second place. We must always try and keep the Lord as the number one objective of our lives. And we must love Him. He loved us with the greatest love that has ever been shown to man. It shouldn’t be too hard to love Him back.

Confidence

JUD 15-16

My family is poor . . . , and I am the [youngest].

Judges 6:15

Surely I will be with thee.

Judges 6:16

Gideon had no confidence in himself or his family’s heritage. He was from a poor family and Gideon himself was the youngest son. But God needed him for a special work and so He gives him the wonderful confidence-booster in our second verse. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your family is like. If God wants to use you, He will give you the confidence to work for Him simply through the promise, “I will be with you.” Keep working!

Hindering

EPH 4:30

Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God.

Ephesians 4:30

There are certain things that we allow in our lives that will grieve the Spirit. Being bitter, angry, insulting in our speech and malicious will all hinder the Spirit from being free to work in the assembly. On the other hand, if we are kind, compassionate and forgiving, then the Spirit will not be hindered or grieved and will direct things in the assembly as they should be. Read Ephesians 4:30-31. Think about it.

Sacrifice

PSA 51:17

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.

Psalm 51:17

If we are to be able to worship the Lord properly, we must be humble. A proud, haughty spirit will produce praise that only gets as high as the ceiling. God will not accept worship from proud people. David learned this and wrote about it. The Lord illustrated the importance of humility in our prayers and our attitude. Let’s remember where we came from and what Jesus had to suffer to redeem us. Pride won’t last long when we remember that.

Not Remembering

HEB 10:17

Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Hebrews 10:17

Why doesn’t it say, “I will forget their sins and iniquities”? Because when we forget, we can also (sometimes) remember. But when our sins are washed in the blood of the Lamb, God chooses to not remember our sins. He makes the wonderful choice of not remembering our iniquities, which means that they will NEVER be brought up again. Isn’t that great?

Strength

1JO 2:14

I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong.

1 John 2:14

One of the characteristics of young men is physical strength. The Apostle John, here, is using the physical to illustrate the spiritual. There is spiritual strength and stability in the young Christian who has made a commitment to Christ. Young people can be very strong in certain areas of their lives. John commends them for their spiritual fortitude. May each of us take heart and be strong for the Lord.

Religion

2TI 3:5

Having a form of godliness.

2 Timothy 3:5

There are many today who say they are Christians, but who really are not. They have “a form of godliness,” but it is just empty religion. They attend church every Sunday, but they won’t be in heaven. Instead, they will bang on heaven’s door after it’s closed and plead with the Lord to let them in. But all they will hear from the Lord is, “I never knew you.” Don’t be a pretender. The Lord Jesus wants you to be real.

Christ

MAT 22:42

What think ye of Christ?

Matthew 22:42

He was sentenced by His own people to die by crucifixion. He never fought back or tried to escape. He didn’t have legal representation at His trial. His death seemed not to be much different from any other criminal’s death. But, three days later, He rose from the dead. His resurrection conquered Satan and the power and fear of death. He has promised to come again and take all those who believe in Him to heaven. This is the Christ, the Messiah, the Savior, the Son of God. What do you think of Him?

Trust

PSA 118:8

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

Psalm 118:8

There have been many men in the history of the world who have been great and powerful people. And yet all of them died and are still dead and their bodies in the grave. But the Lord Jesus Christ died once, for sin, and then rose again and is still alive and always will be. He is the “I Am” - the ever-existing one. Nothing is ever too hard or impossible for Him. It is certainly better to trust in Him rather than man. Man fails; Christ cannot fail.

Riches

PRO 11:28

He that trusteth in his riches shall fall.

Proverbs 11:28

Remember the rich farmer in the gospel? Jesus told the story of his success and wealth. A few weeks ago we talked about the rich man who lived in the lap of luxury. Both of these men trusted in their riches. Both died and went to a lost eternity, shut out from God. Be careful that your trust is not in anything but God.

Worship

GEN 20-21

Noah builded an altar unto the Lord . . . and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the Lord smelled a sweet savor.

Genesis 8:20-21

The life of Noah and his family had been spared by a merciful God. They had all survived the flood and were standing on new ground. The first thing that Noah did was to build an altar and offer a sacrifice to God. God received the offering and smelled it as a sweet savor. Thankful hearts worshipped and God accepted their worship. So too for us. Only thankful, saved hearts can offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise that God will accept and be pleased with. Let’s worship in sincerity today.

Service

2TI 2:15

A workman that needeth not to be ashamed.

2 Timothy 2:15

The Lord needs workers in His harvest fields. Some serve by preaching the gospel, some by teaching members of the body of Christ. Others do different kinds of work for the Lord. We can all do something for Him and not be ashamed of the results if it is done for the Lord’s glory. When we study the Scriptures and serve within its guidelines, we will not be ashamed. The Lord will give us that “Well done” when we meet Him. Keep serving. The Lord’s coming is very close.

Servants

2TI 2:24

The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle.

2 Timothy 2:24

There is no better witness to the truth of Christianity than a gentle, kind, loving spirit. A servant of the Lord must be this way if he is to gain the respect and confidence of his hearers. To run over people who don’t agree with you, to be argumentative and constantly asserting your correctness will not win the hearts of the unsaved or the support of other Christians. Ask the Lord to give you a gentle spirit.

Overcoming

1JO 5:5

Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

1 John 5:5

We will never overcome the power of Satan unless we believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Satan is the god of this world, and he takes extra effort to destroy the happiness and testimony of Christians. You young people are a special target of his attacks. You cannot overcome him unless you have complete trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Then you have a power within you that can withstand Satan and the world.

Stability

MAT 7:24

Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.

Matthew 7:24

A building built on a rock foundation has stability. Nothing really bothers it very much. The storms of life may beat on it constantly, but it remains solid. So too the person who hears and obeys the words of the Lord. They are on a solid foundation. No amount of attacks from the enemy can destroy such a person. We pray that each young person would get personally acquainted with the Lord and be immovable in your faith.

Corruption

ROM 1:26

God gave them up.

Romans 1:26

The degradation of man over the history of this world is shown very clearly in the first chapter of Romans. Man finally gets so far from God that God gives them up to become totally corrupted and polluted. Their morals drop to absolute zero, and they hold nothing back. No wonder God has allowed AIDS to develop. But it doesn’t stop man. He is as corrupt as ever. Hold on to your integrity. Jesus is coming soon.

Lying

EPH 4:25

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor.

Ephesians 4:25

From the beginning of time when Satan lied to Eve and caused her to disobey God, man has had a habit of lying. This runs over into the Christian family sometimes, and the Apostle Paul warns against it several times. Let’s make a special effort to be truthful in everything we say and do.

God’s Goodness

ROM 2:4

The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.

Romans 2:4

Our salvation was not dependent on anything that we could do. It was totally of God. It was His goodness that led us to the Lord, and it’s His goodness that keeps us every day. When we all get to heaven and look around on the vast millions who will be there, we will be with the biggest crowd ever assembled in one place that all got there the same way - through the goodness of God. And we will be with the largest crowd of people ever brought together who will all praise and worship the Lord with one heart and voice. What a day!

Unrepentant

REV 16:9

Men . . . blasphemed the name of God . . . and they repented not.

Revelation 16:9

Later in the same chapter we read again that these men “blasphemed the God of heaven . . . and repented not” (vs. 11). And finally in verse 21 we read, “And men blasphemed God.” What had happened? Last Friday we talked about God giving man up. Here is the final outcome of that act. Man rebels against God with everything that he has. All that is left for him is eternal judgment. What a sad end. Turn to the Lord today while you still have a chance. Soon heaven’s door will shut and if you are not saved the only ones that will be around will be those that blaspheme the name of God.

Belief

JOH 2:22

They believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

John 2:22

Here we have the antidote to yesterday’s problem. The Scriptures contain the whole Word of God and we must believe them. Here we have the truth. Here we find the way of salvation clearly explained. And in the Scriptures we find instructions for a happy Christian life. Believe the Scriptures and compare everything you hear to what they say. If it doesn’t match up, reject it.

Greatness

MAT 18:1-2

Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto Him.

Matthew 18:1-2

God views greatness quite differently from the way man views it. We would never consider that a child has anything to do with greatness. But the kingdom of heaven is entered only by faith. And children have simple but sincere faith in what they are told. Do you have childlike faith in the Lord? That’s the secret of true greatness.

Purity

2CO 11:2-3

I am jealous over you with godly jealousy . . . that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:2-3

School has started for some of you. Others will be going back soon. Peer pressure at school is very strong. I pray to the Lord that you will be kept and preserved for Him. Don’t give in to the temptations around you. One of my sons was talking to a 13-year-old girl the other day who admitted drinking alcohol three times a week. That’s just the beginning of a downward course to immorality. There are those who care very much for you and are praying that you will be true to the Lord. Keep yourselves pure.

Sin

ISA 59:2

Your iniquities have separated between you and your God.

Isaiah 59:2

In the beginning God and man communed together in happy fellowship in the garden of Eden. Then sin came into the world because Adam and Eve disobeyed God and listened to Satan. Since that time man has been separated from God because of sin. It wasn’t God’s choice that the world became corrupted. It was just because of sin. God didn’t make man like an electronic robot that responds to commands from its creator. No, He gave man a will and man used it to his own destruction. By one man, the New Testament says, sin entered into the world and so death by sin. What a tragic end for so great a creation. Sin has separated man from God.

Salvation

ISA 59:1

Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save.

Isaiah 59:1

Here is the answer to yesterday’s problem. The separation caused by sin did not prevent the Lord from being able to provide man a full and free salvation and make him perfect. But it was at tremendous cost. In order to save us, Jesus, the Son of God, had to be punished for our sins and then die on a cross, nailed there like a common criminal. The separation between man and God was removed by God’s Son and once again we can have fellowship with God. What a great Savior we have.

Remembrance

LUK 22:19

And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is My body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me.

Luke 22:19

The night for the Lord to be betrayed by one of His disciples had finally arrived. Not many days later Jesus would go back to heaven and they would not see Him again on this earth. So, in order for them to remember why He came, the Lord Jesus instituted something very simple. A loaf of bread would remind them of His body given in death on Calvary’s cross. Still today, so many years later, a loaf of bread reminds us that the Son of God died in order that we could go free.

Hospitality

LUK 10:38

Martha received Him into her house.

Luke 10:38

Martha lived with her sister and her brother. They provided a home where the Lord Jesus felt free to visit. We don’t know that the Lord had any other place to go, but He was always welcomed here. Martha did the cooking and served the meal and is an example for us to follow in that we too should show kindness and hospitality to others. What a privilege for this woman to serve at the table where Jesus sat. It is a Christian privilege and responsibility to be hospitable. (NOTE: Please read the message inside the front cover.)

Learning

LUK 10:39

Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard His word.

Luke 10:39

While Martha worked in the kitchen, her sister Mary preferred to sit quietly at the Lord’s feet and listen to His ministry. We don’t ever read of the Lord wasting time in idle talk. He only had three-and-a-half years to finish God’s work and He didn’t waste any of it. His words were words of power and blessing, and Mary relished every moment listening to His words. Don’t neglect ministry, young believer. It is through good, sound ministry that you can experience the teaching of the Lord Jesus and learn more about Him.

Naomi

RUT 1:22

So Naomi returned.

Ruth 1:22

Naomi means “pleasant,” but hardships and disappointments had made her bitter. She was probably hard to get along with after her husband and two sons died. She even complains against the Lord. But she comes back home to her own people. Something about her had spoken to her daughter-in-law’s heart, and Ruth wants to be a companion to Naomi in spite of her bitterness. Naomi tries to persuade Ruth to stay in her own land, but Ruth insists on going to Bethlehem. There the Lord heals Naomi’s broken heart, and, after Ruth’s marriage to rich Boaz, Naomi becomes the great-grandmother of King David. The Lord can bring blessing out of trial.

Disappointment

JOH 6:67-68

Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go?

John 6:67-68

Even the Lord Jesus knew what disappointment was. Many of those who followed Jesus had turned back and no longer followed Him. It seems that with disappointment in His voice Jesus asks the twelve that were closest to Him, “Will ye also go away?” We are so glad for Peter’s response. Jesus was the only one who spoke the spiritual truth. He was the true Messiah. There was no one else to turn to. So for us. There is no one else who can give what the Lord can in each of our lives. Don’t turn away.

Child Abuse

JOE 3:3

They . . . have given a boy for a harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink.

Joel 3:3

This is a sad commentary on society, isn’t it? And yet children are being sexually abused by adults every day. North American society has become depraved and wicked. As Christians, we must speak and act against this form of abuse. All of us, whether fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, uncles, cousins, neighbors or baby-sitters, MUST NEVER SEXUALLY USE OR ABUSE A CHILD. IT IS ABSOLUTE WICKEDNESS.

Almost

ACT 26:28

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

Acts 26:28

“Almost” cannot avail;
“Almost” is but to fail!
Sad, sad, that bitter wail -
“Almost - but lost!”

Don’t put off salvation any longer. Don’t be one of those who will say for all eternity, “Why didn’t I believe when I had the chance?” Only you can change “almost” to “I made it!”

The Lord’s Death

MAT 27:37

And set up over His head His accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Matthew 27:37

The end of a perfect life. Humiliation, rejection, ridicule. Hanging with nails through His hands and feet, a simple but profound plaque was nailed to the cross - JESUS the King of the Jews. What a condemnation of the Jewish nation. They had demanded the crucifixion of their King. But so did we. It was our sins that put Him on the cross. It was His love that held Him there. Let’s thank and remember Him today as we think about Jesus, our Lord and King.

Gift

ACT 8:20

Thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

Acts 8:20

You cannot purchase salvation, either with money or by being good. Accepting God’s gift by simple faith in the Lord Jesus is the only way of salvation. When your parents give you a birthday present, you don’t reject it until you can give them money to pay for it; you just accept it - hopefully with thanks. It’s the same thing with salvation. It is completely free. All we have to do is accept it.

Unfaithfulness

LUK 12:47

That servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

Luke 12:47

The Lord is illustrating the importance of being ready for Him and doing His will. What is this for the Christian? To keep ourselves pure and ready for His second coming, and to be careful to maintain good works; purity toward God -kindness toward man.

Immorality

ROM 1:26-27

God gave them up unto vile affections. . . men with men working that which is unseemly.

Romans 1:26-27

Homosexuality is wrong. It is against God. It is not natural. It is abomination. The Scriptures make it very clear that God designed man and woman to have sexual relationships within marriage as husband and wife. Anything other than that is wrong. Satan has so corrupted this world that the gay and lesbian life-style is promoted as quite acceptable. It is not, and God will severely judge all who practice it. (If you feel a tendency towards homosexuality, ask the Lord to direct you to a Christian who will be able to counsel and help you.)

Our Walk

GEN 5:22

Enoch walked with God.

Genesis 5:22

Enoch walked with God (Genesis 5:24). Noah walked with God (Genesis 6:9). Walk even as He walked (1 John 2:6). Let us walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). Walk in wisdom toward them that are without (not Christians) (Colossians 4:5). Walk worthy of God (1 Thessalonians 2:12). Walk honestly (1 Thessalonians 4:12). We walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Walk in love (Ephesians 5:2).

Trust

PSA 71:1

In Thee, O Lord, do I put my trust.

Psalm 71:1

The Lord rewards simple trust in Him. He may allow us to be tested, but Satan is only allowed to go so far. It says in Corinthians that God will not allow us to be tested above what we are able to bear. Only a Christian has that kind of protection. It is a great thing to trust in the Lord.

Caring

LUK 17:14-16

As [the lepers] went, they were cleansed. And one of them . . . turned back . . . and fell down on his face at [Jesus’] feet, giving Him thanks.

Luke 17:14-16

Verse 16 finishes with, “And he was a Samaritan.” Jesus healed ten lepers of their disease. Only one turned back to thank and praise the Lord Jesus for healing him. The one who thanked Him was a Samaritan, one of a race that the Jews did not associate with. Race doesn’t matter to Jesus. It doesn’t matter what your color, financial status, educational level, or social level may be. Jesus cares for you and wants to get to know you one on one.

Thanks

LUK 17:14-16

As [the lepers] went, they were cleansed. And one of them . . . turned back . . . and fell down on his face at [Jesus’] feet, giving Him thanks.

Luke 17:14-16

The Lord loves our thanks. How good it is when we give thanks to Him for everything. The Apostle Paul wrote: “In everything give thanks,” and, “For everything give thanks.” It’s hard to thank the Lord for bad things that happen, but God uses these to work for good and blessing in our life. Let’s practice thanking God for everything.

Strength

PSA 71:16

I will go in the strength of the Lord God.

Psalm 71:16

There is no other strength that is better or stronger. We often make the mistake of doing things in our own strength. Many times they end in disaster. Self-confidence is dangerous at best because it leaves God out. If we are confident because we recognize that the Lord is working in us and through us, then we can say with the Apostle Paul, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Forgiving

EPH 4:32

Forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32

To forgive one who wrongs us is an impossible thing to do unless we are walking in complete harmony with the Lord. The old nature hates, and cannot really forgive. So we must let the new nature act if we are to have a forgiving spirit. The new nature is from God. He has completely forgiven us. We can therefore completely forgive those who sin against us. An unforgiving person will not be a happy person. Let us each ask the Lord to help us in the area of forgiveness.

Peace

JOH 14:27

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you.

John 14:27

The peace that the Lord gives is like no other. It calms the troubled waters of the seas of life. It quiets the fearful heart in the face of the unknown. It can face death without fear. It can suffer humiliation and torment without fighting back. This is the peace that Christ has given to us. This is the peace that passes all understanding.

Gentleness

LUK 3:14

Do violence to no man.

Luke 3:14

This was the instruction of the Lord to the soldiers of His day, but it is a good principle for us. The Branch Davidian cult of Waco, Texas, whose leader claimed to be Jesus, was marked by preparation for violence and stockpiling of weapons. This is not Christianity, and any religious sect that promotes violence cannot be Christian. Christians must be gentle and kind, not violent and ready to fight.

Life

ECC 1:14

I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 1:14

Life under the sun, as Solomon saw it, without God, had no purpose. Life today, in spite of the advances in technology and entertainment, is still frustrating at best. Without Christ in our life there is no purpose, no direction, no end in sight. With Him as our Savior and Lord, there is peace and joy, purpose and fulfillment. And at the end of it all there is an eternity in heaven with Him.

Lying

PRO 25:18

A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

Proverbs 25:18

A maul is a heavy, blunt instrument that can smash and crush. A sword cuts through anything. A sharp arrow pierces even protective clothing. So a person that lies against others will crush their dignity, cut away their integrity, and pierce their spirit until they are destroyed, and they will be despised by those that hear the lies. Don’t tell lies against other people.

Sinless

1PE 2:21-22

Christ . . . did no sin.

1 Peter 2:21-22

The verse begins with Christ being “made sin for us.” What does this mean? Christ was the Son of God and He came to earth as a man. He had no sinful nature because He was God and therefore He did not sin. But at Calvary God punished Him for our sins as if He had done them Himself. “All our sins were laid upon Him, Jesus bore them on the tree.” His love to us was so great that He was willing, the sinless One, to be made sin so that we could be forgiven and go to heaven. What a Savior we have!

Prayer

PSA 5:3

My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.

Psalm 5:3

I know mornings are often rushed. But the Lord would really appreciate hearing from you before you go out. He’s been watching over you all night. How about looking up, thanking Him for His care through another night and asking for His guidance for the day ahead? It’s neat how the Psalmist adds, “I will look up.” Getting a glimpse of Jesus in heaven, like Stephen did, will help us endure when things get tough.

Special

PSA 4:3

The Lord hath set apart him that is godly for Himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto Him.

Psalm 4:3

What a special place of blessing for those who trust in Jesus. We are “set apart” for Him. That’s what sanctified means - set apart. We belong to Him. We are members of God’s family. And now we can be sure that He will hear us when we call to Him. We’re special!

Freedom

JOH 8:36

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

John 8:36

Unsaved people don’t know it, but they’re slaves to the hardest taskmaster of all time -Satan. Bound with chains that they can’t break, on their way to a lost eternity in the lake of fire, and eyes blinded to the truth of the gospel, their plight is very grim. But when Jesus is accepted as Savior, the chains are broken, heaven is on the horizon, and Christians see beauty in everything that God has provided them. This is real and the only freedom.

Satan

LUK 8:12

Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts.

Luke 8:12

When the gospel is preached, Satan gets busy. He doesn’t want the truth to get a lodging place in the heart of those that heard the message. He’ll do anything to stop a person getting saved. As soon as the good news of salvation is heard, Satan is trying to snatch away the words that have been said. We need to pray, especially before a gospel meeting, that the power of Satan will be held in check, that the forces of evil will not have any place while the gospel is going forth.

Giving

MAT 5:42

Give to him that asketh thee.

Matthew 5:42

Just a simple act, done because you were asked to help someone who needed it. This is Christianity in a very practical sense. The Christian should give, without grudging, to those who are in need. We often assume that this means money. But we can give time, a listening ear, a helping hand, a word of encouragement. These don’t cost us anything except a piece of our life. We need to give ourselves in the Lord’s service to a very needy world.

Faithfulness

2KI 18:1-6

Hezekiah . . . clave to the Lord, and departed not from following Him.

2 Kings 18:1-6

At twenty-five years of age, Hezekiah became king of Judah. He was characterized by a desire to follow the Lord and to stamp out idolatry. And the Lord prospered his reign. God wants faithfulness in each of our lives. It costs something to stand up and be counted, but the eternal rewards for a faithful life are great.

Sinless

2CO 5:21

[Christ] knew no sin.

2 Corinthians 5:21

Scripture is very careful to guard the sinless humanity of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are three different yet distinct references to His perfection from three of His greatest apostles. Last Lord’s Day we talked about Peter’s report that the Lord did no sin. Paul in our verse today says that He knew no sin. In other words, the thought of sin was just not there. Because the Lord was and is God, His nature cannot sin. Therefore the thought of sin just was not in the Lord. An evil thought, or a lie, or any sinful act never even entered the Lord’s mind because it couldn’t. He was perfect and could not sin.

Separation

GEN 12:1

Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country . . . unto a land that I will show thee.

Genesis 12:1

Out of the world’s system of that time, from an idolatrous nation, God called one man. Abram, whose name was later changed to Abraham, was willing to leave all that he had grown up with and follow God wherever He led him. This was faith - and God rewards faith. When we associate with the world, we cannot give God the place He wants or deserves in our life. Separation from the world in simple faith, believing and following God, will bring great blessing.

Trouble

GEN 12:5

And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son.

Genesis 12:5

God’s call to Abram had been to leave his father’s house. Abram chose to take his nephew with him. What was wrong with that? Abram went out by faith because God told him to. Lot did not - he was just going on Abram’s faith. When you mix those who have faith with those who don’t, sooner or later there will be trouble. There was, and Abram could not receive the full blessing of God until he and Lot separated. So for us there can be no real blessing in our lives if we are in association with the world.

Back to the World

GEN 13:12 GEN 14:12 GEN 19:1

And Lot . . . pitched his tent toward Sodom.

Lot . . . dwelt in Sodom.

Lot sat in the gate of Sodom.

Genesis 13:12; 14:12; 19:1

Faith, as shown in Abraham, had no interest in the world. He wanted to be where God wanted him to be. But Lot, who never really gave up the world, was soon tempted to go back. Over a period of time he did. Even though deep in his heart there was a love for God, the pull of the world was too strong and he went back into the world. He even became a city official, but his family was a mess. Compromise never works.

Hospitality

GEN 18:1

And the Lord appeared unto [Abraham] in the plains of Mamre.

Genesis 18:1

Abraham was resting during the hottest part of the day when he saw three men approaching. He ran to meet them, made them welcome and got Sarah his wife to make a good meal for them. Two of the men were angels. The third was the Lord Himself. Abraham showed himself a gracious host and was not afraid to give the best to his visitors. He didn’t give some old, tough goat on its last legs, but rather “a calf tender and good.” This is the way Christian hospitality should be too.

A Message From God

GEN 18:10

Sarah thy wife shall have a son.

Genesis 18:10

The “men” came with two messages. The first one was good, exciting news. Abraham had longed for a son for years and years. Now his prayer was going to be answered. He (age 100) and Sarah (age 90) were going to have a son. Impossible? Not with God. God had promised. He had tested Abraham’s faith, and now that faith was going to be rewarded. This is an example for us that God does not always answer our prayers right away. Abraham had to wait years before his request was granted. Be patient in your prayer life.

The Second Message

GEN 18:20-22

Their sin is very grievous. . . . And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom.

Genesis 18:20-22

The second message was sad news. God was going to destroy Sodom and everything in it because they openly practiced homosexuality. The Lord Himself was going there to investigate for Himself and if what He saw was true, He would destroy them all. Why did the Lord tell Abraham? Because Abraham was His friend, and He trusted him to be a faithful father and leader of his family. I think we see, too, that the Lord was testing Abraham’s compassion. We’ll see that on Monday.

Sinless

1JO 3:5

In [Christ] is no sin.

1 John 3:5

Here is the third testimony to the Lord’s absolute perfection and sinlessness. John perhaps knew the Lord better than any of the other apostles. He enjoyed a deep, open relationship with the Lord and knew the Lord’s heart. His witness is that the Lord had no sin in Him. There was no root of sin, no sinful nature. Not only did He not do any sin, or know any sin, there just wasn’t any sin in Him. Therefore He could not have sinned. We have a perfect, sinless, non-sinable Savior.

Intercession

GEN 18:23

And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt Thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

Genesis 18:23

Here’s a great lesson for us - we can intercede for others at the throne of grace. God wants us to talk to Him just as Abraham did. With great respect and humility Abraham pleaded with the Lord not to destroy Sodom even if there were only ten righteous people there. The Lord promised not to. Abraham was satisfied. He interceded, and Lot and his family were saved.

Hospitality

GEN 19:3

[The two angels] . . . entered into his house; and he made them a feast.

Genesis 19:3

The two angels who had enjoyed Abraham’s hospitality at noon now came to Sodom at sundown. Lot’s reception was kind and he made them welcome. But before they retired for the night, the homosexual men of the city (old and young) demanded to be allowed to use Lot’s visitors for their perverted pleasure. What a contrast from the quiet, serene, happy fellowship they had experienced in Abraham’s home. The world’s evil knows no bounds, and today God is again about ready to destroy not one city but the whole world because of its sin and wickedness.

Double Standard

GEN 19:14

Up, get you out. . . . But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons-in-law.

Genesis 19:14

Lot’s witness as a believer in God had been lost over the years in Sodom. We can only assume that no outward evidence of faith in God had been shown in his family life. And, of course, he had become involved in the city’s politics. Now his call for his sons-in-law to leave was rejected by them as laughable. Why would Lot want them to leave the very city in which he held public office? A double standard (worldly living outside, faith in God inside) makes no conviction in our witness. Let’s live Christ on the outside and the inside - then our witness will be effective.

Removed

GEN 19:16

And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand . . . the Lord being merciful unto him . . . and set him without the city.

Genesis 19:16

Abraham pleaded for the righteous in Sodom, and God was merciful to Lot. (See October 9.) God in mercy forcibly removed Lot from his home, set him outside the city, and told him to run for his life. Lot still tried to find an excuse not to do exactly as God had said. (His faith must have been almost nonexistent.) A lesson here, though, is that before judgment falls on this earth for the last time, all Christians, ready or not, will be removed by the rapture - we will be snatched away.

Sodom’s Problem

EZE 16:49

The iniquity of . . . Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness. . . neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

Ezekiel 16:49

Here was the problem in Sodom. Wait a minute! This sounds like the U.S.A. today! We’re proud. We have plenty to eat. Leisure, sports and the welfare system make us lazy. And we think more about ourselves than others. “My rights” is the most important thing. I don’t care about anyone else. I realize that this is a great generalization, but the trend is here. In the days before God established kings over Israel, every man “did that which was right in his own eyes.” Let us be concerned and be before God about the downward spiral of modern society. Sodom is here all over again. And it will end once again in judgment.

Looking Back

GEN 19:26

His wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

Genesis 19:26

We can see Lot and his two daughters hurrying across the green valley. They scurry into a little town called Zoar. His wife, perhaps not as strong as Lot, and certainly unwilling to leave her home in Sodom, turned around and looked back at the blazing fire over the city. God immediately judges her for her disobedience. God doesn’t want us looking back either and hankering after the former things when He has called us to something new. He wants us to look forward and upward.

Reverence

PSA 89:7

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about Him.

Psalm 89:7

Reverence and respect. These are two characteristics that are fast losing their place in American society. Respect for authority is almost gone. Let us never forget to show reverence and respect to the Lord at all times, especially when we gather for worship. God is our maker. He planned and executed the most wonderful way of salvation for us. We must never be disrespectful.

Alone

GEN 19:29

And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow.

Genesis 19:29

Abraham had pleaded with the Lord, you remember, not to destroy the city of Sodom for the sake of the righteous who were in it. The Lord remembered His friend’s request and saved Lot from destruction. Abraham had requested that ten righteous be enough to stop the judgment. According to Scripture, there was only one righteous person there and apparently he had kept his faith to himself. What a sad result of a life of compromise.

Fear

GEN 19:30

And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain. . . for he feared to dwell in Zoar.

Genesis 19:30

Lot’s troubles were not over. Something about the little town of Zoar frightened him, so he moved out into the mountains. That was where the angels had told him to go in the first place, but Lot had been afraid to live in the mountains after living in the city. Now he is afraid to live in Zoar. We can almost feel sorry for him. Fear controlled his life. And fear will rule ours too, if we don’t walk close to the Lord in obedience to His will.

Caveman

GEN 19:30

He dwelt in a cave.

Genesis 19:30

From a tent and lots of possessions, to a house in the city of Sodom. From being a political figure, to a man on the run. From a home in a small town, to a cave in the mountains. Life was ruined for Lot. He had nothing left except his two daughters. But we never read that Lot enjoyed any fellowship with God. His life ended in a miserable existence - all because he let the attractions of the world lure him away from the house of faithful Abraham. Be warned!

Drunk

GEN 19:32

Let us make our father drink wine.

Genesis 19:32

The final chapter on Lot’s life doesn’t improve. His two daughters got him drunk and used him to father their own children. Lot’s children by his daughters were Moab and Benammi, whose descendants were Israel’s worst enemies. Abraham and Lot were uncle-nephew and friends. But their descendants were bitter enemies. What a sad end to a sad life.

Righteous

2PE 2:7-8

Just Lot . . . that righteous man.

2 Peter 2:7-8

As a postscript to the unhappy story of Lot’s life, the Lord has the final say. He records for us that, in spite of what we have seen, Lot was really righteous. Even though he lived and worked in a morally depraved city, Lot was just before God. We will see him in heaven. We read that he vexed his righteous soul every day because of the filthy life-style of the people around him. He maintained his faith in God in the face of the worldliness, but he didn’t enjoy the quiet fellowship and friendship that his uncle Abraham enjoyed with the Lord.

The Gospel

ACT 8:26-27

And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip saying, Arise, and go. . . unto the way. . . which is desert. And he arose and went.

Acts 8:26-27

Philip’s evangelistic outreach in Samaria was going great. Many people were being saved. And then he gets a call from the Lord to go to a desert. No reason given. Just go. He goes. He hitches a ride with a black diplomat from Ethiopia who was just returning from a fruitless trip to Jerusalem in search of spiritual satisfaction. Philip gives him the gospel by preaching from the book of Isaiah, which the man happened to be reading at the time. The man gets saved and then baptized. We don’t know his name, but we will meet him in glory. One person searching for God. God met his need and saved him.

No Fault

LUK 23:4

I find no fault in this man.

Luke 23:4

Three times Pilate declares that Jesus was without fault. But the most unjust trial in the history of the world ended when the spotless Son of God was condemned to death for a crime that He did not commit. Is there any wonder that there is still injustice in the world? It will be that way until the Lord comes and sets up His kingdom in which righteousness will reign. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Prayer

LUK 18:11

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself.

Luke 18:11

This man should have known how to pray. The Old Testament Scriptures contain some wonderful examples of prayers and those who prayed them. But the Pharisee’s position made him self-reliant and proud. Instead of praying in a humble manner to God, his prayer was to himself and went nowhere. God didn’t listen to him because his attitude was wrong. God wants sincerity and humility. Coming to Him in any other way will not get results.

Prayer

LUK 18:13

The publican, standing afar off. . . smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

Luke 18:13

Here’s what God wants - a recognition of the power and holiness of God (the publican wouldn’t turn his eyes toward heaven), a recognition of my unworthiness (he smote on his breast), and the confession that I am a sinner. The publican and millions with the same attitude have been blessed in their prayers because God listens to a humble prayer.

Waiting

JOH 11:6

When [Jesus] had heard therefore that [Lazarus] was sick, He abode two days still in the same place where He was.

John 11:6

Mary and Martha had sent a message to the Lord that His friend (their brother Lazarus) was sick. The obvious implication was that they wanted the Lord to come and heal him. Instead, the Lord waits for two days and then took about two more days to travel from the north country to Bethany to see the sisters. The Lord’s timing is not always our timing. He sometimes makes us wait before He answers our prayer. But one thing is certain. He is in control and is doing everything for our eventual good and His glory.

Repentance

MAT 26:75

He went out, and wept bitterly.

Matthew 26:75

Peter had sinned. He had denied any association or knowledge of Jesus. But as soon as he realized what he had done, he was heartbroken. He repented. He shed bitter tears. When we sin, we must repent in order to reestablish communion with the Lord.

Diligence

2PE 1:5

Giving all diligence, add to your faith.

2 Peter 1:5

The Lord encourages His own to be diligent in their Christian walk. Never does the Scripture allow for sloppy complacency. There are so many today who really don’t care about anything. There is no loyalty, no dedication. May each of us be dedicated to the Lord in our love to Him, in our compassion for others, in our worship and in our service.

Good Life

1PE 3:10

He that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.

1 Peter 3:10

Guile is being deceitful. We read of the Lord that He spoke no guile. Nathaniel was a person in whom the Lord found no guile. In other words, a guileless person is one who is what he is and there is no cover-up or pretense - trying to appear to be something that he is not. What God wants is reality and truthfulness. These are great qualities to have. May we each covet them for ourselves.

Jesus

MAT 27:22

What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?

Matthew 27:22

The answer to this question will determine your eternal destiny. The Jewish nation responded with, “Crucify Him!” What will your answer be? What God wants to hear is - “I accept Him as my personal Savior.” That’s all that is required for salvation. Trust and accept Him now while you still have an opportunity. Tomorrow may be too late.

Service

GAL 5:13

By love serve one another.

Galatians 5:13

One thing that was expected by the Old Testament law (but can really only be completely practiced by a Christian) was to love your neighbor as yourself. The law demanded it. Christ practiced and preached it. The Christian should live it. In a world of unparalleled trouble, hate and turmoil, may the love of Christ shine out through His own as they serve one another by love.

Creation

PSA 33:9

He commanded, and it stood fast.

Psalm 33:9

The world was formed by the word of God. The account of creation in Genesis repeats many times, “And God said,” and whatever He said happened. Man has tried to explain the development of life forms from one level to another in the widely accepted “theory of evolution.” Life simply cannot form from nothing. Only God can make something out of nothing and create life. As another has said, “God made something out of nothing because there was nothing to make it out of. Then He hung it on nothing because there was nothing to hang it on!” Creation is intricate, complex and exceedingly wonderful. God is the author of it.

Riches

JAM 2:5

Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith?

James 2:5

One of the things that our modern society does is make us independent of God. Perhaps a welfare state has a certain amount of good in what it was designed for, but for a Christian it can be bad inasmuch as we rely on the system of man more than the care of God when we run into hard times. In other, less wealthy countries where Christians are dirt poor, their faith in God is remarkable. James found it so and this is still true today. Oh that we would all trust in God when times are tough. He has a special interest in His own and cares very much for our well-being.

Blessings

PSA 68:19

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits.

Psalm 68:19

Recently some friends stayed with us for a few days. The father suggested that we go around the table and each mention something to praise God for. Even their six-year-old had something. Try it sometime and see if there is not a lot that you can praise and thank the Lord for. He cares for us and watches over us every day. Not a day goes by that He doesn’t provide something to thank Him for. Praise the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits.

Anger

GEN 4:5-8

Cain was very wroth. . . . Cain talked with Abel his brother. . . . Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

Genesis 4:5-8

Pent-up anger that is not dealt with will eventually explode in some form of violence. At the start Cain was jealous of Abel. This turned to anger, then to hate, and finally to murder. Lust when it is conceived brings forth sin, and sin when it is finished brings forth death - that’s what the Apostle James wrote in his letter. Young person, if you are prone to anger, get help. You must ask the Lord to help you control this emotion so that you won’t get into trouble and dishonor Him.

Leaving God

GEN 4:16-17

Cain went out from the presence of the Lord . . . and he builded a city.

Genesis 4:16-17

Cain’s fit of temper ended in the death of his brother. God pronounces a judgment on Cain, and rather than being repentant, Cain turns his back on God and occupies his time and energy in building a permanent place to live away from God. The only place of blessing is when we walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word. Leaving God out of our lives will create a void that can never be filled.

Praise

PSA 119:108

Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord.

Psalm 119:108

The Lord is so worthy of our praise. Today we can really spend some quality time praising Him for the greatest thing that He ever did. Calvary cost God and Jesus everything. How our hearts should overflow in worship and our mouths in praise when we consider the sacrifice that He made on our behalf.

Fame

GEN 11:4

Let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name.

Genesis 11:4

The world without God wanted to do something spectacular, something that would make them famous. That was about 5000 years ago. Things -haven’t changed much, have they? God came down to see what was going on and stopped it because “nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do” (Gen. 11:6). Today the world is once again building one world power, one government, one monetary system, and one leader -all powered by Satan. Once again God will have to step in and bring it to one final, fiery end.

Excellent Things

PHI 1:10

That ye may try things that are excellent.

Philippians 1:10 (margin)

There are so many things that are offered by the world to attract each of us. Paul’s exhortation to the Philippian Christians was that they should try things that are excellent. Anything of Christ is excellent. We need to follow His footsteps more closely than we have ever done before if we are to keep away from the lures of the world. There are many things in the world that are not wrong in themselves. But all things about Christ are excellent.

Pleasure

LUK 15:13

The younger son . . . wasted his substance with riotous living.

Luke 15:13

Live for today - never mind about tomorrow. That seems to be the motto of many today. Eternity is not at all in their thoughts. And yet eternity might start today for some of you. It says of Moses that he chose “rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.” Yes, there is pleasure in sin. Satan has filled the world with pleasures. But remember, young people, that all the pleasures of the world are only for this lifetime and they can never fully satisfy.

Knowing

PSA 119:125

I am Thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know Thy testimonies.

Psalm 119:125

What a simple prayer. David desired to know the Word of God. We can only understand the Scriptures through the teaching of the Holy Spirit. Each believer has the Spirit living inside and so we have the power to understand the Scriptures. But what we need along with the power is the desire to understand.

Protection

PSA 61:2

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Psalm 61:2

In school you feel a whole lot safer if your best friend is strong and tall. Perhaps this is the feeling that the psalmist is trying to portray in our verse. With the Lord Jesus as our Friend we find protection in the day of trouble. He is stronger and higher than anyone else and no one can bother us while we stay close to Him.

Hypocrisy

ROM 12:9

Let love be without hypocrisy.

Romans 12:9 N.K.J.V

Love should never be pretended. Artificial and superficial love is so opposite to the love of God. His love reaches out to the unlovely and unlovable, knowing that there will be no response. His love is genuine and has no boundaries, no prejudices, no language barriers. His love gave all and still gives everything there is to give. May our love be the same.

Wounds

ZEC 13:6

What are these wounds in Thine hands?

Zechariah 13:6

When Jesus comes back in power to reign over the earth, the people in that day will see nail marks in His hands and will ask the question in our verse. The Lord’s answer? “Those with which I was wounded in the house of My friends.” John’s Gospel records that “He came unto His own and His own received Him not.” What a condemnation. He came to do good and His own people had Him nailed to a cross. Praise God for everyone that has come to believe in Him since that day.

Service

MAR 13:34

The Son of Man. . . gave. . . to every man his work.

Mark 13:34

Your work for God is probably different from mine. Mine is different from my brother’s down the street. Each of us has been given a work to do. Along with that, God has fitted us for that work, whatever it is, so that we can do it for Him. Our responsibility is to do the Lord’s work where He has put us, without worrying about what someone else may or may not be doing. Let us, then, work for Him until He comes.

Ready

MAT 25:10

They that were ready went in with him to the marriage.

Matthew 25:10

The Lord is telling a story here to illustrate how vitally important it is to be ready for when Jesus comes. Only those who were ready went in to the marriage. Only those who are ready will go in to heaven when Jesus gives the shout. How do I get ready? By simply believing in the Lord Jesus as my Savior and that He came into the world to die for my sins on the cross. He died on the cross so that I might live. He shed His precious blood to wash away my sins. Believe this for yourself and you are ready for heaven.

Locked Out

MAT 25:10

And the door was shut.

Matthew 25:10

Few statements in Scripture are as heart-stopping as this one. This is final. The door to the marriage feast was SHUT. It was not openable. There was no way to get in once the door was closed. Much as the final closing and locking of the airplane door signals that it is time to leave and no more can get on board, so the final closing of heaven’s door will be an awful sound to those who are outside. Don’t let it be you, my young friend.

Profession

MAT 25:11

Lord, Lord, open to us.

Matthew 25:11

There are many today who use the Lord’s name as if they believe in Him when in fact they don’t. Those in our verse begged the Lord to open the door. They professed Him by name, but they didn’t believe in Him in their hearts. Don’t be a pretender, young person. It is easy to put on a front and act and say the right things. Only God knows your heart. He knows if you really do love the Lord or not. Don’t be caught outside heaven’s closed door. No amount of calling the Lord then will make Him open up.

Unknown

MAT 25:12

I know you not.

Matthew 25:12

Here are the last words that the Lord will say to those who try to get into heaven after the door has been closed. What terror they will strike into the heart of those who hear them. “I do not know you.” Young person, whoever you are, whatever your plans are for life and the future, please do me one favor. Right now, if you really have never accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, ask Him into your heart. The door to heaven is still open. But tomorrow it may be closed. I don’t want anyone reading this calendar to hear the Lord say to them, “I don’t know you.”

God’s Love

JUD 21

Keep yourselves in the love of God.

Jude 21

The Choice Gleanings Calendar for June 30, 1995, tells the story of a great flower show in London, England. One of the prizes was taken by a magnificent bloom of geraniums in an old tin can, entered into the competition by a child from a tenement house. Asked how she managed to get such a beautiful flower, the young girl explained that a lady had given her a small shoot. She found an old can in a trash barrel, scraped up dirt from the alley to fill it and planted the shoot. “In the morning,” she said, “I put it in the east window, and in the afternoon I put it in the west window, and, well, sir, I just kept it in the sun.”

Worship

1PE 2:5

Ye also, as [living] stones, are built up . . . to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:5

To hear Christians sing sometimes I wonder if they are alive. But Peter tells us that we are living stones in God’s house. And we can all offer acceptable sacrifices to God. Notice that God doesn’t expect a sacrifice, like in the Old Testament, of a lamb or a dove. No, the physical sacrifice of Jesus on the cross ended the need for any more blood to be shed. Now God wants spiritual sacrifices. They that worship God “must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” Bring your spiritual offering today and let’s act like living members of the church.

Tomorrow

PRO 27:1

Thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Proverbs 27:1

Eleven-year-old Jarrod went for a ride with his sister and her boyfriend on a four-wheel ATV. He never returned home. As he stood on the back safety rail, somehow he was thrown off and banged his head on the gravel road. He died in the hospital. Whether he was saved or not I don’t know, but I’m sure that Jarrod was not expecting to die. If you had been in Jarrod’s place, where would you be now? I pray that you would be with Jesus. Life is uncertain even for the young. Make sure that your faith and trust is in the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.

Safety

NAH 1:7

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.

Nahum 1:7

There are three things to fix in our hearts from this verse. First, the Lord is good. He always has our well-being at heart. He cares for us and wants to do us good. Next, we find in the Lord a place of safety from the storms of life. Nothing can get past Him and nothing can snatch us out of His all-powerful hand. Lastly, He is one who knows us by name and has our name recorded in His eternal book. He provides for us. He protects us. He has a special interest in our eternal blessing. We surely have a great Lord and Master.

Witness

COL 4:5

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without.

Colossians 4:5

“Them that are without” refers to those who do not belong to the Christian family - in other words, those who are not saved. We need to be especially careful that our walk reflects that we are true believers in the Lord. We must not slip to the level of the world as far as God’s standards are concerned. As the world gets darker and the moral standards of the world slip away to nothing, we as Christians must be wise in what we do and say, and where we go. Be careful.

Just

JOB 9:2

How should man be just with God?

Job 9:2

This is quite a question, but the answer is very plain in the Scripture. There is none righteous, no not one. But when we put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, all our sins are purged by the blood He shed on Calvary and we are just with God. Praise the Lord for His wonderful plan of salvation.

For Guys Only

PRO 21:19

It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

Proverbs 21:19

Get to know your girlfriend well before you get married, young brother. An angry girlfriend will become an angry fiancée, who will become an angry wife. And your life will be miserable. Pent up anger has a cause and that cause needs to be found and dealt with in order for a marriage relationship to survive and be happy, peaceful and loving.

For Girls Only

PRO 22:24

Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go.

Proverbs 22:24

Get to know your boyfriend really well, young sister, before you accept his hand in marriage. An angry, violent boyfriend will become an angry, violent husband. And you will probably get the brunt of his anger. Again, anger like this has a cause and that cause needs to be found and dealt with. It’s best to do that before marriage. After marriage you will just become another abused wife.

Forgotten

ECC 9:15

No man remembered that same poor man.

Ecclesiastes 9:15

How soon an entire city forgot the only person there who had saved them from an enemy attack. The same way, how soon we forget the one person who has saved us, not by His strategy or force but by giving His own life and dying for us. Jesus anticipated this and so He asked us to remember Him as often as we can by eating of a loaf of bread and drinking from a cup of wine, symbols of His body and His blood. Let us never forget the death of our Savior.

Service

2TH 2:16-17

Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. . . comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

This was the Apostle Paul’s desire for the Thessalonian Christians. This is our desire for you. We live in a world of great instability and uncertainty. It gives a great sense of peace to know that our service for the Lord is established by Him and suited to each individual in the body of Christ. We can serve Him without distraction, and any criticism by others should not bother us.

The Scriptures

PSA 119:129

Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.

Psalm 119:129

The Scriptures contain all the instruction we need for “life and godliness.” In other words, if you and I walk in the light of the Scriptures, we will have an abundant life and we will walk in a way that pleases God. This is the way of peace. This is the way of happiness and purpose.

Working

2TH 3:11

There are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all.

2 Thessalonians 3:11

One of the problems at Thessalonica was that there were some who would not work because they thought the Lord was coming. The Apostle Paul taught that the Lord was coming soon, but he also taught that it was wrong to be lazy. Don’t be deceived by our welfare system either. It is wrong not to work.

Marriage

1TI 4:1-3

In the latter times some shall depart from the faith . . . forbidding to marry.

1 Timothy 4:1-3

God established marriage as the norm for men and women. He designed marriage and performed the first marriage ceremony. The Lord Jesus performed His first miracle at a wedding feast. So for a church to teach that it is wrong for some to marry is not according to the Scripture. When man’s rules override and contradict God’s standards, we know that they have left the way of truth.

Riches

JAM 2:5

Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith?

James 2:5

Blessings

PSA 68:19

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits.

Psalm 68:19

Anger

GEN 4:5-8

Cain was very wroth. . . . Cain talked with Abel his brother. . . . Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

Genesis 4:5-8

Leaving God

GEN 4:16-17

Cain went out from the presence of the Lord . . . and he builded a city.

Genesis 4:16-17

Praise

PSA 119:108

Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord.

Psalm 119:108

Fame

GEN 11:4

Let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name.

Genesis 11:4

Excellent Things

PHI 1:10

That ye may try things that are excellent.

Philippians 1:10 (margin)

Pleasure

LUK 15:13

The younger son . . . wasted his substance with riotous living.

Luke 15:13

Knowing

PSA 119:125

I am Thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know Thy testimonies.

Psalm 119:125

Protection

PSA 61:2

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Psalm 61:2

Hypocrisy

ROM 12:9

Let love be without hypocrisy.

Romans 12:9 N.K.J.V

Wounds

ZEC 13:6

What are these wounds in Thine hands?

Zechariah 13:6

Service

MAR 13:34

The Son of Man. . . gave. . . to every man his work.

Mark 13:34

Ready

MAT 25:10

They that were ready went in with him to the marriage.

Matthew 25:10

Locked Out

MAT 25:10

And the door was shut.

Matthew 25:10

Profession

MAT 25:11

Lord, Lord, open to us.

Matthew 25:11

Unknown

MAT 25:12

I know you not.

Matthew 25:12

God’s Love

JUD 21

Keep yourselves in the love of God.

Jude 21

Worship

1PE 2:5

Ye also, as [living] stones, are built up . . . to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:5

Tomorrow

PRO 27:1

Thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Proverbs 27:1

Safety

NAH 1:7

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.

Nahum 1:7

Witness

COL 4:5

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without.

Colossians 4:5

Just

JOB 9:2

How should man be just with God?

Job 9:2

For Guys Only

PRO 21:19

It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

Proverbs 21:19

For Girls Only

PRO 22:24

Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go.

Proverbs 22:24

Forgotten

ECC 9:15

No man remembered that same poor man.

Ecclesiastes 9:15

Service

2TH 2:16-17

Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. . . comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

The Scriptures

PSA 119:129

Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.

Psalm 119:129

Working

2TH 3:11

There are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all.

2 Thessalonians 3:11

Marriage

1TI 4:1-3

In the latter times some shall depart from the faith . . . forbidding to marry.

1 Timothy 4:1-3

Gift

1TI 4:14

Neglect not the gift that is in thee.

1 Timothy 4:14

God does not want you to let your particular gift lie dormant. We can become so busy with everyday living that we tend to neglect that special work that God has fitted us for, and it lies unused. Paul is encouraging Timothy in the same way. Timothy had a lot of talent. He was a teacher for the various assemblies. He represented Paul when the Apostle was unable to go. And the Apostle was concerned that even Timothy might not use his gift to its potential. Young person, while you are young and energetic, use your gift for the Lord.

The World

2TI 4:10

Demas . . . loved this present world.

2 Timothy 4:10

Demas, at one time, traveled and worked with the Apostle Paul. But there came a time when the attractions of the world became too strong for Demas and he left the Apostle and went away. How sad Paul must have felt to have one of his companions leave him - especially knowing that what he had left for would not satisfy him. Satan is determined to draw each of us away into his world of lights and lures. And the pull is especially strong for you young people. Keep in close communion with the Lord. The more you enjoy Him, the less you will be attracted to the world.

Forsaken

MAR 14:50

They all forsook Him, and fled.

Mark 14:50

Jesus was all alone when He was taken before the Jewish leaders who wanted Him put to death. He was all alone when He stood before Pilate. He was all alone when He was punished by God for our sins. The Creator of the universe was forsaken by His closest friends just when He needed their support the most. Jesus suffered and died alone, forsaken by man and God. And so He understands when we are left alone. Praise God that, because of Calvary, those who have put their trust in the Lord Jesus will NEVER be forsaken.

Forsaken

2TI 4:16

All men forsook me.

2 Timothy 4:16

The Apostle Paul suffered greatly at the hand of man during his life of service for the Lord. He experienced the loss of his friends too, just as Jesus did. How disheartening it must have been for the Apostle, who spent every waking moment caring for the well-being of others, to see Christians turn their back on him and go their own way. Don’t be surprised, young believer, when you make a stand for the truth, if those who you thought were your friends turn their back on you and are not friendly any more.

Not Ashamed

2TI 1:16

Onesiphorus . . . was not ashamed of my chain.

2 Timothy 1:16

There were some bright spots in the Apostle’s life. Even though there were many disappointments, there were also events and people that encouraged Paul. Onesiphorus was one friend who was not ashamed of the fact that Paul was in prison for the gospel’s sake, and he deliberately went out of his way to visit Paul and cheer him up. Life can get you down. Let’s be caring enough of others to sense when they need encouragement and do our part to serve the Lord in this way.

Chosen

JOH 15:19

Ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.

John 15:19

Jesus was speaking here to His disciples, but the same is true of us. We have been chosen out of the world. We don’t belong here anymore. As the hymn says, “This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through.” We need to always keep that in our hearts. It makes a difference on our priorities in life. We have been chosen by the Lord to belong to Him. Our new home in heaven has been made ready by the Lord’s death on the cross. Now we can dwell on our new dwelling place!

Chosen

EPH 1:4

Chosen . . . in Him before the foundation of the world.

Ephesians 1:4

We were not an afterthought with God. He chose us a long time ago. No one knows for sure when the foundations of the world were actually laid. It doesn’t really matter when. We do know they were laid by God. What does matter is that even before that God had us in mind and we were already chosen to belong to Him. Neat, eh?

Wisdom

DEU 34:9

Joshua . . . was full of the spirit of wisdom.

Deuteronomy 34:9

Much is made today of how smart you are. Kids are encouraged, sometimes even driven, to attain straight A’s in school. The Biblical record of Joshua doesn’t say anything about how smart he was. But it does say that he was full of the spirit of wisdom - that is, godly wisdom. It would be so nice if each of you reading this would make it a special matter of prayer to ask God to give you the spirit of wisdom - to be able to make wise decisions and wise choices. We need to be able to do that in a day of turmoil and trouble.

Betrayed

MAR 14:45

[Judas] goeth straightway to Him, and saith, Master, Master; and kissed Him.

Mark 14:45

The treachery of a trusted disciple! How callous and uncaring an unsaved person can be. Judas thought more of money than of the Lord and he betrayed Him with a kiss. The psalmist prophesied of this day so many years before, when he wrote (in Psalm 41), “Mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted . . . hath lifted up his heal against Me.” In another place Solomon said, “The kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Jesus was betrayed for 30 pieces of silver. The greed of man - the grace of God.

Closeness

JOH 19:25

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus . . .

John 19:25

There were a few followers of the Lord Jesus who were found near His cross. I wonder, if we had been alive at that time, whether Scripture would have recorded our names among the few who shared in the Lord’s deep suffering. We sing about being near the cross, but I wonder how near we really get? Do we identify with a crucified Savior? May the Lord help us to stay near Him and not be ashamed of the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Distance

MAR 14:54

Peter followed Him afar off.

Mark 14:54

We can learn many lessons from the life of Peter. One lesson given here is the danger of following the Lord at a distance. The whole evening was a terrible mistake for Peter, and even though he was restored to the Lord a few days later and served Him faithfully all his life, perhaps the reason that Peter failed the Lord was because he followed Him at a distance. Keep close to the Lord Jesus - every day.

Eyesight

DEU 34:7

Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim.

Deuteronomy 34:7

How wonderful it is to have good eyesight. I had perfect sight until I reached 45 years old and then - it seemed overnight - I couldn’t read close up and had to get reading glasses. How about Moses? 120 years old and no glasses. All his long, hard life Moses had perfect sight. God wants us to have perfect sight too - spiritual, that is. And it stays perfect when we continually look to the Lord. Never take your eyes off Jesus, young person. Looking at Him keeps us in tune with His will.

Eyesight

1SA 3:2

Eli . . . his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see.

1 Samuel 3:2

Here is another old servant of God, but his eyesight failed in his old age. However, God provided glasses for him in the form of a young boy, Samuel. Samuel worked for Eli in the temple. He spent all his life in the service of the Lord and one of his first duties was to give God’s message to Eli. Samuel had his eyes opened at a young age to trust in God, and he never turned back. How sad to end up blind when, by staying close to the Lord, we could end up with perfect sight.

Eyesight

JOH 9:1

As Jesus passed by, He saw a man which was blind from his birth.

John 9:1

Here’s yet another eyesight situation - a man who was born blind, both spiritually and physically. But this was no problem for the Lord. First He gave physical sight to the blind man through a wonderful miracle. Then He opened the spiritual eyes of the man so that he trusted in Jesus as his Lord. May the Lord open the spiritual eyes of anyone reading this to see that Jesus is the only Savior.

Exposed

LUK 12:3

Whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light.

Luke 12:3

I wonder how many times we have said something that we thought no one heard? Jesus warns that even the secret things we have said when no one else was around will be brought to light. This should make us walk carefully. As Christians we cannot be sent to the lake of fire for wrong things that we have done, because Jesus bore the punishment for them on the cross. But if you are unsaved, remember that you are accountable to God for everything you have done, said and thought all through your life. Accept God’s offer of free salvation now and have the assurance that your judgment has been borne by another.

True Life

LUK 12:15

A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Luke 12:15

Riches and possessions don’t necessarily mean that you are blessed of God. They could, but there is more to life than wealth. The riches of this world are but for a moment. They could be gone tomorrow. Real life is when a person believes in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. Then they start to accumulate treasures in heaven - the kind that cannot lose their value. No matter if every bank in every country of the world goes broke, heavenly riches still retain their value for eternity. Let’s make sure that we are all building up treasures in heaven.

Wounded

ISA 53:5

He was wounded for our transgressions.

Isaiah 53:5

What a statement! The sinless, perfect Son of God was wounded for my sins. God punished His own Son for the sins that I have done and will do. And not just mine, but for all who have put their trust in Him. We can never really enter into what He suffered for our sins. But we can at least spend a few minutes today remembering His death at Calvary.

Hospitality

LUK 10:38

Martha received Him into her house.

Luke 10:38

Hospitality is a service that can be done for the Lord. Here Martha welcomed the Lord into her house. We cannot do that except by showing hospitality to the Lord’s people. This is one service that does not require any special gift - except maybe the ability to cook! May we never be unwilling to invite Christians into our home.

Protection

PSA 91:4

He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust.

Psalm 91:4

We are not only protected by the Lord’s power, but we enjoy His care for us. His wings would speak to us of safety in His strength. His feathers would tell us of His special provision and care. We have house wrens in a small nest attached to our back porch. We watch them flying back and forth bringing food. One day a sparrow was trying to get too close to the nest. The male wren (quite a bit smaller) attacked the sparrow until it left. The Lord’s care is like that. He won’t let anything harm us.

Gospel

ECC 11:1

Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

Ecclesiastes 11:1

A lack of reception of the gospel is no excuse for us not preaching it or not showing kindness. However, we can’t expect the world to come to our door to hear. We must go to them. I would encourage anyone who feels the Lord calling you to go out and preach to do just that. Use what you have for the Lord in the gospel. When you get to heaven you will see the results of your labors.

Mystery

1TH 3:16

Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh.

1 Timothy 3:16

Here is the wonder of wonders that God became a man for the express purpose of dying at Calvary. He came as a little baby born to Mary in Bethlehem. He grew up in a carpenter’s house. He was submissive to His earthly parents. He grew up to be a perfect man who went about helping those who were in need. What a mystery! What a wonder!

Mystery

1TI 3:16

Great is the mystery of godliness: God was . . . seen of angels.

1 Timothy 3:16

Angels looking down from the sky could see the newborn baby lying in a manger. They told the shepherds on the hillside of His birth. They came down and fed Him after His forty days of testing in the wilderness. They strengthened Him in the garden of Gethsemane when He struggled with the impending trip to the cross. They sat by His empty tomb. They watched Him go back into heaven. Angels looked on their Creator - the man Christ Jesus.

Mystery

1TI 3:16

Great is the mystery of godliness: God was . . . preached unto the Gentiles.

1 Timothy 3:16

“Salvation is of the Jews,” said one, but Jesus gave the gospel to a Samaritan woman. Paul preached in the synagogues of that day, but after the Jews rejected his message he said, “We turn to the Gentiles.” Even many in Caesar’s palace accepted the gospel. God was preached unto the Gentiles and through that message we have peace with God and a hope like no other.

Mystery

1TI 3:16

Great is the mystery of godliness: God was . . . believed on in the world.

1 Timothy 3:16

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “For our gospel came. . . unto you. . . in power. . . . And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word” (ch. 1:5-6). To the Colossians he wrote, “We heard of your faith in Christ Jesus” (ch. 1:4). To the Ephesians he wrote, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth” (ch. 1:13). Yes, Jesus, God became man, was believed on in the world.

Mystery

1TI 3:16

Great is the mystery of godliness: God was . . . received up into glory.

1 Timothy 3:16

“A cloud received Him out of their sight” (Acts 1:9). Jesus had come, worked among the Jewish people for three-and-a-half years, had been betrayed by one of his own disciples, was crucified, had died and risen again. And now He was caught back up to glory, witnessed by many, where He still is waiting to come back again and receive us up into glory also. The mystery of the gospel is all explained in the birth, death, resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ, God became a man for eternity. Great is the mystery of godliness.

Gift

MAT 25:15

Unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability.

Matthew 25:15

The Lord has given different gifts to different people in His church. Not all are the same. If all the gifts were the same, life would be pretty monotonous. But we all have something from Him to be used for Him in the strengthening of the body of Christ. We can either use the gift or let it lie dormant. But the only path of real blessing is to use what we have for Him without trying to be something that we are not. Remember to do all for the glory of God.

Love

COL 2:2

Knit together in love.

Colossians 2:2

When I was young my mother taught me how to knit. (The only thing I ever remember that I knitted was a scarf - because you don’t have to do anything fancy!) But whether it is a scarf or a multicolored sweater, the whole thing is held together as one complete unit by the endless intertwining of the thread of yarn. One loose end, pull on it for a while and all you have is a tangled mass of wool. If we let the love of God intertwine all the believers in the body of Christ, there will be no loose ends to pull us apart.

Consecration

PSA 101:2

I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

Psalm 101:2

Are you the only one in your family that is saved? You can still walk before the Lord with a perfect heart. The Lord is looking for consecrated Christians to walk the Christian pathway without crossing the line into the world. And for those of you from unsaved families this is hard. We know a young Christian who lives with his mother. She is not saved. His great desire for her is that she can see by the way he lives and the way he treats her that he has new life and so through his testimony she will get saved. But it requires dedication to Christ.

Laziness

ECC 10:18

By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.

Ecclesiastes 10:18

If we don’t take care of our possessions, pretty soon they will look old and shabby and run down. And eventually they will decay or rust through. Perhaps there is a lesson here spiritually. If we are lazy and don’t care for the people of God, the testimony of the Lord’s house will become tumbled down and disheveled. Christians need encouragement. They need to be taught the things of God. Let’s make sure that we do our part in patching up where a hole has broken through. God doesn’t want us to be lazy Christians.

Peace

ISA 53:5

The chastisement of our peace was upon Him.

Isaiah 53:5

We were enemies of God, not by His choice but by ours. Peace had to be made and Jesus was willing to make that peace. He did so through His death on the cross. The punishment needed to bring peace with God was borne by Him. It is because of the death of Jesus that we now have peace with God.

Healed

ISA 53:5

With His stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5

Our eternal destiny was a lost one away from God - shut out in the blackness of darkness forever. We were slaves to sin and Satan. The sting of sin was slowly but surely bringing death to us. But when Jesus died and rose again and we believed on the work of the cross, His death brought about our eternal healing. We are clean every whit. The sting of sin, death, is gone, and we are free. With His stripes we are healed.

CareLines: Volume 6

Table of Contents

The Lord

Abraham

Mountains of Scripture

Doing Well

Love

Prayer

Peter

Praise

Bribery

Remember

Deliverance

The Test

Revenge

Adultery

Sinless

The Lord

Faithfulness

Forgiving

Witness

Future

Future

Promotion

Family Relations

Family Relations

Family Relations

Family Relations

Searching the Scriptures

Exhortation

Friendship

Hate

Hate

Gaius

Continuing

Silence

Happiness

Tongue

Hand

Ear

Eyes

Death

What a Man!

Mount Pisgah

The Lamb

Andrew

Service

Foundations

Foundations

God’s Ways

Salvation

Savior

Kindness

Confession

Peace

Peace

Pilate

The Crucifixion

The Lord’s Death

New

Sharing

Words

Happiness

Time Out

Bible Cities

Salvation

Keeping

Covetousness

Safety

Danger

Provoking

Salvation

Nearness

Lost Love

Perfection

Friendships

Peer Pressure

Peer Pressure

Comfort

Salvation