Historical Posts
Testing Your Faith
A couple of weeks ago, everything seemed to be all worked out. The house in Alabama had a buyer, contracts were about to be signed, and we could officially close on a house in Ohio in a matter of weeks.
Suddenly, things began to take a different turn. A clause in the contract means the house has not been sold, and the buyer is walking away. However, all hope is not lost! A former interested party is still interested in the house, and a decision is forthcoming. What will happen? Only God knows.
Does this sound like you? Everything seems to be going your way, and all of the sudden – BOOM! Something happens and plans have changed. What are you to do?
Remember the words of James: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (James 1:2-3).”
Therefore, I am glad all this is happening! My faith is being tested, and is becoming stronger every day. I am becoming more patient to endure whatever life may throw at me.
If I am found faithful, I will be rewarded. What about you?
Are You Sorry?
It has often been said that the two hardest words to utter in the English language are “I’m sorry.”
We all make mistakes, yet it is difficult to admit when a mistake is made. It is also hard to help others realize when they make a mistake.
But, a true friend “loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17).” Sometimes this must mean telling others that they are living in sin. Paul asked the Galatians, “Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth (Galatians 4:16)?” A true friend tells the truth, even when it is not popular.
Consider what happens when a person is told they made a mistake. The initial response may be disbelief and/or anger, but hopefully the attitude will turn to sorrow.
Is it wrong to make a person feel sorrow? Consider Paul’s words to the Corinthians: “For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted (2 Corinthians 7:8-10)…”
If we truly are sorry, we’ll repent! If we do not repent, we’ll perish (Luke 13:3,5). If we can help others to feel sorry in a godly way, leading to repentance, we can help to save many souls.
Unseen God of a Seen World
Go ahead and step outside. Take a look around. Inhale, and then exhale. What do you see? What do you feel?
God’s creation is all around us. Hebrews 11:3 states: “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”
What we see is evidence of the God we do not see. Paul said, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse (Romans 1:20).”
How did God create the world? Remember, “…the worlds were framed by the word of God…” The very first thing God said was, “Let there be light (Genesis 1:3)!” What happened? There was light!
We know Jesus also had a part in creation, because He is the Word of God in the flesh that was in the beginning (John 1:1-5,14). Without Him there was not anything made that was made.
Later in John 1, we learn that no one has seen God at any time (John 1:18). Even though we do not see Him, we have faith that He is here! Faith is necessary to come to God (Hebrews 11:6), and it comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
Let us share God’s Word with others, so they can know Him too!
Everything Works Together for Good
One verse that has been on our hearts lately is Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
We can see this applying right this very minute. Our house in Alabama is being sold, the ministry I will give up has been taken care of, and opportunities abound to where I am going. Please notice a few things about this verse…
- We know! Let us not doubt God, but be confident that He is able to do more than we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).
- All things work together for good. Not just some things, but everything we do God can use for His good! It is a good God that we serve, and He has always been good to us.
- God knows we love Him when we keep His commandments (John 14:15). When we do what He says, He will take care of us! Thus, God has a purpose for all of us.
Let us not doubt God, but follow His lead. If we do His will, He will take care of us. Let His purpose be done for us, not our own. “…Not My will, but Yours, be done (Luke 22:42).”
Revelation of Christ
Perhaps upon reading the title of this article, you may think that this idea is taken from the book of Revelation. Instead, it comes from Paul’s letter to the Galatians.
He told them that through the grace of God, He revealed His Son (Galatians 1:16). Thus, as Paul went to many places, he preached that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Acts 9:20). He tried to live a life that was in complete submission to Christ; when people saw Paul, they saw Jesus through him (Galatians 2:20). The life Jesus lived was an example to all, and we must strive to live as He did (1 Peter 2:21-22).
Paul then went on to make reference to the apostles who were before him in Jerusalem (Galatians 1:17). In Acts 2, the apostles were assembled together there at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. They received the Holy Spirit, and began to preach to all nations whereby everyone could hear and understand. Peter said to them, “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36).” Again, Jesus was revealed through the apostles!
Jesus first revealed Himself to His apostles; His apostles then revealed Him to others. Now, it is up to you and me to reveal Christ in us. Surely, together we can bring many lost souls to Christ. Let the revelation of Jesus continue!
Pray for One Another
While visiting the nursing home this week a faithful member of the Lord’s church informed me that every night her neighbor would come into her room and visit with her. Then, after a good length of time, they would pray together. Finally, “Good night!” would then ensue.
I always enjoy hearing stories like that because even preachers do not always realize what goes on behind closed doors. It warms our hearts to know that every Christian is doing something worthwhile that not everyone knows about. “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly (Matthew 6:6).”
Prayer is something that can be done in secret, with brothers and sisters in Christ, or in public with people that we may not know. Just as Paul said to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), James said to “pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:17).”
Just as a lot of good is being done between these brethren in the nursing home, think what good can be done with you! Let’s all pray for each other effectively and fervently; it avails much!
Remember the Prisoners
It seems that every day in the local paper that someone is arrested and put into prison. Sometimes they go to jail for things they should not have done, and other times they do something that is good that others do not approve of.
Consider the case of Paul and Silas.
They were put in prison for casting an unclean spirit out of a certain slave girl (Acts 16). While in prison, other prisoners were listening to them sing praises to God. They were even able to preach the gospel to the Philippian jailer, and he and his whole house were baptized!
Paul could relate well to those in prison, since he was there himself. How often do we think about them?
After all, Jesus died for them also! Hebrews 13:3 states, “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them – those who are mistreated – since you yourselves are in the body also.”
We need to pray for these people, and if possible, share the gospel with them. Even Jesus said, “I was in prison and you came to Me (Matthew 25:36).
The reward is inheriting the kingdom prepared for us from the foundation of the world (Matthew 25:34).
Bible Study Attendance
It seems like the growing trend in today’s society is to skip Bible class and attend just the worship service.
Perhaps the kids cannot get ready in time; people have to leave early to get to work; others simply just want to sleep in a little longer. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone came together to study God’s Word?
The Ohio State Fair is now upon us. Imagine if the whole city of Columbus attended, and every individual stopped at the church fair booth! What a wonderful crowd!
Everyone would get a tract, sign up for a Bible Correspondence Course, or want more information about the Lord’s church. My, how we will grow! There was a time this almost happened!
Paul and Barnabas were preaching to the Jews and Gentiles at Antioch of Pisidia. After much persuasion by the Gentiles to return the following Sabbath, Paul and Barnabas got a wonderful surprise! “…Almost the whole city came together to hear the Word of God (Acts 13:44).”
Upon seeing such a huge crowd, the Jews were filled with envy (Acts 13:45). Since they rejected God’s Word, it then began to spread to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46).
Let’s flock to hear God’s word, and not reject it. After all, Jesus has the words of eternal life (John 6:6)!
I Heard It Through The Grapevine
A comedian once said that there are three “tell-alls” in any neighborhood:
- Telephone
- Telegraph
- Tell the town gossip!
When a message is sent through the right channel, it is quickly received. Thus, we often hear something “through the grapevine.”
There is a vine that we must be connected to, and must listen to every word that is spoken. Upon hearing these words, we must share them! Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser (John 15:1).” We must hear Him speak, and preach His message throughout the world!
Sometimes spreading a message without consent gets us into trouble. However, we have Christ’s command to share His words! After all, we are the branches that abide in Him, and we must bear fruit for Him (John 15:2ff.).
When His words are heard through the grapevine, much fruit will be produced. Thus, we as branches will be rewarded. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you (John 15:7).
The Greatest Author
Growing up, my favorite author was Franklin W. Dixon. The Hardy Boys was my favorite series, and I soon collected the entire set (including the handbook).
Carolyn Keene is just as popular with girls for penning Nancy Drew. Many authors wrote classics, fiction, nonfiction, and biographies that thrill many readers. They create characters and expound upon their adventures.
The greatest author of all, however, is Jesus Christ! Jesus is the author of “eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9).”
No one else can create anything as wonderful! He even tells us how to receive it – by doing what He says! In order to come to God, we do so through faith in Jesus (Hebrews 11:6). Thus, Jesus is “the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).”
There is a lot of confusion in the world, especially regarding matters of faith. But, this confusion did not come from God! He is “not the author of confusion, but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33).”
What is your favorite book to read? I hope and pray it is the Bible. After all, God is its author (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Everything you read there is true, and you will be prepared for living now and in eternity.
Life Is Not Fair!
How many times have you heard the expression, “life isn’t fair!”? Sometimes you may even agree with that yourself. We often wonder why bad things happen to good people, and vice versa.
The truth is, we are the ones that are not fair!
God said, “Is it not My way which is fair, and your ways which are not fair (Ezekiel 18:25&29)?”
God is not happy when we turn from His way.
In fact, He clearly says that He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Those that are righteous will live; those that are wicked shall die. If one is righteous then turns wicked, he will die; but if a wicked person turns righteous he will live.
Therefore, God said “Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit… For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies. Therefore turn and live (Ezekiel 18:28-29)!”
Our way is not fair, but God’s way is!
He commands us to “turn and live,” or to repent! Peter reminds us: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).” Even Jesus said, “…Unless you repent you will likewise perish (Luke 13:3,5).”
Let us turn from our way to God’s way! That is the fair thing to do!
A Little Bird Told Me
Have you ever been surprised when somebody fond out something you said or did, even though you thought no one else knew? When asked how they knew, their response usually is: “A little bird told me.” Obviously a bird cannot talk in English, but word gets around somehow!
One day Moses saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. After looking around and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. The next day, two Hebrew men were fighting and Moses approached them. One of them asked, “Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-14)?” Perhaps a little bird told him.
Believe it or not, this saying is Bible-based! “Do not curse the king, even in your thought; do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; for a bird of the air may carry your voice, and a bird in flight may tell the matter (Ecclesiastes 10:20).”
What might a little bird tell on us?
Ask and Ye Shall Receive
Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you (Luke 11:9).” There are a lot of things in this world we ask for, but do we get all of them? Is there something you wanted and asked for and didn’t receive? When you didn’t get what you asked for, did you think Jesus lied to you?
Well, there may be a reason we don’t get what we ask for. John writes, “and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight (1 John 3:22).” Next time you don’t get what you asked for, ask yourself: Am I doing what Christ commands me to do? Is He pleased with what I’m doing?
Maybe it’s not the fault of Christ if we don’t get what we asked for; maybe it’s ours! So, let’s always keep His commandments to show Him we love Him (John 14:15), and do that which is pleasing in His sight!
Which is the Greatest?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).” Without it, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Sounds pretty important, right?
Faith is essential for salvation (Ephesians 2:8), but is it the greatest Christian quality?
“For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance (Romans 8:25-26).” Life seems meaningless if there is nothing to hope for.
Christians likewise need hope, but is it the greatest Christian quality?
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).” What if God didn’t love us? What if we did not love Him in return?
Is love the greatest Christian quality?
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest is love (1 Corinthians 13:13).”
Our faith will become sight; our hope will be realized; our love will last forever!
I Don’t Understand
It is not unusual for a person to begin a conversation with someone who does not understand what they are saying. “We’re on two completely different pages!” is a common response.
This could be for many reasons, such as having less education, different cultural backgrounds, or even different personalities.
One thing we all need to understand is the Word of God. Can we? Of course we can!
“And we know that the Son of God has come and given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life (1 John 5:20).”
When God speaks to us through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17), we can understand it! We have an example after Jesus was resurrected. He appeared to His disciples and “opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures (Luke 24:45).”
God means what He says, and says what He means. It’s not that hard to understand! “May the Lord give you understanding in all things (2 Timothy 2:7).”
Rejoice Today!
A few days ago, I had “one of those days.”
- I started to get in my car to go teach a Bible class, only to learn the car wouldn’t start! Thankfully, I had another vehicle to use.
- At lunch, I couldn’t get banana pudding for dessert because it just ran out.
- Later that afternoon, I couldn’t charge my phone because the wires separated from the plug.
Have you ever had one of those days?
Regardless of how bad things may seem, we must remember, “This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).” That adds a new perspective, doesn’t it?
God made that day; therefore, I will rejoice! Likewise, Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice (Philippians 4:4)!”
As Christians, we have every reason to rejoice today and every day!
Perfect Pair
Burton Baskin and Irvine Robbins shared a common interest: ice cream. Together, they established the famous Baskin-Robbins ice cream chain in 1945.
Phineas Taylor Barnum and James A. Bailey joined forces in 1888 to produce the “Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth.”
Colbert Coldwell and Benjamin Arthur Banker formed a well-known real estate agency (Coldwell-Banker) in San Francisco in 1906.
The aforementioned pairs shared a common interest, and together had much success.
The Bible asks, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed (Amos 3:3)?”
If we agree with God and walk with Him, think what all we can accomplish! After all, we can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13)! God and us are the perfect pair!
The All Seeing Eye
“There’s an All-Seeing Eye Watching You”
Hopefully many people remember the song: “There’s an All-Seeing Eye Watching You.” I can remember first learning about eyes that see everything, and it scared me to death! I just knew that if I did something wrong, someone always knew it and would never forget it.
At the same time, however, it is nice to know that other people are being watched. That way, we can be warned if something is going to happen to us.
Proverbs 15:3 states, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” Yes, it is true that God sees the evil that men do. At the appropriate time, God will take care of it.
Also, let us remember that God sees the good we do! If we love Him and obey His commandments, He will reward us!
Let the “All-Seeing Eye” see only good in us!
The Greatest Composer
Who is the greatest composer? Maybe you think of Beethoven, Chopin, or Mozart.
Yet, a composer is not just one that puts a musical piece together. A composer puts things in proper form, organizes, or creates. You may now be thinking of an artist like Grandma Moses, Leonardo da Vinci, or Rembrandt.
Can any composer compare with God? After all, He created the heavens and the earth. He showed Pharaoh 10 plagues that no one else can do.
Paul says, “God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it (1 Corinthians 12:24).” Only God could put together our physical bodies and make them work as they do.
Also in this context the church is described as the body of Christ. All Christians are different, and only God could use all of us to work together to accomplish His purpose.
Tame Your Tongue
As you read this article, try a simple experiment: hold your tongue between your fingers. Is it still moving? No matter how hard you try to physically keep your tongue from wiggling, it is impossible (or at the least, very difficult)!
Just as the tongue is difficult to tame physically, it is spiritually. James wrote, “But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (James 2:8).” Have you ever said something you wish you hadn’t? Did you say something in the wrong way, and could have made it nicer or clearer? Blessing and cursing can proceed out of it (James 3:10), but only blessing should.
We should think before we speak, as there is “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak (Ecclesiastes 3:7).” When we do speak, we should speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), and our speech should be “with grace, seasoned with salt, that [we] may know how [we] ought to answer each one (Colossians 4:6).”