Historical Posts
Be Wary of Eating Honey
I like eating honey. I especially enjoy putting it on my biscuits. In fact, I know someone who can get a good deal on purchasing honey. Many people like honey, and it was common in the Bible. John the Baptizer ate locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6). Samson found honey inside of the carcass of a lion, and made a riddle about it.
Honey is good! The wise man wrote, “My son, eat honey because it is good, and the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste; so shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; if you have found it, there is a prospect, and your hope will not be cut off (Proverbs 24:13-14).” Just as honey is good, it must be taken in the proper amount. Later the wise man warned: “Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit (Proverbs 25:16).” Also, “It is not good to eat much honey; so to seek one’s own glory is not glory (Proverbs 25:27).”
It is good to enjoy honey in its proper amount, but if one gets too much it can do more harm than good. Similarly, the wise man says knowledge is good to the soul. Proper knowledge of God’s Word can guide a soul to salvation (Colossians 1:9-10). Glorying in self and not in the Lord is vain (1 Corinthians 1:26-31; 5:6).
Next time you reach for the honey, remember to eat it in the right amount. Perhaps in so doing you will be reminded to gain knowledge of God’s Word and glory in the Lord!
Content by Richard Dillon
Return to the Home Page
If You Abide, Walk! – Audio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
It may seem like an oxymoron to walk somewhere if you abide. However, that is what the Bible commands us to do! John wrote, “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked (1 John 2:6).” God will not tell us to do something that we cannot do. How can we walk and abide simultaneously?
First, we must abide in Christ. One can only abide if one gets into. Thus, one gets into Christ by being baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27). Once in Christ, we must remain in Him and be active. Jesus explained that He is the vine and we are the branches. The branches must abide in Him, as He abides in the vinedresser. By abiding in Him, we must bear fruit (John 15:1-8). He then goes on to say that we are to abide in His love (John 15:9ff.).
Once in Christ, we must walk as He walked. Earlier in his letter, John said that we must “walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7).” By being where Christ is, we can have fellowship with Him and one another. Christ is no longer here on earth, but is with us in spirit. While He was on the earth, He showed us how we ought to walk (1 Peter 2:21-25).
By learning more about Him and following His example, we can abide in Him. We can only abide in Him if we walk just as He walked! Let us remain in His Word, and do what He says.
Content by Richard Dillon
Return to the Home Page
Go and Tell John – audio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Text: Luke 7:18-23
At Nain, Jesus had raised the son of a widow from the dead. Word about Him quickly spread throughout the region, and ultimately came to John. John then sent his disciples to Jesus to ask Him if He was the coming one. John knew the prophets foretold about God’s Messenger that would come (Malachi 3:1-3), and he wanted to know if Jesus indeed was that Messenger.
As the disciples came to Jesus, they directly asked Him if He was the Coming One. Jesus did not answer them by word of mouth; instead, He performed miracles for them to see. He then said, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me (Luke 7:22-23).”
John’s disciples were able to return to him as direct witnesses of Jesus; they were not relaying hearsay. It was up to them to believe Jesus based upon what they had seen with their own eyes and heard with their own ears. It was up to them to go and tell John about it. It was then up to John to accept it and respond accordingly.
The same is true for us today. Those like John’s disciples are telling us what they saw and heard themselves. He writes, “This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true (John 21:24).” He wrote those things that he had seen and heard so we may believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God. By believing, we can have life through Christ (John 20:31).
Now, it is up to us. Do we believe in what the Bible has to say? Are we willing to go and tell others what we have learned about Christ? The gospel has the power to save us all (Romans 1:16).
Content by Richard Dillon
Return to the Home Page
Thank You, Dorcas – audio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tomorrow is the national day of Thanksgiving. Christians, however, should be thankful all the time, not just one day of the year (1 Thessalonians 5:18). There are many things we are thankful for, and also many people. Dorcas is one person many were thankful for (Text: Acts 9:36-42).
Dorcas was full of “good works and charitable deeds.” She made clothing for people, which was readily displayed. God is pleased when we do good and share (Hebrews 13:16), and Dorcas did not forget to do just that. By giving clothes to those that are without, Jesus says we do it unto Him (Matthew 25:34-40).
Dorcas was dead, but lived again. When she was presented alive, no doubt many people had great joy. Imagine the joy that one would feel when seeing someone again after not seeing them for a long time. Jesus taught of a man that had a son who was “dead and alive again (Luke 15).” We all die spiritually, but through Christ we can be made alive (Galatians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 15:22). Physically, we must die and then can live again forever with God (Hebrews 9:27-28).
Because of Dorcas, many people believed on the Lord. While Jesus walked the earth, many of the Jews saw the things He did and believed in Him (John 11:45). After Jesus ascended into Heaven, many people saw the things the apostles did and believed on the Lord. No doubt those that were witnesses of the good works and charitable deeds of Dorcas believed on the Lord.
I am thankful for the Biblical record of people such as Dorcas, who had a great influence. I am thankful for you who serve the Lord and influence others. I am thankful to God for sending His Son to die for us that we might live again. What about you? Who are you thankful for?
Content by Richard Dillon
Return to the Home Page
Joy in the City
As the gospel began to be preached, many souls heard and obeyed it. Even the great persecutions could not slow down the spread of the gospel. Many believed Philip as he preached in Samaria (Acts 8:4-8).
At Antioch in Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas brought the gospel to the Gentiles that were there. The unbelieving Jews were envious, but the Gentiles heard it and believed. Thus, the word of the Lord was being spread throughout the region (Acts 13:42-52).
As the gospel came to Thessalonica, many became followers of the Lord when they heard it. From there, the word sounded forth in every place (1 Thessalonians 1:5-8).
In each of the preceding texts, there was much joy in the city! There is obviously a correlation between the gospel spreading and joy being fulfilled. John expressed that correlation: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth (3 John 1:4).” The word of God is truth (John 17:17), and when it is heard, believed, and obeyed, there is great joy! As the word of God spreads and more souls are added to the Lord, joy increases.
Do you have great joy? Are you spreading the gospel? Have you obeyed the gospel yourself? Remember, “…there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance (Luke 15:7).”
Content by Richard Dillon
Return to the Home Page
Taxation Talk – audio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
As a number of seats were determined yesterday in the House and Senate, a few items on some ballots involved taxes. Some taxes were accepted; others were rejected. Voters want to know how much of a tax they are paying and what the tax goes toward. Some people want to know where every penny spent goes.
Paul had a little to tell the Romans concerning the government and taxes (Romans 13:1-7). The government has a role to use taxes in the proper way, and Christians must render taxes to whom taxes are due.
This was the concern of the Pharisees as they sent their disciples with the Herodians to Jesus. They wanted to know if it was lawful to pay taxes unto Caesar. Jesus told them to “render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s (Matthew 22:15-22).”
Some even questioned Peter about Jesus paying the temple tax (Matthew 17:24-27). Jesus explained to him that although the sons of the king are free from paying taxes, they would pay in order to avoid offending them. Interestingly, money was provided to pay for them that did not belong to them.
Just as it is good to pay taxes, one must be careful about collecting them. Zacchaeus was a tax collector that was seen as a sinner in the public eye, but was brought salvation by Jesus; Matthew was a tax collector that left all in order to follow Jesus, becoming His disciple (Matthew 9).
As Christians, it is our primary to serve God (Matthew 6:33; Acts 5:29). When paying our taxes, we are supporting the good and combating the evil. It is what Jesus would have us to do. He taught what He learned from His parents as they paid their taxes (Luke 2:1-5).
Content by Richard Dillon
Return to the Home Page
The Prophetic Word is Confirmed
Text: 2 Peter 1:16-21.
The apostle Peter gives us an account of his witness of Jesus Christ. He knows that Jesus is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the Son of God. When Jesus speaks, God is speaking through Him (John 1:1-2,14). Peter, among other witnesses, recorded things of Jesus that we can know today.
The Bible is the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16), and contains many prophecies and fulfillments of Jesus Christ, the Word of God. Prophecies about the coming of Christ, the establishment of His church, and the end of time are all contained in the Bible. Every single prophecy has been, or will be, fulfilled.
Man cannot take these prophecies and make them mean what he wishes. Hence, they are not “of any private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20).” God means for things to happen a certain way, and they do. We are warned of false prophets, who claim things that do not come to pass (Matthew 7:15; 1 John 4:1; Deuteronomy 18:22; Jeremiah 28:9). Some even change the meaning to fit their own wishes, and will bring about their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16).
True prophecy does not come from man; it comes from God. We need to listen to and obey God, and not man (Acts 5:29). The Bible is written by men inspired of God, and should be heeded. Do not rely upon words spoken by others; instead, search the Scriptures for yourself to see whether these things are truly from God and not men (Acts 17:11). Confirm it!
Content by Richard Dillon
Return to the Home Page
Jesus and the Fig Tree – audio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
On two separate occasions, Jesus told of a fig tree that was not producing fruit. There is an important lesson that we can learn from something not producing.
Matthew 21:18-22.
Jesus was hungry, and approached a barren fig tree. Noticing that it would not satisfy His need, he caused it to wither away. This aroused the curiosity of the disciples, and Jesus taught them how they could do anything with faith (James 1:5-8; Hebrews 11:1,6; Romans 10:17). This faith must also have love (1 Corinthians 13:2). Finally, Jesus comforted them by saying that they will receive whatever they ask in prayer, believing (Matthew 7:7-11).
Luke 13:6-9.
On this occasion, Jesus taught a parable involving a fig tree. A man planted it, but it did not yield any fruit. He told the keeper of the vineyard that he sought fruit for three years and found none; therefore it should be cut down. However, the keeper of the vineyard replied: “Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.” Here Jesus stresses the importance of bearing fruit (also taught in the earlier text). Notice: 1) The keeper of the vineyard was longsuffering toward the fig tree (2 Peter 3:9); 2) he wanted to aid the fig tree (Hebrews 4:16); and 3) there was a fate awaiting the fig tree at the set time (John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15).
Both passages of Scripture call to attention a barren fig tree withering away. Jesus has the power to save it, and the power to destroy it. As Christians, we are like the fig tree. Jesus has the power to save us or destroy us. What will happen to us depends on if we are bearing fruit (John 15:1-8; Galatians 5:22-23).
Content by Richard Dillon
Return to the Home Page
A Plea for Pilgrims – audio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Text: 1 Peter 2:11-12: “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
Peter makes a few important observations to Christians:
1. We are sojourners and pilgrims!
As the song goes, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing thro’…” Even though we are in the world, we are not of the world (John 15:19; 17:14-16). Paul proclaimed that his citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
2. We must abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul!
John similarly warns Christians about worldly lusts (lust of flesh, lust of eyes, and pride of life). They are not of God; rather they are of the world. Just as sojourners and pilgrims do not stay in one place forever, the world and its lusts will not last forever (1 John 2:15-17). The body and soul are always at war, as Paul could tell you (Romans 7; Philippians 1:21-30).
3. Our conduct must be honorable!
As Paul told the Philippians to let their conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so Peter says it should be honorable among the Gentiles. We should be “blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15).” Jesus Christ is a light to the Gentiles (Luke 2:32), and the whole world (John 8:12; 12:46). As Jesus is our example (1 Peter 2:21), we too are lights in the world (Matthew 5:14-16).
4. Others will speak against us as evildoers!
Many spoke against Christ, His disciples, and the early Christians; they will speak against us too!
5. Others may glorify God by observing our good works!
As we shine our lights (Matthew 5:16), people know we are not of the world but of Christ. As we follow His example, they can follow our example and bring all glory to God (Luke 5:25; 17:15; 18:43).
Content by Richard Dillon
Return to the Home Page
Scatter the Seed, Wait Until it Ripens – audio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Text: Mark 4:26-29 – And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
Content by Donald W. Treadway
Return to the Home Page
I Thirst – audio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
It is very natural for one to get thirsty. When one does get thirsty, a cool glass of water can quench it. As Jesus hung on the cross, He cried: “I thirst (John 19:28)!” A vessel of sour wine was offered Him on hyssop; upon receiving it, He cried: “It is finished (John 19:29-30)!” He then died.
Long before He died, Jesus encountered a woman of Samara at Jacob’s well. She came to draw water, and yet Jesus offered her living water. Upon hearing about it, she said, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, not come here to draw (John 4:15).” When she learned something of value, she thirsted for it!
There are some things of great value we must thirst for:
- “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God (Psalm 42:2).”
- “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled (Matthew 5:6).”
- “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me [Jesus] and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water (John 7:37-38).”
Are you thirsting? Come to Christ, and he will quench your thirst!
Content by Richard Dillon
Return to the Home Page
Jesus and the Jews
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Text: John 8:21-30
Jesus knew who He was and what He was about to do. The time was nearing in which He would be crucified, and on the third day rise again. Shortly thereafter He would ascend into Heaven. Because of sin, many could not go to where Jesus was going. Jesus taught the Jews that He was from above; they were from beneath. By not believing in Him, they would die in their sins.
The Jews asked who Jesus was. Jesus all along revealed Himself to them in words, actions, miracles, etc. Sadly they still did not believe Him. Jesus then began to hint at His relationship with His Father, saying that “He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him (John 8:26).”
No, the Jews did not understand about the Father. After all, if one saw Jesus he would see the Father (John 14:9). Since they truly did not “see” Jesus, they did not “see” God.
Jesus went on to tell them that there would come a time in which they would know who He was: when they would “lift up the Son of Man (John 8:28).” Yes, when He died on the cross, was buried, and rose again the third day, many began to say: “Truly this Man was the Son of God (Mark 15:39 e.g.)!”
Even though at this time some only saw Jesus, He was not alone. The Father was with Him (John 8:29). Jesus always sought to please His Heavenly Father, and His Father was right there at His side.
Do we see Jesus the same way as the Jews? Do we believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God? Are we willing to repent of our sins so we can be where He is?
If we truly “see” Him, we “see” the Father. By confessing Him, obeying the gospel, and living the faithful Christian life, we can always be with Him. Thus, like Christ, we must always seek to please our Heavenly Father.
Content by Richard Dillon
Return to the Home Page
Don’t Resist the Truth
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Text: 2 Timothy 3:8-17
Jannes and Jambres are examples of those who resisted Moses. Even though their names do not appear in the Old Testament, rabbinic tradition says they are among the magicians who sought to duplicate the signs God showed Pharaoh through Moses (Exodus 7:11-12, 22; 8:7; 9:11). They succeeded in copying the first two plagues, but by the third admitted “this is the finger of God (Exodus 8:19).
Paul uses them as an example of how men today still resist the truth: by having corrupt minds. They are disapproved concerning the faith. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul said this person does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of Jesus Christ. Therefore we should withdraw ourselves from them (1 Timothy 6:3-5).
As Jannes and Jambres could do no more plagues, those that resist the truth can progress no further. Instead, Paul says, we need to follow the proper doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, and afflictions as he did. We may be in the minority for doing what is right, but as Moses did, so do we have God on our side! We need to be encouraged to stand up for the truth! By hearing the word of God, we receive faith (Romans 10:17). Paul goes on to tell Timothy that the Scriptures make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
As human beings, we are physically limited in what we can do. However, as Christians, with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Instead of trying to resist the truth (which will not get us anywhere), we should learn and obey the truth. Jesus said, “you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).”
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
Return to the Home Page
Trust God – audio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The People of Israel needed to trust God to provide for them each day (Exodus 16:16-20). We can see this past example, but do we see our own challenges?
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose” – Romans 8:28
The promise is to “those who love Him”. Are we truly loving Him by keeping His commandments? – John 14:23; 1 John 5:3
Do we understand what “good” is? – Isaiah 55:8
We need to do our best to think like God, see good as He does, love Him and trust Him that he is working all things for our good.
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
Return to the Home Page
One out of a Hundred – audio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Do you like collecting things?
Perhaps you collect coins, stamps, baseball cards, or some other common item. I have the first set of Hardy Boys books in hardback, including the Handbook. I am also attempting to visit all 30 NHL arenas, collecting tickets and pucks from each one. If just one is missing, my collection would not be complete! I enjoy each and every book, ticket, and puck; other collectors enjoy each and every coin, stamp, or card.
A shepherd does more than just collect sheep.
He feeds them, protects them, and guides them. He also is concerned if even one sheep goes missing! Jesus is our Good Shepherd (John 10:11-16). He is willing to lay down His life for His sheep. If one sheep goes astray, He will go looking for it!
Yes, every single sheep is important!
If He has 100 sheep and one goes missing, will He not leave the 99 and look for the one that is lost? Let Jesus answer for Himself: Matthew 18:11-14. When one’s collection is complete, there is much rejoicing! Likewise, there is much rejoicing when a wayward Christian comes home. Jesus came to “seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:10).” Is He looking for you?
Are you the lost sheep, or do you know a lost sheep?
Do you need to come home? Do you know where the lost sheep are? Can you help them find their way again? As Jesus said, “it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish (Matthew 18:14).”
Peter said that God is “longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).”
Paul told Timothy that God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).”
Content by Richard Dillon
Return to the Home Page
Words to the Righteous – audio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
One often feels discouraged when he tries to do what is right, and no one else does. Elijah felt discouraged at the words of Jezebel, and fled for his life. When the LORD asked him what he was doing there, he replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life (1 Kings 19:10).”
Because of his discouragement, Elijah would not be a prophet much longer; rather, Elisha would soon take his place. The LORD did tell him, however, that He had reserved seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed to Baal (1 Kings 19:18).
Later, the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: “Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, you people in whose heart is My law: do not fear the reproach of men, nor be afraid of their insults. For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool; but My righteousness will be forever, and My salvation from generation to generation (Isaiah 51:7-8).”
Christians are to practice righteousness as God is righteous (1 John 3:7). In so doing, we quickly learn that not everyone will act like we do. However, we should not be afraid of what men may do to us, for they can only destroy the body; rather, we must fear God who has power over both body and soul (Matthew 10:28; Hebrews 13:6; Psalm 27:1; 118:6). He has the power to destroy and to save! He will destroy those that do not obey Him, and those that hinder others from coming to Him. He will also extend His righteousness forever, and be willing to save anyone and everyone who is willing to come to Him.
Content by Richard Dillon
Return to the Home Page
Daniel Blesses God – Daniel 02:20-23 – audio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Text: Daniel 2:20-23
Introduction
King Nebuchadnezzar had a very troubling dream, and no one could tell him what it was or its interpretation.
However, Daniel sought the mercies of God; it was then the secret was revealed unto him in a night vision.
After receiving the dream and its interpretation, Daniel blessed God!
Body
I. Daniel blesses the name of God, and declares that wisdom and might belong to Him (Daniel 2:20).
Paul wrote, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out (Romans 11:33)!
II. Daniel acknowledges God is in control of the times and seasons (Daniel 2:21).
He already promised that “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease (Genesis 8:22).”
He is also in control over who is in authority (Romans 13:1).
Again, it is declared that He is the source of all wisdom and knowledge.
III. Daniel gives credit to whom credit is due.
God knows the secret things (Deuteronomy 29:29), and reveals them.
He sees what is in the dark, and light dwells in Him (Daniel 2:22).
After all, He is light and there is no darkness in Him (1 John 1:5).
IV. Daniel is thankful to God, and praises Him (Daniel 2:23).
We should always be thankful to God (1 Thessalonians 5:18). As Daniel learned, God will make known to us what we seek of Him.
Conclusion
Just as Daniel praised God and thanked Him, so we must do.
When was the last time you thought of the goodness of God? Did you thank Him? Did you bless Him? He gives us wisdom and understanding, and answers our prayers.
We must recognize His power and submit to His will.
Content by Richard Dillon
Return to the Home Page
Jesus the Grace of God – Titus 2:11-14 – audio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Text: Titus 2:11-14 – For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
Return to the Home Page
Be an Example – 1 Timothy 4:12-16 – audio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Text: 1 Timothy 4:12-16 – Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
Return to the Home Page
Illusion of Control – audio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
I have come to believe that we really have no control of the things in this life.
Why do I say that? Let us start by looking at James 4:13-15.
“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit, yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.“
Things just get away from us.
Time slips away in the short term.
- We had our Gospel Meeting
- Then I was tired
- Then it rained
Now it has been over two weeks since I mowed the lawn or looked in the garden – where did the time go?
Time slips away in longer periods.
Kim asked me last night if I had heard about someone we knew in college having a heart attack. When did people our age start having heart attacks?
Now we are working on estate planning and I recently attended a seminar on Social Security. I told Kim she has eight years before she needs to take a look at taking Social Security.
Wow, the plans we had in college are long gone and life has just happened.
Time gets away from all of us, so what should we do?
We need to take care of the important things first.
Let’s look at Matthew 6:31-33 to see what these are.
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Have you taken care of the important things of eternal life? Or have you let the “eating”, the “drinking” and the “wearing” get in the way?
Decide right now to be right with God.
I emphasize the now.
We could go one by one, our mist evaporating in the sun, as we read in James at the beginning.
We go all at once, without warning.
Jesus was asked a question about his coming again in Matthew 24:3 “…What will be the sign of your coming and the close of the age?”
He answered in Matthew 24:36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.”
Take care of the salvation of your eternal soul.
Remove your sin from between you and God and reconcile with Him.
(See Plan of Salvation)
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
Return to the Home Page