HELP BEFORE WE NEED IT!

 

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

 

HELP BEFORE WE NEED IT!

 

Ps 79:8

8 O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.

 

Isa 65:24

24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

 

          God sees our circumstances so clearly and responds so quickly that He has answers waiting for out delinquent prayers! We are slow to ask for help. Generally, it is because we are so stubbornly independent. But God knows our own strength is often no match for the challenges of life, so He stands ready to help when we call.

 

          The word “prevent” in Psalm 79 has a different meaning than we apply today. It does not mean that God will stop us from doing something – although He certainly can do that. Instead, it means “to precede or to anticipate.”

 

          Are you praying for God’s intervention? God is already at work. Trust Him!

 

Mic 7:18

18 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for answers before prayers! AMEN

 

HE KNOWS MY NAME!

 

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

 

HE KNOWS MY NAME!

 

Ps 147:4

4 He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.

 

Ex 33:12-17

12 And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.

13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.

14 And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

15 And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.

16 For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.

17 And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.

 

John 10:1-3

10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

 

          The witness of Scripture is clear! He knows your name! He knows both who you are and where you are. He knows what you are going through right now and he even knows what you are thinking. God knows your emotional makeup. He knows what makes you tick because he installed the ticker!

 

          The sheep in Psalm 23 are not afraid in the valley of the shadow of death because they know the Shepherd and He knows them. They have followed Him to green pastures and beside still waters. They have benefitted from the ministry of the Good Shepherd. They have learned to trust His leading because they have become familiar with His heart! Take courage today, little lamb, because the Shepherd knows you by name.

 

Dear Lord, some little lamb needs you desperately today. You know which ones because you know their names. Give that little lamb just what you know they need.  AMEN

 

TWO KINGS

 

Monday, September 15, 2025

 

TWO KINGS

 

Isa 6:1  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. 

Isa 6:2  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. 

Isa 6:3  And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. 

 

                The year, in my opinion, was mentioned not only to mark the particular time but to allow us to view Isaiah’s grief. The name Uzziah means “the strength of Jah” or the strength of Jehovah. Alexander MacLaren explains that “ Uzziah had reigned for fifty-two years, during the greater part of which he and his people had been brilliantly prosperous. Victorious in war, he was also successful in the arts of peaceful industry. The later years of his life were clouded, but on the whole the reign had been a time of great well-being.” MacLaren continues by saying, “ His son and successor was a young man of five-and-twenty; and when he came to the throne ominous war-clouds were gathering in the North, and threatening to drift to Judah. No wonder that the prophet, like other thoughtful patriots, was asking himself what was to come in these anxious days.”

 

                While Isaiah was pondering an empty throne filled by an inexperienced youth, God revealed Himself as the reigning King of Kings. He was high and lifted up above all that He controlled. His train completely filled the Temple. Winged Seraphs, copper in color, declared that the Lord was Holy, Holy, and Holy.

 

                In times of grief and sorrow, God often provides a momentary partial view of Himself. This view highlights our own deficiencies and His wonderous strength. If the throne was emptied of Uzziah, the strength of Jehovah, then certainly Jehovah Himself could more than adequately fill the emptiness.  

 

                Perhaps you are discouraged today and have suffered loss. You may anticipate a momentary glimpse of glory. Isaiah’s sin was first revealed, then cleansed, and then he was commissioned. God first cleans the vessel and then fills it. God can do the same for you.

 

Lord, we are beginning to see your choice servants pass into glory. They have left an enormous emptiness. Please come and fill all our emptiness. AMEN

 

TURNING POINT

 

Sunday, September 14, 2025

 

TURNING POINT

John 6:1-2

6 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.

2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

 

John 6:65-66

65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

 

          John chapter 6 is a turning point in the ministry of Jesus. Early in the chapter we find multitudes following Jesus because he healed them and fed them. Later in the chapter, when He tried to teach them, they walked no more with Him.

 

          Listen to the sadness in Jesus’ voice as he asks the twelve “ Will ye also go away? John 6:67 Would Jesus have to start all over after so long a time? Would the loaves and fishes, the restored eyes, and straightened limbs count for nothing?

 

          Resignation turned to confidence as Peter simply but boldly declared that there was nowhere else to turn. “Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”  John 6:68-69

 

          People make similar choices every day. Do we walk away from Jesus seeking another biscuit and fish stick or do we endure difficulty because this is Christ, the Son of the living God?

 

Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. AMEN

 

 

THE GOD OF HOPE!

 

Saturday, September 13, 2025

 

THE GOD OF HOPE!

 

Rom 15:13

13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

 

          Paul, writing to the Romans, offers multiple views of God. In Romans 15:5, He is the God of patience and consolation. The patience is His and the consolation is ours! Here the word “consolation” is paraklesis and is the same word that is translated “comforter” when Jesus promised the Holy Spirit in John 14:16. The word is made more powerful by the use of a definite article making it “THE consolation.” Consolation is in the person of Jesus Christ.

 

          He is the God of peace in Romans 15:33 and the word “peace” is eirene and indicates both quietness and prosperity. It also is preceded by a definite article which makes it “THE peace.” Peace, both quietness and prosperity, is in the person of Jesus Christ.

 

          In our text this morning, He is the God of hope. Here hope is elpis (el-pece’) and means both expectation and confidence. Once again it is forcefully preceded by a definite article. The hope that we have in eternity is an expectant hope. It is like an “expectant” mother large with child. She is confident of delivery but uncertain of the date! Many signs, both visible and known only to her, assure her that her hope is well founded.

 

Dear Father, all around us we see signs and evidence of your soon coming. Inside us also there is a confidence that our hope is well founded. Thank you Lord, that our hope, our peace and our consolation is firmly grounded in your person. AMEN

 

REMEMBERING 9-11-01

 

Thursday, September 11, 2025

 

REMEMBERING 9-11-01

2 Sam 22:1-4

22 And David spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul: 2 And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; 3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. 4 I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

 

          I remember it like it was yesterday. September 11, 2001, was a Tuesday. I was attending a fellowship meeting of pastors. We were gathered in the church kitchen and dining hall when many of the preachers began receiving phone calls. Their faces were worried. Some left without saying a word. Others told of an unbelievable horror. One poor fellow was trying to preach as if nothing had happened, but the world had changed!

 

          I finally received a call from my secretary who was watching the unspeakable on television in our missionary apartment. I remember exactly what she said. “Oh, preacher it is awful!”  Awful did not begin to describe it. Hijackers had boarded commercial planes and had flown them into the Twin Towers in New York City – a symbol of our financial strength. Another hit the Pentagon – the symbol of our military might. Yet another seemed to be headed toward the capital – seat of our government. The heroism of a few on board prevented that. It crashed in a field in Pennsylvania -- across the road from a church which was pastored at that time by a friend of mine.

 

          I sped home although I was only 23 miles away. I could have been stopped by police at any time because at no time didI heed the speed limit signs! My wife was a substitute teacher, and I wanted to reunite with her and be safe. I found my secretary inconsolable and joined her to watch the news.

 

          Our Wednesday night Bible Study was crowded by worshippers who had long ago abandoned the Prayer Meeting. Now the altar was flooded with those who were once complacent. Alas, we have returned to that former state but – for a moment – we were reminded that “He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved (Psalm 62:2).”

 

Sweet Jesus, be diligent and vigilant for us today. You only are our rock and our strong defense. AMEN

 

THE FLIP SIDE OF CONFUSION!

 

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

 

THE FLIP SIDE OF CONFUSION!

 

1 Cor 14:33

33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

 

James 3:16

16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

 

          Our English word “confusion” is translated from some eight or nine original Hebrew and Greek words. We don’t have space or time for an exhaustive study of each one. We will look at two examples.

 

          In both verses above, the Greek word for “confusion” is akatastasia and it means “instability and disorder.” In Corinthians, Paul is addressing the instability and disorder of the unrestrained use of certain sign gifts, the most popular of which was, and still is, the use of unlearned languages as the means of revelation. Use of tongues evidently made one popular among the believers and, human nature being what it is, some were, and still are, “faking it.” The result was confusion and disorder. Paul simply said that God did not and does not “author” or authorize this.

 

          James is plain spoken in all his teachings and explains that confusion is produced by envy and strife. Whenever we compete with God and other believers for prominence and popularity there is disorder and confusion.

 

          The flip side of confusion is not only clarity but peace! Peace with one another takes place when we stop pushing and shoving for popularity and privilege. Peace with God comes only from surrender since we have no hope in victory over God. Fighting with God is like slapping a cactus.

 

          Stop for a moment! What is driving confusion in your life? Are you in competition with other humans? The answer is order and humility. Are you in a battle with God? Such a battle cannot end well unless you surrender.

 

Dear Lord, let me put away envy and strife. Let me not envy my brothers and sisters or strive with you. Replace my confusion with peace today. AMEN

 

ROGUE THOUGHTS!

 

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

 

ROGUE THOUGHTS!

 

2 Cor 10:3-5

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

 

          Rogue thoughts are influenced by circumstances. Paul reminded the Corinthians that, although we function in the flesh, our warfare is spiritual. Satan’s battlefield is the mind. In our modern culture of information and misinformation, we are guided as to what to think and how to respond.

 

          Rogue thoughts must be captured and brought into agreement with the Word and will of God. It must be done intentionally and not casually. Rogue thoughts must be identified quickly before they take root and become actions, attitudes, and habits.

 

          Who is influencing your thinking? What troubles you and causes you to react emotionally without thinking? Make a list of good things to think about today. Cast down [literally demolish] the high things and bring your random and rogue thoughts into captivity.

   

Phil 4:8

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 

Lord, challenge and captivate my thoughts so that they do not mar my soul. AMEN

 

ARE REVIVALS RELEVANT

 

Monday, September 8, 2025

 

ARE REVIVALS RELEVANT

 

Psa 85:4-7

 Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease. 

Psa 85:5  Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations? 

Psa 85:6  Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? 

Psa 85:7  Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation. 

 

         It seems to me that revivals have fallen out of favor with many churches. Perhaps they are viewed as irrelevant or old-fashioned. They have been replaced with Bible conferences, whatever that may be, and other sensational events meant to attract the disenchanted. But there is theology in revivals.

 

          The late Billy Graham said, “America needs spiritual awakening through God's sovereign outpouring of His Spirit while the church needs revival, starting with individuals.”  Feb 1, 2025, Decision Magazine. In saying this, Graham believed that both politics and people tend to stray from righteousness and efforts should be made to restore and return.

 

          To discount the need for revival is to deny sin. “Such is the way of an adulterous sinful woman [or man]; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness. Proverbs 30:20 Even though salvation has been secured, our tendency to stray remains as Paul agonizingly describes in Romans chapter 7.

 

Rom 7:18 

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 

Rom 7:19 

For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 

 

Mal 3:7 

Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.

 

Lord, revive us again. AMEN