Daily Walking Close To Thee

The Uttermost Part of the Earth

2012-01-23T07:51:00.000-05:00

Acts 1:8 – “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

During the reign of Oliver Cromwell, there was a shortage of currency in the British Empire. Representatives carefully searched the nation in hopes of finding silver to meet the emergency. After one month, the committee returned with its report. "We have searched the Empire in vain seeking to find silver. To our dismay, we found none anywhere except in the cathedrals where the statues of the saints are made of choice silver." To this, Oliver Cromwell eloquently answered, "Let's melt down the saints and put them into circulation."

Oh, how the Lord wants His saints in circulation. That’s why He commissioned the disciples in Matthew 28:19-20 to “Go … teach … baptize.” In the verse just previous to this Great Commission, He said, “All power is given unto me.” And then here in Acts, He told them, “Ye shall receive power.” And where is that power to come from, “After that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” Paul in Ephesians 5:18 commands us “Be filled with the Spirit.” That’s where our power comes from. And after that happens, we can’t help but be witnesses for Him.

We’ll spread the Good News of the Gospel of Christ everywhere we go – and then some. We’ll spread it to those around about us in our home locale – our Jerusalem. We’ll spread it throughout our home state – our Judaea – and our neighboring states – our Samaria. We’ll spread it through missions throughout the whole world – the uttermost part of the earth.

The Uttermost Part of the Earth

The uttermost part of the earth, He said,
That’s where the Gospel’s to go.
And everyone here who names my Name
Shall be scattered here below.

Take the Good News to your very hometown,
(Which was Jerusalem of old),
And then to your county and also your state,
(In Judaea it must be told).

Then spread the Word to neighboring states,
(In Samaria round about),
And then cover the earth with the truth of God’s Word,
To all men the message shout.

He’s promised to give us pow’r from on high,
When the Comforter dwells in our soul,
And then He would make us to witness for Him,
So that sinners could be made whole.
© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote – “In the midst of a generation screaming for answers, Christians are stuttering.” – Howard Hendricks

Be Not Wise, But Be Wise

2012-01-16T12:34:00.016-05:00

Proverbs 3:7 - "Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the LORD, and depart from evil."

This instructional admonition follows immediately after the command to "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding (v. 5)." God tells us that leaning on our own understanding - a sufficiency in our own ways rather than His ways - is a "way that seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death (14:12 & 16:25)." But man, in his persistent rebellion against God, continues to seek his own way - his own truth - his own wisdom. The apostle Paul tells of the downward spiral of man's depravity when in Romans 1:22, he says, "Professing themselves to be wise, They became fools." Many a fool thinks himself wise. But instead of seeking wisdom from God, he follows his own heart - a heart that cannot discern truth from lies - good from evil.

They Became Fools

I don’t believe the naysayers, Who do not trust the Lord,

Who try to find some other way To go to their reward.

I don’t believe the modernists, Who scoff at God’s true Word.

They try to alter Holy Writ So all the lines are blurred.

I don’t believe the monkey-men, Who say that we evolved –

Those who say the riddle of Life’s origin they’ve solved.

I don’t believe the bone peddlers, Who teach eons of time.

They say that homo sapiens From lower forms did climb.

The way it all boils down, now, For man in his own eyes –

More foolish he continues, Though thinking himself wise.

But if we would follow after God and do His will, we will find the happiness that He promises us in His Word. He tells us in Proverbs 16:20 “He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.” Yes, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 1:7; 9:10; Ps 111:10).” And then again, "Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding (Job 28:28)." The essence of the "Fear of the LORD" is following God's will and accepting the offer of free salvation through His Son Jesus Christ, for it is only through accepting this salvation that a man truly abandons his own will - his own way - his own wisdom - and receives God's gift God's way. In John 14:6, Christ says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

So friend, the choice is out there for you - your way - the way which seems right to man - ending in death - or God's way - through faith in His beloved Son - a way that leads to everlasting life. Y'know, it's pretty much a no brainer. Follow Spurgeon's advice below - our verse says "be not wise" (in your own eyes, that is) and Spurgeon say "be wise" (and look to God).

Quote - “Be wise I pray you, and look a little beyond you. Why shut your eyes and perish? Man, I charge thee by the living God, awake, or hell shall wake thee; look man, or eternity shall soon amaze thee.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

Jehovah Jireh – The Lord Will Provide

2012-01-10T19:38:00.000-05:00

Genesis 22:13-14 – “And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.”

Here is our first in a series of musings upon some of the personal names of God. In this passage, Abraham has just been through a terrible yet terrific ordeal. God has commanded Abraham to take his beloved son, Isaac, to the crest of Mt. Moriah and there offer him as a sacrifice to God. This was not a foreign concept to Abraham, for he hailed from a land that served many false gods that supposedly demanded the human sacrifice, especially that of children. But it was a foreign concept in Abraham’s understanding of Jehovah God. So, to be sure, Abraham’s heart was stirred with a mixture of emotions – confusion – heartbreak – wonder – but he nonetheless set about to do as God had commanded him.

But any who have followed the story know that it was not Isaac that God desired, it was Abraham’s heart – his commitment – his devotion that God wanted. And He knew that to obtain this devotion, Abraham would have to be called upon to be willing to give up that which he loved most in the world. But also, Abraham trusted implicitly in this heavenly being he worshiped and followed. He knew that God, if he required such a sacrifice, would also replace the void that such a sacrifice would leave in the heart of Abraham and Sarah. So when the lad asked him halfway up the mountain as to where was the lamb for the sacrifice, Abraham confidently replied, “God will provide!”

And God did provide. He saw the great faith that Abraham exhibited and stayed his hand from harming the boy, providing a substitute for that day’s sacrifice. But this was only a precursor for the provision that would be made for the salvation of mankind. On this same mountaintop, God would provide Himself a lamb for any who would exhibit the same great faith that Abraham had. And now, any man who would accept the provision, the substitute made by the eternal Lamb of God, would receive eternal salvation.

Abraham called the name of the place Jehovah Jireh, which means literally Yahweh will see to it or Yahweh will provide. This combines the personal name of God for His chosen people with the promise of His provision. Praise His Wonderful Name for His Great Provision!

Jehovah Jireh

My feeble hope in miracles had waned,

My faith that He would soon provide was strained,

Then, prompted by His Spirit, my heart cried,

Jehovah Jireh! My Savior will provide.

“My needs were great but greater than my need

Was He—Jehovah Jireh, so quick to heed

And help, to hold, to hide me from the storm

And shelter through the darkest night till morn.

--Charles U. Wagner

Christ, The Branch

2009-12-03T14:52:00.002-05:00

Isaiah 11:1 – “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:”

Several times throughout the Old Testament, the Messiah is referred to as the “Branch.” Our text above introduces the concept to our minds. The prophet Isaiah announces that one day a Branch will come – a Branch that will grow from a dead, royal line, the house of Jesse. When God wanted a king for Israel, He told Samuel to go to the house of Jesse and there He would show Samuel which of Jesse’s sons he was to anoint as king. All of Jesse’s strong, manly sons came marching through, each one God told Samuel was not the one. But out in the wilderness, tending to the sheep was the youngest son – a fair, ruddy complexioned lad – a poet – a singer – a dreamer. “This is the one,” God told Samuel. “This young lad will become the great psalmist of Israel – this ruddy fellow will become the man after God’s own heart – this little shepherd boy will become the great warrior-king of Zion.” And he was the beginning of a great royal line – David, Solomon, and on and on. And, according to all the prophets, the Messiah would usher in the kingdom of God through this royal line.

So . . . what happened? The line died out. The nation of Israel became divided – the larger part choosing a different king, the smaller part keeping the Davidic line – the people choosing to worship idols and abandon God. Finally God had all He could take, causing the Babylonians to conquer and carry away Zedekiah, the last Davidic king. The royal line of David was gone … caput! So how was the prophecy that a son of David would sit on the throne forever going to be fulfilled now? Well, there would come a “Branch” – a shoot – a sprout – a twig – a rod. Where would this “Branch” come from? It would come from a stem – not a royal family tree – but a stem – a stump – a trunk of a cut-down tree. And it would be the stem of Jesse. How about that!?! New growth from the dead family line of Jesse, once a proud royal tree, now cut down to the ground – all that remained was a stump. In fact, as far as anyone knows, all that remained of this once proud family was two plain commoners living in Nazareth of Galilee, Joseph and Mary. They were all that was left of Israel’s once illustrious royal line.

And one day this stump sprouted forth a Branch, a young, green shoot giving this dead line new life. Yet not only did He give the royal line new life – He gave all men new life. This Branch brought from lowly beginnings, of humanly impossible beginnings, new life from a dead stump. And the greatest miracle of all, He was not here just for decoration, but was here to produce and bear fruit. In Him are hidden great and wonderful promises. This is what made the Apostle Paul say, many years later in 2 Corinthians 1:20 “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” This Branch brings new life to all – salvation to all who will accept the free gift. Imagine that – on His birthday, He gives a precious gift to everyone else. He’s Jesus Christ, the Branch.

Quote – “What those prophets affirm in the metaphor of the Branch is that God will not leave His people without a leader to show them how to be His people.” – Dennis Bratcher

Lo, I Come

2009-12-02T11:57:00.004-05:00

Psalm 40:7 – “Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me.”

Oh what a blessing to see pictures of Christ in the Old Testament. Many of the Psalms are Messianic in nature – that is, they speak of the coming Messiah; His suffering; His sacrifice; His first advent; His second advent; all painting a picture of Christ’s work of forgiveness on the cross. The very religion of the Jews – the yearly sacrifice – the tabernacle in the wilderness – the temple in Jerusalem – all the rituals and ceremonies of Judaism – all point to the coming of the Messiah to “bruise” the head of the serpent.

But here in Psalm 40, the need for salvation is never more evident. Man, created in innocence, has plunged into sin and degradation. Man’s condition was lower than sacrifice and offerings could atone for. And then Christ steps forward and says, “Lo, I come.” Christ is the obedient Servant, coming to earth into man’s sinful race, “encompassed about” by “innumerable evils (v.12).” But why? Why did the apostle in Hebrews 12:2 declare that Christ “endured the cross, despising the shame?”

Why?

What made Christ leave His heavenly home
And take upon Himself humanity?
He did not set aside His Deity, mind you,
He just put on a robe of flesh.

What caused Him to suffer the humiliation of mortality,
He who was immortal?
Why did He identify Himself with sinful fallen man,
He who knew no sin?

What made Him endure the existence of the creature,
He who was the Creator?
Why did He come to dwell among us,
He who had dwelt in glory?

Why did He subject Himself to the ridicule of men,
He who could destroy them with a single word?
Why did He suffer the pain and agony of the cross,
He who was the Lamb of God?

When God created man so many years hence,
He was the crowning of His creation.
He so loved this precious creature,
That He breathed His very Spirit into him.

Yet when man chose to disobey God,
His heart was broken at the sin –
Scripture calls it the “joy that was set before Him.”
His Love answers all the “Why’s.”
© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote – “He whom the ages could not contain, the glorious One who dwelt with the Father for ever unseen, now appeared within the bounds of time and space, and humble shepherds saw him, and adored.” – C.H. Spurgeon

The Profit of Prayer

2009-12-01T08:45:00.002-05:00

Job 22:27 – “Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee.”

In this day and hour, when everyone is seeking profit, let us not forget that there is great profit in prayer. The ancient one tells us that if we make our prayer unto God, He will stop what He’s doing and hear us. The Infinite One – the One who runs this universe – the One who manages the affairs of nations – the One who does great and mighty works – will stop everything and hear our prayer.

Charles Spurgeon related this during one of his sermons: “All the mighty works of God have been attended with great prayer, as well as great faith. Have ye ever heard of the commencement of the great American revival? A man, unknown and obscure, laid it up in his heart to pray that God would bless his country. After praying and wrestling and making the soul-stirring inquiry, ‘Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?’ he hired a room, and put up an announcement that there would be a prayer meeting held there at such-and-such an hour of the day.

“He went at the proper hour, and there was not a single person there; he began to pray, and prayed for half an hour alone. One came in at the end of the half-hour, and then two more, and I think he closed with six. The next week came around, and there might have been fifty dropped in at different times. At last the prayer meetings grew to a hundred; then others began to start prayer meetings; at last there was scarcely a street in New York that was without a prayer meeting. Merchants found time to run in, in the middle of the day, to pray.

“The prayer meetings became daily ones, lasting for about an hour; petitions and requests were sent up; these were simply asked and offered before God, and the answers came; and many happy hearts that stood up and testified that the prayer offered last week had been already fulfilled. Then it was when they were all earnest in prayer, suddenly the Spirit of God fell upon the people, and it was rumored that in a certain village a preacher had been preaching in thorough earnest, and there had been hundreds converted in a week. The matter spread into and through the Northern States. These revivals of religion became universal, and it has been sometimes said, that a quarter of a million people were converted to God through the short space of two or three months.”

Yes, there is great profit in prayer. Oh, more than likely it won’t fill your pockets with cash; it won’t put a Porsche in your garage; it won’t give you a vacation house in the south of France. But it will profit you in ways that you could never imagine – with joy – with peace – with hope. Who knows but that you will pray for God to bless your country and He will send great revival sweeping through the shores of this once-great land. Who knows?

Quote – “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.” – Alfred Lord Tennyson

Remember Lot's Wife

2009-10-06T20:48:00.003-04:00

Luke 17:32 – “Remember Lot’s wife.”

In Luke 17, Christ is teaching his disciples about the days of the coming of the Son of man. He tells them there will be eating, drinking, buying, selling, marrying, giving in marriage, building – all those things that are common in this life. Get that? Common in this life – in this day and age – could be right around the corner. It could be any day now. That’s how close we are to the days Christ is talking about in this passage.

Christ compared the day of his coming to the days of Noah and of Lot. And what happened to those civilizations? They were destroyed by God’s wrath. Noah’s world was destroyed by a worldwide flood, Lot’s by fire and brimstone. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 warns us of God’s wrath outpoured, “Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.” The antediluvian world met with God’s wrath (2 Pe 2:5) – Sodom and Gomorrah met with God’s wrath (2 Pe 2:6) – even the angels that sinned met with God’s wrath (2 Pe 2:4). But this short verse, verse 32 – three short words are here given as an example to those who would reject God’s gracious provision and have to face His terrible wrath.

Remember Lot’s wife – Even though she was married to a righteous man, she was responsible for her own soul and was responsible for her own salvation. And Lot was a righteous man – the apostle Peter tells us in 2 Peter 2:7 & 8, “And delivered just Lot, …(For that righteous man …vexed his righteous soul from day to day…)” But his righteousness was not enough to pull her in on his shirttails – she was responsible for her own actions.

Remember Lot’s wife – Even though she was warned of the wrath that was to come, and even though she was warned not to look back, her actions spoke louder than words. The sinful condition of her soul was such that would not allow her to accept God’s gracious gift of salvation. How many leather-lunged preachers have proclaimed the message of God’s provision from the pulpits, from the street corners, from the radios and televisions across this land warning men, women, boys, and girls of the terrible wrath that is to come if they reject God’s precious Son. Yet teeming masses still tread “the broad road that leadeth to destruction.”

Remember Lot’s wife – Even though she made an effort to be saved, she stopped short of salvation. Such is the damnable position of those deceived by religion. Religion teaches man that they can do it their own way – “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death (Pr 14:12).” Religion teaches salvation by works – religion teaches salvation by will – religion teaches salvation by wealth. But every other way but God’s way leads only to His wrath. Lot’s wife made an effort, but she didn’t come God’s way.

Remember Lot’s wife – Even though she committed only one sin, the sin of disbelief, she was lost without God and suffered His wrath. Though every person is born in sin and commits sins throughout his life, the only sin that condemns a man is the sin of disbelief. Lot’s wife was on her way to deliverance, but that sinful condition ruled her life and she found that she could not give up the life that she enjoyed in Sodom. She looked back lusting after Sodom, and that unbelief condemned her. But everyone that turns from their sin and accepts God’s precious gift of salvation can be spared the outpoured wrath of God and be blessed with eternal life in Him.

Quote – “To an impure heart, God cannot be seen anywhere; but to a pure heart God is to be seen everywhere, in the deepest caverns of the sea, in the lonely desert, in every star that gems the brow of midnight.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

As a Thief in the Night

2009-09-21T09:21:00.005-04:00

1 Thessalonians 5:2 – “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.”

Paul begins this section of his letter to the church at Thessalonica by reminding them that they know the times and the seasons – that’s not an issue. In our lives today, we need to remember the same thing. The times and seasons are well known to us, for we have been preached to for years. We have been instructed in how to read the times and seasons, both of this world and the spiritual world. But knowing and acting on that knowledge are two different things. We know that the Lord will come at any time – that’s the eminence of His return. But in spite of knowing that He will come “as a thief in the night,” it will catch some off guard.

Ezekiel tells us that we are to be watchmen on the walls, shouting out warnings of trouble to come. We are to warn those within the city. We know that the day of the Lord will come soon, yet we continue through our lives in apathy and complacency. We know what shape the world’s in, and we know what to do about it. Some say, “It’s too big a task – we can never get it done.” So they do nothing.

I heard a story once about a young girl who lived in the days when coal was burned for heat. As she attempted to carry a ton of coal a shovelful at a time from the sidewalk to a coal bin in the cellar, she was asked by an onlooker, “Do you expect to get all that coal in with that little shovel?” “Yes sir,” she answered, “if I work long enough.” That should be our response to those who ask us, “There are so many to win – can you win enough?” We should answer, “Yes sir – if I work long enough.”

But the task is large and daunting, and so many don’t take it up. Many have become weak and powerless. They can’t tell of His great love, because they don’t have it in their heart. They neglect God’s Word and prayer. Many haven’t kept themselves free from worldliness, so their garments have become spotted with the world. They have let sin creep in and make them unfit for service. Many have neglected the house of God where we get charged up through the preaching of the Word and fellowship with fellow-believers. They have forsaken the assembling of themselves together. Many have gotten caught up in themselves and their own lives and don’t keep a watch for the souls of men, losing sight of the fact that those souls are lost and bound for a devil’s hell.

My friend, we have the knowledge; we have the solution; we have the command of God. Paul tells us in verse 7 of the same chapter, “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” This is the same admonition we get from Ezekiel to be watchmen on the walls. Our job is to warn those around us of the coming danger. Carry gospel tracts with you everywhere you go, handing them out or just leaving them where others will find them. Always be ready to give a witness to everyone you meet. Live in such a way that others see Christ in you. But please, don’t turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to those souls that are rushing headlong into an eternity without Christ. Time is short - Christ is coming soon - "as a thief in the night."

Quote – “I never begin my work in the morning without thinking that perhaps He may interrupt my work and begin His own. I am not looking for death, I am looking for Him.” – G. Campbell Morgan

If I Had One Day To Live

2009-09-19T12:51:00.010-04:00

1 Samuel 28:19 – “…to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me…”

The story is simple – In 1 Samuel 15, the Bible tells us of God’s command to Saul to complete a task for Him. However, Saul, lifted up with pride in himself, only half completed the task. And then when confronted by the prophet Samuel, he blamed the sin of incomplete obedience on the people. In response to this open rebellion against God’s authority, Samuel informed Saul that God was washing his hands of him. “Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord?” Samuel asked him. Then answering his own question, he added, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”

But Samuel wasn’t finished yet – He had a message from God for Saul. “Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” What a pronouncement! What a blow to Saul! Samuel then set about to find God’s choice to replace Saul as king.

The story continues – Saul continues on his downward spiral until we get to chapter 28. Saul is about to lead Israel into battle against the Philistines. He consults a witch, who summons Samuel's spirit, which tells him that God is going to deliver Israel into the hands of the Philistines and Saul and his sons will be killed. What a sad commentary – Saul goes from a place of prominence – a place of preeminence – a place of royalty – to a place of derision – a place of despair – a place of judgment. “…To morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me….”

Think about it! What would you do if you had but one day to live? What would be the priorities of your life? There used to be an old worldly beer commercial that said you need to grab all the gusto you can get – would that be your priority? Would you try to cram a lifetime of adventure in before you “kick the bucket”?

Here’s what I’d like to think I would do if I had one day to live.
First, I’d be sure I was saved. 2 Peter 1:10 tells us “to give diligence to make your calling and election sure.” There’s nothing more important in this life than salvation. If you go through this life with a false hope of salvation, then you are of all men most miserable. Make sure your salvation lines up with the scripture, not some man’s teachings.

Secondly, I’d make sure my Christian life was up to par. The Bible is very plain about how we are to live as Christians. Romans 12:2 tells us “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” We are to live dedicated, consecrated, sanctified lives before God. For when this life is over, we will be judged for those things done in this life. It’s called the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Thirdly, I’d try to reach my loved ones for Christ. Even the rich man that died and went to hell in Luke 16 asked Abraham that Lazarus might go and tell his brothers not to come to that awful place. Nothing can be sadder than to live our lives on this earth as Christians and never even speak to those we love about their need for salvation.

Fourthly, I’d look forward with joy to dying and going to heaven. You know, this world is scared to death of dying – they don’t know the one that makes death desirable. I know where I’m going – I know I’ll spend eternity in heaven – I have no fear of death. We can rejoice in death, knowing that it is but a passing from this world to the next.

Quote – “People spend too much time making preparations for life on this earth and not making preparations for eternity.” – Dr. Bob Jones, Jr.

God Bless America (First posted July 4, 2007)

2009-07-04T00:00:00.004-04:00

Psalm 33:12 – "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord . . .”

The history of these United States has been etched in blood. Those who have gone before have given their lives to preserve the liberty and the freedom that you and I now enjoy.

From Concord Green, Valley Forge, Kings Mountain and Cowpens came the birth of this great nation. It was built on a belief in God and the realization that our very existence is solely dependent upon Him.

Her defenses were put to the test by the aggressor in 1812. She stood strong. In the mid-nineteenth century, she was torn asunder by the bloody strife of a costly Civil War – a war that shook the very foundation of this great land, but one that made her stronger, more unified, and more powerful. It was destined that we should never again, from that day to this, do battle on precious American soil.

But from thence forward, the American people have answered the call to protect freedom and democracy from the forces of tyranny around the world. We have seen the rise and fall of Nazism, Fascism, and Soviet Communism. Would-be despots have raised their ugly heads around the globe, only to be squashed by the power of this great land. But the American democracy stands tall and proud throughout the world.

God has truly blessed this land. We can proudly display the Stars and Stripes and solemnly pledge our allegiance to the flag and to the country for which it stands. We can feel a thrill of excitement whenever we see that banner unfurled blowing in the wind and hear the resounding chords of The Star Spangled Banner.

Yes, God has wondrously blessed this glorious land. God continues to bless us for the sake of all His children that grace these shores. Our prayer should continually rise up to the heavens – God, Bless America!!

God’s Call To America

Our country so strong and so wondrous Is blessed above any around,

But there is one thing that’s yet lacking, For blessings of God to abound.

America’s great in its stature, But sin and disdain rule the day.

We must come again to the Saviour, And His holy statutes obey.

Our country was founded on virtue – God’s righteousness we did reflect,

And God will continue His blessings If His precious Word we respect.

We must turn our eyes upon Jesus And seek His wonderful face,

And the peace of God will flood o’er us, And we’ll live in His glory and grace.

Quote – “America is great because she is good, and if America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great." – Alexis de Tocqueville

Where Is He?

2008-12-11T00:05:00.004-05:00

Matthew 2:2 – “…Where is he that is born king of the Jews …?”

This is a question that is real in today’s world. Satan is continuing to launch insidious attacks against the Christ of Christmas. Oh, some say that the date of December isn’t really even the actual birthdate of Jesus – we don’t know when His birthdate really was – some say spring – some say fall. And that is true – we don’t know the date. But in reality, we don’t celebrate His actual birthdate – we celebrate His birth. And we just use the traditional date that the Catholic church established. What’s important is not the date, but the event – He actually came into this race of men to provide for us the free gift of salvation.

And back to our original thought, if Satan can fuzzy that up in our thinking – if he can direct our thoughts to Santa (that’s Satan with the letters a little mixed up) – if he can get us to accept the commercialization of the season – if he can even distract us with arguing over the date, etc – then he has won the battle. A national news network has reported about the war on Christmas, and it is a war. But it’s only a distraction. The real issue is leading men to Calvary – and it’s that issue that should be getting all our attention. The devil is not going to win – I’ve read the end of the book. He’ll lose – but let us not let him take men and women with him. Let’s work to snatch brands from the burning.

We’ve Taken Christ Out Of Christmas

Why have we forgotten Jesus
When we should remember Him most?
Why do we live without Him?
Why in our own selves boast?

He gave up the splendors of Heaven
To be born into our worthless race.
For we who were sinners by nature
He was humbled for our sins to erase.

We’ve established a date in December
To celebrate the dear Saviour’s birth.
Yet, we now leave Christ out of Christmas –
We’ve made it a time of fleshly mirth.

We’ve made it a season of snowmen,
And Santa Claus, elves, and reindeer.
We’ve now taken Christ out of Christmas –
We now call it X-mas each year.

We no longer remember His coming –
We now look for Santa instead.
The babe in the manger’s forgotten,
But now a jolly man clad in red.

We need to put in Christ back in Christmas
To get our priorities right,
To give proper worship to Jesus,
And guide others into the light.
© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote – “Ah, Christians, ring the bells of your hearts, tire the salute of your most joyous songs, ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.’” – C. H. Spurgeon

Your Love is Better Than Life

2008-12-08T15:30:00.010-05:00

Psalm 63:1-3 – “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; …because thy lovingkindness is better than life.”

One hot Sunday evening in the middle of the summer I heard Bryan Galloway of the Galloway Family give this testimony: “Thank God there’s a heaven someday. It’ll be sooner than we think, that’s for sure. If Jesus came back right now, I wouldn’t have to go back to North Carolina for a thing. That’s right. I wouldn’t have to go back for a thing. As a matter of fact, I’d as soon go to heaven from right here as anywhere I know of. But the glory that God’s got in store for his young’ns – hey it’s not even entered into our minds. It’s so big and vast it’ll take a glorified body to take it in. But I’m persuaded that God doesn’t just want us to experience heaven someday – I believe God wants us to experience heaven today. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.

They’re in an uproar over there – they’re in absolute, complete, unhindered worship. The weighty presence of God is just so thick and so manifested – Holy, Holy, Holy – and they don’t get familiar with it. Y’know sometimes I’m afraid we get familiar with worship, in a sense. But they don’t get familiar with it, and man what an awesome time it’s going to be. But God wants that in our lives now. Honestly I’ve been in some great services. I was thinking of one service when the power of God hit a church and simultaneously – without any announcement or anybody standing up and saying I want you to do this – everybody in that building hit the floor on their face. I mean the presence of God just came in so thick, you couldn’t help but do it. It was like God just pressed us all down in the dirt and I just cried and squawled, and everybody was crying and squawling.

You say you don’t believe that. Honest before God, that never strained God one bit. There’s more of that – my heart needs it. I don’t know about you, but I’m a square peg driven in a round hole. I don’t fit down here. I’m a misfit down here. I need heaven now in my body and in my soul. That’s what David was crying out for – is for heaven right now and to see God’s glory, that manifested presence as he’d seen it in the past. Hey, I don’t believe God’s done – I don’t believe God’s through – I really don’t. Sometimes I think we think He’s through – we act like He is.” The Galloway Family then sang this song,

Better than Life

In a dry and weary land where is no water, My soul is thirsting for you.
I have seen you in the sanctuary, beheld your power and glory.
My lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live – In your name I will lift up my hands.
Your love is better than life. Your love is better than life.
Earnestly I seek you, my soul is thirsting for you.
Cause your love is better than life.

Because you are my help I will be singing in the shadow of your wing.
I’m staying close beside you. Your right hand upholds me.
I think of you through the night.
With singing lips I will praise. My soul will be satisfied
Your love is better than life. Your love is better than life.
Earnestly I seek you, my soul is thirsting for you.
Cause your love is better than life

O God, you are my God. Earnestly I seek you. I’m longing for you.
O God, you are my God. Earnestly I seek you I’m longing for you.
Your love is better than life. Your love is better than life.

Keith Lancaster

Quote – “How frequently have believers traversed in their experience this dry and thirsty land, where spiritual joys are things forgotten, and how truly can they testify that the only true necessity of that country is the near presence of their God!” – C.H. Spurgeon

God's Phone Number

2008-05-06T11:22:00.010-04:00

Jeremiah 33:3 - "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."

God in His Word tells us to call Him, but so often we don't. And I figured, "Maybe we don't know His phone number." Cause we sure don't spend any time talking to Him. Not long ago I received an e-mail that had these amazing emergency numbers in it. So I thought I would share them here.

A HANDY REFERENCE LIST OF EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS:

When in sorrow.....................................call John 14

When men fail you.................................call Psalm 27

When you have sinned..............................call Psalm 51

When you worry.............................call Matthew 6:19-34

When you are in danger............................call Psalm 91

When God seems far away..........................call Psalm 139

When your faith needs stirring..................call Hebrews 11

When you are lonely and fearful...................call Psalm 23

When you grow bitter and critical.........call I Corinthians 13

When you feel down and out.....................call Romans 8:31

When you want peace and rest..............call Matthew 11:25-30

When the world seems bigger than God..............call Psalm 90

When you want Christian assurance............call Romans 8:1-30

When you leave home for labor or travel..........call Psalm 121

When your prayers grow narrow or selfish..........call Psalm 67

When you want courage for a task..................call Joshua 1

When you think of investments and returns..........call Mark 10

If you are depressed..............................call Psalm 27

If your pocketbook is empty.......................call Psalm 37

If you are losing confidence in people...call I Corinthians 13

If people seem unkind..............................call John 15

If discouraged about your work...................call Psalm 126

If self pride/greatness takes hold................call Psalm 19

If you want to be fruitful.........................call John 15

For understanding of Christianity...call II Corinthians 5:15-19

For a great invention/opportunity................call Isaiah 55

For how to get along with fellow men.............call Romans 12

For Paul's secret to happiness..........call Colossians 3:12-17

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ALTERNATE NUMBERS:

For dealing with fear............................call Psalm 34:7

For security...................................call Psalm 121:3

For assurance....................................call Mark 8:35

For reassurance........................call Psalm 145:18

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PLEASE NOTE: Emergency numbers may be dialed direct. No operator assistance is necessary.

All lines to Heaven are open 24 hours a day!

The Greatest of These is Love

2008-02-14T01:35:00.006-05:00

1 Corinthians 13:13 – “And now abideth faith, hope, and (love), these three; but the greatest of these is (love).”

In a well-used story, newspaper columnist and minister George Crane tells of a wife who came into his office full of hatred toward her husband. "I do not only want to get rid of him, I want to get even. Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has me."

Dr. Crane suggested an ingenious plan "Go home and act as if you really love your husband. Tell him how much he means to you. Praise him for every decent trait. Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate, and generous as possible. Spare no efforts to please him, to enjoy him. Make him believe you love him. After you've convinced him of your undying love and that you cannot live without him, then drop the bomb. Tell him that you're getting a divorce. That will really hurt him." With revenge in her eyes, she smiled and exclaimed, "Beautiful, beautiful. Will he ever be surprised!" And she did it with enthusiasm - Acting "as if she loved him." For two months she showed love, kindness, listening, giving, reinforcing, sharing. When she didn't return, Crane called. "Are you ready now to go through with the divorce?"

"Divorce?" she exclaimed. "Never! I discovered I really do love him." Her actions had changed her feelings. Motion resulted in emotion. The ability to love is established not so much by fervent promise as often-repeated deeds.

What Is A Home?

Just what is it that makes a home?
What ingredients would we find?
Is it pots and pans and ceiling fans,
Or each window with a blind?

Is it couches and beds and closets of clothes
That transform a house to a home?
Is it tables and chairs and carpeted stairs,
Or linens and pillows of foam?

Can anyone give me just one clue
To assist me with my quest?
Is it books and balls and paneled walls,
Or puzzles and toys in a chest?

Is a home just people living out their lives,
All sleeping beneath one roof?
Is it father and mother and sister and brother
That we could offer up as proof?

There’s one thing yet that’s not been told
In any of the verses above.
It warms the soul, makes the family whole –
That missing ingredient is LOVE.
© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote – “Love makes us love; love bought us, sought us, and brought us to the Saviour's feet, and it shall henceforth constrain us to deeds which else would be impossible.” – C.H. Spurgeon

Love the Lord

2008-01-21T19:34:00.000-05:00

Deuteronomy 6:5- “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

"I do love God," said a little girl to her papa one day when he had been talking to her about loving God. "Perhaps you think so, Maria." "Oh, I do, indeed I do, Papa!" "Suppose, my child, you should come to me and say, 'Dear Papa, I do love you,' and then go away and disobey me? Could I believe you?" "No, Papa." "Well, dear, how can I believe you love God when I see you every day doing those things which He forbids? You know, the Bible says, 'If ye love me, keep my commandments.'"

How many of us fail to show our love for God because we do not keep His commandments?He tells us to love Him with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our might. The best proof of this love is to obey His commands, one of which is to love Him. The Psalms also speak much of loving God. Psalm 31:23 instructs, “Love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.” And Psalm 145:20, “The Lord preserveth all them that love him.”

This command is so important that Christ reinforces it in each of the first three gospels when the lawyer came to Him and asked Him which was the greatest commandment. In Matthew 22:37-38, Christ responds, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” In John 14:15, He adds, “If ye love me, keep my commandments,” and in John 14:21, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me.”

The Apostle John takes it a step further in 1 John 2:5, “But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.” Here’s that perfect love that “casteth out fear” of 1 John 4:18. Two verses prior, John says, “God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”

Love the LORD

Love the LORD with all thine heart Is what the Word commands.

Give to Him the praise that’s due With all that’s in thy hands.

Show to Him a heart that’s full Of love so strong and sure

By living here a holy life That’s right and clean and pure.

Love the LORD with all thy soul – To Him above give praise.

Extol Him for His mercies fine, And love Him all thy days.

Give Him thanks for all He’s done – With all thy soul do tell –

Exalt Him over all the world For saving thee from hell.

Love the LORD with all thy might, Yet not thy strength alone.

Put on the righteousness of Christ, And stand before His throne.

For in the strength of His Dear Son, We’ll worship Him above,

And give to Him the proper praise With heart so full of love.

Quote – “God is love. If love is absent, God is absent.” - Unknown

That I May Know Him

2008-01-11T11:35:00.000-05:00

Philippians 3:10 – “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;”

Some years ago at a drawing-room function, one of England's leading actors was asked to recite for the pleasure of his fellow guests. He consented and asked if there was anything special that his audience would like to hear. After a moment's pause, an old clergyman present said: "Could you, sir, recite to us the Twenty-third Psalm?" A strange look passed over the actor's face; he paused for a moment, and then said: "I can, and I will, upon one condition; and that is that after I have recited it, you, my friend, will do the same." "I," said the clergyman, in surprise. "But I am not an elocutionist. However, you wish it, I will do so."

Impressively, the great actor began the psalm. His voice and his intonation were perfect. He held his audience spellbound; and as he finished, a great burst of applause broke from the guests. Then, as it died away, the old clergyman arose and began the psalm. His voice was not remarkable; his intonation was not faultless. When he had finished, no sound of applause broke the silence, but there was not a dry eye in the room, and many heads were bowed. Then the actor rose to his feet again. His voice shook as he laid his hand upon the shoulder of the old clergyman and said: "I reached your eyes and ears, my friends; he reached your hearts. The difference is just this: I know the Twenty-third Psalm, but he knows the Shepherd."

Yes, that’s the difference between a head knowledge about Christ and a heart knowledge and personal relationship with Christ. In order to know Him, we must first trust in Him for salvation. Paul gives the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15 as the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9 tells us, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” So, belief in the resurrection of Christ is crucial to salvation.

Also important to truly knowing Him in salvation is to partake in His sufferings. Hebrews 11:26 tells us that Moses esteemed “the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt.” He saw the necessity to give up the things of this earth and partake in Christ’s sufferings. And just as important is the third component in our verse, “being made conformable unto his death.” We see this in Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ,” and Romans 12:1, “That ye present your bodies a living sacrifice.” Only through knowing Him in salvation do we truly know Him.

That I May Know Him

My desire in this life is to know more of Him
And depend on Him more every day.
I must trust in His strength as I travel this earth,
To sustain every step in the way.

‘Tis the power that raised Him from grave cold and dark
That will keep me attuned to His Will.
That same power bringeth comfort to my weary soul
And maketh my fears to be still.

I have learned to rejoice when troubles abound,
That I might for His sake endure.
For the fellowship of His sufferings so sweet
Keeps my every step steady and sure.

All the great pain that Christ had to bear
During His short time on this earth
Makes me wonder why we deserve any more,
As we strive for merriment and mirth.
© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote – “Anything that gets in your way of knowing Jesus Christ in a personal fellowship is dross in your life – Throw it out!” – Dr. Bob Jones, III

God Became Man

2007-12-25T09:21:00.000-05:00

John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Shortly after Thanksgiving I heard Brian Galloway of the Galloway Family give this testimony: “I appreciate this time of year – I really do. It’s a time when we should enter into an attitude of gratitude – we should be eaten up with it every day of our lives, especially at Thanksgiving when we stop and reflect and meditate on the goodness of God. The psalmist said, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that’s within me bless His Holy Name.” And he says, “Forget not all of his benefits.” I’ll tell you, a lot of people take jobs simply on the basis of benefits. Benefits do matter – they sure do. I’m glad I got hooked up in something that’s got good benefits. Hallelujah! You better believe, praise God, there’s benefits in being a child of God - Fringe benefits. I’m glad I’m saved.

And always around Thanksgiving, we start gravitating into the Christmas season. Y’know a lot of people get pooch-mouthed around Christmas. They really do. You can look at the statistics and more people commit suicide around Christmas and New Year’s than any other time of the year. It’s a time of depression. But y’know, I get to thinking about the incarnation. And I want to crawl under the carpet somewhere and just melt when I think about how far God stepped down and entered flesh so that He could become a sacrifice for this sorry, low-down, good-for-nothing heathen. I’m glad I’m saved tonight. I really am. And don’t let the Thanksgiving and the Christmas humdrums get you down. You just think about the goodness of God – and think about God thinking enough of you to become flesh – and even yonder at the right hand of the Majesty on high right now there is a man Christ Jesus that is eternally locked in a body of flesh and He’s there so that He can be touched by the feelings of our infirmities. I appreciate the incarnation so much. I really do.” The Galloway Family then sang this song, God Became Man.

Well it was tax time in Bethlehem
And there were shepherds tending their flocks in the fields.
The star from the east did shine so bright –
Angels’ voices were heard in the quiet –
And all things were in place for the master’s plan.
Then God became man.

And now God understands my every need
And we walk through paths just God and me
And lest I stumble – lest I stray
His Love is there to show me the way.
A hopeless life is now a master plan
‘Cause God became man.

He’s the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost,
He’s Messiah as the prophets told.
He’s King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Holy, Holy is His Name.
But on that first Christmas morning
God became man.

Quote – “His is the only birth in history to cause every nation in the world to come to a grinding halt every December 25th.” – Ben Carper

An Example in Faith

2007-10-17T11:42:00.001-04:00

1 Timothy 4:12 – “Be thou an example of the believers … in faith.”

It is over five hundred years since brave Columbus sailed the wide, treacherous Atlantic and discovered the new world. Before this there was a belief through much of Europe that there was another land "somewhere." There was much talk and many theories but no facts. After much discouragement Columbus set sail upon the unknown, untried seas. His men were discouraged and secretly determined to throw him overboard if he did not turn back. But he had just one command, "Sail on, sail on, sail on." Finally the coveted land was reached. They were profoundly happy and gave thanks to God. When he returned, after having actually seen the wonderful land, slept upon its shores, and eaten its fruits, his words were not as those of other men. They could theorize and speculate as to its existence or its nonexistence, but it was different with Columbus. He spoke with authority. Men gathered around him to listen.

So it is with the real Christian and with those who have entered the Canaan of perfect love. Others may doubt and scoff, but he has been there. He has met Christ, the great Deliverer from sin. He has experienced the joys of eternal life. He has touched heaven with his prayers. The child of God has been given a touch of glory, and when he speaks of the thrills of that kingdom, he speaks with first-hand knowledge.

A Touch of Glory

Give us a touch of glory divine,
O God of Heaven above.
Stir up our hearts with your Spirit fine,
And fill us with your love.

Breathe upon us, O Holy God.
Shake us from our sleep.
Help as we walk on this earthly sod,
Thy Spirit our souls to keep.

Put us in places of heavenly joy –
Show us Thy Holy Face.
Help us Thy Blessed Spirit employ
In our lives with wondrous grace.

Nuzzle up close to our sinful heart,
And fill our mouths with praise.
Help us not from Thy joy depart
And shout for all our days.
© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote – “I know God lives – I talked with Him this morning.” – Dr. Harold B. Sightler

Evil Communications

2007-10-17T11:42:00.000-04:00

1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”

William E. Brown, in his Making Sense of Your Faith, tells of a farmer in a Midwestern state who had a strong disdain for "religious" things. As he plowed his field on Sunday morning, he would shake his fist at the church people who passed by on their way to worship. October came and the farmer had his finest crop ever--the best in the entire county. When the harvest was complete, he placed an advertisement in the local paper which belittled the Christians for their faith in God. Near the end of his diatribe he wrote, "Faith in God must not mean much if someone like me can prosper." The response from the Christians in the community was quiet and polite. In the next edition of the town paper, a small ad appeared. It read simply, "God doesn't always settle His accounts in October."

Such was the plight of the rich farmer in Luke 12 – God let him prosper and he failed to give God the glory – “Look what I’ve done,” he said. He majored on the ME instead of going to his knees and thanking God. Look at the thinks he says to himself – v. 17 “What shall I do?” – v. 18 “This will I do” – “I will pull down my barns, and build greater” – “There will I bestow all … my goods.” Then he revels in his good fortune – v. 19 “Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” But God had different plans – the farmer had profaned God with his evil communications – and God said to him in verse 20, “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee.” God always has the last word.

And then there’s Belshazzar in Daniel 5 – he blasphemed God by profaning the temple goldware. He was the king (actually more the crown prince – his father was actually king, but he was away and left Belshazzar in charge.) – he was smug in his greatness. He decided to hold a great feast and show off Babylonian prowess to all his friends. He praised the gods of gold and silver and wood and stone – he drank to them from the vessels his grandfather had taken from the temple of God – he gave undue honor to false gods using vessels that had been anointed and sanctified for the worship of the God of heaven. He reveled in his own greatness and the greatness of his false gods. But God had different plans – Belshazzar had profaned God with his evil communications – and God said to him through Daniel in verse 27, “Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.” And verse 30 tells us, “In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.” God always has the last word.

My friend, each of us can share the same fate. We don’t have to shake our fist in God’s face and curse Him to blaspheme God. We can blaspheme God by living a life for self rather than for Him – we can blaspheme God by leaving Him out of our plans – we can blaspheme God by rejecting His Son – we can blaspheme God by denying the clear teachings of His Word. “Evil communications” don’t have to be cursings and railings and blasphemies – they are wrong teaching, wrong thinking, wrong living, wrong beliefs. And as our verse says, they always “corrupt good manners”. The choices you make will affect the whole of your life. Choose well, choose prayerfully, choose to honor God.

Quote – “Live with eternity’s values in view.” – Dr. Harold B. Sightler

Harvest Aplenty

2007-10-03T01:26:00.000-04:00

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 – “To every thing there is a season, … a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.”

Summer’s gone – fall is here. Traditionally the fall of the year is considered the time of harvest. It’s time to harvest that crop which was planted in the summer months. To the child of God, harvest represents something else.

Whether we look to God for His harvest or to ourselves – within ourselves – the harvest most assuredly will come. We see that God provides a time of harvest – physical harvest. Look at Genesis 8:22 – “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest … shall not cease.” The Bible often speaks of the former rains and the latter rains and the time of planting and the time of harvest. Though the earth has been marred by the sin of man, God has promised “seedtime and harvest” in this physical earth.

But the Bible also speaks of a spiritual harvest. Galatians 6:7-9 tells us, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Sin will always produce a harvest – a harvest of corruption – and the harvest of sin will produce an end that will not be pleasing.

But the Gospel will also produce a harvest – a harvest of everlasting life. In John 4:35, Christ tells his disciples, “Lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” He was telling them that the time to harvest the souls of precious men had come. It was time to get busy and spread the Gospel of salvation, as He had just done with the woman at the well. He had told her of the great Gospel of Christ and she had been born again – and not only her, but she had told everyone she met and had brought many others to Christ.

The time is now – for the harvest of judgment is nigh at hand. Matthew 13:39 tells us, "The harvest is the end of the age." And the end of the age is close – one day soon Christ will return to take us home to be with Him, and then it will be too late to spread the Gospel. So “Now is the accepted time; … now is the day of salvation.” Spread the “good news” of the Gospel now, while men can still be reached. Let us follow the example that Christ set for us as He told the Samaritan woman of God’s salvation. Let us tell it far and near and bring in that harvest.

The harvest dawn is near,

The year delays not long;

And he who sows with many a tear

Shall reap with many a song.

Sad to his toil he goes,

His seed with weeping leaves;

But he shall come at twilight's close,

And bring his golden sheaves.

--Burgess

Quote – “The world is full of proofs of his goodness. Every rising sun, every falling shower, every revolving season certifies his faithfulness.” – C. H. Spurgeon

Autumn Gold

2007-10-02T12:22:00.000-04:00

Jeremiah 8:20 – “The summer is ended.”

Yes the summer is ended – winter is approaching – days are getting shorter – nights are getting longer. There are fall festivals galore – festivals to celebrate the harvest. Farmer have put away their planters and their cultivators and are getting out their harvesting tools – their reapers – their sickles – their scythes. Then after the harvest, they will harrow their fields, making ready for their spring planting after the long sleepy winter. Fall is that transitional time between summer and winter. The trees turn beautiful shades of color and begin to shed their leaves to make a rich humus to feed the earth.

Fall represents that time in peoples’ lives when they have reached the peak of life and begin their descent down the other side – middle age if you will. The kids have grown up and moved on with their own lives, concentrating on their careers, looking to their own families for nurturing rather than to mom and dad. It’s the transitional time between the summer years of raising a family and the golden winter years of seniority.

Fall also represents that time in spiritual life of paying for the deeds done in the flesh – the time of harvest. Sowing has been long gone – did we sow good seed or bad seed? – did we sow to the flesh or to the Spirit? – now it’s time to reap what we’ve sown. For after the harvest comes the time of harrowing – breaking up the ground – the time of judgment. What shall be your harvest?

Autumn Gold

Fall is the time of year when all the earth
Begins to take on a new look.
We all admire the beauty of the leaves –
The wonderful reds and golds –
As we drive through hills of splendor.
We relish the scenes of golden sheaves,
Of glorious sprays of autumn grains,
Of bushel baskets filled with fruit
Of a wondrous, plenteous autumn harvest.

Children are all decked out in new fineries
As they return to the rigors of scholarly pursuits.
They soon transform into ghouls and goblins
Roaming the lanes, begging for treats.
Football games and fall festivals
Become the order of shortened, nippy days.
Roasted turkey and pumpkin pie assist us
As we pause to give thanks for blessings divine.
No value can be placed on this Autumn Gold.
© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote - "God is true to his promise. Despite the dreary winter and the damp spring, autumn has come with its golden grain." – C. H. Spurgeon

God Bless America

2007-07-05T11:50:00.000-04:00

Psalm 33:12 – "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord . . .”

The history of these United States has been etched in blood. Those who have gone before have given their lives to preserve the liberty and the freedom that you and I now enjoy.

From Concord Green, Valley Forge, Kings Mountain and Cowpens came the birth of this great nation. It was built on a belief in God and the realization that our very existence is solely dependent upon Him.

Her defenses were put to the test by the aggressor in 1812. She stood strong. In the mid-nineteenth century, she was torn asunder by the bloody strife of a costly Civil War – a war that shook the very foundation of this great land, but one that made her stronger, more unified, and more powerful. It was destined that we should never again, from that day to this, do battle on precious American soil.

But from thence forward, the American people have answered the call to protect freedom and democracy from the forces of tyranny around the world. We have seen the rise and fall of Nazism, Fascism, and Soviet Communism. Would-be despots have raised their ugly heads around the globe, only to be squashed by the power of this great land. But the American democracy stands tall and proud throughout the world.

God has truly blessed this land. We can proudly display the Stars and Stripes and solemnly pledge our allegiance to the flag and to the country for which it stands. We can feel a thrill of excitement whenever we see that banner unfurled blowing in the wind and hear the resounding chords of The Star Spangled Banner.

Yes, God has wondrously blessed this glorious land. God continues to bless us for the sake of all His children that grace these shores. Our prayer should continually rise up to the heavens – God, Bless America!!

God’s Call To America

Our country so strong and so wondrous Is blessed above any around,
But there is one thing that’s yet lacking, For blessings of God to abound.
America’s great in its stature, But sin and disdain rule the day.
We must come again to the Saviour, And His holy statutes obey.

Our country was founded on virtue – God’s righteousness we did reflect,
And God will continue His blessings If His precious Word we respect.
We must turn our eyes upon Jesus And seek His wonderful face,
And the peace of God will flood o’er us, And we’ll live in His glory and grace.
© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote – “America is great because she is good, and if America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great." – Alexis de Tocqueville

Known of God

2007-06-27T14:22:00.000-04:00

Genesis 18:19 – “For I know him.”

Arlington National Cemetery’s website reports: The Tomb of the Unknowns, near the center of the cemetery, is one of Arlington's most popular tourist sites. The Tomb contains the remains of unknown American soldiers from World Wars I and II, the Korean Conflict and (until 1998) the Vietnam War. Each was presented with the Medal of Honor at the time of interment and the medals, as well as the flags which covered their caskets, are on display inside the Memorial Amphitheater, directly to the rear of the Tomb. The Tomb is guarded 24-hours-per-day and 365-days-per year by specially trained members of the 3rd United States Infantry (The Old Guard). The tomb is inscribed with these words, "Here Rests In Honored Glory An American Soldier Known But To God."

Don’t you think it would be terrible to be unknown – to pass through this life – from this life – and remain unknown by any? That would be terrible indeed. But it is even more terrible to be unknown of God. In our text verse, Abraham is being recognized by God as a faithful man. The context of the verse tells us that God knows that Abraham is faithful and will teach his children to be faithful. But isn’t that a wonderful testimony – to be known of God. There are other personages in the Bible that have a similar testimony:

Enoch – Ge 5:22 – “Walked with God”; He 11:5 – “Pleased God”

Noah – Ge 6:8 – “Found grace in the eyes of the Lord”

Abraham – Js 2:23 – “Called the friend of God”

Moses – De 33:1 – “The man of God”; Ne 10:29 – “The servant of God”

Joshua – Nu 27:18 – “A man in whom is the spirit”

David – 2 Sa 5:10 – “The Lord God of hosts was with him”

Job – Jb 1:1 – “Perfect and upright”

And many more …

In Psalm 139:23 the psalmist requests, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.” How many of us can be brave enough to ask this of God? We are usually too busy hiding sins – covering up faults – secreting wicked thoughts. We need to ask God to turn the searchlight of his Spirit on our souls and expose those secret sins – as the psalmist did in Psalm 19:12, “Cleanse thou me from secret faults” and v. 13, “Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins” and Psalm 32:1, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven.” Then cry out to Him for forgiveness as the sweet psalmist of Israel did in Psalm 51, “Have mercy upon me, O God … wash me thoroughly … cleanse me from my sin … purge me with hyssop … wash me … make me to hear joy and gladness … hide thy face from my sins … blot out mine iniquities … restore unto me the joy of thy salvation.” Nothing can be sweeter than to be known of God and have a right relationship with Him.

Quote – “When the dew of God’s Spirit saturates our spiritual nature, it makes the doing of God’s Will an easy matter.” – Dr. F. E. Marsh

Summertime Spiritual Renewal

2007-06-21T09:23:00.000-04:00

Luke 21:30 – “Summer is now nigh at hand.”

One morning in 1888, Alfred Nobel was quite surprised to read his own obituary in a French newspaper. Obviously, it was a journalistic mistake. One of his brothers had died, and a careless reporter had used a prewritten obituary of the wrong man. But as he read, Nobel was shocked and deeply disturbed to learn what the world really thought of him. He was seen simply as the dynamite king, the merchant of death, who had amassed a great fortune out of explosives. Nobel had hoped his inventions would be useful to people and to nations. At that moment, Alfred Nobel resolved to show the world the true purpose of his life. He revised his will so that his fortune would be dedicated to the recognition of great creative achievements with the highest award going to those who had done the most for world peace. Today, we all associate him with the Nobel Peace Prize.

Summer is a time of spiritual renewal. Alfred Nobel recognized the need for a renewed purpose for his life – in just such a way we need to recognize the need for spiritual renewal in our lives. In our younger days, we have memories of summer – memories of hot summer days – memories of hot summer nights. But in this new stage of our lives, we need to “put away childish things” and analyze our present lives and make a renewed effort to move forward for God. If we have truly left our old selves behind as Paul admonished in Romans 6:11, “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord,” then spiritual renewal can be a reality in our lives.

Lazy Summertime Blues

I can recall the hot lazy days of summer
As a child scampering barefoot through the fields
Clad only in cut-off blue jeans.
The hot sun glared above
Causing everything to move a little slower,
Making everyone a bit listless.
The dogs hunted the shade of trees –
The hogs rooted in their wallow –
We called it the lazy summertime blues.

The adults would sit on the porch drinking iced tea,
Speckled strips of flypaper
Blowing in the hot breeze from an old oscillating fan.
We would sit and watch the heat rise –
Yes, heat so hot – so thick –
You could see it rise –
So hot, not even the birds chirped.
The only sound you could hear
Was the feverish buzzing of flies.
© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote – “It would be a great miracle to raise a dead body to life. It would be a greater miracle to put new life in all of you." – Peter Gomes

Godly Fathers

2007-06-17T12:59:00.000-04:00

Ephesians 6:4 – “And, ye fathers, … bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Charles Francis Adams, the 19th century political figure and diplomat, kept a diary. One day he entered: "Went fishing with my son today--a day wasted." His son, Brook Adams, also kept a diary, which is still in existence. On that same day, Brook Adams made this entry: "Went fishing with my father--the most wonderful day of my life!" The father thought he was wasting his time while fishing with his son, but his son saw it as an investment of time. Each of us can look to the past and remember the lessons learned from our dads, the wondrous memories of good times, and those times that were precious to us, even when they didn’t realize it.

I recently heard a message by Robbie Smith, a missionary to Brazil, about lessons he had learned from his father, Buddy Smith, a long-time pastor. He spoke of how thinking about his father led his mind to memories, both good and bad, of days gone by with his dad. Of course, his dad was a preacher and lived a godly life and led his family to live godly lives. His fondest memories were those of great Spirit-filled services that his father had preached and how God had moved mightily. He then proceeded to tell us of some things that he had learned from his father.

First, he said his father taught him to respect the house of God. David said in Psalm 122:1, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” We respect the house of God by faithful church attendance. It’s God’s house where we are taught the precepts of God’s Word. It’s God’s house where we worship God. It’s God’s house where we lift our praises to Him. It’s God’s house where we fellowship with brethren of like precious faith. We respect the house of God by proper behavior. We need to teach our children to reverence the sanctuary – not run around like wild Indians. We need to dress with appropriate reverence to the eternal God – like we are in the holy presence of God not at an amusement park. A proper respect for God’s house is crucial to proper development in the Christian life.

Secondly, he said his father taught him to respect the man of God. 1 Timothy 5:17 says, “Let the elders that rule be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” God has given the man of God charge over our souls – “For they watch for your souls, as they that must give account (He 13:17).” Think about that next time you decide to have the man of God in derision. You complain about him – you talk about him – you disrespect him – you teach your children to do the same. How can he preach the whole counsel of God to you and yours if you constantly disrespect him? God has given the man of God the awesome responsibility of delivering the message of God. “He is the minister of God to thee for good (Ro 13:4).”

Finally, he said his father taught him to respect the Word of God. Psalm 119:11 tells us, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” God’s Word is precious to us – we need to hide it in our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” – and what better way to keep our heart than to fill it with the Word of God. God’s Word helps us to cleanse our way (Ps 119:9) – by heeding it (v. 10) – by hearting it (v. 11) – by hiding it (v. 12). The Scriptures are filled with admonitions to reverence His Word: Philippians 2:16, “Holding forth the word of life.” – Psalm 119:16, “I will delight myself in thy statutes.” – Psalm 119:73, “That I may learn thy commandments.” – Psalm 119:101, “That I might keep thy word.” – Psalm 119:114, “I hope in thy word.” – Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” – John 15:3, “Now ye are clean through the word.”

Quote – “Our very survival as a nation will depend on the presence or absence of masculine leadership in the home." – Dr. James Dobson

The Wife of Thy Youth

2007-06-16T13:00:00.000-04:00

Proverbs 5:18 – “Rejoice with the wife of thy youth.”

Today, June 16, is our wedding anniversary – all those wonderful years with the same lovely lady. It’s amazing how anniversaries turn your mind to memories – and each year that goes by builds more wonderful memories. Happy Anniversary, Hon.

From Family Matters:
Looking for a gift or just a unique way to say "I love you?" What do you give when his dresser is full of cologne and you're both on diets? When she thinks flowers die too soon, and you've already spent next month's paycheck? Here are 21 great inexpensive ways to tell the love of your life just how much you care.

1. Make a homemade card with a picture of the two of you on the cover. Get ideas for a verse by spending a few minutes browsing through a card shop.
2. Write a poem. It doesn't have to rhyme.
3. Send a love letter listing the reasons "Why I love you so much."
4. Pledge your love for a lifetime. Write it on calligraphy or design it on a desktop computer and print it out on parchment paper and have it framed.
5. Plan a surprise lunch, complete with picnic basket, sparkling grape juice and goblets.
6. Bake a giant cookie and write "I love you" with heart shaped redhots or frosting. (Don't worry about the calories, it's not for eating!)
7. Make a coupon book and include coupons for a back rub, a compromise when about to lose an argument, a listening ear when needed, and doing the dishes when the other cooks.
8. Kidnap the car for a thorough washing and detailing.
9. Design your personal crest combining symbols that are meaningful to both of you.
10. Compose a love song.
11. Arrange for someone to sing a favorite love song to you and your love when you're together.
12. Call a radio station and have them announce a love message from you and make sure your love is listening at the right time.
13. Make a big sign such as: "I Love You, Kristi. Love, Joe" and put it in front of your house or her apartment complex for the world to see.
14. Buy favorite fruits that aren't in season, like a basket of strawberries or blueberries.
15. Hide little love notes in the car, a coat pocket, or desk.
16. Place a love message in the "personal" section of the classified ads in your local paper.
17. Florist flowers aren't the only way to say "I love you." Pluck a single flower and write a message about how its beauty reminds you of your love. For greater impact, have it delivered at work.
18. Prepare a surprise candle light gourmet low-calorie dinner for two.
19. Write the story of the growth of your relationship from your perspective, sharing your emotions and your joys. What a treasure!
20. Make a paperweight from a smooth stone, paint it, and write a special love message on it.
21. Promise to change a habit that your love has been wanting you to change.

Quote – “Love is an itch that it takes two to scratch.” – Bobby Grubbs

When Afflictions Come

2007-06-15T10:55:00.000-04:00

Psalm 119:71 – "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."

Why do bad things sometimes happen to good people? Is it God’s chastisement for sin like Job’s three “friends” tried to tell him? Is it God knocking you off of your pedestal every now and then? I once heard someone say that every time they heard a siren go by, they inwardly thought, “That’s because of sin.” What a cynical viewpoint! The Scriptures tell us several reasons why afflictions come. Our text verse gives a good one.

To illustrate, have you heard about the "gator aid" that was given to enlisted men in a Florida training camp during World War II? The daily training for those GIs included a run through an obstacle course. On the final stretch of the endurance test, they had to grab a rope and swing across a broad, shallow pool. Under the blazing southern sun the water looked so inviting to the men that most of them soon developed a habit of making it only halfway across the pond--that is, until an enterprising lieutenant made it the new home for a large alligator. From that day on, the recruits left the ground 15 feet from the water's edge and fell sprawling in the dust on the other side. Likewise, our behavior as Christians must sometimes be shaped by the "encouragement" of the danger of unfavorable circumstances. Without God's loving correction and faithful discipline we would never develop spiritual strength and endurance. If the Lord didn't permit threatening conditions to come into our lives, we'd soon succumb to feelings of self-sufficiency and overconfidence. The next time you feel the pain of a distressing situation, remember the words of David, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."

Sometimes afflictions do come because of sin. Hebrews 12:6 tells us, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” So when afflictions come your way, the first thing you should do is examine yourself – do a spiritual checkup – ask yourself, “Have I committed some sin and not confessed it?” Because God does punish His disobedient children. When a child of God sins, the Holy Spirit immediately speaks to him or her and convicts them of that sin. Our response to that conviction is what determines whether we suffer under the chastening hand of God. If we ignore the Spirit’s warning, then God will judge – and sometimes the judgment of God can be very heavy. God will use whatever it takes to get your attention. The best thing to do is listen to the convicting voice of the Spirit and save ourselves the affliction.

But afflictions aren’t always a result of God’s judgment – sometimes they are for the purpose of bringing glory to God. In John 9:3, after His disciples asked, “Who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?” Christ answered, “Neither … but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” Christ was saying, “Not all affliction is the result of sin – sometimes it’s just so that God can be glorified.” We see time after time in the Scriptures, where God brings about tribulation just so that He can receive glory to Himself.

Sometimes, God brings affliction to test our faith. James 1:3-4 says, “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience … that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Job was perfect before God, yet God let Satan afflict Him – in his family – in his possessions – in his body. His wife advised him to just curse God and die – his “friends” encouraged him to confess his sins – yet Job’s answer was, “Though he slay me yet will I serve Him (Jb 13:15).” What tremendous faith.

So, friend, when you suffer under the heavy hand of tribulation – or see someone suffer affliction – or hear a siren go by – don’t automatically assume the worst – God may be performing a work that we just can’t understand. Just praise God and pray for the one afflicted.

Quote – “Trials only serve to polish the true Christian’s life.” – Unknown

My Peace I Give Unto You

2007-06-12T01:08:00.000-04:00

John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.”

A reporter asked the late President Herbert Hoover, "Mr. President, how do you handle criticism? Do you ever get agitated or tense?" "No," President Hoover said, seemingly surprised at the question, "of course not." "But," the reporter went on, "when I was a boy you were one of the most popular men in the world. Then, for a while you became one of the most unpopular, with nearly everyone against you. Didn't any of this meanness and criticism ever get under your skin?" "No, I knew when I went into politics what I might expect, so when it came I wasn't disappointed or upset," he said. He lowered his familiar bushy eyebrows and looked directly into the reporter's eyes. "Besides, I have 'peace at the center,' you know," he added. Inner peace comes from looking to God, our source. Peace is the gift of Jesus Christ. Jesus, before leaving His disciples, said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you".

In today’s world, everyone is throwing around the word peace – world peace – Middle East Peace – peace here – peace there. But try as they might, the world will never know peace. There is a popular church sign saying: No Jesus, No Peace; Know Jesus, Know Peace. Apart from the Lord Jesus Christ, there can be no peace. He promises His disciples that He would leave peace with them – and then He specifies that it is not the same type of peace that the world seeks after, but it is an inward peace of the heart.

The prophets of Israel knew there could be no peace apart from Christ. Isaiah 48:22 says, “There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked.” He repeats the same statement in Isaiah 57:21, “There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Jeremiah tells us in 6:14 and 8:11, “Saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.” He also says in Jeremiah 14:19, “We looked for peace, and there is no good; and for the time of healing, and behold trouble!” Ezekiel 13:16 says, “The prophets of Israel . . . see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord God.” Such a sad commentary of the times – but alas, the Truth – apart from Him who is the author of peace, there can be no peace.

But as I have quoted so many times, there is perfect peace to be found in Christ. Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Psalm 119:105, “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.”

I rest beneath the Almighty's shade,
My griefs expire, my troubles cease;
Thou, Lord, on whom my soul is stayed,
Wilt keep me still in perfect peace.
Charles Wesley

Quote – “There cannot be any peace where there is uncertainty.” – D.L Moody

Magnify the Word

2007-06-11T01:30:00.000-04:00

Psalm 119:16 – “I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.”

DIARY OF A BIBLE
Jan. 1 -- Read before my owner retired -- several chapters.
Jan. 15 -- Been resting quietly for a week. I suppose my owner has forgotten me.
Feb. 2 -- Clean up. I was dusted along with other things and put back in place.
Feb. 8 -- Owner used me for a few minutes to look up a reference before he went to Sunday school. Carried me.
March 7 -- Dusted and in my old place again. Have been down in the lower hall since my trip to Sunday school.
April 20 -- Busy day. Owner led the N.Y.P.S. and had to look up some references. Had an awful time finding one for it was in the book of Jude, and he was looking in the Minor Prophets for it.
May 5 -- In Grandma's lap all afternoon. She was here on a visit. She let a tear drop on Revelation 21:1-5. I am not used to that, but really enjoyed it.
May 6,7,8 -- In Grandma's lap these three days. Sometimes she reads me and sometimes she talks to me. I surely enjoy this. She had a pencil and marked several passages. She especially marked the 15th chapter of First Corinthians. Seems that she was interested there. She also marked Matthew 5, 6, and 7.
May 10 -- Grandma is gone. She kissed me when she left. Back into my old place again.
June 3 -- Had a couple of four-leaf clovers stuck in me today. Wonder why they did that?
June 25 -- They placed a large envelope in me today. Said it was the deeds to the new place with the insurance papers. They wanted to place them where they would never be bothered
July 1 -- One of the children found me and wanted to know what that black back Book was.
July 3 -- Taken from the shelf and placed in the trunk. Off for a vacation I suppose.
July 7 -- Still in the trunk.
July 20 -- Still in the trunk -- unmolested. Nearly everything else has been taken out.
July 25 -- Back home and in my old place. Quite a journey, but really I don't see why I was taken.
August 1 -- Very hot. Have the Sunday paper, two magazines, three novels, and some old clothes lying on me. Don't see why they don't take them off.
Sept. 1 -- Dusted and back in place.
Sept. 3 -- Used by William a few minutes. He was writing a letter to a friend, who had lost a loved one, and wanted a comforting verse.
Oct. 2 -- A neighbor dreamed a dream and having no Bible of her own, she came in and looked through me a few moments to see if she could find "And it came to pass."
Oct. 14 -- The pastor called, and wanted to read a chapter before prayer, but some. way I was not in place and could not be found.
Oct. 30 -- Dusted and in my old place again.

This is how most of us treat the precious Word of God. We leave it sitting on the shelf or on the coffee table gathering dust until we may need it. We don’t magnify it. How can you magnify the Bible? Make it yours – apply it to your life – live it – breathe it – study it – memorize it – meditate on it.

First, you need to accept it as the Word of God. It is not just the words of some man – like those of Shakespeare or Milton – they are the very words of God. It is inerrant – “All thy commandments are faithful (Ps 119:86)” – “I esteem all thy precepts … to be right; and I hate every false way (Ps 119:128).” It is pure – “Thy word is very pure (Ps 119:140).” It is righteous – “The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether (Ps 19:9).” Second, acknowledge the purpose of the Word of God. It is a cleansing agent – meant to cleanse your way – “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word (Ps 119:9).” Then, ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand it – “Open thou mine eyes,that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law (Ps 119:18).” We must magnify the Word in our lives for out of it flow the issues of life. Christ Himself, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, said in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” God’s words are important and must be treated so.

Quote – “The Bible is our “Him” book – It’s all about “Him.” – Dr. Jimmy Robbins

Live the Word

2007-06-10T01:21:00.000-04:00

Genesis 17:1 – “I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.”

The founder of Kraft Foods was an outstanding Christian. Mr. Kraft spent the last few winters of his life in Miami. He had an invitation to address a convention in San Francisco, and the newspapers of Miami made note of it. The night before he left for San Francisco, the telephone rang. A woman's voice, filled with sadness, said, "Mr. Kraft, I see by the paper that you are going to San Francisco tomorrow. I want to ask a favor. My son is in Alcatraz for life. I write him and send him gifts, but he has never responded. Would you please go see him, and ask him just to write me a note? Kraft agreed to the lady's request. He went to the prison and was granted permission to visit the young man. He started down the corridor to where it turned right, to the visiting room. Just as he made the turn, a big hand shot out in front and clamped him by the chest, and a voice said, "Stand perfectly still, Mr. Kraft, don't move for a moment." Kraft said he heard a buzzing sound... then a voice said, "OK, Mr. Kraft, you're clean." Offended, he asked, "What do you mean, 'I'm clean?' Of course I am!" "I mean," said the guard, "that you don't have anything that you should not take to the visitor's room." The guard told Kraft what he had in his pocket. He went on down the hall thinking to himself, "Suppose Christ would stop me around the next corner and say, ‘Stand still, Kraft, let me see if your heart is clean inside.’" Said James Kraft, "I stopped where I was and asked God to examine me."

It’s not enough that we should read God’s Word – or that we should meditate on God’s Word – or that we should obey His Word – or that we should share His Word – but we should also live the Word of God. All those things previously mentioned are fairly easy to accomplish, but when it comes to living it – or practicing what you preach – it becomes a little more difficult. It becomes a matter of not just obedience, but of personal holiness. You can obey the letter of the law, just as the Pharisees did, but as Christ said, they “omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith (Mt 23:23).” And He pronounced condemnation upon them for their hypocrisy.

But we can live in such a way as to be set apart from that hypocrisy if we will first of all make sure of your own salvation. We read in 2 Peter 1:10, “Brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure.” Of a certainty, you cannot live a life of commitment and consecration without first being saved and making sure that your salvation is based upon the principles of Scripture and not some emotional experience or the like. How often Satan deceives people with a counterfeit salvation – one based on feelings – or experience – or dogma – or some other such nonsense other than the clear teachings of the Word of God. So, examine yourself and make it sure.

Secondly, sell out to Him. Romans 12:1-2 tells us, “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. 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.” You can never live the Word of God as He commands unless you first give yourself totally to Him – body, soul, and spirit.

Then, seek the filling of the Spirit of God. Ephesians 5:18 tells us, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” Living a Spirit-filled life should be the goal of every child of God. Empty yourself of self and let the Spirit fill you. Give Him full control of your life and everything in it, and you will fulfill the admonition God made to Abraham, “Walk before me, and be thou perfect.”

Quote - "Holiness does not consist in mystic speculations, enthusiastic fervours, or uncommanded austerities; it consists in thinking as God thinks, and willing as God wills." – John Brown, 19th-century Scottish theologian

Share the Word

2007-06-09T01:07:00.000-04:00

2 Timothy 2:2 – “The same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

Warren Wiersbe tells of a man who once testified in one of D.L. Moody's meetings that he had lived "on the Mount of Transfiguration" for five years. "How many souls did you lead to Christ last year?" Moody bluntly asked him. "Well," the man hesitated, "I don't know." "Have you saved any?" Moody persisted. "I don't know that I have," the man admitted. "Well," said Moody, "we don't want that kind of mountaintop experience. When a man gets up so high that he cannot reach down and save poor sinners, there is something wrong."

How many of us get so busy reading God’s Word, living the Christian life, and sitting in our churches soaking in more and more listening to the preaching of the Word and never tell a single soul about God’s saving grace? We become just like the Dead Sea, taking in water rich in salt and minerals and other wondrous substances but never letting it out – there are no outlets from the Dead Sea. By doing so, we become stagnant – stinking – trashy. We cannot continue to take in – get more – receive God’s goodness and never give it out to others. We must share the Word – share our faith – share the truth of God’s great gospel. This is part of His Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Share with others what God has taught you through your experiences with Him. He deals graciously with you – deal graciously with others. He’s given you the precious gift of salvation – share that gift of salvation with others. He blesses you every day with His bounty – share that bounty with others. In Mark 5:19, Christ tells the former demoniac, “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” It’s important to tell our friends and family of the salvation experience that we have had. Share the good news of salvation.

Share with others what God has taught you through the reading of His Word. When you read His Word, He has nuggets of gold and silver for you – lessons to teach you – messages just for you. And as the Holy Spirit guides you in all holiness, He will teach you truths that are beyond imagination. And He expects you to pass these truths along to others. Share the treasures of the Scripture with those you meet in this life every day. Be a living testimony, as Matthew 5:16 teaches, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” You have heard it said that we may be the only Bible that some people ever read. Share the truths of His Word.

Share with others what God has taught you of His great love. God loves you with an undying love – He loves all his children with an undying love. John 1:12 says, “But as many as received him, to them gave he the power to become sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” If you receive Christ as Saviour, then you become a child of God – and He loves you like a child of His. So it is crucial that we tell others of that great love. Tell others “God loves you” – or “Jesus loves you” – or better yet “Jesus saves.” Remember, Christ admonishes us in Acts 1:8, “Ye shall be witnesses.” Share His great love.

Quote – “What makes the Dead Sea dead? Because it is all the time receiving, never giving out anything. Why is it that many Christians are cold? Because they are all the time receiving, never giving out anything.” – D. L. Moody

Obey the Word

2007-06-08T13:11:00.000-04:00

Joshua 1:8 – “Observe to do according to all that is written therein.”

Roger Staubach who led the Dallas Cowboys to the World Championship in '71 admitted that his position as a quarterback who didn't call his own signals was a source of trial for him. Coach Landry sent in every play. He told Roger when to pass, when to run and only in emergency situations could he change the play (and he had better be right!). Even though Roger considered coach Landry to have a "genius mind" when it came to football strategy, pride said that he should be able to run his own team. Roger later said, "I faced up to the issue of obedience. Once I learned to obey there was harmony, fulfillment, and victory."

So it is with the child of God. In Matthew 28:20 Christ commands, “Observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” These commands to be obeyed are found in God’s Word. The Lord wants us to obey Him. Jesus said in Matthew 7:21, "Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in Heaven." God blesses those who obey His Word. But so often, men rebel against the authority of God’s Word and choose to disobey, thinking the commands of the Bible as trivial. Andrew Bonar, a Scottish preacher of the nineteenth century, said, "It is not the importance of the thing, but the majesty of the Lawgiver, that is to be the standard of obedience...Some, indeed, might reckon such minute and arbitrary rules as these as trifling. But the principle involved in obedience or disobedience was none other than the same principle which was tried in Eden at the foot of the forbidden tree. It is really this: Is the Lord to be obeyed in all things whatsoever He commands? Is He a holy Lawgiver? Are His creatures bound to give implicit assent to His will?"

You will find that obedience to God’s commands brings peace of mind. Christ in John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” The sweet psalmist of Israel tells us in Psalm 119:165, “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Isaiah 26:3 promises, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Obedience brings blessings from God. Deuteronomy 2:2 says, “And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.” In Luke 11:28, the Lord Jesus said, "Blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it." The blessings of God are ours for the claiming – all He expects of us is obedience to His Word.

Obedience brings glory to God. Psalm 56:10 says, “In God will I praise his word: in the Lord will I praise his word.” Psalm 105:45 – “That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the Lord.” Psalm 119:7 – “I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.”

To return to the illustration of Roger Staubach, God has given us the playbook – He sends in our instructions through it – He expects us to obey them. When we bow to His Will we will have harmony, fulfillment, and victory in our Christian lives.

Quote – “The cost of obedience is nothing compared with the cost of disobedience.” – Richard Baxter

Meditate on the Word

2007-06-08T00:47:00.000-04:00

Joshua 1:8 – “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night.”

According to James Hamilton, there are two kinds of Bible readers--those who skim the surface and those who dig deep. He describes them by comparing them to two common insects. He writes, "One is remarkable for its imposing plumage, which shows in the sunbeams like the dust of gems; as you watch its jaunty gyrations over the fields and its minuet dance from flower to flower, you cannot help admiring its graceful activity, for it is plainly getting over a great deal of ground. "But in the same field there is another worker, whose brown vest and businesslike, straightforward flight may not have arrested your eye. His fluttering neighbor darts down here and there, and sips elegantly wherever he can find a drop of ready nectar; but this dingy plodder makes a point of alighting everywhere, and wherever he alights he either finds honey or makes it. If the flower-cup be deep, he goes down to the bottom; if its dragon- mouth be shut, he thrusts its lips asunder; and if the nectar be peculiar, he explores all about till he discovers it. . . His rival of the painted velvet wing has no patience for such dull and long-winded details. . . The one died last October. The other is warm in his hive, amidst the fragrant stores he has gathered." Which type of Bible reader are you? Butterfly or bee?

Which indeed? Are you one who flits about the task of Bible reading – skimming here and skimming there – touching the surface as you go? Or are you one who digs deep as Alexander Pope suggests in his “Essay on Criticism?” He says, “A little Learning is a dang'rous Thing / Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian Spring / There shallow Draughts intoxicate the Brain / And drinking largely sobers us again.” Now Pope was speaking of intellectualism, but let’s apply it to our Bible reading habits. “Drink deep,” he says. The Word is often referred to in the Scriptures as water – so, friend, when you read, drink deep – mull it over – meditate on it. Many times in the Psalms, a passage ends with the word Selah. Scholars vary on the meaning of this little word, but the consensus is that it means “pause and reflect” or “meditate on this.”

There are many scriptures that teach us the importance of meditating on what you’re reading in God’s Word. Oh, most of us agree that reading His Word is important to the Christian life, but meditating on it is just as important. 2 Timothy 2:7 says, “Consider (or think about) what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.” Psalm 119, the great psalm in which every verse extols the precious Word of God, tells us several times to meditate on it – v. 15, “I will meditate in thy precepts;” v. 23, “Meditate in thy statutes;” v. 48, “I will meditate in thy statutes;” v. 97, “Oh how I love thy law! It is my meditation all the day;” v. 99, “Thy testimonies are my meditation;” v. 148, “That I might meditate in thy word.” It’s only through a consistent meditation on the Word of God, that the Christian can learn to eat the meat of God’s Word that Paul speaks of in 1 Corinthians 3:2, “I have fed you with milk, and not with meat.” Dig deep and pull out those gems and precious stones. Ask yourself, “What is God saying to me in particular?” He has a message just for you every time you open the pages of Scripture – so, dig deep to find out what it is. Selah – Meditate on this!

Quote – “God’s Word is a song to give me joy, gold to make me rich, food to make me strong, light to make me sure, God’s heritage to make me whole.” – Dr. Ed Nelson

Read the Word

2007-06-06T22:58:00.000-04:00

1 Timothy 4:13 – “Till I come, give attendance to reading.”

I read once in the Reader's Digest of a couple who tried to teach their children the importance of reading the Bible. When their oldest son left for his freshman year at college, his parents gave him a Bible, assuring him it would be a great help. He was, of course disappointed that they didn’t give him money. Later, as he began sending them letters asking for money, they would write back telling him to read his Bible, citing chapter and verse. He became exasperated with their constant hounding, so he would reply that he was reading the Bible--but he still needed money. When he came home for a semester break, his parents told him they knew he had not been reading his Bible, for they had tucked $10 and $20 bills by the verses they had cited in their letters.

Paul tells young Pastor Timothy to keep up his Bible reading, for it’s there that he would find answers to all the issues of life. Let’s look at some of them: (from an e-mail I received)

You say: “It’s impossible.” God says: “All things are possible.” -- Lk 18:27 – “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

You say: “I’m too tired.” God says: “I will give you rest.” -- Mt 11:28 – “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

You say: “Nobody really loves me.” God says: “I love you.” -- Jn 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.”

You say: “I can’t go on.” God says: “My grace is sufficient.” -- 2 Co 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

You say: “I can’t figure things out.” God says: “I will direct your steps.” -- Pr 3:6 – “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

You say: “I can’t do it.” God says: “You can do all things.” -- Ph 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

You say: “I’m not able.” God says: “I am able.” -- 2 Co 9:8 – “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye … may abound to every good work.”

You say: “It’s not worth it.” God says: “It will be worth it.” -- Ro 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.”

You say: “I can’t forgive myself.” God says: “I forgive you.” -- Ro 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.”

You say: “I can’t manage.” God says: “I will supply all your needs.” -- Ph 4:19 – “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

You say: “I’m afraid.” God says: “I have not given you a spirit of fear.” -- 2 Ti 1:7 – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

You say: “I’m always worried and frustrated.” God says: “Cast all your cares upon ME.” -- 1 Pe 5:7 – “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

You say: “I’m not smart enough.” God says: “I will give you wisdom.” -- 1 Co 1:30 – “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom.”

You say: “I feel all alone.” God says: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” -- He 13:5 – “For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Quote – “Within the covers of one single book, the Bible, are all the answers to all the problems that face us today--if only we would read and believe.” – Ronald Reagan

Keep Me Near to the Heart of God

2007-06-05T10:42:00.000-04:00

Psalm 73:28 – “But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.”

In this day and age when sin and ungodliness run rampant throughout all levels of society, the need is great for us to get closer to God. But this is not new to our age – the psalmist faces the same problem in Psalm 73. He becomes envious of those who gain power and riches and seem to be immune to the judgment of God. This is a condition that we face even today. The songwriter says thus, “Then do we wonder why others prosper, / Living so wicked year after year.”

Asaph starts the psalm by declaring God’s goodness to men of clean heart – then he continues, declaring his own backslidden condition. He speaks of envy (v. 3), pride and violence (v. 6), corruption and wickedness (v. 8), rebellion against God (v. 9). He even questions whether God even knows what is going on (v. 11). This thought culminates in verse 12 – “Behold these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.” This really plagued Asaph – he said, “When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me (v. 16).”

Then he went to church – “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end (v. 17).” In the sanctuary of God his eyes were opened – his heart was cleansed – his understanding was awakened. What was the source of this awakening? Verse 24 – “Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel.” Verse 26 – “God is the strength of my heart.” This new understanding came to him directly from God the Father. And what was the truth that was imparted to him? Verse 27 – “For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish.” Isn’t this a wonderful incentive to draw near to Him? We have this promise in James 4:8, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”

Keep Me Near to the Heart of God

Lord, have Thy way in my life today.
Teach me to seek Thy face in all I do.
Help me to live in Thy presence, Lord,
And to depend upon Thy Word so true.
Keep me tuned to Thy Will, My life O Spirit fill,
And keep me near to the heart of God.

When I submit to Thy Spirit, Lord,
The perfect peace of God will fill my heart.
Then He will give me my heart’s desire,
And to my life each day His grace impart.
If I will lean on Thine arm, Thou wilt shield me from alarm,
And keep me near to the heart of God.
© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote – “The current of man's soul ran before towards evil; but the moment that he finds that Jesus Christ died for him, and that his sins are forgiven him for Christ's sake, the whole stream of his soul rushes in the other direction towards that which is right.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

Put That On My Account

2007-06-04T08:20:00.000-04:00

Philemon 18 – “If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught, put that on mine account.”

The Apostle Paul finds himself in a position where he can perform a great deed of mercy in the life of a needy soul. A poor slave, Onesimus, had escaped from his master, Philemon, and had apparently purloined some amount of money in his escape. Now whether Onesimus was actually “owned” by Philemon is not known, but it is evident that he was legally in his employ and accountable to him. And he had broken the chain of his accountability and escaped to Rome, where he ended up in the presence of the great apostle. Then Paul, in God’s grace and mercy, led him to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Now born again, Onesimus must right the terrible wrong he had done and is sent by Paul to return to his master and seek forgiveness, no longer as only a slave, but now as a brother. Then Paul makes that gracious offer to Philemon – “If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught, put that on my account.” “Charge it to me,” he says, “I’ll pay the debt.”

This is the same offer that Christ makes for each one of us – He looks to God, the Almighty God, and says of every one who has claimed the blood, “He’s under the blood now, O Father, if he has wronged thee (and we have – ‘All have sinned and come short of the glory of God’), or oweth thee aught (and we do – ‘For the wages of sin is death’), put that on my account.” And all our sins have been imputed to his account – and all His righteousness is imputed to us. This is the wondrous doctrine of imputation.

To illustrate this doctrine, I once heard of a missionary who was speaking to a group of fishermen in a little village on the coast of Labrador. He had told of Christ's death on the cross and was trying to get the message of salvation across. He wondered if he was getting anywhere, if the men understood him, so he asked a question: "Will you tell me in your own words what Christ did when He died upon the cross?" "Yes," said a weatherbeaten fisherman, tears coursing down his face, "I just now saw what He did. He swapped places with me. He took my place on the cross and left me here in his place, a man without sin in God's sight. Oh praise His name!"

Martin Luther wrote, "All the prophets did foresee in Spirit that Christ should become the greatest transgressor, murderer, adulterer, thief, rebel, blasphemer, etc., that ever was or could be in all the world. For he, being made a sacrifice for the sins of the whole world is not now an innocent person and without sins...but a sinner." He was, of course, talking about the imputing of our wrongdoing to Christ as our substitute. He continues, “Our most merciful Father...sent his only Son into the world and laid upon him...the sins of all men saying: Be thou Peter that denier; Paul that persecutor, blasphemer and cruel oppressor; David that adulterer; that sinner which did eat the apple in Paradise; that thief which hanged upon the cross; and briefly be thou the person which hath committed the sins of all men; see therefore that thou pay and satisfy for them. Here now comes the law and saith: I find him a sinner...therefore let him die upon the cross. And so he setteth upon him and killeth him. By this means the whole world is purged and cleansed from all sins."

Put That On My Account

Yes, upon cruel cross, Christ looked across the ages
And, seeing every sinner that every lived
And that would ever live (including me and including you)
And all the awful sins of mankind,
Lovingly said, “O Father, put that on my account.”
Now, because I have trusted in Him,
When God looks at me,
He sees only the precious blood of Christ
And softly whispers, “Forgiven.”

Quote – “When we see Christ on the cross, we see what we are and what we ought to be.” - Unknown

What is Truth?

2007-05-09T22:10:00.000-04:00

John 18:38 – “And Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?”

According to George Barna of the Barna Research Group, when asked the question, “Is there absolute truth?” in a recent survey, only 22% of adult respondents answered in the affirmative. In a similar survey by the Los Angeles Times, among born-again adults only 44% responded positively. Among born-again teenagers, only 9% said that there is absolute truth. These are staggering results. But this is not a new problem. In 1970, Johnny Cash released the song “What is Truth?” asking each person to look inside to a see a greater truth. The country had just come through a decade of turmoil with race riots, assassinations and war protests. A growing chasm existed between the youth of the day and current leaders. Cash risked open criticism to reemphasize the message of the youth and a refocusing on a greater truth. He was said to have once infuriated Richard Nixon by performing this anti-authority song during a performance at the White House. Here’s one of the four verses: A young man sittin' on the witness stand / The man with the book says "Raise your hand" / "Repeat after me, I solemnly swear" / The man looked down at his long hair / And although the young man solemnly swore / Nobody seems to hear anymore / And it didn't really matter if the truth was there / It was the cut of his clothes and the length of his hair / And the lonely voice of youth cries / "What is truth?"

This a question for which the answer has been sought for centuries – What is Truth? Pilate asked this of Jesus in response to Christ’s statements in the previous verse, “Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” Then Pilate asked “What is truth?” He did not even wait for a response, but immediately when back out to speak to the Jews, so it was probably a rhetorical question, or at least one that he thought there was no answer to. Apparently even today, most people think there is no answer to it.

But had Pilate waited for a response, Christ would have probably revealed to him the essence of truth. He had actually been considering that same concept in His prayer in the previous chapter. In John 17:17 Christ prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” The blessed Word of God – the eternal Word of God – the living Word of God – “Thy word is truth.” And just as the Word of God, according to the psalmist, “The truth of the Lord endureth forever (Ps 117:2).” And then “After that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation (Ep 1:13),” “Whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel (Co 1:5),” and “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth (Js 1:18).” So Christ would have revealed to Pilate that the Word of God is truth.

And what, or who, is the personification of that living Word – Christ Himself. Look at John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” And verse 14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us … full of grace and truth.” Yes, Christ Himself is the Truth – He says so in John 14:6, “I am the … truth.” And in John 8:31-32, “Then said Jesus unto those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” So it is very important that each of us trust in Christ for salvation – He is the truth – His way is the truth – His Word is the truth. So trust in Him – believe in Him – have faith in Him.

Quote – “Naked truth can walk down Main Street and never blush.” – Bob Jones, Sr.

The Way

2007-05-04T11:59:00.000-04:00

John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

I recently heard a radio preacher expounding this verse. He said he was once out in a rural area looking for someone’s home. He wasn’t having any luck finding the place on his own, so he did the unthinkable and stopped at a store and asked directions of a customer coming out the door. “Well,” began the customer, “You go up here to the third road and take a right. Then you go to the seventh mailbox and take a left. Cross three branches and look to your right for a herd of cows – right across from those cows you take another left. Go three gravel roads, not dirt now, and take another left. The house you want will be the fourth house on the right. You got that now?” The radio preacher asked his audience if they had ever experienced directions like that that totally befuddle you as you try to keep them straight in your head. He continued his story saying that he responded that he didn’t know if he could keep all that straight or not. “Well,” the kind-hearted stranger replied, “I’m going that way just follow me.” The preacher then drove his point home to the congregation by asking, “Now, would you prefer to follow directions about the way or would you prefer to follow the way? That stranger became the way for me, and it was surely a lot easier to follow the way than to try to keep straight his directions about the way.”

And that’s what Christ is to us. He is the Way! There is no other way. All roads may lead to Rome, but all roads do not lead to heaven – as some religionists would have you believe. There’s no alternate avenue – Christ says, “It’s my way or the highway.” Matthew 7:13-14 gives us this instruction, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” His is a narrow way – His is a hard way – His is an unpopular way – BUT His is the only way! Any other way leads only to destruction in the pits of hell.

Man, in his egotism and rebellion, has devised many other ways. Humanism, pragmatism, philosophy, religion – they are all man’s inventions to try to make his own way to heaven – they have “hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water (Je 2:13) – they have become “thieves and robbers (Jn 10:8)” who try to steal their way into the way. John Bunyan spoke of these who tried to climb over the wall into the way in his Pilgrim’s Progress. The wise man of the Bible says in Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” God must have considered this verse extremely important as He repeats it almost word for word in Proverbs 16:25. John 10:1 tells us, “He that … climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.” Man must give up his puny attempts to find another way and come God’s way – through the Lord Jesus Christ.

And in Proverbs 22:6, God instructs us to “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” So we are not only to walk in the way ourselves, but we are to educate our children in the way. We are to teach them from birth about the Lord Jesus Christ and His commands to us. We are to teach them to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Pr 3:5-6).” This promise is made to us – if we’ll teach our children about The Way – guide them in The Way – teach them to follow The Way – then He will keep them in The Way.

Quote - "The grace of God hath power to bring salvation to all men," and if a man is unsaved it is because he wants to work it out; he wants to receive salvation in some other way than God's way; but we are told that "he that climbeth up another way, the same is a thief and a robber." – D. L. Moody

Rules for Marriage

2007-05-03T10:17:00.000-04:00

Proverbs 5:18 – “Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.”

During his courtship with a young woman named Julia Dent, Ulysses S. Grant once took her out for a buggy ride. Coming to a flooded creek spanned by a flimsy bridge, Grant assured Julia that it was safe to cross. "Don't be frightened," he said. "I'll look after you." "Well," replied Julia, "I shall cling to you whatever happens." True to her word, she clung tightly to Grant's arm as they drove safely across. Grant drove on in thoughtful silence for a few minutes, then cleared his throat and said, "Julia, you said back there that you would cling to me whatever happened. Would you like to cling to me for the rest of our lives?" She would, and they were married in August 1848.

“I shall cling to you whatever happens.” – Oh, what a promise – what a delight – what a wondrous thing. Such should be the promise of every husband and wife to one another. Ecclesiastes 9:9 tells us, “Live joyfully with thy wife whom thou lovest.” This is one of many passages in the Bible that deal with the marriage relationship. It is easy to understand why the Bible deals so much with marriage, as this is how God pictures His relationship with Israel and how Christ pictures His relationship with the church. Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” The Song of Solomon is a beautiful picture of the marriage relationship – representative of the beautiful relationship that we have with Him.

I heard once of a couple who married for 15 years began having more than usual disagreements. They wanted to keep their marriage intact and agreed on an idea the wife had. For one month they planned to drop a slip in a "Fault" box. The boxes would provide a place to let the other know about daily irritations. The wife was diligent in her efforts and approach: "leaving the jelly top off the jar," "wet towels on the shower floor," "dirty socks not in hamper," on and on until the end of the month. After dinner, at the end of the month, they exchanged boxes. The husband reflected on what he had done wrong. Then the wife opened her box and began reading. They were all the same, the message on each slip was, "I love you!"

Now, experts tell us an average of 13,500 people get married every day in our country. And these marriages range from eternal bliss to virtual warfare. Those who live in bliss have learned that for a marriage to work, both parties must give up self and all its selfishness and learn to become one. Dr. Jimmy Robbins always said, “I got married to love, not to fight.” One Sunday he gave us 10 rules for a happy marriage. I’ll close today with those rules, most attributed to Ann Landers:

1 – Never both be angry at the same time.
2 – Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire.
3 – If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your mate.
4 – If you must criticize do it lovingly.
5 – Never bring up mistakes of the past.
6 – Neglect the whole world rather than each other.
7 – Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled.
8 – At least once every day try to say one kind or complimentary thing to your life’s partner.
9 – When you have done something wrong, be ready to admit it and ask for forgiveness.
10 – It takes two to make a quarrel, and the one in the most wrong is the one who does the most talking.

Quote – “Marriage teaches you loyalty, forbearance, self-restraint and a lot of other qualities you wouldn't need if you'd stayed single.” - Unknown

Fiery Trials

2007-05-02T09:05:00.000-04:00

Malachi 3:3 – “And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

I received this story by e-mail: This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it." If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

Oh, the truth of that simple illustration. God tests us – God tries us – God puts us through the fire. Proverbs 17:3 says, “The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts.” Peter reminds us of this in 1 Peter 1:7, “That the trial of your faith … though it be tried with fire,” and again in 4:12, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you.” He warns us that trials and testings will come, and through these fiery trials we can be “partakers of Christ’s sufferings (v. 13).” Paul calls it the “fellowship of his sufferings (Phi 3:10).” And it’s through those trials of our faith that we grow spiritually.

No one knew fiery trials better than the Old Testament character Job. Look at his thoughts in Job 23:10, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job went through the terrible ordeal of losing everything he owned – all his material possessions – all his children – even his good health. But he recognized it only as a means of testing and trying. Oh, he cried out – he whimpered – he whined – he even questioned God – but throughout the ordeal, he recognized the sovereignty of God. “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord,” he said in Job 1:21.

And think of those three young Hebrew lads in Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were quite literally thrown into the fire. They trusted in God to deliver them “from the burning fiery furnace … But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods (vv. 17-18).” They recognized that it may be God’s will for them to perish – they took a stand for what was right. But in verse 25, God did deliver them, “Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” You see, friend, He not only puts us through the fire, but He’s right there with us to see us through it. So when you’re in a hot spot – when you’re in the fire – when you’re going through some terrible ordeal that you don’t understand, it may just be God’s fiery trial. But don’t fret – He’s real close by – He’s in the midst of the fire – He’s there to see you through.

Quote – “Let this be some comfort to you, that you are one of the Lord's suffering children, one of those who have to pass through rough roads and fiery places in the course of their pilgrimage to heaven.” – C. H. Spurgeon

Divine Appointments

2007-05-01T10:24:00.000-04:00

Hebrews 9:27 – “It is appointed unto man once to die, and after this the judgment.”

It has been said that the only sure things in this life are death and taxes. That’s a comical way to look at life, and rather cynical. But to be sure, the only thing that’s certain in life is death. All men throughout history have died – 153,000 die around us every day – all men who will ever breathe God’s air will die. The Bible records only two men who did not have to pass through the portals of death. Enoch, who “walked with God: and he was not; for God took him (Ge 5:24),” and the prophet Elijah, who “went up by a whirlwind into heaven (2 Ki 2:11).”

The Bible also records several who tasted of death more than once, not the most desirable thing – to have to go through the experience a second time – but there were some who did. The widow’s son raised by Elijah (1 Ki 17), the Shunammite woman’s son raised by Elisha (2 Ki 4), the man who was being buried and touched Elisha’s bones (2 Ki 13), the young man whose funeral Christ broke up (Lk 7), Jairus’ daughter that Christ raised (Lk 8, Mk 5), Lazarus who was raised by Christ (Jn 11), Dorcas who was raised by Peter (Ac 9), and Paul who was stoned, left dead, and raised by God at Lystra (Ac 14). There were probably others during the ministries of the prophets and of Christ and the apostles. You may say that there is no proof that they died twice, but it’s definite that they are not still walking around today. They all suffered death again.

But you can be sure, we all have two appointments that must be kept, not death and taxes, but death and deity. We are all wont to break our earthly appointments. We skip a dentist appointment – don’t we all hate going to the dentist. We miss a doctor appointment. We miss work appointments. We jilt a blind date. We all miss appointments of all sorts. But those two appointments – death and deity – we will not miss. Those are guaranteed.

Let’s look at the first one – Death – “It is appointed unto man once to die …” We have already seen how every man, woman, boy, and girl will one day face death. I have heard it said that how we face death is every bit as important as how we face life. Humanism teaches us, “You only go ‘round once in life, grab all the gusto you can get.” They say this trying to get us to buy their beer, experience their erotic thrills, smoke their cigarettes and drugs. Man spends his entire life searching for answers because he knows that death is coming and he desperately wants to be in control of his destiny. But no matter how much control he asserts, death still takes him. “Death, that undiscovered country, from whose bourn no traveller returns, puzzles the will,” Shakespeare says in his Hamlet. Man has been puzzled by death since the creation. He has to tried to explain it – he has tried to subdue it – he has tried to slow its advance – but death always wins. Rather morbid – rather depressing – rather discouraging – death always wins!

But what comes after death? Man teaches in his humanistic dogma that there is nothing after death – he’s still trying to have some semblance of control – he’s not willing to admit that there is a supreme being that he must answer to. But he’s wrong. There we find our next certain appointment – Deity – “… and after this the judgment.” This is why man fears death so – why he makes for himself alternate endings – why he cringes at the thought of death. Hamlet again muses that it’s “the dread of something after death.” Romans 14:10 tells us, “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Sinners will face Him at the Great White Throne judgment. Yes we will stand before God – we will be judged for the things done in this body – we will face deity for our sins. But the only thing that will decide our fate in that afterlife is “What think ye of Christ? Whose son is he (Mt 22:42)?” If you’re trusting in Christ for salvation, then “Death is swallowed up in victory (1 Co 15:54).”

Quote – “A person never gets too busy to attend his own funeral.” - Unknown

Persistence in Prayer

2007-04-01T00:32:00.000-04:00

Luke 18:1 – “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.”

It is not special, so much as steady effort, that wins. A very little girl attempted to carry a ton of coal, a shovelful at a time, from the sidewalk to a bin in the cellar. An observer asked her, “Do you expect to get all that coal in with that little shovel?” “Yes sir,” she answered, “if I work long enough.” That little girl had the true philosophy of success. Persistence is a quality which is essential to success. Thousands are making failures in life, who would succeed if they “worked long enough.” Don’t give up because you find mountains in your way. Step by step you can scale them. All you have to do is keep stepping.

That’s what the widow in Luke 18 found out. Christ used her as an example of persistence in prayer. She was having a problem – and the judge that she brought the problem to was not much help – he kept putting her off. So she kept coming back to him insisting that he solve her problem – she came back so much that he handled her case just to get rid of her. Now the point that Christ makes is that this unjust judge did the right thing just because of her persistence – how much more does God take pleasure in answering our prayers speedily because of His love for us. But sometimes He may delay His answering of the prayer – to try our faith – to glorify Himself – or for some other reason. But Christ asks in verse 8, “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Persistence in prayer reveals faith in the pray-er.

Christ teaches us this concept by example. Look in Mark 14 – there Christ goes into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He takes with Him Peter, James, and John and leaves them in the garden to pray while He goes a little farther to pray alone. We see in this passage that Christ asks of the Father a particular request – “Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt (vs. 36).” Christ was not asking to be delivered of the death He was about to die – that was His very purpose for coming to earth. He knew that when He was on the cross, God would have to turn His back on Him and He would be all alone on the cross. Oh, what torment He was suffering, knowing that soon He would be forsaken of God, all alone on the cruel cross. But He was willing to endure that shame, “for the joy that was set before him (He 12:2).” Three times He prayed the same thing, but was willing to bow to the Father’s Will. Persistence in prayer sometimes results in a “No” answer.

In this passage, we see a third lesson. Our text verse says, “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” In the instance above, Christ took the inner circle of His disciples into the garden with Him to pray. He instructed them to pray while He went farther to pray. When He returned, they were asleep – the most important night of His life and they couldn’t stay awake long enough to pray. He told them in verse 34, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.” But they slept. He rebuked Peter saying, “Couldest thou not watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest thou enter into temptation.” He went again to pray – when He returned, they slept again, but had no answer for Him. He went a third time and returned, only to find them asleep again. They could not abide by that small phrase “And not to faint.” Who knows what they missed because of their inability to persist in prayer. Persistence in prayer usually brings great blessing.

Quote – “God always answers prayer. He sometimes answers with a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’ or a ‘later’.” – Unknown.

Jesus Has Rescued Me

2007-03-31T00:56:00.000-04:00

Romans 7:24-25 – “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

In a message by Rev. Richard Fairchild, he asks, “Who will rescue me ... who will rescue me from the aimlessness of my life? who will rescue me from my pain and loneliness? who will rescue me from the negativity of the world? who will rescue me from myself?” Then he answers with ways we attempt to rescue ourselves. “Again, hoping against hope, some of us turn to religion, we turn to the values and principles taught to us on our mothers’ knees and we try to live our lives by the ten commandments and by the laws taught to us by Moses, Jesus and Paul.”

“But like Paul - we end up finding that this does not work either, we find that the good that we would like to do we do not do and the bad that we would not do, we end up doing anyway. Like Paul we find that there is a kind of war going on inside us, And deep down we end up saying with him - What a wretched person I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" Brothers and sisters there is a better way, - a better way than the quick fixes offered by the wise psychologists on the supermarket stands, - a better way than that which is offered to us by a religion based on do's and don'ts, laws and regulations.”

Where will we find the answer? The answer lies not in the wisdom of this world - not in the psychobabble self-help books put out by the worldly wise – not in the ivy-covered halls of academia – not in the cloistered walls of dead religion. Where will we find the answer? We find it in the pages of God’s Word – we find it in the person of Jesus Christ – we find it in the passion of Christ’s love – we find it in the perfection of God’s plan of salvation. “Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Jesus Has Rescued Me

Living for Jesus has been such a thrill,
Doing His bidding, obeying His will,
Spending a lifetime for Jesus above,
Spreading the story of God’s precious love.

Once I was living in aimless despair,
No one to guide me, not one soul to care.
Life seemed so hopeless – in sin I did stray.
Then Jesus touched me and washed sin away.

He gives me grace to sustain me each day.
His grace is sufficient to keep me always.
Now I’ll live for Him in all that I do,
Thanking Him daily for His love so true.

Jesus has rescued me from sin and shame,
Given me everything through His Holy Name.
All that I do for Him will never repay
What Christ did at Calv’ry that wonderful day.
© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote – “The mightiest man that ever lived could not deliver himself from his sins. If a man could have saved himself, Christ would never have come into the world.” – D. L. Moody

Ye of Little Faith

2007-03-29T00:56:00.000-04:00

Matthew 17:20 – “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, … nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

A group of people were waiting for the elevator in a department store. One woman seemed extremely nervous. When the elevator door opened and she was about to enter, she looked down the elevator shaft and drew back in a gesture of panic. “I can’t,” she trembled. “See how deep it is below!” All eyes immediately looked at the open space down the elevator shaft. The practical operator said to her with the kindliest of advice, “If you always look up in an elevator, Ma’am, you’ll have no need to fear.” So often we look down in fear instead of looking up in faith.

Where is your faith? In the book of Matthew, Christ several times rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith. We see the first instance in Matthew 6:30 – a lack of faith in the provision of God –“Wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not so much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” You know, we have that same problem today. We worry about all the little things that God knows we have need of. And this passage tells us that He will provide if we’ll just trust in Him. Look at verse 33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” That is what we should be concentrating on – fulfilling His will for us – spreading the word of His gospel – telling others about Christ and His salvation – living holy, consecrated lives. If we will do these things, then “all these things shall be added unto you.”

Next, remember when Jesus and the disciples were on the restless sea and Christ in Matthew 8:26 rebuked the disciples – “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” he said to them. This was a lack of faith in the protection of God. John 10:29 tells us that we are smack dab in the center of the hand of God, and in that place of protection, nothing can harm us. How many times have we seen David in the Psalms praise God for His divine protection? We have the same God watching over us that David had. We have the same God watching over us that Paul and Silas had when they sang praises to Him from the prison cell and God delivered them. We have the same God watching over us that Peter and John had when God delivered them from prison. We have the same God watching over us that John had on the Isle of Patmos. We have His divine protection.

Next, we see in Matthew 14:31, the disciples had a lack of faith in the preeminence of God. In this instance, Peter actually showed tremendous faith in God by asking Christ to allow him to come to Him on the water. He got out of the boat and began to walk on the water towards Christ. What power – what faith – what courage – and then he began to doubt. He was out there – he was walking on the water – he was defying the law of gravity – but as he saw the boisterous sea and the waves crashing about him, he forgot that the one who was master of all the waves is the one he should trust in. He began to consider his circumstances – oh, how those circumstances will swallow you up! He forgot that God was preeminent over all circumstances – He began to sink – He cried out to the Lord – “Lord, save me.” Christ reached out and lifted him above his circumstances and then rebuked him for his lack of faith – “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” He was reminding him of His preeminence over every circumstance.

Then lastly, we see the disciples’ lack of faith in the providence of God in Matthew 16:8, “O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread.” They had forgotten to bring bread with them across the sea and were worried that Christ was rebuking them for it. He was teaching them about the leaven of the Pharisees – their wickedness – their hypocrisy – their false doctrines. But they thought he was rebuking them for not bringing bread – He who blessed five loaves and had twelve baskets full to spare – He whose providence was in control of every situation. Yet they doubted that providence. So I ask again – where is your faith?

Quote – “When the outward look is dark, try the upward look.” - Unknown

Coming Again

2007-03-28T00:55:00.000-04:00

Matthew 16:27 – “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”

The hymnwriter said it – “Jesus is coming to earth again; what if it were today?” It’s a promise that Jesus made – John 14:3, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again.” It’s a promise that the angels made – Acts 1:11, “Ye men of Galilee … this same Jesus … shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” It’s a promise that the Holy Spirit made through the apostles – James 5:8, “For the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven.” – Revelation 19:14, “And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses.”

When He came the first time, He came as Saviour – next time He comes as Sovereign. When He came the first time, He came quietly – next time He comes openly before all nations. When He came the first time, He came as a servant – next time He comes as a King. When He came the first time, He came to die – next time He comes to reign. When He came the first time, He came in humility – next time He comes in exaltation. When He came the first time, He came as a babe in a manger – next time He comes for His bride. When He came the first time, only a few knees bowed to Him – next time He comes every knee shall bow. When He came the first time, He came in weakness – next time He comes in power and great glory.

Coming Again

Christ is coming to earth again,
As sure as He did long ago.
First He came as a helpless babe
And laid in a manger low,
Worshiped by shepherds and common folk,
Surrounded by things of no worth,
Cattle and donkeys and sheep and such,
To welcome the dear Saviour’s birth.

Then Christ did live a sinless life
Here in this sinful place.
Yet man in his sin despised Him so –
They cursed Him and spat in His face.
They hung Him upon a criminal’s cross
And laughed and mocked His dear name.
But these were the ones He came to save –
He loved them all the same.

But Christ is coming to earth again,
And that day the Tide will turn,
When men of time will face the wrath
Of the One they chose to spurn.
And He who came as Saviour first,
In that day as Judge will come,
And those who trust His saving grace
Will go to a heavenly home.
© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote – “I clearly see in Scripture that the Lord Jesus Christ will come—so far I go, and take my stand—that he will come personally to reign upon this earth.” – C. H. Spurgeon

A Good Name

2007-03-27T00:41:00.000-04:00

Proverbs 22:1 – “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.”

In William Shakespeare’s classic play Romeo and Juliet, the love-struck Juliet tells Romeo that his name, Montague, means nothing to her. Her family, the Capulets, are embroiled in a feud with the Montagues, but she assures him that she loves him, not his name or his family. The theme of the play – its central struggle – its tragic circumstances are encapsulated in Juliet’s quote: “What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other word would smell as sweet.” But contrary to Juliet’s assessment of the situation, names are extremely important. It should be our desire to maintain for ourselves a good name – oh, not necessarily our earthly moniker – but our new name. In fact Juliet asks Romeo to “deny [his] father,” to which Romeo promises to be “new baptized” as Juliet’s lover. We have denied our father – the father of lies – the prince of the power of the air – the devil and his minions – and been “new baptized” into the family of God. His is the name that we must strive to protect – to keep good – to maintain.

But to whom are we to maintain this good name? First of all, we are to keep a good name before the world. How men see us is important. In Matthew 5:16 Christ tells His disciples, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Our testimony before the world needs to be protected. Someone once said, “We are the only Bible some people will ever read.” Therefore it is important that we so live before them that they will want what we have. Our reputation before the world needs to be protected. Shakespeare said in his Othello: “He that filches from me my good name Robs me of that which not enriches him And makes me poor indeed.” The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates said, “Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly be possessed of - for credit is like fire; when once you have kindled it you may easily preserve it, but if you once extinguish it, you will find it an arduous task to rekindle it again. The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.”

Secondly, we are to keep a good name before God the Father – how He sees us is the only thing that is important. Pastor Steve Griffith once said, “Reputation is what the world thinks you are; character is what God knows you are.” When God looks at you, He looks for only one thing – the blood of Christ applied. If He sees that blood, then He can’t see the sins or the sinful nature that once controlled our hearts. If He sees not the blood applied, then all He can see is the sinful nature that is present. And He has to turn away, for His holiness cannot look upon sin. When Christ was on the cross taking upon Himself the sins of mankind, God had to turn His back upon Him. Look at Mark 15:34, “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried … My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” A thrice holy God cannot look upon sin. And every time we who are saved choose to sin, we grieve the Spirit of God – Ephesians 4:30, “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God.” Our primary goal in this earth is to glorify God – to please Him in all we do. And how can we please Him if we don’t keep His commandments? 1 Thessalonians 4:1, “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.” And Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith, it is impossible to please him.” So, let us keep our testimony clean before the world and our hearts and lives clean before God.

Quote – “Your testimony is the most important thing you have – Keep it clean!” – H. M. Mickel

Nothing But The Blood

2007-03-26T00:55:00.000-04:00

1 John 1:7 – “And the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

Dave Griffith reports the following story on his website. One night in a church service, a young woman felt the tug of God at her heart. She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution. But, the change in her was evident. As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children. It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor's son. The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans. This is when the problems began. You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son. The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand. The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to cry, the pastor's son stood to speak.

He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife to be. He began to speak and his statement was this: "My fiancée’s past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or not?" The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are ALL in a lot of trouble. Ask yourself; "What can wash away my sins;" nothing but the blood of Jesus....end of case!!!

Remember the words to this great hymn? “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh! precious is the flow That makes me white as snow; No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” These wonderful lyrics, penned by Robert Lowry and first published in 1876, give us the great truth that there is nothing that can answer our sin question but the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is indeed a fact of Scripture that men can be redeemed, but not without the blood of Christ – Hebrews 9:22, “And with out shedding of blood is no remission.” Men can be justified, but not without the blood of Christ – Romans 5:9, “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Men can be sanctified, but not without the blood of Christ – Hebrews 13:12, “That he might sanctify the people with his own blood.”

Since His miraculous conception and birth in the stable of Bethlehem, Christ set His face “like a flint” to fulfill His purpose at Calvary. “The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again (Lk 24:7).” This is the reason He was born – this is the reason He was called – this was the reason He ministered. He came to shed His blood. John proclaimed it by the River Jordan, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world (Jn 2:29).” And He was faithful to the end – He fulfilled His purpose – He died on Calvary – He shed His precious blood. “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

Quote – “The blood of Jesus runs like a scarlet cord throughout all the books of the Bible.” – Unknown

Safety in the Cross

2007-03-25T00:55:00.000-04:00

Galatians 6:14 – “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”

D. L. Moody once asked, “When men see that a prairie fire is coming, what do they do? Not the fleetest horse can escape it. They just take a match and light the grass around them. They take their stand in the burnt district, and are safe. They hear the flames roar as they come along, but they do not fear. They do not even tremble as the ocean of flames surges around them, for over the place where stand the fire has already passed and there is no danger. And there is one spot on earth that God has swept over. Nineteen hundred years ago the storm burst on Calvary, and the Son of God took it into his open bosom; and now, if we take our stand by the open cross, we are safe for time and eternity.”

Wherein do we have to boast? In what worldly place do we find safety? In what earthly thing can we glory? There is none – no hope of salvation – no wisdom of this world – nothing in which we can put our trust. For the world is in just as bad shape as we are – there is no hope. So along with the Apostle Paul and the great Chicago preacher, D.L. Moody, we have to doff our caps to the one and only hope we have – the only thing wherewith we have to glory – the cross of Christ. For without the cross of Christ, we are yet in our sins – without the cross of Christ, we are of all men most miserable – without the cross of Christ, we are lost, destined for a devil’s hell. Therein is salvation – therein is hope – therein is safety. If we will put our trust in Christ’s finished work on Calvary, we can find safety from the eternal wrath of God.

The cross is our beacon in a treacherous world. Just as the lighthouse on the rocky crags of the ocean cliffs guides wayward ships through the dangerous shoals, so the cross of Christ guides us to safe harbor in Him. How many shipwrecks we see – those who have scuttled on the rocks – with no hope of salvation. Fanny Crosby wrote that wonderful hymn, “Rescue the perishing; care for the dying. Jesus is merciful; Jesus will save!” If we’ll look to the cross, we’ll see the way. There’s safety in the cross.

The cross is our healing in a sin-cursed world. Christ told Nicodemus in John 3:14, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” And just as those who looked to the serpent as God instructed were healed of their snakebites, so everyone that looks to the cross is healed of the curse of sin on his life. How many have looked to their own way – rejecting the way of the cross – with no hope of healing. But if we’ll look to the cross we find the cure. There’s safety in the cross.

The cross is our banner in an unforgiving world. Where but Christ can we find such an ensign? Song of Solomon 2:4 says, “His banner over me was love.” The love of Christ, so purely expressed in the cross, is disseminated to the hearts of all men. The choice of accepting or rejecting this love is squarely on the shoulders of every man. If you reject the love of Christ, so generously offered, the only recourse is damnation. Look to the cross – accept his loving forgiveness – “Look and Live.” There’s safety in the cross.

Now the world won’t accept it, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God (1 Co 1:18).” No the world won’t accept it – to them it’s foolishness. But to us it is the power of God. There’s safety in the cross.

Quote – “A bloodless gospel is the gospel of the devil.” – Dr. Ian Paisley

Consecration

2007-03-24T00:52:00.000-04:00

2 Chronicles 29:31 – “Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto the Lord, come near …”

Charles Spurgeon was saved on January 6, 1850, and on February 1 he wrote the following prayer of consecration: O great and unsearchable God, who knowest my heart, and triest all my ways; with a humble dependence upon the support of Thy Holy Spirit, I yield up myself to Thee; as Thy own reasonable sacrifice, I return to Thee Thine own. I would be for ever, unreservedly, perpetually Thine; whilst I am on earth, I would serve Thee; and may I enjoy Thee and praise Thee for ever! Amen.

Though thousands of years apart, both Hezekiah, the speaker in the above passage of scripture, and Spurgeon made the same commitment – to be wholly consecrated to God. They both purposed in their hearts to give themselves totally to His Will. That’s what consecration is. A technical definition of consecration means that you are to set yourself apart from evil, turn to the Lord, and be prepared to be used by God. The difference between sanctification and consecration is that in sanctification, God is setting you aside for His service, but in consecration, He is actually cleansing you for His service. The two go hand in hand – God sanctifies you and then consecrates you.

It is not all God though. You have a part in both sanctification and consecration. God takes into account your will – He does not force sanctification on you – He does not force consecration on you. He yields to the will of the individual. The individual must, after salvation, make a decision to separate himself from the world. Romans 8:1 tells us to “Walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Galatians 5:17 tells us to “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” He instructs us to cleanse ourselves from the world by not partaking in the world. He also tells us to draw near to God – James 4:8, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded.” In doing this, we allow Him to do the work of washing us – we begin to lose interest in worldly things. The Apostle John tells us in 1 John 2:15, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” This is essential to our consecration.

In Matthew 23, Christ condemned the Pharisees because they cleaned the “outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.” These scurrilous Pharisees were hypocrites – “whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” They wanted to appear consecrated, but were actually just putting on – pretending – hypocrites.

This consecration is a continual process. Christ says in Luke 14:27, “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” This implies a continual bearing and a continual coming. It is not something that we do just once and our consecration is complete – No, it is an ongoing process. We will never get to the point on this side of the grave where we can put our cross down. 2 Corinthians 4:10 tells us, “Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus.” We must get used to bearing Him about with us – letting Him live in us – carrying Him wherever we go. This is what consecration is all about.

Quote – “People spend too much time making preparations for life on this earth, and not making preparations for eternity.” – Dr. Bob Jones, Jr.

Christian Living

2007-03-22T09:52:00.000-04:00

Micah 6:8 – “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

General William Booth of the Salvation Army had ten rules for Christian living. They are: 1.) Consider your body as the temple of the Holy Spirit and treat it with reverence and care. 2.) Keep your mind active. Stimulate it with thoughts of others that lead to doing something. 3.) Take time to be holy with daily Bible reading and prayer. 4.) Support the church. Mingle with others. 5.) Cultivate the presence of God. He wants to enter your life and will as far as you let him. 6.) Take God into the details of your life. You naturally call upon Him in trouble and for the bigger things. 7.) Pray for this troubled war-threatened world and the leaders who hold the destinies of the various nations. 8.) Have a thankful spirit for the blessings of God -- country, home, friends, and numerous other blessings. 9.) Work as if everything depended upon work, and pray as if everything depended upon prayer. 10.) Think of death not as something to be dreaded, but as a great and new experience where loved ones are met and ambitions realized.

How we live in this world is of extreme importance. Of course the most important aspect of our life in this world is that we “must be born again.” Our salvation determines not only how we are going to live here, but also how and where we are going to spend eternity. But once we have established the condition of our soul, we must turn our attention to the condition of our life. God continually directs us to live for Him – through Him – in Him. And if we will apply the principles of Scripture to our lives, we will walk in such a way that will please Him. 1 Peter 1:15 tells us, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation [conduct].”

And how are we to do that? He tells us in our verse above. “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good” – notice He does not direct this to Israel, to whom the prophet is speaking directly, but to man – all mankind – Jew and Gentile alike – “he hath showed thee, O man!” What did He show us? He showed us “What is good.” He expects goodness of us – then our goose is cooked, for He tells us in Psalm 14:1 and again in Romans 3:12, “There is none that doeth good,” and Paul adds, “No not one.” Then how can we comply with what God expects of us – how can we do what is good if “there is none that doeth good?” The answer is in Christ – through His strength – through His Spirit. In ourselves we don’t have the strength to do good, but in Him we have complete strength – we have complete righteousness – we have complete goodness. In Christ we can meet all the conditions of God for living a good, clean Christian life.

First, He says we must “do justly.” This speaks of our dealing with God and our dealing with man. In our dealing with God, we are to keep His commandments (Jn 14:5), we are to glorify Him (1 Co 16:20), we are to live holy (1 Pe 1:16), we are to walk carefully (Ep 5:15). This is what God’s justice demands. In our dealing with man, we are to be honest (Ro 12:17), we are to be true (Phi 4:8), we are to be pure (Js 1:27). Even in the Decalogue, the ten commandments, the first four commandments deal with our relationship to God, the next six, our relationship to man. Secondly, He says we must “love mercy.” In the Beatitudes, Christ said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy (Mt 5:7).” In His parable of the Good Samaritan who showed mercy, Christ commands that we “Go, and do thou likewise (Lu 10:37).” We are to love the mercy of God on us and then return that mercy upon our fellow man (Mt 18:35). Thirdly, He says we must “walk humbly with thy God.” Enoch walked with God through faith and it pleased God (He 11:5). And God hates pride and haughtiness, so our walk must be in humility (Pr 6:17; 16:18).

Quote – “Live with eternity’s values in view.” – Unknown

It's Springtime

2007-03-21T08:43:00.000-04:00

Song of Solomon 2:11-12 – “For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;”

Yes, it’s springtime in my soul. It’s the season of new growth – of rebirth. It’s the season when the doldrums of winter are left behind – life springs anew. There’s babbling brooks – rushing rivers – mighty currents spring forth from the melting of the winter snows. There’s the robin redbreast singing his new song – there’s the budding of trees – there’s the blooming of flowers. It’s springtime!

But you know, for the child of God, it’s always springtime. We don’t need the vernal equinox to supply us with streams of water. For within us flows that River of Life – “For in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert (Isa 35:6).” Christ calls it in John 4:14 living water – “a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” To the Christian, there are no winter doldrums. We have the eternal Son of God lighting up our soul. John 1:9, “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” To the child of God, there is no darkness. 1 John 1:5, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

We don’t need trees and flowers to see new life. Christ said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).” He said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10).” He said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).” In Christ is everlasting life – eternal life – abundant life. That’s life everlasting – no death – no dormant state – no winter – ever again! Who needs springtime?!?

Springtime

Much can be said of the wonders of springtime,
All of which has been repeated time and time again –
The brightly colored blossoms –
The freshness of newly budding trees –
The beauty of tiny tender shoots of grass
Springing up in the meadows –
The song of the red-breasted robin
Just returned from its long migration –
The buzzing of new life all around.

Yes the vernal equinox ushers in a glorious spectacle.
The busy bees traverse from bloom to bloom
Gathering the sweet floral nectar,
Spreading about more springtime as they go.
The air is so fresh and pure after the long cold winter
That it fills the lungs with its freshness
Till it seems that they may burst with excitement.
One could only wish to gulp in enough springtime
To last a lifetime.
© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote – “Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” – Martin Luther

Happy is the Man

2007-03-15T12:46:00.000-04:00

Psalm 144:15 – “Yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.”

On his deathbed, John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim's Progress, was heard to say, "Weep not for me, but for yourselves. I go to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will, through the mediation of His blessed Son, receive me, though a sinner, where I hope we shall meet to sing the new song, and remain everlastingly happy, world without end." John Bunyan found happiness in this world and knew that he would have happiness in the next. Men have strived for centuries to find happiness – most have not found it. Think of all the unhappiness that pervades our society today. Here in America, we live in the most affluent society that has ever existed – in all of history. But this is also probably the most unhappy of all time. Just what is it that brings happiness into our lives? An old man was asked what had robbed him of joy the most in his lifetime. He replied, "Things that never happened!"

Of course, the most crucial first step to happiness is to be saved – truly born again – trusting in Christ for salvation. But what about after salvation? Someone has cited these three keys to happiness:
1) Fret not – He loves you. Just read John 13:1 – “Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.” Now, isn’t that just wonderful – He loved us unto the end. John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” What a great and wonderful concept – God loves us – there’s no need to fret.
2) Faint not – He holds you. Look at Psalm 139:10 – “Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” We, as saints of God, are positioned in His hand, where none can touch us. John 10:29 – “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” We are safe in the hand of God – there’s no need to faint.
3) Fear not – He keeps you. Read Psalm 121:5 – “The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.” There is none more powerful than God, and He has promised to keep us safe in Him. In Philippians 4:7 Paul says, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” What could be more able to keep us and keep us happy than the blessed peace of God – there’s no need to fear.

Ten rules for happier living:
1. Give something away (no strings attached)
2. Do a kindness (and forget it)
3. Spend a few minutes with the aged (their experience is a priceless guidance)
4. Look intently into the face of a baby (and marvel)
5. Laugh often (it’s life’s lubricant)
6. Give thanks (a thousand times a day is not enough)
7. Pray (or you will lose the way)
8. Work (with vim and vigor)
9. Plan as though you’ll live forever (because you will)
10. Live as though you’ll die tomorrow (because you will on some tomorrow)
Author Unknown

Quote – “To see some people you would think that the essential of orthodox Christianity is to have a face so long you could eat oatmeal out of the end of a gas pipe.” – Billy Sunday

Daniel Purposed in His Heart

2007-03-14T13:29:00.000-04:00

Daniel 1:8 – “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank.”

In 1904, William Borden, heir to the Borden Dairy Estate, graduated from a Chicago high school a millionaire. His parents gave him a trip around the world. Traveling through Asia, the Middle East, and Europe gave Borden a burden for the world's hurting people. Writing home, he said, "I'm going to give my life to prepare for the mission field." When he made this decision, he wrote in the back of his Bible two words: "No Reserves." Turning down high-paying job offers after graduating from Yale University, he entered two more words in his Bible: "No Retreats." Completing studies at Princeton Seminary, Borden sailed for China to work with Muslims, stopping first at Egypt for some preparation. While there he was stricken with cerebral meningitis and died within a month. A waste, you say! Not in God's plan. In his Bible underneath the words "No Reserves" and "No Retreats," he had written the words "No Regrets."

Daniel made a conscious decision to follow God – this decision affected the rest of his life. He chose to keep himself clean from the world – this choice affected others as well. He could have gone along with the king’s plan – after all, he was miles away from home – no one would know – right? Daniel knew that God was always watching, and his choice was pleasing to God. His location and circumstances did not affect his conduct. It was the same in Babylon as it had been at home in Jerusalem. And his three friends, influenced by the stand that Daniel took, found the courage to take their own stand against the wicked king.

And because of his stand for God, Daniel was able to be used of God to do great things. We see in chapter 2, he interprets the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar and is honored for his efforts; in chapter 5, he interprets the handwriting on the wall for Belshazzar; in chapter 6, he is made a high official, a position which carries over into the reign of Darius; also in chapter 6, he is cast into the den of lions because of his faithfulness to God. He served God literally his whole life – his consecration to God, he “purposed in his heart,” carried him through to the end.

Dare To Be A Daniel

The prophet Daniel, when a youth, Was wont to make a choice.
With Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael In God they did rejoice.
There came a time when Satan’s crowd Did tempt them to give in,
By offering the devil’s fare, And thus partake of sin.

But Daniel purposed in his heart To not defile himself
For when we practice evil deeds God sets us on the shelf.
He told the king that he would not Be taking sumptuous fare.
“Just give us beans and we’ll be fine – You needn’t have a care.”

So beans and water they did take, Surpassed the rest by far,
And proved that worldly appetites Serve only flesh to mar.
So food or drink or whatsoe’er When choices come your way
Choose to follow Holy God And please Him every day.
© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote – “A dog doesn’t go so far from home that his tail doesn’t follow.” – Missionary Bob Garrett

Whosoever Will

2007-03-13T10:36:00.000-04:00

Revelation 22:17 – “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

While preaching on this verse, the great evangelist Sam Jones related this story: That reminds me of the penitent down in Georgia at the altar. He was agonizing, praying. The preacher went up to him, trying to encourage him, and, "Well," he said, "I am not one of the elect, I am one of the reprobates; I feel it all over." And I don’t reckon a poor soul ever did try to seek God that the devil didn’t slip up with something of that sort. "You are one of the reprobates; God never died to save you." And there he was in agony, and the preacher said to him, "Well, my brother, listen to me a minute. Now," said he, "if you could see your name, James B. Green, written upon the Lambs book this minute, would you believe then Christ died for you and you were one of the elect?" The poor fellow thought a moment and he said, "No, sir. There are other people in this world of my name." "Well," said the preacher, "if you could see it, James B. Green, Scriven County, Ga., would you believe it was you then?" “Well," he says, "there may have been other people of my name in this county before I was born. I don’t know." "Well," said he, "if you could see it, James B. Green, Scriven County, Ga., and the year 1867, would you believe it was you?" "Well," he said, "it may be there is somebody in this county now of my name." "Well," said he, "if you could see it, James B. Green of Scriven County, and the Nineteenth District and the year '67, would you believe it was you?" "Well," he says, "I could not know definitely." "Now," said he, "my friend, God Almighty saw all that trouble and he just put it into one word and he said: 'Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." And the poor fellow jumped up and clapped his hands and said, "Thank God! I know that means me."

Sam Jones continued: Thank God, it is "whosoever will." If you will, God will; and I say tonight God don’t say "whosoever feels," or whosoever says this or that or the other, but he throws it all on your will as a man, and says: "Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." And I like the conclusion: "Let him take the water of life freely." Blessed be God, ye thirsty men can drink, and there is enough for to-day, enough for all of us, enough forever and evermore. Come and drink freely.

Whosoever

Whosoever loves the Lord – That included me –
Whosoever trusts His Word, Him He maketh free.
Whosoever doth believe That Jesus is the Christ,
Whosoever wilt receive, God gives eternal life.

Whosoever knoweth Him Knows that He is love.
Whosoever turns from sin Finds a home above.
Whosoever will repent, Leaving worldly fare,
Whosoever quits his bent Finds wherewith to care.

Whosoever learns to love Those around about,
Whosoever’s born above Shows what love’s about.
Whosoever trusts His Word, Him He maketh free.
Whosoever loves the Lord, That included me.
© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote – “Blessed be God! It is for all of us. It is for all of us.” – Sam Jones

Paul's Spiritual Biography

2007-03-12T09:27:00.000-04:00

Philippians 3:4 – “Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more.”

An interesting map is on display in the British Museum in London. It's an old mariner's chart, drawn in 1525, outlining the North American coastline and adjacent waters. The cartographer made some intriguing notations on areas of the map that represented regions not yet explored. He wrote: "Here be giants," "Here be fiery scorpions," and "Here be dragons." Eventually, the map came into the possession of Sir John Franklin, a British explorer in the early 1800s. Scratching out the fearful inscriptions, he wrote these words across the map: "Here is God." All those former misconceptions had to be conquered before they could really get anywhere.

The Apostle Paul finds himself here in an interesting position – one in which he defends his ministry in the present by defending his past. It is well known that Paul’s heart’s desire was to see Israel saved – yet he was called of God as the Apostle to the Gentiles – and Peter was given the dubious distinction of Apostle to the Jews. It’s interesting though that it was Peter who opened the door of the gospel to the Gentiles when he led Cornelius to the Lord – and it was Paul who wrote most of his epistles to the Jews in the various ports of call to which he ministered.

So it is in this passage in Philippians. Paul finds himself using his past life as a Jew’s Jew giving his defense of his calling. What he was actually doing in this passage was warning the Gentile Christians in Philippi of the false doctrine that some Jewish Christians were spreading around, that the Gentiles would have to be circumcised in order to be saved and follow Christ. Paul was refuting this erroneous doctrine. He told them, “If anyone deserves salvation based on Jewish heritage, it’s me. I was born a Jew – circumcised a Jew – raised a Jew – educated in the Scriptures – trained as a Pharisee – courted as a member of the Sanhedrin – followed a career path of persecuting the followers of Jesus – lost as a goose. All of that did me no good. I had to lose myself in Christ in order to find myself in Christ.” Then he explained in the next few verses exactly how he had to get rid of all his misconceptions about his former life and turn to Christ.

First, in verse 9, he had to be found in Him. He said that his own righteousness wasn’t enough to be found in Him – he had to lose all those things that he counted dear – he had to suffer loss. And Christ had to be found in him for him to be found in Christ – he had to put on the righteousness of Christ, which is completely by faith in Him. That faith is what is important – “For by grace are ye saved through faith (Eph 2:8).” He had to be found in Christ through faith.

And then, in verse 10, he had to fellowship with Him – “The fellowship of his sufferings.” How? Through the power of His resurrection and conforming to His death, he had to follow Him (v. 12), forget the past, and reach forth for the future (v. 13). These are some difficult steps, but they would eventually lead him to “prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (v. 14).” This is the ultimate goal – to reach the prize – a difficult task indeed, but reachable with God’s help (v. 15). He had to partake in the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings to reach for the prize.

Lastly, in verse 21, he had to be fashioned like Him. He was to do this by changing his walk from an enemy of the cross of Christ (v. 18), changing his desires from earthly things (v. 19), and changing his conduct to a heavenly look for the Lord Jesus Christ (v. 20). Romans 12:1 tells us to “present our bodies a living sacrifice,” and in verse 2 to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind.” In Philippians 2:5, he tells us to “let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Only when he became fashioned like Christ was he able to go forward for Him.

Quote – “The Bible is our “Him” Book – It’s all about “Him.” – Dr. Jimmy Robbins

Jehovah Mekadesh – The Lord Who Sanctifies

2007-03-11T21:13:00.000-04:00

Exodus 31:13 – “Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.”

The Scottish preacher John McNeill liked to tell about an eagle that had been captured when it was quite young. The farmer who snared the bird put a restraint on it so it couldn't fly, and then he turned it loose to roam in the barnyard. It wasn't long till the eagle began to act like the chickens, scratching and pecking at the ground. This bird that once soared high in the heavens seemed satisfied to live the barnyard life of the lowly hen. One day the farmer was visited by a shepherd who came down from the mountains where the eagles lived. Seeing the eagle, the shepherd said to the farmer, "What a shame to keep that bird hobbled here in your barnyard! Why don't you let it go?" The farmer agreed, so they cut off the restraint. But the eagle continued to wander around, scratching and pecking as before. The shepherd picked it up and set it on a high stone wall. For the first time in months, the eagle saw the grand expanse of blue sky and the glowing sun. Then it spread its wings and with a leap soared off into a tremendous spiral flight, up and up and up. At last it was acting like an eagle again.

What’s this got to do with sanctification, you may ask? Well, Ray Stedman defines “sanctify” as “to put to its proper use.” Most of us know that sanctification is being set apart for service, but if we add this component, then to be sanctified is to be set apart for your proper use. What is the proper use of the believer? Stedman goes on to say that "this is holiness, this sense of dependence and availability to God. This is what makes the world sit up and take notice as they see Christian men and women living the kind of life that is always adequate for every circumstance."

So, our verse here in Exodus, as well as several verses in Leviticus, is teaching us that holiness should be the goal of every child of God. Leviticus 11:45 – “Ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” Leviticus 19:2 – “Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy.” Leviticus 20:7 – “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 20:26 – “For ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy.” But this call for personal holiness is not just an Old Testament application. Paul in Ephesians 5:27, speaking of the church says, “That it should be holy and without blemish.” Peter in 1 Peter 1:15 says, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy.” John in Revelation 22:11 says, “He that is holy, let him be holy still.”

This name for God, Jehovah Mekadesh, the Lord who sanctifies, just like the other names of Jehovah, is emphasizing another of the amazing attributes of God – His holiness. And just as Moses in the Law, Ezekiel in the Prophets, Christ in the Gospels, and Peter, Paul, and John in the Epistles all call for personal holiness in the lives of His saints, so we should strive to exercise restraint in our physical life, temperance in our emotional life, and holiness in our spiritual life. So shall we live in such a way that is pleasing to our God in His demand for holiness in our life for Him. According to Spurgeon, “The Spirit of God brings to our minds the precepts and doctrines of truth and applies them with power. These are heard in the ear and being received in the heart, they work in us to will and to do of God's good pleasure. The truth is the sanctifier, and if we do not hear or read the truth, we shall not grow in sanctification. We only progress in sound living as we progress in sound understanding. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Do not say of any error, "It is a mere matter of opinion." No man indulges an error of judgment, without sooner or later tolerating an error in practice. Hold fast the truth, for by so holding the truth shall you be sanctified by the Spirit of God.”

Quote – “We must choose between holiness and hellishness.” - Unknown

The Soul-Winner's Passion

2007-03-10T03:17:00.002-05:00

2 Corinthians 5:14 – “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because … one died for all ….”

When Dwight L. Moody was in London during one of his famous evangelistic tours, several British clergymen visited him. They wanted to know how and why this poorly educated American was so effective in winning throngs of people to Christ. Moody took the three men to the window of his hotel room and asked each in turn what he saw. One by one, the men described the people in the park below. Then Moody looked out the window with tears rolling down his cheeks. “What do you see, Mr. Moody?” asked one of the men. “I see countless thousands of souls that will one day spend eternity in hell if they do not find the Saviour.” Obviously, D. L. Moody saw people differently than the average observer does. And because he saw eternal souls where others saw only people strolling in a park, Moody approached life with a different agenda.

The context of our verse is one of living separated unto God, but in the verse cited, we can also see a soul-winning thrust. It is the love of Christ that constrains us to seek out those who know not Christ – it is the love of Christ that constrains us to tell others about His saving grace – it is the love of Christ that constrains us to pluck them as brands from the fire. Christ Himself had a passion for soul-winning. Everywhere He went He told of the free gift of salvation. Look in John 4 at His example of witnessing to the woman at the well. Verse 4 says, “And he must needs go through Samaria.” He was constrained to go through Samaria, for He knew there was a precious woman in great need of the salvation that only He could provide. He sought her out – He witnessed to her – He led her to the fountain of life – and He made a soul-winner out of her. He truly had a passion for lost souls.

But what gives us that passion? There are several things in this chapter that become new for us – that encourage us to win souls for Him.
First, in verse 1 we see we will have a new body in the future – “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” We have the promise that when this temporary body is gone, we will have a permanent new body – one that is eternal.
Secondly, in verses 2-4 we see we have a new desire – “For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven … that mortality might be swallowed up of life.” We have the promise that when we have put off this body and gained a new body, we will live in heaven eternally with God.
Thirdly, in verse 5 we see we have a new assurance – “Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given us the earnest of the Spirit.” We have the promise of God through the assurance of the Holy Spirit – given to us a downpayment of that eternal glory that we will one day partake of.
Fourth, in verse 7 we see we have a new sphere –“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” We have the promise of God that we now walk in a different plane. Whereas we once could only walk in places we could actually see, now we have the ability to walk in places that only our faith can take us. We can actually walk with God in His plane – and someday, when we have that new body, we’ll physically walk with Him.
Lastly, in verses 8-9 we see we have a new incentive – “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.” We have the promise of God that one day we will be present with Him – and that promise keeps us going that we may be accepted of Him. That’s our incentive – that’s our ambition. For one day we will have to stand before the judgment (v. 10), therefore, we persuade men because of the terror of the Lord, that is that their eternal destination without Christ is hell (v. 11). So, “the love of Christ constraineth us.”

Quote – “If you can get a man to think about his soul and where he will spend eternity for five minutes, then more than likely he’ll be converted.” – D. L. Moody

This Man - The Man Christ Jesus

2007-03-09T11:17:00.000-05:00

John 7:46 – “The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.”

In A.D. 381, Gregory of Nazianzus described Christ thus: He began His ministry by being hungry, yet He is the Bread of Life. Jesus ended His earthly ministry by being thirsty, yet He is the Living Water. Jesus was weary, yet He is our rest. Jesus paid tribute, yet He is the King. Jesus was accused of having a demon, yet He cast out demons. Jesus wept, yet He wipes away our tears. Jesus was sold for thirty pieces of silver, yet He redeemed the world. Jesus was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, yet He is the Good Shepherd. Jesus died, yet by His death He destroyed the power of death.

Yes, this man is the focal point of all history – His birth split history fore and aft – His death initiated the church that bears His Name. This man is every bit God, but was born into flesh – He ruled heaven, but was “made a little lower than the angels” – He spoke the worlds into existence, but wept at the death of a friend. This man – the man Christ Jesus – our eternal Lamb – the Lord of glory – the Altogether Lovely One – became so marred as to not be recognized as a man. Let’s take a closer look at “this man.”

Luke 15:2 – “This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” This the charge the Pharisees made against Him – oh, what a charge – He receiveth sinners. Praise God! He receiveth sinners. And I am one of them. I’m just an old sinner saved by grace. If He came only to receive good people – righteous people – spiritual people, I would be lost forever. For in me there was no goodness at all. But he receiveth sinners – Hallelujah!

Luke 23:44 – “I find no fault in this man.” This was the conclusion Pilate made about Him – oh, what a conclusion – no fault in Him. That did not stop Pilate from condemning Him to death. But he was perfect – sinless – faultless – “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin (2 Co 5:21)” – “And in him is no sin (1 Jn 3:5).”

John 18:17 – “Art thou one of this man’s disciples?” This is the question that was asked of Peter – and Peter answered, “I am not.” What would your answer be? He was kissed by a friend – taken by a mob – judged by religious leaders – lied on by strangers – mocked by a king – beaten by soldiers – denied by his closest friend. He is still going through the same treatment today. What would your answer be? “Art thou one of this man’s disciples?”

Hebrews 3:3 – “For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses.” Yes, Christ is worthy – “Worthy is the Lamb (Rev 5:12).” Moses was but a servant, but Christ is the Son. If the servant is worthy of honor, then how much more the Son. Christ is worthy of all praise – all honor – all worship. Do you honor men more than Christ? Or do you give Christ the praise?

Hebrews 7:24 – “But this man … hath an unchangeable priesthood.” The next verse says, “He ever liveth to make intercession for [us].” He is our Holy Priest – He makes intercession for us – He is our Advocate – He is our Saviour. The book of Hebrews tells us that Christ’s priesthood is better than that of Levi’s. They were but men – they would die – but He is God, and He “ever liveth.” In verse 21, God said, “Thou art a priest for ever.”

Hebrews 8:3 – “It is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.” He begins this verse by saying, “Every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices.” That was the priest’s job – to offer sacrifices to God – to make intercession between God and man. And what better sacrifice could He make than Himself – He is the Lamb – He was born to die – “God will provide himself a lamb (Ge 22:8).” He was the ultimate sacrifice – the end of all sacrifices – the last of a long line of lambs.

Hebrews 10:12 – “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.” Hallelujah, what a saviour who could take a poor lost sinner, lift him from the miry clay and set him free. I will ever sing the story, shouting glory, glory, glory, Hallelujah, Jesus ransomed me!

Quote – “I would propose that the subject of the ministry of this house, as long as this platform shall stand, and as long as this house shall be frequented by worshipers, shall be the person of Jesus Christ.” – C.H. Spurgeon, first words in the pulpit of the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London.

Secret Sins

2007-03-08T00:11:00.000-05:00

Psalm 19:12 – “Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.”

Back in the days of wooden sailing ships, a young couple was taking a sailing cruise for their honeymoon. One sunny day, there was a hubbub taking place on the deck. With the crew rushing to and fro, the young bride asked the captain of the ship, who was hurrying across the deck, what the trouble was. "The fact is, Madam," he said, "our rudder is broken." Showing her total ignorance of sailing ships, the young woman replied, "Oh, I shouldn't worry about it. Being under water all the time, no one will notice it." Hidden sins, just like that ship's rudder, may not be seen or known by others, but it greatly affects one's own life.

All of us harbor secret sins – hidden sins – “presumptuous sins.” But, contrary to our beliefs, they are not hidden. Look at verse 6 of our passage in Psalm 19, “His going forth is from the end of heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.” Our God is all-knowing, and “there is nothing hid from His eyes." And the sad fact is – these sins hinder your ministry – they hinder your Christian walk – they hinder your relationship with God. Sin separates the believer from God. Look at David’s great sin, recorded in 2 Samuel 11. David committed the sin of adultery and, to keep from getting caught, compounded the problem by committing murder. And he thought he had gotten away with it – till the man of God pointed his bony finger in the face of the king and proclaimed, “Thou art the man!” in 2 Samuel 12. This was living proof of Numbers 32:23, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” These sins separate you from God – Psalm 66:18, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” – Isaiah 59:2, “”But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Then in Psalm 51, we see David’s psalm of repentance, in which he requests of God, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation.”

And just as David did in Psalm 51, we too can seek God’s forgiveness for these presumptuous sins. The Holy Spirit will help you get rid of these sins. First we must see sin just as God sees it. You must admit it to yourself and to God. In fact, 1 John 1:9, which says “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” actually is telling us that we have to agree with God as to our sins and see them as He sees them. Then, and only then, can we begin the next step, which is to surrender sin to God – confess those sins before God. Proverbs 28:13 says, “he that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” And then, we must starve sin – starve the interest – starve the desire – starve the thought. Be honest with yourself and God. Call sin sin – surrender it to God – starve it into submission.

And how do we go about resolving this sin issue? Continue reading in Psalm 19 – the answer is in verses 7 through 11. “The law of the Lord” – the Scriptures – the Word of God is the only way. Look at the end of verse 11, “In keeping of them [law, commandments, statutes, etc.] there is great reward.” This is the only way possible to find the strength to counter the problem of sin. Verse 14 says, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Meditating upon God’s teaching acts as a mirror to make visible the inner man. Therefore, the psalmist closes by requesting the strength to overcome all types of sin and be found acceptable.

Quote – “Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, and takes off the relish of spiritual things--that to you is sin.” – Susannah Wesley

Ten Commandments for Teenagers

2007-03-07T01:00:00.000-05:00

1 John 2:14 I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.”

William Moses Tidwell wrote: Passing through a country graveyard, I was struck by the inscription on a tombstone. The stone was by the side of the path where everyone could see it. It had been placed there in memory of a young man who died at the age of seventeen. It was, "Reader, stop and think; I am in eternity! and you are on the brink." In eternity! A young man, only seventeen years of age, in eternity! In a fixed, a changeless state, heaven or hell! And yet many have gone to hell before they were seventeen years of age.

Oh, the condition of today’s youth – it’s such a sad state! Yet the Apostle John speaks with hope about youth in the verse above. He speaks with a confidence in the zeal of youth – in the potential of youth – in the persistence of youth. Granted, there are many distractions around today that pull at young people. It seems that today’s young people grow up so much quicker than in the past. According to surveys in 1990, 65% of all H.S. Christian students are sexually active, 75% of all H.S. students cheat regularly, 30% of all H.S. students have shoplifted in the past 30 days, 45-50% of all teen pregnancies are aborted, 3.3 million teens are alcoholics, 1000 teens try to commit suicide daily, and 10% of H.S. students have experimented with or are involved in a homosexual lifestyle. Those are some staggering statistics – and they were from 1990.

But – has it occurred to you that the same God that sat on the throne a hundred years ago sits on the throne today? Has it occurred to you that Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to day, and for ever.”? Has it occurred to you that our God is all powerful, all knowing, and all wise? Do you think God is going to let the devil win the hearts and minds of our young people when his time on this earth is so close to being over? I don’t think so. Just as John had confidence in the young people of his day, we can have confidence in those of ours. Sure, they need guidance. Sure, they need direction. Sure, they need the gospel of grace. But with the proper preaching and teaching and focused attention, they will make us proud. They will carry on the torch of the gospel from now until Christ returns or takes them home to be with Him.

Teens, let me give you some pointers that Dr. Jimmy Robbins gave the teens in his church. He called these the Ten Commandments for Teenagers:
1. Don’t let your parents down – they brought you up.
2. Stop and think, and you won’t drink.
3. Be smart and obey – you’ll give the orders one day.
4. Show-off driving is juvenile – Don’t act your age.
5. Ditch dirty thoughts quick, or they’ll ditch you.
6. Pick the right friends to be picked for a friend.
7. Choose a date fit for a mate.
8. Don’t go steady until you’re ready.
9. Love God, your neighbor, and your church.
10. Live carefully; the soul you save may be your own.

Quote – “When I was young I was sure of everything; in a few years, having been mistaken a thousand times, I was not half so sure of most things as I was before; at present, I am hardly sure of anything but what God has revealed to me.” – John Wesley

Knees Which Have Not Bowed

2007-03-05T23:04:00.000-05:00

1 Kings 19:18 – “Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.”

I heard a Christian businessman recently tell of an incident. While on a business trip, he was having dinner in a local restaurant chain. For some reason, he was feeling down – discouraged – pitiful – perhaps a residue of a recent sickness. But as people walked in and out, he sat there and passed judgment on them for imagined wickedness in their lives. Little children running around with glee were imagined to soon be filled with wicked thought as they grew older. Nearby was a table-full of older adolescent girls. You can imagine his thoughts about those girls – not inappropriate thoughts, but wicked all the same. Just as he was imagining the worst, he heard their conversation. They were each telling the others their personal testimonies – how they grew up – when they came to Christ – their personal battles with worldly elements in their high schools – how they were now serving Christ. The businessman’s heart broke as he realized his mistake. He wept as he related the incident, feeling the same sense of shame that he had felt as he confessed his sin of pride before God.

Sometimes we tend to get heady and high-minded in our Christian faith – to the extent that we get a martyr complex – a feeling that we hold a place of esteem in God’s eyes – an over-inflated ego that makes us feel we and we alone speak the mind of God. Such was the case with the mighty prophet Elijah. He was right on the heels of perhaps his greatest victory over the forces of Baal – the test on Mount Carmel – where he bested the four hundred prophets of Baal in a head-to-head contest. While the false prophets showed the nation Israel that their god was totally powerless, Elijah was able to call fire down from heaven and devour the sacrifice, the altar, and the barrels of water poured over it. What a great victory for the right!

But Elijah heard that the wicked queen Jezebel was now trying to have him killed. So this great and powerful prophet of God went on the run – on the run before the forces of wickedness that he had just defeated. This great, powerful preacher was now a pathetic, pouting prophet. Psychologists tell us that after any great victory, which brings an emotional high, comes an emotional low – a downer – a depression. And Elijah was right in the middle of those doldrums. Another symptom, psychologists tell us, is a severe martyr complex. Thus was Elijah’s condition in verse 14, “And I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” This is when God spoke to Elijah and told him that he still had seven thousand devoted subjects still in Israel – seven thousand who had not followed Baal – seven thousand who had not bowed the knee – seven thousand who had not kissed the false god. As Elijah realized his mistaken ideas – his inflated ego – his martyr complex, he probably felt the same sense of shame as our businessman from above. Verse 19 gives us Elijah’s reaction – “So he departed thence.” And what else did he do? He threw himself into his work once again – he anointed Elisha to succeed him – he anointed Hazael as the new king of Syria – he anointed Jehu as the new king of Israel.

Ain’t God good?!? He allows us the occasional fall – He allows us our mistakes. Just as He spoke to Elijah in a “still small voice,” so He speaks to us. Just as He chastised Elijah for his lack of faith, so He chastises us. Just as He put Elijah right back to work, so He encourages us to jump right back in. He warns us not to think too highly of ourselves – “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall (Prov 16:18)” – “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (1 Cor 10:12).” But, thankfully, He also gives us grace – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” He is a wonderful, forgiving God!

Quote – “The story of a saint is one of falling down and getting up.” – Randy Spencer, Sr.

Jehovah Sabaoth – The Lord of Hosts

2007-03-04T22:01:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 47:4 – “A for our redeemer, the LORD of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.”

A young boy traveling by airplane to visit his grandparents sat beside a man who happened to be a seminary professor. The boy was reading a Sunday school take-home paper when the professor thought he would have some fun with the lad. "Young man," said the professor, "If you can tell me something God can do, I"ll give you a big, shiny apple." The boy thought for a moment and then replied, "Mister, if you can tell me something God can't do, I’ll give you a whole barrel of apples!"

As the Lord of Hosts, our great God shows His omnipotence and omniscience. There is nothing that God cannot do – there is nothing that God does not know. Amos 4:13 tells us, “For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, is his name.” Again in Isaiah 44:6, “Thus saith the Lord the king of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.” Christ tells John in Revelation 1:8, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, … which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Christ, our Redeemer, is Jehovah God – the omnipotent [all-powerful] One – the omniscient [all-knowing] One – the omnipresent [present everywhere] One. Thus is the greatness of our Lord and our God.

This particular name gives Him all authority over all the hosts [or armies] of heaven and earth. This truth is given in Daniel 4:35, “And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand.”

But what does all this mean to us – the individual child of God? How does this help us? How does Christ’s position as the Lord of hosts help us? Let’s look at an example in the history of Israel, God’s chosen people. In 2 Kings 6, the nation of Syria camped about Israel and besieged the capital city. The Prophet Elisha was not worried, but his servant was greatly distressed and asked the prophet, “What are we going to do?” Elisha’s answer is in verse 16, “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” And then he prayed that God would open the servant’s eyes, which He did, “And he saw: and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” These were the hosts of heaven. And we have access to the same hosts that Elisha did. In Hebrews 1:14, God tells us, “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.” He says that we are surrounded by ministering spirits [angels] who will fight for us just as these hosts in their fiery chariots did for Elisha.

This is how David can with such confidence declare in the Psalms: “He is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence (Ps 62:2)”; “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and horn of my salvation and my high tower (Ps18:2)”; “He is a buckler to all those that trust in him (Ps 18:30)”; “And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies (Ps 27:6)”; “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me (Ps 56:11)”; and “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God (Ps 20:7).” The sweet psalmist of Israel knew that each one of us can put his trust in the great God, Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts. Paul says with the same confidence in Romans 8:31, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” And in Hebrews 13:6, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” And we can have the same confidence that David had – the same confidence that Paul had – the same confidence that Peter had – and the same confidence that John had. For we have as our God the great Jehovah Sabaoth.

Quote – “Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing; Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing: Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same, And He must win the battle.” – Martin Luther

Resist The Devil

2007-03-03T17:45:00.000-05:00

James 4:7 – “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

To continue our thoughts from yesterday, we are promised by Christ that we will be victorious in our life with Him. Happy victorious Christian living is completely within our grasp. We saw yesterday in Ephesians 6 the gospel armour that God provides for us – we saw the complete salvation that we have in Him – we saw the abundant life we have in Him – we saw the everlasting life we have in Him – and we saw how this salvation gives us victory over sin and the world. Today, we’re going to look at some other wonderful aspects demonstrated by our victory in Christ Jesus.

Next, we have victory over Satan. Our verse above tells us that we can get victory daily over the devil. The first part of the verse tells us, “Submit yourselves therefore to God.” This seems to be a recurring theme throughout our studies of our Christian walk – complete submission to Him. Paul tells us in 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. 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.” This requires a humble obedience to the will of God. In Ephesians 5:18 Paul tells us to “be filled with the Spirit.” This comes from selling out to Him. It’s only through selling out to Christ that we will find the strength to defeat the devil. Then in Ephesians 6:11-12, he tells us to equip ourselves with the gospel armour, “That ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against … spiritual wickedness.” It takes God’s special equipment to defeat the devil, because he “as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pe 5:8).” In His prayer of intercession in John 17, Christ asked God to “keep them from the evil [one].” We can be assured that God gives us the strength daily to defeat the devil in our lives, just as He has assured us that He will have the ultimate victory over Satan.

Next, we have victory over tribulation. It’s a fact of Scripture that the world hates Christians. Christ told us in John 15:18, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” And in 2 Timothy 3:12 Paul tells us, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Therefore tribulation at the hands of the world will come. But as we saw yesterday, in John 16:33, Christ tells us, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” There is not any persecution that the world can throw at you that Christ cannot meet with the full force of heaven and overcome. There are some tribulations that we shall meet that do not come from the world. Sometimes, bad things just happen to good people – it may be a test from God – it may be to get a chance to witness to someone – it may be for the building of our faith. But, be assured, God will always receive glory from it and He is always there to help us get through it and to overcome it.

I heard about His healing,

Of His cleansing pow'r revealing.

How He made the lame to walk again

And caused the blind to see;

And then I cried, "Dear Jesus,

Come and heal my broken spirit,"

And somehow Jesus came and bro't

To me the victory.
E. M. Bartlett

Quote – “There are no victories at discount prices.” – Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower

Victory In Jesus

2007-03-02T20:51:00.000-05:00

1 John 5:4 – “And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

I heard an old, old story,

How a Savior came from glory,

How He gave His life on Calvary

To save a wretch like me;

I heard about His groaning,

Of His precious blood's atoning,

Then I repented of my sins

And won the victory.
E. M. Bartlett

We who have believed in Christ as Saviour are promised by Him that we will be victorious in our life with Him. It is a promise that guarantees us happy victorious Christian living if we will sell out to Him. He gives us the strength necessary to overcome all that fights against us in our walk with Him. Look in Ephesians 6 where He shows us the equipment we have at our disposal.

Verse 13 – “Take the whole armour of god.”

Verse 14 – “Loins girt about with truth, … the breastplate of righteousness.”

Verse 15 – “Feet shod with … the gospel of peace.”

Verse 16 – “The shield of faith.”

Verse 17 – “The helmet of salvation ... the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Verse 18 – “Praying always.”

We definitely have the equipment we need – we have the support from on high – we have the Spirit within us to guide and direct us to victory. That victory demonstrates itself in several wonderful aspects.

First, we have victory over sin. Here in 1 John, “that disciple whom Jesus loved” tells us in verse 1, “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.” Our salvation is assured. Christ tells us in John 10:10, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” We have abundant life. Again He says in John 5:24, “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life.” We have eternal life. Not a bad trifecta. Paul tells us in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” And because of this sin, he cries out in Romans 7:24, “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me?” He answers the question in the next verse, “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The very next verse, Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation.” In verse 2, he continues that his faith in Christ “hath made me free from the law of sin.”

Next, we have victory over the world. It’s a fact of Scripture that the world system and its teachings are diametrically opposed to Christ and His teachings. John warns us in 1 John 2:15, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” Paul tells us in Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world.” In Christ prayer of intercession in John 17, He asks God not to take His disciples (that’s us) out of the world, but to protect us from the world. Then in John 16:33, Christ tells us, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” And if He has already overcome the world, then that is a guarantee that we also shall overcome the world.

That’s all we have space for this time, but we’ll continue the thought tomorrow.

Quote – "See, here is victory! Thou shalt have thy triumph. Palm, and crown, and white robes shall be thy recompense; thou shalt be treated as a conqueror, and owned as such by the Lord Himself." – CH Spurgeon

Going Home

2007-03-01T22:21:00.000-05:00

Psalm 39:12 – “For I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner.”

I once heard of a little boy who was on a train running the long trip between two Western cities. It was a hot, dusty day, very uncomfortable for traveling, and that particular ride was perhaps the most uninteresting day's journey in the whole land. But the little fellow sat patiently watching the fields and the fences hurrying by, until a motherly old lady, leaned forward to ask with some sympathy in her voice, "Aren't you tired of the long ride, dear, and the dust and the heat?" The little boy looked up brightly, and smiled, "Yes, ma'am, a little. But I don't mind it much, because my father is going to meet me when I get to the end of it.” What a beautiful thought it is that when life seems wearisome, monotonous, and sometimes filled with trouble that we can look forward hopefully and trustingly and not mind much because our Father, too, will be waiting to meet us at our journey's end!

David’s psalm here is a confession that he, like all his forefathers before him, was just a misplaced traveler in this world. He had been promised a better tomorrow, just as Abraham had when he was called out of Ur of the Chaldees, as Paul tells us in Hebrews 11:8-10 – “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."

We as saints have that same promise. We also look for that city whose builder and maker is God. The Apostle Peter reminds us again, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts (1 Peter 2:11) And the Scriptures remind us constantly that one of these days this sojourn will be over, and we’ll go home to be with Christ. John 14:2-3 tells us, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” One day soon we will go home to be with Him. And we have a heavenly Father that will meet us there at our long journey's end.

Home Sweet Home

The other day as I returned Home from a business trip,
My heart was filled with great relief, A smile did cross my lip.
“It’s good indeed to be back home,” I thought with joyful bent.
“There’s no place quite like home sweet home,” As through the door I went.

And then my mind did take a turn And wander just a bit.
I thought of how we’ll one day feel, When this old world we quit.
For this is but a journey long For those who trust in God,
And we are only travelers here Upon this earthly sod.

The day will come, ‘tis surely soon, When He will call us home,
And we’ll be taken from this earth, No longer here to roam.
And, oh, what joy will fill our hearts, As Heaven’s gate we see,
For then we’ll be at home with Christ For all eternity.
© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote – “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” – CS Lewis

Nothing New Under the Sun

2007-02-28T20:32:00.000-05:00

Ecclesiastes 1:9 – “There is no new thing under the sun.”

So says the wise man of the Bible – King Solomon – that one who, given a choice of anything he could want of God, chose wisdom to rule his people. In exasperation over the monotony of life, He makes this statement that has been quoted by academia and political pundits alike. He continues his diatribe in verse 10 by asking, “Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new?” then in answer to his own question, he retorts, “It hath been already of old time, which was before us.” He then concludes in verse 14, “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.” In other words, he says that there is never anything new that happens, and the same ole same ole that does happen is all for nothing, empty, vain, worthless.

But God, in His infinite wisdom is using the musings of this worldly wise man to teach us a thing or two. Solomon, or the Preacher, as he calls himself, says that time goes on generation after generation and all things stay the same. The sun comes up and the sun goes down but all things stay the same. This could lead us to assume that even when new inventions come along, all things stay the same. So we can draw from this that the man of God in this passage is speaking of heart attitudes, not physical things. For there are new things constantly making the scene in the physical realm – things that Solomon could never even dream of – but all things stay the same. This precept is inscribed forever in the pages of Scripture. The fact of this precept remains – all thing stay the same – there is nothing new under the sun – and all is vanity.

First there’s the idea that man is the center of all things. Humanism is not a new idea! From the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden, man has tried to assert himself over God’s sovereignty. He looked at the fruit of the tree and decided it would be better to do things his own way than to stick to God’s way. And he has been trying to do thing his own way ever since. Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Man has constantly tried to subvert God’s will with his own. Cain thought he had a better way – Nimrod thought he had a better way – Korah thought he had a better way – Nadab and Abihu thought they had a better way – Balaam thought he had a better way – Hophni and Phinehas thought they had a better way – King Saul thought he had a better way. And they all paid with their lives. Even some of God’s own men thought they had a better way – David bringing the ark back – David with Bathsheba – Aaron in making the golden calf – King Uzziah in offering before the Lord – Demas in forsaking Paul for the world. And in each case, they paid dearly.

Then there’s the false heresies that run prevalent in the church today. These are not new ideas! There’s theistic evolution – there’s Gnosticism – there’s Agnosticism – there’s Calvinism and Hyper-Calvinism – there’s Armenianism – there’s the Gospel of Judas and the Gospel of Mary – there’s the Docetics – the Arians – the Apollinarians – the Nestorians – the Eutychians. All these various heretical beliefs and dogmas have taken away from the truth of “Thus saith the Lord” and stamped upon Christianity “Thus saith man.” Satan has attacked the church through these many heresies, and the church has held firm. Now he’s attacking the church through the very Word of God, causing doubt in the inspiration and preservation of the Scriptures. But that’s a topic for another study. Needless to say, it reinforces the idea that “there is no new thing under the sun.”

Quote – “The Lord can work a radical change in you. He that sitteth on the throne can do for you what you cannot do for yourself; and, as he made you once, and you became marred by sin, he can new make you; for he saith. ‘Behold, I make all things new.’” – C. H. Spurgeon

Christ Our Treasure

2007-02-27T21:52:00.000-05:00

2 Corinthians 4:7 – “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

John MacArthur tells of a story he saw in the May 17, 1987 edition of the Atlanta Journal & Constitution. He says a rock hound named Rob Cutshaw owns a little roadside shop outside Andrews, North Carolina. Like many in the trade, he hunts for rocks, then sells them to collectors or jewelry makers. He knows enough about rocks to decide which to pick up and sell, but he's no expert. He leaves the appraising of his rocks to other people. As much as he enjoys the work, it doesn't always pay the bills. He occasionally moonlights, cutting wood to help put bread on the table. While on a dig twenty years ago, Rob found a rock he described as "purdy and big." He tried unsuccessfully to sell the specimen, and according to the Constitution, kept the rock under his bed or in his closet. He guessed the blue chunk could bring as much as $500 dollars, but he would have taken less if something urgent came up like paying his power bill. That's how close Rob came to hawking for a few hundred dollars what turned out to be the largest, most valuable sapphire ever found. The blue rock that Rob had abandoned to the darkness of a closet two decades ago -- now known as "The Star of David" sapphire -- weighs nearly a pound, and could easily sell for $2.75 million.

“Christ in you, the hope of glory,” the apostle Paul tells us in Colossians 1:27. He dwells within each and every child of God. Just as that chunk of blue rock had within it an invaluable gemstone, we have within each of us a treasure much more precious than diamonds or rubies – more precious than gold or silver – more precious than sapphires or platinum. The Lord Jesus Christ is our treasure. Rev. John Cromarty described Him thus: My friends in Christ, behold the treasure. The treasure is Christ, the way, the truth and the life. The treasure is Christ, the resurrection and the life. The treasure is Christ, the light of the world. The treasure is Christ, our prophet, priest and king. The treasure is Christ, merciful, gracious and who receives sinners.

And this treasure abides in earthen vessels – that’s you – that’s me –that’s us. We who are frail bodies of dust inbreathed with the living breath of God – indwelt with the living glory of God – are the tabernacles in which the precious Son of God has taken His abode. Psalm 103:14 tells us, “For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” In Isaiah 64:8, God tells us that we are clay in the hand of the potter, “But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” Jeremiah speaks of the relationship between the potter and the clay in Jeremiah 18, as does the Apostle Paul in Romans 9. Such is the condition of these vessels of clay – these creatures of dust. Job tells man’s condition in Job 7:5 where he says, “My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust; my skin is broken, and become loathsome.” And yet God chose these clods of dust in which to place His treasure.

Man who is weak and powerless can do nothing in himself. I heard one preacher say, “Man is a biz zero with the rim rubbed out.” That’s how much nothing we are. Yet God, in His infinite love and mercy and wisdom and grace chose to hide His treasure in these weak, earthen vessels. He tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “For my strength is made perfect in weakness.” And Paul declares in the next verse, “For when I am weak, then am I strong.” And this treasure – the Lord Jesus Christ – the riches of His grace – the salvation we have in Him – this pearl of great price – this treasure hid in the field – our Saviour and King – the blessed Spirit of God dwells within each one who has accepted His gracious gift. He is the treasure and we the earthen vessels.

Quote – “The heavenly treasure now we have In a vile house of clay! Yet He shall to the utmost save, And keep it to that day.” – Potto

The Fear of the Lord

2007-02-26T15:38:00.000-05:00

Matthew 10:28 – “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Mysophobia is fear of "dirt." Hydrophobia is fear of "water." Nyclophobia is the fear of "darkness." Acrophobia is fear of "high places." Taxophobia is fear of being "buried alive." Xenophobia is fear of "strangers." Necrophobia is fear of the "dead." Claustrophobia is fear of "confined places." Triskaidekaphobia is fear of the "number 13." Unfortunately, many people who have learned to fear things that they probably shouldn't have never learned the fear of the Lord. Too few who have acrophobia have learned to fear God and to keep his commandments. Many who have some of these fears give no heed to the words of Christ: "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Many fear what man can do to them but not what God will do at the judgment day if they do not repent and turn to Him in faith.

The fear of the Lord is a principle of the Scriptures that seems to have vanished today. There was a time when truly born-again people were called God-fearing Christians, but this seems to be a relic of the past. God does not expect us to fear Him or dread Him as a child fears some dark shadow under his bed – He expects us to fear Him with a reverential awe as we would feel if we were standing in the presence of a great and powerful man such as the President or a judge. Because truly, God is our President and our Judge. We are to respect Him – to reverence Him – to honor Him – to be in awe of Him.

Let’s look at some other passages which speak of this awe and fear towards God:

Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

Proverbs 8:13 “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.”

Proverbs 14:26 “In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence.”

Proverbs 10:27 “The fear of the Lord prolongeth days.”

Proverbs 14:27 “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life.”

Proverbs 15:33 “The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom.”

Proverbs 19:23 “The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall not be ashamed.”

Psalm 19:9 “The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever.”

Psalm 130:3 “But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.”

Isaiah 8:13-14 “Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary.”

If we will walk in the fear of the Lord, as the early church did in Acts 9:31, then we will walk in holiness – we will hate evil – we will walk with confidence – we will prolong our days – we will have a fountain of life – we will have instruction of wisdom – we will not be ashamed to walk with Him – we will be forgiven – and we will have Him as our sanctuary. We truly are a God-fearing people – a people who hold Him up with awe and reverence – a people who honor and reverence “Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Quote – “We fear men so much because we fear God so little.” – William Gurnall

Jehovah Jesus - The Lord Our Saviour

2007-02-25T21:41:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 43:3 – “For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.”

An elderly gentleman was out walking with his young grandson. "How far are we from Home?" he asked the grandson. The boy answered, "Grandpa, I don't know." The grandfather asked, "Well, where are you?" Again the boy answered, "I don't know." Then the grandfather said good-naturedly, "Sounds to me as if you are lost." The young boy looked up at his grandfather and said, "Nope, I can't be lost. I'm with you." Ultimately, that is the answer to our lostness, too. We can't be lost if He is with us.

And just as He tells the children of Israel through His prophet Isaiah, He is with us always. Look in the previous two verses – verse 1 – “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” This promise, given directly to the nation Israel, also extends to the church – believers in the grace of God – saints through His redemptive power. He says so in this verse, “I have redeemed thee.” That means He has purchased us. And what the cost? The blood of His dear Son. And since He has purchased us, now we are His – He said, “Thou art mine.” Then verse 2 – “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isn’t it wonderful to have the presence of God with us at all times. In verse 5, He says, “Fear not: for I am with thee.”

Then in verse 11, He says, “I, even I, am the LORD [Jehovah]; and beside me there is no saviour [Joshua, Jesus].” He is our Saviour, our deliverer, our provider, our protector. He and He alone has the power to provide salvation to each and every sin-sick soul. Look at His promise to Mary in Matthew 1:21, “Thou shalt call his name JESUS; for he shall save his people from their sins.” The name Jesus means Saviour. It’s the same word as Joshua in the Old Testament. His very purpose in coming to this earth was to save sinners – to provide salvation – to make a way of escape from the damnation of eternal separation from God – to “save his people from their sins.”

Salvation has a sure foundation – the finished work of Christ at Calvary. Salvation is in Jesus Christ, not in works. Titus 3:5 tells us, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done.” Man cannot work for his salvation – it comes only by faith. Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Man cannot keep the law for salvation. Galatians 2:16 says, “A man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ.” The law tells us to do – do – do, whereas grace tells us, “Thank God, it’s already done.” Salvation was complete in Jesus. Look at 1 Corinthians 3:11 – “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Christ Jesus.”

Salvation has a sure reception – the faith of Jesus Christ and His shed blood. Hebrews 11:4 – “By faith Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.” What was the difference? Works vs. blood sacrifice – Faith. Man can be redeemed only by faith – only by the blood of a sacrifice – “by the shedding of blood is remission.” Acts 16:31 says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” The church cannot save – or baptism – or works – or self – but our faith is centered in Jesus Christ. He is the object of our faith.

Salvation has a sure evidence – the fruit of the Spirit made manifest in our lives. When a person is genuinely born again he’ll produce evidences. Galatians 5:22-23 give us the fruit that the Spirit of God produce in the Christian’s life – “Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” These are the things that should be evident in our lives.

Quote – “The difference between religion and salvation is from the head to the heart.” – Melvin Vaughan

He That Is Spiritual

2007-02-24T00:21:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 2:15 – “But he that is spiritual judgeth [discerns] all things.”

Leroy Eims used to tell how one spring his family was driving from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa, Florida. As far as the eye could see, orange trees were loaded with fruit. When they stopped for breakfast, he ordered orange juice with his eggs. "I'm sorry," the waitress said. "I can't bring you orange juice. Our machine is broken." At first he was dumbfounded. They were surrounded by millions of oranges, and he knew they had oranges in the kitchen--orange slices garnished their plates. What was the problem? No juice? Hardly. They were surrounded by thousands of gallons of juice. The problem was they had become dependent on a machine to get it. Christians are sometimes like that. They may be surrounded by Bibles in their homes, but if something should happen to the Sunday morning preaching service, they would have no nourishment for their souls. The problem is not a lack of spiritual food--but that many Christians haven't grown enough to know how to get it for themselves.

The problem could also be in their environment. If you fill a clay pot with a gallon of water and carry it on your head it will soon grow heavy. However, when you swim underwater you have many gallons of water on top of your head and the weight is not nearly as burdensome. Why the difference? The environment that you are in. When you are in an environment of air, water is hard to carry. When you are in the environment of water, it is easier. So it is in the spirit. If you are in the environment of the flesh, then God's commands are extremely burdensome. If you are in the environment of the Spirit they are much easier.

So exactly how are we to become spiritual? First of all, we are to follow Paul’s admonition in Ephesians 5:18 – “Be filled with the Spirit.” Being filled with the Spirit is the key to the spiritual life. I once demonstrated this concept with a gallon jug of Pepsi and a gallon jug of milk. I took the Pepsi jug and used it to represent the Christian life and the jug of milk to represent the Spirit. In order to fill the Pepsi jug with the milk, I found it necessary to empty out the Pepsi. Now, if I only emptied half of the Pepsi and poured milk into the jug, it became a mess. So it is with being filled with the Spirit – in order to be filled with the Spirit one must completely empty himself of self – then, and only then, can he be filled with the Spirit. If you will be filled with the Spirit, then you will be pleasing to God.

Secondly, we are to dedicate ourselves to God to do His Will as commanded in 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. 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.” If you’ll sell out to God and be filled with the Spirit, then this will be pleasing to God.

Thirdly, we are to manifest the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. This is found in Galatians 5:16-26. Paul first lists for us in verses 19-21 the works of the flesh and warns us to not do these things. Then in verses 22 and 23, he gives us the works he calls the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” These are very much the things we should strive to demonstrate in our lives. If you will manifest the fruit of the Spirit, and sell out to God, and be filled with the Spirit, then you will be pleasing to God.

Lastly, we are allow ourselves to be fully controlled by the Spirit of God – look in Romans 8:11 – “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” If you’ll be fully controlled by the Spirit of God, and manifest the fruit of the Spirit, and sell out to God, and be filled with the Spirit, then you will be pleasing to God.

Quote – “When the dew of God’s Spirit saturates our spiritual nature, it makes the doing of God’s will an easy matter.” – Dr. F. E. Marsh

He Careth For You

2007-02-22T00:18:00.000-05:00

1 Peter 5:7 – “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

In 480 B.C. the outmanned army of Sparta's King Leonidas held off the Persian troops of Xerxes by fighting them one at a time as they came through a narrow mountain pass. Commenting on this strategy, C.H. Spurgeon said, "Suppose Leonidas and his handful of men had gone out into the wide-open plain and attacked the Persians--why, they would have died at once, even though they might have fought like lions." Spurgeon continued by saying that Christians stand in the narrow pass of today. If they choose to battle every difficulty at once, they're sure to suffer defeat. But if they trust God and take their troubles one by one, they will find that their strength is sufficient.

Worry is one of the biggest problems facing today’s society. And sad to say, it’s one of the biggest problems facing the church. Experts tell us that the average person’s anxiety is focused on: 40% - things that will never happen; 30% - things about the past that can’t be changed; 12% - things about criticism by others, mostly untrue; 10% - about health, which gets worse with stress; and 8% - about real problems that will be faced. That’s 92% of our worries are about things that we have no control over or aren’t real problems to be concerned about. There’s no reason whatsoever for us to kill ourselves with stress and worry. Now if we’ll follow our text verse and cast upon Christ everything that would cause us anxiety, think of the lower stress levels – think of the lower suicide rate – think of the lower blood pressures – think of the lower valium consumption. Bill Harvey’s little chorus says, “Fret not – He’s watching over you. Fret not – The Lord will see you through. Fret not – you’re sure to stand the test. Commit and trust – delight and rest.”

Take a look at Matthew 6:25-34. There are in these verses six warnings against worry. “Take no thought” – six times. “Be not anxious for your life,” Christ is telling them. “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Now look at Proverbs 10:22 – “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3 – “But the Lord is faithful.” There are many other verses that command us not to be fearful. For example, Philippians 4:6 – “Be careful [or anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Bring it to Jesus and cast it on Him. He takes great pleasure in handling your problems for you.

Many of us allow worry to consume us – we let worry turn to fear – and fear is the result of trying to look at God through your circumstances. But what God honors is faith – turning your anxieties over to Him is faith – and faith is the result of looking at your circumstances through God! There’s a big difference between a burden and a worry. When a burden begins to rob you of the joy of the Lord, then it’s a sin. Romans 14:23 tells us, “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Did you know that every time you worry you display a lack of faith and that is sin? But if you’ll cast every care upon Him, then you are displaying faith. Did you know that worry and anxiety lead to fearfulness? – and “perfect love casteth out fear (1 John 4:18).”

Whether it be a fear, or a burden, or a worry, or a care – whether it be one of those things that we worry about that will never happen – whether it be one of those things about the past that we can’t change – whether it be one of those untrue criticisms by others – whether it be a concern about a health issue that compounds with stress – whether it be a real problem or an imagined problem – “Cast all your cares upon [Jesus] for He careth for you.”

Quote – “Cast all your cares on Him – casting signifies a rolling – you can roll many a burden you can’t lift.” – Dr. John McCormick

What is Salvation?

2007-02-21T00:28:00.000-05:00

Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

A young girl in Scotland once described salvation this way: “Oh, sir, I cannot explain it, but I know it. It seems to me it is like the washing of the sheep in yonder brook. We take them into the flowing stream and hold them there till all the dirt has been cleansed from the wool. We cannot tell where the water comes from or where it goes, but we know that the fleece is cleansed. I can’t explain it, but I know the blood of Jesus cleanseth me from all sin.”

To describe salvation – there aren’t enough words – the words we do have can’t be put together in such a way – if we could put them together, we could not even touch the wonder of it – to describe salvation. Some try to say that it is merely a reformation – turning over a new leaf – making a conscious decision to do better – making a New Year’s resolution. But reformation is not salvation – a man cannot plumb the depths of his soul enough, reach the heights of heaven enough, or scrape the pit of hell enough to change sufficiently to meet God’s demands. Some try to say it is confirmation – make a head decision – shake a preacher’s hand – sign a decision card. But confirmation is not salvation – religion tells you that when you reach a certain age you can be confirmed into religion as a means of grace – but there is nothing magic about that age, and besides that the church cannot save you. Some try to say that it is information – if you make an informed consent – if you gain enough knowledge – if you gain enough worldly wisdom – then man can save himself. But information is not salvation – no amount of head knowledge can bring about salvation. Some try to say it is a demonstration – if you can demonstrate a desire to bring about salvation – an assertion of selfhood – a self-sacrificing act – a self-punishing experience – then salvation will surely come. But demonstration is not salvation – no amount of self-flagellation, self-sacrifice, self-abasement can resolve the sin-debt that must be paid. Some try to say that it is isolation – cut yourself off from the rest of the world – isolate yourself from worldly desires – and you’ll cleanse yourself of sin. But isolation is not salvation – removing temptation and worldly desires will not resolve the sinful condition of your soul. Some try to say that denomination is salvation – if you follow this doctrine or that dogma or this catechism – then surely salvation will follow. But denomination is not salvation – denominations are man-made perversions of God’s original intent – no denomination can save a man.

Then, you may ask, what is salvation? Three things: First, salvation is a change of mind. In Luke 13:3, Christ uses some recent local happenings to describe salvation to the Jews. “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” He repeats the same warning again in verse 5 – word for word. So repentance is essential to salvation. What is repentance? It is an about face – a complete change of mind – a 180 degree turn. You cannot be saved and continue to walk the way you were going. This turning from sin is a continual process, a continuous turning away from sin. Second, salvation is a converting of walk. Ephesians 4 instructs us how we are to walk. Paul says in verse 1 to “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” In verse 3 – walk in unity; in verse 17 – walk in purity; in 5:2 – walk in love; in 5:8 – walk in light; in 5:15 – walk carefully; in 5:19 – walk in harmony; and in 6:10 – walk in victory. Everyone who would be saved must turn again his walk from the world to Christ. Third, salvation is a committal of faith in Jesus Christ. We don’t have to work for our salvation – Christ did that at Calvary – but we must do certain things – we must accept – we must repent – we must believe. This belief comes through accepting Christ as Saviour through faith in His finished work on the cross, acknowledging the need for salvation, and believing in your heart that He will save. This belief in Christ brings with it the salvation of the soul. Salvation then brings the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a daily walk with Him in this present life, and eternal life with Him in heaven.

Quote – “The shed blood is like a scarlet carpet which men follow to Heaven.” – Dr. Bob Jones, Sr.

'Twas His Grace

2007-02-19T23:56:00.000-05:00

2 Timothy 1:9 – “Who hath saved us … according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus.”

Charles Spurgeon and Joseph Parker both had churches in London in the 19th century. On one occasion, Parker commented on the poor condition of children admitted to Spurgeon's orphanage. It was reported to Spurgeon however, that Parker had criticized the orphanage itself. Spurgeon blasted Parker the next week from the pulpit. The attack was printed in the newspapers and became the talk of the town. People flocked to Parker's church the next Sunday to hear his rebuttal. "I understand Dr. Spurgeon is not in his pulpit today, and this is the Sunday they use to take an offering for the orphanage. I suggest we take a love offering here instead." The crowd was delighted. The ushers had to empty the collection plates 3 times. Later that week there was a knock at Parker's study. It was Spurgeon. "You know Parker, you have practiced grace on me. You have given me not what I deserved, you have given me what I needed.”

That’s just how God treats us, He gives us what we need, not what we deserve. If we got what we deserved, each of us would be in hell today – or well on our way – but God, in His infinite mercy, has chosen to give us that which we do not deserve. If you look in just about any Bible dictionary, you’ll find that the word grace means unmerited favor – that is, a gift that is not deserved or earned – and there is no way that we as finite beings could ever do anything in order to earn the gift of salvation. But God, in His infinite mercy, has chosen to give us that which we do not deserve – the free gift of salvation. And what do you have to do to receive a gift? Nothing, but accept it – it’s free – it’s a gift – it is in no way earned or worked for. Romans 6:23 tells us, “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Ephesians 2:8 tells us, “For by grace are ye saved.” And that’s the unmerited favor of God – the free gift of salvation.

‘Twas His Grace

When in sin’s dark dominion I aimlessly trod,
When my soul did cry out in despair,
‘Twas His grace e’er so free wrought salvation from God.
Now I’m resting in His loving care.

This same grace is sufficient to meet every need
That might come in my life every day.
Every trial, every heartache He’ll graciously heed,
And He’ll guide me each step of the way.

When I’ve come to the end of this long tiresome race,
When I’ve finished my course here below,
He will sweetly sustain me through His precious grace
As across death’s dark river I go.

The Father sought me, the Saviour bought me,
The Spirit taught me of His sweet grace.
By grace He saved me, His grace secures me,
His grace will send me to His embrace.
© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote - “Grace means undeserved kindness. It is the gift of God to man the moment he sees he is unworthy of God's favor.” – D. L. Moody

Jehovah Shammah – The Lord is Present

2007-02-18T23:25:00.000-05:00

Exodus 48:35 – “The name of the city from that day shall be, the LORD is there.”

Brian La Croix used to tell of when his daughter Olivia would wake up in the middle of the night and need to use the bathroom. It was his job to get up and take her there, so he would get out of bed when she called to find her in the hall outside her room. She would take his hand as they would go to the bathroom, which was about six feet from her door. Did she need his hand to show her the way? No, she wanted to know he was near. Then any fear and apprehension she may have about the dark would go away. She probably didn’t consciously even think about it. It’s kind of the same thing with us. Sometimes we are troubled, fearful or just need some encouragement. What a comfort to know that God is there with an open hand to take ours and lift us up when we are down, encourage us when we are weak, and calm us when we are fearful.

Of all the names of God we have looked at so far – Jehovah Jireh (the Lord will provide), Jehovah Rapha (the Lord that healeth), Jehovah Nissi (the Lord our banner), Jehovah Shalom (the Lord our peace), Jehovah Raah (the Lord our shepherd), Jehovah Tsidkenu (the Lord our righteousness) – none is as precious to the child of God as this one, Jehovah Shammah (the Lord is present). No other promise is as real to the Christian as the promise of God’s presence with us. The British songwriter, Graham Kendrick, tells us, “He is here, and we have come to worship Him, in His presence opening the treasures of our hearts. He is here the centre of our longings, all our restless journeyings are ended in His peace, and God is here with us, our Saviour, Jesus; His mercy covers us. Immanuel is here, so tender, so near. We welcome you Immanuel, adore you more than words can tell, we worship you. Immanuel is here, he is here.”

The context of our passage, here in the last chapter of Ezekiel’s prophecy, puts us at the end of the age. It speaks of the millennial kingdom and tells of the holy city Jerusalem, another name of Christ’s bride, the church. The Apostle John describes the same New Jerusalem in the Revelation – He describes it as a Holy City coming down from above – and here, Ezekiel tells us the name of the city is “the Lord is there [or in the Hebrew Jehovah Shammah].” This is very definitely the name of God, Jehovah Shammah, and He has given His name to the Holy City Jerusalem.

To the child of God, perhaps the most wonderful thing about God’s presence is His promise to be with us in this present age. The children of Israel, when coming out of Egypt were blessed with God’s presence in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. And in Exodus 33:14, God promised Moses, “My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.” To the church Christ promised in Matthew 28:20, “And lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Paul tells the church in Hebrews 13:5, “He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Christ promised in John 14 that the Holy Ghost would come – a Comforter – an Advocate – a Spirit of truth. In verse 18 He promised, “I will not leave you comfortless.” And in Romans 8:9 Paul says, “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you” – so not only do we have Christ’s presence with us in the Holy Ghost, but we also have His presence in us in the Holy Ghost.

And not only do we have God’s presence with us in this life, but we’ll live in His presence for all eternity. In 2 Corinthians 5:8, Paul tells us, “Willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” In fact, throughout the Scriptures, we are told that it is God’s presence throughout eternity that makes heaven eternal life, and to be absent from God’s presence makes it eternal death, not to mention the flames of hell and the lake of fire. But the promise of God’s presence both here and for all eternity makes this name of God, Jehovah Shammah, the most precious name of all.

Quote – “God is present in all time and at the same time.” – Dr. Harold Sightler

Simple Child-Like Faith

2007-02-16T00:11:00.000-05:00

Mark 10:15 – “Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.”

The Chicago Daily News captions a picture of small children entering a "tiny-tot play lot" through a low gateway shaped like a keyhole. Admittance to the lot, given to the youngsters of Oak and Sedgwick Streets by Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Dewey, depends on the ability of the child to walk upright through the low gate. Size too, determines whether or not a person enters Heaven. When His disciples asked the Lord Jesus who was the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, he "called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matt 18:13).”

This is an important concept in the Scriptures – we must exhibit simple child-like faith in order to be saved. Many times we adults – educated beyond our wisdom – cynical beyond our years – proud beyond our raising – we tend to make salvation much more difficult than it is. Now, I’m no advocator of “easy believism” – I believe that faith is a definite act – and with that act comes a command for repentance – but it is a faith that has no bearing on any work of our own. The work was done at Calvary, and all we have to do is believe and accept the finished work. But it is not a difficult thing. Simply “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved (Acts 16:31).” No ceremonies – no rites – no chants – no vain repetitions – no bugles – no drums – no marching bands – no dogma – no catechisms – no works – no nothing, but “believe and be saved.”

In fact, there is nothing that we can do to even deserve salvation – Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Titus 3:5, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.” Through an implicit faith in Christ as the supreme sacrifice for sin, any man who wholeheartedly accepts Christ through believing and repenting will be saved. It’s all about His wonderful mercy and grace – through child-like faith.

Just why do you suppose we must “become as little children” to be born-again? We could look as several possibilities:
Children are pure in mind and heart. Psalms 131:2 “Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.” As children pass from childhood to adolescence, their minds become sullied by the educators of this world, and they lose their purity. Their hearts become entangled in affairs of this world, and they lose their purity. Their emotions become distorted by the prince of this world, and they lose their purity.

Children are innocent in worldly ways. 1 Corinthians 14:20, “Brethren, … in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.” Children have no guiltiness – they are innocent. They have no malice – they are innocent. They have no accountability – they are innocent. As they increase in understanding, they also increase in accountability. Their innocence becomes ruined by cynicism.

Children are free of preconceived notions. 1 Peter 2:1-2, “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word.” They don’t carry all the mental and emotional baggage that adults do. It’s a fact that worldly experience brings about worldly thoughts and ideas.

Quote – “Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that He will!” – Paul W. Brubaker

Not Your Own

2007-02-15T18:01:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

I spoke with a pastor yesterday who bemoaned the allurements of the world today on his church members. He said, “I get in the pulpit Sunday after Sunday and preach holy living, righteous judgment, soul-winning, and humility of spirit, and it seems the crowds are flocking to the mega-churches to be entertained rather than preached to. The Bible says the people ‘would heap to themselves teachers having itching ears.’ And that’s exactly what today’s churches have done. They’re neither cold nor hot, and God says He would spew them out of His mouth. The problem is in both the pew and the pulpit. Preachers today are more worried about their paycheck and their pension funds than about preaching the unadulterated truth of God’s Word.”

And it’s true – the modern-day church is filled with “saints” who go about their daily lives seeking only to please themselves. Taught by this humanistic society, they attempt to gratify self – to gain wealth – to satisfy the lusts of their flesh. They don’t accept the biblical teaching of self-denial and self-abasement. No wonder today’s churches show no similarity to the church of New Testament days. We need members who are sold out to God – who are committed to Christ – who are responsive to the Spirit. Any member who is not, is not a true saint.

And we’re not going to get members like that until we get some preachers like that. We need preachers who are committed to following God’s instructions in the Word – to submitting to the teachings of Christ – to listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit. They need to not be so concerned about their careers and be more concerned about their calling. If preachers would let God lead them instead of following their pocketbooks, they would preach the truth of God’s Word – that if we are saved we are not our own, but we are bought with a price – that we don’t control our own destiny, but we are controlled by the Spirit of God – that we don’t esteem ourselves, but we esteem others. Let’s follow Paul’s instructions and glorify Him by living a righteous and holy life for Him, by telling others about Him, and by living unto Him instead of unto ourselves. Man is not the ultimate, regardless of what Nietzsche says. Christ redeemed us from the slave-market of sin, so we are no longer our own – we are no longer the world’s – we are no longer the devil’s. So let’s act like it.

In His Name

In whose name do we come to pray?

We say the name of Jesus.
But when we’re done we rise to play,

As if He never sees us.

We continually fill our lives

With things apart from Him.
His Holy Spirit with us strives,

Convicting us of sin.

And yet, we try to go each day,

As if He’s nowhere near,
And if indeed we stop to pray,

It’s not with awe or fear.

We seek to pass each moment here

In our own strength alone.
He tries to make it very clear

That we’re not ours to own.

We ought to live for Him each day –

To Him we ought to come –
And in His Name to daily pray

Until He takes us home.
© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote – “If you have a fire-man in the pulpit, you’ll not have many snow-men in the pew.” – C. H. Spurgeon

Salvation Brings Love

2007-02-14T00:38:00.000-05:00

2 Thessalonians 3:5 – “And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.”

Happy Valentine’s Day!

You know, the world recognizes this day as a day of love – a day of caring – a day of chocolates – a day of flowers – a day of jewelry. It’s a day when young boys (and old men) turn their thoughts to the fairer sex. But the greatest love story was played out over two thousand years ago when Christ came to this earth and gave Himself on Calvary’s cross. It was an act of total love and compassion. 1 John 3:16 tells us, “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us.” 1 John 4:7-8, “For love is of God … for God is love.” 1 John 4:10, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his son.”

And as our thoughts turn to love – the love of God – the love of Christ – His eternal love, let us not forget that in His Word He tells us that He has imparted perfect love to us (1 John 2:5). In fact, He tells us in 1 John 4:17, “Perfect love casteth out fear.” In His Word He also commands us to love one another (1 John 3:11). In fact, one of the proofs that we are His is that we love the brethren. In His Word He also commands us who and what not to love – “love not the world, neither the things that are in the world (1 John 2:15).” In His Word He also commands us to love God – “We love him because he first loved us (1 John 4:19).” Love holds a special place in the Christian’s heart – “Now abideth faith, hope, charity [love], these three; but the greatest of these is charity [love] (1 Cor 13:13).” Love is also mentioned first in the manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22 – “Love, joy, peace …”

So in this season as our thoughts turn to love, sure, love your spouse – love your boyfriend – love your girlfriend, but let us not forget the greatest Valentine – God’s love for us. Let us love Him more!

Because of His Love for Me

Once I was all alone and forgotten
Till the Saviour took me in and cared for me.
He washed my sins away,
Changed my nighttime into day,
Taught me of His love so full and free.

I was clothed in rags of sin when He found me;
In my own goodness such a stench filled the air.
When His name I did confess,
He gave me robes of righteousness.
Now I praise Him for His loving care.

On the road of sin and death I was wand’ring,
Not aware of the end that was my fate,
But when I knelt to pray,
He put my feet to stay
In the path that leads to Heaven’s gate.

I’ve been adopted in a royal family
Through His Grace so abundant and free.
I’ve been washed as white as snow,
And to Heaven I will go,
All because of Jesus’ love for me.
© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote – “Love is an itch that it takes two to scratch.” – Evangelist Bobby Grubbs