My meditation of Him shall be sweet;
I will be glad in the Lord.
— Psalm 104:34 —
APRIL 26, 2023
“Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done.” (2Chronicles 29:1-2)
Often, we may hear someone say, “Do the right thing!” Occasionally, we may even hear someone say, “Well, we may have lost on that effort, but it was the right thing to do.”
The important issue is, “Who defines what ‘the right thing’ is?”
Who gets to decide what is “right”?
Be aware when people talk about “right” or “values” or “better” or “progress”. Far too often, people fabricate their own notion of “right” and then read enough of the Bible to decide that God doesn’t comply with their notion of “right”. This practice does not worry God at all, or deter God from doing his purpose, but this practice does great damage among members of the human race.
Here is truth: God, and God alone, determines what is right, and human beings can “do the right thing” only when they do that which is right in his sight. To do otherwise is to do wrong.
How are we to know what is “right in the sight of the Lord”? God has shown it to us in the Bible. The Old Testament is true, and reveals what is right for ancient Israelites to do. The New Testament is true, and reveals what is right for all humans to do.
And the New Testament contains the wonderful news that the Lord Jesus Christ suffered great wrong to make all of God’s children right in the sight of the Lord. Having done that, he died, and then on the third day, he rose from the dead to reign forever.
APRIL 20, 2023
Ecclesiastes 9:
[3] This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.
[4] For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
[5] For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
[6] Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.
The Bible teaches against “Soul-sleeping” and the Bible teaches against Reincarnation.
Ecclesiastes harmonizes with the entire Bible, but, in order to appreciate that harmony, we must keep in mind that it is a book viewing things “under the sun”.
Some might try to use the verses above to teach “soul-sleeping,” which is the idea that, at death, a human goes completely unconscious, or that his soul “sleeps” until the day of the resurrection. The Bible does not, however, teach such an idea. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – each was “gathered to his people” prior to being buried. Jesus Christ met on the mount of transfiguration with Elijah and Moses, when Moses had been buried for centuries! On the day of their deaths, Jesus Christ told the thief on the cross that they would meet in paradise “today”.
So what does the expression “the dead know not anything” mean? It means that the portion of a person remaining “under the sun” – the body – no longer physically sees, hears, touches, or gathers any information. The body sleeps, but the spirit is at home with the Lord himself, over the sun.
But the expression in verse 6, “neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun” is a strong teaching against the idea of reincarnation. Once physical death occurs, the “under the sun” activities of a human being are finished until the final judgment, and that person does not come back in another body.
Now many people believe in reincarnation; in fact, it is a key aspect of some false religions. The wicked king Herod obviously believed in reincarnation, for he thought that Jesus Christ was a reincarnated version of John the Baptist (see Matthew 14:2). Some may claim that John the Baptist was a reincarnated version of Elijah, but the angel Gabriel made it clear that John would be another person, and his ministry would be “in the spirit and power” of Elijah (see Luke 1:17).
The Bible does indeed teach that the body sleeps at death, but the spirit or soul does not. The Bible teaches that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord Jesus Christ forever – and that truth brightens our hope.
APRIL 13, 2023
[Genesis 48:14] And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.
[Hebrews 11:21] By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
Ishmael was Abraham’s first-born, but the birthright went to his second-born, Isaac. Esau was Isaac’s first-born, but the birthright went to his second-born, Jacob. Reuben was Jacob’s first-born, but the birthright went to one of his younger sons, Joseph. Manasseh was Joseph’s first-born, but the greater blessing went to his second-born, Ephraim.
Are these scriptures pointing to anything? I think so:
1Corinthians 15:
[45] And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
[46] Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
[47] The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
The “last Adam” is the “second man”; and he, the Lord Jesus Christ, represents all of his people, and redeemed them, and will bring them to glory.
MARCH 18, 2023
Luke 4:
[14] And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.
[15] And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
[16] And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
The Bible gives us a few insights into the life of Jesus the Lord in the years before his baptism, and this is one of them: it was “his custom” to go into the synagogue once a week with other people for the reading of scripture. He regularly attended public worship.
Were some of the people in that synagogue hypocrites? No doubt they were. Could Christ Jesus have communed with His Heavenly Father in the solitude of nature? Yes, and He often did – but he still went to meet at the synagogue for the word of God.
So, do you and I imagine we can serve God better than the Savior Himself? It is a good thing to seek God in nature, meditation, and good deeds, but will we – unlike Him – forsake the assembling of ourselves together? Don’t do that. Be Christ-like. Attend public worship soon.
DECEMBER 31, 2022
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)
The Lord Jesus Christ calls himself the Door of the sheepfold (John 10:7) and the good Shepherd of the sheep (John 10:11). He is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He is the great High Priest (Hebrews 3:1) who offers sacrifice to God, and the Lamb of God (John 1:29) who is sacrificed.
Jesus Christ created us (John 1:3), and we are created for God’s pleasure (Revelation 4:11). He is the first (Alpha) and the last (Omega), the beginning and the ending.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He is, and was, and is to come! He is the Almighty.
DECEMBER 21, 2022
Job 3:1-5 “After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day. And Job spake, and said, Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived. Let that day be darkness; let not God regard it from above, neither let the light shine upon it. Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.”
Job 16:11-13 “God hath delivered me to the ungodly, and turned me over into the hands of the wicked. I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken me by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for his mark. His archers compass me round about, he cleaveth my reins asunder, and doth not spare; he poureth out my gall upon the ground.”
As Job spoke these words, he must have felt that he was a total failure, and that his life was in vain, and never should have been. If he thought his purpose in life was to serve God, then God had set him as a target for divine arrows, so he must have failed in that purpose. If he thought his purpose was to love his wife, then his breath had become strange to her and she was suggesting his death, so he must have failed there. If he thought his purpose was to guide his children, then they were dead. If he thought his purpose was to relieve the poor (which he often did), then his wealth was gone, and the poor despised him. If he thought his purpose was to enjoy nature, then his health was broken, he could not sleep, and he was disfigured and in discomfort. Holding on to integrity was the course he chose to take, but it must have gotten difficult to remember why he did it. Failure seemed to surround him, and failure seemed to be the end result of his life.
As he spoke with his three friends – Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar – Job suffered further in his attempts to deal with his own feelings, and with the false teachings they expounded. Because of what had befallen him, Job labored under the impression that God was shooting at him, although he could not understand why. Because of what had befallen him, his friends labored under the error that God was punishing Job for wrongdoing, although they did not know what that wrongdoing could be. Their ideas were based on falsehoods, and provide lessons to God’s children who later read their conversations in the Bible, so they may now understand the misery brought about by fine-sounding-but-erroneous teachings and assumptions about God.
Was Job a failure? Even during the period of his life when he felt most to be a failure, the answer is a resounding “No”. Consider these facts:
1. The book of Job has 42 chapters, but by the end of chapter 2, Job has silenced the arguments of Satan. Job doesn’t even realize the victory that his “habit” of integrity has won.
2. Job spoke that which was right. [Job 42:7] “And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.”
3. God held Job as an example to the Israelite captives among the Chaldeans. [Ezekiel 14:14] “Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD.”
4. God held Job as an example to the church. [James 5:11] “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.”
5. Job had heard of God, but after suffering, became able to see His sovereign power. See Job 42:5.
As I get older, the feeling of failure attacks more frequently and with greater intensity, and I must struggle to sort those feelings out – they can come from above or below. When His children truly fail by actually sinning against Him, God shows them where they fail, and shows them a way to repent unto true success. He is a perfect Father, and desires His children to understand the motivation behind real chastisement.
When, however, they have not sinned, but merely feel to be a failure because of the terrible challenges that surround them, and they do not understand why such misery has come to pass, it is time to hold on to the “habit” of blessing God. They may never realize what enemies are being defeated, and what friends are being upheld, in their hours of darkness. In the greatest hours of darkness, at the cross, our Lord Jesus won the greatest victory of all, and the destiny of God’s children – to be like the only begotten Son – was obtained.
• [Galatians 6:9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
• [Hebrews 10:36] For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
• [Romans 8:18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
How many other scriptures can you think of which say, “When you are trying to serve God the best you know how and still feel like a failure, hang in there”?
DECEMBER 9, 2022
Acts 7:
[59] And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
[60] And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
“And when I’m to die,
‘Receive me,’ I’ll cry,
For Jesus hath loved me,
I cannot say why.
But this I do find,
We two are so joined,
He’ll not live in glory
And leave me behind.”
NOVEMBER 24, 2022
Matthew 26:
[26] And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
[27] And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
[28] For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Jesus Christ, a thankful man, gave thanks for the cup that symbolized his own shed blood.
Jesus Christ was not a masochist. He did not desire pain, suffering, or death. He endured the cross, despising the shame, for the joy that was set before him.
His suffering had purpose, and he gave thanks that the blood he was to shed would accomplish God’s purpose: the remission of sins, and the redemption of all the people God had chosen in Christ before the world was created. Jesus the Lord then rose from death on the third day.
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
NOVEMBER 11, 2022
Luke 22:
[25] And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
[26] But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
[27] For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
May we recognize what true greatness is.
To those who have served, thank you.
OCTOBER 18, 2022
“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” (Psalm 118:9)
As the Lord leads them, disciples of Jesus Christ should PARTICIPATE in political processes, but never, never TRUST in political processes.
– As a man of God, Moses appealed unto Pharaoh to let Israel go.
His appeal was rejected.
– As a messenger of God, Nathan appealed unto king David to name his successor.
His appeal was accepted.
– As a woman of God, Esther appealed unto her husband, the Persian king, to spare her people.
Her appeal was accepted.
– As a prophet of God, Jeremiah appealed unto king Zedekiah to surrender to the Chaldeans.
His appeal was rejected.
– As an apostle of God, Paul appealed unto Caesar rather than return to Jerusalem.
His appeal was accepted.
So, throughout history, at God’s bidding, the servants of the Lord have engaged the rulers of nations and provinces.
It is a bad extreme to refuse to have any dealings with civil government, and it is a bad extreme to place our hopes in civil government.
Many individuals, good or bad, occupy places of authority, and we should pray for them whether or not they evoke confidence. And thankfully, we can completely trust in the one who occupies the throne of the universe – the Lord Jesus Christ.
OCTOBER 16, 2022
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
1Peter 5:8-9 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”
We can fall into the ditch of only “thinking happy thoughts” and neglect the very real dangers that surround us.
We can fall into the ditch of constantly “thinking about enemies” and become weakened through lack of joy.
The Bible balance is, however, to be aware and watchful of danger, but to deliberately focus on the truth, justice, holiness, beauty, victory, goodness and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.
OCTOBER 16, 2022
Acts 8:38 “And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”
1Corinthians 1:14-16 “I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.”
After the death of John the Baptist, the only scriptures I find in which we precisely know that a person – identified by name – administered a baptism, are the verses above in Acts 8 and 1Corinthians 1. It is very probable that Ananias baptized Saul of Tarsus, and that Peter baptized Cornelius – but the Bible does not specifically say that. We specifically know, however, that Philip baptized someone, and we know that Paul baptized someone.
Philip had experienced the laying on of hands, authorized by the church, as described in Acts 6:5-6. Paul (or Saul of Tarsus) had experienced the laying on of hands, authorized by the church, as described in Acts 13:1-3.
Here is the point: In each scriptural example where we know that someone administered a baptism, that person was ordained (the laying on of hands), or authorized to do so, by the church.
A scriptural baptism must be administered only to a person who believes, and has publicly confessed, that Jesus is the Son of God.
A scriptural baptism must be administered only in the manner the Bible describes, which is a total immersion in water, symbolizing the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
A scriptural baptism must be administered only by someone the church of Jesus Christ has authorized to conduct baptisms – that is, a man who has been ordained by the laying on of hands.
AUGUST 30, 2022
All Men
Among Bible readers, there is a common tendency to interpret the phrase “all men” to always mean “the entire human race”. The problem with doing this is that it is simply incorrect, and brings about many serious misunderstandings about what the Bible teaches. A brief study will show that the phrase “all men”, when understood in context, often means a group of humans which are much fewer in number than the entire race.
Here are three common uses of this phrase. “All men” can mean:
1. All men under consideration: This is used when a task or circumstance involves a group of people, and that specific whole group is being addressed.
a. Here is an example: “All men are expected to report on deck at 0800 for inspection.” Whoever issued that directive would be dismayed if the entire human race showed up on deck at 0800 in the morning – it would sink that ship! Obviously, the all men under consideration are those who work on that particular ship.
b. A Bible example: “Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.” (3John 12) The entire human race did not receive a good report of Demetrius; in fact, some people had died before Demetrius was even born, and so received no report of him at all. But among the people who did receive some report of Demetrius (those under consideration), all of those people received a good report.
2. All men without distinction: This is used when a group of people are being addressed and their usual categories (young, old, male, female, rich, poor, tall, short, etc.) are unimportant in the matter being discussed.
a. Here is an example: “All men like ice cream.” This cannot mean the entire human race; some individuals are lactose intolerant. Others do not even care much for sweets of any kind. But fondness for ice cream transcends many categories, and so young, old, male, female, rich, poor, tall, short, and many types of people like ice cream. This usage really means “All kinds of men”.
b. A Bible example: “So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.” (Acts 4:21) The entire human race did not glorify God for the miracle God had blessed Peter and John to do. In fact, they were on trial before religious rulers who not only did not glorify God for it, but were seeking to punish those involved in the miracle. But, all kinds of men – young, old, male, female, rich, poor, tall, short, etc. – did indeed glorify God for that miracle, because a man whom they knew had been lame from birth now could walk and even leap around.
3. All men without exception: This is used when the entire human race is being discussed. It is used in the Bible, but not used very often – certainly not as often as many think.
a. Here is an example: “All men need oxygen to survive”. Is this not true without any exception? A child in the womb receives oxygen through the umbilical cord of the mother, a scuba diver receives oxygen from the compressed air in his tank, and an astronaut receives oxygen from the generating system in his space craft or space suit.
b. A Bible example: “But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,” (John 2:24) Jesus Christ knows all men, without exception. He knows what is in each and every human being, and he knows them that are his.
The above discussion about the phrase “all men” also applies to Bible uses of the word “all” and to the phrase “every man”.
Why is this understanding important? It helps prevent misunderstandings about what the Bible actually teaches, and resolves some apparent contradictions, so that more of the perfect harmony which is in scripture may be learned and enjoyed. For example:
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” (John 12:32)
Notice here that the Lord Jesus Christ did not say that he would only draw all men toward him, or in his direction, and that it was up to them and their choice as to whether or not they would actually get to him. He said he would draw all men “unto” him! If this particular “all men” is interpreted to mean “the entire human race”, then the entire human race will come “unto” him, and all will be in heaven. If this were so, then the final judgment events written in 2 Thessalonians 1:9 and Revelation 20:15 would make no sense whatsoever.
But if “all men” in John 12:32 means “all men without distinction,” then the verse makes perfect sense: God has his people in all categories, all walks of life, and Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross (when he was lifted up) will bring them unto him without fail. In fact, the “all men” in this verse are the same as the word “all” in John 6:37, which reads:
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
JULY 17, 2022
Some of the Psalms (I count 13 of them) mention the occasion when David wrote them. I have tried to arrange these in chronological order. It may provide some insight into David’s age and circumstances when the Holy Spirit inspired him to write. On some occasions, he was very young (20’s), but one seems to have been written just before his death (70). On some occasions, he was in danger or grief; on others, he was in thanksgiving and triumph. So, here they are:
#1. PSALM 56 (see I Samuel 21:10-15)
To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath.
56:1 Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.
56:2 Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High.
56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
56:4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
56:5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.
56:6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.
56:7 Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God.
56:8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
56:9 When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.
56:10 In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.
56:11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
56:12 Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.
56:13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?
#2. PSALM 34 (see I Samuel 21:10-15)
A Psalm of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed.
34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
34:2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
34:3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
34:5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
34:9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
34:11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
34:12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
34:13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
34:15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
34:16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
34:17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
34:20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
34:21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
34:22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.
#3. PSALM 52 (see I Samuel 22:9-23)
To the chief Musician, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech.
52:1 Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.
52:2 Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
52:3 Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.
52:4 Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.
52:5 God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.
52:6 The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him:
52:7 Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.
52:8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.
52:9 I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.
#4. PSALM 57 (see I Samuel 22:1-5)
To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave.
57:1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.
57:2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
57:3 He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.
57:4 My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
57:5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.
57:6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.
57:7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
57:8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
57:9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
57:10 For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
57:11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
#5. PSALM 63 (see I Samuel 23:1-18)
A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
63:1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
63:2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
63:3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
63:4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
63:5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:
63:6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.
63:7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
63:8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
63:9 But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
63:10 They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes.
63:11 But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.
#6. PSALM 54 (see I Samuel 26:1-25)
To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when the Ziphims came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us?
54:1 Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.
54:2 Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.
54:3 For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.
54:4 Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.
54:5 He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.
54:6 I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good.
54:7 For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.
#7. PSALM 18
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said,
18:1 I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
18:3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
18:4 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.
18:5 The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.
18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
18:7 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.
18:8 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
18:9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.
18:10 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.
18:11 He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.
18:12 At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.
18:13 The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.
18:14 Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.
18:15 Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.
18:16 He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.
18:17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.
18:18 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.
18:19 He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
18:20 The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
18:21 For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
18:22 For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me.
18:23 I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.
18:24 Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.
18:25 With the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt show thyself upright;
18:26 With the pure thou wilt show thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt show thyself froward.
18:27 For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.
18:28 For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
18:29 For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
18:31 For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
18:32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
18:33 He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
18:34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
18:36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.
18:37 I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.
18:38 I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.
18:39 For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.
18:40 Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.
18:41 They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the LORD, but he answered them not.
18:42 Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets.
18:43 Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me.
18:44 As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.
18:45 The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places.
18:46 The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
18:47 It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.
18:48 He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
18:49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
18:50 Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and showeth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.
#8. PSALM 30 (see II Samuel 5:11-12)
A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David.
30:1 I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.
30:2 O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.
30:3 O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
30:4 Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
30:6 And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.
30:7 LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.
30:8 I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication.
30:9 What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?
30:10 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.
30:11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
30:12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
#9. PSALM 60 (see II Samuel 8:13-15)
To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand.
60:1 O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.
60:2 Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.
60:3 Thou hast showed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.
60:4 Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.
60:5 That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me.
60:6 God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.
60:7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;
60:8 Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me.
60:9 Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?
60:10 Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?
60:11 Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.
60:12 Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.
#10. PSALM 51 (see II Samuel 12:1-15)
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.
51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
51:2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
51:3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
51:4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
51:8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
51:9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
51:13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
51:14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
51:15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.
51:16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
51:18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
51:19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
#11. PSALM 7
Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite.
7:1 O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:
7:2 Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.
7:3 O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;
7:4 If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)
7:5 Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.
7:6 Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded.
7:7 So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high.
7:8 The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.
7:9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.
7:10 My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.
7:11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
7:12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
7:13 He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.
7:14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.
7:15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.
7:16 His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.
7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
#12. PSALM 3 (see II Samuel 15:13-37)
A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.
3:1 LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
3:2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3:3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
3:4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
3:5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
3:6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
3:7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
3:8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
#13. PSALM 72 see (I Kings 1:1 – 2:11)
A Psalm for Solomon.
72:1 Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son.
72:2 He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.
72:3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
72:4 He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
72:5 They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
72:6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.
72:7 In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.
72:8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
72:9 They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.
72:10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
72:11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
72:12 For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.
72:13 He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
72:14 He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
72:15 And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised.
72:16 There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.
72:17 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.
72:18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.
72:19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
72:20 The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.
JULY 4, 2022
Happy Independence Day, 2022
“But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 1:25)
JUNE 29, 2022
“The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.” (Proverbs 15:31)
Definition of reproof: criticism for a fault : REBUKE
– according to Merriam-Webster online dictionary
JUNE 26, 2022
“Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.” (Matthew 18:14)
Early feminists were pro-life in their arguments on behalf of human rights for women.
In the U.S. in the late 20th century and early 21st century, most feminists have been pro-choice. When feminism first began, however, the pioneers of feminism were pro-life. Consider the following quotes from some of the early leaders of the women’s rights movement:
• “Guilty? Yes. No matter what the motive, love of ease, or a desire to save from suffering the unborn innocent, the woman is awfully guilty who commits the deed. It will burden her conscience in life, it will burden her soul in death; But oh, thrice guilty is he who drove her to the desperation which impelled her to the crime!” – Susan B. Anthony, from “The Revolution, 4(1):4 July 8, 1869
• “When we consider that women are treated as property, it is degrading to women that we should treat our children as property to be disposed of as we see fit. – Elizabeth Cady Stanton (Letter to Julia Ward Howe, October 16, 1873, recorded in Howe’s diary at Harvard University Library)
• “The custom of procuring abortions has reached such appalling proportions in America as to be beyond belief…So great is the misery of the working classes that seventeen abortions are committed in every one hundred pregnancies.” – Emma Goldman (Mother Earth, 1911)
• “When a man steals to satisfy hunger, we may safely conclude that there is something wrong in society – so when a woman destroys the life of her unborn child, it is an evidence that either by education or circumstances she has been greatly wronged.” – Mattie Brinkerhoff (The Revolution, 3(9):138-9 September 2, 1869)
• “The rights of children as individuals begin while yet they remain the foetus.” -Victoria Woodhull (Woodhull’s and Claffin’s Weekly 2(6):4 December 24, 1870)
• “Every woman knows that if she were free, she would never bear an unwished-for child, nor think of murdering one before its birth.” – Victoria Woodhull (Wheeling, West Virginia Evening Standard, November 17, 1875)
• “Child murderers practice their profession without let or hindrance, and open infant butcheries unquestioned…Is there no remedy for all this ante-natal child murder?…Perhaps there will come a time when…an unmarried mother will not be despised because of her motherhood…and when the right of the unborn to be born will not be denied or interfered with.” -Sarah Norton
(Woodhull’s and Claffin’s Weekly, November 19, 1870)
• “Women becoming, consequently, weaker…than they ought to be…have not sufficient strength to discharge the first duty of a mother; and sacrificing to lasciviousness the parental affection…either destroy the embryo in the womb, or cast if off when born. Nature in every thing demands respect, and those who violate her laws seldom violate them with impunity.” – Mary Wollenstonecraft (“A Vindication of the Rights of Women”, 1792)
The pro-life position is truly more consistent with rational feminism. If one believes women should have rights as well as men, then it is consistent to believe that children have certain basic human rights, also – starting at conception. Remember, roughly half of the 60 million aborted in the U.S. since 1973 were little women.
JUNE 15, 2022
To Slay an Innocent Person
“Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.”
(Deuteronomy 27:25)
Abortion has been debated throughout much of history, but the debate has grown particularly sharp during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. In the United States, abortion was illegal in every state prior to 1965, when it was made legal in Colorado for certain specific reasons. A few more states followed shortly thereafter. In 1970, Hawaii made abortions legal simply at the mother’s request (i.e., “abortion on demand”). In 1973, the Roe v. Wade decision declared that abortion on demand must be legal in every state. The abortion debate has continued to rage from then until the present day. Over 60 million have been aborted in the United States since that decision.
Those who favor few or no restrictions on abortion typically use the title “pro-choice”, while those who favor clear legal restrictions on abortion (e.g., making abortion illegal except when it is necessary to save the life of the mother) typically use the title “pro-life”. I advocate the “pro-life” position.
Many people are uncertain about the protection of life, and confuse abortion with different “killing” issues such as hunting, or warfare, or execution of violent criminals. But the issues are quite clear:
• Capital punishment kills convicted criminals, who are rarely innocent. (See Gen. 9:1-6, Matt 26:52)
• Warfare kills armed combatants, who are rarely helpless. (See Heb 11:32-34)
• Hunting kills other species of animals, which are not human. (See I Timothy 4:1-5)
• Abortion kills innocent, helpless, human children, who are persons.
We may advocate the pro-life position in at least two ways: (I) From a religious viewpoint, based on the Bible. (II) From a non-religious, common-sense, human rights viewpoint. Let us look at both.
Abortion as a Human Rights Issue
Without invoking any formal religion directly, the pro-life position may be advocated as a simple human rights issue. This section looks at the following supporting arguments:
1. The fetus is a live human being.
2. Pro-choice arguments show a strong similarity to pro-slavery arguments.
3. Early feminists were pro-life in their arguments on behalf of human rights for women.
1. The fetus is a live human being. It should be a point of common agreement among most reasonable people that it is wrong for any person to kill an innocent human being.
It will not do to say, “We do not know if the fetus prior to birth is a human being or not. So we will just leave the matter to the conscience of each individual, and thus abortion may proceed in an unrestricted manner.” This would be like a deer hunter who sees a motion in the bushes saying, “I do not know if the force moving those bushes is a deer, a dog, a breeze, or a human, but I consider it non-human and so I will shoot anyway!” That is a dangerous and irresponsible way to reason. Such a person should not get a hunting license!
In order to rationally make such a decision, one must give a widely accepted definition of the term “human being” and then show why the fetus does not fulfill that definition, before proceeding with abortion. In the article below, Mr. Scott Klusendorf addresses the typical reasons pro-choice advocates give to claim that the fetus is not human, and shows why those reasons are faulty:
*****************************************
The “SLED” Argument
by Scott Klusendorf,
Director of Bio-Ethics, Stand to Reason
There is only one question to resolve: What is the Unborn?
Before reviewing the SLED argument I shall address three issues that are frequently brought up by Pro-abortionists. They are:
• Privacy – Women have the right to privacy. ANSWER: Yes, But does the right to privacy include the right to mistreat your own toddler as long as you do it in your own bedroom? Clearly not. If the unborn are human then they deserve the same care and protection the toddler has.
• Economic hardship – Can’t afford another child. You would force a poor woman to have a child she can’t afford? ANSWER: When human beings get expensive can we kill them? Can we execute toddlers if it will make the family budget easier? Clearly not.
• Forcing morality – You’re trying to force your morality on us! ANSWER: Don’t you think the mother who has the abortion is forcing her morality on her unborn offspring? RESPONSE: It’s not the same thing. You’re assuming that the unborn are human. ANSWER: Ah! And you’re assuming that they are not!
The Issue is not Privacy, Economic Hardship, or Forcing One’s Morality On Another. It’s one thing: “What Is The Unborn?” People who make arguments for abortion would never use those arguments to justify killing toddlers. The only reason they do is that they are making a fundamental assumption that the unborn are not fully human. This brings us to the SLED argument.
———–
In the S-L-E-D Argument, we show that there is no relevant difference between a child in the womb, and one outside the womb. The unborn differ from the born in only four ways, and none of those ways are relevant.
Here is the SLED argument:
S – Size: The unborn entity is smaller than a newborn. True. But since when has size had anything to do with the rights that people have? A Pro basketball player is larger than the first lady, but does that mean he is more of a person?
L – Level of Development: A four-year old is less developed than a 22 year old. The 22 year old has a fully developed reproductive system, but we don’t say that a four year old is less of a person. If robots could do all that humans do, would that make them human? Clearly functional ability and development are not what make us human.
E – Environment: Where the child is. It has to do with where you are. When people tell me that birth is what makes the fetus human, I ask this question, “How does a change in location suddenly transform a non-human tissue blob into a human being?” You won’t get a good answer to this because there isn’t one. Location does not determine who you are. “Where you are has no bearing on who you are.” [quote by Dr. Frank Beckworth]
D– Degree of Dependency (Viability): If viability is what makes you human, that means that those that are on insulin, those that depend on heart pacemakers, those that depend on kidney machines, are not people and we may kill them. It also means that John Glenn is not a person when he is in space. Clearly, viability is not what makes us human.
*****************************
The human embryo is a living organism, with the 23 chromosome genetic code of humanity, with a different genetic pattern than the mother, so that a blue-eyed female may have a green-eyed male within her womb. It cannot be just a part of the mother’s body – what woman has two heartbeats? (Heartbeat occurs in 3 weeks, brainwaves are measurable in 7, all organs function in 8, fingerprints are present in 9, pain is felt in 10 weeks.) The honest scientific evidence strongly favors the conclusion that the embryo, or fetus, is a human being, within but not part of the mother’s body, whose rights should be recognized and protected.
2. Pro-choice arguments show a strong similarity to pro-slavery arguments. In the United States in the early nineteenth century, citizens debated the issue of slavery from a human rights standpoint. Today, we look upon the pro-slavery arguments as ridiculous, and are amazed anyone could have ever supported them. But it is surprising how similar the pro-choice arguments are! Consider these parallels:
• If you think slavery is wrong, then don’t own one. If you think abortion is wrong, then don’t have one.
• It’s my property and my choice what I do with it. It’s my body and my choice what I do with it.
• The government shouldn’t interfere with states’ rights. The government shouldn’t interfere with women’s rights.
• If the slaves were free, they couldn’t take care of themselves. If abortion were stopped, there would be unwanted children.
• It’s all right to sleep with them, but they are not equal. It’s all right to use their organs and tissue, but they are not people.
• People will own slaves anyway, so we should just regulate the trade. People will have abortions anyway, so we should just make them hygienic.
• They sing, they weep, they pray, but do they have souls? They have heartbeats, brainwaves, distinct genetic codes, but are they human?
The argument really does come down to the humanity of the slave and the humanity of the child before birth. In the past, human beings were treated as pieces of property; today, human beings are treated as pieces of tissue. Human beings of any race, and of any stage of development, need to be cherished.
3. Early feminists were pro-life in their arguments on behalf of human rights for women. In the U.S. in the late 20th century and early 21st century, most feminists have been pro-choice. When feminism first began, however, and required more courage, the pioneers of feminism were pro-life. Consider the following quotes from the leaders of the women’s rights movement:
• “Guilty? Yes. No matter what the motive, love of ease, or a desire to save from suffering the unborn innocent, the woman is awfully guilty who commits the deed. It will burden her conscience in life, it will burden her soul in death; But oh, thrice guilty is he who drove her to the desperation which impelled her to the crime!” – Susan B. Anthony, from “The Revolution, 4(1):4 July 8, 1869
• “When we consider that women are treated as property, it is degrading to women that we should treat our children as property to be disposed of as we see fit. – Elizabeth Cady Stanton (Letter to Julia Ward Howe, October 16, 1873, recorded in Howe’s diary at Harvard University Library)
• “The custom of procuring abortions has reached such appalling proportions in America as to be beyond belief…So great is the misery of the working classes that seventeen abortions are committed in every one hundred pregnancies.” – Emma Goldman (Mother Earth, 1911)
• “When a man steals to satisfy hunger, we may safely conclude that there is something wrong in society – so when a woman destroys the life of her unborn child, it is an evidence that either by education or circumstances she has been greatly wronged.” – Mattie Brinkerhoff (The Revolution, 3(9):138-9 September 2, 1869)
• “The rights of children as individuals begin while yet they remain the foetus.” -Victoria Woodhull (Woodhull’s and Claffin’s Weekly 2(6):4 December 24, 1870)
• “Every woman knows that if she were free, she would never bear an unwished-for child, nor think of murdering one before its birth.” – Victoria Woodhull (Wheeling, West Virginia Evening Standard, November 17, 1875)
• “Child murderers practice their profession without let or hindrance, and open infant butcheries unquestioned…Is there no remedy for all this ante-natal child murder?…Perhaps there will come a time when…an unmarried mother will not be despised because of her motherhood…and when the right of the unborn to be born will not be denied or interfered with.” -Sarah Norton (Woodhull’s and Claffin’s Weekly, November 19, 1870)
• “Women becoming, consequently, weaker…than they ought to be…have not sufficient strength to discharge the first duty of a mother; and sacrificing to lasciviousness the parental affection…either destroy the embryo in the womb, or cast if off when born. Nature in every thing demands respect, and those who violate her laws seldom violate them with impunity.” – Mary Wollenstonecraft (“A Vindication of the Rights of Women”, 1792)
The pro-life position is truly more consistent with rational feminism. If one believes women should have rights as well as men, then it is consistent to believe that children have certain basic human rights, also – starting at conception. Remember, about half of the 60 million aborted in the U.S. since 1973 were little women.
Abortion as a Bible Issue
Not everyone at this point in time accepts the authority of the Bible. I do, and believe that Jesus is the Christ, God the Son, and the fully human Savior of all His people. Here are some scriptures to consider in regard to abortion:
a. [Genesis 2:7] And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Note: Some argue here that, because Adam did not become a living soul until God breathed into his nostrils, a baby does not become human until it breathes air. This reasoning is faulty. This was a one-time, unique act in the creation of the first man, not the process of switching from breathing amniotic fluid to air that takes place in every generation since then, and thus provides no guidance in the starting point of personhood. Adam changed from lifeless dust to a living soul; a baby changes from a living being inside the womb to a living being outside the womb when it first breathes air. It is very doubtful that “the breath of life” breathed by God is the same as “air” which we regularly breathe.
b. [Exodus 21:22-25] If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman’s husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
Note: Some would use the above scripture to justify abortion, reasoning that an attacker could pay off a father for a miscarried child, and so they claim that the loss of the unborn fetus is not morally equivalent to the death of an older person. This reasoning is faulty. First, this scripture does not describe a premeditated act, like abortion on demand. Second, the Hebrew expression for “her fruit depart from her” comes from the two Hebrew words: yeled, or “born child” and yasa “comes forth” (as in Gen 1:24, Gen 15:4, I Kings 8:19). It is very different from the Hebrew word nepel “untimely birth” (as in Job 3:16, Eccles 6:4, Psa 58:8) or saka “cast their young” (as in Gen 31:38, Exo 23:26, Hos 9:14). Exodus 21:22-25 thus speaks, not of a miscarriage caused by a struggle, but of a premature birth caused by a struggle. If a miscarriage results, or the death of the child, from this struggle, this scripture requires a life for a life. The unborn baby is thus equal in value to the born adult, and equally protected by the law God gave by Moses.
c. [Psa 51:5] Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Note: David was a sinner as a just-conceived embryo, and thus must have been a human being at that time.
d. [Psa 139:13-16] For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
Note: The psalmist was covered by God in the womb of his mother before he was born.
e. [Prov 24:11-12] If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?
Note: God expects us to help in delivering those innocent human beings who are scheduled to be slain.
f. [Prov 31:8] Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
Note: We should speak up for those appointed to die, who cannot speak for themselves.
g. [Jeremiah 1:4-5] Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
Note: God sanctified Jeremiah before he came out of his mother’s womb.
h. [Luke 1:41] And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: (see also verse 44)
Note: John the Baptist, Elisabeth’s child, was regenerate before he was born, and thus a human being in the womb.
i. [I John 1:9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Note: If a person has had an abortion, or participated in an abortion, there is forgiveness and cleansing in the Lord Jesus Christ, when that person confesses her or his sin to God. God blesses repentance toward Him.
From the point of view of inspired scripture, abortion takes a human life, and innocent human life should be considered precious, and protected. A good government therefore should have the same duty to protect a human fetus as it does to protect any other innocent human being.
We can and should vote, speak up, write, minister to scared mothers, pray, and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
MARCH 12, 2022
“In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.” (Isaiah 63:9)
“Angel” means “a messenger”, and in the Bible “angel” can mean (1) human beings who bring messages from God, or (2) those bright and mighty spiritual beings who minister to the heirs of grace.
But there is a third meaning: Only one angel was afflicted with all the afflictions of his people, and redeemed them – and that is the Lord Jesus Christ.
FEBRUARY 24, 2022
“God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.
That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.” (Psalm 67:1-2)
God’s blessings – the shining of His face, the knowledge of His way, and the health of His salvation – are not earned by us. They come to us by the mercy and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, bestowed upon His people in all nations, and earned by Him upon the cross. Let us pray for God’s mercy.
FEBRUARY 4, 2022
[John 8:7] “So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”
[John 12:32-33] “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die.”
The Lord states He will draw “all men unto me”. The “all men” is the same as “all that the Father giveth me” in John 6:37.
John 12:32 does not teach that Jesus Christ would merely draw these people closer. The phrase “unto me” teaches that they will ultimately be with Him, where He is, forever (See John 17:24). No one for whom he is lifted up, and no one whom he draws, will fail to arrive in everlasting glory.
And the woman in John 8:7 – whose adultery He condemned, but whose life He cherished – will be among them, because He lifted up Himself for her.
FEBRUARY 1, 2022
[John 8:10-11] “When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
Many of us often fall into one of two extremes: (1) Legalism – “I condemn you, and you should sin no more,” or (2) Amorality – “I don’t condemn you, and you just go on sinning!”
Hate sin, and love sinners. Wouldn’t living be better if we could imitate the love and the balance of the Lord Jesus Christ?
JANUARY 30, 2022
[I Corinthians 2:11] “For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.”
Before being born again by the Spirit of God, a human being has a human spirit which knows “the things of a man”. This human spirit functions within the realm of fallen humanity, but it is dead in trespasses and sins, and is separate from God, and cannot know “the things of God”. For example, before being born again, a human being may know how to add and subtract, but does not know how to truly love or pray.
Since “the things of God” include the gospel of God, the church of God, and other such “things” – then none of these “things” can be instrumental in being born again!
So how is one born again? It must be by the direct work of God Himself, not the “things of God.” That direct work of God causes his Spirit to dwell within the person, causing them to be born again. Then, and only then, that person has the ability to know the “things of God.”
So the person who can hear, believe, and obey the gospel has already been born again, before the gospel can have any positive effect at all.
God alone saves a person from death unto life. After that, the gospel can be effective in saving that person from the darkness of this world unto the light of truth. Let us speak that truth in love.
JANUARY 29, 2022
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19)
“Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.” (1 Corinthians 14:29-32)
Primitive Baptists, like almost every group of humans on earth, have their “lingo,” or peculiar expressions. One needs to take care when using any lingo, because some people may not understand it, and you want to be understood. Learning the lingo of any group, however, enables you to communicate more efficiently with that particular group, and can prevent misunderstandings.
Among the aspects of Primitive Baptist lingo are the expressions commonly used to invite someone to address a congregation. If a speaker does not understand these expressions, most congregations are charitable enough to understand a time or two. If he continues to ignore them, however, it often will cause those congregations to dread that person being called upon again, or will cause them to feel nervous. A speaker should not make the mistake of thinking that if he gets carried away and speaks for very, very long, it must surely be “of the Lord”. The preaching examples we have from scripture are pretty short! It is best to understand this lingo, and if possible, keep these conventions.
So, here are some of the most widely used expressions for inviting brothers to speak:
1. “Lead us in prayer” means: Take about 1 minute to greet the congregation, and then pray out loud.
2. “Introduce services and lead in prayer” means: Take no more than 10 minutes to speak on a scripture or lesson about Jesus Christ, and pray out loud. If you have nothing on your mind, or you cannot confine your remarks to 10 minutes, then simply pray out loud and sit down.
3. “Share the time” means: Estimate the total preaching time (e.g., if preaching for morning worship begins at 11:00am, there are about 60 minutes, and if it starts at 10:30am, there are about 90 minutes. Then divide this total by the number of speakers mentioned. I been at meetings where there was a 60 minute preaching total time, but 5 men were called to speak. You do the math – each brother taking over 12 minutes would have been quietly thought to be infringing on others.
4. “Take the time” or “This is your appointment” means: Speak until you finish the subject on your heart, or until the congregation becomes weary. Remember – most attention spans are short! Try not to spend much time on pleasantries or self-criticism; just concentrate on your text, and tell how that scripture points to the Lord Jesus Christ.
JANUARY 12, 2022
[Judges 7:9-10] “And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Arise, get thee down unto the host; for I have delivered it into thine hand. But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host:”
The Lord God required Gideon to confront a great enemy with very few men. But he did not require him to face it alone; God said he could go with his servant. You don’t have to face your enemy alone, either – you can take your servants.
Who are your servants?
[II Corinthians 4:5] “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.”
JANUARY 6, 2022
[Psalm 56:13] For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?
To “deliver” is to “save”. The prayer in this verse of Psalm 56 essentially says, “Lord, you have saved me from death, won’t you save me from stumbling?”
And Psalm 116 provides the result of such a prayer: [Psalm 116:8-9] For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
God does exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.
JANUARY 5, 2022
“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” [John 6:44]
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” [Romans 8:14]
Before the new birth (regeneration), man will not, and cannot come to the Lord Jesus Christ, and so God the Father draws him to the Savior, just as one would “draw” an inanimate bucket of water from a well. The term “draw” actually carries the same meaning as the word “drag”!
After the new birth, God the Spirit leads His child, as one would lead a living creature such as a horse, for that child has new life in Christ Jesus, and is a new creature. May we follow that leadership.
DECEMBER 25, 2021
“For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” [John 6:38]
These are the words of the Lord Jesus Christ. He stated that he “came down from heaven”! How can Jesus be merely a great teacher, or only a great prophet, saying things like this?
Either: (1) he was a liar, or (2) he was a bit loony, or (3) he actually came down from heaven, and stated the truth he knew about himself.
Evidence is abundant that option (3) is the correct choice. It’s the one I believe – that the little child whom Mary laid in a manger is the Son of the living God. He created the universe, and he rules it even now. He died for his people, and rose from the dead.
DECEMBER 18, 2021
[Mark 6:16] But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
[17] For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her.
[18] For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.”
Wow! John the Baptist basically told Herod, “The sexual relationship you are in is wrong.”
What would the Lord Jesus say about someone as judgmental as John the Baptist? Well, even after John had made the above statement, Jesus Christ said the following about John the Baptist:
[Matthew 11:11] Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
[Matthew 21:32] For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
[John 5:33] Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.
[34] But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
[35] He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
DECEMBER 16, 2021
“The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.” (Proverbs 16:1)
Though his body did not stop functioning for 930 years, Adam died in trespasses and sins in the day he ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, according to God’s word. All of his descendants except one, Jesus Christ, were conceived with Adam’s fallen nature. This fallen nature, dead in trespasses and sins, has a heart prepared unto wickedness (Jeremiah 17:9) and a tongue prepared unto deceit (Romans 3:13). If these preparations remain unchanged, then God is fair and just to condemn every such person.
The good news of the gospel is that Jesus Christ paid in full for the sins of God’s chosen, and that God changes the hearts and tongues of Christ’s redeemed. When people are born again in regeneration, God then prepares their hearts unto belief, and prepares their tongues unto confession.
Having been born again before they are even able to call upon the Lord, these people have been saved unto LIFE eternal. Following this new birth, they are now able to call upon the name of the Lord, and be saved unto LIGHT:
“But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:” (2Timothy 1:10)
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
DECEMBER 6, 2021
“Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.” (Proverbs 20:10)
God hates (it is an abomination to him) when a seller uses one set of measurements to sell gullible or weaker customers less of a product than they should receive, while using another set of measurements for cleverer or stronger customers.
God hates it when a government enforces the laws differently upon one group than upon a another group.
God – who is sovereign and does as he pleases – still so consistently applies and enforces his laws, that God the Father sent God the Son to earth as a human, Jesus of Nazareth, and poured out the penalty of those laws upon him. The Lord Jesus Christ took the convictions of God’s laws, and served the full sentences of God’s laws, for all whom he represented. They are blessed with his righteousness forever.
NOVEMBER 27, 2021
[II Corinthians 9:15] “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”
The Lord Jesus Christ (who has successfully given everlasting life to each of His people, and will not lose one of them) is God’s unspeakable gift.
How so? Can we not speak His name? Certainly – we can and should speak His name. Can we not speak of His deeds, or His beauty, or His power? Certainly – we can and we should.
But God’s gift is unspeakable because we will never speak it all. We will not get the matter completely told, as much as we delight to try. The story will exceed words, even if our language becomes perfect.
To modify a famous hymn: When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the the sun… we’ll sing in glory the endless story of what our Lord has done!
NOVEMBER 25, 2021
[Numbers 20:12-13] “And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them.”
Moses and Aaron had failed to SANCTIFY the Lord in the EYES of the children of Israel, and yet the Lord himself was still SANCTIFIED in the children of Israel.
Moses and Aaron were in grief; their sister Miriam had just died. They were also angry; the children of Israel were needing water and wishing they were still in Egypt! So, disbelieving and disobeying God, Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to the rock – and water came forth, but Moses and Aaron were forbidden by God to enter Canaan.
God’s thirsty children often murmur, and God’s ministers, for one reason or another, may sometimes fail to sanctify (or set apart) the Lord in the perception of God’s children. Still, the Lord Jesus Christ sanctifies himself in every one of his own children, for his own name’s sake, in his own purpose, by his own finished work, unto his own glory – and he shall not lose a single one.
NOVEMBER 18, 2021
“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” (Isaiah 57:15)
God is “omnipresent,” and can be in any place and in any time he desires, and be in any or all of them together, if it is his pleasure. He inhabits eternity. He starts and stops time. If there are “multiverses’ beyond this universe, He reigns over them, too, and He reigns absolutely and forever, doing all his purpose.
But in the scripture above, God mentions two places where he especially dwells: (1) The “high and holy place,” and (2) With “him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit”.
How curious – God has a high dwelling, and an innumerable number of very lowly dwellings. Think of the depths which the Lord Jesus Christ suffered on the cross, in order to purchase these poor dwellings! But God is successfully accomplishing, person by person, a wonderful renovation plan. He never fails or loses a person he has chosen for this regeneration. In fact, God will eventually bring all these that are of an humble and contrite spirit into the high and holy place. Think of that homecoming!
NOVEMBER 17, 2021
[Psalm 23:1] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
When I am weary, I shall not want for rest and refreshment, because:
[2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
When I am empty, I shall not want for replenishment and guidance, because:
[3] He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
When I face dark times, I shall not want for company and consolation, because:
[4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
When I face opposition, I shall not want for bounty and blessing, because:
[5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
When I go through this life, I shall not want for favor and forgiveness, because:
[6a] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
When I face death, I shall not want for hope, because:
[6b] and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
This good shepherd’s name is Jesus, and he is Christ the Lord.
NOVEMBER 15, 2021
[Ephesians 4:23-24] “…And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
The “new man” is a work of divine CREATION – not a work of spiritual EVOLUTION, or religious process.
The “new man” dwells within a human being as the result of the new birth. The Bible also refers to the new birth as being “born again” or “regenerated,” or sometimes uses the terms “called” or “quickened”.
The new man does not come into existence by responding correctly to the prayers of loved ones, the preaching of the gospel, or the “promptings” of the Spirit, where the “old man” finally makes the correct choice and evolves into a new man. Jesus Christ taught that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
So, how does God create the “new man”? Much as he created light. God speaks, and the “new man” comes into being, without failure and without delay (See John 5:25).
NOVEMBER 2, 2021
[Daniel 7:25] And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
When and how this prophecy has been, or will be, fulfilled, is not known to me yet. But it seems so applicable now:
– So many people in authority speak against the name of Jesus Christ.
– So many of the saints seem worn out.
– The time changes again in a few days! Watch for worse changes.
– Laws are numerous, complex, ignored, sporadically enforced, malleable.
– The period of this trial is only of limited duration.
The dominions of all enemies of the Lord are finite, but God’s dominion endures forever, and the Lord Jesus Christ will reign with His saints:
[Daniel 7:26] But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.
[Daniel 7:27] And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
NOVEMBER 1, 2021
When we see the word “save” in the Bible, we should not always jump to the conclusion that it refers to “eternal salvation,” but we should interpret the word in context, according to the scriptures around it.
Below are some Bible verses, in which I have capitalized the word “SAVE” or “SAVED”. In some of these verses, SAVE means “to deliver from sin and death unto everlasting life in Jesus Christ”. I designate these with the words: ETERNAL SALVATION. In other cases, it means something else, and I try to briefly say what that is:
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall SAVE his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21) ETERNAL SALVATION
And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, SAVE us: we perish. (Matthew 8:25 – note: The disciples are asking Jesus Christ to save them from shipwreck and drowning.)
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, SAVE me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. (John 12:27 -note: Jesus Christ is stating that He will not be saved from the hour of His death.)
And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to SAVE the world. (John 12:47) ETERNAL SALVATION (“world” here does not mean “all humanity” but means “all the Father gave the Son” – in fact, “the world” here equals “his people” in Matthew 1:21).
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be SAVED, even as they. (Acts 15:11) ETERNAL SALVATION
Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be SAVED. (Acts 27:31 – note: Paul is warning that, without sailors on board, some of the people in their ship will drown.)
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be SAVED from wrath through him. (Romans 5:9) ETERNAL SALVATION
For we are SAVED by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? (Romans 8:24 – note: Paul writes that hope in Christ saves us from despair and darkness.)
The context is very important, isn’t it? It helps us to see more of the wonderful harmony within the Bible.
OCTOBER 28, 2021
[Psalm 18:35] Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
When the Holy Spirit inspired David to write the above, David had faced a lion, a bear, a giant, and a jealous king who sought his life – how could he sing of the gentleness of God?
He was aware of facts: God had provided him a shield of salvation he did not deserve. Though he was a sinner unworthy of God’s touch, the holy, harmless, undefiled Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, had held him up.
Even with the challenges David faced, God was indeed gentle to him, and that gentleness was the source of David’s greatness. It is the source of any real greatness in the human race today.
OCTOBER 7, 2021
[John 5:43] I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
[John 6:35] And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
[John 8:12] Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
[John 8:58] Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
[John 10:7] Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
[John 10:11] I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
[John 10:36] Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
[John 11:25] Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
[John 13:13] Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
[John 14:6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
[John 15:5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
[John 18:6] As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
OCTOBER 6, 2021
[I Chronicles 29:26] Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel.
[27] And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.
[28] And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.
When David was a boy, his family thought so little of him that they didn’t even invite him in to the meal where Samuel eventually anointed him (I Samuel 16). Later on, he defeated Goliath (I Samuel 17).
When David was a young man, he was running for his life from Saul the king, and had to pretend to be insane to escape from the land of the Philistines, where he had tried to hide (I Samuel 21). Later on, all of Israel came and asked him to be king (II Samuel 5).
When David was an older man, he was fleeing for his life from his own son, Absalom, who had taken over the throne and was seeking to kill David to keep that throne (II Samuel 15). Later on, David returned to the throne, and died in riches and honor, with the son he chose seated upon his throne – as is written in the verses above (I Chron. 29).
No matter how bad things may seem now or what you may have lost, trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and keep on going – don’t give up
OCTOBER 5, 2021
“How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?” (John 5:44)
These are the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, who was despised and rejected of men, who humbled himself and became obedient unto the death of the cross, whom God has highly exalted and given a name above every other name.
So, what about us? From whom do we seek honor? Have we become so fond of “Likes” that we have difficulty committing ourselves to Love? Has it become difficult for us to believe the word of God, which abides forever?
OCTOBER 4, 2021
[Romans 7:21] “I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.”
[Psalm 46:1] “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
The Bible’s combination of gritty realism and resplendent hope comforts me greatly: Evil is Present (see Romans 7:21 above), but GOD is Very Present (see Psalm 46:1 anove).
No matter how I may hunger and thirst after righteousness, I must contend with the law of sin which dwells in my body until I give up the ghost and leave this fallen world. But the Lord Jesus Christ states, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Surely such people are now blessed, even in trouble, for their hunger is evidence of spiritual life, and that life is the result of God living in their hearts.
God, who is Very Present within them, is righteous, and they shall eventually be filled with the righteousness of God.
OCTOBER 2, 2021
[Proverbs 16:31] The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
Grey hair can be a crown, or merely a color. We can grow old, or merely get old. What makes the difference? The way of righteousness.
Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Jesus Christ is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (I Corinthians 1:30). The way of His righteousness is love.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2021
“But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” (I Peter 4:15-16)
While living in this world, we do not get to choose between: (1) suffering, or (2) not suffering. We only get to choose between: (1) suffering from our own wickedness, or (2) suffering from trying to follow Jesus Christ.
May God bless us to choose well.
SEPTEMBER 17, 2021
“And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him. But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.” [Judges 16:20-21]
A good parent will always love and claim their own children, but a good parent will not accompany those children in vandalism or robbery, not would that parent welcome those children into the home to sell drugs or produce pornography.
God is the perfect parent; His relationship with His children is unbreakable, and He will not fail to bring them to eternal life and everlasting glory. But His fellowship is not unbreakable; God will depart from His own children when they take His blessings for granted and walk in paths of disobedience.
Samson’s great strength was given him to help deliver his nation from oppression, but he had used it to play games with the enemy of his nation. He had taken God’s blessing for granted, and “he wist not that the LORD was departed from him”. The word “wist” means “knew”. Samson did not know, he did not realize, that the fellowship of the Lord and the joy of the Lord – which is our strength – had departed from him.
The loss of his strength was followed by the loss of his vision and the loss of his freedom. Even so, the Lord did not leave him or forsake him forever, and Samson had a great victory over the enemy of his nation in his death. Today, Samson is in heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ (see Hebrews 11:32-34).
When they die and leave this world, every one of God’s children will experience Christ’s victory over sin and death, because He abides Faithful and cannot deny Himself. But would it not be better for us if we obey the Lord now, and have His joy and strength now, and retain vision and freedom now?
SEPTEMBER 15, 2021
“Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.” (2Corinthians 10:11)
When people imagine they are hidden behind the distance of letter-writing, or online-posting, or even mask-wearing, they often lapse into evil communications.
Perhaps we think we are safe if we interface through a screen. We watch movie scenes of events that, if we saw them in person, they would cause us to experience post-traumatic stress syndrome. But we watch them repeatedly, and whatever damage is done to our minds seems to be slow and subtle enough to ignore.
Think of how many comments on social media are unreasonably ugly. People write poisonous statements available to millions, which they would be hesitant to say before two or three people in person. Who they are in person is not who they are online.
The apostle Paul was not this way. Despite his probable physical limitations, he was who he was, whether up close or far away, whether by the words he wrote in letters, or the deeds he did in person. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and forever. Since we take comfort that we have received the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, let us give comfort to others by being, like Him, consistent in our words and deeds.
AUGUST 27, 2021
“Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.”
(“God Moves in a Mysterious Way”, v3, William Cowper, 1774)
How do we take “fresh courage”? The Bible points out how to do this. Consider these scriptures:
1) “And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appiiforum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.” (Acts 28:15)
Paul took courage from the BRETHREN in Jesus Christ, who came out to meet with him, even though he was a prisoner. We can take courage from such brothers and sisters, too.
2) “And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the LORD.” (2Chron 15:8)
Asa took courage from the WORD of God. In this case, it came through the prophet Oded, but today we have a more reliable source of the word, which is the Bible.
3) “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” (1Samuel 30:6)
David took courage from GOD Himself, and began to pray. Sometimes, we may not be able to meet with our brethren. Sometimes, we may not be able to read the Bible. While we can, it is important that we do so often. But in times when we cannot, God is always present for those who seek Him, and is always a source of fresh courage for His fearful saints.
AUGUST 26, 2021
Psalm 113:
[5] Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,
[6] Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!
[7] He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;
[8] That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.
How does the LORD our God raise us up out of the dust? When He, as the Lord Jesus Christ, went into the dust Himself.
Psalm 22:
[15] My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
[16] For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
AUGUST 24, 2021
[II Timothy 4:7-8] “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Please notice two grammatical points in the verses above:
(1) In verse 7, Paul did not use the adverb “well” to modify the verb “fought”; he used the adjective “good” to modify the noun “fight”. He did not write, “I have fought my fight well,” as if he had performed exceptionally, but he wrote, “I have fought a good fight,” stating that the struggles of his life had been for a very, very worthy cause.
(2) In verse 8, Paul did not say “Therefore” as if by his fight he himself had earned a crown; he said “Henceforth” to say that, from this point onward, he would receive the crown Jesus Christ had earned for Paul, and for many others, by his finished work on the cross.
It is the Lord Jesus Christ, and he alone, who has performed God’s will flawlessly, and who has made us kings and priests unto God.
[Rev 1:4-6]
AUGUST 5, 2021
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.” [Hebrews 6:1-3]
One can leave a foundation by walking away from it. Then the elements (water, wind, etc.) will beat upon it, even if they cannot destroy it.
Or, one can leave a foundation by building upon it. As he rises from the foundation, constructing the floors, walls, and roof, these will not only keep the elements away from the foundation which supports them, but they also will provide shelter and comfort for the builder and his loved ones.
What better foundation can our time on earth be built upon, than the doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ?
AUGUST 3, 2021
“Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’s anger. ” (Zephaniah 2:3)
Two men in the Bible who are described as meek are Moses (who killed an Egyptian and hid his body) and Jesus Christ (who made a scourge of cords and drove money-changers from the temple). The scriptural definition of meekness is not timidity or shyness; it is the willingness to obey God.
Those who are meek need to seek meekness.
People who have “wrought his judgments” are those who accept God’s declared principles of wrong and right (God’s righteousness), and act accordingly.
Those who have wrought God’s judgments need to seek righteousness.
Whatever good God has blessed us to do already, whether little or much, let us not stop in our search for the meekness and righteousness of Jesus Christ. He bids us to take his yoke, and learn of him.
If we do, perhaps we will be hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger.
JUNE 30, 2021
Come, let us join our friends above
who have obtained the prize,
and on the eagle wings of love
to joys celestial rise.
Let saints on earth unite to sing
with those to glory gone,
for all the servants of our King
in earth and heaven are one.
One family we dwell in him,
one church above, beneath,
though now divided by the stream,
the narrow stream of death;
one army of the living God,
to his command we bow;
part of his host have crossed the flood,
and part are crossing now.
These are the first two of a 4-stanza hymn written by Charles Wesley, and remind me of when I was first trying to learn shaped-note singing as a new pastor. It has been a long time since I last sung it, but the words are on my mind today.
MAY 28, 2021
“And Achish believed David, saying, He hath made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my servant for ever.” (1 Samuel 27:12)
Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, mistakenly thought David and his men had attacked Israelites living in the southern portion of Israel. Achish concluded that David would never be accepted by Israel again, and thus must be his dependent servant forever.
Child of God, perhaps you have done some sinful things in your life that cause Satan to think you will be his servant forever. Sadly, you may even be agreeing with him.
But he is as mistaken as Achish. The Lord has made you accepted in the beloved – the beloved Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:4-6). And you can be the servant of Jesus Christ instead of the servant of Satan. The service of Jesus Christ is a very blessed way to live.
Incidentally, in less than ten years from Achish’s statement, David was king over all Israel, and he then decisively defeated the Philistines in two major battles. May your future spiritual victories show that, by grace, Jesus Christ has made you a king and priest unto God (Revelation 1:4-6).
MAY 6, 2021
“For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” [I Peter 2:19-20]
We do not have the choice to suffer or not suffer. We do, however, have the choice to suffer for our faults, or to suffer for our service to Jesus Christ.
MAY 4, 2021
“My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.” [Proverbs 23:15]
Would you like to make your parents happy with you? If so, then be wise. This comforts them, and helps them to feel that when they are gone, you will make good decisions and find contentment. They won’t worry about you so much!
Wisdom pleases your heavenly Father, too. Do not be wise in your own opinion, but be wise in God’s sight – as revealed in the Bible. Think of how it pleased him when Solomon requested wisdom. God doesn’t worry, and never ultimately loses any children, but He grieves when His children foolishly withdraw from His fellowship and wisdom.
Jesus Christ is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. If any of us lack wisdom, we can boldly and humbly ask it of God, who gives wisdom abundantly, and does not criticize us for making that request.
APRIL 3, 2021
[Psalm 139:1] O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
[Psalm 139:23-24] Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
At the beginning of Psalm 139, David realizes that God has searched him and known him – he can hide nothing from God.
At the end of Psalm 139, David prays for God to search him and know him – he is glad he can hide nothing from God.
David then asks God to use that complete knowledge to purge him from wickedness and lead him in righteousness, or “the way everlasting”.
Jesus Christ loves His children so completely, that – if we could only comprehend a fraction of that love – we would rejoice in our total transparency before Him. Then, confession unto Him would not be so difficult, but it would be so cleansing.
MARCH 22, 2021
[II Corinthians 7:10] For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Is your sorrow causing you to say, “I need to change the way I am living”?
Or is your sorrow causing you to say, “I need to give up on living”?
If it’s the first kind of sorrow – that is great! Deliverance is on its way. If it’s the second kind of sorrow, go to Jesus Christ, the great high priest, and ask, “Lord, take the sorrow of this world out of my mind, and give me a good amount of godly sorrow, that I may make the changes pleasing to thee.”
But pray sincerely – the godly sorrow may at first hurt worse than the sorrow it replaced. The setting of a broken bone hurts. The pouring of antiseptic on an infected wound hurts. But then the healing starts.
MARCH 10, 2021
[Proverbs 29:23] A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
The Lord Jesus Christ humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Sometimes do a word search for “pride” and “proud” in the Bible. It seems that every usage of these words is negative, and something to be avoided in our lives and attitudes.
Most people use these words somewhat differently today, but perhaps we should find other words: I’m glad to be an American, I’m thankful for my children, and I want to take pleasure in my work.
And if you’re humble, I’m not proud of you, but I’m grateful for you.
MARCH 5, 2021
[Psalm 71:19-20] Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee! Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
God has predestined a huge number of people – like the stars of the sky – to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, who has paid for their sins. Will they be immortal? Yes. Sinless? Yes. Glorious? Yes. Acquainted with sorrow and grief? Yes – while here in this world.
God suffers His children to encounter great and sore troubles here on earth; that is true. But He shall surely quicken them again, every one of them, and bring them up again from the depths of the earth, to the heights of His loving presence.
FEBRUARY 22, 2021
[Matthew 6:33] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Many times, we spend years seeking for happiness, and then group the decisions we have made and the actions we have taken together, and repackage them as “righteousness”. No wonder it’s called “self-righteousness”!
But if we seek “his” righteousness, we find it in Christ Jesus, and many good things are added unto us, such as what we need to eat and wear. And very often, God adds happiness.
JANUARY 22, 2021
“Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.” (Psalm 106:37-38)
Today marks 48 years since a deeply flawed judicial decision made abortion on demand the “law of the land” in the United States. Since that time, roughly 62 Million innocent children have lost their lives at the hands of those who should have been their defenders: their parents and medical practitioners.
In an age when we are encouraged to “believe the science,” as if we were cultists gazing at laboratory temples, we are also expected to ignore such obvious data as two heartbeats, two sets of brainwaves, two distinct genetic patterns, and the increasing clarity of ultrasound technology – all of which declare that the pre-born baby is an innocent human being. What a travesty! In the 18-19th centuries, we made a grievous error in treating human beings as pieces of property. In the 20-21st centuries, we make a grievous error in treating human beings as pieces of tissue.
We need to repent as individuals and as a nation. How encouraging to meet people who have seen these errors, and have seen the further truth that the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ endures forever, and that His forgiveness is real. They have experienced the great relief found in the promise that if we confess our sins to God, then God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
And many of the individuals who have been blessed by this promise, and who have experienced this relief, now work toward reversing the earlier flawed decision, so that once again, the law of the land will be used to protect and cherish the innocent. Let us assist in those efforts.
JANUARY 8, 2021
Acts 4:
[17] But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
[18] And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
[19] But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
[20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
JANUARY 2, 2021
“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37)
Can you imagine being a person with a tender heart, who longs for God’s approval, suddenly realizing that not long ago you had called out for the death of God’s only begotten Son?
There may be things in our own lives we wish we could undo, could call back. But we cannot. The prince of this world whispers to us that usefulness and joy are now impossible for us, and that the remainder of our days might as well be spent in trying to forget, by immersing ourselves in this world and its corrosive pleasures, and in his servitude.
But the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ, bids us to look back only long enough to repent, to openly admit that we were wrong, and to know his forgiveness, and then to go forward in following him. As we read onward to verse 46, we find that those who were “pricked in their heart” were continuing with “gladness and singleness of heart.” Is not that a wonderful change of direction?
DECEMBER 29, 2020
“The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin: To whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.” (Jeremiah 1:1-3)
If God again shows mercy upon this nation, perhaps it will not end up as Jerusalem did in Jeremiah’s day. But the similarities between then and now are uncomfortable.
Jeremiah preached during the reign of one good king, named Josiah, followed by the reigns of four wicked kings: Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah. Jeremiah was (though he did not enjoy it) politically involved, and obediently declared the word of God when it was extremely unpopular, and even when it was considered treasonous to do so.
Many knew that Jeremiah’s messages were true, yet still chose to disobey God. The people of Jerusalem engaged in idolatry, oppressive slavery, adultery, and child-sacrifice. God kept Jeremiah personally safe, but he sadly had to observe the destruction of the walls and temple of Jerusalem, and see most of the people carried away into captivity. If you would learn of his emotions, read Lamentations.
God also showed Jeremiah that the captivity would last seventy years, and the people of Israel would return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and the walls, Seventy years was about how long the Soviet Union lasted – think of how much misery was suffered during that time!
After the city was rebuilt, the people of Jerusalem continued for a few centuries, but then again turned from God so egregiously that some of the apostles were alive when the city was again destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. By that time, however, God had already revealed to them a kingdom that was not of this world, with a King who had defeated sin and death – the Lord Jesus Christ.
That kingdom continues today, with the same King. Even so, the cities and nations of men still rise and fall according to their obedience to the true and living God, and respect for His word in the Bible. Do we practice idolatry, slavery, adultery, and child-sacrifice? Do we put other activities ahead of personal or assembled worship to Him? Do we use the labor of others without just compensation – like the labor of illegal immigrants for less than market rates? Do we celebrate unbiblical sexuality and pornography? Do we end the lives of innocent children for convenience? Let us take God’s warnings personally.
As it was in the days of John the Baptist, the kingdom of God is at hand. May we repent, and believe the gospel – the good news that our King has given us life, and is worthy of our obedience.
DECEMBER 25, 2020
“Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.” (John 19:23-24)
God gave Adam a coat (see Genesis 3:21),
Jacob gave Joseph a coat (see Genesis 37:3),
Israelites gave Aaron a coat (see Exodus 39:27),
Hannah gave Samuel a coat (see 1 Samuel 2:19).
The Lord Jesus Christ gave up his coat during the work he finished upon the cross, which makes all other gifts meaningful.
DECEMBER 24, 2020
“And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” (Isaiah 32:17)
Is it not wonderful, child of the Lord, to learn that because Jesus Christ was made to be sin for you, you were made to be the righteousness of God in Him? Consider the effect of His work.
DECEMBER 12, 2020
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (II Corinthians 5:17)
A “new creature” is one who has been recently CREATED. God, in his own good purpose, decides what and whom to create, and the creature will not – and can not – permit, refuse, or assist in that act of creation. God creates men anew in Jesus Christ by grace alone. This is also called “born again” and “regenerated”.
If people were to permit or assist in their own renewal process, they would not be “new creatures” but rather “evolved beings”. If one could help get himself or herself born again, it would not be an act of CREATION, but a process of spiritual EVOLUTION.
The popularity of the religious idea that a person can assist, permit or refuse the new birth is doing significant harm in this day. If one embraces the teaching of spiritual evolution, how can the same person deny the theory of natural evolution, and consistently support the truth of natural creation which is taught in the the Bible? And when the truth that God created the universe is set aside, then God’s truthful teaching of what is right and what is wrong is also gradually abandoned.
May the children of God throughout the earth increasingly see that the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is a completely successful work. May they know that he will regenerate every single person for whom he died, and that every one of them will arrive in glory, for they are his new creatures, his sheep, and his beloved children.
DECEMBER 9, 2020
“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Matthew 24:24)
The Lord Jesus taught his disciples that there would be “false Christs”. So, many persuasive claims may be made about someone being the Christ (or the Messiah, or the Anointed One) – but who actually is not.
“For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” (II Corinthians 11:4)
Another Jesus? Some of these false Christs may be taught under the name of Jesus! There can be false versions of Jesus Christ.
What are disciples to do? They should search the scriptures. The real Jesus Christ, who is the Messiah, the Redeemer, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, will be the Jesus Christ described in the Bible – a completely successful Savior. The Bible does not assist in bestowing eternal life; the Bible testifies of the real Jesus Christ. As the Lord Jesus himself said:
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39)
DECEMBER 7, 2020
“The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” (Matthew 8:8-10)
Apparently, you can serve God and serve in the military.
This centurion, who commanded one hundred men within a Roman legion, had great faith. He had faith because it was part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. He bore such fruit because he was born of the Holy Spirit. He was born of the Holy Spirit because, by grace, his sins were paid for by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
NOVEMBER 21, 2020
“The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” (Deuteronomy 22:5)
This commandment was given from God by Moses to the children of Israel prior to entering Canaan, and so was written to them specifically. But we can tell from the words of Jesus Christ in John 5:46-47 that this commandment should be believed by His disciples, and we can tell from Rom 1:26-27 and 1 Cor 6:9 that the principle of this commandment should guide His disciples.
But, someone may rightly point out that in those days men wore skirt-like tunics and togas! Yes, and a few centuries later Turkish women wore harem pants and Scottish men wore kilts – what are disciples to do?
They should do this: disciples of Jesus Christ should wear clean, modest, functional attire that does not draw attention to itself. Whatever is “male” clothing in that area and time should be worn by male disciples, and whatever is “female” clothing in that area and time should be worn by female disciples. Be content with your gender.
Well, then, how shall disciples of Jesus Christ ever be “edgy,” and set fashion trends, and be on the frontier of glamor? That’s the point: they should not.
The primary attention drawn by disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ should not be the clothes they wear, but the truth they bear.
NOVEMBER 19, 2020
“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” [Mark 10:7-9]
Some couples have a relationship that is GFAL, Good For A Lifetime. Some couples have a relationship that is GWIL, Good While It Lasts. Rarely is a relationship GFAL without both people explicitly aiming for that, and working patiently to maintain it.
Jesus Christ is a bridegroom (see Mark 2:19, John 3:29, Ephesians 5:31-32, Revelation 19:6-9) and His relationship with His bride is GFAE, Good Forever And Ever. He died, was buried, and rose again for his bride, and their oneness is secured by his grace alone. Of those for whom He died, He will not lose a single person (see John 6:37-39). God has joined them together!
Since his love to us is so everlasting, and his faithfulness is so boundless, let us not take that gift casually, but do our best, in our small way, to reciprocate.
NOVEMBER 14, 2020
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” (Isaiah 40:8)
In this troubled age, with its corporate media bias, social media suppression, fake conspiracy theories, and large genuine conspiracies, it can often be difficult to even know what is real.
The disciples of Jesus Christ are blessed to have the word of God, which is accurate, infallible, and stands forever. It is real.
The living Word of God is Jesus Christ himself, who was crucified for sins, rose the third day, and reigns over the universe forever.
The written word of God is the Bible, which stands forever, because it is inspired and preserved by God. And the Bible testifies of the Lord Jesus Christ.
NOVEMBER 10, 2020
PSALM 144
[11] Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:
[12] That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:
[13] That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets:
[14] That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.
What if young men – our sons – were grown up in their youth, mature and capable, and not pampered pajama boys?
What if young women – our daughters – were as strong as corner stones, yet elegant and polished, and not fragile and vulgar?
What if we were prosperous but not materialistic – full garners and abundant sheep? What if we were prosperous spiritually?
What if ministers of the gospel, like oxen, were strong in the Lord, and diligent to labor? What if people did not break in without permission, or depart without a word? What if people did not spend their time in complaining and envy – acting out in the streets – but in thoughtfulness and gratitude?
David said that the prerequisite for such an environment is to be rid of, and delivered from, vanity and falsehood. We need an appreciation and thirst for the truth. Do you desire truth?
Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.
NOVEMBER 9, 2020
I Samuel 12:
[20] And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;
[21] And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.
[22] For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.
[23] Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
[24] Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.
Israel had rejected God and called for a king, to be like other nations, thus despising their own God-given exceptionalism. It was a wicked choice, but Samuel chose to be faithful in prayer and teaching.
Do not cease praying for God’s people, chosen out of every nation. Do not cease standing for the good and right way – even when God’s people have forsaken it for a time. The Lord Jesus Christ does not cease, and He does not fail.
OCTOBER 22, 2020
“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.” (Psalm 14:1)
One must accomplish three prerequisites in order to logically assert, “There is no God.” They are as follows: (1) He must have a definition of “God” accepted by a majority of the human race, (2) He must know every being in the universe, and (3) He must show that every being he knows fails to meet the accepted definition of “God”. What person has ever met these prerequisites? The term “atheism” means “without god,” and atheism is indeed foolish.
The term “agnosticism” means “without knowledge” and is a more humble position. Although there is abundant evidence that there is a God, not everyone is blessed to know the true and living God. It is by God’s grace that anyone knows God, and those who do are in possession of life eternal: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)
OCTOBER 11, 2020
“Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.” (Ruth 4:10)
A law in Deuteronomy 23:3-4 kept the Moabitess, Ruth, and her offspring outside of the congregation of Israel for ten generations! The law of sin and death would keep us outside of God’s glory forever.
A law in Deuteronomy 24:19-22 sustained Ruth by gleaning while she was in the land, even while she was outside of the congregation. The law (given by Moses) sustained and blessed God’s people by being their schoolmaster, showing the need of a great Savior, even until the Savior arrived.
A law in Deuteronomy 25:5-10 brought Ruth into the congregation of Israel, giving her a husband who loved her and provided for her, and even caused her to become the great-grandmother of king David. The law of the Spirit of life in Jesus Christ brings us into God’s righteousness, and causes us to become kings and priests unto God.
As Boaz was to Ruth, so is the Lord Jesus Christ to us – purchasing us, and raising up life from the dead. Like Ruth, we are impacted by three great laws of God: “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:2-4)
OCTOBER 5, 2020
“How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?” (John 5:44)
These are the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, who was despised and rejected of men, who humbled himself and became obedient unto the death of the cross, whom God has highly exalted and given a name above every other name.
So, what about us? From whom do we seek honor? Have we become so fond of “Likes” that we have difficulty committing ourselves to Love? Has it become difficult for us to believe the word of God, which abides forever?
SEPTEMBER 30, 2020
“After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” (Genesis 15:1)
Consider these wonderful declarations of God in reverse order: (1) God is the “exceeding great reward” for all of his children (including Abram), chosen in Christ before creation. The “reward” is a reward for the work done by Jesus Christ on the cross. The reward is the presence of God in his children – the hope of glory. (2) God is the shield for his children. Therefore, the reward cannot be stolen, lost, or even given away, for God protects each child, so none can be finally lost. (3) Because God is the reward and shield for his children, the appropriate and logical attitude for his children – regardless of their circumstance – is to “fear not”.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2020
“Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt; How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God. Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.” (Deuteronomy 25:17-19)
Amalek had cruelly hurt the weakest among those Israelites who had recently left slavery in Egypt. Later, king Saul gained a sinful partial victory over Amalek (see I Samuel 15:1-33) and David gained a remarkable partial victory over Amalek (see I Samuel 30:1-20), but it was God himself who gained the complete and final victory, when he providentially delivered the Jews from destruction at the hand of Haman, the Agagite, who was of Amalek (see Esther 3:1-7:10).
God’s children today face a crueler enemy. Remember how Satan, the devil, the serpent, the dragon, helped sin and death enter the human race. Remember how he tormented Job. Remember how he desired to sift Peter as wheat. Remember that he is a murderer from the beginning, and that he is a liar. Remember how we should not be ignorant of his devices. Remember that God is able to bruise him under our feet.
But remember that final victory comes only by Jesus Christ, who came to earth to be crucified in payment of all the sins of all his people, and who was buried and rose again. Remember that Jesus Christ was manifested to destroy the works of the devil. Remember that Jesus Christ delivers his children from the bondage of the fear of death. And, even as we remember our cruel enemy, let us give far more attention to our Savior and everlasting friend, and faithfully meet, and keep the feast in remembrance of Him.
AUGUST 25, 2020
“If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.” (Exodus 22:2)
A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of things which he possesses (see Luke 12:15), and yet the scriptures consider the right of property ownership so important that “Thou shalt not steal” was one of the ten commandments. The Lord Jesus Christ himself affirmed the right of property ownership (see Matthew 20:15).
In recent news about rioting and looting, it is common to hear some people making some very unwise statements regarding property destruction, such as, “Human lives are more important than property!” or “These businesses have insurance!”
These statements construct a false choice, as if such property destruction will somehow save human lives, which it does not. These statements also betray a deep ignorance of how insurance works, as if insurance money comes from a magic and inexhaustible source, instead of the fact that it must come from premiums paid by the owners of the properties, who must in turn pass the costs on to other people – such as the rioters themselves.
God’s view on the importance of property ownership and its protection is shown in the verse above, which is Exodus 22:2. If a thief is trying to take someone else’s property and is killed while doing it, his loss of life should not incur any punishment!
In light of this, we can see a little more about God’s grace. Jesus Christ was crucified between two thieves, and yet the Lord did not exclaim, “It is wrong for these thieves to be crucified – human life is more valuable than property!” One of the thieves saw the truth, and admitted that he was being justly executed (see Luke 23:40-41) and made a simple request of faith: “And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43)
AUGUST 24, 2020
[II Timothy 4:7-8] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Please notice two grammatical points: (1) In verse 7, Paul did not use the adverb “well” to describe how he had performed in his fight; he used the adjective “good” to describe that the fight itself was a good one. (2) In verse 8, Paul did not say “Therefore” as if his fight had earned him a crown; he said “Henceforth” to say when he would receive the crown Jesus Christ had earned for him.
It is the Lord Jesus Christ who has made us kings and priests unto God. (Rev 1:4-6)
AUGUST 21, 2020
[Genesis 40:23] Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him. [41:1] And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.
The history of Joseph is such a beautiful foreshadowing of the sufferings and triumphs of our Lord Jesus Christ. Joseph was beloved of his father, hated by his brothers, betrayed by them for pieces of silver, wrongfully cast into the depths of prison, forsaken, and then: raised out of prison to become the ruler of the land, who went on to save his family (including his brothers) and the whole land from death.
Joseph was hated by his brothers when he was 17, and did not get out of prison until he was 30. When he rescued his brothers from famine he was 39. He was 56 when his father died, and 110 when he himself died, just after bidding his family, by faith, to carry his bones back to the promised land to which they would go.
In the verses above, Joseph had just done a great kindness to the butler of Pharaoh, interpreting his dream, and he had asked the butler to speak a good word to Pharaoh on his behalf, because he was wrongfully imprisoned. The butler finally remembered to do this – after two years had passed!
Yet Joseph came out of prison, ready to help. In this time, when you, like many of God’s children, have been more isolated than usual, do not lose heart. Do not give up on the service of God. When others may have forgotten you, do not think that God has forgotten you. He paid a great, great price for you, to have you with Him forever, and He loves you with that same love now.
AUGUST 12, 2020
“The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.” (Proverbs 22:13)
“The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.” (Proverbs 26:13)
The slothful man is partially correct. There is indeed a lion without, somewhere. That lion may be somewhere on another continent, but it is “without”.
That lion also may be in the way of a military convoy, or in the way of a herd of elephants, but it is true that “there is a lion in the way”.
But the logic of the slothful, or lazy man, is deeply flawed, concluding that the lion is an immediate threat to his safety, even imagining it is in his own streets. He takes a remote and improbable danger and applies it directly to himself in order to excuse his laziness.
We must strive for the scriptural balance. On one hand, we can tempt the Lord our God, and plunge into foolish or certain dangers with the mistaken notion that God is obligated to pull us out. On the other hand, we can use a remote and improbable danger to refuse to try things we really ought to be doing.
We must remember that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Lion of Judah, and that He is the way, the truth, and the life. The Lion who IS the way is far greater than the lion in the way. The Lion within is far greater than the lion without. He who died and rose again for us also cares for us, day by day, even until we come home and live in His full presence forever. Until then, let us be diligent, and of good courage.
JULY 30, 2020
“So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.” (Ecclesiastes 4:1)
Looking only at activities which have their origins and outcomes “under the sun,” is a sad exercise: Oppressed victims have tears, oppressive elites have power, but none of them have a comforter. Many go to great trouble to acquire power, and some become oppressors instead of oppressed, but the result is comfortless.
Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ have, however, a Comforter from above the sun. Jesus suffered, died, and rose again for all His children, and he will not leave His disciples comfortless. He gives them words to comfort one another, but gives them even more than that: He gives them the blessing of the Holy Spirit’s presence. His disciples certainly know about tears, and some of them may even find themselves entrusted with power, but they are blessed with a Comforter.
True disciples of Christ have already been born again by the Spirit, but how do we receive the blessing of a visit from the Holy Spirit? Jesus Christ tells us in Luke 11:13 – we ask our heavenly Father for that blessing.
MAY 22, 2020
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Revelation 12:11)
The Lord Jesus Christ has overcome sin and death at the cross, with complete success for every one of God’s children, so that every one of them will be glorified to live forever in heaven.
But the verse above describes how God’s children overcome the devil, in earth, in time.
APRIL 18, 2020
“Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.” (2 John 1:12)
Virtual meetings are good additions to, but not good substitutions for, actual meetings.
There is an additional blessing in being face to face. Remember, the Lord Jesus Christ will not only bring our spirits home to God at our physical death, but he will also bring our glorified bodies home to God at the resurrection.
APRIL 8, 2020
“Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” (I Corinthians 5:7-8)
Passover in 2020 begins tonight at sunset. The Holy Spirit moved Paul to write to the church of Corinth (and to us), which was likely made up of both Gentiles and Jews, that every child of God addressed had a passover sacrifice, and that passover was the Lord Jesus Christ.
What had Passover meant to the Jews for centuries? It commemorated the time when they had been slaves in Egypt, and God judged Egypt, but passed over them. And as a result, they were set free from slavery in a single day.
It was no coincidence that our Lord Jesus died on the cross on passover, centuries after the first one in Egypt. God judged our sins in that single day at the cross, and Christ justly paid for every sin for every elect child of God. In the justice of God, every one of them is free from sin, and they will be free from the very presence of sin at the resurrection.
So, in gratitude, we should live as best we can, avoiding sin and repenting from it.
APRIL 4, 2020
“And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.” (Exodus 12:22)
Moses commanded the children of Israel to “shelter in place” on Passover night!
Obey God’s commandments, but please do not equate passover to our current pandemic. It may be that many dear children of God die and go home to the Lord as a result of coronavirus. Pray for the sick and grieving.
But do compare passover to a far more serious and widespread pandemic, which is sin. Because they were chosen in him before the world was created, God has given his children an unshakeable “shelter in place” in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The blood of Jesus Christ was struck upon the cross. He is the spotless passover lamb whose blood was shed. He is the great high priest who applied the blood. He is the door of the sheepfold, and his blood was struck upon the doorposts and lintel. And even the most stubborn child cannot escape that shelter – praise God!
At his return, with their suffering past, all of God’s children will be free at last.
MARCH 17, 2020
“And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.” (Genesis 1:16)
If someday the human race develops the capability to travel among the stars and inhabit other planets, it will still be a collection of very feeble creatures who depend completely on the mighty God who made the stars.
Is it not good news that this same mighty God came down from heaven as the man Jesus Christ, and died to purchase everlasting life for those he loves? And is it not good news that he rose from the dead, and will return?
JANUARY 18, 2020
“O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life.” [Lamentations 3:58]
If you were facing trial in a case which could result in a serious penalty for you, would it not help to know you had a lawyer, an advocate, who could successfully plead your cause and get you acquitted?
Our case is that we are guilty before God, and our crime deserves not merely a capital sentence, but an everlasting sentence. Yet Jesus Christ, our Advocate, has served our sentence while hanging on the cross, and successfully argued to have us acquitted. Praise him, and give him thanks!
Now, it is the pleasure of this Advocate that we come to his house, gather with his children, and learn more about him. Will you honor his name accordingly?
JANUARY 16, 2020
“For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.” (Isaiah 33:22)
Have you ever wondered where the United States got the three branches of government (judiciary, legislature, and executive) described in its Constitution? Why, from the Bible!
Isaiah 33:22 clearly lists the three branches, and God fulfills each one of them.
God interprets his laws, makes his laws, and enforces his laws. We are guilty of breaking God’s laws, and deserve the capital sentence.
But the last four words of this verse are our hope: “he will save us”. Jesus Christ went to the cross to satisfy his own law, and to completely fulfill the sentence for us, and he rose from the dead, signifying that justice had indeed been done. The government shall be upon his shoulders, and his people shall be glorified in him.
JANUARY 13, 2020
II Thessalonians 2:
[3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
[4] Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
[5] Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
[6] And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
[7] For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
I Timothy 3:
[16] And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Many years ago, I heard a man make this point on the radio: The “mystery of iniquity” is a man shewing himself that he is God, but the “mystery of godliness” is God shewing himself as a man.
God hates pride, but God honors humility. Can we see this in the life, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ? And what will people see in our lives?
JANUARY 9, 2020
“Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.” [Titus 1:1-4]
God promised eternal life before the world began. So, if this promise was made before creation, to whom did God make the promise?
To himself, of course, for there was no one else. He made a divine covenant promise among the Father, Son, and Spirit, who make up the One true and living GOD. The Father chose a very large group of specific people in his Son, before creation. His Son, Jesus Christ, died to save this same group of people. The Holy Spirit regenerates this same group of people. God preserves this same group of people forever.
Preaching manifests, or makes known, this great promise, and declares the great One who made it, and keeps it without fail.
NOVEMBER 26, 2019
“For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?”
(John 5:46-47)
Did the Lord Jesus Christ endorse the scriptures written by Moses, Peter, Paul, and other Bible writers? The short answer is “Yes”.
Sometimes, people wish to claim the title of “Christian” while dodging certain commandments in the Bible. One technique for doing this is to assert that Moses and Paul were anti-feminist bigots, and that a Christian only should regard the “red-letter” teachings in the Bible taught by Jesus Christ.
But the “red letters” say that one must believe Moses to believe Jesus Christ! This is not to say that Gentile believers are required to keep all the commandments that God gave Israel through Moses. For example, circumcision and dietary laws were never placed on Greeks in the early church.
It does say, however, that scriptures written by Moses are divinely inspired by God and express God’s righteous commandments to Israel. Many of these commandments also explicitly pertain to all nations, and many are repeated in the New Testament scriptures. If one would truly be “Christian,” he must regard these as authoritative.
Incidentally, the Judeo-Christian ethic has benefited women more than any other teaching in human history.
What about Peter and Paul? The Lord Jesus Christ called Simon Peter as an apostle, and told him that God the Father had blessed him with revealed truth (Matthew 16:17) and that Peter was to feed the sheep of Jesus Christ (John 21:17). And Peter wrote the following scripture:
“And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” (II Peter 3:15-16)
Did you catch that? Peter, writing by divine inspiration, called Paul’s epistles “scriptures”!
The scriptures written by Moses, by Peter, and by Paul, are endorsed by Jesus Christ, who died on the cross, and rose again, and we need to heed them as instructions from God.
OCTOBER 26, 2019
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;” (Psalms 103:2-3)
In the Bible, the word “all” can mean “all things without distinction” (i.e., “all manner of things”) or “all things without exception,” and we must consider the scriptural context to determine which “all” applies. It is true that God forgives all manner of iniquity, and heals all manner of diseases.
But, on one side of the grave or the other side of the grave, God will forgive and heal, without exception, all the iniquities and diseases of his children. Because of the redeeming and cleansing work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross, all of God’s elect will stand before God in healthiness and holiness. God grants them this everlasting victory without condition.
Still, we long to enjoy healing and forgiveness before we get to the grave, while we live here on earth. God places conditions on us to enjoy forgiveness here: (1) We need to confess our sins to God (see 1John 1:9), and (2) We need to forgive others (see Matthew 6:14-15).
These are great blessings – shall we get an early start?
OCTOBER 22, 2019
“For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.” (I Peter 3:10-11)
The Bible does not provide a course of action in which a child of God can eliminate challenges, sorrows, and heartaches. As Jesus Christ was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, so must we also be, to a much lesser degree.
But the Bible does provide a clear course of action to becoming a person who loves life and experiences good days.
First, we should stop speaking evil and guile. This would mean stop cursing, stop murmuring, stop gossiping, and stop lying. Have you ever considered how many miserable people are frequently cursing?
Second, we should deliberately oppose evil and accomplish good. It is needful to accurately define “evil” and “good”, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who hung upon the cross to pay for all the sins of all his people, defines good for everyone, in every place, in every age. Follow his teachings.
Finally, we should actively search for and chase after real peace. Again, the Prince of Peace is the source of this blessing. How much depression, loneliness, and anxiety would be reduced by choosing to live this way?
OCTOBER 10, 2019
[Matthew 27:54] Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
[Mark 15:39] And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.
[Luke 23:47] Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
Was it only the centurion who spoke, or also they that were with him? Did the centurion say that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, or that Jesus Christ was a righteous man?
Yes – all of the above are true.
The Holy Spirit never contradicts himself, and he gave God’s children flawless, harmonious truth in the Bible.
Can you imagine how this might have transpired? The centurion saw the darkened heavens at midday, which declare God’s glory (see Psalm 19:1) and God’s righteousness (see Psalm 97:6). He likely heard the voice of Jesus Christ comfort a thief, and commend his own spirit into God’s hands. The centurion then glorified God, declaring this crucified man to be righteous indeed.
But Jesus Christ is more than just a righteous man, and the centurion knew it. The earth shook, the rocks broke, the graves opened, and the veil of the temple tore from top to bottom. The centurion himself spoke an additional truth: Truly, Jesus Christ was the Son of God.
This truth spread. Those that were with the centurion – perhaps hardened, deployed, imperial soldiers – took up the declaration also: Truly, this was the Son of God.
And, very likely, some of those same soldiers had just been gambling for his garments as his naked pierced body hung bleeding above them. How greatly they must have feared! How greatly they needed a merciful Savior!
How greatly we also need him, even today.
SEPTEMBER 14, 2019
“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” (Psalm 86:11)
The born-again child of God has received a great gift: God the Father chose him (or her) before the foundation of the world, God the Son (Jesus Christ) redeemed him at Calvary, and God the Spirit caused him to be born again. This is everlasting life, given by grace alone.
The born-again child of God has also received a great struggle: he delights in the law of God after the inward man, but finds a law of sin still warring in his members. Read Romans 7:14-25. He is divided within, and will remain so as long as he dwells in the flesh, finding the peace of complete inward unity after death.
The destiny of God’s child is to be forever with God, loving God, and rejoicing in his glory. So, one of the best ways he can live here on earth is to ask God, in each challenge of earthly life, to resolve his inward division in favor of fearing God’s name. To do this, we need God’s way and truth.
Lord, I am tempted and torn – let my innermost feelings and choices come together in obedience to thee!
SEPTEMBER 7, 2019
Acts 8:
[2] And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
[3] As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
[4] Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
What do we do in the face of very bad news?
Here is what the early church did. They had just gotten the very bad news that Stephen had been killed, and that severe persecution of church members was now taking place. So, first, they did those practical things that were immediately necessary to care for a loved one: Can you imagine the courage it took to be one of those devout men who publicly stepped forward to care for the battered body of Stephen?
Next, they took a little time to express their sorrow, and made great lamentation over the brother they would miss so much until they would see him again in God’s glorious paradise.
Finally, they went every where preaching the word. The church overcame the bad news by telling the triumphant good news about the death, burial, and resurrection of their Lord Jesus Christ. And, as a good brother reminded me, Acts 11:19-26 tells this led to a revival of both Jews and Gentiles.
These acts were good responses to bad news then, and they are still good today.
AUGUST 12, 2019
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”
(John 12:32)
The Lord Jesus Christ, who spoke the words above, was indeed lifted up from the earth, hanging upon the cross, and there he accomplished a complete and everlasting victory.
But who are the “all men” he mentions in this verse? If “all men” means “all men without exception,” then all of humanity will be in heaven – which contradicts the clear teaching of II Thessalonians 1:9 and Revelation 20:15.
Notice the Lord does not say he will draw all men closer, or draw all men in his direction. He says he will draw all men “unto me” – which means they will be with him, where he is, forever.
So, again, who are the “all men”? They are the “all men without distinction” – Jews, Gentiles, slaves, free, males and females – embraced in the covenant of grace, chosen in Christ by God the Father before the world began. They are the same “all” embraced in these words which he spoke: “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37)
JULY 30, 2019
“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” (2Corinthians 11:3-4)
Was this only hypothetical? Was Paul’s fear unfounded? Is it possible that people actually can and do receive another gospel, and preach another Jesus? The question is very serious, since another gospel and another Jesus result in corrupted minds. How can we today distinguish between ANOTHER Jesus, and the REAL Jesus, who is the LORD?
The answer is straightforward, but takes some effort: The real Jesus Christ is the one portrayed in the entire Bible. And the entire Bible portrays Jesus Christ as altogether human, altogether divine, and altogether successful.
JULY 22, 2019
“John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (Revelation 1:4-6)
The Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross and washed every one of God’s children in his own precious blood. He made them kings and priests unto God.
How are they priests? I Peter 2:5 calls them a holy priesthood, which offer up spiritual sacrifices unto God. Hebrews 13:15-16 says that praise and doing good are their acceptable sacrifices unto God. Romans 12:1 states that even the presentation of their bodies to God is a living sacrifice.
How are they kings? For now, the quickened child of God has the power to rule over himself, as described in Proverbs 16:32, and even to deny himself for Christ’s sake! But Revelation 3:21 looks forward to a day when God’s children overcome, and sit with him in his throne.
APRIL 27, 2019
“And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.” (II Samuel 16:23)
When David sinned against God by committing adultery with Bathsheba and having her husband Uriah put to death, he hurt not only his own family, but other families, too. Bathsheba’s husband Uriah was one of David’s mighty men (II Samuel 23:39) and so was her dad, Eliam – who was the son of Ahithophel (II Samuel 11:3 and 23:34). David had hurt Ahithophel’s son, his granddaughter, and his grandson-in-law.
No wonder that a man as intelligent as Ahithophel would leave David’s service, and support Absalom, even as Absalom attempted to take the kingdom from his father David.
When we commit spiritual adultery by loving things more than God, we hurt ourselves and our loved ones. But we also do harm to God’s family in ways we may not even realize. How greatly we need the forgiveness in the Lord Jesus Christ (I John 1:9), and the cleansing that is in him alone!
Let us seek to be faithful.
APRIL 21, 2019
Matthew 20:
[17] And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,
[18] Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,
[19] And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
As Jesus Christ told his disciples in advance of what would happen to him, so it came to pass. His words to us in scripture today are just as accurate.
APRIL 11, 2019
“He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17)
As is sometimes pointed out, the Lord Jesus Christ commanded Peter to “Feed my sheep,” and not to “Make my sheep” or “Give eternal life to my sheep” or “Change goats into my sheep”.
What is the significance of this statement? Simply this: the preaching of the gospel does not help anyone to obtain eternal life, but the gospel feeds those to whom God has already given eternal life.
This often raises the question, “Well, if you do not think the gospel helps people get eternal life, then why preach it?”
This question is somewhat like asking, “If you do not think feeding people helps to raise them from the grave, why do you feed people?”
Feeding people you love is extremely important, and many dedicated individuals have labored in trying to do that. Feeding sheep that God loves is extremely important, and many dedicated individuals have lived, and even died, doing just that.
MARCH 29, 2019
“And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.” (Mark 5:5)
This “Wild Gadarean” was in high places (mountains), in low places (tombs), in anguish (crying), and in self-destructive behavior (cutting himself). Sometimes, we ourselves bounce between the highs and lows of emotions, and yet fail to find steady, constructive, cheerful peace as we pass from one extreme to the other. We yield to unclean influence, and hurt.
Jesus Christ died for this man and thus gave him everlasting life, but this wild person needed a close encounter with his Savior to be at peace. This is what he got, and the man was changed to “sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind” (Mark 5:15). We, too, need closeness with our Savior to know his peace. Let us go to him in prayer, listen to him through his word, and give praise to him in assembled worship.
MARCH 26, 2019
Deuteronomy 19:
[16] If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong;
[17] Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;
[18] And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;
[19] Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you.
If one person deliberately and falsely accuses another, then true justice requires that the accuser receive the same punishment as the accused would have received.
Let us not accuse others falsely. See Exodus 20:16.
Satan is called “the accuser of our brethren” in Revelation 12:10. His accusations would have been accurate if the Lord Jesus Christ had not removed our transgressions an infinite distance away from us (Psalm 103:12) as he hung on the cross. But because Jesus Christ has done this, the accusations are false, and the penalty for the accuser will be just.
MARCH 19, 2019
“Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry?” (Jonah 4:4)
In the above verse, God asked Jonah to consider whether or not his anger was good. Jonah was angry that his enemies were still alive.
Anger can be righteous or unrighteous. The anger of Moses when he struck the rock a second time (Numbers 20:9-12) was unrighteous, and kept him out of the promised land. The anger of king Saul when he cut up a yoke of oxen (I Samuel 11:1-15) was righteous, and rescued a city of Israel.
When the Lord Jesus Christ hung on the cross, he trod the winepress of God’s wrath alone, and God’s righteous anger against our sins was expended.
We feel what we feel, but we should ask ourselves if what we feel is good in God’s sight, and act accordingly. Do not use anger as an excuse to sin, and do not let anger linger so long that it festers into bitterness (Ephesians 4:26-27, Hebrews 12:14-17).
MARCH 14, 2019
“And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.” (Job 7:21)
Job looks AT the dust of death in the above verse, and pronounces it to be an end of his being. In Job chapter 3, he looks FORWARD TO the dust of death, and pronounces it to be an end of his suffering. But in Job chapter 19, he looks PAST the dust of death, and sees afar off, and pronounces it to be a victory of redemption:
“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.” (Job 19:15-17)
Do children of God do this, and sometimes think on death’s relief, and sometimes think on death’s finality, and sometimes think on the Lord’s victory over death? Apparently so.
No wonder we need to often reflect on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who did indeed “pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity”. No wonder we need to add to our faith, as described in II Peter 1:5-11, so that we too may see afar off, and know that our redeemer lives, and that we will see him after death.
MARCH 8, 2019
“But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priest answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.” (John 19:15-16)
We are blessed to have a king greater than Caesar. We are blessed to be ruled over by the King of kings, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is he who determines right and wrong for all creatures in all places and at all times. It is he who gives and takes away. It is he who does all of his good pleasure. It is he who will swallow up death in victory. He is the Prince of Life and the Prince of Peace. His mercy endures forever, and his love is everlasting. He is God, and he reigns king forever.
“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (I Timothy 1:17)
MARCH 4, 2019
“There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest. There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor. The small and great are there; and the servant is free from his master.”
(Job 3:17)
In misery, having lost his fortune, his children, and his health, Job describes the peace, rest, and freedom of dead people. And, for dead people chosen and redeemed in Jesus Christ, this description is accurate. Should we regard it as an advertisement for suicide? No.
We are here for a reason, even when we suffer. We do not have the choice to suffer or to not suffer, but we can choose to suffer as an evildoer, or to suffer as a Christian (I Peter 4:12-16). To suffer for righteousness is to experience a very special fellowship with Jesus Christ himself (Philippians 3:8-12). It is our opportunity to shine a light in a dark place.
Do you long for peace, rest, and freedom? It is surely ahead, child of God. But Jesus Christ provides peace (John 16:33) and rest (Matthew 11:28-30) and freedom (John 8:31-32) for his disciples, even as they suffer here.
MARCH 2, 2019
“For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.”
(I Corinthians 11:30)
All of the religions of mankind, except one, have a critical commonality: they all require man to do something in order to obtain God’s favor. In some cases, it is the sacrifice of a child, in other cases, it is animal or plant sacrifice, joining a particular institution, keeping rites, making pilgrimages, holding fasts, bathing in rivers, getting baptized, or accepting a belief. All of these reduce God’s connection with man to an employer-employee relationship, a quid pro quo, a “you do this to get into heaven, otherwise, no heaven for you”.
The one exception is the truth taught in the Bible, which describes God as a Father (not an employer), who chooses and begets His children, loves them unconditionally, saves them by the blood of his son Jesus Christ, and never loses any of them, whether they sojourned in Old or New Testament times. From the human standpoint, eternal salvation is “quid pro nihilo,” or “something for nothing”. This is grace, grace only, grace alone, grace triumphant.
And so, all of the scriptures mentioning animal sacrifice, belief, baptism, obedience, and keeping God’s commandments are matters of real revelation unto man, and accurate perception by man. And all of God’s punishments for disobedience by His children are temporal chastisements (even physical deaths, such as in I Corinthians 11:30) and not everlasting separations.
The objective reality of everlasting salvation is by the shed blood of Christ alone. The subjective perception of everlasting salvation by a born again person is by his exercise of faith in belief. The subjective perception of everlasting salvation by third parties is by works of righteous obedience unto the word of God.
FEBRUARY 11, 2019
Hebrews 11:
[32] And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
[33] Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
[34] Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
Through faith (and by faith) people did some remarkable deeds! When you are reading, however, of these deeds in Hebrews 11, do you notice something that is missing? Here it is: No one ever obtained eternal life through faith.
That’s because our faith is not involved in obtaining eternal life. Here is how that happens: God the Father chose a vast number of people, God the Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) redeemed that exact group of people, and God the Spirit regenerates that exact group of people, giving them eternal life, which bears the fruit of the Spirit, and part of that fruit is faith. These people then have spiritual “ears to hear,” and some of them do hear and obey the gospel, and walk by faith.
Upon understanding this, some will ask, “Well, then, if the preaching of God’s word does not help in obtaining eternal life, what is the point of preaching?” The point is to help God’s children walk by faith, and as Hebrews 11 shows, some remarkable deeds are done unto the glory of God by people who do that.
FEBRUARY 8, 2019
Job chapter 39:
[13] Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?
[14] Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust,
[15] And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them.
[16] She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers: her labour is in vain without fear;
[17] Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding.
…
[27] Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high?
[28] She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place.
[29] From thence she seeketh the prey, and her eyes behold afar off.
[30] Her young ones also suck up blood: and where the slain are, there is she.
The ostrich, hardened and unwise, shows a nearly complete disregard for her young. The eagle, lofty and vigilant, is willing to kill for the welfare of her young.
Is the United States more like an ostrich or an eagle? Are we as individuals more like an ostrich or an eagle?
The Lord Jesus Christ was willing to die for His children, and He will not lose a single one of them.
FEBRUARY 6, 2019
“Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?” (Matthew 20:15)
These are the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, teaching a very important truth about who will benefit from the good news of the victory in His death, burial, and resurrection.
But this teaching addresses another important issue: Christ approves of private property. He says that it is lawful for a person to do what that person desires with the things he owns.
People who advocate “democratic socialism” take us (knowingly or unknowingly) in the direction of totalitarianism and loss of liberty. Saying you can keep your political freedom, but give up your economic freedom, is like saying, “You are an adult and can decide what you wish, but I am going to keep all your money and give you an allowance as I see fit.” How much of a free adult would you be under those conditions?
Maintaining scriptural principles of property ownership is essential to personal and political freedom.
FEBRUARY 2, 2019
“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6)
“And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42)
The Lord Jesus Christ does not overlook injuries against “these little ones,” nor does He overlook kindnesses done unto “these little ones”.
JANUARY 31, 2019
“Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.” (Matthew 26:45)
Can you picture this verse in your mind? Jesus Christ has been praying in agony in the garden of Gethsemane, and He returns after the third time of prayer to find His disciples asleep.
Though He had asked them to watch, pray, and avoid temptation, they are weary and heavy with sorrow. Are you ever in such a condition as these disciples? Their spirits are willing, but their flesh is weak, and they can not even stay awake to pray with Him.
So, facing the unspeakable torment of separation from God to redeem countless people, and facing the pain of physical death on the cross, the Son of man, the Lord Jesus Christ, watches over His sleeping little ones, bidding them to rest as He awaits those who come to arrest Him.
Is not Jesus Christ, the man of sorrows, worthy of our life-long service to Him?
JANUARY 28, 2019
“Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.”
(Isaiah 40:26)
In the universe, many voices instruct, confuse, inform, deceive, irritate, soothe, or entertain. But one and only one voice CREATES, and that is the voice of God, who is the Lord Jesus Christ. He calls those things which are not as though they were, and then behold, they are!
There is no instance in which the Lord issued His call to create and the call failed. If we look at each day of creation in Genesis chapter 1, every time the Lord said, “Let there be” a thing, or “Let us make” a thing, that very thing came to pass. God does not try to create, He creates! And He creates alone.
The New Testament describes regeneration, or the new birth, as a work of creation. See II Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 6:15, Ephesians 2:10, and Ephesians 4:24, as examples. God accomplishes this kind of creation alone, also, and He does so without failure.
JANUARY 26, 2019
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (I Timothy 1:15)
A faithful saying is a reliable saying; you can count on it. Not all sayings are worthy of accepting, because some are worthless, and others are even harmful – one only has to watch the news to hear those! But a faithful saying is worthwhile for us to accept, and especially this one:
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners;”
Do you suppose Christ did that? I do. Do you think Christ Jesus saved every sinner He came into the world to save? I do. I rejoice in worshiping a Christ who is completely successful, a Christ who saves all whom He loves, a Christ who will not be missing any of His loved ones, but will raise them up again at the last day.
And if Jesus Christ is able to save the chief of sinners, then – no matter what you have done – Jesus Christ is able to save you, too.
JANUARY 25, 2019
“And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart.” (Jeremiah 7:31)
“They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind:” (Jeremiah 19:5)
It is difficult to say which is worse: killing innocent children for ancient superstitions, or killing innocent children for our modern superstitions. Perhaps they are equally cruel. But this is certain: only the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ can save us from such sins. And He has made that perfect atonement for His people. His forgiveness is amazing.
Remember that God said that not only did He not command such actions, but also said, “neither came it into my heart” and “neither came it into my mind”. What does this mean? Did these cruel deeds catch God by surprise? Certainly not, for God has all power and knowledge.
The expression “neither came it into my heart” means “this was not my pleasure or desire”. The expression “neither came it into my mind” means “this was not my purpose or plan”. Though God could have stopped these wicked deeds, He suffered them to occur, but did not desire or plan them.
If we believe in the God of the Bible (and I do), we can believe that He is IN CONTROL of all things without exception, or that He is the CAUSE of all things without exception, but we cannot consistently believe both statements.
Why can we not believe both? Because if God caused events that did not even come into His mind, then He was not in control. To say that God causes events that are not His purpose, pleasure, or plan is to actually portray a God who is not in control. God does not cause wickedness or sin.
If God is, however, in control of all events, He may cause, allow, or suffer events to occur, even if He does not plan or desire them, and then purpose to judge them when He will.
Cause without Control: Suppose I start a fire in my fireplace, and, since it is not my plan, it does not even come into my mind that a spark may fly out onto the carpet, and catch the furniture and drapes on fire, so that by the time the fire department arrives, my house is destroyed. I indeed caused the fire, but such unplanned eventual damage did not come into my mind, so I was not in control.
Control without Cause: Now suppose a friend comes over and starts a fire in the same fireplace, but I watch him start it, and I watch as he leaves the room. I see a spark jump out onto the carpet, but before it catches into flame, I walk over and extinguish it. Now, I have not caused the fire nor the spark, but I am in control of it, and in control of the house’s safety.
A diligent preacher of over a century ago illustrated the matter with words such as this, “If God caused all things, both righteous and wicked, then He also caused me not to believe such a teaching, for which I am most grateful.”
Let us flee sin, and hunger and thirst after righteousness. The God of the Bible, the living God, does all of His purpose and all of His pleasure, but all of His purpose, and all of His pleasure is righteous.
JANUARY 22, 2019
“The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.” (Proverbs 11:17)
About 160 years ago, far too many in the United States believed that certain people were pieces of property. It was cruel. This unjust and unscientific belief brought much trouble then, and still has a negative impact.
Today, far too many in the United States believe that certain people are pieces of tissue. It is cruel. This unjust and unscientific belief brings much trouble, and has negative impacts for the present and the future.
In Matthew 5:7, Jesus Christ taught, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” As one who stands in great need of mercy, I want to be merciful as well. It does my soul good. God help us to cease our cruelty, and embrace mercy.
JANUARY 21, 2019
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39)
The scriptures of the Old Testament and New Testament have a definite and glorious purpose. That purpose is not to give eternal life; it is to testify of the Lord Jesus Christ.
And Jesus Christ gives eternal life directly, without the aid of the scriptures, without the aid of the preacher, without the acceptance of the sinner, and without the possibility of failure. He successfully saves by his purpose and grace alone.
If someone claims to truly love Jesus Christ, then to be consistent, that person also should recognize the authority of the scriptures. Do we love the fact that Christ prayed for enemies, that he blessed little children, and that he treated lowly sinners with kindness? How do we even know He did those things? Why, the Bible reveals those facts!
Similarly, we should recognize all Bible truths: sin is hateful to God, Jesus Christ died to pay for the sins of those whom the Father gave him, he rose from the dead, he defines right and wrong in the scriptures, he commands us to repent from wrong and seek for right, and he bids us to follow him in love.
JANUARY 4, 2019
“Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” (Psalm 51:5)
The sinful nature of man begins at conception, so we have no “age of accountability”.
Since we are sinners at conception, we are also humans at conception, so abortion on demand is murder.
Because we are dead in trespasses and sins at conception (see Ephesians 2:1), we are not actively involved in obtaining regeneration, so salvation unto everlasting life depends wholly on the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
JANUARY 3, 2019
[Psalm 41:13] Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.
[Psalm 90:2] Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
[Psalm 103:17] But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;
From everlasting, to everlasting, the Lord is blessed, the Lord is God, and the Lord is merciful. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
DECEMBER 31, 2018
“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” (Romans 13:11)
The Lord Jesus Christ, as he hung upon the cross, saved every single one of his people from the penalty of their sins. One day, he will return to save every single one of them from even the presence of sin.
That day is now nearer. God bids us to be awake, and to be aware of the importance of living, not according to the flesh, but according to his Spirit. His Spirit inspired the Bible.
DECEMBER 30, 2018
Romans 9:
[13] As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
[14] What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
[15] For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
[16] So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
It is not amazing that God hated Esau – it would be just and fair if God hated every human. It is, however, amazing that God loved Jacob. Justice is deserved, but grace is amazing.
God’s compassion is not bestowed because we make correct choices (“him that willeth”) or because we make correct actions (“him that runneth”), but God’s compassion is bestowed because of free grace in Jesus Christ.
Some try to explain God’s grace in this way: “God looked down through the ages and saw those who would make the right choice, or do the right actions, and then he selected those people based on what he foresaw.” But such is not free grace as described in the scriptures (see Romans 11:6).
Consider this example: If I buy a sandwich at a fast-food restaurant, I pay in advance, before I ever receive that sandwich. If I buy a similar sandwich at a restaurant with waiters, I pay at the end of the meal. But either way, I pay. My sandwich is not free because the waiter expects my payment later.
The same principle applies with everlasting life. God does not base his gift of life upon men’s choices or actions, whether foreseen or accomplished.
DECEMBER 25, 2018
“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” (II Corinthians 9:15)
God’s gift – the Lord Jesus Christ – is worthy of song, worthy of preaching, worthy of giving, worthy of forgiving, worthy of obedience, worthy of our deaths, and worthy of our lives. All of that, however, will not suffice to fully tell the story of God’s love.
His gift is unspeakable, not because we are not PERMITTED to speak about it; it is unspeakable because we are not ABLE to get it all spoken. But let’s keep trying, anyway.
If we believe and try, we may find ourselves rejoicing with “joy unspeakable” (I Peter 1:8).
DECEMBER 22, 2018
“But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.” (Psalm 115:3)
The word “sovereign” does not appear in the KJV Bible. But the verse above well expresses the sovereignty of God. God does what he pleases. God is always in control of all. No one can stop him from doing what he pleases, and no one can demand that God explain what he does. It is a mercy that, in the Bible, God actually explains so much of what he does.
But God does not do what he does NOT please.
Consider this verse: “And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.” (II Samuel 11:27)
God did not cause David’s adultery with Bathsheba, nor David’s murder of Uriah. God does not cause sin. David had done God’s displeasure, and so God did not do it, for God does his pleasure, not his displeasure.
To state that God causes or predestines all events without exception is to portray God as LESS than sovereign. For example, if you take me to a buffet and say, “Eat whatever pleases you,” then I have control. If you say, “You must eat everything, whether you like it or not,” then I have less control.
It pleased God to bruise his Son, Jesus Christ, to pay for all the sins of all his adopted children. How wonderful it is that God does not do his displeasure, but God does all his pleasure in bringing his own to glory.
DECEMBER 16, 2018
“The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.” (Proverbs 16:1)
Though his body did not stop functioning for 930 years, Adam died in trespasses and sins in the day he ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, according to God’s word. All of his descendants except one, Jesus Christ, were conceived with Adam’s fallen nature. This fallen nature, dead in trespasses and sins, has a heart prepared unto wickedness (Jeremiah 17:9) and a tongue prepared unto deceit (Romans 3:13). If these preparations remain unchanged, then God is fair and just to condemn every such person.
The good news of the gospel is that Jesus Christ paid in full for the sins of God’s chosen, and that God changes the hearts and tongues of Christ’s redeemed. When people are born again in regeneration, God then prepares their hearts unto belief, and prepares their tongues unto confession.
At this point, these people are already saved unto eternal life, and are able to call upon the name of the Lord to be saved unto light: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
DECEMBER 10, 2018
“And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.”
Israel, or Jacob, stretched forth his right hand to give the greater blessing to Ephraim, Joseph’s second-born, on PURPOSE. Hebrews 11:21 tells us that this action was by faith.
Years before, Isaac had given the greater blessing to Jacob, his second-born, and Jacob had (deceptively) taken Esau’s place as a SUBSTITUTE. Hebrews 11:20 tells us that Isaac, on his part, did this by faith.
Years before that, Abraham and Sarah had produced Abraham’s second-born son, Isaac, when they were so old that their bodies were considered dead for reproduction, and so Isaac depicted the RESURRECTION. Hebrews 11:11-12 tells us that this happened through faith.
To me, these acts of faith point to the Lord Jesus Christ, who fulfilled God’s PURPOSE, became our SUBSTITUTE on the cross, and was declared to be the Son of God with power by the RESURRECTION from the dead.
And consider the Messianic significance of the blessing to the second-born sons of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob:
“The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.” (I Corinthians 15:47)
NOVEMBER 30, 2018
“For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.” (Romans 14:9)
Must Jesus Christ die and rise again in order to be Lord? Wasn’t he already Lord, divine before he took on flesh?
Yes, he was Lord from before creation, but as far as the human race is concerned, he would have only been Lord of the dead if he had not redeemed his people, for all died in Adam. His death and resurrection ensured that an innumerable host of human beings would be living, and live forever, for he paid for their sins as he hung on the cross in the dark.
If you mourn, if you hunger and thirst after righteousness, then you are among the living. Rejoice that Jesus is your Lord!
NOVEMBER 22, 2018
“If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.” (Leviticus 7:12)
How blessed we are, at this point in human history, to have Bibles we can hold in our hands, and read in our native tongue! In addition to that great blessing, we also enjoy the lesser blessings of concordances and computer search engines to assist in studying the Bible. Using such blessings, we can find out interesting things such as: the first time the words “love” and “worship” appear in the KJV Bible is in Genesis 22, where Abraham is bidden to sacrifice Isaac.
A more recent search reveals that Leviticus 7:12 is the first appearance of the word “thank” in the English Bible. In this verse, thanksgiving is associated with the sacrifice of the peace offering. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross has established God’s peace with all of his children for ever. I beg you to believe the gospel, and be at peace with God now.
What is the last appearance of “thank” in the Bible? It is this:
“Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.” (Revelation 11:17)
Thanksgiving begins with peace, ends with power, and proceeds from the faithful one who is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and Omega: the Lord Jesus Christ.
NOVEMBER 19, 2018
“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.” (Proverbs 16:8)
Great revenues can make our short stay on earth easier. But when that stay is over, nothing but righteousness will enable us to abide in the presence of the holy God, who created heaven and earth.
And “relative righteousness” – in which we seem to be more righteous than other people – will not suffice. To be acceptable to God, we must possess flawless, spotless, perfect righteousness. Those who do not possess it will justly receive everlasting destruction. That’s the bad news.
The good news is that, by grace and grace alone (not by our works, or by our decision to believe), God gives every one of his children precisely that righteousness. He chose them in Jesus Christ before creation, who made them righteous at the cross. Jesus Christ was made to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
If we have God’s gracious righteousness, then, even if we have very little, we have something much better than great revenues.
NOVEMBER 6, 2018
“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (II Corinthians 3:17)
The death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ was according to the scriptures (I Corinthians 15:3-4) in harmony with the Holy Spirit (II Peter 1:20-21), and obtained for all of His people a great permanent liberty and freedom:
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2)
Freedom from sin and its wages of everlasting death – what a liberty that is! That is the great liberty of everlasting life.
But there are lesser liberties here on earth that are also treasures. If we continue in God’s word, we will know the truth and the truth will make us free. In the nation where I live, we have freedom to vote for those who will write, interpret, and enforce the nation’s laws. If we wish to continue in those lesser liberties, we need to vote in harmony with the scriptures.
Do not vote by what others CLAIM the Bible teaches, nor by what you IMAGINE the Bible teaches. READ the entire Bible, consider its teachings, and then vote accordingly – for liberty.
NOVEMBER 1, 2018
When we see the word “save” in the Bible, we should not always jump to the conclusion that it refers to “eternal salvation,” but we should interpret the word in context, according to the scriptures around it.
Below are some Bible verses, in which I have capitalized the word “SAVE” or “SAVED”. In some of these verses, SAVE means “to deliver from sin and death unto everlasting life in Jesus Christ”. I designate these with the words: ETERNAL SALVATION. In other cases, it means something else, and I try to briefly say what that is:
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall SAVE his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21) ETERNAL SALVATION
And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, SAVE us: we perish. (Matthew 8:25) The disciples are asking Jesus Christ to save them from shipwreck and drowning.
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, SAVE me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. (John 12:27) Jesus Christ is stating that He will not be saved from the hour of His death.
And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to SAVE the world. (John 12:47) ETERNAL SALVATION (“world” here does not mean “all humanity” but means “all the Father gave the Son” – in fact, “the world” here equals “his people” in Matthew 1:21).
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be SAVED, even as they. (Acts 15:11) ETERNAL SALVATION
Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be SAVED. (Acts 27:31) Paul is warning that, without sailors on board, some of the people in their ship will drown.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be SAVED from wrath through him. (Romans 5:9) ETERNAL SALVATION
For we are SAVED by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? (Romans 8:24) Paul writes that hope in Christ saves us from despair and darkness.
OCTOBER 31, 2018
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (I John 5:13)
Some people take an extreme and, I think, inaccurate position about eternal salvation, stating, “If you do not know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, then you probably don’t have it.”
First of all, while we live here on earth, every bit of our knowledge needs some improvement: “And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.” (I Corinthians 8:2)
Secondly, John is writing to those who already truly believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. They are going to heaven as the result of His redeeming work on the cross – and that is why they possess the ability to believe! And yet, John still writes to improve their knowledge, and strengthen their belief. Is it not a blessing that the Holy Spirit inspired him to write this flawless encouragement?
You may not now know beyond the shadow of a doubt. But if you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, then God dwells in you, and you dwell in God (I John 4:15). You that believe, believe even more! You are bound for heaven. Let some of those shadows depart.
OCTOBER 27, 2018
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:9)
Many sincere Christians misinterpret this verse by making three serious mistakes: (1) They only consider part of the verse, (2) They neglect the context, and (3) They replace the word “willing” with “wishing”.
1) Typically, the first part of the verse is ignored, and the part emphasized is, “The Lord is … not willing that any should perish…”.
2) Typically, the context of the verse such as the word “usward” is not considered. Who is the “us” in “usward”? To determine this, look at II Peter 3:1 to find that the “us” are those who are “beloved” and who possess “pure minds”. Look also at II Peter 1:1, to find that these people are “them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ”.
3) Typically, the word “willing” is understood to mean only “wishing”.
With these three mistakes, confused Christians are left with the idea that God wishes no one would perish, but they do perish anyway because of unbelief, and so He loses them forever. In eternity, they imagine that God is left forever without loved ones that He wished were with Him!
That is not the God of the Bible, nor is it what II Peter 3:9 teaches. Ultimately, finally, the God of the Bible does all of His pleasure, all of His purpose (see Isaiah 46:9-11), and all of His will. If He is not willing that certain people should perish, they won’t perish! They will be changed.
So what does II Peter 3:9 mean? It means that God chose a people in Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world, and that Jesus Christ bought them for God forever when He died on the cross. They are beloved. The Holy Spirit regenerates all of these people without fail, and gives them faith, and gives them “pure minds”. They may not repent in a manner that you and I can detect, but God knows the changes He makes within them. He is not willing that any of them should perish, and so they do not perish, but they do come to repentance. And one day, they will come to God glorified.
OCTOBER 16, 2018
Hebrews 5:
[7] Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
[8] Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
[9] And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
[10] Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
Notice some verb tenses in verses 8 and 9: “were, learned, suffered, made, and became” are all PAST tense – and are all actions done or experienced by our Lord Jesus Christ.
In verse 9, the verb “obey” is PRESENT tense, and the present follows the past. The “obey” thus happens after, or as a result of, the things done by Jesus Christ.
So the “obey” is not the cause or condition of eternal salvation, but the result or evidence of eternal salvation.
If a human being were not born again, and did not already have possession of eternal salvation, that human would not obey the Lord (see Romans 3:10-18). If a human being obeys the Lord, that particular human was first given eternal salvation by the grace of God.
OCTOBER 13, 2018
“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” (Ephesians 4:28)
Here is a humanist, “progressive,” leftist approach: Shout, clamor, riot, and use violence to bring leaders to power who will use the force of government taxation to take possessions from diligent people, and give them to poor followers who support those leaders, all in the name of compassion.
Here is a divine, scriptural, Christian approach: Obey laws, work hard, live on less than you earn, and use some of the savings to help those who are truly in need, all in the name of Jesus Christ.
The humanist approach is compulsory, but the Christian approach is voluntary.
OCTOBER 11, 2018
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” [James 4:7]
In resisting, we should not compromise with the devil one little bit. The Lord Jesus Christ, when tempted, would not bid a single stone to be made into bread. See Matthew 4:1-4. Remember, the devil is a liar and a murderer, and it is futile to compromise with such a being.
In resisting, we should not act in fury and accusation, and use the devil’s own methods. The archangel Michael resisted successfully by a determined rebuke in the name of the Lord. See Jude verse 9. Remember, the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God. See James 1:20.
Perhaps one reason we experience so much failure in resisting the devil – the last part of this verse – is that we do not do the first part of this verse: Submit ourselves to God.
Another good example of a successful resistor is Job. Though he was so miserable that he wanted to die (see Job chapter 3), he held fast his integrity. He did not compromise, nor did he curse. And though he still had struggles ahead, he silenced the devil by the end of Job chapter 2. Finally, he triumphed in the end of his trial.
SEPTEMBER 27, 2018
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” ( I Corinthians 6:19-20)
Today, many people say, “It’s my body, so I may do with it as I wish.” Such a statement runs opposite to the teaching of the Bible.
For a child of God, the truth is that the Lord Jesus Christ bought body and spirit at great cost: shedding his blood, suffering the penalty for sins, and laying down his life. If one hopes in Jesus Christ, the question should be, “Since my body belongs to my Lord Jesus by right of purchase, what does he want me to do with it?”
SEPTEMBER 24, 2918
“Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.” [Micah 7:8]
Every child of God forever shares the victory of Jesus Christ won upon the cross, so the rejoicing of any enemy will be temporary. When he falls into sorrow, he can be of good cheer. When he falls into transgression, he can repent and find forgiveness. When he falls in physical death, not only will his spirit go to God in that same day, but on the resurrection day, he shall arise, glorified in the presence of his Savior.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2018
“But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.”
(I Peter 4:15-16)
While living in this world, we do not get to choose between: (1) suffering, or (2) not suffering. We only get to choose between: (1) suffering from our own wickedness, or (2) suffering from trying to follow Jesus Christ.
May God bless us to choose well.
SEPTEMBER 10, 2018
“But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod. Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.” (I Samuel 2:18-19)
Although Hannah had dedicated her son Samuel to the service of the Lord, she still thought about him growing, and took steps to help in that growth. She made a little coat to bring him each year. He need not grow cold.
Hopefully, you and I have dedicated our remaining time on earth to the Lord Jesus Christ and His service. But we also grow, and should be taking steps in consideration of that growth. We need to read scripture, pray, gather with other disciples to hear the gospel preached, and remember the Lord at His supper. We should not grow cold, but grow warmer, and “grow up” (Ephesians 4:15), and “grow in grace” (II Peter 3:18). This takes some effort, but it can be a labor of love.
SEPTEMBER 5, 2018
“So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.” (Ecclesiastes 4:1)
The tears of the oppressed, and the struggle for power, makes up too much of human history. Many people think if they can stop being the oppressed, and become the oppressor, they can alleviate their unhappiness. If they actually manage this, they are often very disappointed.
What God’s children need in order to be happy is not power, nor victim status – they need the Comforter. Whom they actually need is the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. And He sends the Comforter:
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” (John 16:7)
Let us pray to the Father in the name of the Son that He will send the Spirit. God’s Spirit is our comforter.
AUGUST 30, 2018
The phrase “my soul” appears 8 times in Psalm 119:
[20] My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
[25] My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
[28] My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
[81] My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
[109] My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
[129] Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
[167] My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
[175] Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.
It begins with breaking, and ends up with living and praising.
AUGUST 23, 2018
“When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.” [Psalm 27:10]
Some people never know their parents. Some have abusive parents. Some have neglectful parents. Some have good parents who leave them because they must depart this world. Some have parents who do not understand them at times. Because of sin, almost all people find they are on occasion forsaken by their loved ones.
But the Lord never leaves or forsakes His children (see Hebrews 13:5). He is like a great safety net stretched beneath everything they attempt. Underneath them are His everlasting arms. He will be their guide, even unto death. He will take them up! It is entirely right that the Lord Jesus Christ is called Faithful and True (see Revelation 19:11).
AUGUST 18, 2018
“Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.”
(Malachi 3:16)
Do you speak often to those who fear the Lord, and who love the name of Jesus Christ? You may have a good opportunity to do so tomorrow morning.
AUGUST 14, 2018
“Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD.”
(Psalm 25:7)
The request is not “remember me for goodness sake”, but “remember thou me for THY goodness’ sake”. Can God remember us for the sake of His own goodness?
He can, and He does. God thinks upon His sinful children, whom He has chosen, while thinking upon the goodness, sacrifice, faithfulness, obedience, and love of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. The blood which He shed on the cross washed away the sins of their youths, the sins of all their lives, and even the sin of their fallen, corrupt nature. Jesus Christ makes them kings and priests unto God, and heaven is their destiny. This is according to God’s mercy.
AUGUST 12, 2018
[Genesis 11:4] And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
[Ezra 5:10] We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them. And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.
The city and tower of Babel, built by those who desired to make themselves a name, never was finished. The temple, built by men who would not give their names (but only their roles as servants of God) was completed, stood for centuries, and the Lord Jesus Christ Himself entered and taught there. In whose name do we build?
AUGUST 6, 2018
“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” (Proverbs 28:9)
God is a great law-giver, who made the universe by His commandments. God’s grace does not go around His law; His grace pays the price for law-breakers He loves. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, He was perfectly keeping God’s law to redeem His own people.
Someone who will not pay attention to God’s law will not be persuaded, even though one rose from the dead (Luke 16:31). His prayer is abomination, and unacceptable to God.
But by grace God has written His law in the hearts of many sinners. By grace these people hear His law. Their hearts are pricked; their hearts are broken, because they know they have not kept God’s law (Luke 18:13-14) and that His law is good. Their prayers are heard by God, because of Jesus Christ.
AUGUST 5, 2018
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.” [Hebrews 6:1-3]
One can leave a foundation by walking away from it. Then the elements (water, wind, etc.) will beat upon it, even if they cannot destroy it.
Or, one can leave a foundation by building upon it. As he rises from the foundation, constructing the floors, walls, and roof, these will not only keep the elements away from the foundation which supports them, but they also will provide shelter and comfort for the builder and his loved ones.
What better foundation can our time on earth be built upon, than the doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ?
AUGUST 4, 2018
“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” (Psalm 122:1)
The expression “house of the Lord”, or “house of God”, has referred to different places in Bible history. In Genesis 28:17, it was the place where Jacob dreamed of a ladder unto heaven. Later, it meant the tabernacle built at Mount Sinai, which was carried into Canaan by the children of Israel. Later, it meant the temple built by Solomon. Still later, it meant the second temple built under the leadership of Zerubbabel. That temple was standing in the day of the crucifixion, and its veil was torn from top to bottom when the Savior died. Romans destroyed that building in 70 A.D.
Today, the house of the Lord is the church of Jesus Christ:
“These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” (I Timothy 3:15)
I am glad when “they” say to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.” It would be good for me to go there even if I alone considered my reasonable duty and gratitude. But when someone else wants to go, and even wants me to go with them, then I am blessed in multiple ways. Friends are nice to have; friends who want to worship the true God with you are treasures.
AUGUST 3, 2018
“The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.” (Proverbs 21:5)
Grasping and trying to get rich quickly often lead to poverty.
Long, steady, hard work, careful spending, and thoughtful investment often lead to wealth.
God has diligently thought about the people He has chosen in Christ Jesus, who has finished the hard work of their redemption on the cross, and His harvest is plenteous.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
AUGUST 2, 2018
“The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.” (Proverbs 19:11)
Discretion here means insight, or intelligence. A person of insight and intelligence defers, or delays, any action or speech due to anger. It is bad to “fly off the handle”. An intelligent person waits, gathers the facts, makes sure his anger is justified, and determines what is right to do with that anger. God Himself is slow to anger (see Psalm 103:8). Sometimes a clear statement or deliberate action is the best thing to do.
And sometimes it is best for a person to make the deliberate decision to forgive, and pass over a transgression. It is an aspect of glory. Glory to God, for he forgives His children, because Jesus Christ, our passover, is sacrificed for us (see I Corinthians 5:7) to put away our transgressions against God.
JULY 28, 2019
“The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.” (Psalm 87:2)
God’s love, expressed by the Greek word “agapeo”, is everlasting, unfailing, and binds Him perfectly to those He loves (Jeremiah 31:3, I Corinthians 13:8, Colossians 3:14). It is difficult to imagine love being any greater. We love Him because He first loved us.
But there is another Greek word, “phileo”, translated as love in the Bible, which carries the meaning of “friendship”. The disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ can actually cause this love, as shown in the verse below:
“For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.” (John 16:27)
Which do you think better strengthens a friendship: believing what your friend says, or doubting what your friend says – especially if it is a friend who has never told a lie?
God calls His church Zion, or Sion (see Hebrews 12:22-24). God loves all His children in all places. But He considers His church a very special and beloved place. And so should we.
JULY 25, 2018
“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4)
“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12)
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
(James 4:10)
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (I Peter 5:6-7)
God is certainly able to humble us, but we should not wish for that. He has given his born-again children the ability to HUMBLE OURSELVES. Not only does this bring blessings, it is a way to be more Christ-like:
Philippians 2:
[5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
[6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
[7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
[8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
JULY 21, 2018
“For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:11]
For centuries, humans have used a Year that was approximately 360 to 366 days long for a good reason: the earth rotates that many times during the period in which it revolves around the sun.
Humans have also used a Month that was approximately 28 to 31 days long for a good reason: the earth rotates that many times during the period in which the moon revolves around the earth.
But why does most of humanity use a 7-day Week? Some secular historians do their best to make it a pagan Babylonian or Sumerian tradition that somehow caught on with Hebrew, Persian, Hindu, Greek and Roman cultures. The better explanation is that God, the Lord Jesus Christ (see John 1:1-3), created the heaven and earth in 6 days and rested on the 7th. Humans from Adam to Noah would have known that, and those who built the Tower of Babel would have known that. Abraham came from the city of Ur in the area near that tower, and he was the ancestor of Israel – and all of this history was accurately recorded by the Israelite leader named Moses.
So, just as the year and the month, the 7-day week is based on a good reason.
JULY 13, 2018
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” [Isaiah 64:6]
“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:” [II Peter 1:1]
If all of our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and we obtain “precious faith” through the righteousness of God, then real faith cannot be something available to be chosen by any human being, but must be something given to particular human beings by the grace of God.
JULY 1, 2018
“And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.” (Matthew 28:9)
When Cornelius bowed at the feet of Simon Peter, Peter would not allow it to continue (Acts 10:25-26).
When John bowed at the feet of an angel, the angel would not allow it to continue (Revelation 22:8-9).
But when people bowed at the feet of Jesus, the meek and humble Jesus allowed it, and accepted worship. Why? Because Jesus Christ is the Lord God, and worthy of our worship.
JUNE 15, 2018
[Jeremiah 4:22] “For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.”
[Roman 16:19] “For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.”
For a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is important to increase the study of good, and to neglect the study of evil.
JUNE 13, 2018
1) The voice of God in creation: [Genesis 1:3] And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
2) The voice of God in law-giving: [Exodus 20:1-3] And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
3) The voice of God in redemption: [John 19:30] When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
4) The voice of God in regeneration: [John 5:25] Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
5) The voice of God in discipleship: [Mark 1:17] And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
6) The voice of God in resurrection: [I Thessalonians 4:16-17] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
7) The voice of God in celebration: [Zephaniah 3:17] The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
JUNE 12, 2018
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
All people that become children of God do so by grace alone: being born of God’s Spirit, because of God’s choice and Jesus Christ’s atonement. But peacemakers shall be CALLED the children of God. Their peacemaking causes the family resemblance with the heavenly Father to be clear.
Making peace is usually not accomplished by giving others everything they want. A parent that does that with a child usually ends up with a spoiled brat who makes others miserable, and is miserable himself. Most people think they know what they want, but very few know what brings peace or happiness, even for themselves.
Making peace usually means knowing that there is a universal RIGHT (as opposed to wrong) and standing for that universal right. It means disagreeing with wrong and, if you are given a place of authority (such as a parent), exercising that authority. And it means consistently showing thoughtfulness and respect to others, whether they are right or wrong.
JUNE 9, 2018
“Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.” (Hebrews 13:12-13)
As many in town met with loved ones to celebrate the passover season, the Lord Jesus Christ hung nailed on a cross outside the gate of Jerusalem – naked, alone, and in agony. Child of God, His body was broken for you. His blood was shed so that when you appear before the Judge of all the earth, you will be clothed in His righteousness, gathered to your people, and entering into the joy of the Lord.
Following Jesus Christ is less and less popular lately. Many think their notion of right and wrong is superior to His teaching of right and wrong, given in the Bible. Reproach means criticism, disapproval, or condemnation. Will you go forth outside of the popular places, bearing the disapproval of others, in order to go forth unto Him?
JUNE 2, 2018
“And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.” (Luke 4:16)
Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, but brought up in Nazareth. He was completely human and completely divine. As God, He inspired the scriptures, and He certainly knew them well.
Yet it was “his custom” to meet once a week with sinful people to hear and read scriptures. Should that not also be our custom?
MAY 28, 2018
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” [I John 3:16]
Thanks unto many who have given their lives for our freedom from tyranny. Thanks unto the Lord Jesus Christ who gave His life for our freedom from sin and death, and given us eternal life and righteousness in Him.
MAY 16,2018
“They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.” [Psalm 115:8]
The word “them” in verse 8 refers to the “idols” mentioned in previous verses. But verse 8 states a key principle:
You tend to become like whatever you trust.
If you trust in money, you may become inflated, counterfeited, or devalued. If you trust in science, you may become unable to handle things which are not observable or repeatable. If you trust in popularity, you may become proud during praise, and crumble during criticism.
What if you trust in the living God? What if you trust in the Lord Jesus Christ?
MAY 7, 2018
“Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.” (Proverbs 13:18)
How “teachable” are you? Are you a person who says, “I’m a grown-up; don’t tell me what to do”? Do you often hide behind the “Don’t judge me” whine? If so, you are likely to find poverty and shame, because your pride is hindering you from learning. You refuse useful instruction.
Or are you a person that listens, even to reproofs which criticize you? Do you consider the source and content of the reproof carefully, and then actively accept the criticism if it seems right, or respectfully reject it if it seems wrong? If so, you are likely to find honor. You benefit from instruction.
Almost no one enjoys reproof, or criticism. The question is, “Can we learn from it?”
How many times did the Lord Jesus Christ bless His disciples with reproof? He reproved them for their lack of faith when He stilled the winds and waves. He reproved them for harshness when they wanted to call down fire from heaven. He reproved them for pride when they argued about who would be the greatest in His kingdom.
Humbling themselves as children, the disciples listened. They were teachable. After His resurrection, they changed the world.
MAY 1, 2018
“Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.” (Psalm 119:142)
It is not uncommon to hear people say, “Well, I am speaking MY truth.” This is a misuse of the term “truth”. It would be more accurate to say, “Well, I am speaking MY VIEW of the truth.”
There is only ONE truth, and it is truth in all places and all times. It is universal, everlasting, and invariant. God’s law is the truth.
Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and the law of the Spirit of life in Christ makes people free from the law of sin and death.
A real search for wisdom is a process of adjusting our VIEW of the truth so that our view becomes closer and closer to the truth of God’s law. That sounds a bit like repentance! In that process, we may see our great need for a Savior, and indeed grow wiser.
APRIL 25, 2018
“For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.” [Romans 6:20]
“While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” [II Peter 2:19]
There is a situation where one is “free” from responsibilities, budgets, maturity, decisions, or consequences for choices – that situation is called “slavery”.
Jesus Christ makes disciples who continue in His word “free indeed”, and that freedom is not always easy. But it is wonderful indeed.
APRIL 24, 2018
“And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” [Matthew 10:42]
Many years ago on a very hot day, one of my little daughters brought me a glass of ice water as I was pushing a lawn mower. I tried to quote this verse to her. She listened intently, considered its meaning, and then ran inside to get me a second glass!
No person seeks for God unless the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ fundamentally changes that person (Romans 3:11). But God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
APRIL 22, 2018
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” [Matthew 5:5]
In the verse above, the Lord Jesus Christ refers to Psalm 37:11, which God inspired David to write. “Meek” does not mean “timid”, and “inherit the earth” does not mean “get rich” – or else the teaching would be “Blessed are the timid, for they shall get rich.” Obviously, such a claim would be untrue.
“Meek” means “obedient to God.” After all, Moses was meek (see Numbers 12:3) and so was Jesus the Lord (see Matthew 11:29) – and they were bold and full of courage. “Inherit the earth” means to “experience true spiritual treasures while on earth.”
Blessed are the obedient to God, for they shall experience true spiritual treasures while on earth. And when they go home to heaven, the experience just gains power.
APRIL 12, 2018
[Habakkuk 2:20] “But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.”
[Zechariah 2:13] “Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.”
Sometimes, we do not perceive God’s mighty power as He sits on His throne, but that power is there, nevertheless. At others times, God is raised up in ways that demonstrate His mighty power so very clearly.
But at all times, we do well when we give Him our full attention. As He says of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him”. We need to silence the earth and the flesh – which both cry for our attention – and listen to God.
APRIL 11, 2018
“Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.” (Psalm 3:2-3)
Often, what looks like failure to those observing from the outside is truly success to the God who knows the inside.
Often, what looks like failure to those observing now is truly success to the God who knows the future.
Moses looked like a failure when he fled Egypt as a fugitive. But he was a success when God blessed him to lead his people out of slavery.
David looked like a failure as he fled for his life from Absalom. But he was a success when he handed the plans for the temple to his son, Solomon, who would succeed him on the throne.
Stephen looked like a failure, without help from God, as the stones began to hit him and destroy his body. But he was a success viewing the Lord Jesus Christ welcoming him to heaven.
Jesus Christ looked like a failure as he hung on the cross being mocked: “He saved others; himself he cannot save.” But he was a success as he won complete victory over sin and death, and rose from the grave on the third day.
APRIL 10, 2018
“These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.” (Psalm 50:21)
A wicked person thinks that God is altogether like himself!
But a righteous person thinks this: “God be merciful to me a sinner.” (Luke 18:13) Such a thought arises in the mind of one who has been born of God’s Spirit, for whom the Lord Jesus Christ has died. It is God’s purpose to make that person like his Savior – and God does all His purpose.
APRIL 9, 2018
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” (I Peter 2:24)
Who bare our sins in his own body? The Lord Jesus Christ.
Who is embraced in the pronoun “our”? Look in the verses above: verse 3 says “our” refers to those who have tasted God’s grace, verse 7 says those who believe, verse 9 says those who are chosen, verse 11 says those who are beloved.
What does “dead to sins” mean? The word “dead” means “separated” – for example, physical death means the spirit is separated from the body, and death in trespasses and sins means separated from God. Those whose sins were borne in Christ’s body are legally separated from the penalty of their sins in God’s justice, for the Savior has removed their sins as far from them as the east is from the west.
What should we do because of this grace? Live unto God’s righteousness, and rest in his healing.
APRIL 3, 2018
[Psalm 139:1] “O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.”
[Psalm 139:23-24] “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
At the beginning of Psalm 139, David realizes that God has searched him and known him – he can hide nothing from God. At the end of Psalm 139, David prays for God to search him and know him – he is glad he can hide nothing from God. He asks God to use that complete knowledge to purge him from wickedness and lead him in righteousness.
Jesus Christ loves His children so completely, that – if we could only comprehend a fraction of that love – we would rejoice in our transparency before Him, and confession unto Him would not be difficult.
APRIL 2, 2018
“A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.” [Proverbs 18:2]
If a person uses a lot of time and effort to “discover himself,” it seems that the Bible declares that he is a fool.
“Understanding” means to “stand under”! If one stands under a building, he is looking at the building’s foundation. A wise man wants to go beyond mere self-discovery; he wants to know the foundations of a course of action, or a philosophy, or a way of life. He wants to know the assumptions, principles, or truth beneath. Delight in understanding: look at the foundation.
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” [I Corinthians 3:11]
MARCH 27, 2018
[John 14:19] “Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.”
These are among the words of the Lord Jesus Christ to His disciples, shortly before His crucifixion. His love inseparably links His life to the lives of His people. Were His life to end, so would theirs; if His life continues, so does theirs. So how long does His life continue?
[Deuteronomy 32:39-40] “See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.”
MARCH 21, 2018
[Genesis 25:8-9] Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people. And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;
[Genesis 35:29] And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.
[Genesis 49:33] And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people.
[Genesis 50:12-13] And his sons did unto him according as he commanded them: For his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bought with the field for a possession of a buryingplace of Ephron the Hittite, before Mamre.
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were each “gathered unto his people” prior to being buried. In Jacob’s case, over seventy days passed between the time he was “gathered unto his people” and the time he was buried (see Genesis 50:3-5).
The phrase “gathered unto his people” does not mean “buried in the family plot”. Rather, it means that Jesus Christ – the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – gathers the spirits of all of His sheep into His presence, with others gone before, when their eyes close in death.
MARCH 13, 2018
“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” (I Corinthians 6:11)
The experiences of the physical nation of ancient Israel, written in the Old Testament, provide valuable lessons for people whom God has chosen to everlasting life.
Before creation, God put a large but definite number of people from every nation in his Son, Jesus Christ, and thus they were a Chosen People – chosen unto life eternal (see I Corinthians 1:26-31 and Ephesians 1:3-6).
Not every person descended from Israel (the man who had been named Jacob) is among this Chosen People (see Romans 9:6-8). But many are.
Some people who are not descended from Israel ARE among this Chosen People (see Acts 10:34-35). In fact, these people are very numerous (see Revelation 7:9-10).
The Lord Jesus Christ died for this Chosen People, and will bring all of them to resurrected glory without losing a single one of them (see John 6:37-39).
The Chosen People of God from all nations can now read how God led the chosen nation of Israel, and find out how God leads His children today. For instance, God delivered every Israelite from slavery in Egypt to freedom, just as Jesus Christ delivers every chosen person from death in trespasses and sins to everlasting life in Him.
We find that God delivered over 600,000 men of war out of Egypt. How many of them made it to Canaan, the promised land? Two: Joshua and Caleb! Though free men, the rest died in the wilderness because of unbelief.
Now is the promised land a representation of heaven? I hope not, because once they got there, the men of Israel still had to fight! The promised land of Canaan is primarily a representation of the church.
The failures of Israel, the repentance of Israel, the victories of Israel, and the joys of Israel – these all teach lessons that children of God, especially children of God who are disciples of Christ today, should read diligently, and take personally.
MARCH 10, 2018
“A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.” [Proverbs 29:23]
The Lord Jesus Christ humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Sometimes do a word search for “pride” and “proud” in the Bible. It seems that every usage of these words is negative, and something to be avoided in our lives and attitudes. Most people use these words somewhat differently today, but perhaps we should find other words. Do not say, ” I’m proud to be an American, I’m proud of my children, and I want to take pride in my work.” Say rather, “I’m glad to be an American, I’m thankful for my children, and I want to take pleasure in my work.”
And if you’re humble, I’m not proud of you, but I’m grateful for you.
MARCH 6, 2018
“Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?” [Matthew 26:53]
The Lord Jesus said this to Simon Peter, when Peter attempted to defend the Lord in the garden of Gethsemane before the crucifixion. A legion was approximately 5,400 individuals. In II Kings 19:35, a single angel slew 185,000 soldiers.
Let’s do the math: 12 x 5400 x 185000 = 11,988,000,000, or about 12 billion people could have died, had Jesus only asked it of His Father. Since the human race numbers about 7 billion now, and perhaps less than 1 billion then, His prayer would have eliminated the human race.
But instead, Jesus Christ withheld that prayer, and gave His own life, so that His beloved people within the human race – also a very large number – would live forever with Him.
MARCH 3, 2018
“And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be. And it shall be upon Aaron’s forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.” (Exodus 28:36-38)
The high priest of the order of Levi was to wear a gold plate, bound by a blue lace on his forehead, with “Holiness to the Lord” engraved upon the plate. He was to “bear the iniquity of the holy things” so the children of Israel would be accepted before the Lord.
The High Priest of the order of Melchizedek, the Lord Jesus Christ, had engravings upon His forehead, too – a crown of thorns – as He thought about those whose sins He bore. His mission was “Holiness to the Lord” as He brought all His people unto God in holiness: “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” (Ephesians 1:4). He was completely successful in bearing their iniquities; He was completely successful in offering His gift on their behalf, and He will be completely successful bringing each of His children, in holiness, to the Lord. They will be accepted.
FEBRUARY 22, 2018
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33]
Many times, we spend years seeking for happiness, and then group the decisions we have made and the actions we have taken together, and repackage them as “righteousness”. No wonder it’s called “self-righteousness”!
But if we seek “his” righteousness, we find it in Christ Jesus, and many good things are added unto us, such as what we need to eat and wear. And very often, happiness.
FEBRUARY 20, 2018
“Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:32)
Advanced age does not guarantee accurate understanding (see Job 32:6-9). But God commanded Israel to be a culture that honored old people by great respect. One good reason to do so is this: God says to do it.
But there are practical reasons for doing this as well – reasons which benefit any nation. Most of those who believe in eternal salvation by sovereign grace know: At some point between physical conception and physical death, every elect human being is born again, and indwelt by the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ. Prior to that point, the person is wicked by nature; after that point the person is changed for the better forever.
The likelihood of people being born again is thus higher when they are old than when they are young.
Now that I have grey hair, it may seem self-serving to write this! But throughout my lifetime, the culture of the US has been youth-oriented, and it has hurt us. The “generation gap” is the work of the enemy, but a “generation bridge” is the way of the Lord (see Malachi 4:5-6 and Luke 1:15-17). The elderly must strive very diligently not to become selfish. They should care for the young more, and cater to the young less.
Young folks need to be cherished, protected, listened to, mentored, guided, and seasoned. But the counsel of old folks should receive greater attention, and greater respect.
FEBRUARY 19, 2018
“And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” (Genesis 48:15-16)
Who did Jacob mean by “The Angel which redeemed me”?
“Angel” means “messenger”. Sometimes, angels are powerful, spiritual beings, such as the angel that slew 185,000 Assyrian soldiers encamped around the walls of Jerusalem (see Isaiah 37:36). Gabriel seems to have been one of these.
Sometimes, “angel” seems to refer to a human messenger, who should be commended for his obedient labors, and rebuked for his shortcomings (see Revelation 2:1-7).
But who is an angel, and a redeemer? This angel:
“I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.” (Isaiah 63:7-9)
This Angel redeemed His people, and was their Saviour. This Angel was afflicted in all their affliction! So who was the Angel we read about in Daniel 3:23-28, when the Angel walked in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?
Nebuchadnezzer said one was like unto the Son of God.
Sometimes, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself brings messages of God directly to His children.
FEBRUARY 18, 2018
“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.” [Job 19:25-27]
How could Job, who lived in very ancient times, well before the New Testament, speak about the resurrection of his body?
This is how: Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life, inspired the words in Job, whom Christ would redeem with His own blood.
A man dies, and a worm eats his body, and a fish eats the worm, and another man eats the fish, part of which becomes tissue in his body – how is God going to straighten all of this out?
This is how: God controls the universe more completely than if He had a bar-code on each subatomic particle. He who made the first man from the dust will have no trouble calling all men from the dust.
FEBRUARY 17, 2018
“Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.”
(Deuteronomy 10:14)
Some people lean toward pantheism, the belief that “natural” laws are the only commandments that exist, and that the universe is God.
But the universe is not God; the universe is God’s possession – His creation. He rules over it, never to be deposed.
And He entered His creation as a human being, the Lord Jesus Christ, to save His loved ones.
FEBRUARY 10, 2018
“I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.” (Psalm 71:7)
Now that social media is so prevalent, everyone else’s life must seem much better than our own. If “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence”, then we can now watch greener grass grow digitally! I am not likely to post a “selfie” of the way my hair looks when I first wake up, or of spinach between my teeth. I am not likely to tell of the times I was ashamed, foolish, or scared. I will be much more likely to post smiles, trips, jokes, opinions, and times with friends. The posts will not be a good representation of the whole story.
It is very, very important to remember II Corinthians 10:12, which tells us it is unwise to compare ourselves to others.
The Holy Spirit inspired Psalm 71 when the writer was old. He had hoped in the Lord, and had publicly declared God’s wondrous works. Who knows what enemies he had withstood, and what blessings he had experienced? Many people must have known some of them, for he was “as a wonder unto many”. But the writer knew he was weak, sinful, frail, limited, and beset with adversaries. He knew he very much needed a refuge.
And he knew he had a refuge. Jesus Christ gives eternal life; he does not merely offer it, waiting for us to accept it. He places us in the cleft of the rock, Himself, as our eternal refuge. But Jesus Christ does also offer, as we dwell here below, refuge under His healing wings. He offers us an opportunity to take His yoke upon us and learn of Him. There, whether we are as a wonder unto many, or are as a failure unto many, we find rest unto our souls.
FEBRUARY 8, 2018
“Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD.” (Isaiah 26:10)
There is no environment that we can construct to cause the wicked to learn righteousness.
We could provide the best food, clothing and shelter. We could provide the finest education, guardians and mentors. The wicked will remain wicked.
We could pray and fast and pray again. We could bring in the finest, most sincere, and most anointed preaching. The preachers could declare the majesty of the Lord in the plainest manner. We could sing our hearts out. We could soften the lights, play soft, soulful music, and make appeal after tearful appeal. The wicked will still remain wicked.
Even if one rose from the dead and spoke to him, the wicked would remain wicked! See Luke 16:28-31.
How then does the wicked change? When the Holy Spirit of God, not needing any assistance or acceptance from man, decides to dwell in the wicked, then the wicked is within fundamentally changed, and by grace receives the righteous life of the Lord Jesus Christ. This lasts forever.
So why try to provide good environments? Because they help the changed person (who by grace has the righteousness of Christ) to learn how to serve the Lord by serving others.
FEBRUARY 6, 2018
[Genesis 4:1] And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. …
[Genesis 4:25] And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.
Cain means “GOTTEN”. Seth Means “APPOINTED”.
Jesus Christ, and He alone, APPOINTS eternal life (see John 10:23-30). He does not offer eternal life; He gives it. He does not ask permission to give it. He does not require belief to give it. He does not require good works to give it. He gives it to whom He will, when He will, for He does His will over the will of man. When He gives that life, it is eternal, and cannot be lost.
The only way a human being could have GOTTEN eternal life is to perfectly and completely keep the law of God, and no one other than Jesus Christ Himself has done this. But He has kept the law for each of His people, chosen out of every nation under heaven. His death on the cross won them for eternity.
God gives us evidences that we have already received eternal life. If we truly love God and love people, that is because we are born of God and already have that life (I John 4:7). If we confess Jesus as God’s Son, it is because God dwells in us and we already have that life. If we mourn over sin, or hunger and thirst after righteousness, it is because we are already blessed (Matthew 5:1-12). If we struggle with sin within us while inwardly longing to do good, it is because eternal life has already been granted (Romans 7:15-25).
Eternal life is not GOTTEN from God by sinners, but eternal life is APPOINTED by God unto sinners.
FEBRUARY 4, 2018
“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.” (Psalm 103:13)
Children stir many emotions in a father: sometimes their disobedience brings anger, their distance brings sorrow, their achievement brings pleasure, and their affection brings contentment. But when children are hurt or frightened, a good father is moved to pity. God is a good Father; He pities them that fear Him.
Who fears God? Before being born again, no man fears God. Romans 3:18 states, “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Thus, the fear of God cannot be instrumental in any person being born again! The fear of God must be the result of being already born again. It is the beginning of wisdom.
A person is born again because his sins are put away by the death of Jesus Christ. The death of Jesus Christ does this for every one chosen in Christ by God before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). These are the children of God.
These children fear God, and God has pity upon them when they are frightened or hurt. One day, according to His divine purpose, they will not be frightened or hurt anymore. God will bring them home.
FEBRUARY 2, 2018
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)
The ruler over the entire universe, and every creature in the universe, whether animate or inanimate, sentient or non-sentient, believing or unbelieving, you or me, is Jesus Christ.
And one day, that fact will be universally acknowledged.
FEBRUARY 1, 2018
“When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” (John 8:10-11)
Many of us often fall into one of two extremes: (1) Legalism – “I condemn you, and you should sin no more,” or (2) Amorality – “I don’t condemn you, and you just go on sinning!”
Hate sin, and love sinners. Wouldn’t the world be better if we could imitate the love and the balance of the Lord Jesus Christ?
JANUARY 25, 2018
[Habakkuk 3:13] “Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.”
The Hebrew word for the “anointed one” is “Messiah”, and the Greek word is “Christos”. God the Son went forth from heaven to earth for the salvation of His people, and was named Jesus – “For He shall save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
As foretold in Genesis 3:15, Jesus Christ, as “the seed of woman” – since He was born of a virgin – wounded the serpent Satan by His redeeming work on the cross. He went to the very foundation of what Satan had to accuse God’s people – their sins against God.
Having paid for their every one of their sins, He removed the reasons for those accusations, removed their transgressions from them forever, and removed the enmity between them and God. Jesus Christ saves, and is completely successful in eternal salvation. Think on that.
JANUARY 23, 2018
[Deuteronomy 1:1-3] “be the words which Moses spake unto all Israel on this side Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against the Red sea, between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dizahab. (There are eleven days’ journey from Horeb by the way of mount Seir unto Kadesh-barnea.) And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them;”
Horeb is Mt. Sinai, and Kadesh-barnea is southern Canaan. So it is an 11 day journey from Mt. Sinai to Canaan – but it took the children of Israel 40 years of wandering in the wilderness to get into Canaan! Why? The answer is unbelief (see Hebrews 3:19).
[Mark 1:14-15] “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
Jesus Christ said that the kingdom of God is “at hand”. Romans 14:17 tells us that the kingdom of God is ” righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost”. Could we spend years wandering in guilt, anxiety, and depression – when something wonderful was nearby, and belonged to us?
JANUARY 22, 2018
[I Peter 5:6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
[I Peter 5:7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Notice that verse 6 does not end with a period, but ends with a colon – the thought in verse 6 is not complete without the 7th verse. Thus, casting all our care on the Lord Jesus Christ is part of what we must do to humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand. Exaltation follows – in God’s perfect time!
JANUARY 16, 2018
When reading Ecclesiastes, it is important to remember that it is a book inspired by God about events and creatures that have their origin “under the sun” – that is, a description of existence in fallen nature surrounded by fallen human beings. If you don’t remember this, you may have a hard time seeing some of the harmony in the Bible. For example:
In Ecclesiastes 1:1-3, Solomon writes (about things under the sun) “all is vanity”. But in I Corinthians 15:58, Paul writes that “your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
In Ecclesiastes 1:9, Solomon writes that “there is no new thing under the sun.” But in Revelation 21:5, the Lord says, “Behold, I make all things new.”
In Ecclesiastes 1:15, Solomon writes, “That which is crooked cannot be made straight” but in Isaiah 42:16, God says, “I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight.”
This continues in the book of Ecclesiastes. These are not contradictions. Although the manifestations may unfold here below, God originates many wonderful things from His throne, above the sun, which are just not possible down here under the sun.
JANUARY 12, 2018
[Judges 7:9-10] “And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Arise, get thee down unto the host; for I have delivered it into thine hand. But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host:”
The Lord God required Gideon to confront a great enemy with very few men. But he did not require him to face it alone; God said he could go with his servant. You don’t have to face your enemy alone, either – you can take your servants:
[II Corinthians 4:5] “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.”
JANUARY 11, 2018
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
Some, in an effort to be tolerant, multi-cultural, pro-diversity, ecumenical, and popular among non-religious people, will endorse the belief that, “There are many ways to God, and you just have to find your own way, and find your own truth.” This denies the word of God. Such a belief is false.
Some, in an effort to be religious, or popular among religious people, will endorse the belief that Jesus taught that no man comes unto the Father, but “by his acceptance of me, or by his baptism unto me, or by his joining a group that claims to follow me”. This adds to the word of God. This belief is also false.
There is one and only one way to God the Father: Jesus Christ Himself. If the Lord Jesus Christ died for you, then you will be glorified and come to God in love, without fail.
JANUARY 10, 2018
[John 1:17] “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”
God is the source of the law, but Moses was the means whereby Israel received the law – the law was given BY Moses.
God is the source of grace and truth, and Jesus Christ is the means whereby God’s elect receives grace and truth – grace and truth came BY Jesus Christ, who is God in the flesh.
Since God is both the source and the means of grace and truth, none of God’s elect will fail to receive eternal life, for with God there is no failure.
JANUARY 6, 2018
[Psalm 56:13] “For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?”
We make a serious error if we think that the word “save” means the same thing every time it appears in scripture. To “save” is to “deliver”, and we should always ask, “delivered from what – and unto what?”
The prayer in this Psalm 56 verse seems to be, “Lord, you have Saved me (from death), won’t you Save me (from stumbling)?”
And Psalm 116 provides the result: [Psalm 116:8-9] For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
God does exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.
JANUARY 5, 2018
[Deuteronomy 6:22-23] “And the LORD shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes: And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers.”
God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, that He might bring them into Canaan.
The Lord Jesus Christ brings us out of sin, that He might bring us into His righteousness.
He brings us out of darkness, that He might bring us into light.
He brings us out of separation, that He might bring us into love.
He brings us out of this world, that He might bring us into His presence.
And He will bring us out of the grave, that He might bring us into glory.
JANUARY 1, 2018
“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” (Revelation 21:5)
God will destroy the devil, and hell, and death in the lake of fire, and He will punish some creatures with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord. So, the “all things” in Rev 21:5 must not mean “all things without exception,” but rather it must mean “all things without distinction,” or “all manner of things”.
And indeed, God showed a new covenant of love. He will make a new heaven and a new earth. Because of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, God makes His people, chosen in Christ out of every nation, new. They experience a new birth. They receive a new nature, and a new outlook. As a result, they are not at home in this world, for they long for a new home. God has made them such a new home, in His presence and glory – their home forever.
DECEMBER 25, 2017
“Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” [Psalm 30:4-5]
God’s anger is real, and strong, but it endures for only so long. God’s mercy, however, endures forever. (See Psalm 136.)
The weeping of God’s children may endure for a night. Their joy will, however, endure forever.
God’s holiness could be remembered with dread, since we are so sinful – but when we learn that He freely gives us His holiness through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, then we can remember that holiness with thanks.
And we can, and should, sing unto the living God.
DECEMBER 22, 2017
“Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.” (Romans 11:3)
The scripture above reminds us of a time in Elijah’s life when he felt that he was left alone. The truth about God was very unpopular. He had been scared and run. He wanted to die.
But God was with him, even if he forgot about that fact. God never forgets His children, and He always watches over them even when no other human being is with them. They are never really alone at all. In heaven, they will completely realize this truth, and weeping will be over for them.
This will come to pass because the Lord Jesus Christ went to the cross, and there paid the price of being completely alone, forsaken, shedding His blood, and dying. He trod the winepress alone, so that no one who belonged to Him would ever have to really be alone.
DECEMBER 18, 2017
“I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.” (Acts 26:9-11)
Before he was known as the Apostle Paul, he was known as Saul of Tarsus. He helped to imprison church members and have them put to death. He even “compelled them to blaspheme” – and what tortures or threats against families he used to compel them can be imagined.
Then he met the Lord Jesus Christ as he journeyed toward Damascus, and Saul/Paul was changed forever. But after that change, can you imagine the heavy load of guilt Paul must have carried, as he remembered how exceedingly cruel he had been to so many good, innocent people?
By grace, the blood of Jesus Christ delivered Paul from everlasting condemnation. But sincere, active belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ also delivered him from carrying that load of guilt. The Holy Spirit later inspired Paul to write something very personal: “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (I Timothy 1:15)
On the cross, Jesus Christ has successfully saved all of His children from everlasting punishment. His gospel still saves many of His children from guilt today. Are you now struggling with a load of guilt? Believe the gospel of Jesus Christ!
DECEMBER 13, 2017
“If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.” (Ecclesiastes 5:8)
DECEMBER 7, 2017
“The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.” [Psalm 116:6]
Over the years, I have spent much effort to appear wise, sophisticated, erudite, seasoned, and accomplished.
But the truth of the matter is that I am just a child: simple, weak, and sometimes confused or frightened, and I need God so much. Sometimes that truth is clearer when I am brought low.
The Lord Jesus Christ saves the sinner. He preserves the simple. I am a case in point.
DECEMBER 5, 2017
“Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee! Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.” [Psalm 71:19-21]
God shewed Noah great and sore troubles – over a year in the ark! He showed Moses forty years of exile in Midian, and forty years of wandering with rebellious Israelites in the wilderness. He showed David a lion, a bear, a giant, and years as a fugitive from King Saul.
He showed the greatest and sorest troubles to His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who went to the cross. Yet Christ rose from the depths of the earth.
You shall also rise from the depths of the earth, adopted child of God. And God may show you great and sore troubles before that great rising day. Meanwhile, look for His comfort on every side.
NOVEMBER 30, 2017
“So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.”
(Psalm 73:22-24)
God’s grace enables us to see our own foolishness and ignorance more clearly. So, we mourn over our sad condition, and hunger and thirst after righteousness. How good it is when God’s grace enables us to also see the righteousness given to us by Jesus Christ, bought and paid for by His blood! “Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved.”
He never separates from us, and He holds our hand. His counsel is available to us now; His glory awaits us later.
NOVEMBER 26, 2017
“The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.” [I Samuel 2:6]
What unexpected language in Hannah’s prayer of praise! One might expect her to say that God made alive, and then killed; that He brought up to life, and then brought down to the grave. But she didn’t. She, whose previously barren womb had now brought forth her firstborn son, declared that God makes alive after the kill, and God brings up – after the grave.
Many centuries before His coming, Hannah spoke of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. And because He lives, we shall live also. [John 14:19]
NOVEMBER 23, 2017
Psalm 136:
[1] O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
[2] O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
[3] O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
…
[23] Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:
[24] And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.
[25] Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
[26] O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.
NOVEMBER 16, 2017
Deuteronomy 19:
[15] One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
[16] If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong;
[17] Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;
[18] And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;
[19] Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you.
[20] And those which remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you.
A. Two or more witnesses, or accusers, are required to consider the guilt of the accused (verse 15).
B. Any accuser and the accused are both on trial (verse 17).
C. The investigation and trial to determine the truth of an accusation shall be DILIGENT (verse 18).
D. If the accused is found guilty, he is sentenced (verse 19).
E. If any accuser is found false, he shall receive the same sentence the accused would have received (verse 19).
Thank God that His justice is perfect, and perfectly satisfied for the benefit all of His children by the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross.
NOVEMBER 13, 2017
“For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.” (II Samuel 7:27)
God had revealed to David that He would make an everlasting covenant with David’s family: THEREFORE David found this prayer in his heart. God’s revealed promise was the CAUSE; David’s prayer was the RESULT.
The covenant of God the Father with God the Son, who is the Lord Jesus Christ, blesses God’s elect children as beneficiaries and heirs – not as participants who must meet conditions. A sinner’s prayer cannot cause anyone to be born again as a result. Rather, when God the Spirit reveals God’s promise to God’s born-again children, there is a prayer in their hearts. Abba, Father, may we find that prayer often, and pray.
NOVEMBER 11, 2017
“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” (Matthew 8:5-10)
This centurion had, by the grace of God, a marvelous faith, which he put to use in humble, open belief of Jesus Christ. Another centurion (Matthew 27:54) vocally proclaimed the divinity of Jesus Christ as the Lord hung upon the cross. Yet another centurion was the first Gentile member of the church of Jesus Christ (Acts chapter 10).
War is not to be avoided at ALL cost, but war is a terrible thing, to be avoided if possible. It is not always possible. We should be grateful for the faith and courage of those willing to serve in protection of the lives and freedoms of their loved ones.
To all veterans of the United States – thank you.
NOVEMBER 2, 2017
Matthew 5:
[17-18] Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
…
[21] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; …
…
[27] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
…
[31] It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife,…
…
[33] Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, …
…
[38] Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
…
[43] Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
Many people think that Jesus Christ taught principles contrary to the law of God given by Moses, but He did not. Jesus Christ magnified the law by teaching it honestly, and fulfilled the law by keeping it perfectly Himself.
Notice that, in Matthew 5, Jesus Christ never states, “You have READ this in the law, but I say unto you…” Rather, He instructs, “You have heard that it HATH BEEN SAID, but I say unto you…”
Jesus Christ did not teach against God’s law, but against the sayings and interpretations of the law which were often twisted by human teachers.
No wonder the people were astonished at His doctrine, for He did not teach as most teachers did in that day. He taught with authority, as God.
OCTOBER 31, 2017
“Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;” (Daniel 2:27-28)
There is no Luck, but there is Divine Favor.
There is no Karma, but there is Divine Justice.
There is no real Horoscope, but there is Divine Revelation.
There is no lasting Salvation, except in Jesus Christ the Lord.
OCTOBER 14, 2017
“Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.”
[Proverbs 23:4]
I need to labour in the harvest of the Lord Jesus Christ (see Matthew 9:37-38), and I need to ask God for His wisdom (see James 1:5, James 3:13-18).
OCTOBER 12, 2017
“And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.” (Isaiah 59:14)
Two common slogans currently conflict with each other, which are: (1) “No JUSTICE, no peace!” and (2) “Who are you to make JUDGMENT – don’t judge me!”
JUDGMENT is a decision to determine better-or-worse, right-or-wrong, based on accepted truth. For example, do you prefer a tolerant person over a bigoted person? If so, you have judged someone. JUSTICE is a set of actions taken to implement that decision. JUDGMENT and JUSTICE go together. Attempts to separate the two diminish peace.
In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus Christ teaches us not to judge others by any standard we are not wiling to apply to ourselves. In John 7:24, Jesus Christ teaches us to judge based on truths that are right forever – not to judge based on how things look.
But Jesus Christ did more than teach the truth; He hung upon the cross to take the judgment against us, and to satisfy justice to pay for our sins. Because of His sacrifice, God has peace with every one of His children, and eventually, they will know peace with God. We should honor Jesus the Lord, “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” (I Peter 2:24)
OCTOBER 5, 2017
“And Israel said unto Joseph, I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God hath shewed me also thy seed.” (Genesis 48:11)
Israel is God’s name for Jacob, and some of Jacob’s sons had deceived him into thinking his beloved son Joseph was dead. He had spent many, many years in deep grief over a lie.
But the truth is, not only was Joseph alive, but Joseph’s children were alive, and now Jacob was looking at them all. And, though Jacob didn’t mention it here, Joseph had become the ruler of all Egypt. He had made all preparations to preserve Jacob, his family, and the people in Egypt through a deadly famine. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think!
We also may spend many years in deep grief over a lie. It may be the lie that there is no God and no life after death. It may be the lie that God does not love really sinful people. It may be the lie that God’s love is not everlasting, and unless we meet some condition, He will terminate that love by everlasting destruction from His presence.
The truth is, however, that Jesus Christ is alive from the dead, and His resurrection is evidence that God accepted His offering on the cross, and so the multitudes of sinners loved by God will surely see the face of Jesus Christ. They will see His seed; they will see that He preserved all of His loved ones without losing a single person. They will see that He reigns over all. And they will see wonders and blessings exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think.
OCTOBER 4, 2017
[Romans 7:21] “I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.”
[Psalm 46:1] “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
The Bible’s combination of gritty realism and resplendent hope comforts me greatly: Evil is Present, but GOD is Very Present.
No matter how I may hunger and thirst after righteousness, I must contend with the law of sin which dwells in my body until I give up the ghost and leave this fallen world. But the Lord Jesus Christ states, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Surely such people are now blessed, even in trouble, for their hunger is evidence of spiritual life, and that life is the result of God living in their hearts.
God, who is Very Present within them, is righteous, and they shall eventually be filled with the righteousness of God.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017
[Isaiah 45:15] Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.
Sometimes God hides Himself – strange behavior if God really wants every human being without exception to “accept” Him.
[I Samuel 3:21] And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.
Sometimes God reveals Himself – to particular individuals.
[Matthew 11:25] At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
God may hide real wisdom from those who think themselves wise, and reveal real wisdom to those who are humble children.
[Romans 8:18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
And how wonderful that God purposes to reveal the glory of His Son, Jesus Christ, in us!
SEPTEMBER 25, 2017
[Psalm 66:18-19] “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.”
The Bible uses several original words which are translated as “regard” in English, but the use here in Psalm 66 means “have respect to”. Similar forms of this word occur in I Chr 17:17, Psa 106:44, and Ecc 11:4.
It is needful for me to acknowledge that iniquity is within me – how else shall I confess it unto the Lord Jesus Christ (I John 1:9)? But that iniquity should be something I confess with a sincere desire to be rid of it – not have respect to it. We should disrespect it, and accompany our prayer with change.
Can you imagine saying, “Lord, I confess that I spoke words that were untrue and hurtful to others today, so please forgive me and don’t let anything bad happen to me, but that is just the way I am, and I will probably do the same again soon”?
Do you suppose Jesus Christ is pleased by such a request?
How about praying, “Lord, I confess that I spoke words that were untrue and hurtful to others today, but please have mercy on me, and I will do my utmost to never speak this way again.”
Doesn’t that sound better?
SEPTEMBER 23, 2017
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (I Peter 5:6-7)
These two verses form a single sentence, expressing a single complete thought: we actually humble ourselves under God by casting our cares upon Him.
Why must we “cast” our cares? Can’t God take on our cares without us having to “cast” or “throw” our cares toward Him? Of course He can, but that would only give us relief from care, which is often a short-term benefit in this world.
If we deliberately cast, however, our cares upon God, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, then we deliberately choose to humble ourselves. Relief from care may be short term. But learning to deliberately choose godly, Christlike humility over ungodly, human-like pride, is a life-long blessing.
SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
[I John 4:15] “Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.”
Notice that the verb “shall confess” is future tense, and the verb “dwelleth” is in present tense.
Q: Since the present comes before the future, which of the following two events must occur first in the life of any child of God?
– That person confessing that Jesus is the Son of God
– God’s dwelling in that person
A: God’s indwelling must occur first in the life of “whosoever,” or in the life of any child of God. Confession of that great truth comes afterward.
SEPTEMBER 21, 2017
[Isaiah 57:15] “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”
God now has two types of dwellings:
(1) He dwells in the high and holy place; He sits on the heavenly perfect throne of the universe, and does so by right of His majesty and power, shown in the creation.
(2) He dwells with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit. These dwellings are very expensive – they cost the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Many of them are planned, some are under construction, but all will be perfect one day, and gathered around God’s perfect throne.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2017
[Psalm 97:10] Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
[Psalm 101:3] I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
[Psalm 139:21-22] Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
[John 12:25] He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
In my effort to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, I am trying to learn to be a hater in the sense of the scriptures above – which is completely consistent with godly love – but I still have a long way to go.
SEPTEMBER 15, 2017
“But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.” (Obadiah, verse 17)
These prophecies looked forward to when Jerusalem, or Zion, would be rebuilt after its destruction by the Chaldeans under the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. But these prophecies also apply to God’s children today.
Jacob refers to a people that God loved before they existed, and just as God loved Isaac’s son Jacob before he was born, even so God loved a people from every nation before the world was created. He predestined these people to be heirs and joint-heirs with the Lord Jesus Christ, who redeemed them with His blood. Since Jesus Christ shall not lose one of His redeemed, this people called “Jacob” shall indeed possess their possessions. Heaven shall be theirs.
And there shall be holiness. Certainly, God’s holiness will continue forever, but He also chose a people in Christ so that they would be “holy and without blame before him in love” (Ephesians 1:4). God intends to give His holiness to a multitude of His creatures.
And upon mount Zion shall be deliverance. Mount Zion is called the “church” in Hebrews 12:22-23. In Jesus Christ, eternal deliverance is secured forever. But He has established deliverance for living here on earth in time, too, and placed some of that deliverance in His church.
AUGUST 15, 2017
“Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.” (Psalm 71:20)
God does show His children great and sore troubles, doesn’t He? And disciples of Jesus Christ not only see these troubles, they may also see persecution for His name’s sake.
Why does He suffer them to go through it? Could He not cause their time here on earth to be trouble-free? God does as He pleases, consistent with His holy character.
But His purpose in eternal salvation is to conform all of His adopted children to the image of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). And Jesus Christ was a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3). If we are to be conformed to His image, we too must be people of sorrows, and must know grief. But a joy is also set before us!
God quickened Jesus Christ, raising Him up out of the grave. He will do that for each of His adopted children, too.
JULY 30, 2017
[John 3:16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 may be one of the most often cited, and most often misunderstood, verses in the Bible. Three of the main sources of misunderstanding are:
1. Interpreting the word “world” to mean “the entire human race”.
2. Interpreting the phrase “whosoever believeth” to mean “whosoever will choose to believe” instead of its real meaning, which is “whosoever does believe”.
3. Interpreting the word “loved” to mean “an emotional attraction” instead of its scriptural meaning, which is “an everlasting connection”.
Let’s consider these sources of misunderstanding one at a time:
1. The Greek word for “world” in John 3:16 is “kosmos,” which means “arrangement”. It is used in many places in the New Testament, and must be interpreted in context. For example, it is used here:
[I John 2:15-17] Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
If “world” is “the entire human race,” then the scriptures above teach, “If any man love the entire human race, the love of the Father is not in him.” Of course, that is not a valid Bible teaching, because “kosmos” does not mean “the entire human race” here, it means “the system of selfishness and cruelty which permeates fallen human culture.” Also consider this verse:
[II Peter 3:6] Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
The entire human race did not perish in the flood; eight people survived on the ark.
So, what does “world” mean in John 3:16? It is the world of people whom God the Father gave to God the Son before creation (Ephesians 1:3-4), and for whom Jesus Christ died, and of whom Jesus Christ said, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” [John 6:37]. It is the world God intends to save without a single loss.
2. One has to change both the tense, and the intent, of John 3:16 to make “whosoever believeth” mean “whosoever will choose to believe”! The phrase “whosoever believeth” means “those who are currently believing”. This verse is not an offer, or a warning, or a proposal to induce unbelievers to conjure up some belief within their darkened or unbelieving souls. It is, rather, an evidence given to those who do believe, an evidence that God loves them greatly. It is an evidence to believers that God has given them the greatest gift in the universe: His only begotten Son, to die for their sins, to lay in the grave, to rise again, to return for them. God has not offered to them, but has given them, the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. “God so loved” does not mean that God felt so strongly about human beings that He would offer them a chance at heaven. “God so loved” means that God bound Himself to the people He chose in Christ so strongly that the bond could never be broken. In the New Testament, the Greek word “agape” is translated as both “love” and “charity”. Consider these scriptures about agape:
[Colossians 3:14] And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
[Romans 13:10] Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
God’s love for His people binds Him to them, and fulfills His own holy law for them. Therefore, if God ever loves a person, that person will always be bound to God, and cannot be cast away in “everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord” as in II Thessalonians 1:9. If God loves the entire human race, then the entire human race is going to heaven. Since II Thessalonians 1:9 and Revelation 20:15 indicates that some will be cast away, we must conclude that God does not love every human being. We also find in scripture that God loves His people with a love that is everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3), unfailing (I Corinthians 13:8), inseparable (Romans 8:38-39) and so God’s innumerable people, from every nation, are kept forever in Christ Jesus the Lord.
JUNE 30, 2017
“Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.” Luke (12:51-53)
These are the words of the Lord Jesus Christ. Although His message and mission is love, grace, redemption from sin, and triumph over death, He knew that not every person would recognize that mission, nor appreciate that message.
How do we harmonize this verse with the announcement of the angel in Luke 2:14 on the night of His birth: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”? It is relatively straightforward: The peace on earth brought by Jesus Christ is peace between God and man. That peace with God can also flourish between man and man – when both men are following the God of the Bible.
Otherwise, following God can be divisive. It would seem nice if “everyone could just get along,” but the Lord tells us that such will not always be the case. The first allegiance of a disciple of Jesus Christ is to Jesus Christ. Other relationships are precious, and should be nurtured and cherished, but they are secondary to the primary relationship that God has put in place by grace. That primary relationship is the everlasting relationship between God’s child and God.
JUNE 27, 2017
[I Kings 20:23] And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.
…
[I Kings 20:28] And there came a man of God, and spake unto the king of Israel, and said, Thus saith the LORD, Because the Syrians have said, The LORD is God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
A child of God has enemies, for those who hate God also hate God’s children. Those enemies underestimate the depth of the love God has for his children, whom he gave to the Lord Jesus Christ. As Satan thought Job would curse God once the pleasant aspects of his earthy life were taken away, so the Syrians thought that the God of Israel would only give Israel victory in the hills, but would not be able to give them victory in the valleys or the plains.
The Lord Jesus Christ is the God of the hills, the valleys, and the plains. He deserves our worship during our times of rejoicing, our times of sorrow, and during “everyday” life. In fact, if we cultivate the good habit of really worshiping him in everyday life, we will be more ready to avoid pride when we are on the hilltops, and to avoid despair when we go through the valleys.
JUNE 1, 2017
“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” [Acts 2:39]
Primitive Baptists sometimes encounter the question, “What do you have for the children?” Perhaps those who ask, and those who attempt to answer this question, should first answer the question, “What did the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, as described in the book of Acts and the rest of the New Testament, have for the children?”
In both attitudes and activities of worship, if we lack what that original church had, we need to add them. If we exceed what that original church had, we need to subtract them. To do otherwise is to deny the truth that the scripture “throughly furnishes” us (II Timothy 3:16-17).
Now this does not restrict liberties that God’s children have in other areas of life here, such as in how we SERVE God every day. The children of the original church in Jerusalem may have spent some happy hours painting vases together, and the children of the churches in the United States may spend some happy hours playing volleyball together. But when we WORSHIP the Lord Jesus Christ, let us worship, as nearly as we can, precisely the way He has instructed us in the scripture of the New Testament.
MAY 29, 2017
“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.”
[Exodus 3:14-15]
“But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.”
[Mark 14:61-62]
MAY 28, 2017
“We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: But our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.” (Numbers 11:5-6)
Could the true gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ ever be like manna? Could it be tasty and completely nourishing? Could it be versatile? Could it be sent from above? And yet could God’s children get tired of it anyway – so tired of the true word of the Lord that they feel that their souls are drying away?
Freedom is infinitely better than slavery, and struggling through the wilderness enroute to the promised land is infinitely better than being trapped in bondage – but it does not always appear to be so. Freedom involves responsibility and patience, and sometimes may even involve some periods of “sameness”.
When we need variety in our spiritual diet, let us not turn to murmuring. Let us gratefully and patiently petition the giver of every good and perfect gift, and wait upon His bounty. Pray that God will send the true gospel to us afresh.
MAY 23, 2017
“And if a leprosy break out abroad in the skin, and the leprosy cover all the skin of him that hath the plague from his head even to his foot, wheresoever the priest looketh; Then the priest shall consider: and, behold, if the leprosy have covered all his flesh, he shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague: it is all turned white: he is clean.”
(Leviticus 13:12-13)
Leprosy presents a picture of sin. It disfigures, spreads, and separates the leper from loved ones. As bad as it is, sin is worse, for by death it separates people from God, disfigures the image of God in which man was originally made, and it gets worse as time goes by.
The law of Moses could diagnose leprosy, but could not cure it. If spots of skin or hair were white, or if there was quick, raw flesh, then the priest must diagnose leprosy. The only cure was a miracle from God. The only cure for sin is the miracle of grace in Jesus Christ, who died to pay for sin.
If a leper became, however, totally covered with leprous white skin, then he had experienced a miracle of God; he was cured! The disease had fled to the outermost portion of his body. He is clean and whole inside.
When people sincerely begin to perceive themselves as very sinful, as less than the least of all the saints, as unworthy of the least of God’s mercy, as wretches – this is evidence that they have experienced the miracle of God’s cure from sin. Jesus Christ, the hope of glory, has chosen to dwell in them, and they are made clean and whole within. Sin has fled outward to the flesh, and it appears very ugly to them.
The gospel is good news to these people, for it informs them that they have been cured, that their leprous appearance is temporary, and that they may dwell among others again. They can show love to others, and can show love and gratitude to God. They who mourn shall be comforted.
MAY 20, 2017
“Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.” [John 13:36]
-Simon Peter knew he was a sinful man when the Lord Jesus Christ called him to be a fisher of men [Luke 5:8-10].
-Peter received a sharp rebuke from the Lord after voicing a disagreement [Matthew 16:21-23].
-Peter denied the Lord three times [John 18:16-27].
-And Peter could not follow the Lord when the Lord left earth.
But by the grace of God, Simon Peter followed the Lord Jesus Christ home later. And so shall every child of God.
MAY 19, 2017
“And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?” (John 6:65-67)
Many Christians today think that God the Father gives every man, without exception, the ability to come to Jesus Christ. They think the only thing that prevents any man from coming to Him is that man’s willingness. But the Bible teaches that, before the new birth, man lacks the willingness and lacks the ability to come to the Lord. Jesus Christ states: “Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.” (John 8:43) Notice that He does not say “will not hear,” but He says “cannot hear”.
Only after God causes a man to be born again does that man have the ability, or the willingness, to come to Jesus Christ.
This is not always a popular teaching. It portrays man as not being able to choose, not in control, and totally dependent on God and His grace. At the start of John chapter 6, the Lord has a crowd of over 5000 people; by the end of the chapter, the crowd seems to be about 12 people. A large crowd does not mean the truth is being taught, and neither does a small crowd. The criterion for truth is not crowd size; the criterion for truth is harmony with the word of God.
But because of His everlasting love, His abundant grace, and His shed blood, the truth is that the crowd size – however small here – will be innumerably large in heaven. All that the Father gives to Jesus Christ will indeed come to Him.
MAY 17, 2017
[John 13:35] “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
These are the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, shortly before he was arrested and crucified. God knows whether or not someone is sincerely a disciple of his Son. But how do men know it?
It’s not by advertising. It’s not by giving ourselves commendations. It’s not by getting others to speak well of us. It’s not by being seen of men in our fasting, giving, or praying.
It’s by having love one to another. That can take a long time to show thoroughly. But it can start right now.
MAY 15, 2017
“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” (Psalm 34:3)
When we magnify the Lord Jesus Christ, we do not make Him any greater, holier, or mightier – for He is infinitely great, holy, mighty, and merciful. Rather, we help ourselves (and possibly others) to SEE more of the infinite greatness that is already in Him.
We can magnify Him in this way to some degree as individuals, but no one person (other than the Lord Himself) has all of the light by himself. We are much more able to magnify Him WITH others, and exalt His name TOGETHER.
Let’s meet together soon, to worship Jesus Christ, the Lord.
MAY 14, 2017
“But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod. Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.” [I Samuel 2:18-19]
How great is the care of a mother who loves her child! But greater still is the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, whose love is everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3), unfailing (I Corinthians 13:8), and perfect (Colossians 3:14). We may cast all our cares on him, who cares for us, and gives us by grace the garment of his own righteousness.
APRIL 27, 2017
“And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them.” [Genesis 26:18]
There are blessings enjoyed by our ancestors which can still sustain and refresh us: the Bible, old spiritual songs and hymns, simple New Testament worship, honest hard work, shared meals, family devotions, mourning together, and clean, hearty laughter. But the world often stops these sources of refreshment. The prince of this world does not like it when children of God are enjoying strong, healthy fellowship with their Savior, Jesus Christ.
Because of this, each generation must dig for themselves. It certainly helps that previous generations have found water, and given names for the places where they found water, but still we must dig. If we want refreshment for our souls, we need to make diligent search for God, which God will reward. We find rest for our souls when we take the Savior’s yoke.
APRIL 13, 2017
Matthew 24: [1] And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. [2] And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. [3] And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
The disciples asked a three-part question in Matthew 24:3:
1. When shall these things be? (In reference to “not be left here one stone upon another”)
2. What shall be the sign of thy coming?
3. And what shall be the sign of the end of the world?
I believe the Lord Jesus Christ answered their questions in the remainder of chapter 24, and chapter 25.
I) When shall these things be? In Matthew 24:4-26, the Lord described what it would be like for the disciples in the years leading up to the 70 AD destruction of the temple at Jerusalem and Levitical worship, and then described the time for them to flee to safety. He said it would occur during the present generation (see Mat 24:34). This teaching was near-term prophetic when He spoke it, and it is historical now – with relevant prophetic and practical lessons.
II) What shall be the sign of thy coming? In Matthew 24:27-42, the Lord described the sign of His coming to judge Jerusalem and Judaea. In verses 43-51, He instructs His disciples to be ready for that time by watchfully serving others.
In Matthew 25:1-13 (the ten virgins), Jesus Christ described how God’s children among the Jews would react at the time of this judgment upon Jerusalem – that some would be ready to serve him after that event, and others would not. This teaching was also near-term prophetic when He spoke it, and historical now – with relevant practical and prophetic lessons.
In Matthew 25:14-30 (the talents), the Lord Jesus Christ described the ongoing judgments in future spiritual comings through the ages, when He would assess His church and His people (Jew or Gentile), to judge their use of His gifts. This continues to be a valuable lesson to us.
When the disciples would later see: (1) Jerusalem fall to the Romans, (2) dispersed Jews give a mixed response to the gospel, and (3) church members using or burying their gifts, then the disciples had seen the sign that Jesus Christ had come to execute a judgment in that very age of time.
III) And what shall be the sign of the end of the world? In Matthew 25:31-46, the Lord described the sign of the end of the world: the Son of man (Jesus Christ) seated upon the throne of His glory, separating His sheep from the goats. Any child of God who beholds this scene can know that this world is about to end. This is a prophecy of what we call the “general resurrection” and “final judgment” at the end of time.
Question: If one interprets Matthew 25:31-46 as the judgment at the end of time, doesn’t the word “For” in verse 35 mean “because” and imply that eternal salvation would be based on man’s works?
Answer: No. The word “for” is used differently in scripture and must be interpreted in context:
a. “For” can mean “because” or “because of”. Example: [Matthew 14:26] And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
b. “For” can mean “in order to get”. Example: [Matthew 20:28] Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
c. “For” can mean “unto”. Example: [Matthew 11:24] But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
d. “For” can mean “as shown by”. Example: [Luke 7:47] Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
e. “For” can mean “you see”. There are also numerous verses where the KJV translators used “for” to indicate clarification. Example include: [Mat 12:39-40] But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.. Examples also include Mat 24:38; Heb 2:8; and 2 Pet 2:8. It could also have been translated “indeed” or “to be sure” in several places: Rom 12:3; 2 Cor 1:12; 11:5; and Gal 5:13.
Go back and look at Matthew 25:35 and Matthew 25:42, using “for” as given in (d) and (e) above:
Example d: Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: As shown by I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Example e: Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: Indeed, I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Thus, the good works of the sheep are not the cause of their eternal inheritance, but evidence of that inheritance.
Conclusions: We see that our Lord Jesus Christ answered the three questions of His disciples in Matthew 24:3. What are some lessons in Matthew chapters 24 and 25 for us today?
• Even though God is in complete control, we should not be surprised if the world is in turmoil.
• We will still be tempted to be drawn away by false Christs and false gospels.
• God still chastises His people, and judges disobedience and rejection of His word.
• The Lord may give His followers a way to escape judgment, and that way may consist of heeding His warnings and acting as He instructs.
• We need to maintain a state of vigilance and readiness.
• We need to avoid mistreating others, and avoid living for our own pleasure.
• We will find God’s children in various states of readiness in times of judgment.
• We need to use our gifts for His glory, or at least support others as they use God’s gifts.
• We have a home the Lord has prepared for us, and He will bring us there by His grace, and this promise should encourage us to keep his commandments in gratitude.
APRIL 5, 2017
“The things that my soul refused to touch are as my sorrowful meat.”
(Job 6:7)
Job spoke these words. Things had happened to him that he previously did not even want to think about. Now they were everyday experience. In the words of the King James Bible, “meat” is understood to be “bread or food”. What had been Job’s unimaginable nightmare was now as his daily bread.
The Lord Jesus Christ is God the Son, and God is “of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity” (Habakkuk 1:13). Yet, in love, he was made to be sin for us (II Corinthians 5:21) that we might be made God’s righteousness. He was made to intimately experience the sin which he abhorred to bring us out of it. And he succeeded!
This success included Job. Job came through his sorrow, and returned to joy. He experienced a new perception of God (Job 42:5), and knew the fellowship of Christ’s suffering. Job’s redeemer lives – and is alive evermore. If our nightmares come upon us, let us not give up. Perhaps we need to repent; let’s do that. Let us hang on to hope, trusting in the Lord, who knows our sorrows.
MARCH 28, 2017
“And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.” (I Chronicles 21:8)
David had numbered Israel without using the procedure God gave in scripture – taking a half shekel of silver for each man of war to be numbered (see Exodus 30:11-16 and Exodus 38:25-26). His sin was indeed great, and 70,000 men of Israel died as a result. David must have been miserable. He cried unto God “do away the iniquity of thy servant”.
God is very ACTIVE in taking away iniquity; redemption is accomplished by God DOING, and by God alone. When the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross and said, “It is finished” he did not merely make a way for sin to be removed – he did away the sin of every person for whom he died. That sin shall not return to them; it is removed as far away as the east is from the west. That sin is gone forever.
MARCH 20, 2017
“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29)
The scriptures tell us about the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. They also give us an accurate, unchanging, shared description of right and wrong.
How much better this is than modern subjective morality, which can do no more than to bully people into desired behaviors, saying, “it’s just the right thing to do.” The “right thing to do” varies by the decade, as if it were a style or fashion. It often has no logic, no written rules, and no comfort for the weary. The promoters of “the right thing to do” claim that education, or advanced compassion, or superior sensitivity, give them both the privilege and duty to direct humanity. “It’s just the right thing to do” is often an unwritten, ever-morphing hypocrisy and self-righteousness.
But the scriptures have been around for over two thousand years, and civilizations in which a significant portion of the population have read them have been blessed by higher levels of prosperity and human rights than the rest of the world. The Bible provides a steady, constant, healing light.
MARCH 17, 2017
[Matthew 7:23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
[Matthew 21:12] “And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,”
The Lord Jesus Christ did indeed reject people, and will do so again in the future.
Because he is good, holy and righteous, and human beings are sinful and cruel, this should not be surprising. What is surprising is that he accepts anyone – which he does in his everlasting love and abounding grace. That God hated Esau should be expected; that he loved Jacob is the amazing fact. God loves a number of human beings greater than any man can number. Jesus Christ died for those people, rose again, and will surely bring those people unto God in glory.
Let us not take God’s love and acceptance for granted, and be shocked at his judgment. Let us take his righteous judgment for granted, and be grateful for his love and grace.
MARCH 3, 2017
[Psalm 147:12-14] “Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion. For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee. He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.”
In this world, and in his word, God recognizes “borders”. He divided light from darkness, and divided the dry land from the waters. The Lord Jesus Christ will divide his sheep from the goats. Borders promote peace for God’s children.
Humanist Manifesto I was published in 1933, and Manifesto II was published in 1973, and are in opposition to God’s inspired word. Principle Seventeenth in Manifesto II argues for the elimination of borders, or for “open borders”.
Why is an “open borders” policy bad? Because Romans 13:1-7 establishes that the most important role of human government is security, to oppose evil-doers. The primary role of government is not compassion, education, healthcare, retirement, arts, or humanities – it is security. Can you imagine being held responsible for the security of a house and family, but not allowed to lock the doors, or not allowed to control who comes into the house?
This does not mean the household is inhospitable, or unwelcoming; it simply means the household is interested in the peace and safety of its children and other family members. Controlled borders do not mean that a nation is xenophobic, or without welcome and compassion. It merely means that the nation wants peace within, both for citizens and for visitors.
God even distinguishes borders to divide those of his children who are within his church, and those who are without, and provides approved methods of exit and entry. The Prince of Peace best knows how to establish peace, and also how to maintain it.
FEBRUARY 20, 2017
I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes. (Hosea 13:14)
When repentance is hid from the eyes of God, it means he is not going to change his mind or alter his course. He is determined to plague death, and to destroy the grave, for each of his children chosen in Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world. On the cross, Jesus Christ redeemed each one of those chosen people from death, and ransomed each one of them from the power of the grave.
Having paid such a price, do you suppose God will give any of them back to death and the grave because they fail to meet some man-made religious condition? Not a chance.
FEBRUARY 12, 2017
“And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.” (Genesis 37:35)
His sons and daughters failed to comfort Jacob because Jacob did not know the truth. Jacob concluded that a wild beast had slain Joseph, his beloved son, but the truth was that Joseph was alive in Egypt. Not only that, but Jacob’s sons had sold Joseph into Egypt, and had staged the evidence that deceived their father.
When a child of God truly hears the gospel, however, the comfort is very real. The comfort is real because the death, burial, resurrection, and return of Jesus Christ are true. “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” ( I Thessalonians 4:18)
FEBRUARY 7, 2017
“He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.” (Psalm 47:4)
God chooses the inheritance of his children; they do not choose their own inheritance. He does not make the inheritance an offer which they must accept or reject. Just as Jacob was loved by God before his birth – though he was undeserving – so God in love chose many heirs in Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4) unto an inheritance. No heir shall lose the inheritance, and it is excellent! Think about that.
FEBRUARY 3, 2017
Now, though the darkness seems to plague every land,
Our God is in command.
(Chorus)
And every knee shall bow to him, and every voice shall then confess:
Jesus is Lord, yes, Jesus is Lord, Christ Jesus is Lord,
To the glory of God!
Praise him, you mournful poor who hope in his grace,
You soon shall see his face. (Chorus)
Born, not by sinners’ works, nor by their own choice,
But by the Savior’s voice. (Chorus)
His voice shall split the skies, and tear every grave,
For Christ alone can save. (Chorus)
JANUARY 30, 2017
“Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.” (Psalm 25:15)
“A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.” (Proverbs 16:28)
Just as “fro” is the opposite of “to”, so the word “froward” is the opposite of the word “toward”. A froward man sows strife, and stirs up needless controversy. What defines his direction? Psalm 25:15 helps us to know: The “fro” of the froward man is AWAY from God, while the “to” direction is ever toward the Lord God.
Is not Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace? And shall not the peacemakers be called the children of God? Go TO God.
JANUARY 24, 2017
[Genesis 8:21] And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
[I Chronicles 29:18] O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:
Many people consider IMAGINATION to be a good thing. But the imagination of every human being starts out evil.
If you find someone with a truly GOOD imagination, it is because that person has been fundamentally changed, or regenerated, by the presence of the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ dwelling within. There are many who have been blessed with this change, and what a help it is – to themselves and to others – when those people can keep the mighty works of God in their imaginations.
JANUARY 21, 2017
Psalm 144:
[11] Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:
[12] That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:
[13] That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets:
[14] That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.
[15] Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.
A people that can embrace truth, and get rid of falsehood, will enjoy some great benefits: (1) Young men will be fruitful and mature, (2) Young women will be strong and gracious, (3) Prosperity will be common, (4) Complaining in the streets will disappear, and (5) Happiness will be abundant.
Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Embrace truth.
JANUARY 17, 2017
Exodus 31:
[1] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[2] See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:
[3] And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
[4] To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
[5] And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
The first person mentioned in the Bible to have the spirit of God within them was Bezaleel – not a prophet, not a king, not a judge, not a priest, but an artisan. He was a craftsman; he was an artist.
Of course, we know by deduction that the spirit of God was in people well before then. Hebrews 11 tells us that Abel, and Noah, and Abraham all had faith. Since faith is a fruit of the Spirit, then the spirit of God was within them, and they lived before Bezaleel. But he was the first individual that God specifically mentioned.
Often, artists must work in a very subjective environment. Unlike mathematicians or engineers, artists may be hard-pressed to know if their work is really good. It is easy to become dependent upon the praise of others – what critics say, what sales are like, how much applause is garnered. It is easy to get lost; it is common to pour out your heart and have others try to crush it with unkindness.
Bezaleel had the advantage of a perfect standard: God gave the pattern to Moses on Mt. Sinai, and Moses conveyed the pattern to Bezaleel, and Bezaleel crafted the vision from God. He knew his work was good, for God told him so.
A similar standard still exists today. It is the Bible, now revealing the perfect work of Jesus Christ. Think of the great works inspired by it: the paintings of Da Vinci, the sculptures of Michelangelo, the concertos of Bach, the oratorios of Handel, the motion laws of Newton, the electromagnetic laws of Clerk-Maxwell, the poetry of Milton, the prose of Tolstoy, the hymns of Fanny Crosby.
How we need artists such as Bezaleel today! If you are gifted, look to the unchanging standard of goodness, and use that gift.
JANUARY 11, 2017
“But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter.” (Deuteronomy 3:26)
In the above verse, Moses wrote about his own serious disobedience of God, which kept him out of the promised land of Canaan. Many autobiographical accounts are not so honest.
If the Bible were not inspired by God, would Moses have written this about himself? Would David have written about his own sin – including adultery with Bathsheba, and ordering her husband’s murder? Would Jeremiah have written about his complaints? Would Paul have written about his persecution of the church?
Would we know about Solomon’s idolatry? Would we know about Peter’s repeated denials of Jesus Christ? Would we know that the apostles argued about who would be the greatest among them – even at the Last Supper? About their unbelief of the resurrection?
The candor, or honesty of the Bible, is one of MANY evidences that persuade me that the Bible is not merely a collection of the writings of men, but rather that it is authored by God Himself, who moved these men to write the flawless unvarnished truth, whether it portrayed them favorably or unfavorably. The Bible is the inspired word of God, without error, and is kept by Him unto this day.
JANUARY 10, 2017
“And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.” (John 2:15-16)
Not only would the Lord Jesus Christ own a weapon, He would even make a weapon. See also Luke 22:35-38.
JANUARY 9, 2017
“Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.” (Jude, verse 8)
Some people “speak truth to power”. Others merely speak evil of dignities. Can we distinguish between these groups?
Daniel chapter 3 provides a good example of people who spoke truth to power, when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in their faithfulness to worship God alone, respectfully defied king Nebuchadnezzar. They were cast into a fiery furnace as a result. Simon Peter and the other apostles spoke truth to power in Acts chapter 5, when they told the council of priests, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” They were beaten as a result.
II Samuel 16:5-8 provides an example of a man who spoke “evil of dignities,” when Shimei called king David a “bloody man” and a “man of Belial,” while David was in deep sorrow. Notice that Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Peter were speaking the truth about what actions they must do to follow their own consciences, whereas Shimei was merely applying labels and dishing out criticism.
Those who really “speak truth to power” often risk serious consequences from that power. They are not merely rebelling, but obeying a higher authority which is their source of truth. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.
JANUARY 8, 2017
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” [Revelation 21:4]
Because of the victorious, finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ, there will come a point when God shall wipe away all the tears from the eyes of all of His children. After that, they will cry no more.
JANUARY 3, 2017
With the words, “Peace, be still” the Lord Jesus Christ commanded the winds and the waves, and they obeyed him. And yet, even after conquering sin and death on the cross, and rising from the dead, he cooked breakfast for his disciples on the shores of those same obedient waters. How mighty he is, and yet how humble!
DECEMBER 31, 2016
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)
The Lord Jesus Christ calls himself the Door of the sheepfold (John 10:7) and the good Shepherd of the sheep (John 10:11). He is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He is the great High Priest (Hebrews 3:1) who offers sacrifice to God, and the Lamb of God (John 1:29) who is sacrificed.
Jesus Christ created us (John 1:3), and we are created for God’s pleasure (Revelation 4:11). He is the first (Alpha) and the last (Omega), the beginning and the ending.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He is, and was, and is to come! He is the Almighty.
DECEMBER 24, 2016
[Luke 23:42-43] “And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
Can you put yourself in the place of this thief, who was dying near Jerusalem, slowly and painfully, on Passover Day? And now he was also dying guiltily, for he had come to acknowledge his crime – to admit the justice of his execution.
Passover was a very important holiday to the nation of Israel, at the turn of the Hebrew year, when families got together to remember God’s goodness. Around Jerusalem, lamb was roasted, unleavened bread was baked, songs were sung, old friends greeted each other, and stories were told. What must it have been to think about the joy of others, while dying in public, hanging naked and despised!
It might have been a lonely death, too, but the same power that caused this thief to recognize his guilt also caused him to realize that he was not alone. Not only did others hang beside him, but something or Someone taught the heart of this thief that one of his fellow sufferers was a King, and was going to enter into His kingdom.
The thief did not want to die unremembered. How comforting it would be, if only his name might be mentioned after his labored passing – some token that he had once lived, and spoken, and dreamed. But Jesus Christ replied that the thief would be more than remembered: He would be accompanying the King of kings Himself in paradise!
And the undeserved feast that the thief found himself in that very day exceeded all the feasts that were taking place in Jerusalem: fuller in joy, brighter in glory, and clearer in love.
DECEMBER 14, 2016
“I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.”
(Psalm 102:7)
Such a little sparrow must watch, for a house top is an exposed place, open to predators. How sad it is to be this way, especially when one is alone!
A sparrow has little value in the marketplace. But the Lord Jesus Christ, according to his own purpose, often puts great value into those who have no inherent value, and those in whom men see little practical value:
“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?” (Luke 12:6)
Furthermore, the Lord Jesus Christ provides places of protection and company, if his children will simply seek them:
“Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.” (Psalm 84:3)
NOVEMBER 26, 2016
[Numbers 20:12-13] “And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them.”
Moses and Aaron had failed to SANCTIFY the Lord in the EYES of the children of Israel, and yet the Lord himself was still SANCTIFIED in the children of Israel.
Moses and Aaron were in grief; their sister Miriam had just died. They were also angry; the children of Israel were needing water and wishing they were still in Egypt! So, disbelieving and disobeying God, Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to the rock – and water came forth, but Moses and Aaron were forbidden by God to enter Canaan.
God’s thirsty children often murmur, and God’s ministers, for one reason or another, may sometimes fail to sanctify (or set apart) the Lord in the perception of God’s children. Still, the Lord Jesus Christ sanctifies himself in every one of his own children, for his own name’s sake, in his own purpose, by his own finished work, unto his own glory – and he shall not lose a single one.
NOVEMBER 15, 2016
[Ephesians 4:23-24] “…And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
The “new man” is a work of divine CREATION – not a work of spiritual EVOLUTION, or religious process.
The “new man” dwells within a human being as the result of the new birth. The Bible also refers to the new birth as being “born again” or “regenerated,” or sometimes uses the terms “called” or “quickened”.
The new man does not come into existence by responding correctly to the prayers of loved ones, the preaching of the gospel, or the “promptings” of the Spirit, where the “old man” finally makes the correct choice and evolves into a new man. Jesus Christ taught that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
So, how does God create the “new man”? Much as he created light. God speaks, and the “new man” comes into being, without failure and without delay (See John 5:25).
NOVEMBER 8, 2016
Psalm 119:
[23] Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
[24] Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
[25] My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
“Princes,” or those in authority, may sit in their offices or positions of power, speaking things that you know are not true, speaking things that are not good for you or for your loved ones. Your soul may feel deep down in the dust.
Even so, continue to read and meditate on the Bible, all of which points to the Lord Jesus Christ. Desire the sincere milk of the word. It is God who has already sovereignly quickened you from death in trespasses and sins unto everlasting life in his Son, and he can also quicken you in revival as you trust in his unshakeable promises.
NOVEMBER 4, 2016
[Romans 5:10-11] “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.”
Jesus Christ does not offer himself to humans, but on the cross he offered himself to God, and he died. God accepted his offering, and showed that acceptance openly by raising him from the dead on the third day. By his death, all that were chosen by God in Christ, before the foundation of the world, were reconciled to God, and by the grace of Jesus Christ they receive perfect atonement forever.
Now he yet lives and makes intercession for us. As we struggle with our day-to-day journey on earth, we are saved by his life, delivered from despair and guilt, delivered to joy in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.
OCTOBER 31, 2016
Deuteronomy 18:
[9] When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.
[10] There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
[11] Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
[12] For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
Spoil-sport is not a pleasant role. I hope children have a good, safe time tonight, and get back to a healthy diet after they enjoy a bunch of candy! But do we, who suffer so much from the powers of darkness, really want to celebrate darkness? Aren’t sons and daughters blessings? Isn’t real wonder better than fake magic? Is any power greater than, or any love more lasting than, the power and love within the Lord Jesus Christ – the light of the world (John 8:12)?
OCTOBER 25, 2016
Psalm 12:
[6] The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
[7] Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
[8] The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.
When vile or extremely evil people are praised and exalted, then the wicked “walk on every side” – that is, wicked people seem to be almost everywhere. That is because they are encouraged to act wickedly, hoping they too will receive similar praise.
But God’s pure words, like purified silver, will last forever, whereas the exaltation of the wicked will be of short duration. One day, every member of the human race will discover that the entire Bible is true for every area and every age of the earth, and that God’s justice is perfect and inescapable. Each of God’s children will also find that in Christ Jesus, God’s grace is inescapable, and his mercy endures forever.
OCTOBER 21, 2016
“Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.”
(Psalm 119:129)
A child of God can count many reasons for keeping the testimonies of the Lord Jesus Christ: To please God, to avoid chastisement, to know peace, to garner wisdom, to gain blessings, and more.
But here is a good, simple reason to keep the Lord’s testimonies:
They are wonderful.
OCTOBER 18, 2016
“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” (Psalm 118:9)
As the Lord leads them, disciples of Jesus Christ should PARTICIPATE in political processes, but never, never TRUST in political processes.
As a man of God, Moses appealed unto Pharaoh to let Israel go. His appeal was rejected.
As a messenger of God, Nathan appealed unto king David to name his successor. His appeal was accepted.
As a woman of God, Esther appealed unto her husband, the Persian king, to spare her people. Her appeal was accepted.
As a prophet of God, Jeremiah appealed unto king Zedekiah to surrender to the Chaldeans. His appeal was rejected.
As an apostle of Christ, Paul appealed unto Caesar rather than return to Jerusalem. His appeal was accepted.
So, throughout history, at God’s bidding, the servants of the Lord have engaged the rulers of nations and provinces. It is a bad extreme to refuse any dealings with civil government, and it is a bad extreme to place our hopes in civil government. Many individuals, good or bad, occupy places of authority, and we should pray for them whether or not they evoke confidence. We can completely trust in the one who occupies the throne of the universe, the Lord Jesus Christ.
SEPTEMBER 17, 2016
[Proverbs 16:21] “The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.”
If your words are kind and thoughtful, if your manners are good, you will learn more than if your words are harsh or careless. Perhaps this is a good reason to cut out vulgar expressions; it is certainly a good reason to omit lies, murmuring, and gossip. Jesus Christ was truthful and bold, but consider how he spoke:
[Luke 4:22] “And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?”
JANUARY 8, 2015
“And he made the most holy house, the length whereof was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits: and he overlaid it with fine gold, amounting to six hundred talents.” [II Chronicles 3:8]
“Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the height thereof.” [II Chronicles 4:1]
In the temple built by Solomon, the dimensions (length and width) of the brazen altar were the same as the dimensions of the Holiest of Holies. The altar symbolizes the cross; the holiest place symbolizes heaven. All for whom Jesus Christ died will go to heaven. He will lose nothing. See John 6:39.
DECEMBER 16, 2012
[Leviticus 23:42-43] Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths: That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
[II Peter 1:13-14] Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
DECEMBER 8, 2012
[Leviticus 19:34] But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
[Luke 10:27] And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
NOVEMBER 24, 2012
A Worshiping Man
[Luke 4:16] And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
[Luke 4:43] And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
[Luke 6:12] And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
[Matthew 26:30] And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
NOVEMBER 21, 2012
A Thankful Man
[Matthew 11:25] At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
[John 6:11] And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
[John 11:41] Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
[Mark 14:23-24] And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.
NOVEMBER 19, 2012
II KIngs 4: [42] And there came a man from Baal-shalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat.
[43] And his servitor said, What, should I set this before an hundred men? He said again, Give the people, that they may eat: for thus saith the LORD, They shall eat, and shall leave thereof.
[44] So he set it before them, and they did eat, and left thereof, according to the word of the LORD.
Matthew 14: [19] And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
[20] And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.
[21] And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.
NOVEMBER 18, 2012
[Genesis 1:14-16] And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
[Matthew 2:1-2] Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
NOVEMBER 17, 2012
[Habakkuk 3:17-18] Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
[John 16:33] These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
NOVEMBER 13, 2012
[Micah 5:1] Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.
[Matthew 27:28-31] And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.
NOVEMBER 9, 2012
[Psalm 79:8-9] O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake.
[Matthew 20:31] And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
NOVEMBER 5, 2012
[Exodus 25:2] Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.
[Mark 14:6-7] And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.
NOVEMBER 4, 2012
In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. [Psalms 56:11]
NOVEMBER 3, 2012
[Isaiah 38:7-8] And this shall be a sign unto thee from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he hath spoken; Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down.
[John 8:58] Jesus said unto them, Verily,verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
NOVEMBER 2, 2012
[Jeremiah 32:17] Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:
[Matthew 28:18] And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
NOVEMBER 2, 2012
[Genesis 1:1] In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
[John 1:1-3] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
[John 1:14] 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.
OCTOBER 31, 2012
[Haggai 2:9] The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.
[Matthew 21:14] And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
OCTOBER 30, 2012
[Isaiah 42:21] The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.
[Matthew 5:17-18] Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
OCTOBER 29, 2012
[Isaiah 50:4] The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
[Luke 2:46-47] And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
OCTOBER 28, 2012
[Daniel 9:8-10] O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee. To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.
[Luke 5:20-21] And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?
OCTOBER 27, 2012
[Isaiah 53:4] Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
[Matthew 8:16-17] When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
[I Peter 2:24] Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
OCTOBER 25, 2012
[Deuteronomy 34:5] So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth-peor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.
[Luke 9:28-31] And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.
OCTOBER 25, 2012
[Job 19:25] For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
[John 20:14] And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
OCTOBER 21, 2012
[Psalm 127:2] It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
[Matthew 26:45] Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
OCTOBER 20, 2012
[Psalm 69:21] They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
[Matthew 27:33-34] And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
OCTOBER 19, 2012
[Ezekiel 2:3] And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day.
[Matthew 20:17-19] And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
OCTOBER 8, 2012
[Numbers 23:21] He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.
[I Thessalonians 4:16-17] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
OCTOBER 7, 2012
[Isaiah 9:6] For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
[Luke 2:11-12] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
OCTOBER 6, 2012
[Isaiah 40:10-11] Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
[John 10:14-15] I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
OCTOBER 5, 2012
[Jeremiah 2:13] For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
[John 4:10] Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
OCTOBER 4, 2012
[Isaiah 31:4] For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.
[Mark 15:31-32] Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
OCTOBER 3, 2012
[Nehemiah 8:10] Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
[Hebrews 12:2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our 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.
OCTOBER 2, 2012
[Exodus 12:43-46] And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof: But every man’s servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof. A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof. In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof.
[Psalm 34:19-20] Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
[John 19:33-37] But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.
OCTOBER 1, 2012
[Isaiah 32:1-2] Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.
[Luke 22:28-30] Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2012
Leviticus 14:
[1] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[2] This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest:
[3] And the priest shall go forth out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, if the plague of leprosy be healed in the leper;
[4] Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:
[5] And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water:
[6] As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water:
[7] And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field.
[Matthew 10:29] Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
SEPTEMBER 26, 2012
[Leviticus 4:35] And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of the peace offerings; and the priest shall burn them upon the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: and the priest shall make an atonement for his sin that he hath committed, and it shall be forgiven him.
[John 1:29] The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
SEPTEMBER 25, 2012
[Leviticus 16:29-30] And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.
[Romans 5:10-11] For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
SEPTEMBER 25, 2012
[Genesis 3:14-15] And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
[Luke 1:34-35] Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
[I John 3:8] He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2012
(Isaiah 26:18-19) We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen. Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
(I Corinthians 15:20) But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
SEPTEMBER 22, 2012
[Genesis 48:11] And Israel said unto Joseph, I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God hath shewed me also thy seed.
[Ephesians 3:20-21] Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2012
How to Make Parents Happy
“My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.” (Proverbs 23:15-16)
SEPTEMBER 18, 2012
PSALM 94:
[16] Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
[17] Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.
[18] When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.