COURAGE SPRINGS FROM DEEP CONVICTION!

COURAGE SPRINGS FROM DEEP CONVICTION!

Luke 23:46-54

46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

48 And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.

49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

50 And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:

51(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

52 This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.

54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.

Joseph of Arimathaea was a counselor according to verse 50. He was a bouleutes (bool-yoo-tace'); an adviser, or member of the Jewish Sanhedrin. He had not agreed with the verdict and condemnation of Jesus. He was a good man and a just man. He waited for the kingdom of God which meant he was watching for Messiah to appear. His actions indicate that he found Him.

It took great courage to request the body of Jesus. It indicated that he was an associate of Jesus and possibly guilty of the same sedition that sent Jesus to the cross. He placed himself in mortal jeopardy to honor Jesus. It was a manly deed that came from deep conviction.

Joseph took the body down. He had to touch it, handle it, carry it, wash it and wrap it in linen. Along with Nicodemus he had to rub the body down with spices and lay it in a tomb and the Sabbath drew on! The importance of this seemingly unimportant remark in verse 54 meant that he would be unclean and disqualified to participate in the Passover celebration.

Num 9:6

6 And there were certain men, who were defiled by the dead body of a man, that they could not keep the passover on that day: and they came before Moses and before Aaron on that day:

Joseph placed himself in mortal danger. He spent not only energy but money to anoint the body of Jesus. He made himself ceremonially unclean and deprived himself of something highly valued by the Jews. Why did he do such a thing? The simple answer is the one given by the Roman soldier standing by who said: “Certainly this was a righteous man.” The deeper answer was that Joseph and Nicodemus had found their Messiah.

Dear Lord, let me be courageous today and not shrink from the hard things that may be required of me. AMEN

CONSIDER!

CONSIDER!

Deut 32:7

7 Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.

1 Sam 12:24

24 Only fear the Lord , and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.

Luke 12:24-28

24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

          In First Samuel, the word “consider” is the word ra’ah and literally means to “advise self.” It is a concept that invokes a smile because it means that I should teach myself, from a deep store, what I do not know at the surface.  In Luke chapter 12 the word “consider” is the Greek katanoeo and means: “behold, consider, discover and perceive.” The idea is to learn by keen observation. Are you enduring some trauma or trial? Perhaps you should consider some things.

          Consider God’s past dealings with you. Is today’s trial stronger and larger than ones you have already gone through? No? Then it must be that God has faithfully brought you through! Like the hymn, Amazing Grace, says: “through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come.” If we have been the recipient of God’s grace in the past, then we should expect God’s grace for this present circumstance.

          Consider God’s nature and general dealings with His creation. Luke reminds us that He clothes the grass, feeds the birds, and beautifies the lilies. Luke asks us to consider whether God has a special grudge against us or should we expect to be clothed, fed and adorned. I think we know the answer.

The cause of the Jews’ great sin was a failure to consider. “The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.” Isa 1:3

          Consider the future of every believer! If the rapture waits and we finish our lives through death, what awaits us on the other side? The answer is incomprehensible glory! Paul said in Romans 8:18, “For I reckon [to take an inventory] that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Dear Father of Mercies, while the trial shouts its doubts, let me consider your past blessings and my glorious future. Let me endure with courage whatever you have for me today. AMEN

A SPIRITUAL SELF – TEST!

A SPIRITUAL SELF – TEST!

Who am I and what kind of Christianity do I really practice on a daily basis? I believe that is a question we should ask ourselves from time to time. If today is a convenient time for you to ask, let me suggest a few probing questions.

1.      AM I CONTENT WITH THE PERSON I AM BECOMING?

Eph 4:22-24

22 That ye 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.

Every day – sometimes multiple times within that day – there is a need to put off and put on! As I mature am I growing into a wise person who can provide answers to those who follow after me? If I should ever leave my office as a pastor will I have anything left to fill the vacuum?

2.      IS THE CORE OF MY LIFE QUIET?

Ps 46:10-11

10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

I read somewhere that the motto of most people is: “When in trouble, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout!”

3.      DO I HAVE A GROWING PRAYER LIFE?

Are my daily decisions made with prayer or are they driven by personal desires?

Phil 4:6-7

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

4.      AM I BECOMING TRULY HUMBLE?

Phil 2:3

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

Nothing is more arrogant than false humility. I do not need to deny the talents I have but I must remember that those talents are a product of God’s working in me. If God has given me a talent or an ability then He intends to direct the use of both for His purposes and His glory.

5.      AM I OBEDIENT IN SMALL MATTERS?

1 John 2:3-4

3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

The above verse is strong medicine and needs no comment from me!

6.      IS THERE JOY IN MY LIFE?

John 15:11

11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is a result of pleasant “happenings!” Joy is the result of knowing that God is in control of every situation – even the unpleasant ones.

Dear Lord, running headlong in my direction today are both good things and bad. Help me to face them both with calm and confidence. AMEN

FOUR ENCOURAGING TRUTHS!

FOUR ENCOURAGING TRUTHS!

2 Cor 7:5-6

5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

Even the Apostle Paul, though a spiritual giant, admitted to being “troubled on every side.” Externally there were fightings and internally there were fears. He was cast down and then comforted.

What can we do when we are cast down? Let me suggest that we check the balance in our spiritual account. We need a reality check to see just who we are in Christ. Consider the following truths.

1. GOD HAS ALWAYS LOVED YOU!

Jer 31:3

3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Ps 103:17

17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

2 Thess 2:13

13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

2. GOD LOVED YOU ENOUGH TO ALLOW JESUS TO DIE!

1 Peter 1:18-19

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Heb 9:12-14

12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

3. GOD HAS INVITED YOU TO BE PART OF HIS FAMILY!

Rom 8:16-17

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Gal 4:7

7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

4. HE IS COMING FOR YOU SOON!

Luke 21:27-28

27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Ps 126:2-3

2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

Dear Lord, Let these wonderful truths encourage many today. AMEN

GEMS IN MY POCKET!

GEMS IN MY POCKET!

            First, let me explain that the following is what I call a “classic.” I’ve published this before and you may or may not have seen it. It is one of my personal favorites. I hope you enjoy it – again.

Mal 3:16-17

16 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.

17 And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

          Little boys, like myself, are gem collectors. We find pretty rocks in the gravel driveways of the world. These precious stones have been ignored and rolled over by the wheels of ignorance but it takes the mind of a little boy to know their true value! How many of these have been plucked from pockets on laundry day and cast aside only to be found again and recovered? Jewels are in the eye of the beholder.

          Preachers, like myself, are soul collectors. We find common souls with sparkles in the driveways of the world. These precious souls have been ignored and rolled over by the wheels of ignorance and carelessness but it takes the mind of a preacher to know their true value! When plucked from our pockets and cast aside we run to find them again. Precious souls are in the eye of the beholder. One such gem is an email from a former church member. He writes about the day he was saved and gives his old preacher way too much credit for it. If you will handle it with care, I will show it to you.

Hi Pastor Ron,

I said you had a "black & white" style but what I meant to say was that you were the type of preacher I needed. The day that I walked to the altar, you had tears in your eyes and you said, "I've been waiting for you Marty"

How wonderful it is to remember that day. I attended church for my wife up till then.  But, on Sundays, you were only talking to me (or it seemed that way) 

I never went to church other than Sundays. That day, the Lord grabbed me by the arm and said, let's go------me & you Marty!  

          You couldn't have stopped me from going no matter what. I couldn't wait for the call (and I always had thought that I would be embarrassed)

The rest is history as they say. 

Marty

          Did you see how this common rock sparkled? Do you understand why I have kept it safe in my pocket? Can you imagine the huge collection of shiny rocks in Jesus’ pocket? Can you even believe that one of them is you?

Dear Jesus, thank you for seeing something worthy in me. Thank you for picking me up off common ground and putting me amongst your jewels. AMEN

WHEN GOD SEEMS FAR AWAY!

WHEN GOD SEEMS FAR AWAY!

Ps 35:22

O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me.

Acts 17:25-28

…he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being…

The most difficult times for me are those times when God seems far away. Oh, I know with my mind that He is everywhere and that He is near, even in my heart, but there are times when I need Him so badly to be within reach. I need to sense His presence and I need to hear his voice. Like a child who pillows his head on his mother’s breast I need to feel His breath on my cheek. Many are the times when my soul cries out to God for the comfort of His presence.

Many are the songs that have been written and sung about our human longing for the divine. “Abide with me” is one and “Nearer my God to Thee” is another of the songs that remind us of the great gulf that sin has now fixed between us and our God. Yet our very soul was made for fellowship with Him as Adam enjoyed in the cool of the evening.

Job deeply felt the absence of God although God was every moment observing his calamity. It may seem cruel to us but God had set in motion a test for Job that would put Satan to open shame. Job was required to remain faithful to an absentee God. So it seems often with us. We feel that we must walk the trail of tears alone yet God is there and He will arrive just in time.

Ps 56:3

3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Dear Lord, I know with my head that Thou art there but my spirit needs Thee now. Be not far from me. AMEN

WALKING BY FAITH!

WALKING BY FAITH!

2 Cor 5:7

7(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Close your eyes tight. Imagine for a moment that this condition is permanent! Such a thought makes one quickly try to memorize those solid things that comprise your surroundings. We know there will be some bruised shins and some broken treasures as we stumble along. Yet off to my right, even with my eyes closed tightly, there is a hint of a light. I turn toward it and surely the light is there but what it illuminates is yet unclear.

Now imagine someone taking you by the hand. He knows your condition and promises to guide you so that you don’t fall. Moreover, he gives you a verbal description of everything along the way. Colors, textures and shapes must be first viewed by the one that sees clearly and then spoken to you by the guide.

Nervously we follow this guide, first in fear, later in doubt and finally in total trust! Ultimately we learn to rely so fully on this guide that we will not take a step without him. This is walking by faith.

Now imagine that you have your sight and yet this guide continues to try and lead you. At first you refuse this guidance and finally you reject it as unnecessary and unwelcome. At a fork in the road the guide suggests a particular direction but because you can see you reject it for a more pleasant path. Curiously you still find yourself with bruised shins and broken treasures clumsily knocked aside. This is walking by sight. I wonder if we might walk more securely if we would doubt our doubts and trust our faith.

Rom 8:24-25

24 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?

25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Ps 27:11

11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path…

Dear Lord, although I see, let me close my eyes to my own weak wisdom and place my hand in your guiding hand. AMEN

WHERE IS GOD WHEN THERE IS TROUBLE?

WHERE IS GOD WHEN THERE IS TROUBLE?

Isa 6:1-8

6 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord  of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.

5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord  of hosts.

6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:

7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

          Why did Isaiah mention the death of Uzziah? Well, why not? Uzziah had reigned in Judah for fifty-two years and it was a good and prosperous reign. The political fiber of the nation was strong and moral and upright. However, toward the end of his reign, he proudly decided to enter the temple and burn incense upon the golden altar (see 2 Chronicles 26:16). Government had overstepped the boundaries reserved by the church. Uzziah was resisted in his efforts by Azariah and 80 other priests. Uzziah was suddenly struck with leprosy and lived out the remainder of his days in a common house for lepers. He was buried in the field of the kings but in a grave that was off to itself; lonely and isolated.

          It was at this time that Isaiah was perhaps seeking God in a time of great trouble. There was much loss to mourn. Who would rise up to assume leadership after this good king? The tragedy of trespassing upon God’s business had, once again, reminded the nation that God was sovereign. All these thoughts and more were swirling around Isaiah’s head.

          It was in such a time that God revealed Himself. He was seen as He always was; high and lifted up, full of glory and worshipped by angels. This has been the scene since eternity past and will continue throughout eternity future. Isaiah did not see a new event but rather a snapshot of heaven. It was stunning!

          In the light of the glory of God, Isaiah now saw himself truly. The pretense of self-righteousness had been melted away in the glow of pure holiness. Later Isaiah would see all man’s goodness as “filthy rags” which is a reference to the rags of the lepers. Perhaps this is a glimpse of the end of the life of Uzziah who was once robed in royalty but died in leprous rags. Isaiah now saw himself as vile and feared to compare himself with the holiness of the God he now saw with fresh eyes.

          “What shall we do?” will be the cry as every knee bows before God. Those who bow early find cleansing for their sins and a new purpose for their lives. They are invited to hear the voice of God and share in His concerns. They are invited to volunteer to make a difference and to say: “Here am I, send me.”

          Political unrest and moral decay is not unique to our nation or our time. It is a symptom of sin and will not be cured till the King of Kings rests upon His throne. It is an opportune time to see God with fresh eyes, to find cleansing for our sin and new purpose for our lives.

Dear Lord, we live in fearful times. Reveal yourself in holiness so that we may be healed of our ills. Give clear direction so that we might find new purpose. AMEN

UNDER NEW AND BETTER MANAGEMENT!

UNDER NEW AND BETTER MANAGEMENT!

1 Cor 6:19-20

19 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?

20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's [which belong to God].

1 Cor 7:22-24

22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

Rom 6:19-21

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?

Ex 21:4-6

4 If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.

5 And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:

6 Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.

          America’s own history makes it difficult to imagine any positive aspects to slavery. The above verses, however, remind us that while we were the servants of sin we were “free from” or unable to respond to the laws of God. We had to be purchased by a new master at an enormous price. Once bought, we were then free from responsibility to the former master.

          Oh! When I remember life under my former master, I must agree with Romans 6:21. The fruit of all that labor was shame! Why would anyone want to return to that master and do his bidding? Though he has no more legitimate claim to us, he tries to lure us away with false promises.

          Now, under a new and better management, my life has purpose and my Master cares deeply for me. I am well clothed, well shod, and well fed. I labor but the labor is easy and my burden is light (Matthew 11:29-30).

Ps 40:8

8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

Master, thank you for purchasing me away from a harsh and abusive taskmaster. Bore my ear through and let me serve you forever. AMEN

THE SOUND OF ABUNDANCE OF RAIN!

THE SOUND OF ABUNDANCE OF RAIN!

1 Kings 18:36-44

36 And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, Lord  God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.

37 Hear me, O Lord , hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord  God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.

38 Then the fire of the Lord  fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.

39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The Lord , he is the God; the Lord , he is the God.

40 And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.

41 And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.

42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,

43 And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.

44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.

          Elijah was not in a battle – he was in a campaign against the wickedness of Baal’s prophets and King. Many things are taking place all at the same time. First, it had not rained for over three years! Drought was the natural result along with anger at the prophet who caused it. Ahab had searched high and low for Elijah and now he shows himself in a contest. The God who could and would respond with fire to consume a sacrifice would be God indeed. Baal failed to appear!

          Elijah makes things difficult for Jehovah to act by drenching his sacrifice with hard to find water. He does this more than once! Now the sacrifice and the wood is wet and hard to kindle. Any real God would not have a problem with this and Jehovah proves Himself worthy by consuming not only the sacrifice, the wood, and the water, but also the dust around the altar. The conclusion of the onlookers might have been involuntary but it was earnest: “Jehovah, He is God alone!” It was a bad day for the losers who were rounded up and killed.

          Now Elijah makes a prediction purely by faith. The sound of abundance of rain was not heard except in his heart and his imagination because he goes away and buries his face between his knees.  Soon he would either be vindicated or shamed. He sends his to go and look at the cloudless sky.

          Just a little cloud was seen the size of a man’s hand. Certainly this was a bleak forecast but it was enough for Elijah. I am amazed at how little encouragement Elijah seemed to need and how much I demand before moving forward. His apparent faith puts me to shame. The little cloud became a blackened sky full of rain.

          Great faith always stands against great doubt! It requires selfless courage that is willing to risk failure. It requires a firm trust in the existence and willingness of an unseen God to act. It is mentally and, sometimes, physically exhausting. Elijah would soon feel spent and used up. But the rains came!

Dear Lord, we are in a drought of righteousness. Wickedness prevails and the oppressive heat of evil bakes us on every side. The encouraging signs of relief seem as small as a man’s hand and our faith is challenged. Let us announce, by faith, your kindness and mercy. Let us hear the sounds of abundance of rain. AMEN

FREE TO CHOOSE!

FREE TO CHOOSE!

Josh 24:14-15

14 Now therefore fear the Lord , and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord.

15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord , choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

          John Calvin, in his Prefatory address to King Francis when he wrote his Institutes, referred to a prevailing attitude of the time. He called it “The Appeal to Custom against Truth!” There is enormous pressure to conform to the cultural model of belief and behavior even when there are clear instructions to the contrary in God’s Word. In order to be “cool,” or simply to live in peace with our fellows, we ignore and discard God’s clear directives to not follow the crowd.

Man is morally free to make his own choices and to suffer the consequences of those choices. Man is responsible for his conduct. The social history of the world, the universal consciousness of man, and the concurrent teachings of the Bible all show this. Man is responsible for his destiny. Character is constantly being formed! It will emerge either marred or perfect, depending on whether you submit to the Divine will, or resist the influences He brings to bear upon you.

God condemned the world with the Flood but kept Noah and his family alive. The world drowned as a mob but each man died as an individual for his sins. (see Genesis 7:1 and Hebrews 11:7) James S. Hewett said: “evil custom is nothing but a kind of public pestilence in which men do not perish the less though they fall with the multitude."

Dear Lord, I will be presented with many choices today. When I make those choices there will be consequences as a result of my choosing. Please, let me see the snare and not simply the bait. AMEN

NO MIRACLES – JUST TRUTH!

NO MIRACLES – JUST TRUTH!

John 10:32-42

32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

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?

37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,

40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.

41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.

42 And many believed on him there.

          How many miracles did John the Baptist? Not one! His was not a ministry of healing but of heralding the coming of Messiah. This was his task. He understood it clearly and performed it faithfully. I think our task is the same if I understand the Great Commission.

          We ministers want to have a spectacular ministry. We want to accomplish things that are, if not miraculous, at least noteworthy. We want to be recognized while we live and remembered when we die. But it was John Baptist who said: “He must increase but I must decrease!” (John 3:30) Ah, there you have it, the shrinking subject and the looming Lord! We are called to truth-telling in obscurity and the line of applicants for this job is short.

LITTLE IS MUCH

Does the place you're called to labor
Seem too small and little known?
It is great if God is in it
And He'll not forget His own.

Refrain:
Little is much when God is in it
Labor not for wealth or fame
There's a crown and you can win it
If you go in Jesus' Name.

Dear Lord, let me say with John Baptist “He must increase but I must decrease!” AMEN

THE HEART LAGS BEHIND!

THE HEART LAGS BEHIND!

Prov 23:26

26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

Matt 15:8

8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

Heb 3:12-13

12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

          The whole course of life is upset by failure to put God where He rightfully belongs. The problem is that the heart is deceitful above all things and even deceives itself (Jeremiah 17:9). Like Peter, we may declare our intention to die with Christ, if necessary, only to deny Him three times when the pressure is on. We just don’t know our own heart.

          The mind may agree to this “God-above-all” position but the heart may lag behind. Until and unless God has your heart, religion can’t be practiced with any degree of regularity or success. The mind says yes but the heart keeps holding back! “The whole man must make the decision before the heart can know any real satisfaction. God wants us all, and he will not rest till He gets us all.” (A. W. Tozer The Pursuit of God)

          I usually finish each devotional with a suggested prayer. This morning I can think of none better than the one Tozer himself uses to close chapter nine. It is long so I will share only some essential portions.

O God, be Thou exalted over my possessions. Nothing of earth’s treasures shall seem dear unto me if only Thou art glorified in my life. Be thou exalted over my friendships. I am determined that Thou shall be above all, though I must stand deserted and alone in the midst of the earth. AMEN

HE RESTORETH MY SOUL!

HE RESTORETH MY SOUL!

Ps 23:2-3

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

One scholar clarifies this beautifully in the following quote.

It refers to the spirit when exhausted, weary, or sad; and the meaning is, that God quickens or vivifies [makes alive that which is dead or dying] the spirit when thus exhausted. The reference is not to the soul as wandering or backsliding from God, but to the life or spirit as exhausted, wearied, troubled, anxious, worn down with care and toil. The heart, thus exhausted, He re-animates. He brings back its vigor. He encourages it; excites it to new effort; fills it with new joy.

(From Barnes' Notes)

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, certainly knows how to deal with us during times of our backsliding but this is not the case here. Because He is the Good Shepherd, He also knows how to mend us when we are broken. When the disciples wanted to press forward – He said rest. When burdened down with care, we are urged to cast our cares on Him because He cares for us.

Often in the midst of urgent labor He will “make” us, or force us, to lie down in green pastures. Thus lying on the soft green earth, chewing contentedly, we are able to separate the urgent from the truly important. I am convinced that many Christians are not so much involved with sinful behavior as with urgent things that are not important.

Dear Lord, today a thousand voices will cry out for my attention. One of those voices will be your very own. Help me to hear you when you speak. Today, Lord, restore my soul. AMEN

BE TRUE TO YOU!

BE TRUE TO YOU!

Ex 23:2-6

2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:

3 Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.

4 If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.

5 If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.

6 Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.

The mark of adulthood is not a chronological age passed; it is the development of personhood. It means that you have become who you have been becoming and that you are consistent and comfortable with that persona. It means you have cast off the funny fads of adolescence and found a style that is functional and appropriate to the occasion. It means that you do not agree with a faceless crowd simply because it is a crowd.

It is almost painful to watch an adolescent grow up and even more painful to see those who have reached the age where they should have grown up but failed to do so.

Take a look at the important points in our Scripture portion today.

1. Don’t always follow the crowd – especially if it is a mob! Why do people feel they have to say what others say, do what others do, and even wear what others wear in order to feel significant? Especially refrain from swearing to a lie even if everyone else says it is true. Verse 2 particularly speaks of being cautious not to agree with the majority opinion if it is false and would convict the innocent man or release a guilty one.

2. Don’t allow sympathy to cause you to tolerate wrong! This is the force of verse 3 which basically means that you should never be partial to a poor man just because he is poor. Again, do not allow yourself to tolerate sin in someone if he is capable of doing right. Parents often hinder their children from reaching adulthood because they will not hold them accountable.

3. Be a blessing even to someone who is not your friend! Verses 4 and 5 give us the scenario of an “enemy” whose donkey runs away. If you find the donkey simply return it to the owner. If you find the donkey collapsed under a heavy load and the owner, who is your enemy, is struggling with it you should stop and offer to help. It’s really that simple!

William Shakespeare said: “And this above all unto thine own self be true and it shall follow as the day the night – thou can’st not then be false to any man.”

Dear Lord, help me to be full grown, mature and faithful today. Help me to be a blessing. AMEN

UNSEEN HANDS GUARDING ME!

UNSEEN HANDS GUARDING ME!

At the beginning of any normal day we may say our prayers routinely without suspecting the dangers that may lie ahead. At the end of an uneventful day we may conclude that no danger came near. At other times we may experience the chill of unexplained fear learning only later that we had, at that moment, been divinely protected from danger! These are Psalm 91 moments when we have been covered with His feathers.

Ps 91

91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Actor Jimmy Stewart found comfort in Ps 91. When the United States entered World War II in 1941, Stewart enlisted in the Army Air Corps and prepared to go overseas. Stewart's father, Alex, choked up when he tried to bid him farewell, so he wrote a note for his son to read en route. After being shipped out, Jimmy read the words his father had been unable to say aloud:

My dear Jim boy. Soon after you read this letter, you will be on your way to the worst sort of danger. Jim, I'm banking on the enclosed copy of Psalm 91. The thing that takes the place of fear and worry is the promise of these words. I am staking my faith in these words. I feel sure that God will lead you through this mad experience. I can say no more. I only continue to pray. Goodbye, my dear. God bless you and keep you. I love you more than I can tell you. Dad.

Jimmy Stewart returned home a decorated war hero, unharmed even though his record included 20 combat missions. During the height of battle, Stewart said he learned to lean on the words of his tattered copy of Ps 91, especially verses 1 and 2, which speak of God as a refuge and fortress.

Citation: Victor Parachin, "God's 911," Christian Reader (September/October 2000), pp. 67-68

Dear Lord, today I may never see the danger or the protection which you provide. I may end this day thinking it to be another uneventful day because I abide under the shadow of Thy wings. Thank you, Lord, for your protection. AMEN!