Edification, Exhortation & Comfort Series

This is what a believer, who is a citizen of heaven should be doing. We are, "fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God." Ephesians 2:19. We also read in Philippians 3:20, "Our commonwealth has its existence in the heavens." (JND Translation).

First, we are here on this earth, in a foreign land, so to speak, to represent Christ and heaven. There should then be a behavior that is in keeping with this calling. If an ambassador acts in a way that disgraces his country he will be recalled. That is what is referred to in 1 John 5:16. "There is a sin unto death." It is the recalling of the ambassador who dishonors his Savior, and has a disastrous testimony...no doubt being done only after repeated warnings and admonitions from the Lord.

Secondly, the Christian ought to have at heart the good and well being of his fellow believer. If a traveler is in difficulty in a foreign country he can go to the embassy or consulate of his nationality in that country and find help and refuge. Are we accessible to others who belong to heaven? Are we watchful for the needs of those that belong to the Lord and with whom we are "fellow citizens?"

Thirdly, an ambassador instructs those of the county he is in, as to what is required if they want to become citizens of his home country. lust so, we are here to present the gospel to those around us, and to tell others how they too can become citizens of heaven, that "better country." Hebrews 11:16.

An ambassador never gets involved with the political wrangling or operating of the country he is in. No, he is not a citizen, he is a foreigner, and only there temporarily as a representative. We are here to represent Christ and His interests, let us bear this in mind at all times.

"A faithful ambassador is health." Proverbs 13:17

We're citizens of glory,
Yes, saints by heavenly birth;
We do not get entangled,
With the affairs of earth.

Ambassadors for Jesus,

Our Lord we represent;

We speak for Christ, and heaven,

From whence He carne and went.

Circumspect: A Word to Believers Who Are Living Carelessly

Webster's Dictionary defines the word circumspect in the following way:

Careful to consider all circumstances and consequences

I was struck by this definition in regard to the word as it appears twice in Scripture...once in the Old Testament, and once in the New Testament.

In connection with the Mosaic Law and the instruction given by God to His redeemed people Israel, they were exhorted thus: "In all things that I have said unto you be circumspect."

Exodus 23:13

There were penalties and consequences if they disobeyed God's commandment...if they sinned. Their history, as it is given in Scripture, testifies to this fact over and over again.

Now notice this passage: "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Eph. 5:15:16

Yes, everything we do has a consequence. Every choice we make has an impact on our life. It will either be for good or for bad. It will be for blessing or it will bring joy or sorrow.

Many an elderly saint of God weeps as they reap the results of not walking carefully and weighing the import and effect of their actions when they were younger. How often as children we disobeyed or deceived our parents without considering the end result. Let us be careful as the children of God that we do not fall into the same pattern. Let us walk as wise believers, not as fools.

Time is short! We only have a few brief moments left to live for Christ and glorify Him here in this world. The days are evil indeed, but He is able to keep us through every circumstance, and every decision of the pathway of faith. Let us learn to live in the...

"Fear of the Lord." Proverbs 1:7

A careful, prayerful, Christian,
Is a Christian who is wise;
Considering each step He takes,
The truth of God applies.

He knows there is a consequence,

To each decision made,

And seeks his Father's mind and will,

And trusts Him for His aid.

Costly: A Warning to the Wayward

Sin Is Costly!

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Galatians 6:7.

Yes, sin has a high price tag. When Adam ate of the forbidden fruit in disobedience, he sinned; and the Bible tells of the sad result. "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin." Romans 5:12. Also: "The wages of sin is death. " Romans 6:23. Death is the ultimate price of sin! The cost of sin for the unbeliever and Christ-rejecter will be to be cast into the " lake of fire" for all eternity. So awful will this be that it is called "the second death." Revelation 20:14. It will be eternal separation from God! And eternal torment tool But sin also has a cost when it is allowed in a Christian's life. Here is just a sample list of some of the costs of dabbling in sin and the world:

*. Loss of communion.

*. Restlessness of soul.

*. No enjoyment of the "peace of God."

*. Loss of the "joy of the Lord."

*. Sorrow.

*. Bitterness.

*. Loss of a sense of the Lord's presence.

*. Heartache.

..and this is just to name a few!

No, it is not worth the price! Not worth the cost! Listen to the exhortation and warning of Scripture: "...sin when it is finished, bringeth forth death." lames 1:15

Perhaps you have been a wayward Christian. Repent and return. The pleasures of sin are only for a season (Hebrews 11:25), and they do not satisfy. When Jonah chose his own way he fled "from the presence of the Lord." And we also read, "he paid the fare thereof." Jonah 1:3. He learned, however, that it was not worth the cost..."the fare."

King David sinned and there were consequences, but He could thankfully affirm: "He restoreth my soul." Psalm 23:3

Christian, are you willful, wayward?
Do you chose the paths of sin?
Do you clamor for its pleasures?
Do you hanker for its din?

There are costs and consequences!

Do not live for self, my friend!

Live for Jesus, and His glory,

On His love and grace depend.

Drink: A Word to the Thirsty

Dominica, a beautiful, mountainous island in the Caribbean with a population of 71,000, and covering 289 square miles, is not only called the nature island, but also the "'and of many rivers." In fact, while visiting that island I learned that it is reputed to have 365, rivers, tributaries, streams, creeks, etc. That is one for every day of the year. It made me think of how the Word of God is refreshment for every day of the year as well. In Psalm 42:1, we read: "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee."

The Lord, when talking to the woman at Sychar's well, in John 4:13, 14, said: "whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that 1 shall give him shall never thirst." In Song of Solomon 5:1, we are invited: "O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly."

Have you had a drink from the Living Word of God today? If not you are a thirsty Christian. And if you are a thirsty Christian your soul is parched and you are spiritually dehydrated. What a sad condition to be in when there is so much refreshment available on a daily basis. Stop now and take a drink of "cold waters to a thirsty soul." Proverbs 25:25.

King David said, "My soul thirsteth after Thee." Psalm 143:6. A thirsty person seeks to have his thirst Quenched. Has your spiritual thirst been Quenched today?

Despite the fact that Dominica has such abundance of water, I could not seem to Quench my thirst, no matter what I drank. It was hot, and tropically humid, and I drank and drank and drank. And yet, I was sooooooooooooo ... ..thirsty.

However, the "living water" satisfies our thirst completely, not just for a moment but for eternity. And more than that, it is free. Every time I wanted a drink I had to pay for it. But, the Lord Jesus says: "I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." Revelation 21:6

Learn to drink from the Word of God every single day...yes, more than just once a day. You don't take a glass of water in the morning and expect it to last all day. Discipline yourself to drink, and drink, and drink...again, and again, and again!

"And Thou shalt make them drink of the river of Thy pleasures."

Psalm 36:8

He, everyone that thirsts,

Come, drink a full supply

Christ is the only source,

To Quench and satisfy.

Come, come ye souls,
Who thirsty, be,
And drink of living waters free,
Yes, drink and drink abundantly.

Encourage: A Much Needed Word for the Day We Live In

Have you ever been an encourager?

Webster's Dictionary gives the following definition:

encourage: to inspire with courage and hope...to give help.

Look around and try to help someone today who ís having a difficult time or passing through a trying circumstance in their life. There are many ways we can seek to encourage other believers.

Maybe a Christian young person is discouraged or disheartened. Go out of your way to spend some time with them, even if it means just being a good listener. Quote and share some Scripture that you have enjoyed yourself. Pray with them. Be a friend, etc.

Perhaps a mother needs help with her children. Perchance a babysitter for an hour or two so she can accomplish some chores or just do some much needed shopping.

There are many elderly saints who are feeling the weight of years, lonely, shut in, or isolated. Sit by their bed, share Christ, help out in some way. Perhaps they need someone to run an errand or take them to some appointment. Listen while they pour out their heart. Sympathize! Be tender and understanding.

Life is pressured in this fast paced society today. Many are simply weary of the daily grind, like the Children of Israel in Numbers 21:4. "And the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way." Take someone's hand and help them over a rough spot in their pathway. It doesn't take much to be an encourager. Be watchful Look for opportunities! On one occasion David and those who were with him became discouraged as circumstances seemed to overwhelm. The city of Ziklag had been burned with fire and many had been taken captive, including David's two wives. How beautiful to read, "But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God." 1 Samuel 30:6. As a result he was then able to encourage his men, and there was a great victory that day. What an example! Learn to encourage! It takes time, effort and self-sacrifice. But not only will others be strengthened and helped, but you will receive a blessing for your own soul too. Remember: "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." Proverbs 11:25.

Encourage one another,

Encourage in the Lord;

There are so many fainting,

Who need a helpful word.

Buildup the saints -your brethren,
Inspire and strengthen each,
Until at last, o'ercomers,
The goal we finally reach.

Enough: A Word to Those Who Know Christ

Sometimes we say, "I have had enough! Or, "Enough is enough!" Enough to eat; enough to drink; enough of a certain activity . . . Enough! Enough! Enough!

But there is one thing that the Christian can never get enough of and that is, Christ. The more the believer enjoys of Christ the more he wants. That is just the way it is. Furthermore, if we ever get to a point where we say, "we have had enough of Christ," we had better kneel down in His presence and examine our state of soul. A healthy Christian wants more of Christ and not less.

How much of Christ have you enjoyed today? I don't mean, have you just read a few verses of Scripture, and hurried through a prayer. But how much of the precious Lord Jesus has your hungry and thirsty soul fed on...been satisfied with...nourished...strengthened...refreshed...etc?

Here is what Jeremiah said: "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart." Jeremiah 15:16

The Psalmist declared:

"He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness."

Psalm 107:9

Has this been your experience today? Or have you said in your heart, "I have had enough?"

Here is what Job said: "1 have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food."

Job 23:12

The Apostle Paul could say from experience:

"Christ is everything."

Colossians 3:11

JND Translation

Feed on Christ daily, from the Word of God, and your soul will be satisfied!

No, never enough of Jesus,
My soul desires more:
More of His love and goodness—
MORE, and MORE, and MORE!

Yes, more of Thy sweetness, Jesus,
For this I now implore;
My longing heart is craving—
MORE, and MORE, and MORE!

Faith: A Word to the Doubting

"He that hath received His testimony hath set to His seal that God is true." John 3:33

********

The above verse is probably the best definition of faith in the Scriptures. This is faith! Faith takes God at His word without Question. Faith believes! In fact the two words are synonymous, you cannot separate them. Faith believes—trusts—when there is nothing left to do but trust. Faith is a gift..."For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8.

The Christian has an unfailing, divine person to trust in. Unlike those of our acquaintances, here in this world, this person is always worthy of our faith and confidence. He will never let us down...never! He is the Lord Jesus Christ! We have put our faith in Him for salvation, now can we not trust Him for every step of our pathway...for every circumstance that He allows in our life? "For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7.

Faith counts on God for the next step, acting on the light of Scripture. "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

There is always light for the way! Never is faith a leap in the dark. And never does the Bible speak of blind faith. And too, faith always has an object, an eye to the future. It is true that, "Abraham...went out, not knowing whither he went." Hebrews 11:8. But we also read, "For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God" Verse 10. Every one of those listed in this chapter, who lived by faith against all kinds of odds and difficulties, had an object. Christ and glory are the believers object, and we can press on by faith only as we have this before our souls in reality.

"Looking steadfastly on Jesus the leader and completer of faith."

Hebrews 12:2(JND Translation)

Learn to trust! He has promised a reward for those that simply trust, who have full confidence in Himself, who lean on Him, believing that He is doing the best in everything.

"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward."

Hebrews 10:35

Faith is a perfect confidence,
God's Word it rightly claims;
Believing, trusting, wavers not,
But every promise names.

We do not walk by sight, to faith,

The path is clearly seen;
Scripture our guide, our only light,

A full resource has been.

Force: A Word on Christian Conflict

"And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force." Matthew 11:12 The Christian life is far from easy! It is uphill...against the current...opposed to the course of this world...in a word, upstream. Like the salmon combating...struggling...fighting...to make it to an inland destination. The characteristics of a clean fish under the Levitical order were that they were required to have scales and fins. Scales to protect from the elements and fins so that they could go against the stream.

This is really the practical application of the above verse of Scripture. While it is true that we are not encouraged to go out and conquer by the sword like Israel of the Old Testament, yet we are to be, "more than conquerors." Romans 8:37. Peter thought he ought to defend the Lord with his sword when the soldiers carne to take Him to trial. "Then said Jesus unto him, put up again thy sword..." Matthew 26:52. The Lord also said to Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight." John 18:36.

Still, we are to "fight the good fight of faith." 1 Timothy 6:12. So, it is not physical violence that is referred to in our Scripture, but rather moral violence and spiritual energy. The Christian life is a battle. We are in an enemy's land, and a very powerful enemy at that. Satan and his emissaries are very real opponents. However, we have been divinely equipped to meet the foe and overcome in the power of the "Lord of Hosts." "Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges?" 1 Corinthians 9:7. We have the "whole armor of God." Ephesians 6:11.

The conflict is not going to end until we arrive home at the Father's house. We never want to assume, while here in this world, that we have fought all the battles, or think that conflict is behind us. May we seek grace and strength from above to meet the conflicts of life in His might. Paul had many battles and struggles, but he was reminded by the Lord Himself, "My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9.

The kingdom, externally, is not yet; but the privileges of the kingdom are now the universal heritage of the family of faith. Let's "take it by force," and enjoy what is by right, morally ours, as being part of the "Kingdom of heaven." The King will soon reign in righteousness and peace and we will reign with Him.

Strong in might and power,
Fighting the good fight;
Not with swords and sabers,
But in Jesus' might.

Yes, He is our power,
All in Him possessed;
We can meet the enemy,
Overcome, and rest.

Hope: A Word to the Waiting

Hope is an indispensable Quality of life. I suppose that all humanity, in one way or another, lives for hope. There is always hope! Hope...that things will be better tomorrow...health will improve...the economy will bounce back...new government will do better...the weather will change for something more conducive to our plans...etc...etc... "We are saved by hope." Romans 8:24.

But amidst all this how good to have hope beyond this life. Hope connected with eternity. The hope of the Lord's coming again, has been the expectancy and cheer of believers all down through the ages of Christianity. Ever since the Lord Jesus, Himself, promised: "I will come again." What a glorious hope this is!

Hope connected with this world and this life is always uncertainty at best. We hope for, and hope to do, many things. But so often it never becomes a reality. However, the hope of which we are speaking is in no way indeterminate. No, it is only hope in the sense that it is not a reality yet—it has not actually happened. Read the rest of Romans 8:24. "Hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?"

Here are some of the ways our hope is presented in the New Testament:

— A lively(living)hope. 1 Peter 1:3

— A good hope. 2 Thessalonians 2:16

— A sure and steadfast hope. Hebrews 6:19

— A blessed hope. Titus 2:13

— A purifying hope. I John 3:3

Over 40 times the Apostle Paul uses the word hope in the epistles he penned by inspiration of God. There is nothing worse than a state of hopelessness. But the Christian's hope is a reality, and though they may not always be in the full enjoyment of it, it is theirs, and nothing can frustrate that hope coming to fruition.

Here is:

—The last promise of Scripture. . . . "Surely I come Quickly."

—The last prayer of Scripture. . . . "Even so come Lord Jesus."

—The last provision of Scripture. . . . "The grace of our Lord Jesus

Christ be with you all." Revelation 22:20, 21

"Hope maketh not ashamed." Romans 5:5

We have a blessed hope!
Living, and good, and pure:
Our Lord has told us, "I will come!"
His promises are sure.

Hope! Hope! Oh glorious word,
What comfort to the soul!
Hope, soon shall be reality,
And we shall reach the goal.

Perfect: A Word to Those Who Are in Christ

I remember, some time ago, seeing a bumper sticker on the car ahead of me; this is what it said: Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven!

While this may be true from a practice! standpoint, there is another aspect that needs to be taken into consideration when thinking about this statement.

It is true that we still, as believers, sin.

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."

1 John 1:8

But as far as our position and standing before God, we are perfect. Perfect, because we are seen by God the Father, in all the perfection of the Lord Jesus Christ, His beloved Son. We are "in Him." Ten times in the Epistle to the Ephesians we read the expression, "in Christ."

Consider this verse:

"...that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him."

2 Corinthians 5:21

Yes, this is true of every Christian. Whether they have been saved for many years, or just a few minutes. God sees every believer in Christ, and nothing can ever change that wonderful fact. We are forever and unequivocally, "accepted in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:6. Not because of our own merit or even our state of soul, but because the Lord Jesus glorified, and satisfied God as to the question of sin. And through His grace, as a result of the work on the cross, we are brought into this wonderful standing and lofty position. Praise His glorious name!

What a day it will be when we are all finally, physically and morally like Him, there in the Father's house of bliss and joy.

"It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." 1 John 3:2

It is in Christ we stand,
Accepted in God's Son;
We are a holy band,
By grace the work is done.

His righteousness is now our own,
His death and blood, for sin atone,
We have no fear—perfect in Him,
Nothing this precious truth can dim!

Persevere: A Word to Gospel Tract Distributors

A young man grew up in a village on the island of St. Vincent, West Indies. All the days of his boyhood he attended Sunday School, and gospel meetings on a weekly basis. However, as he passed through his teen years and into manhood, he knew that he was not saved. Although he was Quite familiar with the way of salvation he had never taken it to heart and received the Lord Jesus Christ as His own personal Savior. He was like many young people, and some who are not so young, just out for a good time and to live for self, but in his sins and heading for a lost eternity in Hell.

One day all that changed! He was walking down the street of a nearby community when he met another young man who was giving out gospel tracts. As they passed, a tract was thrust into his hand, and something compelled him to stop and read it. The Spirit of God was working, yea, had been working in the conscience and heart of that youth for some time. He stepped to the side of the road, read the gospel paper, was convicted and saved right there on the spot. At twenty-one years of age he, "passed from death unto life." 1 John 3:14. And all because someone took time to hand out gospel tracts on that hot, humid, tropical afternoon.

Today, this brother in Christ, is a faithful servant of God. Though many years have past since he was converted through the reading of a tract he still loves to recount the incident. And not only so, but everywhere he goes he has a bag of these "silent messengers" with him. He knows the value of such distribution.

Maybe you have given out tracts in the past but have become discouraged because you have never seen any fruit as a result. Don't give up! PERSEVERE! Only eternity will reveal the true results of such labor.

Here is a good verse to keep in mind: "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good."

Ecclesiastes 11:6

LEAVE THE RESULTS WITH THE LORD OF THE HARVEST!

HE HAS PROMISED TO BLESS HIS HOLY LIVING WORD!

Give out a tract,

Speak for the Lord,

Use the Scripture

The Spirit's sword.

Sow the "good seed,"
Who can tell,
A perishing soul,
May be saved from hell.

Persist: Encouragment to Press Onward

Persistence! It is a word we hear all through life. Our parents encouraged us to be persistent when things didn't seem to go right and we wanted to give up trying. Our teachers told us to persist when it came to learning and studying. Employers like employees that will persevere in their business and seek to overcome obstacles as they present themselves.

But what about our Christian life? Here are some things that the Hob, Scriptures admonish us to persist in:

* "Fight the good fight of faith." 1 Timothy 6:12

* "Stand fast in the Lord." Philippians 4:1

* "Hold fast." Revelation 2:25

* "Watch and pray." Matthew 26:41

* "Run with patience (endurance)." Hebrews 12:1

* "Earnestly contend for the faith." Jude 3

* "Press toward the mark." Philippians 3:14

* "Endure hardness." 2 Timothy 2:3

* "Strive lawfully." 2 Timothy 2:5

The Christian is not promised that it is going to be easy to follow the Lord and live for His glory here in this world. No, in fact, just the contrary. The Lord Jesus said these words to His disciples before leaving them to go to the cross:

"In the world ye shall have tribulation." John 16:33

But the Lord Jesus has also provided everything needed so that we can press on and persist in the walk of faith, even in these dark, difficult times, referred to as the "last days." 2 Timothy 3:1. It is never in our own strength, but in His, and His alone we go on.

“According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness."

2 Peter 1:3

Consider this question: "Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges?" 1 Corinthians 9:7. No one! But we have the "Lord of Hosts," who goes before, and the battle is indeed His! Remember, it may seem easier to give up in the face of conflict, but this is never of God. Keep on...it is well worthwhile!

Persistence is a virtue, a trait of high degree,

And those who live for Jesus, from giving up must flee.
In Jesus' strength keep pressing, onward, and upward too;
Faith's path may not be easy, but He'll your strength renew.

Persist, persist, ye Christian, The Lord is on Thy side,
It is His strength that keeps thee, In Him we can abide:
Persist, persist, ye weary, awake ye saints, and stand;
The battle may seem heavy, and we a feeble band.

Shine: A Word for These Dark Days

"He was the burning and shining lamp."

John 5:35 (JND Translation)

These are the Lord's own words concerning the short life and brilliant testimony of John the Baptist, and what a testimony it was!

What about you and me? When our lives are summed up in the end, by the Lord, will the conclusion be, he or she, was a burning and a shining lamp.

Here are some good Scriptures on this subject to keep in mind: "Ye are the light of the world."

Matthew 5:14

"Let your light so shine before men."

Matthew 5:16

"Ye shine as lights in the world."

Philippians 2:15

None of us knows how much longer we have to shine for Christ, here in this world. Another day, another month...another year... Let us be like those described in Luke 12:35. "Let your loins be girded about and your lights burning."

As people turn away from the light of God's Word, it is good to realize that the only light they are going to see is what shines out in the life of a believer.

Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, served in a military hospital in Turkey during the Crimean War. It was her custom to take a lamp each evening and make her rounds through the hospital wards, thus making one last check on the wounded and dying soldiers before retiring to her room. In this way she became known as the Lady with the Lamp. The soldiers would eagerly await the glow of her lamp as she checked on them for the final time that day. In the same way we can shine for the comfort, healing, encouragement, and blessing of others, but most of all for the glory of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Have you shone brightly today in the dark corner where you have been placed? As the children sing: " Jesus bids us shine... You in your small comer, and I in mine."

Shine for Jesus,
Shine for Him!
Do not let the lamp grow dim.
Shine for Him!

As a bright,
A gleaming light,
Burning through this world's dark night.
Shine for Him!

Singing: For the Redeemed of the Lord

Singing has always been a way for the people of God to express their joy in the Lord, and their appreciation of the truth. A singing Christian is a healthy, happy soul, spiritually speaking. Sometimes younger ones don't think it is "cool" to sing, but let us learn to lift up our hearts and voices to praise the Lord Jesus, who has done so much for us. Over and over again in the Bible we read of those who sang. Here are a few examples: Moses & Israel: "Then sang Moses and the children of Israel." Exodus 15:1

Deborah & Barak:

"Then sang Deborah and Barak...Praise ye the Lord."

Judges 5:1, 2

200 Men & Women:

"And there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women." Ezra 2:65

Jesus & His Disciples:

"And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives." Matthew 26:30

Paul & Silas:

"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises." Acts 16:25 The world has its songs without much real meaning, but God has given us a vast heritage of good, Scriptural, Christ-exalting hymns. I am thankful that when I was younger I took the time to memorize many of them, and to learn the tunes as well. Try to learn one a week! The Spirit of God can bring them back to you at times during your life when they will be a source of strength, comfort, refreshment, and edification.

"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." Ephesians 5:19

When we arrive in glory we will all sing the song of heaven...the song of the redeemed. There will be no silent voices when we are gathered around the Lamb in the Father's house. What a grand, harmonious anthem with fill the vault's of heaven in that day. Let us learn now the song that will continue for eternity!

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

Revelation 5:9

Sing, sing, ye saints of Jesus,
Sing of His love and grace;
Sing of His saving power,
Redemption's story trace.

Sing as a ransomed people,
Sing with a joyful heart,
Sing, sing, until in heaven,
We praise in full, not part.

Sojourn: A Word to Pilgrims and Strangers

"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul."

1 Peter 2:11

"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Hebrews 11:13

A sojourner is a person who is only staying in a certain place temporarily...a person who is not a permanent resident...a transient. This is what the believer, who is a citizen of heaven, is ever to keep in mind. He, or she, is to walk through this world as a stranger and pilgrim.

Notice the order in the two Scriptures quoted above. It is not pilgrims and strangers, but strangers and pilgrims. This is very important!

A stranger is one who does not belong: a foreigner, an alien, an outsider. We are not of this world, but we are, "fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God."

Ephesians 2:19. "For our citizenship is in heaven."

Philippians 3:20 (JND Translation).

But as soon as we lose sight of the fact we are strangers, we also lose sight of the fact that we are pilgrims. Because, a pilgrim is one who is just passing through. If we settle down in this id and forget our heavenly calling, we are not going to live as those who are on their way to another land—heaven. We are going to become earthly minded, and begin to have our goals, hopes, and aspirations centered on and around temporal things. We are not going to exhibit a true pilgrim character.

So, let us, like those in our verse in Hebrews 11, keep the eye of faith on "a better country." Verse 16. This is what caused them to confess that they were "strangers and pilgrims.

The truth of this in the soul will also keep us from "fleshly lusts." It will cause us to live for the glory of God and not for ourselves.

May this be true of every believer!

"Pass the time of your sojourning here in fear." 1 Peter 1:17

This world is not our home now,
As strangers moving on,
We seek a better country,
With an eternal dawn.

As pilgrims pressing forward,
Onward and upward wend;
We're citizens of heaven,
Our journey there will end.

Still

SPEED

LIMIT

“Stand thou still awhile” 1 Samuel 9:27

In a world and society of constant movement, and hustle and bustle, here are three principies that are good to keep in mind:

"Stand still." Exodus 14:13

"Sit still." Ruth 3:18

"Be still." Psalm 46:10

We don't seem to know much about stillness today, and if we are going to practice these three principles it is going to take discipline. Remember, the Lord wants us to take time to not only slow down, but to stop, to be...still.

"He leadeth me beside the still waters."

Psalm 23:2

If we do not take time for stillness in the presence of the Lord Jesus each day, we are busier than God every intended any person to be!

The reason we do not always hear the Lord speak in "a still small voice," I Kings 19:12, is because we are not "still" ourselves. Have we taken a stillness break today?

"Their strength is to sit still."

Isaiah 30:7

May be sung to the tune: I Love To Tell The Story

"Stand still," my Lord, encouraged,
And yet, I hurried on,
I thought I was sufficient,
To straighten every wrong:
I thought I knew the answers,
To every circumstance;
That I could right each problem,
With just a passing glance.

"Sit still," my Lord, entreated,
"You cannot work it out;
But leave it to My wisdom,
Trust Me without a doubt:
And mighty things will happen,
All for your blessing work,
Let confidence be waiting,
Let not suspicion lurk."

"Be still," my Lord, reminded,
But this I found so hard,
My faith seemed oh so feeble,
My nerves seemed oh so jarred:
I felt I must be doing,
Yet all was in His hand,
All for my good unfolding,
The way my Lord had planned.

So, finally I listened,
For what else could I do?
I only made things tangled,
This truth I clearly knew.
But resting on His promise,
Submitting to His will,
Brought peace and understanding,
My troubled heart was "still."

He leadeth me beside the STILL waters. Psalm 23:2

The First Day of the Week: Acts 20:7

ACT 20:7

Acts 20

6. And we sailed away from Philippi alter the days of unleavened bread, and carne unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

7. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

8. And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

9. And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

10. And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

11. When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

12. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

When the disciples came together,

On the first day of the week,

It was so that they might break bread,

And listen to Paul speak.

A third loft was their meeting place,

And there they met that eve,

While Paul preached until midnight,

For the next day he must leave.

There was a young man with them,

On that occasion long ago,

A man whose name was Eutychus —

Acts twenty tells us so!

And as Paul was long in preaching,

And telling forth the truth,

And as the hour grew later,

Sleep overcame the youth.

And being in a window,

Where he had earlier found a seat,

He soon lost his balance,

And fell into the street.

And all feared that his life was gone,

That he could not survive,

But Paul assured them otherwise,

And they brought him up alive.

And when they'd broken bread and talked,

Until the break of day,

Paul and his fellowlabourers,

Departed on their way.

******

And you and I, we read this,

And to ourselves we say:

"How precious to have been there,
Upon that happy day!
To listen to Paul's ministry,
To listen to God's Word;
To be with those beloved saints,
Remembering the Lord.
To know this man named Eutychus,
The early brethren too;
And be gathered in that third loft,
With those faithful few."

But you and I, we have God's Word,

And the truth that Paul was given,

By divine inspiration,

When caught to the third heaven.

And you and I can still, by grace,

Break bread from week to week,

Remembering our Lord in death,

As we His honor seek!

Enjoying happy fellowship,

With Christ, and with His own,

As gathered to His precious name,

And to His name alone!

May we learn to value more,

The privilege we've been given,

Until we see our Savior's face,

And worship Him in heaven.

Let us not, like Eutychus,

Grow weary of the way,

Nor sleep—but ever faithful be;

And let us watch and pray.

*********

Eternal day will soon dawn,

Soon we will depart,

And with those early brethren meet,

Where Christ will fill each heart.

Triumphant, glorious gathering,

Not a vacant chair;

The Lamb forever in the midst

He the center there!

Resplendent, blessed morning—

What a joyous song!

What a happy portion—

We know it can't be long!!!!

We will

REMEMBER the name of the LORD. Psalm 20:7

Lord Jesus, at Thy table,

We gladly take our place;

For Thou hast here invited,

Sinners of Adam's race;

Washed by Thy blood, and pardoned—

Our righteousness, Thine own—

Forgiven and accepted

In Thee, and Thee alone.

We worship Thee, Lord Jesus,

As gathered to Thy name;

Assembled by Thy Spirit,

Thy holy presence claim;

A loaf and cup before us,

We would remember Thee;

And think upon Thy suff’rings.

And death at Calvary.

Our hearts recall Thy sorrow,

When in Gethsemane,

Thou didst address Thy Father—

"Let this cup pass from Me."

Yet Thou to do His blest will,

Would never turn aside:

Golgotha was before Thee,

And for us Thou hast died.

We break this bread, Lord Jesus,

Our hearts are stirred within;

For in those hours of darkness,

Thou Lord didst bear our sin.

We hear Thee cry, "Tm finished,"

Then yielding up Thy breath,

Thou as the willing victim,

Laid down Thy life in death.

We drink this cup, Lord Jesus,

And muse upon Thy blood;

The ground of all our blessings—

Life—giving, precious flood.

We worship Thee, Lord Jesus,

A risen Savior Thou;

"Worthy the Lamb" who, once slain,

Lives in the glory now.

Lord Jesus, when we gather,

Around Thee in that place,

Where we shall there behold Thee,

Unhindered face to face;

We shall remember ever,

The work of Calvary;

Thy wounds a fresh reminder,

For all eternity.

**********

Do you enjoy, each Lord's day, each first day of me week, the wonderful, sublime, and blessed privilege of breaking bread—of remembering the Lord Jesus Christ in death—of partaking of the Lord's supper (I Corinthians 11:20) at the Lord's table (1 Corinthians 10:21)?

It means much to His heart to have us there, to respond, from our hearts, to His request. He has invited us, and it is His desire that we should remember Him. When we do not commemorate Him in this simple, yet profound and precious way, we are robbing Him of His portion and His joy.

This treasured institution is something that is only given to us for this life! When we finally reach the Father's house, and are gathered around the Lamb with all the redeemed, we will no longer need a loaf and a cup as a fresh reminder of Calvary, from week to week. Then we will see Him face to face, and praise and worship the blessed One who will be in midst of His own for eternity.

In the meantime, the Lord Jesus has raid, "As often." 1 Corinthians 11:26. And, "This do." Luke 22:19.

It was the exercise and joy of the early Christians in New Testament Bible times, to meet every Lord's day...every first day of the week for the express purpose of breaking bread. Is it the exercise and joy of our hearts too, in these last few moments just before the Lord Jesus comes to call us home to Himself? What excuse will we have to give Him, when we stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ, if we have not availed ourselves of this privilege? What will we say when we look into His lovely face there in glory, realizing that we did not answer to His one dying request?

This world still hates and despises the Lord Jesus Christ! May we have the grace to honor and esteem Him, and to "show the Lord's death till He come." 1 Corinthians 11:26.

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.

Matthew 18:20

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till He come.

1 Corinthians 11:26

This do in remembrance of Me.

Luke 22:19

This do in remembrance of Me.

1 Corinthians 11:24

This do...in remembrance of Me.

1 Corinthians 11:25

Remember His marvelous works that He hath done.

Psalm 105:5

The desire of our soul is to Thy name, and to the remembrance of Thee.

Isaiah 26:8

We will remember Thy love.

Song of Solomon 1:4

Think on Me when it shall be well with thee.

Genesis 40:14

Remember, and forget not.

Deuteronomy 9:7

He was known of them in breaking of bread.

Luke 24:35

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts: 2:42

Introduction

"Jesus, made an High Priest forever after the order of Melchisedec." Hebrews 6:20

The book of Hebrews presents to us Christ in glory. It is not so much a question of where the Lord was (here in this world), but where He is (seated in heaven). It is not so much the subject of the work itself, but the results of the work. In this epistle He is not sitting on Sychar's well, but "on the right hand of the Majesty on high." (1:3). He is not the "Man of Sorrows," but the "Glorified Man." He is not crowned with a "crown of thorns", but a "crown of glory and honor." (2:7).

God often teaches by contrast. The book of Hebrews in particular is a book of contrasts, where the inspired writer contrasts the Old Testament, especially that which was instituted under the law, to what we now have in Christianity. By doing this, we see that what we have now is so much "better" than what Israel had under the old covenant and the law. It is edifying to search out the thirteen times that we find the word "better" in this epistle, i.e., "so much better." (1:4).

The Forerunner "Which hope we have as an anchor of the son!, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec." Hebrews 6:19, 20

In the above verses we find three things that characterize the hope of the believer:

1. It is sure.

2. It is steadfast.

3. It entereth into that within the veil.

In the Old Testament the people of God had faith and hope, but there was always a shadow of uncertainty...it is never referred to in the way it is here, as being "sure and steadfast." They did not have "full assurance of faith." Hebrews 10:22.

The classical writers often used the anchor as a symbol of hope, which is the way it is presented here in this portion, as well as the only other time in Scripture that it appears in, Acts 27:29, 30, 40. It is hope that gives stability, safety, security, and surety.

One great reason why it is secure, is because the Forerunner, Jesus, is already there, already in heaven. Our High Priest, the ascended Christ, is in the presence of God as our representative, and thus His presence there is the pledge that we will soon follow Him.

The word that has been translated, "foreigner" in our English Bible, is a nautical term that was used in ancient times to denote a small rowboat that was employed by sailors in the days when mariners plied the waters around the Greek harbors in sailing vessels. Many of these harbors were only accessible at high tide, due to the sandbars, rocks, and shoals at their mouths, and also because of the heavy loads of cargo on board. As a vessel approached the seaport, the anchor, attached firmly to the ship by a strong rope, was placed in the forerunner, and rowed across the bar, to be deposited safe in the quiet waters of the harbor. 'The anchor dropped safely within the security of the harbor, was the assurance to those on board, that although they themselves were not yet there, when the right moment carne they too would arrive safely to their desired destination.

Suppose you were able to step on the deck of one of those ships, and ask a sailor, "Are you quite certain that you are going to eventually make it safely into the harbor?" His response would have been to point to the rope tied to the ship, and with confidence affirm, "you see that rope? There is an anchor on the other end, and that anchor has been dropped inside the harbor, which is the pledge and assurance to all of us on board, that when the right moment comes, we are going to safely reach our destination. Yes, we will be there, because our forerunner has gone before and entered in."

With the believer's "sure and steadfast" hope, we too can ride out the storms on the sea of life, knowing that the anchorage is in a place where no storms can rise. That it is so secure that nothing can drag it, and that no tug or strain, either by man, Satan, or circumstance, no matter how strong, can ever snap the cable of eternal life, that secures us to Christ, the Man in the glory.

How wonderful to lay hold on the truth that we have a living person, interceding for us at the right hand of God. This gives us hope, strength, and confidence to press on amidst the tempests, because His presence there in intercession is the guarantee that we will be carried through. Another has said, "We are not promised a smooth passage, but we are promised a safe landing."

The fact that there is a "forerunner'' indicates that there are after-runners. So we read, "Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at His coming." 1 Corinthians 15:23. We, who are anchored safe in Christ, "within the veil" are going to follow him into glory at that moment when He comes to call us home to Himself in the Father's house. For us it will be, in application, the fulfillment of the verses in Psalm 107. "He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven." Verses 29:30. How good to know, beyond any shadow of doubt, that we are going to make the harbor, and that we are going to be welcomed home, because Jesus, our Savior and High Priest, as a man, has already be welcomed there, accepted, glorified, and seated at the "right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens." Hebrews 8:1.

Postscript

"Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under color as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship....And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore."

Acts 27:29, 30, 40

The hope of the Lord's coming is referred to in the following four ways:

1. "A living hope." I Peter 1:3 (JND Translation)

2. "Good hope." II Thessalonians 2:16

3. "That blessed hope." Titus 2:13

4. "Purifieth" I John 3:3

When they cast the four anchors out of the ship, which denote our hope in Christ, they drifted and became shipwrecked. If we lose sight of the glory, the hope of the Lord's coming, and all that is ahead in that future day, we become like a ship without a rudder. A ship without a rudder simply turns into the wind and drifts. There are many true believers drifting on the sea of life because they have failed to "lay hold on the hope set before them." They have become distracted, disillusioned, discouraged, disheartened, and ultimately they have made disastrous shipwreck. What a hope we have, "as an anchor of the soul," all secure in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. "Seeing then that we have a Great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession." Hebrews 4:14.

Time a Word to the Hurried

Time! It seems to be a precious commodity these days. Do you ever have enough time? We all wonder where time goes and why there isn't more of it. It is amazing, with all the modern, push button conveniences that we enjoy in this modern era, that there isn't more time.

But one thing is for sure, we need, amidst all the hustle and bustle of life to schedule time for the Lord. How much time have you spent with Jesus today? Time spent with Him will have eternal benefit. Discipline yourself to take time for the One who loved you enough to take time to die for you on the cross, and the One who always has plenty of time for each of His own. When you see the Lord Jesus in glory what excuse will you give Him for not having spent more time with Him? He has time for you! Do you have time for Him?

I hurried through a prayer today, And read a verse or two; I thought I'd done my duty, And it would see me through. All day I struggled, nothing worked, No matter what I'd do; I knew it was because I had, My Lord, neglected You.

I had no power to confess, Thy name to those I met; I had no joy, I was ashamed, And worry made me fret. Lord, teach me then to start my day, In company with Thee; To find the time to read and pray... A healthy Christian be.

Do you spend time alone with Jesus everyday? I don't mean just once a week or when you feel you have some spare moments...but every single day! How sad when a believer does not have time to spend in the presence of the One who loves them and desires their company, and who wants to be their friend, to support, guide, comfort, and help. Think back over this past day or past week. How much time have you really spent with Jesus? When we do not spend time with Him, not only do we rob ourselves of the joy of communion, but we rob Him of His portion too. He craves our company, and how sad His heart must be when we do not give it to Him. There is a mutual joy when we spend time with our Lord Jesus Christ. His joy and ours!

"It is time to seek the Lord." Hosea 10:12

"In Thy presence is fullness of joy." Psalm 16:11

I spent a Quiet moment,
From my daily haste and tare,
And, oh the sweet communion,
My Lord and I did share.

I spent a Quiet moment,
Alone, just He and I,
And found the joy of fellowship,
With Jesus, very nigh.

We See Jesus

Hebrews 2:9

PRELUDE

If one look unto the land, behold darkness and sorrow... We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal... Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else... They looked... and, behold, the glory of the Lord appeared.. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth .. We have seen with our eyes... We have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life.. He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father... We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor... Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.. We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory.. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of.. faith... And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him... They saw no man, save Jesus only... For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face... And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a lamb as it had been slain... And they shall see His face... As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake in Thy likeness... He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied.

Look up, and lift up your heads Luke 21:28.

How sad indeed for the Christian, if our only look was around and back. But we can rejoice as we realize that, for the people of God, our look is upward, and ahead—Upward into the opened heavens to see, with the eye of faith, that lovely man seated at the right hand of God. And onward to that moment when we will be there, to gaze on Him, no longer by faith, but face to face. What a hope, what a comfort!

What precious truth the preceding Scriptures bring before us in this regard, and it is the prayer of the writer, that as we take up these portions of the Word of God in a very brief and simple way, that our hearts would be touched and our gaze directed to Christ. He is the One of whom His Father could say: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased Matthew 3:17. AH God's delight is centered in His only begotten Son, and we can, and should, find all our joy and delight in Him also. He alone can give strength and encouragement through the situations, trials, and tests of the pathway of faith and service. David said in the sixty-first Psalm and verse two:

I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.

When everything seems out of hand,
I on the firm foundation stand:
On Christ, the Rock, whose strength prevails,
Whose love and power never fails.

refrain:

When overwhelmed my heart—I cry
Lead to the Rock higher than I.

I've known His saving grace and power,
And I can trust Him every hour.
I'm sheltered safe within His hand,
His promises forever stand.

His blood has washed my sins away,
His grace preserves me every day:
He lives for me to supplicate—
My Great High Priest, and Advocate.

There is a place where I can hide,
When troubles press on every side;
But oh how quickly I forget,
And in distress, struggle and fret.

And when I take my eyes from Thee,
And sink beneath the raging sea;
Recall my heart—and let me fly
Back to the Rock, higher than I.

Soon all the trials will be past,
And I shall reach the goal at last;
Beyond the tears, and fears, and grief,
Glorious departing, sweet relief.

refrain:

Then I shall praise Him in the sky;
Jesus, the Rock, higher than I.

Let us then consider these portions of the Word of Life, and may they so speak to us, that as a result of our meditation, we would have a fresh glimpse of our Lord Jesus Christ. And too, that there might be a fresh, and an increased desire to press on for our Savior's glory the few moments left before He comes to call us to Himself.

Above all, may WE SEE JESUS.

Isaiah 5:30

If one look unto the land, behold darkness and sorrow.

This warning spoken by God to His people Israel, in the Old Testament, has a very timely and relevant application to His people today.

Of course, for the lost who reject the Savior of sinners and refuse God's offer of eternal salvation, there is no hope. Sorrow and frustration follow them here in this life, and when they leave this sad world, the blackness of darkness forever Jude 13. For them, we are plainly told: There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth Matthew 8:12. It is a solemn thing to consider the fact that not only will hell be a place of sorrow and torment, but there will be no hope—no hope of release from its confinement, no hope of relief from its agony. Forever, no hope!

However this Scripture is not only a warning to the lost, but also an admonition to those who belong to the Lord Jesus. There is a great deal in this sin-sick world to discourage and cast us down, plenty to distract us from following Christ, and plenty to occupy our minds, our hearts, and our time. But nothing to satisfy! We read in I Peter 5:8: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

Is there not a danger too, of looking around at our present circumstances, and forgetting the One who, in love, has ordered those circumstances? Was not this the difficulty with the children of Israel when they were crossing the wilderness?

Let us then look up! Look up into the opened heavens—up at the One who is seated at the right hand of God—the place of exaltation and power. And remember, WE SEE JESUS.

2 Corinthians 4:18

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

This is a day of ever increasing materialism. The natural man places utmost importance on the present and on the tangible. What a disappointment it is when the things of this scene, and the entities he has trusted in, pass away and leave him empty—not filling the longing of his weary soul.

As Christians we are given several exhortations in the Word, as to lifting our eyes above the horizons of this earth and its hopes, goals, allurements, and aspirations. Here are just a couple:

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also Matthew 6:19, 20, 21.

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:1, 2

In I Peter 1:4 we are reminded that we have an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven.

What a sad commentary we have concerning Lot in Genesis 13. For there we read: And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where... Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan. (Verses 10, 11)

Poor Lot saw the day when all that he chose, and all that he worked for carne under the judgment of God, as He rained fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah. All that we build for down here in this world is going to be left behind. This globe is reserved unto fire. Indeed the elements shall melt with fervent heat 2 Peter 3:7, 10.

Grant me grace Lord Jesus,
Just to rest in Thee;
Fix my heart, and mind, and soul,
Steadfastly on Thee.

We have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Ephesians 1:3. All is in Him, through Him, and by Him! WE SEE JESUS.

Isaiah 45:22

Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

Salvation for the believer in this dispensation, is presented in at least three different aspects in the New Testament. There is, of course, first of all the salvation of the soul. That which is the result of putting our trust in the Lord Jesus, and resting fully on the finished work of the cross. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him Romans 5:9.

For Israel in the wilderness it was the serpent of brass on the pole. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it carne to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass he lived Numbers 21:9.

For us it is Jesus Christ, and Him crucified

1 Corinthians 2:2.

However there is also the day to day preservation needed as we are here in this world. The very next verse in Romans 5 tells us: We shall be saved by His life. This is His present intercession for us now as a living man in the glory.

As our High Priest:

This is to keep us in the path, and to meet our present needs in that path.

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need Hebrews 4:14, 15, 16. We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens Hebrews 8:1.

Not only does our Savior know our every need, but He fully enters into what each of His own feels as they pass through the circumstances of life. And not only so, but He is fully able to meet each need. My grace is sufficient for thee II Corinthians 12:9.

As our Advocate:

This is for our restoration when we fail.

And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous I John 2:1. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness I John 1:9.

Lastly, salvation is taken up in another way, spoken of in Romans 13:11. Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. This is the salvation of our bodies. We shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump... I Corinthians 15:51, 52.

Like Thee Savior in a moment,
Changed as on the cloud we meet;
Jesus, written on my forehead,
Precious name, divine and sweet.

So whether it is for our salvation as to being sheltered from judgment, or His care and keeping us in the pathway, or that which is yet future at His coming for us—it is all Christ

Himself. Thus may WE SEE JESUS.

Exodus 16:10

They looked... and, behold, the glory of the Lord appeared.

How often the children of Israel looked back to Egypt from which they had been delivered. We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic Numbers 11:5. The result was always murmuring, complaining, faultfinding, and discouragement.

But here in the verse we have before us, they turn around to look ahead over the wilderness. As a result Jehovah was pleased, in some way, to reveal Himself in the cloud. With this vision of glory they could continue on to the promised land.

So for us we have a timely word in Philippians 3:13, 14. Here Paul says: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

What is the prize in the Christian life?

CHRIST!

May He alone be our object here; and may we ever have the end in view—the Glory!

Cause my heart, Lord Jesus,
With fresh desire to burn;
Keep the hope before me,
Of Thy soon return.

To look back and around will only discourage and dishearten. We can be encouraged and

strengthened, only as, WE SEE JESUS.

John 1:14; 1 John 1:1; John 14:9

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth... We have seen with our eyes... We have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life ... He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father.

How do we know God the Father? In Christ!

Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person Hebrews 1:3. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him John 1:18.

We have the full revelation of the Father, and the Father's heart, manifested in the Son. The Son, and the Son only, could say: I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do John 17:4.

The apostle John had the privilege of seeing the Lord and walking with Him when He was here on the earth. This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true John 21:24.

For us we have the written Word revealing the Incarnate Word—Jesus Christ. Search the Scriptures; for... they are they which testify of me John 5:39. And he that saw it bear record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe John 19:35.

As we read the Holy Scriptures, may we see Christ in every line—Christ, the sent One of the Father—Christ, the One who has fully shown to us all that the Father is in Himself. And may it rejoice our hearts as WE SEE JESUS.

Hebrews 2:9

We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor.

As the above verse is the theme of our meditation we will make very little comment here.

What a precious thought:

Christ Jesus . . . took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross Philippians 2:5, 7, 8.

And what is the result?

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name Philippians 2:9.

Four times in the book of Hebrews we have the Lord Jesus seated at the right hand of God:

Having made full atonement—1:3

Who being the effulgence of His glory and the expression of His substance, and upholding all things by the word of His power, having made by Himself the purification of sins, set Himself down on the right hand of the greatness on high. JND translation.

As our High Priest—8:1

We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.

Having offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice—10:12

This man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God.

As the object for faith—12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of... faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

He has ascended—God is satisfied
With His dear Son, who now is at His side.
God hath exalted—given Him a name,
Aboye all who before, or after, came.

Are we looking up? Do WE SEE JESUS?

I Peter 1:7, 8

Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

We do not see our Savior and Lord with the natural eye, as His own did when He was here on earth. We read in Acts 1:9: While they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.

However, we see Him with the eye of faith. As we fix our gaze steadfastly on Him, we can rest in His love, trust Him for every situation, and experience joy that this world cannot give or know. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full John 15:11.

Do we have a single eye?

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light Matthew 6:22.

Only in the path of obedience, and with Christ as the object, can there be true joy and happiness in our life here in this world. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them John 13:17.

The Master calls, and can 1 stay,

When he is beckoning me,

To follow, serve Him every day,

And His disciple be.

Oh path of joy, oh sweet employ,
It is, my soul, for thee.

It is not always what I'd choose,
The way is often steep;
But if I choose, I can but loose,
And even sorrow reap.
He knoweth best, in this 1 rest,
And follow as His sheep.

Yes, His "Well done" in that bright day,
Will make it all worthwhile;
All thought of loss will fade away,
Forgotten every trial.
He'll call me home, no more to roam,
Will welcome with His smile.

Until that day, by faith, WE SEE JESUS.

2 Corinthians 3:18

We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory.

As we walk in fellowship with our Lord there will be a Christ-likeness exhibited to those around us. When Moses was in the presence of Jehovah on the mount, his face shone—although Moses, himself, wist not that the skin of his face shone Exodus 34:29. It was the unconscious result of being in the company of the Lord.

The expression as in a glass should be left out. Notice the JND translation. We all, looking on the glory of the Lord with unveiled face, are transformed according to the same image from glory to glory.

For Moses there was a veil, for us the veil has been removed. We behold His glory. And as we behold His glory, a transformation will take place so that Christ will be seen in us. It is searching to realize that all that this world is going to see of Christ is what is manifested in your life and mine. Especially in a day when men have turned away from the light of God's Word, and closed its pages.

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world Philippians 2:15.

Others will see Christ in us, as WE SEE JESUS.

Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of faith.

Here, and here alone, is the perfect object! He was the only One who walked through this world in perfection. The only One who walked in the path of faith and service and never, for a moment, digressed from the will of His Father and the path set before Him. He was always the delight of the Father; He always did that which pleased the Father; He had one supreme motive—the Father's will. I carne down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me John 6:38.

Now, having begun and completed that path in perfection, He is seated on high as the object for faith. God has a path of faith for each one of us through this world, and faith always needs an object. There is no such thing as blind faith, and faith is not a leap in the dark. If Christ in glory is our object we will never be disappointed, and we will be preserved in the way of His choosing.

He is altogether lovely Song of Solomon 5:16.

The path is before us! His grace is sufficient! He is the object! WE SEE JESUS.

Matthew 28:17

And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him.

Worship springs from a heart overflowing with an appreciation of the person and work of Christ. This God desires from each of His own. The Father seeketh such to worship Him John 4:23.

May our hearts be so full of Himself that there would be that outflow and overflow. He is so worthy!

Truly our hearts are bowed in worship as WE SEE JESUS.

Matthew 17:8

They saw no man, save Jesus only.

How good if we can learn to see no man. If we look to man we are always going to be disillusioned and disappointed. David said in the Psalms: I have seen an end of all perfection 119:96.

To see Jesus, and Jesus only, is a blessed portion. To look away from man, great as he may appear to be, and dear as he may be to our heart—this is true joy—this brings true contentment.

Can we say in truth, WE SEE JESUS?

1 Corinthians 13:12

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

What a glad and glorious day it will be when, that which is in part shall be done away 1 Corinthians 13:10. No longer will we see through a glass darkly, or through a dim window obscurely JND translation. AH that now hinders our full enjoyment of Himself will be removed forever. There in the glory we will experience uninterrupted fellowship, joy, and rest—nothing to mar our sublime repose. And we will enjoy in a deeper and fuller way the unsearchable riches of Christ Ephesians 3:8.

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away verses 9,10.

When he comes, I shall behold Him,
Face to face, no longer sight dim;
Not in part—I'll fully know Him;
Know as now I'm known.

So now we have a present enjoyment, by the Spirit, (When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth John 16:13,) and we look forward to the day when all will be made plain and every question will be answered in the light of His presence. And the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed Isaiah 40:4, 5. Everything then will be clear as crystal Revelation 21:11.

In the meantime, WE SEE JESUS.

Revelation 5:6

And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain.

A company innumerable,
Arrayed in spotless white,
Will praise the Lamb, before the throne,
In yonder courts of light.

And I a part of that vast throng—
By sovereign grace and love;
Will join in the eternal song,
With all the saints above.

Wonderful moment, when in the Father's

House WE SEE JESUS.

Revelation 22:4

And they shall see His face.

Precious promise to those who have followed Him here. Precious promise to those who have loved Him here, though unseen to the physical eye. What an encouragement this is to every saint of God. Perhaps today! He has declared: / will come again, and receive you unto Myself John 14:3. And also, Behold, I come quickly Revelation 22:7.

There in that home, forever to enjoy
Himself unhindered, nothing to annoy.
No cloud to hide; all, all is heavenly light;
Nothing to mar, or spoil, or dim our sight.

Our occupation through eternal days,
That blessed person upon whom we'll gaze.
Our eyes forever fixed upon His face,
Our hearts know fully all His love and grace.

And so shall we ever be with the Lord I Thessalonians 4:17. What will it be when in

glory, WE SEE JESUS?

Psalm 17:15

As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness.

Not merely content, but satisfied. All the desires and longings of the heart and soul fully and forever met—to see Him, to be with Him, to be like Him. And it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is I John 3:2.

Is this hope a glad reality in our lives as we go about with our day to day duties and responsibilities? When we rise in the morning is it with the realization that before another Himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them Luke 12:37.

Satisfied will be His heart,
And satisfied we'll be as well;
For we shall never from Him part,
But with the Lord forever dwell.
What songs of joy, what notes of praise,
Will sound through heaven for endless days.

Satisfied, blessed thought! Satisfied, when

WE SEE JESUS.

Isaiah 53:11

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

Unspeakable glory when WE SEE JESUS.

CONCLUSION

Only the Lord can preserve and keep us. Kept by the power of God, is the reminder of I Peter 1:5.

Nevertheless, there ought to be an exercise of soul and energy of faith with each believer and the spirit of dependence like God's people in the days of Jehoshaphat. Our eyes are upon thee II Chronicles 20:12.

We often sing a little prayer:

O fix our earnest gaze
So wholly, Lord, on Thee,
That, with Thy beauty occupied,
We elsewhere none may see.

Hymn 174, Dale Flock.

May the sincere and fervent prayer of our hearts be: Preserve me, O God: for in Thee do I put my trust Psalm 16:1. If we look to Him, and to Him only, He can, and will, keep us for His glory until He comes to take us home to Himself.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

Hymn 375, Echoes of Grace.

Where there is no vision, the people perish Proverbs 29:18.

May we have a fresh glimpse of the Man in the glory, and may these scriptures encourage

us to look up; so that WE SEE JESUS.

Wrecks on the Road of Life

“He led them on safely.” Psalm 78:52

Prelude:

Everyday, all around us, there are practical, Biblical, lessons to be learned from even the most routine and mundane round of the daily grind of normal life and circumstance.

For instance, most of us drive a vehicle of one kind or another with very little thought. It is just part of functioning in society and the hectic pace and lifestyle of the twenty-first century. Many of us may have been involved in an accident of one sort or another during our driving career, and from these daily, and all to common occurrences, there is perhaps something to be learned and heeded, regarding our journey on the highway of It is the prayer of the author, that the simple analogies made in this booklet, along with the Scriptures quoted, will be a warning, and an encouragement to Christian, fellow-travelers, and especially those who term themselves, young people.

"Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made ...WRECK." 1 Timothy 1:19

Just as there are many vehicle wrecks on the highways and roads we drive every day, so there are many spiritual, moral, and even physical, wrecks on the road of life. A vehicle wreck is often the result of distraction or taking our eyes off the road, even or just a brief moment. The same is true in our life too. As Christians we become distracted by the things of this world. We focus on them, and not on the Lord Jesus who said, "I am the way." John 14:6

Sometimes a vehicle wreck is caused by someone hindering our progress, by pulling out in front of us, or stopping in our path. In the same way, our enemy Satan, tries to hinder our spiritual progress by road blocks of one kind or another. It may be any number of things...family, education, money, sports, or even just the daily grind and routine of life and society in general.

Often there are accidents because of sleepiness. This is also true in our spiritual life. We become careless, overwhelmed by the circumstances and trials, or simply indifferent to the ditches, potholes, and pitfalls all around us. The Bible warns us, "it is high time to awake out of sleep" Romans 13:11

The pathway of faith takes watchfulness and concentration, otherwise we will swerve into sin, and find ourselves spiritual wrecks. Let's be careful that we do not become spiritually drowsy.

A wreck may be caused by not paying attention. Not paying attention to the road signs, weather conditions, the map, or other directions. Not paying attention to those around us can be a hazard as well. We are not always as alert as we should be, and it leads to getting lost, confused, into places we should not be, and perhaps, ultimately, wrecked. Just so, in our path of faith! We need to be alert at all times! We need to be awake! We are told in Scripture to,

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation." Matthew 26:41

Often when driving, we think we know best, and don't even bother to consult the map or directions, perhaps drawn or written out by someone who traveled the route or knew the way before us. Are we reading God's directions for our lives, everyday? Or are we trying to find our own way and make our own decisions?

"O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." Jeremiah 10:23

Wrecks on the road can happen because we are traveling with someone who is distracting us, giving us bad advice, or even wrong directions. How true this is in spiritual things as well. Let's make sure that we are traveling in the company of those who are a help and encouragement to us, and who give us good counsel and advice from the Word of God.

"I am a companion of all them that fear Time, and of them that keep Thy precepts." Psalm 119:63

Another cause of accidents is blatantly disobeying or ignoring the road signs. So, in our life for Christ, disobeying or neglecting the instructions and guidelines of the Word of God can be disastrous.

Speeding is not good either. How many wrecks there are because of a person traveling too fast behind the wheel. Sometimes we get ahead of the Lord, we think our timing is better than His, and we are not willing to wait for and on Him. This is a day of high-speed everything! We are all in a hurry! But, it is good to learn to slow down in our life of following Christ.

"Wait on the Lord, and keep His way." Psalm 37:34

Thankfully, for a Christian, we are never beyond repair, no matter how battered and smashed our life may become. A vehicle may be a total write-off, but for the one who knows Christ, there is always restoration. King David sinned, and had made moral »rock in His life. You can read about this failure in 2 Samuel 11, God having recorded it for us by divine inspiration as a warning. But David could latter affirm: "He restoreth my soul." Psalm 23:3

However, there may be many dents and scrapes that we will have to carry the rest of our lives. David was happily and fully restored to the Lord in his soul. You can read Psalm 51, which is his prayer of repentance alter his sin is brought before Him by Nathan the prophet. In the government of God, Scripture states, "The sword shall never depart from thine house." 2 Samuel 12:10

Yes, sin often has consequences that remain with us for the rest of our lives! It is nota question of our eternal salvation, thankfully that is eternally secure in Christ Jesus. But the Bible plainly and faithfully tells us, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" Galatians 6:7

We won't have a wreck if we are traveling the road of life in complete dependence on the Lord Jesus Christ, the One who has promised to bring us safely through to our final destination...the Father's house. Let's keep our eye on the goal, and be ever mindful of the dangers and allurements around us. Here is a good verse to remember concerning God's people, the Israelites, who were traveling through the wilderness to the Promised Land:

"We will go by the king's highway, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left." Numbers 20:17

Our Heavenly Guide is able! Trust His guidance, direction, and wisdom, everyday of your life!

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

It might be in order to conclude with an appeal to any who are still lost and in their sins. If you are traveling the road of life without the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, not only will you make wreck of this life, but it will end in eternal tragedy, disaster, and an unsalvageable wreck in hell. God clearly warns:

"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end there of are the ways of death." Proverbs 14:12

The great question is, are you on the right road? Sometimes on a journey I have thought 1 was on the right road, but in truth I was far from it, even going in the opposite direction from what I had hoped.

God's way of salvation for the lost, and blessing for the believer, has been made very plain in His Word...the guide book of life, the divine road atlas for man. Seek it out, and then walk in it everyday.

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto it, and few there be that find it." Matthew 7:13,14

Most of us acquired our driver's license by taking a written exam as well as a road test, and meeting certain requirements set down by the government. However, to begin on the Christian path of faith, we must simply receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and be washed in His precious blood. The journey of life, naturally speaking, begins at birth. The journey of life, spiritually speaking, begins when we are saved. When Saul of Tarsus was struck down on the road to Damascus, it was a complete turn around in his life. He started on a new journey, down a new road...the Christian pathway.

POST SCRIPT: While this booklet has been written, with particularly our precious young people in mind, yet, there are wrecks on the road of life of all ages and experience. Accidents can happen to anyone if we are not careful, diligent, alert, and watchful. We have the example in the Old Testament of king Solomon, who started out well for the Lord, but we only have to read the book of Ecclesiastes to find out what happened at the end. He seemed to miss the path completely, much to his sorrow and heartache. He, himself, warns of, "an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished." Ecclesiastes 4:13

The Apostle John speaks of it as, "the pride life." I John 2:16

So many in Scripture made a good start but a poor finish. If there was reality, as in the case of Solomon, they will most certainly be in heaven. But God doesn't just want us to make a good start, He wants us to make a good finish as well. It is not only the beginning of a race that counts, but more importantly the ending. All we need is provided for the highway of life

"According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness." 2 Peter 1:3

Will we finish our journey battered and scraped, beaten, and dented? Or will be like the Apostle Paul? His prayer was, "that I might finish my course with joy." Acts 20:24

He could affirm at the end of that course,

"I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

On the journey of life, many roads may be tough;

The pitfalls be many, the going get rough!
But, Jesus, is with us, and He is our guide;
He keeps and protects us, when, in Him alone, we confide.

As you speed on your way, just remember to Pray,
Consult with your Bible, God's map, everyday;
And trust in the Savior, ever watchful to see,

The turns, grades, and dangers, that lurk constantly.

No, you won't have a wreck, it your eye is on Christ,
You'll find at the end that His guidance sufficed:
And all that you needed, in Him you had found,

To bring you safe through, and with triumph abound.

Courtesy of BibleTruthPublishers.com. Most likely this text has not been proofread. Any suggestions for spelling or punctuation corrections would be warmly received. Please email them to: BTPmail@bibletruthpublishers.com.