“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, if
any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink.” — John 7:37
Patience had her perfect work in the Lord Jesus, and until the last day of
the feast He pleaded with the Jews, even as on this last day of the year He
pleads with us, and waits to be gracious to us. Admirable indeed is the
longsuffering of the Saviour in bearing with some of us year after year,
notwithstanding our provocations, rebellions, and resistance of His Holy
Spirit. Wonder of wonders that we are still in the land of mercy!
Pity expressed herself most plainly, for Jesus cried, which implies not only
the loudness of His voice, but the tenderness of His tones. He entreats us
to be reconciled. “We pray you,” says the Apostle, “as though God did
beseech you by us.” What earnest, pathetic terms are these! How deep
must be the love which makes the Lord weep over sinners, and like a
mother woo His children to His bosom! Surely at the call of such a cry our
willing hearts will come.
Provision is made most plenteously; all is provided that man can need to
quench his soul’s thirst. To his conscience the atonement brings peace; to
his understanding the gospel brings the richest instruction; to his heart the
person of Jesus is the noblest object of affection; to the whole man the
truth as it is in Jesus supplies the purest nutriment. Thirst is terrible, but
Jesus can remove it. Though the soul were utterly famished, Jesus could
restore it.
Proclamation is made most freely, that every thirsty one is welcome. No
other distinction is made but that of thirst. Whether it be the thirst of
avarice, ambition, pleasure, knowledge, or rest, he who suffers from it is
invited. The thirst may be bad in itself, and be no sign of grace, but rather a
mark of inordinate sin longing to be gratified with deeper draughts of lust;
but it is not goodness in the creature which brings him the invitation, the
Lord Jesus sends it freely, and without respect of persons.
Personality is declared most fully. The sinner must come to Jesus, not to
works, ordinances, or doctrines, but to a personal Redeemer, who His own
self bare our sins in His own body on the tree. The bleeding, dying, rising
Saviour, is the only star of hope to a sinner. Oh for grace to come now and
drink, ere the sun sets upon the year’s last day!
No waiting or preparation is so much as hinted at. Drinking represents a
reception for which no fitness is required. A fool, a thief, a harlot can
drink; and so sinfulness of character is no bar to the invitation to believe in
Jesus. We want no golden cup, no bejewelled chalice, in which to convey
the water to the thirsty; the mouth of poverty is welcome to stoop down
and quaff the flowing flood. Blistered, leprous, filthy lips may touch the
stream of divine love; they cannot pollute it, but shall themselves be
purified. Jesus is the fount of hope. Dear reader, hear the dear Redeemer’s
loving voice as He cries to each of us,
“IF ANY MAN THIRST,
LET HIM
COME UNTO ME
AND DRINK.”
12/31 Strength for Today
Leviticus 18:3
“After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.”
It doesn't take much for a person to realize that we live in a perverted society. Never has the purity of a person's conscience been attacked so much as it has in our day. People today will have to work in order to keep their minds pure.
In the verse above God commanded the children of Israel to not do after the “…doings of the land of Egypt…” God then proceeds to tell what the Egyptians and Canaanites did by commanding the children of Israel what not to do. When you read through this chapter you find that these societies were very wicked and perverted. The sins that these people committed were not done in private, but they were accepted acts in their society. How perverted and wicked it is to do such sins!
When you look at this list of sins, a person would wonder what would cause anyone to do such wickedness. I believe the answer is found in a word that is repeated several times in this chapter. The word that is repeated is the word “nakedness.” Twenty-four times the word “nakedness” is quoted in this one chapter. Apparently God was trying to show us what would lead to the perversions mentioned in this chapter. If we want to avoid these perversions, then we should avoid nakedness of any sort.
I have always said that you can tell the spirituality of a society by how much clothing must be worn to be acceptable. This is a scary thought when you think of how much nakedness is paraded about in our society today. When a society will allow people to parade around in their undergarments, and that is considered okay, then you have a society that is nothing less than perverted. Many of the sins mentioned in this chapter are going on in our society today, and if we continue to allow the acceptance of nakedness, then these very sins will become an accepted lifestyle.
My purpose in mentioning these things is so that we can guard our homes and our own lives from falling prey to these sins. If we are going to keep ourselves from these sins, then we must guard ourselves from seeing nakedness. Let's be careful in our homes not to allow nakedness to be accepted. What I mean by this is family members should not walk around in undergarments in the home. Parents, demand that your children stay fully dressed in front of everyone. It should never be acceptable for family members to walk around in undergarments in front of each other. By the way, this would include bothers and sisters swimming with each other with nothing more than bathing suits on. A bathing suit is nothing more than colored undergarments.
Let's also be careful about what we watch on TV and the Internet. With the way Hollywood promotes nakedness, we must constantly be on alert if we are going to watch television. Be careful what sites you browse on the Internet so that you don't see the nakedness that is so easily found.
The cause of perversion is accepting nakedness as normal. If we don't want to become a perverted society or people, then we must guard ourselves so that we don't allow nakedness in our presence. Parents, guard your home in this area. Christian, guard your personal life in this area. Let's not do after the doings of the world, but let's live pure and clean lives so we can grow old with minds that are not filled with perversion. Let’s grow old with minds that are pure.
“After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.”
It doesn't take much for a person to realize that we live in a perverted society. Never has the purity of a person's conscience been attacked so much as it has in our day. People today will have to work in order to keep their minds pure.
In the verse above God commanded the children of Israel to not do after the “…doings of the land of Egypt…” God then proceeds to tell what the Egyptians and Canaanites did by commanding the children of Israel what not to do. When you read through this chapter you find that these societies were very wicked and perverted. The sins that these people committed were not done in private, but they were accepted acts in their society. How perverted and wicked it is to do such sins!
When you look at this list of sins, a person would wonder what would cause anyone to do such wickedness. I believe the answer is found in a word that is repeated several times in this chapter. The word that is repeated is the word “nakedness.” Twenty-four times the word “nakedness” is quoted in this one chapter. Apparently God was trying to show us what would lead to the perversions mentioned in this chapter. If we want to avoid these perversions, then we should avoid nakedness of any sort.
I have always said that you can tell the spirituality of a society by how much clothing must be worn to be acceptable. This is a scary thought when you think of how much nakedness is paraded about in our society today. When a society will allow people to parade around in their undergarments, and that is considered okay, then you have a society that is nothing less than perverted. Many of the sins mentioned in this chapter are going on in our society today, and if we continue to allow the acceptance of nakedness, then these very sins will become an accepted lifestyle.
My purpose in mentioning these things is so that we can guard our homes and our own lives from falling prey to these sins. If we are going to keep ourselves from these sins, then we must guard ourselves from seeing nakedness. Let's be careful in our homes not to allow nakedness to be accepted. What I mean by this is family members should not walk around in undergarments in the home. Parents, demand that your children stay fully dressed in front of everyone. It should never be acceptable for family members to walk around in undergarments in front of each other. By the way, this would include bothers and sisters swimming with each other with nothing more than bathing suits on. A bathing suit is nothing more than colored undergarments.
Let's also be careful about what we watch on TV and the Internet. With the way Hollywood promotes nakedness, we must constantly be on alert if we are going to watch television. Be careful what sites you browse on the Internet so that you don't see the nakedness that is so easily found.
The cause of perversion is accepting nakedness as normal. If we don't want to become a perverted society or people, then we must guard ourselves so that we don't allow nakedness in our presence. Parents, guard your home in this area. Christian, guard your personal life in this area. Let's not do after the doings of the world, but let's live pure and clean lives so we can grow old with minds that are not filled with perversion. Let’s grow old with minds that are pure.
12/30 Strength for Today
Leviticus 5:11
“But if he be not able to bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he that sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put any frankincense thereon: for it is a sin offering.”
In Leviticus chapter 5, God dealt with the importance of His people getting right with Him over something they had done that was wrong. Before Christ's payment on Calvary, God ordained that a sacrifice be made in order for their sins to be forgiven. When I talk about forgiveness, I am talking about reconciling their fellowship with God. Establishing a relationship comes at salvation. After salvation, because Christians are not perfect, sin will still be committed.
When sin is committed, in order to reestablish the fellowship a person had with God, God demanded that a sacrifice be made. There were times when a poor person could not afford the sacrifice that God demanded, so God provided a way that even the poor person could establish fellowship with God again. God was teaching us that there is never an excuse good enough for us to not get right with Him.
Let me remind you that our relationship with God is never at stake once we are saved. When a person accepts Christ as Saviour, their relationship with God is forever settled. Once we are saved, our fellowship with God is completely reliant upon how we live. If we live according to God's will, then we will have good fellowship with God. If we commit sin, then our fellowship with God has been broken. If we are going to re-establish that fellowship, then we must confess that sin to God.
Most people want to get right with God so that fellowship can be re-established, but there are times when people give their excuses as to why they won't get right with God. If that is your case, let me make it very clear that there is no excuse good enough to not get right with God. It doesn't matter how much you have been hurt, you must always remember that God is not the One Who hurt you. The thing that hurt you was sin. Yes, that sin may have come through a person, but it was still sin that caused the hurt. For a person to not get right with God will only hurt them in the long run. Whether it is because of hurt, the enjoyment of your sin, or some other reason, there is no reason good enough that you can provide for not getting right with God. God always provides a way for you to get right and that way is found in 1 John 1:9.
The ball is now in your court. The action you choose will determine the reaction by God. If you choose to get right with God, then He will bless you for your action. If you choose to hang onto your sin, then God must punish you for that action. Whatever the reason you have hung onto your sin, remember that this reason will only hurt you. Let go of it right now, and get right with God so that your fellowship with God can be reestablished.
“But if he be not able to bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he that sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put any frankincense thereon: for it is a sin offering.”
In Leviticus chapter 5, God dealt with the importance of His people getting right with Him over something they had done that was wrong. Before Christ's payment on Calvary, God ordained that a sacrifice be made in order for their sins to be forgiven. When I talk about forgiveness, I am talking about reconciling their fellowship with God. Establishing a relationship comes at salvation. After salvation, because Christians are not perfect, sin will still be committed.
When sin is committed, in order to reestablish the fellowship a person had with God, God demanded that a sacrifice be made. There were times when a poor person could not afford the sacrifice that God demanded, so God provided a way that even the poor person could establish fellowship with God again. God was teaching us that there is never an excuse good enough for us to not get right with Him.
Let me remind you that our relationship with God is never at stake once we are saved. When a person accepts Christ as Saviour, their relationship with God is forever settled. Once we are saved, our fellowship with God is completely reliant upon how we live. If we live according to God's will, then we will have good fellowship with God. If we commit sin, then our fellowship with God has been broken. If we are going to re-establish that fellowship, then we must confess that sin to God.
Most people want to get right with God so that fellowship can be re-established, but there are times when people give their excuses as to why they won't get right with God. If that is your case, let me make it very clear that there is no excuse good enough to not get right with God. It doesn't matter how much you have been hurt, you must always remember that God is not the One Who hurt you. The thing that hurt you was sin. Yes, that sin may have come through a person, but it was still sin that caused the hurt. For a person to not get right with God will only hurt them in the long run. Whether it is because of hurt, the enjoyment of your sin, or some other reason, there is no reason good enough that you can provide for not getting right with God. God always provides a way for you to get right and that way is found in 1 John 1:9.
The ball is now in your court. The action you choose will determine the reaction by God. If you choose to get right with God, then He will bless you for your action. If you choose to hang onto your sin, then God must punish you for that action. Whatever the reason you have hung onto your sin, remember that this reason will only hurt you. Let go of it right now, and get right with God so that your fellowship with God can be reestablished.
10/30 Crumbs From the Master's Table
Acts 8
“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” (v. 4)
When the persecution came, the disciples did not rejoice in it, but the gospel was spread throughout the world as a result of it. We cannot always see the need, nor the reason behind the persecution, but God has a purpose in it. It was Paul that had a hand in spreading the gospel, even before he was saved! As he wreaked “havoc” on the church, God was using it for His own glory, for the promotion of His kingdom. I am sure that the death of Stephen had a great impact on the early church too. Did you ever notice that growth comes through persecution? As a nation or a people are persecuted, it seems that they grow stronger and larger in number. It was so with the children of Israel, especially when they were slaves in Egypt, and it is so with the church today.
We tend to unite, and stick together, when sometimes the Lord would have us to spread out! When we are all together, as a commune, we tend to trust in the security of the numbers of men, and not of God. Yet, when we find good fellowship, we do not like to part our ways. Sometimes the Lord must make us move. There is reason to rejoice in persecution, although it is not a pleasant thing to go through. We must remember that we are in the hands of the Lord and nothing will come our way that he does not allow; and if He allows it, we need it. This is part of our walk of faith, believing that we are in His care, and that he cares for us, and carries us through the storm. God wants the very best for us, and we need to believe that by faith. Yes, there is strength in numbers, but when God is in it, the multitudes lose their strength; the myriads of enemies come to nothing when opposing the Lord God Almighty. God allowed this persecution so that His church would spread to all the known world, and His Gospel would be preached “both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). The disciples might never have spread the Gospel if it weren’t for the persecution that Saul wreaked upon the church.
As the Christians were “spread abroad” they took the Gospel message with them, and the Lord’s kingdom grew as a result of it. We too ought to carry the message wherever we go, whether in persecution or in freedom, let us happily proclaim the name of the Lord.
“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” (v. 4)
When the persecution came, the disciples did not rejoice in it, but the gospel was spread throughout the world as a result of it. We cannot always see the need, nor the reason behind the persecution, but God has a purpose in it. It was Paul that had a hand in spreading the gospel, even before he was saved! As he wreaked “havoc” on the church, God was using it for His own glory, for the promotion of His kingdom. I am sure that the death of Stephen had a great impact on the early church too. Did you ever notice that growth comes through persecution? As a nation or a people are persecuted, it seems that they grow stronger and larger in number. It was so with the children of Israel, especially when they were slaves in Egypt, and it is so with the church today.
We tend to unite, and stick together, when sometimes the Lord would have us to spread out! When we are all together, as a commune, we tend to trust in the security of the numbers of men, and not of God. Yet, when we find good fellowship, we do not like to part our ways. Sometimes the Lord must make us move. There is reason to rejoice in persecution, although it is not a pleasant thing to go through. We must remember that we are in the hands of the Lord and nothing will come our way that he does not allow; and if He allows it, we need it. This is part of our walk of faith, believing that we are in His care, and that he cares for us, and carries us through the storm. God wants the very best for us, and we need to believe that by faith. Yes, there is strength in numbers, but when God is in it, the multitudes lose their strength; the myriads of enemies come to nothing when opposing the Lord God Almighty. God allowed this persecution so that His church would spread to all the known world, and His Gospel would be preached “both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). The disciples might never have spread the Gospel if it weren’t for the persecution that Saul wreaked upon the church.
As the Christians were “spread abroad” they took the Gospel message with them, and the Lord’s kingdom grew as a result of it. We too ought to carry the message wherever we go, whether in persecution or in freedom, let us happily proclaim the name of the Lord.
Quips from Hosea
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:” (Hosea 4:6)
Wisdom reveals to us the real knowledge of God; Proverbs 4:6 says: “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” The knowledge of God comes only from Him revealing Himself to us, and us seeing Him as He is. The question is asked then, “What of those who have never heard of God”? They are destroyed for “lack of knowledge”. But wait…it says “My people” are destroyed…that implies that God is speaking about Christians! God’s people (their lives) are often destroyed for their lack of biblical knowledge. Though the verse referred more directly to Israel, we too, the church, are called “God’s people”; we have been grafted in to the family of God. So, how are we destroyed? Satan seeks to devour us (1 Peter 5:8); he cannot have our soul, but he can surely wreck our life. His main objective is to dishonor the Lord, and one of his best ploys is to destroy the testimony of God’s people. In so doing, He belittles the power of God (or so attempts) and desecrates His Holy name--by changing and polluting His Word. Yes, the knowledge of God is the wisdom we need; it is protection from the wiles of the devil, and leads us into the paths of righteousness.
Wisdom reveals to us the real knowledge of God; Proverbs 4:6 says: “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” The knowledge of God comes only from Him revealing Himself to us, and us seeing Him as He is. The question is asked then, “What of those who have never heard of God”? They are destroyed for “lack of knowledge”. But wait…it says “My people” are destroyed…that implies that God is speaking about Christians! God’s people (their lives) are often destroyed for their lack of biblical knowledge. Though the verse referred more directly to Israel, we too, the church, are called “God’s people”; we have been grafted in to the family of God. So, how are we destroyed? Satan seeks to devour us (1 Peter 5:8); he cannot have our soul, but he can surely wreck our life. His main objective is to dishonor the Lord, and one of his best ploys is to destroy the testimony of God’s people. In so doing, He belittles the power of God (or so attempts) and desecrates His Holy name--by changing and polluting His Word. Yes, the knowledge of God is the wisdom we need; it is protection from the wiles of the devil, and leads us into the paths of righteousness.
12/30 Psalm 23
PSALM 23
AUTHOR: David
The Story Behind the Psalm
It is rather difficult to ascertain the exact occasion of the writing of the 23rd Psalm. There are those who feel that the Psalm was written when David was a lad tending the sheep, because it is a shepherd's psalm. However, there is evidence that this is not true. For example, in verse 5, he was old enough to have enemies. In verse 4 he was facing the danger of death. In verse 3 he was experiencing rest, and in verse 5 he was experiencing prosperity. These things all point to an older person, or at least one who had reached maturity or adulthood. Probably the 23rd Psalm was written while David was at Mahanaim wondering how the battle was between his forces and those of his son, Absalom, during the civil war caused by Absalom's rebellion. Of course, David was grief-stricken and heartbroken. It may have been the darkest hour of his life and this is where he penned the beautiful words, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." I wonder how many people have been comforted and strengthened in times of sorrow, bereavement and heartache through these immortal words.
I was on an airplane flying from Cleveland, Ohio, to Chicago. I was reading the Bible. A lady beside me, to whom I had briefly spoken, noticed that I was reading the Bible. She said to me timidly, "Mister, when you finish with that Bible, could I read it?"
I said, "Why, of course, you may." Then I noticed tears in her eyes. I asked her if she had a heartache, whereupon she informed me that she was going to Houston, Texas, to see her dying father. She didn't expect to arrive before his death. I asked her what part of the Bible she would like for me to read. She said, "Please read the 23rd Psalm." I read audibly these great verses.
There are some things worth noticing in this beautiful Psalm. Notice in verse 2, "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures." The key word here is the word "maketh." Sometimes the shepherd MAKETH the lamb to lie down in green pastures. Oftentimes a lamb would not stay in the fold. He would leave only to be sought and brought back to the fold by the shepherd. Again he would leave, and again he would not stay. Finally, for the lamb's own good, the shepherd would take his leg and gently break it, forcing the lamb to lie down in green pastures. Now the lamb cannot stray; he must stay close to the fold and to the shepherd. How often God does the same thing to us! He wants us close to Himself. We stray. He pleads with us to return. We stray again. Finally, to keep us close to Him, He has to break our leg or to cause some sorrow or heartache to come to our lives. What is He doing? He is MAKING us to lie down in green pastures.
Notice the words in verse 4, "Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." The shepherd's rod had on one end a point and on the other end, a fork. The point on one end was used as a goad to prod the sheep when it would not move and obey. On the other end it had a fork that was used to place over the neck of the serpent in order to protect the lamb from reptiles. 'Twas the same stick—one end was used for protection and comfort; the other end was used for chastening. Ah, God has a rod—the blessed Word of God. It is comfort, it is chastening—it is that sharp, two edged sword. Thank God for its truths!
The last verse is beautiful. A famous preacher had a lady in his church who was not quite mentally normal. She kept coming to him and saying, "Pastor, two men are following me." The pastor would assure her that no one was behind her. Again she would say, "Pastor, two men are following me." He tried to reassure her. She kept coming again and again until finally one day the pastor said to her, "Yes, I know there are two men following you, and I know their names."
She said, "Oh, you do?"
"Yes," he said. "Their names are Goodness and Mercy," and he turned to Psalm 23:6 and showed her that goodness and mercy shall follow her all the days of her life and she shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. She was so pleased to know the names of the men who were following her, and she never again caused her pastor any trouble. Praise the Lord! Goodness and mercy are following me too, and they will all the days of my life.
The Way It Was Used by God's People
The 23rd Psalm was used in the deepest of sorrows. It was that Psalm which was reserved until the worst tragedy came. Many of the Psalms were used in times of trial and adversity, but this one was the most potent of all, reserved for the lowest valley and darkest midnight, for the densest fog and for the sharpest pain.
AUTHOR: David
The Story Behind the Psalm
It is rather difficult to ascertain the exact occasion of the writing of the 23rd Psalm. There are those who feel that the Psalm was written when David was a lad tending the sheep, because it is a shepherd's psalm. However, there is evidence that this is not true. For example, in verse 5, he was old enough to have enemies. In verse 4 he was facing the danger of death. In verse 3 he was experiencing rest, and in verse 5 he was experiencing prosperity. These things all point to an older person, or at least one who had reached maturity or adulthood. Probably the 23rd Psalm was written while David was at Mahanaim wondering how the battle was between his forces and those of his son, Absalom, during the civil war caused by Absalom's rebellion. Of course, David was grief-stricken and heartbroken. It may have been the darkest hour of his life and this is where he penned the beautiful words, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." I wonder how many people have been comforted and strengthened in times of sorrow, bereavement and heartache through these immortal words.
I was on an airplane flying from Cleveland, Ohio, to Chicago. I was reading the Bible. A lady beside me, to whom I had briefly spoken, noticed that I was reading the Bible. She said to me timidly, "Mister, when you finish with that Bible, could I read it?"
I said, "Why, of course, you may." Then I noticed tears in her eyes. I asked her if she had a heartache, whereupon she informed me that she was going to Houston, Texas, to see her dying father. She didn't expect to arrive before his death. I asked her what part of the Bible she would like for me to read. She said, "Please read the 23rd Psalm." I read audibly these great verses.
There are some things worth noticing in this beautiful Psalm. Notice in verse 2, "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures." The key word here is the word "maketh." Sometimes the shepherd MAKETH the lamb to lie down in green pastures. Oftentimes a lamb would not stay in the fold. He would leave only to be sought and brought back to the fold by the shepherd. Again he would leave, and again he would not stay. Finally, for the lamb's own good, the shepherd would take his leg and gently break it, forcing the lamb to lie down in green pastures. Now the lamb cannot stray; he must stay close to the fold and to the shepherd. How often God does the same thing to us! He wants us close to Himself. We stray. He pleads with us to return. We stray again. Finally, to keep us close to Him, He has to break our leg or to cause some sorrow or heartache to come to our lives. What is He doing? He is MAKING us to lie down in green pastures.
Notice the words in verse 4, "Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." The shepherd's rod had on one end a point and on the other end, a fork. The point on one end was used as a goad to prod the sheep when it would not move and obey. On the other end it had a fork that was used to place over the neck of the serpent in order to protect the lamb from reptiles. 'Twas the same stick—one end was used for protection and comfort; the other end was used for chastening. Ah, God has a rod—the blessed Word of God. It is comfort, it is chastening—it is that sharp, two edged sword. Thank God for its truths!
The last verse is beautiful. A famous preacher had a lady in his church who was not quite mentally normal. She kept coming to him and saying, "Pastor, two men are following me." The pastor would assure her that no one was behind her. Again she would say, "Pastor, two men are following me." He tried to reassure her. She kept coming again and again until finally one day the pastor said to her, "Yes, I know there are two men following you, and I know their names."
She said, "Oh, you do?"
"Yes," he said. "Their names are Goodness and Mercy," and he turned to Psalm 23:6 and showed her that goodness and mercy shall follow her all the days of her life and she shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. She was so pleased to know the names of the men who were following her, and she never again caused her pastor any trouble. Praise the Lord! Goodness and mercy are following me too, and they will all the days of my life.
The Way It Was Used by God's People
The 23rd Psalm was used in the deepest of sorrows. It was that Psalm which was reserved until the worst tragedy came. Many of the Psalms were used in times of trial and adversity, but this one was the most potent of all, reserved for the lowest valley and darkest midnight, for the densest fog and for the sharpest pain.
12/30 Spurgeon Today
“Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof.” — Ecclesiastes 7:8
Look at David’s Lord and Master; see His beginning. He was despised and
rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Would you
see the end? He sits at His Father’s right hand, expecting until His enemies
be made his footstool. “As He is, so are we also in this world.” You must
bear the cross, or you shall never wear the crown; you must wade through
the mire, or you shall never walk the golden pavement. Cheer up, then,
poor Christian. “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof.”
See that creeping worm, how contemptible its appearance! It is the
beginning of a thing. Mark that insect with gorgeous wings, playing in the
sunbeams, sipping at the flower bells, full of happiness and life; that is the
end thereof. That caterpillar is yourself, until you are wrapped up in the
chrysalis of death; but when Christ shall appear you shall be like Him, for
you shall see Him as He is. Be content to be like Him, a worm and no man,
that like Him you may be satisfied when you wake up in His likeness.
That rough-looking diamond is put upon the wheel of the lapidary. He
cuts it on all sides. It loses much — much that seemed costly to itself. The
king is crowned; the diadem is put upon the monarch’s head with
trumpet’s joyful sound. A glittering ray flashes from that coronet, and it
beams from that very diamond which was just now so sorely vexed by the
lapidary. You may venture to compare yourself to such a diamond, for
you are one of God’s people; and this is the time of the cutting process.
Let faith and patience have their perfect work, for in the day when the
crown shall be set upon the head of the King, Eternal, Immortal, Invisible,
one ray of glory shall stream from you. “They shall be Mine,” saith the
Lord, “in the day when I make up My jewels.” “Better is the end of a
thing than the beginning thereof.”
Look at David’s Lord and Master; see His beginning. He was despised and
rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Would you
see the end? He sits at His Father’s right hand, expecting until His enemies
be made his footstool. “As He is, so are we also in this world.” You must
bear the cross, or you shall never wear the crown; you must wade through
the mire, or you shall never walk the golden pavement. Cheer up, then,
poor Christian. “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof.”
See that creeping worm, how contemptible its appearance! It is the
beginning of a thing. Mark that insect with gorgeous wings, playing in the
sunbeams, sipping at the flower bells, full of happiness and life; that is the
end thereof. That caterpillar is yourself, until you are wrapped up in the
chrysalis of death; but when Christ shall appear you shall be like Him, for
you shall see Him as He is. Be content to be like Him, a worm and no man,
that like Him you may be satisfied when you wake up in His likeness.
That rough-looking diamond is put upon the wheel of the lapidary. He
cuts it on all sides. It loses much — much that seemed costly to itself. The
king is crowned; the diadem is put upon the monarch’s head with
trumpet’s joyful sound. A glittering ray flashes from that coronet, and it
beams from that very diamond which was just now so sorely vexed by the
lapidary. You may venture to compare yourself to such a diamond, for
you are one of God’s people; and this is the time of the cutting process.
Let faith and patience have their perfect work, for in the day when the
crown shall be set upon the head of the King, Eternal, Immortal, Invisible,
one ray of glory shall stream from you. “They shall be Mine,” saith the
Lord, “in the day when I make up My jewels.” “Better is the end of a
thing than the beginning thereof.”
12/29 Fundamental Thoughts
Serve The Lord With All Your Heart
God pleads with us time and time again to repent from our wickedness. He asks us to get back to our Jesus and love and concern ourselves about Him. God asks us to turn away from the vain things, (the things in our life we apply importance to,) yet they are vain (worthless of no value) to God. He tells us we will not profit from these things, yet we follow them.
What is the good of a barn full of goods, when God calls us home? Pride is the seat of our vanity. We are so proud of our things, yet, God says they are vain. We may gain with a “full” large barn, but what about the reward we expect at Christ’s judgment seat.
(Matthew 6:19-21) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
God knows where our hearts are, what He wants us to know is, “Do we know where our hearts reside?”
Knowing where our hearts reside will give us a start in our repentance, the changing of our ways, ridding ourselves of the vain things of life, learning to please God, learning to serve Him, and learning to obey our Lord Jesus. We are a naturally stiff-necked people, resistant to change, and resistant to being told we are wrong.
Yet, God is pleased we are His people. He will never forsake us. We have left God behind, behind all those “things.” If we will turn from them, God will bless us. Serve Him with all your heart.
Bro John R. E Chastain
12/28 Fundamental Thoughts
Our Assurance
(John 10:28-30) And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one.
Sometime back, when my grandson Nicholas was knocking the bricks off the foyer of our previous church, I noticed that some of the bricks were attached to the concrete block wall and some were not. But to a bystander, all the bricks appeared solidly anchored.
When delving into a persons’ belief most appear solid. There is no need to thump the watermelon as they seem to know where they stand.
Those bricks were solidly placed, or so they seemed. Thousands of people are accepting the Lord each year, but church growth is declining. Where is that solid foundation that these folks claim? It isn’t in the King James Bible, because what little they do read, even if they get something from it, they do not apply what they have learned. It isn’t in their church, because, even though they claim membership and are members they don’t attend. Many don’t even know who their current Pastor is. This is a problem of every church, the membership that never attends. These members have no grounding, nor knowledge of where their grounding is based.
If you understand the above reference verses, you do know where your grounding is based, and you know you are sealed until redemption.
Bro John R. E Chastain
12/28 Psalm 22
PSALM 22
AUTHOR: David
The Story Behind the Psalm
It is not clear as to whether this Psalm was written while running from Saul, when Saul was trying to kill him, or when he was running from Absalom because of his unwillingness to fight against Absalom's forces. Nevertheless, it was a time of tragic heartache for David. He was without a helper in verse 11. He was stripped in verse 17. He was pierced in verse 16. He was made a gazing-stock in verse 17. His garments were parted in verse 18.
This is what we call a Messianic Psalm. It has a twofold meaning. It describes David in his sorrow, but it is also a beautiful description of Jesus on Calvary. Notice the words of Calvary in verse 1. Notice the parting of the garments of Calvary in verse 18. Read it carefully. It will make you appreciate your Saviour and the sufferings of the cross.
The Way It Was Used by God's People
The Jews never knew exactly when to sing the 22nd Psalm. They rarely did. It was a holy of holies for them. They entered into it only occasionally and seldom sang it.
AUTHOR: David
The Story Behind the Psalm
It is not clear as to whether this Psalm was written while running from Saul, when Saul was trying to kill him, or when he was running from Absalom because of his unwillingness to fight against Absalom's forces. Nevertheless, it was a time of tragic heartache for David. He was without a helper in verse 11. He was stripped in verse 17. He was pierced in verse 16. He was made a gazing-stock in verse 17. His garments were parted in verse 18.
This is what we call a Messianic Psalm. It has a twofold meaning. It describes David in his sorrow, but it is also a beautiful description of Jesus on Calvary. Notice the words of Calvary in verse 1. Notice the parting of the garments of Calvary in verse 18. Read it carefully. It will make you appreciate your Saviour and the sufferings of the cross.
The Way It Was Used by God's People
The Jews never knew exactly when to sing the 22nd Psalm. They rarely did. It was a holy of holies for them. They entered into it only occasionally and seldom sang it.
12/28 Spurgeon Today
“The life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God.”
— Galatians 2:20
When the Lord in mercy passed by and saw us in our blood, He first of all
said, “Live”; and this He did first, because life is one of the absolutely
essential things in spiritual matters, and until it be bestowed we are
incapable of partaking in the things of the kingdom. Now the life which
grace confers upon the saints at the moment of their quickening is none
other than the life of Christ, which, like the sap from the stem, runs into
us, the branches, and establishes a living connection between our souls and
Jesus. Faith is the grace which perceives this union, having proceeded from
it as its firstfruit. It is the neck which joins the body of the Church to its
all-glorious Head.
“Oh Faith! thou bond of union with the Lord,
Is not this office thine? and thy fit name,
In the economy of gospel types,
And symbols apposite — the Church’s neck;
Identifying her in will and work
With Him ascended?”
Faith lays hold upon the Lord Jesus with a firm and determined grasp. She
knows His excellence and worth, and no temptation can induce her to
repose her trust elsewhere; and Christ Jesus is so delighted with this
heavenly grace, that He never ceases to strengthen and sustain her by the
loving embrace and all-sufficient support of His eternal arms. Here, then, is
established a living, sensible, and delightful union which casts forth
streams of love, confidence, sympathy, complacency, and joy, whereof
both the bride and bridegroom love to drink. When the soul can evidently
perceive this oneness between itself and Christ, the pulse may be felt as
beating for both, and the one blood as flowing through the veins of each.
Then is the heart as near heaven as it can be on earth, and is prepared for
the enjoyment of the most sublime and spiritual kind of fellowship.
— Galatians 2:20
When the Lord in mercy passed by and saw us in our blood, He first of all
said, “Live”; and this He did first, because life is one of the absolutely
essential things in spiritual matters, and until it be bestowed we are
incapable of partaking in the things of the kingdom. Now the life which
grace confers upon the saints at the moment of their quickening is none
other than the life of Christ, which, like the sap from the stem, runs into
us, the branches, and establishes a living connection between our souls and
Jesus. Faith is the grace which perceives this union, having proceeded from
it as its firstfruit. It is the neck which joins the body of the Church to its
all-glorious Head.
“Oh Faith! thou bond of union with the Lord,
Is not this office thine? and thy fit name,
In the economy of gospel types,
And symbols apposite — the Church’s neck;
Identifying her in will and work
With Him ascended?”
Faith lays hold upon the Lord Jesus with a firm and determined grasp. She
knows His excellence and worth, and no temptation can induce her to
repose her trust elsewhere; and Christ Jesus is so delighted with this
heavenly grace, that He never ceases to strengthen and sustain her by the
loving embrace and all-sufficient support of His eternal arms. Here, then, is
established a living, sensible, and delightful union which casts forth
streams of love, confidence, sympathy, complacency, and joy, whereof
both the bride and bridegroom love to drink. When the soul can evidently
perceive this oneness between itself and Christ, the pulse may be felt as
beating for both, and the one blood as flowing through the veins of each.
Then is the heart as near heaven as it can be on earth, and is prepared for
the enjoyment of the most sublime and spiritual kind of fellowship.
12/26 Psalm 18
PSALM 18
AUTHOR: David
The Story Behind the Psalm
This Psalm was written after David had won a victory over Goliath's family. It is a Psalm of joy, a Psalm of victory, a Psalm of exaltation. The Psalm is also found in II Samuel 22.
It is noteworthy that though this was a wonderful victory, it was a needless battle. Goliath and his family should not have even been alive. God had told Joshua and his people to destroy and drive out the heathen in the land of Canaan. Among these people to be driven out and destroyed were the Anakites. These were giant people, the ones that the spies mentioned upon returning to the promised land to report to the children of Israel. Joshua, however, did not destroy all of the Anakites but let some live in Gaza, in Gath and in Ashdod. Because of Joshua's incomplete obedience, much grief was brought to the people of God by the descendants of Anak. It is never right to obey our God partially. We must completely obey Him, for those things that we fail to crucify in our lives will return to haunt us in the future.
The Way It Was Used by God's People
This Psalm was sung and read after deliverance from a great struggle. The Jew would sing it after he had recovered from an illness or after he had won a great battle. It was also a Psalm that was used on Thanksgiving Day or during the Thanksgiving season. Has God recently given to you a great victory? Have you recently recovered from a serious illness? Join David in his shout of victory in Psalm 18.
AUTHOR: David
The Story Behind the Psalm
This Psalm was written after David had won a victory over Goliath's family. It is a Psalm of joy, a Psalm of victory, a Psalm of exaltation. The Psalm is also found in II Samuel 22.
It is noteworthy that though this was a wonderful victory, it was a needless battle. Goliath and his family should not have even been alive. God had told Joshua and his people to destroy and drive out the heathen in the land of Canaan. Among these people to be driven out and destroyed were the Anakites. These were giant people, the ones that the spies mentioned upon returning to the promised land to report to the children of Israel. Joshua, however, did not destroy all of the Anakites but let some live in Gaza, in Gath and in Ashdod. Because of Joshua's incomplete obedience, much grief was brought to the people of God by the descendants of Anak. It is never right to obey our God partially. We must completely obey Him, for those things that we fail to crucify in our lives will return to haunt us in the future.
The Way It Was Used by God's People
This Psalm was sung and read after deliverance from a great struggle. The Jew would sing it after he had recovered from an illness or after he had won a great battle. It was also a Psalm that was used on Thanksgiving Day or during the Thanksgiving season. Has God recently given to you a great victory? Have you recently recovered from a serious illness? Join David in his shout of victory in Psalm 18.
12/26 Spurgeon Today
“The last Adam.” — 1 Corinthians 15:45
Jesus is the federal head of His elect. As in Adam, every heir of flesh and
blood has a personal interest, because he is the covenant head and
representative of the race as considered under the law of works; so under
the law of grace, every redeemed soul is one with the Lord from heaven,
since He is the Second Adam, the Sponsor and Substitute of the elect in
the new covenant of love. The apostle Paul declares that Levi was in the
loins of Abraham when Melchizedek met him: it is a certain truth that the
believer was in the loins of Jesus Christ, the Mediator, when in old
eternity the covenant settlements of grace were decreed, ratified, and made
sure for ever. Thus, whatever Christ hath done, He hath wrought for the
whole body of His Church. We were crucified in Him and buried with Him
(read Col. 2:10-13), and to make it still more wonderful, we are risen with
Him and even ascended with Him to the seats on high (Eph. 2:6). It is thus
that the Church has fulfilled the law, and is “accepted in the beloved.” It is
thus that she is regarded with complacency by the just Jehovah, for He
views her in Jesus, and does not look upon her as separate from her
covenant head. As the Anointed Redeemer of Israel, Christ Jesus has
nothing distinct from His Church, but all that He has He holds for her.
Adam’s righteousness was ours so long as he maintained it, and his sin was
ours the moment that he committed it; and in the same manner, all that the
Second Adam is or does, is ours as well as His, seeing that He is our
representative. Here is the foundation of the covenant of grace. This
gracious system of representation and substitution, which moved Justin
Martyr to cry out, “O blessed change, O sweet permutation!” this is the
very groundwork of the gospel of our salvation, and is to be received with
strong faith and rapturous joy.
Jesus is the federal head of His elect. As in Adam, every heir of flesh and
blood has a personal interest, because he is the covenant head and
representative of the race as considered under the law of works; so under
the law of grace, every redeemed soul is one with the Lord from heaven,
since He is the Second Adam, the Sponsor and Substitute of the elect in
the new covenant of love. The apostle Paul declares that Levi was in the
loins of Abraham when Melchizedek met him: it is a certain truth that the
believer was in the loins of Jesus Christ, the Mediator, when in old
eternity the covenant settlements of grace were decreed, ratified, and made
sure for ever. Thus, whatever Christ hath done, He hath wrought for the
whole body of His Church. We were crucified in Him and buried with Him
(read Col. 2:10-13), and to make it still more wonderful, we are risen with
Him and even ascended with Him to the seats on high (Eph. 2:6). It is thus
that the Church has fulfilled the law, and is “accepted in the beloved.” It is
thus that she is regarded with complacency by the just Jehovah, for He
views her in Jesus, and does not look upon her as separate from her
covenant head. As the Anointed Redeemer of Israel, Christ Jesus has
nothing distinct from His Church, but all that He has He holds for her.
Adam’s righteousness was ours so long as he maintained it, and his sin was
ours the moment that he committed it; and in the same manner, all that the
Second Adam is or does, is ours as well as His, seeing that He is our
representative. Here is the foundation of the covenant of grace. This
gracious system of representation and substitution, which moved Justin
Martyr to cry out, “O blessed change, O sweet permutation!” this is the
very groundwork of the gospel of our salvation, and is to be received with
strong faith and rapturous joy.
12/26 Strength for Today
Exodus 29:43
“And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory.”
We live in a day when it seems as if there are not many people or organizations that want to be set apart from the rest. It seems as though we have a generation of people who are satisfied with being one of many and not one of a kind. Yet, there are some people and organizations that are one of a kind. It is those who have become one of a kind that do more for society and others than those who are simply one of many.
In the verse above God told the children of Israel that it was His glory that would set the tabernacle apart from every other place. God told them that He would meet with them at the door of the tabernacle and that it would be His presence that would sanctify this place. The word “sanctify” means “to be set apart.” God was teaching them that only His presence could set them apart from every other nation and place.
This world needs some Christians who are one of a kind. We have so many Christians who are just like everyone else that our society is being destroyed. If we are going to change this present society, then we are going to have to get some Christians who become one of a kind.
Likewise, the same can be said about our churches. Too many churches are just like every other church. You can't tell any difference between most churches because many of them are one of many. If you have been to one church, then you have been to most churches. But, there are some churches that have set themselves apart from the rest, and it is these churches that are making an impact in their community.
The same thing can be said about your marriage, it is either going to be a one of a kind marriage or a marriage that is just like the rest. The marriages that are one of a kind are the marriages that influence young people and others to do right.
How do we become that one of a kind person, church or marriage? The verse above shows us that it is God's glory that sets something apart. If you want your life, church or marriage to be one of a kind, then you better get God's glory on these.
How do we get God's glory? The previous verse tells us we get God’s glory by meeting with Him. No person, church or marriage will ever get the glory of God upon them without having a meeting with God every day. It is that time in prayer that gets God’s glory upon a person, church or marriage. It is the daily meeting with God that will set these apart from the rest. We don't need people, churches and marriages to be like everyone else, we need these to be one of a kind.
Let me ask you; are you a one of a kind or one of many? Is your church one of a kind or one of many? Is your marriage like every other marriage or a one of a kind marriage? Don't settle for the average! Strive to be a one of a kind by meeting with God and getting His glory upon each of these areas of your life.
“And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory.”
We live in a day when it seems as if there are not many people or organizations that want to be set apart from the rest. It seems as though we have a generation of people who are satisfied with being one of many and not one of a kind. Yet, there are some people and organizations that are one of a kind. It is those who have become one of a kind that do more for society and others than those who are simply one of many.
In the verse above God told the children of Israel that it was His glory that would set the tabernacle apart from every other place. God told them that He would meet with them at the door of the tabernacle and that it would be His presence that would sanctify this place. The word “sanctify” means “to be set apart.” God was teaching them that only His presence could set them apart from every other nation and place.
This world needs some Christians who are one of a kind. We have so many Christians who are just like everyone else that our society is being destroyed. If we are going to change this present society, then we are going to have to get some Christians who become one of a kind.
Likewise, the same can be said about our churches. Too many churches are just like every other church. You can't tell any difference between most churches because many of them are one of many. If you have been to one church, then you have been to most churches. But, there are some churches that have set themselves apart from the rest, and it is these churches that are making an impact in their community.
The same thing can be said about your marriage, it is either going to be a one of a kind marriage or a marriage that is just like the rest. The marriages that are one of a kind are the marriages that influence young people and others to do right.
How do we become that one of a kind person, church or marriage? The verse above shows us that it is God's glory that sets something apart. If you want your life, church or marriage to be one of a kind, then you better get God's glory on these.
How do we get God's glory? The previous verse tells us we get God’s glory by meeting with Him. No person, church or marriage will ever get the glory of God upon them without having a meeting with God every day. It is that time in prayer that gets God’s glory upon a person, church or marriage. It is the daily meeting with God that will set these apart from the rest. We don't need people, churches and marriages to be like everyone else, we need these to be one of a kind.
Let me ask you; are you a one of a kind or one of many? Is your church one of a kind or one of many? Is your marriage like every other marriage or a one of a kind marriage? Don't settle for the average! Strive to be a one of a kind by meeting with God and getting His glory upon each of these areas of your life.
12/25 Fundamental Thoughts
Our Confidence
Our scripture below tells us at least two distinct things; one that we must pray, and the other to have confidence in the Lord.
(1 Thessalonians 5:17) Pray without ceasing.
We sometimes read this verse and think that God never wants us to stop praying. That is not the case. He doesn’t want us on our knees praying until we starve and die, nor does He want us to forsake earning a living. (He wants us able to pray constantly. He wants us to be ready to pray.) At those times, when we are working or playing and a person’s name comes to our mind, we need to stop for a moment and pray for that person. It doesn’t have to be a long wordy prayer, just a prayer from our heart. The Holy Spirit will direct us in what to say, but “do it,” pray. Then we are to go on about what we were doing.
The second part defined on our bulletin cover states, “…we have confidence in the Lord...” Three very important words were left off the cover. They are “…touching you…” and “…both…” When we read the whole verse in context, we see that it is a two-way street. We do one part and God does the other part. The “…both…” implies that work on both sides is required. We follow God’s commands, and then we receive His blessings “…touching you…” The more we yield to His commands, the more blessings we will receive “…touching you…”
Touched by God daily is my desire. With confidence of faith, I know what I must do, do you? Have you been touched?
(Romans 12:1-2) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
We must know we have presented our bodies as a living testament to God by walking the walk and talking the talk. Otherwise, what do we have?
Bro John R. E Chastain
12/24 Chri$tmas
Chri$tmas
No, the title of this message is not misspelled. Is there a dollar sign in your Christmas? The world tells us to have a merry Christmas, and what they mean is “enjoy your meals and gifts.” They speak of the Christmas spirit, and what they are really thinking of is “Buy a lot of things so that we merchants can prosper.” The world thinks the “spirit of the season” is in buying and giving, (especially buying from them), and they forget that Christmas begins with Christ. Oh Christian friend, how will your Christmas be? Will yours begin with Christ? Actually every day ought to be Christmas for us, but unfortunately, none of us live that way all the time. The ads tell us to “get in the spirit” but they have an ulterior motive for wishing us well. They speak of “Christmas cheer” but it usually refers to drinking or orgy type partying. That is the way the world celebrated our Lord’s birth. I ask again, “Is there a dollar sign in your Christmas?” If so, you need to get back to seeing Jesus at Christmas. Put Christ back in your Christmas.
Years ago, at a lowly manger in Bethlehem, our Savior was born, and so was Christmas. It was not a big, earth shaking event for many of them in the area, but it was the one event that changed the entire world. The gifts were given in honor of the Savior, and the cheer was proclaimed by the angels on high. This was the merriest Christmas of them all, because the Savior was born into the world on that day. Gifts were not exchanged, but The Gift of God was given unto man in the person of Jesus Christ. The gifts that the wise men brought were gifts of worship and praise, and to sustain the family, as we do today at baby showers. The gold was for the provision of the entire family, the frankincense was for the worship of Christ, and the myrrh was for the celebration of His sacrifice. Gifts were given for a reason, they meant something and were not given merely as a tradition. They were given from the heart, and not merely to win the favor of someone else, or to promote business as usual. It is a shame what we have done to Christmas today, but let us hold it in our hearts, though society forbids the real thing, and let us give the true gift of Christmas to someone this season so that they too can appreciate what Jesus has done for them, and have a very merry Christmas.
No, the title of this message is not misspelled. Is there a dollar sign in your Christmas? The world tells us to have a merry Christmas, and what they mean is “enjoy your meals and gifts.” They speak of the Christmas spirit, and what they are really thinking of is “Buy a lot of things so that we merchants can prosper.” The world thinks the “spirit of the season” is in buying and giving, (especially buying from them), and they forget that Christmas begins with Christ. Oh Christian friend, how will your Christmas be? Will yours begin with Christ? Actually every day ought to be Christmas for us, but unfortunately, none of us live that way all the time. The ads tell us to “get in the spirit” but they have an ulterior motive for wishing us well. They speak of “Christmas cheer” but it usually refers to drinking or orgy type partying. That is the way the world celebrated our Lord’s birth. I ask again, “Is there a dollar sign in your Christmas?” If so, you need to get back to seeing Jesus at Christmas. Put Christ back in your Christmas.
Years ago, at a lowly manger in Bethlehem, our Savior was born, and so was Christmas. It was not a big, earth shaking event for many of them in the area, but it was the one event that changed the entire world. The gifts were given in honor of the Savior, and the cheer was proclaimed by the angels on high. This was the merriest Christmas of them all, because the Savior was born into the world on that day. Gifts were not exchanged, but The Gift of God was given unto man in the person of Jesus Christ. The gifts that the wise men brought were gifts of worship and praise, and to sustain the family, as we do today at baby showers. The gold was for the provision of the entire family, the frankincense was for the worship of Christ, and the myrrh was for the celebration of His sacrifice. Gifts were given for a reason, they meant something and were not given merely as a tradition. They were given from the heart, and not merely to win the favor of someone else, or to promote business as usual. It is a shame what we have done to Christmas today, but let us hold it in our hearts, though society forbids the real thing, and let us give the true gift of Christmas to someone this season so that they too can appreciate what Jesus has done for them, and have a very merry Christmas.
12/24 Strength for Today
Exodus 18:24
“So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.”
One of the great attributes of great leaders is that they don't think they know everything. In fact, great leaders realize they don't know everything and will surround themselves with people who know more than they do in certain areas. What makes them great is that they are not intimidated by someone following them who knows more about a subject than they do.
Most leaders of nations realize that they don't have all the answers to leading their nation. Every CEO will realize that they don't have the answers to every problem within their corporation. Every pastor will realize that they don't have all the answers to help every person and run every program in their church. No matter what area of leadership a person may lead, listening to those who know more than they do in a certain area is one of the keys to being able to lead people.
In my estimation, Moses is easily one of the best leaders in history. Very few people could do what Moses did by leading millions of people through the wilderness. Yet, when you look at the verse above, you will see that one of the attributes of Moses was that he was willing to listen to people who knew more than he did and follow what they said. Did this make him a weaker leader? No, in fact, this made him a greater and stronger leader. It was his ability to realize others had knowledge that would help him lead people in a better way and his willingness to follow their advice that made him a stronger leader.
Let me make this very clear, if you are a leader, you don't know everything. Yes, you may be the leader, but you are still human. Because you are human, that means you still have areas of weakness in which you would be wise to listen to those who are strong.
If you're a leader, learn to listen to people who know something that will help you lead better. This will make you a stronger as a leader. Just because someone knows something that you don't know and wants to help you with that knowledge does not mean they are trying to take your position. Listen; stop carrying a chip on your shoulder thinking that everyone is out to take your place. If you are that insecure as a leader, then you don't need to be a leader. Great leaders will listen to those underneath them realizing they have something to contribute.
I beg every leader who reads this to learn to start listening to those who have ideas that can help you. Don't let your position cause you to become deaf to the ideas of followers. Most of your followers want you to succeed. Your success means that they are successful as well. As leaders, let's learn to give every idea given to us by followers a chance to be used. Great leaders will always learn from others. Realize some of those you can learn from are the very ones you lead. Learn to truly listen to the ideas and suggestions of those whom you lead.
“So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.”
One of the great attributes of great leaders is that they don't think they know everything. In fact, great leaders realize they don't know everything and will surround themselves with people who know more than they do in certain areas. What makes them great is that they are not intimidated by someone following them who knows more about a subject than they do.
Most leaders of nations realize that they don't have all the answers to leading their nation. Every CEO will realize that they don't have the answers to every problem within their corporation. Every pastor will realize that they don't have all the answers to help every person and run every program in their church. No matter what area of leadership a person may lead, listening to those who know more than they do in a certain area is one of the keys to being able to lead people.
In my estimation, Moses is easily one of the best leaders in history. Very few people could do what Moses did by leading millions of people through the wilderness. Yet, when you look at the verse above, you will see that one of the attributes of Moses was that he was willing to listen to people who knew more than he did and follow what they said. Did this make him a weaker leader? No, in fact, this made him a greater and stronger leader. It was his ability to realize others had knowledge that would help him lead people in a better way and his willingness to follow their advice that made him a stronger leader.
Let me make this very clear, if you are a leader, you don't know everything. Yes, you may be the leader, but you are still human. Because you are human, that means you still have areas of weakness in which you would be wise to listen to those who are strong.
If you're a leader, learn to listen to people who know something that will help you lead better. This will make you a stronger as a leader. Just because someone knows something that you don't know and wants to help you with that knowledge does not mean they are trying to take your position. Listen; stop carrying a chip on your shoulder thinking that everyone is out to take your place. If you are that insecure as a leader, then you don't need to be a leader. Great leaders will listen to those underneath them realizing they have something to contribute.
I beg every leader who reads this to learn to start listening to those who have ideas that can help you. Don't let your position cause you to become deaf to the ideas of followers. Most of your followers want you to succeed. Your success means that they are successful as well. As leaders, let's learn to give every idea given to us by followers a chance to be used. Great leaders will always learn from others. Realize some of those you can learn from are the very ones you lead. Learn to truly listen to the ideas and suggestions of those whom you lead.
12/24 Spurgeon Today
“For your sakes he became poor.” — 2 Corinthians 8:9
The Lord Jesus Christ was eternally rich, glorious, and exalted; but
“though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor.” As the rich
saint cannot be true in his communion with his poor brethren unless of his
substance he ministers to their necessities, so (the same rule holding with
the head as between the members), it is impossible that our Divine Lord
could have had fellowship with us unless He had imparted to us of His
own abounding wealth, and had become poor to make us rich. Had He
remained upon His throne of glory, and had we continued in the ruins of
the fall without receiving His salvation, communion would have been
impossible on both sides. Our position by the fall, apart from the covenant
of grace, made it as impossible for fallen man to communicate with God as
it is for Belial to be in concord with Christ. In order, therefore, that
communion might be compassed, it was necessary that the rich kinsman
should bestow his estate upon his poor relatives, that the righteous
Saviour should give to His sinning brethren of His own perfection, and that
we, the poor and guilty, should receive of His fulness grace for grace; that
thus in giving and receiving, the One might descend from the heights, and
the other ascend from the depths, and so be able to embrace each other in
true and hearty fellowship. Poverty must be enriched by Him in whom are
infinite treasures before it can venture to commune; and guilt must lose
itself in imputed and imparted righteousness ere the soul can walk in
fellowship with purity. Jesus must clothe His people in His own
garments, or He cannot admit them into His palace of glory; and He must
wash them in His own blood, or else they will be too defiled for the
embrace of His fellowship.
O believer, herein is love! For your sake the Lord Jesus “became poor”
that He might lift you up into communion with Himself.
The Lord Jesus Christ was eternally rich, glorious, and exalted; but
“though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor.” As the rich
saint cannot be true in his communion with his poor brethren unless of his
substance he ministers to their necessities, so (the same rule holding with
the head as between the members), it is impossible that our Divine Lord
could have had fellowship with us unless He had imparted to us of His
own abounding wealth, and had become poor to make us rich. Had He
remained upon His throne of glory, and had we continued in the ruins of
the fall without receiving His salvation, communion would have been
impossible on both sides. Our position by the fall, apart from the covenant
of grace, made it as impossible for fallen man to communicate with God as
it is for Belial to be in concord with Christ. In order, therefore, that
communion might be compassed, it was necessary that the rich kinsman
should bestow his estate upon his poor relatives, that the righteous
Saviour should give to His sinning brethren of His own perfection, and that
we, the poor and guilty, should receive of His fulness grace for grace; that
thus in giving and receiving, the One might descend from the heights, and
the other ascend from the depths, and so be able to embrace each other in
true and hearty fellowship. Poverty must be enriched by Him in whom are
infinite treasures before it can venture to commune; and guilt must lose
itself in imputed and imparted righteousness ere the soul can walk in
fellowship with purity. Jesus must clothe His people in His own
garments, or He cannot admit them into His palace of glory; and He must
wash them in His own blood, or else they will be too defiled for the
embrace of His fellowship.
O believer, herein is love! For your sake the Lord Jesus “became poor”
that He might lift you up into communion with Himself.
12/23 Fundamental Thoughts
Put On Charity
In Colossians 3:12-15 quoted below, we see the word “charity.” When we use this word today, it means something different then when Paul used it so many years ago. We think of charity as caring for the down trodden, those needing help to get back on their feet.
However, Paul was using the word to mean, “Love,” a love of our brethren, our sisters, our parents, a Godly love, a love shown to us by God.
When God placed His only begotten Son on the cross to die for us, He showed that love, an enduring love, an everlasting love.
Our scripture tells us to “put on charity.” We as Christians are to put on love and show it to the world. As Christian’s, the world sees us as hypocritical. (Not that they aren’t also,) but we sometimes put on “a different face” in the church house, and then go to work sounding just as worldly as those surrounding us.
You see, we have to watch not only our walk, but also our talk. When we tell someone we love them, (Godly love,) do they believe us or are they wondering when the next foul thing will come out of our mouth?
This is a very misused verse. It is not our excuse to go ahead and sin. It is our verse to tell us, we will sin, so be very careful in our walk and in our talk. (Most use the verse to go ahead and deliberately sin.) When we put on charity, it ought to be a love that ignites others to want to be like us, and have a heart that is ignited of this love.
“Put on Charity” with a seriousness and conviction to do the work of God, knowing in your heart, in your soul, and in your mind, that you are doing the best for God you can. Then along with your Salvation you can have the “…peace of God…rule [ing] in your hearts.”
Now knowing we have that peace, be thankful for what God has given, and what He will give. Let us be thankful and glorify God and His Son Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
Bro John R. E Chastain
12/22 Strength for Today
Exodus 12:49
“One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.”
In this verse a powerful truth is found for every nation, organization and church to learn. The truth that we find in the verse above, if followed, will keep from changing the soul of these entities mentioned. Though this verse is talking about salvation, the truth being taught will apply to keeping the soul unchanged.
In the verse above, God was dealing with strangers who wanted to become citizens of Israel. God said that whenever a stranger would come into the congregation of Israel, that the laws that apply to the home born should also apply to the stranger. In other words, God was saying that Israel was not to change who they were to accommodate the stranger; instead the stranger was to change their ways to match the beliefs and lifestyle of Israel. This truth is important if a nation is going to stay strong.
I recently read a news report where the Prime Minister of New Zealand made it very clear that if anyone was to come to their land, that they would be expected to live according to the laws and customs of New Zealand. Though this Prime Minister took a lot of heat for this statement, he was right.
America was founded on Christian beliefs. In fact, our whole judicial system is based off of the Bible. One of the mistakes I see in America is we try to change who we are so that we can accommodate all the foreigners who come into our land. I don’t mind foreigners coming to our land as long as they are willing to follow our customs and form of religion upon which this great land was founded. Why should America change who she is for the foreigners who come to our land? They chose to come here because they like what we have. Who we are and what we have is because of the soul of this nation. If we change our customs and religion so that we don't offend the foreigners, then we will change the soul of our nation, which will lead us down the road of destruction.
Let me take this one step further. When a person joins a church, they should know what they are joining. Again, I have found independent, fundamental Baptists are changing their soul to accommodate those who join our churches. I have seen some churches, in order to grow their congregation, have changed the menu of how they do things as a church. When you change who you are in order to attract a certain crowd, then you are changing the soul of your church. Anyone who comes to our churches should all have to come the same way. Whether they are rich or poor, famous or unknown, influential or have no influence at all, everyone should have to come the same way.
Let's make it clear that whoever comes to join us must abide by the same rules and laws by which we must abide. Let's be careful that we don't have one rule for one person and another rule for another person. In order to keep the soul of our nation and churches pure, let's be careful to make sure that everyone must abide by the same rules and laws.
“One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.”
In this verse a powerful truth is found for every nation, organization and church to learn. The truth that we find in the verse above, if followed, will keep from changing the soul of these entities mentioned. Though this verse is talking about salvation, the truth being taught will apply to keeping the soul unchanged.
In the verse above, God was dealing with strangers who wanted to become citizens of Israel. God said that whenever a stranger would come into the congregation of Israel, that the laws that apply to the home born should also apply to the stranger. In other words, God was saying that Israel was not to change who they were to accommodate the stranger; instead the stranger was to change their ways to match the beliefs and lifestyle of Israel. This truth is important if a nation is going to stay strong.
I recently read a news report where the Prime Minister of New Zealand made it very clear that if anyone was to come to their land, that they would be expected to live according to the laws and customs of New Zealand. Though this Prime Minister took a lot of heat for this statement, he was right.
America was founded on Christian beliefs. In fact, our whole judicial system is based off of the Bible. One of the mistakes I see in America is we try to change who we are so that we can accommodate all the foreigners who come into our land. I don’t mind foreigners coming to our land as long as they are willing to follow our customs and form of religion upon which this great land was founded. Why should America change who she is for the foreigners who come to our land? They chose to come here because they like what we have. Who we are and what we have is because of the soul of this nation. If we change our customs and religion so that we don't offend the foreigners, then we will change the soul of our nation, which will lead us down the road of destruction.
Let me take this one step further. When a person joins a church, they should know what they are joining. Again, I have found independent, fundamental Baptists are changing their soul to accommodate those who join our churches. I have seen some churches, in order to grow their congregation, have changed the menu of how they do things as a church. When you change who you are in order to attract a certain crowd, then you are changing the soul of your church. Anyone who comes to our churches should all have to come the same way. Whether they are rich or poor, famous or unknown, influential or have no influence at all, everyone should have to come the same way.
Let's make it clear that whoever comes to join us must abide by the same rules and laws by which we must abide. Let's be careful that we don't have one rule for one person and another rule for another person. In order to keep the soul of our nation and churches pure, let's be careful to make sure that everyone must abide by the same rules and laws.
12/22 Spurgeon Today
“I will strengthen thee.” — Isaiah 41:10
God has a strong reserve with which to discharge this engagement; for He
is able to do all things. Believer, till thou canst drain dry the ocean of
omnipotence, till thou canst break into pieces the towering mountains of
almighty strength, thou never needest to fear. Think not that the strength
of man shall ever be able to overcome the power of God. Whilst the earth’s
huge pillars stand, thou hast enough reason to abide firm in thy faith. The
same God who directs the earth in its orbit, who feeds the burning furnace
of the sun, and trims the lamps of heaven, has promised to supply thee
with daily strength. While He is able to uphold the universe, dream not
that He will prove unable to fulfil His own promises. Remember what He
did in the days of old, in the former generations. Remember how He spake
and it was done; how He commanded, and it stood fast. Shall He that
created the world grow weary? He hangeth the world upon nothing; shall
He who doth this be unable to support His children? Shall He be unfaithful
to His word for want of power? Who is it that restrains the tempest? Doth
not He ride upon the wings of the wind, and make the clouds His chariots,
and hold the ocean in the hollow of His hand? How can He fail thee? When
He has put such a faithful promise as this on record, wilt thou for a
moment indulge the thought that He has outpromised Himself, and gone
beyond His power to fulfil? Ah, no! Thou canst doubt no longer.
O thou who art my God and my strength, I can believe that this promise
shall be fulfilled, for the boundless reservoir of Thy grace can never be
exhausted, and the overflowing storehouse of Thy strength can never be
emptied by Thy friends or rifled by Thine enemies.
“Now let the feeble all be strong,
And make Jehovah’s arm their song.”
God has a strong reserve with which to discharge this engagement; for He
is able to do all things. Believer, till thou canst drain dry the ocean of
omnipotence, till thou canst break into pieces the towering mountains of
almighty strength, thou never needest to fear. Think not that the strength
of man shall ever be able to overcome the power of God. Whilst the earth’s
huge pillars stand, thou hast enough reason to abide firm in thy faith. The
same God who directs the earth in its orbit, who feeds the burning furnace
of the sun, and trims the lamps of heaven, has promised to supply thee
with daily strength. While He is able to uphold the universe, dream not
that He will prove unable to fulfil His own promises. Remember what He
did in the days of old, in the former generations. Remember how He spake
and it was done; how He commanded, and it stood fast. Shall He that
created the world grow weary? He hangeth the world upon nothing; shall
He who doth this be unable to support His children? Shall He be unfaithful
to His word for want of power? Who is it that restrains the tempest? Doth
not He ride upon the wings of the wind, and make the clouds His chariots,
and hold the ocean in the hollow of His hand? How can He fail thee? When
He has put such a faithful promise as this on record, wilt thou for a
moment indulge the thought that He has outpromised Himself, and gone
beyond His power to fulfil? Ah, no! Thou canst doubt no longer.
O thou who art my God and my strength, I can believe that this promise
shall be fulfilled, for the boundless reservoir of Thy grace can never be
exhausted, and the overflowing storehouse of Thy strength can never be
emptied by Thy friends or rifled by Thine enemies.
“Now let the feeble all be strong,
And make Jehovah’s arm their song.”
12/21 Fundamental Thoughts
Our Sin
(James 4:17) Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Here we are in the middle of the Christmas Season. We are in the season of merriment, happiness, and most of our thoughts are on what to buy for our spouse and the children, and of course everyone else.
This is the season, where if we are observant, we can witness to others concerning Jesus, His birth, death, and resurrection, even though there seems to be a lot of controversy concerning what we can and what we cannot do regarding our faith.
The one thing that we can do is witness to others. This is the season where “Our Walk and our Talk” will be observed by more people than we can imagine. As a Christian, we are to witness for Christ. It is the core of what we are taught.
(Acts 22:15) For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
So when at the “Mall,” or the grocery store, or any other retail or business establishment, when God touches our heart to witness to someone, it is our task, as a Christian, to witness to that person, (not talk weather, but talk God) and tell them how you got saved, and what God has done for us through His Son Jesus. Tell them what Christmas means to us.
If we go back to the verse we started with, “…him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, and to him it is sin.” We see that by keeping quiet we are sinning. Sinning is something we ought not to do, yet by doing “Good” and failing to witness it is a sin.
So if we feed several families by buying them groceries and purchasing their children some Christmas presents, without the mention of God and His Son we have still sinned.
I do not want to put a damper on giving and doing good, however, we need to do all these things and help those who are less fortunate. Yet, if we fail to give the “Reason for the Season,” and why God came to be born as a man and to die for our sins, what does all the good matter?
(Luke 19:10) For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
So, use a witness tract, take some with you when you go shopping and hand them out. Do your job for Christ, and do have a Merry CHRISTmas.
12/20 Spurgeon Today
“Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love.” — Jeremiah 31:3
Sometimes the Lord Jesus tells His Church His love thoughts. “He does
not think it enough behind her back to tell it, but in her very presence He
says, ‘Thou art all fair, my love.’ It is true, this is not His ordinary
method; He is a wise lover, and knows when to keep back the intimation
of love and when to let it out; but there are times when He will make no
secret of it; times when He will put it beyond all dispute in the souls of
His people” (R. Erskine’s Sermons). The Holy Spirit is often pleased, in a
most gracious manner, to witness with our spirits of the love of Jesus. He
takes of the things of Christ and reveals them unto us. No voice is heard
from the clouds, and no vision is seen in the night, but we have a
testimony more sure than either of these. If an angel should fly from
heaven and inform the saint personally of the Saviour’s love to him, the
evidence would not be one whit more satisfactory than that which is borne
in the heart by the Holy Ghost. Ask those of the Lord’s people who have
lived the nearest to the gates of heaven, and they will tell you that they
have had seasons when the love of Christ towards them has been a fact so
clear and sure, that they could no more doubt it than they could question
their own existence. Yes, beloved believer, you and I have had times of
refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and then our faith has mounted
to the topmost heights of assurance. We have had confidence to lean our
heads upon the bosom of our Lord, and we have no more questioned our
Master’s affection to us than John did when in that blessed posture; nay,
nor so much: for the dark question, “Lord, is it I that shall betray thee?”
has been put far from us. He has kissed us with the kisses of His mouth,
and killed our doubts by the closeness of His embrace. His love has been
sweeter than wine to our souls.
Sometimes the Lord Jesus tells His Church His love thoughts. “He does
not think it enough behind her back to tell it, but in her very presence He
says, ‘Thou art all fair, my love.’ It is true, this is not His ordinary
method; He is a wise lover, and knows when to keep back the intimation
of love and when to let it out; but there are times when He will make no
secret of it; times when He will put it beyond all dispute in the souls of
His people” (R. Erskine’s Sermons). The Holy Spirit is often pleased, in a
most gracious manner, to witness with our spirits of the love of Jesus. He
takes of the things of Christ and reveals them unto us. No voice is heard
from the clouds, and no vision is seen in the night, but we have a
testimony more sure than either of these. If an angel should fly from
heaven and inform the saint personally of the Saviour’s love to him, the
evidence would not be one whit more satisfactory than that which is borne
in the heart by the Holy Ghost. Ask those of the Lord’s people who have
lived the nearest to the gates of heaven, and they will tell you that they
have had seasons when the love of Christ towards them has been a fact so
clear and sure, that they could no more doubt it than they could question
their own existence. Yes, beloved believer, you and I have had times of
refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and then our faith has mounted
to the topmost heights of assurance. We have had confidence to lean our
heads upon the bosom of our Lord, and we have no more questioned our
Master’s affection to us than John did when in that blessed posture; nay,
nor so much: for the dark question, “Lord, is it I that shall betray thee?”
has been put far from us. He has kissed us with the kisses of His mouth,
and killed our doubts by the closeness of His embrace. His love has been
sweeter than wine to our souls.
12/20 Psalm 11
The Story Behind the Psalm
For a time, David lived in the court of Saul. It was a time of testing, for David and his friends were in a definite minority. Anarchy and sin were so prevalent that David and his friends could not participate in much of the activity of the court. Because of this, they had to build their own little community within the court. They met periodically for fellowship and strength. They were hated by many, persecuted by others, and disliked by most. They were not understood, for they believed in living righteously. So in this sinful kingdom they built within the confines of the court a little righteous community where they could fellowship one with the other. We too live in a sinful age. Black has become so black and white has become so white that it has become almost impossible for the Christian to find any kind of secular organization or fellowship in which he may participate. Because of this, God has given us a little community called the New Testament church where we may have an empire within an empire, a kingdom within a kingdom, a city within a city, a community within a community. Here God's people meet. They fellowship, they sing, they give, they preach, they teach, they learn, and in a sense, build their lives around this community. The wise father will see to it that his family is built around the church. Our children should be able to choose their friends from church children. They should be able to fellowship within the church, date within the church and, yes, even marry within this amazing little community called the New Testament church.
The Way It Was Used by God's People
This Psalm was used by God's people when they were in a minority. Notice verse 3, "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" The answer is very simple—the righteous can flee to that institution, that only institution, whose foundation can never be destroyed, even our Saviour, the Rock of Ages.
For a time, David lived in the court of Saul. It was a time of testing, for David and his friends were in a definite minority. Anarchy and sin were so prevalent that David and his friends could not participate in much of the activity of the court. Because of this, they had to build their own little community within the court. They met periodically for fellowship and strength. They were hated by many, persecuted by others, and disliked by most. They were not understood, for they believed in living righteously. So in this sinful kingdom they built within the confines of the court a little righteous community where they could fellowship one with the other. We too live in a sinful age. Black has become so black and white has become so white that it has become almost impossible for the Christian to find any kind of secular organization or fellowship in which he may participate. Because of this, God has given us a little community called the New Testament church where we may have an empire within an empire, a kingdom within a kingdom, a city within a city, a community within a community. Here God's people meet. They fellowship, they sing, they give, they preach, they teach, they learn, and in a sense, build their lives around this community. The wise father will see to it that his family is built around the church. Our children should be able to choose their friends from church children. They should be able to fellowship within the church, date within the church and, yes, even marry within this amazing little community called the New Testament church.
The Way It Was Used by God's People
This Psalm was used by God's people when they were in a minority. Notice verse 3, "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" The answer is very simple—the righteous can flee to that institution, that only institution, whose foundation can never be destroyed, even our Saviour, the Rock of Ages.
12/20 Strength for Today
Genesis 47:15
“And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth.”
One of the things God gives to people is the right to choose; this is nothing more than freedom and liberty. When you live in a nation that believes in liberty, then you have a privilege that many nations do not have. Yet, with privilege comes responsibility. The responsibility of those who have freedom and liberty is to keep these freedoms and liberties alive for the next generation. We learn from the story in the verse above, the enemy of liberty and freedom.
Egypt was in a time of bad famine. Because of Joseph's wisdom, the government had set aside to take care of the people when the people did not set aside to take care of themselves. When the famine came, and the resources of the people ran out, they ran to the government to take care of them. Because of this action, they lost their rights to do what they wanted to do as we can see in verse 21.
When people begin to depend on government to take care of them, they lose their freedom, liberty and rights. Normally this happens during a national crisis, because the people think they have nowhere else to go to survive. This is how Hitler won power in Germany. After World War 1, the economy of Germany was devastated. Hitler ran on a ticket to improve the economy and he won. As he set up programs to take care of people, he was personally gaining more rights and power to the point that he took over the nation, and the rest is a terrible history.
We must realize that the more that government takes control of caring for its citizens, then the less rights its citizens will have. The only purpose of government is to protect its citizens from outside enemies, and to protect the liberty of its citizens and their rights to their properties so that these people can pursue happiness. In a nutshell, the purpose of government is to protect our freedom, liberty and rights.
Yet, when hard times come, the easy way out is for people to depend on government to take care of them. This only destroys the rights of those people. When government starts providing social needs for the people, then those people cease to have liberty. The greatest enemy of freedom is when people depend on government to take care of their every need.
What is the answer to this problem? The answer is to depend on God and not on the government. One of the reasons those in government try to remove God from everything is because they don't want people to believe that God can take care of them. Instead, they want people to believe that the government can take care of them and this only empowers those is government with more power.
I write this for the purpose that all might realize that God is the One Who we are to trust to take care of us through hard times. He promised He would take care of our needs. For people to trust government instead of God is nothing more than idolatry; which is sin according to the Scriptures.
As a citizen of any nation, we should realize the two God-given rights we have as humans are liberty and freedom. Let's be careful not to give up those rights by giving them to the government through social programs. Remember, the more that government takes control of the care of its citizens, the less right the people will have. Freedom's enemy is a powerful government and a powerless people!
“And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth.”
One of the things God gives to people is the right to choose; this is nothing more than freedom and liberty. When you live in a nation that believes in liberty, then you have a privilege that many nations do not have. Yet, with privilege comes responsibility. The responsibility of those who have freedom and liberty is to keep these freedoms and liberties alive for the next generation. We learn from the story in the verse above, the enemy of liberty and freedom.
Egypt was in a time of bad famine. Because of Joseph's wisdom, the government had set aside to take care of the people when the people did not set aside to take care of themselves. When the famine came, and the resources of the people ran out, they ran to the government to take care of them. Because of this action, they lost their rights to do what they wanted to do as we can see in verse 21.
When people begin to depend on government to take care of them, they lose their freedom, liberty and rights. Normally this happens during a national crisis, because the people think they have nowhere else to go to survive. This is how Hitler won power in Germany. After World War 1, the economy of Germany was devastated. Hitler ran on a ticket to improve the economy and he won. As he set up programs to take care of people, he was personally gaining more rights and power to the point that he took over the nation, and the rest is a terrible history.
We must realize that the more that government takes control of caring for its citizens, then the less rights its citizens will have. The only purpose of government is to protect its citizens from outside enemies, and to protect the liberty of its citizens and their rights to their properties so that these people can pursue happiness. In a nutshell, the purpose of government is to protect our freedom, liberty and rights.
Yet, when hard times come, the easy way out is for people to depend on government to take care of them. This only destroys the rights of those people. When government starts providing social needs for the people, then those people cease to have liberty. The greatest enemy of freedom is when people depend on government to take care of their every need.
What is the answer to this problem? The answer is to depend on God and not on the government. One of the reasons those in government try to remove God from everything is because they don't want people to believe that God can take care of them. Instead, they want people to believe that the government can take care of them and this only empowers those is government with more power.
I write this for the purpose that all might realize that God is the One Who we are to trust to take care of us through hard times. He promised He would take care of our needs. For people to trust government instead of God is nothing more than idolatry; which is sin according to the Scriptures.
As a citizen of any nation, we should realize the two God-given rights we have as humans are liberty and freedom. Let's be careful not to give up those rights by giving them to the government through social programs. Remember, the more that government takes control of the care of its citizens, the less right the people will have. Freedom's enemy is a powerful government and a powerless people!
10/19 Spurgeon Today
“The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.”
— Proverbs 16:33
If the disposal of the lot is the Lord’s whose is the arrangement of our
whole life? If the a simple casting of a lot is guided by Him, how much
more the events of our entire life — especially when we are told by our
blessed Saviour: “The very hairs of your head are all numbered: not a
sparrow falleth to the ground without your Father.” It would bring a holy
calm over your mind, dear friend, if you were always to remember this. It
would so relieve your mind from anxiety, that you would be the better able
to walk in patience, quiet, and cheerfulness as a Christian should. When a
man is anxious he cannot pray with faith; when he is troubled about the
world, he cannot serve his Master, his thoughts are serving himself. If you
would “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” all things
would then be added unto you. You are meddling with Christ’s business,
and neglecting your own when you fret about your lot and circumstances.
You have been trying “providing” work and forgetting that it is yours to
obey. Be wise and attend to the obeying, and let Christ manage the
providing. Come and survey your Father’s storehouse, and ask whether
He will let you starve while He has laid up so great an abundance in His
garner? Look at His heart of mercy; see if that can ever prove unkind!
Look at His inscrutable wisdom; see if that will ever be at fault. Above all,
look up to Jesus Christ your Intercessor, and ask yourself, while He
pleads, can your Father deal ungraciously with you? If He remembers even
sparrows, will He forget one of the least of His poor children? “Cast thy
burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain thee. He will never suffer the
righteous to be moved.”
My soul, rest happy in thy low estate,
Nor hope nor wish to be esteem’d or great;
To take the impress of the Will Divine,
Be that thy glory, and those riches thine.
— Proverbs 16:33
If the disposal of the lot is the Lord’s whose is the arrangement of our
whole life? If the a simple casting of a lot is guided by Him, how much
more the events of our entire life — especially when we are told by our
blessed Saviour: “The very hairs of your head are all numbered: not a
sparrow falleth to the ground without your Father.” It would bring a holy
calm over your mind, dear friend, if you were always to remember this. It
would so relieve your mind from anxiety, that you would be the better able
to walk in patience, quiet, and cheerfulness as a Christian should. When a
man is anxious he cannot pray with faith; when he is troubled about the
world, he cannot serve his Master, his thoughts are serving himself. If you
would “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” all things
would then be added unto you. You are meddling with Christ’s business,
and neglecting your own when you fret about your lot and circumstances.
You have been trying “providing” work and forgetting that it is yours to
obey. Be wise and attend to the obeying, and let Christ manage the
providing. Come and survey your Father’s storehouse, and ask whether
He will let you starve while He has laid up so great an abundance in His
garner? Look at His heart of mercy; see if that can ever prove unkind!
Look at His inscrutable wisdom; see if that will ever be at fault. Above all,
look up to Jesus Christ your Intercessor, and ask yourself, while He
pleads, can your Father deal ungraciously with you? If He remembers even
sparrows, will He forget one of the least of His poor children? “Cast thy
burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain thee. He will never suffer the
righteous to be moved.”
My soul, rest happy in thy low estate,
Nor hope nor wish to be esteem’d or great;
To take the impress of the Will Divine,
Be that thy glory, and those riches thine.
12/18 Fundamental Thoughts
Has He Done Marvelous Things For You?
In Psalm 98 below, it tells that God has done marvelous things. The question of course is, “What about me?” This is the season that we as Christians need to stop and take a look at ourselves, and “Count Those Blessings.”
I know our first thoughts might be, “What has He done for me?” For myself, He has blessed me to the point, I couldn’t count those blessings even if I wanted to count them. You see if I started to reminisce over them, I might see a point where I wasn’t blessed and start dwelling on the “Why?” God watches us, and God knows our ways. The verses below also tell us He will judge us, but that judgment will also be with equity.
Sometimes in what I do for the Lord, my heart isn’t always where it ought to be. I imagine that is true with you also. Consequently, I will not always be blessed because I did something for the Lord.
(Hebrews 10:22) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
If we attempt to do anything without the Lord, we are not in “…full assurance of faith…” We are then doing what we want in the “faith” of ourselves so that we can accomplish what we want. We do this regardless of what God may have requested of us.
Is that where your heart has been this year? If you want to be closer to God, you must decide to follow Him, not yourself. Make that “…joyful noise unto the Lord…”
Only you can make the decision to follow Him. Only you can decide that Jesus will be your guide. Decide today, and start receiving the blessing God wants to give you, so you can have a Blessed 2010.
I want to wish you each a Merry Christmas, and Thank You All for allowing Sharil and I to be a part of your lives.
Bro John R. E Chastain
12/18 Spurgeon Today
“Rend your heart, and not your garments.” — Joel 2:13
Garment-rendering and other outward signs of religious emotion, are easily
manifested and are frequently hypocritical; but to feel true repentance is far
more difficult, and consequently far less common. Men will attend to the
most multiplied and minute ceremonial regulations — for such things are
pleasing to the flesh — but true religion is too humbling, too
heart-searching, too thorough for the tastes of the carnal men; they prefer
something more ostentatious, flimsy, and worldly. Outward observances
are temporarily comfortable; eye and ear are pleased; self-conceit is fed,
and self-righteousness is puffed up: but they are ultimately delusive, for in
the article of death, and at the day of judgment, the soul needs something
more substantial than ceremonies and rituals to lean upon. Apart from vital
godliness all religion is utterly vain; offered without a sincere heart, every
form of worship is a solemn sham and an impudent mockery of the
majesty of heaven.
HEART-RENDING is divinely wrought and solemnly felt. It is a secret
grief which is personally experienced, not in mere form, but as a deep,
soul-moving work of the Holy Spirit upon the inmost heart of each
believer. It is not a matter to be merely talked of and believed in, but
keenly and sensitively felt in every living child of the living God. It is
powerfully humiliating, and completely sin-purging; but then it is sweetly
preparative for those gracious consolations which proud unhumbled
spirits are unable to receive; and it is distinctly discriminating, for it
belongs to the elect of God, and to them alone.
The text commands us to rend our hearts, but they are naturally hard as
marble: how, then, can this be done? We must take them to Calvary: a
dying Saviour’s voice rent the rocks once, and it is as powerful now. O
blessed Spirit, let us hear the death-cries of Jesus, and our hearts shall be
rent even as men rend their vestures in the day of lamentation.
Garment-rendering and other outward signs of religious emotion, are easily
manifested and are frequently hypocritical; but to feel true repentance is far
more difficult, and consequently far less common. Men will attend to the
most multiplied and minute ceremonial regulations — for such things are
pleasing to the flesh — but true religion is too humbling, too
heart-searching, too thorough for the tastes of the carnal men; they prefer
something more ostentatious, flimsy, and worldly. Outward observances
are temporarily comfortable; eye and ear are pleased; self-conceit is fed,
and self-righteousness is puffed up: but they are ultimately delusive, for in
the article of death, and at the day of judgment, the soul needs something
more substantial than ceremonies and rituals to lean upon. Apart from vital
godliness all religion is utterly vain; offered without a sincere heart, every
form of worship is a solemn sham and an impudent mockery of the
majesty of heaven.
HEART-RENDING is divinely wrought and solemnly felt. It is a secret
grief which is personally experienced, not in mere form, but as a deep,
soul-moving work of the Holy Spirit upon the inmost heart of each
believer. It is not a matter to be merely talked of and believed in, but
keenly and sensitively felt in every living child of the living God. It is
powerfully humiliating, and completely sin-purging; but then it is sweetly
preparative for those gracious consolations which proud unhumbled
spirits are unable to receive; and it is distinctly discriminating, for it
belongs to the elect of God, and to them alone.
The text commands us to rend our hearts, but they are naturally hard as
marble: how, then, can this be done? We must take them to Calvary: a
dying Saviour’s voice rent the rocks once, and it is as powerful now. O
blessed Spirit, let us hear the death-cries of Jesus, and our hearts shall be
rent even as men rend their vestures in the day of lamentation.
12/18 Strength for Today
Genesis 35:16
“And they journeyed from Beth–el; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.”
After Jacob and his wives set up an altar and made a sacrifice to God at Bethel, the Scriptures tell us they took a journey to the city of Ephrath. On their way to Ephrath, again the Scriptures tell us that Rachel, the wife of Jacob, went into labor and delivered a child, but she died after the delivery. This is interesting because the name "Ephrath" means abundance. In between the time that Jacob got right with God to the time of God's blessings, heartache occurred that could have stopped Jacob from going forward and obeying God's commands. Instead of quitting on God, Jacob went forward, and we find God blessed him because of his obedience.
There are many times in the Christian life when there seems to be no good benefit to getting right with God. What I mean by this is there are many instances in our lives when we get right with God over something only to see hard times follow. If we are not careful, we will let those hard times stop us from receiving the blessings that God has in store for us.
Between the Bethel and Ephrath's of our lives, you will find that heartache will come. When the heartache comes, we must not let the heartache stop us from doing what is right.
Do you question the benefit of serving God? Do you sometimes wonder if getting right with God pays off? Did you get right with God about something expecting to see God's blessings, only to see heartache and trials? Christian, when you get right with God, you must realize the Devil is not happy about your action. Because the Devil is not happy about your decision, he will do everything in his power to discourage you before the blessings of God come on your life. Not only will the Devil try to stop you before the blessings of God, God Himself will sometimes allow hard times to come to see if we are serious about our decision. We cannot let the hard times stop us on our journey towards Ephrath.
No matter how difficult the journey may be to the blessings of God, you cannot let anything stop you from those blessings. Hard times will come, and you must expect them. Yes, getting right with God will result in God's blessings on your life, but between your Bethel and Ephrath, you will most likely experience hard times. When those hard times come, don’t give up! Keep going! If you will keep going, you will eventually find yourself in the midst of God's blessings.
“And they journeyed from Beth–el; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.”
After Jacob and his wives set up an altar and made a sacrifice to God at Bethel, the Scriptures tell us they took a journey to the city of Ephrath. On their way to Ephrath, again the Scriptures tell us that Rachel, the wife of Jacob, went into labor and delivered a child, but she died after the delivery. This is interesting because the name "Ephrath" means abundance. In between the time that Jacob got right with God to the time of God's blessings, heartache occurred that could have stopped Jacob from going forward and obeying God's commands. Instead of quitting on God, Jacob went forward, and we find God blessed him because of his obedience.
There are many times in the Christian life when there seems to be no good benefit to getting right with God. What I mean by this is there are many instances in our lives when we get right with God over something only to see hard times follow. If we are not careful, we will let those hard times stop us from receiving the blessings that God has in store for us.
Between the Bethel and Ephrath's of our lives, you will find that heartache will come. When the heartache comes, we must not let the heartache stop us from doing what is right.
Do you question the benefit of serving God? Do you sometimes wonder if getting right with God pays off? Did you get right with God about something expecting to see God's blessings, only to see heartache and trials? Christian, when you get right with God, you must realize the Devil is not happy about your action. Because the Devil is not happy about your decision, he will do everything in his power to discourage you before the blessings of God come on your life. Not only will the Devil try to stop you before the blessings of God, God Himself will sometimes allow hard times to come to see if we are serious about our decision. We cannot let the hard times stop us on our journey towards Ephrath.
No matter how difficult the journey may be to the blessings of God, you cannot let anything stop you from those blessings. Hard times will come, and you must expect them. Yes, getting right with God will result in God's blessings on your life, but between your Bethel and Ephrath, you will most likely experience hard times. When those hard times come, don’t give up! Keep going! If you will keep going, you will eventually find yourself in the midst of God's blessings.
12/18 Crumbs From the Master's Table
1 John 4
“We love him, because he first loved us.” (v. 19)
I have said it before, and will no doubt say it again, “Love responds to love.” Our children only love us because we first loved them! Think of it; when we nurture them, and coddle them, they quickly grow to love us, because of their dependency on us! When we learn to depend on Christ, we will learn to love Him. Love grows from dependency.
God created in us the need for dependence, so that we would, through dependence, demand love. If someone else would have responded with love to our need, we may have loved them instead! I think of our children, and newly born babies, they know not how, nor whom to love! They respond, because they are dependent on us, to whoever meets the need! They learn to love the one who provides for them, no matter who that may be, whether the mom, or the nurses in the hospital, etc., they will grow to love the one that cares for them. Our dependence demanded love, and thereby drew the love of God out of Him, but it was because He implanted the need within us in the first place! Just as we need to be needed, God also needs to be needed, and repays us with love.
New born babies, while in the hospital, learn to love their nurses because they are usually the caregivers, at least at first. They wash them, and check them over, and perhaps are the first to clothe them. The mother then gets to “take over” soon, and the baby learns to love “momma”. Why? Because mom is the one who meets the baby’s needs. At that age, they don’t know what love is, they do not know really who is who, all they know is that this woman is meeting their need, whatever it may be. They learn to love whom they have depended on. When we find our love growing cold, and our heart being wrenched away from the Lord, we need see where our dependency lies. Are we fully depending on Him, or on someone else? It is so easy for us to transfer our dependency to another, but we need to focus on Christ, and trust Him, and depend on Him; it will help us to love Him more. Become dependent on the Lord, and you will love Him more.
“We love him, because he first loved us.” (v. 19)
I have said it before, and will no doubt say it again, “Love responds to love.” Our children only love us because we first loved them! Think of it; when we nurture them, and coddle them, they quickly grow to love us, because of their dependency on us! When we learn to depend on Christ, we will learn to love Him. Love grows from dependency.
God created in us the need for dependence, so that we would, through dependence, demand love. If someone else would have responded with love to our need, we may have loved them instead! I think of our children, and newly born babies, they know not how, nor whom to love! They respond, because they are dependent on us, to whoever meets the need! They learn to love the one who provides for them, no matter who that may be, whether the mom, or the nurses in the hospital, etc., they will grow to love the one that cares for them. Our dependence demanded love, and thereby drew the love of God out of Him, but it was because He implanted the need within us in the first place! Just as we need to be needed, God also needs to be needed, and repays us with love.
New born babies, while in the hospital, learn to love their nurses because they are usually the caregivers, at least at first. They wash them, and check them over, and perhaps are the first to clothe them. The mother then gets to “take over” soon, and the baby learns to love “momma”. Why? Because mom is the one who meets the baby’s needs. At that age, they don’t know what love is, they do not know really who is who, all they know is that this woman is meeting their need, whatever it may be. They learn to love whom they have depended on. When we find our love growing cold, and our heart being wrenched away from the Lord, we need see where our dependency lies. Are we fully depending on Him, or on someone else? It is so easy for us to transfer our dependency to another, but we need to focus on Christ, and trust Him, and depend on Him; it will help us to love Him more. Become dependent on the Lord, and you will love Him more.
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