CareLines: Volume 7

We often hear the question, “But what can I do for the Lord?” Maybe you have asked that yourself. To serve other Christians is to serve the Lord. Is there another saint who needs help? Give it. Is there an older, lonely Christian whom nobody visits? Go visit them. Just sit and let them talk. They get lonely by themselves all day. There are so many areas where you can fill a need. And it doesn’t take any talent - just the giving of some of your time. Let’s try this year to serve the Lord by being a servant to His people.

Scripture

2Ti 3:16

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable.

2 Timothy 3:16

Because the Scriptures are inspired by God, we can trust them. God cannot lie - therefore what is in the Bible is the absolute truth. The Bible is not just a storybook. It is living and powerful. It exposes the heart of man and displays the love of God. Its instruction is profitable for every step we take. We will really miss out on a lot if we don’t read from it every day. In its pages are instructions to help us get to know God, to live to please Him, and details on the wonderful future that God has prepared for those that love Him.

Judgment

DAN 5:5

Fingers of a man’s hand . . . wrote . . . upon . . . the wall.

Daniel 5:5

In the middle of a big drinking party, Nebuchadnezzar’s grandson Belshazzar saw, to his horror, the fingers of a man writing a message on the banquet hall wall. He was terrified. Daniel was called to interpret because the message was not in the local language. Part of the message was, “You are weighed in the balances and found wanting.” That night Belshazzar died in a surprise attack on his palace. God is not mocked. Nebuchadnezzar had been warned not to leave God out of his life. He had repented and turned to God. But his son had carried on in debauchery and God took his life. “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” says the Lord.

Sadness

NEH 2:2

Sorrow of heart.

Nehemiah 2:2

Are you feeling down today? We all get that way sometimes. The Lord knows all about the reason. Leave it with Him before you go to school or work or before you lie down tonight. Tell Him everything that is bothering you. Even if you don’t know what it is, tell Him that too. He wants us to cast all our cares on Him. Let’s do it!

Saviour

LUK 2:11

Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

If our greatest need had been information,

God would have sent an educator.

If our greatest need had been technology,

God would have sent an engineer.

If our greatest need had been money,

God would have sent an economist.

If our greatest need had been pleasure,

God would have sent an entertainer.

But our greatest need was forgiveness,

So God sent us a Saviour.

[from Grace & Truth Magazine, April, 1995]

Peace

JOB 34:29

When He giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?

Job 34:29

My confidence in the omniscient God should be such that I know that He is near even when Satan causes me trouble. Confidence in God gives an inner peace that outer circumstances should not be able to take away. This sort of confidence grows as we mature in Christ. As we grow in the Christian path, we get to know the Lord better, and with that comes our peace in His protection and presence.

Jesus

MAT 1:23

A virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Matthew 1:23

God with us! What a time of rich blessing for this world. How sad that the world kicked God out. They didn’t want Him. They didn’t like what He said. They didn’t like what He did. But the greatest act that He did was to die on Calvary while His enemies sat and watched Him. Through His death we can have life forevermore. Praise the Lord for everyone who has trusted in Emmanuel as their personal Saviour.

Think

PRO 19:2

He that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

Proverbs 19:2

A Christian must never make any decision without checking with the Lord first. How much sorrow and backtracking could be avoided if we would think and pray first, and then act. Jesus always did everything that pleased His Father. The reason was because He never “hasted with His feet.” When He chose the twelve disciples, He prayed all night first; then He picked them out.

Robbed

LUK 10:30

A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment.

Luke 10:30

We don’t expect to be robbed when we’re on a trip, but sometimes it happens. A close friend of mine was robbed of all his money and valuables when he was visiting in Africa two years ago. One of my sons was accosted in London, England, when we were on vacation and had his wallet stolen. But there is a spiritual lesson in our verse. Satan, our biggest enemy, wants to rob us of our freedom and our dignity. When we get away from the Lord Jesus, that can happen. So stick close to the Lord all your Christian life.

Beaten

LUK 10:30

A certain man . . . fell among thieves, which . . . wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

Luke 10:30

The first time Satan attacks us and we give in, we lose our outer protection. The more we mess in Satan’s realm, we find that he leaves us so helpless that we cannot recover. Our traveler here was left half-dead. That’s all that Satan can give in the end - death. Oh, that our spirit will not be so crushed by the enemy that there is no power to get back to God.

No Help

LUK 10:31-32

A certain priest . . . passed by.

A Levite . . . passed by.

Luke 10:31-32

Religion and law cannot help us. Nothing but the personal intervention of Jesus is powerful enough to overcome the devastation caused by Satan’s attacks. Religion and law might be able to cover up the outside with good looks and proper appearance, but they cannot change the heart.

Help

LUK 10:33

But a certain Samaritan. . . came where he was.

Luke 10:33

At last there is one who is willing to help - not by patching up the outside, but by personally cleansing the wounds. Have you been beaten by Satan, left half-naked and half-dead? Jesus is willing to help you. He is the only one who can. Let Him lift you up, heal you, and restore you to full communion with God.

Arguing

2Ti 2:14

Strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

2 Timothy 2:14

We can spend endless hours arguing over doctrine, the meanings of words, philosophies and many other things. But for the most part these arguments do nothing for the participants or for the spectators. How much better to read the Scriptures with an open heart so that the Lord can teach us His way. Then we can better serve Him and be a spiritual example to others.

Suffering

PSA 69:2

I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing.

Psalm 69:2

The suffering of the Lord was so intense that it felt as if He were sinking in thick mud. His suffering at the hand of a holy God will never be understood. We can never enter into the depth of the punishment that He endured. Praise God that we won’t have to. The Lord Jesus bore it all so that we could go free. He was willing to suffer for us that He might bring us to God.

Praise

DAN 4:3

How great are His signs! and how mighty are His wonders!

Daniel 4:3

King Nebuchadnezzar, the mightiest Gentile monarch, praised God after He restored his sanity. God brought the world’s most powerful dictator to his knees, making him live and eat like an animal for seven years until he acknowledged that God was above all and deserved all praise and glory. Before this verse was written, Nebuchadnezzar bragged about himself and his accomplishments. After his breakdown, he praised God. There’s a big lesson here for each of us.

Comparisons

2Co 10:12

But they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

2 Corinthians 10:12

When we measure our righteousness by comparing it to the righteousness of others, or when we compare our relative badness or goodness to how others behave, we are not wise. We must compare ourselves only to Christ. How do we measure up? We fall short. Only the Lord Jesus has the perfect standard. We can’t even compare ourselves to Paul or Peter or John. No, we must relate everything to the standard that God has set - and it never changes.

Trapped

GAL 5:1

Be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Galatians 5:1

A young hummingbird had flown through the window into our back porch and was unable to find the way out. I found her some time later during a thunderstorm sitting in a puddle of water on the floor. I placed her on the kitchen table where she sat for some time. After supper I took her outside to release her but she couldn’t fly. A sticky mass of threadlike material was dangling from her leg and weighted her down. How like Satan to entice us into a situation from which we cannot escape. Spiritually and morally Satan will try to entangle us again with the yoke of bondage.

Freed

JOH 8:36

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

John 8:36

(continued from yesterday)

I brought the hummingbird back into the house, so tiny and helpless in my hand. Rolling her onto her back we saw that an old, dusty cobweb had wrapped around her leg and foot. With tweezers we carefully picked it off, took her outside, and let her go. She flew away across the yard. Jesus is the only one who can give freedom from Satan’s bondage. Are you feeling trapped? Call out to the Lord. He will set you free.

Rebellion

EZE 20:19-21

I am the Lord your God; walk in My statutes. . . . Notwithstanding the children rebelled against Me: they walked not in My statutes.

Ezekiel 20:19-21

God had a real problem with Israel. He instructed them to walk in His ways and, in spite of their good promises, they always went the other way. The examples written in the Old Testament are for our learning that we may profit by them. The lesson here is that we could do exactly the same thing. God commands, we listen for a time and then turn away. Let us ask the Lord to help us to always listen to and obey His Word.

Eternal

JOH 8:58

Before Abraham was, I am.

John 8:58

This verse is just one example of the fact that Jesus was and is God. This statement made the Jews mad to the point of wanting to stone Jesus to death. But the Lord was there before Abraham, before Noah, before Adam. The worlds were made by Him. He is the ever-existing, eternal, holy God. He called Himself “I AM” to Moses, and He uses the same title with the Jews. Jesus is God.

Worship

JOS 5:14

Joshua fell on his face . . . and did worship.

Joshua 5:14

In the presence of the Lord, Joshua (even as powerful a leader as he was) fell on his face. There is an important lesson here for us. When we come into the Lord’s presence, we must show respect, reverence and humility. The Lord - He is God. We are His creatures. We must show reverence to Him. This is not fear as in “afraid”; it’s just that we recognize the Lord as our God and Creator. We must respect Him and take our proper place, the only place of blessing - at His feet.

Walk

COL 1:9-10

We . . . pray for you . . . that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing.

Colossians 1:9-10

The Apostle prayed for those who made up the assembly in Colosse that their walk would please God. Ways to please God include being fruitful in our work for Him and growing in our knowledge of Him. This is our prayer for you too - to live in a pleasing way, to be productive in your labor, and to grow in knowing the Lord. To be fruitful results from abiding in Him. To grow results from feeding on Him.

Railing

2Ch 32:17

[Sennacherib] wrote also letters to rail on the Lord God of Israel, and to speak against Him.

2 Chronicles 32:17

This is folly. Sennacherib was not a smart man. Satan was using this man to cause God’s people to doubt His ability to save them. Satan is doing the same thing today. He continually sows doubts in our minds to make us question the goodness and faithfulness of God. Do not listen. Control and reject any thought that doubts God or your salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Disorderly

1Th 5:14

Warn them that are unruly.

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Unruly can be translated “disorderly” or “insubordinate.” Paul was instructing the believers in Thessalonica to warn those who would not listen to the teachings of the Scriptures. Later, in the second letter, Paul instructs them to have no social fellowship with any who rejected the truth. Society today has little or no recourse against those who are insubordinate. Human rights allow a person to say or do almost anything. But God frowns on the disorderly Christian. We must respect God-given authority.

New

REV 21:2

The holy city . . . as a bride adorned for her husband.

Revelation 21:2

Sometimes I get disgusted at all the paper, and cans, and bottles, and trash that accumulates and blows around the streets in our hometown. How different when God will create the new heavens and new earth. The holy city, new Jerusalem, will be absolutely spotless, pure and trashless. No more need for trash collectors. There’ll be no trash in this city. All the mess and man-made garbage will be gone. God’s new city will be clean and beautiful, just like a bride in her spotless, clean, white dress.

Goodness

ROM 2:4

The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.

Romans 2:4

God has no desire to send man to hell. Hell was created for one purpose - the devil and his angels. God is good. His faithfulness and goodness are shown to us every day. And it’s His goodness that brings us to accept Jesus as our Saviour. If it were not for God’s gentle guidance, we never would come to the Lord at all. “Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness” (Psalm 107:8).

Credentials

GAL 2:6

God accepteth no man’s person.

Galatians 2:6

So, you have a master’s degree in social work from Harvard University. You have a doctorate from Dallas Theological Seminary in Old Testament studies. You’re going to be a medical doctor specializing in internal medicine. You came from one of the wealthy, outstanding families in your town. You’re very, very poor and no one likes you anyway. It makes no difference to God, because He does not accept anyone’s credentials, whether good or bad, whether you’re liked or not. He only accepts those who come to Him by faith. Don’t miss out.

Worship

JOS 5:15

Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

Joshua 5:15

There is a lesson here for us. We cannot bring any of the world’s contamination into the Lord’s presence when we go to Him to worship. It must be left behind. That is pictured to us by Joshua having to remove his shoes. They were in constant contact with the ground and picked up contamination. We are in contact with the world and its ways. We have to put them off before we go to meet with the Lord.

Choice

DAN 6:14-18

Then the king . . . was sore displeased with himself . . . and passed the night fasting.

Daniel 6:14-18

King Darius had signed a law that made him look and feel good. But it backfired because it condemned to death his most trusted advisor, Daniel. The king was extremely upset but there was nothing that he could do. Be careful, young Christian, that in the excitement of the moment you don’t make the biggest mistake of your life. Be careful that you don’t do something that brings benefit to you but destroys someone else. You may spend more than just one night pacing the floor!

Nearness

HEB 10:22

Let us draw near . . . in full assurance of faith.

Hebrews 10:22

A cleansed heart brings inner peace that cannot be gained from anything else. Here is a call to come near to God, knowing that we are clean from every stain of sin. Therefore we have the complete assurance that God will not strike us dead or turn us away, but rather He will welcome our presence and enjoy our time with Him.

Generation

JUD 2:10

There arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which He had done for Israel.

Judges 2:10

The third generation from Joshua was marked by two things. First, they did not know the Lord (were not saved). Second, they didn’t even know about the miracles of Egypt and the wilderness journey. Why? Because the second generation had only heard about these things and had no real commitment to the Lord. The generation after Joshua had no personal dedication to the Lord, so the generation after them was never led to the Lord. I wonder how many reading this are from the second or the third generation?

First

1KI 17:13

Make me thereof a little cake first.

1 Kings 17:13

Just as Elijah had to be served first before the poor widow had much blessing, so we must give God first place in our lives if we are to be blessed. Our world encourages the “me first” syndrome. But God’s Word teaches us to put the Lord first, others next, and ourselves last.

Forgiveness

2Ti 4:16

I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

2 Timothy 4:16

The Apostle Paul finds on one occasion that his “friends” have forsaken him. Instead of being bitter towards them, he prays for them and we see that there is no hint of reprisal or rebuke. He exhibits the same heart that the Lord Jesus had when on the cross He said, “Father, forgive them.” What a great thing to have a forgiving spirit. This is truly the spirit of Christ.

Forgiveness

COL 3:13

Even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Colossians 3:13

One of the characteristics of our Lord Jesus was that He bore no grudges and was willing to forgive - completely. Maybe one of the major causes of a bitter attitude and unhappiness in a Christian’s life is that there is an unforgiving spirit. This must be dealt with. Ask the Lord to help you forgive those who have wronged you (even though they may never apologize). You will not be at peace until you do.

Salvation

HEB 9:11-12

But Christ . . . obtained eternal redemption for us.

Hebrews 9:11-12

Our salvation is forever. There is never any thought in Scripture that once a person is truly saved (by believing in Jesus as Saviour and Lord), they could lose their salvation. The Lord’s work at Calvary was a perfect work. When He gave His life He cried, “It is finished.” The price for sin was fully paid. Now redemption is available for all who will believe - and it’s forever.

Forgiveness

GEN 50:21

And [Joseph] comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

Genesis 50:21

Joseph’s brothers had treated him with much unkindness. In fact, Scripture records that they hated him. But after their father died, the brothers begged Joseph’s forgiveness. This he did - totally and sincerely. Joseph demonstrated for us how we should act towards those who wrong us. We must do as Christ did - forgive.

Giving

MAT 6:1

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 6:1

If we do a work for the Lord so that we will get recognition from others, then we lose any reward that God may have given. We need to be very, very humble in what we do and have only two objects in mind - God’s glory and honor, and the blessing of others.

Prayer

MAT 6:6

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray.

Matthew 6:6

Here is something else in a Christian’s life that is not done in the public eye. Prayer is a special, private time between me and God. I don’t need to broadcast to everyone else how pious I am. I don’t need to show (like the Moslems do at their designated prayer times) how devout or religious I am. God wants us to spend spontaneous, quality time alone with Him.

Fasting

MAT 6:17

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

Matthew 6:17

Once again the Lord is introducing a new practice for Christians. Instead of announcing to everyone that we are abstaining from a certain thing for a period of self-denial, we should do this in private between God and ourselves until our spiritual exercise before God is over. We must never do anything with a spiritual flavor and do it to get recognition or honor by those around. God, who sees in secret, will reward openly - later.

Bondage

LUK 13:16

Satan hath bound . . . eighteen years.

Luke 13:16

What did baseball legend Mickey Mantle and Grateful Dead singer Jerry Garcia have in common? They were both in bondage - addicts, bound by Satan as slaves to drink and/or drugs. And the list goes on. Famous? Oh, yes. Rich? Certainly. But, sadly, in complete bondage to the hardest taskmaster ever - Satan. Only the Lord Jesus can break those bonds. No one else is strong enough, nor are fame, talent or money. Give yourself to the Lord Jesus and let Him set you free.

New Life

HOS 14:8

What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard Him, and observed Him.

Hosea 14:8

When we are attracted to the Lord Jesus, worldly things will lose their appeal. Satan has totally corrupted this world with lust, pleasure and addictions. Jesus died and rose again to break his power. Now when we see the Lord Jesus and observe Him, study His life, and think about Him, the attractions of the world will fade away.

Redemption

1Pe 1:18-19

Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold . . . but with the precious blood of Christ.

1 Peter 1:18-19

Silver and gold are the trading standards of today’s society. But with God they won’t work. Our salvation cannot be, nor could it ever have been, bought with money. Redemption for us was accomplished at infinite cost - the shedding of the blood of Christ on Calvary’s cross. As it says in Hebrews, “By His own blood He entered in once into the holy place.” Access to God is through the cross. Money is not required.

Violence

JOH 3:8

Let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.

Jonah 3:8

Recently, near our home, two young criminals kidnapped their police escort, drove 50 miles, handcuffed him to a tree, and stole his car with his guns. The 19-year-old wanted to shoot the deputy, but the other man, age 24, wouldn’t let him. A friend of mine, who at one time worked for the police department, told me that a teenager is much more dangerous when armed than an older person. He said they see so much violence and killing on TV by those who get away with it that they won’t think twice about killing someone themselves. If we entertain ourselves by watching violence, we too will be influenced by it. Following today’s verse is very important.

Repentance

JOH 3:10

God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way.

Jonah 3:10

In Jonah’s day the city of Nineveh, from the king down to the lowliest servant, repented and turned to God in response to the preaching of the prophet Jonah. God spared judgment at that time. Today the great majority have no time, belief or respect for God and we see little repentance. Paul wrote that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse.” God is about to judge the world with catastrophe upon catastrophe. And in spite of it all, it is recorded in Revelation, “They repented not.” If you are away from God, turn to Him in repentance today.

Love

1Co 13:13

The greatest . . . is love.

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

There is nothing greater in God’s viewpoint than love. He is love. That’s His nature. And when we became Christians, we had God’s nature and capacity to love built into our being. Now we can love as He does. His love shows no prejudice. His love has no limits. His love sent His Son to be the Saviour of the world. Our love reflects how much we love Him. Let it show.

Living

2Co 5:15

They which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again.

2 Corinthians 5:15

We who are saved have a new Master. We used to belong to Satan, but now we are alive unto God. He gave His Son, Jesus, to die for us. God now wants us to give ourselves back to Him to live and work for Him. We spend hours and hours each week in our own pleasures and responsibilities. Don’t neglect giving energy in the Master’s service.

No Hope

1Th 4:13

Others which have no hope.

1 Thessalonians 4:13

Why no hope? Because they have no Saviour, no home in heaven, no peace with God, no inheritance through Christ. The “others” in our verse are those who have never put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord. We pray that if there is one person reading this who is afraid of death, you will begin today to really live with no fear by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and giving your life to Him.

Blessing

ECC 7:8

Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof.

Ecclesiastes 7:8

The psalm-writer said, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Blessing comes from trial. Joy comes after the tears. “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Flowers grow up after the rain. Strength comes from sorrow. Look up, my friends, there is a rainbow. Don’t despair. God wants to help you learn and to bless you.

Worship

2Ch 29:28

And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded: and all this continued until the burnt offering was finished.

2 Chronicles 29:28

The burnt offering in the Old Testament was just a picture of the perfect offering of the Lord Jesus on Calvary. When we meet together to remember His death, our worship and praise should continue throughout the remembrance service. How easy it is to be distracted by this or that. It seems that we can’t concentrate for any length of time on Jesus and His sacrificial death. Let’s make a special effort today to block out anything that would take away from our appreciation of what Jesus did at Calvary.

Cavemen

HEB 11:38

They wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

Hebrews 11:38

Ever wonder where “cavemen” came from? The Bible mentions cavemen several times, including Job 30:3-8. All references to cavemen are after the flood of Noah’s time, that is, in the last 4300 years of the earth’s history. The remains of cavemen are not tens of thousands or millions of years old as some scientists, so-called, would have you believe. God’s Word gives some very simple but powerful explanations for people and things that some men would try to make very complicated. And Hebrews 11:38 tells us some “cavemen” will be in heaven. It’s going to be great to visit with some of our “Neanderthal” brethren and talk about Jesus and His glory.

Rapture

1Th 4:17

We which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air.

1 Thessalonians 4:17

This is where the term “rapture” comes from. “Caught up” means literally to be “snatched away forcefully.” This is like a hawk diving down to catch and take away its prey. So the term “raptor” is sometimes used to describe birds of prey. Do you know this could happen at any moment? Sometimes you read or hear the words “perhaps today.” That is referring to the momentary possibility of our Lord Jesus descending from heaven to take all His people to heaven before the tribulation. Make sure you are ready. Jesus says, “Behold, I come quickly.”

Ice Age

JOB 37:10 JOB 38:29-30

By the breath of God frost [ice] is given. . . . Out of whose womb came the ice? . . . The waters are hid as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen.

Job 37:10; 38:29-30

Most everyone agrees there was an ice age. Some scientists believe there were many of them. Most believe the last ice age was 6,000 to 10,000 years ago. Now what does the Bible say? The first mention of snow and ice is found in the book of Job. Job clearly wrote about vast ice sheets. The only “ice age” that the Bible speaks of occurred soon after the flood. Job, who lived shortly after the flood, wrote what God described to him. As students of the Bible, and for those at school, we need to first know and believe what God says, and then carefully discern what men may guess about concerning the world’s history and geology.

Continents

GEN 10:25

And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.

Genesis 10:25

Peleg lived for about 220 years right after the flood. His name means “division.” Men make fancy and complicated calculations about “continental drift” and how it has taken millions of years. The Bible says the earth was divided in the days of Peleg (about 220 years). “Impossible!” shout the scientists. But with God all things are possible. The word “divided” here means split, perhaps by earthquakes. Peleg’s brother was Joktan, whose name means “made small.” So the one large continent that God originally made was split into several smaller ones that we see now.

Creation

REV 4:11

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.

Revelation 4:11

Though the sin of man has corrupted and polluted all of creation, yet we must remember that creation with all its creatures still exists for the pleasure of God and the good of man. As Christians, we need to be sensitive to the beauty that is still in creation and at the same time use the world’s resources wisely as good stewards of God’s handiwork. God will one day reward His people for being good stewards and He will also “destroy them which destroy the earth” (Rev. 11:18).

Maturity

COL 1:27-28

Christ . . . whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 1:27-28

How do we become perfect or mature as a Christian? Our verse tells us of three nutrients for growth: the preaching of Christ - His person and work; warnings about sin and righteousness; and teachings of the apostles’ doctrine. A garden grows best when it is first watered (preaching and teaching) and then weeded (warning). We need to be attentive to and thankful for the preaching and teaching we receive from God’s Word and His servants. And we must take heed to the warnings of Scripture and separate from all that is a dishonor to the holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Betrayed

PRO 27:6

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Proverbs 27:6

Judas Iscariot was a disciple of the Lord, and yet he was not really a true friend. His kiss of pretended friendship was but a signal to the soldiers to take this man captive - He was the One that the Jews wanted to get rid of. Judas’s sign of friendship was the signal for capture. And the suffering and death born by Jesus on the cross after His arrest only attest to the fact of His great faithfulness. He is the true Friend. Judas was an enemy who betrayed innocent blood for a few pieces of silver.

A Time

ECC 3:1

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

A time to be born, and a time to die;

A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal;

A time to break down, and a time to build up.

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together,

A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.

A Time

ECC 3:1

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

A time to get, and a time to lose;

A time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew;

A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate,

A time of war, and a time of peace.

Counsel

PRO 24:6

In multitude of counselors there is safety.

Proverbs 24:6

Not sure what to do? Ask for, and then weigh before the Lord, the advice of others. Sometimes our way is not clear. Sometimes we may not have enough Scripture knowledge to make a right decision. Always be before the Lord in prayer and don’t be afraid to ask for counsel from those whom you respect and in whom you have confidence.

Seasons

PSA 104:19

He appointed the moon for seasons.

Psalm 104:19

Today is an odd day of the year. We only get one of these every four years, to keep the calendar right. The Jewish calendar is run in a different way. When two reliable witnesses see the tiniest evidence of a new moon they inform the Rabbi who then proclaims the start of a new month. So the Jewish months go from new moon to new moon. God goes according to a calendar too. And His calendar is running out of time. One day soon the last day of this world’s history will end and eternity will begin. We pray that each of you is ready for eternity.

Singing

EPH 5:19

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:19

Christians sing three kinds of songs - psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. They are all three different and for a divine reason. A psalm is a song that expresses the heart, the soul, the emotions and the experiences of the believer. It might be one of the psalms David wrote, but there are also many “psalms” that have been written by Christians in the last 2000 years. The following popular chorus could be an example of a modern psalm:

“Through it all, through it all,

I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,

I’ve learned to trust in God.

Through it all, through it all,

I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.”

Singing

EPH 5:19

Speaking to yourselves in . . . hymns.

Ephesians 5:19

A hymn is a more fully developed communication toward God. It comes from the word “humnos,” which denotes a song of praise addressed to God. This is perhaps the highest form of singing for the Christian, as the words of many hymns seek to draw the believer into the presence of God. A short but very good example of a hymn is the following: “Lord Jesus, we worship and bow at Thy feet,

And give Thee the glory, the honor that’s meet; While through Thee, O Saviour, our praises ascend, And join in the chorus that never shall end.

Singing

EPH 5:19

Speaking to yourselves in. . . spiritual songs.

Ephesians 5:19

The third category of song is the “spiritual song,” or “ode.” This kind of song tells a story that may include elements of the first two kinds of songs we previously mentioned. One of the best known spiritual songs ever written is Amazing Grace by John Newton of the seventeenth century. This beautiful ode tells the history of Newton from the time he was lost to the future scene in heaven where we shall join him to sing to our Saviour for eternity.

Singing

COL 3:19

Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.

Colossians 3:16

It is of the greatest importance that Christians, especially young people, sing songs that are accurate expressions of biblical truth. Singing is a very powerful way of teaching and it seems that people can remember a song and a tune much better than other things they see or hear. You must pay close attention to what is given out as Christian song and music today, as much of it is not based on sound doctrine. However, there is no shortage of wonderful and uplifting psalms, hymns and songs for us to sing every day to ourselves and to one another. As Bach said so many years ago, “The aim of all music should be for nothing else but the glory of God and the refreshment of the spirit.”

Working

PRO 22:29

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings.

Proverbs 22:29

I have tried for many months to encourage a young man to find some work. He has not been diligent in looking for work, let alone getting work and doing it right. And now he has been taken to jail for a variety of crimes and must stand before a judge. How much better to stand before the Lord and have Him say, “Well done.” God made man to work, not to want and to waste. If a task is once begun, never leave it till it’s done. Be that labor great or small, do it well, or not at all.

Pleasing God

GAL 1:10

If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10

We all worry to various degrees what other people think about us. And sometimes we do need the help of godly Christians to adjust our words, ideas and actions to be more conformed to Christ. But in this “politically correct” generation we live in, it seems to be a sin against mankind to stand for anything that is righteous and truthful before God, especially when it counters the mundane morality, the selfish selfism, and the haughty humanism that is so widespread, even in the professing church. As you live and work from day to day, who are you seeking to please, God or man? “The fellow who worries about what people think of him wouldn’t worry so much if he only knew how seldom they do.”

Practice

JAM 1:22

Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.

James 1:22

“The only ideas that will work for you are the ones you put to work.” This is certainly a good proverb for all areas of our lives: at home, at school, at work and in the church. How do we get ideas from God? By reading His Word and thinking about what it says. How do we show that we have faith? By doing what His Word says to us individually. Has God given you an idea about something to do for Him and His people? Then prayerfully and humbly put it to work. Our Lord Jesus said, “Occupy till I come.”

Borrowing Money

PRO 22:7 HEB 13:5

The borrower is servant to the lender.

Proverbs 22:7

Be content with such things as ye have.

Hebrews 13:5

This is the “gotta have it now” generation that even when it does get it, still it is not satisfied. Many young people have been seduced into believing that borrowing money and using credit cards is the only way to acquire the necessities and luxuries of life. Countless thousands have learned, to their sorrow and hardship, that this is a lie. Those that spend their lives borrowing, spend their lives sorrowing. The happiest people on earth are not those that have the most, but those who enjoy the least.

Creation

ECC 7:29

Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.

Ecclesiastes 7:29

Paul said, “The world by wisdom knew not God.” God made everything perfect. Man spoiled it. God made everything in balance. Man upsets the “balance of nature” through wanton destruction and advancement. God made everything beautiful. Man causes pollution. God made the world with a perfect environment. Man now is nervous and trying to “save the earth.” Those who belong to the Lord are now looking for Him to come and set everything right. Only He can.

Rejection

JOH 19:15

We have no king but Caesar.

John 19:15

No king but Caesar! What a rejection. The King of kings was standing right there and heard these words from His own people. No king but Caesar! Jesus came unto His own and His own received Him not. No king but Caesar! The Lord of life died on a cross because the people owned no king but Caesar.

Living

2Co 5:15

They which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again.

2 Corinthians 5:15

Real living begins when we yield ourselves to the Lord and live for Him instead of ourselves. Jesus died for us. He gave everything - even His life - so that we might be free. Now our pleasure should be in following Him and living with His interests at heart.

Hospitality

LUK 24:28

He made as though He would have gone further.

Luke 24:28

Jesus never forces His company on us. He wants to be with us and share Himself with us, but not if we don’t want Him. Jesus had just walked a few miles with a couple who were sad because their Messiah had been crucified. They were puzzled about a report that stated that His grave was found empty. The Lord explained the Scriptures to them and, when they reached their home, it looked like He was going on. But they liked His company and invited Him in. What a wonderful surprise when they discovered that this “stranger” was none other than Jesus Himself.

Fellowship

REV 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.

Revelation 3:20

Again we have another clear example that the Lord Jesus does not force Himself on us. But He longs for our fellowship and when we get too busy or too proud for Him, He is still to be found knocking at our heart’s door wanting in. Why doesn’t He just come in anyway? Because He wants us to want Him. Only then can we have true fellowship.

Trials

ECC 7:14

In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider.

Ecclesiastes 7:14

Sometimes God speaks by taking things away. Often, when we are experiencing a time of plenty, we don’t give God the place that He should have in our lives. And so He speaks to us by taking things away. We need to listen to Him when He speaks like this.

Peer Pressure

MAR 15:15

Pilate, willing to content the people, . . . delivered Jesus . . . to be crucified.

Mark 15:15

Pilate was torn between two options. On the one hand, he believed that Jesus was innocent of the charges brought against Him, and he wanted to let Him go. On the other hand, he wanted to be a popular governor and so he needed to please the people. The people won. Peer pressure persuaded Pilate to send Jesus to the cross. Peer pressure may influence you to do something or go someplace that is not pleasing to God. Beware of peer pressure.

Cleansing

1JO 1:9

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

Even though we are Christians, we sometimes sin. When we do, we are to confess it to the Lord, own to Him that we did wrong, and He will forgive us. Notice that it doesn’t say that we are to ask forgiveness. He will forgive us when we confess. But more importantly, our broken communion with the Lord (broken because of our sinning) will be restored by our confession of sin. Let’s be sure to keep short accounts with God.

Gone

COL 2:14

Blotting out the handwriting. . . against us. . . and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross.

Colossians 2:14

This is a vivid word picture painted by the Apostle as he explains what Jesus did on Calvary. We had a written condemnation against us. Jesus took it, nailed it to His cross, and took the punishment for it. Now He can show that condemnation to God with the words “PAID IN FULL” stamped across it. What a Saviour! What a salvation! Our sins have been paid for by Jesus - they are gone!

Schedule

GAL 4:4-5

When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son . . . to redeem.

Galatians 4:4-5

God works according to a schedule. His timing is always perfect. Exactly at the right time God sent Jesus, His Son, to be the Saviour. And exactly at the right time God will send Jesus again to call His bride home to heaven. No one knows for sure when that will be, but the signs in the world and in the church all point to His coming being very soon. Be ready.

Wisdom

PRO 28:26

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

Proverbs 28:26

We should never trust our own heart. The Scripture says that the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. We can easily persuade ourselves that something is right when, in the light of Scripture, it is absolutely wrong. So our decisions must be based on the Word of God, asking Him for wisdom so that we can make the right choice. A decision made in the fear of God and with the guidance of His Word will be the right one. One made based on only our feelings could be disastrous.

Pure Heart

1Ti 1:5

Now the end of the commandment is [love] out of a pure heart.

1 Timothy 1:5

The law cannot do what love can. So love with no ulterior motive (out of a pure heart) is the end of the commandment. There is nothing more to add to love. The commandment brings bondage; love beings freedom. We need to let love show. Others should be able to see the love of Christ in us. There is no law against love.

Good Conscience

1Ti 1:5

Now the end of the commandment is [love] out of . . . a good conscience.

1 Timothy 1:5

The Jewish religion had one major limitation. Their sacrifices only appeased the conscience for a while. Then the process had to be done all over again. But as a Christian we have a good conscience before God because our sins were dealt with when Jesus died. Never again will the question of our sins be brought up. So the commandment is set aside and replaced by something far better - love out of a good conscience. As the hymn says, “Our conscience has peace that can never fail.”

Faith

1Ti 1:5

Now the end of the commandment is [love] out of . . . faith unfeigned.

1 Timothy 1:5

Unfeigned means un-pretended. A Christian with genuine, un-pretended faith will be loving. Faith that is artificial produces superficial love. Faith that is shallow will produce conditional love. But faith that is deep and real will produce real love. Having trouble loving certain people? Check your faith. How real is it?

Christ

1Pe 2:7

Unto you therefore which believe He is precious.

1 Peter 2:7

You can talk about any topic with the world and evoke a response. You can even talk about God and find them willing to talk “religion.” But the mention of Jesus separates the believer from the unbeliever. To those who believe, He is precious. For many who do not believe, He was just another religious leader, a good man. Without Christ we would have nothing. He gave His life to redeem us. He indeed is precious.

Suffering

PSA 88:6

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

Psalm 88:6

The Lord suffered untold agonies at the hand of God. On the cross of Calvary the suffering of the Lord from man was nothing compared to what He felt when God forsook Him. We will never know the extent of His suffering. We just get some heart-rending words in the Scripture that show how bad it was. Thank God that Jesus bore the punishment for our sins and we have the wonderful privilege of a full and free salvation through faith in Him.

Liberty

GAL 5:13

Ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh.

Galatians 5:13

There is a definite difference between being free and doing whatever we want. Yes, we have been set free from Satan and bondage to him. But that doesn’t give us license to live outside of God’s standards and His law. Once we are saved, our whole motivation should be, “Am I doing what is pleasing to the Lord?” If I am, then I won’t be letting my old nature take control. Jesus has given us “all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” Let’s be free in His liberty.

Content

HEB 13:5

Be content with such things as ye have.

Hebrews 13:5

Contentment is hard to achieve when all around us there is the spirit of discontent. You can always find those who are discontented - with the government, their wages, their house, their car. Even Christians get caught up in it and we get discontented with things too. But God would have us be content with what He has given us. His continual promise to us is, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” In good times and bad, God is with us. Let’s try to learn, as the Apostle did, to be content.

Reward

1Co 3:8

Every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.

1 Corinthians 3:8

Each of us is responsible to the Lord for how we serve Him. He has some part for us to fill in service in His vineyard. One of the great comforts that we can get from Scripture is that the Lord keeps a record of what we do for Him and He will reward us in a coming day. It doesn’t matter that no one else knows what we have done. If, in our labor, we are hidden and Christ is glorified, then there will be reward. And the reward is for what we have done - not what someone else did.

Exposed

1Co 3:13

Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it.

1 Corinthians 3:13

We have all been ashamed at one time or another when a scandal involving famous “preachers” hits the news media. A day is coming when all works will be exposed by God. The genuine will be rewarded - the artificial will be burned up.

Authority

MAT 8:8-9

I am not worthy. . . . For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me.

Matthew 8:8-9

This centurion recognized that the Lord Jesus was a person in a position of authority. He did not feel that he was worthy to have Jesus in his home even though he commanded a platoon of soldiers. He also recognized that just for Jesus to speak was command enough. How is our level of confidence in the Lord? Always remember that when Jesus speaks, things happen.

Endurance

HEB 11:27

[Moses] endured, as seeing Him who is invisible.

Hebrews 11:27

It’s impossible to see something that’s invisible- we all know that. But the Lord was so real to Moses that it seemed to Moses that he could see Him. And that’s what gave Moses the courage, stamina and endurance that he needed to do God’s work. How real is the Lord to us? He is with us each day, encouraging us along the way to carry on even though the way is rough. May we be able to say, as the Apostle Paul did, “We see Jesus.”

Punishment

PSA 88:7

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

Psalm 88:7

Here is another verse that describes for us what the Lord Jesus felt when He experienced the wrath of a holy God against sin. Jesus was forsaken by His God. God turned His back while His Son was punished for our sin. Awful sin - awful suffering - awesome Saviour.

Fear?

HEB 11:27

By faith [Moses] forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king.

Hebrews 11:27

But you say that in this story in Exodus, Moses ran away because Pharaoh was angry. That’s true - on the outward appearance. But God looks at the heart. And what appears to us to be fear was to God a determination by Moses to set the people of Israel free from bondage. It’s just that Moses wasn’t ready yet; he still had 40 years of schooling to go through. Moses rejected his 40-year degree in Egyptian politics and science to spend another 40 years in God’s school preparing for God’s work, at God’s time. Faith overcomes great obstacles.

Good Conscience

ACT 24:16

Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men.

Acts 24:16

Paul made a special effort to avoid offending others and God. Therefore he had a good and clear conscience. If something that he wanted to do would offend another, he wouldn’t do it. He was in such close communion with the Lord that he was always in the good of God’s will and so didn’t offend the Lord either. This is a great example for us. We need to practice being meek -in other words, not offending people. To do so would also be an offense against God.

Saved

ROM 5:9

Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

Romans 5:9

When the wrath of God is poured out on this world, there will be death and destruction and calamity like has never been seen before. Our verse makes a promise that we shall be saved from wrath - not through wrath, but from it. This tells us that Christians will not experience the wrath of God either on earth or in eternity. God punished His Son instead of us. Jesus experienced God’s wrath against sin. So the Christian can enjoy justification now and can look forward to being taken to heaven before the tribulation starts.

Example

1Pe 2:21

Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example.

1 Peter 2:21

We all like to have examples to follow. Jesus left us a perfect example of total selflessness. He always gave Himself for others. He wants us to follow His steps. He wants us not only to follow but also to be an example to others so that they too will want to follow Him.

Prayer

JAM 5:17

Elias [Elijah] was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not.

James 5:17

There was nothing special or supernatural about Elijah. He was an ordinary man. But what set him apart from others was that he had deep faith in God. He prayed with complete confidence that God would hear and answer his prayer. Israel felt the results of Elijah’s prayer for three-and-a-half years. God answers prayer - especially when we believe that He does.

Prayer

JAM 5:18

And [Elijah] prayed again, and the heaven gave rain.

James 5:18

After three-and-a-half years of drought, Elijah prayed to the Lord again. You mean that Elijah only prayed every three years or so? No! Elijah practiced a good prayer life. But he specifically asked the Lord to make it rain. Once again the confidence that Elijah had in God was rewarded and his prayer was answered. To read the complete account of why Elijah did this, read 1 Kings 17-18.

Worthy

REV 5:2 REV 5:4 REV 5:9

Who is worthy . . . ? No man was found worthy. . . . Thou art worthy.

Revelation 5:2, 4, 9

How dejected were those in heaven because no man was found worthy to open the sealed book. John weeps at the proclamation. And then the good news - there is someone who is worthy, more worthy than all of creation. Who is this One? The Lamb of God who conquered the power of Satan when He rose from the dead. He alone is worthy.

Repentance

JOE 2:13

Rend your heart, and not your garments.

Joel 2:13

God wants reality. To repent on the outside, but not mean it on the inside, is not real repentance. We often cover up what we are really feeling by wearing an outer cover on our face that belies what is on the inside. Don’t forget that God sees our hearts and He knows what is really going on in there.

Wisdom

JAM 3:17

The wisdom that is from above is . . . easy to be entreated.

James 3:17

Godly wisdom, available to all who ask God for it, has many beautiful characteristics. Here is one - it is easy to be entreated. In other words, if you have godly wisdom and someone comes to you with a complaint or a plea, you listen to what they have to say without cutting them off or refusing to listen to their point of view. Too often we are unwilling to listen to others, always thinking that we are right. Let’s ask the Lord for wisdom to be able to be easily entreated.

Fruit

GAL 5:22

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace.

Galatians 5:22

There is nothing that cheers another and gives comfort to those who are down like love and joy and peace. In a world of hatred, there is something special about Christians when they show love to others. The emptiness of the world’s pleasures are nothing compared to the joy of those who are born again and on their way to heaven. And when nation upon nation is at war, the Christian can still be at peace in his heart, because of Calvary. Love, joy, peace: Three necessary ingredients in a Christian for a happy life.

Faith

MAR 5:36

Be not afraid, only believe.

Mark 5:36

This was the message that Jesus gave to Jairus and his wife after the death of their 12-year-old daughter. Sickness had led to death. Death brings fear. Jesus gives power to overcome fear. John says in his letter, “Perfect love casts out fear.” Jesus was that perfect love. And so Jairus and his wife watch in amazement as their daughter is raised back to life by the Creator of life, the Lord Jesus Christ.

God’s Ways

MAR 6:27

[The executioner] went and beheaded [John] in the prison.

Mark 6:27

John the Baptist had spent his adult life in faithful service for God. He had preached, and warned, and baptized, and spoken the truth of God to all. And yet God allowed him to be beheaded. God’s ways are not our ways. He often allows things in our lives that we do not understand nor can figure out. But we can be sure that God makes no mistakes and is working all things for His glory and the blessing of His people.

Life

MAT 7:13-14

Enter ye in at the strait gate. . . because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life.

Matthew 7:13-14

Men have always come up with various ways to get in favor with God and thus eventually, hopefully, be in heaven. But the Bible teaches plainly that the way to have eternal life in heaven and a full life on earth is through the strait gate, which is Christ. Without Him we cannot possibly get to heaven or find favor with God. Enter in at the strait gate and walk the happy path to heaven.

Suffering

PSA 69:1

Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.

Psalm 69:1

A cry of desperation. David was feeling this pressure from God and so cried out for help. In type, he speaks and feels what our Lord Jesus experienced in connection with Calvary. The awfulness of God’s wrath against sin was so terrible that Jesus felt as if He were drowning in a turbulent ocean. We will never know the full extent of what Jesus suffered, but we can always thank Him for bearing it for us.

Joy

JOH 16:22

Your joy no man taketh from you.

John 16:22

The joy that comes from knowing Jesus and having Him walk beside me every day cannot be duplicated. Man attempts to live life without God but he has no real peace. Without peace there is no joy. And without joy there is no real living. We pray that all those who read this calendar have the joy that cannot be taken away - the joy that Jesus gives to those who love Him.

Virtue

PRO 31:10

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

Proverbs 31:10

In today’s society of low moral standards, it is so refreshing to find women who are virtuous, who have not lowered their life-style to the world’s level, and who are committed to living for God. Solomon says that this kind of woman has great value. Young sister, keep yourself pure. Don’t do anything or allow anyone to do anything to you that will ruin your purity. There are guys out there who are looking for a virtuous woman to be their wife.

Trust

31:10-11

Who can find a virtuous woman? . . . The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her.

Proverbs 31:10-11

Absolute trust and confidence between husband and wife makes for a happy, stable marriage. A virtuous teenager who keeps herself will become a virtuous wife who can be totally trusted by her husband. The verse continues, “He shall have no need of spoil.” In other words, the husband will never doubt his wife’s integrity and knows that she will always be there for him.

Good

PRO 31:10-11

Who can find a virtuous woman? . . . She will do [her husband] good and not evil all the days of her life.

Proverbs 31:10-12

Do you see why a virtuous woman’s value is “far above rubies”? You can’t measure the wonderfulness of a wife who thinks of doing nothing but good for her husband all her life. Girls, if you want to be a good wife someday, and if you want a happy marriage, study and follow the teachings of Solomon in Proverbs 31:10-31. You’ll never regret it.

Courage

PSA 71:16 PHI 4:13

I will go in the strength of the Lord God.

Psalm 71:16

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4:13

Another verse says, “Through God we shall do valiantly.” When we have confidence in ourselves, we give no credit to God, and we will fall. The secret to personal courage and being able to stand in the face of danger is having our confidence in the Lord and His strength.

Paul

2Co 11:33

Through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

2 Corinthians 11:33

The Apostle Paul went through some frightening experiences in his Christian life. Here’s one where he recalls his escape from angry Jews who wanted to kill him for his preaching. The dedication of the Apostle to the Lord shines through in that no amount of threats or mistreatment ever stopped his preaching. He said on one occasion, “Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel.” He just left one town where he was persecuted and went to another. And as he went, he preached. Let us not be afraid to preach the gospel of Christ.

Praise

MAR 7:37

He hath done all things well.

Mark 7:37

When we think about our salvation and what it cost Jesus to have us with Himself; when we consider the awful suffering that Jesus went through on our behalf; when we reflect on Calvary, and His death, burial, resurrection and ascension - our hearts just overflow in praise and we can also say, “He has done all things well.”

Trouble

2Co 1:8

We were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life.

2 Corinthians 1:8

Here’s another example of the difficulties that Paul faced. He even figured that his life was over. But God saved him out of all his troubles. He protected Paul and gave him the strength to meet each day’s problems and be victorious. We have the same resource.

Hope

1Pe 3:15

Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.

1 Peter 3:15

Meekness should mark every believer. So should hope. The Old Testament saints had the hope of an eternity with God and that’s what sustained them. How much greater should our hope be when the Lord Jesus promised that He would come again and receive us unto Himself. The hope of the Lord’s coming is what makes the Christian’s life worthwhile.

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

What a wonderful prospect! This poor old, worn-out world will be replaced with a brand new one. God won’t keep what man has ruined but will create something entirely new where pollution and sin will never come. Praise God for His plan for the eternal blessing of all those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

Malice

1Pe 2:1-2

Wherefore laying aside all malice . . . desire the sincere milk of the word.

1 Peter 2:1-2

To have malice means to have a vicious character—to want to harm others. The Christian is expected to be gentle and kind and full of good works. When we think of the good we can do for others, malice will have no place. Let us practice what Peter suggested and put aside malicious thoughts and think about the Scriptures instead.

Guile

1Pe 2:1-2

Wherefore laying aside . . . all guile . . . desire the sincere milk of the word.

1 Peter 2:1-2

Guile is deceit. The Scripture says that the human heart is “deceitful above all things.” So our natural (unsaved) personality has built into it the ability and inclination to be deceitful. We need to be especially careful that we don’t practice deceit, but rather desire God’s Word and the purity that is found in it.

Hypocrisy

1Pe 2:1-2

Wherefore laying aside. . . hypocrisies. . . desire the sincere milk of the word.

1 Peter 2:1-2

My dictionary of New Testament words defines hypocrisy as “play acting.” An actor is one who plays a part that is someone else - not him. So we too can play the part of a devoted Christian on Sundays, but during the week we run with the world and join in their activities, “acting” like one of them. Each of us needs to be ourselves, to be real - not acting a part, but being the real part.

Submission

ACT 8:32

He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened He not His mouth.

Acts 8:32

The Lord Jesus never fought back. When the band of men came to arrest Him, He gave Himself up. He submitted to all the hatred, jeers and mocking. He allowed them to nail Him to a cross. Why? Because He came to die. He came to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Wonderful Saviour. Wonderful grace in leaving heaven to die on the cross for you and me.

Envy

1Pe 2:1-2

Wherefore laying aside. . . envies. . . desire the sincere milk of the word.

1 Peter 2:1-2

Envy can really damage your personal happiness. It makes you think about yourself and how less fortunate you are than others. We must not be envious of others and their abilities, their possessions or their friends. Instead, let us enjoy the Lord and His presence in our life, His Word and His love. Then envy will fall away and what others have won’t really matter.

Evil Speaking

1Pe 2:1-2

Wherefore laying aside. . . all evil speakings. . . desire the sincere milk of the word.

1 Peter 2:1-2

The last enemy that not only destroys others but our own enjoyment of the Lord is evil speaking -character assassination - putting others in a bad light so that people think more of us than them. Let our tongues speak words that would edify and build up. We need to make it a special matter of prayer that the Lord would control our thoughts and our tongues so that we act, think and speak as the Lord did.

Growth

1Pe 2:2

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.

1 Peter 2:2

A baby should grow. If it doesn’t, we know there is something wrong and so we take it to the doctor. A Christian should grow too. If we see no spiritual growth, then we know there is something wrong. Perhaps it is because there is malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy or evil speaking still unjudged in the Christian’s life or heart. These things stunt spiritual growth and there will be no fruit for God.

Replaced

MAT 4:12

Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, He departed into Galilee.

Matthew 4:12

Why didn’t the Lord go and visit John, or try to plead his cause and get him out of prison? Because John’s work was done. He had spoken the truth and was condemned because of it. He had performed the most significant work of any Old Testament prophet in that he had introduced the Lord to the Jewish nation. But for the most part they rejected his testimony. John then steps aside and lets Jesus have His place as the Saviour of the world. John was faithful unto death too, just as Jesus was. He was willing to be hidden while the Lord came into public view.

Giving

LUK 8:3

Susanna ... .. which ministered unto Him.

Luke 8:3

This woman gave to the Lord of her substance. In other words, she had something (whether it was food or clothes or whatever) and she gave it to Jesus, who had nothing. What a beautiful example for us. We can each be a Susanna and give to the Lord by giving to His people. We have so much. Let us be a witness for Christ by giving to others.

Faith

ROM 1:17

The just shall live by faith.

Romans 1:17

We have never actually seen the Lord Jesus. Thomas was a disciple who would not believe that the Lord had risen from the dead until he saw Him. At that time Jesus said, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” That’s you and me. We have not seen Him and yet we have believed in Him. We have not yet seen heaven, but we know that there is one. We live by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us.

God’s Greatness

PSA 77:9

Hath God forgotten to be gracious?

Psalm 77:9

“I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High” (vs. 10; God’s strength).

“I will remember the works of the Lord” (vs. 11).

“I will remember Thy wonders of old” (vs. 11).

“I will meditate also of all Thy work” (vs. 12).

“I will . . . talk of Thy doings” (vs. 12).

“Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?” (vs. 13).

Love

SOS 3:4

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

Song of Solomon 3:4

This is love at its deepest. The bride in Solomon’s song had found her groom and clung to him. It is a picture of the feeling that we should have towards the Lord Jesus. Our love for Him should be such that we never want to let Him out of our reach.

Revenge

PRO 24:17

Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth.

Proverbs 24:17

Sometimes we can get so mad at someone that we either wish something bad would happen to them or we are glad when it does, and we say, “It serves them right.” But this is not God’s way. We should feel sorry for them instead. When the soldiers had nailed Jesus to the cross and mocked and jeered, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them.” Revenge is not ours to give - that belongs to God. So we need to be compassionate to all around, including those who have wronged us.

Strength

PRO 10:29

The way of the Lord is strength to the upright.

Proverbs 10:29

The only source of strength for a Christian is in the way of the Lord. As soon as we step into Satan’s realm and allow some of his ways into our life, we are heading into trouble. The Lord Jesus answered Satan with scriptures during His temptations. We must do the same if we are to be strong and able to resist.

Love

2SA 12:24 1KI 3:3

The Lord loved [Solomon].

2 Samuel 12:24

Solomon loved the Lord.

1 Kings 3:3

John said, “We love . . . because He first loved us.” If God had not loved us, He would not have sent His Son. If the Lord Jesus had not loved us, He would never have left heaven to come here and die. So God in His love has drawn us to Jesus, and now we respond to Him with love.

Identification

EXO 32:26

Who is on the Lord’s side?

Exodus 32:26

This is a challenging question and we do well to answer it. Moses asked the children of Israel this question after they had turned to worshipping the golden calf. Many things come between us and the Lord. We may not worship idols but if Jesus is not the top priority of our life - then we do have an idol. We must be determined to put the Lord first in everything and not let anything come between us and Him.

Seeing Jesus

JOH 12:21

Sir, we would see Jesus.

John 12:21

Two Gentiles had come to Jerusalem to worship during one of the Jewish feasts. But it seems that they had a secondary reason for their visit. They wanted to see Jesus. This is what we desire for each of you - that you would want to see Jesus. Life is so busy with things that are not really that important compared with seeing the Lord. Don’t forget to spend time with Him each day in quiet reading and prayer so that not only will you see Him but you will become more like Him.

Resurrection

MAT 28:6

Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Matthew 28:6

Evidence of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus was found in the empty tomb. Mary Magdalene and another woman also called Mary, who had been standing by the cross of the Lord as He died, now stand at the mouth of His empty tomb. A message of hope and joy is given to them by an angel who sees them there. “Go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead.” What a message! The One who had raised several dead people to life now has been raised by the power of the Father and is going to Galilee to meet His closest friends. Our faith is centered on the resurrection.

Lessons From Joseph’s Life

GEN 37:2

Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren.

Genesis 37:2

Joseph began his life as a shepherd. We see many in the Scriptures who cared for sheep -Abel, Abraham and David, to mention three. A shepherd is one who cares for animals that, if left alone, cannot really take care of themselves. In the spiritual world we need shepherding care too, not only from those in the body of Christ who act as our shepherds, but most of all from the Lord, that great Shepherd who, as the good Shepherd, laid down His life for the sheep.

Loved

GEN 37:3

Now Israel loved Joseph.

Genesis 37:3

Joseph had a very special relationship with his father. Israel (or Jacob) had had a troublesome life, but one thing in his life brought him great joy. That was his son Joseph. This reminds us of the love of God the Father for His Son, Jesus, of whom He could say, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Privilege

GEN 37:3

Israel. . . made [Joseph] a coat of many colors.

Genesis 37:3

This coat of many colors, or pieces, was given to Joseph to mark the father’s appreciation of his son. As we study the Lord Jesus, we see so many different aspects of His character that show us what the Father is like. Everywhere that the Lord went and everything that He did showed us a little piece of the Father so that we could get to know Him on a personal level.

Hated

GEN 37:4

When his brethren saw that their father loved [Joseph] more. . . they hated him.

Genesis 37:4

A warning to all fathers and mothers - don’t love one of your children more than the others. Soon there will be jealousy and resentment, and finally hatred. All children are different. All have different traits and personalities and abilities. All have to be treated at their level. Sometimes things we do for one of our children may appear to the others that they are being favored more. We need to be very careful that we don’t cause any hatred among our children. We must make sure they know that we love them all completely.

Obedience

GEN 37:13

Israel said unto Joseph,. . . Come, and I will send thee unto them [Joseph’s older brothers]. And he said to him, Here am I.

Genesis 37:13

One characteristic that marked Joseph, which was very beautiful, was his obedience. Knowing full well that his brothers hated him (they may have hidden their feelings from Jacob), Joseph was willing to go and find his brothers, who were off feeding the sheep somewhere far from home. Israel wanted to know how they were doing. Absolute obedience should be the mark of every Christian - to be willing and ready to do our heavenly Father’s bidding without making any excuse.

Name

GEN 11:4 GEN 12:2

Let us make us a name.

Genesis 11:4

I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.

Genesis 12:2

We may try all our lives to make a name for ourselves, but the only name worth having is the one that God makes for us. The only blessing worth having and the only blessing with any eternal worth is the blessing of God. Self-promotion is futile. “Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased” (Matthew 23:12).

Salvation

MAT 16:26

What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Matthew 16:26

Nothing! A man’s soul lives on even after his body dies. Our souls have infinite value. Nothing in this world can be exchanged for our souls, because nothing is worth that much. Jesus died to save us. His blood alone has enough value to redeem our souls from destruction. Man has devised countless ways to obtain salvation, but none has worked. Trust in Jesus as your Saviour and be assured that you have eternal life.

Joseph

GEN 37:15-16

What seekest thou?. . . I seek my brethren.

Genesis 37:15-16

When Jesus came, His purpose was to present Himself as the long-sought-for Messiah. If anyone had asked Him the question that was asked of Joseph, the Lord would have responded in the same way. In fact, on one occasion the Lord said of Himself, “The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Joseph’s first problem was that his brothers weren’t in the place where he expected to find them and he had to go looking for them.

Hatred

GEN 37:18

And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.

Genesis 37:18

Hatred is hard to hide, so Joseph probably had known for some time of his brothers’ feelings towards him. Now, unknown to him, their hatred had become so intense that they wanted to kill him. Young person, hatred should never be a part of your life. If it is, make it a special matter of prayer and ask the Lord to help you forgive whoever has wronged you. Hatred is from Satan and it will cause you to sin even worse. “The thought of foolishness is sin.” To wish someone dead is sin. Get control over hatred.

Conscience

GEN 37:21-22

Reuben . . . said, Let us not kill him. . . . Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit . . . and lay no hand upon him.

Genesis 37:21-22

At least one of the brothers had a conscience about what they were planning. It would seem that Reu-ben must not have been in on the original plot but found out about it later. Reuben was making up a plan to save Joseph. But it didn’t work out, as we shall see, at least not the way Reuben wanted. One lesson here that we need to learn is that if you find yourself against a group plan that you can see will lead to sinful behavior - stand against it - be verbal. Don’t be ashamed to stand up for what is right against what is wrong. We need more people with the courage of Reuben.

Rejected

GEN 37:23-24

When Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stripped Joseph out of his coat . . . and they took him, and cast him into a pit.

Genesis 37:23-24

Some reception! We can perhaps put ourselves in Joseph’s position: a long journey by foot and nervous about being alone with nine older brothers who didn’t like him. He enters their camp and rather than, “Hello! How’s it going, Joseph? Good to see you!” they rip off his coat of many pieces and drop him into a hole in the ground. Notice something here? This is what makes Joseph such a wonderful picture of the Lord. He never complains or fights back. Meekness and gentleness are such wonderful characteristics to have.

Death

GEN 37:24

The pit was empty, there was no water in it.

Genesis 37:24

When the Lord suffered for us, the pit He found Himself in was quite different from the dry pit that Joseph was in. “The waters are come in unto My soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing. . . . The floods overflow Me.” And there are many other verses. Joseph was a beautiful type of Christ. But, as in all types, it falls short in some areas. Nevertheless, Joseph experienced a little of what Jesus experienced when He went into death for us.

Faith Destroyers

PSA 101:3

I hate the work of them that turn aside.

Psalm 101:3

God has a special disregard for any who try to destroy the faith of another. In the gospels the Lord warned of the drastic consequences to those who offend (or make to sin) a child who trusts in Him. And here in the Old Testament we have a solemn warning to those who turn others aside. We need to build each other up -not tear one another down.

Remember

MAT 26:26

Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples.

Matthew 26:26

Just before the Lord was taken and crucified, He wanted His disciples to be reminded of Him in His death for them. So He instituted a simple remembrance for that purpose. First He took a loaf of bread and, after breaking it, He gave it to them to eat as a reminder of His body given in death on the cross. After this they drank from a vessel of wine in remembrance of His blood shed on the cross. This is so simple, yet so full of meaning to those who are truly saved.

Joseph (Continued)

GEN 37:25

And they sat down to eat bread.

Genesis 37:25

There seems to be a streak in man’s heart that is cold and callous. Just as Joseph’s brothers sat down to eat while Joseph, a captive in the pit beside them, was waiting, so those who nailed Jesus to the cross sat down and watched Him as He suffered. May it be our prayer that we never grow cold and heartless. There are so many who have hurts and need love and care. A Christian must show the love and compassion of Christ in every way, every day. Let Christ’s love shine through you to a troubled world.

Money-Making

GEN 37:26-27

And Judah said . . . What profit is it if we slay our brother? . . . Come, and let us sell him.

Genesis 37:26-27

Judah finally comes up with a plan that gets rid of Joseph, satisfies the other eight brothers (Reuben was not there at the time) and avoids a murder that would no doubt have bothered their consciences forever. Instead of killing Joseph, Judah figured on making some money by selling him instead. The New Testament tells us that the love of money is the root of all evil. Joseph was sold to make a profit. The Lord Jesus was sold to make a profit. Be careful, young believer, if you have a love for money. It may lead you into tremendous trouble.

Sold!

GEN 37:28

They drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph. . . for twenty pieces of silver.

Genesis 37:28

Joseph’s brothers sold him to some merchantmen who were travelling to Egypt. “Out of sight, out of mind” might sum up their attitude. The only memory they would have of Joseph was of him walking behind a camel caravan across the desert sand. But God wanted Joseph in Egypt. There was a very important job for him to do in about 13 years or so. Sometimes God’s school is long, but there’s a great blessing at the end of it.

Deception

GEN 37:31-32

And they took Joseph’s coat. . . and dipped the coat in the blood . . . and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found.

Genesis 37:31-32

Hatred turned into revenge. Revenge brought consequences. So the brothers had to cover up their crime through deception. Deception was perpetrated through lies. How hard can a person’s conscience get? The ruse worked. Jacob believed from the “evidence” that Joseph was dead and “mourned for his son many days. And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted.” Jacob was a deceiver as a young man and had deceived his old, blind father. Now his own sons were deceiving him. What goes around comes around.

Resold!

GEN 37:36

And the Midianites sold [Joseph] into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, and captain of the guard.

Genesis 37:36

Joseph meant nothing to the Midianites. He was just another business transaction. So Joseph was resold (probably for a profit) to the chief of the executioners. How’d you like an executioner as your boss? Just hope he doesn’t say, “Off with his head!” Again we see God carefully controlling everything for a purpose that was still a long way off. We are thankful that the God of the universe, who knows the end from the beginning, cares for His own with a special interest.

Accountability

JOB 31:13-14

If I did despise the cause of my manservant. . . what then shall I do when God riseth up?

Job 31:13-14

The N.I.V. translation puts it this way: “If I have denied justice to my menservants . . . what will I do when God confronts me?” He continues, “What will I answer when called to account?” Job says in his discourse that God made him and his servants. Each one will have to give an account of his or her life to God. So Job could not be righteous and look down on another of God’s creation. This is good for us to remember too. We are no better than anyone else. It’s only through the grace of God that we have salvation. Let us not despise others.

Thankfulness

PSA 68:19

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

Psalm 68:19

Every breath we take is a daily benefit from God. Food, clothing and homes are all daily benefits. God is a God who loves to give and He does not give grudgingly or sparingly. He loads us with daily benefits. We should thank our heavenly Father for His daily provision for us. But most of all, we need to thank Him for giving His Son Jesus to be our Lord and Saviour on the cross of Calvary so long ago. Soon we will be with the Lord and will be able to praise and thank Him without interruption for all eternity.

Prosperity

GEN 39:2

And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

Genesis 39:2

Joseph was in a foreign land, a slave to a high official, with no friends and no family. But he had one friend that was right there beside him in his new situation - the Lord Himself. And even though Joseph was a slave, yet we read that he was prosperous. The Lord was encouraging Joseph even though everything that Joseph had ever known had been taken away from him. You see, Joseph’s faith never failed! He trusted God for everything and took his circumstances from the Lord. What a great lesson for us!

Witness

GEN 39:3

And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper.

Genesis 39:3

The world reads us by our actions, reactions, words and things we do. So they should be able to see very quickly, as Potiphar did with Joseph, that the Lord is with us. It is a sad reflection on our Christianity if, when the people of the world look at us, they do not see Jesus. How is the witness of our life? Make sure that others can see the Lord Jesus in us.

Responsibility

GEN 39:4

And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house.

Genesis 39:4

For Potiphar, Joseph was a blessing. He had purchased a slave at the market but soon found out that he was no ordinary slave. Here was the son of a rich landowner. He was also a child of God, and so his master gave Joseph more responsibility. And all the time Joseph served him. In other words, he still respected Potiphar, did what he asked, and didn’t take advantage of his position.

Trust

GEN 39:4

And all that [Potiphar] had he put into his hand.

Genesis 39:4

Finally Potiphar is able to trust Joseph, not just with regular tasks, but apparently with his financial affairs too. A Christian must be trustworthy. Stealing should never be a problem for us. We must be absolutely honest in everything that we do. A great witness to the unsaved is that, in a world where many people are only looking out for themselves, there are those who actually can be trusted.

Blessing

GEN 39:5

The Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake.

Genesis 39:5

“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich.” Solomon penned those words. Potiphar sure found out the truth of them. Potiphar was probably an idol worshipper who thought of the “luck” of finding such a great slave. But God was, in the background, caring for a young person who had been rejected by his siblings and was alone in a foreign land. The Lord will never forsake us either.

Courage

ACT 28:15

[Paul] thanked God, and took courage.

Acts 28:15

Paul thanked God for bringing Christians to him who were an encouragement to him in his journey towards Rome. Even those who labor for the Lord on a full-time basis sometimes get discouraged. It is so much of an encouragement for each of us when we meet other Christians who, like us, are trying to live for the Lord and who are watching for the Lord’s coming. We can encourage one another and take courage from the lives of others.

Inheritance

1Pe 1:4

An inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.

1 Peter 1:4

We have a wonderful future to look forward to. Our eternal inheritance has some special characteristics. First, it will not decay or corrode. Second, it is perfect and cannot be defiled. Third, it won’t disappear - on its own or through unscrupulous dealings. And, lastly, it has our name with the word “RESERVED” on it. Jesus paid the price for this inheritance and it became ours as soon as we trusted in Him as our Saviour.

Warning

GEN 39:6

Joseph was a goodly person, and well-favored.

Genesis 39:6

In addition to Joseph’s keen business sense and his honesty, he was also good-looking and kind. This is a tremendous advantage in some things, but Satan can use these blessings of God to our downfall if we are not very careful. And Joseph is about to be put to a test that only the strongest and those who are absolutely dependent on God can survive.

Temptation

GEN 39:7

And it came to pass . . . that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.

Genesis 39:7

Joseph’s good looks and ability had not gone unnoticed by other members of the household. Some time after being established in Potiphar’s house Joseph faces the greatest temptation that a man can face - a woman who desperately wants to have relations with him. Now Joseph has a choice to make. And in every situation like this, even today, each of us has a choice to make. These things don’t just happen. What would your response have been?

Standing Firm

GEN 39:8

But he REFUSED.

Genesis 39:8

The response of a heart in tune with God will reject the temptress. Joseph didn’t say, “Well, thanks, I feel really flattered that you would be interested in me. I don’t think it’s the right thing to do, but let’s talk about it later and we’ll work something out.” No, Joseph makes an initial firm stand that we all must do in a similar situation. He absolutely refused to even entertain the idea. Total rejection is a must if we are to keep clear of adultery or fornication.

Reason

GEN 39:9

How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

Genesis 39:9

Joseph’s standard in sexual relationships was God’s standard. He recognized that to be with Potiphar’s wife in an adulterous relationship was wickedness, and a sin directly against God. How much trouble would be spared everyone if they all kept this in their hearts and minds. Never be afraid, young person, to stand firm for God’s standards even though they may not be accepted by the world.

Temptation

GEN 39:10

And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

Genesis 39:10

Once Satan starts a temptation, he continues until the one who is tempted either gives in or crushes the temptation and the tempter through the Lord’s power. So Joseph is constantly harassed by his master’s wife, but he keeps the Lord as his constant standard and refuses all advances. He does not give the slightest little crack of an entrance for Satan to get an advantage. We must also guard ourselves with the same carefulness. It is easier to keep Satan out than it is to push him back out after he has once come into our lives. Keep the guard up!

Josiah

2Ch 34:1-2

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign . . . and he did . . . right in the sight of the Lord.

2 Chronicles 34:1-2

Eight is very young to be the king of a country. But eight is not too young to make a decision to follow the Lord. (Samuel was another young boy who gave his life to God’s service.) It says in our chapter that “in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young [16], he began to seek after the God of David his father.” When he was 20, he began to remove the idol-worshipping centers. When he was 26 years old, he sent men to repair the broken-down temple. See what a difference one person can make? And he started when he was young.

Righteousness

ISA 64:6

All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.

Isaiah 64:6

So you think that you’re not so bad? Ever wiped an old car engine with a clean, white cloth? Try it sometime. What it looks like is what your righteousness looks like to God UNLESS you have the righteousness of Christ. Then you are spotless. We can do nothing to gain favor with God. Only Christ can make us acceptable.

The Ultimate Test

GEN 39:11-12

Joseph went into the house to do his business. . . and she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment . . . and fled.

Genesis 39:11-12

Frustrated that her continual pleading was falling on deaf ears, Potiphar’s wife finally physically grabs hold of Joseph to try to force him to have sex with her. But Joseph, not willing to even submit to force, does the only honorable thing to do - he gets out of the house as fast as he can. If you read the verses in their entirety, you will see that there was no one else in the house. Joseph could have had a relationship with his master’s wife and no one would have known. But God was watching and Joseph knew that. Therefore to honor God, he flees.

Lies

GEN 39:14

She called unto the men of her house . . . saying . . . He came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice.

Genesis 39:14

It just makes you want to smack this woman, doesn’t it? She couldn’t get her own way. So instead of holding someone in high regard for his honorable stand, she decides to pretend that Joseph had tried to rape her - after all, she had his coat as evidence, didn’t she? The evils of Satan’s ways. He couldn’t break Joseph through temptation, so now he is going to try to ruin his reputation through the lies of a wicked woman. But God is the justifier of all who seek to live for Him. No one can bring a charge of condemnation against God’s elect, as we shall see.

Prison

GEN 39:20

And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound.

Genesis 39:20

We feel desperately sorry for Joseph. But there’s a great lesson here for us to learn. No matter what the cost, we must be faithful to the Lord, true to Him, and never waver from the path of purity that He expects His people to walk in. He will take care of us, even though we may suffer loss in the eyes of the world. Already we can see God at work behind the scenes by Joseph being placed in the same prison where Pharaoh’s prisoners were kept. Sooner or later, Joseph would come into personal contact with the king. But in the meantime he is content to allow God to be in charge.

Care

GEN 39:21

But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

Genesis 39:21

“I will never leave you nor forsake you” is a promise that was good for Joseph and Joshua and Moses, and us too. The Lord was in complete control of the situation and was protecting Joseph in a special way. Joseph had remained true to the Lord. Now the Lord was beginning to reward Joseph for his faithfulness. Take heart, young believer, your personal faithfulness to Christ will never go unrewarded by Him.

Care

GEN 40:7

Wherefore look ye so sadly today?

Genesis 40:7

Joseph was concerned because two of his fellow prisoners were downcast and unhappy. Joseph had every reason to be downcast himself, but he was more concerned with the well-being of others than to spend time worrying about himself. This is a wonderful example for us. There are times in each of our lives when things are difficult and discouraging. But we can always find someone else who is in a worse situation than we are. That’s the one who we need to reach out to and help.

Horoscopes

JER 10:2

Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven.

Jeremiah 10:2

Did you read your horoscope today? DON’T! It is occult. Reading and allowing your actions or hopes to be controlled by messages from the stars is to play into the hand of Satan. His messages are lies, and once he gets a lodging place in your life, it is hard, very hard, to get him out. Don’t have anything to do with horoscopes, palm readings, tarot cards, Ouija boards, or anything else that Satan’s slaves are using to control the minds of men, women and children.

Witness

MAT 27:54

Truly this was the Son of God.

Matthew 27:54

One man at the crucifixion was convinced of who Jesus was. That was the centurion. He had witnessed the mocking, the beating, the nailing, the three hours of darkness, the last loud cry, and the earthquake, and he witnesses here that he considered that Jesus was the Son of God. Whether or not he actually believed in the Lord Jesus as his own Saviour we won’t know until we get to heaven. But there is no doubt that Jesus was who He said He was. He is indeed the only Son of God.

Joseph (Continued)

GEN 40:14 GEN 40:23

Think on me when it shall be well with thee. . . . Yet . . . the chief butler . . . forgat him.

Genesis 40:14, 23

A simple request - think about me when you get out of here; remember that I was kind to you; I cared when you were sad; I shared time with you when you were down. But when freedom came for the butler, his memory seemed to fail and he forgot all about Joseph. We need to be careful that, in the busyness of life, we don’t forget all about the Lord.

Time

GEN 41:1

It came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed.

Genesis 41:1

God’s time had finally arrived. It was now God’s time for the end to Joseph’s trial - the end of his prison term and his rejection. And God used a dream to get him out. Pharaoh dreamed something that made no sense. His butler finally remembered that kind young man in prison who could interpret dreams. Joseph is released from prison in order to serve, not Pharaoh only, but ultimately the whole nation of Egypt, and to be reconciled and reunited to his family. When it’s God’s time things happen.

Promotion

GEN 41:41

I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.

Genesis 41:41

Joseph’s God-given ability to interpret dreams, an ability that Joseph gave God the glory for, saved Egypt from dying of starvation in a terrible famine. Joseph is promoted to the highest position in the land, one which he retained for the rest of his life. The Lord Jesus Christ has also been given “a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow . . . and . . . every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” What a beautiful picture Joseph is of our Lord Jesus.

God’s School

GEN 41:46

And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt.

Genesis 41:46

Approximately 13 years before, Joseph had stood in front of Potiphar as his slave. Now he stands before Pharaoh as his Prime Minister. During those years, Joseph had been in the school of God, which molded him into a true servant to be used by God for the blessing of the Egyptians and the family of Israel. When Joseph looked back on all the experiences, many of them painful, he could see that God had sent him beforehand to preserve his family from famine and death. God knows the end from the beginning; we don’t. In God’s school, graduation day sometimes takes a long time to come around. But it does, and there is immense blessing from lessons well learned.

Philosophy

COL 2:8

Philosophy. . . after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Colossians 2:8

Philosophy is a dangerous subject for a child of God to take in school. Be very careful, young Christian friend, that the lure of knowledge doesn’t take you away from the God-given fundamentals of life that are written in the Holy Scriptures. The Bible holds the answers to life’s problems. Man, in his constant search for perfection, has invented many things that don’t get him one step closer to Christ or heaven. Only by following the Word of God can we have peace with Him and grow in our knowledge of Him. Study the Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation.

Fear

1Ch 13:12

And David was afraid of God that day.

1 Chronicles 13:12

David was trying to get the ark of God to Jerusalem. This was a commendable thing to do. But in his zeal he neglected to move it as God’s instructions in the law stated, and a man, Uzza, was struck dead because he touched the ark. Now David’s excitement turns to fear. Man does well to be fearful when confronted with God’s power. But the wonderful thing about being a Christian is that, because of Jesus, we don’t need to be afraid of God. In fact, Scripture tells us to “come boldly” to the throne of grace. Because of the cross and because Jesus lives, we have no need to be afraid.

Compassion

LAM 3:32

Though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies.

Lamentations 3:32

The Lord doesn’t enjoy it when we have to go through chastening. He allows it because of our ways, but through it all His compassion comes out. He is love. He cares for us in a way that no other can. Another verse says, “He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men.” We sometimes get into situations where the Lord chastens us. But we will always find Him at the end of the road with outstretched arms. The father, seeing the son a great way off, “ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him” (Luke 15:20). That’s the way our heavenly Father is too.

CareLines: Volume 7

Table of Contents

Service

Scripture

Judgment

Sadness

Saviour

Peace

Jesus

Think

Robbed

Beaten

No Help

Help

Arguing

Suffering

Praise

Comparisons

Trapped

Freed

Rebellion

Eternal

Worship

Walk

Railing

Disorderly

New

Goodness

Credentials

Worship

Choice

Nearness

Generation

First

Forgiveness

Forgiveness

Salvation

Forgiveness

Giving

Prayer

Fasting

Bondage

New Life

Redemption

Violence

Repentance

Love

Living

No Hope

Blessing

Worship

Cavemen

Rapture

Ice Age

Continents

Creation

Maturity

Betrayed

A Time

A Time

Counsel

Seasons

Singing

Singing

Singing

Singing

Working

Pleasing God

Practice

Borrowing Money

Creation

Rejection

Living

Hospitality

Fellowship

Trials

Peer Pressure

Cleansing

Gone

Schedule