HE’S ALL I NEED!

HE’S ALL I NEED!

Isa 41:10-16

10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.

12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.

13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

15 Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.

16 Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.

In these verses God promises…

1. His PRESENCE for the lonely!

One translation says: “Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.” (v.10) Anxiety is the companion of the lonely. When we are abandoned we long for a companion either to challenge our opinions or to confirm them. Jesus promised to be that constantly abiding friend we need.

2. His POWER for the helpless!

I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (v.10) He is our strength when we are weak – help when we are out of resources – and support when we fail and fall.

3. His PROTECTION for the vulnerable!

Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable in this world. Those who would abuse them should pay close attention to what the Bible has to say about God’s love of widows and orphans!

Ps 68:5

5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.

4. His PURPOSE for those who feel useless!

I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff. (v.15)

Dear Lord, thank you for being all that I need today. I bring to you my long list of deficiencies and you give to me your long list of supplies. AMEN

WHAT’S IN MY FUTURE?

WHAT’S IN MY FUTURE?

Matt 6:30-34

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

          I have reached the age now that a few of my pastor friends have retired. I have asked them, and only a couple of them like retirement. One is now an  itinerant preacher and is busier now than when he was pastoring a single flock. One has taken to the road in a motor home and seems happy enough. The rest are more than willing to tell me the things they miss about active ministry.

          This familiar portion of Scripture offers us wisdom in several areas. First we see that anxiety about tomorrow’s gain cheapens today’s riches! If we are not careful, we will become sullen and dissatisfied with the things God has already given us. Take a look around and see if you do not have more than enough to make you happy.

          Planning for a soft and comfortable future will also distract us from our primary focus which is God’s kingdom and righteousness. Thoughts of tomorrow’s supply ruins today’s purpose and productivity. Jesus promised that, if we focused on His business, He would care for our needs both today and tomorrow. We either believe that or we don’t.

                Warren Wiersbe tells us that: “The Greek word translated take no thought literally means "to be drawn in different directions." Worry pulls us apart. Until man interferes, everything in nature works together, because all of nature trusts God. Man, however, is pulled apart because he tries to live his own life by depending on material wealth.”

          If we could see the future, we would also see tomorrow’s cache of evil.  William Somerset Maugham (1874-1965) declared: “It is bad enough to know the past; it would be intolerable to know the future.”

Dear Lord, I confess to a desire to know what the future holds but I’m willing to let you hold my future. AMEN

STRIVING AGAINST SIN!

STRIVING AGAINST SIN!

Heb 12:1-4

12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

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.

3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

          The Greek word for “striving” in verse 4 will look familiar. It is the word antagonizomai and is the basis for the English word “antagonize” which means “to provoke.”  Here the word indicates a struggle. If you are planning to fight against sin in today’s casual moral climate you can expect a push back.         

I know of a young pastor up in New England who is currently striving against sin in his church. I don’t know all of the details, but it seems he has a teenager in his youth department who is actively, openly and shamelessly engaging in sex. This young pastor has confronted the teen and removed him from youth activities until he repents. That’s when the parents stepped in – to defend their son’s actions and to accuse the pastor of being too harsh. I can just imagine the shouting and finger-pointing. Yet, the pastor is duty bound to confront sin.

Isa 58:1

Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

It’s just so much easier to “go along to get along.” This young pastor is still equipped with a keen sense of right and wrong. He still feels it is his job, as a spiritual leader, to confront sin and to promote wholesome morality. He doesn’t see himself only as an “event coordinator!” He is now paying for his idealism.

Most of us who are ministers could have much larger congregations if it weren’t that we were always and forever confronting sin! Most of us have engaging personalities and we are clever enough as coordinators of social events to draw significant crowds but we soon lose our influence when we point out sin.

A man is first startled by sin; then it becomes pleasing, then easy, then delightful, then frequent, then habitual, then confirmed. The man is impenitent, then obstinate, and then he is damned. Jeremy Taylor (1613-1667)

Dear Lord, though it be gently and with tears, let me faithfully confront sin today. AMEN

DON’T BE SWALLOWED UP BY THE WORLD?

DON’T BE SWALLOWED UP BY THE WORLD?

In Jesus’ High Priestly prayer He prayed:

John 17:15-17

15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Most of us feel that we have successfully resisted the lure of today’s culture. We would never embrace such obviously sinful values as abortion, pornography, violence and illicit drugs. In spite of this the culture softly allures us with cultural values that violate Biblical Christianity. Are you familiar with the following list?

1. Unrestrained DEBT

Rom 13:8

8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

2. Failure to apply the Word to our lives

James 1:23-25

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25 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.

3. Our relentless drive for material possessions

1 Tim 6:9-10

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

4. Our tolerance of sensuality in media and entertainment

2 Tim 2:22

22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Jesus knew the deadly seduction of the softer side of sin. We manage to resist direct attacks but fall to the softer side. The answer is in John 17:17 where Jesus prayed: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

Dear Lord, help me to be vigilant against the softer attacks of the world. Keep me from evil. AMEN

VOLUNTEERS, GOD WON’T FORGET!

VOLUNTEERS, GOD WON’T FORGET!

Heb 6:10

10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Matt 10:39-42

39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

42 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.

          Even in this narcissistic climate, volunteers still make the church of God function and the world a better place. A couple of days ago a wonderful Christian man graded my long gravel driveway to make it ready for the winter. It had ruts and pot holes. The results were amazing and what took him only a bit over an hour would have taken me forever with shovel and wheelbarrow. I don’t expect to get a bill; not because I am not willing to pay but because Mike was doing it for the Lord.

          Last night Renee’ was busy decorating a large birthday cake for our monthly church birthday celebration. It is hard, hot and tedious work which requires talent. She is paid nothing for this. She is a volunteer! She is only one of an army of volunteers at our church. Without them we could not operate.

          Perhaps you are feeling overworked and under-appreciated. Perhaps nobody knows that you do what you do. You receive little recognition for your hard work. If that is your thinking this morning then take heart. God is keeping good records and is even now preparing your reward.

          God is such a good God that He not only will recognize you by-and-by but he blesses His volunteers day-by-day. Watch for His blessings today.

Begin at once; before you venture away from this quiet moment, ask your King to take you wholly into his service, and place all the hours of this day quite simply at his disposal, and ask him to make and keep you ready to do just exactly what he appoints. Never mind about tomorrow; one day at a time is enough. Try it today, and see if it is not a day of strange, almost curious peace, so sweet that you will be only too thankful when tomorrow comes to ask him to take it also. Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)

Dear Lord, when I feel discouraged and unappreciated, let me remember that you always reward your volunteers. AMEN

FOR ME AND YOU!

FOR ME AND YOU!

Matt 17:24-27

24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, [Jesus stopped Peter for a teaching moment] What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.

27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

Peter is asked a question by the tax collector (literally a collector of the Temple tax). Peter assumes that Jesus “owes” this tribute and would pay it. However, Jesus claims exemption on the following grounds. If the Temple had levied a tax on behalf of the King of Kings then certainly the Prince of Peace was exempt. “Then are the children (of the King) free.” As divine, Jesus was exempt from paying a tax that was rendered to himself.

The first thing to consider is that we should not be offensive. “Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them…” (v.27). Jesus would now voluntarily comply with a demand from which he was free. This is consistent with his “dove like” nature. Jesus was not pushy or selfish. He was God in human form and he often accommodated those who only saw the human part of him.

God knows where to find provision where there is none. Peter was to get a coin from the bank of “first fish.” This is encouraging since it is clear that neither Jesus nor Peter had the price of the tax. He is able to provide a “table in the wilderness.”

Finally, we come to what I call the “partnership of need.” Jesus claims and shares Peter’s need. Peter was his true yokefellow, his servant and partner. Every need that Peter had Jesus shared and felt! “Me and thee” is an encouraging phrase. It means that Jesus is willing and very able to pay the costs that are incurred by our obedience.

Dear Lord, it may cost me something to obey you today but I know that I am not in this alone. It will always be “me and thee!” Thank you, Lord, for your partnership. AMEN

GOT WISDOM?

GOT WISDOM?

James 1:5

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

1. Wisdom – what is it?

Wisdom as used in James 1:5, is the Greek word sophia and means: “understanding, knowledge, insight, perception, astuteness, intelligence, acumen good judgment, prudence, and my personal favorite, good sense!”

It is best recognized when it is absent from any circumstance or when staring at the broken ruins resulting from some bone-headed decision or action. Even with so many synonyms we are not as familiar with it as we’d like to be.

Paul, in his writings, was keen on knowing what God was thinking. He wanted to know “the mind of the Spirit” in Romans 8:27; “the mind of the Lord” in Romans 11:34; “the mind of Christ” in 1 Corinthians 2:16. It is hard to argue that whatever God is thinking regarding any situation is wisdom.

2. Wisdom – where is it found?

Mr. Vine, in his dictionary of Old Testament words says that wisdom [chokmah] is: “experience or shrewdness” and is found 141 times in the Old Testament. Curiously it is found most often in Job, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. If wisdom is experience then experience is the result of trouble. In Romans 5 there seems to be a process outlined. Tribulation, hard times, forces one to wait, which results in experience, which leads to hope, which results in confidence, which is caused by the provident care of God.

Rom 5:3-5

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

If wisdom is the knowledge and ability to make the right choices at the most opportune time then doing so consistently is indication of maturity and development. First Timothy 3:6 cautions against giving too much responsibility to a “novice” or neophutos which means “newly planted.” Just as we don’t expect fruit to be produced by a tender plant so we must wait for maturity. Overseers of these neophytes must be willing to mentor them through many periods where wisdom is absent simply due to a lack of experience.

3. Wisdom – what does it cost?

Since wisdom also is a moral as well as an intellectual quality, it costs long hours at the feet of the Master.

Prov 8:33-36

33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.

36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

Because wisdom is a result of experience it may cost pain.

Ps 119:71

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

Because wisdom is a gift it is received by asking.

James 1:5 AMPLIFIED

5 If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.

Dear Lord, I need your wisdom to make it through this day. Thank you for giving it to me. AMEN

CONSPIRACY THEORY!

CONSPIRACY THEORY!

2 Tim 3:1-5

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

          The word “perilous” in verse one is the Greek word chalepos which means “reducing the strength of; furious; fierce.” The picture of the world draining the strength of believers is all around us. Daniel 7:25 talks about “wearing out the saints of the most high.” Do you feel it? I certainly do.

          If we can see the signs of Christ’s soon return then certainly Satan can too and he has doubled his efforts to deceive and to destroy. Revelation 12:12 says that Satan has great wrath because he knows he has but a short time. We are living in perilous times. There is a spiritual conspiracy to “reduce the strength of” Christians and churches.

          Because Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14), I think he has moved from the crime centers of the world to the churches! Seduced by the prospect of larger crowds and bigger offerings, churches have adopted the programs and methodology of the world. The glitz of marketing is now the primary method of building a congregation. The modern gospel promises a peaceful and prosperous life, a comfortable death and a heavenly hereafter. The true gospel promises “tribulation” (John 16:33) and a narrow way!

Even Billy Graham, nearing the end of his life, sees an increase in easy believe-ism and churches that expect little from their followers. In a recent interview he said this: “Christ makes a difference in the lives of those who not only claim his name but obey his Word. If there is no change in a person's life, he or she must question whether or not they possess the salvation that the gospel proclaims. Many who go to church have not had a life-changing transformation in Christ. Those outside the church expect followers of Christ to live differently, yet today many in church are chasing after the world—not to win them, but to be like them. This is very dangerous and the Bible gives account to the tragic result.”

1 Cor 15:58

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Heb 10:25

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Dear Lord, open the eyes of believers blinded by the glitz of satanic conspiracy. Help us to be sober and steadfast as we see the approach of your coming. AMEN

RESTING IN HIS WORK!

RESTING IN HIS WORK!

Heb 4:7-11

7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

          The apparent contradiction between ceasing from our own works and laboring to enter into rest can be explained by the purpose of the work. If we work for an impossibility how weary is that work? Paul told the Romans that “by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight!” (see Romans 3:20). How heavy is that which can’t be lifted?

          We fail miserably when we labor to satisfy the demands of God through our own efforts. Isaiah 64:6 tells us that “all our righteousnesses [the whole of the deeds we think to be right] are as filthy rags.” All the kneeling and genuflections; all the keeping of ordinances and laws are insufficient. How wearisome and futile is self-help religion!

          God rested in His finished work of creation – not because He was tired but – because the work was totally completed. Jesus rested in His finished work of redemption because nothing else and nothing more was required. Grace then entered providing rest.

          Busy believers are of two kinds. First there are those who are busy about trying to please God. The second kind are busy because God is already pleased with the work of Jesus. Both labor but one is weary and the other is well rested.

We Bear The Strain Of Earthly Care

We bear the strains of earthly care,
But bear it not alone;
Beside us walks our Brother Christ,
And makes our task His own.

Through din of market, whirl of wheels,
And thrust of driving trade,
We follow where the Master leads,
Serene and unafraid.

Dear Lord, let me rest in your completed work! AMEN

TOO FAST!

TOO FAST!

Job 7:6

6 My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.

James 4:14

14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

          The weaver of fabric sent a wooden shuttle swiftly sliding from one side of the frame to the other. The single strand would become part of the whole fabric and at the end would be cut off. Job complained that his life was moving too swiftly to a conclusion.

          I am told that I don’t look as old as my age. I am glad for that because I would not want to look like I some days feel. I believe that I think like a young person – some would say childish. I still like to play with toys and I love to be around other kids. I think a playground with adult-sized equipment and toys would be a wonderful thing!

          A. W. Tozer once said: “We can look backward in time until the dim past vanishes, then turn and look into the future until thought and imagination collapse from exhaustion and God is at both points, unaffected by either.”

I expect to fill my book with ink until the well runs dry and the quill’s point is dull. I expect my last chapter will be written by another. Be kind in your writing and let there be continuity in the whole. Let my story be a warning for the careless and a guide for the traveler.

Ps 90:12

12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Dear Lord, let me use my days as capital to be spent in Thy service. AMEN

 

FOUND!

FOUND!

Luke 15:4-7

4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

          In John Newton’s classic hymn, Amazing Grace, one familiar line is “I once was lost but now I’m found!” I think we often place ourselves in the position of the searching shepherd who anxiously and persistently goes after one lamb until he finds it. But today I’m thinking of what means to be lost.

          Was the sheep aware that he was lost due to his own foolishness? Sheep are notoriously dependent upon the shepherd. Sheep lack discretion and never seem to consider the danger in lusting after greener grass. They are self-focused and wander away from the safety of the flock. When God said “all we, like sheep, have gone astray” (Isaiah 53:6) he didn’t need to explain himself. Everyone in that shepherding culture knew what he was talking about.

          Let us, for a moment, imagine that the sheep suddenly becomes aware of his lost condition. Perhaps he has become entangled in the briars. His wool is hopelessly twisted and each attempt at self-salvation only results in frustration and pain. Moreover, he is in very unfamiliar territory and can’t perceive the proper way home. He is gripped with fear that any escape route he chooses might actually lead him farther from safety. Even worse is the scuffle and screech of the predators encircling him. Being lost is full of terrors! His only hope is to cry out for rescue.

          The shepherd didn’t leave the ninety-and-nine because he thought they were unimportant! No, he left them in safety but the lost was in danger. It needed to be found. Was the lost sheep aware that a search had already begun? The despair of being lost would soon explode into exuberant joy!

Luke 15:6-7

6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Consider the cripple beggar sitting at the Beautiful Gate, unable to enter in. Peter and John is greeted by him and Peter explains that, while they have no silver, they had something much more valuable. Taking the man by the hand, they lifted him up and his crippled feet were healed.  

Acts 3:7-8

7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

Dear Lord, I have known the joy of being found and of terror turned to peace. Let me seek the lost and find them. AMEN

TRUTH HAS NO DENOMINATION!

TRUTH HAS NO DENOMINATION!

Matt 22:15-17

15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.

16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.

17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?

John 9:24-27

24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.

25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.

26 Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?

27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?

          The word “truth” can be found in the King James translation 235 times! In the verses selected this morning we see the Pharisees, self-proclaimed guardians of their definition of the truth, confronting Jesus so that they might entangle Him in his talk. Their pursuit was not for the truth but for a remedy. Jesus was most certainly a Jew but not a Pharisee.

          In John 9, we see just how inconvenient truth can be when Jesus heals a blind man. The religious leaders considered Jesus a sinner and now he is reported to have restored sight to the blind! Facts had gotten in the way of belief and so facts had to be discredited. Question upon question is hurled at the formerly blind man and his new sight is now accompanied by insight. He boldly asks “will ye also be his disciples?” Aldus Huxley (1894 – 1963) once said: “Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.”

          Today’s devotional is being read by Baptists, Catholics, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, a Methodist and a Missouri Synod Lutheran. These live in a world that is crumbling all around them. Global politics driven by pride and greed give birth to violence and confusion. Truth is precious because it is rare. Malcolm Muggeridge once said: “A collapsing world is more conducive to understanding the nature of truth than a triumphant world.” So we now live in a world that is ready for truth.

Plato, three hundred years before Christ, predicted that if ever the truly good man were to appear, the man who would tell the truth, he would have his eyes gouged out and in the end be crucified. That risk was once taken, in its fullest measure. The Man appeared. He told the world the truth-about itself-and even made the preposterous claim: "I am the Truth." As Plato foresaw, the Man was crucified. Elizabeth Elliot

Dear Lord, let truth prevail today. Give us both sight and insight. AMEN

WAITING LIKE A FARMER!

WAITING LIKE A FARMER!

James 5:7-8

7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman [farmer] waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

          Picture a local coffee shop very early in the morning. One old farmer has just arrived and jingles the bell as he gently closes the door behind him. He is dressed in overalls, flannel shirt, work boots and an oily John Deer cap. He joins a group of other farmers in the corner where two tables have been pushed together. The smell of coffee is in the air. Yonder comes the waitress with a smile and a fresh mug. She doesn’t ask but simply pours the mug full of black steaming brew.

          All these men are working! What looks like a lazy interruption of farmer work is actually the hard job of waiting. All these farmers know that once their work is done the rest is up to God. The soil has been plowed and the seed has been sown. Now they settle down to pray for rain and to exercise patience. God is now actively working because no farmer can control the weather. Too much rain can rot the crop and too much sun can burn it. An early frost can be devastating. Yes, all these men are working hard at talking, drinking coffee and waiting.

          James pictures the Christian as a spiritual farmer. There are seasons to the spiritual life and sometimes it appears that nothing is being done. This is the season that requires patience. It is a time to repair and sharpen the equipment and to sit with others and hope over a cup of coffee.

          Here, then, is the secret to endurance. We need to remember that God is trying to produce a harvest of spiritual fruit in our lives. Seeds of “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness and faith” are beginning to sprout in us. Trials and troubles are sometimes needed for the harvest. So grab a mug of patience, with a side order of hope, and take a seat at the table of waiting.

Dear Lord, the signs of harvest are all around us. Help us as we exercise the hard work of patience. AMEN

SIN STANDS POINTING!

SIN STANDS POINTING!

Ps 51:1-3

51 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

          In the performance of his duties as king, David often stood in judgment. He heard accusations and considered the reasons and excuses of the defense. When all was said and done he had to rule on the matter lawfully and righteously. All the while his own sin stood pointing.

          Many religious activities can be done by those with sin in their life. One may teach a Bible study or sing in the church choir yet all the while their conscience stabs them with guilt. David said that his sin was always before him. No matter which way he turned, sin stood pointing.

          Dirt and grime on the body begs for a washing and sin in the heart does the same. It is persistent in its demands for attention. David was always conscious of what he had done. It robbed him of his rest and ruined his joy. His sin rendered all his righteous efforts worthless. Sin stood pointing.

          There is nothing to be done with sin but to give it the attention it demands. Confession is required and so David acknowledges his sin before God. Cleansing is essential and so David begs for a washing. There is an allusion to the application of the blood of sacrifice.

          David goes on to request restoration. The relationship which he enjoyed with God had been damaged. He missed it and wanted it back. The joy of his salvation had been turned to sorrow. He asked for God’s remedy. Others had suffered because of what he had done. He asked God to withhold his wrath and restore peace. In the face of mercy, sin withdraws his bony finger and retreats. His task of accusation is done. If your sin stands pointing today, give it the attention it demands. Call upon God for forgiveness and restoration.

1 John 3:20-21

20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

Dear Lord, none can know the sin inside but me and you alone. Wash me and make me clean. AMEN

HOW TO DEAL WITH FOOLS!

HOW TO DEAL WITH FOOLS!

Prov 26:4-5

4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

          There is an apparent contradiction between these two verses but it is only apparent. Here we see two sides of the same truth. Verse four warns us not to bandy (to trade punches) words with a fool. Verse five reminds us to use the right words at the right time so as to draw the fool out of his foolishness. An unchallenged fool soon becomes conceited in his foolishness. He thinks he is right and must, skillfully, be shown the error of his thinking. This is a learned ability and requires some practice. It is more about style than substance.

          Jesus often kept silent when foolish and disrespectful questions were asked of him but silence is not always the best in every case. When asked to rule on the woman taken in adultery, he said nothing but stooped to write in the dust with his finger. When he finally did speak he asked those who were without sin to cast the first stone. They all retreated leaving the woman alone with Jesus. (John 8:9-11)

          I’m going to give up a trade secret among ministers this morning! There are times when we get sick and tired of being “nice.” We get tired-to-death of restraining ourselves from giving certain individuals a valuable piece of our mind because they seem not to have much of a mind themselves. We grow morbidly weary of being called upon to pray some magic little prayer that will eliminate the consequences of their stupidity. How we sometimes envy those whose task in life is to stand in some assembly line and unendingly attach some widget to some gadget. Perhaps this is why the majority of ministers resist the call to such a life. Nevertheless we press ahead armed with words seasoned with salt! (Col. 4:6)

2 Tim 2:23-25

23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

          The Amplified Bible shines some light on verse 25 by saying it this way: “He must correct his opponents with courtesy and gentleness, in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and come to know the Truth.”

Dear Lord, let me be patient with people whose minds have been made foolish by the Devil, knowing that I was once as foolish myself. AMEN

SUBTILTY!

SUBTILTY!

2 Cor 11:2-3

2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

3 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.

          The picture here is that of a loving father who has a daughter that is engaged to be married. The great concern is that she will be unfaithful to her intended husband; not because she is particularly wicked; but because she is not careful. It was this lack of caution that Satan used to snare Eve.

          Several words in verse 3 are worthy of a second look. The first is the word “beguiled” which is the Greek word exapatao which means “to seduce wholly.” The idea is that of a thorough ruin which includes willing participation.

          The next word is subtilty which is the Greek word panourgia which simply means “adroitness” which is here used in a bad sense. The idea is that Satan is skillful in trickery. The word is preceded by ho which is a definite article. Verse 3, then, reads “THE subtilty.” Satan can make the most wicked things appear pleasant and desirable.

          The battleground is the mind and so our next word is “corrupted” which is the Greek word phtheiro which means “to shrivel or wither.” We’ve all met folks we suspected had a mind that had dried up! Muscles that are not used will atrophy and shrink. Minds shrivel through lack of use. The warning is to never turn off the mind so that you can give control to the senses.

          Our final word is “simplicity” which is the Greek word haplotes which means “singleness.” The idea is a loss of focus through distraction. So many things are presented at one time that the victim can’t focus and concentrate. He loses the “simplicity” of the gospel of Christ. When this happens false doctrine creeps into his theology.

1 Peter 5:8

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Dear Lord, don’t let me lose my mind through lack of use. Let me be watchful and cautious today. AMEN

PURSUE HOLINESS!

PURSUE HOLINESS!

Heb 12:14-17

14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

          The word holiness is from two Greek words, ho hagiosmos. The first little word is a definite article and is equivalent to our word “the.” The other word is literally “purifier.” Once we learn the meaning of the words we can read it this way: follow the purifier. Now I see that I am not being commanded to produce holiness but to follow the one who is able to make me holy.

          A holy life is no accident. We do not carelessly or casually stumble upon holiness. We pursue it as a goal! Following peace with all men, and holiness, is intentional. This means that we make the pursuit of holiness a conscious aspiration. It requires diligence to run the race successfully lest we "fail of the grace of God" (Heb 12:15). God's grace does not fail, but we can fail to take advantage of His grace.

Esau certainly failed to act on God's grace. The account is given in Gen 25:27-34; 27:30-45. Esau was "a profane person," which means "a common person, one who lives for the world and not God." (Our English word literally means "outside the temple," or not belonging to God.) Esau despised his birthright and sold it to Jacob, and he missed the blessing because it was given to Jacob. Afterward, Esau tried to get Isaac to change his mind, but it was too late. Even Esau's tears availed nothing. (Warren Wiersbe)

The lives of individual Christians; even the worship of modern churches; have become more common than holy. Common pursuits give rise to common themes and produce only common results. Because personal holiness is a product of gradual development, the Bible is always encouraging us to be holy.

Eph 4:22-24

22 … put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

I Lay My Sins On Jesus

I lay my sins on Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God;
He bears them all, and frees us from the accursed load;
I bring my guilt to Jesus, to wash my crimson stains
White in His blood most precious, till not a stain remains.

Holy God, I am not holy! Please make me so by Thy grace. AMEN