Duty

"Duty makes us do things well, but Love makes us do them beautifully."

By Phillip Brooks

God's language is a language of the Heart -- not of the tongue.

The language of true discipleship is the language of obedience.

Faith

Our faith must be a first-hand discovery -- not a second-hand story.

To believe only possibilities is not faith, but mere philosophy.
If anything can be done -- experience and skill can do it.
If a thing cannot be done -- only faith can do it.
Faith is fear that has said its prayers.
Faith is not contrary to reason, but rather reason grown courageous.

Elton Trueblood

Worry

Worry ......

is a mis-use of the imagination.

is assuming responsibility that God never intended you to have.

never robs tomorrow of its sorrow.

only saps today of it strength.

Know God

"Some of these people have missed the most important thing in life -- they don't know God."

1 Timothy 6:21

To know Him is to love Him. To love Him is to obey Him.

Real wisdom is looking at the world from God's point of view.

Disappointment

You may be disappointed, but do not be discouraged.

Discouragement is the Devil's own tool.

Use disappointment as material for patience.

If you haven't met the Devil face to face -- Maybe you are going the same way he is.

Attitudes are more important than facts.

Attitude is the mind's paint brush, it can color a situation gloomy or gray or cheerful and gay.

Be Somebody

God doesn't take time to make a nobody

9-6-07 I Will Answer "Jeremiah 33:1-8"

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

Dr. Thomas N Carter, an ex-convict, told a thrilling story of his mother's faith. He had been wayward for many years and finally was sent to prison. One one occasion, while he was there, his mother received a telegram from the prison stating that her son was dead and asking what he wanted done with his body.

Carter's mother had prayed for years that he would one day be saved and because a preacher of the Gospel. Stunned at the receipt of the telegram, she immediately went to her prayer closet, instructing other members of the family not to disturb her.

Opening the Bible, she placed the telegram beside it and began to prayer. "O God, " began, "I have believed the promise you gave me in your Word, that I would live to see Tom saved and preaching the Gospel, and now a telegram has come saying he is dead. Lord, which is true, this telegram or your Word?

When the faithful mother rose from her knees, having definite assurance of God's answer, she wired the prison as follows: "There must be some mistake. My boy is not dead."

And there was a mistake. Tom Carter was alive and when he had finished his time in prison, he became a preacher of the Gospel. God honored the trusting prayer of his mother.

Some make prayer too difficult. The Bible formula is simple. Our responsibility is to pray. God has promised to answer.

What "great and mighty" things do you need?

Ask God for them today!

7-15-07 World Upsetters "Acts 17:1-9"

Memory Verse: Acts 17:6 ". . . These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also.

Paul and Silas were accused of turning the world upside down -- and the accusation was true. However, as Dr. H. A. Ironside has said, ". . . the reason for this was that through sin the world had been turned wrongside up. So when the gospel was preached and men believed it, things were completely reversed." In other words, made as they ought to be.

Through the centuries, God has had many world upsetters: Luther, Wesley, Finney, Moody, to name a few. But there have been many who have shaken their own communities for Jesus who have not made the pages of history. They have turned their world upside down, even though the full extent of their impact for Christ will not be known until the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Most of us will not make the headlines of this world because of our efforts for Jesus. Students of history will probably not read of us and our exploits in the cause of Christ. Young ministers or missionaries may not sigh at the mention of our names and long for such glory. But we can be faithful where God has placed us and in obediently giving out His Word we can upset the devil's program in our own areas.

Not all churches become world shakers. But each church can be aggressive in carrying the Gospel message to its own community and can turn that community upside down.

What is your church doing to upset the devil?
What part are you taking in evangelizing your world for Christ?
What is you reputation among the enemies of the Gospel?

Turn your world right side up for Jesus!

Sorry

I forgot my book when I came down to the apt. I will post this weekend and make sure I bring it down next week.

7-7-07 What Can I Do For My Country? "Proverbs 14

Memory Verse: Proverbs 14:34: Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

De Tocqueville of France, over a century ago, visited America. Upon his return home he wrote: "I sought for the greatness of America in her harbors and rivers and fertile fields, and her mines and commerce. It was not there. Not until I went into the churches and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the greatness of her power. America is great because she is good: and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."

But there is a sense in which America cannot be good.

Righteousness is not something that is accepted by a nation as a body. It is not legislated in congress or decided in the halls of justice. Good or bad decisions by a government may affect the conduct of its people in certain areas of life, but righteousness is an individual matter.

"In God We Trust" is a moving motto for our money, yet millions of Americans do not trust in God. Therefore, that official statement of faith is only meaningful for those to whom it has meaning. In whom do you trust?

Neither is it enough to decry conditions in the land. A serious situation does exist. Daily news reports are convincing proof of that. But the solutions lies in personal repentance of sin and faith in Christ.

It is the righteousness of the people that exalts a nation. The sins of the people reproach the land.

As an individual American, what do you intend to do for your country?

Leaving Again

Going back out of town Sunday June 17th again for a week. Will be home on June 22nd in the evening.

Laurie

6-17-07 A Troubled Father "Luke 15:11-32"

Memory Verse: Luke 15:20 And he arose, and came to the father. But when he was yet a great way off, hi father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

The prodigal father must have spent many troubled nights, burdened about his son who had gone into the far country. He may have reviewed his life again and again wondering what he might have done differently, reliving a thousand situations and speculating at the possible results had he chosen a different course in regard to his son.

But this troubled father lived to see his son's return. His tears were changed to laughter; his regret to rejoicing. What was there about this father that brought the prodigal back from the pig pen?

HE WAS APPROACHABLE. The account given by Jesus seems to indicate that the mother had died, adding to the father's load. It is clear that the family was wealthy. There were servants and a sizeable inheritance. With all these responsibilities, the father evidently remained approachable. When the son decided to leave to seek his fortune, he was able to go to his father and tell him about his dreams. So might have slipped away in the night, but he knew that his father wold listen, that he could communicate with him.

HE WAS AFFECTIONATE. When the son returned home, he ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. Away with the nonsense that says manhood calls for hardness or the maturity calls for coldness. Spurgeon describes this scene as "prodigal love for the prodigal son." The son was welcomed by an affectionate father's open arms, not glaring stares of condemnation.

IN HIS SON'S MIND, HE WAS ASSOCIATED WITH HEAVEN. Even when wayward, the prodigal couldn't think about his father without being reminded of heaven: "I have sinned against heaven, and before thee.: he confessed.

No wonder the prodigal came home!!

Going out of town

Going out of town again with no computer. Will be back in 8 days.

6-7-07 In Hiding "Psalm 27"

Memory Verse: Psalm 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

Today you'd like to hang a "DO NOT DISTURB" sign on your door. You're embarrassed by a turn of events over which you had little or no control and you don't want to face people. You'd like to go into hiding. Interestingly, the Bible says that the Lord hides His own in His pavilion. What does that mean?

The pavilion of the kind was a tent that was placed right in the middle of the army. An honor guard protected the pavilion and was charged with the king's protection as well. Guests of the king were privileged to stay in the pavilion and so they were assured of all the protection afforded by the king's army. The pavilion was a safe place to be.

The Psalmist also speaks of the safety of the tabernacle. Being inside the tabernacle speaks of the safety of the presence of the Lord. In the New Testament, Paul wrote: "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory" (Colossians 3:2-4).

Finally, David declares that the Lord has set his feet up upon a rock. The Lord says that He is the Rock: "He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he" (Deuteronomy 32:4).

What protection in trouble! We are safe within the Lord's pavilion, safe within His tabernacle and standing on the Rock.

Don't you feel secure?

6-6-07 The Refuge "Psalm 9:1-10"

Memory Verse: Psalm 9:9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

Troubled people often long for a place to hide. That is exactly what the Lord offers. Refuge here means "fill-fort." David must have been thinking of one of the hill-forts where he had sought refuge during one of his many times of trouble. See how many times used this precious likeness to our Lord:

"Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge" (Psalm 14:6). ". . . be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea in the shadow of they wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be over past" (Psalm 57:1). "But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble" (Psalm 59:16). "In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us" (Psalm 62:7-8). "I am as a wonder unto many: but thou art my strong refuge" (Psalm 71:7). "I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust" (Psalm 91:2). " cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living" (Psalm 142:5).

Trouble can be going on all around one who is in a safe refuge and yet he will be secure. Perhaps your sad is storm-swept today. Unexpected problems have come upon you and you feel near the breaking point. You'd like to fly away somewhere and refuse to see anyone.

Here's good news. You do not need to flee to a different location to find peace and safety. Your refuge is available. Run to the hill-fort provided by Jesus.

He will keep you safe until the troubles are past!

6-5-07 Sharing Trouble "Job 30:25-31"

Memory Verse: Job 30:25 Did I not weep for him that was in trouble? Was not my soul grieved for the poor?

The Bible is careful with its compliments. Yet Job is called a perfect man: "There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil" (Job1:1). One of the characteristics of this good man was his compassion for those in trouble. He wept for those who were going through trials and was grieved over poverty.

Perhaps God will send you to help one who is going through a time of trouble today.

Dr. G. F. Pentecost was once trying to comfort a woman who had passed through serious trials. Failing in his efforts to cheer her and dispel her doubts, he took up some embroidery upon which she which she had been working and said, "What a confusion of threads! Why waste time on a thing like that?"

Turning the embroidery over, she said, "now look at it. You were seeing it from the wrong side."

That's it, exactly," said Dr. Pentecost. "You are looking at your trials from the wrong side. Turn them over and look at them from the right side -- that is, from God's side. The Lord is working out a design of His own for you life, and you must look at things from His point of view, and trust His workmanship."

We must be careful that we do not simply pass by those who are in trouble. Good Samaritans are needed who will show the compassion of Jesus to those who are weary in the race of life.

Those who really share burdens are few. Many are like Job's comforters -- quick to judge and condemn.

Weep with those who weep!

6-4-07 Answering Job's Questions "Job 14"

Memory Verse: Job 14:1 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.

Job was a good and prosperous man. He was both rich and righteous -- a rare combination. His family consisted of seven sons and three daughters. Everything seemed to be going his way.

Then everything went wrong. Thieves stole his work animals. Lightning struck his sheep. A tornado hit his house where his children were gathered for a party and they were killed. His health failed. His wife became so depressed that she suggested that he end it all.

It is well known that Job came through this tough time triumphantly. Being human, however, he did ask some honest questions. Let's answer them.

QUESTION NUMBER ONE: "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean . . . (Job 14:4).
ANSWER: God can. He specializes in it. We are all unclean. Yet Christ died for us and invites us to come for cleansing. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow . . ." (Isaiah 1:18).

QUESTION NUMBER TWO: " . . . yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? (Job 14:10).
ANSWER: If he is a Christian, he is in heaven. "We are confident, I say and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" (II Corinthians 5:8).

QUESTION NUMBER THREE: "If a man die, shall he live again? (Job 14:14).
ANSWER: Yes, He will be resurrected. For Christians, it will happen when Christ returns, and will bring blessing. " . . . dead in Christ shall rise first" (I Thessalonians 4:16). The lost will be raised for judgment one thousand years later (Revelation 20:5).

Vacation

I will be on vacation till June 1st

5-11-07 Personal Revival "Revelation 3:7-13"

Memory Verse: Revelation 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches.

Speaking at a large gathering for preachers, a prominent Christian educator said that one of the tragedies of this century is that no one living today has seen a great revival. There is a sense in which the speaker was right and another in which he was wrong. It is true that we have not witnessed a great nationwide revival where the churches have been filled with joyous revived believers with the resultant reaping of thousands of souls. On the other hand, many of us have seen genuine revival in individuals and have experienced it ourselves.

It is characteristic that God offers His blessings to all. When they are not accepted, a smaller group may benefit. It the few do not respond, that still cannot keep the individual from receiving God's best.

It would be wonderful to have a revival in the churches of the land that brought greater blessing than any great move of God in history. That is entirely possible -- but may not occur. If such a nationwide revival does not come, it does not mean that revival cannot come to your church. The Christians in your local church can lay aide all differences. They can set aside special times of prayer and claim the power of God for their needs. They can cultivate a compassion for people that sends them out to reach the lost. There can be a bond of love established between your pastor and his congregation that will put down all divisions and bickering. Joy can characterize all the services of your church. Sound great? It can happen.

However, if revival does not come to your church, you can experience personal revival. No one can keep you from having revival . . . except you!

5-10-07 America's Greatest Revival "Isaiah 59:9-16"

Memory Verse: Isaiah 59:16 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore hi arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.

The beginning of America's greatest revival took place in New York City. A.C. Lanphier was working as a lay missionary in one of the crowded areas of the city. He often became discouraged, but drew strength from personal prayer. He thought others might be helped by joining him in prayer so he let it be known that he was starting a series of weekly noon-hour prayer meetings.

For the first half hour Mr. Lanphier prayed alone. Then, one by one, others came until a total of six were praying. The next week twenty appeared, and the third week brought forty. By spring more than twenty daily noon prayer meetings were going on in New York City. Some of the largest churches were crowded to capacity. The police and fire departments opened their buildings for prayer services. Revival had begun! It spread across the land.

In a Boston meeting, a man said: "I am from Omaha, Nebraska. On my journey here I found a continuous chain of prayer all the way." Mr. Lanphier's prayer meeting had set his nation afire for God.

The revival caused churches to spread across the frontier and mad them flourish in the cities. The moral fiber of the nation was strengthened. Old debits were paid. Honesty increased. Missionary work expanded.

Today, God must wonder that so few are interceding. We live twenty-four hours a day in the nuclear sights of an enemy bent on our destruction. Armageddon approaches. The signs of the Lord's return multiply. It's time to pray. You may start the prayer meeting that brings revival!

Going Away

I will be out of town until wed. afternoon. No devotional till thurs. morning

5-6-07 Power "Acts 4:1-12"

Memory Verse: Acts 4:4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

The friends of Mary Slessor, missionary in Africa, were amazed when they saw that she, a weak woman, had been able to mold savage chiefs to her will. One of the chiefs explained, "You have evidently forgotten to take into account the woman's God."

The Psalmist wrote: "God hath spoken once,; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God" (Psalm 62:11). Still, Christians often depend on weak will power to win in the struggles of life and churches run programs that are little different than those produced by worldly organizations. It is time to tap the powerful resources of God.

When all sin is confessed and our relationships will others are right, we can expect the power of God to flow through us. Our surrendered wills will be channels for the Lord to use. But our wills do not surrender easily Often old hurts are harbored and even pampered. Wanting our own way, we are afraid to submit to the will of God. Therefore we do not receive His best and we continue on our weak way.

Let's stop wasting time. The days of opportunity are coming to their close. Life is ebbing away. Christ is coming soon. It is not enough to read books and dream about the good old days when revivals swept the land. What about revival in our time?

Do you long for God's power in daily life? Would you like to see the aisles of your church filled with people seeking salvation and direction from the Bible? Then, be sure your heart is right with God and others. Pray for revival and expect the power of God in your life.

5-5-07 Love "Acts 2:41-47"

Memory Verse: Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common.

A Columbian was converted to Christ through reading the Bible. He had no personal contact with any missionary or Bible-teaching church. Soon thereafter, he came to the United States to live. Upon arriving here, be began searching for a fellowship of believers so as to learn more about his newfound faith.

Most people converted in America have some tie to a Bible-centered church that provided them with immediate fellowship and spiritual guidance. My Columbian acquaintance did not have this advantage and the maze of multiplied churches and denominations was confusing to him. Finally he settled on a solution. He decided to search until he found a congregation where love, such as he saw described in the New Testament Church, was evident among the people. He felt confident that test would enable him to settle on the right church.

Nearly twenty years have passed since I learned that the Columbian convert's formula for finding fellowship. Yet, every time his experience crosses my mind I become a bit uncomfortable and an unwanted question surfaces: "If he had visited my church, we he have stayed and made it his own?"

When revival comes, Christian love is seen operating everywhere. Old differences are put away. People who have held grudges lay them aside and forgive as they have been forgiven. People become more important than money or property. Stinginess is stifled. The world looks on and says: "Behold, how they love one another!"

5-4-07 Revival & Rejoicing "Psalm 85"

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

Revival brings rejoicing! And all too many of us lack this quality of life. There is an attitude of hyper-criticism abroad today that saps the strength of churches and renders Christian testimonies ineffective.

Grumbling and griping characterize many groups of Christians. David wrote of his cup running over with joy, while present-day saints often appear to have cups running over with vinegar. Husbands grumble about their wives and wives about their husbands. Parents grumble about their children and children about their parents. In the world's most affluent society, many grumble about their possessions. And this by people who claim to serve and love the Lord who had not a place to lay His head.

Churches grumble about pastors. When the servant of the Lord first arrives, there is a period of honeymoon when the members boast about their new pastor, but after the newness wears off and he steps on a few toes while preaching, groups gather after services to have roast preacher. While holding meetings in one area and preaching on revival, one couple told me they would like to have revival in their church but were afraid if it came the pastor would stay, and they wanted him to leave. Such negativism must be confessed as sin before revival can come.

Revival brings rejoicing because in revival, people stop looking at the faults of others and, instead, focus on the Saviour. He is the source of Christian joy. Three words can bring revival and rejoicing: "Looking unto Jesus".

5-3-07 Who Needs It? "Revelation 2:1-7"

Memory Verse: Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Who needs revival?

A Christian who remembers a more spiritual time, needs revival. If there was ever a time when the Bible seemed more fresh, the walk with Christ more wonderful, prayer more powerful, or Christian fellowship sweeter, the need is revival.

A church that has known better days needs revival. If there ever was a time when the bonds of love were stronger, praise for God more fervent, heartfelt singing more evident, preaching more powerful, compassion for souls more generally true among the congregation, or zeal for service more abounding, the need is revival.

A Christian who has become callous, or cold, or critical, needs revival.
A Christian who has become weak, or wanton, or worldly, needs revival.

In deciding whether or not he needed revival, one young man took a sheet of paper and wrote these words across the top: "I am not a good Christian because . . . " He then asked the Lord to enable Him to fill in whatever was true. When he finished, he had filled four sheets of paper with his short comings. He decided he needed revival.

After speaking on soulwinning and other needs in the Christian life, two people came to me and said, "That is the way we used to live -- witnessing and serving the Lord constantly." Now they had cooled off. They needed revival.

Do you need revival?

5-2-07 Torrey's Prescription "II Chronicles 7:12-22"

Memory Verse: II Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Revival is something deeper than a week of meetings with an evangelist or an outstanding musical group packing in crowds to hear Gospel music. It cannot be the experience of the world. Revival has to do with bringing back life and is specifically the business of Christians.

Dr. R.A. Torrey, the famous revivalist, once said: "I can give a prescription that will bring a revival to any church or community or any city on earth:

"First, let a few Christians (they need not be many) get thoroughly right with God themselves. This is the prime essential. If this is not done, the rest that I am to say will come to nothing.

"Second, let them bind themselves together in a prayer group to pray for revival until God opens the heavens and comes down.

"Third, let them put themselves at the disposal of God for Him to use as He sees fit in winning others to Christ. That is all.

"This is sure to bring a revival to any church or community. I have given this prescription around the world. It has been taken by many churches and many communities, and in no instances has it ever failed; and it cannot fail!"

A mother once took her child to a doctor because of a raging fever. The doctor remembered he had seen the child for an illness only a few days earlier. Upon questioning the mother, he found she had not had the prescription filled that he had given her.

What are going to do with Dr. Torrey's prescription?

5-1-07 Revival "Habakkuk 2:18-3:2"

The Month of May's Study is: Revival

Memory Verse: Habakkuk 3:2 O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

"REVIVAL" is a misused word. It is often used to describe a series of meetings where genuine revival never takes place. Walter Boldt has written: "Revival is God at work, restoring His church to health." Revival must begin with the people of God.

Most Christians say they want a revival in America. Yet, revival is not legislated in Congress or decided in the halls of justice. Good or bad decisions by Government may affect the conduct of certain citizens but revival can only be experienced by Christians.

If we are to have revival, we must be willing to confess and forsake favorite sins. Those areas of constant defeat must be given to the Lord. You know the battlefield. Is it your thought life? Your tongue? Your temper? Tell Jesus. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9).

Also vital is our relationship with others. "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Revival is very personal. Gypsy Smith was asked how to start a revival. He answered: "Go home, lock yourself in your room and kneel down in the middle of the floor. Draw a chalk mark all around yourself and ask God to start a revival inside that chalk mark. When He has answered your prayer, the revival will be on."

Going out of town

I'll be gone for a few days

4-28-07 Reigning With Christ "Revelation 20:4-6"

Memory Verse: Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Tough you may never hold public office in this life, you have a future in government. When Jesus comes to establish His Kingdom on this earth, those who have received Him as Saviour will rule and reign with Him.

That government will be without earthly flaws. There will be no corrupt officials, no crooked politicians and no unjust practices. Political justice and international peace will prevail. Isaiah wrote: "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Isaiah 2:2-4).

Just what will be our responsibilities in that Kingdom? We cannot say precisely but we know that we will have part in carrying out God's will on earth.

Meanwhile, we now have an opportunity to share in doing His will by taking the Gospel message to others. Doing His bidding now is good training for the future!

4-27-07 Satan Chained "Revelation 20:1-3"

Memory Verse: Revelation 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years.

You may not believe in the reality of Satan. If you do not, try resisting him! The Bible is clear in its description of this evil personality and it is a delusion to deny his existence.

Walter Brown Knight wrote: "God's children are engaged in an incessant warfare. Our adversary, the devil, is a implacable foe. In your warfare, no armistice can be declared. Some are lulled to sleep by the suavity and graciousness of false religionists who deny the existence of our adversary. It is hazardous for God's children to cease to be watchful and wakeful."

Satan's trail is traceable from the Garden of Eden to this present day. Sin and death are his trademarks, temptation his tool. Many become weary in the battle of resisting temptation. Perhaps you are one of those tired soldiers. If so, I have good news for you. There is a day coming when the devil will be unable to tempt anyone.

During the Kingdom of Christ on this earth, Satanic influence will be forbidden. This act reminds us that Satan's power is limited. We are not to be defeated and downcast. John put in well: "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (I John 4:4).

Whatever temptation is troubling you can be overcome: "There hath no temptation taken you buy such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (I Corinthians 10:13).

Satan will be chained later. But even now, in Christ, we're free!

Going away

Going out of town for a few days, no postings till I get home.

4-23-07 666 "Revelation 13:11-18"

Memory Verse: Revelation 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six.

Who is the coming world ruler known as the "beast?"
Speculation abounds!

Actually no one can know who the beast is until after the Rapture of the church: "And then shall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming" ( II Thessalonians 2:8).

While we cannot know who the beast will be, it is clear that the world is getting ready for his appearance. Peace efforts continually fail. Economic conditions become increasingly complex and it is not difficult to understand how buying and selling will ultimately be totally controlled by a super-powerful government. Commerce is already moving on a system of numbers and proposals to make money as we know it obsolete are now on the drawing boards. Computers that speak are common and it no longer seems out of the question to have an image erected during the Tribulation period that will be able to do so. The stage is set for the coming of the man of sin whose number is 666.

It must be emphasized that Christ returns for His church before these things spoken of in Revelation 13 come to pass. With the world now ready for the fulfillment of his prophecy, all Christians must get ready for the coming of their Lord and Saviour. We are to be occupied with Him. We are to look for the coming of Christ -- not the Antichrist.

When will Christ return? Perhaps today!

4-22-07 The Lamb's Wrath "Revelation 6:12-17"

Memory Verse: Revelation 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand.

Who ever heard of an angry lamb? It is hared to imagine. Jesus is called the Lamb of God. John the Baptist said: " . . . Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away sin of the world" (John 1:29). Christ came as the Lamb of God to pay for our sins on the cross.

The Lamb of God is a fitting title for the gentle Saviour. His tender heart was broken over the needs of people. He had time for the children, for lepers and others who were hurting.

As the Lamb of God, he stood silent before his persecutors. Isaiah described Him as follows: "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth" (Isaiah 53:7).

Few in this world anticipate a coming day when the Lamb will display wrath. Yet that day is coming. And those who have not been saved and therefore miss the Rapture of the church will be here for the Tribulation -- the wrath of the Lamb.

A Christian who was being ridiculed for going to a prayer meeting, said, "It is better to go to prayer meeting now than to wait for the largest prayer meeting the world will ever know. In that one, men will pray for the rocks, and the mountains to fall on them to hide them from the wrath of The Lamb.

Our God is a God of love -- and justice.

Respond to His love today so you will not be here for the day of His wrath.

4-21-07 Come Up Hither "Revelation 4:1-8"

Memory Verse: Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come p hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

There is a key to understanding the book of The Revelation. It is found in Revelation 1:19. There John is told to write the things he has seen, the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. This verse gives an outline of the entire book. The first chapter records the things that John had seen. Chapters two and three present a picture of the church age -- the things that are -- the age in which we live, as did John. The things which shall be hereafter begin in chapter four. The remainder of the book explains events that follow the coming of Christ for His church. It is not surprising then that the first verse of chapter four gives a preview of the Rapture.

John heard a voice and a trumpet and so shall we: "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangels, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (I Thessalonians 4:16:17).

John was taken immediately to heaven. And we shall be also. On that day when the ties of gravity are overcome by the power of God and Christians meet their Lord in a moment, they will go with Him to heaven.

John saw the Lord, And so shall we!

What a good day that will be!

4-20-07 Assembling Together "Hebrews 10:22-25"

Memory Verse: Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting our another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

As the day of Christ's return approaches, there will be an increasing tendency among Christians to stop attending the meetings of their local churches as regularly as before. Perhaps you are a fulfillment of this prophecy!

There are probably a number of reason for the coming increase of this problem. Television may be one of the major factors. Some are so caught up in the entertainment mania that they actually miss gathering with others in worship just to catch one of their favorite programs. Also, affluence allows a considerable amount of traveling and vacationing. Though vacations are needed and can be healthful, it is wrong to flee to the mountains or the seaside every weekend to the detriment of your church and your spiritual health.

It is important to remember that assembling with others for the study of God's Word and for worship and praise is commanded in the Bible. Attendance at your church is not optional -- it is obedience. Are you disobedient in the matter of church attendance?

The question is asked: "Can you be a Christian and not go to church?" The question is a contradiction. If one is born again, he should desire the fellowship of other Christians and should hunger to hear God's Word. This should be his normal experience.

The day of Christ's coming is approaching. If he comes on the day of worship (the Lord's Day), I want him to find me obedient.

How about you?

4-19-07 Perilous Times " I Timothy 3:1-7"

Memory Verse: I Timothy 3:1 This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come.

Most students of the Bible do not have to be convinced that we are living in perilous times. The splitting of atom has given man the power to bring about total destruction. In addition, we have learned to live twenty four hours a day in the rocket sights of our enemies who are bent on world domination.

Nevertheless, Christians need not panic. Not one recent event has taken God by surprise. He is in control and is allowing man to work out His program. The words of the Psalmist are relevant today: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).

Though times are perilous, we never walk alone: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. For I the LORD they God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee" (Isaiah 41:10 & 13).

Though times are perilous, we can never be separated from His love: "For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth nor things other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).

Though times are perilous, these conditions are but reminders of better days ahead: "And when these things begin to come to pas, then look up, and lift up your hands; for your redemption draweth nigh" (Luke 21:28).

4-18-07 Good Ministers " I Timothy 4:1-6"

Memory Verse: I Timothy 4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of those things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

Courageous ministers point out dangers to their flocks. Though it does not make a preacher popular, he has a responsibility to refute false teaching to which his congregation may be exposed. Christians will do well to stand with God's servants when others are criticizing them for speaking out against evil.

Cults are not new, but are to multiply in the last days. We should not be surprised to see many new ones come into existence. Nor should we be taken in by numerical success attained by false teachers. Financial empires and growing membership rolls are not the test of Biblical accuracy. Seeming prosperity may not be the blessing of God. Satan has been known to offer the kingdoms of this world to those who would follow him.

The needs of men are met only through the preaching of the Gospel. No changes in the message are needed. Spurgeon said that the greatest compliment ever paid him was spoken by one of his enemies who said: "Here is a man who has not moved an inch forward in all his ministry. At the close of the nineteenth century he is teaching the theology of the first century, and is proclaiming doctrine current in Nazareth and Jerusalem in the first century!"

That is the need of this hour. Stand with the men who proclaim that message and do not desert them when they obey God by exposing those who preach and promote another gospel.

Thank God for the "good ministers of Jesus Christ."

4-17-07 Therefore "I Corinthians 15:51-58"

Memory Verse: I Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

When you find the word "therefore" in the Bible, it is a good idea to read the preceding verses and find out what it is there for. In the text above, this linking word reaches back to the message of the Lord's return and calls for the kind of life described in our memory verse in view of that return.

Because the Lord is coming, we are to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Like soldiers assigned to duty in wartime, we have been charged to serve God faithfully. Distractions must be resisted. Laziness overcome. Compromise with evil is out of the question.

In Chicago, One Sunday morning, a minister pointed to a young woman who had been converted about a year and a half, and said, "What are you doing for God? Why don't you do something for God?"

To give emphasis to his words, the minister stepped down from the pulpit, went to where the young woman was sitting, took her hand, conducted her out to the middle aisle, made her turn towards the door, and giving her a push, said, "I want you to start doing something for God."

That push sent the young woman to the other side of the globe. She became a missionary to Africa and led many to Christ, including General Allenby of Britain. Her name was Miss Malla Moe. The pastor who gave her the push was D.L. Moody.

Christ is coming! That should be all the push we need.

4-16-07 A Woman To Rememeber "Luke17:26-37"

Memory Verse: Luke 17:32 Remember Lot's wife.

Of all the women in history, Jesus chose Lot's wife to be a warning to those who live in the last days. What can we learn from this woman who turned to a pillar of salt while fleeing from wicked Sodom during its destruction? What is there about her that is worth remembering?

Let us remember her privileges. Concerning her, J.C. Ryle wrote: "In the days of Abraham and Lot, true saving religion was scarce upon earth: there were no Bibles, no ministers, no churches, no tracts, no missionaries. The knowledge of God was confined to a few favored families; the greater part of the inhabitants of the world were living in darkness, ignorance, superstition, and sin. Not one in a hundred perhaps had such good example, such spiritual society, such clear knowledge, such plain warnings as Lot's wife. Compared with millions of her fellow creatures in her time, Lot's wife was a favored woman." In spite of such surroundings, however, this favored woman evidently rejected the truth. There is no evidence of faith in her. She died as one who had no knowledge of God.

Let us remember the pleadings of God to her. Angels were sent to Sodom with specific instructions for her safe deliverance. She did not have to be a recipient of judgment. Still, we remember her for that very reason.

Let us remember the finality of her punishment. It happened in a moment and was irreversible. Like those who perished in the flood, she died after the repeated warnings of God.

Have you turned away from repeated invitations to be saved? Do not wait another day to get right with God.

Remember Lot's wife!

I'm Away

I'm away for the weekend

4-13-07 Increased Knowledge "Daniel 12:1-4"

Memory Verse: Daniel 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

For centuries it seemed as if the world slumbered. Thousands of years passed without major changes in most areas of life. Paul and Columbus sailed in similar ships though their voyages were nearly fifteen hundred years apart. Medical know-how moved at a snail's pace. Men watched the birds fly but all efforts to copy them were in vain.

Then, in the lifetime of many alive today, there came an explosion in knowledge and travel. People who went about in buggies and other horse-drawn vehicles lived to see the skies filled with jet planes and watched men walk on the moon. The atom was split, ushering in the nuclear age with all its perils and possibilities. Miracle drugs were discovered that conquered old killers and vaccines were developed that eliminated former plagues producers.

Now we are in the age of the computer. This mind boggling invention is entering every area of life. Old methods of office procedures have been made obsolete. Records on millions of people are available at the push of the proper buttons, a scary fact if wicked men come into power.

Each day, some new invention seems to outdo another. What does it all mean? It means that we are living in what the Bible calls "the time of the end." One who is in possession of the Biblical facts would have to close his eyes to the truth not to recognize the signs of the times.

What are you doing about it?

4-12-07 The Purifying Hope "I John 3:3-11"

Memory Verse: I John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

"What a difference does it make if Jesus is going to return?" a minister asked. Sadly, he had missed one of the greatest incentives for holy living given in the Bible. The constant expectation of the Lord's return is a purifying hope.

Did you expect the Lord to come last week? How did it change your life? What did you leave out of your conversation, not wanting to stand in His presence with wicked words? What thoughts did you dismiss from you mind? What temptations did you conquer?

Or were there no changes due to His expected return? Perhaps the second coming of Christ is but a doctrine to which you say you subscribe, a part of your church statement of faith. To some, the rapture is only a point to argue, a good bumper-sticker topic or slogan producer. Like the Pharisees, they have all their prophetic events properly placed in their minds but their lives are not affected by these tremendous truths. How about you?

If you are not living differently because Christ may return at any moment, you have missed the point of the Lord's command: "Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come" (Matthew 24:42).

Try this tough question. If the prospect of Christ's imminent return has not changed your way of living, do you really believe He's coming again?

What adjustments need to be made in your life today, in view of His promised return? In making them you will demonstrate the power of the purifying hope.

4-11-07 Like Him "John 3:1-2"

Memory Verse: John:3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

The child of God is accepted in the beloved, but may be rejected by his associates. He has come into earth's greatest fellowship, but in doing so has become a riddle to his friends. He has become a citizen of heaven, but is now a pilgrim and a stranger in this world.

This turn of events should not surprise us. Jesus said: "If the world hate, you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you. The servants is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also" (John 15:18-20).

The Christian may not be popular on planet earth.
Never mind. A better day is coming. And on that good day, we shall be like Jesus.

What will it mean to be like Him? We cannot fully understand. But we know that we will have perfect bodies that will never be affected by sickness or infirmities and that death will be no more. This anticipation should fill our hearts with joy!

If we are alive when Christ returns, we shall escape death. If death has overtaken us, our bodies will be resurrected in that perfect form. David, the Psalmist, said it well: "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness" (Psalm 17:15).

4-10-07 Ashamed "I John 2:21-29"

Memory Verse: I John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we my have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

When Shackleton was driven back in his attempt to reach the South Pole, he was forced to leave some men on Elephant Island, promising to come back for them. Time and again he tried, but was unable to reach them.

At last, although it was the wrong time of the year, he made another great attempt. An open channel formed between the sea and where he had left his men. He rushed in with his boat at the risk of being caught by the moving ice, got his men, and rushed out again before the ice crashed together. It only took half an hour.

Afterward, he turned to one of the rescued men and said, "How was it you were able to come so quickly?" The man answered, "Sir, Mr. Wild (Shackleton's second-in-command) never let a chance slip. You had promised to come and we were waiting for you. Whenever there was a chance of your coming, Mr. Wild said, 'Boys, roll up your sleeping bags, the boss may be here today,' and, Sir, our sleeping bags were all rolled up; we were ready!"

When Christ returns, some will not be ready. Lost people who are not ready because they have not been born again through faith in Christ will be left for the awful time of tribulation. Christians who are not living as the ought will be ashamed when they are caught up into the presence of their Saviour.

If Christ had come last week would you have been ashamed? Last night? Abide in Him, that, when He shall appear, you may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

4-9-07 Dissolved "II Peter 3:10-18"

Memory Verse II Peter 3:11 Seeing then, that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness.

Most people spend their lives gathering trinkets, all of which will someday be dissolved. The God who formed every visible thing out of atoms will one day release them from their responsibility for a time and allow all things to be dissolved. This in not going to happen soon for the rapture of the church, the tribulation and the one thousand year reign of Christ on earth precede the event. Nevertheless, it is good to be reminded that everything we see about us is temporary.

In view of this, wise people look for better investments than can be found on planet earth. Jesus said: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (Matthew 6:19-20).

Peter said that the coming dissolution of all things calls for holy living. What an object lesson! Every sign of decay is to remind us of our Holy God and our responsibility to live in His will. Every sign of rust on our automobiles is a message to live holily. Every building that is falling apart and returning to the soil is a reminder that we should be holy in our conduct.

Someone said it well long ago: "There's only one life; It will soon be past; Only what's done for Christ will last."

What do you possess that cannot be dissolved?

4-8-07 Scoffers "II Peter 3:1-9"

First off I'd like to say Happy Resurrection Day to all.

Memory Verse II Peter 3:3 Knowing this first, than there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts.

Some doubt the second coming of Christ. "Scoffers," the Bible calls them. They have heard preaching about Christ's return for many years and since it has not taken place, these self-styled experts have concluded it isn't going to happen. Interestingly, their doubting is a sign of the Lord's coming.

We are so tied to time that two thousand years seems like a long period to us. Actually, it is but a moment in eternity. Peter explains that a day is with the Lord as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. The Psalmist added another dimension when he wrote: "For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night" (Psalm 90:4).

It is true that prophets and preachers have been announcing the return of Christ for centuries and it has not taken place. But think how long the world waited for His first coming! The first promise of the birth of Christ was given right after the fall of man. Century rolled into century and the promise remained unfulfilled. Prophets spoke from time to time and some believed while others doubted. When the hour arrived, God's appointed hour, Christ was born. Doubters did not alter the fact. Nor will unbelief make any difference in the sure fulfillment of Christ's promise to return.

Someday, a preacher will say, "Christ may come this week," and He will come. Every hour brings us closer to the moment of His return. the countdown continues. Don't let the scoffers deceive you.

Live in the light of His return.

4-7-07 The Whole You "I Thessalonians 5:14-28"

Memory Verse: I Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God loves you, all of you; body, soul, and spirit. He is not like the hypocrite who claims to love a man's soul but can't stand the rest of him. It is true that your spiritual needs have priority. You are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), but stopping there embraces only half the truth.

Consider creation.

Everything is the universe, except the human frame, was simply spoken into existence: "And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so" (Genesis 1:24).

Not so the body of man: "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth" (Genesis 1:26). "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" (Genesis 2:7)

The bodily resurrection of Christ further demonstrates God's interest in our bodies, for when He returns we will be resurrected too: "But every man in his own order; Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming" (I Corinthians 15:23).

You have a great future -- the whole you -- at the Lord's return. That will be a great day!

4-6-07 Source Of Comfort "I Thessalonians 4:13-18"

Memory Verse: I Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Death is an enemy. The Bible calls it the last one that shall be destroyed. For Christians, however, the sting of death is removed.

Heaven awaits the soul.
Resurrection awaits the body.

Rapture awaits all Christians living at the time of the Lord's return, at which time they will be caught up to meet Christ and will be taken to heaven. That fortunate generation will not experience physical death but will be changed in a moment; "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed" (I Corinthians 15:51-52).

Rivers of tears have been shed because of losing loved ones in death. This is not wrong -- it is normal. God has wisely equipped us with the capacity for weeping when we sorrow. Jesus wept at a grave. Still, Christians need not sorrow in the same way as those who are without hope.

Though grief is to be expected because of separation, we have the assurance that our loved ones are in heaven Beyond this, at the return of Jesus, the resurrection will take place and there will be a glad reunion.

If your heart is heavy because you have recently been touched by sorrow, comfort one another with these words.

4-5-07 Abounding In Love "I Thessalonians 3:6-13"

Memory Verse: I Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you.

In ascending to the Father, after His resurrection, Jesus left his disciples all of one accord. Humanly speaking they would have had good reason for being divided. Their personalities were very different. One of them had denied his Lord before the crucifixion and another had doubted the resurrection until he saw the risen Saviour. Nevertheless, those personal problems were laid aside and they were united in love for one another. A few days later, on the day of Pentecost, the city of Jerusalem felt the impact of a group of Christians who were of one accord and three thousand were saved in a day.

Through the centuries, there have been periods of revival in the church when carnality was conquered and the church moved forward in power. These have been times when love among Christians was evident. Love for Christ and one another has been counted more important than personal gain.

In awaiting the return of Christ, it is important that Christians abound in love. To often churches are bogged down in personality clashes, struggles for power in the local group, petty grudges and carnal gossip. How sad to have the Lord return and find any local church in that condition!

What steps would you have to take to make love abound in your church? What would you have to forget? Who would you have to forgive?

Are you willing?

4-4-07 The Crown of Rejoicing "I Thessalonians 2:11-20"

Memory Verse: I Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye to the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

An aged farmer visited his son, a popular senator in Washington D.C. The farmer was a zealous Christian. During his stay in the nation's capital, his son introduced him to the ambassador of Belgium. As soon as they had exchanged greetings, the farmer earnestly asked, "Sir, are a you a Christian?" The senator was greatly embarrassed by his father's question and before the ambassador could reply, changed the subject of conversation.

Shortly thereafter the senator's father became ill and died. Hearing of his death, the ambassador sent flowers. A note was attached to them that brought tears to the eyes of the popular senator. There not said: "He was the only man in America who asked me if I was a Christian."

In the Bible's final chapter, there is a message from Jesus about rewards that will be given to Christians at His return: "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be" (Revelation 22:12). If we knew the real value of those coming rewards, we would surely be more diligent in our service for Him.

Paul wrote of another reward that he anticipated at the Lord's coming -- that of seeing people whom he had led to Christ. He called them his "Crown of Rejoicing," and added that these converts were his glory and joy.

Many Christians miss the joy of leading others to the Saviour. Opportunities abound. And taking advantage of them is the only way to have the Crown of Rejoicing at the Lord's return.

4-3-07 Waiting " I Thessalonians 1:5-10"

Memory Verse: I Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

In 1860 the French scientist, Pierre Berchelt, said, "Within a hundred years of physical and chemical science, man will know what the atom is. It is my belief that when science reaches this stage, God will come down to earth with His big ring of keys and will say to humanity: 'Gentlemen, it is closing time.' "

The first part of Berchelt's prediction has come true. We live in the age of the atom. Signs on every side indicate the last part of his prediction may be near. That is, God may soon intervene, closing this present age. The prophetic event to signal that miracle will be the Rapture of the church -- the personal return of Jesus Christ. Christians have been waiting for that event through the centuries. Now it seems imminent.

How should we then live?

We must live waiting for the Lord's return. But we must not wait idly. D.L. Moody said, "I have felt like working three times as hard since I came to understand that my Lord is coming again."

The Thessalonian Christians gave themselves to labor, love and service while awaiting Christ's return. They were known far and wide for dedicated Christian living. They turned from idols and served God with all their heart. Had the Lord returned at that time He would have found them faithful. Ready.

Are you waiting for His return?

4-2-07 This Same Jesus "Acts 1:1-11"

Memory Verse: Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

What will Jesus be like when He returns? Will we see Him? Recognize Him? Take His hand?

Angels announced the answer. He will be the same as when He went away. The disciples saw Him, viewed the scars from the cross and ate with Him. And all this after the resurrection.

Some expect Christ to return as an invisible spirit. Anticipating that coming error, He refuted it saying: "Behold my hands and my feet, that is I myself: handle me and see; for the spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have" (Luke 24:39). Following this revelation, He ate broiled fish and honeycomb before them.

Writing of His return, John said: "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also who pierced him; and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen? (Revelation 1:7).

The Bible calls the return of Christ the blessed hope; "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13).

Are the skies dark today? There is a better day coming.
Does the future seem hopeless? Remember the blessed hope.
Do you feel like giving up? Look up, Jesus is coming.
Are you burdened? Depressed? It will be worth it all when we see Christ.

4-1-07 The Promise "John 14:1-6"

Memory Verse: John 14:3 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.

Jesus is coming again.
He promised.

Two ministers, long friends, met one day after being apart for a time. The discussed their churches; then began to talk on present-day events. One said, "I don't preach on the Lord's return at all. My congregation doesn't like it, I hear you have many against you for preaching it. There's no use in setting people against you."

"My friend, " said the other pastor, "by God's grace, I preach His whole Word, and if the Lord Jesus comes in my lifetime no one who is left behind will be able to say that I did not give out the truth. How about?"

Nothing could be more sure than the return of Christ because He gave His promise that He would come again. That promise was given to encourage the disciples because of His coming crucifixion. They would soon be separated from Him and reunited only for the brief time following the resurrection. These men had left all to follow Him. He had their dedication and devotion. They needed to know about His plans for the future.

But what does the return of Christ mean to you and me?

It means there is a coming resurrection of all Christians. It means that all Christians will be caught up to meet Him when He returns, never experiencing death. It means that all should prepare for His coming.

Are you ready?

3-31-07 Heart's Desire "Romans 10:1-13"

Memory Verse: Romans 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

Paul longed for the salvation of his people, they Jews. Their conversion to Christ was the desire of his heart. It was what he really wanted in life.

What do you want?

Paul was not content that his people were religious. He knew that religion does not save. He saw their fruitless efforts at establishing their own righteousness as just exercises in religion . . . outward efforts. He knew their feelings for previous to his conversion he had shared their beliefs. Now he desired salvation for those of his race. He longed for the end to their rejection of Christ.

How do you feel about those close to you? Are you satisfied if they have good jobs, pay their bills, treat their families well, dress handsomely, prosper and enjoy good health? Or do you really care about them? Do you care about their souls? Do you desire salvation for them above all else?

Paul's deep desire drove him on day after day in his missionary work. He endured hardships contentedly because he knew that all things here are temporary and that eternal things deserve priority. When he came to the end of life he knew he had done all he could do. Let him tell it: "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day. . . " (II Timothy 4:6-8).

Are you doing everything possible to reach people for the Saviour?

Is the salvation of the lost the desire of your heart?

3-30-07 Everywhere "Acts 8:1-4"

Memory Verse: Acts 8:4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Following the death of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, persecution fell upon all the Christians at Jerusalem. Those were difficult days for the church, bringing imprisonment and even death from the crime of trusting in Christ and telling others about Him. As a result of this persecution, the believers were scattered . . . but everywhere they went they carried the message of Christ. Even the enemies of the Gospel cooperated in its propagation for as they scattered God's people they also scattered their message throughout that whole area.

In America today we know little about persecution. Though we live in the century that has probably produced more Christian martyrs than any other in history, we are virtually untouched. Still we are lax in telling the old old story of Jesus and His love. And that raises a frightening question; Will it be necessary for God to allow persecution to come to us to awaken us to the blessings we have had and taken for granted?

We hope not.

Those early Christians have set an example for us that will be well to follow. They were so determined to obey the great commission that inconveniences and even severe problems could not deter them from carrying out that responsibility.

How does that compare to our concern? Where are our weak excuses for not witnessing? How will they stand up at the Judgment Seat of Christ?

We've a message to share.
Tell it wherever you go!

3-29-07 Powerful Witnesses "Acts 4:31-17"

Memory Verse: Acts 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

The commission given to the disciples to evangelize the world must have seemed overwhelming. There were only 120 of them present for that immense assignment. Imagine your church being given the task of reaching the entire world . . . without the tools of radio, television and literature that we have come to take for granted.

Still, when the day of Pentecost arrived, they were endued with the power of the Holy Spirit and three thousand were saved that day. Multitudes more were converted in the weeks that followed. Meek men became mighty preachers due to the power of God within them. Nothing could shake them . . . and they shook the world.

Their secret? The power of the Holy Spirit.

Every Christian has the Holy Spirit dwelling within: "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and 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 Corinthians 6:19-20). "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" (Romans 8:9).

So let us get busy witnessing. We need not depend on our abilities or our personal power . . . God will work through us in reaching others.

The friends of Mary Slessor, missionary in Africa, were amazed when they saw that she had been able to mold savage chiefs to her will. One of the chiefs explained: "You have evidently forgotten to take into account the woman's God."

3-28-07 Witnesses "Acts 1:1-11"

Memory Verse: 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.

The disciples longed to know all about the times and the seasons. They wanted the key of prophetic fulfillment. Instead, they were given a task . . . a responsibility . . . a work to do. They were to be witnesses for Christ; in Jerusalem, in the Judea, in Samaria and to the uttermost parts of the earth.

There was on difference between that day and ours: they were to wait and then witness. The promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit was to be fulfilled on the day of Pentecost and they were to begin their witnessing following that great miracle. We are to wait and witness. We do not await the coming of the Holy Spirit for He indwells every believer at the moment he is born again . . . but we await the coming of the Saviour who will evaluate our service at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

The coming of the Holy Spirit would launch an era of witnessing. The disciples would be shaken by their witnessing. The coming of the Saviour will end our opportunity for witnessing, for at His coming we shall be taken to heaven to be with Him.

The formula for witnessing given by Jesus has not changed. They were to begin where they were . . . Jerusalem . . . and their area of responsibility encompassed the entire world. We are to begin where we are . . . in our own communities . . . our own cities and reach out to the world.

How are you doing in your "Jerusalem?"

3-27-07 Fruit Bearing "John 15:1-14"

Memory Verse: John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

An apple tree bears apples. But the process is not complete until that apple falls and allows its seeds to penetrate the earth, finally producing another apple tree. So the final fruit of any apple tree is a new apple tree. And the fruit of any Christian is another Christian. We are born to reproduce.

The seed that produces new Christians is the Word of God. The field is the world. As we are faithful in witnessing for Christ both in daily life and with our lips, we are sure to influence others to come to the Saviour.

Jesus told His disciples that fruit bearing glorifies the Heavenly Father. We sometimes forget that and in our zeal to please the Father we do a number of things that are less important than telling others of the Saviour. These good and beneficial things can often masquerade as the most important things to be done . . . but nothing is more important than giving out the Gospel.

Success in the Christian life is dependent on choosing priorities correctly. And witnessing must be high on our list if we are to glorify our Heavenly Father.

Witnessing for Christ may not make one popular. In this contest Jesus said: "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you" (John 15:18-19).

We must bear fruit . . . whatever the cost!

3-26-07 The Prepared Way "John 10:1-14"

Memory Verse: John 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

It's been said often: HEAVEN IS A PREPARED PLACE FOR A PREPARED PEOPLE. But sometimes we forget that the promise given by Jesus also includes a prepared way through this life for those who trust Him.

Here is a whole new dimension to Christian responsibility. Everywhere He sends us awaits us. We walk no untrodden pathways. Our Lord is the Good Shepherd -- not a cattle driver: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand" (John 10:27-29).

From the Lord's standpoint, then, there are no pioneer mission fields. We break no new ground. He is there before us. And there are no accidents along the way. He guides each step we take.

Take this great truth out of the far-flung mission field experience and apply it to today's opportunities. Christ will go before you today, preparing your way and moving the hearts of those to whole you are to witness of His love and grace. Today's targets have already been prepared by experiences in their lives for the truth of God's Word to be effective as you share it.

What if you fail to speak the truth in love?

That would be like farmer preparing his soil and then never sowing the seed. God has been moving through your world with His great plow . . . preparing soil . . . the hearts of your associates.

What a good day to sow and reap!

3-25-07 Living Water "John 7:32-39"

Memory Verse: John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Christians are pictured as rivers of living water.

If they do not give out the Gospel, they become stagnant pools.

When General Grant was stricken with his fatal illness, he felt his need of the Saviour and called for a minister. Simply, the of God presented the Gospel to him and the General responded, taking Christ by faith as His Lord and Saviour. He was filled with joy and his conversion was evident to the elated preacher.

"God's kingdom has gained a great acquisition in your conversion, General," said the minister.

Grant protested, saying, "God does not need great men, but great men need God!" Then the General added, "There is just one thing that I now greatly desire since Christ's peace has come to me."
"What's that?" asked the minister.
"I would like to live one year more so that I might tell others of this wonderful gift of God's love!" replied Grant.

Sadly, when the end of life comes, we cannot add time to witness. But we have today. And God's purpose in our lives is to cause living water to flow from us to others so that thirsty souls may be refreshed in His grace. There is no other safe drinking place in all this world. All of the world's watering places leave people thirsty still.

Consider some who have refreshed their age: Paul, C.H. Spurgeon, Dwight L. Moody, Billy Sunday. And then there are those who have been instrumental in bringing about your salvation. Name some of them.

Who will drink from the river of God's grace because you have been faithful?

Be a refreshing river -- not a stagnant pool!

3-24-07 White To Harvest "John 4:27-38"

Memory Verse: John 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields: for the are white already to harvest.

Procrastination robs many of success.

C.H. Spurgeon said, ". . . procrastination is the kidnapper of souls, and the recruiting officer of hell."

Jesus urged His hearers to look on the fields and see that they were white unto harvest. Today, Christians offer up their eyes to the Sunday School register and say, "We're doing quite well." The conclusion is based on comparison to other Sunday Schools or to progress compared to previous weeks or years rather than on the need of the harvest. Such faulty reasoning slows the work of reaping.

The harvest is always white. People are troubled because sin brings heartache and despair. Someone near you is waiting to hear the Gospel. And here you are hesitating.

You mean well. You intend to witness -- someday. You plan to show up for visitation at the church -- someday. You see yourself distributing tracts throughout the neighborhood -- someday. Meanwhile every tick of the clock ushers more people into eternity. The harvest is white.

If the harvest was white when Jesus called for reapers, consider its condition now. Unfolding events both in nature and in the nations indicate that time is running out for the world. Earthquakes increase. Signs in the heavens are daily occurrences. Israel is a nation. Russia is a militaristic power with designs on the Middle East. Europe is uniting. . . reviving the old Roman Empire. Morals are sliding. Cults are legion. The time to reap in God's great harvest is now.

Don't delay. Reap today!

3-23-07 The Simple Gospel "John 3:1-17"

Memory Verse: 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.

The Gospel is easy to understand. The difficult work in man's salvation was done at the cross by the Lord Jesus. Any sinner can believe and be saved. And we are all sinners (Romans 3:23).

A good example of the power of the simple Gospel was given by missionary George Green. Here is his story:

"When I first went out to my mission field in Africa, the boat carried me up a wide, beautiful river flowing through the jungle, and as the sun set and the night came on, I listened with much misgiving to the roll of the war drums. They continued far into the night. The captain of the boat was uneasy and tried to dissuade me from going ashore the next morning, and I admit I was trembling with fear. But I found that 'the Lord standeth within the shadows keeping watch above His own.' After years of delightful labor I left the jungle on the same boat. AS it came down the river, thousands of these same natives gathered on the shores near their villages to say farewell. As the boat came into sight, they broke into song, but not a war song. They were singing the hymn that is a favorite of most of them, 'All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name.' "

The Gospel that reaches the heart of one who has never heard of the Saviour can surely change those who have lived in this good land where Bible preaching is so available. Nearly anyone we meet has witnessed the power of God in some life and that is a powerful influence in preparing hearts to receive the Gospel.

Share John 3:16 with someone you meet.
The simple Gospel still changes lives today!

3-22-07 Finders Keepers "John 1:35-42"

Memory Verse: John 1:41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

Andrew was a finder.

We have no record of any of Andrew's sermons. Be we know that he found his brother Peter and brought him to Jesus. And Peter's powerful preaching brought three thousand to Christ on the day of Pentecost. Certainly Andrew will share in the rewards of that great harvest.

When five thousand were hungry, Andrew found a lad with five barley loaves and two small fishes with which the Lord fed the multitude. Faced with the problem of feeding that huge crowd, Philip began to fret and figure how they could get money enough to buy each one a crust of bread. Not Andrew. He set out to find a solution. And his search produced a boy with a lunch that Jesus could use.

Some fret about problems and others find solutions.

All churches need more finders. When the finders are at work all church problems are solved. Bringing people to Jesus turns the coldest church into a place of warmth and joy. Bringing people to Jesus encourages pastors.

Pastors often move because their people won't.

Andrew found his brother. He began looking for a convert right at home. The mission field is all about us. The field is the world. Jesus said the reapers in His harvest receive wages -- rewards. You don't lose by giving time to serving Christ. Here especially, finders are keepers.

Find someone for Jesus today!