PERSERVERING THROUGH PAIN!

PERSERVERING THROUGH PAIN!

2 Cor 4:16-18

16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

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

          Someone said “pain is inevitable but misery is optional.” I know many saints who go smiling through life and you would never know the pain they carry. I know others who whine through life and are all too eager to fully describe to you their pain. The difference is what Paul calls “the inward man.”

          Pain occupies our mind relentlessly, demanding our first and exclusive consideration. We can allow this pain to invade all areas of our life or we can drag it along like an unwelcome guest. I think Paul offers us several suggestions for dealing with our pain.

1. FOCUS ON OUR RENEWABLE RESOURCE!

The outward man is wearing away. In fact the meaning of the word “perish” in verse 16 is not pleasant for it means “to rot thoroughly.” On the other hand the inward man, that spiritual part, is being freshly renewed day by day and will never die!

John 11:26

26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

2. GAIN A GODLY PERSPECTIVE!

Paul calls it “light” affliction and yet he was beaten with rods, stoned and left for dead, chained in the stocks hands and feet and shipwrecked. Most of us would not consider that to be light. Paul also shows us his perspective on the duration of affliction. He says it is “but for a moment.” He focused on that which was going to last.

2 Cor 12:7-9

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Paul complained most, not about shipwreck, but about what he called a thorn in the flesh. While we are not told what it was, whether physical or mental anguish, we know that it was persistent and would not go away. Ultimately he finished his ministry leaning weakly on the strength of Christ.

3. SEE THE FRUIT OF PAIN BRAVELY BORNE!

Paul said that pain “works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” The Greek for “worketh” means to accomplish, finish, and fashion.” So we see that it was the pain that was the agent of change. It is the cause while glory is the result. That is why Paul was able to boldly say: “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Cor 12:9)

We are quick to give the Devil his due but Paul knew that when pain was present God was at work.

Savior, today I could focus on my pain or I could focus on your strength. Let me choose rightly. AMEN

BUT YE, BELOVED…!

BUT YE, BELOVED…!

Jude 14-21

14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

          Jude quotes the book of Enoch, a shadowy apocryphal writing that scholars say still exists although I have not seen it. Of this book, Barnes’ Notes says this:

    There is, indeed, now an apocryphal writing called "the Book of Enoch," containing a prediction strongly resembling this, but there is no certain proof that it existed so early as the time of Jude, nor, if it did, is it absolutely certain that he quoted from it. Both Jude and the author of that book may have quoted a common tradition of their time, for there can be no doubt that the passage referred to was handed down by tradition. The passage as found in "the Book of Enoch" is in these words: "Behold he comes with ten thousand of his saints, to execute judgment upon them, and destroy the wicked, and reprove all the carnal, for everything which the sinful and ungodly have done and committed against him," chapter ii. Bib. Repository, vol. xv. p. 86. If the Book of Enoch was written after the time of Jude, it is natural to suppose that the prophecy referred to by him, and handed down by tradition, would be inserted in it. This book was discovered in an AEthiopic version, and was published with a translation by Dr. Laurence of Oxford, in 1821, and republished in 1832. A full account of it and its contents may be seen in an article by Prof. Stuart in the Bib. Repository for January 1840, pp. 86-137.

(from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database Copyright © 1997, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

         Jude warns the “ungodly” and, in fact, uses this word many times. He says that their thoughts and their very nature are ungodly. Their deeds and their speeches are ungodly and the Lord will one day come with his angels to take vengeance upon them. Now, nobody reading this thinks themselves to be part of this ungodly group, but a good self-evaluation might be in order to be sure.

          Jude actually suggest four ways to maintain godliness. The first is to build yourself up (verse 20). The idea is to act morally and responsibly in life by using the Bible as our foundation. Paul said in 1 Cor 3:11 “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Upon this foundation we build with either gold, silver and precious stones or we build with wood, hay and stubble. The choice and the responsibility are ours.

          The next way to exercise godliness is by “praying in the Holy Ghost.” Paul agrees with Jude and tells us that it is the Holy Spirit that aids our praying. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Rom 8:26)

          The third way to exercise godliness is by “keeping yourselves in the love of God.” Since we can’t change God’s love for us seeing that He loves us with an unchanging and everlasting love, this must mean that we must constantly guard and maintain our love for Him! Do you love the Lord?

          Finally, Jude returns to his main point and urges us to be looking for the mercy of the Lord. For the Lord Himself shall return with a shout and we shall be mercifully removed from this ungodly world.

1 Thess 4:16-18

16 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:

17 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.

18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Dear Lord, I look forward to your merciful return today. Keep me close to you. AMEN

THEY WENT EVERYWHERE PREACHING!

THEY WENT EVERYWHERE PREACHING!

Acts 8:1 & 4

8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Historian K. S. Latourette A History of Christianity, Harper & Row Publishers, 1975, observes that throughout the history of the church, whenever the Word of God was put into the hands of laymen, the Gospel tended to spread like a prairie fire. When however, the Word remained in the hands of the clergy, evangelism ground to a near halt! The challenge, of course, is motivation. How is it possible to motivate a laity that is comfortable? The answer is discomfort in the form of “great persecution” (verse 1). 

A new sense of urgency seems to be sweeping through some of our young people. They have found Christ, truly found Him, and their friends are lost, truly lost. There is no time to wait for clergy who may be occupied with church administration. They must rescue their friends now!

So, which method, do you think would prove more effective in reaching the lost with the Gospel: (1) twenty Billy Grahams daily reaching 20,000 people for Christ, or (2) one layperson discipling another for a year, after which the two of them would split off and each disciple another? The answer: In 30 years the Graham method would reach 2.9 billion people with the Gospel, while the one-to-one approach would reach 8.5 billion. (Facts of the Matter)

Dear Lord, my friends are too precious and time is too short to wait for clergy! Help me to reach my friends with the Gospel. AMEN

WHAT A MIGHTY GOD!

WHAT A MIGHTY GOD!

Deut 33:1

33 And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

Deut 33:25-27

25 Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.

26 There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.

27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms:

         Moses, in great frustration, strikes the rock a second time although he had been commanded to only speak to the rock. For this rash act God would allow him to see the promised land but not go into it. I am convicted by the thought that I often strike out at God when all that is needed is a whispered prayer. I am not so unlike Moses after all.

         Now Moses stands and delivers his benediction upon the people who had so greatly tried his patience and his strength. In that benediction he does not speak about himself but his God. In this benediction we learn of the mighty God we serve.

         Shoes were important in this rugged land and Moses said that God would provide sturdy protection for our feet. Every step is noted by the Master and the way, though rough, would be a way of blessing. It is important for the Christian soldier to have his “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15).

         Strength is needed, and would be given, in measured amounts. Day after day the strength we need will be provided. Some days we will need more strength than others. There is none like our God. See Him ride upon the heavens as he comes to help! The eternal God is our refuge and underneath are His everlasting arms.

Day By Day

Words: Karolina W. Sandell-Berg; translated to English by Andrew L. Skoog
Music: "Blott en Dag" by Oskar Ahnfelt

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best.
Lovingly, it’s part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Dear Lord, I do not know what will confront me this day but I know I have a mighty God who rides upon the wind. Give me the strength I will need for today. AMEN

TO BE A SOLDIER!

TO BE A SOLDIER!

2 Tim 2:4

4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

         The concept is simple enough to understand. A soldier has removed himself from all the concerns of civilian life so that he can throw himself into the business of soldiering. However, the verse that we are considering this morning is talking about the Christian way of life. With that in mind let me suggest a few parallels between the Christian and the soldier. Ready?

         First, I think it is easy to spot a soldier. Even when he is off duty he has a distinctive military aura that hovers all about him. Perhaps it is the high and tight haircut or the poker straight stance that sets him apart but a soldier is not hard to spot. Christian soldiers should be distinctive as well.

Col 3:8-10

8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

         Soldiering involves suffering and discipline. A soldier is sharpened and focused. He does not mill around aimlessly and carelessly. Article 89, section C of the uniform code of military justice describes “dereliction of duty” in this way: “A person is derelict in the performance of duties when that person willfully or negligently fails to perform that person’s duties or when that person performs them in a culpably inefficient manner.” In the Christian army souls are at stake if we do our duty in “Beetle Bailey” fashion. It is all about character and honor.

2 Tim 4:7-8

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

8 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.

Dear Captain of my soul, let me be ready for any adventure in your service today. Let me serve with honor and distinction. AMEN

AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH!

AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH!

Matt 25:41-46

41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

         It is not convenient and certainly not pleasant to think that everyone we meet will spend eternity either in heaven or in hell. The Greek word Gehenna is found 12 times in the New Testament and is always translated “Hell.” Historically the Valley of Hinnom was a place where the worshippers of Baal sacrificed their children to the fire. Jeremiah 7:31-34 called it the “Valley of Slaughter.”

          In Jesus’ time the Valley of Hinnom was the garbage dump of Jerusalem. Into it were thrown all the filth and garbage of the city, including the dead bodies of animals and executed criminals. To consume all this, fires burned constantly. Maggots worked in the filth. When the wind blew from that direction over the city, its awfulness was quite evident. At night wild dogs howled and gnashed their teeth as they fought over the garbage.

    Jesus used this awful scene as a symbol of hell. In effect he said, "Do you want to know what hell is like? Look at the valley of Gehenna." So hell may be described as God's "cosmic garbage dump." All that is unfit for heaven will be thrown into hell.

Because of the symbolic nature of the language, some people question whether hell consists of actual fire. Such reasoning should bring no comfort to the lost. The reality is greater than the symbol. The Bible exhausts human language in describing heaven and hell. The former is more glorious, and the latter more terrible, than language can express.

(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

          Hell is an inconvenient truth! The reality of it should make us all evangelists. Robert W. Dale once said: "The only man I can listen to preaching on hell is D. L. Moody, because I have never heard him talk of it without breaking down and weeping."

Dear Lord, help me to see everyone I meet today with your eyes of compassion. AMEN

SOMETIMES GOD WHISPERS?

SOMETIMES GOD WHISPERS?

James 4:8

8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

There was an old retired preacher who lived with his wife down the street. He was content to care for his wife and tend his vegetable garden. Many times people would come to his house for advice, prayer and comfort. Much of his ministry now was done in blue jeans and at odd times.

One day a young man dropped by for a talk. He was desperate because he had lost his job and didn’t know how he was going to provide for his family. As he poured out his heart to the preacher he angrily declared "I’ve begged and begged God to say something to help me, preacher. Why doesn’t God answer?"

The old preacher, who was sitting across the room, spoke a reply so quiet the young man was unable to make it out. The young man stepped across the room. "What did you say?" he asked. The preacher repeated himself, again in a soft tone. So the young man moved closer until he was leaning on the preacher’s chair. "Sorry," he said. "I still didn’t hear you." With their heads bent together, the old preacher spoke once more. "God sometimes whispers," he said, "so we will move closer to hear him."

Dear Lord, if I can’t hear your voice in my deep need, help me to be smart enough to move closer. AMEN

CONNECTING WITH GOD!

CONNECTING WITH GOD!

Jer 15:16

16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

          So much of the Christian life is lived out in frustration because we are not truly connected to God in our efforts. What passes for ministry can just as easily be described as administrative activities; the rearranging of furniture and the shuffling of papers. At least that is how I am feeling this morning as I emerge from my own private devotions. Oh, how I hate the feeling that I am doing God’s work while God is absent from the process. Oh, how I love it when I am able to connect with Him.

          It must have been the same with Zacharias, in Luke chapter 1, as he ministered as a matter of course. It was simply his turn to minister in prayer but something surprising happened. An angel of the Lord appeared and suddenly ministry became worship; heart throbbing, mouth stopping worship. He emerged from that encounter only able to gesture with his hands for speech failed him.

          I was late starting on my project to read through the Bible in a year. I only started a few days ago but, oh, today it was glorious! I understand what Jeremiah meant when he said he ate the Word! Tears streamed down my cheeks this morning as I feasted upon the Bible. I did not know my soul was so hungry. I had forgotten how much I loved the Lord and was reminded again how much He loves me. This takes the drudgery out of duty. This makes religious activity a joy. This is what so many are missing and why Christianity has lost some of its impact. We function as small social clubs and not churches! Worship! Worship! This is why we gather. It is the purpose behind all our activities. It breathes life into the dead carcass of religion.

          We usually ask God to join us as we go about our duties but what is truly needed is that we join Him in His labor. Determine to connect with God today. Let the Word of God and the Spirit of God be very real to you today.

Col 3:16

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Dear Lord, thank you for our time of worship and fellowship together this morning. AMEN

REGRET OR REMORSE?

REGRET OR REMORSE?

Rom 6:17-22

17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

          Merriam-Webster says that regret is “sorrow caused by something beyond one’s power to remedy.” Remorse is “a gnawing distress arising from a sense of guilt for past wrongs.” It is important not to confuse these two. We often berate ourselves for things that are beyond our power to remedy. This is especially true with broken relationships. We can’t control the thinking or actions of others no matter how hard we try. However, we too often exonerate ourselves of guilt we actually should own. We have made choices and acted wrongly and the guilt we feel is very real and justified. This is regret.

          What confuses me is the church member who wants to “serve iniquity and uncleanness” without feeling any remorse. The counseling room is filled with those who want relief from guilt but who will not make the necessary changes to remove it. When counseling fails the subject soon turns to medicine or alcohol but the guilt still persists. Guilt and the remorse that accompanies it can only be relieved by a change in behavior.

          Paul, in verse 21 asks “what fruit had ye” in those things that now bring you shame? Two verse down the page Paul explains that the “wages or fruit” of serving sin is death. We can hope for no other result. Quickly he also explains that eternal life is a gift because the whole apparatus of our service and works is broken. We can’t work our way out of our dilemma. The wages are always the same. We must rely upon the gift of God by grace.

          Notwithstanding, once we have become believers and have received the gift of life, the same rule is still in force in our life. Wrong actions still produce shame and remorse.

O God! O God! that it were possible

To undo things done; to call back yesterday!

That Time could turn up his swift sandy glass,

To untell the days, and to redeem these hours.

Thomas Heywood (C. 1574-1641)

Dear Lord, wash me from my iniquity and create a clean heart in me. AMEN

THE MIND OF CHRIST!

THE MIND OF CHRIST!

Phil 2:2-8

2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

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.

Three times in this portion Paul uses the word “mind.” It is interesting to learn that they have different meanings in the New Testament’s original language. Each time, however, Paul is emphasizing the fact that our actions begin in our thought processes. Let’s take a look.

Like minded – One accord – of one mind—THIS IS UNITY!

Couples who have been married for a long time have an uncanny ability to finish each other’s thoughts and sentences in a conversation. They are so intimately familiar with one another that they seem to share one mind! This is the atmosphere Paul is promoting within the Philippians’ church. The meaning is UNITY.

What would happen if you did not have to ask a question because you already knew the answer? What would happen if you did not have to persuade or negotiate because there was no opposition? What if every action had a predictable and FAVORABLE reaction? This is the atmosphere Paul wanted for them.

1 Cor 1:10

10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Lowliness of mind – THIS IS HUMILITY!

Paul actually explains himself in verse 4 when he says: “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” What would happen if every member of the church weighed their ambitions in someone else’s balance? What if we consciously and intentionally thought of others more than ourselves? What if each time we prepared a cup of coffee for ourselves we prepared one for someone else – just the way they like it – two sugars and no cream? Think about the atmosphere in that church where every member functioned in this way!

The Mind of Christ – THIS IS SACRIFICE!

Without abandoning His awareness of His own equality with God, Jesus “took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” It was necessary for Christ to become man!

Rom 8:3-4

3 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:

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

It was a tough job, as we say, but someone had to do it! This is the mind of sacrifice. Jesus willingly suffered loss that we might gain. Try, Paul was saying, to blend your affections and emotions – your mind – with this attitude held by Christ. The opposite of this “mind” is what I call the “greedy grab” mindset and it genders strife.

James 4:1-2

4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?

2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

Dear Lord! Help me to develop a mind of unity with my brethren, a mind of humility with my peers and the mind of Christ in the world. AMEN

HEAVEN IS A BIG PLACE!

HEAVEN IS A BIG PLACE!

Rev 21:10-16

10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

           In reading the commentators I see agreement in only one thing. Heaven is a very big place! Twelve thousand furlongs [or stadia] is equal to about 1,500 miles. The unique thing about this city is that it is said to also be 1,500 miles high. The city is a perfect cube – or, as some think, a pyramid! Adam Clarke says that among the Greeks a square man was a man of unsullied integrity, perfect in all things. So the four-square measure of the city refers to its character as well as its measure. This city was, as military men would say, “Squared away!”

           John noticed that the wall was 144 cubits or about 216 feet thick and was made of jasper. However the jasper was translucent and the gold of the streets was clear. John saw no structural temple in this city and explained that the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. God Himself is the focal point of worship.

           In John 14:2 Jesus said that in His Father’s house were many mansions. The word “mansion” has been disappointingly translated as “rooms” but it is the Greek word monai which means “a staying; or residence.” The word also has the idea of an enduring or durable place. I don’t expect many “cabins” dotting the countryside of a city that is built of jewels. Our abode will be durable and wonderful. The promise is as firm as the One who made it.

           Young people often look at us older folks strangely as we longingly anticipate heaven. I suppose they should not be scolded for their failure to appreciate heaven with so much offered to them in earth. But we are closer to the front of the line and can see more clearly than they. Heaven is a very big and very beautiful place but it is also a very special place.

Rev 21:3-5

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

4 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.

5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.

Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. Are YOU ready?

INVENTING EVIL THINGS!

INVENTING EVIL THINGS!

Rom 1:28-32

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Our world is full of new technology, the products of someone’s imagination. I am, however, stricken with the thought of “inventing” evil things. Someone has said that “necessity is the mother of invention” but I have to wonder at the necessity of evil and the mind of the man who invents it.

From verse 28, we learn that God gave them over [gave up restraining] to a reprobate mind. That small evil – unrestrained – led to the enormous list of evils in the verses that follow. When we read it we pick out one or two sins that belong to us and we then think ourselves incapable of all the rest. We might own deceit but we are offended at the thought of being a murderer. Yet it seems to be a package and not a list at all. Each evil, all these evils, springs forth from a reprobate mind.

Take the work of termites as an example. They work undetected from the inside out until the whole house is ready to collapse beneath its own load. Onlookers wonder how a house with such lovely paint could fall so tragically. So it is with sin. Our mind invents the evil and, with enough time, our life collapses upon itself. How could so many wonderful “role models” be seen reading a script of apology for evil deeds? Sin undetected spreads and makes a person brazen. They think they will never be caught. Suddenly everything collapses around them. You can’t treat termites with a fresh coat of paint! You can’t stop the spread of sin by adding good deeds to an evil life. Only God has the cure for sin.

Prov 4:23

23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Dear Lord, guard my heart and mind today as I yield myself to you. Keep me from those little sins that grow into enormous evils. AMEN

JUST PASSING THROUGH!

JUST PASSING THROUGH!

Ps 84:5-6

5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.

6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.

          The Valley of Baca is the valley of mourning and weeping. In Judges 2:1-5 it was a place where the angel of the Lord pronounced certain judgments upon his people for their disobedience. They lifted up their voice and wept and named that place Bochim which means “the place of the weepers.”

          We may pass through one valley after another on our journey to our final destination but we will fear no evil because our shepherd is leading (Psalm 23). Even in the valley God provides for all our needs, protects us from our enemies and assures us of His tender care. It is in these valleys that we learn to trust Him and to love Him.

          Valleys are places of transition. We do not plan to stay in the valley. We are moving. We are on a journey. God opens for us wells and springs of refreshing. As we journey on we leave these wells for other travelers who will follow us through this place. Passing through “we make it a well, we fill the pools.”

          If you are going through a valley this morning please know that God has led you here and he has arranged for refreshment along the way. In this valley you will learn things you could have never learned on your mountain. As you begin to depart from this valley please leave a well for others who will surely follow.

John 16:33

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.